the CliftonCliftonmagazinemagazine For Cliftonians, past and present 2009

Special feature Music at Clifton The fi rst 50 years FROM THE HEAD MASTER 2008/09 saw the completion of three major projects. In September 2008 Professor Lord Winston opened the newly refurbished Science School; in November 2008 the new 3G pitch at Beggar’s Bush opened and on September 24th 2009 Sir David Willcocks offi cially opened the Joseph Cooper Music School, which was completed in May.

hese three projects represent a the indulged child: happy children like a signifi cant investment in the College challenge, relish a challenge and thrive in T and its future: happily, all three have a framework of high expectation in every been fully funded from our own fi nancial aspect of their lives, not just in terms of resources without the need for borrowing. exam grades. But it would be a mistake to The magnifi cent new Music School was think that this commitment to the education more than half funded by Joseph Cooper’s of the whole person did not include the bequest to the College: I hope that he would highest possible exam grades. You might have been proud of the result. The three be surprised to learn that last year over projects enable Clifton to forge ahead in forty of the Upper Sixth achieved three A science teaching, music and sport, three grades or better at A level and nearly 100 of Clifton’s longstanding strengths. Added achieved ABB or better. Over 80% went to the recent refurbishment of all of the on to their fi rst choice university, including Contents Houses, boarding and day, 24 who went on to the with Hartnell’s in the Pre, UK universities ranked in Editorial 1 the last piece in the jigsaw, the global top ten, namely Music 2 to be done this summer; Oxford, Cambridge, UCL improvements to the fabric and Imperial. There is no The Cliftonian 27 of the buildings, including question that Clifton is an the cleaning of the Wilson academic school, perhaps Clifton Present 28 Tower, and many other increasingly so, but it is Valete 32 improvements as well, it is of course, so much more not diffi cult to see why those than that. In boys’ rugby Chapel Notes 36 professional school-watchers we had not one but two at “The Good Schools Guide” unbeaten Junior Colts Commem 38 declare in their current 2009 edition that teams and across the school won a very high CCSL 43 “these are exciting times for Clifton”. percentage of matches against the toughest of opposition schools; yet again a girls’ Art 44 But of course it is not because of the hockey team went to the National Finals, infrastructure or the new facilities that a this year it was the turn of the Under 14s; Drama 48 school becomes an exciting place. It is the boys’ hockey, especially, and soccer go from pupils’ enjoyment of being here that creates Music 52 strength to strength and we have the best excitement. Last September we opened First XI cricket team for many years. Add to Literary 55 with 708 pupils in the Upper School. The that a quite extraordinarily high standard offi cial capacity last year was 680 and over of drama, as demonstrated in the House CCF 58 the summer we had to add new studies in Drama Competition, and winning entries the basements of both West and East Town Community 65 for the third year in a row in the Bristol to cope with the additional pupils. Why is schools Art competition, and the artistic fl air Sport 66 it that Clifton is so popular at the moment? of the pupils is much in evidence. Above Well, I believe that one of the main reasons The Old Cliftonian 77 all, the standard of music at Clifton is quite is that Clifton’s ethos is the inverse of that breathtaking. The new Music School can of many other schools, certainly in one Simon Reece 78 only encourage even more pupils to enjoy respect, which is this. Many schools focus and excel in their music still more. Clifton Notes & News 79 on success but success is not necessarily is, unquestionably, a great school and there the key to happiness: Clifton is built on the OC Sport 87 is much to celebrate. I trust that the school, principle that happiness is most defi nitely your school, and what is recorded here the key to success. Our focus is therefore Branches and Reunions 90 in this magazine make you proud to be a on creating an environment where the Cliftonian. OC Lodge & Accounts 93 pupils are at ease, where a framework exists so that happiness is not a distant goal but Book Reviews 98 grows under our feet. The happy child is the successful child and that is the principle Obituaries 101 we work to from Butcombe to the Pre to From the Archives 124 the Upper School. The happy child is not EDITORIAL

his edition of The Clifton Magazine is, of course, overshadowed by the untimely death of that much-loved teacher, sportsman and OC FORTHCOMING EVENTS T Secretary, Charlie Colquhoun. Tributes have poured in since he died and some are to be found within these pages. Charlie was, quite simply, a 2009 remarkable man, capable of brightening up a room or an occasion just by Friday 23 October Old Cliftonian Society Annual his jovial presence and generous personality. He was also that rare feature General Meeting at 4.30pm in today’s self-absorbed world: an utter gentleman. Nothing befi tted him more in life than the manner of his leaving it. The courage and example Old Cliftonian Society he showed in his last few weeks were both humbling and typical of the Executive Committee man. Once his illness had been diagnosed, humour continued to triumph meeting at 5.30pm over pain. He had hoped, in his own words, for a lengthy “last wicket Bristol Branch Dinner in Big stand”. Sadly, for once, both pitch and light defeated him. School at 7.30pm The Clifton Magazine was very much a central part of his all too short Saturday 14 November OC Lodge meeting tenure as OC Secretary and refl ected his interests, his beliefs and, above all, his sense of fun. No attempt is being made in this edition to try to Thursday 19 November ‘The Best School of All’ - the reproduce his unique “Bunter meets Boys’ Own Newspaper” style, for it history of Clifton College was a style unique to the man and should be allowed to stand alone as a book launch at Brooks’s lasting refl ection on his presence among us. Club, St James’s Street, at By the end of this calendar year, the College will have completed two 6.30pm important projects – the refurbishment of the Science and Music Schools. London Branch Dinner at Given that Science featured in last year’s edition, the leitmotif of this year’s Brooks’s Club, St James’s offering is therefore music and I hope both the old and young alike enjoy Street at 7.00pm reading this meander through the College’s musical past and present. for 7.30pm Next year’s edition will cover some of the anniversaries associated with Friday 27 November Cardiff and South Wales 2010 of which there are several. I would be particularly happy to hear Branch Dinner from OCs who joined the College in 1960 and 1985. Given the current state of the economy, I would also like to start up a Business Section in the Saturday 12 December OC Sports Reunion OC part of this publication and thus would be delighted to hear from OCs in commerce and industry who would like to share with a wider audience their current successes and lessons learnt along with opportunities that 2010 they may be able to offer in terms of work experience both for current Thursday 25 February Oxford Branch Dinner at pupils and those just graduating from university. Finally, picking up the Christ Church reins from Charlie has inevitably resulted in gaps in certain areas for which I apologise and beg patience. Getting this edition out would have Saturday 8 May Reunion for all those born been even more complex had it not been for the help of Frances Stretton, between 1967 and 1972 and Tom Gover, Geoffrey Hardyman, Sarah Clarke, Greg Corrigan and Andy therefore in school between Moon, along with the generous encouragement of the OC Society. 1980 and 1990 Omissions and errors there will doubtless be. The traditional role of the Editor is to take responsibility for all such which this Editor is pleased to do! Bob Acheson

EDITORIAL 1 Music at Clifton - The fi rst fi fty years

In his biography of John Percival, published Unwearied they needed to be as Trimnell in 1921, William Temple wrote: and Oakeley took on the daunting task of developing Clifton’s music over the next twenty years. The scale of the ‘Music was another subject, then usually neglected at Public challenge before them as far as singing Schools, which achieved much attention from Percival.’ was concerned is revealed by the fact that singing in Chapel was just not “the done thing” in the 1870s, the School n so far as Percival placed music being rather more interested on the curriculum this is true. in Rugby matches between the IHowever, music at Clifton did Organ Side and the Pulpit side, not really take off until the 1890s, the latter invariably winning, a and there are several reasons for triumph of the word over sacred this. First, it must be remembered music! On one occasion, Percival that the early Head Masters of the was moved to upbraid the School new Clifton had much with which about this with the result that two to occupy their time. Success, in forms immediately passed a what has sometimes been called resolution that “The Heroic Age” of the College’s Anyone who did not sing in Chapel history, was very much dependent should have his head punched upon raising the necessary funds to provide the right facilities and in which, in the absence of any concept of Social Services or creating and staffi ng a curriculum 1865. which would ensure that adequate children’s legislation, seemed to numbers of parents were attracted to On top of this, the thrust of the age was have had the desired effect in the short send their sons to what was a new and towards university scholarship, preferably term. However, in 1886, the editors of the unknown quantity. In addition, the plain in Classics, the army or imperial School Magazine are bemoaning the fact fact was that the period before Edward administration. The Cliftonian magazines that Elgar was a pretty barren one for English of this time were far more interested in lengthy reports of House Matches (much whether in Chapel or out of it, our singing is music in general. One of the great fi gures by no means what it ought to be. of the twentieth century, as far as Clifton’s more important in the eyes of the School than the “foreign” matches against other music is concerned, Douglas Fox, wrote Trimnell was clearly a patient man. OF schools with the exception, perhaps, a fairly acerbic assessment of English Christie, reminiscing about his time at of the two-day cricket match against musical taste in the mid-Victorian period Clifton during this period, recalled in his contribution to Centenary Essays. Cheltenham), “pack” runs as far afi eld as There was, he observed, Nailsea and Portishead, and letters from As one of his pupils I can testify that Mr OCs in far-fl ung parts of the Empire with Trimnell was a very kind and patient teacher an extraordinary quantity of bad music; their tales of giving the local natives “a who (miraculously) never lost his temper. poverty-stricken oratorios, shallow and tremendous toko”. sentimental trivialities, anaemic hymn tunes In 1865, Trimnell established a Choral and other church music, vocal duets, “royalty” It was against this somewhat unpromising Society and instituted annual orchestral ballads and vapid, meretricious piano music. background that WF Trimnell was concerts the following year. The Choral appointed as Organist and Choirmaster in Society undertook to try and raise money This was not a particularly fruitful cultural 1864. Trimnell inherited a choir consisting for an organ in Big School in 1868 and heritage upon which to found and of eighteen pupils and no Music facility, their target was achieved fi ve years later, develop music in a new school. Finally, it lessons being conducted in a house in although the opening concert to mark is quite clear from reading many editions what was then Albert Road, now College the installation of “Father” Willis’ organ of The Cliftonian during this period, that Fields. He was ably supported in the descended into farce, as Douglas Fox later music just did not rank as being important school’s Chapel music by EM Oakeley. as far as Clifton’s pupils were concerned. recounted; One such, looking back on his time at In 1886, when Oakeley left, this received Alas, the long-awaited “opening” at the Clifton, could remember that certain Staff due recognition; concert of 1873 proved a fi asco; the draw- were regarded as “the aristocracy” of the But music was to him more than a subject – it stop action refused to function properly; the Common Room – Housemasters, Classics was a life, and his life, as regards both music organ was obviously unplayable, and dismay teachers and Games “men” – whilst the and all other interests of this place, was given and frustration on the platform was made remainder, though often “charming to us freely, and with splendid loyalty of act worse by some hilarity in the audience and accomplished”, worked outside this and character magic circle and were thus by and large largely caused, according to an eye- referring to him as disregarded by the boys. It is signifi cant witness observer, by “the vulgar that an early photograph of the Staff in the faithful guardian and unwearied and contortions and spasms” of the organ rods 1865 does not include the music master. able exponent of classical music in this School. exposed to public view.

2 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 Trimnell was clearly little supported in his Could not the services in the College Chapel efforts. Time set aside for choral rehearsal be made somewhat more cheerful? It can was not regarded as a priority, as a letter hardly be expected that boys should give full to the magazine in 1876 demonstrated; attention to a dreary service.

If there is a time which is sacred, if there is a Outside of Chapel, College music fell into society who ought to be left for one short hour an annual pattern of concerts in each a week to enjoy themselves in perfect peace term. Initially, Trimnell got this wrong and harmony, surely the hour of the Choral both in terms of length and programme, Society’s meetings ought to be respected. one member of the audience in 1872 But, no! The hoarse notes of the bugle are complaining that the music was far too apparently to be ranked higher than the diffi cult for the performers. music of the Choral Society..... members are altogether debarred from coming, or compelled to come late....Surely this is going too far. I am not, I trust, quite music mad, but still I did believe hitherto that “choral” was a time to be respected and zealously cherished. Moreover, the Commem Concert, which should have been a centrepiece of the Harry Plunket Greene. College’s musical year, was clearly seen by its audience as being more of a social these concerts by Harry Plunket Greene, gathering than a serious celebration of the one of the outstanding solo singers of College’s musical talent. In 1876, it was the age, who grew to be a great favourite noted that conditions in Big School were with the boys on these occasions. Plunket so crowded and noisy Greene had come to Clifton as a boy in 1877 but his school career was cut short that we must confess we were unable to form following a serious accident whilst playing any idea of the merits of the Choral Society’s rugby. Instead of going into law via singing Oxford, he went abroad to study singing and nothing much appears to have in Germany and became one of the most changed six years later; eminent singers of his day. He regularly supported his old School – indeed, the The soirée in Big School was as usual a illness that fi nally carried him away in confl ict between music and conversation, in 1936 had prevented him from going to a which the audience carried the day. recital at Clifton at the age of 71! Throughout the 1880s, Chapel singing From 1887 onwards, Trimnell’s patient continued to be a vexatious issue. In 1885, However, he kept chipping away at the example appears to have borne fruit. one correspondent was moved to write problem. In 1883, the Music Society’s Concert was deemed “one of the most Commem arrangements were changed, The state of the Choir at the present time is successful for several years” and he allowing music to be performed in its generally agreed to be the reverse of good, initiated the following year the House own right; and, indeed, for some time past, our singing Glee Competition, forerunner of today’s has been unworthy of the chapel of such a During the evening there was a concert House Music Competition. At its fi rst School as ours given in the Physical Lecture Room by picked outing, an encouraging report stated members of the Choir and Orchestral Society, and this may well have been the result of and the crowded audiences showed that music a general malaise which affected the boys All the songs were carefully sung, and showed could be appreciated when not drowned, as in as far as Chapel was concerned, another that, with more study and practice, solo- former years, by the hum of conversation. For letter asking singing could be made a prominent feature in the benefi t of those who preferred Big School next year’s competition. to the lecture room, Mr Trimnell gave a recital In 1884, the Christmas Concert on the Big School organ after each half of the was praised, especially the concert. performances of the instrumental By October 1891 we are reading that soloists. Behaviour, too, was improving. During the 1870s, the The Concert programme was very wisely supplemented by some excellent analytical School had been crammed into the notes, which enabled the School better to gallery in Big School and had had a appreciate the meaning of various pieces.... history of being disruptive, so much The performance was in every way a so that on one occasion the Head decided success. Master had stood up and stopped the Concert whilst he reproved Commem in 1895 witnessed the Choir the boys publicly for their rudeness. singing to an appreciative audience from By the late 1880s, the audience the balcony outside the Library windows was becoming more appreciative. (no Health and Safety Executive to worry Part of this was undoubtedly due about in those days) and the November to the regular performances at concert of the same year produced cries

MUSIC AT CLIFTON - THE FIRST FIFTY YEARS 3 but he also suffered from a reputation for being somewhat dour and humourless. In fact, nothing could have been farther from the truth, as one example from an address to the School in Chapel may suggest; Shakespeare tells us that parting is such sweet sorrow. This was not meant to apply to the hair. No musician himself, he understood the importance of music within the context of an all-round education. His obituary in 1926 paid homage to the decisive influence he had on the cultural development of the College; But that education should be above all “humane” was his supreme care, and this 1900. was at the root of the pains he bestowed upon fostering the study of history, of English of “encore” from an audience which Literature, of advanced Mathematics, of was clearly beginning to value musical Modern Languages and of Music. If in occasions. It was to be Mr Trimnell’s any of these departments Clifton has taken last, ill-health forcing him to resign in a high place among English schools, the 1896. He had laboured for over thirty extent to which Glazebrook’s initiative and encouragement should not be forgotten. years in a stony vineyard, and had clearly won the respect of the School by the One of his priorities was clearly the time he retired; appointment of a proper Director We shall all miss his presence at the Concerts. of Music of quality. As The Cliftonian None of us can forget his unfailing kindness observed, and geniality; and his ready help made itself What pains he took in the appointment felt by everyone who had been brought into of masters! Six musicians, all of them contact with him. distinguished or to be distinguished thereafter, Trimnell died in Torquay in 1901, EM enjoyed his hospitality and endured his scrutiny before the seventh, AH Peppin, Oakeley paying this tribute to a sincere emerged triumphant from the ordeal. and gentle servant of the early part of Clifton’s life: For the hearer of the spoken word either heeds, or flatly disregards. But the listener to music....he may hear, but without following Canon Glazebrook. the composer’s drift, and yet his mood is coloured by the music, and all his thoughts lit up by a novel radiance....And if so, how important in our lives has been this part of the musical duties so faithfully discharged for thirty-two years by Mr Trimnell....As a teacher and conductor of the School Choral Society, Mr Trimnell was unremittingly active; and Sir Walter Parratt. doubtless many have agreed with H Plunket Greene, who when a boy at the School,- and Glazebrook had chosen well. Arthur one who enjoyed every day of his school Peppin had studied under the legendary life,- once said to me that the most enjoyable Sir Walter Parratt and had been Secretary thing in the week was “The Choral”. For to Sir George Grove, one of the foremost that and for all, we owe Mr Trimnell kindly writers on music in the country and remembrance. author of Grove’s Dictionary of Music. It was, * * * * * perhaps, these connections, and the fact that Grove had publicly stated that Peppin By the 1930s, Clifton’s music was clearly would accomplish for Public School music exceptional. Much of the credit for this what Arnold had managed for Public must go to Canon Glazebrook, who had Schools in general, which influenced been appointed Head Master in 1891, Glazebrook to make this appointment. and to AH Peppin. Glazebrook has always attracted a rather indifferent press. Right from the outset, Glazebrook made it clear to Peppin that “music had Part of this is undoubtedly because there no footing in the School” and that he was a dip in numbers during his time, looked to Peppin to “make a niche for it.”

4 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 Innovations followed thick and fast and in these Peppin was ably assisted by a team of music teachers of evident quality – CS Lang, FW Rootham and WE Smith amongst them. Smith was appointed in 1902 to teach Theory along with the less talented pianists. He taught at Clifton for fifty-two years and was fondly remembered by many, including Joseph Cooper. When a pupil once told him that he was unable to play the organ at a lesson since he had left his shoes at home, Smith replied What nonsense! Last week I played a Cathedral Service in rugger boots! Glazebrook left Clifton in 1905, but the quiet influence that he had had on shaping the development of the College’s musical life carried on under Plan of Clifton College buildings. his successors, Rev AA David (1905-1909) and Dr JE King (1909-1923). Glazebrook Together, they wasted no time in laying soon became apparent. By March 1897, was a modest man, often understating the foundations for the first proper Music the editors of the School Magazine are his principles and his achievements, but Department at Clifton. Council was made congratulating Peppin and the Choral few can argue with his contribution; his aware immediately of where Glazebrook’s Society on the success already achieved; aspirations were revealed in a letter to the initial priorities lay, the Council Report for by the end of the year they observed, Church Times just after he had left Clifton; 1896 recording, how successfully Mr Peppin had trained the The object which we have set before us for the In appointing an organist and director choir in their piano passages, and what a last eight years is to give music a definite place of music it was considered desirable to great improvement there was in their as an integral part of a liberal education. make some changes to the system of music phrasing and pronunciation. Therefore, though we have welcomed teaching in the School, and the Council, on exceptional talent and tried to develop it, we By 1901, the School Orchestra was the recommendation of the Head Master, have thought chiefly of the influence of music of sufficient standard to hold its have therefore arranged that the individual upon the School as a whole. Not that every teaching of instrumental music to the own concerts and there is increasing boy should learn to sing or play an instrument boys, and the superintendence of practice, mention of piano and string solos by but that every boy should feel music to be part which before were the private concern of pupils. Audience behaviour had clearly of his life. the organist, the assistants being selected improved as well, so much so that by by himself, should now be taken up as a Christmas 1902 it was suggested that Such aspirations were amply fulfilled, not College matter and worked under the Head the School’s “gentility” at concerts was only in his lifetime but in the years that Master, by the director of music and a staff beginning to hamper performance! By followed. of assistant teachers appointed by the former. 1903, Peppin had established regular In March 1905, Peppin organised the first In order to further improve and develop the lectures, or “Illustrations” in the month concert in the Junior School realising that system, the Council have determined to erect before a concert to help the School to the strength of the College’s music partly a music school – which will comprise a large understand the pieces they were due depended upon identifying potential room for choral and orchestral rehearsals, a to hear, prompting this observation in director’s room, and seventeen small rooms talent at an early age. Over the next year November: for individual practice – on a portion of or so, he also introduced recitals by visiting the ground hitherto use by the Head Master We have grown accustomed to expect musicians of note, such as the pianist as a kitchen garden, which he has kindly a high standard of performance at the Frank Merrick, along with regular organ surrendered for the purpose, and plans have Orchestral Concert which Mr Peppin has recitals, one of which in 1907 featured been accordingly drawn out for the building, now established as a yearly institution, the young Douglas Fox who was then which it is designed to erect in the course of and on this occasion our expectations were only fourteen and who was the recipient the next few months. (see above) surpassed. We consider that these concerts of the first Music Scholarship offered by the College. This in itself was quite Peppin’s impact was immediate. Lessons have done a great deal towards educating the musical sense, not only of those who an innovation since only Rugby School and practices were formalised and a record are themselves musicians, but, what is offered such awards at this time. Fox was for each pupil kept in a book – names more important, of the School in general. to be the first of a whole string of talented were entered in blue and black (“sheep That there is widespread appreciation of musicians attracted by Clifton’s reputation and goats” as they were termed) and woe good music is shown not only by the fact to come to the College in the next few betide a pupil who attracted more than his that, at the lectures which Mr Peppin gave years or so – Boris Ord, who entered the fair share of “blacks”! Peppin also kept a previously on the pieces to be performed, the Pre in 1908, Joseph Cooper and David careful record of who had practised what audience sometimes numbered two hundred, Willcocks being just some of them – and, and when it was performed. but by the undoubted and unanimous in his turn, was to have a profound The consequences of having a proper enthusiasm which greeted the performance at influence on Clifton’s music as its Director department in a purpose-built facility the Concert itself. between 1931 and 1957.

MUSIC AT CLIFTON - THE FIRST FIFTY YEARS 5 By 1909, the original organ in Chapel was Boris Ord who was giving regular organ The impact of the partnership between beginning to betray its limitations and, recitals in Chapel which were “particularly Glazebrook, in particular, and Peppin in any case, it was felt that a new organ brilliant and striking.” Winning a cannot be overestimated. At a time should be part of the plans to redevelop scholarship to the Royal College of when Public Schools were preoccupied the Chapel. Dr King made a case for this Organists meant that he missed the with sport and “manly endeavours”, at Commem, inaugural Kadoorie Cup Competition in with pupils who appear to have been The music of the School is so good, not only in 1914, which was won by TR Milford (SH) obsessed with standing and status in terms itself, but as working so valuable an influence who played Beethoven’s Sonata, Opus of badges, caps, ribbons and colours, on the whole life of the place, that if it were 111. As war closed in on the consciousness studying a curriculum in which Classics only for Mr Peppin’s sake, who has made it of the College, so Arthur Peppin’s time was still regarded as the only worthy what it is, I feel he must have all he wants. was drawing to a close. In 1915, he academic subject, these two very different accepted the post of Director of Music at men nudged Clifton onto a course which The problem, of course, was cost – some Rugby. The account of his final concert the College has held pretty steadily ever £2,500, a considerable amount in those in March leaves the reader in no doubt since, and laid the foundations upon days. To the rescue came HH Wills, who as to how he was perceived by Staff and which subsequent Directors of Music donated the entire amount, and the pupils alike; have been able to build with confidence organ which we enjoy today was and success. Clifton is often talked finally completed in 1911 as part of of as being a “civilized” school the massive redevelopment of the – that development owes much to Chapel which gave us the building Glazebrook and Peppin. so much valued and enjoyed then and since. Arthur Peppin died in 1929. His obituary, in conclusion, says all It was at this time that the School that needs to be said about this Song, The Best School of All, became a remarkable man; regular feature at School Concerts. The Clifton connection behind its Peppin was a man of wide interests and composition was solid. With words culture, and he could hold a balanced by Henry Newbolt and music by view of what share extraneous matter Hubert Parry, whose daughter should claim in a general education. He always kept the musical enthusiast to a had married Plunket Greene, sense of proportion, and to a recognition the song was dedicated to “Harry of the proper place of music in his work Plunket Greene, Arthur Peppin as an additional, and maybe, deepening and the Clifton Boys”. Hitherto, influence in life, but not as the object School Concerts had always ended of existence. Even to a specialist who with the singing, or to be more proposed for himself a career in Music, accurate, “shouting” of Auld Lang a general all-roundedness and a grip of Syne by the whole School. Peppin life were to come first. The effect of this initially brought this under control was that in taking to music a boy did not by teaching the School to sing this feel he was passing into some rarefied and properly. In 1908, however, he detached atmosphere where the satisfaction substituted this for The Best School of his own gift or interest would be all of All, the singing of which still that he would gain from the study of survives at some OC functions music; he felt, rather, that he was adding today. Old Chapel and organ. something important and illuminating to what he already knew. In time it came The Music School continued to to be accepted without comment at Clifton develop under Peppin’s leadership, The occasion was a sad one, for the School that a classical scholar should be a soloist although heating was clearly an issue knew that it was for the last time enjoying at a concert or that a Bach Trio should be in the practice rooms. He introduced the genial presence of Mr AH Peppin, and performed by three caps. the concept of setting wall-space aside applauding in the excellent performance to act as an Art Gallery and, as a result the fruits of his labours as Musical Director Reading this helps us to understand what of a gift of £50 from JE Barkworth, the during the last seventeen years... Glazebrook saw in Arthur Peppin. Not only did he share Glazebrook’s vision noted writer on organ technique, a Music ....At the end of the Concert, the Head Master of what a truly liberal education should Library was established. Barkworth had spoke a few words expressing the general be, but he was, quite simply, ahead of his clearly been struck by the quality of feelings of regret at Mr Peppin’s departure. Clifton’s music, writing He gave an amusing description of an time; Cliftonians past and present, both episode in his musical life when he himself musicians and non-musicians, have cause at Clifton....the art of music, the most spiritual to be grateful. of the arts, the most modern, at once the most was a boy at Clifton, showing that trivial intimate and the most universal, is there held and sentimental productions were sometimes in such honour that I appeal confidently for allowed then which are not allowed in the help to set up a fully-equipped Music Library. excellent programmes we are now able to enjoy at School Concerts. In conclusion, he wished By 1913, Peppin had become a figure of Mr Peppin all success and happiness in his some standing in the College, Volume new post at Rugby. The Head Master’s words 23 of The Cliftonian being dedicated to were heartily endorsed by the tremendous him. The star pupil of this period was cheering of the whole School.

6 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 JOSEPH COOPER AT CLIFTON

1912 was an auspicious year for Clifton. It marked the School’s 50th Jubilee, Douglas Fox won an Organ Scholarship to Keble College, Oxford, and Joseph Cooper was born in Westbury-on-Trym.

oncerts featured as a large part of the Jubilee celebrations culminating Cin a grand reception held in July As a tot, he would sit under the piano with a concert in Big School which whilst she played, enjoying the “roar” featured both Harry Plunket Greene and that came from the instrument. She also the Bristol Symphony Orchestra. possessed a small pipe-organ and was On the Sunday evening, celebrations clearly a forceful soul who was to have a were rounded off with an organ recital in major infl uence as far as encouraging her Chapel given by Fox who had returned to son’s musical talent was concerned. In his the College for the occasion. The Cliftonian autobiography, Facing the Music, he freely commented, acknowledges this, along with one of his uncles who possessed a natural ear and The exquisite performance of the programme, who taught his young nephew to copy his which was a diffi cult one, did full justice ad libs on his mother’s Steinway; to the organist, and it must give great satisfaction to those who value the honour Uncle Charlie had started me off. My mother of the School to hear our most brilliant now showed me the rudiments of time. I musician play. couldn’t have had two better teachers. The programme, which was very Joseph’s mother clearly saw that her son well attended, included Parry’s Christe, had unusual potential and, as a result, Redemptor Omnium and a setting of Light’s she started him off on piano lessons when Abode, Celestial Salem by another OC and he was only four years old. Her faith was music teacher, CS Lang. justifi ed because it became clear straight away that he had a gift. At the age of fi ve, Joseph Cooper was the youngest of three his mother decided that it was time for children and spent his early childhood some formal schooling and she enrolled in Westbury-on-Trym which was then Joseph and his sister at Badminton. His a village on the outskirts of Bristol. sole memory of this is the fact that on Falcondale Road, which now takes us out one occasion, when many teachers at the to the M5, was then open farmland. His school were ill, he volunteered to play the father, a quiet and contemplative man, Juniors out of Assembly. was the local bank manager. He improvised a march He was also tone deaf and of his own and was then Cooper noted fondly that he accused of lying when he was often an embarrassment was asked who composed at concerts since he tended it! His mother soon became to nod off and proceed dissatisfi ed with her choice to snore loudly! Cooper’s of school. Part of this was musical ability clearly, probably down to the fact therefore, came from his that she had introduced mother. Writing many years Joseph to Dr Hubert Hunt, later, he recalled, the Cathedral Organist in My fi rst memory was of the Bristol. sound of music in the house, Hunt not only realised that because my mother played the he was dealing with a quite piano incessantly. She had a exceptional child, but was Steinway grand and was an also dismissive of the music excellent pianist. Presentation of Address to the King by the Head of the School. teaching at Badminton

MUSIC AT CLIFTON - THE FIRST FIFTY YEARS 7 Joseph should cycle to Clifton for Theory lessons with Walter Smith, who had joined the Staff in 1902. Joseph was, by his own admission, a free-spirited child and it was clear that these lessons did not go well; he found Theory “dull and uninteresting”. However, he was firmly told by all and sundry that a knowledge of Theory was vital if he was to become a proper musician and so he buckled down to ensuring that he reached the requisite standard. Preparation for the Clifton scholarship gathered pace – four hours practice a day and regular visits to the organ in Westbury Village Hall where his mother spent hours in the bowels of the building pumping away to give the instrument the air needed. For the actual scholarship, he practised two Westbury Parish Church. Chopin preludes. In July 1926, the day of the exam finally dawned. Dr Beachcroft and suggested that her son should be music teacher at Clifton between 1926 and was, in fact, about to leave the College moved to a small local private school, 1940. Mendham immediately recognised and the audition was held in his house chiefly because the piano teacher there, a Cooper’s talent and thus, at the age of in Percival Road. He had very much certain Miss Bernhardt, was felt to be just nine, he became sub-organist at Westbury carried on where Peppin had left off and, the person Joseph needed at this stage. even though his feet could not reach the under his guidance, the number of boys Hunt continued to take an active interest pedals. learning music had mushroomed. Clifton in the young Cooper and the latter was beginning to produce a string of Mrs Cooper was quite clear in her mind acknowledged that he learnt one very vital highly talented musicians – Leslie Russell, that Clifton was the next school for her lesson from him. Even though very young, Geoffrey Higgins, JA Hunter, Marcus son, no doubt influenced by the growing Joseph had developed a precocious talent Beresford, JA Sykes, STM Newman reputation of the College in this sphere of “improving” the pieces he played by (who went on to be Professor of Music at thanks to the endeavours of Arthur various variations or amendments of his Edinburgh University) and HCM Ross, Peppin and Richard Beachroft – the latter own. He recalled Hunt as a charming who became Toscanini’s assistant in New having joined Clifton as a music teacher and gentle man “with his funny, blinking York. Cooper later recollected, in 1897 and who went on to succeed eyes”, who calmly steered him away from Peppin as Director of Music in 1915. It all seemed to go quite well, apart from one his penchant for messing around with the In order to win a scholarship, however, disputed note in a Chopin prelude, where Dr compositions of others by telling him something had to be done about Music Beachcroft thought it should be E flat and I, one thing you must always remember, the Theory, which Miss Bernhardt did not backed by my mother, thought it should be E composer knows best. When you write your teach. It was therefore arranged that natural. own compositions you have every right to alter what you’ve written, but you must not alter Music scholarship duly secured, Cooper what another composer has written. started life at Clifton as a dayboy. At his previous school he had boarded even Cooper held very happy memories of though it was local but when he and his his time at this small, private school, parents were shown around a boarding called The Manor House, and reading house at Clifton, they were put off by the his account of his time there it is easy to fact that the playing of piano duets was understand why. Equally, with such a wide banned in boarding houses! He therefore programme and such small numbers, started in North Town as a day boy and it is easy to understand why the school his Housemaster was Harry Norton went bust pretty quickly! As far as his Matthews who, up until 1920, had been in developing musical talent was concerned, charge of the Preparatory School. Miss Bernhardt played her part and he also paid tribute to the Headmaster whose It was perhaps this experience of having love of classical music, especially Liszt, spent much of his teaching career with was passed on to his charges via regular younger pupils that made him the evenings in front of the gramophone. approachable and genial mentor that Cooper remembered. His Form Master His introduction to the organ came at was Horace Merrick, a formidable the age of nine as a result of regular figure with an oblique sense of humour attendance at Westbury Parish Church. who had won the MC during the First By his own admission, he was a child World War and who had played cricket never backward at coming forward and for Gloucestershire. Both men made a he introduced himself to the organist, strong impression on Cooper recognising, Geoffrey Mendham, who went on to be a Westbury Parish Church. perhaps, that his sense of humour

8 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 and love of fun marked him out as an indeed, he was reprimanded at one stage interesting young man along with his by his Housemaster with the veiled threat undoubted musical potential. Beachcroft’s that he would lose his scholarship for successor, the eminent organist William spending too much time with these areas McKie, was altogether made of sterner of music and not enough on the serious stuff and clearly he and Cooper crossed stuff. He also learnt a lot by being part of swords from time to time, McKie not a Staff “revue” known as “The Canterbury approving of Cooper’s exuberance. Chestnuts”. It was here that the famous “dummy keyboard” of later years was Unusually for a Public School of this time, born. Two masters would come on stage musicians at Clifton were allowed time calling themselves “Pader” and “Rewski” off within the curriculum for extra music and would proceed to play the piano with lessons or practice on a daily basis. Cooper theatrical fl ourishes. The pianos were continued his Theory studies under WE in fact “dummies”, Cooper and another Smith whilst McKie supervised his piano outstanding pupil, Felix Felton, playing and organ lessons. Cooper later gave some the actual music backstage behind a screen insight into Clifton’s music when he wrote, or curtain. The Music School was across the road from the main part of the College; it was only a short distance, and it backed onto Clifton Zoo. Many an awkward situation was averted when I played more than my usual succession of wrong notes – a sudden squawk from a parrot or roar from a lion could bring humour into the music room. Humour was badly needed in the Music School, because William McKie didn’t see the funny side of life. Later, however, he admits that he grew to admire McKie and that they got on well, the one understanding, perhaps, the value of the discipline imposed by the other. In the 1929 edition of The Cliftonian, we read, Joseph Cooper’s musical career is not always easy to plot at Clifton. In 1927, Both Cooper and Wood in works of their own the year that saw the opening of the new showed that they possessed considerable talent Science School by the Prince of Wales, both as players and composers. Cooper was the fi rst winner of a music Two months later, both these 16 year olds prize that had been awarded in memory were good enough to compete in the of Harry Bonas, a pupil who had died Kadoorie Cup Competition, which was tragically young. He also made his debut won on this occasion by Felix Felton who on a Clifton concert platform playing, at was later to pursue a successful career in the age of 15, Rachmaninov’s Polichinelle drama with the BBC rather than music. and, with others, Handel’s Sonata for Two Cooper clearly impressed; Violins and Piano in G minor. He admitted that he did not spend as much time There were besides many good performances. practising as he should have done, and he Wood deserves a special mention for his found McKie a hard taskmaster. Equally, playing of Liszt’s Concert Study in D fl at; so does Cooper, who played Chopin’s Scherzo in however, he valued the many concerts in B fl at minor. the Colston Hall to which McKie would regularly treat his pupils, and he felt During the summer holidays, Cooper very privileged at such an age to go and and a friend entered Junior Wimbledon hear Rachmaninov play in person. This – entry procedures were rather different experience had a huge effect on him as a then in those far-off amateur days – and developing musician; got through several rounds before, as he admits, his natural over-enthusiasm rather when I heard Rachmaninoff, I can’t tell you got the better of him. The December why but I found a lot of people agreed with Concert saw him perform Daquin’s Le me, I immediately wanted to go home and practise. I felt that he gave one hope. He Coucou and a Scarlatti Sonata, as well as Debussy’s Toccata. seemed to do things that were possible, if only In 1928, at the age of 16, he played at the you worked at them in the right way. annual Christmas Concert, performing 1930 dawned and this proved to have Students of Cooper’s later BBC career, Scarlatti’s Pastorale and Allegro, drawing been something of a watershed for especially as far as Face the Music was measured praise from the editor of the Cooper. He clearly loved life and loved concerned, will not be surprised to know School magazine. Another very talented all that Clifton had to offer, especially that his musical talents were not always piano scholar at this time was Christopher on the social side! He threw himself catholic. He loved jazz and “swing” and, Wood. into supporting the Dramatic Society’s

MUSIC AT CLIFTON - THE FIRST FIFTY YEARS 9 production of Galsworthy’s Loyalties, an excellent musical grooming. None the less, taking charge of the orchestra and the feeling that it was all coming to an end conducting with panache: was more than I could stand, and I confess, with perhaps a hint of shame, I quietly wept Cooper possesses the full equipment of my way through the entire Service. the greatest of British conductors except, perhaps, the forward-downward thrust..... He was not the fi rst, and will certainly not we greatly admired the gallant, if losing, be the last, Clifton leaver to feel so during fi ght that he waged against his pianist as to the Leavers’ Service at Clifton! The rest, the proper tempo of the National Anthem. as they say, is history. His sense of the absurd was already * * * * * well-formed and it was this, perhaps, that resulted in him needing to Joseph Cooper loved Clifton and his time convince his Housemaster, his father here as a pupil. Blessed with immense and the solemn McKie that he was talent combined with a great sense of fun in fact a serious musician. As a result, and a balanced perspective on life, he was he was told that he should forget the always the fi rst to acknowledge the debt he world of the professional performer owed to Clifton in terms of shaping him and concentrate instead on getting an as a musician and as a human being. That Organ Scholarship at Oxford. Stung debt he has more than amply repaid. by this, and in the knowledge that the His bequest to the College upon his forthcoming Christmas Concert was in Strings at the School Concert in the Lent death in 2001 has enabled the School to fact to be McKie’s last, Cooper learnt Term. The Kadoorie Cup in the Summer support its outstanding musical tradition, Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto in C minor Term was clearly a foregone conclusion. still very much alive today in both the and performed the 1st Movement at the Upper School and the Pre, with a facility It was a fi tting conclusion to his Concert: to match. musical career at Clifton since the Cooper’s performance was masterly: he played external adjudicator was none other than It is right and proper that this generosity with great vitality and musicianship; we Dr Beachcroft who had given him his should be acknowledged. The good congratulate him. scholarship to Clifton in the fi rst place. that we do does not die with us, as some McKie’s response to his efforts was As to his fi nal days as a boy at the College, would suggest, but rather lives on in characteristic but sincere, telling his pupil the words are best left to Joseph Cooper what we leave behind. If Joseph Cooper that “it just shows what you can do when himself; had cause to be grateful to Clifton for you try”, praise indeed from a man who For the last Service of all in July 1931, making his formative years special, then set the highest of standards for himself I was down in the Chapel and I remember so, too, will future Cliftonians benefi ting and expected no less from his students. being completely overcome with feelings of from what the newly-refurbished Music School, which quite rightly bears his name, Cooper had two terms under Douglas grief that this was to be my last ever Service has to offer, for love of music is not just Fox and quickly grew to appreciate the as a schoolboy. Clifton Chapel had come to something to be acquired at school but brilliance of the man. It was agreed that mean a great deal to me. I found it very easy is something that moulds us all for life. César Franck’s Symphonic Variations would to believe in a benevolent God, who watched over our affairs, and I had had the great In life and death, Joseph Cooper did not be the piece to be prepared for Keble privilege of hearing great organ playing forget his old School; in our turn neither College, Oxford, where Fox had himself from McKie and Douglas Fox, and had had shall we forget him. been an organ scholar. It was Fox that at last got through to Cooper the importance of practising in the right way: Mr Fox was very interesting on the whole subject of practising and I think what he said T to me then was so important that it helped me H more than anything so far. It went something E like this.... “When you get a new work you N must think in terms of analysis; you must take E the thing to pieces, play each hand separately, W get sensible fi ngering, and only work in small sections which you can mark and copy. But M above all work at a very slow tempo.” U S It was clearly good advice because the I scholarship was duly won and Cooper C moved into his fi nal two terms at Clifton, marred only by a bout of measles. Fox S introduced him to the joys of Mozart; he C H was made a Praep; he played the organ at O Chapel Services, once again conducted the O orchestra at the Drama Society’s Commem L production, and played the Franck piece and JS Bach’s Concerto for Three Pianos and

10 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 Music And Magic . . . DAVID WILLCOCKS A Personal Recollection

first encountered David at the conducted by David, although in recent rehearsals of the Cambridge years a number of other conductors have I University Music Society (CUMS) shared the work. David is due to conduct in 1967. The rehearsals were thrilling Handel’s Messiah there in November and the performances, many of which 2009, shortly before his 90th birthday. took place in King’s College Chapel, The first of these concerts that I set a benchmark for the rest of my life. attended was Elgar’s The Dream of A particularly memorable moment in Gerontius. The most striking thing the first term occurred when we were DOUGLAS FOX was that nothing seemed to have practising the Proficiscere section at the changed in 34 years. David was as end of Part 1 of Elgar’s The Dream of inspiring, as entertaining, and as much Gerontius. David said ‘just this once I If Michael Glazebrook and a perfectionist as before. His energy would like all the men to stand and Arthur Peppin can be said was beyond belief. He took a 3 hour sing the Priest’s music’ so we stood and rehearsal in the morning with the to have steered Clifton in a roared through this marvellous music. chorus of about 3,000 singers, a second Forty years later it still excites me to decisive direction as far as 3 hour rehearsal in the afternoon with remember that moment. making Music an important chorus, orchestra and soloists, and then Another highlight was on the occasion conducted the evening performance. All feature of the College’s life is of the great Russian violinist, David this at the age of 80! concerned, then it is equally Oistrakh, receiving an honorary doctor In addition to the Royal Albert Hall true that the elevation of of music degree at the university. David performances David conducted conducted the CUMS orchestra in a Clifton’s reputation as one of performances with The Really Big marvellous performance of Brahms’ the “best schools of all” when Chorus in many overseas venues. I Violin Concerto with Oistrakh as the took part in these events in Halle and it came to this area of the soloist. Leipzig, Vienna, Venice, Rome, and curriculum owes a very great David had an extraordinary gift for Barcelona. There would always be a deal indeed to Douglas Fox. bringing the music to life. When we were cabaret in which David participated, as well as joining us for the sightseeing preparing Tippett’s A Child of our Time avid Willcocks has always held him trips and at meal times. the various sections of the society were in the highest esteem, referring shouting ‘Burn down their houses’ ‘Beat As well as the charm and the humour Dto him as “my beloved teacher”, in their heads’ across the music school at there is the iron will of professionalism asserting that he made a “distinguished each other. and woe betide any singer who does contribution to music education in this After Cambridge I didn’t encounter not watch the conductor. In spite of country” and describing him as “one David personally for a number of years, the very large numbers David can spot of the great teachers of his day.” Brian whilst remaining aware of his public individuals who are not watching him. Pippard, another gifted musician as a boy appearances. However he returned to One technique for gaining attention is at Clifton, who chose the path of science, Clifton to conduct a performance of to take a handkerchief from his pocket called him a “wonderfully talented man”, Fauré’s Requiem in the Chapel. We were and put it on his head for a few seconds whilst another former pupil, who went thrilled by the way he transformed our whilst continuing to conduct. It is then on to be a Director of Music himself, Alan performance (already well prepared) in returned to his pocket after which he Vening, simply described Fox as “the finest a single short rehearsal. In the evening will ask ‘Did anyone notice me doing man I have known.” anything unusual during that last the whole audience rose to its feet as he Details of his early life are frustratingly passage?’. There will always be some entered the building. elusive. He was born in Putney on 12 who have not looked up at all and have Since 2000 I have taken part in many June 1893. Both his parents were musical no idea what he is referring to. performances with The Really Big and, on his mother’s side, may even have Chorus. These are organised by Concerts Participation in performances with been able to claim descent from Thomas from Scratch. On these occasions large David Willcocks has provided many Ravenscroft (d.1635), a chorister at St numbers of choral singers gather of the most exciting and memorable Paul’s who went on to become an early together at the Royal Albert Hall to experiences of my life. English composer and collector of folk rehearse and perform a major work. music – Three Blind Mice, for example, Michael Butterfield (ST) Until recently most of these were makes its first appearance in one of his published works in 1609. Fox’s sister remembers their mother as “a beautiful

MUSIC AT CLIFTON - THE FIRST FIFTY YEARS 11 pianist”, whilst their father also played for a Pre boy, one member of the audience the violin and the cello. So it was into remarking a musical household that Douglas Fox there is promise of a great deal of very high was born. First music lessons were given talent among some of the younger musicians by his mother when he was four, largely of the School, which leads us to hope that because he was already beginning to show for many years the same standard will be signs of a more than unusual talent. His maintained in concerts. grandmother was also a good pianist and it was she who fi rst introduced him Certainly Peppin appears to have realised to the pleasures of duets. In 1902, the that Fox’s talent was exceptional and family moved to Bristol, his father having required guidance for, in the same year, he been asked to take over and revive an wrote to the legendary Sir Walter Parratt ailing engineering fi rm. Given its growing at St George’s, Windsor, for advice. In musical reputation, Clifton was the obvious June, he took Fox to meet the great man choice for Fox’s education and he joined and Parratt wrote back to Peppin a few the equivalent of the Pre at the age of weeks later; nine. One of the many changes wrought The little boy Fox interested me greatly. by Peppin in his quest to improve the He possesses a keen organisation, enough College’s music was his insistence that all technique, good taste, and considerable powers new boys should be given voice and sight- of expression. His prospects of success as a reading tests – a notebook belonging to CS professional musician are excellent Lang suggests that this took place at 12.15 on the fi rst Saturday of term, or during and concluded that he should begin organ the subsequent week for those whose lessons at once. This advice was obviously other commitments prevented them from taken since another Headmaster’s “star”, attending. There must have been some this time presented by the new Head, excitement, even by early twentieth century the Reverend AA David, was secured pedagogical standards of behaviour, when the following year for Fox’s playing of Fox not only played exceptionally but Bach’s Trio Sonata in E fl at on the organ. found the sight-reading tests far too easy. In 1906, not only had CV Stanford, present at one of the regular concerts The following year, he was awarded a in Big School, remarked favourably on “star” for piano playing, the piece in Fox’s performance and ability, but Parratt, In December 1909, at the annual question being Bach’s Invention in C major. visiting Clifton to adjudicate the House Christmas Concert, This was remarkable for two reasons - Music Competition, insisted on hearing fi rst, that he was playing such a complex DGA Fox was quite at his best in the Brahms Fox play in order to measure his progress piece as a Pre pupil and, second, that a “Rhapsody”, which was well calculated to since their fi rst meeting. Winifred Fox Pre pupil should be awarded a “star” since bring his fi ne technique into prominence recalls that her brother these were normally reserved for older but, even though he was only 16, his was sent for and told to extemporise in 9/8 pupils who had done some exceptional career as a schoolboy at Clifton was time in the key of F minor – on the organ. academic work, usually in Latin. Fox drawing to a close. In 1910, he won an was duly sent to Glazebrook, a prospect Parratt later confi ded in Peppin that his Organ Scholarship to the Royal College of which the ten year old must have found performance would have gained him a Music and his fi nal school performance on pretty daunting. Whilst Glazebrook’s fellowship at the Royal College of Organists, 2 April drew this comment, emphasis on the importance of music and all this at the age of 12! It was thus is well documented he was, in fact, no Of special merit was Fox’s interpretation of little surprise that Fox won the fi rst Music musician. His wife, however, was and she Chopin’s “Polonaise in A fl at”. We were sorry Scholarship awarded at Clifton, worth the was duly summoned to hear Fox play, that this should be the last time that he would princely sum of £24 per annum, for the play to us as a member of the School. quickly confi rming for her husband that organ and he joined South Town in 1907. the award was well merited. His career at the RCM is well-known, His career in the Upper School can sweeping all before him in terms of prizes, In March 1905, the editor of The Cliftonian be traced largely through concert including the Challen Gold medal for wrote, programmes. In July 1907, having just the piano, which remains in the School’s A new feature has entered our musical life. arrived, as it were, he gave an Organ possession. The Junior School, at the end of last term, Recital in the Chapel along with Harold also gave a concert in the Music School, Hight, who was then in the Sixth Form such an one, we venture to think, as would and who was yet another of Peppin’s have been beyond the power of most of its pupils to go to the Royal College of Music contemporaries. We hope it may become an via King’s College, Cambridge, returning annual institution. as a music teacher at the College between It is more than likely that it was the likes 1914 and 1924. By 1909, Fox is leading of Fox and Lang who had performed at South Town to victory in the House Music this inaugural event. On 8 April there was Competition and the various records another concert in Big School at which of concerts of this period reveal that he Fox played – Goltermann’s Romanze, Opus played a leading role in the College’s 15 – which, again, was a rare achievement musical life.

12 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 The RCM Magazine of 1913 – by this time possible and that he would “come up on himself.....That Mr Fox has steadfastly set Fox had taken up an Organ Scholarship at the right side of this disaster.” Another himself only one standard, that of the best, is Keble College, Oxford – described him critical influence at this stage was his being a credit to himself as an artist, and a lesson to sent to convalesce at a Military Hospital us that we shall do well to remember. as an organist of quite extraordinary powers, in Bournemouth. There he met Hubert whose splendid technique is mated with quite Clifton had known the musician; now it ample measure of musical insight, and whose Heyner, an opera singer who had been was about to experience the man, for Fox gifts extended so far beyond the average badly wounded. Of equal importance was succeeded William McKie as Director of range of the pure organist, that he carried off the fact that there was a piano available. the College’s music in 1930. His career at the gold medal for pianoforte playing at the On such chance meetings are futures Clifton needs no-retelling with, perhaps, annual examination last year. I live in hopes determined! They began to practise the exception of his achievements during that he will attain the position of one of the together and Heyner later recollected the “Bude years”. foremost organists of this or any other country. that piano...... was significant for us both in But what of the man and what of the Such hopes were to be cruelly dashed on the first attempt to pick up loose threads under teacher? To judge such an extraordinary the Western Front four years later when handicap. man or, for that matter, any of his the 4th Gloucesters came under attack and In addition, Fox was allowed to use the contemporaries, by present-day teaching Fox was so badly wounded that his right organ at the local church as part of his methods and attitudes is both fruitless arm had to be amputated. In a typically rehabilitation, a gesture of kindness he and anachronistic. In the classroom he understated letter to his erstwhile teacher, never forgot, playing a recital there some expected only the very best and could Arthur Peppin, on 4 September 1917, Fox fifty years later as a token of his gratitude. display a fearsome temper if it was not wrote: forthcoming. Brian Pippard recalled, For the next twelve years, he was I was wounded on 27th and on the 28th Director of Music at Bradfield where he He was definitely an eccentric man. He lived they took my arm (right) off just above transformed the school’s music which, by on his nerves. He was capable of sudden rages the elbow. Apparently they consulted very its own admission, was “at a very low ebb”, and equally sudden repentance for his rages. carefully before doing it, but it seems to have by applying the Peppin model of concerts, been hopelessly shattered, and they thought On one occasion it is reported that his Music Clubs, House Competitions, visits by I probably shouldn’t have lived if they had reaction to one of the young trebles at a professional musicians and “Illustrations” left it. This is supposed to be the best place choir rehearsal, who was not doing what in France. It is a casino at Paris Plage and prior to public performances. He also he was supposed to be doing, was to grab some miles west of Boulogne. The decent food wrote and arranged music for the Greek him by the hair and pull violently until and quiet are heavenly and I don’t get much Plays for which Bradfield is still known the unfortunate chorister burst into tears. pain considering. This scrawl is due to first today, eliciting on one occasion this Immediately, rage turned to horror and attempts at left-handed writing which seems response from no less a figure than Gustav remorse, Fox leaning over the boy and perfectly hopeless at first. I am likely to be here Holst: saying “I shouldn’t have done that – here, pull mine”. The boy in question did so for some time. I write to congratulate you very heartily on the evoking a startled cry from Fox, “Oh, not splendid singing in the Greek Play. The sense When news of this reached England, the as hard as that!”. That said, even wild musical world was appalled. Hubert Parry of rhythm was quite wonderful. Do let me know if there is a chance of hearing the boys animals could be cowed by Fox’s authority wrote of “the very malignity of cruelty as in the rehearsal room, as the Public Orator the utter destruction of that dear boy’s sing either at a school concert or, better still, at an ordinary singing lesson. at Cambridge, Professor Gifford, noted in splendid gifts”, whilst Stanford merely his address in 1966 when conferring an talked of his “great grief ” as a result of The Bradfield school magazine’s reaction honorary Music Degree on Fox; what had happened. The extent of the to his leaving there in 1930 says all sadness for what had befallen him is that needs to be said about what he The gentlest of men, he can rise to moments of sudden wrath in rehearsal. reflected in a letter written to Fox by had managed to create in his time in When the wolves of the Clifton and Bristol RO Beachcroft: Berkshire: Zoo howled in accompaniment to his trebles I don’t know whether it can afford you any He has shewn us that music is no polite at choral practice, he turned on them with satisfaction, but your case seems to have pastime but a vital thing, and, if he has not the simple command “Shut up”, and the spread out in endless directions – it has spared others he most certainly never spared wolves were silent! actually been a slight comfort to me to know what a large, a very large quantity of people have thoroughly realised your great gifts and also know the injury they have received in your misfortunes. Two key influences may have played their part at this stage in steering Fox away from depression into a positive frame of mind. Stanford wrote to him suggesting that all was not lost and that his future might well lie in conducting, whilst Hugh Allen, an Oxford friend, played Evensong at New College, Oxford, using his left hand only, and spent a week using the same hand alone to wash, shave and dress. He then wrote to Fox about this Clifton College Orchestra, December 1935. David Willcocks, back row, second from right; Douglas and told him firmly that all things were Fox, front row, centre.

