Issue 19, 2018 The Gossip Bowl

The Alumni Magazine

PRIOR PARK ALUMNI ‘And sometimes lurk I in a gossip’s bowl’ * A Community for Life Boer War President’s Letter William Harold-Barry (Class of 1887) From The Headmaster

World War I IN THIS ISSUE: Solidarity and difference Thomas Golding (Class of 1897) Ralph Goulstone Gale (Class of 1901) 2 President’s Letter I recently came across a survey that purported to show that James Brennan (Class of 1902) as many as half of 18 – 20 year olds believe themselves to Allan Bush (Class of 1905) Falling be extraordinary. The survey noted that such exceptionalism Francis Patrick Branigan (Class of 1905) 3 From The Headmaster can lead to great unhappiness, if for no other reason than William Coffey (Class of 1907) that one’s elevated sense of self is not shared by one’s peers. Ralph Goulstone Gale 4 - 6 School News The same survey noted that among 68 – 70 year olds, the age group to which I am soon to belong, the proportion who 6 - 7 Prior Park Alumni Update believe themselves to be extraordinary drops to 5%. There is, Leaves TERRY ILOTT apparently, a corresponding and very significant increase in well-being. In the older age group, your peers see you much Last summer, my son Joseph (PPA 2014) This will be especially poignant as so many 8 - 10 Development Focus Class of 1968 as you see yourself. and I spent some father and son time of our current students go on to a life of together visiting the battlefields of service; our fallen paid the ultimate sacrifice I was reminded of this in June, when I participated in the 50th anniversary reunion of Northern France. It is a journey that I have in their service of God and country. 11 Headmaster’s Academic Society the class of 1968. It was a great weekend, much enjoyed by all (see report on page 23). undertaken on numerous occasions over Perhaps most poignantly, some of the But, in the avalanche of emails that were exchanged in the days that followed, one the last 30 years. leaves will not be inscribed, as we have 12 - 13 Weddings At Prior comment appeared more than any other: how pleasing it is to find oneself the best of World War II This was the first time we had visited not yet discovered all the lost fallen of the friends even with those one hadn’t been close to at school. Our differences, it seems, melt Herbert Samual Dutton (Class of 1890) together and, as fellow history graduates, College. Indeed, earlier this year we came away, while our similarities and shared experiences come to the fore. William Anthony Shiel (Class of 1898) 14 - 15 Staff Farewells we indulged in long debates about the across William Harold-Barry (PPA 1887), Cecil James Gordon-Canning (Class of 1904) The process by which we stop trying to be different doesn’t diminish us, it just accepts nature of battle plans and strategies and the who perished in the Boer War (1899 - 1902). John Bertie Minch (Class of 1908) that our uniqueness is yet another thing we have in common. impact of, and justification for, the use of 16 - 19 People George Richard Todd (Class of 1925) certain weapons and tactics. All of which is to recognise that in the relationships between alumni – in our year groups, Thomas Francis Todd (Class of 1925) at reunions, in our engagement with the school – we must navigate a path between Bernard Thomas Ryan (Class of 1926) On our final day we added to what had 20 - 22 Alumni Sports the encouragement of solidarity and the acknowledgement of difference. Some years Peter William Fox (Class of 1926) already been an emotional trip – we had manage this better than others, and it gets easier, it seems, as we get older. Having John Joseph Patrick O’Brien (Class of 1927) visited the impressive monuments and 23 - 24 Reunions witnessed the finesse with which Carole and the team handle the diversity of visitors, Robert Dennis Sullivan (Class of 1932) graveyards but also walked in the footsteps reunions and alumni correspondents of all ages, I would say that, overall, the PPA manages Robert William Sloan (Class of 1932) of the young men of the 1914 - 1918 conflict – this delicate task extremely well. Geoffery Peter Pike (Class of 1932) by making a pilgrimage to the grave of Ralph 25 Gap Year Reports On a different note, there has been much comment among PPAs about last September’s Ralph Paul Joseph Osborne (Class of 1933) Goulstone Gale (PPA 1901), pictured above, sale of Cricklade. Two points are worth noting: Cricklade, now known as Cricklade who fell at The Battle of Arras in 1918. 26 - 34 All The Gossip Manor Prep, is still sending a flow of candidates to College for secondary education; and, As previously outlined in The Gossip Bowl, with the opening of PPS Gibraltar, the number of students under the care of the Prior Ralph had been “re-discovered” through 35 - 38 Obituaries Park schools is now higher than it was before Cricklade was sold. research and his name can be added to My four-year term as president of the PPA comes to an end in the list of Prior Park students who did not September, when I hand the chain of office to Simon Morgan return from active service in the World Wars. 38 - 39 PPA Notice Board (PPA 1974). It has been a great experience. Ralph’s grave is in a small cemetery which forms part of a village graveyard in one of the coal-mining regions north of Lens. 39 Calendar 2018/2019 Terry Ilott World War II Over the past four years we have been trying We envisage that these rediscovered names Prior Park Alumni President Wilfrid A A De Freitas (Class of 1933) to find others who fall into this category will be added to the remaining leaves in the Lance Franklin Edwards (Class of 1933) and Carole Laverick (PPA Liaison Rep) has years ahead. Edmund Gerard Forde (Class of 1935) achieved great things. We hope that many of you in the PPA will Lawrence Beresford O’Reilly (Class of 1935) In our Remembrance Mass to commemorate be able to attend the Memorial Mass on James Douglas Williams (Class of 1935) Weddings Alumni All The the centenary of the Armistice of November Sunday 11 November this year to offer Alfred A J Mahony (Class of 1936) 1918 we will be dedicating a side chapel in gratitude to these young men who were At Prior Sports Gossip Maurice William Lee (Class of 1936) Our Lady of the Snows to all fallen PPA deprived of a full life. Bernard Harry Ward (Class of 1937) Pages 12 - 13 Pages 20 - 22 Pages 26 - 34 students. Cecil Percy King (Class of 1938) Peter Cecil Rose (Class of 1939) This will take the form of an installation of Cover image: Detail of the roll of honour board William Edward Lundon (Class of 1940) crafted, ceramic leaves inscribed with the James Murphy-O’Connor commemorating alumni who died in World War II. A new memorial is to be installed in the chapel later Peter Vivian Dias (Class of 1941) names of alumni killed in action, and they Prior Park College Headmaster this year. (See, From the Headmaster, page 3.) J Groves (Unknown) will be arranged as if falling from a tree.

2 www.priorparkalumni.com The Gossip Bowl 3 In the last year: the Snows Chapel Appeal. Pete, a Prior School News parent, also conducted a masterclass in “en plein air” painting with students (see 591 feature page 10). students enrolled at Upper Sixth finished their final day before College heading off on study leave with the COLLEGE Lent Term traditional “Bubbles on the Bridge”, hosted A Year in the Life… by heads of Sixth Form, Ms Young and Mrs The Department of Education published Colquhoun. 456 new league tables. These now place special A packed chapel enjoyed an evening of day pupils Opening of emphasis on the relative progress pupils Brownlow House make whilst at school. Prior Park was graded music-making culminating in a majestic among the top 5% of schools in England. performance, led by the College Choral Society, of Mozart’s Requiem. Taking 135 Under 16 boys became county hockey the vocal solos were Emily Bradley (PPA boarders champions and went on to become West of 2006), Alice Usher (PPA 2005), Edmund England finalists. Hastings (PPA 2004) and Connor Baiano Family, friends, former headmasters of the (PPA 2013). 13 College, staff, students, parents and alumni Clifford House won the annual Sports Day. came together in Our Lady of the Snows to countries represented commemorate the life of Cardinal Cormac College enjoyed an evening of Test Match among the boarders Murphy-O’Connor (PPA 1950), who died Special memories with Henry Blofeld, GIBRALTAR in September 2017. Cardinal Cormac was sports journalist and broadcaster (see the uncle of current headmaster, Mr James page 9). 89% Murphy-O’Connor, and a longstanding Other mid-summer events included the president of the Prior Park Educational Trust. Creative Design Summer Exhibition, A* - B, EPQs Already setting (See obituary on page 35.) the inter-house Maths Competition, an Outdoor Mass and the Summer Concert. benchmarks The inaugural Entrepreneur in Residence 81.1% programme was launched, with successful The Grand Leavers’ Concert and Leavers’ PPSG was subject to an external inspection local businessman and Prior parent, Anthony Dinner was followed by Speech Day, A* - B, GCSEs (a first for any school in Gibraltar) from Dutton. at which the guest of Honour was Mr which it emerged with great credit. Guest speaker Lord King shared his views Raymond Friel, General Secretary of the Band Night with F4 politics students on a variety of Catholic Independent Schools’ Conference. 66.7% Pupil numbers have doubled since the Michaelmas Term subjects, including the role of the House of doors first opened in September 2016 and A* - B, A-Levels continued growth is forecast for the next Prior Park Prep School came under the new Lords, future challenges for politicians and, 3 - 4 years, with waiting lists for year 8 entry ownership of Wishford Schools group and is of course, Brexit. already in place for 2019 – 2021. now known as Cricklade Manor School. The annual Band Night showcased the wealth 27 This September, the Sixth Form opened and Prior Park College was visited by an ISI of musical talent across all age groups at the number of teaching staff rose to over 20. inspection team. The new Educational Quality College, from soloists through to rock bands. subjects taught at A-Level (2018/2019) Inspections report focused on the quality of College musicians received a number of The launching of a new digital curriculum will pupils’ academic and other achievements and awards at the Mid-Somerset Festival 2018, see Prior become Gibraltar’s leading school the quality of pupils’ personal development. including African Drummers, who won the in computer science and the creative uses of College was awarded the highest category Leslie Hope Trophy; Senior Chapel Choir, who 7 technology, including robotics, 3D printing in both areas. and VR/AR. retained the Chepstow Cup; Brass Ensemble, wins out of 16 for Sister Jane Livesey CJ was appointed who won second place and a distinction for Cricket First XI The school hosted a science week in the College Choral Society President of Prior Park Educational Trust. Chamber Music; Wind Quintet, who won Throughout the year summer, and, as the Creative Computing third place and a distinction for Chamber Lab and Maker Space come online, is set to 450 competitors and 44 schools participated Music; and String Quartet, who were The Chapel Choir and classics students host a technology week in November and in the Prior Park Schools Biathlon competition, 6 awarded second place in their class. visited Rome. There were language trips an e-safety week in January. These and held at the University of Bath. wins out of 10 for The Annual Fisher Road Relay brought the to France and Salamanca, a history trip other school events are being opened up to Rugby First XV Brownlow House, a co-educational house Lent term to an end. Allen House were the to Krakow, an art trip to the Eden Project, children from other schools in Gibraltar as for Year 8, was officially opened by former overall winners. skiing in Italy, the annual sixth form trip part of Prior’s community outreach. headmaster Dr Mercer. Bishop William to New York and the Baines’ trip to Skern This year the school was given the licence Brownlow, who introduced the Christian Lodge. Top 5% to run the Duke of Edinburgh International Brothers to Prior, believed strongly in an all- Summer Term Numerous drama and musical rank in value-added Award. It also received several Best Practice round education, which is still at the core of College hosted an exhibition and auction performances were staged, starting league tables ratings in the COBIS compliance inspection, the school’s educational philosophy. of paintings by Artist in Residence and with Daisy Pulls It off. Other productions meaning that it will be used as a benchmark Parents were welcomed to the chapel for the renowned Bath painter, Peter Brown. included Hedda Gabler, Beauty and the Beast of best practice for other international Service of Readings and Carols. Proceeds from the sale went to Our Lady of and Play in a Day. 4 schools around the world. Oxbridge offers

4 www.priorparkalumni.com The Gossip Bowl 5 Prior Park Alumni Update

In the last year: THE

Edmund Mortimer 450 Michael King’s appeal to tech-savvy PPAs THINGS The recent Independent Schools Inspectorate reports on the Paragon and online archive users College gave a clear signal that there should be an improvement in the schools’ THEY SAID application of IT. The governors are particularly keen to see teaching and THE PARAGON learning connectivity between PPS Gibraltar and Bath. When I was deciding which universities 321 Hence, they now want to recruit members who have not only grown up with to apply for, the director of music additional alumni ICT and have social media “in their DNA” but who have sufficient professional advised me, “Don’t bother applying to Exemplary attitudes located via social experience – whether in technology, enterprise or education - to know both music colleges, you probably won’t get Darcy and Louise media the advantages and the pitfalls of the new technology. Chairman Michael King in, and it’s hard to make a career as a to learning is looking for PPAs to join the board who can add value in this area. Contact performer”. Not only did I subsequently Carole Laverick to put your name forward. accept a place at the Royal College of The Independent Schools Inspectorate Music, I’m now a member of staff there. found that The Paragon had delivered 127 “ “excellent” academic achievement and Claire Williams (PPA 1992) likes, 26 comments personal development. and 13 shares for the The report stated that “pupils’ attitudes most popular posting A late-adopters guide to the online archive At a careers evening I was told my to learning are exemplary” and “from on Facebook: drone dream to be a firefighter was not aiming their earliest days in the Early Years footage of the school As 450 PPAs have discovered already, the PPA online archive is a wonderful high enough (brawn and no brains!). I Foundation Stage, pupils of all ages resource, providing access to school magazines, team photos and other was told to do something sensible, like and abilities make excellent progress documents going back to the 1930s. be a primary school teacher. Next week overall”. I’m receiving my 20 year Long Service 100% To use it, you MUST sign up and Good Conduct Medal watched by The school welcomed Year 5 students reduction in alumni my husband (also a Fire Officer) and from 12 local schools to take part in It is FREE to register and use visitors in March 2018 “our 7 year old daughter, who knows that the annual Maths Challenge. After a compared with March It does NOT include your school reports or other confidential material a girl can do whatever she wants to do, lot of number crunching, The Paragon Prizes and Awards 2017 (Reason: the and to be the best she can be! emerged as joint winners. Year 4 took The Prior Park Association Cup for Outstanding Beast from the East) ONLY the Prior community can access it part in the Take One Picture initiative. Contribution to Music was this year awarded to Faith Victoria Gadsdon (PPA 1994) The chosen picture was Pintoricchio’s Edmund Mortimer, a fine organist and pianist It is EASY to search by name/date/event etc or to browse through at Penelope with the Suitors (painted and for years the school’s No 1 bass guitarist. your leisure A nameless Christian Brother said to around 1509). Although many schools More recently he has added choral and solo 97 me regarding my last-minute revision take part, only a few pictures are GO to http://priorparkcollege-heritage.daisy.websds.net/ singing to his long list of accomplishments. An age of the oldest user before an exam: “Fowler you can’t selected to be displayed on the walls outstanding talent and a loyal presence over of the archive Be AMAZED fatten the pig on the day of the fair”. of the National Gallery, including a many years, he was presented with the award Martin Fowler (PPA 1983) painting from The Paragon. at the Grand Leavers’ Concert. TELL other alumni Superstar, Robin & the Sherwood Hoodies Darcey West and Louise Cattanach (F4) 90 and Porridge were performed this year, were both awarded the William Genders Art Before I walked into my chemistry GCSE while rugby, netball, hockey, biathlon Prize for their insightful work on constructive sets of alumni visitors “my teacher said to me, “Anneke, I know and quidditch all featured. The Paragon cubism. Robert, William’s brother and donor you don’t know anything so just guess”. football team reached the national of the prize, was unable to attend Speech Day I got a B so I clearly guessed well. Still finals at St George’s Park. in person but is delighted with the standards 59 Tell it like it is corner makes me chuckle. The school welcomed a number of that are being attained. Anneke Hudson (PPA 1996) sets of visitors led Rugby report from the school magazine, 1978: inspirational visitors, including Lizzy by post-1983 PPAs “This year’s First XV had a number of talented players whose individual Yarnold MBE; para dressage champion (34 male, 25 female) “I was first to emerge from the exam hall skills rarely combined to form the essential ingredient of any successful side, Suzanna Hext; WWII veteran, pilot, after French O-level, and our French teamwork. The pack, though small by today’s standards, played with great winter olympian, cricketer and teacher couldn’t avoid me. “How did it fire and commitment only to see, time and again, their hard-won possession groundsman Ed Meddings; Great go, Ilott?” “I think I did pretty well, Sir.” 7 frittered away by backs with considerable - in some cases bewildering - skill but War author Richard van Emden; Flight Eyebrow raised in disbelief: “Really?” little team sense or true rugby guile. The backs, through selfishness and lack Lieutenant Joe Hourston from the members of the current That told me more than all my previous of co-ordination, were ineffective in attack and often, through unwillingness Royal Air Force aerobatic team (the 86-strong teaching school reports combined. and/or inability in tackling, vulnerable in defence. “ Red Arrows); and English international staff who are PPAs cricketer, Anya Shrubsole. “Terry Ilott (PPA 1968)

