Old Tauntonian Review AUGUST 2010

Old Tauntonian Office details: Tel: (01823) 703158 Fax: (01823) 703704 Email: [email protected] Website: www..web-intouch.com PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 1966, 1977, 1981, 2000: It was in 1968, almost 42 years ago, that Committee and I will be working with her to see On their own they are my brother and I arrived at Taunton School. how the Association can expand and develop its just years, but between Dr John Rae was the Headmaster at that time initiatives in the continuing support and welfare them exists a special and it was he who was the primary factor in my of the School. The OT network is an important bond, a bond that parents’ choice of TS. At the time, I was link between the past and present and I would stands the test of time. reminded of the words of Thomas Arnold urge you to embrace this community. Years when, just for a (Headmaster Rugby School 1827-1842): At the recent June Reunion Weekend held at moment, a few sporting ‘What we must look for here is, first, religious the School, there was a fantastic gathering of personalities were & moral principles; secondly, gentlemanly thirty or so 1981-83 leavers enjoying their own peerless and for which a conduct; thirdly, intellectual ability’! The Rev’d reunion. This was primarily due to the mere date is not enough: 1966 – England’s Alec Knight (OT) was the School Chaplain and unstinting efforts of Fiona Pollard (née Madge) World Cup; 1977 – Red Rum’s National; 1981 – Dr Philip Penny (OT) the School Doctor. in coordinating and cajoling her contemporaries. Botham’s Ashes; 2000 – Redgrave’s Olympics. These gentlemen, together with John Rae, A great example of what can be achieved as OTs These memories remain as we get older. were instrumental in teaching me how to gathered from as far afield as New Zealand, We are always gently reminded of the casual play water-polo, a sport which I continued to USA, Ghana, Saudi Arabia and Spain. Have a brilliance by a news item, a television highlight enjoy and play competitively well after I had look at the photographs to see how much they or a video. Nobody could surely forget England’s left school. enjoyed themselves! Rugby World Cup win in Australia in 2003. When I left in 1975, A–level examinations The Annual Dinner next year will be held Pictures of Jonny Wilkinson’s dropped goal and were sat at the end of two years’ study in the on 12th March, 2011 at The Lansdowne Club, other images loomed large and often. sixth form. Some time later came AS and A2s a private members club located just off Berkeley All great sporting years and moments of with modules and coursework spread over the Square in the heart of Mayfair. I look forward sporting glory are united in their ability to be whole study period with final exams to welcoming as many of you as possible replayed in the mind, in conversation or on representing only a percentage of the final to London. television. The further back we go, the less likely grade. This new Government has now 2011 is also the year of the next Rugby we are to be able to converse with those that responded to teachers’ and university lecturers’ World Cup, being held in New Zealand. were indeed there. A grainy newsreel may be all complaints that AS exams disrupt pupils’ Hopefully Martin Johnson, as Manager/Coach, that remains! We live with what we can find. attention, supposedly resulting in a failure to can replicate his success as England Captain in Sadly, as I write this message, England’s develop the academic skills required for degree- 2003, and follow in the footsteps of Sir Clive efforts in South Africa have come to nought. level study, and we now have Michael Gove, the Woodward or even Sir Alf before him. Back to the classroom for Fabio Capello and his Education Secretary, pledging to make A-levels If you are travelling to NZ for this spectacle, well-rewarded charges. The vuvuzelas are no “more rigorous”. ‘Fewer modules and more then don’t forget that YOU have a New Zealand longer ringing in his ears! Also, regrettably once exams at the end of two years of sixth form and, Club and I would urge you to contact again, Andy Murray has flattered to deceive at as a result, a revival of the art of deep thought’. Ceri Abbott ([email protected]) Wimbledon. Perhaps he will come good and win A step backwards? – or maybe we should look in order to enhance your experience in that his first major on the hard surface of Flushing at how Bobby Moore captained England, amazing country. Meadows in September. Oh how this country, Alf Ramsey managed our national football team and particularly our new Prime Minister, could and how Sir Steve Redgrave achieved his 5 Kind regards really use a great sporting victory to cheer the Olympic Gold medals without Lottery funding! Jonathan Stocker hearts of the nation particularly in these times I am delighted that Jan Nuttall has committed Foxcombe 1975 of austerity and talk of double-dip recession. to remain actively involved on the OTA [email protected] WELCOME TO THE CLASS OF 2010!