MUSIC AT CLIFTON - THE FIRST FIFTY YEARS 13 Tom Gover remembers this side of his he was not only a stoic, but a man, like character years later when he visited Fox all true scholars and artists, of immense and his sister in retirement; whilst this modesty and humility. The camera, we may appear to modern sensibilities as an are told, never lies and photographs of unattractive trait, it has to be remembered him show a very serious and stern figure. that most schoolmasters of that time were Photographic conventions of the day pretty daunting figures. Moreover, in did him no favours in this respect. The common with so many of his generation, Rintoul drawing of Fox is, perhaps, nearer Fox had been through an appalling ordeal the mark where seriousness is tempered Cornish town would, even in today’s world and, as a result of sheer perseverance with a slight twinkle in the eye and a wry of speedy communication, be daunting and grit, had more than conquered his smile playing on the lips. enough. To complete this in a month demons. For him, as for many, a young during wartime was nothing short of person wasting their time or their talents miraculous, and yet this is precisely what by messing about was understandably not happened to Clifton between January to be tolerated. Alan Vening was under no and February 1941. Whilst the Art illusion that behind the facade of a hard Department was at least accommodated in task-master beat a heart of gold: one area, nothing is more telling as far as Duggie’s method was a unique mixture of fear the organisation of the College’s music is and love....which brought more from a pupil concerned than a document in the College than anyone thought possible Archives entitled Removal of Clifton College Bude to Bristol 1945 where it can be clearly and he remembers an occasion which seen that whilst the kitchens were located typified this. Vening was two minutes late in the Headland Cafe, the Library in the for a piano lesson as a result of dashing Erdiston Hotel, and the Art School in back to the House to collect a slice of his “Madura”, music’s designated collection birthday cake for the “great man”. As a area is merely designated as “various”. consequence, he received a severe telling- Certainly colleagues remember him Such a scenario is confirmed by an eye- off and was then presented with the gift with fondness and admired his sheer witness of that period: that Fox had bought him for his birthday! professionalism and sincere devotion to If he could be a harsh critic, he could also duty. With what Yngve Lidell described For music, too, there were obvious difficulties, praise, and a word of praise from Fox was as “the mind of a scholar and something and the problem of housing pianos and praise indeed. At his Memorial Service, Sir of the waywardness of genius”, the latter, arranging instrumental practice was never Thomas Armstrong summed all this side it would appear, being certainly evident perfectly solved. There were only two teaching of Fox up as follows: when it came to the way he drove his and five practice rooms, compared with the car, he is remembered by many as “a twenty-one in the Clifton Music School. Douglas Fox: the name itself, like the sound charming and interesting companion”, “a This problem was partly solved thanks of the bell we heard at 12 o’clock, creates wonderful man”, “a wonderfully talented far-reaching resonances for each one of us. to the generosity of Bude householders, man, generous in sharing his talents, his We all have our own picture of Douglas, who allowed Clifton boys to practice on possessions and his friendship” and “his our personal memory, our own estimate of their own pianos in their own homes. hatred of publicity was matched by his his achievement. For some he is the exacting Occasionally this could lead to friction, as teacher, demanding the best, occasionally politeness.” He was a generous man and Winifred Fox observed: provoked by stupidity or carelessness into yet the contradiction persists since he The late Admiral Sir Douglas Nicholson, anger that passes as quickly as it erupted, could be painfully shy and hated being then living in the castle between the river and leaving only regret and often apology. discovered in the act of generosity. the canal, allowed his drawing-room and He is remembered by pupils as “one of the Thus it was to this complicated man that piano to be used. A boy found on one occasion kindest and most scrupulously considerate the task of organising Clifton’s music fell that he was being greatly disturbed by a loudly of men”; and how many musicians there when the decision was taken in 1941 to ticking clock, a sort of anti-metronome, and are, distinguished professionals and devoted evacuate the entire College to Bude in smothered it under a sofa cushion, forgetting amateurs, who would say that much of what to replace it. The admiral was not pleased. they are and do is owed to their contact with Cornwall. Douglas!.....He was hard-working, careful The logistics attached to moving an In spite of these difficulties, the number of over detail, imaginative, highly strung, quick entire school from Bristol to a series of pupils learning music during these years to enjoy a joke, dangerously self-critical, hotels and domestic dwellings in a North actually rose. Much of this was doubtless sometimes impatient, easily cast down. Never is there a word of wilful discourtesy or deliberate unkindness. His work ethic was immense. It was rumoured within the Clifton community that he never slept since the Chapel organ could be heard regularly after midnight, although it may also be surmised that on occasion this must have been the antidote to poor sleep and physical discomfort arising from his disability – not that he would have ever mentioned this since

14 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 due to Fox’s energy and enthusiasm, but one also cannot help feeling that music supplied an oasis of calm and peace in what was clearly a diffi cult time for all concerned in terms of cramped living conditions, small studies sleeping six or eight boys in some circumstances. Many of those for whom Bude was Clifton as far as their schooling was concerned, remember the cold and the rain, and the dreariness once darkness had set in and the black-out screens put in place. Looking back, one such writes of The drabness of studies, classrooms, landings, stairs, of trestle-tables in Hall, of cutlery and crockery little from the traditional pattern all of which could have a demoralising experienced by all in Bristol. effect on pupils. Music clubs, rehearsals In 1941, for example, apart from and listening to gramophone records regular Music Club concerts by school provided a much-needed escape from this. musicians, including Denis Mack Smith, Fox’s immense achievement in Bude, who later became one of the foremost however, was not just to manage music authorities on Italian history, Gavin against a background of a timetable which Brown, who became yet another Clifton had to be entirely written around the pupil to win an Organ Scholarship at availability of the Science Laboratories at the RCO, and Peter Tranchell, who was local schools in Bude and Stratton, but characterised by a contemporary as “the was also to carry out an annual most erudite and versatile” of the many programme of music which differed distinguished scholars Clifton produced at this time (testimony to the quality of teaching at Bude is the fact that in 1942 Clifton secured more Oxbridge awards than any school in the country) and who went on to be a modern composer of note, there were recitals given by such world-class fi gures as Leon Goossens. In 1942, the College enjoyed visits from the international pianist, Kathleen Long,

MUSIC AT CLIFTON - THE FIRST FIFTY YEARS 15 Organ Scholarship to Cambridge. In addition, there were the regular Sunday Services to be planned and rehearsed in nearby St Olaf ’s, Poughill, Commem to be celebrated at the Central Methodist Church in Bude, and annual Carol Services at the same venue, that of 1944 seeing the appearance of the Dorset Carol, much loved by Cliftonians to this day. All of this was, by any standards, a considerable achievement, but Fox’s contribution goes deeper than this. When the College arrived in Bude, it was natural that there should have been an initial hostility between “town” and “gown”. This was very quickly dissipated by the way in which the School involved itself in the local community, such as members of Staff joining the local Home Guard and Masters’ wives becoming involved with local savings groups. The chief vehicle Poughill Church. for creating a harmonious relationship, the famous violinist, Eda Kersey, and however, was music. As one contemporary In March 1945, Fox received a letter from the cellist, Thelma Reiss. The following put it, a local which thanked him for including year, it was the turn of the pianist, Irene this natural dichotomy between the resident so many Bude inhabitants in the College’s Kohler, and the writer and musician population and the visitors soon gave way, musical life, and which went on to say, Sinclair Logan whilst, in 1944, the or perhaps, was broken down, because the eminent pianist, Frank Merrick, and such We are more than sorry to know that you are concert given to the town in the cinema was returning to Bristol and we shall miss the fi gures as Max Rostal and Franz Osborn a single event which proved to Bude that the all gave recitals in November. Home- rehearsals more than I can say. To most of us members of a large public school were not the music has been a real education and a grown talent was equally in good supply. necessarily devoid of humanity tremendous pleasure. A series of pupils helped to support Fox’s ambitious programme of concerts and and he went on to conclude, If Bude had a decisive infl uence on recitals. John Moore-Bridger (SH 1941- The School did not introduce culture to Bude, the way Clifton was organised – being 1944) was one such, eventually winning but it gave the town opportunities such as it all together as a College instead of a Piano Scholarship at the RCM, Martin can rarely have had before. Musical notices geographically isolated in the “petty Wigglesworth another, along with Adrian and play bills were in every shop window; and kingdoms” of Houses where contact Addison (BH 1942-1946), who won an the events they advertised were not merely an between individuals in different Houses alternative to many things as they had been was not encouraged, had a huge infl uence in Bristol, but the only opportunity for the for the better on the School returning to people of Bude to hear good music and good Bristol in 1945 – the war years also shifted plays. Plays and concerts became more than the College’s gaze on to a wider world. It mutually congratulatory social functions; is certainly true to say that today’s Clifton they were eagerly anticipated and carefully is an unstuffy and “normal” society with a appreciated. People from the town sung in real sense of perspective as to what matters the School Choral Society, a society which and what does not. This is one of the main concentrated singers who would normally reasons that it is such a pleasure to live have remained within the circle of their own within. There are a myriad of infl uences church or organisation and local musicians that have contributed to this happy state of supplemented and led the School orchestra. affairs but it is, perhaps, not too fanciful to This was not just a Cliftonian perspective. suggest that the spirit of co-operation and

16 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 Evan such was the esteem in which this extraordinary man was held. The infl uence he had Prentice on those that knew him was enormous and lasting. David van Ridley Prentice was born on Willcocks wrote in The Times 9th July 1922. In the summer of on 28 September 1978: E1966 he fell to his death whilst His death has robbed the musical removing a VHF aerial from the roof of profession of one of its most his house in College Fields. He was only loved and respected members. 44 years old. Those who knew Douglas Fox He had been a chorister at St George’s throughout his long life witnessed the exciting development of Chapel Windsor and came to Clifton a young musician of quite with a music scholarship in 1936. He exceptional talent and promise, was in Wiseman’s House from 1936- and the subsequent triumph of a 1940 during which time he played for man of indomitable courage over the 1st XI and won the Challenge Cup. cruel tragedy. Whilst at Clifton he became an A.R.C.O. and was awarded an organ scholarship Brian Pippard, writing in The to Christ’s College Cambridge where he Cliftonian, observed gained a BMus and became an F.R.C.O. with what courage he overcame despair and an A.R.A.M. He served in the RAF wider community experienced at Bude to prove himself that he still had a future as a fl ying instructor during his time had a critical infl uence on “normalising” as pianist, organist and teacher. To have as an undergraduate and completed Clifton and making it aware that, far from heard him play Ravel’s left-handed his degree after the war. When seeing being an isolated city “set on an hill”, Concerto is to realize what a brilliant the array of controls in the aircraft he revolving around The Close, it was part career lay in ruins; to have been taught by remarked “Just like playing the organ!” of a wider world. If this is so, then music him is to know what splendour arose from under Douglas Fox played a vital part in those ashes; to have had him for a friend is He returned to Clifton in 1947 as this process and makes his achievement to have been one among hundreds whom assistant to Douglas Fox and became all the more memorable. he always remembered with affection, and Director of Music in 1957 following who for their part would fi nd affection Douglas’s retirement. He also lectured too cold a word to describe their love for part-time at Bristol University and the Douglas Fox. Folk House, and was about to take a full-time appointment at the University Henry Ley, the Eton organist, who was when he met his death. widely regarded as one of the fi nest organists of his day in the country, His period as Director included the would dismiss such accolades with the school centenary in 1962 which was single statement that Douglas Fox “was marked by a great concert in the the greatest of all of us.” Fox’s example Colston Hall. This concert and the Carol of stoicism, dedication and courage Service that year were immortalised on stand out even more in this current gramophone records which testify to the age of the tinkling cymbal of shallow remarkable standards achieved during celebrity and it is that for which he is as his time as Director. Years later the much remembered and honoured as College produced a recording of various for his considerable musical prowess. Clifton organists, which included two But perhaps the last word should fi ne tracks of Evan playing the great belong to that loyal supporter of Clifton Harrison organ in the Chapel. music spanning the Peppin/Fox years, The Director of Music in those days Harry Plunket Greene, who once wrote bore a great burden of responsibility to Douglas Fox, as organist, choir master, conductor of J H Britton. I only wish you’d realise what a damn’d the orchestra and choral society, piano fi ne chap you are – not only as a musician teacher, and teacher of O and A level Fox retired in 1957 and died in 1978. but as a magician. I don’t suppose there’s GCEs. He also took congregational His family home in Grange Road was a harder bag of beans to make bread out practice on Saturday mornings and bought by the distinguished OC and of than a set of public schoolboys, and led the whole school singing at the generous benefactor as far as the College you’ve a genius for it...... All those school Christmas concerts. This was in addition was concerned, JH Britton. The idea concerts were eloquent of what you can to taking music appreciation classes for would be that the house, renamed Fox do, let alone the orchestra. You ought to be the VI form. House in Douglas’ honour, should house mighty proud. him and his sister in a purpose-built fl at, My perception is that he was the rest of the house being redeveloped Douglas Fox, of course, wasn’t. outstanding in each of these capacities. for retired people, preferably musicians - Clifton is. I can still remember virtually word

MUSIC AT CLIFTON - THE FIRST FIFTY YEARS 17 for word his account of Act III of My recollections of Evan include great Wagner’s opera Die Walküre. The social occasions at his home with his FATHER excitement of that music has never left very supportive wife Ina, who sang in me. His understanding of the music the Choral Society. I also saw him from was as remarkable as his capacity for time to time at the University Swimming WILLIS transmitting this to his pupils. Pool where he would do handsprings off the springboard. His ability to generate a passionate FINDS response was not limited to music scholars As Evan had left the school just before but could be shared by the whole school his untimely death there was a Vale to on the big occasions such as the Christmas him in The Cliftonian for July 1966 of Concert and the Carol Service at which which I was Editor (under the expert A HOME he excelled. For many people the most guidance of GVH). The author credits memorable moments in their school him with bold innovations in spite lives are the grand musical occasions and of the burden of his distinguished On 25 April 2009, the those of us lucky enough to be pupils predecessors. New works were during Evan’s time as Director of Music introduced into the Christmas Father Willis organ, were most fortunate in this regard. The and Choral concerts. I particularly audience could be rather startled when remember Constant Lambert’s The Rio which had formerly he performed hand springs on the floor Grande, Carl Orff ’s Carmina Burana, and graced Big School, was of Big School at the end Arthur Honegger’s of these concerts. King David. These finally inaugurated at were ambitious Clifton had a long works for a school the church of St Mary tradition of attracting Choral Society. music scholars of He increased the Magdalene, Bridgnorth. high calibre. A glance number of boys through old concert taking part in programmes reveals the House Music om Gover led a party of present and a wealth of talent and Competitions to past members of staff on something some very challenging about 150 – of a penitential pilgrimage to programmes. My T roughly one Bridgnorth for a recital to celebrate the personal highlights in quarter of the installation of what for over a hundred the period from 1961 total in the school years had been Clifton’s Father Willis when I entered the at that time. He organ in Big School. Tom, Fiona Upper School include changed the Hallworth, Wendy Bowring, Geoffrey Roger Green playing emphasis of the Hardyman and David Reed, driven by Liszt’s Hungarian Music Club to Tim Fish, were joined at Bridgnorth by Fantasy, Richard White performing rather a group including Gabriel and Olwen singing in Chapel, than just listening, Lazlo, Charles Beresford, Michael Andrew Strang’s ’cello playing, and and he established a summer term Butterfield (the new Treasurer of the William Langley on the trumpet. Henry performance of religious music in Old Cliftonian Society), Nigel Bishop, Ward played Rachmaninoff ’s second Chapel. Alan Ormrod, Keith Warner, John Piano Concerto, Hugh Mather playing Slater and David Kirkpatrick; together Grieg’s Piano Concerto Movements 2 and 3. The same edition of The Cliftonian with two distinguished OC organists. (I played the first movement of the Grieg contains a review of the school orchestra Richard Popplewell was an organ scholar myself at the Christmas concert in 1966, and Choral Society performing Verdi’s of King’s College, Cambridge, going the term after Evan’s death). Requiem in the Colston Hall; on to become Assistant Organist at St Whilst Evan could be infinitely patient with “There were many who voted this Paul’s Cathedral, Director of Music at St pupils who were trying hard to overcome performance the outstanding one of the last Michael’s, Cornhill, and from 1979-2000 musical obstacles, he shared with his few years.” Organist, Choirmaster and Composer teacher Douglas Fox and his contemporary This was a colossal achievement and at the Chapel Royal, St James’ Palace. David Willcocks a tendency to impatience a fitting culmination of Evan’s time at Coincidentally, when the Clifton organ with musical sabotage and many of us Clifton. The magazine also records the was recommissioned in 1973 (exactly still remember his withering attack on impressions of a local comprehensive 100 years after its original installation) he the unfortunate headmaster who allowed school teacher who came to Clifton gave an opening recital. John Pryer was members of the Choral Society to go to for two weeks as a swap with EFP. The Sub-Organist at Birmingham Cathedral support an away match which resulted in visitor records “the singing in Chapel assistant to Roy Massey, succeeding him them not being back in time for Choral was truly magnificent”. as Organist in 1975; he later became Society practice on a Saturday evening Organist of Alexandra Palace and shortly before a Christmas Concert. The Evan was an inspirational leader of Organiste Titulaire of Birmingham HM in question, who sang with the tenors, school singing and for many Cliftonians Oratory. A roll-call of fine Clifton organists was dismissed with the rest of us as there of that period this may be their most is impressive: one thinks in addition was no point having a rehearsal at all with vivid recollection of his music-making. of Douglas Fox, Boris Ord, Sir David so many people away! MJB Willcocks, John Sykes and Evan Prentice.

18 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 The recital was given by Dr Roy Massey, from 1974-2001 Organist of Hereford Cathedral and a former President of the Royal College of Organists, with an international reputation as a recitalist. He had also been a pupil of Sir David Willcocks at Worcester Cathedral. His rare musicianship was brought to a programme carefully chosen and varied, designed to demonstrate the range and characteristic tonal qualities of Willis’ historical instrument. In his introduction to the recital, Dr Massey expressed the gentle surprise that Clifton should have been unable to rehouse the organ, remarking that Clifton’s loss was Bridgnorth’s gain. The programme, with each item prefaced by short comments, included pieces by Salomé, Bach (Toccata & Fugue in D Minor) which we learned was (l to r) Lord Hamilton, Bishop Michael not composed by Bach nor written for the Hooper, Dr Roy Massey (all Patrons of the organ, Haydn (Three Pieces for a Musical Organ appeal), Dr John Turnock - Organist & Clock), Mendelssohn (Sonata in A Major, 1st Director of Music at St Mary’s, Rev Preb Andy Movement), Elgar (Chanson de Nuit, Chanson Roberts - Rector of St Mary’s, and Bishop John de Matin), and Vierne. By way of contrast, Oliver - a keen supporter of the appeal the encore was Percy Grainger’s attractive Dr Roy Massey jeu d’ésprit, Handel in the Strand.

of rebuilding and installing the organ, Arthur Peppin (1896-1915), Douglas St Mary’s included a “Sponsor a Pipe” Fox (1931-1957) and Evan Prentice scheme, to which the Old Cliftonian (1957-1966). It would be good to think Society responded by a donation for three that in church music circles it might pipes, dedicated to the memory of three become known as “the Clifton Father outstanding Clifton Directors of Music; Willis.” David Reed

The Clifton supporters!

During the social gathering over a glass of wine that followed the recital, the Clifton contingent was photographed in front of the organ; then in a splendid unscripted moment John Pryer sat down at the console and launched into Parry’s great tune, prompting a spirited rendering of a verse of the School Song (complete with the time-honoured “pounce” on the word “jolly”), to general wonderment. Clifton’s loss of the organ must continue to be a matter of regret, but this is tempered by the recognition that it is housed in a beautiful building where it will be loved and looked after and available for a variety of musical events as well as enriching the pattern of David Davies (Secretary to the organ worship. As part of the Appeal for appeal), Richard Popplewell OC funds to cover the very substantial cost and Dr John Turnock

MUSIC AT CLIFTON - THE FIRST FIFTY YEARS 19 PASTMASTERS: In conversation with John Marsh

Born exactly seventy years ago, John Marsh was very much synonymous with Clifton’s musical success in the post-Prentice years, serving as Assistant Director of Music at the College until 1999, some 34 years after he arrived as a young organist and teacher from Sutton Valence. The editor had the pleasure of interviewing John in June.

He told me that he wanted me to join had a go. I was also having lessons with Where were you born? the Choir there since he was trying to Douglas Fox and Alan Hemmings, the build it up, so I did – one did as one was latter having such an influence on Pre t Bristol General Hospital in 1939. told in those days! It was thanks to this music at the time. I used to cover Garth’s I am very proud of the fact that that the whole rich and varied world piano lessons when he was away, and A I am a “Bedminster boy” having of Church Music was opened up to me practise for hours in St Mary’s. I got to been educated locally at the Mixed Infants as a Choirboy. I had reached Grade 8 know Douglas and Winifred Fox pretty School in St John’s Lane and then at on the piano at this point and one day well and was a regular visitor. Douglas was Victoria Park School. the curate, John Norton, heard me another formidable character – exploding Were you born into a musical family? playing and suggested to the organist, with righteous anger one minute, utterly Garth Benson, that he take me on as an remorseful the next – and I used to turn No. Dad was a painter/decorator and organ student. I can still remember his the pages in the organ loft for him. He Mum was a tailoress and dressmaker. That imposing figure looming in front of me was a great man. I still have quite a lot of said, Dad also painted watercolours in and saying gruffly “Gather you want to his music and inherited the piano in my his spare time so they were both creative play the organ”! From then on I became sitting room from him. people in their own ways. My early his articled pupil at Redcliffe and by the Typically, you pass over the fact that you won a introduction to music was via the radio. age of 16 I was playing at the services Scholarship to Cambridge. I was glued to it and especially enjoyed there. I loved – still do – the Anglican listening to Music While You Work and hymns and, above all, the Psalms; it’s such Yes – to Trinity College. That was a Workers’ Playtime. My earliest memories are a pity that Psalms are no longer sung marvellous time especially after such a strict of wanting to play the piano at the age of as a matter of course in churches today. family upbringing. Going to Cambridge 4; I was always improvising at home on Garth Benson was a fearsome teacher, but opened up a whole new world for me. the arm of a chair! he had a huge influence on my musical I met and made lots of musical friends, When did you start learning to play? development and, looking back, on wrote music for concerts and revues, and my life as well. He had been an Organ didn’t study nearly as much as I should I was 5 when I started the piano. My Scholar at Cambridge under Boris Ord have done! At Cambridge I came into parents agreed to lessons locally with the and it was Garth who eventually muttered contact with some great people, including formidable Garjulo sisters in Wells Road to me that it might be a good idea if I Raymond Leppard and David Willcocks. who made it quite clear to their pupils that if they were no good after six months, they would have to go! The lessons cost a guinea a term, which must have been quite a lot for my parents to find, but Mum and Dad were very encouraging. My parents were very strict, mind you. I was brought up as a Strict Methodist – my Uncle was in charge of the Chapel at Windmill Hill and we went to Chapel three times on Sundays. As my playing improved, I was allowed to play the piano there, especially at the Women’s Bright Hour. What influence did your schooling have on you as far as music was concerned? Enormous. When I passed my 11+ into Cotham Grammar I was soon spotted by the music master there who was also organist and choirmaster at St Mary, Redcliffe.

20 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 What do you recall of your time his mouth. Another very accomplished Why did you never apply for the with Sir David? musician, we all had a hilarious time. post of Director? It was great fun and music certainly He was, above all, an immensely clever Well, to be honest, I was told pretty firmly flourished at the College, with a lot man and we were all somewhat in awe by one Head that “Clifton never made of applications from very able music of him. Busy, always busy, to the point internal appointments” for this post. scholars. I used to interview them, sometimes of being almost manic. He, I’m glad in a funny way since not being especially the candidates from the Choir too, could be a martinet, especially with Director gave me a certain freedom. In Schools – Simon Beale was one such. I the Choir, but he was so talented. In my can remember him now, a funny little 1982, John Davenport took over. He was last year, whilst doing a DipEd, I ran round thing bursting with potential and such a nice man, enthusiastic, lively, a the College’s music to cover Leppard’s latent talent, especially for performance. very good musician being both a cellist sabbatical. That was a wonderful We were also very well supported by the and an organist (another King’s Scholar), experience. Heads. There were lots of musical events and always with a smile on his face. We worked well together and during his time What happened next? over and above the main ones – concerts, revues, musical evenings and so on. we took over control of the Wind Band, My teaching practice was at Sutton and persuaded large numbers of sporting Valence School and, once I had got Were there any clashes with sport? types to join the Choral Society; there through that, they offered me a job Not really. David Pettit tended to get his were so many that Gwil Isaac and I would teaching Music and English, which I way. The only time he was bested by sport conduct rehearsals using two pianos. I was loved. It was a small school, but the Head was when a boy called Armstrong was due also involved with the Bristol Madrigal was very supportive as far as music was to play a Piano Concerto in the evening Society and we had regular concerts at the concerned and I thoroughly enjoyed my but insisted on playing cricket in the Colston Hall, where we combined with time there. afternoon whereupon he promptly broke the girls of Clifton HS and Badminton. So why did you come to Clifton in 1965? a finger. David was not amused! Their musical directors were formidable women and I was once drawn aside and In September 1965 I got a ‘phone call given a severe reprimand for telling from Evan Prentice telling me that their girls during a rehearsal to “lift their Clifton had a vacancy for an Assistant chests” whilst singing. I was informed in Director and could I attend an interview no uncertain terms not to use the word for the post the following day. Before “chest” but to use the word “ribcage” I knew it, I had said “yes” and had to instead! borrow a suit pretty quickly! Evan put What makes a good musician? me through my paces at the interview and Stephen McWatters talked at length Oh, that’s a hard one. In the end, it has about Mozart, and I was offered the job to be innate talent. You can, as a teacher, on the same day – and stayed for the instil technique but not musicianship. next 34 years! Stephen McWatters was I have known a lot of technically very donnish; highly intelligent and David Pettit and Jack Britton. good pupils who lacked the emotional immensely supportive of music. We ended intelligence to transform technique into How involved with College Chapel were you? up playing duets together. Evan was memorable performance. I have to another exceptional musician although I Very much. In those days we had services admit, class teaching was not my forte! only had the benefit of working with him every Sunday and I played the organ. However, I always felt that if only one or for two terms before his career was cut Chapel singing was very good and the two got something out of, for example, short by his tragic accident. I admired boys were very supportive. I also took my rabbiting on about Bach, then it was and respected him enormously. Another Congers. It was great and I had a whale worth it. It still surprises me when OCs martinet when he chose to be, he was a of a time, leaping on seats, dancing come up to me and tell me that they owe very clever musician, technician, and a on the radiators, hurling my gown at their enjoyment of music to those lessons! very good organist. unfortunate pupils – anything to get their I suppose I just tried to encourage attention and full involvement! people by being openly sympathetic to Peppin, McKie, Beachcroft, Fox, Prentice; the limitations of this age-group. The Clifton seems to have attracted exceptionally How was Music organised then? tremendous influx of pop music during talented Directors over the years. Why do you The Music School then was really a very the 1960s had a huge effect, too. We think this was so? dingy building but it produced some could not, as teachers, retreat to our ivory I think it was because Clifton was highly very good results. There were very few towers and pretend it wasn’t happening respected for its music and this attracted instrumental specialists then. We had but rather use it as a platform to develop men of real stature and character. some splendid ladies who taught singing, pupils’ interest in music. House music, They were all first class musicians with one of whom we had to banish to the top too, of course, is very important in this immensely high standards to which they floor! Wind and brass specialists were respect. therefore expected their pupils to aspire. unknown. These instruments were all What are your fondest memories of Clifton? As a result, Clifton had a real name. taught by the band Master, an ex-military man called Tom Geggie. I can hear him Lots! Friendships, lots of characters, lots Who followed Prentice? now presiding over a pretty awful band of common interests. We had marvellous I did for two terms and then David Pettit practice, bellowing out “Walker, put your times in those early days, whether it was arrived In January 1967. He was a real trombone down!” He taught 84 lessons appearing in the Pre production of The character, larger than life, over the top, a week. Specialists gradually started to Mikado, or Staff plays, or doing revues amusing, and often putting his foot in appear in the late 1960s. à la Hinge and Brackett with John

MUSIC AT CLIFTON - THE FIRST FIFTY YEARS 21 Davenport. There was lots of getting Anniversary of the Bath Choral Society, together and mutual entertaining – it was entitled Remembering. And then there’s a real community. One felt valued for my garden, which I love, socializing and what one did and for who one was. You going out with friends, going to antique PASTMASTERS: were expected to be of a certain calibre fairs (I love collecting china, as you can and people accepted you for that and see), and walking. I still don’t really know respected what you could offer. It was a where composing comes from – I could Gwilym very happy time. If I am honest, I did certainly never teach it, it’s too personal. not enjoy my last few years. I was used to John, you come across as having had a full and boys and being involved in their musical happy life. Any regrets? Isaac development, and I found the transition to co-education not easy. Changes in attitude Not really. I nearly became a Cathedral Many a Clifton musician towards behaviour and discipline were organist (Canterbury) but I couldn’t face also unsettling for my generation, and we it. I sometimes wonder if I did the best for has had to start somewhere, began to feel that our personal standards my parents whose ill-health was one of the and for quite a few this were being challenged and devalued. main reasons I stayed in Bristol. I hope so. Did I do what was right? It wasn’t an meant an early introduction You came to my rescue at a difficult time for Pre easy time. to Music in the Pre, and Music. What do you remember about that? Is faith important for you? the early influence of Gwil Oh, it was such great fun. I had been just teaching piano part-time and, after Yes, but in a pretty uncomplicated Isaac. Together with John years of being really involved with way. Faith always seems to have been Marsh and several Directors Clifton music, I have to say that I was there as part of me and part of my life. not enjoying the experience. Running Theological niceties have never worried of Music, he forged a the Pre’s music for a time made me or concerned me. I love the 1662 Prayer partnership to which feel valued again, and taking the Pre Book – it provides the mystery I need the present quality of Choir was such a refreshing experience. because I just don’t know what the truth The children were so enthusiastic and really is in this respect. the College’s music affectionate and I found my last Sunday owes much. Service with them a very emotional Why is music important in education? moment. There was such a lot of music in It’s a civilizing influence. Some of the wil was born in 1931 in Pentre, the Pre and it was always full of life, and most civilized people I have met are Wales. His was a musical the Common Room made me feel very musicians or music teachers. Music puts welcome. A very happy time! Ghousehold. His father, like so people in touch with part of themselves many of his fellow countrymen, loved which nothing else does. It has an When did you finally retire? to sing and was Precentor at the local immediate appeal, moving even the Welsh Baptist Church. Like so many of At the end of the Summer Term 1999. hardest of hearts, and it’s right that his generation, he was not blessed with children should meet their emotions head Did you miss Clifton? much choice and it is probable that he on and learn not to be afraid of them. I exorcized his frustrations at not being Actually, no. I have always been one for think it is very important to have music able to make more of career in music by moving on. available. I don’t like music exams or encouraging his son in that direction. By competitions. Life would be so less rich What are you doing now? the age of 6, Gwil was playing the piano even at the humblest level without music – and, in his own words, “was a precocious Lots. I’m Director of Music and Organist children’s lives need enriching in this day little ******”! His early memories of at the Lord Mayor’s Chapel, and am and age of measurement. It’s a liberating piano lessons revolved around visits to very proud of the fact that I have influence, like Drama. People need to the home of his teacher, Jack Foulds. just completed my Doctorate at the have this wider vision because teaching Gwil recalls him as, Birmingham Conservatoire. This involved, today is far too prescriptive. amongst other things, a dissertation on “a delightful man. Jack and Florrie had If you had one memory of Clifton and one Aesthetics and a composition entitled eight cats in their three-bedroom house, with piece of music to take on your proverbial desert Songs of Earth and Heaven. a keyboard in every room. He set me on the island, what would they be? How would you characterize your composition? road as it were – they were a lovely couple.” Memory of Clifton? Hearing the whole English pastoral. I have been very As with John Marsh, it was going School sing in Chapel. I found that always influenced by English composers, to Grammar School, in Gwil’s case uplifting, especially when they sang my especially Vaughan Williams. I am so Oswestry, that opened his eyes to a world Anthem for Peace – it bowled me over. pleased that his music is enjoying a of musical possibilities. “It changed my One piece of music? Mozart’s Requiem. reassessment. He was much influenced life”, is his simple verdict. Grammar But then there is, again, Vaughan by folk music and 16th Century modality, School introduced him to the Chapel Williams’ Toward the Unknown Region or and his work is highly emotional. He and, more importantly, to the organ, Sea Symphony; and then there’s Elgar’s was a superb setter of words, a conjuror with which he fell in love. Clearly a Symphonies and his Allegro for Strings – oh of pictures and emotions; there is great talented youth, for whilst continuing dear, that’s four or five already! humanity about his music. Elgar, too, is a piano lessons it was some time before he great influence. His work is pure emotion John, it’s been a pleasure talking to you and had any formal organ teaching, he was and very personal. I have just finished a thank you for your time, and for all that you encouraged by the local parish organist, set of songs, and a new work for the 125th have given Clifton music over the years.

22 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 Leslie Calvert, to take it seriously, and ignored and then kept the Dean waiting, a proper Music Department with a wide Gwil won both the Under 16 and Over 16 much to that cleric’s evident fury. Four range of specialists. Mothers were cajoled prizes at the National Eistedfodd, playing years on, an opportunity arose to go to San into making proper gowns for the choir Bach’s G minor. With this background, Antonio, Texas, but this was to prove but and he expanded this, using his cathedral he was encouraged to go for an Organ a short interlude and, in a funny way, the experience to lay the foundations of a Scholarship at Cambridge where he found catalyst for the rest of Gwil’s career. Back strong choral tradition that is still very that he was up against a huge field. Not on leave, he was encourage to apply for a much a feature of the Pre today. getting this was a blow at the time but, post at Bradfield College. Nothing came of In 1995, Gwil retired, although, along characteristically, Gwil looks back on this this but, back in America, he soon received with John Marsh, he was inveigled out of disappointment as positive since, had he a letter from Stephen McWatters offering retirement to come and play the organ won this award, his life would subsequently him a job – his reputation had evidently for the Pre during a hiatus between have panned out rather differently. preceded him! And so the Clifton chapter Music Directors. I have immensely fond began, arriving at the airport to be met memories of his enthusiasm, slightly National Service followed, as it did in with the Bursar in December 1965, who naughty sense of humour, and the unique those days for many school leavers. Gwil promptly installed him in Northcote Road. way in which he took Congers in the remembers “ritual square-bashing” and a As it happened, John Marsh joined at the request to go to Germany in the mistaken same time, and the pair bumped into each Pre hall – the children simply had no belief that such a posting would afford him other in January 1966 on their way to idea what hit them! On retirement, he plenty of opportunities to play the organ! the Music School. Thus began a long and gave all his organ music away, having the It was an important experience for him productive friendship. Both had to play wisdom and humility to realise that to and he believes that it did many people a for Evan Prentice, Gwil playing the Bach play at the level which gave him any sort lot of good in terms of making them grow B minor, eliciting the observation from of satisfaction required a commitment to up and get life into perspective. Prentice, “Oh – I see you keep your elbows practice which was now beyond him. The consolation that went with this act is the On his return to Wales, the priest of Holy fact that he proudly claims that he has not Trinity, Oswestry, managed to wangle Gwil played a wrong note for the past 14 years! an introduction to Hereford Cathedral When asked about Clifton memories, not where he was taken on by Meredith Davies surprisingly Chapel stands out – “It’s a as an articled pupil, a sort of equivalent wonderful building and I loved what went to an organ scholar. Davies was a huge on in there and I loved the work. I can’t influence on Gwil’s musical development understand why anyone doesn’t appreciate and also introduced his young protégé the place.” to whisky! At Hereford, Gwil, of course, became involved with the Three Choirs Gwil still comes across as a thoughtful, festival, meeting such luminaries as sensitive and wise soul whose belief in the Vaughan Williams and Herbert Howells importance of music in education stems – “When Herbert called me Gwilliam from the fact that he has always seen for the first time, I could have licked his music as a universal language, bringing boots”, Gwil recalls and, all through his people together and giving them not life, Gwil has retained a love of Psalms and only opportunities for fun but also for Psalm singing. achievement. One particular pupil typified this for Gwil, a certain Ben Hughes- In 1953, he went to the Royal College Gwil playing at the Commem Service 1996. Games. “Not a promising organist” was of Music where he remembers having a Gwil’s initial assessment and yet man and wonderful time. His mentor and teacher pushed in when you play!” boy worked hard over the years and Ben was the eminent Dr Sidney Campbell. Gwil finally managed a Grade 8. “He and his claims that he did not work very hard, and The Pre’s music had been in the hands of parents were so proud of this and I was so the fact that he appears to have secured a Alan Hemmings, but he had left, so Gwil proud of him” Gwil recently commented, regular slot as a Saturday night performer was immediately given the responsibility and the fact that he sees this as one of the at the Chelsea Palace may indeed support – “Director of Music in all but name” as great successes of his life tells one volumes his assessment! During his last term at McWatters carefully put it. Music facilities about the man and the teacher. the RCM openings appeared at both were virtually non-existent, lessons taking Southwark and Canterbury and Gwil place in classrooms or the Pre Hall. With Gwil has no regrets. He has always seen ended up going down to Kent. Typically the advent of Jim Hornby, space was disappointments as being opportunities modest, he insists that he was “no whizz- created in Cambridge House and Gwil rather than failures, and he looks back with kid” and that he had to learn an awful lot remembers assisting in its creation by immense fondness on his time at Clifton in order to cope with the demands of the personally wielding a sledge-hammer - “It was a great place to end one’s career Cathedral. Some thirty voluntaries alone as walls were knocked down and areas and I have so many wonderful memories were required every week and there were opened up. Gwil typically understates of great occasions when the choir sang so strict rules when it came to improvising his influence on Pre music. Under his well in that marvellous Chapel.” He feels (anyone who has heard Gwil play knows guidance, and with the full support of that he has been very lucky; I reckon that it how good he is at this). Carried away at both Jim Hornby and Roger Trafford, is a feeling shared, in no small part thanks one stage by what he felt to be rather an recorders ceased to be the main focus to his efforts, by many Cliftonians. elegant piece of musicianship, he once and, as the years rolled by, he established

MUSIC AT CLIFTON - THE FIRST FIFTY YEARS 23 and Cleo Laine) and several other amazing jazz musicians. What made the event so MUSIC TODAY special was the inclusion of many Cliftonian musicians, who were invited to form a The current year has witnessed a major backing choir for the performance. ‘B’ also stands for Big School Concerts and Battle of rebuild of the Clifton College Music School. the Bands, two annual events which are firm The original music school was opened in 1897 fixtures in the Clifton calendar. There is clearly a very long and distinguished history and it represented a milestone for the school in of Big School concerts, and a good number of programmes have been discovered as the that Clifton was one of the fi rst public schools music school was packed, charting concerts to have a dedicated building for music. right back to the late nineteenth century. Battle of the Bands was initially conceived as a fiercely fought competition between rock he music school was extended in undoubtedly widening the appeal of music; bands, but in more recent times has became the 1960s to accommodate the musicians from all backgrounds, whether a celebration of all Clifton’s best rock talent. T school’s flourishing music and this classical or contemporary, can enjoy the new facility was opened by the late Yehudi fun of discovering music. ‘A’ is also for For ‘C’ we must first mention Chapel Choir. Menuhin. In recent times it became clear A cappella, referring to the wonderfully They are one of the busiest ensembles in the that the fabric of the building was in a state talented group of chamber musicians who college, singing at a very large number of of disrepair and it was a source of major sing in this leading school group. Their services during the term. They are called excitement when a substantial bequest recent performances (mimicking the style into service for special services and in recent from Joseph Cooper (OC) enabled the of the legendary King’s Singers) at school years these have included the memorial College to press ahead with ambitious concerts and at OC events have been warmly services for Dr Hallward in May 2004 and plans for a refurbishment. Architect Mark received and the group continues to grow this year for John Barratt. Away from Webber (OC) was appointed to prepare in strength. By no means least, ‘A’ is also for college the choir has been invited to sing at plans and construction work commenced Advent Sunday, one of my favourite chapel a number of prestigious venues in London in August 2008. services of the year and well attended by (St Paul’s Cathedral and St Martin-in-the local residents in Clifton. The 2004 service Fields) and at Salisbury Cathedral (October The original 1897 building is retained in the is especially vivid in my mind, as I recall the 2005) Gloucester Cathedral (February refurbishment but the 1960s extension was girls’ performance of A Ceremony of Carols by 2007) and Hereford Cathedral (January demolished to make space for a state of the Benjamin Britten. 2008). ‘C’ is for Commemoration Concert art new building, incorporating a recording and this annual event has produced some suite and three music technology classrooms. And so to ‘B’s, and firstly to Bude. In fine performances over recent years. Two The finished result is startling: old and new September 2005 the chapel choir made a highlights for me were Katie Samuel’s (WT) are seamlessly fused, light pours into the day trip to Cornwall to sing Morning Prayer rendition of The Lark Ascending (Vaughan building from newly installed roof windows, at St Olaf ’s, Poughill; this marked the 60th Williams) in May 2003 and the string many new sound insulated practice rooms anniversary of the school’s return to Clifton orchestra’s performance the following year have been created and new instruments in 1945. Following the service the choir of Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis, written have been purchased, including a Yamaha enjoyed an afternoon on the beach at Bude, by the same composer. grand piano for the Recital Hall. eating barbecued food and playing games. Two years later, in July 2007, the choir A ‘C’ not to be missed is the annual Choral The current list of music groups is diverse: returned to Cornwall, this time to Fowey, for Congers Concert which was started in Lent chapel choir, string orchestra, orchestra, a brief music tour which combined surfing term 2004. This grew out of the Choral swing band, soul band, recorder consort, with singing! Society and is a singing concert designed rock workshops, jazz workshops, A cappella for the whole school. Every Upper School singing and much more besides. The new ‘B’ reminds me also of ‘blue’: Harvey pupil takes part in weekly rehearsals each Music School will offer every group excellent Brough’s Requiem in Blue, which was Saturday morning during the Lent Term, rehearsal facilities and staff and pupils alike performed to a packed chapel in November leading up to a whole school performance at are extremely excited at the possibilities 2001. Harvey Brough (perhaps best the end of the term. The accompaniment is which lie ahead. known with his group Harvey and the provided by a 12 piece brass ensemble (with Wallbangers) played alongside Gerard Since being appointed Director of Music, percussion), yet during the climactic points Presencer (Flugelhorn), Jacqueline in September 2002, the pupils and staff of ‘Jerusalem’, both the players and chapel Dankworth (daughter of John Dankworth have been involved in much varied and organ are drowned out by the volume memorable music making. Here follows an produced by the school! A-Z account of some of the highlights… ‘D’ is easy: Rachel Skinner’s production of ‘A’ is for Academic music, which has Dido and Aeneas (Purcell), in Lent Term flourished in recent years. Many Cliftonians 2004. On a tight rehearsal schedule and choose to take GCSE and A-level music budget Rachel (a former singing teacher) and recent results have been impressive. produced a quite outstanding show in the The course structures, determined by college chapel. She built on this success QCA, have evolved over time and the with excerpts from Mozart’s The Magic Flute three main areas of study are listening, (2005) and in May 2006 with scenes from performing and composing. Whilst not Carmen (Bizet). In May 2007 Luke Bond groundbreaking in their conception, the took charge of proceedings in a delightful methods by which these skills are taught production of Little Shop of Horrors. For ‘D’ and examined have changed dramatically, we must also mention DJ lessons, taken

24 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 with DJ Mark! This recent innovation has has gone quite literally proved very popular with pupils. through the roof and there have been occasions October 2007 saw our first ever guitar when selecting a winner clinic with Elliott Randall; our entry for has been an invidious and ‘E’. This extraordinary occasion was led in unenviable task! entirety by Elliott and we were all wowed by his musicianship, technique and personal ‘I’ might well be for warmth. Randall has played the well-known informal concerts and guitar solos from Steely Dan’s hit Reelin’ in indeed informal music the Years and Fame. Legendary Led Zeppelin making in general. guitarist Jimmy Page has said that Randall’s One of the delights solo on Reelin’ in the Years is his favourite of the Clifton music guitar solo of all time so it was a privilege to scene is the depth of have him coaching our students. musical ingenuity and Two ‘F’s bring back fond musical memories; inventiveness. There the first, Fine Arts Brass Ensemble, made are numerous groups, a visit to Clifton in January 2004 and this including rock groups, world renowned group returned in 2006. barber-shop and With their brand of wit, musicianship and Cambridge Footlights sheer class they made a sensational impact impersonators who on both visits. Whatever they turned meet simply for their own pleasure. Not evening recitals remain vivid in the memory. their skills to they captivated the pupils’ all of what they produce reaches the public Violinist Marat Bisengaliev’s visit to Clifton imaginations. I recall them playing the ear (indeed not all of it may be quite so in May 2004 was an astonishing occasion, themes from The Antiques Roadshow and suitable...) but it forms a continuous equalled only by John Lill’s piano tour-de- Ground Force to the obvious delight of thread in the musical life. force in September 2005. Just three months the Pre pupils and then, in the evening later, in December 2005, came Handel’s ‘J’ for Joseph Cooper and ‘K’ for Kadoorie concert, producing stunning playing in Messiah, worthy of a mention for ‘M’. The Cup are synonymous names with music at both classical and jazz genres. The other Chapel Choir were joined by a professional Clifton. The considerable donation given by ‘F’, in June 2006, was the Gerald Finzi 50th orchestra and soloists in a memorable Joseph Cooper has been mentioned at the Anniversary Concert in the College Chapel, performance (in entirety) of this magnificent beginning of this article, indeed the formal featuring the Chapel Choir and Brunel work. Three of the soloists, Margaret opening of the Music School, on Thursday Sinfonia. The programme, which included Thomas (soprano), Patrick Lee-Browne 24th September by Sir David Willcocks (OC), God is gone up, Romance for string orchestra, (counter-tenor) and Tim Meunier (Bass), will be the occasion when the building is the Clarinet Concerto and Welcome Sweet and were then current staff members. Thinking renamed the Joseph Cooper Music School. Sacred Feast produced some exquisite musical about Patrick and Tim I cannot imagine The Kadoorie Cup competition, held each moments. a greater combined musical talent on any year in May, is still the premier solo music other Senior Management Team in the land! competition at Clifton. It is open to any Giles Nuttall, an outstanding guitarist and Clifton was indeed fortunate to have such musician who has reached grade 7 standard. current pupil, is my first entry for ‘G’. His singers in their midst. It was an astonishing Competition is stiff and there is no room solo recital in March of this year was one of achievement for a group of (non-auditioned) for sentiment; in some schools there is bias the finest individual musical efforts that I school pupils; all the hard work paid off in a towards leavers or ‘good musical eggs’, but have had the privilege to listen to at Clifton. night that I will never forget. Switching effortlessly between classical not here! The winner is selected entirely on and contemporary electric he produced a musical merit and, as if to prove that point, ‘N’ can be nothing else but the New Music consummate performance. ‘G’ is also for St the current Kadoorie Cup holder is Oliver School! This has been mentioned several George’s, the wonderful concert venue off Gittings (ST, 3rd form). times before, if you hadn’t noticed, but, as you might have guessed, we are rather Park Street which is in walking distance from Music and Readings for Lent is my pleased with the outcome! College. Sir Simon Rattle has described the choice for ‘L’. This very special occasion hall has having one of the finest acoustics is scheduled each year towards the end of And so to ‘O’ for organs and organists. In in Europe and it is easy to see why pupils the Lent term and has become a flagship my time at Clifton the following organists enjoy playing their annual spring orchestral performance opportunity for the Chapel have held post at the college; Jeremy concert in such fabulous surroundings. Choir. Initially conceived as an intimate Holland-Smith, Tom Day, Mark Swinton, Each subsequent year provides more treats homily, the nature of the occasion has Ronny Krippner, Luke Bond and most as the standard is propelled ever higher. evolved and in recent years larger scale recently Andy Dewar. All have brought works have been sung. These include At the risk of sounding like Christopher different skills and perspectives to the post Fauré’s Requiem (March 2007), Stainer’s Smart, ‘H’ is for Houses, or more specifically and there are memorable highlights of The Crucifixion (March 2008) and Duruflé’s House-based music competitions and these years. Two in particular are Mark Requiem (March 2009). evenings. The strength of Clifton is built Swinton’s performance of La Nativité du on the House system, and the annual The first ‘M’ that springs to mind is Master- Seigneur (Messiaen) in January 2005 and, House Music Competitions and concerts Classes, which are our opportunities for more recently, Andy Dewar’s remarkable provide a remarkable variety and standard pupils to work alongside truly world-class transcription of the Liszt B Minor piano of performance. There are solo, chamber musicians and learn from their expertise. sonata. I also have fond memories of Luke and whole house competitions, but, without Members of the Fine Arts Brass Ensemble, Bond’s delightful organ accompaniment at a shadow of doubt, the most keenly fought Harvey Brough and Elliott Randall have the Hereford Cathedral evensong. and most eagerly awaited is the part-song already been mentioned, but there are two The chapel organ has undergone regular competition. In recent years the standard further musicians whose master-classes and maintenance work and the reservoir and

MUSIC AT CLIFTON - THE FIRST FIFTY YEARS 25 wind-trunking were all replaced by Harrison 2006), Ha-Young Jung WoH (double bass, and Harrison last summer. This has April 2007) and more recently by Julia reduced the excessive wind noise produced Hwang, Lana Trimmer and Oliver Gittings. by the organ and has ensured that it Visiting Music Teachers (VMTs) must not remains one of the finest instruments in the be forgotten under ‘V’. This large team of country. Numbers of organ pupils are on visiting tutors (currently around 30 in total) the increase which is a very pleasing trend, give very dedicated service to pupils and and I am pleased to announce that the first recipient of the Sir Charles Villiers Stanford ensure they gain the bedrock of skills which Organ Prize is Oliver Gittings (previously enable them to achieve so much in their mentioned as winner of the Kadoorie Cup collective ensemble music making. The – on violin!) range of instruments and styles taught by these teachers is immense; they are aided ‘P’ is synonymous with The Prom on the (as indeed am I) by a dedicated support with the Rotary club of Bristol has been most Close, Clifton’s annual open air concert on network of incredible people including fruitful and I hope it will continue. the Close. Started in 2001 it has grown to Allison Durrans (Music Administrator) and become one of the largest musical parties Summer Serenade, formerly known as the Dean Ashfield and his ever-helpful team of in Bristol, regularly attracting audiences of Baroque Concerto Concert, is now a firm porters. several thousand people. Guest soloists have fixture in the early part of the summer The Worshipful Company of Musicians included José Carreras, Lesley Garrett, Aled term. Richard Crabtree, Head of Strings, prize, awarded annually by this prestigious Jones, Russell Watson and the vocal group has nurtured this event since its inception national organisation, recognises the All Angels, but a most significant feature and given it a firm standing in the College contribution of an upper sixth leaver to has been the inclusion of Clifton musicians calendar. Our most talented music scholars music over a number of years. The award is in the line-up of performers. Groups such are given the opportunity to perform part funded by a very generous OC and we are as the Soul Band and Swing Band have of a concerto movement with a professional most grateful for that continuing support; featured as warm-up acts ahead of the main orchestra, which this year was made up of the current recipient is Nicholas Bromilow concert, and increasingly pupils have been members of the Philharmonia Orchestra ET (2009) and he takes over from Jessica invited to perform in the main concert itself. from London. The highlight of the evening Crabtree WoH. Julia Hwang (violin), Laura Creese and was a faultless rendition of Mozart’s Sinfonia Elleri Hughes (sopranos) and the chapel Concertante with soloists Julia Hwang (violin) And so to ‘X’. The dictionary offered me choir are cases in point. It remains the most and Lana Trimmer (viola). ‘S’ is also for fewer than ten words in total to get me out extraordinary end of term school concert Soul Band and this group has become of this alphabetical dilemma, and I could of any school that I know and long may it one of the most successful music groups think of nothing in particular to write about continue! of our time. As early as November 2006 Xenakis, the French composer of Romanian ‘Q’ reminds me of the upper school’s Toby Carden (then Head of Wind and birth, born to Greek parents! So it has Clarinet Quintet. This premier chamber Brass) had organised a salsa evening with to be Xylophone, and my recollections of group is formed entirely of pupils under the dancing in the JCR and this group of pupils some astonishing performances by Adam age of 13 and they are working on Mozart’s later formed the current Soul Band. This Briggs ST on this wonderful instrument. fine composition for this combination. They summer the band is travelling to Portugal on As he progressed the school eventually play with poise and musical understanding tour to give live performances. purchased its own marimba and I vividly recall Adam’s performance of Zimba Zamba well beyond their years and my thanks go This leads nicely on to ‘T’ for tours, of by Goff Richards at St George’s in a clever to Richard Crabtree and Sara Temple, head which Clifton has undertaken many. Visits arrangement by Jeremy Holland-Smith. of strings and wind respectively, for their to Florence (2003), Barcelona (2005) and dedication in coaching this ensemble. Venice (2007) are clear highlights. There Yehudi Menuhin is commonly considered Radio broadcasts is our first entry for ‘R’, are many happy memories of such visits one of the twentieth century’s greatest violin referring to the succession of invitations that which were a union of music and fun; virtuosi and it was he who opened what was the College Choir has received to perform friendships were cemented and many the new music wing in the 1960s. When this on BBC National Radio. The Choir has lifelong musical memories remain. A building was demolished to make way for twice sung for the Daily Service on Radio special moment for me was performing the new extension we came across a framed 4 and recorded a further two shows for Versa est in luctum (Alonso Lobo) in the 11th photo, signed by Menuhin, marking that Sunday Half Hour on Radio 2. These century monastery in Montserrat, high in particular milestone in Clifton’s history. This occasions have given the pupils tremendous the mountains overlooking Barcelona, and frame will be displayed in the new building. insight into how the BBC go about their centre of the Catalan faith. And so finally to ‘Z’ for Bristol Zoo, worthy professional work and, in turn, the pupils ‘U’ can really only stand for Unplugged, of a mention because of its proximity to have received warm accolades from a the impressive acoustic guitar nights that the music school and also because of the discerning national audience. Jerry Crozier-Cole organises each year. So close relationship that we enjoy. There ‘R’ also reminds me of Rotary Youth much Clifton musical talent comes to light are legendary stories of boys deliberately Concerts which started in 2005 and have on such occasions which bears testament to allowing monkeys to climb through an been repeated biannually. These concerts his efforts and indeed the hard work put in open window in the main recital hall to rile have featured the very best talent from local by many others teachers (of which more to Douglas Fox, and whilst today’s pupils are Bristol schools and have also featured the come! There is room to mention yet more rather kinder we must still have the only winning soloists from the prestigious Rotary Clifton talent with ‘V’ for virtuosi, the select music school in the country whose Associated Young Musician of the Year Competition. group of highly talented pupils for which Board practical exams can be interrupted by Cliftonians have risen to the challenge music practice is a way of life! In my time the deafening roar of lions... to give their very best performances and there have been breathtaking performances needless to say have not been found lacking by Liv-Marie Fletcher WT (violin, October James Hills in such esteemed company. The association 2004), Laura Creese OH (soprano, April Director of Music

26 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 CliftonianClifttheonian

CONTENTS

28 Charlie Colquhoun Common Room pays tribute to a great Schoolmaster

44 Art Review Current Cliftonian artists maintain College’s traditions in this field

58 CCF There’s more to CCF life than marching . . .

28 Clifton Present 36 Chapel Notes 38 Commem 44 Art Review 48 Dramatic Overview 52 Music 55 Poetry Please 58 CCF 65 Clifton in the Community 66 Sport Clifton Present Charlie Colquhoun

David Hume, the 18th century Scottish philosopher, argued that when we experience something, it creates an “impression” in our minds, and that when we recall that experience at a later date, the “idea” which we conjure up is a “faint copy” of the original “impression”.

harlie Colquhoun certainly made a was, in his 20’s, very active in the Old vivid impression on all those with Blundellian Cricket Club, and played Cwhom he came into contact, but the for the Free Foresters. At school, he recollection of him will never be “faint”. came under the wing of the extremely He was a larger than life character, with charismatic Master-in-charge of cricket, copious joie de vivre, and his untimely John Patrick, who was an important death cast a long shadow over the whole influence on his subsequent teaching Clifton community. The facts and figures career. On leaving Blundell’s, he tried his of his time at Clifton are, of course, worthy hand at Surveying, and then picked up of note and of celebration, but Charlie was some work experience at The Downs. He never a slave to what could be measured. had now discovered his vocation, and To him, the measurable and quantifiable spent three years at St. Paul’s College were the antithesis of the true and in Cheltenham, and a fourth at Bristol proper aims of education, which entailed University. Charlie returned to work at becoming and being a “good egg” – not The Downs (1977 – 1984), where he just at school, but in life. Teaching for made a lasting impression on the pupils, him was therefore an intensely personal and on a young colleague, Jean, whom endeavour, and an art, and he was one of he married in September 1981. Once at its finest exponents, an “Old Master”. Clifton, he began to make his mark on the sporting life of the College, running Charlie arrived at Clifton in 1984, when the XV (1985-87), the XI (1988-93), Fives he began work in Derek Winterbottom’s (1985-93) and Rackets (1988-92). He History Department, and as George Nahum, which came to light when Charlie enjoyed huge success in all these roles, Cross’s House Tutor in Watson’s. Over was contacted (as OC Secretary) by which he always put down to the boys the following 24 years, he would serve Pembroke College, Cambridge, with news in his charge, but he was the one who four Head Masters with distinction, and of a scholarship in Nahum’s memory. He identified, encouraged and led them, his presence would be felt in countless had been at Polack’s in the early 1930’s, and he loved to win, especially against areas of school life. In the classroom, he and then had a stellar academic career at Cheltenham, Marlborough and Sherborne! was immensely popular with the pupils, Cambridge, before being killed in an air Nevertheless, despite this intensely and delivered memorable lessons and raid in 1942. But what especially appealed competitive streak, what set him apart excellent results, for which he rarely took to Charlie was Nahum’s devotion to was an often unspoken conviction that the the credit he deserved. He was the resident various Marxist causes, his support for the Corinthian ideal of taking part really was expert on 20th Century Totalitarianism, International Brigade in the Spanish Civil the point – if you weren’t meeting people, and Room 10 was a treasure chest of War and, best of all, the naming of a Red making friends and enjoying the journey, memorabilia (military as well as sporting). Army unit in his honour! you might as well not have bothered. In an earlier period, when A Levels were a “proper exam”, he exuded the same Charles Murray Etheridge Colquhoun Charlie continued to play his part with kind of authority as a “Tudors and Stuarts was born on July 21st 1953 in Salisbury. various sports’ teams, and was, at various man” – he seemed to have an instinctive Family life was quite itinerant, and times, a much loved Tutor in School feel for tyrants and megalomaniacs! after a brief dose of the village school House, West Town and Polack’s. In 2005, He adored the highways and byways of in Failand, he went to The Downs and when PH closed, he wrote me a wonderful historical narrative, and was never short then to Blundell’s, where he excelled at letter, in red ink (“the use of the of “fascinating facts” and “biographical sport – he was in a Nationals’ winning socialist pen is entirely appropriate and trivia”, from which he learnt profound Fives pair with Vic Marks, and captained deliberate”), in which he remarked that lessons about the human condition. One the XI in 1972, a team which included he had tried to “embrace (Polackians) for recent favourite was the story of Effraim both Vic Marks and Jeremy Lloyds. He what they bring to our lives.” It seemed

28 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 to me then, and still does today, that this was his secret – he embraced people, and The Cliftonian Magazines what they “bring to our lives”, and this made him such great company and such a great friend. It is sometimes said that we are what we read. It His enduring achievements at Clifton could equally be argued that we are what we write will be Moberly’s and the OC Society. and nothing exemplifi es this more, perhaps, than The merger of Brown’s and Dakyns’ was fraught with difficulty, but Charlie’s the Clifton magazines that were produced under inclusive and dynamic approach yielded Charlie Colquhoun’s leadership. a rich harvest – he established a fresh template, and ran a modern, vibrant House, where all the boys felt part of the project, without in any way disrespecting is publications, starting the two previous regimes. When he moved with the OC Magazine and on to the Secretaryship of the OC Society, Hthen, eventually, overseeing he knew that Tom Gover would be a hard the amalgamation of this with The act to follow, but once again he came up Cliftonian, were characterized by trumps, with new ideas and a passionate being colourful, full of fun, buoyant commitment to the organization, which andand iinformative.nformative. HHisis ssenseense ooff hhumourumour It was thus somewhat typical of the would build on what had gone before. and love of life permeates through them all yet, typically, never at the expense of man that his last edition, published In a speech at St. Paul’s School in July respect for the past and its traditions. just before his death ( and how 1946, Field Marshal Montgomery told his pleased he was in hospital to know alma mater that education of the young that he had lived to see it come out) can “only succeed...if we pay great should open with two quotes from attention to certain basic fundamentals, the past. The fi rst was from ST Irwin, and these are Leadership, Morale who taught at Clifton from 1876 to and Discipline.” Charlie would have 1911 and who left behind a volume of appreciated the sentiment, but he also speeches and addresses with which embodied those virtues himself – he was Charlie could readily identify; unquestionably a leader, and he was also So long as the standard of manners great for morale, because time spent in his in places like this is kept up, there is company always made you feel good. As no danger from without. Such places for discipline, he was a prime example of are not brought down except by how being ferociously well organized, in an themselves. almost effortless way, could enable you to (continued over) get on with the really important things in life. It was ironic that in January 2009, at a staff INSET (not Charlie’s favourite activity!), the speaker, a distinguished Scottish Professor of Education, should ask himself the question (and I paraphrase): “After 40 years in education, what does it all come down to? In one word – Relationships.” Charlie would have approved, because that was his raison d’être. When he died Charlie was too good a historian of cancer at the age of 55, it came as a to let that happen, and too good a dreadful shock, and a wave of emotion was schoolmaster to approve of shallow detonated amongst all those who knew mockery. So, whilst there is plenty of him, as was amply demonstrated at the tongue-in-cheek – witness the splendid “Service of Thanksgiving” in October 2008. cover of the 2006 edition of the Old There were floods of tears, both of sadness Cliftonian with faux Perry and Mathias and of laughter, and I guess he would to the fore – there was plenty, too, that have approved. instructed and underlined the past properly approached and understood. He leaves a widow, Jean, and their two daughters, Katherine and Emma (both OC’s), and we wish them well as they try to rebuild their lives without a much-loved husband and father. Jo Greenbury – President of the SCR

CLIFTON PRESENT 29 Wiseman’s My involvement in running a boarding house The second was from Oscar Thomson, writing in 1927 about his hopes for his began many years ago, around 1980, when I children, and concluding; was a Tutor in School House at Rugby School I would rather my children would have under the then Housemaster, J C Marshall. hardship and live deeply, than an easy road and live superfi cially. Rugby School at that time was a fairly rough, Live deeply was, in many ways, a fi tting tough environment, an all-boys’ school with epitaph for Charlie and he most certainly a few sixth-form girls. set that example to all with whom he came into contact and thus will his legacy blossom and grow in the years to come. his experience was then augmented He saw The Cliftonian as having a vital role when my wife was appointed sixth- to play in this. For him, the magazine was form Housemistress at a genteel both a way of bringing the generations T boarding school for young ladies in North together in a shared experience and Yorkshire and I was involved in the House reinforcing the educational nature of the as “Housemistress’ spouse”. These two whole place, both as a living historical experiences were polar opposites but document relating to the College, and as provided me with useful parameters for a guardian of those values and standards teenage behaviour. Even though now, in for which he believed the College stood Wiseman’s, I run a boys’ boarding-house, and continues to stand today. In the end, genders in general seem to have merged in such a way that I sometimes fi nd myself dealing with boys in much the same way that I dealt with the girls in Yorkshire. I have

20082008 to confess that until this year I was unaware For Pupils and Former Pupils of Clifton College INCORPORATING THE ANNUAL REPORT that some young men use face masks! by the end of the war, nine lay dead on Taking on responsibility for a House entails foreign battlefi elds, as did Clissold himself, also taking on its past and the characters whose medals hang in our House library. who shaped it. On one of my late-night If the horrors of war showed Wilfred Owen tours around Wiseman’s, within a few days that “dulce et decorum est pro patria mori” of moving in, I stopped to look at a House was nothing but an “old lie”, the untimely photo on the wall. It showed the House deaths of so many Wiseman’s boys and of around 1935, with the Housemaster, J K their Housemaster show that it is equally B Crawford, sitting proudly amongst his an old lie to claim, as many do, that boys and with his attractive young wife at “Tommies” alone were cannon fodder while his side. There is a huge shield on display their public-school offi cers sheltered in the and also a classical statue, sword in hand, safety of their bunkers. which adorns many Wiseman’s photos of that era. I wonder what it was for and where So why am I writing about these ghosts he liked to ask “What are schools such it is now. Perhaps one of our readers could from the past? Because it is as if every one as Clifton for?” and he had few doubts as shed some light on this. Nearby is another of them is now part of a huge extended to the answer to that question. For him, photo, this one taken ten years later at the family of mine. Becoming a Housemaster Clifton was all about values and standards end of the Second World War. It is a very here has been in many respects like of behaviour which were permanent, different Housemaster and wife looking marrying into a family, and I want to know non-negotiable and life-sustaining. His out at us this time. One can only guess at as much as possible about my recently magazines refl ect this. I hope, thus, that the events of the intervening ten years, acquired forebears. I should also add that future editions will be able to acknowledge but one suspects that the changes in their not all of the photos suggest sadness. and develop this legacy and I can hear him appearance were not due entirely to the There are some wonderful photos from the now as I conclude saying to me through natural ageing process. Going back further Fifties showing an obviously happy and slightly gritted teeth accompanied by that into the House’s history, I see Clissold’s contented Rev. P W P Brook surrounded by characteristic twinkle in the eye, “Well bright young face, and remember that he boys who must have possessed amazing done, Bob – it’s all going terribly well.” was a victim of that earlier tragedy the First sporting prowess, to judge by the cups and Yes, Charlie, I think it probably is. World War. He sits proudly with his Cock trophies on display. In one photo, it proudly RJA House Cricket XI. Of the eleven young men, describes three different boys as being

30 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 me away from far more to work. All of us are working in different worthwhile and interesting ways towards the shared aim of enabling personal contact with my every boy in the House to do his best in as boys. Another area which many different areas as possible and to I find difficult is giving my help and guide him on this fraught path daughters the time which through the pleasures, disasters and fears they need. Ianthe is 13 of adolescence. We feel a unity of purpose and about to leave the and I hope that the boys know and feel Pre for the Upper School, that we are here to help them however we while Phoebe is 9 and in can. I have also been in regular contact Year 4 at the Pre. They are with many parents over the course of the at ages when they need year and built important relationships with considerable attention them which will add to the support offered and time, especially since to their sons. captains of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd XI. I am their only living parent. I try to make Wiseman’s today, particularly because In addition, I am fortunate in being able to time for them every evening and during the of its ethnic make-up and its twenty turn to at least three former Housemasters weekends, but I am aware that, in term-time Day Boys, is, I am sure, a very different from more recent times, if I want information at least, my daughters get a fairly rough place than it was in the days of Clissold, or advice: Geoffrey Hardyman, Mike West deal, despite my best intentions. On the Crawford and Brook. However, I am and Adam Sibley. other hand, they are both very happy at equally sure that my distinguished school here and have loved being a part Wiseman’s strengths under Brook may have predecessors would agree with me that of things in the House. There is no limit been on various sportsfields, but I have it is the boys who make the House, and to the number of hours that one needs inherited a far different kind of House. Of that whatever the boys’ background, we to give to this job. One is never off duty, the sixty or so boys in the House, around have all striven towards the same end. even when one is officially “off-duty”. In forty of them are overseas boarders and We have all had our successes and our addition to the time-honoured attractions unlikely ever to have held a rugby or cricket failures, our highs and our lows. It has of cigarettes, alcohol, drugs and break- been an exhilarating year during which ball before coming to Clifton. It follows outs, the free availability of the internet has the successes and the highs have far that we are unlikely ever to win inter-house made fairly sickening scenes of violence outweighed the failures and the lows, competitions in these areas. However, and pornography, in addition to a whole and I shall be very happy if this trend that is not to say that we do not have other host of dubious chatroom acquaintances, continues. As I have written above, I strengths which previous generations of only a few mouse-clicks away. We have already feel that Wiseman’s and every Wiseman’s boys perhaps did not possess. as much internet security as anyone, but Housemaster and boy from its past are This year, for example, we have won pupils will always try, often with success, now part of my family, and I should be two major inter-house competitions, in to beat the system, and one has to be ever delighted to hear from any reader, of any Water Polo and Basketball, as well as the vigilant in this area, especially late into the era, who would like to share with me their competitions in Chess and Backgammon. night. Housemasters need to be able to get memories of this old and distinguished All of these successes were due in part by on a maximum of five hours sleep per House. to our boys from abroad, with major night! More positively, I have taken great contributions coming from America in pleasure in watching and encouraging boys Bill Huntington the Water Polo, the Far East in Basketball in a vast range of activities. I wrote a little and Russia in Chess. It can be seen that about sport above, but there has been a Wiseman’s today is a very international and multitude of activities in cosmopolitan environment, and I rejoice other areas such as Music in this diversity. Each and every one of our and Drama. The House boys brings something different to the mix. Song and the House Drama I was asked to write about my first year in Competition both amazed Wiseman’s, and you will have realised by me as I witnessed the now that I have not addressed the question energy and dedication of in linear fashion. For consistency’s sake, the boys involved, who put therefore, I shall conclude in a similar in many hours of rehearsals vein with a few fairly random thoughts in between and around on the subject. The bane of the modern their studies. Housemaster’s life is email. Computers I am very fortunate to have a have brought great benefits to us in great team working with me different areas, but the constant flow of in Wiseman’s: my assistant often pointless emails takes up far more Housemaster Dan Janke of my time than I should like. I am much and his wife Laura (Deputy happier talking to my boys than reading Matron), our Matron Gill and writing emails - especially since I am a Gardiner and a fine team one-finger typist! Yet sadly, a huge part of of Tutors with whom it is each day is spent at my computer, taking a delight and a privilege

