The Sternian 2013
Sternians' Association of Lord Wandsworth College - ._-.. ft-
L- -l VI
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U6th Leavers 2013
BACK ROW Jack Berg-Allan, Tobi Oyewumi, Ben Poulsom, Kris Cook, John Primavesi, Dominic Vaughan, James Adams, Will Reynolds, Charlie Dean, Fergus Hill, William van der Bijl, David Easterbrook, Sebastian Bampton, David Radkiewicz, Dan Hill, Liam Price 3RD ROW Luke Warner, Chris Allum, Hayden Martin, Luke South, Edward Cole, Will Gee, Harry Puttock, Jake Whitby, Tom Burgess, Emmet Fitzsimmons, Alex Hammond, Owen Payne, Henry Graham, Niklas Brockmann-Smith, Will Adams, Jamie Rogerson, Tom Tardif 2ND ROW Iciar Albinana Gracia, Jayne Lincoln, Robert Hopkins, Ricky Bevins, Sam Webley, Chris Stanton, Katherine Pilkington, Charlotte Page, Charlotte Gunn, Clark Zhang, James Marks, Joe Chan, Daniel Bailey, Mark Thomas SEATED Holly Janaway, Oliver Derham, Rupert Green, Beth Harris, Daphne Cheung, Rebecca Hodge, Megan Dawson, Mr Radmann, Mrs Allmark, Mr Harris, Claire Dong, Midori Yamashita, Zoe Flanagan, Daisy Simpson-Crew, Grace Beadle, Annie Yip, Alex Towse The Sternian 13 Contents
Crazy Enggrish: Pioneers of the Philippines 2 Diary Dates 2014 5 2013 Chairman's Report 6 New Chairman Chris Gibbs 7 From the Headmaster 7 The Sternian Year 2013 8 Who are we gonna call? 13 Combat Stress 13 Dambusters 70th Anniversary 14 1950s Class Reunion June 2013 16 Organizing a successful Class Reunion 17 Reach for the Sky 17 Life at Stern Farm 18 Congratulations Mr President 20 Life after LWC 20 Classroom Hero 21 The Day a Lawyer decided to become a Chef 22 Armed with a new Suitcase - Gosden House Memories 24 Not so Fast and Furious 25 Review of the Year 2013 26 Sternian News 28 Obituaries 30 Notified Deceased Members 34 The Matthew Elvidge Trust 35 Not so easy being on Top of the World 36 Contemplations from the Chairman 39 Autre Temps 40 News from the Staff Room 42 Where were you when... 44 If 45 Reflections on LWC 45 The Sternians Trust Fund 46 Sternians'Association AGM 46 Officers of the Association 48
The Sternians'Association, Lord Wandsworth College, Hook, Hampshire RG29 1TB Tel =01256860356 Email: [email protected] Website: www.sternians.org.uk
All the news, views and review of the year 2013, from The Sternians' Association of Ijord Wandsworth College The Sternian 13 Crazy Enggrish Pioneers of the Philippines
The LWC Scuba Diving Academy celebrates its tiny islands, made famous for sleepy white sand beaches, and augural generation of graduate professional scuba unaffected by mainstream tourism. A mecca for the journeyman divers. After four years of training, a team of seven diver, the region is an unearthed gem for thresher sharks, manta divers who began their journey in 2009 with a rays, sardine shoals, whalesharks and macrolife. Here the jewel fascination for the underwater world by training as in the Philippine crown is the island known as Malaspacua. Open Water Divers took a greater journey into trying Despite the abundance of marine life, the corals have taken a few to improve reef-dependent communities through hardships with little infrastructure to protect the island from poor teaching and scuba diving. fishing practices as well as the region's natural predators and climate conditions.
Throughout the academic year, candidates attain qualifications in After isolating Malapascua as their mission's location, they set advanced level diving, rescue skills, teaching and conservation out for a two-week expedition in August to document the region specialties to build their experience to become PADI Divemaster and test the group's collective spirit. After an 18-hour flight via professionals by the time they complete their Upper Sixth. In Singapore, the team entertained a 4-hour culture shock, overland addition to improving their scuba dive skills, the 2013 LWC drive through Cebu before taking a private 'banca' (traditional Divemasters in training built their confidence by studying varied outrigger) to the island of Malapascua. As the boat calmly cut and groundbreaking conservation initiatives during term time. through the shimmering aqua-blue waters before sunset, there was Added to their experience of improving marine eco-systems on a sense of excitement as our associates welcomed the divers on their expeditions to Malta & Indonesia in 2011 and 2012, the divers the white sands of Bounty beach. decided that this summer they would like to build the first artificial reefs (known as Biorocks) in the Philippines. Candidly speaking, a relatively young group in the diver world harvesting great ambitions to complete technical tasks is often a The divers wanted to take the teachings of the Biorock process tricky hurdle to overcome. After 24 hours of travel, a team meeting with the Gili Ecotrust in Indonesia and apply their knowledge was called in Bungalow 1 to challenge the divers to step up to to improve another part of the world's Coral Triangle. Half way the plate and prove to everyone they were here to represent down the Philippine Map are the Visayas, the central region of themselves the best way possible. They would have to build trust The Sternian 13
with the dive centre, the local community and each other to show that they were ready to handle the challenges of diving safely in the Philippines and inspire the local community to believe in their x . Biorock project. After all, the legacy of their work would only be • realized if people would continue their initiative. Once the divers made that pledge during the team brief, they never took a step back. a lOOmetre passenger ferry that was taken in a typhoon over 25 years ago. Now teeming with a variety of marine life, it is a cleaning station for fish such as eagle rays & spade fish, which allow the smaller residents of the wreck to removal parasites from the animal's body (both externally and internally).
The team's efforts to understand the Malapascuan reefs and promote the Biorock concept did not go unnoticed by our associate dive centre. They were delighted by the example the LWC students had set and sponsored the materials and transportation to install the islands' first Biorocks. With the resources required, the team set about designing two new artificial reefs that would be made from steel rebar lattice. As a pilot project, the Biorock would need to inspire the local community, yet remain low profile in order to deal Over the course of the first week, LWC divers worked with local with the rigours of the Cebuan underwater currents during the rainy divemasters to learn valuable information about the dive sites, season. secrets on how to find the country's rare macrolife such as sea horses and nudibranchs. They learned about keystone species Biorock is a method whereby metal structures are built and placed of the reef and why certain types of hard coral and sponges underwater. Corals are then attached and a low voltage electrical thrived. On some days divers were up at 4:30am to deep dive current passed through the rebar. The electricity is harmless to with the elusive thresher sharks, completing a PADI conservation marine life, but has been found to promote coral growth up to six specialty to understand the behavioral patterns of the endangered times faster than under normal conditions. The electricity promotes animal. On other days they would complete full day dive trips to limestone growth on the metal, and this in turn promotes growth the national parks to dive some of the marine protected inlets of rates of coral and other reef organisms. Bits of broken, but still Gato Island and compare the marine life to some of the more local viable coral can also be attached and find strength, which in turn "house reefs". provides homes and nurseries for a variety of marine life. The reefs
Unlike many other dive locations, the divers were startled by the savageness of the Visayas marine life. They documented the breeding habits of puffer fish; the alluring movements of Spanish dancers, the predatory patterns of lizard and lionfish hunting damselfish and learned how to effectively deal with the carnivorous Crown of Thorn (COT) starfish. A fast-breeding natural predator of the reef, an adult COT can eat up to 6 square metres of living coral a year.
During the first week, the divers documented night dive experiences with local staff to see a variety of photogenic critters hunting in the darkness and dive the famous Dona Marilyn wreck, All the news, views and review of the year 2013, from The Sternians' Association ofljord Wandsworth College The Sternian 13 also provide a great opportunity for inexperienced divers & tourists the broken coral was going to a good home. The coral was taken to to learn about the importance of the reef eco-system to the island be stored underwater overnight in containers near to the eventual and how tourists should respect local laws in order to preserve the site, ready for installation. natural environment. The next day was the big day for all concerned - the Day of the When the project had finally been given the green light, the divers Sinking! The dive shop was full of excitement at the culmination of felt the pressure to complete the mission successfully. After all, they a week's hard work; the day when the structures would be sunk were all due to go to university as undergraduates in Engineering, and the coral attached. Using lift bags and the small boats, the Physics, Biology and Art. Once the two blueprints were approved, structures were placed in close proximity to a sheltered inlet on the the labour of working rebar into the shapes of a 6-metre south of the island and anchored with cement blocks. The teams whaleshark and a 3-metre mania ray began. On the first day, the then attached a variety of hard corals and within days the reef was islands' locals and tourists observed the six divers as they cut home to a variety of porcelain crabs, cuttlefish, juvenile octopus, and worked the malleable materials into shape. "Crazy Enggrish!" zebrafish, sea stars and more. seemed to be the theme of the day as the divers persevered long into the evenings working and reworking the frame. The next day things began to take shape, to break up the day, the divers went out to reccy a protected spot for the new house reefs. Upon return from their dives, they were welcomed by 30 locals and inspired tourists to help complete the project. As a local friend would explain to us later: "If young people have come all this way to help improve our community and our resources, we must appreciate their efforts and support. They are an example to our younger people. It also seems like fun!"
With so many hands of the community on deck and the high skill levels of the resourceful Malapascuans to help, two days later, the artificial reefs were ready to be installed. The dive centre staff and the LWC team went to harvest pieces of broken coral to add to the structures. The idea was to find bits of recently broken After celebrating the work with the island in typical dive traditions, coral that were still alive. Sadly this was easy pickings, and there the team departed Malapascua on a 7 hour trip to the south of lots of pieces to be found, including some quite sizeable ones. By the Cebu mainland for one final adventure. The objective was to accident we had discovered that poor mooring and anchoring of complete an ethics report on the whaleshark tourism trade in Oslob fishing boats were causing the damage; an issue that the island that had made waves in 2011 when local fisherman had been council would address later that month. The good news was that seen to feed whalesharks each morning. Once exposed on the internet, the quiet fishing town of 2,000 welcomed 200,000 visitors to the area in two years all trying to have that adrenalin-induced encounter with the world's largest fish.
Oslob as a town has its own rustic charm; our family guesthouse introduced us to the fascinating market places and the beautiful secluded waterfalls and rainforest. However, the focus was on the whalesharks. At 6am each morning the team would travel on small kayaks to use their freedive skills in their apnea experience in Indonesia and at LWC to witness the feeding experiences in Oslob. Diving with the world's "gentle giants" is a magical moment that no one forgets. However the euphoria of an encounter with multiple 10metre fish in a feeding environment soon became unsettling. We learned that because of the feeding for tourism, whalesharks were getting physically damaged by boat traffic & uneducated divers in the way of the fish's frenzy for plankton. The whalesharks were also changing their migratory routes affecting the natural balance of marine life in the region. Like any ecosystem, there needs to be a balance and upon returning to England, the divers completed full ethical reports on their observations on the Academy website to help tourists understand how to interact with the world's largest fish and how to support the marine biologists trying to find a balance between tourism and conservation.
The "Crazy Enggrish" team returned to England with the mission completed and once again forging lifelong friendships with people across the world. At this time we can thankfully report that all the inhabitants and friends affected by typhoon Yolanda in November are all healthy, but have had to rebuild many local homes in the
All the news, views and review of the year 2013, from The Sternians' Association of Lord Wandsworth College The Sternian 13 area. The Malapascuans are resourceful and we are receiving over the past four years and look forward to their continued positive news about the rebuilding process. The Biorocks have also successes in the field to bring through the next generation of LWC survived, but for now the island's priority are her people. To help scuba divers. donate to the recovery effort please visit http://www.youcaring.com/ other/typhoon-haiyan-yolanda-fundraiser/104505 On behalf of the LWC scuba diving academy we would like to thank Mrs J McKinnon, Mr. Richardson, Mr. Walker, the LWC At LWC, the same Divemasters have also encouraged a new Development team and the Headmaster for their support for generation of divers to begin their adventure. The LWC Sternians' this extra curricular activity. We are privileged to work with such came back at the start of September to share their experience at positive young men and women at a very special College, all the Monday morning assembly. Their statement was clear: inspire who are demonstrating the character and the fortitude to make a a new generation of divers to be passionate about the planet and difference to communities across the world. Regardless of your help local communities achieve their marine conservation goals. passions, we encourage all pupils at LWC make the most of all The Sternian Divemasters are succeeding. The Academy has their EGA activities. Whatever your interests are, the adventure all grown to incorporate 20 certified Open Water and Advanced Divers starts on campus. Set the bar high, you never know what might be in the Autumn term as well as developing three new divemasters accomplished until you try. in training who are all gaining valuable experience working with the new generation of divers during the term and with the Sternian Divemasters during the university/school breaks. Scan Edwards (2000 Hazelveare) Sunken Dreams \vww.sunkendreams.coiT) Some of the younger members of the Academy have even braved scuba diving in the challenging conditions of the UK lakes in September to prepare for the next stage of their leadership development. The future looks bright as this summer the Academy looks to push the global conservation initiatives further with expeditions pencilled in to monitor grey seals, whalesharks, Bluefin tuna and continue the Biorock initiatives across the world.
The LWC Scuba Diving Academy would like to congratulate Charlotte Page (2013 Haygate), Chris Stanton (2013 Sutton), Chris Vyvyan-Robinson (2012 Sutton), Jonah O'Neill (2013 Hazelveare), Kevin Mountford (2011 School), Olli Derham (2013 Sutton), Charlie Bolton (2012 Hazelveare) and Harry Page for their achievements
DIARY DATES 2014
Sternians v LWC Hockey (Ladies & Mens) Bournemouth Reunion Sternians Mountaineering Club Sunday 12th January 2014 Saturday 3rd May 2014 3rd-7th October 2014 LWC Toby Carvery, Bournemouth Romaldkirk, Teesdale Contact: Edward Walker Contact Bob Hunt 01329 662125 Contact David Minnikin 01768 779164 [email protected] robfwh @ ntlworld .com [email protected]
Cotterill Cup Sternian Reunion with Classic Car Rally Sternian President's Drinks Tuesday 11th March 2014 Saturday 14th June 2014 Welcome to new staff Final competition concert sponsored by the LWC Friday 7th November 2014 Sternians'Association at LWC Contact Gill Kelly Prideaux Building, LWC Contact Gill Kelly Sternian Cricket (Other events may be slotted in from time to Careers Fair Sunday 29th June 2014 time) Tuesday 25th March 2014 LWC LWC Contact Gill Kelly Contact: Gill Kelly For information about any of the Results Breakfast events listed above, please contact Sternians Mountaineering Club Thursday 14th August 2014 24th-28th March 2014 LWC either Gill Kelly in the Sternians Llan Festiniog, Snowdonia Office at the College - 01256 860356 Contact David Minnikin 01768 779164 Sternians Rugby Sevens and Netball or by email [email protected] Sunday 7th September 2014 [email protected] or LWC [email protected] or South West Reunion Thursday 3rd April 2014 those detailed above. Compass Inn, Tormarton Contact: Gill Kelly
All the news, views and review of the year 2013, from The Sternians'Association of Lord Wandsvvorth College The Sternian 13 2013 The Chairman's Report
I am writing this report at a time of severe floods and storm Social Media conditions which is a total contrast to the fantastic summer Gill and Kate continue to monitor and feed news via facebook, we enjoyed in the UK. Gill Kelly is busily finalising this edition twitter and Linkedin. of the Sternian and I would like to thank her for all her efforts in the smooth running of the Association during 2013.1 have Sternians' Sporting Events broken down my report by areas of activities. During 2013 our Sternians' Hockey, Cricket and Rugby Sevens teams were all successful but the weather played havoc with the Committee News golf event in September. A full programme of events is planned We welcomed Graham Barnes back on the committee during the for 2014 to also include netball, golf and tennis. Watch out for the Summer. His responsibilities include looking at the overall strategy new Sternians' Hockey Strip for both the Ladies' and Men's Teams for the Association and to see where we could improve our various which will have its first outing on 12th January - full photo report activities from running reunions to communicating with Sternians. can be found on Flickr. We are always interested to hear from Sternians who would be interested in joining the Committee or as an Ambassador. An Final Farewells Ambassador is a Sternian who has certain skills and experience It is always sad to report the passing of Sternians young and old that they are happy for the Association to tap into. Current during each year. Friends we knew and also Masters who had a Committee vacancies include a Treasurer and Archivist - If you are great affect on our time at LWC. During 2013 two revered and interested in either of these positions then please contact Gill Kelly much respected former members of staff have passed away. Neil in the Sternians Office to find out more. Henderson, Headmaster 1968-1982 and David Bullock, Head of DT and CCF 1961-1987. Obituaries of both appear in this edition Sternians' Questionnaire of the Sternian. Sternians, current and former staff attended In order for Graham to look at each area in depth he has put both funerals to pay their respects. I attended David's funeral in together a short questionnaire to find out the views of Sternians November. David was a wise and caring man, who was always of all ages as to what they are looking for from the Association, interested in both pupils and staff. He was a great inspiration and how they are currently using it and any areas that could be done help to me personally and will be much missed. differently in order help take us forward into the future. It would be a great help if you could take the time to fill out the questionnaire, To the Future either online or using the copy included with this magazine. Once Eighteen months ago I stepped in as Interim Chairman having we have summarised the responses, Graham will publish the helped on the Committee for 15 years. The plan was to semi retire results on the website. freeing up time to spend on the Sternians' Association. My son James then took over as MD of our family business and has taken Votino the Company to higher levels with contracts with The Navy and 2013 saw the first occasion we enabled all Sternians to vote on major Universities in the South. It has been clear over the last 6 various issues. In the past it has been up to just those few who months that my time is very limited and therefore I have decided attend the AGM who have voted (approx. 30). Voting forms were to hand over the reins of Chairmanship to Chris Gibbs (1988-1995 available on the Sternian website and a hard copy was inserted - Hazelveare), my Vice Chairman, rather than wait for a further into the 2012 Sternian. This resulted in 188 Sternians casting their six months to the AGM. Chris, a foundationer, is a PR professional vote either individually or by proxy - full results of the vote can living and working in London with his wife Georgina. He has a be seen on the website in the minutes to the 2013 AGM. Voting passion for Lord Wandsworth College and with his background is this time round will be a simpler process with more details and an ideal Chairman. background to those who are being elected. I have assured Chris that I will not be stepping away completely Reunions and intend to help in many ways as an Ambassador and I am In addition to the Annual reunion at LWC in June and the happy to be the acting Treasurer until a suitable replacement is Bournemouth Reunion in April, many smaller reunions were run by found. I have had an interesting 18 months as Chair and see Sternians for their year groups around the country. This included the Association growing from strength to strength under Chris' Mike Sims' big weekend for year groups who were here in 1959. stewardship. In 2014 the Annual Reunion on 14th June will have a classic car theme so if you have such a vehicle and would like to display, it Thanks must also go to Edward Walker, our Sternian liaison officer, please contact Gill in the Sternians office. Gill has organised a Kate Chernyshov, Development Director and our Headmaster and South West Region reunion which is being held on 3rd April at the his team for all their continued support with the Association. Compass Inn, Tormarton, which is just outside Bath (off junction 18 of the M4). If you are based in that region and would like to attend I am looking forward to attending the 2014 events and hope to see then please contact her in the Sternians Office. It would be great to many of you there. see you there.
Sternians website Towards the end of 2013 we appointed a local firm of website Chris Huffam professions called Web Directions to help with regular updates (A.-QO 1970 School House) and the technical development of the Sternians' website. Web [email protected] Directions are based just down the road in South Warnborough. Gill will still be able to update pages of the website such as Sternian News, in addition to other areas, as fresh information comes in.
E-link The first e-link was sent out in November - hopefully all those of you who have given us email addresses received it. Many thanks to Gill and Kate for their efforts. It is intended to send out two e-links every term. If you have not received it, please contact Gill.