Vicky Aldrich, Ceres Andrieu, Isobe Bentley, Jessica Bere, Vyacheslav Bezgachev, Jonathan Blewitt, Damon Booth, Timm-Robert Buerrig, Abigayle Cargen, Barkin Celiker, Isaac Chan, Gi Gi Chan Co Co Chan, Rowena Cockett, Ali Court, Olly Curson, Cosimo De Medici Di Toscana, Sam Deakin, JJ Debenham, Alexandra Drage, Richard Draper, Nick Evans, Grace Foulds, Farina Fraatz, Millie Franklin, Marcus Freeman, Amy Gardner, Will Gater, Laura Gatford, George Gauntlett, Gena Goldfield, Ben Grieve, Maria Grunewald, Georgie Hakin, Harry Harrison, Laura Harwood, Skyla Hatcher, Alice Hawkins, Edmund Hayden, Alex Hayes, Harriet Henry, Joss Hiett, Dan Hill, Suszee Hill, Leah Jaques, Isabelle Jeffs, Sandra Jin, Alex Jones, Georgia Jones, Janine Juma, Catherine Kang, Sarah Ketema, Scot Kong, Ekaterina Korobova, Tatiana Kurasova, Ryan Langman, Chloe Large, Lydia Lawrence, Anastasia Legged, Allan Li, Jia Lu, Chris Ma, James MacDonald, Liam MacDonald, Lodovico Marzotto Caotorta, Stephanie May, Conor McGough, Abigail McGrane, Ben McHardy, Nick McLauchlan, Victor Mellul, Hannah Mogg, David Morgan, Guy Nicholson, Lena Nieper, Catriona Odgers, Laura Ofenreiter, Holly O'Neill, Guy Orridge, Tatiana Oudatchina, Jodie Palmer, Tommy Pardini, Dilan Patel, Josh Pearce, Edward Pearson, Henry Pearson, Celina Pfeiffer, Chloe Pick, Josie Rixon, Jon Roberts, Tom Robertson, Chasha Scott, Susan Sebatindira, Johanna Sieverding, Phoebe Swinburn, Sam Tank, Sarah Telford, Rebecca Thome, George Towers, Edmund Tso, Antonia Uthoff, Larissa von Wedekind, Alex Wallace, Tony Wang, Gilly West, Alexander White, William Wickman, Jamie Wilman, Vivian Wong, Benjamin Wood and Tracy Zhang UPDATES