CLIFTON PRESENT 31 Valete

Alan Brown

“A Clifton Legend . . . ” at different times, served on the Co- education Committee prior to the arrival of girls at Clifton, i/c the Commemoration uccessive generations of pupils, Activities Programme for 8 years and ran a I suppose, have applied the series of reading groups. He has been in a Sexpression for a variety of reasons succession of Staff Plays, spoken regularly to a few, a very few of their teachers: there in Chapel and in English Department A is no doubt in my mind that Alan retires Level Revision Seminars. A passionate from Clifton after 33 years’ service to the enthusiast for Morris and Line Dancing, school with this soubriquet ringing in his he tells me that he participated in every ears. He is of course an OC - so if we add Contemporary Dance Performance the years he spent as a boy in the Pre between 1990 and 2001. He was a and then in East Town, his involvement a very full part. I know he was saddened staunch supporter of the Choral Society and dedication have been phenomenal. by the closure of Dakyns’ as a boarding in its golden days. Throughout his career, What distinguishes his contribution to house when that building was redeveloped Alan was a driving force in setting up many Clifton’s well-being, I think, has been to provide more spacious accommodation new initiatives, such as Block I Grades, his astonishing versatility, his range for North Town and East Town, but - as with Activities Reports, House Newsletters & of interests and skills, his unfl agging so many of his classes - the pupils whose Parents’ Conferences for all year groups. enthusiasm and readiness at all times to welfare he nurtured will remember him He was a tireless letter writer: how many of square the circle. always as a wise and kind man. He has us have received, often, a generous note of An English teacher, of course: how many been an Out-House Tutor in Watson’s since thanks. 1993, and was an outstanding Sixth Form hundreds of pupils have benefi ted from It’s no surprise to me that his favourite Tutor - and, when I was Housemaster of his meticulously thorough notes, the novel is George Eliot’s Middlemarch - that East Town, he quickly offered to organise extra revision classes, the relentlessly panoramic analysis of all the ordered strata that house’s 30th Birthday Reunion in conscientious momentum of all his of Victorian society: the haves and have- 1987. classes? Nobody passing the door of T1, nots, the prominent and the unassuming. seeing the wonderful range of handwritten In the same year he became Director of It would be easy to imagine Alan as a [always handwritten!] quotations on Activities, again for 8 years: this was a stalwart fi gure in such an environment, the walls could fail to be impressed monumental responsibility, requiring in a portrait by W. P. Frith perhaps. But and instructed by the breadth of Alan’s him to oversee the supervision of an another favourite text is the much more knowledge. He used to consider that the astonishing variety of sports, societies and unsettling Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? former Percival Librarian, David Reed, was extra-curricular activities. Older colleagues - and this gives us a hint of the steel and the best-read man he knew - but for many will remember Alan’s tireless efforts to intensity which lie beneath his usually years now the laurels have gone to Alan: monitor, encourage and record pupils’ out- serene demeanour. I think he might constantly to be seen reading a book, of-class ‘offi cial’ activities. It was a near- enjoy giving out confl icting signals: why whether walking between the SCR and the certainty that, if you mentioned the name otherwise would he wear those shirts Tribe Building, standing on the Parapet or of almost any pupil to him, he could reel and bow ties which look as though he crossing the Close. I hesitate to suggest off a list of concerts, matches, exhibitions, might have bought them in Las Vegas or that he might have held a book while competitions, etc., in which he knew the Honolulu? The battered straw hat - left over umpiring or supervising an activity in the pupil had participated and which, in most from a long-past performance in a play by Sports Hall - but it’s possible! In addition cases, Alan himself had seen. Chekhov perhaps? - is another endearing to full-time English at all levels, he taught In addition, he ran the Yearlings clue to the complexity of his character. It Psychology GCSE for 7 years and EFL IGCSE Programme for 3 years, the 2nd Cricket was never likely that his plan for retirement for 9 years. XI for another three, Yearlings B Cricket would consist mainly of golf or gardening: The backbone of his commitment to for 8 years and the 3rd XV for eight as as he and Jo go to Sri Lanka for two years Clifton was undoubtedly his great fl air well. He has practically lived in the Fives of V.S.O. I dearly hope that the straw hat for pastoral care: he was Assistant Court, playing the sport since 1976 will go with him, with all our fond thanks Housemaster of Wiseman’s for 8 years and and sharing the role of Master i/c with and best wishes for the next phase of their then Housemaster of Dakyns’ for another 8 Charles Colquhoun. He has been i/c lives. years, in which role his wife Jo also played Work Experience, MAA & Social Services Lionel Binns

32 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 Hugo Besterman Gillian Donald

ugo Besterman was appointed otherwise it hasn’t been a good day), harles Kinsey, the then Head of Head of Biology in 2007 and now a musician (drums, accordion, singer Chemistry, first met Gillian at a leaves, having won promotion and the rest) and footballer (we hope H friend’s 50th birthday party when to the Head of the Sixth Form at Red he has realised that Red Maids and C she told him that she was a Chemistry Maids School, Bristol. I suppose we Real Madrid have only their initials teacher. Very soon after, around July realised that we wouldn’t hold on in common), a great traveller and 2000, an unexpected vacancy arose at to him for long, but perhaps hadn’t lover of the wide wild world. He is Clifton, just before the start of the new reckoned his career would be quite so an enthusiast about reptiles (of all academic year. Charles remembered meteoric. That he approaches all his things); those who came to Tanzania Gillian and contacted her and yes, she work with a broad grin and a sense of will remember that utterly adoring look was prepared to come and teach right humour so close to the surface that it with which he gazed at a chameleon away. At that time and indeed from then virtually seeps out all the time are his walking along his finger, others will on, Gillian was always prepared to teach two most immediately visible assets. remember that Saturday morning is as much or as little as was required in Even greater ones lie deeper. He has snake-feeding time in the Department. any one academic year, a flexibility that brought a clear idea of what he wants But his primary expertise is primate both Heads of Chemistry in her years of pupils’ experience of biology to be: evolution as we all realised when service have been very grateful for. that they produce fine work, achieve we visited Olduvai in the Serengeti. fine results, but also have a fine Indeed at one stage in his career Gillian has always been friendly and intellectual experience, both wide and there was the possibility of research supportive, her robust no-nonsense deep. There has been a reinvigorated into the ecology and evolution of approach to her colleagues has always Science Society, increased use of the newly discovered species of African been backed up by a real kindness; she Zoo, determination to demonstrate Bushbabies identifiable only by the is also blessed with the unique and aspects of ecology by virtue of a trip to obscurest morphological detail. very real sense of humour that some the Serengeti for the Lower Sixth - even Although his tenure has been short would say is a necessary prerequisite a practical demonstration of the limits he has made a very significant, lasting in a teacher. She has made thought of the human musculoskeletal system impact on Biology teaching at Clifton provoking contributions in departmental by his own break dancing routines. - and a lot of significant and lasting symposia and has always had much to Lessons have been lively, imaginative, friendships too. We all express our offer, both in terms of her experience meticulously prepared, precisely gratitude and congratulations, as from teaching in other schools and from delivered and appreciated by pupils for well as our best wishes for his future her external GCSE and AS level marking. both the work and the fun had working; I endeavours. Red Maids, make of his She has always shown great loyalty to know well, as I was fortunate enough to multitude of talents while you’ve got the department and to Clifton, and in share classes with him. him as surely even greater things will that respect we shall all miss her a great A surfer (he surfs to exhaustion beckon in years to come. deal. It is hoped that she and Graham Simon Reece will have time to travel and to hear their favourite music. Gillian has been a familiar face at many concerts given by the Choir and orchestras at Clifton and we hope this continues. I am sure that Harry Newington both she and Graham will remain very active at Christ Church, Clifton. Time to make a mooove ! Ruth Williams acred cows make the best After two years’ service, Harry has hamburger’, once remarked ‘ decided to leave the daily rigmarole American author, Mark Twain, in S of life in the Religious Studies and a characteristically witty poke at tradition the Philosophy Society have been greatly Philosophy Department to embark - in and received wisdom. A constant thorn in appreciated by me and have similarly true Huck Finn style – upon his own epic the side of social convention and religious inspired many students along the way. A voyage of discovery; a journey that will orthodoxy, his nonconformist attitude keen and talented hockey and tennis player, eventually take him right around the endeared him to many. And so it has been his enthusiastic coaching style will be sorely globe and across three continents. for our very own beatnik and free spirit, missed next term. Harry Newington, whose flamboyant and Harry has had a tremendous impact on All of us in the Religious Studies and maverick teaching style has done much to life at Clifton, and his contributions to Philosophy Department would like to take enthuse and enlighten the minds of the the broader school curriculum have been the opportunity to wish Harry the best of luck many students who have been fortunate considerable. His tireless energy and on his future travels. enough to pass through his classroom. dedication to running and promoting Daniel Janke

VALETE 33 Charlotte Graveney Julian Noad ulian came to Clifton in 1997 to teach harlotte Graveney has Clifton work with Charlotte and I am delighted Physics, and now, in summer 2009, he College painted through her Jleaves us to become Deputy Head at that she has found herself more Cbody and as an OC she arrived Rydal School, Cardiganshire. Soon after here with boundless enthusiasm challenges and such a wonderful position at Cheltenham Ladies − it is arrival, he became Assistant Director of for her new role as Assistant Studies, and in 2003 he was appointed Housemistress in Hallward’s House. of course our loss and their gain but I know that she will keep in touch and Housemaster of Watson’s, effectively She passed on her experiences as a organising the house’s transfer into its new pupil and as Head of School to the let us know how she is. We all wish her every success and thank her for all accommodation. He has assisted at Rugby Hallwardians and encouraged them and Soccer, been Master i/c of Squash and to push the boundaries and achieve she has done over the last two years for Hallward’s House. Sailing, and has helped on outward bound more than they ever expected and Ten Tors expeditions. In all that he has possible. It has been a privilege to Karen Pickles undertaken he has triumphed, and the enterprise has flourished. He has been a superb Housemaster, and has blended being ‘father’, ‘older brother’ and ‘friend’ in his in loco parentis Lesley Hill role. He is respected and admired for his many talents, and Watsonians enjoy his company. From the first days, he esley J Hill, Lel to her friends and scurrying around in her eye-catching established an open-door policy; his family, arrived at Clifton in 1988. red tracksuit does raise a smile! She young family were at his side often, and he L Appointed by Stuart Andrews, cared deeply about the pastoral welfare promoted, within the boys, the experience she was the first Housemistress of of Cliftonians, so much so, that she of living in the house being like a family. the then new Worcester House. Her studied at Birkbeck College at London In the house, I think he will be most vast experience in the same role University to gain her Diploma in remembered for his cross-country running. at Taunton School soon began to Student Counselling. The skills she He has given the House Cup Run and the show and in a short space of time acquired were used by the local charity Pens a considerable emphasis, and this Worcester was full. For thirteen years, ‘Off The Record’ for many years, and has rubbed off on the boys. He was a very the girls in the house benefited Cliftonians also benefited enormously successful part of the Physics department, from her firm but fair approach to from her knowledge, experience and which, in its entirety, entered the Long Pen. outstanding pastoral care and, as warm personality. Remarkable! He has finished in the top 5 of an ex-parent myself, I know they the Long Pen no less than 10 times. During her Clifton days, Lel was not adored secret buddies, theatre trips alone. She raised a daughter, Sarah, Julian is modest and self-effacing about ad nauseam, Dyffryn, the delicious and three dogs, Tonto, Bobo and Cleo. his Physics credentials and yet is an home-made birthday cakes, the Sarah left Clifton to read Psychology excellent teacher at all age levels. He is barbecues, House plays, and the at Oxford and is now happily married, extremely well organised and maintains relaxing suppers before A levels and living and working in London. Those the highest of standards both for himself GCSE examinations. Lel’s ideas on of you who understand Spanish will and in the expectations he has of students how to run a successful house remain realise that the dogs’ names suggest and colleagues alike. He is a paragon to this day, and Clifton is fortunate to a somewhat limited IQ, apart for Cleo, of fairness, and his ground rules are have been left such a historic legacy. who was to be named Soso, but was always clear and well understood. He Her other roles involved teaching for saved by Sarah. always played a full part in departmental 20 years in the biology department, rotas. His crowning legacy to the Physics Lel is now enjoying all the pleasures running the AQA A Level course Department and Science School in general that village life offers, often to be found for much of this time. Her teaching was overseeing the Physics element of the reading Pride and Prejudice, yet again, style was perfect for the intellectual refurbishment. His vision was matched whilst sipping chilled Pinot Grigio on demands of this course, and her by a great sense of the need to maintain her patio overlooking Glastonbury Tor, results were always excellent. She a sympathetic approach to the tradition Bach, ever-present in the background, also loved helping with recreational and ethos of the Science School with the Cleo, ever-obedient at her feet, Sarah a half-day picnics and cycling, sadly an demand for a top-class modern facility. The phone call away, and Clifton a distant educational experience that no longer outstanding result was the product of many memory. exists. Her support with hockey, hours of meetings (with a tight deadline) netball, rounders and the dreaded The next stage in her life will take her to and an unstinting attention to detail. Kuwait: our loss, but their gain. Long Pen was much appreciated by In the Noad years, Watson’s has been staff and girls; the thought of her David Barrett a very happy house. His wife, Jane, a

34 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 teacher in her own right, has been a PRAEPOSTORS delightful and faithful support. Shrove MICHAELMAS TERM 2008 Tuesday sees every boy in the house Head of School Grace Annan-Callcott (WT) cooking and tossing their own pancakes. Deputy Heads of School Birthdays, year group suppers, sports James Couzens (SH) and Owen Franklin (ST) teams’ suppers, weekend camps – care is always taken. Molly and Henry have left Emily Atkinson West Town their mark on the Watson’s experience John Butterworth South Town too. Molly has borne the noise of fire alarms (always School House’s fault!) and Tom Crane Watson’s gibbons (this reached the national press) Josh Daniel Moberly’s with good humour. Joe Gibbs East Town Thank you for all you have done, for Tom Harris North Town the house and for the school. Many Katie Longman Hallward’s Cliftonians will remember your kind Hannah Meehan Worcester influence for the rest of their lives. Charlotte Pierce Hallward’s Alan Brown and Anthony Reeves. LENT TERM 2009 Head of School Charlotte Pierce (HH) Deputy Heads of School Mary Iles James Couzens (SH) and Owen Franklin (ST) Grace Annan-Callcott West Town ary did her first degree in Biochemistry at the University Emily Atkinson West Town Mof York. She then moved Charlotte Bowden Oakeley’s to Linacre College, Oxford while she John Butterworth South Town studied for her second degree at the Tom Crane Watson’s Department of Plant Sciences. Fresh from completing her D.Phil. into ‘The Josh Daniel Moberly’s Role of Nitric Oxide and the Nitric Oxide Joe Gibbs East Town Syntheses in the Rice Blast Fungus’ Tom Harris North Town she joined us last September. For Katie Longman Hallward’s many, such a change from full-time Hannah Meehan Worcester researcher to classroom teacher would have seemed daunting but Mary took Opus Sekibo School House to teaching from the very start and Seabe Setshwaelo Wiseman’s all in the Department are grateful for the super job that she has done. Mary is superbly organised and truly SUMMER TERM 2009 unflappable and in her own quiet way Head of School James Couzens (SH) she has motored through this year Deputy Heads of School developing into a first rate teacher. Opus Sekibo (SH) and Emily Atkinson (WT) Unfortunately, the work-life balance of a busy boarding school in term time does Grace Annan-Callcott West Town not chime with everyone’s ideal and it Charlotte Bowden Oakeley’s is a real shame that Mary has decided John Butterworth South Town to leave teaching to pursue a career in accountancy. She will be missed by Tom Crane Watson’s those whom she has taught, by the girls Josh Daniel Moberly’s in Hallward’s and by her colleagues Owen Franklin South Town in the Department, all of whom wish Joe Gibbs East Town her the very best for the future. Who Tom Harris North Town knows what that future holds, but I for one would not be surprised to see Mary Katie Longman Hallward’s return to the chalkface one day. In the Hannah Meehan Worcester meantime, the world of finance’s gain is Charlotte Pierce Hallward’s our loss. Seabe Setshwaelo Wiseman’s TMG

VALETE/PRAEPOSTERS 35 Chapel Notes

The fi ve memorial windows in the east end of the Chapel graphically depict apocalyptic scenes from the Revelation of St John the Divine, and imagery of the ultimate triumph of good over evil.

he three most easterly windows was given by the School in memory of the Soon after the summer holidays, staff depict the Risen Christ appearing reign of King George V. It shows the Holy and pupils received the shocking news T to St John on the island of Patmos City, the New Jerusalem, (Revelation ch. of the death, after a short illness, of O.C. (Revelation ch.1), a woman clothed with 21), descending upon Clifton College, Society Secretary, Charlie Colquhoun. On the sun and with the moon under her feet where a game of cricket is being played 3rd October, the Chapel was overfl owing (Revelation ch. 12) and St Michael and his on the Close. What could be more with a huge congregation of young and old angels fi ghting the evil dragon (Revelation representative of ‘heaven on earth’? alike who came to pay tribute to Charlie ch. 12). The disturbing and haunting fi gures “ Joy and woe are woven fi ne, at the Service of Thanksgiving for his life. of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse A clothing for the soul divine.” Charlie’s widow, Jean, and their children appear in the latter two windows. During this academic year, Clifton has Katherine and Emma, helped to devise The northernmost window depicts experienced the truth of William Blake’s a service which encapsulated the man seven angels sounding seven trumpets words, and the Chapel has provided the and his many passions. There was rich (Revelation ch. 8), and the hail, fi re and place of gathering and spiritual focus for musical variety; the Dorset Carol followed blood of God’s judgement are hurled down our community expressions of grief and Wild Horses by the Rolling Stones. Family, upon the earth. The southernmost window celebration. friends and colleagues told anecdotes

36 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 of cricket, rugby, history, music and G & former service, we were captivated by Up to twenty pupils regularly attended Ts. There were tears and there was much the words of Dame Jo Williams DBE, the candlelit service of Compline every laughter too. The occasion was a very former Chief Executive of Mencap, as she Thursday evening during term-time. This moving and heartfelt celebration of a great challenged us to ‘believe the impossible’. quiet and reflective service of prayer schoolmaster and a fine human being. The following day, the Rev’d John Boyers, provides a ‘spiritual oasis’ for many in Chaplain of Manchester United Football the midst of the busy school routine. The The Butcombe Harvest Festival was a Club, shared some fascinating anecdotes service is always followed by food, drink, joyful celebration of the goodness of about his ministry in sports chaplaincy. conversation and fun at the Chaplain’s creation. The Chaplain’s address, entitled On both of these occasions, the quality house. “Harvest around the world” involved of the worship provided by the choirs and the congregation saying ‘thank you’ in Generosity of spirit and of the pocket is instrumentalists was truly special and 22 different languages! More than one good for the soul, and charitable giving memorable! The traditional Ascension thousand people attended the College from Chapel collections has been greater Day Holy Communion Service took place, Remembrance Sunday Service at which the than ever, despite the credit crunch! Some appropriately, on top of one of the highest Rev’d Julian Poppleton (Chaplain of King of the local, national and international places in the College – the Wilson Tower. Edward VI School, Southampton) reminded beneficiaries this year have been: Twenty intrepid early risers enjoyed the the pupils, parents, staff and guests of the service, the marvellous view and the bacon Bristol Down’s Syndrome Trust, St Peter’s millions who had died in warfare, whilst rolls which followed! Hospice, Children’s Hospice South challenging all to strive for future peace in West, WESSA (West of England Schools the world. The pupils looked magnificent Just after half-term we heard the tragic Sailing Association), Care for the Family, in their CCF uniforms and the wreath-laying news of the loss of eleven year old Children’s Hospices UK, Help the Aged, at Memorial Arch seemed all the more Alexander Bjoroy (Year 7, Hartnell’s MENCAP, Samaritans, SCORE (Sports poignant because of the rain. The Advent House), along with 227 other passengers, Chaplaincy), SSAFA (The Soldiers, Sailors, and Christmas Carol Services provided in the Air France plane which went missing Airmen and Families Association), Teenage their customary atmospheric candlelit off the north-east coast of Brazil. The Cancer Trust, The Association of Jewish Ex- magic towards the end of term. The Pre event attracted world-wide media interest. Service men and women, The Children’s and Upper School Chapel Choirs were in The Pre community was understandably Society, The Guide Dogs for the Blind magnificent voice leading the worship shocked and deeply saddened by the Association, The Royal British Legion, with repertoires of inspiring, reflective and loss of such a well-liked and respected Willow Foundation, Africa Inland Mission, celebratory anthems. boarder. A Service in Memory of Alexander, CAFOD, Disasters Emergency Committee attended by his family and friends along Fifty pupils, parents and members of staff (Congo crisis), Nepali Children’s Trust, The with the Pre pupils, staff and many marked the beginning of Lent by attending Kilimanjaro 2009 Trust, USPG (Anglicans in parents, was held in the Chapel a week the moving and reflective Holy Communion World Mission). later. The Pre choir’s version of Rutter’s A Service with the Imposition of Ashes on Gaelic Blessing beautifully encapsulated Finally, I would like to thank those Ash Wednesday. The preachers at the both the mood and purpose of the Service. individuals and groups of people who starred services during the term were the It was a powerful and poignant occasion contribute a great deal to the life of the Chaplain, Mrs Nicola Feather (a missionary in which Alexander was remembered, Chapel. The Pre and Upper School Chapel teacher with Africa Inland Mission) and the cherished and released into the love and choirs have magnificently enhanced Rev’d Wendy Hough (Chaplain of St Mary care of Almighty God. and enriched the worship during the Redcliffe & Temple School, Bristol). Mr Chapel services with their inspiring and and Mrs Feather delivered the annual Lent On 14th June, eleven pupils from the Pre beautiful anthems. I am very grateful Lecture on the topic of Missionary work in and the Upper School and one member to all of the members of both choirs for the 21st century. On 12th March, the Upper of staff were confirmed by Bishop Lee their commitment and to James Hills, School Chapel Choir performed Duruflé’s of Swindon in the Independent Schools David Pafford and Andy Dewar for their stunning Requiem and, the following day, Confirmation Service at Bristol Cathedral. musical and motivational gifts. The flower many pupils and staff shared a ‘Lean Lent The pupils were supported by their arrangers – Chryssa Taplin, Liz Pafford and Lunch’ raising money for the Catholic Fund families, friends, godparents and members Jill Acheson – have been committed and for Overseas Development (CAFOD). of staff as they made a public profession of very creative, whilst verger, Allan Crocker, their faith within the beautiful and uplifting The Summer Term in Chapel is dominated has ensured that the Chapel has always context of a Cathedral Eucharist. by landmark services. The preacher at the looked clean, tidy and ordered. He has Old Cliftonians’ Reunion Service was a Throughout the year, the pupils have also provided the Chaplain with witty, former pupil – the Rev’d Dr David Wenham delivered many thought-provoking and insightful observations and a never-ending OC, Vice-Principal of Trinity College. The challenging addresses during morning supply of appalling jokes! Pre and Upper School Commemoration chapels – these occasions always The Rev’d Kim Taplin, Chaplain Services were marvellous celebrations provide valuable learning experiences for 8th June 2009 of the college’s vision and life. In the those who speak and those who listen.

CHAPEL NOTES 37 Commem

HEAD MASTER’S SPEECH

“Ladies and gentlemen . . .

don’t know how many of you have had a chance to read the current issue I of Private Eye but there is a very good cartoon depicting closing time in the Commons bar with the landlord declaring “Haven’t you got any second homes to go to?” In a week in which we have learned about the dark arts of fl ipping second sure that our balance sheet would see us principle. Our focus is therefore on creating homes and other extraordinary MPs’ through any downturn over the coming an environment where the pupils are at expenses claims from dog food to moat years. This year we have undertaken a ease, where a framework exists where clearance, loo seats and pergolas it is good number of major capital projects: the happiness is not in the distance but grows to be reminded that as well as the nose refurbishment of the Science School, the under our feet. The happy child is the in the trough there are also the ayes in new 3G pitch at BB and the new Music successful child and that is the principle the right. One such is Vince Cable, MP for School, built within the shell of the old we work to from Butcombe to the Pre to Twickenham and formerly Chief Economist one but unrecognisable from it. The new the Upper School. The happy child is not at Shell. Mr Cable was described by the Joseph Cooper Music School is fi nished the indulged child: the happy child likes Mail on Sunday as “Everything a politician and you are welcome to look around. It a challenge, relishes a challenge and should be and everything most politicians will be offi cially opened in September. thrives in a framework of high expectation are not”. Earlier this year he published a These capital projects have signifi cantly in every aspect of their lives and not just book which is the defi nitive guide to the added to the school’s provision for its in terms of exam grades. But it would be a Credit Crunch. It is titled The Storm; The pupils. And there is more to come but I am mistake to think that the education of the World Economic Crisis and What it Means. sure that you will not be surprised to learn whole person did not include the highest In it he writes as follows: that we are taking a rest from such large possible exam grades. You might be ‘Economic storms, like those in nature, projects as part of that careful protection surprised to learn that last year over forty come and go. They cannot be abolished. of our balance sheet in anticipation of of the Upper Sixth achieved three A grades But, as with hurricanes and typhoons a diffi cult times. But, extraordinarily and or better and nearly 100 achieved ABB or well co-ordinated emergency response can perhaps counter-intuitively, we have not better. Over 80% went on the their fi rst mitigate the misery. They also test out the experienced any downturn at least not in choice university, including 24 who went underlying seaworthiness of the vessels of terms of demand for places in the school. on to the UK universities ranked in the state. How many ships will fi nally make it Last September we opened with 708 global top ten, namely Oxford, Cambridge, back to port in good order is what we don’t pupils in the Upper School. Our capacity UCL and Imperial. There is no question that yet know.’ was 680 and last summer we had to add Clifton is an academic school, perhaps studies in the basements of both West increasingly so, but it is of course, so much Reading that, I thought that exactly the and East Town to cope with the additional more than that. Thus we have pupils who same is true of schools. Last Sunday’s pupils. Recruitment for next September excel in so many areas of their lives and Observer ran a story claiming that private is so strong that we are very likely to be one of the purposes of a day like this is to schools are closing at the rate of one a over 700 again. Why is it that Clifton is so recognise and celebrate the achievements week and although that may be journalistic strong at the moment, a fact recognised of the pupils. licence, there are defi nitely shock waves by the 2009 Good Schools Guide, whose battering the good ship Independent Two years ago I introduced a “world professional school watchers have written School. So how are we faring in the storm? première” at this point in the proceedings in that infl uential book that “these are Well with over 1300 pupils across the in asking the Head of School to speak to exciting times for Clifton”? College and more than 700 in the Upper you. Last year saw a world “deuxième” School, with 191 full time teachers and Well, I believe that one of the main and so with compelling logic this year is a further 350 employees and with an reasons is that Clifton’s ethos is the the “world troisième”, and therefore now annual turnover equivalent to a mid -sized inverse of many other schools, certainly a much loved Clifton tradition. And this company, I can reassure you that Clifton in one respect, which is this. Success year all three of this year’s Heads of School is a very robust vessel and we are cruising is not necessarily the key to happiness will speak, namely Grace Annan-Callcott, the high seas. As we felt the fi rst winds but happiness is most defi nitely the key Charlotte Pierce and the current Head of of the storm we acted quickly to make to success and Clifton is built on that School, James Couzens.

38 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 THE HEAD OF SCHOOL: teachers, and everything they’ve done to has a male majority. It’s a question I find In just under 24 hours the upper sixth help us through our time here at Clifton. almost impossible to answer. To be honest, a much more valid question is what it’s like – myself included - will have technically As the Marshal so kindly mentioned to to be a part of this community, because finished our time at Clifton. One year me a few weeks ago, I seem to have a whether you’re a girl or a boy I think your from now most of us will, hopefully, be at slight aversion to physical activity, and experiences here are much the same. Just university or in the midst of our gap year. it’s true that the only sport I was ever any as memorable, just as valuable, just as We leave Clifton with many memories and good at was rounders and I’m not sure cherished, and sure to turn you into a well with a certain amount of sadness in our that even counts. But luckily the rest of the rounded person: the sort of people that hearts; and as we prepare ourselves for our girls make up for my shortcomings, and we, the Upper Sixth leavers, are today. departure, an interesting question comes our year has been brilliantly successful at into our minds: what will be the most various sports. valuable thing we take away from Clifton? CHARLOTTE: We’ve reached the National finals three out ‘The brain is a wonderful organ. It starts I have invited Charlotte and Grace, the Lent of our five years at Clifton for hockey, and working from the moment you are born and and Michaelmas Heads of School, to talk narrowly missed first place twice. We made does not stop until the moment you stand to you about about their time at Clifton it to the regional finals two years running up to speak!’ and how this has affected them. Charlotte in netball, and competed in the Nationals is, surely, one of the most qualified to for tennis three times. Perhaps what we Each of us has a different story to tell at talk about this as she has been at Clifton should be most proud of is the wide variety Clifton. For me, and six others in the Upper from the very start of her education in Sixth, this started fifteen years ago. We are Butcombe; Grace started in year six; and I given the title of “lifers”, and just to clarify came in year seven. Between us we have what a “lifer” really is: a pupil who begins around 26 years of Clifton experience: we their education at Butcombe in the nursery are what can be called veterans of and continues on through the school to the system. Upper Sixth. So whether some of us have been here for two years or more it has given GRACE: us all a purpose and a sense of belonging. Over the last few weeks, I’ve asked a This is something I think that you feel number of people in our year what they within and gain over time. Hence the will miss most about Clifton. Some said school motto “Spiritus Intus Alit” - roughly misty mornings walking along the parapet translated: “The Spirit Burns Within”. to Chapel, some said summer afternoons Butcombe, the Pre and the Upper School watching cricket on the Close, and some are perceived as three separate schools said the House Song competition. The but are all linked as one. For many of us, majority of people said that the thing that each part of the school has opened a new they will miss the most is their house. It door and is a greater challenge than the becomes such a central part of our lives last one. For me, this year was the greatest here at Clifton and house pride is strong challenge I have had to face as Head of amongst us all, and most prevalent during School, especially as for the first time ever house competitions. I will especially there have been two consecutive female remember the sporting events (house Heads of School. So James: no pressure! hockey, netball, tennis, rowing, water- of sports we’ve participated in over our five polo, fencing, swimming, tug-of-war), as The Clifton experience is just like the life years, and the precious experiences this they give many of us the opportunity to try cycle; you start at the bottom of the pond has given us. sports that we wouldn’t necessarily have in Butcombe as a small fish and work your done otherwise. In stepping up to play Our varied encounters at Clifton help way up to the top, but before you know it for our houses and passionately support prepare us for the future, and a clear you enter the Pre, come out the other side those competing we are brought closer example of this is the CCF. As you move up and go into the Upper School only to return together as a house. the ranks, your responsibilities increase, bringing new challenges. This year I found There’s something really special about myself in charge of 20 5th formers, and, the close-knit Clifton community, which despite my best efforts to pretend, it must makes our relationships with each other have been obvious that I didn’t have a stronger and all the more special. Over clue what I was doing. Yet these sorts of the last few years, I feel that we’ve grown experiences that Clifton gives us are so together as a year group. The environment important, as they help prepare us for in which we live also means we form good difficult situations in later life. I‘m just relationships with our teachers, especially hoping it doesn’t get much more difficult house staff and tutors. During my time as than managing 16 year olds with loaded Head of School, we lost Mr Colquhoun. He rifles... was a truly fantastic teacher, capturing the imagination, and respect, of all of us that People often ask me what it’s been like he taught. We will long remember all our to be a girl at Clifton, a school which still

COMMEM 39 of celebrating the most hardened first team sportsman times, good and to tears. This event is always held in high not so good, that regard as it is one of the hardest, and it we encounter. involves the entire school. Within this there are some fantastic examples of grit and We are all determination, bred purely by the love of privileged to have one’s house. For instance, a Wiseman’s been at a school team five years ago was considered very like Clifton and much to be the underdogs, but thanks have immense to an outstanding effort from the whole pride in what we house (from many students to whom have achieved, running was a very strange concept) and which I am sure two fantastic individual runs, they went on to being a small fish in big pond again. will stay with us forever and create a sense to win the whole competition. Mr Tait, the Well now that we, in the Upper Sixth, have of fondness and loyalty within us. It is Head of Cross Country, often holds this up reached the top, most are about to swim an opportunity for which I personally will as the case study of house spirit. into the ocean. Although this is an exciting always be grateful and an experience that I prospect, many of us are only too ready to will never forget. My year group in School House has given admit it is also a scary one, as we will no me many happy memories and to quote longer have the same structure, care and JAMES: Mr Hughes, our Housemaster, we have guiding hands in our lives. There are various memories that will stick created what can only be described as When we leave two things happen: we take with me from Clifton. However, for me, “epic banter”. Our house callovers are something of the school with us and we most of these will be in my house: School a particularly fond memory of mine, in leave something of the school behind. You House. My first memory of the place is which our Housemaster would pass on might not be the greatest sportsperson, stepping into the building a humble third to us golden nuggets of wisdom such as: scholar, musician, or artist, but we will former, and being greeted by our head of you are a muppit; the harp is a perfectly live on in the memories of the people left house, James Paul. I can honestly say that I manly instrument to play; if you get cold behind in both staff and pupils alike. We have never seen a bigger man in all my life you’re not running fast enough; you are all will have friendships that will stand the and, as I am sure most of the present Sixth muppits; snow is no reason not to wear test of time, and reminisce about the staff Form will agree, the Upper Sixth of the time shorts; and how to order two pints of bitter who inspired us with their teaching; many were nothing short of huge; a trend I seem in Welsh. The most wonderful thing about of whom have broadened our horizons to have ended. such stories of fun and jokes is that they further than we thought possible. This has My first term culminated in an event of are not uncommon or isolated to School given us greater confidence in facing the such magnitude in the school calendar, House. future and a determination to grasp every an event so ridiculously challenging, an There are numerous occasions in our time opportunity that comes our way. evening that is the epitome of competition: at Clifton where we have been successful Throughout our time at Clifton, the I am, of course, referring to House Song. and these are rightly held up as great Chapel has played a significant part in Weeks of nine o’clock rehearsals had successes. However, a time when Clifton our education. As we leave it for the last boiled down to this one evening, and we really excels is when we make mistakes. time at the end of term, no one will fully thought that we were in with a chance of The Houses and the School have a appreciate the gap that we have to bridge being crowned House Song Champion. It wonderful ability to forgive and move as we walk into the new avenues of life not is customary in school to psyche the house on. For boarders this truth is all the more as pupils but as Old Cliftonians. up for the event so as to reach maximum relevant. Throughout the year pupils have singing potential on the night. During one made mistakes - be they unkind words, To cherish the memories of our time here, session, however, I witnessed something offence or poor judgement - and in every we each get given a piece of jigsaw as we very special. The Upper Sixth started up a house said pupils have been welcomed leave Chapel, which has become a much massive huddle of 60 boys, linked arms back. Exam results, sport and co-curricular valued tradition. Like the pieces of the with boys of varying years, and took up activities are all important, but in my view jigsaw we are all as important as each the loud chant of ‘School House! School learning to forgive people, respect one other to complete the whole picture. This House!” (we are not renowned for being another, and show love to your fellows will forever remind us that we are part of the most inventive house as chants were is one of the best lessons I have learnt at something special and give us the memory regarded). And at that moment it did not Clifton. Finally I’d like to end with a quote matter what age you were, how big you from our very own Reverend Taplin. were, what social group you were, what If you leave this School entirely motivated ethnicity you were; all that mattered was by Pounds, Dollars and Euros, we will have that you were a member of School House, failed you. If you are only concerned with and therefore you were one of us. climbing to the top of your chosen career House events are the perfect example ladder as quickly as possible regardless of how strong house spirit is within the of the human cost to yourself or others, we school, most noticeably the infamous will have failed you. If you think that the Pens: 10kms of gruelling high speed only thing that matters is what you look like running for the Sixth Form reducing even on the outside, we will have failed you.

40 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 If, however, you leave Clifton with a young teachers: they move greater understanding of service and on but Clifton has benefited sacrifice and duty and love (along with hugely from their presence. your A levels and trophies); now that is Gillian Donald, part time success worth having. teacher of Chemistry, retires So let’s look forward to such success in this summer, as she rather our future years knowing that they will charmingly wrote to me have been shaped and moulded by the she feels that “a somewhat friendships and experiences that we have easier life beckons”. Gillian enjoyed here at Clifton. is well known locally, at Christ Church and as a former HEAD MASTER: Liberal Democrat candidate for Stoke slight folksiness clashed with some rowdy As we reflect on the rites of passage of the Bishop. Her warmth and good humour boys. As he pointed out to us all in his Upper Sixth so we must also pay tribute to characterise her approach and we wish her final address in Chapel, Alan has seen their teachers and especially those who a more than somewhat easier life. a number of changes at Clifton, but two are moving on. men who taught him as a boy and who One of our more senior teachers is moving know him still concur in the theme of their At the end of 2008 Mrs Lesley Hill, onwards and upwards too. Julian Noad, recollections of Alan, as, essentially, the Housemistress of Worcester House until Housemaster of Watson’s House since quintessential English teacher. David Reed 2002, and teacher of Biology took well 2003 and formerly Assistant Director of writes that “Alan is a constant reader: deserved retirement, and a number of Studies, takes up the post of Deputy Head a book is never far from his hand and other members of the Senior Common of Rydal Penrhos School. Julian, a Physics his range seems to be expanding all the Room are moving on at the end of this teacher, is an engineer at heart and he time”. Tom Gover recalls him as a boy, “a academic year. Mary Illes came to teach spent hours last summer working on some thorough assiduous scholar and Public science at Clifton having completed a DPhil of the finer details of the refurbishment of Schools Fives Champion”, and as a man, at Oxford and after a year of lion taming the Science School but his main legacy to as “an old testament prophet trundling Clifton will be making such a success of along reading a novel”. But do not be Watson’s move to its new home alongside deceived for Alan is still very active on the School House. This was not an easy Fives Court, and he hates losing, as I know transition, in many ways; the fact that to my cost as I have taken on that mighty Watson’s is now such a happy, secure and left hand and been left floundering by its successful House is a great tribute to Julian enduring accuracy and power. Alan will be and Jane. Not content with that, Julian has remembered as a kind, scholarly man who busied himself with sailing, cross country has given generously to Clifton as man and running, squash and rugby. He will be boy for over 50 years. Finally, there is one greatly missed across the school but he re-retirement. Dudley Fromant, who long has done an excellent job in training his since retired as a teacher, is, on the cusp of successor Simon Heard and the future of his 9th decade, retiring from the print room Watson’s is secure. where he has worked with such distinction in the schoolroom she has decided she Lastly, but most definitely not least, we say since hanging up his mortar board. Please would prefer to become an accountant. a fond farewell and wish a very happy and join me in thanking Alan in particular and Charlotte Graveney, former Head Girl, well deserved retirement to Alan Brown. all of the leavers for their contribution to Assistant Housemistress of Hallward’s, Alan’s association with Clifton extends Clifton, and wish them well for the future. and girls’ games coach, is tearing herself over 50 years when he first arrived as a There are eight newly-appointed teachers away from Clifton after two very productive boy in the Preparatory School. Alan moved joining the Senior Common room in years in which she qualified as a teacher, through Wollaston’s, North Town and then September and a number of other internal to a post at The Cheltenham Ladies to East Town in the Upper School and after changes too which I will set out for you College. I have a suspicion that she will be university and qualifying as an Accountant, in my end of term letter. One major and back, for like a stick of rock she has Clifton Alan returned to Clifton in 1976 to teach significant change is to the weekly pattern. written through her. Also after two years English which he has done for 32 years. From September we will abandon the two of entertaining service, Harry Newington, Alan was of course Housemaster of week cycle of fifty minute lessons, and put juggler, windsurfer, skier, hockey coach, Dakyns’ from1985 Glastonbury regular, and teacher of to 1993, a House Philosophy and RS, spreads his wings to described to me by travel the world, and Hugo Besterman, those who knew it schooled at the same Cambridge college before it merged as me, though a far, far better soccer with Brown’s to player, and a superb Head of Biology create Moberly’s as continues his glittering career as Assistant “free-range” and Head at Red Maids school. To achieve such most difficult to high office at just 28 is remarkable. That is run, where Alan’s the problem with appointing such talented sensitivity and

COMMEM 41 in its place a weekly timetable with more will always make mistakes: after all and shorter lessons. I have been convinced schoolboy errors are so called because of necessity for this change since I arrived schoolboys and girls habitually make in Clifton and Antony Spencer has enabled them. This term some mistakes have been it. Shorter, more frequent lessons, will add made by some of our younger pupils, a sense of business-like urgency to the day serious mistakes, but one should not and far better corresponds to the learning lose one’s sense of proportion: no-one styles of the pupils who are far better than was hurt, the sun still came up in the we ever were at processing large amounts morning and life carries on. These things of information very quickly and who work happen periodically in schools such as in shorter, sharper bursts than previous this; one should not be either surprised generations. There is no question that we or alarmed, and the school is more than have seen and are seeing a rapid evolution strong enough to cope. Those of you, mocks, this year’s Fifth form can match in the way that children think, and possibly and there are a good number, who sit in and possibly even better. In boys’ rugby we magistrates’ courts or criminal courts, had not one but two unbeaten Junior Colts will know that one has to tread a very fi ne teams and across the school won a very line between punitive action and salutary high percentage of matches against the warning, particularly with young teenagers, toughest of opposition schools; yet again and a full and complete knowledge of all a girls’ hockey team went to the National the facts, including personal and family Finals, this year it was the turn of the Under circumstances, needs to be brought to 14s; boys’ hockey, especially, and soccer bear in each and every case. It is a truism, go from strength to strength and we have but worth saying, that every pupil in the the best First XI cricket team for many school is somebody’s beautiful baby, years. Add to that a quite extraordinarily somebody’s adored son or daughter. It high standard of Drama, as demonstrated is also a truism that those parents who in the House Drama Competition, and call for the fi rmest possible sanctions winning entries for the third year in a row even in the way that their brains work, as against other parents’ children are the in the Bristol Schools Art competition, Professor Susan Greenfi eld describes in very ones most likely to demand leniency and the artistic fl air of the pupils is much her book I-D. This is not worse (contrary and forgiveness when it is their child who in evidence. Above all, the standard of to the views of many commentators on has erred and strayed like the lost sheep. music at Clifton is quite breathtaking as education) nor is it necessarily better; So before you are inclined to leap to any of you who were present at last week’s but it is different, very different, and we judgement, look before you leap and when Summer Serenade would have witnessed. have seen a seismic shift in the last few another child stumbles and falls let your The new Music School can only encourage years, particularly in terms of processing reaction be “there but for the grace of God even more pupils to enjoy and excel in their information visually, through images rather go we”. Without exception, in any school music still more. Ladies and gentlemen, than through words, as any of who have the Head Master is the person best placed Clifton is, unquestionably, a great school taken on your children at any Playstation to know how to proceed when these things and there is much to celebrate. Let us join or Xbox game, and been soundly thrashed, happen; whereas there are many, very together now to do so in another world will have discovered. We need to react to many, who can and do express an opinion, “troisième”: drinks in the Quad. change, and adapt to it, not to turn the only the Head Master can decide what is clock back or sing hymns to a lost age of right. It is one of the most diffi cult things higher cultural values, or to deplore the that Head Masters have to deal with; the modern ways; instead we need to harness aftermath of things going wrong creates so the incredible energy that it brings. And we much fall-out. But the most diffi cult thing should not be frightened of that nor of the I have had to do this year was to stand fast pace of change. before the school and let them know of the One of the privileges of youth is the cruelly premature death of our good friend capacity for change and indeed rapid Charlie Colquhoun. At the conclusion recovery when things go wrong. Teenagers of today’s cricket match his widow Jean will present a silver salver to the winning captain in Charlie’s memory: cricket and OC cricket meant so much to Charlie. The mark of a great school is that it can take diffi culty in its stride and march on to further greatness. This year has amply demonstrated that; I talked of our academic achievements at A level earlier and would add that last year’s GCSE results saw an 8% rise in the number of A*/A grades, a very signifi cant rise, which we believe, from the evidence of their

42 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009

Art Review 2008/2009

It has been another eventful year for the Art Department here at Clifton. The year began with the North Bristol Arts Trail, in which teaching staff from the Art Departments of the Pre and Upper School joined forces to present an exhibition of their own work in the Hornby Centre.

ohn Grice exhibited a series of very The House Art Competition was well crafted large canvases depicting held in October. The standard of Jdifferent varieties of fl owers arranged draughtsmanship and composition in glass vases. Sally Nuttall showed an was complimented by the adjudicator, attractive series of watercolour scenes professional artist and former lecturer, of the Devon coastline. Paul Wigginton Neil Murison, of the Royal West of exhibited panoramic photographs of England Academy. Scottish landscapes as well as some Francesca ffi ske, Tom Lloyd-Hughes delicate fl ower studies. Deirdre Houghton and Milo Whitfi eld won the Third Form showed her ceramic work: a series prizes. Katie McInally, James Heaven of shell like objects and waves being and Philippa Davis won prizes in the climbed by sea horses and leaping fi sh. Fourth Form and Jane Wang, Frankie Jane Wolf showed some vivid paintings Tromans and Hester Allen won the of boats battling against the power of Fifth Form prizes. the sea and some winter landscapes and Allan Wilkie showed portraits and fi gure compositions in oil.

44 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 Art Review 2008/2009

The Lower Sixth produced work of a in which twenty schools participated particularly impressive standard with and it was held at Bristol Cathedral; the Coty Mo taking the drawing prize, work was judged by members of the Damaris Dresser the photography and Royal West of England Academy and Amanda Tong the sculpture prize. In the The Bristol Savages Art Society. Coty Upper Sixth, Tansy Duncan won the fi rst Mo and Damaris Dresser were highly prize for drawing, James Lewis won the commended by the judges, and Daniel painting prize, Ed Musgrove the sculpture Herlihy won the best overall prize – this prize and David Terry the photography. is the third year that Clifton has received this honour and it was delightful to During the Lent Half Term, we entered see work from our students being so the Senior Schools Art Competition for favourably acknowledged. the third year running. This was an event

ART REVIEW 45 The Art Scholars’ evening took place architectural embellishments around in March and the work in the school’s the school. Art collection, which is being copied During the fi rst few days of the Easter by our Art Scholars in preparation Holiday the Art Department ran an for the 2012 celebrations of Clifton educational visit to Paris for Sixth College’s 150th anniversary, was on Form students, visiting the major display in the Tribe Building. Work Art Museums in Paris to gather copied included pieces by Roger Fry, inspiration for the students’ fi nal Vanessa Bell, Duncan Grant, Roland examination pieces. The students Vyvian-Pitchforth and Edward were able to benefi t from the broad Wolf, members of the Bloomsbury range of artistic styles in the Louvre, Group of artists and intellectuals which Musée D’Orsay, Picasso Museum fl ourished in Britain in the early part of and the Pompidou Centre. the twentieth century. Our sculptors displayed their work which was based on some of the

46 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 In May the Commem Exhibition took The Art Department would like to thank place in the Rackets Courts, and this everyone who has once more supported was followed by our GCSE and AS and the students by visiting our exhibitions A2 exhibition in the Tribe Building. Work and offering encouragement and by the AS students has been particularly feedback. Parents, Old Cliftonians, Staff impressive this year, with many of them members and Councillors, as well as demonstrating a level of draughtsmanship members of the public, have all shown and painterly skill well beyond what one their enthusiasm and have contributed would expect to see from most students of to the sense of pride that Clifton Art their age. The overall standard exhibited in students have been able to feel for the photography and sculpture has also been work they have produced this year. impressive this year, and next year we will Allan Wilkie be introducing photography at AS level for the fi rst time.

ART REVIEW 47 Oliver Twist

ollowing last year’s impressive production of ‘Fiddler on the Roof’, F this year’s ‘Oliver Twist’, directed by newly appointed Director of Drama, Robert Morris, had a lot to live up to. Unlike the West End’s musical, ‘Oliver’, Clifton’s version was based on Neil Bartlett’s truthful and powerful adaptation of Charles Dramatic Overview Dickens’ novel, ‘Oliver Twist’. Minutes after sliding into my front row seat, the lights dimmed, hushing the chattering This year has been an impressive one for Upper audience. It was at this point I noticed the complexity and sophistication of the set School drama. We have enjoyed great performances (designed by Robert Morris, David Fells, in both the academic and co-curricular areas of Ellie Lyons and Keifer O’Brien), which consisted of a huge cobbled archway school life, and the profi le of drama on both an leading to a dark alleyway underneath London Bridge. An old steel clock took artistic and technical level has soared. centre stage, standing beside several vintage styled lanterns and barrels, whilst n October 2008, excellence was visible the House Play festival in the Michaelmas a loft space to its right, created on a in extremely well crafted performances of and Lent terms respectively were also higher level, added further visual interest. I extracts taken from Miller’s ‘The Crucible’ highlights of the calendar, raising the quality The set changes were slick and well for which universally high marks were scored and perception of drama in the school. rehearsed, making the play professional. at GCSE. This was matched by contemporary LAMDA too has fl ourished this academic The dreary melancholic colour scheme of extracts performed by the Lower Sixth for session, with distinctions for some students their AS level in April 2009 (two candidates in various categories and merits and passes achieving full marks for their performances), for the majority. LAMDA has grown and is in which the Redgrave was converted into growing, and the standard keeps on getting an intimate little studio space – the ‘black better. Whilst the spirit of competition is box’… This proved to be so popular and healthy in the dramatic arts, effective that it is likely and the quest for quality, to become the ‘norm’ discipline and focus is fast for a large percentage becoming the ethos of Clifton of academic dramatic College students, there is still output in the Upper a sense that drama at Clifton School. has something for everyone. In addition to this, Next year there is much in muddy browns, greys and charcoal black students went store. I can announce that instantly transported the audience back to on many trips to the school production in harsh Victorian England and presented a see professional November 2009 will be the sympathetic backdrop to the sinister events productions by a range of companies from RSC’s version of ‘The Canterbury Tales’, occurring within the play. The many textures ‘Kneehigh’ to the ‘RSC’. These included ‘Blue and there is much academic drama to look and materials, such as brick and wood used Orange’ and ‘Twelfth Night’ at the Tobacco forward to as well as the House Play festival to build the set’s components, made the Factory, ‘Blood Brothers’ and ‘Don Jon’ at in February 2010. There will of course be scene diverse and realistic. the Hippodrome, ‘The Taming of the Shrew’ more workshops and more trips, starting off and ‘A View from the Bridge’ in London’s The strong opening sequence, performed with a trip to see the RSC’s production of West End and ‘Northanger Abbey’, ‘Two’, ‘A as a harmonic serenade, provided an ‘The Winter’s Tale’ in Stratford in September. Midsummer Night’s Dream’ and ‘Tess’ at our introductory plot in the form of a vocal very own Redgrave theatre. It only remains for me to wish all those chorus. Throughout the play, the dialogue students who have participated in past was interspersed with similar melodies, as There have also been A level drama drama events or who intend to participate well as the Artful Dodger’s (played by James workshops led by the screen actor Lee in drama in the future the very best and, of Hanson) fl uent, comic and lively narration. Boardman (Rome, Coronation Street, Moving course, a huge thank you to the Redgrave On, Drop Dead Gorgeous) and the National There was an effective use of accents, staff and to Karen Pickles for all that they Theatre, Paines Plough and Soho produced which, along with costumes, helped to do in the service of drama within the playwright Simon Bowen. emphasise the difference in social class upper school. from the working class Fagin’s street On a co-curricular basis, the School Robert Morris gang to the upper class Mr Brownlow. production of Neil Bartlett’s Oliver Twist and Director of Drama

48 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 rough appearance moulded his threatening magistrate. Both characters provided comic and callous persona: his ferocity, relief to the otherwise morbid storyline. intimidation and oppression of Nancy gave Nancy and Mrs Bumble, portrayed by him complete domination of the stage. In Sophie Jones and Ella Holbrook, were full of the same way, Fagin, played by Charles vivacity and energy and their performances Markham, captivated the audience’s were polished and well devised. Mrs attention through his clever monologues Bumble’s character was devious and of persuasion and manipulation. The conniving, whilst Nancy’s was vulnerable The variation in the style of costumes, diversity with which he reacted to different and caring. supplied both by the Bristol Costume characters and situations added depth to Overall, ‘Oliver Twist’ provided the audience Services and Dauphine’s Bristol, was his performance. with a dramatic performance, combining enormous. Fagin’s gang were dressed in Two other great performances were those elements of dark humour, violence and sombre coloured rags that were patched of Fox Hambly, who played Mr Bumble, reunion. and ripped and wore scuffed and faded a parish beadle, and James Couzens, shoes, whereas the rich Mr Brownlow Sophie Jackson HH U6th who played Mr Fang, a bumbling police donned a suave morning suit. There was defi nite attention to detail which was displayed through subtle combinations of fabrics and colours. The make-up applied by C. Taplin, M. Morris House Play Festival and C. Greenslade was of a similar high standard. The urchins in the workhouse The House Play festival is the biggest event for Drama were smeared with charcoal, whilst Fagin at Clifton College in the Lent term. The selection of plays and Bill Sikes bore scars, cuts, grazes and facial hair. was strong this year and the award of Best Production went The lighting operated by Keifer O’Brien to Moberly’s House for their tremendously moving version worked alongside the fog machine of Willy Russell’s ‘Blood Brothers’. The whole school was to create an eerie, mysterious and ‘wowed’ by the depth of talent on show across all of the threatening ambience. The variation in intensity and focus of colour including houses. It was testament to the universal passion the the dull grey glow from the street lamp college holds for drama that every house was nominated on stage dictated the mood of the scene. for the award for House Spirit. In one of the penultimate sequences, a harsh white spotlight arranged in bars cleverly represented Fagin’s prison cell he acting, directing and BEST ADAPTATION OR ORIGINAL WRITING: and evoked a feeling of confi nement and showmanship of veterans and School House – ‘The History Boys’ incarceration. novices alike combined to make T BEST NEWCOMER: the festival week memorable. Whilst A multitude of sound effects were Katendi Heald – Penny Pingleton - ‘Hairspray’ employed from the chiming clock to the aspirations for next year are high, we menacing and aggressive sound of the won’t forget the chills of The Woman in BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A MALE ROLE: barking dogs; these noises built up to a Black, the slickness of A Few Good Men, Joseph Phillips – Lt. Jack Ross – crescendo, heightening the tense, wired the alien intensity of Blackrobe, the puff ‘A Few Good Men’ powder and greasepaint of Hairspray or atmosphere. BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A FEMALE ROLE: the wit of The History Boy. The casting was one of the most James Hanson – Mrs. Johnstone – successful aspects of the production; all A plethora of commendations, stars and ‘Blood Brothers’ prizes were awarded to over 60 students. actors showed extensive characterisation THE SPIRITUS AWARD: The main awards were: and spoke with confi dence and clarity. West Town - ‘Hairspray’ James Goldsworthy’s portrayal of Bill BEST TECHNICAL CONTRIBUTION: BEST ACTOR IN A MALE ROLE: Sikes was extremely convincing as the Watson’s – ‘The Woman in Black’ mixture of his gruff, gravelly voice with his Callum Paine – Mickey – ‘Blood Brothers’ BEST INNOVATION: BEST COMEDY: Wiseman’s – for the use of the screen in Moberly’s – ‘Blood Brothers’ ‘The Elephant Man’ BEST DRAMA: BEST DESIGN: South Town – ‘A Few Good Men’ North Town – ‘Journey’s End’ BEST DIRECTOR: BEST MUSICAL CONTRIBUTION: Evan Edwards and Jack Dixey – East Town – (musicians) Seth Crawley, Nico ‘A Few Good Men’ Bromilow, Conrad Heald, Jonah Trenouth, BEST PRODUCTION: Hector Williams in ‘Blackrobe’ Moberly’s – ‘Blood Brothers’

DRAMATIC OVERVIEW 49 Pippa Robinson’s Delia and the high pitched THE FESTIVAL PRODUCTIONS paranoia of Emily Tonks’ Mike Leigh style SUMMARY Susannah, (crumbling under the weight of her own self-inflicted neurosis), were a revelation to behold. Whilst the play was dated and did The festival started off on the Sunday, with not always dance to the metronomic tune which Alan Ayckbourn designed for it, this Wiseman’s ‘The Elephant Man’. This show enjoyed hour and ten minute long production, (pulled a strong start, with the use of carnivalesque lighting out of the hat in the very jaws of panic and last minute blitz spirit) ensured Oakeley’s to set the scene; very quickly, we were transported place in their House Play archives as one of to the world of the Victorian freak show. the most entertaining of recent generations: all this despite a loss of a key actor at the eleventh hour as Rosie Keefe valiantly his story, about the demise of Monday night...Watson’s House had set stepped in at the last minute. the angelic John Merrick who was themselves a difficult task in their choice of Tstricken by the horrifically debilitating the West End hit, ‘The Woman in Black’. The Tuesday… ‘Annie’ has had a long history of elephantiasis, was underpinned by some key to successfully realising this ambitious performances and so Hallward’s choice was focussed acting and sensitive direction choice of show was always going to be in the always going to be a popular one. Previous from the boys of Wiseman’s House. With the way in which the cast combined compelling interpretations (such as Albert Finney’s exception of some confusing and perhaps story-telling with a mastery of suspense. unforgettable Oliver Warbucks and Carol over-politicised use of the admittedly novel The development of tension would rest on Burnett’s acid-tongued Miss Hannigan) stick ‘screen’, which formed the backdrop of their this control and attention to restraint and in the mind, and the challenge for Hallward’s set, the ‘mise en scène’ gave credulity to a underplaying. There were some technical was therefore to make this play their own. society riddled with hypocrisy and mixed flaws and clarity and diction could have In flashes, the girls succeeded in doing this, values. The ever present image of Queen benefited from a vocal warm-up, but the with some of the distinctive Hallward’s marks Victoria glowered down at us with customary detailed planning and forethought of the in some of the early numbers. The cast was disapprobation. The use of the choir, overseers of this production paid off strikingly large, presenting a managerial challenge for though not always perfectly executed, was a in the end. the director, but the array of smiles at the welcome enhancement to scene changes and curtain call suggested strongly that Hallward’s transitions, and the piece was well directed Despite an over-long cut of one hour and had invested this production with a good and serious in its overall inflexion. five minutes, with which we sympathised degree of love. to some extent, the production achieved its Perhaps a little laboured at times, this serious- Some opportunities were missed (smoother desired effect, and was, depending on your ness manifested itself in the valiant efforts of scene transitions would have blended the constitution, authentically and frequently Frederick Treves, played by Murray Lidgitt who action more effectively perhaps), but songs inspired the audience with a solemn rendition disturbing. From the use of the torch and the like ‘It’s a Hard Knock Life’ were powerful in of William Blake’s Jerusalem. In all, this was beautifully positioned sound effects, with just delivery and intention. Ensemble pieces were the strongest and best tailored Wiseman’s enough of a hint of atmosphere to conjure secure and crowd-pleasing, but a certain production we have seen for some years; all up Drablow and the ‘glittering marshes’, degree of hesitancy in the solos denied the credit must go to a house that showed us this production was, at times, a tour de production the power required of a winner. what can be achieved by teamwork. This was force, eliciting screams and gasps from the North Town’s production of ‘Journey’s End’ an impressive eminent start to the week. genuinely surprised audience. Intriguingly, the identity of the Woman in Black still followed ‘Annie’, and lasting for over an This was followed by School House’s ‘The remains undisclosed and the memories of hour (the rules specify 45 minutes as the History Boys’. The play was well chosen this intellectually driven but viscerally charged maximum time allowed) the play undeniably and well executed by an enjoyably unified production will linger long...the white sheets over-ran. However, a tremendously apposite cast, and there was the odd outstanding covering the furniture in an upper room, the set - a single dug-out light hanging over a performance as well. The story of a motley rocking chair, rocking, unoccupied…the raw map-strewn table creating a real sense of a crew of boys, all gunning for Oxbridge whistling winds and the cries of a drowning bleak no man’s land just beyond - provided places, escorted down the avenues of child, all moments of sublime and other- enormous potential for this beautifully written knowledge by their zany, albeit ‘alternative’, worldly intrusion, set against the backdrop English GCSE text of choice. However, a teacher, certainly captured the imagination. of this lyrically haunting tale of curiosity and certain quietness of delivery, fumbled diction We enjoyed the warmth of the banter as retribution from the grave. and problematic stretches of dialogue meant well as the lightness of touch sometimes that this particular production never really exhibited. This, counterpointed by the If this were a hard act to follow, you would took off. We felt for the cast and production odd ‘arch’ comment, or incisive one-liner, not have guessed it in the execution of team, whose enormous work and effort made for a delightful mix. Some impressive Ayckbourn’s delightful comedy, ‘Bedroom seemed somewhat lost in translation. One characterisation and natural ensemble Farce’, which brought a lightness back to the of the final images of the play, a carelessly playing, not to mention superlative exchanges proceedings. The girls of Oakeley’s House thrown blanket over the recently deceased in French, left us feeling that School House did not disappoint, giving us a rich panoply young officer Raleigh, seemed to present had done much to open the doors on another of individual performances. The physical a problem that the direction of the piece world...perhaps not a world that we can relate ludicrousness of Natalie Heritage’s Ernest, had never really managed to articulate: the to any longer, but certainly a museum piece of reminiscent of French and Saunders’ fat men contradiction between withheld emotion some potency nevertheless. in the pub sketches, the narcotic shrillness of and stiff upper lip.