All the news, views and review ot the year 2013, from The Sternians' Association of I x>rd Wandsworth College The Sternian 13 NEW CHAIRMAN Chris Gibbs
I've had the privilege of meeting mobile phone number and subsequently many Sternians during my time on lost contact with many people, and the the Association, but there are lots of Sternians is a great resource to use for Sternians who have not made it back to catching up with old friends. LWC -1 do hope that changes - and I'd like to give you some background on After leaving Lord Wandsworth, I studied who I am and why I'm stepping into the languages (French & Spanish) at university role as Chairman of the Sternians, and spent some time living in Bordeaux and Barcelona. I've spent the last 12 years I was at Lord Wandsworth between 1988 living in north London, working for some and 1995, first in Junior House, then of the world's largest Public Relations in Hazelveare. My school number was agencies and some of the world's largest C606. Like most people at LWC, I still brands. But I'll be much happier chatting to remember my school number and that tells you about guitars, cycling, or motorbikes. just how much of an impact the school Finally, my wife and I are celebrating makes. It is that lasting connection that the birth of our first child, Alfred, born in unites the Sternians as an organisation, January 2014. across all ages and backgrounds. I was a Foundationer at LWC and feel a Do look out for the Sternians' Association particularly strong connection to other survey and make sure you let us know Foundationers and a sense of duty in your views. I look forward to seeing you at 'giving something back' to help maintain a Sternian event soon. the Foundation. Alongside that, I'm one Chris Gibbs (1995 Hazelveare) of the last years that would have left [email protected] the school without an email address or
From the Headmaster
Happy New Year everyone. we have a small Upper 6th this year, as I mentioned. They found it Although in the quiet increasingly difficult to secure wins from potentially winning positions, backwater of the life of a and they were heavily turned over once or twice. Please don't think school we tend to say that our rugby is going to hell in a handcart, however - it isn't! We cannot to each other in September, fault the boys for their integrity and effort this year. The Under 16s there is a feeling of are strong, and the Under 16 B team won every one of their fixtures, refreshment and enthusiasm something Mr Machin had never before achieved as a coach. So there in school this week after is strength coming through, and a school of our size will always suffer a three week layoff for peaks and troughs. Christmas. It is good to be back. We published our Development Plan for 2013-18 this last summer. LWC is going to focus on value added and Character Education as We have had a terrific year. Academically speaking, we try to measure our key characteristics over the next few years, and we have all sorts what we call "value-added" these days, rather than worrying about of aspirations in these areas. Our girls' provision is flourishing; horse where we are in the league tables of exam results (although we do riding which we offer at the Duke of Wellington's estate is becoming pretty well there too). We test pupils at the start of their GCSEs and increasingly popular; the offer of Flexi-boarding 3 nights a week has A levels and measure how they do at the end relative to their initial significantly increased our boarding numbers; our reputation amongst prospects. We found ourselves in the top 12% of independent schools local feeder schools is burgeoning. We are having to take on some nationally for A level value added this year - which is pretty good when additional staff next year to cope with the level of our activity and you consider what hot houses many of our competitors are. We are projected numbers. All in all these are exciting times and we are aiming to be in the top 10% (or 5%!) before long. Three of our Upper enjoying ourselves. We plan to refurbish the Sutton Sports Hall and 6th formers were offered Oxbridge places this week (all Oxford), which School House this summer before turning our attention to the Gavin is a 50% strike rate of applicants. It is a small Upper 6th so represents Hall the following year, so there will continue to be much improvement 6% of the year group. That will do for now, although I note with some in and around the campus. Our Foundation numbers are buoyant. hope that we have 15 likely applicants for next year. Well done Lizzie Heywood, Luke Cackett and Anthony Zhang. Finally, John Morris, our new chaplain, started this week. He is looking forward to meeting as many of you as he can in the coming weeks and On the games fields it has been the best of times and worst of times. months I know. As he suggested in his introductory letter, he is not only We have a significant group of very able sportswomen in the 6th form, minister to the current pupils, he is the minister to us all, old or young, and they won all but one of their hockey fixtures last term (they played current pupils or Sternians. You will no doubt join me in wishing him Churchers twice and only managed to beat them once). They scored well. plenty of goals and were a pleasure to watch. It is going to be a good netball year too. The 1 st XV by contrast had a tough year. We have an incredibly challenging fixture list considering our pupil numbers, and Fergus Livingstone - Headmaster
All the news, views and review of the year 2013, from The Sternians'Association of Lord Wandsworth College The Sternian 13 The Sternian Year 2013
JANUARY score line of 4-4 tells you everything about how well both teams played. The Sternians retained the trophy and European gold medal Gentle persuasion apparently is how Verity Phillips (2010 Gosden) winning hockey veteran, Peter Danson, (1959 Sutton), gave up his managed such a great Ladies' team to turn out on a very chilly January time to umpire. It was great too to see a Men's team made up of Sunday. It was a hard fought match (got to keep warm somehow) such experienced players and our thanks to current pupil Max Wright despite that with the Sternians up against a spirited 1st XI who had (Hazelveare) who sportingly stood in as goalie for us. The LWC 1st XI not lost much that season and did not want to lose this one. The found it tough going and the Sternians won 3-1.
Team details:
Ladies back row, left to right: Peter Danson, Mr Hicks, Alexa Kearns (2005 Park), Philippa East (2005 Gosden), Jessye Mann (2012 Gosden), Amy Howells (2010 Park), Verity Phillips (2010 Gosden), Ellie Mann (2012 Gosden) Second row: GK Rachel Plummer (2011 Park) and Lottie Bates (2011 Gosden). Front row: seated Katie Hopkins (2013 Gosden). Hetty Abbott (2009 Park) played valiantly but had to rush off to get warm! Men's back row, left to right: Andrew House (2011 Sutton), Will O'Meara (2012 School), Nick Scott (2012 Hazelveare), ON Tresise (2012 Hazelveare), Alex Richards (2009 Sutton), Toby Ward (2012 Summerfield), Tom Hargreaves (2004 Hazelveare), Max Wright (current pupil who kindly stood in as GK), Peter Danson Front row: James Brewin (2009 Sutton), Jamie Dunkley (2009 Sutton), George MacCrossan (2012 School), Brandon Ambrose- Brunskill (2012 Hazelveare)
FEBRUARY
Cold and frosty and the heating has broken down in the Sternians Office so not much chattering other than teeth!
MARCH
A Thanksgiving Service at All Saints Church, Long Sutton for the Lord Wandsworth Foundation on 3rd March was packed to capacity with Sternians, current foundationers and their parents and senior staff. The service was conducted by our Chaplain, the Revd Simon Leyshon and the LWC Chamber Choir sang beautifully under the direction of our Director of Music, Lauren Crowther. Sternian Ron Burlingham (630 1950 Sutton) spoke movingly of his school days and how much Browno was loved and revered. We were also thrilled to be able to welcome Sir Humphrey Prideaux to the service, on one of his now all too rare visits to Long Sutton. We then returned to the College dining halls for a roast lunch followed by apple crumble and custard, we know all the favourites!
Our thanks again to Sternian Brian Cotterill (1985 Summerfield) who very kindly gave up his time to come and judge the final of the Sternian sponsored Cotterill Cup Music Competition. Keira Brown, L6th Gosden, won from a very strong field with her singing and guitar playing.
8 All the news, views and review of the year 2013, from The Sternians' Association of Lord Wandswoith College The Sternian 13 APRIL 274, John Dudley 707, Pharic Gillibrand 672, Peter Hawkins 494, David Hicks 545, Chris Huffam A700, Bob Hunt 608, Tony Hutley 667, Ian BOURNEMOUTH REUNION Moore A015, Hugh Podger 565, Mike Skinner 625, Colin Terry 764, Gareth Pearson Deputy Head, Kate Chernyshov and Gill Kelly. The well-established regional reunion convened again at the Toby Carvery Inn on the edge of Bournemouth. This venue with its CAREERS FAIR comfortable setting, tasty food and attentive service has long provided a suitable backdrop for Sternians to socialise, reminisce and generally wallow in a mood of nostalgia.
These carveries display around the walls a selection of the sometimes saucy McGill-style postcards, together with historic photographs of the local district. Dare one say that the pictures of 'yesteryear' are increasingly familiar, from personal experience, to many of the mega- maturing reunion attendees - themselves rapidly becoming 'ancient monuments'? No secret in that. No shame either. They display the wisdom of age without the embarrassing onset of dementia (mostly). Whilst on that subject, though, it would be nice if a nucleus of a younger generation of LWC Sternians could infiltrate this reunion to revitalise and ensure its continuation. (Sternians of school numbers 'A' and beyond that, please take note!)
I did have some apprehension that the slight reduction in numbers this year would herald its decline. So less quantity, less quality? Not in Another great turnout from Sternians and Parents and our sincere the least! Without exception, the conversation flowed, and despite the thanks to all who gave up their valuable time to come and help. Many varying directions which their careers had taken, the common roots have offered to respond to email queries from students or help with from which they had originated, prevailed. work experience too, which is very much appreciated. A wide variety of professions and careers were represented. The girls won't forget The staff contingent from school is always of enormous importance. Harry Mann (2001 Summerfield) with his 'Jack Wills' land rover and Gill Kelly and Kate Chernyshov are indispensable. Kate clarified goodies in a hurry but there was plenty more on offer too. Poor aspects of inheritance donations to LWC to ensure that donors' ON Guthrie (2000 Summerfield) says he suffered by being placed intentions arrived in the correct category. Gill Kelly likes to remain 'low next to Harry's desk but he'll get over it. More sweets next year! profile'. We cannot, however, underestimate her contribution to the Our sincere thanks to Sternians Holly Abbott (1999 Gosden), Andy high profile of our association. This year also, we were privileged to Brown (1975 Sutton), Bruce Buckland (2008 Summerfield), Patrick welcome the new (very new) - Deputy Headmaster, Gareth Pearson. Drake (1997 Summerfield), Ian Ellis (1974 Hazelveare), Oli Guthrie Understandably, he didn't dwell upon the sporting and academic (2000 Summerfield), Honor Hancock (1994 Gosden), Chris Huffam successes of LWC in the preceding year but instead told us of his own (1970 School), Adam Komrower (1994 Sutton), Harry Mann (2001 impressions - via Housemaster at Wellington School - since becoming Summerfield), Matthew Middleditch (1990 Summerfield), David Neave Deputy Head. He spoke with great sincerity of his admiration of the (2007 School), Paul Richings (1990 School), Shaun Stevens (1990 dedication engendered and fostered by LWC's pastoral care. He also School), Bob Stevenson (1966 Hazelveare), Richard Sullivan (1987 told us that lessons were being adapted to encompass the likelihood Sutton), Terry Williamson (1967 Sutton), Matthew Zasada (Busfield) that pupils leaving LWC would possibly encounter 5 or 6 different (2000 Hazelveare) and Parents Karen Blackball, Ray Carter, Tim careers during their lifetime. Consequently, education would have to and Linda Frawley, Wendy Freeman, Jeremy High, Peter Molyneux, modify itself accordingly. Catherine Powell and Johnny Rath.
In addition, Acting Sternians Chairman, Chris Huffam, told us of far MAY reaching changes being made to the Constitution. It was clear that most of those present approved the intention to allow Sternians to vote Mountaineering Spring Meet - 3rd - 10th May 2013 Nant y Ddwylan, on motions brought before the AGM despite not attending the meeting. Rosebush, Pembrokeshire A number of those present stayed on well into the afternoon, deep in conversation, after the majority had left. The Party: Hugh Podger, Peter & Liz Everall, Charles and Gill Lawrence, Mike & M Beckley, Marion Turner, David Minnikin, Alex & Ron Burlingham (630 1950 Sutton) Tom Reynolds, Peter Minnikin & Helen Spring.
Sternian generosity meant that we were able to give cheques for On a damp Saturday morning cars were left at Pontfaen in Cwm £278.57 each to the Foundation and Sternians Trust Fund. Among Gwaun. A woodland trail was taken along the south side of the Afon those who attended were: Robert Atwell 913, Graham Barnes A198, Gwaun to Llanerch and Pen-rhin farm. The advance party, comprising Colin Bullock 720, Ron Burlingham 630, Clive Butler 976, Stan Davies Peter Everall, Charles, Marion and M Beckley, ascended to the summit of Mynydd Carningli (347m) for lunch. Hugh, Mike, Gill and David took All the news, views and review of the year 2013, from The Sternians' Association of I^ord Wandsworth College The Sternian 13 The Sternian Year Continued
the gentle direct route up Carningli Common to arrive at the height of the Common (337m). Revealing views were enjoyed of all the adjacent coastline and surrounding hills, particularly the Preseli range. The united party migrated west over Mynedd Caregog to Bedd Morus, a stone tribute honouring the resting place of a local shepherd. Hugh, Mike, Charles and Gill descended the road to Cwm Gwaun and a return to Rosebush. The remaining gang of four headed west via Mynedd Melyn to explore Mynedd Dinas and scramble on Cam Enoch and Garn Fawr. The amazing retro Cwm Gwaun Duffryn Arms pub was visited. The junior faction of Alex and Tom Reynolds, Peter Minnikin and Helen Spring walked clockwise around Dinas Island (Head), observing dolphins playing in the sea near Needle Rock.
On a bright, but cloudy Sunday, Hugh, Charles, Gill, Mike and David repeated a clockwise circuit of Dinas Island. Later, Gill and Charles The School Prize walked up Cerrig Llandron (468m) in the Preseli range, affording 3600 Giving event moved views. The principal expedition involved Peters, Everall and Minnikin, to May this year and M Beckley, Helen and Marion took the Roced Poppit bus north to Jack Flower (2016 Poppit Sands. The spectacular and switchback 12 mile Pembrokeshire Hazelveare) won the Coast Path was taken to Ceibwr Bay for a late lunch. The next feature Sanders Cup, donated was the collapsed cavern of Pwll y wrach (The Witches Cauldron). by Wally Sanders 790, Glimpses of Dinas Island suggested that the end was nigh, but it was for his outstanding still a long haul to cars at Newport. contribution to drama.
Bank Holiday Monday saw diverse activities. David, Marion, M and JUNE Mike Beckley Peters, Helen Alex and Tom walked eastwards, starting at various times, along the historic Golden Road over the Preseli Hills. STERNIAN REUNION This prehistoric track is considered to have been used to transport the Blue Stones from these hills to Stonehenge. The summits of Cam Sian We knew we would and Cam Gyfrwy were visited before the various groups returned to the have to pay for having house and departures commenced. such a stunning day in 2012 and so it proved, with all fixtures having to be called off after an almighty thunderstorm at lunch time. No matter, we all had a good time and numbers were boosted by Mike Sims' gang (see separate feature). A presentation was made to Gill Kelly to celebrate ten years working with the Association. Lunch was good, the bar flowed and speeches were witty and informative. The rain stopped long enough for people to enjoy the grounds and displays before tea.
Party at Rosebush Back: Peter Everall, Alex & Tom Reynolds, Liz Everall, Mike & M Beckley, Charles & Gill Lawrence, David Minnikin, Marion Turner.Front: Peter Minnikin, Helen Spring (and Mollie), Hugh Podger.
LONDON DRINKS
A balmy May evening on the Thames means it must be time for a Sternian drinks event at the Festival Hall. It was great to see John Bacon (1970 Sutton), Simon Clements (1976 Summerfield), Dan Cox (1998 Sutton), Richard Farmery (1975 School), Simon Foster (1995 Hazelveare, Edward Gardner (1977 School), John Gates (1944), Chris Gibbs (1995 Hazelveare), Patrick Goldingham (1977 Summerfield), Andrew Greenwood (1970 School), Dudley Lewis (1966 School), Angus MacSwan (1976 Summerfield), Richard Parry (1980 Sutton), Ed Spokes (1998 School), Andreas Stavrindes (1984 Sutton), Paul Swindell (1998 Summerfield), David Wagstaff (1962 School), Chris Woodhams (1966 Hazelveare) and Chris Worsley (1998 Summerfield).
10 All the news, views and review of the year 2013, from The Sternians' Association of I^ord Wandsworth College The Sternian 13
STERNIAN CRICKET
The glorious spell of summer weather was just starting when we held the LWC T20 tournament at the end of June. This event features the LWC 1st XI against a Sternian side to battle it out for the Sternian Cricket Shield. This year, 2012 1st XI dynamo Robbie Heywood (2012 Sutton) was playing for us. He had organised a great team with lots of experience and it showed. The Sternians retained the trophy and won the overall tournament after beating The Leopards, a touring side from South Africa.
Team: back row I to r Dann Irving (2003 Sutton), John Hodgson (2010 Sutton), Andy House (2011 Sutton), Mike Salmon (2008 Summerfield), Toby Ward (2012 Hazelveare), Robbie Heywood (2012 Sutton), Jonny Dow (2012 School), Tim Salmon (2010 Hazelveare), Ben Read (2011 Sutton), George Breddy (2011 Sutton), Mark Feeney (2005 School)
JULY
Final assembly and off they go for the summer. Kojak played brilliantly too, certainly helped by the legendary Charlie Another fresh batch of Sternians to welcome. Amesbury (2004 Sutton), ex England Sevens, Harlequins, Newcastle Falcons, Sale Sharks and now Bristol RFC player. AUGUST Our thanks to: - The Unit - Matt Arundel (2008 Sutton), Tom O'Connell RESULTS BREAKFAST (2008 Hazelveare), Ben Rubio (2008 Summerfield), Ed Weeks (2008 Hazelveare), Jamie East (2008 Sutton), Toby Comley (2006 Back they come, looking Summerfield), Ben Gandy (2008 Hazelveare), Mike Salmon (2008 older, tanned and carefree Summerfield), Tim Salmon (2010 Hazelveare) and James Hardy (2009 until that white envelope is in Summerfield). their hand, then they seem to go a bit pale. All was well though and we had brilliant A Level and GCSE results. Charlie Dean (2013 Summerfield) and Chris Stanton (2013 Hazelveare) achieved 7 A*s at A Level between them. The Sternians provided their now legendary bacon butties, strong, sweet tea and congratulations.
SEPTEMBER
STERNIAN RUGBY SEVENS
Another great sporting occasion at LWC with some very experienced teams made up from Sternians who play rugby at club level or at university, but that is not necessary The Whitby Crew - David Bromfield (2012 School), Eddie Mallaby to be in a team! Our staff team (2012 Hazelveare), Jake Whitby (2013 Sutton), Charlie Kemp (2012 The Zimmers' always play well Sutton), Scott Godfrey (2012 Sutton), kneeling Alex Towse (2013 but it was The Unit captained by Hazelveare) and Adam Cook (2012 Summerfield) Mike Salmon (2008 Summerfield), featuring many Sternians who Team Kojak - Sophia Collins, ON Spencer (2005 Summerfield), Will regularly play for Farnham RFC, Marks (2005 Sutton), Andy Flower, Greg McDermott (2005 Sutton), who triumphed against The Becky Evans (2003 Gosden), Whitby Crew, captained by Jake Kneeling Andy Collins (2004 Sutton), Charlie Amesbury (2004 Sutton), Whitby (2013 Sutton) in a closely Mark Buckley (2004 Hazelveare) fought match 26-24! Jake is no slouch himself since he has been playing with London Irish 'A's. Team
All the news, views and review of the year 2013, from The Sternians'Association of Lord Wandsworth College 11 The Sternian 13 The Sternian Year Continued
MOUNTAINEERING AUTUMN MEET - 27th September - 4th October 2013 Esk View, Boot, Eskdale, Cumbria
The Party Hugh Rodger, Gordon Pitt, Fary Afshar, Peter & Liz Everall, Charles & Gill Lawrence, David Minnikin & Marion Turner. Harriet Fraser, with Patrick and Rosa, joined us for Saturday.