We are very happy to recount these think that was true. Now I know in North Wales. He was has been a long one – he joined remarkable success stories. All OTs differently, having been privileged to appointed Officer of the Order of in 1979 following seven years are warmly and cordially invited to meet top people and places on the way the British Empire (OBE) in with ‘Motor Boat and Yachting’ keep David Bridges posted with to my Bristol veterinary degree, with 1987, an Officer of the Order of and four years with West of their news. such fun as well! Walk tall.” St John (OStJ) (Scottish Priory) England Newspapers where he in 1997, a Companion of the gained his National Council for Edmund Shillabeer Major-General Bath (CB) in 1998 and Deputy the Training of Journalists ( 1958) Jonathan Hall CB OBE FCMI DL Lieutenant of Dorset in 2010. qualification. His first job with [email protected] (Wills West 1963) He was Chairman of the ‘Yachting World’ was to write an Edmund has an Commissioners of Queen Victoria analysis of the official Fastnet unusual claim to School, Dunblane from 1995 to disaster report. David said: fame: he is the 1997, a member of the “I now edit the magazine plus its big oldest athlete Edinburgh Military Tattoo Board yacht supplement ‘Supersail World’. ever to début for from 1995 to 1997, Colonel The magazine is distributed Great Britain, Commandant of the Royal Army worldwide, is owned by Time making his first Veterinary Corps from 1995 to Warner’s IPC Media and is one of the international 2001 and Colonel of the Royal best respected yachting magazines.” appearance as a Scots Dragoon Guards from speedwalker at 1998 to 2003. He is a fellow of Ian McNeice the age of 51. the Chartered Management (Wills West 1969) Since then he Institute and Honorary Associate has gone on to member of the British Veterinary success in Association. He was appointed in endurance 2007 a designated member of events across the UK and the BVA Ethics and Welfare Europe. Edmund’s athletic group. He is a member of Her achievements are impressive. Majesty’s Body Guard of the In 2006, at the age of 67, he Honourable Corps of Gentlemen completed the Ironman UK Jonathan Hall, who was at Arms. He was a lay-member triathlon in Sherborne, Dorset, educated at Taunton School and of the Ethical Review Process with a time of 15:35:45. the Royal Military Academy, Committee of Imperial College, Three weeks later he became Sandhurst, was a professional London from 2002 to 2009. the oldest individual UK soldier for thirty-five years, He is a trustee of several Athletics medallist, coming third reaching the rank of major- charitable organisations in the National 50 Kilometre general. His last serving including the Victoria and Familiar to many for his Race Walking Championship. He appointment was General George Cross Association, Royal frequent television, film and raised several thousand pounds Officer Commanding the Armoured Corps War Memorial stage appearances (and fondly for the charity Shelterbox in the Army in Scotland and Governor Benevolent Fund and Army remembered as Charley’s Aunt process. Edmund is a member of of Edinburgh Castle. He saw Museums Ogilby Trust. He is a in the TS Memorial Hall in 1968- the London Vidarians Walking service in many parts of the Governor of Taunton School. 9!), Ian is currently appearing as Club, based in Norbury, and has world including Germany, He is a Freeman of the City of Cardinal Wolsey in ‘Henry VIII’ competed in numerous Cyprus, Canada, Libya, London and a liveryman of the at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre racewalking events in recent Singapore, and Northern Worshipful Company of Farriers. in London. He will be in the years. In 2007 he set a world Ireland. He commanded his He is also Vice President of the play until the 10th of August record for road-walking in the regiment, the Royal Scots Army Benevolent Fund in Dorset when he will fly to Santa Netherlands, and in 2008 he Dragoon Guards, and 12th and a Vice President of the Barbara for his son Travers’ won a gold medal as part of the Armoured Brigade. He is a Society of Dorset Men. He is a wedding who will marry Jenny Great Britain team in the 65–69 graduate of the Army Staff member of the Sherborne Mayock – they met when they year age group at the European College (1977), the Higher Deanery Synod and Parochial were students at UCSB. Masters 20-kilometre walk in Command and Staff Course Church Council and is involved Ljubljana, Slovenia. In 2009 he (1988) and the Royal College of with the Sherborne Abbey Tim Gregson MBE completed the Clerical Medical Defence Studies (1991). Festival. He is the County (Wills West 1972) Parish Walk, an 85-mile race- On leaving the Army in 1997, Chairman of the St John Council, Tim studied walk around the Isle of Man, he was appointed Lieutenant Dorset. Finally, he is a trustee of Art History at with a time of 17:51:08, coming Governor (CEO equivalent), the Cavalry and Guards Club Manchester seventeenth out of 187 finishers Accounting Officer and ex-officio and a member of Pratt’s. University (out of 1,396 who started the Commissioner of the Royal Jonathan Hall has been married after leaving race). Edmund continues to be Hospital, Chelsea. During his for forty-two years to Sarah. TS in 1972. an active and successful eight years in that appointment, They have two married He then competitor into his 70s. he was responsible, inter alia , for daughters and he lives in Dorset. served in the In September 2009 he completed producing a strategic plan for Army for 30 the 19.4 mile Church to Church the re-development of the David Glenn years, taking walk on Guernsey – a race he hospital as well as increasing (Foxcombe 1969) a commission won in 1988, 1989, and 2004 – income by opening the facilities [email protected] in his father’s in 3:14:50 for fifth overall. of the Hospital for commercial regiment, This gave him the best time for gain. He was instrumental in The Light a 70 year old, to add to all the setting up a fund-raising Infantry (now The Rifles). five year bests from 45 up. campaign/appeal to raise £35 He served in Hong Kong and His fastest was 2:40:58 in million for the creation of a new Brunei with the Gurkhas, and 1989. Edmund combines his all-purpose care home and the then in Northern Ireland. athletic activities with a full-time much-needed refurbishment of Promoted to Brigadier, he spent job as a veterinary surgeon. the sheltered accommodation four years in Paris as Military He has run his own veterinary for the Chelsea Pensioners. Attaché at the British Embassy practice in his home town of Since then he has completed an from 2003. Upon remarriage to Plymouth, where he lives with independent review for a Debs in 2007 he retired from the his wife Barbara and three national charity and is a Army, beginning a second career children, since 1970. People management consultant with as chief executive to the used to say school days were the Compton Fundraising Limited. Worshipful Company of best years of your life. Edmund He is currently assisting the Carpenters, one of London’s says: “Until my sojourn at university charity for blind ex servicemen oldest livery companies. He is (‘Though I myself have said it, and it's and women, St Dunstan’s, to David was recently appointed now responsible for 100 staff on greatly to my credit, I am a Bristol raise £4 million for a new editor of ‘Yachting World’ . three sites. In addition to the man, I am a Bristol man...’), I used to rehabilitation and respite centre His career with the magazine Company's rôle in fostering a Old Tauntonian Review

