Newsletter Spring 2017

Follow us on Facebook: OldQueenians 1 President’s There are a number of reunions in the Summer Term; these are listed on Page page 4. If it’s been a while since you last went to an OQ dinner, reunion or event, elcome I can say they are surprisingly good to the fun, and often a fantastic networking Wfirst Old opportunity. They’re also an integral Queenians newsletter part of our objective to retain and renew of 2017 and my first old friendships and to make new ones as President. between old, not so old, and soon to be Old Qs. By attending an event, you might I would like to thank my predecessor, reconnect with an old friend; make Ben Porter (1998 – 2003), for his efforts new friends; open a door to someone over the past two years, and it’s great professionally; or, perhaps, find your that he will remain on the Committee. future husband or wife … stranger things At a well-attended AGM in November, have happened! Alicia Edwards (1998 – 2012), accepted the position of Vice President which is If you have any suggestions for future terrific. I am also pleased to welcome OQ events or if you’re planning your own Mike Gough (1969 – 1976), Amy Alger- ‘unofficial’ OQ meet up/reunion, please Green (2004 – 2010) and Oscar Webb do let Geoff, Kathryn and Ken in the (2009 – 2016) as members of the OQA Development Office know. They love to Committee. It will be great to have new hear your news, and would be pleased to faces and fresh ideas around the table assist you. over the coming years. In the meantime, check out the OQA Since ‘taking office’ in November pages hosted on the school’s new 2016, I’ve attended a number of OQA website to see what Old Queenians have social events including the November been getting up to. It can be accessed Remembrance Dinner and the hockey via www.oldqueenians.com. Also, matches the following day, the Vintage make sure to follow the school’s and Lunch, and the Taunton and London the association’s Twitter and Facebook Christmas dinners. There are details accounts for bang-up-to-date news. about these events in this newsletter. All were a great chance to catch up with old I hope you have a great 2017. friends and meet new faces. Mark Davenport (1997 – 2005)

2 The Development Page

ince the Wyvern Wall initiative was summer – not only those in Year 13 announced in the last newsletter but also those who did so last July, Sthere has been considerable interest whatever their cohort. in it. The picture shows you what it looks like, with the name of each contributor This edition of the newsletter will be clearly visible and, for OQs, the dates sent to all OQs for whom we have an when they were at school. The Wyvern email address. It appears that many, Wall occupies a prominent place in the especially those of a young generation, Dining Hall. The names of OQs, teachers would prefer to receive the newsletter and friends of the school can be added to this way. However, if you do receive a the Wyvern Wall for £50. Please contact newsletter electronically but would the Development Office if you would like prefer a paper copy, please let us know to be involved. The proceeds go to the and we will ensure one is posted to you. Queen’s College Taunton Foundation. Only those for whom we do not have an email address have been sent a paper An important change was made last copy. If you are one of these, do please year in defining the membership of let us know what your email address is the OQA. Until recently, former pupils - even if you would prefer the newsletter of the School only became OQs when to be posted in future. Please also keep they reached the age of 18 years even us updated on any changes of address if they had left Queen’s at a younger (email or postal). We are dependent age. This qualification has been on you for news so please let us know abandoned. As such, it is a pleasure of anything of interest, whether of a to offer a belated welcome into the personal or more general nature. OQA to all those who left Queen’s last Ken Bird and Geoff Bisson

3 The Cover entered a Cosplay competition in Manchester last summer and won a Costume prize for their costumes. The picture on the front cover of this newsletter Lucy Robertshaw (2003 - 2013) shows how striking Lucy’s costume is studying Computer Science at was and it is unsurprising that it Cardiff University. In tandem with her was rewarded. Later, she attended academic studies she is developing her Gamescom, Europe’s biggest games interest in computer games. Cosplay convention, when ‘Black Desert - a performance art - has proved to be Online’ was exhibiting. The CEO of very popular. Using the pen name Kazy the game was extremely welcoming Cosplay, Lucy recently wrote an article and so impressed with her costume about her experiences in Gaiscioch that he invited Lucy to attend a games magazine, an online publication for convention in the Netherlands, at computer gamers. In late October the company’s expense. Lucy is now she went to the Comic Con in London preparing for her finals at Cardiff and with her friend, Rhys. The armour sets hopes to secure a place at the Royal they wore were from a game called Welsh College of Music and Drama ‘Black Desert Online’. A newspaper to study Design for Performance, reporter was so taken with their specialising in costume design. Her costumes that he took a photograph interest in this field stems from her which appeared in The Times on A Level Textiles studies at Queen’s. 31st October. Earlier, Lucy and Rhys Geoff Bisson

Reunions

10th June: 1992 Leavers (contact Tim Spoor) with an evening meal at Queen’s 17th June: 1972 Leavers (contact David Crocker) with an evening meal at Queen’s 17th June: 1977 Leavers (contact Andrew Sewell) with an evening meal at the Vivary Arms 24th June: 1967 Leavers (contact Phil Jubb) with an evening meal at Oake Manor Golf Club Each of the above will be preceded with a welcome reception at Queen’s, a tour of the school, time to watch sport or visit Taunton, afternoon tea. 25th June: Annual OQs Summer Sunday (OQs v School Cricket Match; family tennis and swimming, buffet lunch, tours of the school, afternoon tea)