50 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 Worcester House made a rather unusual pace. This was, in part, down to style as What a testament to their spirit and resilience choice this year, especially in view of the much as it was down to the razor quick this was. Admittedly, the material was on the extra work involved in converting it from its communication of thoughts and movement superficial side, but from the title of the piece original form as novel into something that from a talented and controlled cast. It was we were under no illusion about what we could be performed on stage. It is perhaps certainly the play that, thus far, had managed were going to get from the start. Indeed, this this process, though finely executed, that was to imitate real speech most convincingly; the production added something thrilling and responsible for an excessive amount of short one in which the audience was least aware unique to the week, and it was with wistful scenes. At times, a gentle blend from one that actors were present. Scene transitions poignancy that we reflected how the cross scene to the next would have been preferable were faultless, and almost every fissure in gendered casting of House plays had moved to the staccato fragments of plot which their constructed reality was shored up as on over the years: here were girls playing advanced the story and ultimately detracted soon as it appeared. As we looked around the convincing male characters, with liberating from the central hub of the drama. However, audience, it was clear that we were witnessing largesse and no sense of going for the cheap in every other respect the cut was intelligent, something special. laugh. finely observed and close to the allotted time, However, this play was not without its faults. To say that Moberly’s House delivered delivering with truthful simplicity the main We secretly begged for the court room to be everything that Willy Russell’s ‘Blood protagonist’s deterioration. brought forward, in spatial terms, so that we Brothers’ has to offer in an hour and fifteen Dramatic performances shone through here, could enjoy the intimacy of procedures. In minutes would, of course, be untrue: how and, in view of the painful nature of the fact, it seemed ironic that its excellence made could they? Similarly, to claim that the subject matter, remained touching and well- its imperfections more conspicuous. The performances lilted between the two dramatic pitched. Worcester House offered a powerful overall impact of the piece (the smart retorts, masks with balletic poise, as the script does, performance: both an improvement on last the gravitas of the witness testimonials, the would be incorrect: there was unevenness; year’s contribution and an example of the theatre of military ritual and the individual there was generalisation; there was, perhaps, shape of things to come. relationships of council and marines too much of the dactyl and not enough of themselves) spoke to us with a resounding the spondee in the realisation of tone, mood Wednesday saw East Town’s contribution; an realism. South Town had handed in another and performance. However, in this truncated, example of quality drama. The piece had an virtuoso turn for our delectation. At this point, brilliantly adapted (though over-long for the exotic feel, governed as it was by the central nominations, opinions and recollections of purposes of House Play week) production, theme of indigenous Huron Indian cultures previous impressive productions were flying there was more sensitively handled and assimilated into Christianity. The subject in and colliding from all directions. carefully sustained ‘feeling’ than anything we matter was handled carefully and sensitively had seen thus far in the festival. by the director, and the set - a kind of abstract And so we arrived at the final evening of temple that positioned itself between the week. The first show was West Town’s And so, it was with initial alarm (in view of the pagan and Christian ideas of worship rendition of the musical ‘Hairspray’. This is the tortuously difficult decisions that now – demonstrated that East Town meant a tale of one girl’s dream of stardom and awaited us), very quickly followed by a kind business. Indeed, a high intellect drove this television popularity on the Corny Collins of drugged bliss, that we fell into the arms of piece forward, aided by strong performances show and it showed us a swinging sixties this majestic production. The voices, the live and focused acting from the cast. world of coiffured plastic people against keyboard playing, the story of the brothers, a backdrop of racial segregation. It had the evocation of childhood and those first The conflict between the world of ancestral seemed, initially, an unusual choice for a steps into love and adulthood were arresting Gods and the world of ecclesiastical corporate predominantly white cast, but the use of in both purpose and execution. Again, this expansion was fiercely staked out. The choir, black costume to represent ‘colour’ was was a piece in which genders were crossed who sang live behind the curtain, would a simple and distinctive solution to the and frontiers broken; though this time it was not have been out of place in the cloisters problem; we were so glad in the end, that boys playing girls...and in this transformation, of King’s College Cambridge, such was the the director had remained resolute in her any girl in that audience would have perfected harmony and ascetic control of decision to persevere here. This was a dance been hard pressed not to fall in love with a musical arrangement which intensified filled explosion of West Town energy and the openness with which some of these the mood. There were some well crafted rigour, sleek characterisation and teenage performers bared their souls. and strongly executed moments too, most exuberance that blew bubblegum love into notably the killing (or was it self-sacrifice?) the audience. We got oodles of assiduously The word ‘extraordinary’ was one which of Blackrobe himself. The piece would have rehearsed ensemble routines, memorable passed our lips as we passed out of the benefited from more detail, and the smoke numbers such as ‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’; Redgrave for the last time in this year’s was perhaps a little clichéd as the martyr we got hooked in by gyrations, vibrations, House Play season, and this referred not emerged from another dimension, but these funky choreography and a sheer vitality and only to Moberly’s performance but also are small criticisms in the grand scheme of vibrancy of colour; we got lemon popsicle to an extraordinary week of extraordinary things. As the boys of East Town took their style relationships, framed as they were in productions in an exceptional House Play bow, it was clear that here was another very what seemed to be one great electric pulse festival. serious contender for the House Play title. of big hair and razzle-dazzle, and the girls of West Town showed great stamina in what was South Town were in a tight spot coming into a very physical experience - for them and for the festival at this stage, with already so much their audience alike. quality under the bridge. Whilst the overall piece might have suffered from more glitches It was no surprise, then, when some than last year, this production, despite performers began to run out of steam in the running over time, sped along at a breathless final numbers: these girls had given their all.

DRAMATIC OVERVIEW 51 Music

HOUSE UNISON It was a typical October night, dark, wet, cold and blustery. All the spectators were huddled together in their Houses, hopping from one foot to the other to keep warm.

espite being exhausted and on the their Union Jack inspired theme. Each Hallward’s branched out in a different brink of half term, everyone shared West Towner was adorned in red, white musical direction by choosing the gospel/ Din the uneasiness and excitement and blue ribbons, imitating the team GB soul classic “Ain’t No Mountain High felt by all performers. As the hands on the design. Throughout the song “Proud”, Enough” which the girls performed in Chapel clock approached the half hour, written as this year’s Beijing Olympic two sections. There was a tremendous the exhilaration of the Houses assembled anthem, the singers remained in unison, sense of House spirit and pride as the outside on the Quad rose to a deafening and simple but effective use of actions was song alternated between the two groups crescendo. perfectly synchronised and mirrored the and then returned to the unison. There was good use of facial expression, vocal This year, Mr Hills mixed up the performing uplifting, patriotic lyrics. This was a defi nite differentiation and instrumentation, which sequence by pulling Houses’ names out of contender for this year’s House Song title. gave the song a dramatic edge. The choice a hat. This meant that each time another Wiseman’s decided on the Beatles’ classic of little black dresses appeared glamorous House was called up, those that still “Hey Jude!” Despite the slower tempo of whilst the tropical fl owers added a touch of hadn’t performed would sit nervously in this song, the boys exuded a strong sense subtle femininity. anticipation, wondering if it was their turn of rhythm and enthusiasm. The lyrics next. were sung with passion and clarity that Worcester provided the audience with an captivated their audience and guaranteed engaging interpretation of Abba’s legendary Oakeley’s defi nitely had the ‘wow’ factor “Mamma Mia”. The girls were co-ordinated as they assembled on the stage in their enormous applause. The creative 70’s inspired theme of bold coloured shirts in gold, green and black and wore sparkly monochrome personalised, black t-shirts jewellery with glittery make-up. The and striking metallic face paint. Their and animated conducting made this performance stand out from the rest. combination of well-known lyrics, a popular performance had a lot to live up to after tune and solid beat emanating from the last year’s thrilling rendition of “Shout”, Watson’s decided on Take That’s “Rule drum kit provided a truly enjoyable number. an 80’s inspired hit. I have to say, though, the World”, a soothing yet thrilling pop they didn’t disappoint. The quirky Queen’s “Lifted”, performed by School House, is ballad. The cello’s musical accompaniment song, “Radio Ga-Ga” was staged with fl air a 90’s hit belonging to British pop duo, added a depth, richness and electricity and originality. The use of choreography ‘The Lighthouse Family’. Like Watson’s, to the piece. The boys chose to remain and vocal dynamics added another School House kept things simple in the understated in their uniform creating an air dimension, making the catchy chorus costume department and opted for their of unity and ease. There were defi nitely a stand out. everyday uniform. The acoustic guitar few audience members mouthing the words chords could be heard above the song’s “I can’t take my eyes off you” performed as the vocal volume increased in the bridge lyrics. Although this is quite a challenging by Moberly’s was slick, smooth and that led up to the unforgettable chorus. number, the boys carried it off with style sophisticated. The genre, a combination and individualism. of swing and jazz, complemented the “Imagine” written by John Lennon and deepness of the boys’ voices and offered staged by North Town was recently South Town pulled out all the stops, with an alternative musical sound to the credited ‘the third greatest song of all their take on “Moonlight/Summertime”. evening’s extravaganza. The attire of jeans, time’ by Rolling Stone magazine. The The song is part of the soft jazz/swing a white t-shirt and a black suit jacket, lyrics originated from Lennon’s hopes of genre, and the use of drums and trumpet looked understated and didn’t distract a more peaceful future; he used music playing throughout the performance from the melodic composition. as a device for expressing and preaching emphasised key elements of syncopation his positive beliefs. The performance was and improvisation, typical of this type of The girls from West Town delivered a simple but effective, the singing remaining music. The boys certainly dressed the part spectacular performance from start to in time throughout, despite the constant in their showbiz tuxedos and black shades, fi nish. Their costumes certainly matched interjection of the riff. There was variation and their voices sounded tuneful and well the high standard of their voices. A simple of tempo and dynamics as the notes rehearsed. This was an all round good white t-shirt provided a blank canvas for reached the chorus. performance.

52 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 “Everytime”, performed by East Town, is a feel-good, pop ballad. As well as A Capella delivering strong and consistent vocals, the boys used a range of tone, which varied the mood of the piece. There Group was a real sense of enjoyment and achievement as the boys belted out the ver the past couple of years, the lyrics. Their form of dress was suave yet OA Cappella group has been asked quirky, as many of the boys had managed to perform for the Old Cliftonians during to transform their signature yellow and their annual Old Cliftonian dinner as red school ties into bow ties. a form of ‘light entertainment.’ This year, after a couple of minutes of last In keeping with tradition, the teachers minute practice, we proceeded to performed a song whilst the adjudicator, sing our favourite numbers, including (Director of Music from Badminton), ‘Penny Lane’ and ‘Somewhere over finalised the results of the competition. the Rainbow’ in the upper floor of Big This year they chose another Abba hit School. “Thank You For The Music”, which they sang with gusto and energy, but with The A Cappella group comprises a slightly different words, more appropriate number of sixth form boys and girls. to their profession. What a finale! Five parts are covered, ranging from bass to soprano and including all in Congratulations to West Town who were between. We have sung in a variety of Choir recital this year’s winners. places, including the top of the Eiffel Sophie Jackson Tower (supposedly illegally!) and in St 12 March 2009 George’s, and our repertoire is fairly large, mainly containing music arranged he choir performance of ‘Requiem’ by Bob Chilcott (of the King’s Singers) Harp Workshop a short while ago was, by all but also some more sacred pieces. T accounts, pleasant to watch (and We practise once or twice a week, and hear); it was also great fun to take n the Michaelmas term our harp usually a little more right before part in. This piece was slightly trickier Iteacher, Emily Mullins, organised a concert. a harp workshop for current and than the pieces the Clifton Chapel potential pupils. She engaged the help As a member of the A Cappella group, Choir usually take on, but afforded of Clive Morley from Morley Harps in it has been a pleasure to sing at these an opportunity for some beautiful Gloucester, who brought along eight dinners over the last two years, and I solos - Emily Tonks’ Pie Jesu bearing harps for pupils to play. Mrs Mullins hope it continues in the future. her unmistakable style, although all soloists performed the music with demonstrated the different qualities of William Morrison, SH, L6 each instrument: the most basic harp flair. For the rest of us, it was a time was a Celtic lever harp typically used to stretch our voices on a piece that in Irish folk music. This has a quiet and ranged in scope from the whole distinctive timbre and is an instrument choir thundering ‘de poenis inferni, typically used by beginners. The most et de profundo lacu’ to the delicate advanced instrument, and probably the beginnings of In Paradisum. most expensive, was a full size Etude Much of the term had been spent 42 pedal harp made by Aoyama. This practising the piece, and, although I is a much more challenging instrument can’t speak for the rest of the choir, to play because of the advanced skills repeatedly trilling Sanctus, Sanctus used for pedal-changing and supporting until Mr Hills’ standards were reached the weight of the harp. We were given a caused some soprano headaches. piece which had both easier and more However, by the time performance challenging parts. By the end of the night rolled around, we were ready to session we played this ensemble piece deliver up to that standard, all but free together as a group and as a canon. of the doubts we’d been smoothing Mrs Mullins played a grade 3 piece to out over the term as to whether we show how an easy piece can be made could hit that high B or C. Performing to sound impressive using particular a piece that was both beautiful and techniques. She also played a few somewhat challenging was fun, more advanced pieces to finish off the which is what choir, performance and workshop. attendance at events like this one is Catrin Cox, WoH, L6 about. Zoe Asquith

MUSIC 53 Singing at the Prom on the Close.

HouseHouse Part-SongPart-Song CompetitionCompetition 20082008

Before writing about the Part-Song competition, I had to think long and hard about what part-song really is. Every year there seems to be a myriad of different interpretations, which helps to add to the colour and excitement of the evening. Often the songs submitted will be worlds apart, and that was the case this year, the adjudicator commenting that in fact it made it extremely difficult to judge between them.

o many choices have to be made some wonderful bits during this piece. certainly captured the attention of the when choosing a part-song, and each Good eye contact was maintained during audience; the parts were well balanced with Syear the adjudicator is looking for the singing, ensuring that the piece ran everyone playing equally important roles, something different. Should the part-songs smoothly, and, overall, there was a sense of and this led to many complex harmonies. have words or can they be just noises? Does confidence in the performance. The piece lent itself to the Chapel setting. it matter if there is only one main singer Watson’s performed ‘I’m Yours’ keeping a Oakeley’s gave an emotional performance i.e. a soloist, with the other parts providing good rhythm throughout. It was an enjoyable of ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’. Clarity was backing, or is it a rule that each part should piece overall, and the backing certainly maintained throughout, and the blending of contribute equal importance to the song? helped carry the song along. Alternating the sound made by the background singers Can there be beat-boxing? How many voices and the soloists was well balanced. should a part-song roughly consist of? parts in the piece allowed the singers to relax more into the performance. South Town gave a very slick and This is why I believe that the organisers of entertaining performance of ‘Mack the Knife’ the part-songs should be congratulated more West Town’s song, ‘He lives in you’ from the with many of the singers dressed for the than anyone else, as they have the hardest Lion King, had two strong leading vocalists occasion in waistcoats and fedoras. The task before them. They must find a song while others provided a backing. The tune solos interchanged in a convincing manner which will not only suit the range of different of the song certainly rang out through the and, overall, you could see that those taking voices available to them, and will survive on Chapel, a combination of both African part were having great fun. its own unaccompanied by instruments, but phrases and English, which complemented will also be a song which they truly believe each other very well. Worcester chose a song by Mika called can win the competition. East Town was one of the last Houses to ‘Happy Ending’ which made great use of harmonies and the performance certainly The singing was of an extremely high quality perform with the ‘Pink Panther’, an unusual played on the heart. The volume of the song this year, a sign that music at Clifton is truly but effective arrangement consisting of ‘scat was cleverly varied throughout, illustrating flourishing. There was a wide range of talents singing’: syllables sung to an improvised the talent of the singers. exhibited by the differing range of songs melody. The range of notes that the main undertaken: soloist had to cover was no mean feat and, This year it was Hallward’s who won the once again, falsetto came in handy. competition, though I am sure that no- School House gave a powerful and stirring one walked away disappointed; everyone rendition of ‘Eye of the Tiger’, starting off As with last year, Moberly’s cleverly enjoyed themselves, and it was wonderful with a strong underlying beat accompanied managed to mix two very different songs into to see such a large turnout to watch, more by continuous beat-boxing. The lead singers a continuous flowing medley. ‘For the longest so than in previous years. I also personally had a high vocal range to cover, often using time’ and ‘Fields of Gold’, both very popular believe that the adjudicator did a fantastic falsetto to reach the highest notes; however, songs, went down well with the audience. A job in judging such a large spectrum of the melody was carried well. very strong performance overall was led well talent: I look forward to next year. by the main soloists. Wiseman’s sang ‘Only Truth’ with great enthusiasm, making the most of the refrain Hallward’s presented a well chosen piece, Hector Williams and the harmonies it presented; there were ‘Adiemus’, which suited their voices and

54 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 Poetry Please

Thomas Chatterton Poetry Winner and shortlist Students from Clifton entered an externally judged poetry competition. The winner of the competition was Third Debating form student Francesca ffi ske. Her poem “Moments” is printed below. Students were asked to submit a poem and picture his year’s junior debates kicked off entitled “What I love the most...” inspired by the poetry of at the start of the Summer Term. The Thomas Chatterton, the Bristol-based Romantic poet. T contests were fought simultaneously for the fi rst couple of weeks in order to avoid a traffi c jam of high profi le events in MOMENTS The subtle sigh of wind murmurs through the run up to Commemoration. However, the creaking branches the Houses were as keen as usual, fi elding The smell of damp earth, its crumbling A woman cherishes, singing softly to her many hopeful debaters from the Third to leaves leaving the sweets scent sleeping infant. Fifth forms, all anxious to score points over of decay, The curtains of rain thrum the underlying their competitors. Sometimes a fl ourish The choking, bitter fragrance of pulse of a single heart, of rhetorical skill, a neatly put phrase or blackened toast. Whilst delight is echoed in the language of indeed strong, simple argument carried The deep, earth tang of smoke coils the soul: laughter. Houses through the rounds. In every from myriads of chimneys, case, Sixth Form adjudication gave these Eucalyptus’ sharp scent clings to a drowsy debates a special feeling that perhaps can An innocent sunny fruit, sodden with body. be missing from the senior competition. perfumed pulp that draws lips together in a grimace, In the end though, the fi nal, fought between Oakeley’s House and School A whisper of silk against skin, as delicate A light pink mist of sugar melting, spun into House, was a fairly one sided affair and and light as water, a hazy cloud. School House romped home with the prize. Fresh paper, clean and simple as the The sweet crunch of pastry coats the hot Yet again, all those long winter evenings start of the world. relish of the sticky apple centre, spent deliberating immigration or climate A warm bed enveloping shivering limbs on Forcing the tongue to skip with guilty change (which serves as fodder to School a crisp winter night, pleasures. House internal debates) sent a strong Sea breeze stealing your lungs, fi lling each message that debating, like everything else swelling chest. Life is not measured by the breaths we take, in life, needs to be practised. But by the moments that take our breath The senior competition also set high For everyone a smile represents pleasure, away. standards and, whilst there was no no matter who you are, The moments where your heart halts with surprise when School House got ‘the An alluring diamond dances with light wonder, double’, they had to work hard against waiting to be unleashed. The beauty we want to soak up, live in, stiff opposition. Points of information were For each dawn the sun rises above believe. thick and fast and the fl oor was mostly a world glazed with hues of red That is what I love the most. engaged throughout the ten debates in the and gold, These moments. Redgrave. Themes included immigration, The splendour of the moon watches the age of consent and the current Francesca ffi ske, Third form through her misty veil. economic crisis. The teams did well with topical material as well as researching more remote themes in depth. In the end WHAT I LOVE THE MOST.... The moment’s gone now, slipped away though, School House triumphed: their The scene has changed, It’s on your hand victory was powered by a fast talking Josh A second in time, lost, yet kept, The power to create, to have, to hold Jacobs, a convincing Nick Morris and an Taken in the present eloquent Josh Brown. A special mention The power to remember should go to Wiseman’s House (Runners Never to forget But now gone from your grasp into Up) as I think I am right in saying that this the past, is the fi rst time in fi ve years that they have The moment is captured But there in your hands for all to see; made it this far. Now there for all time Your memories, Mr. Hasthorpe takes up the reins of this An expression remembered or Your photograph. thriving area of the school next year. laughter replayed, Flo Freeland, Third form The image caught forever Rob Morris

POETRY PLEASE 55 Some further poetry, inspired by a range of sources... THE LIGHTHOUSE

NIGHT AT THE LOVE SONNET It stands tall, this mighty building or UNDERGROUND wonder, If your love has returned but soon A simple plan but a magical reality, enough, With great walls, impossible to scale, We herd through the passage ways like This god of the sea sits patiently. sheep, It still would not be in the perfect time, Wave after wave, pour down the escalator, Our love boat has been sunk by It waits for one of its minions to call, Into the bowels of the earth, tempests rough, For help, for ease and for guidance; Bright posters stare blankly from the fi lthy You are a siren wicked yet sublime. walls, When this time comes, it bellows a When you wish to revitalise our love, mighty roar Hot noise roars from the mouth of the tunnel. My heart shall sink towards the And spits its light out through its ocean fl oor, kingdom. The stench of sweat, the gritty fl oor, the heat..... Your voice that calls me is sweet like a dove, I look away, and down and see a crumpled Its song of hope will help all men man, But your heart is bitter right into the Navigate its stormy realm, core. Lying on a blanket, arms around a dog, With immeasurable waves and Your face gives off a radiant sort of Shaking, his eyes are full of pain, tempestuous oceans, light, He looks at me; I look back and want to Guidance is a matter of life and death. Your eyes that burn with passion help, from within I move towards him but the crowds surge, I will withhold you using all my might, With a rocky base and a light for a brain, I am carried to the train and sealed in I will not let your love beneath my It saves many lives at sea, bodies, skin. But sometimes makes mistakes like Helpless. The plastic seats are smeared And still there is some feeling there anyone with gum, its truth, And guides its minions to their death. “Mind the Door.” The hooded people You love me, maybe one day I will stare. you. I leave him in his tomb. Noonie Holmes EXAM Johnny Gill

The rest of my life, determined by the THE MIND palm of my hand. A blank page, just waiting to be fi lled with right answers, As the sun begins to rise, But what are they? BUNKER Your mind passes through, My hand shakes and my heart is A sub-conscious temple; thumping, I shall not and will not, In which the jaguar stands tall. The cries of machine guns echoed in my Fate is resting in my fi ngertips. ears, The walls are closing in and the clock My eyes gaze upon sights no man should As the clouds give way to rain, ticks like a time bomb; see You start to doubt the world; Waiting to explode and end this torture. A world torn apart by the ravages of war. And every step you take I look at the questions, the sea of words Will feel like two. engulf me, Drowning me in confusion and The wails of innocent men being robbed of desperation. their lives, When the wind begins to bite, Then my time is up. Tanks charging, obliterating all in their You wonder why you are here, I look down at the page fi lled with black path, How you’ve become like this, writing, Silence fell upon the battlefi eld only to be And what you can do to change. Everything is black and white, right or destroyed by a hand grenade, wrong, I shall not and will not. When the sun begins to set, But the world is multicoloured. Jordan Cranton The jaguar will leave their temple, Life is full of maybes and the unknown, For the mind is complicated matter, So how can these questions decide my When you wonder about everything. future? Philippa Davis

56 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 WHISPERS IN THE DARK Whispers of the wind, SUMMER EVENINGS Sounds like music, In the night, Enchanting, haunting, It is that time of year, summertime has It is cold, Open, revealing. come again; Darkness erodes the horizon, To pitch its golden tent once more and Whispers of the wind, Stars explode across the black velvet stay a little while. above. Makes flowers sway, The solemn evening hours breathe Cold night enhancing their beauty, sweet thoughts around, Cold pushes people close, Whilst lying in this field of moonlight Whilst soft mellow apricot light glows They huddle for warmth, drenched flowers. airily at dusktime. Whisper their secrets, Rain gets heavier as night gets darker, Laugh away the chill. Dappled shadows through white Cold rain drills through arms like bullets, blossom trees Cold smells fresh, sharp, Glacial droplets rest on eyelashes, Light up blushing roses, that deck the Keeps you awake, Hair is plastered on foreheads whilst frost flowerbed garlands. Yet in a dream, a daze, pierces the skin. Cloaked birds in the bushes chirp their As you stare out across the emptiness. twilight lullaby Walls turn to blocks of ice, That illuminates the summer night. Cold is like thoughts, Cars turn to refuges, Lets you forget, To admire the night, The faint putt of a croquet ball echoes Lets you remember, In the back seat of your car. Within the exuberant garden walls. Cold sounds of nothing. Cold night makes your heart race, The strong scent of summer drinks binds with twilight aromas Cold makes you feel alone, Your mind scream, your voice turn to a whisper, Creating a depth: an azure, a perfume, Lets you think, breathe, Your legs shake and your arms search, a transcending ecstasy. Drains away the troubles, Only to leave empty shadows. Disappears into the lurking shadows. Soon the sun descends with milder rays Night is like love, to cool Cold is feared, unwanted, Night makes you lose your thoughts, The ocean where his journey ends. Dreaded by most, Your inhibitions, It hangs low like a sentimental pearl Others embrace it, You lose yourself in the night. In a sea of peachy blue, where it Let it swallow them whole. performs its ceremonial farewell for the Cold night lets you escape, night. Cold isolates feelings, Jump over walls, Makes breath act like fog, Pippa Robinson Delve into secrecy, Cold engulfs you, To then be forgotten when daylight returns. Cold engulfs the night. Whispers, Night offers excitement, TO COEXIST – Wind, Murky shadows act as strangers, Cold, A FOUND POEM BY FRANCES BUIST Corners act as danger, Night. Wind acts as whispers. You take too much out of hospitality, Dale Evans Grumbling at your neighbour’s house, A pale faced memento of solemnities.

WAVES The ongoing sound of pounding vibrations, You don’t read prayers or preach, The swish of the tail creates tension: You set an example of irreligion, The scene never changing, The unruly characters take hold. A mind without a revelation. The wild horses rushing, Meeting their end. As the creatures are controlled, There was no reason, then, The gentle sound returns. There is no reason, now, Frothing from the mouth, They are no longer charging, You necessarily coexisted... The beat of the hammering heart, But wandering. To coexist. Mad eyes as pink as roses. Katherine Beesley

POETRY PLEASE 57 CCF

Festival of Remembrance at the Colston Hall

With volunteers from each section of the CCF, we made our way to the venue to rehearse our marching sequence for the festival in the evening, which was on RAF Field Day Saturday, the 1st of November. to RMB Chivenor e were greeted soon after we Then followed the performance of entered the hall by a rehearsal various songs from one of the Royal fter a long trip in the minibus, we Wof the introductory fanfare Marines bands. The Royal Marines arrived at the gates of former RAF played on what I believed to be a keyed musicians have the reputation of A base, now a RMB Royal Marine trumpet, which is similar to the bugle being one of the best organisations for base, Chivenor, home of both Royal in that it has no valves. After they had orchestras & bands since musicianship, Marines and a part of the RAF Search and played this fanfare, I knew that I was talent and discipline almost always Rescue team. going to enjoy the evening. We then make for the best results in music. Having been waved through by security, rehearsed twice the whole precession We were treated to various ‘Big band’ we rolled in and seemed to be greeted of a large number of representatives pieces, along with a solo violinist by huge Chinook transporter helicopters of various associations, linked to the who played the main theme from swooping through the air, twisting and forces. These included a large number Schindler’s List. turning in ways that seemed impossible. of standard bearers, or ‘fl ag carriers’, as Another celebration of an anniversary After meeting our Royal Marine guide for well as representatives of associations followed, which was in relation to the day, we were led immediately to the from universities, the Red Cross and the releases of the fi rst episodes of the RAF hangars, where we were amazed to Poppy Appeal Association. well-known comedy sketches Dad’s fi nd we were all to have a fl ight in the Army. Some actors acted out one Sea King Rescue Helicopter. This proved Our job was very simple; to march in episode of this series, which was to be the highlight of the day, as we time (which a large number of one thoroughly enjoyed by the audience. section of the forces, who will remain Next, a regionally famous tenor singer anonymous, often fi nd very diffi cult) came onto the stage and performed down to the stage and then fi le into our a wide range of songs, some modern seats. Once rehearsed twice, we took and some linking to famous styles our leave and then met again just before of the wars. We then had the Act of the concert to line up for the order of Remembrance, which was surrounded marching into the hall. with some hymns, readings and the After we had marched up and found Last Post, which was played on the our seats, we enjoyed a festival bugle by a member of the Marines. which had a large number of different The festival ended with some good performances. The festival started patriotic pieces (Land of Hope & Glory, with a young soprano who sang four Jerusalem) and of course the National songs from various shows and some Anthem. old classics that suited the audience’s I strongly recommend this occasion taste. We were then read some extracts to any musicians in the CCF and for from various diaries of individuals who anybody who enjoys having a good had joined the Territorial Army since it sing too. was an anniversary for this component of the army.

58 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 Royal Marines Band Course

decided to do the Royal Marines Band Course at HMS Raleigh. It I was the first time I had done a CCF course apart from summer camp with the school’s CCF; so it was all a brand new experience for me. It was one of the most enjoyable weeks of my whole life. We spent every day of the five days were all kitted out in full flying suits Next, we were shown a pair of night playing music. We stayed in a mess before being led to the bright yellow vision goggles, our guide pleading with block at HMS Raleigh. Apart from the aircraft. As we soared over the nearby us to be careful as they cost £10,000 early wake up calls everything was great sands with the large side door wide each! Soon we were whisked off to in the mess block. The food was very open, sometimes flying at very low another section of the base where we good. We ate in the phase one trainees altitude, its speed and agility were were shown how to prepare a rabbit dining hall with the trainees and cadets demonstrated in a striking way. for cooking, and then taken for our last who were on other courses. We practised three marches, a drum display and some concert pieces for the first four days of the week leading up to the big parade on the final day of the week on the drill square. We also played a concert to fellow cadets on the other courses as well as their instructors in the chapel on Thursday evening. We were in very capable hands all week, as we were being trained by the Royal Marines Band and Corps of Drums from the Plymouth Band. Being a drummer the other four drummers, the drum major and I were trained all week by the amazing drummers and buglers activity of the day; one that left us with from the Plymouth band. This was the no energy for anything else. best training any musician could ask for as you are being trained by the top We were introduced to the Royal Marine musicians in the military. PT instructor for Chivenor who, in turn, introduced us to an assault course that On the course there were people from potential Royal Marines had to complete in all over Britain. I got to know everyone order to be accepted into the regiment. We on the course very well and by the end were led through the obstacles and helped of week we almost felt like family. Quite over the tougher challenges; we all made a lot of people had been on the course it to the end, thoroughly exhausted. It was before and I hope to go again this only then that we were told that those summer. I would thoroughly recommend recruits doing this same challenge had going on this course and any other to complete it in less than five minutes, course as it is great fun. I am hoping to whilst fully loaded with pack and rifle, be selected to perform in the cadet 150 and only after completing a cross country celebrations in London in 2010. run with the same load. As we set off back Adam Kula to Clifton, we realised the experience we had had was barely a glimpse of the true training and life of the Royal Marines. James Moore 5th Form

CCF 59 CCF Field Day Navy CCF Field Day

s time approached 9 o’clock in the morning, we all assembled on the A South Quad along with the other sections of CCF. A quick registration and brief inspection and we were given the order to fall out, setting off on our first activity of the day. Although First Aid has been shown to us many times in the past, yet this was perhaps the most enjoyable session I’ve attended and took me one step further in my understanding of this topic. After a short break we assembled back at the South Quad and proceeded to our second task. In order for us to be qualified to fly with the RAF in an extraordinary experience above ground on a ‘Grob Tutor’ aircraft, we must pass a brief test to review our progress and our understanding. We had some revision on the he day began with an early we watched an exciting action movie RAF Part One syllabus, some basic information start as we were on parade at about a hostage rescue mission which that we need to know as part of the section T 7:30am, after rushing to polish made me jump at least six times and left and then we went back onto the Quad to our boots and pessimistically packing my heart pounding - a real insight into learn some more about the foot drills. These our waterproofs. The journey to our the thrill of being in the Navy! After that, practices proved very effective at the end of home for the weekend took two long we went on a helicopter simulator which the day when assessments took place. hours, and we waited with anticipation made us feel as if we were actually flying to see the grand HMS Bristol in across mountains and then went on the After lunch we returned and gathered in Portsmouth. It was not the 5 star luxury aptitude tests and rock climbing wall. preparation to start the first of the two accommodation we were hoping for but The groups then swapped over, and I activities for the afternoon. First was a slight a good experience of what it’s really like was led through HMS Victory by our very taste of commanding task for us. We were to stay on a naval ship. After leaving our own tour guide, Mr Crocker. We learnt given instructions and were divided into bags on the industrial metal triple bunk all about her history and the general life two groups to complete the task given. One beds in mess deck 3, we got back on of naval men in the past, including their person was appointed the leader of each to the coach and headed off to our first uncomfortable living conditions, use group and the rest of the team followed. activity of the weekend. On such an enjoyable occasion as this we of the 104 cannons and even stories of actually managed to grasp quite a bit on We split in half, and my group was sent men sneaking their wives on board. communication and team work (as well as to the “Action Stations” centre. There We marched to dinner leadership for the leaders). Overall the teams where we were served a turned out to have worked really well in variety of much-needed completing the task given. This was agreed hot food (a real treat by the majority of the recruits as the compared to the Army’s highlight of the day. ration packs), then This then led to activity two, viewing the video marched home again. about the RAF Search & Rescue service. If that wasn’t enough marching, we were taken After a short tea break, at last the foot drill to a large sports hall assessment came. This was something new, where we did marching something different, something we have never done in the past. All of the recruits of different sections assembled on the Quad waiting to be assessed on their foot drills. RAF was called up first. Although we are the smallest group out of the three sections, yet we were ultimately among one of the best during the assessment. My overall thought on the day was that it was very enjoyable, we were given tasks to complete, we engaged them and we successfully achieved accomplishing them. Brian Yeh

60 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 drills and learnt how to salute. We also played a team building game and then, exhausted, went back to the ship for snooker, table tennis and chocolate milk. Having followed the complicated instructions for making our cramped little beds, with 5 minutes till lights out, we were suddenly told we were in the wrong mess and had to quickly rush to change beds. However, by the time the lights went out, we were all lying comfortably, worn out from our long day, and ready for sleep. The Field day on the Pride of Bristol 2009 beds may have been small and hard, but as I listened to the rain pour down, I was t 8 o’clock on the 8th March 2009 see how difficult dealing with a casualty on very happy with the warmth and shelter. we arrived at Portishead Marina not board a boat in motion is! Our wake up call was at 6.30 and, as knowing what the next twenty-four A Following this, we carried out some we marched to breakfast, passing a hours had in store for us. We were shocked chart and navigation work, plotting our Commander on our way, I realised why by the size the ship, it was much bigger position at anchor using a three point fix there had been such an emphasis on than any of us had expected. One of us and plotting our course for the following marching and saluting. started off on the “wrong foot” with Tansy journey back to Portishead harbour. We falling down the steps. The crew prepared also checked the tides at certain harbours us for the next day and we had a helping of and learnt the importance of forward soup before heading off to bed. planning and entering bays, so as not to The following morning we were woken at run aground. some unearthly hour, however we did get At last we arrived back in the Portishead to see a fantastic sunrise. After squeezing marina where the quiet surroundings through Portishead lock, we entered into became disturbed with the roar of the now the Bristol Channel where we were hit by launched RIB. We were each lucky enough the extreme conditions. We had a short to be allowed to take this for a spin and period to take in the surroundings before by 6pm our day had unfortunately come setting out for our day’s duties. Our first to an end. Exhausted by the day’s events, task was to plot our course to Penarth we managed to gather together the last of where we were to conduct the afternoon’s our strength and clean out the rooms and Because of the large numbers, we were activities. An hour later we were anchored tidy up. split up into four groups. I was lucky outside Penarth Bay for lunch – although enough to be one of the six who got to go some of us had already had breakfast The experience was excellent and on the Amaryllis, an eight-berth ocean twice and despite feeling a little under the we couldn’t have hoped for a better yacht and sail around, led by Stew and our weather did give lunch a good try. crew, teaching us so much as well as skipper, Rob. At one point we ventured out entertaining us. We are all so grateful and The afternoon activities that followed of the port and almost capsized because hope that we can return next year. Overall a really were superb as we carried out some of the violent sea. It was my first time on a truly terrific field day. yacht, and I learnt so much about sailing first aid training learning about the Neil and all the different actions. In particular, Robertson stretcher and what to do in Thank you from: an emergency. This was punctuated with I discovered how stressful but thrilling it Alex, Becky, Ben, Ellie, Katie, Luke, fascinating anecdotes of past experiences was to operate such a large boat in rough Murray, Oliver and Tansy conditions. Another group went sailing on where the on-board Medic helped us to a similar yacht while the other two groups went on powerboats. The bad weather made it all the more exhilarating, and we all got a real taste of the excitement of the Navy and sailing. We got back onto the coach, physically drained, but having enjoyed our first real naval experience. The weekend was such a success, and we learnt so much about the different aspects of the Navy as well having fun living the life of a real cadet. Philippa Davis

CCF 61 tight space! Once most of us had grasped the general concepts of these skills we stopped off at the buttery and snacked on bacon sandwiches and chips, washed down with a cup of hot chocolate, and of Navy Field Day course perfecting coming alongside in the process when tying up at the pontoon! When we set off again we went through Although the sun was out, the bitter cold the lock gates out onto the river. It was n Monday 8th March we met in the wind meant the warmth of the food still exhilarating when we had to tie ourselves quad at 07.45 for a quick inspection went down as a much welcomed treat! to the sides by our bow rope and hold before jumping onto the mini-bus O After everyone’s stomach was satisfied, on as the gates were opened, all boats at 08.00. The short ride took us to T.S and our trousers were feeling tighter than cramped into the small space, trying to Adventure, Bristol’s sea cadet centre, just ever, we clambered back down to our boats prevent ourselves from being dragged back on the Bristol Docks. Shortly after arriving and set off out of the harbour along the by the current. Once through the lock gates we quickly set to putting on our buoyancy Feeder Canal. At this stage Mr Scorgie and the water was much rougher and the wind aids, replacing our boots with trainers, Mr Crocker began to assess us. Even with had picked up. Here we were assessed on distributing the food and kit between the the terror of having our every move watched our man overboard in the current which power boats, and getting the boats ready and judged we still had fun whether at the made it much harder, due to having to by checking the engine, fuel and oil for the helm, clinging on for dear life as someone learn to use the current and wind to our trip ahead. The trips main aim was to test messed up a manoeuvre, or just taking the advantage when picking up the ‘man’. us for our power boating RYA 1 and 2. relaxing option of sunbathing and waving Once everyone had had a go, we turned Once everything was prepared we got at the people on the banks! around and headed back the way we came, onto our allocated boat and set off into We followed the Feeder Canal to Netham right back to the harbour, being assessed the harbour. Within the harbour we went Lock where again we stopped off. Not the whole duration of the journey. In the through and practised the skills needed surprisingly it was to eat! However this time harbour we enjoyed a last stop off at the for the assessment, such as getting used it was to munch on a lunch of hot soup buttery, eager for some food to warm us up, to controlling the boat, becoming aware and sandwiches. Once filled up Mr Crocker before heading back to T.S Adventure once of the other vessels, and the trickier stuff taught us the concepts of anchoring on all the assessments had been done. It was like coming alongside, man overboard land, as we couldn’t put it into practice in truly an enjoyable event and we all arrived and the dreaded three point turn in a the dock due to restrictions. back ready for supper!

H.M.S. Raleigh Leadership Course

t was late afternoon on Sunday when I where you are given a subject to talk about – Damage Repair arrived at Temple Meads station to travel for one minute. Another similar activity was Instruction Unit. I to H.M.S. Raleigh in Plymouth. Typically our prepared presentations where we had The DRIU is the travelling is never straightforward with to speak for five minutes on a subject of based on various trains in England, so from Tiverton Parkway our choice with any extra aids to assist the compartments we were taken by bus to the ferry to cross presentation. Confidence is a huge part of on board a ship. Plymouth harbour in order to reach Raleigh. leadership to gain respect and to use the The purpose of Once we were on the naval base and found power of command when teaching cadets. it is to train the our division’s block we were told to drop our ship’s company The best activities in my opinion were: kit and head straight over to the junior rates how to repair the assault course which we completed mess hall for supper. When we returned we a sinking ship three times, running through muddy rivers withdrew our bedding and settled into our with a number of different methods. The and crawling through tunnels, the drill mess decks (sleeping quarters). freezing water rushes in from the shredded competition between the two syndicates, steel, and the entire compartment starts Next morning the hands were called (we were the obstacle course and the orienteering to roll forcing the wave of water to and fro. woken up) by the coxswain at 6.00 am, to at Edgcumbe Park. However, there was Also there is one single tiny light that is march over to breakfast. After this we had a one activity that stood out: the DRIU illuminating the large compartment. full inspection from Lt. Cdr. Evans our senior officer. We then started our full and busy Our two staff members were brilliant, CPO program of activities. The point of the course Aldridge and Lt. Cdr. Huxtable. The group of was to promote confidence in all members of 18 people that I was with were fantastic; we the team so we could advance our knowledge had really bonded by the end of the week and skills of leadership that we would apply and it was a real anticlimax when we left. So back home in our own contingents. overall I would thoroughly recommend this course, it was incredible, and remember - One of the most effective ways to instil shop early to avoid disappointment. confidence in the way you speak and present yourself was the snap talks. This is L/Cpl Charlie Markham

62 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award Snowdonia - Easter 2009

uring the last week of the Easter holidays, 19 sixth form pupils, Dthree members of staff and a dog travelled to North Wales to undertake two days of training and a three day practice expedition within the stunning landscape of Snowdonia National Park. Pupils undertook training in all the skills necessary to complete safely an unaccompanied practice expedition, such as navigation, camp cooking, wild camping and expedition first aid. After a busy two days of training, the pupils in three different expedition groups were let loose to follow various routes, camping wild and being completely self-sufficient. The weather was good throughout, hot during the days and cold during the nights. All groups were closely monitored by staff, and they all performed superbly throughout; they should now be ready to undertake their qualifying expeditions later on. All in all, the trip was a great success with the pupils being a huge credit to the school and a pleasure to spend time with. Gary Walker Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Co-ordinator

CCF 63 My time in the Army Section

have really enjoyed my four years in the Army Section, CCF. That’s not to I say it’s been easy. Our first Field Day at the end of Fourth Form was a totally new experience for all of us. We put up our bashers in the woods in Caerwent, but it rained so heavily that we slept in a building. All the windows were smashed and the floor was lined with rabbit droppings. Nevertheless, things got better the next day when we faced the teachers in a tactical situation. I’m pretty sure it was a total disaster, but a good laugh anyway. Field Day in Fifth Form was probably the Field Day I enjoyed the most. We ambushed building 821 and ran over the battlements, avoiding numerous IEDs and took the building. We Canoe club trip to River Wye and then spent the rest of the weekend defending it from the Upper Sixth, our Symonds Yat Rapids − Easter 2009 enemy for the weekend. Sleeping in the building was an eerie experience, although I don’t remember anyone lifton College Canoe Club started On the water and en route to the rapids, getting much sleep. in January 2009. Since then pupils pupils practised various skills and even Chave rapidly progressed in the art attempted a 15 foot seal launch from In the summer before Lower Sixth I went of kayaking (closed cockpit), developing one of the many rocks. All pupils had a on a leadership course at Frimley Park many new skills and performing on water couple of runs through the rapids and cadet training centre. It was this week, rescues. Some pupils have even learnt even practised getting very wet whilst out of everything I’ve done in the CCF, how to do an Eskimo roll and felt up to the performing some white water safety skills. that taught me the most about myself challenge of taking on Symonds Yat rapids There was a very quiet minibus journey and provided me with the biggest in the Forest of Dean. back to Clifton (apart from the odd snore!), challenge, both mentally and physically. having all had a thoroughly good time! The highlight of the week was probably visiting Sandhurst where we were given the opportunity to make an attempt at completing the assault course there. It was a gruelling experience, and I am proud to say that I was the only girl on the course that made it all the way round. I have enjoyed the Upper Sixth in CCF and all the extra responsibilities the year has brought. I really feel that I have developed some leadership skills through the CCF that I might not have done otherwise, and I honestly believe that these will be invaluable to me in later life: I’m glad that something I’ve enjoyed so much will also provide me with such useful skills. Grace Annan-Callcott

64 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 forgotten. I spent most of my time with a Clifton in the Community boy called Cary who suffers from a mild mental disorder and it was particularly interesting to see how I helped him develop Playing indoor balloon volleyball with the elderly, teaching children skills in reading and writing in the course French nursery rhymes, painting wall murals at a children’s centre, of only a few sessions. What really affected bramble clearing at a local primary school, doing a citizen’s arrest me most was seeing some of the children go home to dysfunctional families. If I were of a shoplifter in a local charity shop, sculpture making with stroke to go back and help at a school like this I patients, swimming classes with young children, helping with would be glad to show the children the ways horse-riding for the disabled, organising Chinese Moon festival in which they are special as many of them celebrations, snake handling at Bristol Zoo . . . just a few of the had very low self-esteem. experiences of those involved in Clifton in the Community this year! Sometimes students are required to use skills that they would not necessarily have expected. Students working at Cowlin ower Sixth and Upper Sixth have many of the patients to regain the use of House, a home for the elderly, found their worked exceptionally hard in so many immobile limbs and aid their recovery. football skills challenged. Finella Tancred- areas for Clifton in the Community Holmes writes: L Having a strong desire to enter the medical this year. Achievements in school are often profession, I saw my visits to the hospital We volunteer at Cowlin House which is associated with academic success and, as a chance to really experience hospital an elderly people’s home. We have fun yet, when I come to read the accounts life, and quickly discovered working at interacting with the elderly in different ways. of students involved in Clifton in the Bristol General Hospital to be much more We play bingo where we help the old people Community, achievement is a word that than that. I discovered that to work in an who have hearing problems to be involved. comes to mind. Students have shown atmosphere in which there are so many We also help to play football which allows their ability to embrace new experiences different emotions, and such a variety of the boys to show off their skills; this involves and work with people and in places that people, a mutual feeling of hope will always kicking a ball across the room while one are often unfamiliar. So many placements remain; I found this to be an extremely of the elderly residents usually acts as the have commented on students’ exceptional rewarding experience. It greatly aided goalie. qualities – of understanding, of patience my interpersonal skills as I was given the and of their kindness. For added variety, we also play volleyball opportunity to interact constantly with a with a balloon. This means that all residents This year 2008-9, we have been lucky variety of age groups, in very different get the chance to use their hands and enough to have been involved in a number stages of recovery. I also learnt how to heads which means that they are getting of new projects, with students working at approach and relate sensitively to people some exercise: they’re not the only ones! the Stroke Rehabilitation Unit in Bristol of very ill health, skills that would no doubt Some of the more active ones will tell us General Hospital, the Centre for the Deaf help the majority of people in later life, about their lives and families before they in King Square and at Southmead and whether they wished to pursue a career came to Cowlin. This is very interesting Frenchay Hospitals. Jess Trounce who in medicine or not. The project not only and ,although their memories aren’t what worked at Bristol General writes: helped encourage the victims to regain they used to be, they seem to remember us their emotional and physical strength, but Since September I have been and smile at us when we arrive. The staff also aided the families of the sufferers, who attending, on a weekly basis, the Stroke are really friendly and supportive, and the also suffer greatly with the hospitalization Rehabilitation Unit in Bristol General whole experience has taught us patience. and illness of a loved one, but are often Hospital. After a stroke, it is common We really look forward to going again. forgotten. All in all, visiting Bristol General to lose the ability to use one side of the Hospital was a truly amazing experience. In many of the student accounts this body, depending on the side of the brain year, there is an overwhelming sense of that is affected, and for many people, a Participating in Clifton in the Community, capability and understanding, kindness stroke can also have devastating effects whilst essentially altruistic, can open doors and generosity. The projects that students regarding memory and speech. for students in terms of careers – confi rming are involved in often depend on the help a particular career path or allowing students During my weeks at the hospital, I spent of volunteers and some, for example the to decide that it is not for them. Students time with many patients and used various animal charities Horseworld and the Holly who participate in the programme often techniques in the hope of stimulating and Hedge Animal Sanctuary, are run almost work with people and in sections of the ultimately regaining the use of the parts entirely by volunteers. city that they are unfamiliar with. Working of the body that were badly affected by in different areas of the city often reveals a There are many life lessons to be learnt from the stroke. Art therapy played a signifi cant side to Bristol that students have not seen participating in Clifton in the Community – role in the rehabilitation, and we often before. Sasha Montagu-Pollock writes of her to be open-minded, to be fl exible and have a manipulated clay, papier-mâché, and other placement at Southmead Children’s Centre: sense of humour in our approaches to life, to materials to design masks, and models avoid judging people, to give generously and used to represent the emotions of many The area in which the school was located to realise that it is sometimes when we least of the patients. We also used musical contrasted completely with that of Clifton expect it that we learn and gain the most. instruments and the Nintendo Wii to College. It surprised me and made me promote limb movement and this helped realise that places like Fonthill are often Sophie Cuesta i/c Clifton in the Community.

CLIFTON IN THE COMMUNITY 65 Sport

1st XV Rugby

Played 11 Won 5 Lost 6 Points For 138 Points Against 202

his season was always going to be The loss of Charlie Colquhoun brought a were very strong up front, making it diffi cult a tough one. The majority of the sad atmosphere to the week’s training for the backs to create successful attacks. T Squad were in the Lower VIth and, before the Cheltenham game and match Our scrum was always moving backwards although they had as a year group a history day was an emotional affair. Charlie, and, on what was a very blustery day, our of success behind them throughout their usually dressed in his grey jacket, standing kicking game failed to take any advantage school career, this year would always behind the posts at the College Road of the wind when it was behind us. end, was a permanent feature at 1st XV be a physical test for them since they Marlborough and the Governors’ Cup home matches. We all miss his wise words were up against teams who were just match was next. How we stayed in and encouragement. The team worked physically stronger. As a result, the pack the game in the fi rst half was beyond exceptionally hard to try and “win it for was constantly on the back foot when it belief as far as most of the spectators Charlie” but Cheltenham were a good side came to scrummaging, and the lineout were concerned! Remain in the match with much to offer. 6-11 was a good effort also proved a challenge given no regular or we did, and with seven minutes of against a team who went on to have an experienced thrower. determined defending in our own 22, unbeaten season. However, when the results are analysed, and a narrow two-point lead secured, the XV did win or lose eight of their A try and conversion in the dying moments the XV demonstrated commendable matches by a single score. Dean Close was of the match against King’s, Taunton, concentration and determination. The a much tighter game than the fi rst-half sealed a pleasing 25-24 victory and said resulting 8-6 win was defi nitely the performance suggests, three good tries much about the team’s character. This highlight of the season. should have been the launch-pad to unanswered and the side playing well. The BGS pack was the largest we came greater things but a lacklustre performance Lack of fi tness, or the fact that most of up against and, predictably, they played against KES Bath brought everyone back the players had never played 70 minutes to this strength keeping the ball in the down to earth. Although we staged a of rugby before, began to take its toll, forwards for as much of the match as second-half revival, a sixteen-point defi cit however, and we were grateful to hang on possible and securing a narrow 8-7 win was too much to claw back. Sherborne to a 17-15 victory. as a consequence. The next fi xture was against Blundell’s and had the added factor of being the fi rst match for the Colquhoun Cup which is to be played for in this fi xture annually in Charlie’s memory. Not surprisingly, perhaps, the XV played well against a side who were excellent counter attackers, and we recorded the largest win of the season. In contrast, the heaviest defeat of all came in the following match against Millfi eld who were quite superb, scoring 42 points in the fi rst third of the match. The second half was more even but they ran out comfortable winners, our boys taking some comfort for showing real spirit and determination against a very good opposition. Monmouth followed with a 12-3 victory on a heavy pitch, and the season ended with a narrow loss to Queen’s, Taunton, on a poor pitch where we just did not get the rub of the green. Major thanks to all the players who worked

66 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 so hard during the term. Captain Jamie the guidance of Mr Williams only played in three matches and O’Sullivan but injuries then succumbed to a stress fracture in and players deciding to his back. We missed his darting runs and play for Bristol Schools confidence on the pitch; thanks to Opus rather than the School Sekibo who took over from Jamie and then saw their form dip to Nick Williams who finished the season towards the end of as captain after Opus was sidelined for the the season. A 10 – 0 remainder of the season at Millfield. The win at Sherborne was squad returns minus only three Upper probably the highlight VIth players so expectations for next of the season. The Junior Colts teams were well done to Mr Gardiner and his boys. The year are high. excellent, losing only four games between yearlings were a small side and though very the four teams all season. The A team did brave struggled to defend against bigger The other senior teams had a mixed time, well in the Daily Mail Cup reaching the 5th boys. Hopefully as size evens out they will brilliant one moment and tragic the next! round but losing to St Peter’s just before the improve as teams. The 3rd’s and 4th’s were tough sides and no end of term, when injuries had robbed them In all, the School played 138 matches team had an easy game against them. The of a few vital players. The B’s were unbeaten winning 76, losing 59 and drawing 3, a 3rd’s won 70% of their matches and their 29 and racked up a massive 373 points with 55% win ratio which, with the fixture list – 7 win against Millfield was the highlight. only 81 conceded and the U15 C team Clifton has, is a pretty good effort. The Colts XV were a very solid side under were the top ranked C team in the country; Paul Askew FOOTBALL

Once again, football had a successful season in terms of results and, just as importantly, in the manner in which the football was played. In all, eight teams played on a regular basis and, despite losing 18 matches due to inclement weather, 65% of the games that were played ended in wins or draws.

he two Yearlings teams met with After opening solidly with a convincing loss at the hands of QEH, victories against mixed fortunes. The ‘B’ team win against Blundell’s, there were, Blundell’s and King’s Taunton, separated T played seven matches, and after an unfortunately, poor results versus both by a defeat at King’s Worcester, put them encouraging start against a stronger Sexey’s King’s Worcester and St. Katherine’s before in good shape with further wins versus Bruton side, had poor results against St. draws against Sherborne and then Malvern. Sherborne, Malvern, Monmouth and Katherine’s and Sherborne. Unfortunately, The season finished with two wins (Sidcot Malvern. However, the skills of Beechen the opposition in later matches was to be and Wycliffe), two draws (Monmouth and Cliff put paid to their good run, followed by too strong and, as a result, heavy losses QEH) and a closely fought defeat at the a disappointing draw at Wycliffe. The Junior were the outcome against Beechen Cliff and hands of Beechen Cliff. Colts ‘B’ had an excellent season winning Monmouth. However, a good win against The Junior Colts teams had a most seven of their ten matches against QEH, Malvern and draw against Wycliffe raised successful year, with the ‘A’ team winning Blundell’s, Sherborne, Malvern, Wycliffe, the spirits. The ‘A’ team also ended up with the newly-formed Mercian Independent Monmouth and Bromsgrove. Defeats were fair reward for their efforts and ability. Schools League. Despite a heavy opening suffered in hard-fought matches against

SPORT 67 Beechen Cliff , King’s Worcester and an exceptionally strong Sidcot ‘A’ team. The Senior Colts ended the season with the best record of the eight sides and were a very talented group of players with four of their age group earning places in the 1st XI. They started strongly with victories against Blundell’s and King’s Worcester. Then followed wins against Malvern, Sidcot, Wycliffe and Bromsgrove. Only a disappointing defeat at the hands of Monmouth spoilt a 100% record after half term. At senior level, the 2nd and 3rd XI’s had indifferent seasons. The 3rd XI suffered the due to the poor weather, managing to play only seven matches throughout the term. They recorded two wins (Blundell’s and Beechen Cliff), one draw (Monmouth) Boys’ Hockey and four losses (Wells Cathedral, Sherborne, Malvern and Bromsgrove) but, nonetheless, their enthusiasm was never wanting and they all enjoyed their football. The 2nd XI also played in the Mercian League. Their performances were The 2009 hockey season was inconsistent and a succession of injuries made team selection a difficult task: they managed to win only three of their games probably Clifton’s best to date. (Blundell’s, Malvern and Bromsgrove). They recorded five losses (disappointingly against King’s Worcester, Sherborne, QEH, Hockey is thriving at Clifton and BGS and finally at Monmouth) and three competitive draws as a result considerable success (Beechen Cliff, King’s Taunton and Wycliffe). Unfortunately, too many players under-performed in the squad this year and this, is accompanying this. alongside the injury jinx, was the main reason for a relatively disappointing outcome. or the first time the 1st XI took part in a school’s The 1st XI had a mixed bag of results. As defending Champions league which included seven schools from around of the Mercian League, the pressure was on to repeat the feats of F Bath and Bristol. (Kingswood, Dauntsey’s, Prior Park, 2008. A fine win against Blundell’s (7 -1) was followed by defeats King Edward’s Bath, Bristol Grammar School, Beechen Cliff at the hands of Beechen Cliff (0-2) and King’s Worcester (0-2). and Clifton). The Clifton 1st XI played consistently strong A promising first league victory of the season at King’s Taunton hockey in each of the league games and were thoroughly (2-1) was followed by a non-league win at Sherborne (3-2). Due deserved winners of the JMS Sports Schools Hockey League. to previous cancellations in the term, the League programme The performance of the season was beating Prior Park 2 then swung into action. A convincing win (4-2) against QEH was – 1, the first time the 1st XI have beaten Prior for some followed by a ‘crunch’ match at Malvern, both schools defending years. Other excellent wins came against Dauntsey’s (4 – 1), undefeated records. An excessive eight minutes extra time Bristol Grammar (3 – 2), Sherborne (3 – 2) and Kingswood (during which Malvern were awarded a penalty to draw level (3 – 1). with three of minutes remaining) meant we came away feeling frustrated. Despite this setback, wins against Wycliffe (7-0) and In the Avon Schools Competitions Clifton battled in every BGS (2-0) kept us in the hunt for retaining our title. However, we age group with Prior Park. For the first time Clifton won didn’t play well in our penultimate match at Monmouth, losing through to the Regional Finals at two age groups (U18 and 1-0, and finished the season at Marlborough with a 1-1 draw. For U14). Clifton would have also won the U16 if a final had not information, Malvern were the eventual winners of the League been played having completed the qualifying group. The 1st with Clifton coming runners-up. As you would expect, the squad XI certainly played some exceptional hockey throughout the were highly committed and motivated and were, all in all, a credit day culminating in beating Prior Park for the second time in to the School. Despite the fact that we will lose four of the squad the season. next season, I remain confident of our chances for a successful Rhys Bratchie-Watkins had a brilliant season in goal for the season in 2010. 1st XI. He has now been selected for Wales U18 and will be The accolade of showing commitment and motivation must be taking part in the European Championships later this year. paid to all our teams. Each one played football as it should be Tom Atkinson was selected for the West of England U16 played, with a positive approach, sense of purpose and dignity, Squad. What makes both of these achievements special is both on and off the field, no matter the end result. Of course, that both boys are a year young for the age groups they have none of this could be done without the dedication, co-operation been selected in. and expertise of the staff who took the teams. To Messrs Barrett, Arguably the strongest side this year were the U15A side. Trivic, Lewis, Besterman (who is sadly leaving us), Wagstaffe, Being unbeaten for the season and scoring a staggering Janke, Romaines and Jones, along with our ‘refs’, Mr Reeves, 44 goals in nine games highlights what a very talented Rev. Taplin and Mr. Lidington, and the Marshal Paul Simcox: group this is. The most emphatic result of the term was my thanks and appreciation for all your efforts. undoubtedly the 10 – 0 win over Prior Park. Much will be David Rodgers expected of this team when they take part in the National U16 competition in 2010.