On a Saturday of clear blue skies and not a breath of wind, affairs were centred on Eskdale Show. The major party, comprising Peter, Gordon, Charles, Gill, Fary, David and Marion, proceeded via Boot to Blea Tarn Hill to admire the scene. A descent to Blea Tarn and along the hill side eventually brought us to the showfield at Eskdale Green. Diverse activities were undertaken during the afternoon and returns were made along the south side of the River Esk to the house at Esk View. Harriet Fraser, with Patrick and Rosa, arrived late morning and conveyed Hugh and Liz to the Show. Appetites sated, the Podger faction walked from Dalegarth Station via Beckfoot Bridge up to Blea Tarn, from where the PRESIDENT'S DRINKS high level route was followed back to Boot. This event is very popular with senior Sternians and former staff and On Sunday, the majority of the party set off to Green Crag via Doctor they love introducing themselves and talking about the way things Bridge, Kepple Crag and Crook Crag. On reaching the col below Green were in their day to new staff members. Tim Prideaux stood in for Sir Crag, Gordon and Hugh took the escape route down, past Low Birker Tarn and back to Esk View, eventually being overtaken by Peter. The Humphrey who first became involved with the College 50 years ago in remainder of the party, Charles, Gill, Fary, Marion and David, headed 1963 (see separate feature). west from the col North of Green Crag to Bickerthwaite. A Green Way was followed north to the spectacular viewing platform at the head of BAA Stanley Force. Gill and Fary descended by the footpath adjacent to For the first time since 1993, we have livestock at LWC. 1000 Texel the Force, but Charles, Marion and David took the bridleway, all being Cross sheep are busy munching their way through turnip tops in the reunited by the stepping stones across the river by St. Catherine's Church near to Esk View. field opposite Junior. We have let a local farmer graze them here for the winter so will let you know how they get on. Monday saw Hugh and Gordon visited Hardknott Roman Fort, with DECEMBER Gordon later taking a short walk to the rock platform above Stanley Gill Force. More ambitiously, Marion, Fary and Peter walked from Wa House to Scafell summit, returning via Burnmoor Tarn to Boot. On Fifty years ago the following details were noted in the Sower about the Christmas lunch served to 309 boys, 14 masters and 24 Sternians, who Tuesday, Hugh, Fary and Gordon departed. Marion and David drove to the Birker Fell road completed a clockwise circuit of Little Crag, Great consumed: Crag, Black Crag, White Crag, Far Hill and Little Worm Crag eventually achieving a first Sternian's ascent of Great Worm Crag! 20 gallons (91 litres) of soup 15 gallons (68 litres) of gravy 290 Ibs (128 kilos) of turkey 18 large loaves of bread OCTOBER 16 Ibs (7 kilos) of cranberry sauce 96 Ibs (43 kilos) of Christmas 56 Ibs (24 kilos) of stuffing pudding The nagging starts - where's that article 40 Ibs (18 kilos) of sausages 30 Ibs (13 kilos) of brandy butter for the Sternian magazine?! 140 Ibs (106 kilos) of Brussels sauce sprouts 340 mince pies NOVEMBER 3cwt (152 kilos) of roast potatoes Some cheese and water unlimited 1cwt (51 kilos) of mashed potatoes REMEMBRANCE
Our new bursar, Air Commodore (Retd) Half a century on, our Richard Gammage and current History teacher, Major (Retd) Jonathan Lilley Christmas lunch is spoke movingly at our Friday service. catering for 525 pupils and some 120 odd The whole school stopped at 11 am on 11th November for two minutes silence staff so this lot virtually doubles in quantity! and for the names on the Sternian Roll of Honour to be read out. Three cheers for our wonderful catering staff. Gill Kelly
12 All the news, views and review of the year 2013, from The Sternians' Association of I >ord Wandsworth College The Sternian 13 WHO ARE WE GONNA CALL?
Do you remember when the first commercial Concorde flight took off? Well it was in 1976, and since then at LWC whenever something broke, fell off, leaked or stopped working, there was only one man to call - the legend that is Dave Turner. Dave has been here man and boy, brought up his family here, overseen countless campus house moves, staff and boilers come and go and is now on his fifth headmaster. His smiling face and generous response "Don't worry, I'll go and have a look" no matter what the problem nor the time, will be much missed by us all. Does anyone else really know where the stopcock is in the science block? Lots of you too will remember his wife Jenny who worked at Sutton House for many years as matron before finally realising that girls involve less mud and moving to Haygate. We detail below just some of the very many comments for Dave and we wish them both the happiest of retirements.
"On a cold December night, several years ago, I was texted by the Bursar to let me know that we had a burst pipe in our house and that it didn't look too pretty. When we arrived home, we found you both there, having already brought in a plumber and fixed the leak, with Jenny having mopped up the excess water and Dave having started the heating up again. It typifies both of you - quietly doing wonderful things be substantially poorer for your retirement. I don't know how you have without ever wanting any reward, but just because it needed doing, and kept your patience and sense of humour over those years: it's been because you care. And it is all done with a smile, with kindness and sorely tested many times. You were always there in times of crisis - fire with humour. The debt we owe you both , as a family, and as a school, alarms, burst boilers, gas leaks, building contractors going bust - a is more than can ever be repaid. You are a part of our history at LWC calm assuring presence, just sorting things out, and a laugh never and we will miss you both." far away. And don't get me started on your knowledge of the sewage treatment works. As well as your many personal attributes you will be "Friday night football, bowls club dinners, pints at the Shoes, but above remembered for your consummate knowledge of the workings of the all non-stop banter about all the nonsense of life at LWC and beyond. College and I will be amazed if the whole place doesn't collapse once With Jen, the girls and the grandchildren, Dave really is one of life's you've gone!" gentleman, always able to laugh at himself and never cruelly at others. A real servant to the College and a genuine friend. A job well done and "A teddy bear of a man with a heart of gold always willing to help a retirement richly deserved." a damsel in distress - we will miss you hugely (and Jen's cakes even more...). The place simply won't be the same without you. "37 years! Wow!! You know when you have been somewhere a long Have a wonderfully long, happy and healthy retirement and please time when you realise you started before many of your colleagues were come and see us often." even born. You have become an LWC institution and the College will
Combat Stress
Three Old Sternians and a Charity Screening of PRIVATE PEACEFUL (http://www.combatstress.org.uk/), an essential services charity that is in Winchester - Murray Weston, Chris Huffam and Andy Greenwood now caring for some 5,000 veterans who have suffered mental health (who were all in the same year at School House, leaving in 1970) issues following their return from combat zones. The problem of post met up in Winchester on the evening of Armistice Day, Monday 11th traumatic stress disorder is an increasing issue affecting the lives of November, for a fund-raising screening of the feature film PRIVATE many ex-servicemen and women and their families. The evening was PEACEFUL that was attended by the producer Guy de Beaujeu with attended by more than 200 people and included a charity auction. actors Sam Frenchum and Kyle Summercorn. Major Andy Greenwood (retired) donated a promise of "Tea and Cake and a Tour of the MoD in Whitehall". This PRIVATE PEACEFUL, based on the book of the same name by triggered some competitive bidding which Michael Morpurgo, stars the late Richard Griffiths, Frances de la Tour reached more than £200 (surprising Andy and Maxine Peake. Murray Weston had been one of the organising because he knows the quality of the cake at committee for the event that was led by his friend John Hart. Following the MoD!). The overall event raised £8,000 a reception in the Hampshire County Council building, the participants for Combat Stress. moved to the Everyman Cinema Winchester for the screening.
The chosen charity to benefit from the event was Combat Stress Murray Weston Av6l
All the news, views and review of the year 2013, from The Sternians' Association of Lord Wandsworth College 13 The Sternian 13 DAMBUSTERS 70* Anniversary
In the skies over Lincolnshire on 17th May a lone Lancaster bomber flew where once 19 of its kind took off in one of the most famous air raids of all time. A memorial service at RAF Scampton was told that those who took to the air in Operation Chastise, as it was known, from the grass runway here 70 years ago went armed only with "self belief, courage and a bouncing bomb".
Only three of the original Dambusters are still alive. The only British one is a Sternian, 92 year-old Squadron Leader George 'Johnny'Johnson 287, who watched as Tornados from today's 617 squadron made a noisy entrance followed by Spitfires and the Lancaster from the Battle of Britain memorial flight.
The courage of the low-flying crews More than a third of the that night is something that has inspired men never returned generations of RAF personnel. Many from the raids and more of today's pilots are still astounded at than 1,300 people were the achievements of the bomber crews. killed when bombs The Dambusters raid was carried out were dropped on the by 133 airmen, flying 19 Lancaster German dams flooding bombers armed with the "bouncing the Ruhr valley. Out of bombs" designed by Sir Barnes Wallis. 19 bombers, eight were They flew incredibly low at 60ft. To shot down. Three men maintain this height, they had to fix two were captured and 53 spotlights to the nose and tail of the were killed. bomber T for Tommy' narrowly escaped aircraft and direct the beam downwards Johnny served as a death during the risky mission. When so that they crossed 60ft below. The 'bomb aimer' in the daring mission, they made it back to RAF Scampton, navigator would direct the pilot up or charged with releasing an 8,500lb they inspected the wing and found it down until the spots touched and formed 'bouncing bomb' from his plane flying riddled with bullet holes. They then a figure '8'. They also had to fly in the just 30ft above the water of the Sorpe sat down to a breakfast of powdered dark for the night-time raids. Flying at Dam, lying at the very front of the scrambled eggs, bacon and tea. such heights was obviously dangerous, cramped aircraft. . This he finally did one hit the sea, tearing off the bomb after his plane had to fly round ten times Johnny comments 'I still remember carried by the plane. Another flew into to get it exactly right! Not surprisingly, it every day. It's like it happened high voltage electricity cables and was his crew gave an audible sigh of relief yesterday. I was fortunate. I was one engulfed in flames. when he finally called out "Bomb gone". of the lucky ones. So many good men He and his comrades in Lancaster
14 All the news, views and review of the year 2013, from The Sternians' Association of I x>rd Wandsworth College The Sternian 13
didn't come back. I had the right pilot becoming a fine cricketer. He left in Thirty three of the surviving Dambusters and was in the right plane, at the right 1939 to work for the Borough Surveyor received honours and Johnny was time. It's not something you forget in a in Basingstoke and wrote to Captain awarded the Distinguished Flying hurry, even though it was all those years Radcliffe (Secretary of the College at Medal. He has campaigned tirelessly ago. So many of my good friends lost the time, similar to a Bursar) to say that in support of the memorial to Bomber their lives. We were just relieved to get he had enjoyed every minute of his six Command and was honoured at back in one piece but no-one felt like years at LWC and they were some of the Royal British Legion Festival of celebrating. When I look back at what the happiest times of his life. The lure Remembrance held in the Albert Hall in we achieved, I'm the proudest man of the RAF meant that Johnny decided November. alive.' to join in 1940 and was accepted to be trained as a pilot. He was then selected Gill Kellv to be part of the elite 617 Squadron and stayed with the RAF for 22 years.
Arriving at LWC in 1933 from a Nottinghamshire farm having lost his mother at an early age, Johnny soon adapted to life here. He wanted more out of life than labouring on a farm but may have got more than he bargained for. Johnny did well here, passing his exams, appointed a prefect and
All the news, views and review of the year 2013, from The Sternians' Association of Ij^rd Wandsworth College 15 The Sternian 13 nion June 2013
33 Sternians from the 1950s era along with 16 wives sat down Higham (there's very funny tale behind that which Mike will gladly to dinner at Tylney Hall on June 14th. To round out the group, tell), several of us retired from there to the bar at The Raven to we were fortunate to be joined by Charles and Joan Hallows, Tony continue our conversations into the early hours of the morning. and Ann Whibley, Peter Booth, Kate Chernyshov, Chris Huffam and Talking is such thirsty work! Gill Kelly, who joined us for drinks. Unfortunately, this time, Ray Ward and Cliff Ashby were unable to attend. On Saturday, we arose early and proceeded, red-eyed, to the College for the AGM. This AGM proved to be lively, to say the least, Tylney Hall is a wonderful setting for a dinner, and their food and with much passionate debate regarding the current and future state service was impeccable. In fact, it was the only establishment in of the Association and its ability to activate the younger Sternians the area that would accommodate such a large group - something - there being practically no-one under 50, and mostly OAPs in for others to bear in mind. The Raven in Hook, where many of attendance. There is a strong desire among we older Sternians us stayed, is also very accommodating and keen to be involved to see significantly higher numbers and an age demographic that with LWC Reunion events, but is less upscale and could not is much more representative of the current Sternian membership, accommodate a group of our size indoors. the majority of whom are under 35, at our Annual and Regional Reunions. This was the third time in the last 10 years that our group had got together to enjoy each other's company and kick-off the Annual Saturday was rainy and cool and the planned College sports Reunion weekend. Although it was 5 years since we gathered, activities were cancelled, so folks split off to do whatever met it was as though no time had passed, and everyone was quickly their fancy. Some enjoyed the College tour, others explored immersed in catching up with the new, and reminiscing about the around the Estate and the village. Nine of us spent the afternoon old. in Winchester, visiting the Cathedral's magnificent Symphony of Flowers, partly in remembrance of Bomber Brown with whom we Many attendees brought along photos of their time at the College. visited as choirboys back before the beginning of time. These were posted around the dining room and were a source of much laughter and joshing as we tried to link those young faces to To round out the evening, we had booked a reception room at the the older ones around us. Raven for supper, drinks and more chat. Mike H had ordered a selection of real ales, including Greene King Abbot and IPA, plus Before people became too oiled with their pre-dinner libations, Old Speckled Hen, for our enjoyment - he's a good man to have Tim Hodges, fresh from a London photo session with Her Majesty, around on these occasions. Needless to say, the evening sped by set up his camera gear in the garden to take group photos. Chris with a lot of laughter, and it was a fitting way to end the Reunion Gibbs, Sternian Vice Chairman, who had driven down from London since we were all going our separate ways after Sunday breakfast. to join us for a drink, was recruited to take the pics so Tim could be included. As can be seen, he did a fine job. Everyone was And, we'll do it again in June, 2018! See you there. already pretty merry by that time, and the mood continued through the evening until we were tossed out at 11pm. Led by our resident Mike Sims (Ao4i 1960 School) beer expert the Rector of St Marmaduke's-in- the-Field aka Mike 16 All the news, views and review of the year 2013, from The Sternians' Association of I^ord Wandsworth College The Sternian 13
Organizing a successful Class Reunion
I emigrated to Canada in 1969, and, since was beginning to open up and the Sandy our contemporaries), while our UK team then, I had seen only seen a handful of my Henderson at the School era was in full contacted several others by phone. old class mates since I left LWC in 1960, maturity. We also decided to invite Sternians Surprisingly, we had a very fast and strong 4 and only my best buddy, Keith Smith, to bring their life partners along, and make positive response, and we knew we would since 1969. The only way of keeping in the occasion a full weekend event. Both have a large group to work with. touch with the College and old pals was turned out to be the right decisions. through the Sternian magazine. I had I won't go into the details of getting from that logged my email contact details into the With Graham's help I was able to recruit 2 stage to the actual event, but, needless to Sternian website, my contacts, or rather UK-based Sternians from each of the 5 target say, there is a lot of work involved, especially lack of it, continued in the same old way. class years to act as contacts for their year, on the communications side, and the and to encourage their old classmates to join organizing group has to be very committed I was therefore somewhat surprised to us. Gill Kelly provided much assistance from - but it is worth it!! In 2003, 36 Sternians receive an email from Graham Barnes in the College end. Graham looked after the sat down with 20 partners and guests at July, 2002 reminding me that it would be practical issues of identifying eating venues the Friday evening dinner at The George in 50 years the following year since my class and negotiating contracts, while I focused Odiham; in 2008 there were 48 Sternians entered LWC; and, "why wasn't I organizing on the overall planning, organization and and 34 others at Bluebeckers; and, last June, a celebratory get-together to coincide with communications. That approach worked very we had 35 Sternians and 21 others at Tylney the 2003 Annual Reunion in Long Sutton?" well for the 2003 Reunion, and has stood Hall. And, each time, we had a full menu Graham is an insistent fellow who doesn't us in good stead for our two subsequent of activities over the weekend to make it take "no" for an answer, so I 'Volunteered". Reunions in 2008 and 2013. memorable.
From the beginning, we decided to try to To find and contact people after all those Try it yourself; you won't regret it - the attract as many as possible from all of the years, Graham and Gill were able to Sternians Office is there to help, and you class years that were at School and Sutton help with email and home addresses to can always contact me at m4142s@rogers. in 1959. They were the boys with whom we work from. To gauge the potential level com if need be. had lived 24/7 and shared experiences of of interest, in September 2002,1 sent out life at LWC during the fifties as England was an exploratory email invitation to about Mike Sims (Ao4i 1960 School) emerging from post War doldrums, society 80 Sternians (representing over half of
Reach for the Sky
There are many Sternians who, though very proud to have been part of Hazelveare and Summerfield houses, will admit that there could be problems with the roof. No more!
This year, the College have spent lots of money and not only installed a new pitched roof which looks so much better than the original, but also solar panels which generate electricity to go back into the grid. There is a screen inside which shows just what the panels are up to and it is an impressive sight. The roof is also so well insulated that it makes the whole building much warmer and cheaper to heat. The downside was that the houses had to endure scaffolding for several months but we are sure you will agree that it was worth it.
All the news, views and review of the year 2013, from The Sternians'Association of Lord Wandsworth College 17 The Sternian 13 Life at Stern Farm Farm News May 2013
So far this year is turning out to be just as difficult of neo-nics. Another theory is that they are starving as there are fewer for the Farm as last year was. We struggled to flowering crops for them to forage on. One way in which we can help sow the crops last autumn due to the poor ground alleviate this problem is by providing areas of the farm that are rich in conditions as a result of the wet weather. The oilseed plants which provide nectar and pollen and these have been planted rape was planted in good time, but it was sown into under the Entry Level Stewardship Scheme. We currently have about cold wet soils and germination was slow and patchy. twenty-five acres of nectar and pollen strips planted in small areas Where the crop did grow it has had to struggle to around the farm to provide insect habitat and food. survive; the slug population exploded due to the wet conditions and numerous applications of slug The Farm started planting winter wheat on the 22nd of September pellets were required through the autumn and into last year and finished on the 8th of January this year. It has been the winter months as the crop struggled to grow one of the longest most drawn out and difficult drilling seasons I have away from the slimy pests. Pigeons have also been experienced. Opportunities to get on the land and plant were very a major problem as they started feeding on the rape few and at times we have sown into land in less than ideal conditions, much earlier than usual (as they had little else to hoping that a crop would establish. In November we realised that our feed on due to the wet summer) and we have ended original cropping plan was going to be impossible to achieve and so up spending the best part of six months trying to we revised it, concentrating on the lighter land and leaving the heavy keep them off the crop. Some fields have fared better land until the spring. On the whole we have managed to establish than others, but we have ended up with parts of some reasonable wheat crops, but some areas are very poor as the fields where there is no rape at all and generally all seed sat in cold, wet soil and ended up rotting in the ground. As with the fields look very patchy in appearance as they the rape, slugs have also been a major problem and despite numerous have a wide variety of growth stages in them, from applications of pellets they have had a detrimental impact on the just starting to bud to being about a third the way crop. One field was so poor that it was written off and has now been through flowering. More recently pollen beetle and replanted with spring barley. The wheat is still about four or five weeks seed weevils have appeared in the crop, so far we behind where we would normally expect it to be at this time of year, have only applied insecticides where they have been but the recent sunny weather has made a big difference and the crop absolutely necessary, but the crop will required is finally producing some decent growth. The more forward fields have constant monitoring to ensure we protect its yield received an early fungicide (T zero) to protect them against septoria potential. At the moment it's looking as though the and are almost due for their second fungicide (T one) along with a rape harvest will be much later than usual and some growth regulator. The later wheat crops are still around a week to ten fields will probably have to be combined in stages as days off needing a fungicide and will not receive a T zero, we will go ripening will be very uneven. straight in at T one with a fungicide and growth regulator.