4 News from competition. Our U18 rugby team the Head hosted and competed in a successful West of England 7s tournament winning Boy and two out of five matches against tough Head Girl opposition. They joined the U13 side travelling to the Rosslyn Park National he Taunton and Somerset Sevens tournament. Music Festival was held this Tterm and there were many After winning the West Finals of Indoor pupils from Queen’s involved. Also, Hockey our U18 boys’ team competed there have been many concerts this in the National Finals for the first time term including the informal rock and in Queens’ history. They came fourth unplugged concert which provided in their group, just missing out on the some splendid entertainment. It started semi-finals. They are now enjoying a with the Junior String Quartet which successful season in outdoor hockey; was followed by a range of solo items they are currently unbeaten and are covering all styles of music. advancing strongly through the rounds of the National Cup competition. Tim Ben Brown and Phoebe Webber are Nurse has also been named winner of among 200 pupils selected to take part the ‘Youth, Boys 18 and Under’ category in the Holocaust Education Trust’s as part of the Hockey Writers’ Club Lessons from Auschwitz Project. They Higgins Group youth and junior player of flew to Poland to attend a course and the year awards. to be given a tour of the former Nazi camp. The dance show, ‘Fly’, was performed - inspired by the Ugly Duckling - in In cross country, five pupils from which young actors tackled issues of Queen’s College were selected bullying as good triumphed over evil. It to compete for Somerset at the was a big success and described by the English Schools Championships in County Gazette as being ‘a truly magical Norfolk. Queen’s College swimmers performance’. We now look forward to performed well at the Somerset County the Middle School play, ‘The Lion, the Championships with several of them Witch and the Wardrobe’, which will be gaining county titles and medals. Jacob performed on 18th and 19th May. Greenow went on to represent England Dan Wilde (Head Boy) and in Marseilles at an international Beth Alexander (Head Girl)

5 Volunteering in Sri Lanka

ri Lankans are very proud of their motor skills. We taught English at country, culture and religion and schools and orphanages, with lesson Sanyone who has been fortunate plans swiftly adapted when 30 children enough to make that journey across the turned up instead of five! Indian Ocean, will understand why.

I spent a month volunteering with SLV, on their Psychology Graduate Mental Health Placement, run in partnership with Samutthana, the King’s College London resource centre for trauma, displacement and mental health in Sri Lanka. We ran therapeutic sessions at clinics and community centres for individuals suffering from an array of mental health issues, who were at varying stages of their recovery, along with people with special needs. Engaging, dynamic sessions were tailored to each particular group, Shadowing a psychiatrist, witnessing aiming to stimulate their imagination, appointments and visiting an alcohol whilst improving their cognitive and addiction centre, were invaluable

6 experiences. This exposed me to a huge variety of service users, while highlighting the vast contrast between the mental healthcare system in the UK and Sri Lanka. A creative therapy workshop with a Buddhist monk was insightful, providing a taster of art, my hands, I soon got the hang of it, drama and music therapy, along with making me question the need for mindfulness and meditation. cutlery after all.

I gained a new appreciation and love for the people and culture, their infectious positivity, generosity and ability to strike up a conversation from the simple yet effective; ‘Where are you from?’ While the language barrier was initially daunting, I quickly became a master of charades and basic Sinhalese! I was Weekends and ‘poya’ or public holidays, unable, however, to navigate the roads of which Sri Lanka has many, were set and am not sure I will ever quite grasp aside for travelling. Highlights included their language of beeping horns. the tea plantations, Dambulla’s Buddhist Cave Temple, scenic walks The landscape is truly breathtaking, the and stunning sunsets. I will always culture rich and diverse. However, it is remember a packed train journey the people, who welcomed us with open during which I was hanging out of arms into their homes and looked after the window taking photos, blissfully us like their own children, which make unaware of the crowds of locals trying this country ‘lassanai’, or as we would to find somewhere to sit. Little did I say, ‘truly beautiful’. For those who are know that a whole family were going lucky enough to have been able to call to occupy the seat next to me and we Sri Lanka home for a short while, I hope spent the next eight hours exchanging these words ring true and, to those of food and conversation, albeit somewhat you who haven’t, put it on the bucket squashed! Sri Lankan cuisine definitely list! I would like to thank the OQA for didn’t disappoint and, while I was sponsoring my trip. apprehensive about eating curry with Gemma Bagge (2006 - 2012)