6 www.priorparkalumni.com The Gossip Bowl 7 Development Focus

Long-Term Goals If you give to us, I would like to see the team grow, commensurate with the increase in the support we receive, so that we can build a really efficient development function. what do we give to I would like to see the role of philanthropy in the life of the school have a much higher profile and for its reach to increase and be you in exchange? better understood and appreciated. I would want to secure far more means-tested bursaries. Scholarships are all well and good but we need to focus on bursary support for families who wouldn’t normally look to private education. But they would be families who bring something special to us in return, whether that is in the academic field or in Strong family ties: headmaster James some other way. Murphy-O’Connor with his uncle Cardinal We don’t want to be a school only for the Cormac Murphy-O’Connor (PPA 1950) very rich – those, say, that can afford to have Declan Rainey, recently appointed head of development and alumni relations, studied at St Columb’s College, three siblings here simultaneously – and the Derry, with which his family has strong associations. After school, he went to Lincoln to train as a primary school very poor, on maximum bursary support. teacher but found that he “wasn’t able to teach in the way I was taught”. “Partly for the sake of the kids”, he We need the full mix of bursaries – 10%, gave it up and instead took a degree in politics at Lincoln University. He worked in the development offices of 20%, 70% and so on – so that we cultivate My dear old thing a broad-based community. This is part of the the University of Lincoln, University College Oxford, the University of Sussex and Eton, where he was the deputy educational purpose and philosophy of the With the cricket season well underway, a lucky audience at College enjoyed director. Here he writes about his plans. school. I should add that the families who an evening with Henry Blofeld, sports journalist and broadcaster, for an traditionally support private education have evening of Test Match Special memories. “Blowers” shared stories of life in not seen their salaries increase at the same the commentary box, cricket tours around the world and touching memories rate as the increase in school fees. There is a of his final test commentary at Lord’s Cricket Ground. role for bursaries in bridging the gap. Coming to Prior Prior’s Weaknesses Prior’s Opportunities He finished the evening signing copies of his new book Over and Out: My Innings of a Lifetime with Test Match Special. The cricket campaign has now The move to Prior was partly about career Not everyone has positive memories of the The first opportunity is to increase the profile raised £6,000 to go towards the new cricket scoreboard at the Bury Sports progression: I am now the director of my school. Some, from the older generation, among the alumni community of philanthropy Centre. own department. But it was also something are less than positive. Also, the school is and the impact it has. In the last ten years, to do with the atmosphere of the school that so beautiful that the financial need is not alumni have made a big contribution. We resonated with my own schooling. immediately obvious. It can be difficult to have to publicise that. And we have to draw Teacher Dave Sackett (left) with Henry Blofeld (right) make the case for giving to Prior against, attention to its impact. Donors want to feel James Murphy-O’Connor has very say, other charitable causes. Thirdly, there they are making a real difference. Raising strong family ties with Prior and this was is not a culture of everybody giving. There money is about making an offer: if you give something I could relate to. Also, I have to are a small number of people giving very to us what do we give to you in exchange? say, development at Prior is still at an early generously but the majority do not feel it To answer this question we must embrace stage. It has a lot of potential. I realised that is their responsibility. Finally, it is difficult our supporters and ensure that they have a I would have the opportunity to show what

for benefactors (alumni) and beneficiaries meaningful role in the life of the school, that I could do. (students) to meet. This is a problem for all their voice is heard.

schools. Short-Term Goals Prior’s Strengths Prior’s Threats I want to communicate much better with The big strength of Prior is the sense of “ The immediate threat is GDPR which could alumni; show them how they can play their community and the bonds of friendship that make it more difficult to communicate with part. Philanthropic giving isn’t just for the big you find among the alumni. There is a real Philanthropic our alumni community and might limit the supporters. Do we want your £20 a month? love of the community, if not always of the giving isn’t just for the big numbers with whom we can be in contact. Absolutely we do. Again, this is part of the institution. Returning alumni are delighted to “supporters. It might also increase our costs as we have philosophy of the school. Once people see see how things have changed. to resort to surface mail and so on. how they can be involved, my job gets easier. Communication is the key.

8 www.priorparkalumni.com The Gossip Bowl 9 Development Focus Headmaster’s Academic Society

MEDSOC Proud to be a geek

The John Wood Chapel was packed with On a recent collaboration with the scholars, staff and visitors to hear Zena Corinium Centre in Cirencester, Zena Kamash (PPA 1996) reassure them that explained, she met the poet Dan Simpson, it is cool to be a geek. who introduced her to the idea that, if archaeology is a grey area, a topic of “Be proud,” she said, “the world needs assumption and guesswork, then why more geeks.” not let poetry convey one person’s idea Zena had come to talk to the of what an item might have been used Headmaster’s Academic Society mostly for. Dan was commissioned to write just A breath of fresh air about archaeology, but also about poetry such a poem. and technology. At Prior, she was, she It was a lively biology lab that hosted The result is The Corinium Cockerel. The Peter Brown auctions paintings said, the self-professed geek, the non- Dr Liz Mallon (PPA 2012) for a bracing “real” cockerel is, in fact, a small Roman sporty, highly academic, singing, dancing, talk on the realities of becoming a doctor. artefact that was found buried with Students from several other schools Pete Brown writes: It was at the beginning stunned by the music: the individual talent, me before silence...broken by the cleaner’s tie-wearing girl who loved every minute an infant body. The poem brings alive attended the event, which was held under

of the school year that James asked to see the concert band and the junior and senior hoover and an echoey exchange of “Good of her schooling. the possibility of the infant’s affection the auspices of MedSoc. me in his office. I am 51 years old but still chapel choirs (their Holly and the Ivy still rings Morning” between us. Then she would leave She lived through the rebuilding of the for this cockerel; it tells of the chaos

get a little flutter when the headmaster asks round my head). and I would be on my own. It was so quiet I Mansion after the 1991 fire and was caused when searching the house for it Liz has just completed five years of study to see me! could hear my brush on the canvas. and now commences her F1 rotation, I would watch Father Chris fussing round awarded the Prior Park Medal, which at bedtime; it bemoans the failure of the “ starting with psychiatry, then breast He told me about the Chapel Appeal and the chapel, clocking miles on his fitbit has her name engraved on the rim. What Gods to oversee the child’s health; and surgery, followed by geriatric medicine. asked if the school could commission a while he prepared the church for services. stories, she wondered, might be told it summons the forces that will take the painting to be auctioned in aid of it. One thing The fitbit was smoking on the days leading You don’t know how when the medal is unearthed in some child’s soul safely to the next world. In The students soaked up her practical led to another and when it came to filling in up to Cardinal Cormac’s Memorial Mass future dig, stories of the exotically named this way, a moving tribute to a humble advice on the interview process and the the DBS application we were able to tick the - an incredible service with the twelve lucky you are. Zena Kamash and the mysterious Prior find opens the doorway to a distant world. importance of the personal statement. Park College. “artist in residence” box. I could now come concelebrants decked in their purple “ Zena also met Lloyd Bosworth, technician The interview techniques discussed and go as I pleased, and the initial plan - one chasubles. From Prior, she went to Magdalen College, at the University of Kent, who suggested included ways of dealing with Objective painting - turned into 28. It took a while and a fair bit of groaning from Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) I used to get to the organ loft early on a Oxford, to study classics, a choice made that 3D printing could be used to make my kids before I stopped saying to them in stations - “like terrible speed dating where I have three children at the school, one just Friday to be set up for the school assembly in accordance with well-meaning advice artefacts that speak to a multitude of the evenings, “My goodness, you don’t know you are grilled by different examiners”. left and one is waiting in the wings - so for - a wonderful mix of ceremony (the school but not in accord with Zena’s real minds. Naively, Zena says, she asked how lucky you are”. me as a parent it was a real treat to see the standing for the entrance of the senior staff) interest. One holiday, she went on an for a 3D print of the cockerel. Lloyd did OSCEs are used for interview but also school “from the inside”. and performance: houses or years would put The exhibition in the Academy Hall was archaeological dig and that was the end the complex scanning – the cockerel was regularly for examination purposes. Some on thoughtful assemblies about drug abuse beautiful. It was well supported by parents, of the matter. She returned to Oxford, by now nicknamed Bernard - and from universities use PBL (problem-based The view from the bank is undoubtedly or bullying; the music assembly where alumni and staff, and, although it was changed her subject and immersed there resin cockerels were reproduced. In learning), others are more traditional. beautiful and I reckon it is one of the most Roland Robertson had us all Gregorian- horrendously embarrassing to have two of herself in the world of archaeology. Zena’s telling, poetry and technology can Most now integrate both forms. Hence, stunning views over Bath. I painted it through chanting; and the sports assembly where I the paintings auctioned in front of me, the both provide means of accessing the past, being able to appear calm is both a skill the winter in the bitter cold, exaggerated by But what of poetry and technology? nearly fell out of the loft when my daughter auctioneer Jamie South did a good job and if only in the imagination. and an essential tool to get through the that flipping wind funnelled up from the lake Hattie was awarded “most improved player”! that went well enough too. many crises that you will face on your by the landscaped gardens. I would always training. keep my lanyard in full view to avoid being The structure of that chapel is incredible but The money raised is a drop in the ocean in Zena talking to marched off the grounds, as I look like hell it was the life inside which enthralled me. terms of what is needed but I am glad I have Liz stated frankly that most medics will at the Headmaster’s when I paint outdoors - several layers and had some small part to play. If you ever come some point seriously contemplate giving The students would enter, their chatter Academic Society all caked in oil paint. for the carol service, crank your head up to it all up. In this regard, she highlighted the calmed by Charlotte Cummins over the the organ loft and you might see a scruffy importance of family and non-medical While the view from the bank is amazing, microphone: a long “shhhh” followed by artist painting furiously, trying to capture the friends, taking time out to de-stress and working in the chapel was the real treat. “remember where you are, come in sit down incredible moment of “The Entrance of the always being prepared to ask for advice I stationed myself mainly up in the organ and gather your thoughts”; some formality, a Senior Chapel Choir”. or help. loft, looking down on all the comings and ten-minute presentation before the head boy goings below. It gave me a real insight or girl would then dismiss the pupils house by Her last piece of reassuring and very into college life: the music rehearsals and house; and here the excitement would return, The sale of Pete’s paintings has raised £40,000 practical advice was to never go into preparations for services. The highlight was crescendo-ing and dissipating, until all I so far. Limited Edition signed prints of Frost and an anatomy class hungover, and always in the Michaelmas term, when the chapel is hear is the last conversation as the leaving Shadows are available for sale at £200 each. respect the cadavers. However hard the busiest: the run-up to Advent culminating students exit; then a few distant shouts and five years are, she concluded, when you in that electric carol service. I was utterly door slams in the corridors of St Pauls behind get to the end there are no regrets.

10 www.priorparkalumni.com The Gossip Bowl 11 “Surrounded by my past, Weddings At Prior present and future all at once”

Iain Clarke and Ellie Poyner Sophia Friedrich and David Percy Ed Borton and Sabina Molian Natalie Dann and Paul Michael

Iain (PPA 2001) and Ellie married on 19 August 2017. Iain’s older Sophia (PPA 2004) and David met at university in Edinburgh and Ed (PPA 2010) and Sabina first met in the summer of 2012, in Natalie (PPA 2010) writes: Paul and I met in 2011 at Plymouth brother Neil (PPA 1995) and younger brother Addy (PPA 2007) they now live in Newcastle Upon Tyne. David is a physics teacher Bath, during her time training to become a Norland Nanny. They University, where I was studying to be a children’s nurse and he attended along with Harry Woloszynski (PPA 2001). “We had and Sophia works in Durham managing a team of counsellors and celebrated their marriage on 28 December 2017, in the chapel of was studying computer science. an absolutely wonderful day,” said Iain, “and we were so lucky to supporting a range of mental-health projects in schools. Sophia Our Lady of the Snows on an appropriately snow-dusted winter’s We were thrilled when we secured our date to get married in enjoy it with our friends and family, in such beautiful surroundings. and David married on 5 August 2017, in the company of friends day. Father Malcolm Smeaton officiated and a vast number of Our Lady of the Snows. Since leaving Prior, I have remained close Thanks to everyone at Prior for all their support in the run up and and family. former students returned to College, including groomsmen Peter to the friends I met there and it will always hold a special place ensuring everything went smoothly on the day.“ Borton (PPA 2012) and James Ford (PPA 2010), bridesmaid Among the attendees were bridesmaids (and PPC alumni) Katy in my heart. Our wedding took place on 16 September 2017, Georgina Borton (PPA 2017), and Maid of Honour Hannah Jolley Drohan, Bibi Herron and Katherine Friedrich. Alicia Carroll put officiated by Father Bill, and in front of all our nearest and dearest. (PPA 2010). Ed and Sabina continue to live and work in London, together a choir with some of Sophia’s favourite music from her All the clichés are true: it was the perfect day! chapel choir days. The ceremony was followed by a tipi reception with Ed preparing to leave his role as deputy head of geography at Chew Valley Lake with the sun shining down. Sophia said it felt at Whitgift School to take up post as head of geography at King’s Mr Robertson very kindly played the organ and was accompanied very special to return to Prior as her family now live in America and College Junior School, Wimbledon. by two current pupils who played the violin; and also Paul’s auntie for David’s family it was their first trip to Bath. Sophia and David sang during the service. After making the most of the beautiful spent their honeymoon on the Amalfi Coast and Sophia finally setting and having some photos on the Palladian Bridge, we made got to visit Pompeii and see where it all went wrong for Caecilius! Kirstie Ryder and James Tyrer our way back to my parents’ house where the reception took place in a marquee. We’d like to say a special thank you to Father Kirstie (PPA 2012) writes: Having imagined my wedding at Prior Bill who not only made our service special but who was a great since the day I first stood on the Mansion steps, it’s no surprise support in the lead up to the wedding. that my actual wedding felt like a fairy tale. For me, having my Pictured above, Prior alumni at the wedding, left to right: Milly Clark, wedding at the school was showing everyone a part of me that Clem Brown, Nel Byron, Annie O’Donoghue, Emilie Milton Stevens, they had only imagined through my countless stories (some Natalie Dann (now Mrs Michael), Tish Bullman, Sophie Griffiths, bad, some good!) about boarding life there. I’m sure my chief Catriona Murray and Elsa Frere. Hannah Smith and Ryan Twiname bridesmaids and past pupils Heather Rae, Holly Feeney and Hannah (PPA 2005) and Ryan met three years ago at their place Emma Russell (née Piercey) would all agree that the more distance of work, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, where both were employed we have from our time at College, the more fiercely proud of it as marketing managers. we become; and what a marvellous and rare thing it is to be proud of the school you attended! They now live in the village of Binfield in Berkshire. They were Want a photo session? Be sure to book Having Father Malcolm return to the chapel to bless our nuptials, married at the chapel or Our Lady of the Snows on 4 August It is becoming increasingly popular to create wedding standing in the chapel singing our hearts out to hymns without 2017, by Father Michael English, a retired priest of the Clifton albums of exotic locations and Prior Park College needing words (and catching the eyes of all of my closest school diocese and also a family friend. The sun shone on what was is considered one of these, especially among past friends, among them Will Barnes, Kitty Ure an absolutely perfect day. Best friends and fellow class mates Matt Desmond and Jess Cottam pupils. College would be more than happy to and Christina Bovill-Rose, through the sea of of 2005, Amie Corry and Nickie Le Roy Chen, were Hannah’s accommodate any request but for obvious Matt (PPA 2007) and Jess met at Southampton University in relatives and loved ones) was a memory I will bridesmaids, joined by 13 nieces and nephews, who also walked reasons (it is a school) all appointments must their final year through a mutual friend, Zac Andrews (PPA 2007). cherish forever. On those famous Mansion down the aisle. Guests commented on how incredible the venue be booked, to ensure that school life can carry They then went travelling with other friends for six months in steps at the end of the night, I couldn’t help but was for a wedding and how lucky Hannah and Ryan were to be on unimpeded and that photos do not include Brazil, the Caribbean and the East Coast of the USA before settling think about the words of Pixie Davies (James’ able have it as theirs. Afterwards they headed off to Wick Farm current students. Book either with Carole down in London. After five years they moved back westwards, to cousin, 11 years old) who said that really I was to continue the celebrations. Laverick at [email protected] or Bristol. They married at Prior on 26 August 2017, on a day that “surrounded by my past, present and future all at Gill Mead, who runs the alumni weddings, at was unusually hot and sunny. There was a good alumni turnout, once” - a profound thought that summarises an [email protected]. including Zac, Elliot Booley, Jessica Cresswell, George Walker, experience that both James and I will treasure Dan Holden and Sam Stratton. for the rest of our lives.