living craft and promoting Euan Hankey philanthropic work, the (Evans 2005) Company administers the [email protected] Building Crafts College in Stratford – which runs courses for students at different stages in their careers whose skills include fine woodwork, joinery, and stonemasonry – and supports a number of schools. There is also at Stratford a foundation degree in historic building conservation. Tim anticipates that the College will be actively involved in stonework and furniture-making for the main Olympics site and the Olympics sailing centre at Weymouth. (adapted from House and Gardens magazine)

Lizzie Penny (Jenkin 2000) was set up to provide young placement in Abu Dhabi. [email protected] singers, in the midst of their He represented Great Britain In 2004, whilst at Warwick operatic training, an opportunity Universities Rugby 7s at the Business School, Lizzie won the to perform complete operatic last World Championships in £2500 Undergraduate Student At the age of 23, Euan is one of roles in a fully-staged Spain in 2008 where the of the Year award at the Britain’s strongest young racers. production with orchestra. team performed extremely National Business Awards. From a super competitive Over 100 students and young well. This year the games are in This annual award recognises kartist Euan has gone on to professionals took part in the Portugal and, after playing in the development and calibre race Formula BMW, Formula 3 production at The Gate Theatre the Manchester 7s for an of students giving them the Euro Series, Formula Renault in Cardiff. Although all rôles are invitation GB student side in opportunity to demonstrate the UK and now Porsche voluntary, the company June, Harry was successfully skills they have acquired during Carrera Cup Championship. works within a professional selected. The Championships the course of their studies. His accolades include BRDC framework. This gives took place in Porto at the end Six years later, and after stints Rising Star Member, Formula opportunities to young people of July. in sales and PR before settling BMW Scholarship Winner, from many disciplines from on a career in brand Formula BMW Rookie repetiteurs, stage managers management, Lizzie and another Champion, BARC Rookie of the and costume designers to business partner have just year and Porsche Carrera Cup other, less likely candidates launched a new company GB Scholarship winner. like academics writing called Futureproof Marketing programme notes, film students (www.futureproof.co.uk) which Rhiannon Llewellyn making a documentary about offers cost effective outsource (Weirfield 2006) the production process, and marketing solutions to small and rhiannon_p_llewellyn@ graphic designers working medium-sized UK businesses. hotmail.co.uk on artwork for the marketing. Lizzie said: “I am really excited at Rhiannon, whom many will The production was extremely the prospect of developing the new remember with acclaim for her well-received by audience company which already has White superlative singing in numerous and critics alike and all Stuff clothing and the University of recent school events, has been performances were sold out, London among its clients.” awarded ‘Student Entrepreneur with people lining up on the Lizzie (pictured below) has of the Year Award’ for setting streets to get tickets! Another, previously worked managing up an Opera Company. similarly successful production brands including Smirnoff, The company is called was The Nightingale and the Rose Pimm’s and Guinness and is now Opera’r Ddraig and mounted its which was a première David Floyd hoping to take her knowledge to first production of Mozart’s of the Chamber Opera by (Wills East 2008) help smaller companies and The Magic Flute with kind the young composer Tom Floyd [email protected] individuals make a success of permission from Stephen Fry to which was, again, a sell out their businesses. use his libretto. TOpera’r Ddraig and will be repeated at the Grimeborn Festival and a concert performance at Gloucester Cathedral in 2011.