7 Remembrance Weekend

he Ceremony of Remembrance Attendance was good and a genuinely with the Memorial Cross at the positive optimism was evident. New Tcentre of the assembled school appointments were made (see page community on November 11th was very 2). Thanks were extended to Martin moving. The manner in which the pupils Bream for his considerable efforts as lined up, the laying of the wreath, the Secretary and to Michael Randall (1953 placement of crosses for each OQ who - 1961) for looking after the accounts. has died in the services since 1914 The Head Teacher, Dr Lorraine Earps, and the playing of the Last Post were reached out to OQs and expressed her extremely impressive. The stillness and desire to support the OQA in whatever serenity of the occasion was fitting. way she could, a position reciprocated Immediately after proceedings had been by the OQs. The Head also expressed concluded outside, everyone moved to support for developing the school the Queen’s Hall for a service conducted archives as she believes the history of by the Minister of the Temple Methodist Queen’s is central to what it now does. Church, Reverend Stephen Mares. She referred to the challenges facing His message was clear – for peace to be the school and spoke of her plans for achieved it is incumbent on all of us to the future. In particular, she aims to set act: it is not gained by being passive – standards which are high if measured and entirely convincing. nationally not just locally and to develop confident, resilient young people. Also, The following day, on the Saturday she hopes to make what Queen’s offers evening, the AGM of the OQA was held. more affordable and to raise money for

8 bursaries through the Queen’s College tested their younger opponents. The Taunton Foundation. Following the School prevailed in both matches; by meeting, most moved to the OMR where a slender margin in the boys’ fixture they met others for an informal and (5-4) although the girls won by a more simple supper. convincing score (6-1). Following the matches, a buffet lunch was served in the PAC where the trophies were presented by the Head Teacher. About 100 people – players, friends, parents and staff – joined in.

The following played for the OQs (men): James Khodabandheloo , Tom Carpenter, Mark Davenport, Oscar Webb, Ed Waterman, Richard Stock, Max Pike, Martin Johnson, Tim Jones, Robert Clowes, Finlay Quaile, Milo Kite, Matthew Brown.

The following played for the OQs The hockey fixtures played on the (women): Alice Wills, Laura Knight, Sunday morning were a great success Bonnie Free, Amy Alger-Green, Becky and the format of playing a girls and Read, Florence Broderick, Prue Boalch, boys match between the school and Emily Bland, Alice Brayley, Rebecca the OQs has proved to be very popular. Handford, Georgie Longbottom, Elen These days the school teams are very Falkingham, Flora Hood, Laura Fry, strong but the matches were very Livvy Hoskins. competitive and, in both OQs teams, Amy Alger-Green were players of outstanding ability who (2004 - 2010)

9 Stage & Screen convincing performance, was a young Tom Turner (1988 - 1998), who, a month any years ago in the mid-1990s later, gained a place at a prestigious Queen’s College produced London Drama School. In the same Ma musical comedy by Peter production was an equally young and Nichols called ‘Privates on Parade.’ talented Ed Weeks (1989 – 1999), The play is set around the activities and who gained, the same year, a place exploits of the fictional Song and Dance at Cambridge to read English, and a Unit South East Asia (SADUSEA), a year later was the chairman for the mostly gay British military concert party famous Cambridge Footlights. Both are stationed in Singapore and Malaysia now established as successful actors in the late 1940s during the Malayan in a profession notoriously cut-throat Emergency. Arguably, a show which and unstable. Tom lives and works in prompts questions about controversial England while Ed has moved home to issues such as sexual identity and military Los Angeles. incompetence might be deemed to be more scandalous in today’s politically correct Tom’s first world than back in the day. Nevertheless, production at eyebrows, even back in those enlightened Queen’s involved days, were indeed raised. Much to him playing a the amusement of cast, crew and the small role as production team, one particularly the Boatswain in confused School Governor, attempting to Shakespeare’s be sympathetic to the parent of the lead ‘The Tempest’. actor, placed a consoling arm around the This year he’s playing one of the principal father and spoke of his understanding roles, Sebastian, in the same play but and sympathy of the sexual orientation this time at the RSC. This production’s the said pupil was clearly prisoner big talking point, directed by Gregory to. Needless to say the parent was Doran, has been the much touted- nonplussed. But it must be the case, the digital wizardry, which enables actors now embarrassed and mistaken Governor to appear, apparently, in two different persisted and insisted, clearly evidenced places at the same time. It’s been a by the flamboyant camp performance he landmark production and one which had just witnessed in the show. took two years of technical preparation, and involved major contributions from The actor, who had turned in such a companies like Intel. Tom had already