12 www.priorparkalumni.com The Gossip Bowl 13 Staff Farewells

“You’ll be fine,” she said Leaving the family Golf, travel and friends Catherine started at Prior in 1991, three It turned her into somebody she wasn’t.” At that time, Martin and his family Sue Greig, a much-loved teacher, has weeks after the Mansion fire, followed by were living in Chessington and he was Frances worries that “it’s normal now for retired from The Paragon after 33 years. Sarah in 1993 and Lucy in 1999. travelling two-and-a-half to three hours teenagers to be depressed”, adding that, She joined in 1985, the year that the a day, while his wife, Lisa, was also “Lucy and I overlapped by two years,” says while “it is good that people talk about school took receipt of its first computer. making a long commute to the City. The Frances, who joined the medical team in these things”, it’s a worry that mental-health children, too, were at St Benedict’s, the She recalls that “we didn’t have academic 2004. “She ignored me in the corridor initially problems “have become the norm”. older one already in the sixth form. Much planning in those days. We wrote in a but then would greet me with ‘Hello, Mum’.” She thinks that social media has a big part as he enjoyed St Benedict’s, “it was an diary what we had done over the week All three girls were married in the school to play. existence, not a life,” Martin said. Even and the headmistress would review it. It chapel and the grandchildren have all been so, the move to Bath was “a big step”. gave you a lot of freedom in what you Frances is moving back to Surrey, where she christened there. taught”. will be a full-time granny. Martin said he loved the job from the first Frances started on five hours a day as the day: “It has been brilliant. It is a role that What hasn’t changed, she says, is “the “It is going to be very strange not being third nurse in the medical centre. suits me perfectly. I wish I had done it all-encompassing family feeling of the directly linked to the PPC family. We will much sooner in my career. I love the way school”. “The senior nurse told me that there would always have an enormous debt of gratitude to the job is completely immersive. For me, be nothing to it,” she recalls. “‘You’ll be fine,’ the College and its staff for helping to shape Retirement means “golf, travel and it has been the perfect fit.” she said. We laugh at that now.” our three girls into the confident, wonderful, friends”. And she will be spending more independent young women that they have Living in Bath has also been a great time with her family here and abroad. In 2007, the second nurse left and Frances become. There is something special about pleasure – despite his complaints about There’s also quite a community of former took on her hours as well as her own. Then, past PPC pupils, as I am sure you would the frequency of the rain - and leaving the Paragon teachers, the Paralags, “so I’ll in 2012, the senior nurse left and Frances agree.” city as well as the school is going to be a spend time with them too”. took over full-time. It is a residential job – on big wrench: “We have been so, so lucky, call 24 hours a day, seven days a week - so living on site. Gorgeous Bath is a beautiful, Frances and her husband had to move into secure, lovely town.” the school. Frances Whittington retired at the end of Martin Knights is leaving Prior after Why I need an And, of course, he will miss the boys the academic year after 14 years in the According to Frances, “no day is ever the 8 years as the popular housemaster Other staff farewells in Roche House. So what’s taking him medical department. same and I can never predict what will ‘off-games’ note of Roche House. away? He’s going to a new school, King Rhodri Anderson happen next”. Before that, she had served for 10 years on Interviewed in June, he said he was Henry 8th College in Kuala Lumpur, a As told to Frances Whittington: Tori Brandwood the parents’ committee, having put three She says that, while homesickness and rugby restricting his daily walks to the school sister school of Christ’s College, Brecon. daughters – Catherine (PPA 1998), Sarah injuries feature in the Michaelmas term and grounds now, savouring every step: “I’m There, as director of boarding, he will Lindsey Bryant (maternity leave) (PPA 2000) and Lucy (PPA 2006) - through bugs dominate in the Lent term, mental join his “very, very good friend”, Steve “My hamster died last week and going to miss it terribly. The closer it gets, Jamie Comber (moving the school. health problems tend to surface in the Easter Capon, who left Prior in 2014, to help I’m still too upset to run the Fisher the tougher it’s becoming.” to PPC Gibraltar) term. Why? Road Relay.” plan the school, which opens its doors “I now approach my 25th Speech Day (she Born in 1965, Martin grew up in West this September. Martin will oversee ten Celia Medina Duque has only missed one, due to a broken leg) “Because by then the students know us and London and at 16 joined the Royal boarding houses. (off to Singapore) and I cannot quite believe that retirement is trust us and they are prepared to admit to “I had a spray tan yesterday and Marines, where he served for 14 years. so close,” she says. their problems,” Frances explains. “But also “ I was advised not to let chlorine A rugby injury saw him pensioned out, “It’s now or never, really,” he said. “Our son Rob Francis (off to Singapore) because it is the time of exams, with all the come into contact with my skin.” but his metal elbow didn’t dampen his is in Canada, our daughter is quite likely to Educated in an Ealing convent, her plan was Matthew French stress involved. They suffer panic attacks, enthusiasm for the game and he soon work abroad. Home now is wherever the always to become a nurse. She trained at anxiety, eating disorders, self-harming, took up coaching at club level in London. four of us can get together. I made peace Ellie Knechtli the Middlesex and launched into career and “It is my birthday today and I have depression.” This in turn led to a job at St Benedict’s with myself a while back that we’d done motherhood. In 1989, her husband moved eaten too much cake at break.” David Lee “ all we could for our kids. This is something In Frances’ view, these problems are much Ealing. What started as a part-time with his company to Bath. They thought they Joss Pinsent (joining maths worse than they were: “There is a lot of position “grew and grew”, he said, until, for Lisa and me to share. I’m 53 and as you might stay for three years. department at Harrow) stress, pressure to do well. I think it mostly “My swimming costume shrank 14 years later, he was director of sport. get older you get more reflective. There’s “We had come from London and didn’t know not much I would change. Coming to Prior comes from the parents, not the school. in the wash.” “During my time at St Benedict’s I really Jonathan Richards any of the schools here. What sold Prior to me has been defining for me. I taught James’ There is more pressure now than there was, “ connected with the pastoral side of was that, when we came for an open day, two (headmaster James Murphy-O’Connor) Katie Thwaites for sure. ‘Mum says I’ve got to get As’, that teaching,” he continued. “When a friend boys held open a door for us in the basement nieces and nephews at St Benedict’s. kind of thing. Some think that, as Mum and “I think that my Granny may have of mine got a job as a housemaster it Paula Willcox of the Mansion. ‘Enjoy your tour,’ they said. Dad are paying for their education, they have given me food poisoning last night started me thinking. I decided to look “That school, too, had a hard-core Catholic They were so cheerful and confident. It was “ when I stayed at her house.” to do well. I had one boarder whose parents for similar roles and, lo and behold, a job ethos, and, while I am not Catholic myself, the children that impressed us.” were keen for her to excel in everything. “ came up at Prior Park.” I now feel part of the family.” 14 www.priorparkalumni.com The Gossip Bowl 15 People

The flying doctor’s day Consistently out of step of the cricket pavilion. When in St Peter’s, vice-president of salons and schools on Dave McCann (PPA 1964) Phil Naidoo (PPA 2002) he was caught smoking. “I pointed out that Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills. There he became there was no rule for smoking at the time, part of the Sassoon family. Today, he is said Phil Naidoo MBBS is senior registrar in The patch I cover goes as far north as below. We orbit over the accident scene to so the sentence was commuted and a new to have 3,000 Instagram followers, mostly emergency and pre-hospital emergency Thursday Island (1,300km) and as far west as find a suitable landing place. The car has rule instituted.” He was also inclined to get hairdressers, and some of his clients (he now medicine, Melbourne, Australia. Camooweal (1,000km) on the border of the rolled a few times and debris is scattered a into fights. In 1964, when his relationship has his own salon suite) have been with him Northern Territory. This sometimes means long way down the road. with one of the female domestic staff was for 25 years or more. One of his current side The day begins at 7am. I arrive at the that the fastest way to get there is by plane, discovered, he was asked to leave. ventures is the manufacture of an ergonomic Queensland Government Air base at After landing on the highway we proceed to styling chair that he designed himself. It using aircraft provided by the Royal Flying “My dad didn’t know how to respond to that, Townsville International Airport in tropical the crash site. The car has been stabilised by gives the stylist better access while offering Doctor Service. as I recall,” he says. Dave went to his local North Queensland. It is already quite warm the fire service but there is a woman trapped a more comfortable position for the client. grammar school in Berkhamsted, left after a but the humidity hasn’t kicked in yet. At about 10.30am my phone rings. I’m told inside; they are working on freeing her. She is Dave McCann’s time at Prior was, in his Dave himself has back problems, the result that there has been a collision about 150km conscious but has bad leg injuries. I am able year and went to work in a local hair salon. I check the medical equipment with Leanne, words, “not idyllic”. Noted for his athletic of decades of cutting hair right-handed. He north on the Bruce Highway, the main to crawl into the vehicle, assess her injuries Several moves later, he found himself at my flight paramedic. We use checklists to prowess and his bowling scores, he was in dismisses it as an occupational hazard. costal road between Brisbane and Cairns. and give her a strong pain killer. Vidal Sassoon in Sloane Street. He ensure nothing is missed, a safety protocol most other respects consistently out of step It has involved a truck and a car. There are was quickly identified as a rising star. “I have to say my education wasn’t wasted,” borrowed from our aviation colleagues. Once she is freed, we give her an anaesthetic, with the school. two patients, one critically injured. We load Working alongside iconic stylists like he insists, “although my father would splint her fractures and give blood. She is We are able to provide intensive-care level equipment into the helicopter and retrieve He remembers being “constantly strapped by Joshua Galvin, Caroline Hayes and John disagree. While it might have appeared that loaded into the aircraft and transported to interventions and even surgery to patients blood from the fridge. The helicopter is Brother Keegan for various infractions” and Santilli, he made his way up the Sassoon I was daydreaming, I still had one ear open. I hospital 20 minutes away. She goes on to wherever we are sent. This can be at the airborne within 10 minutes, and we head receiving “six of the best”, probably from the hierarchy. In 1971, he was tapped to move can still read and write French and still have make a full recovery. roadside, a remote national park, a rural north. En route, Leanne and I prepare then headmaster, Bro Hooper, for having an to the USA, working first in Atlanta, and a pretty good understanding of Latin.” Dave clinic or even on a ship after being winched emergency drugs and have a few minutes We spend the afternoon restocking our kit air gun and shooting crows from the roof eventually becoming general manager and lives in Long Beach, California. onto the deck. to enjoy the views of the Great Barrier Reef and reflecting on the case.

I kept my promise...

rationing, the bad food and the cold. When bought for Christopher but which he had John Coulston (PPA 1943) he was ten, John was asked by one of the never used. Five years after Christopher’s Christian Brothers to look after a young lad of death, John left school. His father had gone seven, Christopher Bray, who had just joined to war and never returned. the school. He, too, was an only child. Eight decades later, John still exhibits a “He is quite like you, Coulston, and needs a caring nature. He was one of the founders mentor and a guide. Promise me you will of Michael House, a night shelter and hostel keep an eye on him.” for the homeless in Bournemouth. He has only recently come off the committee after “Of course, Sir, I promise.” 25 years of service. John has never forgotten Both boys fell ill and found themselves next Christopher or his promise to keep an eye to each other in the sanatorium for a long on him. Most recently, he has taken care spell. During this time, other boys in the of Christopher’s grave in Perrymead, just house were charged with sending them cards down the hill from College, and paid to have Carole Laverick writes: When John Coulston, to raise their spirits, some of which John has it completely re-marbled. John told me that an only child, joined St Peter’s he was at first kept to this day. Christopher’s parents, Nora he had not visited the grave for many years overwhelmed. But he was helped by the and Thomas, were sometimes with him but but he was recently touched to learn that other boys, who took him under their wing. his illness proved incurable. He died in the alongside it is another grave, that of Thomas He describes how they became his family, bed next to John. Neville Bray, died 13 February 1977, aged 85, eating, sleeping, studying and playing and Nora Winifred Bray, died 24 February Christopher was just seven years and nine together. 1987, aged 95, “finally reunited with their months old. His parents were heartbroken. little boy “. They were, he says, a band of brothers, They had formed an attachment to John, and helping each other through the homesickness, visited him to thank him for his kindness. “I think,” he told me, as I left him in his garden the loneliness, the bombing of St Paul’s, the Later, they gave him the fishing rod they had at Poole, “that I kept my promise.”

16 www.priorparkalumni.com The Gossip Bowl 17 People

Cornwall made me Vaccinations for 20,000 children married. He milked cows in Oxfordshire “I am passionate about encouraging men to able to return to Cornwall after leaving Prior. a unconditional place. I started the course Christopher Dowse (PPA 1966) for two years, then started to move up the look out for symptoms of prostate problems Howie Phillips (PPA 2016) I set out in my van, trying to get my artwork in September and I am having an incredible management ladder, eventually arriving and to seek early medical advice,” he says. into galleries across Cornwall. I lived on time. I still work for Nineplus and I look back on a large estate in Lincolnshire in 1989. “Early detection increases the chances of a The Rank Foundation offers financial support beach car parks and coastal places. After at my time at Prior Park, and the opportunity There he became estate manager while good outcome should cancer prove to be for sixth-formers who have leadership weeks of trying, I became a resident artist given to me by the Rank programme, with also overseeing the farming on two other the cause.” potential. Recipients of the award spend two at The Source Art Gallery in Polzeath which nothing but gratitude. company estates in England and Scotland. weeks working for non-profit organisations, is connected to the Tubestation, a Christian He was made an honorary member of the Since leaving Prior I have been incredibly Chris was diagnosed with prostate cancer typically youth and community groups, while surfers’ church. Market Rasen Rotary club in Lincolnshire busy and everything has seemed to fall into in 2008, at the age of 59. they are still at school. Howie Phillips was and joined Crieff Rotary Club on moving to After this, I attended the Newquay Christian place. one. “I had put my symptoms down to ageing,” Scotland. In Crieff, he served as president for Centre regularly on a Sunday, where my he says, “but I was lucky to be diagnosed the year 2016 - 2017. friend Andy introduced me to Richard in time for a successful prostatectomy. Balding. Richard owns Nineplus, a surf “I am equally passionate about raising funds Others, whose cancer has spread, are not company that makes iconic wetsuits and to help eradicate polio worldwide,” he Award for bravery so fortunate.” is centred on the Californian surfing scene. continues. “Rotary has been involved with After seeing my van, which I had kitted out Chris won the Farmers’ Weekly UK this project since 1979 and, with the Gates with various pieces of wood that I found on Matthew Carr (PPA 1985) Countryside Farmer of the Year Award in Foundation contribution, if I reach my target my journeys, Richard offered me a job. In August, Chris undertook a fundraising October 2011. The award recognised his my effort will fund the vaccination of 21,625 walk around the 630 miles of the South success in integrating farming with care for children. That’s one for every five feet I climb I had a long discussion with my parents West Coast Path to help combat prostate the environment. during my walk around the South West Coast about moving to Cornwall on my own. My cancer and polio. He had hoped to reach Path.” aunt had an old caravan that she let me use. Shortly thereafter, he retired and he and his a target of £5,750, which would be split I towed it down to Cornwall and parked it wife moved to Perthshire to be near their Chris has drummed up support from alumni between Prostate Cancer UK and the Rotary on a caravan site in Mount Joy, Newquay. three sons and their families. in his own year. Foundation UK End Polio Now Campaign. (I was introduced to the couple who owned Since his operation, Chris has seen the arrival Donations can be made online by using the farm through the NCC and I lived there After leaving Prior, Chris took a degree in of six grandchildren, has completed 15 long the link: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ throughout the Cornish winter, which was agriculture from the University of Reading. distance walks and cycle rides, and has ChrisDowse1 or you can contact him at an experience.) Shortly after graduation in 1971, he got Last year, Matthew, son of David “travelled a fair bit”. [email protected] I first started working for Richard as a Carr, who was the College doctor shop assistant. As we talked, he realised for 25 years, received a Waley my love for clothing and my knowledge Cohen award for “meritorious acts of clothing brands. When he was away in in support of law and order”. In my last year of playing rugby at Prior I had California he left the company for me to run. Giving a helping hand a serious ACL injury and split my cartilage, I was running account packages, managing He chased after and detained a suspected thief in Bath on 5 for the second time on the same knee. The stocks, surfboard deliveries from abroad and accidents. At the moment we only print November 2016. The man was surgeon explained that I would not be able customer service. Laura Eyles (PPA 2013) arms as that’s all the equipment allows, but spotted leaving a staff-only area of to play rugby ever again, which affected me we are hoping to raise enough money to get I have had a passion for fashion design the Artizan hair salon and pushed mentally as well as physically. After graduating from Exeter last July, Laura bigger printers so that we can start to print from an early age and Richard asked me past a female member of staff to Eyles spent six months on an internship in legs as well.” After this, I substituted rugby for art and to start helping him with the new Nineplus run off. Matthew chased him along London. She then moved to Colombia to spent my remaining time at school dedicated collections. I had no previous experience of George Street and into Gay Street. According to Laura, the charity personalises learn Spanish. There, she quickly made a to my artwork. My teacher at the time, David designing and had a lot to learn. I had been the arms: “A girl wanted a Frozen-themed During a scuffle both men fell into new friend who was working for a charity, Wood, identified my talent for lino printing heavily against university and never intended arm so she got a blue sparkly one and we the road and Matthew deliberately Enable Medellin, which uses 3D printing to and gave me some wood cutting tools. My to go, but one day I took a look around are currently making an Iron Man-themed pushed the suspect out of the way make prosthetic limbs that are given free final art project at Prior was a series of Falmouth University to see what the fashion arm for a little boy.” of an oncoming car, in the process to those in need. Soon Laura found herself woodcuts housed within my installation design department had to offer. The course Enable Medellin is hoping to raise $7,000, leaving himself exposed. He was learning Spanish in the mornings and She adds that there is “always” space for piece, which was a shed made out of recycled had fantastic facilities that replicated an not only to get the bigger printers but to pay badly injured but despite broken ribs working for the charity in the afternoons. volunteers. materials from things I could find around the industrial work setting. It was late in the year the bills and keep running for the next year managed to detain the suspect until school site. I had my first placement on the - around May – to be applying for university “There are many amputees here in Medellin,” “It is something to do over the summer or at least. police arrived. His citation described Rank programme with Newquay Christian but I managed to get my UCAS finished she explains, “mainly due to the many even after school. It would be an amazing him as acting with “courage and “We are always looking for donations, however Centre. I loved every minute there and made and I called the head of fashion design, conflicts that have occurred and are still opportunity to come and live and volunteer bravery”. big or small,” says Laura. To donate, visit some life-long friends. I worked long days John Boddy, for an interview. He loved my occurring here, while younger amputees in Medellin for a short period of time. The city https://www.gofundme.com/enablemedellin in the summer to buy a van so that I was portfolio of work from Prior and offered me are usually due to birth defects or traffic is amazing and the job is highly rewarding.”