68 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 Boys’ Hockey Results Summary 2009 1st XI 2nd XI U16 XI 3rd XI U15A U15B U14A U14B All teams: Played 12 10 6 5 9 6 9 7 64 Perhaps the surprise package for the Won 9 3 4 1 8 3 7 0 35 season was the success of the U14A team. A brilliant win in the Avon Schools Lost 2 4 1 3 0 2 2 7 21 Competition also saw them competing in Drawn 1 3 1 1 1 1 0 0 8 the Regional U14 Finals. Their result of the Goals For 33 21 14 3 44 20 28 3 166 season would certainly have been going Ag’nst 15 18 10 9 5 11 10 24 102 away to Sherborne and coming back with a 5 – 1 win. JMS League Table 2009 Tom Harris was an outstanding Captain for Team P W D L Points A GD the 1st XI in the 2009 season. Exceptional on and off the field, his shoes will be big ones to fill in 2010. Having said that Tom Clifton College 6 5 0 1 15 7 9 will be the only leaver from the 1st XI so Bristol Grammar 6 3 1 2 10 12 1 once again much will be expected of next King Edward’s 6 2 3 1 9 8 1 year’s 1st XI. Hockey at Clifton has come a Kingswood 6 3 0 3 9 12 1 long way in the last five years and the signs Dauntsey’s 6 3 0 3 9 16 0 at the moment are that we can expect much more success in the future. Prior Park 6 1 2 3 5 19 -3 Beechen Cliff 6 0 2 4 2 17 -9 John Bobby (Master i/c Hockey)

Cricket

s can be seen from the results the Junior Colts progressed into the National summary below, this has been an Schools 20/20 and for the third successive A excellent year for Clifton’s year Clifton were represented as one of the cricketers. Of the 65 fixtures played four top west schools in the regional 20/20 throughout the term across all age groups finals. George Harris has been superb with 45 fixtures were won. In such a short term bat and ball throughout the season. Ryan which only has eight Saturdays, it is such Bresnahan, Tom Atkinson and Max Cresswell a disappointment when a block Saturday have all made telling contributions with the fixture is cancelled and frustratingly that bat. Will Barrett and Joe Brooks have been happened twice this term meaning that excellent with the ball. some teams could only play six times. The Junior Colts B fixture against Undoubtedly the outstanding year group Marlborough is certainly worth a special has been the Junior Colts (U15). If one were mention. Having been set a testing target to take all the traditional fixtures played on of 224 by Marlborough the JCB’s needed to Saturdays neither the U15A or B sides have win to keep their unbeaten season intact. been beaten, a tremendous achievement. Wickets fell early before Jonah Trenouth Impressive victories against the likes of and Charlie Moore shared a stand of 160. Marlborough, Taunton School, King’s Eventually it came down to the last over Taunton and Blundell’s show that there will and with wickets tumbling Clifton required be very much to look forward to as these 3 to win the game from the final delivery. young cricketers move on to senior cricket Christian McGill then became a somewhat next year. The Junior Colts A side also had unlikely cricketing hero as he launched the another excellent run in the Bristol schools final ball of the game for six and a quite 20/20 Cup winning the Colin Mitchell Cup incredible win. for the fourth successive year. Early wins against Bristol Grammar School, King The Yearlings can also reflect on a positive Edward’s Bath and Colston’s were crucial season. Impressive wins against Taunton before playing Ashton Park and Churchill in School, Blundell’s and particularly the semi-final and final. This also meant that

SPORT 69 Undoubtedly the performance of the season was in the Western Schools 20/20 Semi Final; Cheltenham College at Cheltenham. Having lost to Cheltenham in the Saturday fixture earlier in the term a brilliant performance was required by Clifton in chasing down 168. A stand of 144 between Charlie Walker and Freddie John determined the outcome of the Junior Colts competition for places in the game. A Cheltenham parent watching the senior sides will be fierce. In March 2010 game described the stand as ‘some of the the 1st XI are touring to Barbados as their finest cricket he had ever seen played at pre-season preparation so the side will Cheltenham’. hopefully embark on the 2010 season with plenty of cricket already played. Marborough, whom they bowled out In the longer version of the game the most for 68, will certainly give the side much memorable performance was a quite With the pressures of exams throughout confidence in the future. Ben McGeogh incredible win at Marlborough on the final much of the school cricket season the has captained the side from the front and Saturday of the term. Clifton had bowled additional pressure on the school’s made excellent contributions with both the brilliantly to reduce Marlborough to 152 cricketers is enormous. This season the bat and the ball; he was particularly well – 7 from their 50 overs, only for Clifton school’s senior cricketers have been supported in both areas by Will Higgins. to suffer a catastrophic batting collapse exceptional to be 130 – 9. On a very indifferent in their The 1st XI will probably look back on a Marlborough wicket the result looked commitment season that though successful could to be going to Marlborough when Ross to cricket and have been even better. Twelve wins from Miller joined George Kinsey for the 10th I would like to nineteen games is certainly more than wicket stand. As the tension grew the runs thank them for respectable but the side must believe they were knocked off one by one and out of that. I hope can compete with the top cricket schools nothing Clifton reached their target of 153. that we can in 2010. It was an amazing effort that will always look forward be remembered by those who played in to the same the game; ‘Do you remember that day at commitment Marlborough?’ to Clifton cricket in Clifton’s cricket is certainly very healthy future years and there should be much optimism for allowing Clifton’s cricket to continue to even better results in 2010. Only two impress and improve. of the 1st XI will be leaving and with so many talented players moving up from the John Bobby (Master i/c Cricket)

SCHOOL CENTURIONS 2009 Arguably the side’s best cricket was played Josh Barnes 107 not out in the shorter version of the game, 20 over 1st XI v Dean Close cricket. A brilliant early win against Filton College in the Western Schools 20/20 was Lisle Durrans 105 followed by strong performances against 1st XI v Taunton School Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital and Colston’s, Tom Harris 102 not out seeing Clifton win the Bristol Group in the 2nd XI v Marlborough competition. Henry Amor 100 (Retired) 3rd XI v Marlborough Jonah Trenouth 120 U15B v Marlborough Cricket Results Summary 2009

1st XI 2nd XI 3rd XI U15A U15B U14A U14B All teams: Played 19 6 5 15 6 8 6 65 Won 12 5 3 12 5 6 2 45 Lost 7 1 2 3 0 2 4 19 Drawn (Tied) 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1

70 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 Sailing Club

he Sailing Club has had a very busy year with all year round sailing and Tpowerboating, an expanding list of racing fixtures, and the pursuit of an exciting racing development plan. The Racing and recreational Club is also the largest it has been for sailing on the glorious some time with 18 students regularly Chew Lake followed taking to the water. in the Summer term, We further developed our links with Alan and an extremely Watson of the Bristol Sailing School in beneficial arrangement the Michaelmas and Lent terms. Students with Bristol University initially took a ‘better sailing’ course on meant that we were the historic Bristol Harbour, spending again able to focus on cold, dark weeks in January and February fleet and team racing in modern, matched The racing future for the Club looks bright following a ‘fitness for sailing’ programme GRP Fireflies class boats. Though we had with Clifton on the verge of implementing a and earning qualifications with RYA Level 1 plenty of capsizes in gusty winds, no one major joint race development plan together Powerboating or higher. was awarded the Bosun’s trophy for boat with Millfield School. The plan would see damage this season. Thank you sailors! the two establishments sharing the initial With the powerboating instruction under cost of a flight of brand new matched their belts, the students suddenly found The racing season was longer than usual racing Fireflies. themselves in a real life-and-death with ‘local’ fixtures against Millfield, Prior emergency one cold, late afternoon as Park and Sherborne to complement the The season ends for the second year they sped across the icy waters of Bristol Southern and Midland BSDRA events. The running with a two day performance sailing Harbour to save a drowning man. The House Sailing competition was completely and regatta event at the 2012 Olympic story made regional BBC TV news, and becalmed but turned, nevertheless, into venue, The Portland and Weymouth Sailing received Evening Post as well as local radio a tremendously fun ‘Laser paddle’. There Academy. This time the students will chalk attention. The students were proud of their were a number of racing successes this up some hours on the Laser SB3 as well as action in saving the man’s life. season; however, we are still a young, on the more familiar Stratos, 2000 relatively inexperienced and Vago. racing team and have much Finally, we are sorry to say farewell to to learn about rules and veteran Clifton College sailor, Julian Noad, tactics. Nick Bromilow was who leaves us this summer for Rydal an effective team captain Penrhos School, North Wales. Julian ran and club captain and the Sailing Club here for many years and earned half colours for his introduced us to racing, bringing passion commitment to the Sailing and years of racing experience to the sport. Club. Simon Green will, I am He will be greatly missed. However, Rydal sure, be an able successor. Penrhos is a sailing school so I am sure We are sad to bid Nick that we will create a fixture out of the link farewell this summer, but and so hope to see Mr Noad on the water hope to see him during our in the future. fixture at Sherborne where Owen Lewis he will be working next year. Master i/c Sailing

the end of April) clearly illustrated the and Charlie Walker) defended their title GOLF wealth of potential: they will be a force admirably and came fourth out of a field to be reckoned with over the next couple of over 30 schools. Individually, Jack of seasons. Mann finished in the runner-up spot in the his season has been rather quiet individual event (gross scores). This was for the Golf team, partly due to The girls’ team (Annabel Balance and particularly impressive as there were over the fact that it consists largely Emily Atkinson) were the overall winners T 100 competitors and he equalled the best of young up-and-coming players. of the main team event (gross scores), score, only losing on count-back. However, the highlight of the year with Emily coming runner-up in the (Avon Schools’ Championships held individual nett score event. A promising season, and we look forward at Chipping Sodbury Golf Club at The boys’ team (Jack Mann, Pete Murdoch to the opportunities presented next year.

SPORT 71 Tennis Girls’

The Summer of 2009 has borne witness to great progress on the tennis court for Clifton’s boys. Our Games youthful squad continues to succeed in school ockey and tennis were captained fixtures and we have seen a rise in the activities by Emily Atkinson (WT), and netball and competitions we have entered. Hby Abigail Barrett (WT). We won the Avon County Hockey tournaments for U14, U16 and U18 for the fifth year in a row and represented the West at the regionals in the Michaelmas term. The U18 and the ith the unfortunate injury of Schools Tennis Association National U16 finished second in the West and the Hugo Pattar, the first VI only Championships held annually at U14 won the competition and went on to Wfielded one Upper Sixth in Eton. The competition was very strong represent the West at the National Hockey Ollie Barcock (WaH), the team captain. indeed, but our experiences against RGS Finals. The U14, U16 and U19 netball Alongside him Freddie Kalfayan (ET, Newcastle for the Seniors and King’s squads all qualified for the second round 4th form), Andre Vakilzadeh (ET, L6th), School Wimbledon for the Juniors can of the Avon County Competition, with the Cameron Brown (ST, L6th), Will Evans (ET, only make us stronger. Finally, 2009 saw U19 squad qualifying for the Regionals in 5th form) and James Johnson (NT, 5th the resurrection of Midsummer Madness, Taunton. The U15 tennis squad, captained form) combined to form a potent team. a mixed doubles tournament involving by Saskia Barnes (WT), finished top of Throughout the season, we played 7 staff, pupils and parents, held at Beggar‘s the Avon County Tennis League and will fixtures, won 6 and lost just one when Bush on Sunday 21st June. Eight pairs now go on to represent Avon in the West; we fielded a weakened midweek team battled it out, but the eventual winners fantastic play by Lucy Tucker (WoH), Yana due to summer exams. The victories were were Daria Malyarova (WoH, 5th Form) Bulyanskya (OH) and Lily Owsley (WT). and Harry Newington (outgoing Teacher of always convincing and the performances Clifton girls have achieved impressive R.S. and Philosophy). Everyone enjoyed therein solid and impressive. The two success this year, showing depth with many the day, supplemented by reasonable biggest highlights were winning against teams across all the sports. I am proud of weather and a barbeque and we hope to a very good Sherborne side away from all the girls who made this possible: their repeat the occasion next year. home and regaining the Hines-Ogilvy effort and determination is commendable. Cup. This cup is awarded annually to the My thanks go to Harry Newington for Congratulations to Emily Atkinson (WT) who winner of the Clifton vs Blundell’s first masterminding the U15s season revival, has made the U18 England Hockey squad team tennis match. The second VI had a Hugh Stevenson for masterminding the and has played in the Four Nations – we slightly mixed year, but all senior boys U14s undefeated season and to Greg hope to see Emily representing England contributed very well to a pleasurable Spinks for his excellent coaching. at the European Championships in July. season, playing the sport in the correct Congratulations also to Sophie Gordon (WT) Bobby Trivic spirit. who has been selected for the Scotland U16 training squad for 2009. After a disappointing start to the season, the U15s produced stunning victories I would personally like to thank all the staff against Sherborne and Queen’s Taunton that helped out with teams and training with sterling performances from James during the year; Sue Kerr, Katherine Jeffery, Webb (ET), Jonny Whitaker (ET) and Chris Real Tennis Fiona Hallworth, Lisa Moyle, Anna Haynes, Weale (ET). Amidst this slightly mixed Antony Spencer, Tim Martin, Ian Turnbull, season, all the boys abounded with their Harry Newington, Isabel Heard, Verity King, enthusiasm for the sport, often going lifton entered three pairs in the Alex Tebay, Val Hufflett, Tim Lang, Trish to extremes to fill in for a last minute inaugural National Schools’ Real Lambert, Sarah Thomas and Suzanne withdrawal and clocking up a few miles CTennis Championships held in Spencer. A special mention to Charlotte on the travel clock. The U14s won all February 2009 at various courts in the Graveney who has shown considerable five of their fixtures and thus our recent Thames Valley. Ollie Barcock (WaH) and commitment and enthusiasm during her trend of having excellent young players James Johnson (NT) competed as the two prosperous years in the Girls’ Games looks set to continue. We are sorry to lose 1st pair; Alex Mullan (MH) and Lucinda department at Clifton: she has been Siso Escrigas, but Seb Perry and Charlie Pigott (WoH) as the 2nd pair; and Freddie snapped up by Cheltenham Ladies College Powell will ensure the future of our tennis Kalfayan and Jonny Whitaker (both ET) as Head of Tennis and a specialist netball is in safe hands. as the Colts’ pair. Congratulations in teacher. Her energy and willingness will be particular to the Firsts and the Colts, sorely missed, and I wish Charlotte all the We finished the season with one new who both finished 3rd in their respective success in her new post - a true diamond. and one semi-new experience for Clifton competitions. boys . We entered the Independent Louise Catchpole

72 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 Clifton can be proud of another fantastic year of girls’ sport. We have fielded nine hockey teams, ten netball teams and eight tennis teams. The girls have been committed and dedicated, and have shown great determination at hard times during the year.

since I took over and who Pullen (WoH), Jessica Marshall (WoH), now move on - Lucy Telling Danielle Dresser (HH), Tlamelo Setshwaelo (WoH), Abigail Barrett (WT) (WoH), Victoria Beswick (HH), Hester Allen and Emily Atkinson (WT). (HH), Aimee Freeland (HH), Sophie Jones I have thoroughly enjoyed (WT), Amelia Currie (HH), Laura Davies being your coach and I wish (WT). all the best in the future. The 3rd XI squad did themselves proud Tim Martin this year, in terms of achievement, commitment and in improvements made, 2nd SQUAD both by individuals and in team coherence. This has been a most Unsurprisingly, a number of players had enjoyable and successful been elevated to the 2nd XI by the end season, with only two of the season, and as a relatively young matches lost, both in the squad they showed considerable promise, first half of the season. When on song, the particularly in their physical commitment. Hockey team played fast-flowing, attractive hockey, Beginning with an impressive 4-1 victory and scored plenty of goals. In defence, against BGS in September, the season 1st SQUAD Charlotte Bowden (OH), and Katherine continued with wins against Dean Close After the success of last year’s hockey and Cheltenham Ladies and team and with so many of the old bitterly fought contests against guard moving on to university, this Marlborough and Taunton. Their year’s team brought some raw talent main weakness was in sometimes and fresh faces to the 1st team allowing youthful exuberance to squad. After a brief but successful become positional naivety, costing pre-season, I was filled with a great some close games. The high point deal of optimism and excitement as of the season was, undoubtedly, the many of the new players brought into resounding win against Wellington the squad had shown vast potential. (4-0) in which Aimee Freeland (HH) The team was superbly captained by emphatically claimed Goal of the the incredibly gifted Emily Atkinson Season. (WT) with fantastic support from Highlights: excellent keeping from Abigail Barrett (WT). The girls started the Moul (WT), both playing in their third Sophie Jones (WT), solid defence from season well with solid victories against season for the 2nds, were outstanding, Rebecca Tait (WT), structure and superb the tough tackling BGS and Marlborough, and, aided by some promising youngsters skills in mid-field from both Grace Annan- but their true capability remained unseen. in defence, conceded only 12 goals all Callcott (WT) and Jessica Marshall (WoH), New players to the team - Saskia Barnes season. Emma Powell (WoH) was our top impressive goals from forwards Aimee (WT) and Hannah Giebus (WT) - settled scorer with 9 and won the most improved Freeland (HH) and Jessica Pullen (WoH), in superbly, performing particularly player award. She played very well on the and exemplary captaincy from Natasha well in the county tournament where right wing and few opponents could cope Quick (HH). the girls were once again victorious; with her pace. The most valuable player Michael Haynes Gemma Heaven (WT), Anna Bird (WoH) award was shared between two of our and Sophie Gordon (WT) also amongst midfielders, Jennifer Durbridge the new faces performing well in the (WoH) and Emily King (HH) who new look 1st team. Further matches both contributed hugely to the saw four more victories, one draw and success of the side. Becky Templer two defeats to quality Cheltenham (WT), also in her third year in the College and Cheltenham Ladies sides. side, proved an excellent captain Over the course of the season the girls and led by example. Well done all! demonstrated terrific commitment and pride when representing the school and I Ian Turnbull am immensely proud of their attitude and 3rd SQUAD efforts. Thanks for all your hard work, well done on a top term of hockey and good Squad: Natasha Quick (HH), Grace luck next year. A special thanks to those Annan-Callcott (WT), Rebecca Tait girls who have been playing in the side (WT), Rosie Keefe (OH), Jessica

SPORT 73 U15 B SQUAD also selected for the Nationals and they The U15Bs had a performed excellently on the day. I was very challenging season and proud of their achievements and I hope their were faced by some hockey careers will continue to develop over strong opposition. their time at Clifton. Whilst Marlborough Louise Catchpole managed to inflict a U14 B SQUAD humbling 6-0 defeat in Squad: Imogen Comerford (OH), Sarah Warren the second game of the (WoH), Ling Qi (WoH), Amelia Streatfeild- year, the team bounced James (WoH), Zoe Slack (WoH), Elizabeth back and secured a run Down, Tor Kenny (Captain), Lottie Griffiths, of three wins and a draw before falling to a Katendi Heald, Charlotte Miles, Evie Marcer, narrow defeat in a hard-fought game against Alicia Ballance, Katherine Beesley, Naomi 4th SQUAD Millfield. Special mention must go to Alice Trembath (all WT) and Esther Kovoor (HH). This year’s 4th team hockey had a fairly Moul (WT), Agnes Woolley (HH) and Emily successful record, winning half of their Dunlop (WT) for their tireless efforts on the Competition was fierce for places in this matches. The team was captained by pitch and to Charis Date (WT) who, with 5 team and, consequently, a large squad Natalie Condie (WoH), who was fantastic goals, received the golden hockey stick. was selected. This allowed for illness and and always managed to keep the team’s Player of the season was awarded to Tilly injury as well as loss of form and fatigue. spirit high. The goal keeper position was Wickens (WT) whose sparkling runs up the From humble beginnings, the squad quickly shared between Caroline Lloyd (WT) and right wing regularly left her opposition for developed into a very cohesive and close Claire Moffat (WoH) who both managed to dust. Overall, the team was peppered with knit unit, playing hard and gaining an do a great job keeping the balls out of the wonderful, colourful characters that made impressive set of results. As the season goal. It was fantastic to see so many new it a great season on and off the pitch. Well progressed the mid-field players really began girls join the team, Hannah Wiggin (HH) done to all. to understand their roles and how they could did an amazing job defending the goal Harry Newington work with the forwards - there was some and her determination and drive to never impressive running both on and off the give up was phenomenal. Hattie Dembo ball. However, the real key to the success (HH) was one of the big goal scorers for of this team was their willingness to the team and always showed great flair train hard and to work for each other in with her stick and ball skills. This team matches; their team spirit is second to certainly had a lot of talent as well as none and I look forward to seeing them spirit and I look forward to seeing them compete for top team places next year. all continue to play hockey next year and Sue Kerr some even move up the rankings in terms of teams. U14C SQUAD Katherine Jeffery The Under 14s had a great season; all U14 A SQUAD the girls went from strength to strength The U14 A’s showed some magical talent throughout the term. Our first match U15 A SQUAD from day one in their first match. I knew (against Marlborough) was our biggest The U15As took a while to find their form they were going to be good and this was challenge, and after this they decided as having lost a key player to the 1st team proven by starting the unbeaten record they a team that defeat was no longer on the squad at the beginning of the season. gained throughout the season. The highlight agenda. Consequently, their 8-0 victory over Once the new star additions to the year was winning the Regional tournament Taunton was an extremely exciting match group, Adriana Leyh (WoH) and Carla in November and reaching the National for all involved. Special mention must got to Romagosa (WoH), had settled into the Hockey Finals in March 2009. Captained by Maria Komarova (OH), Megan Fowler (WT) team and confidence began to grow, the Isabel Murphy (WT), with Poppy Brookes and Captain Emily Miles (WT) who played team notched up some very good results (WT) as vice, they showed depth across with enthusiasm and determination in every against strong opposition. The team had the lines. Lily Owsley (WT) showed flair game. This is the first year Clifton has fielded a winning run after the half term break and determination whenever on the ball, an U14 C squad, and they showed great a true match winner. Poppy Brookes (WT) with victories over Dean Close (1-0), spirit and determination throughout. has speed and tremendous agility, with Wellington (3-0) and Queen’s Taunton (1- Charlotte Graveney Bella Ghaidan hanging on the left post for 0). However, the highlight of the season those all important touches. The midfield, was a 3-3 draw with a very strong Millfield which consisted of Lucy Gallop (WT), Isabel team, with open play goals coming Murphy (WT) and Isis Mok-Hartley, were from our season’s top goal scorer Carla able to turn on the tricks when needed. Romagosa (WoH). Confidently lead by In defence, Georgina Lewis (WT), Victoria Ocean Critchley-Clark (OH), the girls had Kenny (WT), Laura Stokes (HH), Flo Freeland the better of Millfield in open play, only (WT), Lizzie Markham (WT), Zoe Frewin (HH) being undone by some very well drilled and Rebecca Pople (WoH) all showed desire set plays at short corners. and determination. Katherine Beesley (WT), Lottie Griffiths (WT) and Ling Qi (WoH) were

74 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 Netball and later by Jessica Trounce (WT), there (OH) played her heart out passing the was a tremendous feeling of inclusivity and ball to her team mates with accuracy. The 1st SQUAD team spirit and every player had their own coaches were very proud of a team who It was a tough yet promising season for the crucial role to play. Holly Russell-Kennedy played with skill, spirit and good humour. (WT) discovered she could defend and 1st VII this year. The squad was superbly Fiona Hallworth led by Captain Abigail Barrett (WT) who shoot, and she combined well with both was ably supported by her team mates. Charlotte Greenslade (WT) in defence and U15A SQUAD The season started with three strong wins Victoria Beswick (HH) in attack. In centre It took some time for the U15 squad to against Dean Close, Marlborough and court we had the luxury of being able to settle this season and there was quite a Malvern, where both defence and attack combat fatigue by rotating Jessica Trounce bit of juggling of positions, but the team – played outstandingly well. Aimee Freeland (WT), Abi Hallworth (HH), Hannah Giebus full of enthusiastic and lively individuals (HH), Ella Holbrook (HH) and Anna Bird (WT) and Emily King (HH) in any position, – showed great promise in practice (WoH) showed potential and improved which also proved a useful tactic for sessions. However, the early promise greatly over the course of the term. Lucy confusing the opposition. A real team effort did not translate into many winning Telling (WoH) started out in the second throughout made this a very successful performances on the court in the actual squad, but after a few games it became group. Well done girls. event. Concentration was an issue, and a clear she was destined for higher places desire to play the game at pace resulted in (this was highlighted as she turned the far too many mistakes, allowing often less game around at Taunton School: after 3rd SQUAD talented opposition to triumph. In defence losing the first quarter by eight goals, by 2009 was a challenging season and it Milla Jupp (OH) and Pippa Robinson (OH) the end of the second we were winning by took a few weeks for the team to sort itself controlled the circle, their height being a two). After an excellent performance in the out. During this time the opposition was distinct advantage. Holly Osborne (WT) County tournaments, where they narrowly tough but the team played hard and with proved the most versatile player switching lost to the winners King Edward’s Bath 5- determination. At times, they became between shooting and defending and she 4, the girls won their place to the regional downhearted when good possessive struck much fear into many a Goal Attack. round. This was a huge eye opener for our play was not always converted into goals, Henri Worthington (WT), Zoe Ward (WoH) girls, the average height of the opposing and the wins they deserved did not and Saskia Barnes (WT) dominated the team being 6ft. They played their hearts materialise. Nevertheless, spirits were not centre court and were all tenacious and out winning two group matches, which, broken and every game was met with the strong. They gave good accurate passes unfortunately, was not enough to progress same optimism and will to win. The team and intercepted some crucial balls. Ellie further. It is exceptionally hard to reach the was ably led by Emma Corrigan (WT) with Sibley (WT) and Ruby Potts (OH) battled Regional Netball Finals, so the girls really some inspired defending by Olivia Still away at GA and GS respectively and grew did perform well to succeed that far. The (WT). Jessica Pullen (WoH) and Becky Tait more and more confident in their circle team has gained invaluable experience (WT) at WA ran their hearts out and fed play. There was great team spirit and Zoe and it has set them in good stead for next consistently good passes into shooter was an excellent captain. The girls’ netball season. Special thanks must go to the Lauren Gilmour (HH). Their confidence and skills did improve significantly over the leavers, Abigail Barrett (WT), Becky Templer accuracy improved over the season, and course of the term as did their match play (WT), Hannah Meehan (WoH), Lucy Telling Lauren Gilmour (HH) in particular looks a and many matches were very close, but (WoH) and Emily Atkinson (WT); they have promising prospect for next year. A good shooting under pressure is never easy. all been fantastic role models and players team effort overall. I believe that with a little more maturity throughout their time at Clifton, and all of these players will make an excellent them will be truly missed. contribution at senior level next year. Louise Catchpole and Charlotte Graveney 4th SQUAD Alex Tebay The fabulous Fourth team won 3 (Malvern, 2nd SQUAD Bromsgrove and Bristol Cathedral) and U15 B SQUAD Ever since we returned from South Africa lost 7 matches, showing relentless The U15 B squad had a mixed season last summer, I have been looking forward dedication and never, ever giving up. So but always gave 100 % in matches, to this netball season: with so much many quarters were very close. The Fourths showing determination and skill. Eva talent selection was always going to be never barged, stepped or intimidated Hogan (WoH) was tough in defence, tough, but that would also mean that we players unlike some of the teams they always getting up for the rebounds. Marie would have a very strong squad. The 2nd faced; they play for the beauty of the game. Phillips (WT) displayed her agility with team squad had an excellent first half of At away matches a squad of ten would turn excellent interceptions, and Miranda season and then suffered a little as Lucy up to play, some girls just for a quarter. Walker (WT) showed determination, skill, Telling (WoH) and Ella Holbrook (HH) When they were good they were brilliant; and commitment. In the centre court, were promoted to the 1st VII. Combining armed with Claire Hampson’s (WT) love of Tilly Wickens (WT) showed speed and three year groups together and trying to the game, Phoebe Spike’s (WT) and Lauren agility around the court often leaving her create a cohesive squad in just ten weeks Gilmour’s (WT) competitive shooting and player standing still. Philippa Davis (WT) is a tall order, but this year the players the graceful and speedy flight around the and Agnes Woolley (HH) showed great and personalities just seemed to gel. court by Zoe Crook (OH), Eloise Ladkin (HH) determination in centre court, both a real Captained initially by Lucy Telling (WoH) and Sophie du Mont (HH). Maddy Dunn asset to the squad. Maddie McLeod (WT)

SPORT 75 and Katie McInally (HH) demonstrated her injury. A special mention to Poppy They worked well together and cheered incredible shooting and strength Brookes (WT) and Isis Mok-Hartley (WoH) each other on. The defence team of throughout the season, both proving for some outstanding netball and the Elizabeth Down (WT) and Esther Kovoor how easy it is when you have excellent inspiration they provided in the Captain (HH) was unstoppable and ensured many a shooters. A great season, well done. and Vice Captain roles. Well done victory through their dogged determination everyone. to get the ball out of the danger zone. The U14 A SQUAD mid court combination of Charlotte Miles The U14’s have been very strong this U14 B SQUAD (WT), Evie Marcer (WT) and Alicia Ballance year and selecting squads has been This year saw a fantastic season for the (WT) was a dynamic force - Charlotte’s challenging. The good news for school U14 Bs. Many of the girls moved from the ability to spot the gaps was complemented netball was the fact that so many girls As on a regular basis showing the depth by Alicia’s ability to move quickly around were keen to play in teams and the depth and skill we had at U14, and the squad the court. Zoe Frewin (HH) and Katendi in this year group has made for some remained almost unbeaten. Lotte Griffiths Heald (WT) played superbly as forwards. good U14 results as a whole. The A team (WT) and Tor Kenny (WT) showed great Zoe really pushed her shooting range and played 8 regular matches with 5 wins, potential throughout the season, and Flo made some excellent shots, supported 1 draw and 2 losses. The triangular fixture Freeland (WT) played well in defence with continually by Katendi who also made with Bromsgrove & Malvern, played in Naomi Trembath (WT). Other impressive some great goals. Emily Miles (WT), Maria difficult conditions, also resulted in wins, performances include Georgina Lewis Komarova (OH) and Phoebe Chappell with some brilliant high scoring play. After (WT), Lizzie Markham (WT), Bella Ghaidan (WoH) served the team fantastically qualifying for the County Finals, the team (WT), Rebecca Pople (WoH) and Ling Qi throughout the season with their flexibility narrowly missed making it to the Regionals (WoH). The girls all showed great skill, and willingness to give any position on in a tense deciding playoff game. There determination and agility. They gave 100% court a go as the team needed it. The were some excellent performances from in every match, always determined to opposition proved consistently challenging many players and it was great to see chase and get the ball. and the girls enjoyed some really tough skills improving as the term progressed. matches throughout the season. They were Many players rotated between the A and U14 C SQUAD able to remain consistent both at home B squads as their netball developed with What a cracking season it has been for the and away and despite some close calls some consistently good performances. U14Cs. They ended the season unbeaten ended the season unbeaten. A marvellous Imogen Comerford (OH) turned in some and deservedly so. What started as a quiet season for a team that showed true excellent shooting throughout the season team lacking self-confidence became a resilience, determination and team spirit. and it will be good to have her back after strong cohesive team with bags of spirit. Well done.

Tennis U15 A and B SQUADS have all represented the team in the 3rd

The U15 tennis teams have shown enormous couple, and Charlotte in particular has 1st, 2nd and 3rd SQUADS promise this season though as yet they lack made a real impact with her ability to keep The tennis squads were captained by Emily the killer instinct to finish off matches. the ball in play. Atkinson (WT). The first team consisted of Emily Atkinson (WT), Emma Powell (WoH), In the A team the first pair of Captain U14 A and B SQUADS Sophie Atkinson (WT), Daria Malyarova Saskia Barnes (WT) and Lucy Tucker (WoH) The U14s had a wet and windswept start (WoH), Hannah Meehan (WoH) and Yana triumphed over some tough opposition in to the season. The U14As, yet to play at Bulyanskya (OH). They played well in many sets with intelligent court play and full strength, narrowly missed victory after the first half of term, before the dreaded strong hitting. The 2nd couple, Milla Jupp some close fought matches against King’s examinations took over proceedings. (OH) and Eva Hogan (WoH), have shown Taunton and Blundell’s, with the first pair Thank you to Hannah Meehan (WoH) great potential and are individually strong of Lily Owsley (WT) and Isabel Murphy (WT) and Emily Atkinson (WT) for their years but have yet to gel as a pairing. Miranda yet to drop a set. The U14Bs have had an of service to tennis at Clifton College. Walker (WT) and Jenny Zhai (OH) have outstanding term with a 9-0 victory over Charlotte Moore (HH) and Anna Bird (WoH) played well together and are developing King’s Taunton and an 8-1 victory over topped the second team with some good a good variety of shots, when Miranda Blundell’s. Lottie Griffiths (WT) and Bella performances followed by Ola Gutkowska remembers her racket! Victoria Beswick Ghaidan (WT) have dropped just 7 games (OH), Amanda Tong (OH), Lucy Curtis (WT) has also represented the A team when not in their 6 matches. trekking off on Ten Tors. and Grace Williams (HH). The third team The U14s have also played in the National was led by Gigi Tsui (OH) and Joanne In the B team Zoe Ward (WoH) and Maddie singles competition “The Road to Sasson (HH) followed by Grace Humphries McLeod (WT) have really begun to shine as Wimbledon”. After some close matches (HH), Audrey Sasson (HH), Lucy Frewin (HH) the 1st pair and will be contesting places early in the draw Yana Bulyanskaya (OH) and Maddie Ingraham (WoH). Well done to in the A team very soon. Yulia Puponina beat Isabel Murphy (WT) in the final 6-3. all the girls who have played fantastically (OH) and Katie McInally (HH) as 2nd couple Both of these girls will go on to represent well this season – they all managed their have really come on and are tenacious the school in the County competition. time extremely well squeezing tennis into on court. Sherry Liang (OH), Charlotte an examination-dominated term. Reynolds (HH) and Pippa Robinson (OH) Louise Catchpole

76 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 Old CliftonianClifttheonian

CONTENTS

78 Simon Reece The OC Society welcomes a new Secretary

86 65 Years On Percy Hobart - 60th Anniversary of D-Day

98 A Life in Music A biography of David Wilcocks

79 Notes & News 87 OC Sport 90 Branch Reunions 93 Lodges & Accounts 95 Minutes of the AGM 97 The Clifton Cryptic Crossword Original Music School plans. 98 Book reviews 101 Obituaries 124 From the archives Simon Reece

The Old Cliftonian Society welcomes a new Secretary

imon Reece’s connection with Head of Biology, Assistant Housemaster knowledge of the workings of the school Clifton goes back to 1958 when of Polack’s, North Town and East Town has been a real asset. he joined the Pre. He moved up and of course Housemaster of School S A day off would see him on the banks of to South Town under the Housemaster- House. It is in this last post (1987-2002) a river questing for a salmon, a holiday ships of Dudley Fromant and Geoffrey that many of the School House boys will perhaps on a mountain in Uganda remember him and Sue, his wife, very Hardyman, representing the School in searching for a gorilla or maybe quaking fondly. Simon built on the success of Tom the 1st VIII in rowing and cross-country at the top of a black run. He lives on the Gover, another outstanding Housemaster, and excelling in boxing under the Mendips with Sue and his gun dogs who to make School House a really special legendary Gordon Hazell. He went on help out by keeping his freezer full of place. In the early days, Night Ops were to read Zoology at The Queen’s College, pheasants. Oxford, fi nding time for both cross- still a feature, with the famous basement country and rowing for his College 1st evenings, croquet, summer fetes and Not only does Simon bring with him a VIII’s and winning a Full Blue in Boxing great hospitality which Sue and Simon wealth of experience from the last 40 for the University. Simon returned to offered to staff and pupils. The gardens years or so, but a great deal of enthusiasm teach Biology at Clifton in 1973 with were re-designed by Sue and Simon and and fondness for the school. He has our the same ambivalent feelings that all with fi nancial help from an array of well- best wishes for success as Old Cliftonian of us as OCs have had in the same wishers and the OC Society, and hours of Secretary. position. Having experienced life as hard work, an award-winning rose bed was established, the original design of Jonathan Thomson-Glover a pupil can be a great advantage when which, whilst somewhat diminished, can it comes to understanding all the still be made out. After leaving School dodges and misdemeanours that a House, I was fortunate to gain Simon teacher and especially a Housemaster as a tutor in East Town, where we have may encounter! enjoyed his expertise and experience. Simon has held many posts at Clifton Since 2002 he has also been President of including Master in charge of Rowing, the Common Room, acting Deputy Head Cross Country, Rugby coach and referee, and Senior Master where his intimate

78 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 Notes & News

Patrick Timmons (NT 1989-93) has In this year’s New Year’s Honours List, From the written to tell us that he is now in San RI White (OH 1957-62) was awarded an Chapel Register José teaching Justice Studies at the State MBE for services to Music Education. He University there which is part of the left Clifton with a choral scholarship to As always, Chapel continues to be much Californian State University. Much of Cambridge and is a Lay Canon of Truro favoured by OCs for weddings and his work involves historical analysis of Cathedral. We all extend our sincere christenings, and Kim Taplin, the College punishment. He is about to marry his congratulations on this recognition of his Chaplain, does sterling work in meeting partner and is in the process of writing services to music. two books, one of which involves an these needs! Congratulations to all the Robin Willows has achieved 4 A Levels account of his experiences resulting from following: in Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Biology giving up the telephone and e-mail. Given and has won a place at Imperial College the tyranny of modern communications, London. Those of you who know he may well be onto a winner! Weddings Robin, and the courageous battle he has waged with illness over the years, [OCs in bold] can have nothing but admiration for Emma Longman & Nicholas Gwynn this achievement and we wish him well Emily Bushby & Henry Acreman as he embarks on the next stage of his education. Derek Kirton & Claire Matheson Congratulations, too, to RJ Holtum James Payne & Hazel Bainbridge who was awarded the Queen’s Medal at Daisy West & James King Sandhurst and has been commissioned into the Scots Dragoon Guards. Elizabeth Gregg & Philip Chambers Mark Rutherford (WaH 1951-59) has written to let us know that his son, Timothy (WaH 1984-91) was married to Baptisms Miss Violet Stojmilova in Bath Abbey last August (2008). His wife is a nurse from Sophia Alice Jeffery (Benjamin & Not many OCs can claim that the reason Macedonia but has been living in London Katherine Jeffery, née Virgo) they came to Clifton was Sanders of the for nine years. Alexander John David Wares (Stephen River! John Melville-Jones (WiH 1947- Wares & Hanna Wares) 1952) writes from Australia: Isabel Grace Snowden ( James Snowden & In the “Sanders of the River” books by Edgar Joanna Snowden) Wallace, popular reading for boys then (ie 1946) but perhaps not now (perhaps too Harry Clive Rendle (George Rendle & politically incorrect), an engaging character Clare Rendle) called Lieutenant Tibbetts appeared. He had Mabel Elizabeth England (David England been at Clifton. I don’t think I completely & Bethan England) identifi ed with him, but I was very taken by one episode in which a young Portuguese grandee called Manuel duc de Sagosta appeared. It turned out that he too had been at Clifton. The joyful reunion of the two in West Africa took my fancy, and I announced that I wanted to be entered for the scholarship examination there. It was an excellent choice, even if not based on any very logical process University news of thought. Mark sent this photo of the happy day and we congratulate them both and wish Chris Jenkins has achieved a 2:1 in John is now Professor of Classics and them well. Economics & Politics at Cardiff Ancient History. Mark Swinton, who was not so long ago Stephanie Squire has just gained a our Chapel Organist before moving on 2:1 in Engineering at UCL (The Editor would be pleased to hear from any OC who has similarly eclectic to Bath Abbey, has now taken up a post Harriet Smith has gained a 2:1 in reasons for joining the College or in Kendal Parish Church. An impressive Biology at Durham who has come across fi ctional OCs in building, almost as wide as York Minster literature!) and with capacity for a congregation of 750, the church boasts two organs and

NOTES & NEWS 79 Mark is hoping to introduce regular students to have a far greater awareness organ recitals. He appears to be fully and understanding of international involved with services, concerts, weddings, issues. Alex is to be congratulated on this funerals, church policy and finance and so honour, Yale describing him as on and is clearly very happy to be back in a key diplomat with expertise in South Asia, the North West. in particular Pakistan-Afghanistan relations Adrian Share, father of Adam Share and Kashmir. (PH 1992-95), writes to let us know PNT Wells (ST 1945-54) was made a CBE that after leaving Clifton, Adam was in the New Year’s Honours List. awarded a National Diploma in Design at The Chelsea College of Art and Scott Foster (PH 1974-79) has been Design and was made a Fellow of the in touch recently. At the moment he RSA in 2007. After working at Gucci is working in Biggin Hill as general he is now Company Director at Design Manager of Triple E, a company that & Development International Ltd. A manufactures curtain tracks and acoustic systems for theatres, cruise ships, concert letter from David Prashker, the then halls and so on, both here and abroad. Polack’s Housemaster, to his parents in He was back at Clifton a short while ago James Hills has heard from Arthur 1992 appears to have been remarkably helping his eldest son, Toby, to lead a Noble (ST, left 1955) who is now prescient, David observing, He has involved mock Seder service in BSK for the Year Emeritus Professor of German at himself in a range of activities, and his artistic 8s in the Pre. the Universities of Metz and Nancy. talents, which are considerable, have been He is also an eminent musician, recognised and appreciated…..and I have no Rosemary Emanuel has written to the Head Master concerning her father Felix being the UK representative at the doubt that his future lies in the artistic field in Nabarro who was taught by the then World Choral Festivals with the some way. legendary “Fuzzy B” or HC Beaven, Vienna Boys’ Choir, and a freelance Conrad Meyer (NT 1931-40) has “most described at his funeral in 1939 as a accompanist on the piano and organ. He sent a pair of pictures, graciously” been appointed a Prelate of devoted and unselfi sh scholar whose whole Honour by Pope Benedict, and his title is being becomes part of the school they serve. having recently found the exact now “Revd. Monsignor Canon”. This is a spot in College Road where he was Beaven would set his class a problem and considerable recognition by His Holiness “snapped” during the Short Pen. It then show them the solution of one of and merits sincere congratulations. would be courteous to add that not their near contemporaries, Nevill Mott, much has changed, bar tree growth! Tom Gover has had news recently from who became a distinguished scientist, Tim Lapage (SH 1963-67). He has winning the Nobel prize in 1977. Mott’s recently featured in the travel magazine solutions were invariable elegant and short. Rosemary inherited her father’s Wandermelon. As he approaches 60, he predilection for Maths and in retirement has discovered a passion for helicopters has written an A Level text book which is and advises all who are thinking of going used at Clifton. As she says, to South Africa for the World Cup in 2010 to act now. He can be reached at The Clifton connection through Nevill Mott, Fuzzy B, my father and the Longman book Safari Experts, which he runs, and would completes a pleasing circle. be more than happy to advise OCs on African adventures! David Jones wrote to Charlie Colquhoun shortly before his death to say that Ben Elliott Levey (PH 1987-92) has recently Gorman (BH 1975-82) and Mark Harrell appeared in a controversial but hard- (BH 1979-84) are now the proprietors hitting play at The National, England of The Mermaid Cafe in Dame Street in People Very Nice, by Nicholas Hytner. Dublin, and suggests this as a possible venue for a Dublin Branch Dinner! Closer to home, a recent article in the local press featured Alan Bailey (ET News of Jarad Zimbler (PH 1997-99). 1980-91) and Paul Albone (ET 1981-91). He has been awarded a Junior Research Together, they run an environmental Fellowship by Wolfson College, Oxford. After leaving Clifton, he read English at consultancy business in Queen Square, St Hugh’s, Oxford, and then went on to Environmental Lean Solutions. Alan is also do his Law College Exams. Following this, chairman of BETS and a keen supporter he went to Pembroke College, Cambridge of Green initiatives in Bristol. where he is in the process of completing Alexander Evans (WaH 1982-90) has just his Doctorate. Jo Greenbury tells us that his father is immensely proud of his been selected by Yale University as one of achievements and very grateful to Clifton its World Fellows for 2009, in recognition for the support and encouragement of his work in the Foreign Office in given to his son. Pembroke, incidentally, Islamabad in relation to Pakistan’s tribal has a scholarship in honour of an Old areas. He will contribute to the Yale Polackian, Ephraim Nahum, whilst World Fellows Programme which has Wolfson College, of course, is named after as its main aims the advancement of a family with very strong Polackian roots. training for emerging leaders, linking them together and helping Yale and its

80 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 Christopher Purves was in South Purves is, however, marvellous. With his big voice, he Town from 1975 to 1979. Tom Gover is an empathetic figure so that when he denounces the remembers him as a charming young “wicked thieving world” – of which he is, ironically, very man, who played hockey well and much a part – we really feel for him. who made a strong contribution to Fiona Maddocks, a forthright music critic who the College’s music when it came to writes for The Observer, likewise praises Purves for singing. From Clifton he went on bringing intelligence and discretion to the part, to read English at King’s College, complimenting him for avoiding the buffoonery Cambridge. that so often goes with this role for a more His early musical career was far removed sympathetic and credible interpretation. from his present engagements, since he was for a while part of the vocal rock and roll group known as Harvey & the Wallbangers. From rock to opera and the classics was a transition smoothly made, as any reference to the roles he has performed and the work he has recorded amply demonstrates. At the time of writing he is singing the title role in Verdi’s Falstaff at Glyndebourne. The production has not been overwhelmingly well-received by the critics, but one thing that they are all agreed upon is the quality of Christopher’s performance. Tim Ashley, writing in The Guardian, observes that: Off The Beaten Track – The Birdman Of Barcaldine

alking some while ago with Hugh HHee aandnd a colleaguecolleague fromfrom thethe laboratorylaboratory hadhad Monro, we mused over the question ggoneone toto EileanEilean Inshaig,Inshaig, a tinytiny islandisland nextnext toto a T as to what kind of careers and mmarinaarina whichwhich CraikCraik callscalls thethe “St“St KildaKilda ofof thethe professions Cliftonians took up when SSeaea Lochs”,Lochs”, becausebecause 1166 bbirdird speciesspecies havehave beenbeen they left the College and whether or the opportunity of developing his skill recorded there, the same number as its more not there was any pattern, concluding, in “ringing” birds. Six years later, the famous cousin in the Outer Hebrides. rightly or wrongly, that because of the RSPB asked him to start counting terns They were looking for chicks to ring but College’s tradition and ethos, it probably in the islands and inland waterways in instead found more than 100 dead birds produced its fair share of unsung heroes. the area. Over the next two years, a – adults and young – with bloody bitemarks One such would appear to be Clive series of discoveries led him to believe on their necks, strewn on the rocks and hidden Craik, who was the subject of a full- that the future of bird-life in this area in the long grasses. Thinking it was a one-off, length feature in July 2008 in the FT’s was under serious threat as a result of they found the mink and killed it. It wasn’t weekend magazine. the depredations of wild mink. The until two years later, after a series of mass Born in Bombay in 1942, his family journalist who covered this story, Sam kills in the summer of 1989, that Craik was returned to Britain towards the end of Knight, wrote, convinced he had found an endemic threat to the Second World War, and settled in The first time Craik came across a mink kill, the birds and mapped out the beginnings of his Tavistock. At Clifton he was evidently in June 1987, he was curious but not worried. campaign. a successful boxer and by his own “It was just another interesting thing”, he says. For the last 20 years, Clive Craik has admission became fascinated with devoted his life to trapping mink and homemade explosives – he still carries protecting bird life on the west coast of the evidence of a firework that blew up Scotland around Oban. When asked why, whilst he was holding it. In 1960, he he replied, won a scholarship to Queens’ College, Cambridge, where he was awarded a I was at a stage when I felt “My God, I really Doctorate in Chemistry, and then went haven’t achieved much in my life. I really must on to Durham to take another degree in try and achieve some little thing, whatever it Zoology. Marine Biology became his life might be”, and it turned out to be this. and he worked as a government scientist. One is reminded of the final passage in His passion, however, was birds and it Middlemarch, for it is people like Clive was this that led him into making a life- Craik who make a difference via their changing decision and retire early at 45. quiet, unhistorical acts, and this magazine In 1979, he took up a post at a marine would be interested to hear from any OC biology laboratory in Oban, a prospect with this sort of story to tell. which excited him since it gave him

NOTES & NEWS 81 Home from Home Costa Rica is a small, Central American country, approximately the size of Wales, with an estimated population of 4.1 million.

lthough Costa Rica nestles just to cases the QBP consists of a plush cocktail the south of the historically war-torn evening where the diplomatic community Acountry Nicaragua, its army was and VIPs relevant to the country in which abolished on 1 December 1948, just three the party is held discuss, no doubt, very Cream Sherry, STRONGBOW cider, years after the Second World War. Because important matters. chocolate HOBNOBS and CADBURY’S of that, and many other reasons, Costa Rica Crème Eggs. However that’s not the purpose of the QBP is known internationally as a place where in Costa Rica; it’s not what it is about for us. In December 2007 when I was asked to take peace (along with a good pinch of chaos) on the role of logistics for the 2008 event I presides. So what is it about and how do we celebrate was ignorant, perhaps blissfully ignorant, the Queen’s birthday? What better place could present itself to as to what it would entail. That said I had a person who had wrestled with the legal Well perhaps it’s easier to start off with only heard good things about the event and community of the UK and Europe for what it is not. There’s no cocktail party. No wanted to get stuck in. Sheila Pacheco MBE, seven long years, was tired, and longed for posh frocks. No champagne. No elaborate Vice-Consul at the Embassy and head- change? speeches. Perhaps with the exception of honcho of the prestigious QBP tea-tent, playing the National Anthem, nothing you gave me one of her telling smiles when I In my, (perhaps biased) opinion, none. would generally associate with a party on told her of my new role, laughed, looked In May 2007 when I fi rst wrote to the diplomatic soil aimed at celebrating Her pensively into space for fi ve exceedingly British Embassy in the capital, San José, Majesty the Queen’s birthday features at the long seconds and fi nally assured me that asking to be an intern for a couple of Costa Rican QBP. everything would “just fall into place”. months I had no idea what lay ahead. The QBP Costa Rican style takes place on She was right; in the main. That said, when I was informed that my the nearest Saturday to the Queen’s actual internship had been approved, I had The role of logistics, in this case, is all birthday (21 April) and consists of a day suffi ciently high hopes to buy a return ticket about communication and deadlines. when Her Majesty’s Ambassador opens to the UK nine months after my entry into Before I started the project it all seemed his/her Residence to the public at large for the country, rather than when my internship so simple. After all I was an ex-lawyer a charity event in the style of a traditional was going to end. My gut reaction to stay in who lived tormented by deadlines and fayre. This event was organised for the this beautiful country served me well and I who communicated in multiple languages fi rst time by the British community in now consider Costa Rica home from home. every day regarding complex co-existence Costa Rica together with members of the agreements between international The internship resulted in being appointed British Embassy in San José the year of the companies and the like. Just how diffi cult as a locally employed member of staff and, Queen’s Golden Jubilee. Whilst at the time could it be? at the time of writing, I am happy to have it was envisaged to be a one-off event, it has served my country and Costa Rica and since become a regular fi xture, and, in fact, Well quite challenging as it happens. Nicaragua for over 18 months. The projects something of a legend. Let’s take the simple example of getting I have been involved in have been, without In order that the fayre be traditional in the British goods from Portsmouth to San José. exception, important, interesting, fun and British sense of the word, we try to make as rewarding. I have, amongst other things: In theory it goes something like this… many things available as would be present • created a handbook for new British at a village carnival. We cook fi sh and chips, John, a devoted member of the committee Prisoners in Costa Rica, which is now have a tea-tent (a controversial move in asks his long suffering in-laws to make a being used as the basis for all British a country where the world’s best coffee is trip to their local Tesco and Makro to buy Embassies throughout the world, grown) and ensure that curries and candy approximately £5,000 worth of goodies fl oss are for sale in the eating area. There that all ex-pats dream about. Once the • acted as translator for Claire Hughes are pony rides, clowns, a coconut shy, lucky goods are bought and palleted up they are - Strategic Communications Offi cer of dip, and a bouncy castle for the little ones to put on a ship and transported at no cost to DEFRA - at a Costa Rican weekly cabinet enjoy. For the bigger kids we provide raffl e us through our friends at Fyffes, to Moín, meeting, and tickets, a tombola, a silent auction, a tea tent, Caribbean coast, Costa Rica. Once they • been involved in the fi rst Trade Mission a bar and live music. And for the ex-pats arrive in the port my job is to get the goods in Costa Rica which related to Climate we have a shop crammed to the rafters with through customs and arrange the transport Change. almost all those goodies they crave year-in of them to the Ambassador’s garage where year-out but are unable to purchase when they sit in storage awaiting the big day. However the most rewarding experience living in a country 8,000 kilometres away so far has been working for two consecutive In practice it ends up something like this… from “home”. Those products you take for years on a project known as “the QBP” (the granted in your shopping basket every week John’s in-laws buy the products in good time Queen‘s Birthday Party). such as BISTO gravy granules, BIRD’S for the party. They send the goods to the The QBP is an event famous within the custard, GALES lemon curd, WALKERS port and the goods are placed on the ship. Diplomatic Corps on a global scale. In many prawn cocktail crisps, HARVEY’S Bristol We receive the bill of lading and write to

82 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Costa Rica had shed sufficient light on the situation and was the 1960s and whole families dressed requesting the goods not be subject to tax we were free to go ahead with unpacking up from head to toe in their hippy gear; the when they arrive into the country, due to a the goods from their container. atmosphere was electric and peace and love reciprocal arrangement between Costa Rica abounded. Then came the question of getting the and the UK. When writing we provide a list goods out of the warehouse. In order to Not all customers however were as satisfied of the individual goods being shipped to us, be able to do that, it is necessary to have by the event as they could have been. Post- in Spanish. clearance from customs in the form of an event we received an email thanking us for Interesting. electronic permission. a wonderful day from a British member of the public together with a request for us to How exactly do I translate crème eggs And then, the computer system went down. purchase QUAVERS for next year’s QBP. into Spanish? Ditto for gravy, lemon curd, And stayed down... Whilst the event had been a success his son’s toffee crisps and approximately 20 other mood had taken a downturn when he found weird and wonderful products on the list. Until, it came back up and our application out that those delicious curly, cheesy, maize GOOGLE translation tool just doesn’t cut was given a red light. That is denial, rather snacks were not on sale. Be sure Mr. your the mustard with this task. than permission to take the goods. son’s cravings will be cured in 2010 when Once the list is concocted The Ministry I made the necessary calls, waited 20 those make an appearance at the new and of Foreign Affairs sends our request to minutes and hoped and prayed to the god improved British Shop! And that reminds the Treasury who immediately picks up of free movement of goods for a green light, me, how am I going to translate QUAVERS on our inventive translations. We reach a as our application was passed once more into Spanish for next year’s goods collection, compromise. through the system. because I have this feeling I am going to be around when the application is sent to the The goods arrive in port and we decide Green light, permission granted! Ministry! upon a date for picking them up. We got to the Ambassador’s house and And if I am given the opportunity to be In 2008 the collection went off without a unpacked the goods to find that many of the there in April 2010 helping to organise glitch, but not due to good management, beer and cider cans had exploded. Whilst the event, every challenging telephone rather due to the port being empty since we had requested the goods be stored in conversation, every seemingly interminable the staff were attending a funeral in nearby a refrigerated container, they had in fact discussion regarding what “ahorita” really Limon. We were in and out of there within been frozen. The position of a temperature means (anything from in half an hour’s time just over an hour. Perfect. On the drive back dial cost us 1,000 dollars of damaged stock to, give or take a few days, a week’s time), to San José I thought back to the committee and that before we had even started the and every other frustrating moment will meeting and all the sniggering that had party. There was little we could do about the dissolve from my mind when I see people gone on when I had announced my matter, just pour the beer down the drain having fun at the event itself, and groups intentions to pick up the goods that week. and recycle the empties. benefiting from the money we raise on the It was not until 2009’s goods collection that When I arrived home, after my 17 hour day. all became abundantly clear. day, I wondered just where the time had Since its inception in 2002, the various fayre gone. Then I remembered those ingenious Upon arrival in Moín we waited for the style QBPs have raised an amazing $110,000 Malibu adverts I had loved so much whilst goods to be transferred from the port to the which the committee has donated to Costa I was in the UK. I was in the Caribbean and warehouse, thinking that once they arrived Rican schools in need. In 2009 alone we that gave me sufficient explanation as to we would be able to load them into the truck raised $19,365 dollars at the fayre and that how exactly I had managed to take that long and be on our way. cash has been donated to two very different to transport 1600 kilograms of goods three but equally worthwhile projects. Let’s just say that I left San José at 6am hours up the road. and got home at 11pm. The previous The first project we have funded will be Exhausted I went to bed, focusing on the year the same task had been completed managed by the British charity Raleigh success of the day. We had got the goods, and I was back at home before sundown, (www.raleigh.org.uk) who will work with an with relative ease and three days before the approximately 6pm in the tropics. So what indigenous community in the construction event. Perfect. changed? Not a lot really, apart from the fact of a secondary school for children in an that The Ministry of Agriculture decided After four long months of planning the big area where currently only primary school it was a little concerned about a certain day eventually arrived and in 2009 around education is available. product we had imported to Costa Rica. 1,100 people attended the event. Despite The second project relates to the the gloomy economic climate the day in Custard. reconstruction of a kindergarten in the itself was an absolute scorcher. The theme Cinchona area of Costa Rica which was sadly Bird’s custard to be more exact. hit by an earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Groan. Richter scale on 8 January this year. “It doesn’t contain birds itself, that’s the So if you find yourself in Costa Rica next brand,” I explained to our representative. year around the Queen’s birthday, look us up, come and have a go on the coconut shy, Wonderful. try your luck, you won’t regret it! Maybe, “Only in Costa Rica,” I muttered under my just maybe,Costa Rica could become your breath. home from home. The Ministry was happy with the Kate Cruse explanation and decided not to come and check out the goods; thankfully the internet

NOTES & NEWS 83 Peter Lanyon (1918-1964)

orn in St Ives in 1918, Peter was educated at St Erbyn’s School in Penzance before coming Bto Clifton, where he was in Oakeley’s House, leaving at the end of the Summer Term in 1935. His father had been an amateur photographer and musician. From Clifton he went to Penzance School of Art where he met Adrian Stokes (1902-1972) who was to become one of the most original and critical writers on art, according to contemporaries, and it was probably Stokes who encouraged the young painter to join the Euston Road School of artists who had set up a School of Drawing and Painting in London in 1937. Their emphasis was very much on naturalism and realism and they saw themselves as a bulwark against the rising tide of avant-garde art during this decade. There, he studied under Victor Pasmore who was widely regarded as one of the most influential abstract artists of his time. In 1939, Lanyon met Ben Nicolson and Barbara Hepworth and, as a result, he The war intervened in 1939 and he more complete knowledge” of landscape. moved back to St Ives to receive private fought in Africa, Palestine and Italy It was this that was to cost him his life tuition from Nicolson, one of the more before returning to England in 1945, – he died in Taunton following blood- radical of Britain’s 20th Century painters. whereupon he married and the couple clot complications arising from a gliding Both Nicolson and Hepworth had a went on to have six children. Back in St accident in 1964. His death was seen as a significant influence on Lanyon and Ives, he became an influential member of huge blow to art in general, and Cornish he became heavily involved in making the Crypt group of artists and a founder art in particular. constructions, such as the celebrated White member of the Penwith Society of Artists In January 2009, Bath Victoria Galleries Track (mahogany, jarrah wood, three-ply in Cornwall. In 1950, his reputation was and string). In addition the poetic spatial honoured one of their most memorable sealed by his first solo exhibition at the forms of another of the St Ives group of lecturers by putting on an exhibition Lefevre Galleries in London. For the this period, the Russian sculptor Naum of his work, including a massive mural next seven years he was an inspirational Gabo, along with the developing work of entitled Porthmeor which he had completed teacher at the Bath Academy of Art. From Barbara Hepworth, encouraged Lanyon to two years before his death. Clifton art is 1957 onwards he travelled all round the experiment with three-dimensional forms. usually associated with Roger Fry, and world, giving talks and lectures, but his Peter Lanyon is, as a result, overlooked. heart remained in Cornwall, chairing the This is unfortunate since his work is Newlyn Arts Council and being elected still much admired and valued today as a Bard of the Kernow Gorsedd for his and there is little doubt, as his recent services to Cornish art. It was at this time biographer observes, “he transformed the that he took up gliding in order to “get a art of landscape” in this country. RJA

84 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 The Clifton Whittys

ifteen members of the Whitty family He went to Hartnell’s have been to Clifton. in 1923 then, via North Town, to Dakyns’. He F The first, Henry Tarlton, was one of too became a soldier, seventy six boys who made up the very commissioned into his first intake in September 1862, being uncle’s regiment, the closely followed by his brother Charles Royal West Kents. He in 1868. Their father, John Charles, had played rugby, cricket and emigrated from the East India Company golf for the army, won in Madras to Tarramia, New South Wales the MC in Palestine and where, after selling cavalry horse to the a DSO for bravery and Indian Army, he became a successful superb leadership in Italy sheep farmer before leaving Australia for and, having commanded retirement in Bristol. The two boys were his battalion from El in Town House. Alamein through the Sir John Whitty followed his father Henry Italian campaign, was to the Pre in May 1888 and thence via killed north of Florence North Town to Dakyns’. He went to New in 1944, having just been College, Oxford, and then joined the promoted to Brigadier Indian Civil Service where he became at the age of 34. He was Governor of Behar and Orissa. He was described by Monty as ‘the a member of Clifton Council. He was best commander in the 8th followed to Poole’s and then Oakeley’s Army’. by his brother Noel who, as a regular My brother Kenneth soldier, became a Brigadier and then in and I followed my father 1946 Colonel of his regiment, the Queen’s into Dakyns’ under the Own Royal West Kents. Noel sent his eagle eye of ‘the Yak’. two sons to Clifton – Tony, who in 1933 Jos Cave, in between Hamlyn Whitty on left, Kenneth Whitty on right entered Oakeley’s as the first OC to have reviewing activities on The Close on with glasses. father and both grandfathers as OCs, and previous Saturdays, managed to get me became a distinguished architect; and into Sandhurst, whence I joined my David, who went to Oakeley’s in 1935 Finally, Julian and Richard, sons of father’s regiment, playing cricket for the and was killed in action in North Africa in Michael Whitty the neurologist, came to army. I left the army at the age of 31, 1943. Clifton in 1955 and 1957 respectively. pursued a number of careers, finishing as Julian, after School House, went to St Chief Executive of one of the professional Meanwhile, all four of John’s sons had John’s, Oxford, and then into medicine societies of the land. Ken meanwhile been at Clifton. Patrick, who went to at St Thomas’s Hospital, after which he became Head of School in 1958, Dakyns’ in 1920, was commissioned emigrated to Australia, the land of his read English at Oxford and Berkeley, into the Royal Sussex Regiment before fathers, practising as a surgeon and doing California, taught English at Malvern transferring as a Lieutenant Colonel to part-time work for the Royal Australian for five years and then joined the British the Royal Army Pay Corps, where he Air Force. Richard was in Dakyns’ and Council for whom he worked in Belgium, was Command Paymaster in Ceylon. after Oxford worked as an anaesthetist at Nigeria, Malawi, Greece and London. He His brother Ronald (Tim), who went to various hospitals in Hull. School House in 1922, became Head of was a hugely talented person and it was School and as such had the honour of the most terrible tragedy for all who knew A pity my two daughters were too old presenting the Prince of Wales with the and loved him when he was murdered by to become the 16th and 17th Whittys at keys of the new Science building at its terrorists in Athens in 1984. Clifton! opening in 1927. Then came brother Hamlyn Whitty Michael, also to School House, in 1927. After Brasenose, Oxford, he went into medicine and became a distinguished consultant neurologist at St Thomas’s Hospital and then the Radcliffe, Oxford. Michael’s younger brother, Peter, who was in Poole’s and School House from 1932, then Sidney Sussex, Cambridge, also went into medicine after war service in the RAF, as an ophthalmologist at King’s College Hospital, London. My father John (JHH), nephew of Sir John and Brigadier Noel, came to Clifton John Whitty (father). straight from the family ranch in Australia.