There has recently been a lot of coverage in the press regarding the Last year we grew winter linseed for the first time and it was less than potential ban of neo-nicotinoid insecticides because of the risk they successful and it went flat due to the continuous rain in June and July. pose to bees. At Stern Farms we only spray insecticides when we This year we decided to give it another go, but we haven't had any have to and we always use threshold levels to determine if a crop can better luck with it. We planted one-hundred acres in mid-September last survive a particular insect attack without an insecticide application. In year. Initially the crop established well and looked positive through most 2011 we only made two insecticide applications to control brucid beetle of the winter, but the cold easterly winds in March and April caused in the winter beans. In 2012 we didn't spray any insecticides on to the crops at all. However we do use neo-nicotinoids (neo-nics) in seed treatment form. This means that the seed is coated with the insecticide (and usually a fungicide) and as the seedling grows the chemical is transferred to the plant. This is particularly useful as it provides a very target specific means of controlling a certain pest, (it will only kill the pest that actually eats the plant), rather than spraying the crop which will also kill non-target species. In reality if neo nics are banned it will mean that we may have to make several applications of insecticide to the oilseed rape in the autumn while it is very small to protect it from being eaten by flea beetle, whereas now we use the seed treatment to protect the crop and this way we don't kill the beneficial insects. It's still not clear whether or not bee numbers are declining as a direct result
18 All the news, views and review of the year 2013, from The Sternians' Association of I^ord Wandsworth College The Sternian 13
severe wind burn in two fields and the crop failed. We have kept one The other casualty of the poor weather was the winter linseed which fifty acre field which is more sheltered and has survived, but the other established well in September, but succumbed to the cold winds in two fields have been re-drilled with spring linseed. March. The crop is not wind tolerant and we lost half the crop over a six week period. Having had two poor years with the crop for various Spring barley was planted just after Easter and has established well, reasons we have decided not to grow it again. The failed areas were despite the fact that it is being grown of some of the heavy land which planted with spring linseed at the end of April. was too wet in the autumn to plant winter wheat into. The remaining land has been planted with spring oats, but we didn't quite finish drilling As a result of the difficult autumn conditions of 2012 the farm had a before the weather broke and there is a striking difference between much increased workload in the following spring and we planted spring the fields that were sown before the rain and those which were sown barley and spring oats to make up for the lack of wheat. The spring afterwards. The later drilled ones are struggling because some areas was later arriving than we hoped for but the barley was sown in the first of the fields are heavy clay which has dried out leaving insufficient week of April and the resulting crop yielded well and quality has been moisture to trigger germination. What we now need more than anything good enough for malting, which was pleasing. The spring oats were is a decent rain to soak the ground and give the crop a good drink. sown a little late as they didn't go in until the third week of April and suffered as the weather turned dry, germination was patchy and the Weather wise, things started to go downhill around a year ago. March crop failed to grow quickly enough to sustain the hot weather in June. and April were dry, leading to a hose-pipe ban. At the end of May it This meant that the grain failed to fill properly and although there was rained and didn't stop through June and July. August and September plenty of bulk, the specific weight was very low giving a low yield. were mostly dry; the harvest was the worst in living memory due to the rain in July and the resulting poor quality crops. Land cultivated after harvest came up wet and then baked out into rock hard lumps, resulting in poor seedbeds, the soil never really warmed up and then at the end of September it started to rain again which continued through most of the winter. Everyone hoped and prayed for an early spring which eventually arrived at the end of April following weeks of cold north easterly winds. At some point the weather has got to improve and fall back into the seasonal patterns we all know and love.
6 months later... November 2013
In general terms the running of the farm over the last few months has been much easier than the preceding year. The autumn crops have all been sown into warm, moist seedbeds and establishment has generally been very good. It is amazing to see the difference in the way the crops look compared to a year ago. The autumn of 2012 was one of the worst I can remember; the preceding harvest was one of the poorest on record. The lack of sunshine in the months leading up to the harvest resulted in low specific weight (the actual weight of the grains) and harvest was somewhat disappointing, but it was the autumn that really took its toll on the farm. The general lack of sunshine not only resulted So the crops destined for the 2013 harvest had some the poor harvest, but it also meant that the soil failed to warm up and of the most difficult growing conditions possible. so the crops planted for the 2013 harvest went into cold soils. This was The harvest was only of the latest for a long time further compounded when the weather broke at the end of September and wasn't started until 4th August, two and a half and the already wet soil soon became sodden and unworkable. The weeks later than normal, but good weather and oilseed rape was planted in good time, but it was very slow to grow thinner crops meant that progress was quick and and much of it failed to compete with ravenous slugs and pigeons, the harvest was completed with the spring linseed on latter of which started to feed on the crop as early as October and were 5th September, which is about the same time as a continuous problem until late February. In all we lost about fifty acres most years. of the crop, which although disappointing, was much less than some farms who had to write their entire crop off and replant in the spring. This autumn has been kind and as mentioned earlier, all the crops benefited from warm, moist seed beds The wheat drilling campaign turned into a battle. The earlier sown which promote fast germination and good early wheat went in in late September and established well, resulting in good crop establishment. All the autumn crops have been yields, but from then on it became a case of drilling what we could, sown, including some stubble turnips which we will where we could. Much of the land originally destined to go into wheat rent out to a neighbouring sheep farmer for winter became too wet, so we drilled the lighter land instead, following wheat keep. Then these fields will be sown with spring oats, with wheat and abandoning our usual crop rotation. The last field so hopefully we will get an earlier spring next year. of wheat was eventually sown on the 12th of January this year and harvested on the 28th of August. The reduced growing season resulted Paul Sigley, Farm Manager in a much lower yield than normal, but the quality was exceptional and it has all made full spec milling.
AH the news, views and review of the year 2013, from The Sternians'Association of Lord Wandsworth College 19 The Sternian 13 Congratulations McPresident ririt ^y^trs O/v
Very few people can claim a continuous has been his strong Christian faith, working relationship with Lord influencing every thought and every decision. Wandsworth College for 50 years. To have such an interested and informed Sir Humphrey became a trustee of the chairman of governors is a privilege enjoyed College in 1963, following the death of Mr by few schools; to have such a chairman for H M Howgrave-Graham. He became only over a quarter of a century is exceptional. the fourth holder of the office of Chairman in During these years his wisdom, humanity and 1966 on the retirement of Sir William Gavin strength of purpose have infused all aspects at the age of 80, who served the College of LWC's development. Sir Humphrey, with a for 38 years, 23 of which he was Chairman. totally open mind, has embraced new ideas Sir Humphrey also became President of with relish, considered them without prejudice the Sternians' Association in 1965 and and adopted those of true merit." became President of the Lord Wandsworth Foundation in 1992 on his retirement as And on the occasion of his 90th birthday in Chairman. Offices he holds to this day. 2005:
Sir Humphrey still keeps a very close eye "He is still President of both the Foundation on LWC affairs and regularly sees the and the Sternians' Association continuing Headmaster. When asked recently what what must surely be the longest active he felt were the most important changes in involvement of anyone in LWC affairs - so the College which had occurred during his long in fact that a young member of Junior, association, he said that the introduction of much to Sir Humphrey's amusement, girls had made a fundamental change for the reported to his housemaster that he had better. met Lord Wandsworth walking through the Copse - a long association but not quite In the 1992 Sower Former Headmaster Guy that long. His wisdom and foresight, faith Dodd recorded Sir Humphrey's dedication: and gentleness - and that touch of steel underneath the velvet glove - have been "Sir Humphrey's has been an extraordinary of immeasurable benefit to so many of us: long and productive period of involvement trustees, headmasters, staff and pupils past in the affairs of the Foundation, Farm and and present. Long may it continue." College and at the heart of his contribution Life after LWC
As Sternian Liaison Officer one of my main roles is to of different professions including advertising and media, sports find ways of improving the link between The College marketing, engineering, law, surveying, entrepreneurship, the and Sternians. One major concern for teenagers is job medical profession, accountancy, product marketing, teaching and prospects when they leave school or university. The media insurance. regularly report on the challenges what has been dubbed the 'forgotten generation' face In this regard. Talking to I would greatly appreciate any feedback or ideas from Sternians Sternians who left since 2008 there is no doubt that the on this initiative so please contact me or Gill Kelly in the Sternians road to find a fulfilling job can be difficult. office if you have any suggestions or would like to help.
I do feel that there is a massive contribution that alumni I do hope you feel this will be a worthwhile exercise which can associations can make in helping school children make the right only enhance the relationship between the College and Sternians choices regarding their careers. The Sternians can play a central and, most importantly, give LWC students the opportunity to make role in helping LWC students. Our Careers Fairs are now well informed decisions on their career choices. established, taking place annually and we are very grateful to those Sternians who give up their time to come and talk to the Edward Walker pupils. I am hoping to have forums in the future on a number walkere @ lordwandsworth.org
20 All the news, views and review of the year 2013, from The Sternians' Association of Lord Wandsworth College The Sternian 13
Classroom Hero
Sean Hardeley (2003 Hazelveare) is the Pearson Teaching Awards UK Winner of the Award for Outstanding New Teacher of the Year, having already won the Regional Award for the North in July. These awards are known as the 'Oscars' of teaching and 24,000 teachers were nominated by students, parents and colleagues.
Nominations of teachers, heads, teaching assistants and school teams because of the support of the Foundation. Even though the number of are endorsed by schools before they are shortlisted and visited at Foundation pupils has decreased throughout the school, due to matters school by regional and UK judging panels. Sean works at Holy Cross which are out of their control, I hope that LWC never loses sight of the Catholic High School, Chorley, Lancashire. He's in his third year of fact that the Foundation has always been the backbone of the school, teaching and is already deputy head of the science faculty. His energy, and I hope that there will be always be young pupils to whom it gives a enthusiasm and incredible work rate all help young people understand chance to experience life at LWC." and enjoy difficult subjects. He's definitely found his vocation and, as well as teaching, coaches Year 7 rugby and leads expeditions for the We are thrilled (but not surprised) that he has done so well in his Duke of Edinburgh awards. relatively short career. He has also found time to get married and has a baby daughter, Emily. The judges commented "Sean Hardeley is an inspirational science teacher who goes to extraordinary lengths to help students understand Sean's award was presented to him by Olympian Mo Farrah at an difficult subjects. His most recent successful project has been to send awards ceremony held at The Theatre Royal Drury Lane, London in a balloon into space to record images of the Earth and its weather October. systems." With thanks to Pearson Teaching Awards Press Office Recently the school set up a STEM club to promote science, technology, engineering and maths with links to industry and academia. Through STEM Sean contacted 30 organizations with the idea of sending a balloon into space and went ahead when Manchester University responded. A school teddy bear with a camera attached was fixed to a balloon and the project literally took off. When it crash landed 100 miles away early one morning Sean drove to collect the evidence and, by lunchtime, had results showing on a screen in the school canteen. UK judges said: The photos of the curvature of the earth were stunning. The project only had a 7.5% chance of working but under Sean's leadership, the whole event ran beautifully....He just knows how to get everyone thinking and talking about science.' Sean was a hugely popular foundation pupil at LWC and was Head of College, Head of Hazelveare and captain of the 1st XV and had this to say in his leavers' speech to the year of 2003: "Finally, and maybe most importantly, the only reason why many pupils, some of us included, have had the opportunity to come to this school is
All the news, views and review of the year 2013, from The Sternians'Association of Lord Wandsworth College 21 The Sternian 13
The Day a /awyer ecided to come a Chef I remember my first day at LWC vividly. I was given a tour of Summerfield House and apparent to me that my shoes were too of my saliva glands going on strike and my one of the rooms belonged pointy and my vision of my own future far too throat constricting. to the then head of house grandiose, so it wasn't long before I started It wasn't easy by any means and the pilot Christian Bellairs. It had an en to plan my escape. The most difficult part of we shot didn't get picked up, but by the time suite bathroom. I wanted it. that equation is knowing what you want to do. I arrived back in London to my ordinary life I loved cooking, but I knew it could never be my mind was set. I wrote at the top of a piece more than a weekend indulgence. Until fate of paper that I wanted a television show to Nowadays, with the statute of limitations on made its first appearance. teach as many people as possible to cook the my side, I have to admit I wasn't a model simple, delicious food that I love. Underneath pupil during those first years. If anyone I'd made friends with a girl in LA who I wrote the 5 steps I'd need to achieve my spent more break times standing outside happened to work in television and one goal and then I got cracking. the staff room or collecting stones out of the night she called me from Tinseltown for a golf course bunkers I'd be impressed. But catch up. The discussion turned to TV and I And so it began. One of the steps was to somewhere along the way I figured that once said I had a funny idea for a cooking show. I seek professional tuition from anyone who I left that bubble of laundered clothes and quickly forgot the conversation until a week would teach me. First off it was the chefs apple crumble my future would be largely later when she called me up all excited. Her in the fine dining kitchen of my law firm. I'd determined by those formative years. And station loved the idea so much they wanted to sneak up to the kitchen in my lunchtime so I worked. In fact during the 2 years of my film a pilot and suggested I be the chef! Well while colleagues discussed their deals and A Levels I worked so much that friendships sitting there at my desk in front of a 400 page complained about the latest all-nighter they'd fell by the wayside and I became completely contract I gave the only answer I could be done and eat up any information they could fixated with those all important UCAS points. expected to give: "when do we start filming?" give me. After work I'd swap pinstripes for The points duly came and thinking it sounded chef's whites in the back of a black cab on quite impressive I signed myself up for a For the next 10 weeks I didn't tell a single my way to the Cuckoo Club in Mayfair to cook law and French degree at Exeter University. soul about my scheduled brush with stardom. there. And at weekends I would be fileting 4 years later I emerged, not having a clue Instead I relentlessly talked to myself in fish and making croquetas in the basement what to do next, but absolutely certain I never the mirror and narrated my washing up to kitchen of one of my favourite Spanish wanted to be a lawyer. That was until my practice speaking on camera. My housemate restaurants Brindisa. friends started getting jobs and visions of thought I had lost the plot. Soon enough I pin-striped suits and high-powered meetings was boarding a flight to Los Angeles and It was hard work and I remember the clouded my judgment. Next thing you know suddenly a surreal situation was becoming messages that would come through from I'm the smallest cog in the biggest law firm in very, intimidatingly real. Whisked away from friends asking where I was, whilst they were the world. LAX I found myself in a television studio with partying or having a BBQ in the park. But I As it turns out working in the City bears lights, cameras, a director, runners, make-up, didn't care. If being a lawyer taught me one absolutely no resemblance to either Ally the whole 9 yards. As the director shouted thing it was a sense of stamina and delayed McBeal or L.A. Law. It was immediately "Action!" I clearly remember the sensation gratification (that gratification usually being 22 All the news, views and review of the year 2013, from The Sternians' Assoeiation of Lord Wandsworth College The Sternian 13 taken for dinner to a swanky restaurant by our boss after every horrific deal we worked on) so I just kept my mind on my dream.
At the same time I knew I had to practice being on camera more. One weekend some friends had a BBQ and one of them asked me how I'd cooked a Spanish tortilla (that I learned at Brindisa!), so I figured rather than give her the recipe, I would do a video for her. One video then became 10 and 20 and so on, as I asked anyone who would be willing to hold a little camera and indulge my flight of fancy to record me in the kitchen. I figured that if I put my message out there and showed enough people that I wanted to teach people to cook then one day these messages in a bottle would reach the right place.
The cooking was fun but I always felt that I wasn't really committed to my ambition until I burned my bridges and made sure there was no going back. So I quit the City. It was probably the most unconventional resignation It gives me faith that if you know what you the partner had ever received. A week later I became the want, you act consistently with your desire, head chef of a fledgling little and you put that desire out to the world then Partner: "So I imagine you've decided to go start-up called Hello Fresh good things will happen. People so often look to another law firm? Maybe in-house to a and I never looked back. at success stories and think to themselves bank? that those people have always been exact fresh ingredients you need to cook successful. It's not true. The most successful Me: Actually Lee I've just sent you a Youtube tasty dinners at home. By week two we were people have got what they wanted because link which will probably explain it better than sending out our first deliveries. Namely 10 when things got really, really tough they I can. bags of shopping packed in my living room. refused to break and they refused to let the We stood back from it exhausted and proud negative opinions of others drag them down. It was a link to the pilot I'd shot in LA and I marvelling at our hard work. Little could we JK Rowling was virtually penniless, divorced will never forget the look on his face. Within know what was to come! and depressed when she decided to write 24 hours the link got another 300 hits as it a fairly popular book about a young wizard. did the rounds in my building and suddenly At around the same time my dreams really Walt Disney was fired from his first job as he everybody knew that Patrick had apparently started to come true when one day I received "lacked imagination and ideas". The rest, as lost his marbles. an email from a girl called Kylie Flavell. She'd they say, is history. seen one of my Youtube videos cooking With the safety net gone, the sense of a risotto and the title to her email was "Do urgency increased and so too did my sense you want to be in a TV show?" The email There aren't many days that go by of opportunism. One night I was going to explained that though she had never met me without the same two sayings popping the GQ awards dinner and I spied Heston she wanted to create a TV show and have a Blumenthal across the room. He'd just won into my head and so far they've proved culinary adventure around Italy and she just an award and people were swarming around pretty helpful: felt I was the person to come along for the him, but I knew it was my chance. I walked ride. I didn't want to build my hopes up too over, waited for just the right moment and 1. Thoughts become things. much, but of course I said it sounded fun. A then as subtly and unobtrusively as possible, week later I was in Rome shooting my second I jumped him. He was so nice. I told him 2. If you don't ask, you don't get. pilot TV show - except this time I was ready! about my story and what I wanted to do and Twenty months later and Hello Fresh now by the time I finished he offered me a day delivers around 25,000 of my meals across The conclusion? Think big thoughts and at The Fat Duck. I figured he'd just said it to the UK every week. I spend my days be cheeky! persuade me to let go of his leg, but lo and developing menus, talking to the press and To find out more about Hello Fresh behold a few days later it was all arranged cooking recipes with celebrity chefs who go to www.hellofresh.co.uk and if you and I was off to the hallowed streets of Bray. want to send their recipes in our boxes. My One day at the Duck turned into 1 day a week want 50% off your first order just type in TV show, "When Patrick Met Kylie: A Love and the chefs were utterly inspiring. I was in "IKNOWPATRICK" when you checkout. (of Food) Story" (Google the trailer and my element! To see Patrick's show go to www. you'll understand the name!) is airing in 67 kylieandpatrick.com countries this year, I just filmed another series By this point pretty much everyone I knew, this summer and I'm talking with ITV about a knew that I wanted to be a chef. One day P.S. I got the en-suite spot on their morning shows. I was introduced to someone who was looking to start a food delivery business and I But am I happy? YOU BET I AM! As much as instantly knew I wanted to be a part of it. I love what I am doing now with all my heart, I Patrick Drake also love what my journey so far proves. (1997 Summerfield) Hello Fresh delivers recipe cards to your doorstep together with a chilled box of the All the news, views and review of the year 2013, from The Sternians' Association of Lord Wandsworth College 23 The Sternian 13
Armed with a new suitcase - Gosden House Memories
At the age of 10 armed with a new suitcase with my initials on it and Pat and I went to Guildford County School. I am quite surprised they a notice round my neck saying destination Guildford station, my Aunt didn't send one of us to Godalming as we had a reputation for being put me on a train in Ipswich. I had never been on a train before and rather naughty - can't imagine what gave them that idea!!! certainly don't recall ever seeing an escalator or underground train. I had piano lessons. We had two piano teachers from Guildford County Somehow I managed to reach Guildford station where I was met by School, Miss Chesterfield and Miss Dunn-Davis, who came to Gosden Miss Hubble whom we called Matron. House. The grand piano was in Matron's sitting room. We were lucky in that we took our exams on the piano we practiced on. I used to get An elderly lady with very tight wavy hair and bun. We went for a short really nasty cracked chilblains on my fingers and I took an exam once ride to Gosden House which was a very impressive. Matron took me with them bandaged leaving my knuckles free so I could bend my straight to the Junior house which overlooked Bramley Common. I was fingers. I think the examiner felt sorry for me because I did very well. shown upstairs and to the dormitory with about eight beds each, with On one occasion Sister put some cream on them and told me not to a locker. Like most of the new girls I was very homesick. There were take the bandages off. They were so painful during the night I took quite a few tears shed. We gradually got in the swing of things and them off to find blisters. The next morning I went to see her and she just settled down to a very strict routine. Once lights went out at night we said she had put the wrong cream on and burnt my fingers. were not supposed to talk, and meal time had to be in silence. There was one classroom at Gosden House. When we were eleven we Miss Dunn-Davis was very quiet, quite the opposite to Miss Chesterfield either went to Guildford County School or Godalming Grammar for our who would sit with a ruler in her hand and was not adverse to using education. The classroom had a large fire, no central heating in those it. She was however a very good choir mistress at Guildford County days. Miss Hartley was our only teacher. We used to have to take turns School. in brushing her hair which was rather ginger in colour in the front. She We had Uncle Mac from BBC's children wireless to record us singing usually had a cigarette in her mouth!! One thing that used to give us Christmas carols which were going out on Christmas Eve. I was staying the giggles, her very large bloomers used to fall down round her ankles at Bungay with Auntie Ada. We all sat round the wireless as it was so she went behind the large blackboard and easel to pull them up. I called in those days and the accumulator died. I never did hear it, such am sure Matron had no idea what went on in that schoolroom. The only a shame. thing I remember doing was making lino prints. We had lino on blocks of wood and we cut out patterns with special tools. We then brushed One day Pat said her sister Pam was staying in a hotel in Guildford with them with paint and printed them onto linen. If you were artistic you a new baby. We asked Matron if we could go and see her. She said could make some nice patterns, unfortunately I was not. no so we decided to go anyway. We walked down to the ends of the grounds, went over the wall and thumbed a lift. To our horror the local A term or two after I started Pat Gutteridge came. It may have been that vicar came along in his Austin 7. He asked us were we were going, did the old hands so to speak looked after the new girls. We became firm Matron know, we told him she said no. He said get in, us quite thinking friends from the beginning and still are after 76 years. We were given a he would turn the car round and take us back to school. Instead he took very small patch in which to grow vegetables, though I don't remember us to the hotel, and picked us up half an hour later and took us back to what we grew. Pat and I eventually were transferred to the Senior where he found us. We could not believe our luck, can't imagine what house. Originally it was a private house, lovely spiral staircase which the punishment would have been. was very tempting to slide down until we reached the bottom!! The snag was that the bottom of the stairs was next to Matron's sitting room. Her Occasionally we would have midnight feast, I don't know why we called hearing was very good. Pat tried to go up the stairs one day and stood them that because it was more like 8pm! On one occasion I cut up a on a squeaky tread. Matron called out and said she heard that. birthday cake that I had sent to a friend at school, the reason being the year before my Aunt had sent me a cake but I only saw it when it was We had to write home once a week leaving the envelope open for cut up and put on the tables. My sister Anne came to Gosden House, prefects or staff to read them. I often wonder how many of my letters she was in the Junior School. It was not easy trying to see her, Matron left the office. said I would be a bad influence, can't think where she got that from! It There were no maids so it was our job on a Saturday to clean the was much easier when she came up to the Senior house. She also had corridors, dormitories, bathroom etc. Only when that was all done were a reputation for being naughty. Perhaps Matron was right after all!! we allowed to go out and play netball or tennis or anything else we wanted to do. During the war we had to sleep in a long Anderson shelter. There were
24 All the news, views and review of the year 2013, from The Sternians' Association of Ijord Wandsworth College The Sternian 13 bunk beds, just one long one. I think the mattresses where straw. As far as I can remember there was only one entrance, just as well no bombs came down near to it. I think we had a few incendiary bombs drop in the grounds.