18 www.priorparkalumni.com The Gossip Bowl 19 Alumni Sports

A memorable victory for the old ‘uns

Wickets continued to fall before a few Peter Haddon continued to hold the innings Experience wins Old Boys’ Cricket productive stands by Archie Parson, Tonir together, interspersed with some blazing out over youth Tamang and Will Fletcher pushed the score shots to the ropes. Some tight bowling and College was a picture as I pulled up for on, the highlight being some monstrous sixes debatable running meant that Peter was the 2018 edition of the Alumni vs College by the latter. After a hard-fought innings in out for an excellent 42 and the alumni were XI cricket match, writes Harry Elias (PPA testing conditions, College were bowled out stuttering with only a few left in the shed. 2003). in the 33rd over. With five overs to go it was anyone’s game. With a strong squad assembled from across Several contributed with the ball, including Cue James Powell: a flurry of boundaries to the globe, the murmurings in the queue for Chris Kershaw, Hugh Doyle and James all parts followed and, with only a few balls the hog roast hinted that this could be the Harper, but the most notable figures were to spare, the alumni clinched a memorable alumni’s year. those of Charlie O’Brien who, having not victory. bowled all year, still produced figures of 12-2 Having lost the toss, I was sportingly offered I have already mentioned a few performances, off seven overs. After an excellent tea, with the choice to bat or bowl by the College the most notable that of Peter Haddon with Plenty of good hockey on show a highly anticipated guest appearance by captain. I decided the alumni would chase. the bat. However, it truly was a game where Carole’s brownies, it was time for the alumni The two sides took to the field in warm but everyone contributed with bat, ball or in the to don the pads and chase the College total. overcast conditions. field. The batting was opened by James Power James Harper and Charlie O’Brien opening Beautiful venue, superb hospitality, excellent and Peter Haddon and a great partnership the bowling for the alumni, immediately company and a great game of cricket with the followed. The alumni were therefore in Skill, cunning and guile putting the batsmen under pressure. Old Boys of the future. Just another alumni the early 40’s before the first wicket fell, game at Prior Park! Roll on 2019! The ball was moving around in the air and bringing James Harper striding to the crease. I roll into the magnificent Bury Sports Centre convincing victory...in your face, Father Time! off the pitch, and the batsmen did a good job Another good partnership ensued and the The date of the 2019 Old Boys’ cricket match Old Boys’ Hockey to be greeted by Carole and Declan, who are Then it’s the turn of the younger OB’s to take to build a partnership before the first wicket alumni required around 85 when the 20 over is Sunday 9 June. beavering away meeting-and-greeting all on the 1st XI. fell for 26 runs. countdown started. I always wake with a great sense of the returning Old Boys. We assemble in the The game was a cracker. Both sides put anticipation on the day of PPA events, changing room to prepare for the challenge together some superb passing moves and writes James Powell (PPA 1988). ahead. both keepers had to be at their best to deny Thoughts turn to who’ll be there, I hope “so Some of the younger OB’s are suffering from some very sharp attacking play. As in the first and so” makes it and other such musings. “heavy colds” picked up the previous night game, the OB’s had just enough skill, cunning The journey down only serves to heighten whilst out in Bath. The older OB’s are faced and guile to take the day. the anticipation and, as I tootle along the A46 with problems of a different nature; an aroma Back to the Bury for some well-deserved through Cheltenham, Stroud and Nailsworth, of “deep heat” hangs heavy in the air, whilst refreshments (I do love a pasty) and the I can feel myself getting more and more some of the curvier gents are struggling with chance for a proper chat. excited. Then, finally, that first glimpse of the the concept of “slim fit” as they attempt to Mansion from the top of Swainswick Hill and put on their PPA shirts. The PPA shirts bear the slogan “a community I’m nearly there. I must be the only one sat in for life” and it is. Many of the OB’s at PPA We gather on the pitch for a sketchy warm the inevitable traffic on the London Road with events you won’t have seen for years but it up as the College side, who have been at it all a big, beaming Cheshire Cat grin. doesn’t matter, you immediately fall into the morning, finish some strenuous-looking and rhythms of your youth and it’s like you’ve As I slowly make my way through Bath to the impressive drills. The new pitch is fantastic, never been away. bottom of Prior Park Road, my mind is filled befitting the standard of hockey played with memories of the various landmarks I’m at Prior for decades, and a much-needed This is the bond we all share, this is the mark passing. Not for the first time, I’m reminded upgrade on the previous sand pit. Prior has left on us and long may it continue. of how lucky and privileged I am to have Then we go our separate ways, safe in the Many thanks to all those who contributed spent such an important part of my life in knowledge that the friends we made at Prior to it, as it will definitely be a benefit to Prior such a wonderful city. The long slog up Ralph are friends for life. Park hockey for years to come. First up, it’s Allen Drive brings to mind mad scrambles to Batsman under pressure The bails are off Another one bites the dust the older OB’s taking on the College Under The date of the 2019 Old Boys’ hockey match make curfew on a Saturday night. 16s. As is to be expected, there is plenty of is Sunday 6 January. On arrival at the gates, my grin widens still “good hockey” (to use a Hallism) on show further: even after all this time it still feels from both sides, but experience wins out like coming home. over youth as the OB’s score a hatful for a

20 www.priorparkalumni.com The Gossip Bowl 21 Alumni Sports Class of 1968 Reunions

What’s not to like? Class of 1998 The class of 1998 was welcomed back to Prior Park for our 20-year reunion under beautiful blue skies on a hot Saturday a lot) and the latter get to drink hot beverages they thoroughly enjoyed the whole day. The afternoon in June. Rosslyn Park and enjoy delicious fudge (well, at least those weather this year, unlike last year’s horizontal lucky enough to have an association with PPC rain, was much more favourable. For some, it was a short drive to attend, whilst others travelled By Derek Avenell (Prior parent) do). And one can mix with the famous, such from as far away as Dubai and Australia for the occasion. The In addition to the aforementioned fudge, as JP Doyle and Wayne Barnes, in a massive warmest of welcomes were offered by Carole Laverick and supplies of beer, wine and sweets (for Young ‘uns ought not to mix with us oldies. field. What’s not to like? Declan Rainey, and after an hour of catching up with old the oldies) in our own section of the main They speak of things being “sick”, at which classmates under the Mansion portico - fuelled by Prosecco And so another year at the world’s oldest marquee, in terms of our enjoyment, are not point we worry for their safety, only to learn and canapés - we were given a wonderful tour of the school rugby sevens tournament begins and some to be underestimated. All hosted by the ever- that all is, in fact, well. and the chance to reminisce about the days we spent here all 7,000 players aged 13 - 18 descend on a fabulous Carole Laverick (massive camera those years ago, back in the last century! We wonder whether their trousers need large expense of grass in SW London; no, no in hand during matches). Whether your Class of 1968 a patch around the knee, only to discover Wombles present. “thing” is music, drama, sport, academia or After a brief interlude back at homes and hotels, we all met Tim Heining writes: On a fine day in June 2018, twenty members that, at no extra charge, the retails outlet whatever, Rosslyn Park will affirm your faith up again for the evening at GPT Steakhouse, where we The lads (I was watching the U18s) won of the illustrious class of ‘68, along with 13 partners and two adult from which they purchased their garments in man/boykind. I have watched my son play were superbly hosted by the proprietor (and our very own some matches and lost others. With a small children, descended on Bath to celebrate the 50th anniversary of deliberately slashed them. All very odd. for the last three years. We won’t be there classmate), Robbie Tack. There we enjoyed many more hours squad, as sevens dictates, injuries here and their leaving Prior Park. next year and I for one will greatly miss it. of conversation and hilarity with fantastic food and maybe And yet, at Rosslyn Park, the mix of those there often hugely influence the availability They came from Brazil, the Netherlands, the Canary Islands, France, a few(!) bottles of Prosecco, with most of us finally heading under 20 with those, let’s say, clearly over of players. And yet, whilst the lads didn’t Next year’s Rosslyn Park will take place on Uganda, Ireland and Jersey, as well as closer by in the UK. There home not long before the sunrise. 45 works well. This is based on the premise win the competition (necessitating winning Monday 25 – Friday 29 March. was much merriment and excitement as old friends and classmates, that the former run around a bit (sometimes about six matches), I got the feeling that A fantastic day and night was had by all, with everyone slotting some with wives and partners, caught sight of each other, some straight back in as if we had never been apart, and we all after many years. Far from cold handshakes, first encounters agreed that we must not leave it as long as ten years for the were characterized by warm embraces all round. The weather on next gathering. Saturday morning was glorious and the views from the Mansion Attendees: Hannah Anderson (née Shaw), Sophy down the valley to Bath superb. (It made some of us wonder why Arulanantham (née McHugh), Jane Atkins, Keaton Brawley- we didn’t appreciate it more when we were there as pupils.) Seale, Christopher Cooper, Lucy Ellis-Jones, Ruth Fielding, Josie Those present then divided into two groups. One, composed of Fletcher (née Creed), Kate Gooding, Edward Gooding, Helen wives and partners, went off to the Prior Park Landscape Garden Goodman (née O’Donovan), Rose Griffiths (née Porteous), for an afternoon in the sunshine. The other repaired to the Bury Catherine Hancock (née Morgan), Lois Iles, Jeremy Johnson, Sports Centre to enjoy a one-hour presentation, created by Phil Fionnuala Kennedy, Cathleen Lynott, Matthew Marshall, Hamerton, of photos from our time at Prior and from our three Hannah Mungo, Sally Newman (née Ashby), Paul O’Dea, Felix previous reunions, all accompanied by 60’s music. Tea, coffee Padfield, Timothy Stevens, Stephen Strelczak, Antonella Vick, and Carole’s delicious cakes were served, followed by a tour of Oliver Bailhache–Webb and Robbie Tack. the school. The day culminated in the Reunion Dinner at the Francis Hotel, at which I spoke, followed by Terry Ilott. My comments focused on the close link that binds us all together, in many ways making us “more than brothers”, as so eloquently phrased by Fabian Jowers. A poignant toast was made to “absent friends”, including four who Rosslyn Park Under 18s Rosslyn Park Under 13s have died in recent years. Terry handed out hilarious awards to many of those present and had everyone in stitches of laughter. It was the best possible way to end the dinner and what had turned out to be a perfect day. Old Girls’ Hockey Old Girls’ Netball Alumni Golf Our thanks to Carole and Declan for making us so welcome at the school. Last year’s Old Girls’ hockey had We are hoping to get this fixture in The next date will be Friday 31 Attendees: Niall Aston, Ted Bennitt, Mike Brotherton, Mike to be cancelled because, following the diary for Sunday 6 January 2019, August 2018, please contact Callander, Geoff Cardozo, Peter Coates, Andrew Colter, Chris heavy rain, the new Astroturf pitch the same day as the Old Boys’ hockey. Darren Crawford or Suzannah Cutcliffe, John Evans, Phil Hamerton, Tim Heining, Terry Ilott, Rick wasn’t ready. This year’s match will Contact Carole if you would like to Angelo-Sparling for more details. Jarrams, Fabian Jowers, Will Lee, Joe Loughlin, Peter Marsden, be played on Friday 31 August. play. Norman Sparrow, Kev Steer and Steve Sturton-Davies, plus 13 Class of 1998 partners and two (adult) children.

22 www.priorparkalumni.com The Gossip Bowl 23 Reunions Gap Year Reports

I learned so much

can express their hopes and fears and find By Sam Quick (PPA 2017) alternatives for a better life. The children are bold, confident and ambitious. They Sam was awarded £500 towards his work want to be lawyers, doctors and teachers. at Casa Maren, Colombia. I know they will do it. Going back 20 years, Medellin was the On my first morning at Casa Maren, I most dangerous city in the world. Run by walked in to a room full of children singing So hard to leave Class of 1987 the infamous Pablo Escobar and his drug and dancing in preparation for what can cartel, the murder rate in the city was only be described as Colombia’s answer Esme was awarded £1,000 towards her gap- once higher than its birth rate. to Prior’s Inter-House Music Competition. year project in Guatemala. My welcome was extraordinary, as they Years on and the city is undergoing flocked around welcoming me, shaking Class of 1987 transformation. Rather than fighting By Esme Ivory Peters (PPA 2017) my hand and introducing themselves. I Class of 1993 violence with violence, the people of Toby Watts writes: What a wonderful weekend! As we are had the honour of judging the competition Medellin now have a dream of hope I finished my volunteering in November all on the brink of turning 50, it was great to have a reunion and presenting the overjoyed winners and prosperity. An integrated transport 2017. The charity is incredible, honestly after 30 years. We met on a weekend last November and with prizes of shampoo and soap. system uses a series of cable cars, metros the work they do for the community even after all this time no name tags were required. Standing and escalators to overcome steep valley I also took part in my first ever street makes such a huge difference. It’s right in Class of 1993 on the Mansion steps looking down the valley to Bath, the slopes and connect the slums high in the protest. Sexual abuse is sadly rife in many the centre of the city, next to the rubbish 30 June saw the class of 1993 have their 25th anniversary party view still as stunning as ever. Wow! Carole recounted the mountainside to economic opportunities of the children’s lives. A typical scenario dump, and most of the families live in at the Bath Brewhouse in Bath. During the day many of the group history of the school as she gave us a guided tour, pointing in the city centre. involves men approaching young girls slum-type housing. The poverty is really had a tour of College then on to drinks and dinner in the evening. out the changes since we left, of which there are quite a few and offering them pennies in return for shocking, especially compared to some A super fun night was had by all and the 25-year bonds of friendship - especially in Saint Peter’s. In the evening, we met in All Bar Casa Maren is a social project run touching their bodies. All week long we of the wealthier parts of the city. There’s are still as tight as they were back then. Special mention to those One and some of those who couldn’t make it during the day by Foundacion Poder Joven, a charity made posters and as the day approached also a huge racial divide, with some of who flew in from overseas. A wonderfully happy and relaxed night were also able to catch up. Sunday being Remembrance Day, set up 20 years ago by local students the children grew more and more excited. the poorest families being indigenous, full of reminiscing. a few of us arrived at chapel for a very moving service, and at during the height of the violence. It is As we marched along the streets, police moved off their land in the countryside that moment in many ways nothing had changed. Prior made situated on the outskirts of Medellin, Back row from left (maiden names only): Catherine O’Dea, Gwen alongside, and armed with our posters and forced to congregate in the city to us very welcome and looked after us handsomely, thank you where illegal housing sprawls across the Padfield, Andrea Green, Simon Hewitt, Matthew Pritchard, Helene and megaphones, the message from the get jobs. very much. It really was great to be reunited, if just for a short surrounding hillside, providing shelter Pritchard. Middle row from left: Paul Bennett, John Messenger, children was clear: “we have the power time. Bring on the 40th! for the internal migrants who fled rural Being from indigenous families has Claire Dobbie, Antony Neylan, Abigail James, Amelita Baker, to change our own futures, we will be Colombia during the country’s 50 years of a massive negative impact, not only Camille’s partner (Tom), Alf Francis. Bottom row: Suzi Mills, Camille Attendees: Ben Moorhouse turned up for breakfast with Toby abused no longer”. bloody violence. Many houses here have because many of them only speak a Rodskjaer, Claire Mattock, Claire Y Williams, Claire A Williams, Watts and Suzannah Angelo-Sparling. Toby and Suzannah no access to running water or utilities. Never have I met children so eager to Mayan dialect and don’t speak or read Joanna Hancock, Josie Cooke. were joined by Richard Spilsbury, Malcolm Cannon, Giles Children are involuntary witnesses to learn. They are kind, gentle, loving and Spanish, but also because the country Watson, Martin Prendergast, and Patrick Nwagbogu during the armed conflict between gangs, often certainly strong ambassadors for their is still pretty racist. There are huge the course of the day. In the evening, Anthony Fell, Crispin experiencing violence and abuse in their generation. My time at Casa Maren was prejudices towards these communities. ‘Kit’ Johnson, Hilary Westcott and Nicholas Bishop joined the own homes and being enticed into the inspirational and I would like to thank Learning Spanish and English gives them group. drugs trade. Casa Maren is a haven for the PPA for their generous support in an advantage and helps to destroy the Class of 2013 - 5 year reunion held these children, a safe place where they enabling me to do it. stereotypes. The school is like a home for in Green Park Tavern in June 2018 the kids; they take showers there, eat lots and learn through play. It’s impossible to overstate just how important a lifeline it is for the community. I didn’t think I’d get so attached to the kids but, honestly, when I left I cried. I’m still in Guatemala, seeing different parts of the country; it’s so beautiful here, and so hard to leave! I know I wouldn’t have done it if the PPA hadn’t given me the money, so I just want to say thank you so, so, so much. It was an amazing experience and something I’m definitely going to stay involved with.