NOTES & NEWS 85 65 YEARS ON

The impact of these weapons on the Percy Hobart was known as “Patrick” to his family beaches of Normandy was to help make the and friends and “Hobo” within the Army. landings a success and to save many lives. The “funnies” were able to neutralise mines and underwater obstacles by mechanical e was one of nine members of my The extent of Hobart’s influence on means and this ensured that the troops, family to attend Clifton, and he tank warfare can be seen by how the once landed, were able to advance Hand my grandfather, Ernest Miles German generals, such as Guderian and relatively swiftly. This was the situation for Hobart-Hampden CMG, were the two Rommel, embraced his concepts of rapid the Canadian and British troops where members of the family who contributed advancement into enemy territory in Montgomery (who had married Hobart’s significantly to the successful outcome of conjunction with air and infantry support. sister, Betty) had embraced Hobart’s the Second World War. Hobart was highly Guderian is reputed to have said “I machines. Unfortunately, the Americans influential in the development of tank put my faith in Hobart, the new man”. under Bradley, despite the endorsement of warfare and Ernest Miles played a key role Unfortunately, with a few exceptions such Eisenhower, did not utilise these modified in interpreting Japanese foreign policy in as Liddell Hart, Hobart was a prophet tanks. This decision, along with other the 1920s and 1930s, including assisting the without honour in his own land for many factors to do with the terrain, contributed Australian naval lieutenant, Eric Nave, to years. His cause was probably not helped to the heavy loss of American life on break Japanese codes. by his character. He was not one to step OMAHA beach. I am writing this article on 6 June 2009, back from forcibly expressing his views, The 79th Armoured Division also played the 65th anniversary of the D-Day their part with their “Hobo’s funnies” in Normandy landings. It seems a fitting the advance across western Europe leading moment to reflect on the man described eventually in 1945 to the defeat by the famous military historian Captain of Hitler. Sir Basil Liddell Hart as being “one of the Hobart’s last command was of the Royal few soldiers that I have known who could Hospital Chelsea and he died in 1957 after rightly be termed a military genius”. Yet a short battle against cancer. this is the same man who was dismissed by Wavell from his command of the 7th I think the foreword by Liddell Hart to Armoured Division in late 1939. This Armoured Crusader, written by Kenneth is the Division that Hobart trained up Macksey, summed up Hobart’s character. from scratch. The 7th Armoured Division He wrote: went on to be known as the Desert Rats, He [Hobart] was also a man of passionate fighting successfully through the North convictions and inexhaustible originality, who African campaign, defeating Rommel, combined a temperament of fire and and rock before fighting their way up through Italy. with an intellectual eagerness and sensitivity After retiring from the army, Hobart was which won him the friendship of artists of all rescued from obscurity as a corporal in the kinds. Churchill, recognising these qualities, Home Guard, by Churchill in 1940. He rescued him from the wilderness into which the was given command of the newly formed military establishment dismissed him and enabled 11th Armoured Division. After training this him to scale the heights of success. Division up to operational levels, Hobart was unable to deploy with the Division MB on medical grounds but accepted the command of the new 79th (Experimental) References: Armoured Division. This Division, under ‘Armoured Crusader – A Biography of Major- Hobart, and with Churchill’s support, was General Sir Percy Hobart’ - Kenneth Macksey - Hutchinson & Co Publishers 1967 to develop the so-called “Hobo’s Funnies”. to the point of rudeness. His relationship ‘The unpublished writings of Hobart went to Clifton as a classics scholar with many of his senior officers was not Christopher Hobart’ 2008 and on leaving joined the Royal Military harmonious. Hardly surprising given Academy, Woolwich. He was commissioned Hobart’s views that “no man is any good into the 1st Sappers and Miners. Hobart who has no enemies”. won the MC on the Western Front in 1915 Would any Old Cliftonians who and the DSO in the Mesopotamia theatre To return to the “funnies”, this was the remember Sir John Kendrew of war. Having survived the First World name given to the Sherman and Churchill (Watson’s 1930-1936) please contact War, in 1923 he joined the Royal Tank tanks modified to carry out specialised Tom Gover as he is trying to help Corps. So began a lifetime dedicated to the tasks such as mine clearing, removing with a biography. Any details or development of tank warfare strategy, and underwater obstacles, destruction of enemy anecdotes, however trivial, would in the Second World War, to developing positions by using flame throwers, laying be most welcome! specialised tanks, to be known as “Hobo’s tracked causeways (Bobbins) and bridging Funnies”, as mentioned above. ditches, canals and rivers.

86 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 OC Sport O.C. SPORTS

Shooting

ixteen OC shooting Veterans from the 1940’s to 1970’s gathered Sat Bisley on 16 July 2009 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Clifton winning the Cadet Trophy and the 35th Standing, left to right: Bernard Kain, Tom Waycott (NT), Nick Atkin (07 leaver), George anniversary of winning the Ashburton Irish (MH), Finella Tancred-Holmes (HH and Adjutant), John Molesworth (ET), Simon Heard Shield. (Master in charge of shooting), Alex Tong (WaH and Captain), Ben Jarvis (WaH), Murray Lidgitt (WiH and Vice Captain), Peter Stanley (adult instructor, OC ST), Daniel Odutola (WiH), Gordon Johnston and David Morgan Tony Marsh, Nigel Evans, Andrew Venables, John Evans, Peter Molesworth, Chris Melhuish, had won in 1949 with a record score that Jonathan Haward, Hugh Murray, Seated, left to right: Perry Chesser, Anthony Blackburn, has been equalled but never beaten. Gordon Johnston, David Morgan, John Gibbs, Peter Greenaway, Peter Davey, Alistair Evans. The two had lost touch, but met up to organise a 50th anniversary reunion with Clifton shooters from the 1940’s - Veterans Shoot and Ashburton 1970’s in 1999. Addressing the gathering in 2009, Anniversary 2009 Gordon Johnston recalled that they had been congratulated in 1949 by Colonel he Veterans team comprised: Andrew Sinnott OC, who had been in the Venables, Jonathan Haward, Hugh winning 1890 team. T Murray, Nigel Evans and John Evans. The younger OC’s took part successfully The team shot its best score to date with in the Veterans’ competition. Andrew a notable 238 + 13 V bulls at 500 yards. Venables (OC) said: “We hope our Top scorer was John Evans with 49.4. The success in the Veterans will foster the team were doubtless spurred on by the continued interest in Clifton shooting school CCF who shot well and were placed and hope that current Cliftonians will 18th on the Ashburton score board. give increased support to the sport.” Past members of the Clifton College shooting teams going back to 1947 met for a reunion luncheon and photograph, followed by a practice shoot, the Veterans Match and a splendid dinner at the North London Rifl e Club. All in all a great day for Clifton, past and present. It was also marvellous to see a quite a number of current team members going on the shoot in the Imperial Meeting. Congratulations to Mr Simon Heard on his sterling efforts and a very successful start with school shooting. Please would any OC shooters wishing to join us in the future contact Andrew Venables at: [email protected] or on 07767-365804. We need new blood! Despite our best efforts, we only managed to fi eld 4 people for the 5 person B team and one of those was John Gibbs! His score remains a secret.

OC SPORT 87 Old Cliftonian Golfing Society

e have had a good year since I last wrote a note for this Wmagazine. • We have done better at two of the major Public School Competitions (Halford Hewitt and Brent Knoll Bowl). • We have taken in eight new Members, two of whom are very low handicap golfers who left School in June 2008 - Chris Baker and Chris Spiller. • We have entertained Masters and Boys at our Annual Match at the famous Brent Knoll Bowl The 4th John Bretten Berkshire course, and they ran off with James England led the Team but lost some of the prizes, albeit 2009 proved Round 1 to the RAF, the ultimate winners. more successful for the “older” members. Trust Hockey Match But Clifton then went on to win the As always we are indebted to a smallish “Plate” which was a first. nother glorious May weekend number of keen golfers and match brought together the fourth annual managers. A hockey match to raise money for the John Bretten Trust. The match as ever We would like to encourage the 50% was very competitive and made up from of our current members who have not Old Cliftonians, current Cliftonians and played this last year in OCGS Meetings, to local clubs in the area. turn out next year for some of our events. We are particularly grateful to David The current score in matches was two-one Rowe who again took charge of our Team to the Dons XI so the Sir Humphrey XI at the Halford Hewitt, Chris Dale who were very much looking to level the series. manages the Grafton Morrish team (who The match started off at a frenetic pace have qualified for the finals in October), with both sides playing excellent fast and James England who organised the flowing hockey. With chances made and Brent Knoll Bowl at Burnham-on-Sea. For missed at both ends the loyal band of the Hewitt, the blue riband meeting, the supporters had plenty of entertainment greatest gathering in amateur golf where to accompany the fantastic tea, cakes and over 1000 meet at Deal and Sandwich in Our team: James England, David Rowe, Chris sandwiches kindly supplied by the School. early April, this means a big commitment Baker, Chris Spiller, Rob Mitchell and Chris and we are grateful to those who play. At half time it was all square at 1-1 and Carney. Our Captain Alan Mann in particular all to play for. However, soon into the would love to see more OC supporters/ second half it became apparent that Sir We have enjoyed many other less spectators at the 2010 meeting. He Humphrey XI had the superior fitness strenuous fixtures ! A new event made is happy to organise local golf for the and with some excellent interplay between up of teams of OC’s, Masters, School Boys “supporters team”. Cliftonians young and old came out and Parent of current pupils. A great worthy winners 4-2. With the score 2-2 in social occasion. matches it is all to play for next year! The Hewitt We lost in the match against Blundell’s Old Boys; we beat the “Colonials” at As always an excellent drinks reception David Rowe led the team and in Round Exeter in a thrilling close encounter, and was held afterwards in the cricket pavilion 1 we beat Rossall 3/2, then Canford 3½ to played the usual local matches, whilst for all the players and supporters. 1½, followed by a Saturday morning win other OC’s represented the OCGS in the Over the four years £10,000 has been over Winchester, and finally after a tight Grafton Morrish and various Bernard raised so a very special thanks for all those match we went down to Bradfield 3/2, the Darwin events. I am grateful to John that have donated, and as always a huge crucial last match going to the 19th hole in Chesser and Ham Whitty for organising thank you to the School for so generously the quarter-finals. Our team contained new these. providing the pitch, teas and drinks in the young blood this time and we should be pavilion afterwards. even stronger next year as Andy Rudge has This is just a flavour of the year gone by, just returned from the professional ranks. still with many events to come. Why not If you would like to play in 2010 or would Our team in 2009: David Rowe, John join the OCGS? My address and details like to donate or have more information Capper, Chris Dale, Tony Taylor, Malcolm are at the end of this publication. on the Trust please contact either James Lewis, Rob Mitchell, Chris Carney, James Bob Bennett Trafford ([email protected]) or England, Chris Baker and Chris Spiller. Honorary Secretary George Bretten ([email protected]).

88 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 Cricketer Cup 2009

ince the draw for the 2009 Cricketer came to support and to Cup was published earlier in the those who worked hard to Syear, there has been a feeling of contact as many as possible excitement amongst a few of the regulars Old Cliftonians to create a in the side with the news that all our wonderful atmosphere that games would be at home on The Close, day. right up until the final. All Old Cliftonians Round two saw five of the will agree that coming back to The Close first round side unavailable, but the depth of Old Cliftonian cricketers available this year meant we still had a strong side to compete against Shrewsbury Saracens, again with the luxury of being on The Close. A good all round bowling performance, led by the spinners, Jamie Whitby-Coles and Saul Heard, meant that Shrewsbury were restricted to 195-9. Superb knocks from Matt Windows and Toby Harris, ably supported by James Williams and Will Rudge, meant that we is a great pleasure and the opportunity to cruised to victory only 5 wickets down. play there many times across the summer, and built a platform from which to start so long as there is a successful cup run, an attack. A fine 74 from Matt Windows surely provides motivation to succeed. supported by James Williams got the OC’s close to victory, but at the end of a good The Old Cheltonians, with a strong fight we were just 19 runs short of the cricketing tradition at schoolboy level, target and a place in the semi final. were always going to be an unknown quantity and in theory a tough first round It was a disappointment to get so close opponent. We had assembled a strong but there was a real feeling that this year side with players returning such as Will the Old Cliftonian side had competed Rudge, whose availability this year would admirably, progressed further in the cup strengthen our bowling attack, along with than they have for several years, and built the likes of James Pearson, a strong all- a good platform to progress further next rounder, and Gareth Rees to bolster our year and indeed in future years. top order batting. Thanks must go to Tony Wright and John To the captain’s relief, the OC’s lost the This victory meant that the Old Cliftonians Bobby for their support in the pre-match toss and were asked to bowl. A great had reached the quarter finals of the preparations; Julyan Capper and Mark opening spell from Will Rudge, in Cricketer Cup, a feat that had not been Eldridge for their help and support over conjunction with John Davies and later achieved for several years. We were drawn the winter months and for encouraging James Pearson, had the Old Cheltonians against Oundle Rovers who had removed all the great support at the games; Tom in trouble at 35-6 and they were finally Radley Rangers from the competition in Gover and Frances Stretton for all their bowled out for 83, with Rudge taking a the previous round and therefore were help behind the scenes, continuing the superb 5-22. After an early lunch the Old likely to be a good outfit. resurrection of OC cricket started by Charlie Colquhoun. Cliftonians top order started to claw down On arrival at The Close, it was evident that the runs with Matthew Houcke and Rees there had been some overnight rainfall Rupert Swetman and there were a couple of areas that could do with some drying time, so a later start was scheduled but with no reduction in overs. Oundle batted first and a good opening spell from John Davies produced some good chances. Whitby-Coles and Heard bowled well in the middle but the Oundle batsman had got starting well, allowing James Williams themselves set and a century and Pearson the freedom to finish the from one of their openers, who game by 3.30pm! This was a great start gave an early chance, and a to the campaign and showed the kind swift half century from their of performance the Old Cliftonians can captain allowed Oundle to post produce with the players available. A a respectable score of 239-5. The big thank you must go to all those who Old Cliftonians started steadily

OC SPORT 89 Branch Reunions The Annual Reunion

We were blessed with a beautiful day with Jonathan Putsman (PH 77-82), John Heller (PH 79-84), David Wille (OH 79-84), Edward The Close at its best; this was the reward for March (DH 75-84), Anthony Gorbey (DH 75- 84), Andrew Dalrymple (DH 75-84), Richard over eighty Old Cliftonians born between Saunders (DH 75-81), Neil Constable (WiH 72-83), Guy Addenbrooke (ET 78-81), Oliver 1961 and 1971. Pearson (SH 79-84), Myles Watkins (WiH 79- 84), Roger Mayhew (NT 75-80), James Roach his year the festivities were limited to 73-83), John Howell (ST 76-81), Jonathan (DH 76-84), Graham White (ST 75-83), Neil Saturday only, starting with Chapel. Glassberg (PH 78-83), Rebecca McColl, Barbour (NT 75-80), James Fox (WaH 75-80), T The Reverend Dr David Wenham Mark Reynolds (DH 77-82), Richard Musson Mike Farr (OH 76-81), Simon Richards (OH (NT 54-63) preached an excellent sermon (SH 78-83), Julian Hardyman (BH 77-81), 77-82), Charles Foster (OH 74-81), William and the OC Secretary, whose ‘geological Andrew Roach (DH 78-83), Nicolas Chardon Holloway (WaH 79-83), Nick Schiller (BH layers’ of papers habitually clutter his desk, (SH 78-83), Andy Rosser (NT 79-84), Rachael 79-80), Simon Konsta (NT 79-83), Adrian Rosser, John Highfield (NT 70-80), Neil Donald (BH 72-82), Paul Michaelson (SH 78- felt suitably impaled in footnotes! Drinks Harding (NT 69-80), Scott Foster (PH 74-79), 83), Jeremy Woolf (PH), Nayyer Hussain (DH on School House lawn followed and it was Edward Clarke (WiH 76-81), Ian Bascombe 78-80), Cristina Pelli, Raymond Kelly (WiH obvious that conversations last exchanged (DH 78-82), Edward Christie (SH 78-83), 69-79), Roderick Anson (DH 70-81), Darius thirty years ago had lost none of their David Tosh (SH 78-83), Moya Tosh, Peter Panahy (DH 75-80), John Lawrence (SH 78- vitality and enthusiasm. A fine buffet Whidborne (WiH 79-82), Peter Beavis (NT 82), Mrs Lawrence, John Cummings (WiH lunch in Big School was followed by tours 74-79), Mrs Beavis, James Cole (SH 78-83), 74-83), Nick Carter (BH 74-82), Gareth Jones of Houses. Despite the sadness that the Darren Harding (NT 70-81), Mrs Harding, (ET 72-82), James Cole (OH 75-84), David inner School House was now diminished Andrew Milton (SH 79-84), Paul Morris (OH Cooksey (WaH 74-83), Simon Bourge (ET and unrecognisable, that Wiseman’s had 79-84), Rupert Hornby (ET 72-82), Richard 75-79), Angus Chapman (BH 74-79), Martin removed to a far less impressive house Pitkin (WiH 74-79), James Robson (DH 78- Telling (WaH 69-78), Bruce Clark (WiH and that Watson’s, despite an excellent 82), Simon Brewer (ET 70-81), Nick Tolchard 74-79), Simon Davis (NT 75-82), Mrs Davis, interior, resembled a Portakabin on stilts, (ST 70-80), James Ottewell (WaH 79-84), Adam Bourge (WaH 76-80), Andy Cleverdon morale was only slightly deflated. Tea Dean Jenkins (DH 70-80), Adam Brooks (NT 73-81), Richard Deverson (NT 72-83), in the Pavilion afforded majestic views (WaH 78-83), Mrs Brooks, James Crawford Simon Woodruff (OH 75-85), Oliver Ahrens towards School House and Big School. (WiH 77-83), Antony Morris (WiH 76-80), (WiH 76-81), Jonathan Kidd (SH 72-81), Pre-prandial drinks on School House Michael Marks (PH 75-79), Julian Feneley Richard Christie (SH 76-80), David Andrews (ST 77-81), Nick Thomas (WiH 82-84), Nick lawn demonstrated the impossibility of (NT 77-81), Nick Marchant (SH 74-84), Philip Exon (ST 77-81), Paul Leonard (NT 70-84), Moran (NT 69-81), Alexander Kinmont (NT getting eighty rather free-range OCs to Mrs Leonard, Maarten Westerduin (BH 71-80), Patrick McNamara (OH 80-81), Paul obey the summons to Dinner, which this 77-82), Robin Bowie (WiH 75-80), Henry Gerrish (WiH 72-81), Jonathan Smith (NT year was a black-tie affair. We dined well, McWatters (SH 72-83), Fiona MacWatters, 74-84), Mrs Smith, Andrew Haworth (NT with divertissements provided by James Hector Pinnington (BH 77-82), David Forbes- 75-80), Mike Matthews (WaH 76-81), Ernest Hill’s group and the talented violinist Nixon (NT 78-83), Simon Burns-Cox (ET Alishan (DH 76-80), Clive Downing (BH 74- Julia Hwang. Fighting the usual acoustic 72-80), Nick Hodgson (NT 69-80), Neil 81), Vaughan Reek (BH 76-82), Tim Moran problems of Big School, the Head Master Marshman (DH 77-79), Julian Telling (WaH (NT 68-79), Theodore Allegaert (DH 82-83), gave an enthusiastic account of the vibrant 68-79), Mark Webber (NT 74-81), Quintin Sarah Han, Robin King (ET 69-80), William state of Clifton, and the Secretary paid Bradshaw (OH 76-80), Mrs Bradshaw, John Morris. tribute to the success of the three schools Ball (DH 77-81), Julian Matthews (WiH 79- The following attended the Dinner as and reminded us of the outstanding 83), Mark Thomas (OH 79-84), Piers Finzel Guests: contribution to Clifton of John Barratt, (OH 79-84), Tom Manners (SH 78-83), Dirk whose memorial service would take place Catterall (WaH 75-83), Matthew Laws (DH), Tom Gover, Frances Stretton, John Rankin, the following Saturday. Drinks were served Tim Sheard (WiH 72-81), Peter Matthews Elizabeth Rankin, Julian Edgell, Dudley in the Common Room and the last OC (WaH 79-84), Adam Robinson (ST 76-81), Fromant, Vicky Fromant, Stuart Taylor, Colin Millar, David Barrett, Douglas Henderson, struggled home in the early hours. Two Robert Southwood (DH 80-84), Benedict Gorman (BH 79-82), Mark Harrell (BH 79- Heather Henderson, Stuart Andrews, lessons learned from a happy day were the 82), Adrian Cornes (ST 78-83), Rupert Taylor Marie Andrews, Brian Worthington, Philip need for a decent piano in Big School to (BH 74-79), Chris Allen (SH 78-83), Mrs Hallworth, Richard Gliddon, Rita Gliddon, replace the late, lamented “Father Willis”, Allen, James Rose (NT 72-83), Bruce Lloyd Paul Hutchinson, Gillian Hutchinson, David and the resurrection of cricket teams now (NT 72-84), Mrs Lloyd, Tom Elliott (OH 78- Jones, Ian Scott, Chris Gardiner, Hank Adlam, missing from the walls of the recently 82), Ben Dembo (PH 79-84), Christopher David Wenham, Andrew Thornhill, Helen restored Pavilion, which stands as a most Evans (OH 76-84), Chris Adams (OH 74-79), Thornhill, Tony Williams, Tricia Williams, eloquent memorial to Charlie Colquhoun. Mrs Adams, Simon Wigley (WaH 72-80), Mark Moore, Jo Moore, David Reed, Shula Gold, Peter Fowles (NT 77-82), Ian Jonathan Hughes, Richard Crabtree, Simon The following attended: Davis (ST 75-83), Ralph Melhuish (WaH 71- Reece, Richard Bland, Jonathan Thomson- Peter Tunstall-Behrens (WiH 78-84), Mrs 81), Andrew Jones (BH 79-84), Luke Fromant Glover, William Huntington. Tunstall-Behrens, Richard Brooks (NT (OH 79-83), James Loxdale (WaH 78-83), Tom Gover

90 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 Sixty Years On: Cardiff and The School House Reunion of 2008 South Wales n late November 2008, Michael hosted us at dinner in the splendid Southcombe and John Ireland (both surroundings of the Merchants’ Hall. We Reunion I SH 1946-1950), much aided by were joined by the Housemaster Jonathan Frances Stretton, arranged for a Hughes and his wife, Ruth, by Frances riday 31st October was the date couple of dozen of their School House Stretton and Jean Colquhoun, and also by chosen for the Cardiff and South contemporaries, some with wives as well, our contemporary Nick Tarsh, now joint F Wales Annual Dinner held in the to join them at Clifton for a weekend of Vice- Chairman of the Council [Editor’s excellent Cardiff Club, where your scribe wine, over-eating, and reminiscence. note: now President following the sad death of can remember many happy dinners John Barron], but more importantly, second The early memories were of a school over the past forty years, when he has row with Michael Southcombe in the 1950 which had only recently returned from accompanied Jock Crawford and Harry XV. At an appropriate stage, Michael wartime evacuation to Bude, and of a Edwards. Poignantly, we remembered toasted Absent Friends, especially Martin house which was being built up in times Charlie Colquhoun, who had been so Hardcastle, Olly Grove, Miss Andrews and cruelly taken from us. of austerity under the influence of its Charlie Colquhoun; and Michael Foyle, outstanding new housemaster, Martin Charlie was particularly fond of the aided by frequent interruptions from the Hardcastle. Five years later, by our final Cardiff Dinner and would have wanted floor, reminded us of great days and jolly autumn term, we had got a collection the show to go on. We had a memorable days, and memorable contemporaries like of XVs, running Eights and rowing evening presided over by David Jones, Ma Thom, who fed us, Bert the School colours, as well as half a dozen Oxbridge who happily is the new Old Cliftonian Marshal, SM Hiscock in the Gym, and scholarships and entrances, and were President. Paul Dolan’s organisation was, Haynes of the science labs; and teachers Cock House at rugger. No less than eight as usual, splendid and any inadequacies like Peter Brook, Yak Lidell, Wert, the Oss, of that 1950 House XV were present at of your deputising OC Secretary were Spy, Dougie Fox, Bill Leadbetter, Tubbie the reunion. In our unanimous view, a more than compensated for by Tim Merrick, and Spiv Edwards. remarkable generation, undoubtedly Mathias’ usual stream of inimitable better than any before or since, and we Jollity continued over drinks at the Avon Celtic consciousness. We were reminded – naturally – were its cream. Gorge Hotel, and at breakfast the following how excellently he would have blended day. A weekend much enjoyed by all. Other with the Cambridge Footlights of his era We were pretty pleased with ourselves SH members attending were: including Cleese, Rushton and Miller. when we arrived, and even more so after the welcome from the Headmaster Martin Christie, Alistair Craig, Roderick Sadly the Headmaster was unable to and champagne lunch in the Pavilion Davidson, Jim Glasspool, Patrick Holt, attend as there was a clash with the arranged by Frances. Warm inside, with Richard Hoskin (who had come especially meeting of the Clifton Council. This year’s a few others, we watched the 1st XV from the USA), Robert Hunt, Jack Lindsay, Dinner date is Friday 27th November. play Monmouth, interesting enough but Christopher Poole, John Rees, Michael The following attended: perhaps a little low-key compared with Robotham, Geoffrey Robinson, Malcolm our day? In those days, half the school Tosh, Christopher Warren; and good wishes Dan Brown (WiH 1987-1992), Martin would have been lining the parapet. Then came from many more who wanted to come Coffin (DH 1955-1960), Paul Dolan (BH tea and tour of the refurbished School but could not make it: Richard Cleeve, Chris 1965-1970), David Freed (PH 1967-1971), House, before recouping energy to face an James, John Maitland, Garth Mumford, Bob Charles Freed (MH 1992-2003), Andy Giles evening blow-out, and further analysis of Neill, Nick Playne, Robin Rankine, John (DH 1985-1990), James Hughes Davies how things had changed since 1950. Scott and Canon Thomas Christie. (MH 1994-1997), Philip Hughes Davies (OH 1960-1965), Rhys Ingram (ST 1992- One of our number, Nick Hood, is the Will it happen again? Improbable, but 2004), Andrew Jones (BH 1975-1984), immediate Past Master of the Merchant you never know. David Jones (BH 1948-1955), Nicholas Venturers, and he with his brother Jim Michael Foyle Jones (BH 1980-1989), Rebecca Jones (OH 1988-1996), Simon Jones (BH 1974- 1982), David Lermon (PH 1958-1963), Tim Mathias (WH 1945-1955), Gillian Rivlin (OH 1993-2003), Paul Rossini (OH 1968- 1971), David Scott (SH 1999-2003), Peter Scott (SH 1964-1969), William Scott (SH 1996-2001), Richard Shepherd (PH 1958- 1963) Richard Thomas (SH 1987-1992), James Trafford (WiH 1983-1992), Roger Verrier-Jones (WaH 1945-1953), Lyndon Ward (WiH 1980-1983). The following represented the College: David Barrett, Amy Bowring, Kevin Bowring, Tom Gover and Mike Innes. Tom Gover

BRANCH REUNIONS 91 EJ Phelps, Roger Trafford, Maryon Phelps, London Reunion CE Phelps, Mr Crichton, Steve Richards, Edinburgh Tom Gover, James Rankin, John Rankin, David Jones, James King, Pat Robins, Lunch at and Dinner MF Robins, Jon Avery, Mrs VA Carr, Sue Reece, RAR Carr, Olivia Kaufmann, Simon n November 27th, Derek Reece, Alicky Davies, Rachel Romain, Katy Glenalmond Winterbottom’s Dynasty: the Polack Lawrence, Sacha Tasker, Richard Wilkes, OFamily and the Jewish House a Clifton Megan Williams, Hatty Holiday, Camille (reviewed elsewhere in this Magazine) Ascoli, David McLeod, Adam Montgomery on 6th June was launched by Nick Tarsh at the Frost, Rowan Dalglish. Westminster Synagogue. The Head imon Reece and I travelled up to Master and the author made fine speeches Edinburgh by Easy-Jet on rather to the large gathering. Fiona Hallworth Sa wet early Saturday morning. had clearly done much work to make the Western Australia Simon negotiated with the airport staff, day a great success, and much excellent who appeared to want to confiscate most Avery’s champagne was in evidence. This e were very sad to hear of the of our belongings. A pantomime ensued was a fine prelude to the London Dinner death of Charles Colquhoun who over the necessity of having a plastic bag held at Brooks’s Club. to protect a toothpaste tube! We arrived Wdid so much for the OC Society in Edinburgh thanks to the smoothest Richard Haines had organised a happy and was a first class editor of the Clifton landing ever encountered; and we were occasion where the numbers were swelled Magazine. from the book-launch. The Head Master kindly met by Ian MacFarlane (S.H. 1958 Our Branch held a picnic in a pavilion gave a most encouraging report on the – 1962), who took us for breakfast at his in Kings Park on the 22nd November excellent state of the current Clifton, house in Burntisland, where his wife, but only John Hartley (Pre, WaH 1950- the OC Secretary was able to pay tribute Daphne, kindly plied us with coffee and 55) and his wife, Dr. Christopher Dixon to Charlie Colquhoun’s magnificent toast. Robin Pilcher (O.H. 1964 – 1967), (OH 1940-44) and my wife Barbara and contribution to Clifton and to the Old Eric Taylor (S.H. 1958 – 1962) and Rod I attended. Unexpectedly for the time of Cliftonian Society in particular. Eley (Pre, SH 1953 – 1963) also arrived to year it rained hard in the morning but enrich the company with their respective This year’s Dinner will again be held at it cleared in the afternoon and we had a experiences as writer, child psychiatrist Brooks’s Club on Thursday November most enjoyable time reminiscing about and historian. 19th. the foibles of the masters who were at the A splendid drive through the Kingdom school long enough to have been known of Fife and the beautiful Perthshire by all three of us. countryside led to the outstanding Glenalmond, surely the best school in Following on from this Chris Dixon Scotland! John and Liz Owen (former Oxford Reunion organised a lunch at his house in master and O.H. 1987 – 1994) provided Gooseberry Hill for my wife and me, John a most excellent buffet lunch, the perfect and Dinner Hartley and his wife and Tom Higson (BH setting for a most enjoyable gathering 1950-54). We enjoyed sitting in his dining and appropriate for the oldest of all Old room on the edge of the Darling Range ivy Kaufmann has kindly taken on drinking champagne and looking right Cliftonian branches – indeed the Scottish this responsibility and she writes Branch predates the founding of the across the Perth coastal plain to the sea in Lthat she is off to South America for the far distance. O.C. Society. the vacation but that she hopes that next Our senior member was Dr Michael year’s Dinner will take place in Christ One of the rewards of writing these Riddell (B.H. 1931 – 1935) and the Church on 25th February. notes is that I hear from people who following made up the party: Peter I have not seen since 1961. This year I She continues: Graham-Carter (D.H. 1935 – 1940) all the had a long email from Dugald Sproull way from Aberdeen, John Hartley (WaH On Tuesday 17 February, the Oxford who was in Brown’s House and could 1950 – 1955) and his partner, Michael and Branch of the Old Cliftonian Society remember me reading Gibbon’s Decline Anne White (WiH. 1951 – 1955), Rupert met for Dinner in Christ Church. As and Fall of the Roman Empire. He now and Mavis Ormond (O.H. 1957 – 1964), this was my first Dinner as Branch runs a solicitors practice in Camelford, David and Mary Willington (D.H. 1959 Secretary, it was good to put names to Cornwall with his eldest son and is a keen – 1964) and Dr Marianne Barry (W.R. faces. Charlie Colquhoun was thoroughly yachtsman. I would love to hear from Taylor’s daughter and widow of John missed. However, Tom Gover’s speech others who have the time to contact me on Barry, Pre master 1948 – 1953). was hilarious, making all the young girls [email protected] Many thanks to Ian MacFarlane for his and older chaps fill the four walls with Other OC’s in Western Australia are, excellent organisation. We hope to be laughter. All had a thoroughly good time Giles Harford (WaH 1946-51), able to combine with the Edinburgh and we are hoping to repeat the event Michael Charlesworth (WaH 1953-61), undergraduates at our meeting early next in the convivial surroundings of Christ Jonathon Snowden (WiH 1981-90), year. We all send our deep sympathies to Church next year. Professor Melville Jones (WiH 1947-52), Robin Pilcher following the death of his The following, in no particular order, Adele Brown, Timothy Haggett father, Graham, who had been for many attended; (ET 1975-79), and Harry Weston years the doyen of the Scottish branch. (WiH 1963-66). Tom Gover Tom Anstey, Eitan Buchalter, Adrienne Rivlin, Brian Worthington, Cheryl Trafford, John Foulsham (BH 1952-61)

92 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 Lodges & Accounts

Old Cliftonian Lodge celebrates its Centenary

On 14th February 2009, the Old Cliftonian Lodge celebrated RW Bro. Russell Race responded to his one hundred years of public school Masonry by holding a toast as Deputy Metropolitan Grand Centenary meeting at Freemason’s Hall in Bristol followed Master and in turn proposed the toast to by a Celebration Reception and Lunch in Big School. the Old Cliftonian Lodge. The Worshipful Master responded with thanks to the Deputy Metropolitan Grand Master for his he day was presided over by the history was made available to all those who support in making this a truly memorable Worshipful Master, W Bro. Roger attended the luncheon. event. He then proposed the toast to the Bath (MHP, PHP, SH, 1965 –73) School with grateful acknowledgement to T The main focus of the meeting was the all the many people associated with the and was attended by Offi cers and presentation of the Centenary Warrant by Members of the Lodge together with School who had contributed to the success the Deputy Metropolitan Grand Master to Guests from other Lodges. 71 Brethren of the day. the Worshipful Master and the display (for were present at the Centenary meeting As is traditional at OC Lodge meetings, the the fi rst time) of the distinctive Centenary and they were joined by their ladies and School Song ‘The Best School of All’ was Jewel which can now be worn by all other distinguished guests including the sung with great enthusiasm by all the Old members of the Old Cliftonian Lodge Headmaster and the Chairman of the Cliftonians present with the Worshipful whilst on Masonic business. College Council for the Reception and Master ringing the original school bell Luncheon. In all, 114 sat down to enjoy an W Bro. Tim Brunton (WTP, NTP, NT (used by John Percival to open the school excellent lunch. 1971 – 82), a Bristol mason, though not in 1862) at the appropriate line ‘Till the last The Guest of Honour was RW Bro. Russell a member of the OC Lodge, acted as bell call’. Race DL – Deputy Metropolitan Grand Metropolitan Grand Chaplain for the The Headmaster responded and, in Master. The Lodge was also honoured morning and delivered a Centenary conclusion, he accepted a cheque for by the presence of the Immediate Past Oration. £4,000 which was to be added to the capital Metropolitan Grand Master, RW Bro. Rex The Centenary meeting was concluded supporting the Clifton Masonic Prize Fund. Thorne and the Provincial Grand Masters with the Worshipful Master presenting The Clifton Masonic Prize Fund was of Bristol, Hampshire & Isle of Wight, and a cheque for £1,000 to the Deputy established in 2005 with capital provided by Somerset. Metropolitan Grand Master in aid of the the Lodge Members and built up following Representatives of the other four schools London Appeal for the Royal Masonic the fi rst donation of £8,000 in February which, with Clifton, were the founding Benevolent Institution. 2003 so as to produce an income which members of the Public Schools Lodges While the members of the Lodge and their the Headmaster, at his discretion, can use Council (Charterhouse, Westminster, Masonic guests were at Freemason’s Hall, to support pupils who wish to participate Cheltenham, and Sherborne) were all the Ladies were being entertained by the in activities which would enhance their present and all took an active part in the Clifton College Soul Band. All reports education and which their parents might Centenary meeting. are that everyone was very impressed by not otherwise be able to afford. In the In addition there were present the sheer professionalism of the group fullness of time, it is hoped that the income representatives of the following schools all and thoroughly enjoyed listening to the will be suffi cient to assist with actual fees in of which are affi liated to the Public Schools eclectic mix of music. The performances deserving cases. Lodges Council: Aldenham; Ardingly; by the various soloists were particularly The Old Cliftonian Lodge owes a great Bradfi eld; Repton; St Paul’s; Taunton; appreciated and commented upon. debt of gratitude to W Bro. James King for Tonbridge; Malvern and Wellington. the time and effort he put into organising The celebratory lunch which followed the such a successful event. The many letters At the Centenary meeting, W Bro. James champagne reception was a very happy of thanks received are testimony to the King (NT/ET 1955-59) presented a short and festive occasion. The food and wine appreciation and enjoyment of all those history of the Lodge which he had based which was provided through Clifton who came to Clifton to celebrate our on a more detailed paper researched and College Services was fi rst class and the Centenary with us. published by W Bro. Roger Marjoribanks Roast Loin of lamb was absolutely delicious. (WiH 1946 – 51). The full published An excellent meal enjoyed by all. John Acton

LODGES & ACCOUNTS 93 During the year we welcomed three new OLD CLIFTONIAN LODGE No. 3340 joining members – Henry Peters (WaH 1980 - 82), John Pritchard (NT 1958 – 63) olin Jaque (MH, HH, PH 1950 The Old Shirburnian Lodge was also and Geoffrey Pritchard (NT 1954 – 59). – 1957) is this year’s Worshipful celebrating it being 100 years old and We are expecting the members of Robert Master and he was duly installed at was thus able to combine its Centenary C Thorne Lodge to pay a return visit to us our London meeting in April 2009. Colin festivities with its hosting of the PSLC when we visit Bristol on Saturday 14th is a Past Master of the Lodge of Joppa Festival. The Church service which November 2009. The dates of our London and also the Lord Mayor’s Lodge. He was held in Sherborne Abbey was most meetings for the coming year are Thursday has already started his year by visiting impressive and included an excellent 15th October 2009, Thursday 21st January a number of our Sister Lodges and he sermon on Freemasonry. The Reception and Thursday 22nd April 2010. All the plans to represent us at the Public Schools and Lunch was held in a grand marquee London meetings are held at Freemasons Lodges Festival in June which this year is set up on the ‘Uppers’, the school cricket Hall, Great Queen Street, London. OC being held at Eton. ground – only a short walk from the Abbey Masons are always most welcome as visitors but umbrellas had to be at the ready! Sadly we have to report the deaths of – please contact the Secretary if you would two members during the past year. Tony The OC Lodge has had a very busy year. like to attend one of our meetings. Bennett (NT 1951 – 56) died 28 January In October 2008, we carried out a Second Membership of the Lodge is open to any 2009 and Alan Stevenson (NT 1952 – 55) Degree Ceremony for Old Westminsters’ male OC and also to any Master who has on 14 April 2009. Further details of their Lodge. In November we visited Bristol served on the teaching staff for at least five lives appear elsewhere in this magazine. and paid a fraternal visit to Robert Thorne years. If you are interested in Masonry During 2008 our Worshipful Master, Lodge - Bristol Grammar School. In and would like further information please Roger Bath, besides getting married January 2009, we carried out a Second contact the Lodge Secretary, John Acton in Uganda, also found time to visit a Degree Ceremony for Old Wellingtonian (MH, HH, OH 1949 – 58), 17 Moorend large number of our Sister Lodges. Lodge. Most importantly, we held our Glade, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham, Glos. He also represented the Lodge at the Centenary meeting in Bristol on 14th GL53 9AT; tel: 01242 578557; email: Public Schools Lodges Council Festival, February 2009 with a Reception and [email protected]; or visit accompanied by a large contingent of OC Lunch held at Clifton afterwards. The the Lodge website at www.oclodge3340. Lodge members and their Ladies. The events of the day are described more fully org.uk. There is also a link from the OC Festival was held at Sherborne in June. in the adjoining article. Society website.

Clifton College Endowment Fund he income of the fund consists of dividends and INCOME 2008 2007 income from a portfolio of investments run by Newton Investment Management Ltd. The funds have suffered Dividends and Interest 86,275 80,437 T ______in line with stock markets generally and are currently worth about £2,000,000. EXPENDITURE The income is used to provide grants for members of the Newton expenses 15,819 16,265 school, especially but not exclusively for those with an OC Audit fee + costs ______3,343 ______2,276 parent. These are mostly provided in cases of unforeseen financial need, but support can also be given in recognition TOTAL EXPENSES ______19,162 ______18,541 of outstanding performance in any school activity. INCOME LESS EXPENSES 67,113 61,896 ______OC parents of pupils in the school who run into financial Educational Grants 44,033 37,864 difficulty should approach the School Bursar in the first instance to apply for support. Capital Projects ______41,069 ______42,264 TOTAL CHARITABLE EXPENDITURE ______85,102 ______80,128 The major contributions during the year related to the Shenstone Science Scholarship Fund. Contributions to this INCOME LESS EXPENSES fund have so far totalled £18,000. AND CHARITABLE EXPENDITURE –17,989 –18,232 ______The major project was the allocation of £35,000 for the DONATIONS 26,880 22,657 purchase of new pianos for the refurbished music school. EXCEPTIONAL ITEM 11,505 This was offered in 2008 and completed early in 2009.

Contributions are invited from OCs, either to the Shenstone NET INCOMING RESOURCES ______20,396 ______4,425 Science Scholarship Fund or to the general fund. Gifts from CAPITAL RESOURCES UK taxpayers gain Gift Aid increasing the net value of the Cash 213,951 164,759 gift by 25%. Investments ______1,889,565 ______2,552,195 MJB ______2,103,516 ______2,716,954 9th October 2009

94 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 Minutes of the 111th AGM HONORARY TREASURER’S of the Old Cliftonian Society REPORT This report consists of two parts. and the Clifton College Endowment Fund Trustees held on First there are the accounts of the Old Friday 17 October 2008 in the Cricket Pavilion at 4.30pm Cliftonian Society. This is a members’ club and the accounts are not published elsewhere. The full audited accounts Present: David Perry (President/Chair); Nick The Clifton Magazine 2008 had been the are presented below. There is also the Tolchard (OC Chairman); Richard Harris best ever. Some footage of John Cleese Clifton College Endowment Fund. This (Treasurer); Matthew Windows; Katherine visiting the school and an interview with is a registered charity. The Trustees Jeffery; Chris Pople; Chris Barnard-Jones; Charlie had been filmed for the 2012 are the members of the OC Executive James Williams; Robert Melvin. DVD. Committee. The full accounts are Apologies: David Jones; Vanessa Walsh; The Society’s investment portfolio had available on the Charity Commission Richard Moffat; Sophy Levy. been resilient despite the global fall in website. A summary of the accounts is stock markets, whilst the school had presented below. 1. The President led a period of silence finished paying back their loan from the for those present to remember our Endowment Fund. THE OLD CLIFTONIAN SOCIETY Secretary, Charles Colquhoun, who had passed away recently. The Chairman The Art Gallery project had been put The Society receives voluntary of the Executive Committee then paid on hold by the school, whilst the Society contributions from past and present tribute to Charlie and the work he had looked at potential improvements to members of the school, together with had done so well for the OC Society the website and database. a small amount of investment income. since his appointment. Charlie’s great The Chairman thanked all for their This covers the costs of running the commitment to the school and the support in the last difficult few weeks, society, including subsidies for the Society was noted, and in particular, his including the school, OCs, CCSL, and Reunions and the Branch dinners as outstanding contribution to the strong Frances, our administrative assistant. In well as various sporting activities. relationship between both parties, as particular, he thanked the President for There is currently surplus income well as the initiatives he had brought to his support and work over the last two which can be applied for the benefit the Committee, that had received the years. of the school. The society has capital support of the OCs in recent years. These Going forward, the Chairman stressed reserves of about £200,000. included the refurbishment of the Cricket his desire to build on the last few years, Pavilion and the rackets and tennis courts, Many OCs contribute by annual with a new Secretary to be recruited and more recently the introduction of the standing order. However these within the next 12 months. Shenstone Science Scholarship. contributions do not gain Gift Aid tax 6. Mr David Jones was elected as relief as the society is not a registered 2. The minutes of the 110th Annual President, being proposed by Mr Nick charity. General Meeting were approved and Tolchard and seconded by Mr Chris signed. Pople. REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT 3. The 110th Annual Report and AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF Mr Richard Harris was elected as Vice Accounts were adopted. THE OLD CLIFTONIAN SOCIETY President, being proposed by Mr Chris We have audited the accounts of The 4. The President remarked on the success Pople and seconded by Mr Robert Old Cliftonian Society for the year of the recent years with Charlie as Secretary, Melvin. ended 31 December 2008. These and highlighted the challenge of finding Mr Jim Williams was elected as Vice accounts have been prepared under a replacement, whilst ensuring continuity President, being proposed by Mrs the historical cost convention and the within the Society. He noted that his two- Katherine Jeffery and seconded by Mr accounting policies set out on page 00. year period of office came to an end at this Chris Barnard-Jones. meeting, but offered his ongoing support to This report is made solely to the the Society and his successors. Mr Julyan Capper, Mr Mark Eldridge Society’s Members, as a body, in and Dr Bob Acheson were unanimously accordance with our engagement letter. 5. The Chairman then reviewed elected as new members of the Executive Our audit work has been undertaken the previous year which had been Committee. so that we might state to the Members overshadowed by the death of Charlie. those matters we are required to state He commented on the Society’s support of 7. The President and Chairman then to them in an auditor’s report and for the Shenstone Scholarship and welcomed thanked all the Committee members no other purpose. To the fullest extent the imminent opening of the refurbished for their valued work this year, in permitted by law, we do not accept or Science School. He indicated that the particular Robert Melvin who is retiring assume responsibility to anyone other Society would support the Music School from his post as Vice President and than the Members, as a body, for our refurbishment in 2009. Vanessa Keenan who is retiring from the audit work, for this report, or for the Executive Committee. During the year, the OCs had supported opinion we have formed. the sports tour to South Africa, as well as There being no further business, Mr continued a number of individual scholarships and David Perry brought the meeting to a bursaries. close at 5.30pm.

LODGES & ACCOUNTS 95 Old Cliftonian Society RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMMITTEE AND AUDITORS Income and Expenditure Account 31 December 2008 The Society’s Committee is responsible for 2008 2007 preparing the Annual Report and the accounts. £ £ Our responsibility is to audit the accounts in Income accordance with relevant legal and regulatory Subscriptions 15,058 12,938 requirements and to report our opinion to you. Entrance Fees 39,439 50,004 Donations including bequests 29,421 1,305 BASIS OF OPINION Reunion and dinners 14,146 13,091 House of Lords reception - 3,223 We conducted our audit in accordance with Sundry receipts - 50 International Auditing Standards (UK and Building Society interest 1,720 1,078 Ireland) issued by the Auditing Practices Board. Bank deposit interest 1,315 452 An audit includes examination, on a test basis, of Dividends 1,667 1,657 evidence relevant to the amounts and disclosures ______in the accounts. It also includes an assessment Total Income ______102,766 ______83,798 of the significant estimates and judgments made by the Committee in the preparation Expenditure of the financial statements, and of whether Salaries and administration 18,455 13,026 the accounting policies are appropriate to the Reunion and dinners 18,515 15,331 Society’s circumstances, consistently applied and Audit fee 700 650 adequately disclosed. Annual Report/Clifton Magazine 16,327 12,542 House of Lords reception - 3,384 We planned and performed our audit so as to College ties and pashminas 3,580 - obtain all information and explanations which Other miscellaneous expenses 10,615 549 we considered necessary in order to provide Branches and clubs expenditure ______6,028 ______13,582 us with sufficient evidence to give reasonable Total expenditure 74,220 59,064 assurance as to whether the accounts are free ______from material misstatement, whether caused by NET SURPLUS FOR THE YEAR 28,546 24,734 fraud or other irregularity or error. In forming Unrealised (loss)/gain on investments (18,939) 6,339 our opinion we also evaluated the overall ______adequacy of the presentation of information in 9,607 31,073 the accounts. Balance brought forward at 1 January 2008 ______164,229 ______133,156 UNQUALIFIED OPINION Balance carried forward at 31 December 2008 ______173,836 ______164,229 In our opinion the accounts give a true and fair view, in accordance with United Kingdom Balance Sheet Generally Accepted Accounting Practice, of the Year ended 31 December 2008 state of affairs of the Society as at 31 December 2008 and of its income and expenditure for the FIXED ASSETS year then ended. Investments ______28,496 ______47,435 28,496 47,435 Horwath Clark Whitehill LLP ______CURRENT ASSETS Chartered Accountants & Registered Auditors Debtors – Clifton College 6,593 - Cheltenham The Clifton College Endowment Fund 5,263 5,263 Cash at building society 34,545 82,825 Dated: 11 June 2009 Cash on deposit 104,848 25,452 Cash at bank ______4,091 ______13,254 ______155,340 ______126,794 CREDITORS: amounts falling due within one year - - Accounting Policies NET CURRENT ASSETS 155,340 126,794 Accounting Convention ______The accounts have been prepared under the TOTAL NET ASSETS 183,836 174,229 historical cost convention in accordance with ______applicable accounting standards. Loan from World War Memorial Fund 10,000 10,000 Incoming Resources ACCUMULATED FUND - Unrestricted Subscriptions, entrance fees and donations are At 1 January 2008 164,229 133,156 recognised when they are collected. Surplus for the year ______9,607 ______31,073 Interest received is accounted for as it is earned. Donations are recognised at valuation at the time At 31 December 2008 ______183,836 ______174,229 of receipt. Approved by the Members on 11 June 2009 and signed on its behalf by: Investments NC TOLCHARD Chairman Investments are stated at market value. M J BUTTERFIELD Treasurer

96 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10

11 12 13

14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25

THE CLIFTON 26 27 28 CRYPTIC 29 30 (Solution in next issue)

Across Down

1. Communist interment creates dramatic site (8) 2. Well-prepared battery? (4,5) 6. Pity if gets mixed up to represent completely (6) 3. Noted old boy punts for lumps (7) 9. Overburdened carrying part of speech? (4) 4. Comes up against Saxon invaders (5) 10. Thin covering on the water gets you ahead! (10) 5. Article follows French conjunction to the letter (3) 11. Pastor tangles with rope but becomes prefect (10) 13. Point on immature growth proved a haven for 6. Route in ancient city lacking direction but gets you to College (4) holiday sailing spot (3,6) 14. Planetary entrance makes for disciplinarian (8) 7. Level board lacking time? There’s a story! (7) 16. Soldiers in sad disarray make changes for the 8. Sustenance ingests fifty and creates an overflow (5) better (6) 12. William fashionably good – and informative (7) 18. Possesses Japanese cash inside – clever dogs! (6) 15. Causes ran out, inspiring confidence (9) 20. Rudeness in river (8) 22. Wane hopelessly once more (4) 17. Trousered by sandhills around French station? (9) 24. East Russian aircraft reverses into a hired item 19. Fresh surprise for College linesman (7) – very military! (10) 21. Yearn for writer to run and run (4,3) 26. Scores rung out? Makes for beggars? (10) 23. Direction over Irish revolutionary comes up with 28. Letter from Greek gets Queen to Brighton spot specialised market (5) (4) 29. Colonial seat? (6) 25. Considers Greek goddesses (5) 30. Parson is terrified, concealing criminal (8) 27. 5 loses time, gains resistance...and time again! (3)

CROSSWORD 97 Book Reviews

His life includes time as a boy chorister at Westminster Abbey, as a schoolboy at Clifton, a student at King’s College Cambridge, active service in World War II, and periods as organist at Salisbury DYNASTY and Worcester Cathedrals. This was Published in 2008, followed by his celebrated period as Dynasty is a fascinating and Director of Music at King’s College detailed history of Polack’s Cambridge, and then the Directorship House, the Polack family of the Royal College of Music. and their involvement All of these periods make fascinating with Clifton and with the reading, but Cliftonians will inevitably Anglo-Jewish community. be drawn to the chapter recalling the For most of its 127-year history, Polack’s period at Clifton: I was introduced to the House at Clifton was the only Jewish Director of Music, a man called Douglas Boarding House in an English Public Fox. Much of the chapter is devoted School. It was founded in 1878, 16 to a description of Douglas Fox who years after the College was established. is remembered with great respect and It was followed by Jewish Houses at affection. Cheltenham, Harrow and The Perse It is touching to learn that his parents School but these only lasted for 31, 22 never made the journey from Cornwall and 37 years respectively. Why was this? to Westminster Abbey to hear the choir Why did Polack’s at Clifton survive so whilst he was a chorister, but he told much longer? his mother that during the broadcasts A LIFE of evensong after the second lesson ‘you’ll hear a little cough. That will be me coughing and you’ll know that I am IN MUSIC well and happy’. The period at Worcester includes ‘ALUMNI CONVERSATIONS WITH SIR DAVID fascinating memories of working with WILLCOCKS AND FRIENDS Ralph Vaughan Williams (Uncle Ralph). Edited by William Owen In addition to the conversations with MONTIUM Foreword by HRH The Prince of Wales the editor there are recollections at – SIXTY YEARS OF GLENALMOND the end of each chapter from other AND ITS PEOPLE’ This biography of David Willcocks individuals who have known David. (WaH 1934-1938) was published by These include his two older brothers, Glenalmond was founded 15 years Oxford University Press in 2008. It his wife and children, Sir Brian Pippard before Clifton in 1847. The railway age takes the form of interviews between (OC), Roy Massey – the organist who had given a boost to schools in remote the Editor and Sir David, and also gave the inaugural recital on Clifton’s parts such as Rossall (1844) on the bleak includes conversations with people Father Willis organ in its new home Fylde coast in Lancashire as described who have known David and worked in Bridgnorth, Sir Philip Ledger, Sir by Derek Winterbottom in his recent with him. A CD is provided with the Neville Marriner, John Rutter, Dame history of that remarkable school. David book which consists of extracts from Janet Baker, and many others. Willington (D.H., Head of School in 1964) his many recordings, each of which is similarly has written a fascinating account preceded by introductory comments Recalling David’s time at King’s of Glenalmond, described by Sir William taking the form of a dialogue with John College Philip Ledger tells us that Gladstone as ‘the Rolls Royce of Scottish Rutter. The book is lavishly illustrated there were complaints about the length schools’. Glenalmond’s remoteness and with photographs from every period of of the choristers’ hair. ‘David replied its Scottishness and the great loyalty of its David’s life including the time at Clifton graciously and in a postscript added former pupils are brilliantly evoked by College. that he had it on good authority that Our Lord himself wore his hair long.’ David Willington, a Balliol man, whose There can be few music lovers in this thirty year stint as Head of Classics and a country who have not been touched by Anyone who has known David will find Housemaster qualifi ed him uniquely for David’s music-making at some time in this book very hard to put down. this daunting task. their lives, and for many he has been Michael Butterfield It will be of considerable interest to Old a continuing presence as a result of his (ST 1955-66) Cliftonians that two of Glenalmond’s broadcasts, recordings, chapel services Wardens were Old Cliftonians: Ralph and concerts, quite apart from those who Barlow and John Musson. Barlow have been lucky enough to know him as was Warden from 1948–1964. Clearly a conductor, a teacher or a friend. his contribution to Glenalmond was

98 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 Derek Winterbottom, the author, is very development and increasing involvement well qualified to research this. He knew in all aspects of School life of the Jewish three of the four Polack Housemasters boys at the School and has followed who together covered 89 consecutive the careers of some of them. He picks years – almost certainly a unique dynasty up the pressures of the times, the two in any Public School or House. He had World Wars, the rise and fall of numbers, been a House Tutor at Polack’s under the closure of Carmel College, and the Ernest Polack (the last of the Polacks) and achievements of Jewish girls after the he lived very close to Ernest’s predecessor school became co-educational. Philip and had met on a number of occasions Albert, Ernest’s father and The book is easy to read, flows well Philip’s predecessor. He has also written chronologically and has a lot of human Clifton after Percival, so is well-steeped in interest but has it answered the question Clifton’s history and tradition. posed as to why the House lasted so much longer than the other Jewish Houses? Starting with the “genesis” of the House, Was it the Polack family? Was it something Derek has skilfully interwoven the about the Jewish Community? Was it interests of the School and the Jewish something about the relationship with community in the 1870s which lead to the College? This is for you, the reader, the House’s formation. He has sketched to decide. That the College has benefited, the involvement of the leading Anglo- the boys have benefited and the Anglo- Jewish families of the time and chronicled Jewish Community has benefited is and dedicated family, the last three of their continuing support. Today the fifth indisputable. which were committed members of the generation and seventh member of one Labour Party yet did so much to educate of these families is still at the School! Selling at £15 in hardback, the book is and influence leaders of Anglo-Jewry. He has analysed the periods under the a bargain and recommended to anyone four Polacks and given insight into their with an interest in the history of Clifton, Nick Tarsh (PH 1947-52, different characters. He has shown the its early years and this warm, outgoing President of Clifton College)

considerable. Numbers increased John and Ann Musson kept up the the changes to the curriculum and from 230 to 360. A new Music School Barlow reputation for generous the introduction of computers as a was opened in 1962: it was perhaps hospitality, but in the early seventies regular tool. Perhaps the culmination of no coincidence that Peg Barlow was had to deal with the horrors of infl ation. Musson’s success came with the building an accomplished musician and that However, John presided over fi fteen of the Design and Technology Centre. Ralph had won a Choral Exhibition at years of success for the College in almost Sadly John was frustrated in his quest Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. As all spheres. to admit girls, but this inevitably took a Cambridge Rugby blue, Ralph would place three years after his departure. have taken much satisfaction that his Willington stresses that his major As early as 1969 Charlotte Barry had appointment of Jim Greenwood as contribution was to equip Glenalmond been the fi rst girl admitted, and clearly Rugby coach led to victories over Fettes, for the changing conditions of the endured the tribulations of girls in other Watson’s and Merchiston. Clifton shooters outside world. He was the only Warden schools which had allowed children will recall the kilted Glenalmond VIII with experience outside the teaching of schoolmasters entry. Charlotte’s of the late forties and early fi fties when profession, having worked as a District father, John, had taught at the Clifton Glenalmond won the Ashburton Shield Offi cer in northern Nigeria and also Pre following war service. He married in 1949 and 1952. as an instructor of the Institute of Administration, preparing Nigerian Marianne Taylor, daughter of W.R. The College had clearly prospered and offi cials for self-government. After Taylor, who had taught at Clifton expanded under Barlow; and the fact that Nigerian Independence he worked from 1921–1951 as well as being in the fourteen years between 1950 and his for British Petroleum, mainly in Housemaster of South Town from retirement in 1964 fi fty-nine scholarships the selection and training of young 1930–1946. John was an outstanding had been won was testimony to his good graduates and school leavers for Housemaster of Goodacre’s House and appointments. Clearly he had let light into industry. a brilliant and scholarly Head of History. Glenalmond; and the provision of married During his time twenty-seven boys from quarters was a telling fact in attracting This experience benefi ted the College; the History VI gained awards at Oxford a good young staff. John Musson (B.H. and during a Sabbatical in 1983, he and Cambridge. 1941–1945) and Warden of Glenalmond toured industry, ministries and the I thoroughly recommend this excellent (1972–1987) said of Ralph Barlow after Armed Forces, exploring themes of history to anybody interested in public his death in 1977: ‘Si monumentum leadership and developing ideas he had schools - especially Scottish ones. requiris, circumspice’ (‘If you are seeking fi rst considered back in Nigeria. He a memorial, look around you’), words was alert to modern trends and guided Tom Gover inscribed over the interior of the North the College through the new entrance Door of St Paul’s Cathedral as a tribute to procedures for Oxford and Cambridge, its architect, Sir Christopher Wren. the transition from ‘O’ levels to GCSE,