There was a very prolific orchard which we used to frequent at night for whatever fruit was ripe for picking. There were always girls looking out for staff so we didn't get caught. One of our holidays Anne and I had to stay at school. It was dangerous to spend it in Ipswich because of the bombing so Mum came down to see us and took us into Guildford for tea. When I was just 17 I decided to leave school. Matron took me into Guildford to by me a dress and coat. I felt quite grown up.
I can't say they were my happiest years but looking back times were so different so many years ago. We made our own fun as far as we could. Also it must have been a huge burden taken off our Mother's shoulders knowing that Colin, Anne and I were going to be looked after, so for that reason I am really grateful to Lord Wandsworth. Man7 Pyett nee Faggcttcr (1943 Old Gosden)
Names in Gosden girls photo taken 1940/41 Barbara Smith Jean Barraball Gay Gillibrand Nadine Cotterall Pat Gutteridge Mary Faggetter
Not so Fast and Furious
Our 2014 summer reunion at LWC is set He grew up around the motor business "a little story which is relevant.... and for Saturday, 14th June and will have a and shortly after university joined Christie's absolutely true. Whilst at LWC I was in classic car theme. Full details have yet Auction House. His time there included the library, probably supposed to be doing to be finalised but we anticipate having a two year stint in Los Angeles where he something constructive with half an ear out classes along the lines of pre-war, post war oversaw their headline sale in Monterey. for Neil Henderson coming around with classic up to 1985, modern super cars and Mark is an avid Motorsport fan of all prospective new parents, but instead I was possibly competition cars. There will be a disciplines and regularly competes in reading Autocar and a road test on the people's choice award on the day. modern and historic racing. then must have super car, a Ford GT40. I promised myself that one day I would If you would like to take part or have ideas Guy Austin (1974 Hazelveare) has already own one, and in that boyish way kept the for the event, we would love to hear from expressed an interest. Guy is an avid fan magazine and dreamt that one day you. Mark Donaldson (1997 Summerfield) of classic sports cars and tells us: anyway, here I am 40 years on with that is helping to organise the day. Mark is promise to myself at last fulfilled, and it is a collectors' car specialist who runs his soooo much sweeter for the long wait." business from the Phoenix Green Garage in Hartley Wintney, known to many as the We look forward to seeing Guy (and his GT40) and many more spiritual home of the Vintage Sports Car Sternian petrolheads on 14th June. Club as it was founded there in 1934.
All the news, views and review of the year 2013, from The Sternians' Association of I^ord Wandsworth College 25 The Sternian 13 m Review of the Year 2013
26 All the news, views and review of the year 2013, from The Sternians' Association of I x>rd Wandswoith College The Sternian 13
All the news, views and review of the year 2013, from The Sternians'Association of Lord Wandsworth College 27 The Sternian 13 Sternian News
YEAR OF 2010: YEAR OF 2006: YEAR OF 2001:
Johnson, Michael House: Hazelveare A magnolia tree in memory of Michael was planted by his family at Hazelveare in June 2013. Michael was an outstanding head of house and his parents wanted to commemorate his time here and his love of LWC. A simple service was conducted by the Chaplain with the Headmaster and other staff members present.
YEAR OF 2009:
Bradley, Alison House: Gosden Alison continues to perform and earlier this year took the part of Anna in the Merry Widow Denly, Emma Jane House: Park for the Winchester Operatic Society at the Having graduated with a First in English Theatre Royal in Winchester. As a result of Literature from Warwick, Emma has now Power, Imogen House: Park this performance she won the Daily Echo embarked on a 3 year BA course in Acting at LWC acted as matchmaker to Imy and Mark Curtain Call Award for best performance in RADA. Competition for places is fierce and Woods. Mark met Imy when he was teaching at an opera! Her partner, Marc, also took the Emma has done extremely well to get one. LWC in 2008 and the result was their wedding opportunity to propose on stage during the She is relishing the challenge and always in March. Sternians Maddi Power (2008 Park) final performance and they are getting married looking for ways to help boost her funds, as and Pippa Sonnex (2006 Park) were among in May 2014. Congratulations on both counts. grants and student loans are not available for the bridesmaids and they had their reception [email protected] these courses. So if you can help, do let her in the Gavin Hall. Our congratulations to them know. both. YEAR OF 1999: [email protected] Year of 2005: Stratton, Mark House: Sutton YEAR OF 2008: Mark is coastal engineer who has very kindly Ellen, Christopher (Kit) House: Sutton returned to talk to geography pupils about his Kit and Kate Eyre-Seymour (2004 Park) had job. He already has a little girl, Amelie and a special anniversary picnic to celebrate ten a son Jack who arrived in September. One years together on Sutton Field in July and are of Mark's many talents is producing picture now engaged to be married. Is this the first books for children. He is looking for a publisher Sternian proposal actually on campus? though so if there is anyone out there who can help, do get in touch. Year of 2003: mark_a_stratton ©outlook.com
Hardeley, Sean House: Hazelveare YEAR OF 1998: Sean was named winner of the Award for Outstanding New Teacher of the Year in the narrower, Scott House: Hazelveare North for the 2013 Pearson Teaching Awards Not to be outdone by his twin sister who got in July and then nationally in October. It has married last year, Scott married Amy in June. Morton, Neil House: Sutton been quite a year for Sean as his first child We wish them both every happiness. Neil was the first of his year group (unless Emily was born in September. See separate you know better?) to get married! Many feature congratulations to Helen and Neil who were married at Bath Abbey in September with a Huxford, Grant House: Summerfield whole host of Sternians from the year of 2008 You never know who you are going to in support including: Eliot Boyd, Tristan Eysele, bump into these days when you take a Peter Hodgson, Alex Forward, David Gooding, walk on Snowdon. Grant came across Ian Calum Kelly (All Sutton House Boys), Bruce Kerr and the CCF gang by chance on the Buckland and Toby Kirkham (Summerfield), path to the summit just before Christmas. Oliver Peatman (School), Laura Holden, Grant is currently at RAF Valley training Rownie Morgan, Alice Thomas, Maddi Power to be the last ever RAF Search and (All Park), Tony and Cheryl Eysele and Simon Rescue Pilot before operations are taken Leyshon. over by private contractors.
28 All the news, views and review of the year 2013, from The Sternians'Association of Lord Wandsworth College The Sternian 13
YEAR OF 1997: YEAR OF 1970: YEAR OF 1951: Donaldson, Mark House: Summerfield Huffam Chris House: School Congratulations to Mark and his wife Amelia on Still working hard running the family business, Skinner, Mike House: Sutton the birth of a daughter, Grace, in April became a grandparent for the second time Congratulations to Mike who was made an in August. Playing tennis and golf whenever Honorary Alderman by Gloucestershire County Wilkinson, Jonny House: Sutton he can. Met up with Murray Weston (1970 Council in June for his services as a former What a year it has been for Jonny. He School) and Andrew Greenwood (1970 Chairman and past Member of the Council steered Toulon to their 2013 Heineken Cup School) at a charity event Murray was running during a period of 32 years. victory, was named European Player of the in Winchester in aid of "Combat Stress". Chris [email protected] Year and got married! We wish Jonny and is always interested in hearing from Sternians Shelley every happiness following their who attended LWC at the same time. marriage in October in France. [email protected] GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL i' \ YEAR OF 1965: Snow, Colin House: School Following our appeal for funding to replace the clock on top of the newly refurbished farm building, Colin has very generously donated the whole amount. Look out for the new clock next and thank you very much Colin.
YEAR OF 1963:
Sheppard, Shep House: Sutton Shep has recently been in touch. He lives in New Zealand with his wife and has 3 children all born in Auckland. After a career in the printing industry, he is now enjoying retirement YEAR OF 1993: by taking life easy and sailing.
George, James House: Hazelveare YEAR OF 1962: YEAR OF 1948: James and his family are happily ensconced in New South Wales and the children are growing Barry, Tony House: Sutton Parsons, Bernard House: Sutton up fast with Aussie accents! Tony, family and friends including 4 Sternians Bernard has lived in Los Angeles for many james.george @ iris-worldwide.com walked 92 miles on the Camino of St James years but retains fond memories of LWC. He between Leon and Santiago de Compostela in recently sent a memory of Browno. "Mr Brown October raising funds for several charities. One was the gentleman who came to Bristol in of those to benefit was the Lord Wandsworth 1943 to see if I qualified for Lord Wandsworth Foundation and we very much appreciate all College. Fortunately I pass scrutiny. When I their efforts. "graduated" to Sutton House he made me an offer that brought me endless pleasure. On YEAR OF 1960: Friday evenings he hosted a symphony concert (via records) in the school library. This clashed Lawrence. Charles House: School with homework, however, if you promised to Charles is keeping himself very busy in his complete your homework during the weekend, retirement and has become involved with the you were welcome to attend. They introduced Rutland Reminders, a charity providing therapy me to classical music and brought me over through singing for people with dementia. the years thousands of hours of absolute Singing together has a positive effect on pleasure. In fact my car radio is always tuned people in all walks of life and if you would like to Los Angeles' 24 hour classical music station. Tracey, Victoria House: Gosden more information from Charles, do get in touch Thank you Browno, I'm sure that you are still Vicky is an experienced mountaineer and this with the Sternians Office and we will pass on hosting concerts in heaven!" year took on the ultimate challenge - Everest. your queries. [email protected] See her story elsewhere in the magazine. Vicky has is currently working in Chicago and YEAR OF 1959: living in the States is broadening her range of mountains considerably! Danson, Peter House: Sutton What arthritis? Peter has captained the winning YEAR OF 1990: over 70's England team in the Masters Hockey European Cup at Antwerp. It is all thanks to Rule, Ian House: School Roger Grove Smith starting those hockey Ian is now Head of Operations for Anglian lessons at LWC in the 1950s! Water and he and his family have moved to p.danson ©tiscali .co. uk Lincolnshire. He still visits Hampshire regularly though.
YEAR OF 1984: Roger Grove Smith On a trip to Somerset in June, we managed to Talbot, Sean House: School have tea with Roger Grove Smith, who taught Congratulations to Sean and Kate on the birth here from 1953 to 1959, and his wife Lorna. of their daughter, Ava Grace, born July 2013. Roger is credited with introducing hockey at LWC, certainly teaching Peter Danson and he very much enjoyed reminiscing about his time at the College.
All the news, views and review of the year 2013, from The Sternians' Association of Lord Wandswoith College 29 The Sternian 13
Obituaries
writing, home decorating, furniture restoration, dressmaking, garden Anne Friston landscaping, mosaic art, jewellery making, writing and recording her (Old Gosden 1937) own and others' music. One of Anne's favourite pastimes was to paint in oils or watercolour. She industriously created hundreds of (nee Faggetter) landscapes of the Suffolk she loved and her adopted home in Wales. She and her husband framed many themselves and used the front Anne was born the youngest of three room of their house as an art gallery. Imagine eating breakfast with children on 24th December 1930. The eyes peering at you through the window, or lunchtime sandwiches with following paragraph is taken from her total strangers knocking to come in, or making tea for the tourist who autobiography: buys a landscape of Snowdonia.
"Having lost my father at a very Later in life Anne took up jewellery making, creating superb works of early age, I grew up under the strict art with her finely beaded necklaces. How did she manage to see, and environment of a boarding school. have the patience to spend hours on her treasures? Her reward was to During my time there I learnt about have people admire them and buy them alongside her other artworks. many things, but above all to strive for perfection in any project that Even into her 80's Anne would pack all these creations into cases and captured my interest. Of course I have never quite achieved such an take them along to craft fairs to display and sell. ambition, but on the way have discovered the extent of my abilities and done my best with the knowledge that I have." Anne was a great lover of all sorts of music. One massive achievement was the writing and recording of her own musical. This project took her Anne was funny, creative, single-minded and a pretty uninspired cook. two years to complete. She was very disappointed that she couldn't But you can't have everything, can you? She wrote and self-published find any group in Wales willing to perform it. Anne later returned to her her own poetry, autobiography and novel. Her public persona was Suffolk roots. And, just four weeks before she died, she was thrilled worldly, strong, pragmatic and in the moment; a 'no-nonsense' woman. to hear her own composition, Seashore Fantasy, performed by her Her poetry is full of romance, passion and fantasy; of great tenderness daughter's choir to an appreciative audience. and gentle humour. Sadly Anne died on 22nd April 2013 Anne took on many projects over her 82 years, and carried on right to the last moment. She would tackle almost anything creative; painting, Written by Anne's daughter, Carolyn
here David's third quality came into its David Bullock (1925-2013) own. He, like all good Scorpios had a long fuse, and with Olwen and I that LWG staff member 1961-1987 fuse sometimes needed to be very long!! My Dad Dad was a superb craftsman in both wood and metal. He was a One of life's more difficult questions surely must be - what qualities perfectionist and could not accept make a great man? or tolerate anything but the very best workmanship. His oak desk (he Each and every one of us will have their own opinions and views on loved oak) is a work of art as well as this issue but today I would like to share with you all of the qualities I a beautiful piece of furniture and it saw and valued in David, my dad, over the last 65 years of my life and was one of his unfinished projects to which made him, in my humble opinion, a Great Man. complete the matching chair but as we all know perfection takes time and he ran out of it. Dad, Dave, Grampy, Friend, however you knew him was above all a gentleman. He had impeccable manners and no female guest to One other example of this quality was his response to a cry for help Glastonbury in Long Sutton ever left the house without Dad taking out from Olwen. "The Duke of Edinburgh needs a tool for his carriage his penknife, cutting a fresh rose, usually yellow and presenting it to the driving tool kit as his has been lost, can you make one Dad". I have no departing lady. It was so natural to him to do this but made guests feel idea how many hours it took Dad to produce the required article but it just that little bit more special. was beautiful and probably it has never been out of the box, but what mattered to Dad was that he had done his best because he felt it was He was also a gentle man, a very caring and loving family man. his duty to do so. He worshipped mum and took great pride in Olwen's and my achievements and adventures overtime. We will miss him very much in Dad was a great teacher, totally professional, who inspired four this respect. generations of students, many of whom would be labelled as being less academic or lacking in confidence in the modern education speak. We Of course life does not always go smoothly and according to plan and have received many e-mails from former pupils highlighting just this
30 All the news, views and review of the year 2013, from The Sternians' Association of Lord Wandsworth College $m fin? The Sternian 13
f•if ?'*
inspirational quality and thanking him for the guidance and support they received from Dad at a quite vulnerable time in their lives.
Dad could also think outside of the box. During the harshest winter for generations in 1963, we could not do any sports at Lord Wandsworth because there was 2 feet plus of snow everywhere. Dad's solution, easy, we will make toboggans and walk through the ice and snow to the steep fields and have the most amazing fun, and keep fit in the process. At the same time Dad had his famous twinkle in his eye as secretly he was having as much fun as we were!!!
David was extremely competitive and loved his sport. He played cricket and hockey at a very high level in Bristol achieving a feat that is very rare for a slow bowler in 6 a side cricket where batsmen try and slog every ball as hard as they can. He took 3 wickets in 4 balls, amazing. met with disappointment and Olwen and I think losing that fight was a He also loved his golf and Sundays at Blackmoor were a ritual playing defining moment for Dad and the rest of his life. with clubs he had made himself and achieving a single figure handicap. Finally, three qualities that demonstrated the breadth of Dad. He was When Dad retired he became very involved with SSAFA, the Soldiers a great dancer and he and Mum used to cut quite a dash on the dance and Sailors Families Association. It was through this work that his floors of Bristol especially with the quickstep and foxtrot. He was a compassionate quality came to the fore and I know he found this work petrol head, and loved fast and expensive cars, his Jaguar was his both challenging yet extremely rewarding, as he felt he was making a pride and joy although I don't think Mum shared his enthusiasm in this difference to people less fortunate than himself. respect. As a driver he was predictable, if ever as a family we were out for a drive and were unsure which way to turn at a junction Dad took the Two further qualities that stand out for me were the respect he bull by the horns and always turned left which led to some interesting earned from his peers. In recognition of this he was for some time geographical excursions to say the least!! Chairman of the LWC Common Room Committee during which time some challenging issues were facing the College and he needed to Each and every one of you has your own memories of Dad, Grampy, demonstrate great courage at times. Typical of David he never shirked Great Grandad, David, friend and husband. Each must take home your these responsibilities, although I know he found it hard going at times. favourite. As a family we appreciate greatly your support. Always a listener, Dad evaluated arguments, added his 2ps worth and respected constructive discussion until Alzheimer's struck and robbed Rest in Peace Dad, we love you and always will us all of such an active and vibrant mind. Nigel Bullock 1967 Hazelveare Dad was a fighter. He fought long and hard for the Conservative Party in Alton, driving back as he put it the yellow tide of Liberalism that was NB: Since going to press, we have been informed that David's wife, engulfing the town. He was not always successful! Perhaps his greatest Hilary, passed away on New Year's Day 2014 fight was to try and keep Treloar's Hospital open in Alton but again he
Ted Heasman 286
Ted passed peacefully at home, on 20th July, 2013 at the age of 90. Ted came to Gosden in 1931 from a dairy farming family in West Sussex and then transferred to LWC in 1933. He left in 1939 to become an apprentice carpenter and then emigrated to Ontario, Canada. Ted was very proud of his Lord Wandsworth College connections and always enjoyed reading the magazine and newsletters. He was predeceased by his wife Ellen. He was a loving father to Gayle and Paul, and grandfather to Jameson and Liam. He is much missed by his family and friends.
All the news, views and review of the year 2013, from The Sternians' Association of Lord Wandsworth College 31 The Sternian 13 Ian Madelin 560 1931-2013
My father Ian Madelin's career in the RAF took him all over the world: from commanding a squadron in Cyprus to teaching at the Air War College at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama; from working on the Harrier jump jet programme to a role at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, in Belgium. He rose to the rank of group captain.