24 www.priorparkalumni.com The Gossip Bowl 25 Reunion in Gibraltar - May 2018 All The Gossip

linen hanky and dispose of them under the floorboards - Gino travels to Italy each year and is in close contact - Paul Britten (PPA 1963) dropped in to say hello and the bar in his Catholic Church. He also helps 1930 - 1939 - until discovered by one of the Brothers. with his cousin Carlo Colombotti (PPA 1957). 1960 - 1969 in June. Pictured below (left) with Malcolm Bond, run the Shoreham Society and a preservation group - Barry has also heard from Patrick McGinn, who he had been waiting for the start of his grandson’s aiming to restore the last remaining Brighton Tram - Brian Warren-Peachey (PPA 1937), pictured below - Pictured below, Aidan Bristow (PPA 1960), having has been laid up in a Johannesburg hospital with a Sports Day at The Paragon and walked up the hill for to running order. (left), thought to be the oldest living alumnus, visited had lunch in Bath with longtime friend Gervais serious back problem but is now making a successful a visit. He and his wife will reach their golden wedding - Peter Marsden (PPA 1968) is now retired from the College with his family in June to watch the Old Boys’ Donovan, thought he would drop in and surprise his recovery. Patrick and Barry have been close friends anniversary in 2020 and they intend to come back law firm, Brabners, in Manchester and much enjoying Cricket. At 97, Brian is still driving and he is looking god-daughter, theology teacher Helen Goodman (PPA since the late 1940s. Their last meeting was in Porto to chapel to celebrate. Paul’s wife is the daughter of his new life. He and his wife Fiona (below) recently forward to the Mansion Lunch in October. 1998). Aidan had not been in touch with College since in September 2016, where Patrick helped Barry and the farmer who years ago kept cows down by the attended the 50th anniversary reunion of the class of he left to go to Sandhurst. He spent 13 years in the his wife celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary Palladian bridge. They have four daughters and a 1968 (see page 23). army, where he also learned to fly. It has remained a (Patrick had been Barry’s best man). grandson. passion ever since. - Barry has also been meeting with Michael Ayala (PPA 1959) on a regular basis since 2015 when, in an article in The Gossip Bowl, Michael asked for news of mutual friends. “We meet for a relaxing and interesting lunch in London, where we put the world - Pictured below, Alan McLaughlin (PPA 1956) and to rights,” notes Barry. his wife Mary visited in February, shortly after the - Barry has news of another contemporary, Peter death of their daughter Jo. During the visit Alan ‘Frank’ Walsh. Peter has been in Australia since 1975. remembered squirrels’ nests being disturbed by the He makes occasional visits to the UK and is gradually boys and the animals being adopted as pets; work easing himself into full retirement. He has six grand- parties with Brother Burke, clearing great swathes of daughters. overgrown vegetation in the woods; and a challenging - Sir Cameron Mackintosh (PPA 1964) was the - Contemporaries Frank would like to hear from production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream down by subject of a BBC documentary on his life and - Andrew “Spike” Colter (PPA 1968), pictured include Ian Reid, Philip Greig, Rafik el Khoury, Mike the pond, with Puck made to walk on sunken planks. contribution to music and drama earlier in the year. below, is living on Jersey, where he increasingly gets Meany, Sean de Wolfe and John Clements. - We have only recently discovered that in 2007 Alan also recalled being injured during his National - After badly breaking his leg in the summer of 2017, called upon to drive elderly people to and from their 1940 - 1949 - Jim Coelho (PPA 1959) tells the story of how he met Michael Daly (PPA 1961) was awarded the Medal of Service in Dhekelia, Cyprus. Whilst he was in hospital, Richard Holden (PPA 1967), pictured below, came appointments. After years of taking disabled pilgrims - John Coulston (PPA 1943) was one of the the love of his life - on a bus in Bristol. “I was going the Order of Australia. It was given for his services an orderly approached the bed with a huge smile: it back with his daughter Laura to take a gentle walk to Lourdes he is now deeply engaged in providing founders of Michael House, a night shelter and to take my CCF exams and there she was waiting at to medicine, particularly to veterans in the field of was Tim O’Driscoll from school. around. Laura and her sister are both teachers and earthquake-proof schools and houses in Nepal. hostel for the homeless in Bournemouth. When my bus stop. I engineered a conversation and asked counselling and stress-related illness. she was amazed at the College’s beauty. Richard he and his colleagues won the Queen’s Award for if I could accompany her on the journey to Bath. The - Sean Lacey (PPA 1962) recently met Mark Buckley, enjoyed a quick lesson on the PPA digital archive Voluntary Service in 2017, John went to Buckingham rest, as they say, is history. Nearly 60 years and pictured below, a retired dentist who went to Cricklade site and wants to locate two of his schoolfriends, Palace wearing the medal awarded to him a decade three children later, she remains the love of my life.” and Prior. He was eight years older than Sean. Bernard Grossmith and Bernard Haddrell. before - also for services to the homeless - by the Pope. Sadly, Rosemary is now in a nursing home and Jim is - Dick Buckley (PPA 1947), pictured below, has suffering with pancreatic cancer. passed on some great personal news: he got married - Godfrey Kyte (PPA 1959), pictured below, took 58 again in Gibraltar on 24 November 2017. In 1947, he years to make a return visit to College. When the day broke the school record for the mile and understands arrived, he was anxious, wore a PPA tie and carried that it was not broken again for nearly 20 years. Now a briefcase filled with memories. Godfrey recalled he wonders if he has created another school record legendary All Black Colin Meads awarding caps to by getting married…at the age of 87. members of the First XV; the air-raid shelter used by the boys for band practice (where, they hoped, no-one could hear them); and the triangle behind St Peter’s where disputes were settled in time-honoured fashion. - Last year, Vivian Gallaher (PPA 1968) had lunch Godfrey, retired from ICI Paints, has recently moved with PPA President Terry Ilott (PPA 1968) in London. - Through social media, Barry Plews (PPA 1958) closer to Bath; hence the opportunity to pop in. - Peter Hilton (PPA 1962) wrote to say that he and Viv, who recently moved back to London from was contacted last year by Gino Berni (PPA 1957). Marie-Blanche celebrated their Golden Wedding Oxford with his wife, is an indefatigable seeker out of Pictured below, Gino lives in South Wales, where last November with a gathering of family and close archive material on all things Prior Park and regularly he has retired after many years of managing his friends. They were joined by Sean and Maureen Lacey despatches his findings to Carole in the PPA office. restaurant/delicatessen. He spends much of his time as well as Debbie and Lee O’Bryan. Peter came back (and money) on his beloved Alfa Romeo cars. Last to College with American friends last year to have a June, Barry and his son - also an Alfaholic - travelled to quick tour of the house and chapel. the Castle Coombe circuit to watch Gino’s car perform. - Pictured below, Christopher Harrison (PPA 1962), It was almost 60 years to the day since they last met. who left College to study at London City University Barry writes: “It was a wonderful opportunity to catch and had a career in aviation, is now retired and living up and reminisce about our years at Cricklade and in Burnham on Sea. Bath, as well as to meet some of Gino’s family”. 1950 - 1959 - Michael Gleeson (PPA 1950) died 10 years ago at the age of 74. This year, his daughter Katherine, - Pictured above, Fabian Jowers (PPA 1968), who pictured at the top of the next column, came to visit, - Phil Hamerton (PPA 1968) has very nearly with his wife Elisabeth runs an orphanage and school bringing two other relatives with her. She wanted completed 40 years with the Ambulance Service. in Kampala, Uganda, is raising funds to combat the to know more about her father’s years as a boarder, Working in Sussex and in his ninth job with the scourge of jiggers, a parasitical infection from which including his adventures with his closest friend Lawrie service, he is now a Patient Experience Officer, many children suffer, often as a result of sharing their Martin. Michael, an engineer who was involved with working two days a week. Pictured above, Phil and homes with livestock. Jigger fleas infect the tissue the London Eye project, was quietly spoken and Margaret have four grandchildren, all of them nearby between the toes. In severe cases, the person cannot only ever liked to wear shorts. He would never eat in Shoreham-by-Sea. Phil still volunteers for the East walk. In addition, jigger-infested families are often vegetables and at school he would wrap them in his Somerset Railway and runs both his local Rifle Club ostracised by the community. The Jigger Treatment

26 www.priorparkalumni.com The Gossip Bowl 27 All The Gossip

Outreach Programme is initially focused on the Bradley, so far without success. He writes: “Having my box which I know contains some of these things - Anthony Healy (PPA 1988) has set up a personal- harpsichord/continuo at the Royal College of Music Mityana district of central Uganda. To help, contact our daughter in London makes stop-overs there easier, along with clippings etc. It was as I recall an extremely trainer business. This is the latest step in his personal for 2018-19. Pictured below, Claire is an alumna of the [email protected] but being with her and my sister leaves little time”. disrupted year for us and I’m not surprised there are transformation after a career travelling the globe as RCM and she will continue working with students and - Tony Brannon (PPA 1969) was the chapel organist Roberto adds that he has “started thinking about what few reminders. I do however still have the stapler an international sales and marketing exec. It was his supporting the Historical Performance Department for in the late 1960s and used to amuse the boys by to do now that I am hitting 60. I have seen one too which I took from the floor of one of the rooms mother’s death that prompted Anthony, then aged a third successive year. interpolating pop tunes into the usual JS Bach many people retiring early here, although at a rather which were, by the summer period, abandoned to 43, to change his life. He lost more than four stone fugues as they were filing in for services. Still living higher pay level than yours truly”. Meanwhile, he the builders! I’ll look and let you know.” in weight, was placed third in a national physique in Bermuda, he recently came back to visit College has taken up photography, including weekend trips - Emile Hoffman (PPA 1982) visited with his family competition in Miami, retrained as a personal and writes, “I am happy to report that the school has to Colorado and the North-West USA. (pictured below) in July. He would like to organise a trainer and is presently studying sports nutrition. transformed into an amazing institution for learning - Richard “Klem” Klein (PPA 1976) and his family reunion in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, or Ocean City, He specialises in fat loss and body composition the sciences, the arts, music, drama and sports. It was came to look at Prior as a potential school for his Maryland, for sometime in May 2019. He believes transformation for the over 35s. His book on the so good to see that the place has changed so much children when they move down from London. that either would be a good forum to meet and subject is due to be published this year. for the better”. - Leslie Fernandez (PPA 1977), pictured below, and network with alumni of all ages. Please let Carole - Dean Ammon (PPA 1989) complains that he is - Peter Coates (PPA 1968) has finally retired as a his brother Trevor arrived at Prior Park in the 1970s - Pictured below, David Jonsson, son of know if you would like to be involved and/or be getting old. Dean’s son, Jeremy (20), has completed consultant haematologist in King’s Lynn. He and his from Doha and have plans to return together for the David Shola Okoro (PPA 1979), came to see connected with Emile, or contact him directly: his second year of university and daughter Alyssa - In May, Ian Price (PPA 1993), pictured below on the wife Jane, a former teacher, are now adjusting to a Mansion lunch in October. Leslie and his wife Liz are his dad’s old school. David Jnr, an actor, was [email protected] (18) has just done her A-Levels. Dean, who is still right, cycled with Rhys Gwillam, director of sports at less frenetic pace of life. now living in Kent. They have four boys, from 18 to performing at the Theatre Royal and he had running Healing Touch Massage Studio and “living PPC, from John O’Groats to Lands End to raise funds 30, one of whom recently got married. Leslie studied heard many stories of his father’s time at Prior. in paradise” in Port Of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, is for the new cancer ward at the Royal United Hospital, economics at London Metropolitan and credits his David Snr, having worked in Saudi Arabia for many looking forward to the 1989 reunion in Bath next year. Bath. To date, they have raised £13,000, well in excess 1970 - 1979 interest to teacher Tony O’Sullivan. He is still working years in banking, has now returned to Nigeria. - Zuzka Herrero (PPA 1989) is very proud that her of their original target of £8,000. - Paul Lovett-Turner (PPA 1972), one of art teacher in London in property management and in close three eldest children – Alfonso, Zuzka and Miguel “Toffee” Palmer’s proteges, is still a working artist contact with Joe Holliday in Gibraltar. Patacho Herrero - represented Great Britain in the and has just visited his classmate, sculptor Gonzalo World Junior Padel Championship in Malaga. Sanchez, in Madrid. Working in Gonzalo’s studio gave Paul, pictured below, the opportunity to watch him on large bronzes while he was working on a project for Dragon Boy. - Simon Willson (PPA 1983) his wife and six year old daughter visited College. Simon (aka DJ Simon) is still in broadcasting in Hong Kong and has offered the headmaster the opportunity of going on air the next 1980 - 1989 time he is over there. Simon’s PPC career ended in - Pictured below, Jonathan Moss (PPA 1993), his - Pictured below, Carl de Figueiredo (PPA 1977) expulsion, which still rankles. He has been a part of the father, his wife and daughters Amy and Rosie all came visited College in the midst of a wedding. He wanted - David Thomas (PPA 1980), professor of marine Asian dance scene since the early eighties and acted to College late in the afternoon on A-Level results day. to complete his perfect 60th birthday celebrations biology at Bangor University, has agreed to visit Prior in dozens of Hong Kong movies and TV productions. Now living in Hungary and working as an IT consultant (having had tea in the Pump Rooms) with a trip to speak at the Headmaster’s Academic Society in - Douglas Robertson (PPA 1985) visited College - Pictured above, Robert O’Sullivan (PPA 1989), and designer, Jonathan, who lived at College during down memory lane with his university friend, Penny. January. He recently donated many of his publications with his wife and two children. They enjoyed walking son of long-time economics teacher Tony O’Sullivan, the fire renovations, once held the record for the He keeps in touch with quite a few peers and let to the alumni library (see page 39). around and seeing his old common room. participated in the 2017 edition of the Race Across Fisher Road Relay at 3m 40’, thereby equallying the - Last year, Neville Dyke (PPA 1972) joined Andrew us know of the sad passing of Richard McLaughlin. - Pictured below, Nicholas Bailey (PPA 1980) and his - Andrew Clinick (PPA 1986) says that if the school America (RAAM), regarded by many as the toughest best time set by Mr Fisher (a housemaster) himself. Colombini (PPA 1968), Will Lee (PPA 1969), Tim Recently retired from his years at the Civil Service, biker mate, John, came back to College as part of a day ever wants to know about careers at Microsoft he is bike race in the world, covering 3,143 miles across Jonathan was delighted to see the progress that has Heining (PPA 1968), Simon Beck (PPA 1969), Phil Carl is looking forward to having some time to devote out. It was 30 years since Nick’s last visit and he was be happy to help. He’s based in Washington State. 12 states, three major mountain ranges, four rivers, been made since then. He was especially impressed Hamerton (PPA 1968) and Dominic Eedle (PPA 1969) to his creative side. Still passionate about music, he full of stories, including the one about students selling - John Bagwell (PPA 1986) has recently returned two deserts and the Great Plains. They started in by the new Bury Sports Centre. for lunch in Brighton. He looks forward to seeing them really enjoyed going up to the organ loft and re-living the Palladian bridge to an American. Nick’s family from Australia where he competed in the World Meet Oceanside, California, and finished a week later in and many more at the annual Mansion Lunch (formerly his time in the senior chapel choir. Seeing the chapel have a web of connections with Prior. He remembers for Parachutists over Forty, in which Team GB won Annapolis, Maryland. Robert’s team (the race is a Veterans’ Lunch) in October. Meanwhile, Neville is the bedecked with wedding flowers made it come alive. his father coming back in 1979/80 to officiate at the Silver in the national four-way formation competition. relay) completed the whole trip in seven days, 16 hours driving force behind the Good Companions’ Club for He is now old enough to attend the Mansion Lunch passing out parade of the CCF. He describes his sky-diving exploits as “a lot of fun” and seven minutes. They won their age group, beating single alumni (see page 39). and is hoping that a few more of his peers will be there and would be happy to help the school get into the their nearest rivals by four hours. More satisfying still - Bernard Connolly (PPA 1973) has retired as so that they can set up their own table. sport if anyone is interested. was to learn that they had raised over $400,000 for professor of biochemistry at the University of - Simon “Philip” Arshad (PPA 1986) recently helped Early Childhood Opportunity, The American Heart Newcastle and moved to Beverley in East Yorkshire, a current Prior student with work placement advice. Association and the Palm Beach Police Foundation. where he is enjoying his leisure. He reckons he is - Ignatius “Chuka” Modebe (PPA 1986) came in to about 70% of the way to achieving his ambition register his three children for PPC. He and Carole had of visiting all the racecourses in the UK. He is also a trip down memory lane. Chuka threw down the 1990 - 1999 travelling around the world with his wife of 35 years, challenge that everything is exactly the same; Carole - Hannah (neé James) Keegan (PPA 1990) attended Petra. took him to the Julian Slade Theatre, Mackintosh the Paragon carol concert with her sister Abigail - Mark Stevens (PPA 1974) came back for a fleeting Dance Studio, Bury Sports Centre and the new Art Purcell (PPA 1993) and their children. This was the visit during exam week when all the students were in and DT Faculty to show him just some of the changes first visit back for Hannah, who is thinking of sending a fever of stress, hence, he had only a short tour of - David McQuiggan (PPA 1981): “Grant, How are you since 1985. her two boys to the school. They were really interested the school. Now retired from service in the Royal Navy, doing? I hope all is well. I’m still in Manhattan Beach, - Ben Moorhouse (PPA 1987) ran a vintage mobile in the DT department and hockey. Mark is hoping to come back for the Mansion Lunch - Christopher Liu (PPA 1979) said he was overjoyed but have changed jobs/industry. I’m now working in cinema at the Edinburgh Fringe, where he met Alex - Matthew Tobin (PPA 1991) recently returned to on 6 October to catch up with his peers. at being appointed OBE by Her Majesty the Queen the space sector for a research centre. Anyway, I was Chapman (parent of Hazel and Lily at The Paragon) several events at College and enjoyed a tour in the - Charles Beatson (PPA 1974) plans to visit College for services to ophthalmology. He “humbly accepted browsing the digital archives a few nights ago and and was asked about coming down to Bath for the company of Declan Rainey. Matthew was impressed this summer with his son, Callum, continuing what the honour bestowed upon me on behalf of my team, noticed that there is precious little for our final year. film festival. Ben might be interested if he could get by the changes that have taken place since his father, has become a family tradition: Charles has brought my teachers, my colleagues, my many fellows and Do you happen to have a scanned copy of the PPC sponsorship. Patrick Tobin, was headmaster. each of his children back to see his old haunts. students, and my family”. Pictured at the top of magazine? Or any team photos?” - Martin Prendergast (PPA 1987), having attended - Claire Williams’ (PPA 1993) career as a professional - Pictured above, with her husband and daughter, - Roberto Vargas (PPA 1976), who lives in Houston, the next column, Christopher recently met up with - Grant Murdoch (PPA 1981): “Hi David, greetings the 30-year reunion earlier in the year, visited College musician has been going from strength to strength. She Faith Gadsdon (née Egre, PPA 1994) is a fire fighter keeps threatening to visit his contemporary Joe contemporary Stephen Tsao. from sunny Ormskirk! I am going to look through on Open Day. is delighted to have been re-awarded the fellowship in in the Merseyside Force, married to Steve Gadsdon,