10 appeared in Stratford, as the lead in In 2011, Ed moved to Los Angeles, a Restoration comedy, ‘Love for Love’ whereupon he sold an original pilot to CBS. by William Congreve last year, gaining n 2012, he was one of the first regular plaudits from the critics. The current roles cast in ‘The Mindy Project’, a comedy production of ‘The Tempest’ was pilot from Mindy Kaling, former star of ‘The beamed live from Stratford to cinemas Office’. The show was picked up by Fox in across the country, and will move to May 2012 and made into a series. the Barbican in London in August. Tom has also been recently involved in the In 2015 Ed guest-starred as a pretentious successful Netflix series, ‘Rebellion’, method actor on the USA Network series where he plays Charles Hammond, a ‘Royal Pains’. The same year, he appeared British Under-Secretary at Dublin Castle in the film ‘The Leisure Class’, produced during Ireland’s Easter Rising of 1916. by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, whose To coincide with the centenary of the production was shown in the HBO reality historic event, the production was aired television show ‘Project Greenlight’. last year. Tom also appeared recently in the ITV comedy ‘Pat and Cabbage’, In November 2015, ABC bought the rights where he played the male lead alongside to a comedy series that Ed co-wrote with well established TV stars Barbara Flynn Hannah Mackay (former writer on “Peep and Cherie Lunghi. Show’) and ordered a pilot. In November 2016, it was revealed that Ed would co- After graduating produce the show. Ed now makes regular from Cambridge, appearances in the gossip columns of Ed wrote for West Coast tabloids and other highly various TV shows, reputable ‘red tops’. A flavour of this is including ‘Man evident in a Daily Mail article which read, Stroke Woman’, ‘New couple alert! Bellamy Young and ‘Clone’ and ‘Hotel Ed Weeks are ‘dating’ as he was seen Trubble’ (all BBC). As an actor, he ‘whispering in her ear and kissing her appeared in ‘My Family’ (BBC), ‘The neck’ at Elton John party’. IT Crowd’ (Channel 4), ‘Not Going Out’ (BBC) and ‘Phoo Action’ (BBC) Both Ed and Tom have had, in which he played Prince William. euphemistically, ‘quiet times’ in their He was Olivia Lee’s sidekick and careers but it’s exciting to see and read co-prankster on her Comedy Central that those times are clearly behind them. hidden camera show. John Marston

11 Michael Fielding Service in the Royal Signals on active duty, mostly in Cyprus, a country he Mike Hinchliffe returned to in his later years to spend Fielding (1947 – 1954) holidays. Once he de-mobbed, he joined passed away on 28th the family firm, a coal merchants, but November 2016 after sadly the decline in the industry resulted a short and very in him working for a builder’s merchant courageous battle and then on to Calor Gas where he against cancer. He was born in 1935 and, spent many happy years as a Cylinder as a boy, lived in Edgware, Harrow. At Executive. Mike married Audrey in 1961 the start of WW2, the family relocated and they lived in Little Chalfont, Bucks, to Devon and, when the war finished, where they brought up their son and they moved back to Northwood. Mike’s daughter. In 2002, Mike and Audrey grandfather, Charles, was the first to moved to the village of Whitchurch where attend and board at Queen’s as did his they became involved in the local church father, Ralph, and his brother, Keith, and, and Mike learned to ring the bells which unsurprisingly, perhaps, he sent me, he continued to do on a regular basis, his son, to Queen’s too. There have been before church services, for weddings four generations of Fieldings at Queen’s and christenings and the like. He was and a house was named after the family last on bell-ringing duty just a few which remains so today. Mike enjoyed his weeks before he passed away. Since his school days especially for the sport. He retirement he was a keen golfer, watcher loved playing rugby and continued to do of all and any sport from his armchair, so long and well beyond his school days bridge player, gardening volunteer at returning one sunny day to play in an a local hospice and gardener; he was Old Boys’ match in which I was playing well known, as was his wife, in the for the School: the youngsters won! He neighbouring village for their gardening did ‘dip’ into the performing arts – well, produce which won many awards at their he was on the stage one day for some annual horticultural show. He was also a reason and fell down the trap door proud member of the Queen’s Lodge and (accidently of course) which resulted in a always attended meetings in Taunton as broken leg and him having to stay a year often as he was able. A very proud father longer at the school than he had planned. and grandfather, he will be sadly missed by his wife, children and their spouses When he eventually left Queen’s he and grandchildren and his many and very commenced two years of National dear friends. Kevin Fielding (1976 - 1983)

12 100 Years Ago Clifford Reed, shown here, epitomises he death of every OQ was a the ‘lost generation’ catastrophic blow to the family squandered in war, Tconcerned. Most suffered in 1914-18. He was silence, supported by others as best an outstanding they could. For the parents of Reverend sportsman, a brilliant Clifford Reed, who died in the battle musician and a genuine academic for Messines Ridge, his death was a who excelled at Cambridge University. spur to take steps to ensure that, not He was also an impressive leader: at only their son, but all OQs would not be school he was a prefect, secretary of forgotten. Mr WH Reed was chairman the Debating Society, House captain, of the directors of Queen’s College and editor of the Wyvern and so on. He was he initiated the War Memorial and Chaplain at the Ley’s School Cambridge Thanksgiving Fund in 1919. This raised when war broke out and the following sufficient funds to pay for the construction year he joined the army as a Chaplain. of the Physics laboratory (now the LRC), He served alongside his men at the the War Memorial Block (now the OMR) front line and his fearless devotion won as a library, the stone cross on the lawn him the Military Cross. He was highly and the magnificent Roll of Honour in the regarded by the men who revered him as entrance to the school. a comrade. The Fallen, January to June 1917

Name School No. Date of Birth Date of Death Regiment

Atkinson, John 1841 03-12-1856 23-05-1917 Royal Army Medical Corps Brampton, Harry 4030 17-01-1898 07-06-1917 Worcestershire Regiment Haime, Leonard 3841 12-06-1897 03-05-1917 Honourable Artillery Company Pidsley, David 3770 25-05-1896 21-05-1917 Rifle Brigade Rainer ,Walter 3833 05-04-1894 31-03-1917 Honourable Artillery Company Reed, Clifford 3327 21-06-1888 07-06-1917 Army Chaplains Department Turner, Frederick 3871 08-08-1896 10-01-1917 Royal Flying Corps

There is insufficient space to provide details about the other OQs listed above but if you would like to know more about them and the other OQs who served in WWI, I would recommend the purchase of the booklet of 1919 and the supplementary notes I provided for it in 2014. Contact me if you would like to do so. Geoff Bisson

13 Visitors to Queen’s Robert were both interested to learn more about William’s school days, especially the nature of boarding life one hundred years ago. A selection of photographs from the period helped them imagine William in the dormitory and the classroom and on the games fields.