Ian, who has died aged 82, ended his tour of duty in 1986 as air attache at the British Too full of energy to retire, from 1989 he worked as head of the air embassy in Rome - a post he relished, historical branch of the civil service before finding his final billet in 1998 given that its location allowed further scope as director of studies at St George's House, Windsor Castle, while also for his lifelong appreciation of art. studying for an MA in classics at Royal Holloway, University of London, He was born in Slough, Berkshire. His and learning to play the piano. childhood was marked by the death of his father, Edward, when he was six, leaving Retirement in 2001 brought a new lease of life. He fell in love again, his mother, Ethel, in poverty with three young children to support. and found much happiness with his partner, Geraldine. They travelled Ian and his older brother, Ben, went to Lord Wandsworth College, a the world together and shared many happy days in Tuscany. He boarding school in Hook, Hampshire, through its foundation to educate touched the lives of many in recent years - from schoolchildren with children who have lost one or both parents. There they fielded the reading difficulties, whom he tutored, to the Friends of St Clement hardworking character inherited from their mother and their father's Danes Council. fierce intelligence. His many friends around the world will recall his dry sense of humour Ian was conscripted on leaving school, just after the Second World War, and his charm. Ian was a real gent. and when his compulsory service was over he re-enlisted and went to the US to train as an RAF pilot. Geraldine survives him, along with his sister, Yvonne, his children, and four grandchildren. In 1959, he met and married Elvira, a young Swiss au pair no doubt swept off her feet by the dashing pilot, and they had three children - me, John and James. The marriage ended in divorce. Jacqui Madelin (daughter) Taken from Guardian 17th October 2013
of music with others. When it Neil Henderson - Headmaster came to the magnificent music productions of the seventies, he 1968-1982 led the orchestra. Lord Wandsworth College is fortunate to have had excellent Away from his music, Neil was headmasters. Neil Henderson is certainly amongst the very best. He restless and demanding. Although was a giant personality who forged the Lord Wandsworth College of he would give support to those the seventies and made a massive impression in his time there. He is that needed it, he would not suffer certainly not without his critics but no one could deny the impact he had fools gladly. This included pupils on the College. I am one of many who admire the immense strength and staff. Woe betide any member and direction he brought. I am also one of a legion who have personal of staff who attempted to take cause to be grateful to him. advantage of the high wing chairs in the old staffroom (now the His presence was felt everywhere. When he and his young family Conference Room) during a staff joined the College from Wellington where he was a housemaster, meeting and take a nap. Their every aspect of College life came under his scrutiny and developed humiliation, when discovered, as a result. He certainly earned his nickname of 'the Masher.' Even would be total. It was not Neil a thousand miles from Long Sutton, Neil's awesome presence could Henderson's style to hold back if be felt. I recall visiting some Lower Sixth pupils in Valencia during the someone got it wrong. I personally annual Spanish course they used to do at the university there in the remember, as a member of staff of seventies. We met in a bar and we enjoyed some Sangrias together. several years' standing, being told At one point someone suggested an interesting but somewhat to get my haircut, like a naughty questionable enterprise. There was a shocked silence and the rest of fourth former. the group, without any prompting from me, turned to him and said as one, 'I don't think so. The headmaster would not like it.' Although forbidding, Neil had a sense of humour. Often it took Neil was a civilised man. This is only to be expected of an historian. the form of a verbal battering He was well read. He took a knowledgeable interest in most cultural ram. However he could laugh activities but it was in music that his great interest and talent lay. at himself. At one start of term An essentially private man, it took several years before he could be meeting, he was happy to share persuaded to play the violin in front of the school. However from the with the staff a post card that had been sent to him by an anonymous first note that he played, it was clear that he was an exceptional player. pupil during the summer holidays. The message was, 'Wish you were He formed a chamber music group which played in College concerts. here.' The picture was of Dartmoor Prison. It was good to see him in this role, relaxed and keen to share his love
32 All the news, views and review of the year 2013, from The Sternians' Association of I^ord Wandsworth College The Sternian 13 Neil was passionate about the Foundation and what it stood for. He would always give support when he felt it was deserved or needed. This would be discrete as he did not wish for acclaim. The deed was the important thing. He and Sir Humphrey formed a wonderful partnership which saw the College and the Foundation prosper.
It was good to see him in recent years, having rebuilt his life after his departure from Long Sutton. He had many happy years at Fettes School and found true happiness with his beloved wife, Kate. Peter Booth
m
Neil Henderson - I had two critical interactions with Neil Henderson which shaped my whole life. The first was the Foundation interview: I liked him from the a pupil's perspective start and I think he liked me. How different that interview was from the other scholarship interviews I attended, some of them of them at 'better' Neil Henderson was a Headmaster straight out of central casting: schools, but where I felt like a performing parrot. I turned down one solidly built, gimlet-eyed, with a deep commanding voice, he exuded such school and chose to go to LWC because of the interview with Neil. an air of authority and control. Yet when you looked closer, you saw sparkling eyes and a face that regularly broke into an easy smile. He The second was after I left school, when I was in my first year at was interesting and interested; unexpectedly sensitive and surprisingly university. I had gone there to read English and Law, but was thinking funny. He could be intimidating but he could also be enormously good of dropping Law and doing American Studies instead. My mother company. was concerned, but she knew that, if she advised against the change, I would be unlikely to listen. She was also aware that I might take In my view, Neil Henderson was the vital central link in the history of more notice of Neil. When she learned that I was going to LWC for a Lord Wandsworth College: the transition point, the hinge, between weekend she plucked up her courage and rang Neil to put the problem the idiosyncratic school of its first 50 years, part orphanage, part to him. When I got to school I found myself invited to Sunday lunch at agricultural college; and the larger, more conventional but more the Headmaster's house and, when Neil asked me about university, I successful school that it is today. He brought the school into the told him of my plan. He advised against it in clear terms. As a result, I modern age; he made it a happier place to live and work; he changed it did not change my course. Writing this now as a High Court Judge, I irrevocably for the better. like to think it was good advice. In addition, the central heart of the school, both before and after Neil's In 2006, Neil was the guest of honour at the 30th Reunion Dinner of tenure as Headmaster, remained the Foundation. That he changed the Class of 76. I had written to invite him and we were thrilled when so much at Long Sutton without adversely affecting that fundamental he accepted, because we knew he had made few trips to Hampshire element of the school remains, for me, his most lasting achievement. following his decision to stand down as Headmaster in 1982. He seemed to enjoy the evening very much. But once a Headmaster, I was a Foundationer between 1971 and 1976. So were a number of always a Headmaster. Part way through dinner he leaned across to me my closest friends. We all felt nurtured and supported by the school, and said: "I was very pleased to get your letter. But your handwriting is then and now. There were members of staff to whom we instinctively appalling. You can't even do joined-up writing anymore!" felt closer: Tony Whibley, John Merriman, Tony Woolstone, Robin Craig were all supportive of us individually and as a group. Neil did not get One meets very few great men in the course of a lifetime. Neil as close to us as individuals, not because he was aloof or unfriendly, Henderson was one. but because he believed that, to do his job properly, he should not do so. But critically, he created the atmosphere in which such teacher/ Sir Peter Coulson (Sutton 1971-1976) pupil support and sometimes friendship could develop and flourish.
All the news, views and review of the year 2013, from The Sternians' Association of Lord Wandsworth College 33 The Sternian 13
Corporate Games at Wimbledon John Reynolds 1995 and 1996 - Represented Hartley Country Club in the World 0485 (1929-2013) Corporate Games in Geneva and Stuttgart respectively Between 2000 and 2002 John was forced to take a year out from tennis John attended Lord Wandsworth in order to have his hip resurfaced, his right knee replaced and a bony College between 1939 and spur removed from his shoulder. This rebuilding of his body obviously 1945 and passed away in May worked as in 2004 he won the British over 75s Double Indoors and 2013 aged 84. John was a the British Clay Court Doubles at Bournemouth. As a result of these fantastic tennis player who often successes John was selected to represent Great Britain at the Super graced Sternian tennis events Senior Champs in Philadelphia USA, at which he and his partner were and astonished pupils with his unbeaten in the Nations Cup and lost only to the eventual winners. prowess, often beating them and leaving them exhausted! Pupils could never underestimate the ability of this 84 year old whose life was his John credited family and his tennis. After leaving LWC in 1945, John was conscripted osteopathy as a reason into the Palestine Police Force from March 1947 until March 1948 as for his continued fitness part of the CID. In 1952 he met the then Miss Gillingham at the Avenue and ability to succeed at Tennis Club in Gillingham and made her his wife in 1953. John could tennis into his advanced be quite single minded when he wanted to but never more so that when years. He was a great tennis was involved - in fact on their wedding day, he told Margaret he supporter and believer would give up anything in the world for her apart from tennis. in the benefits of Classical Osteopathy This love match produced two children, Michael and Debbie, both of to the extent that he whom naturally went on to be influenced by John's love of tennis and became a trustee of the were themselves very good players with Michael taking up the game for John Wenham College a living. Michael and Debbie have eight children between them which of Classical Osteopathy kept John and Margaret very busy as doting grandparents. for many years.
John's working career started in 1945 with his first job as a junior at It is impossible to count Midland Bank and he returned there in 1948 after his national service how many times John in Palestine, spending two years gaining experience at branches in the represented Kent at South of England. In 1950, John was appointed as Assistant Cashier seniors level - how of London and Rochester Trading Company (later known as Crescent many times he won Shipping Ltd), rising to Chief Accountant in 1962 when he introduced a variety of Medway machine accounting to the company. In 1974 he was appointed to the tennis trophies - how Board as Financial Director and in 1979 he introduced computerisation many letters he wrote to to Crescent Shipping. In 1983 John was appointed as Director of Hays No 10 Downing Street Marine Services Ltd. He retired at the age of 60 but for him this was to give them the benefit of his opinion and tell them the right way things not retirement, this was just the opportunity to spend more time playing should be done. How many charities he donated to - how many social tennis. gatherings he and Margaret hosted at Foxhurst, their home - how many friends he had - how many people loved him - how many will miss To itemise every single sporting achievement of John's would be too him. We have lost count of how many people he coached - how many lengthy so here are some of his more significant achievements: people he helped - how many kind things he did but it is safe to say that John will be sorely missed, not only by his family but by everyone 1982 - completed the Gillingham Marathon in 3hrs 41 mins that knew him. His amazing smile and infectious laugh will never be 1989 - Finalist in the British Indoor over 60s Tennis Championship forgotten. 1990 - temporarily gave up tennis on the instructions of his osteopath in order to allow his back to recover 1991 and 1992 - won over 60s Singles and Doubles at the World Debbie Orchard (nee Reynolds)
Notified Deceased Members Recorded since we last published
Nigel Riley B510 (5th December 2013 aged 51) John Reynolds 0485 (30th May 2013 aged 84) David Bullock (6th November 2013 aged 88) Anne Friston nee Faggetter (22nd April 2013 aged 80) Henry Stangroom (October 2013 aged 21) C A Neil Henderson (22nd March 2013 aged 80) Ian Madelin 0560 (30th September 2013 aged 82) Peter Sheppard 0406 (14th March 2013 aged 87) Colin Prout 0433 (29th September 2013 aged 86) George Alcoran 0868 (12th February 2013 aged 74) Alan Barrow 0416 (28th September 2013 aged 86) George Trigwell 0232 (20th January 2013 aged 93) Julian Hibberd A587 (7th August 2013 aged 63) •!•] Edward Heasman 0286 (20th July 2013 aged 9
34 All the news, views and review of the year 2013, from The Sternians' Association of I-ord Wandsvvorth College The Sternian 13
The Matthew Elvidge Trust Charities Commission No: 1135668
Thank you to the Sternians' SCHOOLS Association for the opportunity to update you all on our There is an increasing level of academic and activities. public understanding and recognition that anxiety and depression affects people as young as 11 and that there is a strong link between good The Trust was formed in 2010, shortly emotional wellbeing after our third son, Matthew (Sutton 1999-2004) took his own life after and academic results. The Government a very short period of anxiety and depression. We have made good recently published a report, which progress in 2013 continuing our work to increase the understanding showed that children with better and awareness of anxiety and depression as an illness and encourage emotional wellbeing make more progress people to recognize the symptoms and ask for the right professional and are more engaged. help. This is why we believe that the whole subject of emotional wellbeing We believe that good emotional and keeping mentally well should be central to the culture and ethos wellbeing and keeping people of every school. This would help people understand how to manage mentally fit should be a top priority their emotions better and how to keep mentally well....in other words for schools, colleges, universities how to have a healthier mind. And so and the work place alongside we continue to support a partnership, in achieving academic success and conjunction with Action for Happiness, ACTION FOR HAPPINESS career progression. which aims to inspire schools to put this top of their agenda.
UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES NATIONAL POLICY
Our main focus is ensuring that university The Trust is active on a number of national steering groups and students understand how to stay mentally advisory boards to help the Government develop policies that are well and have straightforward access to effective in keeping people mentally well and ensuring that the right professional support when they need it. support is available at the time people need it.
We do this by helping three excellent, volunteer based organisations, who each Department do amazing work in UK universities. ofHealth They are Student Minds, Nightline and Students against Depression and links to their websites can be found on our own site. FUNDRAISING AND EVENTS
student A huge thank you to everyone who attended the Lord Wandsworth minds Carol Concert and raised funds to expand our work. This is greatly appreciated. They help students understand the signs of anxiety and depression and provide support to ensure they receive the right help. Please have a Each year we have a large team running in the Fleet Half Marathon. look at our website for the full list of signs, as just being aware of them This year it's on Sunday March 16th 2014. Please contact Hamish can save lives. at 07836 252638 or email [email protected], if you would like to join around 150 runners.
Please look at our website to find out more about our work and thank you to everyone for your generous support. We would like to ask all Sternians and their parents to tell just three people about our work to help raise awareness, so that together we can make a real difference in Loss of Appetite Irregular Sleep Tearfulness Difficulty this challenging field. Patterns in making decisions Linda and Hamish Elvidge and the Trustees We also chair the Alliance for Student Led Wellbeing, which brings these organisations together to collaborate. They help thousands of students every year and we have recently funded training for CONTACT DETAILS: 2,500 volunteers; and campaigning and support groups in over 100 universities. Charity Registration Number: 1135668 Email: [email protected] Website: www.thematthewelvidgetrust.com Mobile: 07836 252638 Facebook: www.facebook.com/thematthewelvidgetrust
All the news, views and review of the year 2013, from The Sternians'Assoeiation of Lord Wandsworth College 35 The Sternian 13 NOT SO EASY BEING ON TOP OF THE *J
It began in the early hours of the 13th May. Breakfast at 04:00; crampons, harness and headlamps on; out into the night for our last trip up through the Icefall. Ice and rock crunch beneath our crampons, the sherpas hum and chant - praying for our needed - and it's unrelenting. The last It's our first time climbing on oxygen and safety - we breathe hard and we keep time we did this it was tough. Very tough. I am nervous about whether my goggles climbing. I am overwhelmed by how My stomach knots in apprehension. I say will fog and how hard it will be to climb much the route has changed since our nothing and put on my crampons. The when I can't see my feet. In the final last trip through. Crevasses yawn deep climb is hard, I am slower than last time, analysis it's much less bad than I feared and wide, teetering seracs loom above my hacking cough (now 40 days old) is and today is wonderful. I climb to the top our heads, ladders have multiplied and hurting me. I get to Camp 3 and Justin puts of the Lhotse Face, traverse over to, and are perched at ever more improbable a hand on my shoulder and asks how I am. surmount, the Yellow Band and head for angles throughout the route, and 1 try to talk and breathe and not cough and the steep Geneva Spur. My feet follow the avalanche debris is visible seemingly not cry (Why am I so weak?) and my throat path beaten by my climbing heroes and everywhere. I marvel at the power of closes and I start to wheeze. I am too tired I can't believe I am here. It is hard work, nature and hope it stays quiet as we to be frightened that I cannot breathe. impossibly hard work, but I feel amazing. thread our way through. It does, and But Mingma and Justin are there and an I see Adrian, my Guide from Ama Dablam we reach Camp 1. We rest. 02 mask is pushed on my face and I can and we hug and share a joke. This place is breathe again. I move impossibly slowly amazing. I pull over the top of the Geneva At 06:00 on the 14th we gear up for the up to the tent 20ft away. (Where is the girl Spur and realize we have a long rocky move to Camp 2. The journey takes us that everyone always laughs at for walking traverse to get to the South Col. It seems through the relatively low angled Western so quickly?!). But the oxygen is magic. I to take hours to complete, but finally I Cwm where the heat and sun is the biggest feel better and better and eat and eat. My am there; the South Col... arguably the fear. To date we haven't experienced that, tent mate arrives and we commiserate highest campsite in the world. It's barren in fact, I have had some of my coldest and hug; "Isn't this meant to get f***ing rock... I could be on the moon... the wind moments here. I put hand warmers into my easier"?! Sometime later Peter is there. He is howling... tents bend at improbable mittens and we set off. It's never warm, but checks my O2 saturation... 90%. At sea angles in the wind, their flies torn and the weather is benign and we reach Camp level I would be intubated, at Camp 3 it's flapping... debris is everywhere. I am 2 without incident. We rest. outstanding. We smile at each other. My tired now. Incredibly tired. But I look up. The 15th is our big move up the Lhotse climb will not end today. We rest. For the first time, I can see the route to Face to Camp 3. It's steep blue ice - The 16th begins hours before dawn. The the summit of Everest. I have a picture of careful and concentrated footwork is move to Camp 4 (the South Col) is huge. this view pinned above my desk at work
All the news, views and review of the year 2013, from The Sternians'Association of Lord Wandsworth College The Sternian 13
and now I can see it with my own eyes. I batteries tucked into the chest pocket of am impossibly proud of myself for getting and ice start to blow in hard from the my down suit but they may as well be on here. But there is no time for that, Phunuru left. I refuse to be distracted and the ice Mars... it's infeasible that I could stop, urges me toward a tent. It's about noon eventually gives way to a steep snowy take off mittens and change the batteries. and if we are going to leave for the summit slope; the Triangular Face. We keep But I do slide one hand out of a mitten I will need to start getting ready at 7pm moving. The wind keeps howling and and scratch at the surface of the goggles. for a 9pm departure. I have expended the snow keeps blowing. I am covered Mercifully the ice is all on the outside thousands of calories in energy and in rime ice; a thick layer forms on my and I can sort of see again. Joy! I quickly injested very few and need to work to try to down suit, my jumar (which keeps me thrust my hand back in my mitten and address that. from sliding back down the safety rope wiggle everything frantically. The chemical should I fall) and on my clear goggles. handwarmer in there is doing its job Time passes and Justin is in the tent. As the ice on my goggles builds, my field valiantly and everything feels good. I allow The winds are set to drop later and if that of vision decreases (next time you're on myself a(nother) small moment to feel happens we will go, if not, we may spend a flight in a storm, look at the windows... pleased with myself. But now headlamps an extra 24 hours at the Col. This is a that icy covering is exactly what, and all, I are turning and descending towards me. daunting prospect, even on oxygen we could see). Part of my brain cackles with The wind is not dropping and the snow is will weaken here. Our fragile bodies are laughter; 'You're approaching 27,000ft not stopping and people are turning back. not meant to be at 26,000ft. But I am not and you cannot see a bloody thing!' The We keep moving. Then, as he always is, worried as we have this conversation in vaguely lucid, not maniacal, part of my Justin is there. He's just been up to the the tent which is bent almost double in the brain just implores me to be cautious. Balcony a couple of minutes above us wind. My friends are with me. Justin and The route steepens and snow starts to be (~27,600ft) where the wind is gusting to Peter are here and Greg is at EBC and interspersed with rocky steps that require 50mph. "It's time to turn around VT", he whatever will be, will be. Justin will bring us careful navigation. The wind keeps howling says. I can see his eyes. He looks utterly the final decision in a few hours so my tent and the snow keeps blowing. The rime ice bereft to be ending our team's summit mate and I settle in. We pretend to rest. is now thick on the fixed line and my jumar dreams. I feel nothing. (which should only slide upwards and so It's a GO! The wind is howling, there is stop me falling down the mountain) is no We turn and start down. The wind keeps not a star in the sky and I am at 26,000ft longer gripping the rope. (The teeth which howling and the snow keeps blowing. It's about to head 3,000ft up. But I am calm. bite the rope are full of ice so the device steep and treacherous and suddenly all My mind is clear and I think about risk. can now slide bi-directionally, effectively I can think about is how much my body Mingma comes to help me change oxygen rendering it useless). "Better not fall", I hurts, how terrifying descent is and how bottles. There is hissing, the regulator isn't think to myself and grab hold of the rope incredibly, mind bogglingly far away the sitting right and oxygen is being released. with my other hand. We keep moving and South Col is. My eyes fill with tears, "Oh But I am calm. I look at Peter, we've talked the wind keeps howling. I do an extremity my God VT do not lose it now", I think to about this, "We need hot water", I say. check (wiggle fingers and toes) and all is myself. Mingma must sense my anguish "We need hot water" he agrees. Phunuru well. Justin and I had talked extensively on and puts his hand on my shoulder. He disappears and then returns with a new how to keep hands and feet warm a world stays behind me and Justin stays in front regulator. I feel a flicker of apprehension, away in Ouray earlier this year. That plan of me for what seems like the eternity it but the new regulator makes a solid seal. is working well and I allow myself a small takes to make our way back to the South With Mingma's help, I shoulder my pack moment to feel pleased with myself. It's Col. As we return, the sun is starting to and turn into the wind. very brief. My vision issues are now further rise. The lifting of the darkness brings no hindered by the fact that my headlamp is joy. We are hours of climbing away from Almost immediately we are heading up a almost out of juice. The new batteries that real safety. I clamber into the tent. slope of blue ice. I concentrate hard on I had dutifully put in a few hours ago are making good steps and not slipping. The being sapped by the cold. I have spare
All the news, views and review of the year 2013, from The Sternians'Association of Lord Wandsworth College . • . ~- ,- ^ Sometime later Justin is in our tent. There is an (unexpected) option to try again for the summit tonight. I know in my heart that I haven't got enough to get to the top and back down again safely. I promised myself before the trip that nothing is worth risking my life (or someone else's life) for. I am done. I look miserably at Justin, wishing more than I have ever wished for anything before it was different. He agrees with me. I am utterly, utterly, utterly ashamed. I have failed. I am so physically and emotionally destroyed I can't even cry, I just sag in the sleeping bag. My tent mate concludes it's the end of the road for her as well and discussion turns to descent. We need to leave at noon... about 3 hours hence... and descend the 5000 treacherous feet to Camp 2. This is not a surprise. But the reality is horrifying. I have never been so tired in my life.