BOOK REVIEWS 99 pill which Britain had to swallow involved keeping the Soviet Union as an ally, POLAND whatever the consequences for Eastern Europe. Air Marshal Sir John Slessor, who had some very diffi cult decisions to make ALONE regarding relief fl ights to Warsaw during the 1944 rising, condemned ‘the blackest- BRITAIN, SOE AND THE COLLAPSE hearted, coldest-blooded treachery on the OF THE POLISH RESISTANCE, 1944 part of the Russians’. Unable to contain his anger at Soviet policy he railed ‘I am As a very small boy of fi ve, I lived in not a naturally vindictive man; but I hope Exeter and experienced one of Hitler’s there may be some special hell reserved Baedeker raids on May 2nd, 1942. for the brutes in the Kremlin.’ Lodgers next door were a couple of brave Polish fi ghter-pilots, who were stationed Readers of this history may be shocked at Exeter airport, and were the only to discover that the appalling loss of defence we had to protect an ancient city human life at Auschwitz and other Polish which was almost razed to the ground. extermination camps under S.S. control This formative experience meant that I was known in intelligence circles, and yet regarded the Poles as particularly special the priority of winning the war meant that heroes. When years later after the end of humanitarian issues had to take second the war, I discovered that we allowed our place as far as the mandarins in Whitehall very brave allies to fall into the merciless were concerned. The Poles as a nationality clutches of Stalin, it made me feel that were singled out for particularly brutal this country was guilty at the very least of treatment, and over 2,700,000 Polish Jews ingratitude to a loyal and brave ally. This were destined for extermination. excellent history by Jonathan Walker (E.T. In the matter of intelligence, increased 1967 – 1971) reinforces this belief. co-operation between Britain and Poland Britain entered war against Germany as played a signifi cant role in eventual a result of Chamberlain’s guarantee to victory. In the 1930s the Poles had already come to Poland’s support in the event of constructed replica ‘Enigma’ machines a German invasion. The temporary non- and with the invaluable assistance and aggression treaty between Germany and knowledge of Polish cryptanalysts, the the Soviet Union early in the war meant British were eventually able to break the that Poland was effectively carved up Enigma code. Polish reports on the secret between those two countries. Walker in V-2 rocket, which caused such havoc in a brilliant exposé demonstrates not only London in 1944, helped immensely in our immense debt to our Polish allies, but analysing the threat. However, further he also questions whether in return we Soviet treachery was discovered in the could not have done more to help Poland matter of the transmission to London of especially in 1944 when the Polish Home V-2 burned out parts, which the Moscow Army (Armia Krajowa) attempted to wrest scientists replaced with old aircraft pieces Warsaw back from German control. Sadly and other rubbish. Britain’s Special Operations Executive Walker focuses on the irony that Britain (SOE) only managed to drop a paltry 600 went to war for Poland and yet the main tons of supplies to the beleaguered city. victim after the Allied victory was Poland. In addition Stalin attached little strategic Did Churchill have no alternative but value to Warsaw and it suited his purposes accept Soviet domination of Poland and to let the Germans be tied down in the Eastern Europe as the price to be paid city, and he had no wish to assist the for defeating Hitler? However, we are left A.K. who might prove very obstructive with the uneasy feeling that much more to Soviet future territorial aspirations in could have been done to save the Poles in Poland after the war. It is perhaps diffi cult the 1944 crisis. Such action which would to appreciate the immense pro-Stalin certainly not have pleased ‘Uncle Joe’. feelings in Britain in the last years of war. The diffi culty that George Orwell found T.C.W.G. in getting a publisher to accept Animal Farm illustrates that perhaps the bitterest

100 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 And some there be which have no memorial . . . but these were merciful men, whose righteousness has not been forgotten . . . Their bodies are buried Obituaries in peace, but their name liveth for evermore. Ecclesiasticus Chapter 44 Charlie Colquhoun (Staff 1984-2008, Housemaster MH 1993-2003, Secretary OC Society 2003-08)

Stephen Alexander (ST 1930-37) John Barratt (DH 1948-53) John Penrose Barron (DH 1947-52) Dr James Anthony Bennett (NT 1951-56) David Anthony Verelst Boyle (BH 1949-53) Bernard Richard Braithwaite (DH 1932-36) Geoffrey and Mary Burton (GNB 1950-79 Head of Modern Sixth, Senior Master; MB Headmaster’s Secretary 1951-66) ARW Eve (Hon. Treasurer, Clifton College 1978-94) Jordan Mather Ferguson (DH 1986-91) Revd. KJ (Jack) Frampton (WaH/WiH 1935-44) Norman Hardyman (BH 1943-48) Patrick David Haworth (ET 1953-62) Lieutenant-Colonel Richard Heaven (OH 1926-37) Lyndon Irving (WiH 1929-33) Richard Austin ‘Jimmy’ James (WaH 1933-38) Charles Kinnersley (NT 1924-29) Peter Lake (BH 1929-33) Robert Gowan MacAlister (OH 1952-56) Martin Meade-King (NT 1925-32) Revd. Canon Geoffrey Scott Mowat (ST 1928-36) Lieutenant-Colonel MRM Newall (WiH 1946-51) David Norris-Jones (DH 1960-64) Percival’s Tomb, Chapel Crypt David Arthur Chester Peck (OH 1934-39) Sir Edward Peck (ST 1929-34) Alexander CW (ST 1934-42) Napper RB (OH 1944-56) Frederick James Gibson Pert (DH/WaH 1945-50) Baxter JSR (NT 1948-54) Parsons TA (NT 1933-40) Graham Pilcher (OH 1930-35) Arnold RG (ET 1977-85) Quennell Rev BM Professor Sir Brian Pippard (SH 1930-38) (WiH 1928-37) Carey JM (ST 1957-61) Robert John Windust Poole (WiH 1946-55) Rivers SH (SH 1939-41) Chiswell PJ (WiH 1943-48) Nick Sanderson (WiH 1975-78) Corbett FRD (OH 1922-29) Romans JP (SH 1957-65) Louis Sherwood (Member of Council, 1992-2009) Essex WG (DH 1931-35) Rose ED (PH 1971-76) Alan Stevenson (NT 1952-55) Hibbert-Hingston AD Rudman CJ (OH 1958-63) (WiH 1939-44) Sharp CC (PHP 1934-40) Malcolm Tosh (SH 1948-51) Jordan WG (SH 1954-61) Skene A (NT 1931-36) Ian Robert Wilson (WaH 1947-55) Landman RH (PH 1927-31) Squire Rev JB (NT 1930-35) Lt. Col. Patrick Hamilton Woodward (WaH 1932-36) Mackenzie-Smith RE (ST 1928-31) Warne FB (NT 1928-38) Robin Guthrie (OH 1950-56) Miller TP (BH 1965-68) Wheeler JL (OH 1946-50)

OBITUARIES 101 CHARLIE COLQUHOUN

All this time, of course, Charlie was also teaching history. Other staff were deployed around an immovable block of granite in A tribute delivered by Simon Reece the History department: Charlie would be teaching 20th Century European. Non- in Chapel on October 3rd 2008. PC, irreverent, outrageous, hilarious yet terribly effective, Charlie’s classes were adored. I have twice asked different sixth form tutor groups if they had only one lesson left, who they would like to teach it et Reece to do it’. You can imagine tradition and style of signifi cance to both and they both said, immediately, in unison, Charlie saying it, just like he ‘ Houses. The building was arrayed with old Mr Colquhoun. His methods included used to say when we were short G photographs, sporting memorabilia, old techniques long since dropped from teacher of a player and an unsuspecting boy rackets, bats and balls that found themselves training courses: copying from the board found himself turning out for Clifton against Cheltenham moments later. What used as decorations. We will hear shortly and dictation of notes. I dare say classes situations your friends can get you into. about life in Moberly’s I dare say, but as a were banned from reference to either in I certainly feel in a bit of a situation right neighbour to me in School House he was inspection week, defaulting to the merits of now, Charlie was most certainly my friend: just wonderful. I would be in and out of his independent learning and discovery. a friendship begun immediately we met, study, and I suppose he was in and out of probably just like it was for most of us. mine too. ‘What do I do about this’, ‘You’ll His one concession to modern methods never believe what Richard Haynes has was free use of the video. Visualise the Staff Charlie arrived at Clifton from the Downs done now’, ‘Yes, but what is the role of the Room at morning break where Charlie, School in 1983 to teach history, virtually Praepostor?’. leaning on his elbows on the window sill, every sport that involved a ball and to be blocking the way through for everyone else resident House Tutor in Watson’s. After a His study in Moberly’s was an Aladdin’s and discussing Saturday’s team or tactics, couple of years he moved to the tutors team Cave of riches, a treasure trove: more would gradually realise that he wasn’t quite in School House where I inherited him in sporting memorabilia, old books, a splendid ready for the next lesson. He would stride 1987. His duty evenings would start with a clock, old School scarves, pre-war prep off to Room 10 in the Cloisters muttering decent gin and tonic, continue with lots of school caps, probably the cat and possibly ‘Thank God for the video’. The Percival banter and fun and a glass of Chardonnay, the dog. I seem to remember part of an old Librarian upstairs would resign herself once but always with a keen eye for what work aeroplane, but it may have been a model again to the fact that Hitler’s tanks could needed to be done, who needed to be seen, biplane or two, of course a collection of CDs be heard rolling forward across the battle or what needed to be said. The boys loved of rock music and hidden away, just about fi elds of Europe in the room below. But the evenings that Charlie was on duty not accessible, a computer, a new device that you had to be in the room to appreciate only for his vivacity and entertainment, but Housemasters of the ’80s had to learn how that this would be accompanied by a smiley also for the trouble he took, the lengths he to use. On the coffee table there would be a face cartoon of the Führer drawn on the went to, and his real interest in the well- book called something like ‘Understanding board, by the wearing of a tin hat or the being of both individuals and institution the Adolescent’ – Charlie was horrifi ed at demonstration of a gas mask. Perhaps the alike. School House still held House Prayers how obviously he had been found out trying room also had grenades: it certainly had each evening in those days, and the tutor had to impress visiting prospective parents. But polished wooden desks that had themselves to take it, giving a ‘thought for the day’ type as if he needed to read about it: Charlie survived the war and window sills that were talk. Charlie was never all that keen on these had the most astonishing perspective about used to store and display yet more cricket events, but I did overhear one: four words young people, how to entertain, how to bats and squash rackets. – ‘Marlborough tomorrow: beat them’. inspire, how to command respect, how to communicate, an appreciation of pressures, A girl arriving late and hesitantly knocking Soon the Colquhouns found themselves of successes and failures, of loves and fears, on the door would be greeted with a moving into Moberly’s, now so fi rmly how to convince everybody that they really chuckle and ‘Ah, the tea lady’. ‘Live the established on the Clifton scene that one has mattered: simply, he understood. No act dream or get shot’ – how many Cliftonians to think hard to remember that it was forged this, I hasten to say, this man was genuine to have learnt that? They will tell you ‘one by amalgamation of Dakyns’ and Brown’s. his core. And Moberly’s thrived. death is a tragedy, one million is a statistic’, There were sensitivities and strong feelings they will tell you ‘terror is the essence of about this merger from many quarters and We both left our Houses together in 2002 totalitarianism’, they will tell you about those it was a severely daunting task that Charlie and Charlie became a tutor in Polack’s, then vast A3 sheets of notes and of a revision and Jean took on. Charlie threw himself into West Town. We both looked back on those pack that was more detailed than the it with unbelievable energy and enthusiasm, years with great fondness but how much it textbook itself. Pupils will know that when determined to make it work and attending was made easier and how much more fun it Charlie is dictator, he will be a benevolent to every conceivable detail of historical was for having Charlie over the road. one, and that he will ban iPods, rap and

102 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 Facebook. They know that he loved Boris OCs’ reunion. His speeches were as non him was always such complete fun and Johnson and Private Eye and will know of PC and irreverent as his lessons and might even when the agenda was a good moan, his encyclopaedic knowledge of rock music, involve the adventures of the characters it was still somehow positive, light-hearted, much enhanced by attending concerts - Lottie and Tottie teetering their way enlivening and made you feel better. He had tribute bands or the real thing. The Rolling through teenage life assailed by current a keen sense of the absurd, so beautifully Stones and the Rolling Clones equally educational theories or just ‘stuff ’. He illustrated by his photograph on my wall at enjoyed. ‘Good concert at the Fleece last was also outstanding at a personal level home: in his hands he has a paper outlining night, sir?’ Through slightly clenched teeth too, meticulously dealing with individual some new orthodoxy, his expression is ‘eyes ‘Fantastic’, and a big grin. requests and enquiries as best he could, half-closed, a bit of a bad smell grimace’ calming down the over-enthusiastic and and a speech bubble reads ‘Oh Lord, this He taught quickly and with liberal humour, encouraging the hesitant. is complete and utter tosh – what will they smirking, grinning and guffawing his way think of next.’ His humour was spontaneous round absurdities. ‘How am I meant to During his time as OC Secretary he and he made light of his own problems, teach the impact of barbed wire in the First developed the Magazine into a wonderful even the recent ones. I still have a text World War if so-and-so can’t even speak publication that even those who haven’t message in my mobile phone which says of English’? There were lots of essays to write, been to Clifton at all find absorbing. Old his biopsy, ‘let’s hope they find it is a curry marked with frequent and enormous ticks Cliftonians will have received his last edition ball’ and he signed it Bishan Bedi. He made across the text and ‘Excellent work – a bit in the post this very week. He argued for, visiting him in hospital incredibly easy as he more analysis needed’ in the comment at and secured, financial support for the made concerned enquiries about how things the end. And at the end of term, the report refurbishment of the Fives Courts and of were with you and your family and made would be a generous encouragement the Rackets Court, which sports, along only passing reference to his treatment towards better things with a comment on with real tennis and squash, were great being not as nice as gin and tonic. character too – ‘A delightful fellow’, ‘A fine enthusiasms. We are all beneficiaries of his chap’, all written in that huge writing that drive and determination to see through We have all been so lucky to have known could be read from several yards. Charlie’s the redecoration and development of the this great man: ‘a delightful fellow’, ‘a fine response to the latest good idea, that we Cricket Pavilion. A stunning tribute. As well chap’, as his school reports would say. I should be filling up a bit more of the as an excellent party venue, and of course know that in the end my memories will report form, was easily responded to as he a functional pavilion, it houses a wonderful be eternally warm and grateful but I’m increased the font size of his manuscript collection of cricketing memorabilia and sure I speak for everyone if I say I am not even further. Clifton cricketing history, situated as it is in there yet. For ‘it is in the parting that the the perfect position directly opposite the friendship is proved.’ The relationships Charlie established with School buildings, overlooking the square his pupils were astonishing. ‘He was without where so much of Charlie’s energies were Immediately after the School was told what doubt one of the finest masters that ever focused. Indeed, Charlie was utterly tireless had happened I drifted to the parapet had the misfortune of teaching me’ said one. in his support for OC cricket: alas that this and gazed over the Close. You could see Others say ‘he was the best, most charming, year’s cricket week was washed out by the the Pavilion which Charlie had taken such wittiest, liveliest history teacher I ever had’, rain. trouble to get refurbished, and the square or ‘three of the funniest years of my life were where his sides fought their campaigns, in his classroom’, and ‘Those double history Journeys to OC dinners were often as ‘ten to make and the match to win’; the lessons before lunch that with any other entertaining as the dinners themselves. You pitches where his teams’ ‘last charge went teacher seemed to take forever, with Mr would be reminded of arrangements by a thundering beneath the twilight goal’. I Colquhoun doing imitations of Stalin and note signed Chazza telling you not to be late could see him prowling the boundary in bellowing ‘Peace, Bread, Land’ they seemed under any circumstances whatsoever. Once despair at an ill-considered stroke ‘Whatever to fly by.’ Lastly, ‘He was the only person on a long journey was underway, particularly is that?’ ‘Oh dear boy, what are you doing?’ Earth who called me seaweed and got away if his companion was the Head Master, out I could see him illustrating a cricketing with it’. would come a Rothman’s Sporting Yearbook anecdote with a half demonstration of a ball and a quiz would begin with questions of bowled or shot played. Enough of that, I His secretaryship of the Old Cliftonian ever increasing obscurity. ‘Having a little turned to the South Quad and there was Society was the perfect platform for him trouble getting that one?’ Charlie would his Room 10: you can see the Pavilion from after Moberly’s and it was perfect for the chortle, ‘try this one, you must be able to get Room 10, that line was his axis. You’ll be Society too. Whilst paying due attention this one’, ‘do you want a clue? Just a little standing in the middle of it straight after to all generations of OCs he always felt clue?’ And when that was done, it would this service. the more recent ones should be especially be the Guinness Book of Hit Singles, Rock nurtured. He introduced more affordable and Pop of course, and so it would go on. Later that day I found myself in dinners and the much supported December Chuckling away. conversation about Charlie with one of our Sports Day. He was famous at the formal Clifton girls. She told me about him and occasions, not only did he always remember I have come to realise these last few weeks then paused a while and then she said ‘I who everyone was, what they did at School that Charlie made all his friends feel like was just quite a big fan’. ‘Well there we are’ and were doing now, but his organisation they were his best friend. It was magic, a Charlie, as you would say: I guess we all was so impeccable, even down to the issuing special instinct, a special way he had: in were. of ration cards for the wartime generation his company, you were central. Being with Simon Reece

OBITUARIES 103 STEPHEN ALEXANDER contemporary Conservative leadership contest. As Housemaster of North Town tephen Alexander, who died in he believed in fostering independence in June, was in South Town (1930-37). his charges, and would sometimes deposit SHe had four brothers in the school, boys deep in the Somerset countryside in and he sent his three sons to Clifton. the small hours of the morning to see if John Gibbs writes from Mexico City: they could find their way back to Clifton. One of the remarkable aspects of Stephen They generally succeeded. Alexander’s life was that he came through Barratt was a knowledgeable and his ordeals as a prisoner of war at the astute political observer. His own views hands of the Japanese with his faculties remained firmly those of the right wing unimpaired and without bitterness. Indeed, of the Conservative Party, from which in Sweet Kwai Run Softly he sets down his standpoint his admiration of Enoch experiences with clarity and frankness but Powell and Margaret Thatcher was only also with humour and almost affection. exceeded by his loathing for the policies These qualities are seen again in Foreign of Ted Heath and Chris Patten (who was Strands*, published when he was 83, in for a time his local MP). He was also which he charts his course as an employee a great admirer of the Emperor Haile for 33 years of the British Council. Selassie but despite this he regretted the Foreign Strands - part diary, part personal ending of colonial rule in Africa. His reminiscences, part gallery of people book Through Lightest Africa described and places - is a glorious compendium an eccentric journey he made through of comments on the human condition JOHN BARRATT West Africa, Ian Smith’s Rhodesia, in various parts of the world. Nothing Vorster’s South Africa and Portuguese seems to escape his curious eye, and it is a ohn Barrrat, who died on 17th Mozambique, as well as Ethiopia where joy to appreciate his command of English January at the age of 73, was an he smoked ganja in the Mountains of the - vocabulary, turn of phrase, style - and to J inspirational teacher and writer whose Moon (he pronounced himself unaffected relish his wit. love of history was matched by passions by it, as he was later to be unaffected in equal measure for fine wine, theatre, by chewing coca leaves in Bolivia). Conservative politics, fishing, potholing Throughout the whole trip, he was later and Staffordshire Bull Terriers. to report, not a single evening passed when he did not change for dinner. Born in Birmingham in 1935 John Barratt was the son of Sydney Barratt, a Though an unusually convivial and scientist who worked with Barnes Wallis generous host, Barratt made no secret on the development of the bouncing of his preference for canine over human company. He was devoted to a series bomb. He was educated at Shute School of dogs, all of which, with the exception in Dorset (where, following wartime of a vicious beagle (immortalised in his evacuation, he was the only boy in an mother’s book Bardolph the Beastly Beagle), otherwise all girls’ establishment), Clifton were Staffordshire Bull Terriers. Each was College, and King’s College Cambridge. from time to time the object of envious Originally set upon a career in the law he attention from members of the criminal passed both his solicitors’ exams and bar classes and on two occasions his dogs were exams but baulked at eating the dinners kidnapped. The first abduction occurred that would have entitled him to practise, at the Grand National race meeting. so turned to teaching instead. It proved No person or institution is immune from By-passing an inept and uninterested to be an inspired decision. his mordant comments (and the writer can local police force, Barratt paid a ransom speak personally of this), whether it be the As a history teacher Barratt taught for a to an underworld villain and the dog hopeful Miss Hall on her way to reform time at Lancing but spent the greater part was returned to him in the small hours the teaching of English in Colombia, or the of his career at Clifton, where his pupils of the morning. The second dog was British Council itself. Stephen Alexander’s included Simon Russell Beale. Barratt was snatched in a remote Irish forest after he comments on the latter (in the opening and proud to have spotted Beale’s talent when had stopped to pick mushrooms. With in the closing pages of Foreign Strands) are he directed him as Jack Worthing in The the enthusiastic assistance of the Gardai masterly as he traces its several reincarnations Importance of Being Earnest. A passion for Barratt made an emotional appeal for the from its birth in 1934 to the present day as it Shakespeare and John Buchan remained dog’s return on RTE and became a minor has struggled to decide what its role is. (Its with him all his life, and he possessed celebrity a few days later when he was most recent convolutions, and the notion a near encyclopaedic knowledge of the reunited with her on live television. of out-sourcing to India, would doubtless operettas of Gilbert and Sullivan. Whenever possible Barratt loved to have brought out more acerbic words.) But His approach to teaching history was vivid travel. In 1962, following in the footsteps however merciless Stephen’s comments may and idiosyncratic. Whilst the syllabus of Richard Hannay, one of his literary initially seem to be, he usually ends up with might be touched upon, and when heroes, he took time off teaching to forgiveness or even admiration. The work necessary adhered to, Barratt was never drive a Bentley to Eastern Anatolia. He of a gentleman writer. happier than when he was able to digress, achieved his object, although the Bentley * ISBN 0 9526763 1 1, Published by Merriotts for example to draw parallels between the was damaged by envious Turkish youths Press, 01275 392 347. election of some mediaeval pontiff and a in Erzurum. Upon complaining to the

104 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 police Barratt was concerned to learn that the culprits had been identified and subjected to summary justice by the local chief of police. He was also for a time a keen, though largely self-taught, potholer and sometimes took parties of Cliftonians on expeditions under the Mendips. On one such trip he had to spend a dismal night underground when rising water cut off his exit. In the morning he was brought to the surface by the local Cave Rescue organisation and though his plus-fours were somewhat bedraggled, neither he we loved Johnny and didn’t want to let him back to Bristol in an absolutely freezing nor his charges were any the worse for down. I remember feeling far worse about and windowless car. At one point John the adventure. getting things wrong because John seemed so said, “Put the rug around Tigger. I don’t The last ten years of his life were marked disappointed and not because he shouted or want her to get cold.” John’s dogs were by the relentless progress of Parkinson’s scolded. As a Housemaster he led by charisma, all more or less completely out of control disease, which he bore with great stoicism. charm and giving the boys responsibility. The and cats approached at their peril. The His only complaint in his final months was Night Ops were legendary – all I remember was worst was Bardolph, the beastly beagle. that his sense of taste had altered to the a great sense of excitement involving screeching Christopher Blackstone, a great friend extent that wine, long one of his principal Land Rovers and shotguns. I can just imagine of John’s, told me of an occasion when enjoyments, now tasted like battery acid. him filling in a Risk Assessment Form in 2009! the Blackstones were staying at the He loved his Cross-Country running with Barratts’ Charmouth house, “Thalatta”, Matthew Scott Tigger. Talking of Tigger, there was a famous in 1974 with their eighteen-month old son occasion when an injured rugger player was Rupert. Bardolph was the least agreeable rather crossly asked by the matron the name of of the Barratt animals. He had the the master who was taking the game in which propensity to bite the ankles of anyone the injury occurred only to be told that he did who was minding their own business, not know his name, but that there had been a the result being that visitors gave him a dog called Tigger joining in the scrums. very wide berth indeed. We became aware that Bardolph was missing. Like Michael Lane, John rather liked Jane suddenly remembered that things to go wrong. Peter Coe remembers Rupert was eating by himself in his low an occasion when John’s wheezing 3.5 chair in the dining room and, fearful Rover, bound for Liverpool and the lest Bardolph might have found him Dublin Ferry, doing a stately 70mph up unprotected, and so afflict grievous harm, the M4, lost the entire contents of the with one accord we all rushed into the roof rack including John’s clothes for the room. We were met with a tranquil scene, week along with a vast sack of sawdust for reminiscent of St Jerome, of Bardolph smoking fish, all deposited into the central lane. He’d forgotten to tie any of it down. George and Matthew Tricks, along with Alexander Gover, will never forget the time that Tigger was stolen during the Grand National at Aintree. John, dressed in appalling grey and blue Michael Jones, Jonathan Wookey, Peter plus-fours knitted by Liverpool nuns, Coe and Garth Williams have all recently was distraught to find no Tigger after a expressed their affection for John Barratt. brick had been thrown through the car Garth Williams, now at RGS Guildford, window. A woman PC told him to pull recalls: himself together, but luckily a dog-loving I have a vivid memory of John’s warm and Merseyside policeman drove John around friendly manner. He had this ability to make you the more insalubrious parts of Liverpool feel he liked you and that you were special. We where they spied three youths with a have been playing Roald Dahl to the children Staffordshire terrier. When asked if they in the car and a recurrent theme is people who knew anything about the lost Tigger they smile with their eyes not just their mouth. John shook their heads. The policeman said smiled with his eyes. We were proud to be in it would be worth their while if the dog North Town because of Johnny. As a former could be produced. “Oh! £100!” said Housemaster I remember boys in my boarding John. “Shush, sir” said the policeman. house shrewdly pointing out that they would “They would kill their mother for that behave well either because they feared being sum.” In the event, £25 had the desired shouted at or because they liked the teacher. In effect and Tigger was restored to his North Town, we at least tried to behave because master. Alexander recalls that he travelled

OBITUARIES 105 sitting docilely alongside Rupert, who he objected to being read long extracts was patting Bardolph’s head and from his translation of Plato’s Republic! continually repeating very calmly from At Balliol John came under the influence his limited vocabulary, “Nice doggy, of two exceptional tutors, Kenneth Dover nice doggy!” This was the hound who (later President of Corpus Oxford and bit numerous people including the vet Chancellor of St Andrews) and Russell who came to put him down. Meiggs (an ancient historian who gave a John wrote the best postcards and hostile (and unfair) review of the History reports of anybody I have know. One of Greece written by the next headmaster such example was the report he wrote of Clifton after Lee, Nicholas Hammond). on Julian Hardyman: These two set him on an academic career all of which was spent in London, in He gives the impression of being mischievous earlier years biased towards archaeology and a scholar, and he is adept at producing snippets of bizarre and sometimes disreputable and numismatics but in later years based information. I refuse to believe that on mainline classical studies. He was Charlemagne consumed twelve peacocks (and professor of Greek at London University a good deal more besides) at one sitting and from 1971 to 1991 and Director of the that he could raise aloft two knights in full Institute of Classical Studies in Gordon armour on the palms of his hands! However, JOHN BARRON Square from 1984 to 1991. This last was a prestigious post. The Institute brought I have to admit that such fairy stories enliven 1934 - 2008 history lessons, and I am glad he has raided together classical scholars from all over the family library for Gibbon. I do wish he the world. John’s interests were very wide would blow his nose in a less Wagnerian and reflected in his publications. fashion. The trumpeting of all the elephants However, besides his abilities as a scholar, in the Zoo is mild in comparison. he had administrative abilities of a high On my many long walks with him order. At London University he served on the Senate and was Public Orator. through Burgundian countryside, we ohn Barron succeeded Lord Jenkin More importantly, he was called on by sometimes discussed death and whether as President of the Council. His the Government to prune the university there really are pearly gates and an J academic experience and the fact departments in Classics among English inquisition from St Peter. However, John, that he was a governor of St Paul’s Boys universities. There were too many small you are having a good reception (I hope and Girls’ School as well as Radley meant departments. The work was necessary, with a large G and T) led by gardeners, that he brought immense knowledge but not popular. John brought a clear lovers of Somerset and other churches, and experience to the post. Above all he head to a difficult job. It is generally fishermen, scatty cavers with burnt out brought enthusiasm. He was ambitious agreed he got the answer right. candles, members of the Clockmakers for Clifton just as he had been for St Guild, Staffordshire bull terriers, Peter’s College, Oxford of which he was In 1991 he took over the Mastership of members of the Savile Club, Art Dealers Master from 1991. His loss was sudden. St Peter’s, perhaps not his first choice. St and Wine Merchants led by Ronald He presided at Commemoration in May Peter’s did not offer Classics. He devoted Avery. Let us hope that the Heavenly 2008. Only after that did he learn of his huge energy to new buildings and fund libraries are stocked with Jane Austen, cancer. With great bravery he attended raising and was very successful. He would PG Wodehouse, Evelyn Waugh, the Council meeting in late June and have been even more successful if his plans Richmal Crompton, John Buchan, presented a paper on the necessity for to take in Oxford Gaol as an extension to Edward Gibbon and the Bard himself. an Education Committee. His views the College had been accepted. The SCR I finish with a French quotation from prevailed and the committee sits for the rejected them – probably wrongly. The Christophe Plantin (1520-1589), perhaps first time on June 15, 2009. No-one knew old Gaol is now an upmarket restaurant apt when we think of John and Crowe Hall: of his illness. Treatment started in June and hotel! but it greatly reduced his resistance and John played a major part in the Avoir une maison propre et belle he died in August. appointment of Stephen Spurr and Un jardin tapisse d’espaliers odorans, John came to Clifton in 1947 with the Mark Moore, heads who have re-vitalised Des fruits, d’excellent vin, arrival of Desmond Lee as headmaster. Clifton and raised numbers and academic Conserver l’esprit libre, et le jugement fort, He entered the fourth form and was in standards. He was always ready to Dakyns’, first under Sammy Beachcroft support initiatives. C’est attendre chez soi doucement le mort. and later Yngve Lidell whom he greatly John presided over Annual General (To have a beautiful, spacious and tidy house, preferred. He specialized in Classics after O Level and gained an Exhibition Meetings and Commemoration with a A garden draped with scented espaliers, to Balliol. When he left Clifton, he told gentle calm. On these occasions he was Enjoying fruit and fine wine, the writer that he had no intention of accompanied by his wife, Caroline, herself Maintaining a free spirit and strong becoming a don. His ambition was to go no mean academic. The School Collect judgement, to the Bar. He had several contemporaries which recorded thanks to John Guthrie and his wife Caroline always seemed very And to await death serenely in one’s who became classical dons. He appropriate on these occasions. His death own home.) remembered fondly the teaching of David Gaunt who presided over the Sixth Form. is a great loss to Clifton and its Council. Tom Gover Though he was taught by the headmaster, A R Thornhill

106 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 DR ANTHONY BENNETT He was renowned for carrying a small 1937 – 2009 also included working at Makerere University in Uganda and in Kenya screwdriver which would appear from and Malawi. Tony was particularly fond nowhere when something needed of these associations with East Africa. adjusting or fi xing, sometimes to the horror of his medical colleagues in the He was a member of the British middle of an operation! Institute of Organ Studies, and an accomplished musician, and took In short, Tony was a much respected an active voluntary role in moving Freemason, a committed Christian ony Bennett’s family lived in and rebuilding the organ in his local and an eminent doctor, who enjoyed Stoke Bishop, where he was parish church at Tytherington in life and gave much to it. As was said at T born, and indeed there is a bell in Gloucestershire where he is buried. his funeral, the Masonic principles of Stoke Bishop Church which the family He was also a bell ringer, a Surgeon Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth sat easily dedicated to the memory of his father in Lieutenant-Commander in the Royal on his shoulders. He was a kind, gentle, 1977 – perhaps a pointer towards Tony’s Naval Reserve Severn Division for generous and dedicated man with a love of bell-ringing in later life. During several years and a keen bee-keeper. wonderful sense of fun. World War II the family was evacuated James King to Tortworth in the Gloucestershire He was also a very experienced and countryside, where Tony’s funeral was committed Freemason with twenty eight held on 17th February. On that occasion years service to his credit, having been eulogies were delivered by Sir Peter initiated in St Vincent Lodge No. 1404 Simpson, the Immediate Past President in Bristol in 1981. He joined the Old of the Royal College of Anaesthetists, Cliftonian Lodge in 1982 and became and by Rt. W. Bro. Michael Flynn, the Worshipful Master fi rst of St Vincent in ANTHONY BOYLE Provincial Grand Master for Bristol, and 1993 and then of the Old Cliftonians I am indebted to both of them for their in 1995. He subsequently served as respective insights into Tony’s life. Secretary and also as Organist of both Lodges for several years. Sadly he Tony was educated at Clifton College, died two weeks before the OC Lodge where he was in North Town, and at celebrated its Centenary in Bristol in Bristol University. Professionally he February this year – an occasion to was a Licentiate of the Royal College of which he had been looking forward. Physicians of London, a Member of the He was a Past Provincial Junior Grand Royal College of Surgeons, and a Fellow Warden in Bristol, a holder of Senior avid Anthony Verelst Boyle died of the Royal College of Anaesthetists. For London Grand Rank and in 2007 on 8 January 2009. Anthony much of his medical career he served in was Third Provincial Grand Principal Dspent the early years of the war in the Bristol area, fi rst as Clinical Lecturer for Bristol in the Holy Royal Arch of Canada, returning to England in 1943. at the University of Bristol, based in Jerusalem. In September 1949 he followed his the Bristol Royal Infi rmary, then as brother to Clifton, continuing a family Senior Lecturer, fi nally becoming a In 2001 Tony was President of the tradition. His time in Brown’s House Consultant Anaesthetist at Frenchay Bristol Masonic Society, and delivered was interrupted for a term to allow him Hospital in 1976, and he was also at one as his Presidential address a lecture to receive pioneering surgery for the stage co-editor of “Anaesthesia CPD”; based on his research into “the Infl uence heart condition with which he had been he was Treasurer of the Association of Freemasons on the Musical Life of born. Although successful, this meant of Anaesthetists for several years and Sir Edward Elgar”. During his year in that he was unable to participate in a founder member of the History of offi ce he also organised a special musical sports at school and Anthony’s memories Anaesthesia Society, and subsequently evening and lecture recital in Bristol of Clifton were somewhat coloured by its Secretary; an avid researcher into Cathedral dealing with the life and this fact. Nevertheless he was successful both current and historical anaesthetics music of Hubert Hunt, Musician and academically and achieved a State Mason and Worshipful Master in 1919 and Masonic matters with several Scholarship which took him to University of Tony’s mother Lodge, St Vincent. published articles to his name, including College, Oxford to read Law. He was He also conducted research, partly one dealing with Sound Transmission relatively young on entering Univ, his at Massachusetts Grand Lodge USA, and Anaesthetics and another on the medical history having precluded him into ‘Anaesthesia and Connections with Anaesthetic effects of organ pipes! He from the National Service experienced by Freemasonry’, and he lectured on this was deeply involved in 1985 in setting many of his contemporaries. At Oxford, topic. up the Monica Britton Museum of he met and subsequently married his wife Anaesthesia which was based at Frenchay Tony was responsible for several Sheila, with whom he had four children during a fi fty year marriage. Hospital for the next twenty years, technical advances in anaesthetic and Tony was its honorary Curator practice during his professional career, Oxford was followed by call to the Bar and for several years. In 1979 he was and he was never happier than when a spell teaching at Gibson and Weldon, appointed the Royal Society Leverhulme tinkering with a recalcitrant piece of the law tutors in Chancery Lane, where Visiting Professor in Anaesthesia at equipment, whether a pipe organ, or a the writer had the unique experience the University of Khartoum which piece of operating theatre equipment.

OBITUARIES 107 of being taught Criminal Procedure by some unique ‘other’ world. He read BERNARD BRAITHWAITE Anthony who had been three years his widely, with a good knowledge of French, junior at school not long before! Later he German, Russian and Latin. He had took up a career as a business lawyer, for many ideas for entrepreneurial ventures, which he trained as a solicitor, including but academia called and in later years he senior positions with both BP Chemicals helped set up and teach the MBA with a and Phillips Petroleum. He also served as legal emphasis at Exeter University. company secretary at Lazard Brothers. Life with his growing family in Dulwich ernard Braithwaite (DH 1932-36) Anthony’s intellect and quirky sense of and the country cottage in East Sussex has recently died and has also humour were probably not at ease in with its access to the South Downs was left a generous charitable legacy in the corporate environment – treasured Anthony’s pleasure and made him the B his will to Clifton for which the School is memories of him include postcards sent relaxed man remembered by his friends most grateful. from trips abroad couched in a language with affection. which tempted one to think he was visiting JPC

Desmond Lee and Stephen McWatters, became Geoffrey’s second wife and, in his words “more than disproved the notion of the wicked stepmother”. Sadly this obituary commemorates them both for Mary outlived Geoffrey by only two months. Their funeral services, well attended by Clifton friends, were held in the parish church of North Wootton near Wells, the village where they had lived for 22 years. It is difficult to paint a true picture of this wonderful couple’s devoted dedication to Clifton College. Mary was the friendly, calm and reliable Secretary. In the classroom Geoffrey was enthusiastic, exact and patient. As Careers Master he took GEOFFREY AND MARY BURTON infinite pains with prospective leavers (and their parents) to guide their business, eoffrey Burton died in August and repairer of precious books; he professional and academic futures. And 2008, aged 89. Appointed by organised play readings and the saying his clear mind and care for detail made GDesmond Lee in 1950 he served of Compline. Later, he was mentioned in him the ideal choice when Stuart Andrews Clifton College until his retirement in dispatches for “gallant and distinguished created the post of Senior Master. 1979. He became Head of what was services while a Prisoner of War”. They both loved singing, in the school then called the Modern Side, teaching Geoffrey never joined the clamour for Choral Society and in the choirs in Bristol economics, economic history and politics. reprisal, apology and compensation raised and Wells. They had a deep knowledge From 1952 to 1974 he was the first ever by some survivors of the prison camps. In of English Literature. They solved Senior Master. 1982, in a letter printed in The Times, he crosswords and played Scrabble. Geoffrey Such a bald recital conveys nothing of wrote with amazing magnanimity: “I do not had a sharp eye for the emergence of new the depth of Geoffrey’s background and hate the Japanese . . . on the contrary, many words and phrases, or the mangling of character. Having won academic and PoWs are grateful for a range of experience the meaning of old ones. Astonishingly, musical honours at King William’s College, which shows us human nature, on both month by month he wrote a poem for the Isle of Man, he went up to Oxford in sides, at its worst and at its most sublime”. North Wootton magazine on many topics 1938 but after his first year he enlisted and including local and national news, the In 1945 he returned to austerity Oxford was commissioned in the Royal Artillery. hazard of growing old and the calendar and, having graduated, he enjoyed He had the misfortune to be on the last of the Church’s year. A selection was a year’s study at luxuriant Harvard troopship to reach Singapore just before published in 1998; it is remarkable for its which gave him a lifelong interest in the its surrender to the Japanese. variety, precision and wit and no doubt his American Constitution and American more recent poems, which he continued For 3½ years Geoffrey endured the politics. He met his wife Ursula, another until the month before he died, reached horrific hardships of existence as a British student in Boston, but she died the same high standard. prisoner of war in Siam/Thailand, but the in 1963, leaving Rosemary aged 11 and Generations of Old Cliftonians, staff and physical and mental abuse he suffered did Christopher (Pre and ST 1964-1974) boys, will remember Geoffrey and Mary not undermine his cultural and spiritual then aged 6. In 1965 there was general Burton with gratitude and thanksgiving. resources. He became the camp librarian, rejoicing in the Clifton world when the careful custodian Mary Hall, Headmaster’s Secretary to David Goodland

108 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 JORDAN FERGUSON ARW EVE 1934-2009 ordan Mather Ferguson, who died in Ireland on 24 June HONORARY TREASURER, 2008, aged 35, was in Dakyns’ from 1986-1991. Jordan CLIFTON COLLEGE 1978-1994 Jwas diagnosed with terminal cancer and poignantly left “Letters to Sebastian” containing fatherly advice to his ony Eve won a scholarship to Radley School at the nine-year old son to be opened at various stages of life. age of thirteen. He used to say that his major claim to Rob MacAlister writes: T fame was that he played in the same Colts cricket XI After leaving Clifton in 1991, Jordan studied at Bristol as Ted Dexter. University before moving to Toronto where he set up an internet On leaving school he was commissioned into the Royal company during the dotcom boom. He also lived in Singapore Artillery after which he rejoined his family in Carlisle where he worked for some time as a Trader in a large investment and took articles with a small local firm of Chartered bank. Back in the UK, he had a successful career as European Accountants. He passed all exams at the first attempt as MD for BetFair.com. He well as qualifying as a cost and works accountant. He then was fluent in Thai and moved to London to join Cooper Brothers & Co., one of spent several holidays the countries largest firms of Chartered Accountants. After there with his young some four years he accepted a position to the relatively son Sebastian. He was new office in Tehran where he became partner in charge. remarkably well-travelled, In April 1966 he arrived at the Bristol office to look after both in leisure and, in later Coopers’ West Country clients. years, business. One week it For the next twenty six years he played a full part in local could be Costa Rica and the business life as well as well as becoming chairman of the following, Ukraine. Gloucestershire He was great company to Society and all who knew him; over Grateful the years he kept in contact Society. He with many OCs in London was appointed and abroad. We will all sadly miss him. In the last few months, Honorary when his cancer was diagnosed, he went to live with his family in Treasurer of Kinsale, Southern Ireland. It was here that he died. Clifton College in 1978. During his period of office the county laboured under high rates THE REVEREND K.J. (JACK) FRAMPTON of inflation. This made the he Reverend K.J. (Jack) Frampton, who died in management of his 83rd year in Toronto on September 5th, 2008, all public schools T was one of three Frampton brothers who all were in somewhat Wiseman’s. Jack arrived in Hartnell’s in September 1935. difficult but in He transferred from Watson’s to Wiseman’s in January his quiet and 1940. He left Bude in April 1944 and served as an acting efficient manner captain in the Gloucesters and the Sappers. Frampton he saw the won an Exhibition in Maths with Physics at Peterhouse, school through Cambridge. He gained seconds in Mechanical Sciences to calmer times. He was more than able to match the and Economics. intellectual capability of school teaching staff and this Frampton arrived enabled him to gain and keep their respect - a necessary in Canada in 1954 prerequisite for all non-executives serving in an academic as an engineer with establishment. Massey Ferguson He retired from Coopers & Lybrand in 1992 having moved and was ordained to Gloucestershire to tend his large garden, play golf and an Anglican priest see as much of the world as possible, all of which he carried in 1956. With his out with great enthusiasm. first wife, Ellenor, he brought his He died in February 2009 having suffered a stroke during progressive ministry an operation for a brain tumour. He had been in hospital to several parishes: for some four months and happily never lost his sense Orillia, Bowmanville, Riverdale, Don Mills, St Clements of humour though his dry wit was often lost on the (North Toronto), Maple and Parkdale in Toronto. hospital staff. Ellenor died in 1999 and Jack was married again in 2002 He is survived by his wife Sarah and their three daughters, to Theresa Scott-Frampton, who cared for him during his one of whom is an Old Cliftonian. latter years. He leaves Theresa and his children, Mary, Pat Howe Ellen, Finlay and Peter.

OBITUARIES 109 After Oxford, he joined the Department One of Norman’s characteristics was of Education and Science, serving as a deep loyalty to people, places and Principal Private Secretary to three institutions, which included Clifton. Secretaries of State in the 1960s and He looked back on his Clifton days in became a fi rm admirer of Margaret Bude and Bristol with fondness and Thatcher during her years in the DES in would always endeavour to attend OC the 1970s. From 1981-89 he was Secretary occasions and to spot OC related news of the University Grants Committee. In in the national press. He stayed in close 1984 Norman became a Companion of touch with Bertrand Hallward (as well as the Order of the Bath (CB). In retirement a number of other Clifton masters and he served as Treasurer of the University former pupils) until his death in 2003 of Exeter (following in the footsteps of and delivered a fi ne tribute to him at his father-in-law) and on the UGC of the the memorial service in Clifton Chapel University of the South Pacifi c, involving in 2004. Listeners were captivated some 18 visits to Fiji (and other South Sea by an account of BLH and Norman islands). In 2001 Exeter honoured him reconstructing some lines from Homer NORMAN HARDYMAN with an honorary D.Litt. from memory. Together they did it. orman Hardyman was born the In 1961 Norman married Carol Turner, As well as his commitments to work, son of missionary parents in younger sister of RV Turner (BH 1945- church and family, Norman was always NFianarantosa, Madagascar. He 50) and MR Turner (BH 1945-53), and an inveterate walker, never happier than entered Brown’s in September 1943 from together they had two children, Julian when striding off across the country, Montpelier School in Paingnton, Devon, (BH 1977-81) and Diana. They lived for always at half a mile an hour faster than with the top open scholarship. The fourth 30 years in Maidenhead in Berkshire, his companions. He surprised colleagues of fi ve children, he was later joined at moving back to the West Country to by walking home to Maidenhead (26 Clifton by his younger brother Geoffrey Dawlish in retirement and then latterly to miles) from the UGC offi ces on his (OH 1945-50). Worcester to be near their daughter and retirement in 1991 and to Dawlish from her family there. Exeter when he gave up the Treasurership Norman thrived academically at Clifton, of the University in 2001. securing so many armfuls of prizes In his quiet way he was a fi rm that others stopped entering for prize Christian and loyal member of his local A man of considerable physical and competitions in which he was taking part. Congregational and URC churches, intellectual vigour, he bore the Parkinson’s He was Head of House, editor of the serving as Church Secretary and an elder Disease which was diagnosed in 1997 Cliftonian and Deputy Head Boy; and for many years. His one publication with great fortitude. The congregation went on to win a scholarship in classices to was a history of the URC church in at his funeral included OCs – as well as Christ Church, Oxford. At Clifton he fell Maidenhead, West Street Story, which Norman’s brother, son and brothers-in-law under the spell of Headmaster Bertrand was described by a specialist academic – JW Charley (OH 1943-49), MB Foyle Hallward for whom he wrote a warm and historian as a classic of its kind. It is a loss (SH 1943-51), Brian Dicker (OH 1948-53) effusive tribute in the Cliftonian when the that his projected history of the UGC and NB Pinnington (BH 1944-48). never got beyond the drawing board. latter moved to Nottingham in 1948. Julian Hardyman

He completed his training as a solicitor PATRICK HAWORTH in Salisbury, and after working briefl y in Oxford, he joined Wilkins and Son in Aylesbury and became a popular fi gure in the magistrates court in Aylesbury for over thirty years. A colleague described him as ‘a fi rst-class criminal lawyer who was always committed to serving his clients’. Although taking on the odd prosecution, he was primarily a defence lawyer – dealing with cases ranging from minor traffi c offences to murders. In his spare time he was involved with the Church of England as a Churchwarden and as a member of his local Parochial atrick David Haworth (he appears Church Council and the Diocesan in the registers as ‘Peter’), who died Deanery Synod. His great passion was Paged 64 of pancreatic cancer on music and, with his wife, Pene, he helped November 4th, 2008, entered North Town raise substantial sums for the Hospice of St in the Pre in January, 1953 and left East Francis in Berkhamsted, although already Town in July, 1962. After Clifton Patrick battling with ill health. He leaves Pene, a studied law at King’s College, London. son and two daughters.

110 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 LIEUTENANT-COLONEL RICHARD HEAVEN

ichard John Gyde Heaven, who their heads down with their ears flopping And what a splendid warrior he is. died on January 10th aged 89, backwards and forwards in a way that His MC citation described Heaven as entered the Pre at the age of seven suggested a happy acceptance of their lot. R having in 1926 and left Oakeley’s in December, He was involved in several skirmishes with 1937. His father was a Bristol solicitor stragglers from the retreating German performed services with his battery in intimate whose family had owned Lundy from army before he earned his MC supporting support of infantry of the very highest order. 1836 to 1917. He was captain of the XV some Gurkhas near Bologna on August He has himself been constantly under shellfire in 1937 and also played for the XI. He 24th 1944. at observation posts and in forward positions; was a senior Rover Scout under Martin and has continued to direct the work of his Hardcastle and remembered having tea The action took place on a hill where observation posts and his guns to the best with Lord Baden-Powell in 1937, on the the Gurkhas had their headquarters. possible effect. 25th anniversary of the founding of the As German machine guns drew closer, Heaven agreed to start continuous firing, Earlier in the war Richard had gained school’s troop. Richard was the last officer- rapid promotion to major in Tunisia cadet to be awarded the Sword of Honour but finally had to turn to the Gurkha colonel saying he could do no more to and after an eight months’ battle landed before the Royal Military Academy on the southern tip of Sicily, where he Woolwich closed in 1939. He captained hold off the enemy. Heaven described the encounter as follows: had a successful rendezvous in front of a the lst XI and excelled at boxing and lighthouse. After three sleepless nights, rugger before being commissioned into At that moment we heard whoops and cries and he overslept and missed an appointment the Royal Artillery. He was on a course shouts of joy, and up the hill came these two with his superior, who told him: ‘My at Larkhill when war was declared in Gurkha companies with their kukris out. dear Heaven, you can’t go to sleep in the September, 1939 and the news was greeted I have never seen such alarm and dismay in the middle of a battle!’ with cheers in the Mess. German faces before or since, and there were After the war Heaven had several postings Heaven landed at Naples in November very few of them left alive. in east Africa. He was on the staff at 1943 with 479 Light Battery whose guns, As a tiny Gurkha ran towards him, waving Sandhurst and served in Germany for six split into eight pieces, were transported a kukri streaming with blood, the colonel years before retiring from Larkhill in 1971. by mules described in his memoirs as said: He then started a successful trout farming ‘beautiful, placid, broad-backed beasts’. enterprise with his three sons and son-in- Although the battery trailed behind the Don’t worry, Richard, he is just telling you he law. In 1942 he married Peggy Loring, front-line troops, it amazed the infantry has killed three German soldiers. He has been who survives him with their five children. battalions by its average speed of five miles bloodied, it is the first time he has done it, and John, Nicholas and Mark all followed their per hour and the way the animals held he is going to carve three notches on his kukri. father and grandfather into Oakeley’s.

OBITUARIES 111 LYNDON IRVING

yndon Irving, who died in December 2008 aged 92, entered the Junior School in LJanuary 1929 and left Wiseman’s in 1933. After studying law at Nottingham, he joined Alan Sitdown to set up a firm of solicitors in Derby. Over the years, he was an actor, author, journalist, TV scriptwriter, politician, hypnotist, war crimes lawyer, talented cartoonist, a renowned public speaker and raconteur. During the Second World War he was commissioned into the Royal Artillery and he travelled widely mainly in the Middle East, where he held official roles, often administering civil affairs. When the war ended he was sent to programme, That was the Week That Was. Norway, briefly taking charge of a Finding he could not quite compete prisoner-of-war camp before being asked with the likes of David Frost and John at the newly-opened Popular Cinema, in to take over the defence of a group of Mortimore’s Rumpole, he did manage Mill Street in 1928. Years later, when the Germans, on capital charges at a war to get himself on to ‘the box’ through Popular had closed, Lyndon played a part crimes trial in Oslo – even though he had another channel – the l950s quiz show in buying it. not yet qualified as a solicitor. He later Criss Cross Quiz, reaching the finals and explained he got the job because the Politics then played a major part in his netting nearly £300, quite a sum in those barristers who had been working there life. In 1950 he stood as a Liberal in Derby days. He later wrote a hilarious pseudo wanted to return to England where they South, but lost his deposit, but he almost autobiography entitled Jumping off the could make more money. unseated Labour in Derby North twelve Donkey, under the nom de plume of John years later and beat the Conservatives into In the 1960s Lyndon began writing Barnsley. Acting was clearly in his blood second place. and sending humorous contributions to and he knew the history of all of Derby’s legal magazines, eventually becoming a theatres and cinemas. He claimed that he Lyndon was married for 55 years to his wife, regular contributor to the BBC satirical had seen the very first film ever shown Stella. They had a son and a daughter.

RICHARD ‘JIMMY’ JAMES

ichard Austin ‘Jimmy’ James, who railways stations near his father’s school died on September 10th, 2008 where, with hundreds of other women, his Raged 88, entered Watson’s in mother was passing out tea and sandwiches September, 1933 and left in 1938. His to the exhausted soldiers. They missed father (T.M. James) was an Old Cliftonian each other and his parents only learned of and Headmaster of Sutton Valence. his safe return through the regulation card Jimmy had a most distinguished career allowed to rescued soldiers. as a soldier and civil servant. His initial He was commissioned into the Queen’s traineeship with British-American Tobacco Own Royal West Kent Regiment in May was interrupted by war and James joined 1941. For the next two years James served in Malta and experienced intense gallantry James was awarded the Military privation and bombardment (enduring Cross. Allied forces on Leros surrendered more than 2,000 air-raids) and he was and James endured life as a PoW in Greece twice mentioned in despatches for actions and Yugoslavia before ending up in Oflag in the Grand Harbour and Luqa airfield. 79 in Brunswick, northern Germany. He was harshly treated in interrogations After the siege of Malta had been lifted he as it was supposed that he had valuable trained with the Second Battalion of the information (probably about his liaison Royal West Kents in Egypt, Palestine and work with partisans on Samos). At the Lebanon in preparation for Churchill’s Brunswick James and his companions were blow at the underbelly of Europe, the appalled at the extreme brutality endured Dodecanese campaign. Initial victories by the Russians prisoners. On his return were reversed and the Germans launched to England at the end of April 1945 he an attack on Leros in November 1943. only weighed six stone. One of the fruits a TA unit of the Royal Engineers. He was An effort to deny the Germans a landing of enforced captivity at Brunswick was mobilised on lst September and was in beach went badly wrong and, with every that prisoners had conceived the plan to Northern France the following month. other British officer wounded or killed, establish a youth club in London to mark Evacuated from Dunkirk in a small boat, James with one private eliminated German their own survival and to commemorate James passed through one of the Kent snipers or forced their surrender. For his fallen comrades. The prisoners had raised

112 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 the considerable sum of £13,000 and the he was private secretary to Iain McLeod became Chief Executive Officer of the Brunswick Club in Fulham was opened by at the Duchy of Lancaster. Progressing Distressed Gentlefolk’s Aid Association the Duke Edinburgh in July 1949. up the ranks, ten years later he moved and in addition he supported the cause across to become Deputy Receiver of the of sheltered housing and similar bodies. After Emmanuel, Cambridge Jimmy Metropolitan Police, an experience that In Sussex and Oxfordshire Jimmy secured a top place in the Civil Service served him well when he returned to the participated in community, charity and Examinations and he chose to go to the Police Department of the Home Office. In church affairs. A devoted Anglican, he Home Office. With dwindling funds he 1977 he went to Scotland Yard as Receiver drew much strength from his beliefs, anxiously awaited a summons to begin of the Metropolitan Police, serving with which, in the best traditions of the Church, and on making a timid enquiry he was Sir David McNee, who later recalled his were tolerant, deeply held and rarely told, somewhat tetchily, ‘Oh all right. colleague’s thoughtfulness to the more spoken of. Start next Monday.’ junior ranks. Joan, his wife of more than sixty years, The begrudging welcome could not James retired in 1980 with the rank survives him with their children, Sally, have been more at odds with a career and of Deputy Under Secretary and was Tom and Andrew. an office he came to love. By 1960 awarded the CB. In retirement he

PETER LAKE at a crossroads to pick up a naked soldier who had been sleeping with a local girl and eter Ivan Lake, who died on June had had his clothes stolen while he slept. 26th, must be the most remarkable He arrived on the beaches and handed over Pof Old Cliftonians. He won an MC his food and drink to his Colonel. Some and the Croix de Guerre while serving weeks later, the Colonel was overheard to with the Special Operations Executive comment that a soldier who could provide (SOE) in enemy occupied France. Lake, him with supplies during the evacuation field name ‘Jean Pierre’, was given the deserved a company, and Charles was job of helping Captain Jacques Poirier, a promoted to Captain soon after. Frenchman with a British commission. He trained as a solicitor and became a The main tasks of his mission in France partner in Osborne Ward Vassall Abbot were to organise supply drops, gauge and Co. in 1938. After the war, he the potential of the the Resistance units, CHARLES KINNERSLEY returned to the firm and built up a very estimate their arms requirements and successful practice advising prominent their ability, given proper support, to ieutenant-Colonel Charles Henry West Country families, particularly in make good use of them. This involved Kinnersley, who died aged 99 on 19 inheritance planning. He became senior covering wide stretches of the Corrèze, LApril 2009, entered North Town in partner in 1959 until his retirement Lot and Dordogne. January, 1924. Rowing was his main sport ten years later, the day prior to the firm On one occasion he was bicycling towards and he was a member of the IV. On leaving, becoming, on its merger, Osborne Clarke. Brive-la-Gaillarde with radio messages in he went up to Corpus Christi, Cambridge, He was Clerk to the Society of Merchant a bag concealed beneath some vegetables to read Law. Venturers from 1947 until his retirement. when he came across a German patrol. Charles was awarded the DSO in 1945 Throughout his life, Charles loved food, in the battle to cross the Rhine. He led fine wine and cigars. He had an extensive a company of the 43rd Reconnaissance cellar consisting largely of Premier Cru Regiment and the citation for his award Clarets and Grand Cru Burgundies, and records his ‘example and contempt for entertained lavishly. He became an expert danger as an inspiration to his regiment’ photographer and a noted amateur golfer. and refers to him ‘leading his squadrons He was president of Gloucestershire in with unfailing drive, skill and personal 1954 and a member of Clifton’s Halford bravery’. His orders were to harry the Hewitt team for many years. On his His French was good enough to fool them, retreating Germans to prevent an orderly retirement, he spent time in Cornwall but not the Vichy milice accompanying retreat and Charles, invariably right up and subsequently went to live in France, them. In the course of producing his with his forward scout troups, led his men initially as the paying guest of the widow identity papers and chatting to the so closely on the heels of the Germans, of an admiral in Toulon. His first act in Germans, he dropped his bicycle and often under fire, that they were unable to France was to demolish and rebuild her the vegetables tumbled out. The miliciens carry out their full demolition plan. gate posts as they were insufficiently wide busied themselves with picking them up to accommodate his Bristol car. He took and omitted to question him. At the outbreak of war, Charles enlisted in up wind-surfing in France and continued the 5th Gloucestershire Regiment and was into his late seventies. Latterly, he settled in Lake instructed the maquis in the use of sent to France in 1940. He was amongst Budleigh Salterton where he swam every arms and explosives. Some of them, being the last to be evacuated at Dunkirk. On his day in all weathers until he was almost 90. Republican veterans of the Spanish Civil way to rejoin his regiment on the beaches, War, thought they had nothing to learn, he arrived by motorcycle at an abandoned Charles Kinnersley died on 19 April 2009. and said as much among themselves supply dump where he took on food, He never married. He was proud of his in their native Catalan. Lake spoke the whisky and a fresh uniform. The latter was nephews and nieces and collected many language and reproved them for their to prove immediately useful as he stopped godchildren. carelessness in openly using their own

OBITUARIES 113 tongue. Then, questioning their vaunted ROBERT MACALISTER knowledge of explosives, he picked up a slab of plastic explosive, and put it to the obert Gowan MacAlister, (OH 1952- Partners. Thirty years later it is one of the flame. The maquisards ducked smartly 56), died on 3 October 2008. He world’s leading fisheries consultancies which out of the way, and were somewhat Ris survived by Anthea his wife, and earned them a Queen’s Award for Export. mortified when he stood his ground. three children Katherine (Macky) (OH In Lymington, Gowan was able to walk to Lake then added a fuse and a detonator 1988–90), Lucy (OH 1988–93), Hamish his office in the town and home again for and threw it into a pond; there was a (SH 1991–96) and his six grandchildren. lunch and calculated that when he retired large explosion. Gowan had a degree in mechanical he had walked over 4,000 miles to and fro. In the nearby village of Siorac-en- engineering and was a member of the Royal His hobbies included sailing and he Périgord, where they sought storage, Institute of Naval Architecture. His career shared a yacht with his brother Duncan lived two pro-Vichy families. Worried started building power stations in the UK (OH 1948–52). All the children were about the danger that this posed, Lake and then he moved to America to develop brought up to sail and now enjoy the recruited a local ‘heavy’, the commander jet engines for General Motors, living in sport. He also loved cooking, socialising of maquis known only to the group as Illinois and then Boston Massachusetts. with his friends and family, and skiing. ‘Soleil’. A man of villainous aspect, he made a late-night visit, shone his torch On returning to the UK, the MacAlisters Gowan is remembered with love by all in the faces of the heads of the families moved to Lymington and Gowan began who knew him. and warned them that if the Gestapo building concrete boats before starting Duncan MacAlister arrested any of his friends he would his own company MacAlister, Elliott and return and kill them. Lake played a notable part in negotiating MARTIN MEADE-KING the surrender of the German garrison of Plymouth College in 1955. He of Brive-la-Gaillarde. A British uniform artin Meade-King was born in remained there for 18 years, retiring for him was dropped by parachute for Clifton in 1913, and joined North in 1973. During this time he worked Town in 1926. He was a keen M tirelessly to transform the school into a sportsman, and played rugby and cricket modern progressive institution. for the school. He left Clifton in 1932 having won a scholarship to study history After his retirement, golf and growing at Exeter College, Oxford. After university vegetables became two of his main he became a teacher, but this career was hobbies, and although in his later years cut short by the outbreak of the Second he deteriorated physically, his mind World War. He became a sergeant in the remained sharp until the end, and he was Intelligence Corps and played a part in always ready for a debate about England’s the battle of El Alamein. After the war cricket and rugby performances. He died the occasion. The grip of the maquis on he spent ten years at Mill Hill School as in April 2008 leaving his wife, Mary, one the region had grown ever tighter and a Housemaster and head of the history son, Edward (O.C.), a daughter, Maggy, it was the first city in occupied France department, before becoming Headmaster and four grandchildren. to be liberated solely by the Resistance. Freedom prompted an explosion of popular joy and the liberating force led THE REVEREND CANON Clifton from the Dragon School. Geoffrey by Lake entered the city standing in the went up to Corpus Christi where he back of an open car to great acclaim. GEOFFREY MOWAT gained a second in Modern History. Others were not so welcoming. Passing he Reverend Canon Geoffrey Scott In July, 1940 he married Louise Ethel through Marennes, General de Gaulle, Mowat, who entered South Town in Homewood and set out for Malaya with having been introduced to Lake, told TSeptember 1928, died on May 21st, her to begin his service with the Malayan him he had no business there. ‘Go away!’ 2008. At Clifton Geoffrey was a praepostor, Civil Service; it was unusual for MCS de Gaulle said and turned his back on scholar and a member of the Running cadets to marry before their first home him. Lake was deeply wounded by the Vlll. Born in 1917 in Oxford, his father leave! Mowat’s first appointment was as snub, but, some years later, when he was was a history don at Corpus Christi and a district officer at Alor Gajah. On arrival Consul in Brazil, the French ambassador later became Professor of History at Bristol he enlisted in the 4th (Malacca) Battalion there invited him to a reception in Rio University. He gained his scholarship to de Janeiro in honour of the General. This time de Gaulle greeted Lake in a charming manner and the earlier slight was forgiven. After the war he joined the Foreign Office and served as Consul in, among other postings, Mozambique, France, Iceland, Syria, Indonesia, Italy, Belgium and Brazil. He married Kathleen (Kay) Sheffield. She survives him with their son and daughter. 114 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 Strait Volunteers, a mixed-race unit of LIEUTENANT-COLONEL the part he played in Cyprus in the civilian volunteers; he was soon promoted fight against EOKA. He attended the lance-corporal. M R M NEWALL OBE Staff College in 1964, and enjoyed an immensely varied and distinguished When Singapore fell to the Japanese on 1932 – 2009 career thereafter including time in February 15th, 1942, he was marched to Changi PoW camp. He escaped with a ike Newall was born in Brunei, Northern Ireland, Thailand with fellow Straits Settlement Volunteer, R.A. Farnham and came to SEATO, in Germany both in Berlin and Elliott. While on the run, he and Elliott MWiseman’s in 1946. His father Rheindahlen, as a Staff Instructor with the were badly beaten up by local Malays and was a coffee farmer in Kenya, where the army on Salisbury Plain and in command handed over to the Japanese, who took family spent the war years, beside Lake of the force troops of the British base in them to Pudu Jail, Kuala Lumpar. Naivasha. Belize at the time of the Falklands War, for which he was awarded an OBE; and he During this period Louise, who had been In 1951 he entered The Royal even found time to assist as a professional a stenographer at GHQ Singapore, was Military Academy, Sandhurst and was advisor for Richard Attenborough’s A working on General MacArthur’s US commissioned into The Queen’s Own Bridge Too Far about the Battle of Arnhem! Army staff in Java and later in Sydney. Royal West Kent Regiment, his father’s He was married in 1968 to his wife Sue old regiment, in 1953. He was posted to In October 1942 Mowat was returned to who survives him with their son Robin who 1st Battalion of the regiment in Malaya followed him into the regiment, daughters Singapore to be used with other PoWs as where he was Mentioned in Dispatches extras in a propaganda film made for the Bex and Lucie, and ten grandchildren. for gallantry at the age of 21. The fall of Malaya, but in May 1943 he was sent Battalion returned home to Maidstone Mike was a useful player of most ball with the notorious H force to Thailand before moving to Luneburg in Germany games, but faster more daring sports such to complete the building of the Burma in 1956. Mike was always courteous to as motor cycling and skiing attracted him Railway. Many died including Elliott in everybody, popular amongst his brother more. Wherever he was in the world another escape attempt. Meanwhile officers and adored by his soldiers. All and whatever he did he gave a hundred Mowat worked as a medical orderly at his life he retained a military bearing percent of his time and effort to it and Hintock River Camp where many of his albeit with a characteristic loose-limbed his enthusiasm was infectious. He was patients died through lack of basic drugs gait and an air of modest self-confidence. through and through a professional soldier and medicines. He returned with other who loved soldiering and his soldiers, and survivors to Singapore and he was Mike was fearless and courageous on they loved him. He would never pass by liberated in 1945. the battlefield and in speaking up for soldiers without stopping to speak to them. what he believed in. He preferred On returning to the Malay Civil Service He was a superb CO of his battalion in devoting his spare time to the rugby after the war, he became district officer at Northern Ireland when the troubles were field and squash courts and to tennis Butterworth, then senior lands officer at at their highest – calm and impervious in the summer than to the fleshpots Negri Sembilan. He left Malaya in 1957 just to personal risk, his wealth of experience of Hamburg or Berlin. He was always before independence, and took orders as an on active service standing him and his lively and entertaining company and Anglican clergyman. His first curacy was at battalion in good stead. In fact throughout a daredevil, a role model for young Christ Church, Clifton from 1959–1961. his career, wherever he was stationed, his officers. first concern was the encouragement and His terrible experiences as a PoW had He was a natural leader and in 1956 welfare of the soldiers under his command, reinforced, not undermined his faith. providing opportunities for their personal In the course of his work in the MCS was seconded to the 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment. With them he and professional development and taking Secretariat, he had to deal with a query thought for their families. about Japanese war graves. Evidently he parachuted into Egypt to seize the Al took a deep breath before speaking to the Gamil airfield at Suez in 1956, the only In retirement from 1998 in deepest Japanese official in a normal manner. In battalion since World War 2 to have Suffolk he retained a wide range of his own words, ‘I had taken the first step undertaken an opposed parachute interests. He was treasurer of the local along the road towards forgiveness, which landing. Mike was Mentioned in branch of the Army Benevolent Fund, a is the baseline of the Christian faith’. Dispatches again for gallantry in that helper with Care in the Community and operation and then a third time for the West Suffolk Voluntary Association for His Christian Ministry lasted 40 years. Ten the Blind. He took up art and was also years were spent as a mission partner with a devoted churchwarden for ten years the Church Mission Society. He was priest during which time he masterminded the in Singapore, Penang and Kuala Lumpar redecoration of the lovely Thorpe Morieux from 1976–1985, and a canon of St Mary’s church. He was naturally delighted Cathedral, Kuala Lumpur. There followed when his nephew Stephen Spurr became six months as a priest in Cairo as well as Headmaster of Clifton in 2000 and shorter locums in France and duties as continued to follow developments at the priest-in-charge at St Mary Magdalene, School with a close and affectionate eye. Combe Down, Bath. He was a true Christian in every sense of Geoffrey was an accomplished cellist the word throughout his life, combining and on retirement to Fairford in high moral standards with an infectious Gloucestershire in the mid-1990s wrote his joie de vivre. He was a great family man, memoirs, which were published as Rainbow gave generously of his time and support Through the Rain. His wife predeceased to the needy and was unfailingly kind to him, and his survived by two sons (Tim others. Mike Newall was indeed a very and Michael) and two daughters. parfait knight.