In November a father and son from different continents met at Queen’s. Duncan Turner (left 1964), now in California, and his son Michael Turner (1993 - 1997) and his wife, who live in Cape Town, toured the school. Michael im Wynn Jones and his wife runs safaris and outdoor holidays for Willa from Australia, together visitors in Botswana and other places. Twith their son, Robert, visited Duncan practiced medicine in the the school on Monday 13th March. Tim’s States. In reminiscing about their school father, William Wynn Jones (1914 – 1916), days, Duncan was eager to recall his finished his education in Sydney before sporting exploits while Michael’s fondest becoming a missionary in Tanganyika memories were of outdoor pursuits. in 1927. It was in Africa that William met and married Tim’s mother (also an Florence Broderick (2001 - 2009) Australian missionary). William was former Head Girl, talked to pupils in the first appointed Principal of the African senior school about career development Clergy Training College at Kongwa, and her role as Strategic Marketing then Headmaster of Arusha School for Manager with the telecommunications Europeans at the same time as being company, Telefonica. the local parish priest. Subsequently, he was appointed the Bishop of Central We were delighted to welcome two OQs Tanganyika, a diocese within the See of from Hong Kong back to Queen’s in the Canterbury. In 1938 he presented the first week of the Spring Term. Elaine school with some framed pictures of big Law (1995 - 1997) and her brother game in Africa. Alas, he died as the result Jacky Law (1996 - 2001) were with of injuries sustained from a car crash their parents and Jacky’s girlfriend. when he was only 50 years old. Tim and Jacky said: “From the outside, it looks

14 a Lieutenant in the 1st Queen’s Dragoon Guards, the Welsh Cavalry. On 17th March, he spoke to Sixth Formers about his life after Queen’s. He spoke about the officer selection programme, training at Sandhurst and his experiences in the military. Charlie is pictured with Mr the same but when you look at the Philip Mann, the Forces Liaison Officer detail, it has changed quite a lot. I had a at Queen’s. very happy time at Queen’s”. Although their boarding houses had changed considerably, both of them were able to identify their old study bedrooms in what used to be Channon and Jack Tigg and Elaine was delighted to meet Jenny Vanstone, the matron in Jack Tigg when she boarded there. Elaine is now an actuary in Hong Kong and Jacky is starting his own business there in The House Singing competition last retailing snacks. After visiting Queen’s, Autumn was adjudicated by Ashley they moved on to the Lake District and, Marshfield (2002 - 04). He graduated from there, the plan was to visit Oxford, from the Royal College of Music in London and Munich before flying home. 2009 and subsequently secured a post at King’s School, Bruton, as a music Three other visitors from Honk Kong teacher. In 2012 he was promoted returned to Queen’s having recently left. to Director of Choral Studies. He is Trevor Lau (2013 – 2015), Ian Wong delighted with the way the school’s (2014 – 2016) and Marco Yung (2010 - Chapel Choir has developed. It sings a 2016) have stayed in England to study termly Choral Evensong at a cathedral at university and all seem very pleased and the Chamber Choir competes in with life. Amy Portman (2006 – 2010), regional and national competitions. now forging a successful career in event, Ashley is a trustee on the Sidney Lawton management made a brief visit. Trust which supports music at Queen’s. He married Kerri in 2015 and was Charlie Carter (1998 – 2008) was in appointed a Housemaster the same year. Channon House at Queen’s. Now, he is Geoff Bisson and Ken Bird

15 The Vintage Lunch (Development Director).

Table 2: Colin Hoad (1944 – 56); David Simpson (1946 – 56); Clive Clarke (1946 – 56); Andrew Gibson (1946 – 56) and Lorna; Roger Sawtell (1947 – 56) and Ann; Lorraine Earps (Head Teacher); Dan Wilde (Head Boy).

nvitations were sent to all OQs over Table 3: Peter Whittington (1950 – 56); the age of 75. Given that several live Richard Lewis (1951 – 56) and Angela; Ioverseas and others some distance David WO Jones (1951 – 57) with Peter away within the UK, the response was very Read; Gordon Knight (1954 – 57) and positive. Unfortunately, several had to Diane; Malcolm Easton (1954 – 60); cancel at the last minute because of illness Mark Davenport (1997 - 2005) (OQA but, nonetheless, on 6th December, many President); Ken Bird (Communications OQs and partners gathered for a fabulous Manager). Christmas Lunch. A welcome glass of bubbles was followed by a traditional Table 4: John Budgen (1949 – 57) and festive three-course meal with coffee and Elaine; Richard Lerwill (1951 – 57) and mints. Members of staff and the Head Boy Sheila; Ben Gliddon (1951 – 59) and and Head Girl sat on each of the tables Margaret; Morris Southcombe (1952 - and all engaged happily with each other. 57); Martin Bream (OQA Secretary); Beth The Junior School Choir sang carols to Alexander (Head Girl). the delight of all. It was an opportunity for many to meet the Head Teacher, Dr Lunch at the White Lorraine Earps, for the first time who Horse spoke at the end of the meal. Some then toured the school with current pupils.