It is noon. It is time. Peter goes with our small band, Justin stays with our other two members who are still debating if they will go up. We head out into the wind and start the long journey down. "I don't think I can do it", I say to Peter, my eyes swimming with tears. "You must", he responds implacably, all trace of the gentle, joking friend of the last two months gone. He is right. I must. So I do.
4 days later, stranded in Lukla (I clearly offended the weather gods in a previous life), my heart feels broken. I have dreamt about standing on the highest point on the planet for years... even when I was feckless, dissolute and 235lbs it was something I wished for... and I have failed to do it.
My heart is broken.
But I am not.
My fingers and toes are grubby but utterly unharmed. My hacking cough (and cracked ribs?) will heal. And the 20lbs I've lost will (undoubtedly) come back with a vengeance. I am alive.
For this, and for all the joys of this amazing, awful, incredible experience, my debts are enormous...... to Mingma; who was always there, just ahead, or just behind, me keeping safe. Patience personified. ... to Justin and Peter; who always were there for all of us. Unflappable and inspiring of confidence even when everything felt like it was going to hell in a handbasket. ... to Angela; for her friendship and kindness under the most extreme duress; the complete antithesis of the selfish 'every man for himself mountaineer. I owe you six Fruity Snacks and my sanity. ... to my family; who have helped forge in me the strength of will that I needed to keep my promise not to kill myself or anyone else. And who make me want to come home even when it's agony to do so.
My heart is broken.
But I am not.
Thanks for joining me on this wild ride. Yiki Tracey (1993 Gostlenj Viki climbed on the 2013 Mount Everest Expedition with International Mountain Guides www.mountainguides.com
38 All the news, views and review of the year 2013, from The Sternians' Association of Lord Wandsworth College The Sternian 13
Time spent at LWC has different memories for every student who spent time there. I am always envious of those Sternians who can remember Contemplations every detail of their few years at LWC and recall important events during our time there that I have no knowledge of. Maybe there were events I erased on from the Chairman purpose.
I arrived at LWC in 1965 based at School House with who was on this expedition with me? Nick Coppin, iJohn Merriman as Housemaster. Murray Weston and Brendan Robinson, all from School house. Where did we go? North Wales - started at Academically I was challenged but I always enjoyed Abergwyngregyn and made our way up Aber Falls and certain sports. Never so keen on rugby but I really across various mountains to Night 1 by Afon Caseg. enjoyed hockey, tennis and strangely cross country Day 2 the weather closed in so we kept to a lower route running. When I look at the facilities and standard of rather than going up high across Yr Elen finishing up coaches that exist today who knows what could have at Dolbadarn Castle. I can remember feeling cold and happened. The same goes for how subjects are taught, having to try to dry out CCF army boots overnight. the facilities and, as importantly, the teaching staff. Today students are never left to just to swim at what Day 3 we were greeted by sunshine for the ascent of ever level they are at. Snowdon. All was going well during the lower levels but then the weather closed in and we found ourselves in a Certain staff members really made a difference - Dave full blown blizzard. We made it to the top but then had a Bullock taught me Metalwork and Tech drawing and very challenging descent across ridges heading south. more importantly was in charge of hockey. I spent With vertical drops both sides and zero visibility, we three years in the 1st XI squad becoming captain in pressed on at a very slow pace. When I look on a map my final year. In those days hockey was a minor sport at the ridge today it makes me shudder with the thought for LWC only being played in the Easter Term when of it. The relief we felt on reaching our campsite down weather permitted. Those current all weather pitches at Beddgelert! are to die for. However, not wishing to bore readers with a rambling summary of my time at LWC I thought I The final day it rained heavily with a full gale blowing. would recall a DofE expedition in March 1970. Our destination was Maentwrog which we made by mid afternoon, final campsite. Now I appreciate that Nick, | Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award Murray and Brendan will remember more of the detail but the satisfaction of having achieved the trip and the I can only thank Mr Griffiths (WTG - Griff) who was camaraderie was fantastic. Did the DofE Silver and in charge of DoE and a master at School House for the reason I was Gold have an impact on my life? Most definitely and all capped off by summonsed to Buckingham Palace in July 1970. He was a great the visit to Buckingham Palace later that summer to be presented with supporter and encouraged a growing number of us to take up the our awards. bronze, silver and gold awards. I was sorting out my parents effects recently and found my expedition report and letters of concern from On reflection, LWC did a great deal for my personal development at JM to my parents (we do not want to go there). Younger readers have a crucial period of my life. It is for this reason I get involved with The to remember in the 1960s and early 70s the equipment we had was Sternians' Association and support LWC whenever I can. You only have very basic - not a hint of breathable clothing, comfortable light weight to visit LWC during a working day and take a tour round the site to boots and comfortable backpacks. I can remember wearing our CCF come away with a sense of how much the College has developed and army boots, a basic steel/or alloy frame back pack with canvas webbing opportunities for the students have evolved. as support. Sleeping bags and clothing were wrapped up in heavy duty plastic bags to keep the weather out - probably an ex fertilizer Chris Huffam (Ayoo 1970 School House) bag. Health and Safety had not come to the fore at that stage. So
All the news, views and review of the year 2013, from The Sternians' Assoeiation of Lord Wandsworth College 39 The Sternian 13
Autre Temps...
In the 1940s we were virtually all Foundation boys, the odd Junior House was ruled by George Warner, notable for his exception being a staff member's son, but I never remember our fondness for cricket and golf, assisted by Oliver Tweedie-Stoddart, differing backgrounds being any issue at all; we were far too pre- 'Maffer' Hing (HS Gardiner) and the matron, who gave us our occupied with our own present lives to have any interest in others' weekly doses of 'Liquorice Extract' or 'Brimstone and Treacle', previous ones. I have no idea how typical my own story was; my patent concoctions intended to keep our bowels in proper working father had died when I was seven, leaving my mother virtually order, a considerable pre-occupation in that era. My other memory destitute - a quite common state in the 1930s among married, as of the matron is her nightly admonition, as we said our prayers well as widowed, women. We were fortunate to be rescued from before getting into bed: "No talking, no whispering, and NO poverty by my father's brother, who was an old bachelor with a MAKING SIGNS TO ONE ANOTHER!" very small private income. At thirteen, we moved from Junior to either School or Sutton Until I was ten I attended the village school, which focussed on the House. I got Sutton, which was unfortunate because we had to get three Rs almost exclusively, and then sat an exam for one of the from Sutton to the main school buildings for breakfast and school, two county council scholarships available for Marling, the Stroud which took precious time; this helped to make good runners of grammar school. I was placed third, and Uncle decided to pay my some of us, but I lacked the aptitude. RS Bacon was the senior fees by selling off some of his family possessions. While at Marling housemaster of Sutton as well as teaching Geography; I could School for the 1942-3 year I was interviewed by Col. Julyan, a never match up to the standard of dress and deportment that he fairly bluff, 'tweedy' figure, as I recall him and in due course was required, so was definitely not one of his favourites and dropped advised that I would go to LWC in the autumn of 1943. Henceforth, Geography at the earliest possible opportunity. I would be educated and supported down to the last bootlace and bus fare by LWC, but I would surrender my freedom for the rest of During and after the war, the staff were, like the pupils, a very my childhood. mixed bag; because of the call-up, only one was under forty and he was a final year medical student who was convalescing after We understood that LWC had been founded to provide an tuberculosis, in a temporary role as biology master in the Lower agricultural education for farm workers' sons who had lost at Sixth. John Phillips and I were his only pupils. He succeeded least one parent, but by the 1940s both the catchment and the in getting us both through Higher Biology at Principal level in curriculum had been extended; boys from both rural and urban one year, when we also got through Preliminary Physics and backgrounds were now included and the education programme Chemistry. We did Principal Botany, Zoology, Physics and been broadened and deepened to include the gamut of academic Chemistry the next year and thereby finished up with five HSC subjects, but only one foreign language: French. Every boy subjects at Principal level instead of the usual four, after only was expected to get the Oxford School Certificate (not all did) two years. Of the old hands, a few were WWI veterans: George and probably about 20 - 30% stayed on for the Higher School Warner had lost a leg in France, Maffer Hing (HS Gardiner) had Certificate. been badly gassed there, and Mr Eveleigh had been involved in the abortive attempt to support the White Russians against the
40 All the news, views and review of the year 2013, from The Sternians' Association of Ijord Wandsworth College The Sternian 13
Bolsheviks; these gave us interesting extra insights into the military/ after some had visited us for one of our rare dances or a sports historical/political affairs of that time, which were much more match, we had the savvy to escort them over a mile to the bus stop interesting than our History lessons. What is certain is that boys on our bikes, but it did not occur to us that the gentlemanly thing to who started off with some disadvantages were lifted far above their do would have been to let them ride the bikes while we walked! circumstances, and were much the better for it by the time they left. That had been Lord Wandsworth's express intention in founding Bacon ran the Boy Scouts, in which almost all the boys took part. It the school, and I am sure he would have been well pleased with its was a very hands-on affair and we learned lots of skills from knots outcomes. to camping and cooking, map reading and estimating the widths of rivers and the heights of hills, and I think every boy enjoyed it But we did have one major scandal during my time: not long and developed a very healthy respect for the countryside. We also after the war several of the more larrikin boys penetrated the had a very active Air Training Corps, which was run by Tubby' perimeter fence at Odiham RAF station undetected, broke into a Orr and Mr Eveleigh. We learned the elements of drill, navigation, stores hut and made off with an assortment of loot which included meteorology, shooting and the principles of flight, and on one tinned peaches (not seen since 1939), cloth bandoliers of .303 memorable occasion were taken up for a flight in an RAF aircraft. ammunition and Verey lights. In due course, these filtered through A party of about a dozen of us climbed into a Dakota and were duly the school in exchange for stamps, chocolate and other treasures. strapped into our very basic metal and webbing seats and took off My favourites were the Verey lights, which made a dramatic on a lovely summer day. As we climbed to about 10 000 ft, we all pyrotechnic display when dropped down the chimney of the admired the view of the countryside receding beneath us and the pigswill boiler behind Sutton House while a brew was in progress. horizon expanding around us with a sense of wonder and great Inevitably, the crime was discovered and the culprits were tracked pleasure. After about ten minutes of sightseeing, the pilot must down and expelled. I well remember my trepidation at the thought have been feeling a bit mischievous, because he throttled back of being condemned as an accessory for having enjoyed some the engines but kept the aircraft climbing. The airspeed fell off and of the fruits of the offence, but since half the school had done the as it approached the stalling speed, the stall warning siren was same I suppose a line was drawn at the primary offenders. Stealing activated. This was a penetrating noise which could not possibly in any form was rare and very strongly condemned at LWC and be missed by anybody in the aircraft, and with considerable skill, this case, though considered by most of the boys to be a great lark, he applied just enough throttle and stick to keep the aircraft just off must have appeared to the staff more like an outbreak of organised the stall and the stall warning sounding, for several minutes. When crime. he decided that we had been tormented enough, he closed the throttles, hauled the stick back and let the aircraft fully stall. When There was little excuse for getting into mischief, because our a Dakota stalls, it drops like a brick and, as a passenger, all you time was fully occupied with extra-mural activities. Rugby, cricket, can do is close your eyes, hang on to anything within reach and cross-country running and athletics (all the track and field events) hope that your abdominal organs will eventually return to where were the main sports, because with a total of less than 300 boys it they belong. After what seemed like eternity, the nose of the aircraft would have been difficult to support more; equipment and facilities went down, the throttles opened up again and we pulled out into a for sports were also in very short supply during the war. Hockey climb and returned to base. When we got back out into the sunlight, was introduced by a new master shortly afterwards, but sticks were I was staggered to see that all the other passengers' faces were still unavailable and we had to make our own; it was fun but not a lime-green; this was something I had read about but never seen serious sport. We had only one tennis court and again, rackets and (nor have I since), and I had assumed it was some sort of figure of balls were hard to get, so it was not often played. We did have a speech. But there was no doubt about it and when I remarked upon swimming pool, but the climate during term time seriously limited the phenomenon to one of the others he was quick to point out that our interest. my complexion was exactly the same.
Today, we live in a world which, in almost all respects, is radically different from that of the 1940s. Technological changes have spurred commercial, political, military, social and material differences that have had profound effects upon the way in which we live our lives and conduct our affairs. I don't know whether there ^ ~ ^ - ; ~" are any very profound lessons to be learned from looking back to that time, but perhaps we can gain a better perspective on, and appreciation of, our present lifestyles from doing so.
At that time the estate included almost the whole range of farming David Barker (597 Sutton 1943 -1949) activities, but root and cereal cropping, sheep, dairying, poultry and market gardening were dominant. The farm had ceased keeping This is an extract from a longer article by David which has had to pigs, but the piggery was used quite successfully by the Young be edited because of space constraints. If you would like a copy of Farmers' Club, which was very active. I have a vivid memory of the full article with lots more memories, please contact Gill Kelly in David Hicks smothered in feathers at Sheephouse Farm, where he the Sternians Office was plucking the Club's Christmas geese instead of attending the school's carol service in the village church; fortunately his absence was undetected. A considerable attraction of the YFC was that it included participation in outside activities with other YFCs which expanded our social horizons; since they included girls, this was for some of us our introduction to these aliens. We had no idea how to handle them, and so treated them like other boys, and I remember All the news, views and review of the year 2013, from The Sternians' Association of Lord Wandsworth College 41 The Sternian 13 News from the Staff Room
Congratulations to Webster Richardson a fierce pride in their achievements. After (DT) and Claire and Steve Barrett (IT) and Bernie had a stroke in 2008, she cared for Shannon who got married in July, and Emily him and sadly died just a few months after Hagger (English) who married Tom Gant in him in 2011. The planting was attended by August. some academic staff, maintenance team and matrons. ON Guthrie (2000 Summerfield) and Sean Edwards (2000 Hazelveare) represented Sternians. Several of Bernie and Carole's family attended, including their daughter Elisa.
Ian Kerr, who, despite his retirement in 2010, is still working on site in various capacities, has been elected President of the Hampshire Rugby Union, lan's timing is perfect as his A tree has been planted outside Summerfield tenure will take him through to the Rugby and Hazelveare in memory of Bernie and World Cup which will be staged in the UK in Carole Dicker. Bernie will be remembered as 2015 and Hampshire will have an important the caretaker in Summerfield and Hazelveare role to play in the event. for a number of years, then latterly in School House and as part of the general porter team. A good-natured man with an impish grin and sense of mischief never far away, his work in the school was invaluable. Carole worked firstly in the kitchens but then as matron in Hazelveare. A caring lady, Carole gave a lot of support to boys in Hazelveare and took
SALVETE
RICHARD GAMMAGE amongst other schools and also in Germany. Sally is also a keen joined us as Bursar amateur photographer and enjoys keeping fit with her three sons. in September. A qualified teacher and JOHN MORRIS will be an experienced senior joining us in January from manager, Richard has an the Royal Navy where he extensive background in has been a Chaplain since education and training, 1992. Prior to joining the most recently in the Armed Navy he was a parish priest Forces, in which he served with the Hereford Diocese. in the Royal Air Force in John is a rugby referee, the rank of Air Commodore. cricket coach and is a Richard's interests include Yachtmaster Instructor for mountaineering, in which the RYA. He enjoys choral he has led expeditions to music and has sung for the most of the major ranges; Hereford Choral Society athletics, at which he and the Exeter Philharmonic competed for England at Chorus. John has taught A pole vault; and road cycling, at which his plan for 2014 is to cycle Level and GCSE subjects at from Land's End to John O'Groats. Hereford Cathedral School and is married with two sons. MARC RATTRAY joined us from Bede's Senior School where he was Head of Philosophy and Ethics. He started his career working JONATHAN TURNEY joins us in the Biology department from in the City of London and has also been a freelance journalist a venture capital business in London. He has worked in sub- primarily for the Financial Times, the Times and the Telegraph. Saharan Africa - as a conservation and development consultant in Marc was born in the Sudan and has spent much of his life Kenya and as an A level Biology teacher in Zimbabwe. travelling and living overseas. He is a keen bagpipes player! FREYA BYRON is married to Nick and they have been SALLY DAWSON COUPER has joined the Maths department and houseparents at School House since January. Freya is an started her career as an actuarial trainee but moved into teaching experienced English and Drama teacher and has joined the English mathematics. She is very experienced, having taught at Bedales Department on a part time basis.
42 All the news, views and review of the year 2013, from The Sternians' Association of I^ord Wandsworth College The Sternian 13
JENI LOUD has joined LWC as a part time teacher of science from We also welcome MICHELE FRANKEL who joins us as acting Blenheim High School in Epsom where she was Head of Physics. SENCO, JOHN DOWNER as temporary teacher of Philosophy and RS and OLIVER BREGULA is our German assistant this year, IAN MCKINNON has joined us as a part time IT Teacher. He is joining us from Michelstadt, Hessen. married to Jess McKinnon and is a well-known face around the College.
VALETE
LYNN POWER joined LWC as a teacher of RS in 1998, juggling the Emily and Max arrived in 2009 role between bringing up two daughters and being the Headmaster's and 2011. Charlie has returned wife, taking on more responsibility as the girls grew older. Her calm to Australia with his family to try professionalism and ability to get on with people from all walks of life teaching down under for a change. will stand her in good stead in her new vocation. Lynn was ordained at Winchester Cathedral in July and it was a great pleasure to see BECKY LOVELOCK joined the her taking the annual Harvest Festival service for our Juniors in Long Maths Department in 2003 and Sutton Church in September. became Award Officer for the Duke of Edinburgh Award. There is nothing Becky does not know about packing a rucksack and walking across Dartmoor with it. She became Head of Maths in 2006 and obviously liked being incredibly busy, with two small children, a department and DOE to run, and being a houseparent! We wish the Lovelocks happiness in their new Australian home in Sydney.