OBITUARIES 115 DAVID NORRIS-JONES DAVID PECK Languages, and joined the Consular Service in 1938. A long and distinguished avid Norris-Jones, who died on avid Peck (OH 1934-39) died career in Intelligence and the Diplomatic 20 February aged 52, entered on 15 September 2008. He left Service took him to many countries, DDakyns’ with an exhibition in Da generous legacy to the College including Turkey, Greece, Germany, 1960 and left in 1964, in his will for which Clifton is very Spain, India, Singapore, and from 1966 to the son and brother grateful. 1968 to Kenya, where he was British High of OC’s. Commissioner. He was appointed KCMG After leaving school he in 1965, and GCMG in 1974 during his joined the insurance fi nal posting to Brusssels as Permanent world, working for SIR EDWARD PECK Representative to NATO, 1970 to 1975. Bland, Payne and dward Heywood Peck was in Family holidays in Switzerland in the AG Wrightson before South Town from 1929 to 1934. 1920s gave Edward Peck a life-long love joining Sedgwick EAs a House Sixth he is said to have of climbing; he took every opportunity to in 1970. He rose to refused to administer beatings, instead climb and to go hill-walking. In retirement become Managing sentencing offenders to dig up weeds he made his home in the Highlands of Director of Sedgwick Power and Nuclear in the tennis court. At Queen’s College, Scotland, near Tomintoul in Banffshire. Services and then in 1988, Chairman Oxford, he took a First in Modern He died on July 24th at the age of 93. and Chief Executive of Sedgwick’s professional Indemnity and fi nancial institution company. In 1989 he became Deputy Chairman of Sedgwick Non Marine Ltd and in 1993 Chairman GRAHAM PILCHER of Sedgwick Special Risks Ltd. From there, he became Chairman and Chief raham Hope Pilcher, who died Executive of the Sedgwick UK and Credit on March 27th at the age of 92, group and also Chairman of Sedgwick Gentered Oakeley’s in September, UK Risk Services Ltd. In 1997 he became 1930. His son Robin (OH 1964-67) tells the Group IT and Change Director. He me that the emblems on his father’s left Sedgwick in 1998, when the company funeral service sheet were the Pilcher was taken over by the American company crest, the family of the Black Watch and Marsh. the Clifton crest since they were the most important things in his life. He excelled After leaving Sedgwick he set up his own company, Successful Change Strategies, at sport at Clifton where he was in the XI advising on change and insurance issues. and won the Challenge Cup. He played He also became heavily involved in the a set of tennis with his grandchildren charity world, advising the War Graves on his 80th birthday and on his 90th Commission, Great Ormond St, Children Graham played a needle golf match with Leukemia, Trinity Hospice and Jeans at Royal Dornoch partnered by Robin for Genes, among others. He became a against two other members of the family. trustee of Jeans for Genes and Surrey In December 1946 Graham married the Wildlife Trust. His latter years were novelist Rosamunde Pilcher, née Scott, on perhaps his happiest when he found his a blowy winter’s day at St Uny’s Church niche as part of the Fundraising Team at in Lelant, which is on a small branch line the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, raising funds in Cornwall (miraculously saved from for the new infi rmary. Dr Beeching’s axe) which links the town David revelled in his family and of St Ives with the main Great Western enjoyed reading, walking and above all line at St Erth. Lelant, apart from movement out of the cover of ditches horseracing. David died in Princess Alice being the place where Rosamunde was drew fi re and men were being picked off Hospice, Esher on 20th February 2009 brought up, is also the home of the West by snipers. Realising that the situation was after a long and bravely fought battle Cornwall Golf Club, where Graham and critical, Pilcher ran across open ground against cancer. He leaves a wife, son and his father from Talland House enjoyed to his forward units. Despite coming daughter. hotly contested games of golf. This happy under intense fi re, he organised and led marriage was celebrated in a poem by a determined assault on the enemy, who Robin entitled ‘The Galloping Major and were dug in on the main road 200 yards the Wondrous Wren’ which we do not JAMES PERT away. Two enemy machine-gun posts think we should print! were wiped out while Pilcher crossed im Pert’s son, Julian, has kindly Graham was awarded his M.C. on and recrossed the bullet-swept ground informed us of the recent death of October 25th 1944. The 5th Battalion consolidating his defensive positions. He Jhis father (DH 1945-50) in March of the Black Watch crossed the River was awarded an immediate MC and was after a short illness. Julian writes that his Dommel near the village of Esch, south decorated by Field Marshal Montgomery. father particularly enjoyed the various of Hertogenbosch. Pilcher’s company Evidently during the worst moments he OC Dinners in the North West, meeting came under heavy mortar fi re and took comfort in reciting Kipling’s If and up with Tom Gover and some of his Spandau fi re at close range and was singing to himself Mairzy Doats (‘Mares eat contemporaries. pinned down in fl at open country. Any oats and does eat oats’). Two weeks before

116 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 PROFESSOR SIR BRIAN PIPPARD V-E Day he was severely wounded south of Bremen. The surgeon who operated on him in the fi eld claimed that he had never given anyone as much blood in his whole professional life. rofessor Sir Brian Pippard (Pre and School House 1930–1938, Member After the war Graham returned of Council 1977–1993, President, Old to Dundee where he resumed his P Cliftonian Society 1977–1979) died on work at Jute Industries Ltd, and 21st September, 2008 aged 88. over the next 34 years he became an increasingly important fi gure Brian Pippard, with Sir Neville Mott in the textile industry in Dundee. and Sir John Kendrew, makes up a Jute Industries was renamed Sidlaw formidable triumvirate of recent Cliftonian Industries in the early seventies scientists. Brian arrived into the Pre in when Pilcher became chairman of 1930 and left School House in 1939 with a building apparatus the hardware division and chairman scholarship to Clare College, Cambridge to as competently as a of the British Jute Federal Council read Natural Sciences. At Clifton he was not professional mechanic and to get the most before retiring in 1979. only outstanding in science and classics, but out of it by the delicacy of his touch. he even considered a career as a professional He remained a Black Watch man musician. As Brian recalled: ‘David Willcocks Pippard’s administrative skills came into all his life, becoming chairman of was my contemporary at Clifton and was so play when Eric Ashby, the Master of Clare, the 51st Highland Division Veterans extraordinarily good that I knew that I was gave him an invitation from the Fellows Association. Evidently at Graham’s not in that class.’ Thus Pippard embarked on Designate of Clare Hall for him to be its funeral the moving story was told of a career which culminated in his becoming fi rst President. Clare Hall was founded as his talking to a classroom of young Cavendish Professor of Physics at Cambridge a centre for advanced study with special teenagers in Gennep, Holland, at the University in succession to Nevill Mott (OC) emphasis on visiting fellows, for whom family time when a group of veterans of the from 1966–1973. In 1979 he was knighted. accommodation would be provided in the 51st Highland Division went over for college buildings. In 1969 Brian moved the 55th anniversary of D-Day. At Clifton his scientifi c interests lay more into Clare Hall with Charlotte and his three towards chemistry than physics, but at The funeral service reached its climax daughters and in the nick of time was able to Cambridge after sampling both in Part l, when Duncan MacGillivray, one time get the architect, Ralph Erskine, to modify he fi nally chose physics in Part ll in which world champion piper, slow-marched his drawings so that the President’s House he gained a fi rst in 1941. His studies were to the front of the church and then could accommodate his grand piano! Under interrupted by the war and his training breaking from a slow piobroch into Brian, Clare Hall became a lively academic in physics led him to radar work at Great the ‘Atholl Highlanders’, at which community with a delightfully informal, Malvern, where he became profi cient in cosmopolitan and scholarly atmosphere. point feet started to tap out the microwave techniques. One of his projects rhythm on the bare fl oorboards, Characteristically, the families share in many of included the design of an aerial for the activities and privileges of Clare Hall, and much to the consternation of the equipment to follow the trajectory of mortar church warden! Graham is survived on social occasions the guests were made to shells, equipment which was fi rst used in the feel that they had joined a happy family group, by his wife Rosamunde and by two 6th Airborne Division in the Rhine crossing. sons and two daughters. with Brian and Charlotte as the genial hosts. On returning to Cambridge, he joined the Tom Gover Brian kept in touch with Clifton in recent years Low Temperature Group at the Royal not only as member of Council, but in the Society Mond Laboratory and chose a delightful way he maintained his interest in the problem in super-conductivity which enabled Science School. him to exploit his wartime expertise in microwave techniques. Superconductivity - the loss of all electrical resistance by some metals at low temperatures – was then still very much a mystery. An important by-product of this early work was the study of how metals at low temperatures react to microwaves in the ‘normal’ rather than the superconducting, state, and Pippard produced an elegant new way of understanding the so-called anomalous skin effect which occurs in these conditions. He rapidly became a leading fi gure in this fi eld and his characteristic style of looking in a simple physical way at the heart of a problem, without being distracted by inessential complications which camoufl aged the real issue, made him a brilliant expositor as well as a pioneer in research. The natural manual dexterity of the pianist was a great asset in

OBITUARIES 117 ROBERT POOLE Those twenty years in Cornwall were 1937 – 2008 wonderful. Work could often be done before breakfast leaving the rest of the day for swimming in the freezing sea, fishing, gardening, walking the dog along the cliff paths, enjoying productions at the Minack Theatre and indulging his passion for the Newlyn School painters. Helen was called to the Anglican ministry and Bob became a ob Poole and his twin sister Susan trustee of the Leonard Cheshire Home, were born in Colombo, Ceylon in a warden of the neighbouring parish NICK SANDERSON 1937. In 1941, their father decided B church of St Levan and secretary of St ick Sanderson came to Clifton that the war situation was too risky and Buryan male voice choir. Despite his following in the footsteps of his arranged for them to be repatriated to the protestations to the contrary, he became family home in Penzance. In 1946 Bob the de facto ‘squire’ of St Levan – his Nfather Henry, his uncle, and his began boarding at the Pre in Butcombe anual parties were eagerly anticipated three brothers. He was in Wiseman’s House and in 1951 moved to Wiseman’s, and much appreciated by his wide for three years from 1975-78, where he where he studied mainly French and circle of friends in the area. was pleasant company and made some German. He was always fast on his feet, good friends, but his abiding interest won the 100 yards with ease and played Bob will be missed greatly and lay outside the regular school routine, rugby for the school on the wing. He was remembered fondly by his family, and when he left, he never seriously no good at cricket so took up rowing and friends and community. considered any career beyond music. won his seat in the Eight. Bob began reading modern languages at Emmanuel, Cambridge in 1958. He was LOUIS SHERWOOD never exactly a scholar’s idea of a scholar but everyone liked him. He played rugby ouis Sherwood, who had been a Development Partnership and a major for the college and went on the annual member of Council since 1992 and force in establishing the Merchants’ tours. He rowed number seven in the LChairman of the Audit and Finance Academy at Withywood. In view of rugger boat which won its oars in 1961 Committee since 1996, died on 26 March. these and many other directorships, and in the Lent four which was manned He was 67. Louis was not himself an OC, appointments and offices, it is astonishing entirely from the rugger boat. having been educated at Westminster that he devoted so much time and energy Bob’s first job after leaving Cambridge and New College, Oxford, but his three to the affairs of the College. was with Wiggins Teape, the famous children, Anne, Christopher and Isabelle Louis arrived on Council at a crucial paper makers, which took him all are all OCs. moment. The College’s finances were not over Europe. His base was in London, Louis distinguished himself in many fields. in the best of health in the early 1990s. where he met Helen, a nurse, and they He had an outstanding career in retailing, Since then there can be no doubt that were married in 1965. The company both in North America and in this country. Louis’ clear-sighted vision, independence sent them to Vienna for a year to sort He was a highly successful Chairman of of mind, logical analysis of complex out a problem and next year they went HTV, Chairman of Clerical and Medical, problems and robust defence of principled to Wiesbaden for the same reason. Master of the Merchant Venturers, a positions has been of incalculable value This time it was for four years. They founder of the Bristol Initiative which in re-invigorating an institution that returned to live in Buckinghamshire was launched to address inequality in had lost its bearings. Overlaying this his and Bob took responsibility for the city, a director of the Bristol Cultural considerable diplomatic skills and good marketing one of Wiggin Teape’s humour belied the Rottweiler epithet he products worldwide. enjoyed so much. Disaster struck in the form of Hodgkin’s disease – cancer of the lymph glands – but radiotherapy and Bob’s and Helen’s combined determination vanquished it. It changed their lives. Their Christian faith and respect for all life increased. Bob went through a rapid series of job changes while developing a distributorship for a market-leading adhesive tape used in the photographic industry. Bob had always had ‘Cornishman’ written in his DNA and aged fifty he and Helen bought a former holiday home in St Levan, near Land’s End, and he conducted his business with his customers all over Europe from a converted pigsty.

118 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 Starting as a drummer, first in Bristol MALCOLM TOSH with the Crazy Dads, then with the Sheffield group Clock DVA, in 1987 he SH 1948-1951 joined the American rock band, the Gun Club, with whom he made three albums. alcolm Later he became a singer and lyricist, Tosh and in 1992 he formed the remarkable was Earl Brutus, which, said The Independent, ALAN STEVENSON M born in 1934 ‘addressed the wonder and idiocy of 1938 - 2009 in India where our celebrity-obsessed, consumption- lan Leonard Stevenson entered his father fixated society’. A tribute to Nick in the North Town in 1952 and left in had business 1955. He qualified as a chartered magazine Mojo said: ‘Off-stage he was the A interests in accountant and commenced work with warmest and most entertaining of men, Cawnpore. He the firm of Barton, Mayhew & Co of with a self-effacing wit and an interest was educated in London, which is now part of the Ernst in military history, bird-watching and his early years & Whinney group. He then followed his trains’. In 2004, in fact, he took up a at a small British School to which he father L K (Leonard) Stevenson into C J more secure career, becoming an engine travelled by pony! In 1945, the family King & Sons, Stevedores, in Avonmouth. driver on the London to Brighton line. returned to Scotland and Malcolm He subsequently became the Bursar of the After a year-long illness, in which he was attended a local preparatory school in Cathedral School and then Clerk to the wonderfully supported by his family and St Andrews before following in the Lord Lieutenancy of Bristol. He was many friends, Nick died in June 2008, family tradition by going to Clifton, a member of the Dolphin Society, at the age of 47. He is survived by his entering School House in April 1948. Japanese wife Romi and their young son. St Stephen’s Ringers and the Savages. As those who knew him well will attest, GVH Alan was the middle of three brothers, as well as those who had the pleasure spread over 13 years, all of whom were at and privilege of meeting this avuncular Clifton: Roger, the eldest, was in the Pre character at OC Dinners, Malcolm and went on to Kelly College. He lived in retained very fond memories of his time Druid Road, Stoke Bishop, and has died. at Clifton. It was during these years From a personal point of view, I enjoyed Ian, the youngest, is a stockbroker. He that he developed his lifelong interest immensely watching Louis engage also has one son and one daughter. The in, and passion for, Cricket and Rugby. these great talents in the service of the former, John, was also at Clifton. College. I think he, like any good athlete, He played fearlessly for the Ist XV in took pleasure in the chase and the Alan’s mother lodge was Royal Sussex 1951 and no doubt made a significant intellectual exercise involved in meeting no. 187, the second oldest lodge in the contribution to School House’s a challenge. He brought the same Province of Bristol, and a lodge with achievement of being Cock House energy to major strategic decisions and strong OC connections. He was Master both in 1950 and 1951. Malcolm’s two their implementation – the new Music in1986/87, and was awarded the rank of sons attended School House some 30 School, the development of the Science Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden in years later and Malcolm loyally came School, the new Wiseman’s House, the 2002. He became a joining member of the down from the City to watch David and Dance Studio, negotiations with our Old Cliftonian Lodge in 1988, but never School House be Cock House again in bankers are just some examples – as to went through the OC Chair. 1980 and 1981. a misplaced comma on page 26 of a 40- Alan is survived by his widow, Vanessa, née After he left Clifton, he continued to be page report or to the arcane legislative Hill, and his son Matthew (ST 1978-90) a great supporter of the College both structures surrounding the non-teaching and a daughter, Tamsin. as a Governor and as Chairman of the staff pension scheme. For Louis getting London Branch of the OC Society. it right in every detail was a serious David Mander matter, not because he was a pedant In 1957, he qualified in Scotland as – although it amused him to be reckoned a Chartered Accountant then joined, one - but because he was acutely aware after the rigours of National Service, deteriorating health, he was able to that the decisions we made as Council the London firm of Chalmers Wade attend the ceremony at the University of members could have and often did have in 1959. He continued to work for this Bristol at which he became an honorary profound effects on the lives of others. firm for the rest of his career, rising Doctor of Laws in recognition of his If the detail was wrong, the decision was inexorably through its ranks and being outstanding personal achievements and probably wrong. He also employed his involved in several mergers from which his contribution to the advancement of fertile imagination in solving problems. he finally emerged as Senior Partner the cultural, educational and business One small example is the inter-house in Hodgson Impey. His working life interests of Bristol and the region. Of competition he set up at a time when was characterised by his ability to be this, he was immensely and justifiably energy prices were rising steeply. A prize innovative, his exemplary work ethic proud. If the College were able to was awarded to the house that saved the and his genuine concern for others. In dispense similar awards, it would surely most energy. It was typical that Louis 1981, he joined the Glaziers Company, have done so for Louis and the citation himself provided the prize. becoming Master in 1996. Ably would have been almost identical. We owe supported, as in all things, by his wife Louis held an honorary doctorate him an enormous debt and his legacy to Janie, his year in office is remembered in Business Administration from the the College will live on for many years to by fellow Glaziers with fondness and University of the West of England. come. gratitude. In February this year, in spite of John Cottrell

OBITUARIES 119 In retirement, he characteristically used known in OC circles, loved and PATRICK WOODWARD his time for the benefit of others. He respected by all with whom he was Honorary Secretary of the Burden came into contact, he will be much 1919 – 2008 Trust and his efforts on behalf of this missed. The last word is perhaps charity have benefited the Neuroscience best left to one of the many who departments of both the University of paid tribute to this delightful human Bristol and Frenchay Hospital. He was being and which was quoted at his also Honorary Treasurer of the Institute Thanksgiving Service: of Advanced Motorists, his ten-year stint “....a true gentleman, gracious, the being recognised by the Institute when he first to help anyone in need, a heart was invited to become one of its Fellows. that you warmed to whenever you Faith, too, played an important part in met, tolerant, patient, thought of his life. He was a member of the Clandon others ahead of himself, a great at Woodward was at Clifton in PCC for some thirty years and served as man, a role model, one in a million, Watson’s House from 1932 to 1936. Churchwarden on several occasions. truly did he follow in the paths of PHis father Edward, brother Arthur Malcolm was inordinately proud of his righteousness.” and son Paul have also all been Cliftonians. family and they, in turn, of him. Well On leaving school, Pat obtained a BSc in Electrical Engineering at Durham University before the Second World War in which he served in the Royal Engineers with the rank of Captain. After the war he continued his military service in the Territorial Army, IAN WILSON reaching the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. He commanded the Corps Engineering Regiment until 1959 and was awarded the Territorial Decoration. For all his civilian life he worked in the electricity supply industry, in Jamaica, which gave Ian a lifelong starting as Assistant Engineer to the North love of the West Indies where he East Electricity Board, and finally becoming and Margaret and the family have Commercial Director of the London spent so many happy times. Jeremy Electricity Board until retiring in 1979. Cramond, a Lancastrian now living an Robert Wilson, who entered in Australia, became a great friend On retirement he and his wife Margaret Butcombe in September 1947 and of Ian’s and writes: moved to Christchurch in Dorset where I left Watson’s in 1955 as second his father had previously settled on his Head of School, died following a When Ian migrated to Manchester retirement. They built a house on a plot game of squash on 8th April. Ian in 1960, it was only natural as a owned by his father on the shores of was a devoted and tenacious Old Mancunian that I should welcome a Christchurch harbour, where he was able Cliftonian, who demonstrated his Yorkshireman to the better side of the to enjoy his hobby of sailing in his 25ft loyalty by sending his daughters Lulu Pennines. We immediately struck several sailing cruiser which was moored at the and Victoria to Oakeley’s. In recent common chords, but our friendship was bottom of the garden. During this time Pat years he has kept a sharp eye on the truly forged in the summer of 1961 when served for three years as Commodore of Old Cliftonian Society and served as a my Ford Popular was loaded on board the Christchurch Sailing Club, and was also trustee of the Endowment Fund; until the Lydd to Le Touquet flight, and we a member of the local Borough Council. a few years ago he was a Vice President. proceeded at a very sedate speed from Le Meanwhile Margaret learned more about Old Cliftonian finances benefited Touquet to Menton. Holidays can be a sailing so that she could participate actively considerably when he introduced us to testing time for friendships, but Ian and in their various cruises along the South Newtons in the City. I returned to Menton a couple of years Coast. later, and then in 1965 journeyed out to 30 Old Cliftonians were present at St Istanbul on the earlier Orient Express. Pat was initiated into Freemasonry in Andrew’s Church, Oxshott for Ian’s 1951 in the Reserve Forces Northumber- funeral which included Victoria’s Ian’s career in the City was highly land Lodge No. 2666 and in due course reading of Newbolt’s Vitaï Lampada. An successful as a stockbroker and became Master of that Lodge and a Old Rossallian friend of Ian’s, George Deputy Chairman of Savory Miller Provincial Warden in the Province of Ayres, gave the address. George Ltd. He became a liveryman of the Northumberland. He joined the Old emphasised Ian’s gift of friendship Glaziers’ Company. Cramond’s Cliftonian Lodge in 1961, but never went and his commitment to the stepping verdict on Ian was as follows: ‘Ian through the OC Chair, serving as Assistant stones on his journey through life. was wise beyond his years. He had Director of Ceremonies and in various other His early years at Clifton represented experienced so much more of life offices. He is remembered in the Lodge for a significant milestone as was his from his time in the army. He had a his great distinction as a ritualist, and as a posting from Eaton Hall to the Duke of very tough exterior, and a very soft man with a quiet and unassuming charm. Cornwall’s Light Infantry, then based and sensitive interior.’ He is survived by his widow, Margaret and his son and two daughters. James King

120 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 Mark Lowe wrote to the Editor just before In 1969 Robin moved to the Peterborough Robin Guthrie’s death to submit an article as New Town Development Corporation a friend and man whom he greatly admired. as Social Development Officer. While at Robin died before the article was complete so Peterborough, he established basic services Mark has submitted this in its place as both a in Health, Education, Churches, Sport, the Arts, Social Services and Voluntary tribute to a distinguished OC and as an obituary. Organisations. Talking with Robin many years later, I had a strong impression that Peterborough was the place where Robin felt most fulfilled and happy, helping his ROBIN GUTHRIE fellow human beings in direct, practical 1937-2009 ways – and this was where he met his wife, Sally, and started his very happy family life. obin Guthrie (OH 1950-56), who kindly said, “Oh well, but you play the Following Peterborough, Robin moved died on Easter Sunday this year, horn….” After Cambridge, Robin went to to the Department of Health and Social was a distinguished and very Liverpool University to train as a teacher. R Security, where he worked in the office unusual public servant. Not only was “Liverpool was a wonderful change after of the Chief Scientist as Assistant Director he outstandingly able, a first-rate and Cambridge”, he said. in charge of Social Work Services. He thoughtful administrator, and an excellent In 1963, Robin was wondering what led negotiations between Central and writer and speaker: he was also a deeply career to follow. Tossing up between Local Government on the funding of the caring and compassionate man, always the prison service and teaching in Social Services. He also directed research seeking ways to alleviate suffering and an inner-city comprehensive, he was into social services based on the so-called enrich people’s lives – and he was an approached by Canon Eric James to Rothschild “customer contracts” principle. expert and sensitive musician. There become Warden of Cambridge House, However, although Robin carried out can be few lives so rich in achievement, the University settlement in South this work with his customary skill and so varied, and so beneficial to so many London. He stayed there until 1969. As dedication, I had the impression, when we people as Robin’s. He was a great man. he put it later, “I learned so much there talked, that he was not altogether happy – about slums, about disruption caused The achievements started at Clifton. He at the DHSS. He was not by nature a by redevelopment, children, young was Head of School in 1956. That year the bureaucrat; he was a man of action who people, employment and unemployment, Commemoration prizes were given away liked to implement as well as formulate illiteracy, the elderly, and much more.” by his father, WKC Guthrie, Professor policy – he liked to roll up his sleeves. of Ancient Philosophy and Master of He wrote about his experiences in New In 1979, Robin moved to York as Director Downing College, Cambridge. Robin led Society. In “The New Blitz”, published in of the Joseph Rowntree Memorial Trust. the cheers for his father, and then went 1968, he describes how a young couple He was responsible for a £5 million on to perform a Scottish sword dance were first promised a new home after programme of research and development and play the horn in the festivities that two years; this was later changed to “work” and its relation to important followed. It was a proud day for father twenty years. Their lives were completely unpaid activities such as caring. While at and son, and a curtain raiser for all that disrupted and all their plans negated. A York, Robin also became involved with was to follow. corner shop was left standing in an area of demolished houses. The elderly couple the Arts Council, becoming Chairman Within ten days of leaving Clifton as Head who ran the shop lost their market and of the Yorkshire Regional Committee Boy, Robin took the train to Inverness their livelihood, with no compensation and subsequently a member of the as a soldier. He joined the Cameron offered. They became destitute and were Governing Body of the Arts Council of Highlanders because the regiment was separated. These are just two examples of Great Britain. He also took on many fighting in Malaya, and Robin wanted to thousands that could have been cited – of other local responsibilities, including experience active service. However, the lives disrupted by insensitive bureaucracy Member of the Council of the University regiment was diverted to Aden during the and uncaring planners remote from the of York and Chairman of the Yorkshire Suez Crisis. When Robin was eventually people they were supposed to serve. Arts Association. He bought a spacious commissioned, he was sent to the barracks This experience coloured Robin’s entire Victorian house and garden set on a hill, at Inverness, where he led a lonely career. He spent his life helping the kind which was to be his warm and much-loved existence for the next eighteen months, of people who had suffered in South family home for the rest of his life. Robin enlivened at weekends by trips around London. was very much at home in York. the Highlands in an old banger that he had bought for £32. In later life, Robin While at Cambridge House, Robin initiated In 1988 Robin was head-hunted to always regretted that he had not seen various projects to assist the people he become the Chief Charity Commissioner active service. worked with. Particularly successful was a for England and Wales. He was now Literacy Scheme which tackled the problem responsible for the good governance, legal In 1958, Robin went to Trinity College, of adult illiteracy in South London at status and finance of all English and Welsh Cambridge. He played the horn in that time. He also taught in a Brixton charities, reporting to the Home Secretary the CU Musical Society under the Comprehensive, and studied for an MSc and the Public Accounts Committee. baton of Sir David Willcocks. He read (Econ) at LSE. He was already displaying He steered a new Charities Act through Classics, following his father, mother the capacity for sustained, focused hard Parliament, computerised the Register and sister, all of whom got First Class work and intellectual discipline that of Charities and modernised the work of degrees. When Robin got a 2.1 they characterised his entire career. the Commission. While at this post, Robin

OBITUARIES 121 9146 a�vert 12.11.9:Layout 1 12/11/09 12:21 Page 1

gave a number of public lectures. Charity Arts Board, York St John University, and Bishop of Southwark. Robin described and the Nation, the fifth Arnold Goodman York Museums and Galleries Trust, and Mervyn Stockwood as “a man of huge Charity Lecture, reveals, a lot about was also a Trustee generosity, commitment and godliness, Robin’s professional style and approach. for the Thalidomide Trust. with whom I was closely associated The text is beautifully clear and logical over at least two decades.” Of all the What made Robin tick? Where did that (the training of Classics shines through). influences that helped mould Robin at idealism, devotion to duty and self- He has done his homework: every Clifton, Stockwood’s was perhaps the discipline come from? He owed much to relevant document is referred to. He most profound. Finally, Captain Palmer, his family background. His father was an ‘The Best School of All’ follows the rules of the game: there are Douglas Fox and Clifton music. Captain eminent scholar, a man of great courtesy elegant tributes to Lord Goodman and Palmer was the bandmaster. He taught and gentleness, an effective administrator other Charity worthies. He has thought all the wind instruments. Robin liked to and leader at Cambridge University. deeply about the issues confronting tell the story of how he took up the horn. Anybody who reads his classic The Greeks British charities at that time. He calls for “Captain Palmer seized me one Sunday 150 years of Clifton College and their Gods will notice the exquisite efficient governance and sound finance afternoon. “Horn”, he said, and I did. style of writing, the lightly-worn but vast long before these were generally seen A demanding but blessed instrument. I erudition, and the author’s deep love for as essential to effective charity work. played it at Clifton and even in Inverness, his subject. Robin’s mother and sister were Robin also shows that he has what Denis where there was a unique performance also academically distinguished. He was Healey used to call “hinterland” – he of the Hunting Chorus from Weber’s Der the product of a high-powered, loving was well read and uses appropriate Freischutz for horn and bagpipe…” home. quotations from diverse sources. The I first got to know Robin through lecture is clearly the work of a cultivated Robin also owed much to Clifton. I think music. I was a second year Cambridge person with wide interests far beyond there were four key influences. First, undergraduate, passionately keen on the his professional sphere. The lecture has responsibility. As Head Boy, Robin gained music of Janacek. A group of us wanted charm and authority. early experience of leadership. He to study and perform that composer’s enjoyed responsibility and he was very After four years at the Charity Wind Sextet, Mladi (Youth), but we lacked good at organisation. Early responsibility Commission, Robin took on a new and a horn player. I happened to go down to coloured all his later life. Second, Sir even greater challenge. He moved to Clifton before Christmas, and heard the Desmond Lee and the Cambridge/ the Council of Europe as Director of School Orchestra playing Borodin’s Prince Clifton Classical tradition. Robin was Economic and Social Affairs. He was Igor Suite. The horn solo was immaculately a star Desmond Lee pupil. From the now responsible for co-ordinating a played, and I asked Captain Palmer who Headmaster, Robin acquired those habits vast range of Europe-wide policy. Fields the hornplayer was. “Guthrie, Head Boy”, of clear and logical thinking, and the included population and demography, he answered. I knew Robin a little already elegant writing style, that characterised immigration, drugs control, social security (we shared a Cambridge background). all his later work. At Lee’s feet, Robin and social services, health, employment When we got talking I asked him if he also developed the love of classical legislation, and food standards. Robin would like to join our Cambridge team authors that he never lost and which so initiated major projects in Human Dignity during the school holidays. He said influenced his thinking and his writing and Social Exclusion (these projects “Yes”, and we soon started rehearsing, style; Demosthenes, Cicero, Aristotle, deeply influenced the British Labour Plato, and Lee’s beloved Zeno and assisted by the young Colin Davis, then Government’s social policies, as well as Juvenal. Third, the Reverend Mervyn Chamber Music coach to the university. those of other European governments). Stockwood and the Christian faith. Robin played the technically demanding He also set up and managed a population Robin was brought up a Presbyterian, music flawlessly, and with great sensitivity. census in Macedonia. Robin dealt with listening to 40-minute sermons every He quickly entered into the unfamiliar this monumental range of responsibilities Sunday. While he was at Clifton, his sound-world of Janacek. He understood by organising conferences in the major faith was given added focus and a social that Janacek’s melodies are influenced fields, each conference providing a set dimension by Stockwood. That great by the speech rhythms of the Czech of guidelines for governments to work priest was then vicar of a slum parish in language and played those melodies on. Robin visited all the countries of the Bristol. There were many stories about with rare feeling. We gave some of the Council of Europe (27 when he started him. One day the bailiffs came to turf a first performances of that magical work in 1992, 40 by the time he retired in parishioner’s family out of their home in Britain. Robin’s playing of the horn E� ite� by 1998). He became a greatly respected because the father was unemployed and part was a highlight. I sense that Robin’s international figure. CHERYL TRAFFORD unable to pay the rent. Stockwood stood musicianship was a vital part of him. He Robin never really retired. Instead, on in the door and prevented the bailiffs took the trouble to master a very difficult reaching the age of 60, he took on a from entering the house. He later found instrument, as he mastered everything variety of new responsibilities, many the money from rich parishioners to pay else that he tackled. He empathised with unpaid. They included Consultant to his rent. Stockwood was a compelling the spirit and emotions of music, playing the York University team contracted to public speaker, too; those of who heard with deep feeling, as he empathised with Publication November 2009 the PHARE Consensus Programme for his sermons at Clifton will never forget people too. the Development of Social Protection in them. Robin worked with Stockwood Robin, this great and unique man, was Central and Eastern Europe, consultant in the Bristol slums. When he went to not only the scion of a distinguished to the GHK International Project on local Cambridge, Stockwood had moved there family, but also the product of a great government in Slovakia, Chair of the York as Vicar of the University Church of St school – Clifton. Early Music Foundation, the Yorkshire Mary’s, and when Robin went to South Celebrate Clifton’s 150th with this beautifully illustrate� har� back Regional Arts Board, the English Regional London, there was Stockwood again, now Mark Lowe (OH 1947-1952) from Third Millennium Publishing 122 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 Visit www.tmiltd.com to subscribe today 9146 a�vert 12.11.9:Layout 1 12/11/09 12:21 Page 1

‘The Best School of All’ 150 years of Clifton College

E� ite� by CHERYL TRAFFORD

Publication November 2009

Celebrate Clifton’s 150th with this beautifully illustrate� har� back from Third Millennium Publishing

Visit www.tmiltd.com to subscribe today From the archives

ne of the joys of editing a played in supplying the men needed Australia accompanied this find, along publication such as this is the to run an empire. They certainly with a table plan for an OC Dinner held O“serendipitous” discovery whilst didn’t stint themselves when it came just before the outbreak of the First World rummaging around for archive material to dining – it would be nice to know War. Mr Lodge writes: to support and article or a feature. The of what Tomates Moderne consisted! A In reorganising some old family papers I menu below was discovered in a box of letter from Henry Lodge in Western came across the enclosed records of two Old odds and ends in the OC Office. The Cliftonian Dinners, one held in Simla in idea of OCs belting out Auld Lang Syne 1912 and the other at the Hotel Cecil in and the School Song in the middle of 1914. the Raj is somehow appealing and a reminder of the role schools like Clifton My grandfather, Thomas Soutter Lodge, attended Clifton College and I can only presume these records were in his possession when he died in 1938 and have simply been kept by his family since that date. However, I can conjecture as to how these records came to be in his possession as he was not present at either of the functions. TS Lodge was born in 1852 at 7, The Grove, Highgate, London. He was the youngest of the 14 children born to Robert John Lodge (1809-1893 – a Marine Insurance Broker) and Mary Ann Lodge (nee Soutter, 1810- 1894). I do not know the dates TSL attended Clifton but it must have been during the 1860s and possibly into the early 1870s.

124 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 left Clifton in 1875 and I think this must be a mistake – more likely 1872. Bush played county cricket for Gloucestershire at some time. As regards the Simla function I note that a Major Souter of the 14th Lancers is recorded as having attended and perhaps he was a TSL and his friend from Clifton College days, then he lived in Bristol until his death. While relative of TSL on his mother’s side. I have no Robert Edwin Bush, together came to the living in Bristol he regularly visited Western information of any such relationship. Swan River Colony (now Western Australia) Australia in his capacity as a director of in 1875 on the ship “Lady Elizabeth”. TSL We are grateful to Henry Lodge for Dalgety Ltd. married and remained in Western Australia writing in and sending us the originals with his family until his death in 1938. He I can only guess that the “Plan of Tables” of which will now be placed in the College made one trip back to the UK in 1893. RE the Hotel Cecil function was sent or given Archives. Mr Lodge attended Hale School Bush returned to the UK in 1914 (he was to TSL by RE Bush who had attended this in Western Australia which was set up by at the Hotel Cecil Dinner in that year) and Dinner. Incidentally, Bush is shown as having Bishop Hale in 1858.

THE MONKEY PUZZLE

ne of the many stories that have Europe was over and, although there was so home ties were not demanding and passed into Clifton folklore is the severe austerity, the very feeling of the family visits were mostly rare. We planned Omystery of the College’s possible permanence of the College instilled within various adventures for any spare time at involvement in monkeys escaping from us a feeling of confi dence and optimism school – we had little money and there the Zoo just after the war. After extensive for our futures. was nothing to buy anyway – and enjoyed investigative journalism on this Magazine’s A prolonged period of success at games much of our school holidays together part, we can now reveal what really during this period helped to create a huge climbing, caving, camping and canoeing happened in 1946 – in other words, CM House spirit within Dakyns’. Seven of the and, ultimately, sailing, which continued Brown has written, coming clean with a 1945 XI and eight of the 1947 XV were long after Clifton. The form of transport full account of the escapade! His account, Dakyns’ boys and there was considerable was usually hitch-hiking, frequently an entitled GOLDEN YEARS, 1945-1948, for rowing, swimming and boxing talent as adventure in itself. which the editor is extremely grateful, is well. Rodney Exton was already playing One escapade we were involved in was the printed below. cricket for Hampshire, Peter Young went escape in June 1946 of 20 Rhesus monkeys We were a lucky group of boys, too on to captain England at Rugby Football from Bristol Zoo. There has been some young to be involved in WW2, but able and Tom Penny became Head of School speculation over the years as to the identity to experience, when evacuated, the wild and captain of just about everything. of the culprits but it has never been setting and freedom of Bude, where we There were good brains as well to provide accurate. There were, in fact, just the six, had learned how to be self-suffi cient and all-round stimulation. including myself. We were high-spirited, adaptable, before moving back in May It was a golden period with carefree without a care and not yet restrained by 1945 to the structured College setting conditions for the forming of lasting positions of responsibility in either the of Clifton with its fi ne teaching and and valued friendships particularly with House or the School. We had become tied sports facilities, grand buildings and a others in the same House. Many parents down preparing for the School Certifi cate House-based culture. The war in had been in the Services or based abroad exams the following month, felt frustrated

FROM THE ARCHIVES 125 and a need to be unshackled and though in pitch-darkness and not seeing a soul, back to Dakyns’ believing that our it would be befi tting if, at the same time, carried them in complete silence to the objective had failed. we could provide some freedom for the Fives Courts. One was to scale the 10ft However, most of the monkeys had monkeys in the monkey temple within wall topped with broken glass, the second climbed the ladder and escaped into the Bristol Zoo. The temple is situated just to get down into the Zoo the other side trees in the Zoo gardens. One of them over the Zoo’s perimeter wall behind the and the third, the long one, to put down resisted capture for over three weeks. College’s Fives Courts. into the bottom of the circular-walled pit in which the concrete temple stood. The escape was reported in both the The planning was simple because all local and national press, thankfully, in that was required were three ladders, We thought that the sound of putting an amusing way. We did not tell anyone including one of 20ft, all of which we the ladder into the pit would cause the about our involvement and, although located amongst maintenance equipment monkeys to slip out through the fl ip- there were suspicions within the House, kept near the Rackets Court, and a team fl op temple doors to investigate but we were never questioned about it. of six, with fl ashlights, to carry them little they remained completely undisturbed. CM Brown sent this account to Charlie more than two hundred yards. Looking So, Mike Adams descended the ladder Colquhoun who would have been much back, I do not think it had occurred to the bottom of the pit to wake them amused by it and hence we now share it to us that if six youths were spotted in up. Meanwhile, many of the birds and with a wider audience. The author in his the middle of the night in a public area animals in the Zoo were starting to react letter refers to “extremely happy times” carrying ladders, they would, at the very noisily and, in order to avoid risk of least, have been stopped and questioned. – indeed, they were! discovery, we decided to leave the After midnight, suitably clad, we broke ladder in the pit, remove and leave the out of Dakyns’, collected the ladders and, other two ladders and retreat rapidly

Discovered Album

rs Diana Eberle, widow of John left the school in 1900. Two of these are (NT 1928-1936) who died last reproduced here – the more fascinating Myear and, amongst many of being a photograph of the Clifton v One is led to wonder how many his achievements, scored 106* in the Marlborough match on The Close in photographs and memorabilia concerning Clifton v Tonbridge match at Lord’s in 1898 – note the touch-judge and his the College are lying in cupboards and July 1936, has kindly donated an album stick, presumably to help the referee drawers all round the country! If any she discovered whilst going through ensure that the throw at the line-out is OC has any records or archive material his things. It contains some fascinating straight! We are very grateful to Mrs with which they are willing to part, we photographs of North Town sport in Eberle for donating this album and would be very happy to receive it and the late 1890s and features, of course, it has come at an apposite time since, can certainly now assure all concerned one of the many members of the Eberle at last, the College is in the process of that they will be properly catalogued and family who came to Clifton. In the sorting out the archives and locating a looked after. album are pictures of GSJF Eberle who permanent site for them in the school. RJA

126 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 FRONTIER ANNOUNCES IMPORTANCE OF GAP YEAR VOLUNTEERS TO VITAL CONSERVATION WORK

Frontier is one of the UK’s leading conservation and adventure travel providers. They offer projects spe- cialising in conservation, education and exploration, in over 50 countries and across 5 continents. These projects are aimed at gap year students and career breakers with a conscience and a budget.

01 June 2009…New research carried out by ex-Frontier staff has shown the importance of ongoing vol- unteer work, undertaken largely by gap year students, in conserving one of the world’s most threatened areas. Due to Madagascar’s considerable financial, labour and training constraints, help from volunteers in field work is often one of the only viable options for countries in these situations.

Work published by Neil D’Cruze, David Henson, An- nette Olsson and David Emmett, all of whom worked on the Frontier-Madagascar research programme, has highlighted gaps in existing research on reptiles and amphibians in Madagascar. These animals are an important group to study as their abundance can often serve as a health indicator of other species in the area. The investigation, published in the journal Herpetological Review, stresses the need for more research to be carried out.

“Frontier has been at the forefront of volunteer- based conservation research for twenty years,” says Dr Mark Steer, Frontier’s Research and Develop- ment Manager. “It is very satisfying to know that the hard work our field staff and volunteers put into the projects is appreciated by the scientific community at large, and continues to have a vital role in conserv- ing the world’s most endangered habitats.” PRICES FROM £350 “Many of the areas in which we have worked in Mad- agascar, for example, have subsequently received government protection. We will continue to highlight the importance of the island’s unprotected areas to conserve its unique biodiversity.” FGASA Field Guiding Qualifications

Madagascar is home to an incredible array of wildlife, 80% of which are endemic to the island. However, Madagascar is also suffering high levels of habitat destruction and species extinction which make it a great conservation concern.

New species continue to be discovered in Madagascar each year but the increased rate of habitat loss could greatly impact understanding of the diversity in Madagascan habitats. Volunteers are urgently needed to help with the collection of vital data that can help save threatened habitats through the implementation of government protection.

Frontier offers 250 projects located in 50 countries spanning 5 continents. Other conservation projects include Costa Rica, Big Cats, Turtles and Climate Change, China Panda Breeding Centre, Orangutan Conservation in Borneo, Tanzania African Wildlife Conservation Adventure and Fiji Marine Conservation & Diving among many others.

For further details about the expeditions and projects Frontier offer contact 0207 6132422 or visit www.frontier.ac.uk Branch Secretaries OC Clubs ENGLAND Birmingham: P.N. Fowles, 23 Westfield Close, Dorridge, Solihull B93 8DY. Tel: (01564) 771 217. E-mail: [email protected] HON. SECRETARIES Bristol: J.R.A Williams, Basement Flat, 41 Caledonia Place, Bristol BS8 4DN. Old Cliftonian Lodge No. 3340 Tel: 07876 684602(m). E-mail: [email protected] Cambridge: S.C. Adelman, 90 Sleaford St, Cambridge CB2 1TP. Tel: (01223) The regular meetings of the Lodge are held 813399, 07866 313928(m). E-mail: [email protected] at Freemasons’ Hall, Great Queen Street, also George Greenbury (Gonville and Caius) and Alys Holland London on the third Thursdays in January, (St Catharine’s) October and November, and the fourth Cumbria: P.R. Johnson, Badgers, Gateside, Cartmel, Grange over Sands Thursday in April. The November meeting LA11 7NR. Tel: (01539) 536 536. E-mail: [email protected] is usually moved by dispensation to Bristol Devon & Cornwall: O.R. Cole, Josephs Garden, West Buckland, and is held at Freemasons’ Hall, Park Street, Kingsbridge, Devon TQ7 3AF. Tel; (01548) 561 006. Bristol. Secretary: John Acton, 17 Moorend E-mail: [email protected] Glade, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham, Glos. Dorset & Wiltshire: George Harris, 6 Chaveney Close, Dibden Purlieu, Southampton, GL53 9AT; tel: 01242 578557; email: Hants. SO45 4JW. Tel: (02380) 848655(h) (02380) 894919(o) [email protected] 07968 233361(m). E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected] Old Cliftonian golfing society East Midlands: C.D. Sinnett, 3 Kirklands Yard, Main Street, Kneeton, Nottingham, Robert C. Bennett, 69 Ridgeway Road, Notts. NG13 8JS. E-mail: [email protected] Long Ashton, Bristol BS41 9EZ. Tel: (01275) London: R.W.M. Haines, Flat 2, 26 Cole Street, London SE1 4YH. 392 529. E-mail: [email protected]. Bob Tel: 07747 048033. E-mail: [email protected] would like to hear from any O.Cs wishing Manchester & Cheshire (incorporating Merseyside & North Wales): to join the Golfing Society, also from any J.M. Dean, P.O. Box 22, Denton, Manchester M34 3JG. members wishing to play in matches. Tel: (0161) 337 9665. Northumberland & Co. Durham: Old Cliftonian rackets club D.S. Penny, Old Station House, Powburn, Alnwick, N.J.B. Cooper, 5 College Fields, Clifton, Northumberland NE6 4HU. Tel: (01665) 578 476. Bristol BS8 3HP. Tel: (0117) 974 4146. Oxford: Olivia Kaufmann, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford. E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected] Old Cliftonian shooting club Tel: (01580) 830 221. E-mail: [email protected] A.D. Venables, Henwick Manor, Henwick, Yorkshire: C.S. Gibbs, 27 Morritt Avenue, Halton, Leeds LS15 7EP. Thatcham, Berks RG18 9HR. Tel: (01635) Tel: (0113) 294 6953. E-mail: [email protected] 877 161. E-mail: [email protected] SCOTLAND I.S. MacFarlane, 11 Hawkcraig Road, Aberdour, Fife KY3 0XB. Tel: (01383) 860626. E-mail: [email protected] Old Cliftonian real tennis club P.J. Probyn, 21 Pembroke Road, Clifton, WALES Cardiff & South Wales: P.D.B. Dolan, Llantrithyd House, Llantrithyd, Nr. Bonvilston, Bristol BS8 3BA. Tel: (0117) 973 8884(h) S. Glam CF71 7UB. Tel: (01446) 781 315 or 07785 363187. (0117) 923 2259(o) E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] NORTHERN R.M. Ridley, 2 Shelling Ridge, Ravarnett, Lisburn, Co Antrim BT27 5DW. Old Cliftonian fives club IRELAND Tel: (02892) 662 048. P.W. Dunscombe, 15 Archfield Road, Cotham, ISLE OF MAN D.O. Winterbottom, 37 Sea Cliff Road, King Edward Bay, Onchan, Isle of Man IM3 Bristol BS6 6BD. Tel: (0117) 924 5314. 2JG. Tel: (01624) 670 732. CHANNEL IS. N.R. Landor, Pres du Moulin, Rue du Moulin, St Matin, Jersey, C.I. JE3 6AH. Old Cliftonian soccer club Tel: (01534) 852 772. M.J. Barrett, c/o 10A College Fields, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3HP. Tel: 07870 196972. EIRE J.P. Comerford, 21 Walton’s Grove, Mt Juliet, Thomastown, Co Kilkenny, Eire. Tel: 01483 224 271 or Chestnut Farm, Ockham Lane, Woking, Surrey GU23 6NP. Old Cliftonian rugby club ARABIAN GULF Lt. Col. H.N. Moulton-Thomas, Office of COSSAF, MAM, P.O.Box 113, Postal Code Kevin Ho, Flat 814 Point West, 116 Cromwell 113, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. Tel: (968) 903 304. E-mail: [email protected] Road, London SW7 4XJ. Tel: (0207) 370 6467. AUSTRALIA New South Wales: R. K. Whiley, 4 Cresta Close, St Ives, N.S.W. 2075, Australia. E-mail: [email protected] Tel: (612) 9983 9642. E-mail: [email protected] Old Cliftonian cricket club Queensland: R. R. Griffiths, 70 Peary Street, Northgate, Brisbane 4013, Queensland, Australia. E-mail: [email protected] Cricket Week & Cricketer Cup Captain: Tasmania: P. A. Newsom, J.P., 207 St John Street, Robert Swetman, 12 Dublin Crescent, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia. Henleaze, Bristol BS9 4NA Western Australia: J.W. Foulsham, 12 Florence Street, Cottesloe 6011, Western Tel: 07773 786004 Australia. E-mail: [email protected] Secretary: J. Davies, 20 Logan Road, Bishopston, Bristol. Tel: (0117) 9422119, BELGIUM R. M. Lewis, Afrikalaan 6, 3080 Tervuren, Belgium. 07866 440958 (mob). Tel: (322) 767 8153. E-mail: [email protected] Treasurer: B.M.O. Gibbs, 1st Floor Flat, CANADA Atlantic Provinces (incorporating New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and 7 Granville Park, London SE17 7DY. Newfoundland: (Members 4), D. R. Baird, C.D., F.C.A., Baird & Associates Inc., Tel: 020 8318 5404. E-mail: Baird Buildings, P.O. Box 638, Baird’s Cove, St. John’s, [email protected] Newfoundland A1C 5K8, Canada. Tel: (709) 722 9093. E-mail: [email protected] Old Cliftonian cross country Quebec: (Members 3), C. H. Pickwoad, 363 Redfern Avenue, Westmount, Simon Tait, Clifton College, 32 College Road, Quebec H3Z 2G4, Canada. Clifton, Bristol BS8 3JH. Tel: (0117) 3157 350. Tel: (514) 937 0438. E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] British Columbia: (Members 24), H. C. G. Earle, 6175 Berwick Street, South Burnaby, British Columbia V5H 1W3, Canada. Tel: (604) 437 1238. 128 the CLIFTON MAGAZINE 2009 Old Cliftonian CZECH REPUBLIC M. Burda, Holubice 268, 68351 Czech Republic. Tel: (42) 507 92878. EAST AFRICA Kenya: S. H. Johnson, Rosslyn Lone Tree Estate, P.O. Box 42878, Nairobi 00100, Kenya. Society Tel: (2542) 520647. E-mail: [email protected] OFFICERS AND OTHERS FAR EAST Hong Kong: N. Pirie, Central Chambers, 509-510, Tower 2, Lippo Centre, President: Mr David Jones 89 Queensway, Hong Kong. Tel: (852) 2521 3517 Vice Presidents: Mr Richard Harris V.K-M. Law, Flat 2D, Block 5, Grand Del Sol, Yuen Long, New Territories, Hong Kong. Mr James Williams Chairman of the Executive Committee: FRANCE C. J. Yeandle, Le Bois Renault, 61320 La Lacelle, France. Tel: (33) 2332 81037. Mr Nicholas Tolchard GERMANY Refer to O.C. Secretary Deputy Chairman: Mrs Vanessa Walsh Honorary Treasurer: Mr Michael Butterfield GIBRALTAR B. A. H. Callaghan, c/o Callaghan Insurance Brokers Ltd, Suite 827 Europort, Secretary: Mr Tom Gover (September 2008 Gibraltar. Tel: 349 5661 5160. E-mail: [email protected] to September 2009) INDIA A. B. Lall, B-25 Chiragh Enclave, New Delhi 110-048, India. Tel: (9111) 641 6185. Mr Simon Reece (from October 2009) ISRAEL Dr. S. P. Kurer, KJJ Dental Office, Keren Hayeson 29A, Jerusalem 94188, Israel. E-mail: [email protected] TRUSTEES Custodian Trustees (all funds): JAPAN Masafumi Usui, 5-9-1 Nishi-Kasai, Edogawa-ku, Tokyo 134 0088, Japan. OC (Clifton College) Nominees Ltd Tel: (813) 3687 9893. E-mail: [email protected] Directors: Mr Richard Harris MEXICO J. McK. Gibbs, Francisco Sosa 74, Coyoacan 04000, Mexico City. Mr Pat Howe Tel: (525) 658 5376. E-mail: [email protected] Mr Nicholas Tolchard THE NETHERLANDS C. W. Mander, Bloemendaalsewg 9a, Bloemendaal, 2061CA, The Netherlands. Mr David Tosh Tel: 3165 582 0902. Secretary: Mr Simon Reece NEW ZEALAND C. J. R. Weston, 184 Kepa Road, Orakei, Auckland 1071, New Zealand. Managing Trustees (all funds): Tel: 0649 521 8031(h) 0649 366 1148(o) 0642 190 5565(m). The Executive Committee E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected] Auditors: Horwath Clark Whitehill PAKISTAN S. T. Ali, 67 FCC Syed, Maratib Ali Road, Gulgere 11, Lahore, Pakistan. Tel: (9242) 972 967. FINANCE COMMITTEE PORTUGAL H. R. Paton, Quinta Dos Vinhedos, Vale Robelho, Praia Da Galé, P.O. Box 2116, Mr Michael Butterfield 8200-424 Albufeira, Portugal. Tel: (351) 289 591346. Mr Mark Eldridge SOUTH AFRICA Western Province: N. H. Drury, P.O. Box 681, Rondebosch 7701, Cape Town, S. Mr Tom Gover Africa. Mr Christopher Pople E-mail: [email protected] Mr Simon Reece North West Province & Natal (Gauteng & Kwa Zulu Natal): Mr Nicholas Tolchard D. G. Williams, 13 Neale Crescent, Northcliff Extension 22, Johannesburg 2195, South Africa. Tel: 00 2711 478 0483. [email protected] ORDINARY MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE SPAIN S. Reed, Gral. Moscardó 15 - 1a. Planta - B, 28020 Madrid, Spain. Appointed 2005: Tel: (34) 675 398 838. E-mail: [email protected] Mrs Katherine Jeffery (née Virgo) SRI LANKA A.S. Newman, 92B Bobebila, Makuldenya, Nr Teldenya, Central Province, Sri Lanka. Mr Matthew Windows Tel/Fax: (94) 81 2400294, Mobile: (94) 776 004687, Appointed 2006: Mr Richard Moffat E-mail: [email protected] (bus), [email protected] (per), Mrs Georgie Wooler (néeWebb) Website: www.rangalahouse.com Appointed 2007: Mr Christopher Barnard-Jones SWITZERLAND A. W. Travis, Chemin des Chevreuils, Sus-Chatel, CH-1272 Genolier, Switzerland. Appointed 2008: Dr Bob Acheson Tel: (41) 22 366 3031. E-mail: [email protected] Mr Julyan Capper Mr Mark Eldridge THAILAND D. S. Sariputra, 233/2 Park Avenue, Sri Nakarin Road, Patanakarn, Bangkok 10260, Thailand. Tel: (662) 398 2073. E-mail: [email protected] CO-OPTED MEMBER OF THE TURKEY S. G. R. Bryant, Yazanlar Sok 16/10, A. Ayranci, Ankara 06540, Turkey. Tel: (90) 312 436 3227. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OC Society representative on the Council U.S.A. California South: Nicki Parr, P.O. Box 40156, Santa Barbara, CA 93140-0156, Mr Christopher Pople U.S.A. California North: P. A. D. Evans, Paladin Capital Management, 41 Sutter Street, Suite 710, San Francisco, CA 94104, U.S.A. Tel: (415) 981 EDITOR OF THE CLIFTON MAGAZINE 1725. Dr Bob Acheson

East Coast: D. B. L. Royle, 5415 Potomac Avenue North West, Washington D.C. 20016, U.S.A. Tel: (202) 966 7622(h) (202) 775 6592(o). THE OLD CLIFTONIAN SOCIETY E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected] Address: The Garden Room, 3 Worcester Road, Clifton, ZIMBABWE S. C. Metcalfe, 22 Woodholme Road, Emerald Hill, Harare, Zimbabwe. Bristol BS8 3JL Tel/Fax: (263) 433 6687 Telephone: 0117 315 7155 / 315 7662 Fax: 0117 315 7603 The Secretary of the O.C. Society asks O.Cs who are going abroad to work, to communicate with him, E-mail: [email protected] so that he may put them in touch with the local branch in the district to which they are going. Website: www.cliftoncollegeuk.com