Those present were: Table 1: Alan Tappin (1940 – 49) and Kate Davies; Ian Gibson (1943 -53) and Brenda; Edward Pemberton (1946 – 55); Tracey Khodabandehloo (Head Colin Campbell (1957 - 1963) organised of Junior School); Kathryn Howard a lunch for OQs at the pub in Bradford-

16 on-Tone on 22nd November. I was very at Queen’s, for whom this was also his glad to be invited and have the chance first OQ event. Another former teacher to swap notes with many other OQs and OQ, Roger Evans (1947 – 54), was over a delightful meal. Attendees: Mike present with his wife, Christine. Kinnersley (1954 - 1963); John Hellis (1953 - 1962); Paul Jacobs (1954 - 1962); Richard Baker (1955 - 1965); Brian Rowe (1954 - 1964); Gordon Fry (1959 - 1965); Graham Grant (1960 -1967); David Sedgman (1957 - 1967); David Jewell (1954 - 1961); Martin Pipe (1953 – 1961); Chris Holland (1956 - 1963); Ian Tappenden (1954 - 1962); Chris Hunt After the meal we were able to move (1955 - 1962); Steve Rawle (1954 -1964) to a side room where a vote of thanks as well as Colin and myself. Wives of was made by Mark Davenport (1997 – five of the OQs were brave enough to 2005), OQs President, to all for attending accompany their husbands! and especially to Alicia Edwards (1998 – 2012) for organising the event, who Dinners in London and was supported in this by Joe Sibley Taunton (2002 – 09). David Jones (1964 - 71), as Chairman of the Queen’s College The London dinner, on 16th December, Taunton Foundation, explained its aims. proved to be quite an adventure for Marjorie Taylor and Phil Robbins, Ken the select group who ventured out. Bird and me completed the party. Finding St Bart’s restaurant tested the navigation skills of most and, once there, A few days later, a dinner was held the atmosphere was lively but everyone at Augustus restaurant in Taunton. joined in the mood and thoroughly The arrangements made by the enjoyed the occasion. The food was management in setting the tables, exceptionally good and all agreed it as well as the quality of the food and was good value. For some, including service, were excellent and all at a very Max Newton (2010 - 12), Akbar Dhala reasonable price. The Head Teacher, (1975-79) and his brother, Malik Dhala Dr Lorraine Earps, spoke at the close (1975 – 1976) this was a rare appearance of the evening and everyone left in a at an OQ function. It was delightful to buoyant mood. welcome Peter Reeves, a former teacher Geoff Bisson

17 News of OQs has just been elected to their global board. John Barton (1950 - 1954) took a Queen’s Commission in the Army after Her brother, Matthew Lambourne (1996 school and then went on to train as a – 1999), married ten years ago and he hospital engineer with the National and his wife Rach have two boys – Joe Health Service. Several years later he who is five and Finn aged two. After was offered a senior post in Saudi Arabia Queen’s, he did a Marine Engineering where he met his Danish wife, Susanne, apprenticeship before going to Plymouth (the photo shows them in Lesvos on University where he graduated in holiday a few weeks ago). He later Multimedia Production and Technology. Now, he is a Digital Marketing Consultant for an agency called Door4 in Burnley. For relaxation, he plays bass guitar in three bands.

Ben Armsted (2011 - 2013) has secured a graduate role with Goldman Sachs, an American investment bank, in their settled in Denmark when he accepted London offices. When at Queen’s, Ben a post with the company building the captained the rugby 1st XV and also Oresund Tunnel which is part of the played for Exeter Chiefs Colts. During transport link between Denmark and his degree course at the University of Sweden. In retirement he enjoys the York, reading Accounting, Business opportunity to spend time in Malta Finance and Management, he was and Cyprus which have been places of given a year’s placement with Goldman considerable interest to him for many Sachs. During this time he was fortunate years. to hear many figures prominent in public life speak about their careers, Emma Davidson (née Lambourne) (1992 including Eddie Jones (current England – 1999) married in 2010 and she and rugby coach), Theresa May (then Home Tom are presently living in New Jersey. Secretary) who, famously, expressed her She is working at the Morgan Library in opinion about Brexit for the only time New York, specialising in early printed in public, and Justin Welby (Archbishop books. She is also head of the New York of Canterbury). Ben will graduate this chapter of her library association and summer and will almost immediately