28 www.priorparkalumni.com The Gossip Bowl 29 All The Gossip

who is also a fire fighter. They have a six-year old - Julia (neé Reichwald) Hamilton-Burke (PPA 1996) in Sydney, Australia, with her husband. After a two- was impressed with the new developments and College last October to give an inspiring talk on his - Pictured below, Elliot Booley (PPA 2007) and Jess daughter, Elizabeth. Faith, who has a brother Dominic gave birth to a daughter, Evelyn Hamilton-Burke, in year break, Ruth is now a senior lecturer in French and delighted by his wife’s reaction when she stepped career as an entrepreneur, founder of the Honest Cresswell (PPA 2006) got married in August at St (PPA 1994) who married an alumna Jane Egre (née January of this year. She’s hoping that her daughter Francophone Studies at the University of Technology, onto the Portico for that view. There was a moment Burgers restaurant chain. He said he had never been George’s Concert Hall, Bristol. Crozier, PPA 1997), was recently awarded her 20-year will go to PPC in 12 years time, “fingers crossed”. Sydney. Pictured below, Ruth was pleased to be able of reflection when they exited St Paul’s and saw the a natural academic and that, if it hadn’t of been for Long Service & Good Conduct medal. The man on the - Anneke (neé Soper) Hudson (PPA 1996) is still to travel to England in June and to be in Bath for the beautiful oak bench that was donated in memory of the dogged determination of Judith Eatwell (Head left in the photo is their Chief Fire Officer. living in Luxembourg with her husband and two 20-year reunion of the class of 1998. She donated a Alex’s brother Rico Argyris (PPA 1995) who died in a of Economics) and Jon Fry (Business Studies) - who - Pictured below, Victoria Patience (PPA 1995) visited sons, who go to the British School there. Anneke has book, Multilingualism in the Australian Suburbs, to motorbike accident in 2008. The quote, “Don’t count had to drag him into class on occasions - he wouldn’t College with her children, Violeta and Nazareno, and gone back to university (part-time and via a distance the alumni library. the years...count the memories”, was very poignant. have achieved his A-Level results. He read business parents Colin and Judy. It was her first visit back to learning programme) and is really enjoying studying - Rona Strawbridge (PPA 2000), having moved from studies at Brighton and after graduation set out to PPC since leaving in 1995 and she wanted to show her for a Masters in career development at Warwick Stockholm to Glasgow, is still doing medical genetics build a business with a friend. After years of round- children where she had gone to school. Her parents University. Her sister and her sister’s husband also research, now at the University of Glasgow. the-clock work, terrifying responsibilities, cruel now live in Australia, while her brother Stuart (who went to Prior (Elke and Peter Haworth, 1994). Pictured - Jack Ashby (PPA 2000), son of former staff setbacks and learning-by-doing, they now have 24 did not come to PPC) lives in Indonesia. This rare visit below are the children from both Anneke and Elke’s member Sue Ashby, has a new book published, restaurants valued at £19m, with 450 staff serving to the UK was part of a wider family reunion: husband families. Animal Kingdom: A Natural History in 100 Objects. 45,000 burgers a week. - Harry “Tolly” Humphreys (PPA 2007) married Diego, who works in the law courts back in Buenos Jack is the manager of the Grant Museum of Zoology - Matt Rogers (PPA 2004) started a travel blog Joanne O’Dea in Killaloe, Eire, last July. Quite a few Aires, joined Victoria and the children for a couple at UCL. He studied zoology at Cambridge and is while on a dismaying if largely uneventful trip to Prior friends attended. of weeks’ holiday in a camper van around the coast regularly engaged in press interviews and news Wolverhampton. It almost went global. “It just grew - Pictured below, Hettie Hobbs (PPA 2008) of Wales. Back in Argentina, Victoria runs her own articles as a zoological commentator. His interests organically into something bigger than I intended,” performed A Musical Afternoon with Hettie Hobbs and translation company. focus on the mammals of Australia, where he he says. “I assume it was my suffering that was so Friends at the Bath Theatre Royal last October. undertakes ecological fieldwork. He lives in London. popular… The entertainment value seems to be - Alex Crews (PPA 1998) came back with his wife, - Theodora van der Beek (PPA 2002) performed entirely accidental”. He is now mulling over whether two children, sister and father. He had not been back The Adventures of the Bearded Lady at the Camden to continue with the blog and in what form. for 20 years. He had a great time at College and loved People’s Theatre in July. - Georgia Edwards (PPA 2006) is engaged to be his rugby. He is now a maths teacher in a school in - Sebastian Carroll (PPA 2002) visited on a married, while contemporary Hannah (neé Forshaw) Kent and still plays football and squash. His sister, blisteringly hot Bank Holiday weekend with his Conway (PPA 2006) got married on Easter Sunday. Katie Crews (PPA 1993) is a clinical psychologist, girlfriend Tara. They seemed very interested in the - David Leach (PPA 2006) has been fundraising to married with three children. Alex, a Burton boy, was idea of getting married at College. Sebastian, who commemorate his dear friend Laura Hughes (PPA - Pictured below, Catriona (neé Holmes) Lane amazed at the transformation of his day house into the spoke of the immense influence that Denis Clarke 2006), who died suddenly in 2016. Money raised will (PPA 1997), with husband Nick and children Oscar Art Faculty, but also a little sad at the loss of the space. had on him and his education, took a degree in go to the PPC Chapel Appeal. and Jemima, came to the College during the Easter - Anthony Osunde (PPA 1999) wants to recreate a philosophy at Southampton followed by an MSc in - Below, Laura (neé Beardsley) Waterhouse (PPA holidays before going on to visit the Prior Park gardens. concert that PPC hosted 20 years ago, to raise funds computer science at Birkbeck. He is now a consultant 2006) visited with her two young daughters en route Catriona is busy as a consultant in emergency for a charity that he continues to support that assists at Accenture. to the National Trust gardens. Laura is doing a one- - Pictured below, Polly Jones (PPA 2008) has opened medicine in South Tees. She has offered to come back - Mario Sofroniou (PPA 1995) visited College shortly disabled and mentally-impaired children in Africa. year PGCE to teach KS2 primary children. a floristry business in Bath. Pockets Flowers specialises to College to speak to students about her experiences after a concert he performed in Romania (see billboard Pictured below with his family, Anthony now lives in in event floristry, weddings in particular. Take a look at on active service in Iraq and in emergency medicine. below). He stood in the John Wood Chapel and Nigeria and came back in July to attend his best man’s the website www.flowersbypockets.com sang a few lines from an opera, causing everyone in wedding (Jack Robinson PPA) in Bath. the vicinity to stand still, spellbound. Mario is still in contact with Denis Clarke and Father Stephen Darlington.

- Pictured above, Finbarr Cosgrove (PPA 2003) came back to College four years ago for the 10-year reunion of the class of 2003 but, he says, he didnt really have - Cassian MacKean (PPA 2006) got married last - Katie Hames (PPA 2008) is now living in Coorparoo, the opportunity to walk around and really see what June, ran the Amsterdam Marathon with his sister, Brisbane, Australia. She’s been there for nearly two was going on. Now an English teacher, but working - Paul O’Dea (PPA 1998) this year became a father India MacKean (PPA 2008), to raise money for the years, working as a registrar in emergency medicine. as a consultant for a number of academy schools in for the second time on the birth of his son, pictured 2000 - 2009 Dorothy House Hospice in memory of their mother She was planning a visit to the UK in September, with London, he returned this year to look at College in a below (with his sister), Aiden John Ace O’Dea. (they raised £5,000 rather than the target £3,000) a view to showing her partner Prior Park. very different way, wanting to know about class sizes, - Hana (neé Stott) York (PPA 1996), marketing Congratulations, Paul. and this year has headed off to South Africa, where, - Wing Yang “Winnie” Chan (PPA 2008) and subjects taught, success rates and so on. manager for Mainframe, was named by the Derby at the PPA’s request, Martin Pike (PPA 1986) helped Shinon Kang (PPA 2008) came back to visit their Telegraph as one of 250 inspirational business him find employment. old housemistress Charlotte Cummins at Sunday people to watch. (Pictured below) - Grainne (neé Sweeney) Evans (PPA 2006) and Mass. The two friends, pictured at the top of the husband Alan visited College with children Imogen next page, met in St Mary’s and each year make a (3) and Zachary (6 months) to recreate their wedding point of meeting, either in Hong Kong, where Winnie photos from 2014. Imogen asked why people got is working for HK Tourism, or in Korea, where Shinon married and Grainne told her it was because they is currently working for a pharmaceutical company. really love each other. Imogen now wants to marry Remembering their times at College as the best of - Pictured above, Alexi Argyris (PPA 2000) and his Mum, Dad and baby brother. Grainne is undertaking their lives, they are determined that their children, new bride were recently in Bath. They both work in GP training before going back to work. should they have any, should be educated at Prior. It the hotel business, based in Paris. They have travelled - Alex Holden (PPA 2007) graduated from medical was an emotional tour of College, with such hilarity around the world together in their jobs, but thought school in 2014 and has been as a junior medic in on seeing that the bread bin in St Marys was the same - Ruth (neé Westwood) Fielding (PPA 1998) it would be good to come back to Bath for their - Pictured above, Tom Barton (PPA 2004), whose Poole. He is now back as a senior house officer in one from 10 years ago that they couldn’t stop taking belatedly informed us that she has a two-and-a-half wedding and honeymoon. Alexis, who hadn’t been parents spent a good part of his school career acute medicine at Great Western Hospital, Swindon. photos, crying, laughing and trying to explain why year-old daughter, Zoe. Ruth is still living and working back to College since his 10-year reunion in 2010, persuading Mr Clarke not to expel him, came to He expects to be in training for a long time yet. it was so funny. There were more tears on seeing

30 www.priorparkalumni.com The Gossip Bowl 31 All The Gossip

Ms Young teaching in the Round Room - tears, they Hugely diverse in their inspiration and themes, the Bury Sports Centre. James, below left, is hoping to Prior Park, Lucy can see how important education summer of 2015, during his gap year. Various parents the idea, they left the meeting enthused. Anya also said, because she was just such a great, patient and brothers have just created the music for the new catch up with Vincent Luk (PPA 2010) who is getting is, and how difficult life can be for those in a less donated old Paragon kit to take with him. Good to see helped organise the fifth anniversary reunion of the amazing teacher. Nokia advert - to great acclaim. George plans to married in the next few months in Hong Kong. fortunate position. the boys still wearing the kit and still enjoying their class of 2013 in June. address the Headmaster’s Academic Society in 2019. - Oli Dinwoodie (PPA 2012) had a great night singing rugby three years later. - F4 Business students were recently tasked with Handel’s Messiah in the Royal Albert Hall with his devising a new soft drinks product that would brother Rory Dinwoodie (PPA 2017) in November incorporate the constraints of the new sugar tax and 2017. be a healthy, ethical alternative to brands currently - Former parent Mark Dinwoodie wrote to say that on the market. The students, working in small groups, Oli Dinwoodie (PPA 2012), Pete Vaughan-Fowler looked at every aspect - trends, competition, marketing, (PPA 2012) and Jo Barron Snowdon (PPA 2012), packaging, cost etc - and developed a wide range of previous Big Band regulars, played at Ronnie Scotts innovative ideas. Each group pitched their product to jazz club in London (pictured below). They were well two judges, pictured below, Entrepreneur in Residence supported by all their school friends living in the - In August 2016, Joshua Freeman (PPA 2009) (and Prior parent) Anthony Dutton and James capital and the venue was filled to capacity, so the - Nomso Okeke (PPA 2013) came back to College - Louis Archer (PPA 2011) was planning to run married Beth and most of his groomsmen were old Eatwell (PPA 2010). Congratulations to the winning atmosphere rivalled that of Prior Park band night. - Lydia Ferguson Ray (PPA 2013) is working with with Charlotte Sturgess Osborne to attend Cardinal the Bath Half Marathon in 2018 for the charity Prior boys. Nearly two years later, their son Rafferty, team, Dow Sivell and Amelia Owen, and their product the marketing and events team at the Combe Grove Cormac’s Mass. The following day he returned to see Transparency International UK. However, it was pictured below, was born. Josh is now a theology and ‘Fusion Cordial’. Manor Hotel. She has also been collaborating with his old haunts in daylight. Nomso, with a law degree cancelled for the first time in its 25-year history due philosophy teacher, working at Benenden School in the estate manager to set up a Food Assembly. It’s and a Masters under his belt, is now returning to to bad weather. Kent. something that aligns with her own interests but Nigeria to start work in sustainable energy. Pictured - Samuel Knights (PPA 2011), son of Roche also reflects the values of Combe Grove and the above, his joy at being back at school was redoubled Housemaster (and former professional rugby coach) Elmhurst Foundation Food Assembly. To find out by his delight at surprising Martin Knights on the new Martin Knights, has found success as a rugby coach more follow this link: www.thefoodassembly.com/ astro in the middle of a hockey lesson. with Bayside Sharks in Vancouver. He arrived on the en/assemblies/11233 Semiahmoo Peninsula - with cousin Jack Knights - Bella Hayward-Rodgers (PPA 2013) was in the (PPA 2013) and friend Rhys Redman (PPA 2012) - last cast of director Matthew Parker’s recent revival of September, intent on playing for the Sharks’ men’s - Ottelien Huckin (PPA 2012) in July of this year Thark, the Ben Travers farce which combines team and coaching the under-23 side. But the U23 exhibited her first solo show with 44AD artspace sparkling witticisms and bold physical comedy team didn’t get off the ground and the men’s coach in the heart of Bath, displaying a series of drawings, with glamour. It got great reviews. - Pictured below, Charlie French (PPA 2010), one of left abruptly, so Sam, 24, was tasked with taking over. oil paintings and ceramics. As pictured below, her - Wilfred Neville and Lial Medina (PPA 2013) the extensive French tribe educated at Prior, ran the He admitted to being “quite wary” at first, particularly completed the Barcelona Marathon in March 2018. - Since arriving in London in 2014, Daniella Smith figurative works attempt to comprehend the role of Victoria Park Half Marathon last year with 13 Prior as some of the senior players had been with the team They were fundraising for Brain Research UK. (PPA 2009), winner of a Rank Foundation School “woman”, constructing relevant visual narratives from alumni (Harry French, Izzie French, Alex Smith, since they were 14 years old. But so far, all is going well. classical and contemporary literature. Works can be - Lauren Boyer (PPA 2013) is on a graduate training Leadership Award when she was at Prior, has After Prior, Sam earned a coaching degree at Cardiff Edward Singleton, Oliver Newton, James Iberson- seen on her website: www.ottelienhuckin.co.uk scheme working with the Environmental Audit - Pictured above with Sarah Peacock (drama teacher) worked for two recruitment companies and for the Metropolitan University. While there, he managed Hurst, Wilfred Neville, Tom Freeman, Liall Medina, Select Committee in the House of Commons. The and Colette Byron (English Housemistress), Hattie past 15 months has been an executive assistant to a to get some work experience helping coach at Bath Toby Luck, Seth Tapsifield, Alex Vaughn-Fowler role includes managing committee inquiries, writing Seaton (PPA 2013) visited College for a quick catch- small team of venture capitalists in the City, looking Rugby Academy. and Archie Pearson) to support the Meet Me There briefs and questions for the members, advising the up and found herself giving careers advice. She had specifically at investments in start-ups in the tech - James Still (PPA 2011) is expanding his restaurant/ Weekender 2018, a celebration of Ghana’s rich art members during committee meetings and writing popped in to see the theatre when Mr Langley seized industry. Outside work, she has undertaken a trek up bar operation in Bath. He says that Prior Park parents music and culture. Profits from the festival, which the committee’s reports. Lauren also advises MPs the opportunity to enlist her help to talk about the the Atlas Mountains, raising £1,000 for the charity and families are “very much our target market”. The was held in March and raised £6,135, are going on parliamentary procedure in the chamber. It is, she possibilities of auditioning for theatre schools. Hattie, Halcyon. She is a member of her employer’s charity venture, Walcot House, currently has 12,000 sq feet towards supporting Dream Big Ghana’s education says, a really varied and interesting role. who graduated from Lamda in 2016, already has a committee and organised a Christmas gift event for with four bars and a restaurant, and James is in the and sanitation community programmes. Charlie says - Pictured below, Chung Hang “Jason” Chiu (PPA stage show under her belt and plenty of audition local homeless people. She recalls planning her move process of adding a second restaurant, cafe and bar the highlights of the charity’s work so far have been 2013), who is an MA Interior Design student from experience. She was asked if anything could have to London with “fear and trepidation” but would now upstairs, due to open in October. completing the Community Learning Centre, which the School of Textiles and Design, has scooped a prepared her for the rejection that is part and parcel happily offer support and advice to anyone looking to - Bryony Exton (PPA 2012) was another runner provides books, computers and a space for learning, top award in the 2018 Royal Society of Arts Student of an acting career. She thought probably not, but move to the capital. hoping to complete the Bath Half Marathon in - Hannah Park (PPA 2012) has recently returned and opening the 67th toilet in the community. He says Design Awards. The brief was to design an inclusive, five weeks volunteering in India helped her get it 2018. She aimed to raise money for the Bath Rugby from teaching English in Costa Rica, where her the next task will be the completion of a compost sociable and multi-generational kitchen space. Jason’s into perspective. Each encounter she had with staff Community Foundation. school’s stunning backdrop was the amazing Arenal toilet block in the local school. Another Meet Me United Kitchen - a self-assembly kitchen with a during her visit recalled a different school production 2010 - 2018 - In January, Rhiannon Lampard (PPA 2011) did a Volcano, pictured below. Having previously taught There festival is planned for March 2019. rotatable and height-adjustable table - scooped the in which she starred. She is one to watch. - Nick Warren-Miller (PPA 2010) passed out from week’s work placement with Kent Chard, head of English in Hong Kong, she feels the world is now top prize. Over 700 students from 27 countries - Pictured below, Juliette Eden (PPA 2013) came Sandhurst last December, Freddie Searight (PPA chemistry, as part of her Teach First training. Rhiannon her oyster. Hannah has a place to study a masters entered the competition. back to College with Tara Mullally (PPA 2013) to 2010) has moved to Geneva, where he is working as has subsequently been appointed head of junior in international education at Bath Spa University in see what progress had been made as a result of their a doctor, and Elsa Frere (PPA 2010) recently had an science and starts working full-time at College in September. fund-raising efforts in the 2015 Telethon. They have exhibition of her work in Bristol. September. both successfully completed their degrees. Jules, - As a student at Prior, George Hyde (PPA 2010) - Madeleine Barr (PPA 2012) worked at Prior for whose painting still hangs in the headmaster’s office, was heavily involved in music. In any free moment nearly a year in reception, HR and administration, is busy shadowing barristers before she goes back to he was in the John Wood Chapel or the music block gaining experience for her new job at DEFRA, which university to take her bar exams. Tara has just landed - including during sports lessons, much to the dismay started in March 2018. a job perfectly suited to her personality in a London- of various members of staff. He graduated from the - Joe Barron-Snowdon (PPA 2012) passed his final based PR company. University of Surrey with a degree in Music in 2013, medical exams in March, then travelled to Fiji for an following which he spent two years studying law in elective, working in a hospital. After a short sojurn in Bristol. For the past couple of years, he has been Australia catching up with family he will be working - Olivia Matthews (PPA 2013) moved to Thailand a trainee solicitor at Harbottle & Lewis, a leading - Hyun-Hong “James” Min (PPA 2010) visited when as a junior doctor in South West England for two years. in August 2018 to take up a teaching post with media and entertainment law firm in London. A last in the UK. Currently doing his National Service in - Lucy Howlett (PPA 2012) graduated from university Shrewsbury International School in Bangkok. specialist in music law, he was due to qualify this Korea, he is hoping to come back to complete a PhD. in Cardiff and was accepted onto the Teach First - Ben Tometzki (PPA 2013) is spending the summer - Anya Boulton (PPA 2013) recently spoke to three summer, but he is still also an active musician and He thoroughly enjoyed his time at Prior and is hoping training scheme. She is now a full-time science in a major trauma centre in Baltimore before starting Prior students who are contemplating taking Politics, composer. With his brother William Hyde (PPA 2008), that his 7 year old sister will come as a junior boarder teacher at a large secondary school in a deprived his final year at medical school. Ben sent a recent Philosophy and Economics (PPE). Anya graduated he has set up a company writing music for adverts. in a few years time. He was overwhelmed by the New inner-city area. Having been lucky enough to go to photo of some of the boys he coached in Ghana in the from Oxford last summer. Instead of putting them off