ANDRE USBORNE became Bursar and Clerk to the Governors in SIMON LEYSHON came to LWC as Chaplain in 2002 from Llandovery 2007 having spent many years in the Royal Navy with an engineering College. During his tenure, the spiritual health of the College and background, holding the office of Director of Naval Manning at one the teaching of RS went from strength to strength. Simon quickly stage. He loves water and winter sports, having competed in the established himself as a good listener and source of solace to many, luge event in the 1984 Winter Olympics. Andre oversaw many never judgemental and offering comfort where necessary, both to improvements to the College environment and in particular the building LWC and Sternians. As well as running the RS Department and being and completion of the state of the art Prideaux Building. He celebrated Chaplain, he also coached rugby and hockey. He has taken up the his retirement by swimming the Solent for charity so I think we can Headship at Cransley School in Cheshire and we wish him and his assume he is not a pipe and slippers man. We will see him busier than family good fortune in their new life in the North. ever and wish him a jolly good time.
GILBERT MCKINNON joined us to help out in the English and RS LAURA PICK came to LWC in 2009 to teach Biology and tutor at Park. Departments in 2002 from St Nicholas School in Fleet where he had Laura loves sport and threw herself wholeheartedly into netball and taught English and RS for many years. Gilbert was editor of several hockey, coaching and playing. She also ran several of the Sternian issues of the Sower magazine and steered it to full colour. His quiet netball tournaments. She has now moved on to Canford where we and gentle manner will be much missed. wish her every success in the next stage of her career.
JOY WISDOM was with us for eleven years as Learning Support, working tirelessly with and on behalf of pupils, helping to secure and manage extra time, as well as assisting them with 1:1 lessons. Joy has retired after more than a decade of devoted service - as well as after running several marathons for charity. That exemplifies her utterly committed and caring nature. She was such a kind colleague to work beside.
During the year we also said goodbye to our wonderful part time receptionist, WENDY HARRIS and Phil Coltart, our Resources Administrator. Wendy was just unflappable with a great sense of humour and Phil was always so helpful and went that extra mile. Farewell too to Paul Saunders in the Sports Department and Justin Schoenfeld who was our language assistant.
CHARLIE LOVELOCK came to LWC in 2002 to join the Music And finally... The legend that is Dave Turner who has been Department. Charlie's infectious enthusiasm resulted in some Maintenance Supervisor at the College man and boy for 37 years, wonderful big band and swing band productions, notably the Proms retired at Christmas. See separate feature in the Park events in 2005 and 2008, the Music Tour to Australia in 2006 and Founder's Day 2012 and many more concerts and galas. He became Houseparent at School House in 2009 and never let an Australian win at a sporting occasion against England go unnoticed. Gill Kelly He duly suffered in 2003 though. Charlie married Becky in 2007 and
All the news, views and review of the year 2013, from The Sternians'Association of Lord Wandsworth College 43 The Sternian 13 WHERE WERE YOU WHEN....
Jonny kicked that drop goal? Ten years "Jonny Wilkinson deserves to be the ago on Saturday, 22nd November 2003 second LWC player to represent England everything stopped at LWC for the at U18 level. In my short association of 35 Rugby World Cup Final. The build-up years with College rugby, he is quite simply had been huge, with television crews the most complete player that I have seen. and journalists on site during the In attack, he side-steps, dummies, runs previous weeks interviewing staff and and sets other people up; in defence, he pupils and noting how many pictures of shadows, tackles, covers for other people Jonny were up in the boarding houses. and kicks out of trouble superbly with both We became 'Lord Wilkinson College'. feet; his reading of the game is mature And Jonny himself came. In September beyond his years; and his commitment and 2003, he came to present the prizes, leadership both on and off the field have spending two hours beforehand talking to been of the highest degree". pupils and then two hours after prize giving to sign autographs and be photographed The team won 19 of their 20 matches that with all and sundry. A few days later, he season. flew off to Australia and became the most famous rugby player in the world. On that Saturday in November, 2003, all morning lessons were cancelled and pupils Earlier in the year, Jonny had answered went back to their boarding houses or the questions from pupils. Sean Hardeley 6th Form Centre to watch the match. The (2003 Hazelveare), who was captain atmosphere in all of them was electric and of the 1 st XV at the time, asked him to the twists and turns of the match made what extent he attributed his success to emotional wrecks of us all, until the last few his rugby development at LWC. Jonny minutes when the whole College erupted responded: and hysteria ensued. Back to earth with a bump after lunch, most of the school rugby "I came to LWC and was eligible for the teams playing Reading Oratory at home U15s. I thank Mr Woolstone: he was the found it hard to concentrate. one who allowed me to join LWC after the closure of Pierrepont School and for that It is extraordinary too that Jonny has played I will be eternally grateful. I do not like in England sides with two fellow Sternians, change and rugby was the one thing that, Peter Richards (1996 Summerfield) and as soon as I joined, enabled me to settle Ugo Monye (2001 Sutton). Not a bad into the school. The rugby was fantastic achievement for a relatively small school. and I was lucky enough to be in a team, from then to when I left, which contained A final note concerning the World Cup. The some very talented individuals. The pilot who flew our boys back from Sydney teachers were able to mould them into a was none other than Sternian Stewart really good playing unit. The set-up was Edwards (A485 1968 Hazelveare) and great and being able to have the key to the father of Jon (1997 Sutton) who played balls shed and the gym made it even better. with Jonny in the 1 st XV and Chris (2000 Being able to miss free periods and kick Sutton). Who would have thought? with my dad at Sutton was also a bonus, although I would of course not condone it now!"
Jonny became captain eventually of every side he joined at LWC and they won most of their matches. He was part of the team, captained by Pete Richards, who reached the prestigious Daily Mail Cup semi-final in 1995. The team lost but played so well and tenaciously that it prompted the Daily Mail reporter to say "they nearly died with their boots on" and Lord Wandsworth College were named Rugby School of the Month. Jonny was captain of one of LWC's most legendary 1 st XV teams in 1996.
In the 1997 Sower, Alan Dyson, coach of the 1st XV captained by Jonny, paid this tribute to him:
44 All the news, \iews and review of the year 2013, from The Sternians' Association of Lord Wandsworth College The Sternian 13
IF (with apologies to Rudyard Kipling)
If yoyeau can catch the ball, when all around you If you can play the 'crowds' and keep your virture, Are cdropping it and banging into you, Or beat most teams, nor lose the common touch, if,.-.. If you can shove when all the rest are shirking, If neither loss nor overwhelming win can spoil you, And make allowances for their shirking too, If all teams count with you, but none too much, If you can run and not get tired by running, If you can fill each of the ninety minutes Or, being moaned about, don't deal in moans, With sixty seconds worth of distance run, Or, being kicked, don't give way to kicking, Yours is the First Fifteen and all that's in it; And yet don't play too slow, nor talk in undertones; And, what is more, you'll be a man, my son.
Thomas Hodgkinson (8321956 Sutton)
Reflections on LWC
Being invited to be artist-in-residence at Lord Wandsworth College has been an immense privilege. The opportunity to lay aside time for one's own creative work is hugely generous and beneficial for self development. However, I have thought from the outset that my role here is also to observe, reflect and contribute something back. When you arrive you are immediately struck by the stunning buildings and the environment. I started by recording these in my drawings and through printmaking. Increasingly though it has been the people who enliven the campus who have taken my attention, making me reflect on the generations of pupils and staff who have lived, worked and played here. Latterly, I have therefore started to explore a more figurative approach, trawling through Sternian archival photographs for inspiration and observing how people animate these wonderful surroundings.
Much of my work so far has deliberately been in black and white as I find ink so good for recording. But there is so much to do in such a short time that for speed and spontaneity I have been drawn to using monoprinting techniques. It brings more freshness and vitality to my work, a sign no doubt of my own content as an artist in this community. As a start for my career I couldnt wish to be in a more convivial situation and I would like to thank all those who have been so generous with their time and advice, especially Graham Mobbs, Head of Art, the art staff and all the pupils who have shared their ideas with me.
If you would like to discuss any aspects of my work, please do get in touch. I am also very happy to take commissions. Holly Hunter Aitist in Residence [email protected]
One of Holly's prints was sold to the highest bidder at the Sternian Reunion in aid of the Foundation and was bought by Laurie Kinney 735
All the news, views and review of the year 2013, from The Sternians' Association of Lord Wandsworth College 45 The Sternian 13 The Sternians Trust Fund Registered Charity no: 1052004
The primary objective of the Fund is to ensure that those who are Summary of the accounts being educated at Lord Wandsworth College do not lose that enduring (2013 estimates based on results to 31.8.13) benefit through an adverse change in financial circumstances. That is particularly important when they are in, or about to enter, the examination years, the fifth and sixth forms. Grants are made mainly, £'000 2013 2012 but not exclusively, for fees. The policy of the Trustees is to make grants out of the income earned from the Fund's investments, while Income: building up the capital through donations and legacies. Donations including tax recovery 11.0 12.0 Legacy 10.0 2.0 HIGHLIGHTS OF 2013: Investment income 24.2 21.5 • Assistance was given for the fees of two pupils, one 45.2 35.5 who left in the summer of 2013 and one who entered the fifth form in September 2013; the total of grants was Expenditure: £7,250 compared with £3,000 in 2012 Grants 7.3 3.0 • £10,000 was received from a bequest by Laurence Trustees' expenses (donated back) 0.3 0.2 Brown (1942-7) 7.6 3.2 • Excluding legacies, donations in 2013 are estimated at £11,000, about £1,000 less than in 2012 Surplus 37.6 32.3 • Investment income for 2013 is estimated at £24,200 Gain in market value against £21,500 in 2012 of investments 28.3 30.2 • Total funds at the end of 2013 are estimated at over Increase in funds 65.9 62.5 £590,000, an increase of more than £65,000 in the year, including a rise of (estimated) £28,000 in the market Funds at start of year 526.7 464.2 value of investments Funds at end of year 592.6 526.7
Grants made, although more than in 2012, were still below the average to the Fund from the tiny few (about 70), a fraction of the number (I of recent years, and less than expected. All applications are thoroughly hope) reading The Sternian. If you want to become a supporter, please examined; the Trustees consider not only financial information but contact Gill Kelly. also the recommendations of the Headmaster and College staff. One application in 2013 was not supported. The Trustees meet in the Spring and Autumn and communicate by email otherwise. During Hugh Podger - Chairman of Trustees 2013 the Trustees, in addition to reviewing grants and investments, January 2013 have been considering the promotion of the Fund, encouraging donations, particularly legacies, defining procedures and discussing the Trustees: Clive Butler, Richard Janaway, Dudley Lewis, Paul Richings scope and scale of grants. We have two main ambitions - to be able (Hon. Treasurer), Richard Saunders, Edward Walker (Hon. Secretary) to give assistance in as many deserving Independent Examiner: Ben Forman cases as are put to us and to increase the number of regular donors STERNIANS' ASSOCIATION AGM 15* June 2013 at Lord Wandsworth College
1. Welcome and apologies: Chris Huffam welcomed 32 full with the remaining abstentions. The confusion came when Ed member Sternians and 8 guests back to LWC for the 2013 Walker's vote was included. The Rules and Constitution are AGM. Special thanks were made to Mike Sims who organised a unclear as to whether the Chairman has a vote in their own reunion dinner for some of those who left in the 1950s/60s locally right as well as a casting vote. John Bacon proposed and David on the eve of the main reunion. Apologies were received from Wagstaff seconded. The minutes were approved at the AGM, Chris Worsley (committee member), Clare Datta, Wally Sanders, with 22 votes for and none against. These amended minutes are Ron Burlingham, Vicky MacLeod (committee member), Guy featured on the website. Butchers, Philip Ranee and Richard Spokes. 3. Births, Deaths and Marriages: Chris Huffam read a list 2. Minutes of the 2012 AGM: These were amended in order to of announcements received since the last AGM. Full lists are clarify various points of confusion and to ensure a true reflection available on the website (Births, Deaths & Marriages) or from of the conversation at the 2012 AGM surrounding issues of the Sternians Office. Particular mention was made of the death voting at the AGM. Chair Clare Datta stated that if Graham of Laurence Brown, former Sternian archivist, who made his last was successfully voted in then the Committee would walk. The appearance at the 2012 AGM. votes took place and Graham received 9 votes for and 9 against
46 All the news, views and review of the year 2013, from The Sternians' Association of Lord Wandsworth College The Sternian 13
4. Treasurer's Report: Scott Narrower (Hazelveare 1998), events a chartered accountant with his own practice, prepared the • We will create a working group to look into this and accounts. These had been independently examined and signed appeal for anyone with experience or interest to get in off by Ben Forman (1993 School). The accounts presented to touch. Stephen Lister, a Sternian (School 2008) employed the AGM comprised actual figures for the years to 31st August at LWC, will help manage the website on a day to day basis 2012 and 2011 and budgets for 2012, 2013 and 2014, with costs allocated to individual items within the broad categories Archives (reunions, etc.). It was agreed that it would be helpful to show • The history of the College is at the very heart of what the budgets against the actual figures as a comparison, which Sternians is about The history of the College is at the very had not happened in the past. There were questions on the heart of what the Sternians is about and it is also hugely differences in the analysis of accounts and budgets, in particular important to the College. Unfortunately, the Sternians' relating to the Annual Reunion. Attention was drawn to Rule 7e), current archivist has had to step down and the Association requiring the accounts to be prepared on an accruals basis and needs help in filling this role including a balance sheet. The AGM voted against approving • The Sternians'Association also needs to find £2000 to the accounts. The Chairman agreed that the accounts would fund the costs of archiving a collection of materials and will be re-presented on the required basis and with the analysis be working with the College to look into what can be done restated, for viewing on the website and for approval at the 2014 AGM. 7. Voting: Chris Huffam stated that this is the first year that Sternians have been able to voting electronically or by proxy. It 5. Trust Fund Report: Hugh Rodger, Trust Fund Chairman, should be considered a trial and will need refinement. The votes updated members on the current strengths of the fund, which received electronically will be counted and added to the votes has an annual income of £22,500. The Trust Fund differs from received at the AGM and made public shortly, including votes for the Foundation in that it supports pupils whose families have Officers for Election. fallen on difficult financial times by contributing to fees in critical Mike Sims expressed his concern that the new system of voting examination years. A detailed account can be found on page 44 needed more in depth information on the items being voted on of the Sternians magazine, while the full accounts and balance to enable Sternians to make an informed vote,. Also that those sheet are available from Hugh on request. Hugh thanked existing putting their names forward for Committee positions should have donors but expressed his disappointment at the low response to their background experience and what they plan to achieve if appeals for one-off or regular donations. elected
Hugh paid special mention to the outstanding legacy of £2.1 8. Any Other Business: Two additional proposals were made million left to the Foundation by Jessie (a former Gosden girl) to the AGM: and William Flower. Hugh's report can be found on the Sternians' website. Proposal One: Mike Sims proposed a motion that (Seconded by Tim Hodges) the Executive Committee undertakes urgent 6. Chairman's Report: Chris Huffam talked about his interesting measures to achieve: year as Chair and his focus on looking to the future of the a. 1) Consistently high turnout at annual and group Reunions Association. In particular, Chris requested that more Sternians b. 2) A modern, up-to-date Sternian Website where members get involved with the Association as 'Ambassadors' who can help can interact in real time with one another, with the Committee with various activities or functions, without needing to dedicate and with the School as much time as if they were full committee members. Chris's c. 3) A comprehensive and up-to-date on-line email list of hope is that Sternians from across different year groups and with ex-pupils that is accessible to members so they can contact different skill sets could get involved. There are some key areas each other spontaneously that the Sternians want to do more of in 2013 and beyond and d. This General Meeting further requests that the Executive these will require additional support, made up of working groups Committee reports back to the membership on progress of ambassadors, committee members and the college. The main through Link and at the 2014 AGM areas to concentrate on include: The motion was carried with 45 votes for, one against, three abstentions, including proxy votes Reunions • We will look into how to make reunions more accessible Proposal Two: Mike Higham proposed a motion that to Sternians across all age groups and geographically. In (seconded by Mike Sims): particular, we will investigate when to hold reunions, where e. This General Meeting endorses the re-instatement of and how many we should hold in order to ensure that we Graham Barnes as Member of the Executive Committee with are engaging with a broader mix of Sternians the express role of formulating a set of Performance Goals • We will aim to hold more regional reunions. To that end, related to Reunions, the Website and other social media as Colonel Philip Bates based at the Edinburgh Garrison has communication vehicles between Sternians, and between offered to help drive a regional reunion for those based near Sternians and the College; and a Strategic Plan for achieving to Edinburgh (or interested in travelling) those Goals within the next 3 years. Such Goals and Plan to • Many at the AGM asked questions of what can be done be submitted to the Membership for approval by the 2014 to encourage a broader range of generations of Sternians AGM to attend reunions and become more involved with the Association. This is a particular focus of the Sternians The motion was carried with 45 votes for, one against, three committee for 2013 abstentions, including proxy votes
Database Laurie Kinney made a formal - but light-hearted - apology after • Some Sternians have expressed their desire to access a graffiti was found in Long Sutton church, dating back to the '50s, database of contact details for other Sternians and to make where he had clearly written his own name on the wall behind this accessible via the website the church organ. • A sub group will look into the feasibility and legality of this • Ron Lafferty, LWC IT Manager, has offered to help with Brian Reeve commented that the members represented at the this AGM were totally unrepresentative of the age distribution of the membership, and that that problem needed to be addressed. Website • We want to make the website more dynamic, so that it is up-to-date with the latest news, photos and upcoming
All the news, views and review of the year 2013, from The Sternians'Association of Lord Wandsworth College 47 The Sternian 13
Notes outside the AGM minutes
Voting Results 2013 after collating all the results after the AGM -188 Sternians voted
R&C Section 2 - To support and Promote the LWC 186 for/1 Abstain /1 not Foundation marked / 0 Against Section 7 (h) under finance - Expenditure over 178 for / 6 Abstain 12 not £500 marked / 2 Against Section 6 (i) Under Administration - Chairman has 140 for / 7 Abstain / 2 not only a casting vote marked / 39 Against Section 4 Officers and Committees Section (b) Hi to read Treasurer to be 158 for/ 5 Abstain / 3 not appointed marked / 22 Against Section © Other officers.. Archivist and up to three 135 for / 8 Abstain 12 not additional Committee members marked / 43 Against
Officers due for re-election: 188 Members voted Scott Narrower 171 Guy Butchers 143 Chris Worsley 160 Vicky Macleod 154 Staff Liaison Officer: Edward Walker 174 Vice-President: Richard Kimber 171
A comprehensive folder is held in the Sternians' office which includes all the voting forms electronic, postal and those filled out at the AGM. This is available if required for verification by a nominated Sternian. The updated Rules and Constitution will be put on the Sternians' website.
Note: In the 2012 AGM this new voting method allowing all Sternians to have a vote was passed 19:1 Officers of the Association
President Sir Humphrey Prideaux OBE DL Executive Committee Vice Presidents
Chairman (Designate) Chris Gibbs (Elected for 3 years. Maximum 12 in number, to be elected at Vice Chairman Vacant the AGM). 'icky Macleod hris Huffam Elected June 2013 Richard Kimber (June 2016)
Elected June 2012 ust Fund . Archivist Vacant imgh (June 2015) Sports Events Chris Worsley lected June 2011 ' . ..chard Janaway (June 2014) Fergus Livingstone tlune 2014)
Staff Liaison/Development Edward Walker The Sternians Mountaineering Club Ben Forman Officers: Officer email addresses can be found on www.sternians.org.uk or use [email protected] Preside Hugh Podger Chairmi Gordon Pitt Sternians Sport College Liaison Officers: Hon. Se Peter Everall Hon. Treasurer David Minnikin : Hockey/Rugby Edward Walker 01256 860280 Meet Secretary David Mir-"- - Cricket David Beven 01256 860237 Tennis Richard Kimber 01256 860338 Netball Edward Walker 01256 860280
48 All the news, views and review of the year 2013, from The Sternians'Association of Lord Wandsworth College
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