18 move from York to New York for training Congratulations to Lucy Isaac (née with Goldman Sachs before adopting his Gough) (1996 - 2004) who gave birth post with them in London. to twins on 26th October 2016. Matilda (5 lbs 12 oz) and Sophie (5 lbs 6 os) are delightful. Lucy married Mike in June 2013. He is IT Operations Manager at Musgrove Park Hospital. Lucy is currently on maternity leave but, when working, she is employed as HR manager for a document management company in Wellington. She has recently qualified as an Associate The picture shows Laurie Morley (2012 Member of CIPD. - 2016) in full flight, plunging to earth in South Africa, more specifically from Weng Soon Tee the Bloukrans Bridge, 216 metres above (2010 - 2014) the river of the same name. This is the continues to enjoy world’s highest commercial bridge success as he bungee. Laurie explained that she did so strives to achieve his to raise money for the charity Lopus UK ambition of becoming to help their research. This is a condition a professional musician. Weng, a pianist, with which Laurie’s mother has to is currently a third-year student at the contend. Royal Academy of Music. He won the Taunton Young Musician of the Year Another recent leaver, Sophia Vahdati award in 2011 as well as achieving top (2005 - 2011) is living in La Paz, Bolivia. prizes in international competitions She is working for Bolivian Express including second place in the Asia Piano with whom she is learning the skills of Festival in Taiwan. Weng has also given journalism. She describes the training solo recitals in Malaysia, Taiwan, Italy programme she is following as really and this country. Now, he is part of a exciting and rewarding. Life in La Paz piano trio who are semi-finalists in the has given her the chance to travel in prestigious Chamber Music Competition South America and to learn about the at St Martin-in-the-Fields, London. people of the continent. Clearly, the study The competition’s prize is a series of of Spanish, which she started at Queen’s, professional engagements around has proved its worth. Britain. Ken Bird and Geoff Bisson

19 A Life in the USA

hen I started at Queen’s I was housed as a junior Win Cotlake House run by Mr and Mrs Prentice. These were happy years. I still have a photo of the U15 cricket team which included Roger Westoby. I remember coming back to school in the 1980s when I had Club, frequented by Hollywood stars the opportunity to meet my former including Sinatra, Dinah Shore, Jack Geography teacher, Mr. Wade. Other Lemmon and so many other well- staff I remember include ‘Dapper’ known movie directors and producers. Channon (he taught History in the third It was a great experience especially as class when I arrived), Sidney Lawton it was my first chance to manage a club and Mr. Wiseman, the Headmaster, who with a golf course. I learned a lot in a was followed by Mr. Haynes. very short time – about grasses, greens and the graft involved in managing 30 I had been married for fourteen years employees who maintain 50 acres to the in England and came here to the States highest standards. to start a new life which I am happy to say was a great success. I have had a I returned to Chicago, my wife’s home very interesting career. In the UK I had town, so she could be near her father. followed a career in hotel management There, I was General Manager of the and it was one of my former guests Chicago Yacht Club, 2001-2006. It is who offered me the post of General hard to imagine but Chicago has sandy Manager of a large 2,000-member beaches along Lake Michigan and we gentleman’s private club in Chicago were the home of the world’s longest (one of the oldest clubs in the States, fresh water yacht race which was founded in 1869). I had the good fortune established in the late 1800s. All the to meet many eminent dignitaries who greatest yachtsmen have sailed that stayed at the club including Simon 630-mile race. It can be a very turbulent Wiesenthal, the famous Nazi hunter. piece of water and very treacherous. After five years of bitter Chicago winters We returned to South California and I was offered the chance to move to Los purchased our home here in 2007. Angeles to manage Hillcrest Country Ian Smith (1948 – 1955)

20 Ian Wells the ranks and was well-known for his vigilance in catching thieves!

He transferred to the Ministry of Defence Police and was promoted to Detective Chief Inspector and then Superintendant. ‘One O level Wells’ was selected for the National Police Staff College. Then, as a mature student, he went to the University of Southampton. After graduation, he decided to switch careers and joined the newly-emerging Government ‘Lautro’ department. He was so successful there that Norwich Union offered Wellsey a position with them as their Compliance Officer. Hence, his life in Norwich started and his huge contribution to the Ian Wells (1954 - 1961) passed away on community there began. 20th February 2017. Saying goodbye to a colleague from Queen’s is sad but with Always a devoted family man, with three Ian “ Sluggo” Wells the sadness was children and many grandchildren, Ian more than balanced by the warmth and was much loved by all. His old friend kindness shown by a packed church of and Chief Superintendent from the 300 or more including myself and John Metropolitan Police, Colin Trimming, and Jill England. Ian joined Queen’s as gave the eulogy which was both an eight-year-old boarder where he informative and amusing. It was clear made many lifelong friends. Swimming that people’s lives were enriched by was his forte and not academia! Both having Ian as a friend. My final meeting the Headmaster and his parents were with Ian was while playing golf at the last unimpressed with his efforts and OQs golf match with his old friend John when Ian left he did so with the prized England (1957 – 1962) at Oake Manor. possession of one “O” Level. He entered John and I would like to rekindle the the Metropolitan Police as an under- OQs v. School golf event for which a new height Cadet. During training he met his trophy would be awarded in memory of future wife, Ann, who was training as a such a colourful character. nurse in London. He progressed through Brian Rowe (1954 – 1964)