32 www.priorparkalumni.com The Gossip Bowl 33 All The Gossip Obituaries

- Lucy Lowe (PPA 2013) is helping the College sailing status. Harry came in eleventh place, twenty-two - Below, Georgia Butt (PPA 2017) is to play the part group with physics teacher Sean Dorey on a weekly minutes behind the winner. Harry hopes one day to of Nancy in a new national touring show produced Cormac Murphy-O’Connor (PPA 1950) John Stevens basis. be able to support himself through the sport. by Kick in The Head Theatre Company. The new play Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor died last Park between 1936 and 1950) and a daughter, and (PPA 1950) - Flora Madley (PPA 2013) finished at Edinburgh after - Pictured below, Ash Griffin (PPA 2015) DJ’ed at called Fagin? is written by Simon Downing and centres September at the age of 85. He became the 10th family meant a great deal to him. He always saw four years studying anthropology and is now living in the El Dorado Festival 2018 as Sénda, a duo with on Fagin’s last night in prison before being hanged. Archbishop of Westminster in March 2000 and family as the bedrock of society. Only his eldest John Arthur Stevens died in July 2017 at Barnet London and working at Kensington Palace as personal his friend Miles Phelan. Photo: Tom Stritch Coincidentally, Georgia played the Artful Dodger in retired in 2009. brother Jim, my father, had children and so our Hospital, North London. Beloved husband of Gillian, secretary to HRH Prince and Princess Michael of Kent. Prior’s 2017 production of Oliver. devoted father of Emma, William and Hannah, good James Murphy-O’Connor writes: For me, my family became Cormac’s and he was devoted to us - Esther Haskins (PPA 2014) and a team of students friend and a very successful business man, John siblings and our families, Cardinal Cormac was all. Two years ago he became a great-grand-uncle at the University of Bath slept out over night in suffered a severe spinal injury six years ago and was always “Uncle Cormac”. There was always for the first time, and he was as interested in the November 2017 to raise money for the Genesis Trust. very disabled. His memories of Prior and the Christian something magical about him and to be in new generation of Murphy-O’Connors as he was in The charity aims to provide a safe place for vulnerable Brothers were not very happy: post-war conditions his presence was special. He was supportive, all the others. Every year, we began our Christmas adults and homeless in Bath. were very poor and very cold, and the Brothers were interested, caring, loving and full of wise advice family gatherings with a house Mass and Cormac - On applying for a position as an army medical very strict. However, on repeat visits to College he and good humour. He had a special gift with words, and his two priest brothers, Pat and Brian, usually officer, Toby Heaton (PPA 2014) had to write an essay began to appreciate the location and the buildings using simple stories and jokes to impart deep and celebrated these. (Cormac was the last surviving in support of his application. He contacted Martin and he approved of the more kindly philosophy and profound messages which would both resonate brother; with his passing, all the siblings are now Fisher, classics teacher at PPC, to get his feedback. understanding of students’ abilities and potential that and remain with you for years. Cormac was a man dead.) Cormac loved these occasions. Toby said that Mr Fisher had a way of inspiring every the school exhibits today. student. - Alexander Butt (PPA 2015) is in a group called The of God. He saw his priesthood, and later his role as Cormac was a loyal supporter of the school and - Hao Chen (PPA 2017) did the charity ride from - Maisie Carter (PPA 2014) is carrrying on the Oxford Gargoyles, a 13-piece vocal jazz group that bishop and then archbishop and cardinal, simply would find any opportunity to visit to say a few London to Brighton last September to raise money family theatrical tradition. Maisie was director and mainly sing acapella jazz, but also doo-wop, soul and as a gift that allowed him to reach out to as many words or to celebrate Mass. The students and staff for Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH). choreographer for the Bath Operatic and Dramatic funk arrangements. Their latest album is called Could people as possible. I remember Cormac telling me always looked forward to his visits. Perhaps my - Pictured below, tennis player Megan Davies (PPA Society production of Fiddler on the Roof. Her parents It Be?. Alexander is currently the group’s president. He when he moved to Westminster at the age of 68, favourite memories will be “the relaxed Cormac”, Michael Savage 2017) has just won South Carolina University’s New run the Curtain Up Theatre School and her father used says it has been the highlight of his time at Oxford. an age when most of us are considering retirement, away from his official duties. He loved to visit us (PPA 1951) Student: Athlete of the Year award. This season, to teach for the LAMDA qualifications at College. The group were winners of the BBC Choir of the Year that he was excited at the prospect of meeting and in Ireland on holiday; I will always see him there Megan has won 28 singles matches and 25 doubles - Below, Ga Hyun “Julie” Kim (PPA 2014) visited Open Category. serving the varied nationalities and cultures in the with a glass of wine in his hand, playing cards and Michael died in January 2018 in the - the most in a single season by a freshman. College with her mother on a wintery afternoon. She - Christopher Bunting (PPA 2016) is loving St capital. And he grew to love the vibrant Catholic laughing. He loved being amongst us and being loving care of St David’s Hospice, aged is currently studying law at UCLA , hoping to become Andrews. He came top of his year in all the exams, communities within London. Cormac was the one part of the family. 83 years. A retired solicitor and beloved a lawyer/solicitor and maybe stay in the UK or return is on the university tennis team and has a part-time of six children, five sons (all of whom attended Prior husband of Jenny, he will be greatly to South Korea. She is still in touch with Harriet tutoring job. In his gap year he did volunteering work missed by his large extended family. Gillingham, Molly Fleet and others from her year. with Syrian refugees. On his return to College in January, he visited housemaster Martin Knights with Will Keiser and Hao Chen. Peter Bernard Paul Gillan (PPA 1955) - Sophie Atkin (PPA 2016) is planning a trip to South Peter Bracchi Africa to work with Enkosini, a non-profit charity, at Bernie was born in 1937 and came to He returned to the UK with Phoenix Assurance, a wildlife sanctuary, where she will collect scientific Prior in 1952. Always a good sportsman, playing rugby for Birmingham and cricket for the (PPA 1952) data on the species living there. She will also assist in he played rugby, football, cricket and Pickwick Club, then moved back to Rhodesia to join the upkeep of the reserve and work with local children hockey well into his middle years. Sun Alliance. Sun Alliance morphed into Protea Peter, who died in October 2017 surrounded by his - Pictured below, Pavel Chumakov (PPA 2017) is teaching English. Following National Service, mainly in Assurance and Bernie was with them for the rest of loving family, was one of the South Wales Bracchis, studying in Russia for his accountancy exams but had - Ben Armstrong (PPA 2016) came back to College Cyprus, he was selected for the Special his career, moving successively to Malawi, Durban, whose cafes serve some of the best meals – and, in a quick visit to the UK and wanted to revisit College. to get some assistance with his personal statement Air Service, SAS. His unit was based in Cyprus Pretoria and Johannesburg. He retired to George the opinion of many, far and away the best desserts He holds Prior dearly in his heart and says it has set - Harriet (neé Garner) Rouse (PPA 2014) recently for application to drama school. He has now been during the troubles there in the late 1950s. He in South Africa. Bernie, who continued cricket and – in the country. him up for life. met with contemporaries Tom Maxwell and Colette accepted by the Birmingham Conservatoire. remained for a time a member of Squadron 22 hockey up to his mid-50s and took up snooker until At Prior, Peter was an outstanding sportsman, captain Byron. Harriet will be starting a full-time position in - Pictured below, Larry Cotton (PPA 2017) has Hereford, where the SAS in the UK is based, and the onset of age-related macular degeneration, of the First XV. Devoted husband of Carol, loving father PPC’s theology department in September. become a member of the British Bobsleigh and Squadron 23, a reserve unit. On resuming civilian was plagued by illness over the past three years of Paul, Anna and Luisa, loved father-in-law of Simon - Lily Ager (PPA 2014) completed her finals this Skeleton Association and has been selected for life he entered the insurance industry, first working - but he met his setbacks with the same good and Jon, cherished grandfather of Francesca, Emilia, summer. She is planning to do another year at funding by the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton for General Accident in Birmingham and then in spirit that marked all his other responses to the William and George, Peter will be greatly missed by Cambridge studying management at the Judge Federation (IBSF). He took part in the training week Rhodesia (Zimbabwe). challenges of life. all family and friends. Business School. for the European Cup in Sigulda, Latvia, and finished - Charlie Small (PPA 2015) was awarded a first in seventh in the British Championships in Igles, Austria. his SAE Institute (London) sound production degree. Larry, who is completing a foundation diploma at The - Harriet Lord (PPA 2015) is vice-president of the Royal Drawing School, has been offered a place at The (PPA 1958) University of Manchester Equestrian Club, and Slade School of Art. Thomas David England has been running fitness classes for the WaterAid David died in July last year, leaving his wife, Liz, and psychology at Cardiff University, combining his Rhod was born on his dad’s birthday charity Manchester4Water. She has finished her - Matthew Wainwright (PPA 2017) has plans to two sons to mark his passing. Described as “witty, studies with hectic socialising and a continuing in 1975, Dan in May 1977 and Nick in geography degree and hopes to pursue a career in study Classics in Dublin. He is really looking forward intelligent, calm, fair, well-read, unassuming, a lover passion for rugby. Friday night card sessions were December 1978. In Liz’s account, Dave events management. Over the summer she was doing to coming back to College for the Alumni Choir event of music and sport, and a true gentleman”, David was often enlivened by his piano-playing. After graduation was very self-contained: “He could have work experience as part of the management team at in December. born in 1941 in Ammanford, his maternal grandparents’ he travelled to Canada, where one of his jobs was a lived quite happily alone on a desert Stourhead. - Tom Clark (PPA 2017) is studying Classics in home. (His mother, Gwen, had evacuated there for Pinkerton Security Agent. (He guarded The Beatles island - reading and playing music”. But - Samantha Morgan (PPA 2015) undertook a work Edinburgh. He returned to College and talked to many fear of bombs dropping on Cardiff.) After the war, the in Toronto.) the loss of his beloved sister in 1985 hit him hard and placement at College as part of her dyslexia training of the teaching staff. He also managed to catch up family grew to include eight children in total, one of On his return, he worked for a short time at an the death of his son Dan in 2001 hit him even harder. course, working closely Mrs Katie Thwaites in the with director of Classics, Sarah Hearn, to talk about whom died young. David was first educated at the engineering company in Cardiff and then found Parkinson’s was diagnosed in 2006, when he was 66. English department. the possibility of work experience in her department. De La Salle school in Cardiff and then at Prior. (The employment in Bilston with GKN Sankey, working Dementia followed a few years later. - Harry Palmer (PPA 2015) has moved up to middle - Tom Knight (PPA 2017) visited College after his England clan includes a significant number of PPAs, in personnel management. After GKN he moved “He loved us all,” says Liz. “We were his life. He will distance (Half Ironman) in his triathlon training. After return from three months travelling around Asia. He among them Dave’s father Thomas and cousins to Birmid Qualcast in Smethwick before finding live on through his sons and grandsons. He was a winning two of his races last year he entered the - Rosie Sanders (PPA 2017) came back to College to said he wanted to join the Bury sports centre to regain Mike England, Mike Daly and Tony Daly.) Dave was his way to Ceandess (later AVF). He moved to great man: husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, Weymouth 70.3 Half Ironman last September with the help her mother make the extravagant costumes for his fitness levels in advance of going to university and an academic achiever as well as a good sportsman, Wolverhampton, where he met Liz. They married in brother, cousin and friend. He never gave up and never aim of getting a fast enough time to win professional Beauty and the Beast. getting back into rugby. captaining the First XV. He read economics and 1971. complained.”

34 www.priorparkalumni.com The Gossip Bowl 35 Obituaries

Anthony Good (PPA 1962) Michael Cutcliffe(PPA 1964) William Barwell (PPA 1976)