21 Lodge Installation Master Dr Jim Virjee (1956-64) began Ceremony the Extended Working Installation ceremony to install his successor, Geoff Dolling (1954-62). To say Jim had been excellent was an understatement – he was superb! The commitment and effort which has characterised Jim’s 12 months in the Chair shone through the entire ceremony for which he justifiably received great credit. he passing of a resolution to remit a further £1,500 (taking Tus to 82% of target) to Province of Somerset for the 2020 Festival produced a fourth badge from the pocket of Deputy Provincial Grand Master (PGM), John Winston. Kept in case of Very generously, Lionel Frewin (1955- need, like the good Scout he is (was a 65) decided to return his Past Masters District Commissioner!), he presented badge to the Lodge recently and it gave this to Jim Wiltshire (1955-63), Charity him great pleasure when he was invited Steward. Jim also confirmed that the to present it formally to Jim. From the Provincial Match Funding Scheme hallmarks, the jewellers said it was agreed to contribute £1,000 to increase originally made in 1954. Sadly the name the amount shortly to be presented to the of the original holder was erased before Taunton Association for the Homeless it was presented to Lionel in 1985. For to nearly £4,500. (Freemasonry is the posterity, his name, along with that of second largest Jim, are engraved on it which we intend contributor to should happen in future with all those charity in the returned. country after the National After an excellent Lottery). dinner and quite late into the To a packed lodge of 70+ including evening, our Deputy PGM was to be 45 guests and with past PGM Stanley found behind the bar under the watchful Hopkins (former parent) looking on, eye of Peter Thomas (1957-64)! It was

22 a successful and memorable meeting members at our meetings on 6th May for our many guests who clearly and 14th October, both former parents. thoroughly enjoyed the occasion if the fulsome thanks are anything to go by. Various senior roles within the lodge On his visits, Keith Pickavance has been have changed with Phil Jubb (1960-67), particularly enthusiastic in his praise. becoming Secretary, Geoffrey Browne His wife, Liz (née Killick), was a student (1955-60), Treasurer and Peter Thomas, at Queen’s 1990-97. Charity Steward. Richard Baker (1955-65) Dr Lindsay Edmunds (parent) joined Lodge Information Officer the Lodge in the past year and we https://twitter.com/queens6988?lang=en are expecting to welcome two new https://www.queenscollegelodge.co.uk/

The Memorial Bell Van Tromp (the spelling of the surname is different on the plaque to the bell). On Sunday 19th March, Following the dedication of the new new bells which had bells, the memorial bell was blessed been hung in the tower by the Revd Rod Corke. Standing next only recently were to the bell is Melanie Baxter-Smith: dedicated by the Bishop Henry was her great grandfather and of Bath and Wells at St Harry her great uncle. Harry’s name Mary Magdalene in Taunton. The church is also inscribed on a plaque above was packed for this historic moment. the door leading to the stairway to the The old bells had been removed in May tower and on the board listing the many 2016. One of two treble bells that had parishioners who died in World War I. been added in 1922 has been preserved. Geoff Bisson It had been donated by Henry Joseph Van Trump in memory of the four bell- ringers from St Mary’s who were killed in the Great War, including his son Harry Van Trump (entered Queen’s in May 1894). Their names are embossed on this memorial bell which is located in Soldiers’ Corner in the south aisle next to a brass memorial plaque to Harry

23 Charity Ball

he Little Ball of Hope is an annual event raising money Tin support of 2 Wish Upon a Star. This is a charity important to so many OQs as it was set up after the tragic loss of George Burke and five days later, his father, Paul, an Old Queenian in my year at school. and we were even privileged to hear a performance by Cor Seren, a choir made The aims of 2 Wish Upon a Star are up of volunteers and family members to improve bereavement services to from the 2 Wish community. families in Wales after suffering a sudden and traumatic loss of a child. It was lovely catching up with Old This year Rhian Burke, founder, revealed Queenians and those who support a that the charity now works with every charity which is so close to our hearts. health board in Wales and has expanded Those in the photograph are: standing to support hospitals in Manchester and (l to r): Simon Patchitt, Simon Pratt, Jenni London. This achievement has been Phillips, Ed Channing, Lorna Watts (née Blade), brought about by the dedication of the Giles Watts, Ollie Watts, John Firth; kneeling amazing people in the Miskin community (l to r): Sarah Fear (née Bell), William Bisson. and beyond who offer physical, Matt Commander, Andrew Bridges emotional and financial support to those who face such tragic circumstances. If anyone would like to attend next year, please contact Jen Phillips at jenni. The event on 4th March was held at the [email protected]. To find out more Celtic Manor in South Wales with 320 in about the charity or for more information attendance. A record-breaking £24,000 please visit www.2wishuponastar.org was raised through ticket sales, raffle or Facebook.com/2wishuponastar or and an auction. The food, company Twitter, @2wishupon. and entertainment were delightful Sarah Fear (née Bell ) (1989 – 1996)

Geoff Bisson Martin Bream Alumni Matters OQA Secretary

01823 330852 01823 340839 24 [email protected] info@oldqueenians