Anthony “Joe” Good died of cancer on 15 June 2018. He started at Michael Alan Cutcliffe was born in 1946, He worked in London William died in October 2017 at the age of 59, content, of his enthusiasms (two wheeled transportation and devoted couple for many years Cricklade in 1954 and then moved to Bath, where he completed one of six children and the oldest boy. (His for a freight forwarding serene and at peace with the world. Since his cancer subversion in the face of petty authority to name but before the law in England caught his O-levels in the summer of 1962. He stayed to do re-takes in brothers John, Christopher and Richard were company and then, diagnosis he had lived every day with great enjoyment two). From Mary’s he finally settled in Bristol, where up with its populace. William the December of that year but did not progress to the sixth-form. all schooled at Prior.) His family lived at with his brother and tranquillity. He was a truly happy man. William he developed into an exceptional general practitioner. never quite convinced Iain of He had two brothers at Prior, George “Harry” Good (PPA 1958) Burridge Farm near Southampton. At school, John, started a road was the fifth member of the family to go to Prior, where He was well known for using his bicycle for home visits. the ultimate joys of cycling and and Adrian Good (PPA 1971). Michael was sporty rather than academic. transport business. he was a student from 1970 to 1976. After school, The “Gracie Box” - a sturdy plastic container which was he had to turn back early from a He was in the athletics, cricket and rugby This was followed by a he went to Clare College Cambridge on an open bolted onto the saddle post for the transportation of solo cycle tour of Europe when teams. restaurant in Antigua, which, in turn, was scholarship and then to St Mary’s Hospital Medical Gracie and George, two Irish Terriers - was a familiar, he realised he was missing Iain too much to go any He was charismatic, full of fun and energy followed by his return to the UK and the School. He excelled as a medical student, combining if unconventional, sight around the streets of Bristol. further (he had reached Budapest). William adored James Patrick Alistair and was later to prove, in his brother’s launch of several businesses, mainly in the a joyous approach to life and friendship with a natural Gracie was often taken to surgery and hidden behind singing, firstly with the City of Bristol Choir, then the words, “a very determined man”. He had two wholesale meat trade. He and his son James affinity for the art of medicine. William’s large desk which had been fortified with a Bristol Bach Choir, then latterly with the choir of St Forsyth (PPA 1967) outstanding achievements in his life. The first worked together. After divorce from Marian, A notable achievement was to rejuvenate the Mary’s piece of plywood. Mary Redcliffe. Having no children of his own, he loved was saving his father from a bull which had Michael married Lorraine. In about 2000, he Boat Club, which he also captained, as his father had Children and the elderly in particular would ask if and was loved by his nieces and nephews. He bore his Jamie was born into an army family in Bristol in gored him badly. For this Michael received moved to Spain, where he and his father-in- done. He acquired an extraordinary number of life-long Gracie was about and with a flourish he would pull final illness with typical stoicism, humour and dignity. September 1948, one of six children, four boys and a bravery award from Princess Margaret. He law built a lovely house in the hills north of friends and devoted admirers whilst at Prior and at back the wood creating great delight for all. William He was a truly free spirit. He is survived by Iain and two girls. All the boys went to Prior, where Jamie was aged just nine at the time. Malaga. He liked to entertain his friends and Mary’s - a diverse bunch of people who shared some married Iain, a nurse, in 2005, but they had been a his five older siblings. excelled in sports. From Prior, he went to the College family there but suffered a series on minor of Estate Management, playing rugby for the College Then, in his twenties, he joined the British strokes which affected his speech. Late in life on Wednesdays and for London Scottish on Saturdays. Bobsleigh team and competed on the Cresta Run in St Moritz. Michael left school he moved to Thailand. It was there that he On Sundays, he played hockey for Teddington. He worked first at 16 and started working for the Rootes had a further serious stroke which meant he (PPA 2010) for Richard Ellis, then Jones Laing in Amsterdam and Dusseldorf, Mark David Sinead Maya Group, selling cars. His natural abilities as a had to be quickly brought back to England to before moving to Edinburgh. There he joined the TA and was salesman soon shone through. He married get proper care. He was moved to a nursing Ashworth Natasha Baer (PPA 2010) writes: Our beloved and beautiful Sinead died in January, commissioned into the Cameronian Scottish Rifles. He married Marian Bevan in 1971 and they had two home near Winchester, where he stayed 2018. She was making a real go of her life in France with her family, attending beauty Fiona in 1983 and their son Rory was born in 1985. In the late (PPA 1979) children, James and Wendy. until his death in December 2017. school, and very close to God. Her death was painless but the sadness we all feel will 1980s, the family moved to London, where Jamie worked for 15 hurt forever. I will always be in awe of her incredible talents: music, fitness, photography, Marc van Heesewijk (PPA 1979) years with Montagu Evans. From 2003, Jamie was chairman and and friendship. Sinead had so many friends and made so many connections. When I writes: Mark, who was born in trustee of Tower House prep school in East Sheen. think of Sinead and how she affected everyone, I believe she inspired our whole year February 1961, sadly passed away to parle un peu de mal Francais! “What are you doing, ce soir?” “Ou e le nightclub?” Jamie was a great lover of nature, a volunteer gardener at Gravetye in January 2018 after a stoical and (PPA 1968) “Answer le phon!” As our whole year stumbled through five years of French, it was Sinead who was the Manor, an enthusiast for all things Scottish, a passionate military Brian Davies good-humoured battle with brain cancer. historian and a devoted family man. trendsetter, calling everyone “Mon cheri” et “Bébé”. Everyone was her love, her friend, and her sweetie. Brian died in February 2018 at Ealing Broadway hospital in London, He left three sons who were his pride and joy. I first He was made a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered And that is exactly what she was to everyone else, our little darling. She loved a nickname and found them aged 66. His partner Julia, daughter Rachel and granddaughter met Mark aged 12 at Prior, and rugby would be the an unending source of humour. She herself had many, Shin, Shilpa, Shinbad the Shailor, Nay Nay, Shin Surveyors in 1984 and after retirement practised as a consultant Elizabeth were with him. The cause of death was septicaemia, the glue of a friendship that would last for 39 years. We to a number of property companies and organisations. Dog, Sinead the Grenade. But she would enjoy giving as good as she got, and would come up with twice culmination of medical problems he had been suffering from for many were each other’s Best Man and Godfathers to our as many nicknames for you. I had, Bob, Shmerve, Asia and many more. In the last few years, many of her As recently as 2013, he completed a charity cycle ride from John years. He left Prior at the age of 16 in 1968, the same year as his first-born children. I have lived in the USA for the last school friends lost contact with her as she delved into privacy. I don’t believe she was happy doing this. O’Groats to Lands End. He also competed in the London-Surrey older brother Peter (PPA 1968), who wrote to say “we will all miss his 18 years, but every time I returned to the UK for a visit Never one to close the door while peeing, Sinead loved sharing and was endlessly generous. Goodbye, 100 in 2014. Jamie died of cancer in June 2018. extraordinary humour, joie-de-vivre and energy”. we would reconnect with a pint and a curry. precious and gorgeous girl, I love you XXX. Mark was the oldest of four boys born to Peter and Sara Ashworth. When Mark was young they moved from London to Nigeria. When they moved back Alan Boyd (PPA 1968) Michael Giles to the UK they settled in Chester, where Mark, in Sinead Maya Memorial time, was joined by his three brothers, Simon, John Terry Ilott writes: Alan to get to know him, but he had a lot of charm. (PPA 1970) and James. As I also lived in Cheshire, Mark’s father On Sunday 16 September 2018, Prior will be hosting friends and family of Sinead Maya to died in December 2017 These qualities remained with him throughout Michael Arthur Giles was born in 1952 would on many occasions drive us back from Bath commemorate and celebrate her life. Mass will be at 11am as usual and afterwards we will after a long struggle with his life. According to his wife, he was still in Jos, Nigeria, where his father, Stan, at the end of term. Mark’s passion was rugby and gather in the Academy Hall. Sinead was a young lady of great passion: for music, beauty, religion, prostate cancer. He was telling jokes on his deathbed. He came to Prior worked as a driller. In 1960, Michael he played at every level and never really hung up his family and butterflies. Each guest will be given a butterfly on which to write a favourite memory a lovely guy and very from West Africa and spent almost his entire was sent to Cricklade and from there boots, turning out for the Kenilworth and Shipston or precious comment about Sinead. They will be added to a Memory Tree. Sinead struggled with popular with his school working life there. progressed to Bath. rugby clubs where he lived in Stratford-upon-Avon. her mental health in the last few years. Mental health problems seem to be an increasing factor mates, both back in the He specialised in operations management and At Prior, Mark played for the first teams in rugby and in the lives of young people. While Sinead’s death brings these issues to mind, we hope the day and more recently. Michael particularly loved sport, playing rugby, hockey logistics for oil companies and construction hockey and was the hockey captain in his final year. occasion will serve to highlight the other side of her: her vibrancy, beauty and gift for friendship. He was in some ways - his manner, his style of and cricket. He also enjoyed swimming, gaining a Bronze firms in Mauritania, Guinea and Mali. He was made Head Boy in 1979, which I know filled speaking - a throwback to the stiff-upper-lip Medallion, the Award of Merit and the Instructor’s Certificate. His public life was conducted mostly in French, him with great pride, not least because his father days of Kenneth More and Jack Hawkins. In 1969, Michael’s family decided to emigrate to Australia. which was also the language in which he Michael left Prior and went to St Mary’s Christian Brothers’ (Peter Ashworth, PPA 1946) had also been the But in other ways - in particular in relation to conversed with his polyglot family at home. College in Toowoomba. school’s Head Boy. Mark went to Liverpool University his daughters - he seemed to be way ahead Work having temporarily dried up, he had where he completed his degree in electrical In 1983, Michael was married to Helen Stewart and they had Other Alumni deaths of most of the rest of us. His pride in their recently found himself marooned in Sussex, engineering before entering a career that was centred two children, Susan and Matthew.Helen died in 1990, and in achievements was clear from the sparkle in chomping at the bit to get back to Africa. on transmitters and masts. Mark met and married his eye as he spoke of them. At school, he was 1994 Michael’s daughter passed away from complications Derrick Vaughan (PPA 1942), died 1996 John Pierre Goldring (PPA 1944), died 1995 His funeral took place at the Sacred Heart, Annie and they went on to have three sons - Tom, one of those who marched to the beat of his with Spina Bifida. She was 10 years old. Wadhurst, East Sussex. He leaves a widow and Louis and Toby. Family was hugely important to Mark Edward Brookes (PPA 1945), died 2016 Michael Gleeson (PPA 1950), died 2008 own drum: a unique individual, as impervious In September 1994, Michael married Jacqueline Walsh two daughters from his second marriage and an and it was a rare thing when we met not to get a Joe Delaney (PPA 1960), died c.1998 Paul Friendship (PPA 1960), died 2016 to the gang mentality among the boys as to and had 22 years of wonderful marriage. He died from skin comprehensive update on the exploits of several or ex-wife and two daughters from his first, as well Vincent Delicato (PPA 1960), died 2016 Andrew “Cyril” Howe (PPA 1967), died 2009 the shibboleths of the school regime. He was cancer in December 2016. Michael was a wonderful husband, all of the Ashworth tribe. People do not die if they as his brother Chris and mother, Anne. Patrick McGuinness (PPA 1968), died 2018 Richard McLaughlin (PPA 1977), died 2018 totally without airs or graces, humble, self- a dedicated father to Susan and Matthew and a devoted continue to live in our heads. God bless. contained and almost serene. It took a while Christian.

36 www.priorparkalumni.com The Gossip Bowl 37 “Hurry up with the photo, it’s going to take me ten minutes to get up the rest of these stairs.” Staff Obituaries PPA Notice Board 2018 Friday 31 August PPA Golf, PPA Old Girls’ Hockey Alumni choir event Saturday 8 September Sunday 2 December at 10.30am. PPA Committee Meeting with Year Group Reps Guy Harrup Join the PPA committee The Chapel is decorated ready for Friday 14 September - 7pm Christmas, the aroma of pine and Roland Robertson writes: Guy Harrup was a most dearly loved, dedicated and The presidency of the PPA changes hands Gig for Guy: Guitar Tributes to Guy inspiring guitar teacher. Suddenly taken ill in 2016 with a brain tumour, he fought incense hangs heavy in the air and again this September, as Terry Ilott (PPA Harrup in the Julian Slade Theatre back with determination after major surgery, and was rebuilding his teaching all alumni are invited back to join 1968) steps down after four years and hands at Prior when a further illness, unrelated but even more serious, took him from Roland Robertson for the annual Sunday 16 September - 11am over to Simon Morgan (PPA 1974). There Veteran’s lunch us with cruel swiftness in October 2017. His funeral service was packed with Alumni Choir event, singing a Memorial Mass for Sinead Maya colleagues, friends, fellow musicians and current and former students who are currently four vacancies on the PPA The 2017 Veteran’s Lunch, held in selection of seasonal songs with (Class of 2010) shared happy and inspiring stories of his wonderful musicianship, teaching and committee and we are keen to get a better the Academy Hall last October, was personality. He was a decisive figure in Prior Park’s musical life of the past two the senior chapel choir. Saturday 6 October gender and age balance. So if you are under again a great success. More than decades and is sorely missed. On Friday 14 September 2018, the school is hosting a guitar tribute, Mansion Lunch (over 60’s) with guest 40 or female – or both – and you would like 60 Old Boys turned up, the weather Last year a large number of PPAs “Gig for Guy”, at the Julian Slade Theatre. speaker: Dr David Carr to be considered for committee membership, was clement, the food was good turned up and the music was even contact Carole. (If you are not under 40 or and the chatter convivial. Now more sensational than usual, the Sunday 11 November - 10.45am not female but would like to be considered, renamed the Mansion Lunch, voices raising the roof and the Remembrance Service commemorating Jack Keegan contact Carole anyway.) the 2018 edition will be held on entire audience getting goose 100 years since the end of World War 1 Saturday 6 October. Tickets can bumps. Father James Brendan Keegan, formerly He taught at St Brendan’s in Sunday 2 December - 10.30am Brother Keegan and known to three Bristol and at St Edward’s in be booked on the PPA website or Former Prior Parent Alyson Alumni Choir obtained from Carole Laverick at generations of PPAs as Jack, was the long- Liverpool before coming to Lampard remarks: “There were Wednesday 12 December time housemaster of St Pauls, joining Prior in Prior. [email protected]. 36 alumni choristers of all ages 1957 and not leaving until 1977. At College, Calling all recent Christmas Carol Service In 1977, he took a break from and they sounded as though he served briefly as assistant housemaster of teaching and in June 1980 graduates St Peter’s before moving to the senior house. graduated with a BD from Maynooth. In July they’d picked up exactly where It could fairly be said that Jack was of his time: 1982, he was accepted as a candidate for the Leaving College and entering the suddenly they’d left off. I’m not sure there 2019 Prior in those days was an all-boarding, single priesthood and studied at St Mary’s, Oscott. are many veteran school choirs unstructured world of job searches, Alumni library Saturday 5 January sex, sports mad, exclusively Catholic school In 1983, he was ordained deacon of the old that could pull this off! It was applications, interviews and rejection PPA Committee Meeting that relied heavily on corporal punishment. diocese of Menevia and the following year he We are starting an alumni library an absolute privilege to listen In the eyes of many under his charge, Jack was ordained priest. Between 1992 and 2007 letters can be a very stressful time. Putting stocked exclusively with works Sunday 6 January was a firm but never harsh disciplinarian who he served in various parishes in the Diocese of on a brave face is no substitute for getting to them and to again enjoy the Old Boys’ Hockey, Old Girls’ Netball tried always to be fair. He had a good sense Wrexham. In 2007, he retired to an apartment the kind of practical help and moral support of current and past students wonderful acoustic in the chapel.“ of humour, kept surprisingly fit and worried in Mullingar but continued to assist in the and members of staff. Please let Monday 25 – Friday 29 March that the PPA membership can provide. We Let Carole know if you are obsessively about the performance of the Cathedral parish and as chaplain of St Loman’s Carole know if you have published Rosslyn Park 7’s Rugby in London have alumni working in business (finance interested in joining in this year, rugby First XV. In his later years at Prior he hospital until his general health and mobility anything and would be happy to also edited The Gossip Bowl. declined. In 2014, he moved to a nursing home and investment, entrepreneurship and so that musical director Roland May donate a copy to the library. Dr Rob and then to the Midland Regional Hospital, social enterprise), the professions (medicine, Robertson can choose the music USA Reunion – organised by Emile Jack was born Castletown Geoghegan, Ireland, Trott came up with this suggestion, in 1929, the son of Joseph and Teresa. He had where he died in January 2018 at the age of 89. education, law, consultancy), public services, according to the voices available. Hoffman four brothers and four sisters. At the age of Jack will be missed by his surviving siblings, banking and financial services, the armed having recently been sent two books Carole will lead a tour of College Saturday 8 June fifteen, he entered the Christian Brothers, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, the priests forces, science and engineering, media by past pupils, Jack Ashby (PPA after the refreshments. Class of 2014 – 5 Year Reunion qualifying with a teacher’s certificate in and parishioners of the Wrexham Diocese, and communications, hospitality and the 2000) and Graham Hogg (PPA 1952. In 1955, at the age of 26, he made his relatives, friends and many of the boys who creative industries (fashion, theatre, film and 1999). Sunday 9 June perpetual profession as a Christian Brother. came under his care. television, music and art). Old Boys’ Cricket Friday 19 - Saturday 20 July We cannot guarantee that we will find you Class of 1989 – 30 year reunion in the perfect match but we will do our best to Pamela Rose memory of Nick Flanagan line up a PPA who can offer a helping hand Good Companions’ Club Margaret Ruxton writes: She inspired generations of Prior Park pupils or even just words of encouragement. They September Pamela (1947 – 2018) joined to engage with European languages. An have been down the same track before you. The idea of a friendship club for our community is in its infancy. You could help give PPA Old Girls’ Hockey, PPA Golf, PPA Prior Park in 1992 as a part-time inspirational, loyal and effective tutor in it shape. The club is specifically for PPAs who live alone, providing opportunities Committee Meeting with Year group teacher of French and Spanish. English House, her tutees adored her because reps She was a wonderful linguist they always knew that they could spend time to get to know other single alumni. (This does not mean PPA Match.com!) and became Head of Modern in her company and engage in interesting And it will, of course, facilitate friendships across the generations. At College, Languages in 1995, successfully conversation. She was a great source of Joint reunion we already run a Book Club and we have Monday musical recitals in the John running this large and complex academic sensible advice, delivered with care and Wood Chapel. Both events could accommodate alumni attendance under the Other notable dates department until her retirement in 2006. considerable humour. Simon Beck (PPA 1969) is organising auspices of the club. Larger concerts, theatre productions and sporting events 2019: Class of 2009 – 10 Year Reunion, a joint 50th anniversary reunion could likewise be made available. If you are interested, please contact Carole at Class of 1999 – 20 Year Reunion, for the classes of 1969 and 1970 [email protected]. Noel O’Halloran taking place in the summer of 2020. Class of 1979 – 40 Year Reunion Please contact Carole Laverick at 2020: Class of 1969/1970 – 50 Year Reunion Brother Noel Denis O’Halloran died in January at the age of 94. After gaining a [email protected] if you 2021: 40 years since the Christian Brothers BA in 1943, he taught for three years in St Peter’s. He later became headmaster want to be involved. departed in St Anselm’s College, Birkenhead, John Rigby School, Orrell, and St Mary’s Visit www.priorparkalumni.com/events-and-reunions College, Crosby for further details on all upcoming events. 2030: 200 years since school first opened

Gossip Bowl 2018 Editorial Team: Carole Laverick, Suzannah Angelo-Sparling and Terry Ilott 38 www.priorparkalumni.com Photo credits: Carole Laverick, Kerena Bishop and Will J Lee The Gossip Bowl 39 Ralph Allen Drive, Bath BA2 5AH Tel: +44 (0)1225 835353 (ext 244) Email: [email protected] www.priorparkalumni.com

Prior Park Alumni

Prior Park Alumni

* William Shakespeare - A Midsummer Night’s Dream - Act II, Scene I