Dorothy Sanders (Bevan 2006) [email protected] Dorothy graduated from Durham this year and has been David was Commissioned from asked by the UN Development the Royal Military Academy, Programme to organise two Sandhurst into the Army Air workshops in Kosovo to present Corps on 16 April 2010 and was and publish her dissertation deployed to Afghanistan four results to the international weeks later with the Gurkhas for community and local a four month infantry government out there. attachment. David said: “I’m looking forward to the Army Harry Whittington Pilots Course in September which (Marshall 2007) will include flying fixed wing aircraft Harry, who has been studying at at RAF Cranwell and helicopters Northumbria University for the at RAF Shawbury before completing past three years, going into his the APC in 2012. I hope to fly the final year in September, has Apache Helicopter after gaining recently completed a work my ‘Wings’.” UPDATES

Chris Harris (Fairwater 1960) [email protected] TAUNTON SCHOOL WATERCOLOURS

In May this year, Taunton School commissioned two evocative watercolours from the distinguished artist Hubert Pragnell . The artist studied Fine Art at Goldsmiths College and the Ruskin School of Drawing at Oxford and later taught Art at the Kings School, Canterbury. He is the author of Industrial Britain and a number of other works on architecture. From these paintings, limited edition signed and numbered prints will be produced and offered for sale to OTs and current parents in the early autumn. They will be priced at £79 each or £119 for the pair . The School will receive a royalty of 10% on all sales.

www.chrisharrisproductions.btinternet.co.uk

JOHN RAE SOCIETY Germaine Greer – 15th September Germaine Greer is an Australian-born writer – a celebrated academic, journalist and specialist in modern English literature. Her book ‘The Female Eunuch’ became an international best-seller in the 1970s. The most recent of her many other works is ‘Shakespeare’s Wife’ . OLD WEIRFIELDIAN? 6.30pm Old Library (refreshments available from 6.00pm) WATCH THIS SPACE! The Reverend Ian Paisley – 23rd September Ian Paisley, one of the most significant politicians of our times, is especially well-known as the My memories of Weirfield were happy ones, and although I spent my co-founder of the Democratic Unionist Party, the largest single grouping in the 2007 elections in sixth form at Taunton School, Weirfield played a big part in my life and I made some great Northern Ireland. He stepped down from this role in March 2008, and it was announced in the friends there. There have been a few reunions over the years, but I have always felt sad that Dissolution Honours List that he is to become a peer. Old Weirfieldians did not seem to have a natural home now that there is no physical school. 7.00pm Old Library (refreshments available from 6.30pm) I am delighted to tell you that the Autumn will see the launch of a Weirfield Club , open to any girl or boy who attended Weirfield School (and of course their spouses / partners). The Club will provide a forum for reunions and other social events. There is a small organising Sir Peter Westmacott KCMG LVO – 11th October group working at getting a fun launch event off the ground, but I would love to hear from any On leaving Taunton School, Sir Peter joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Old Weirfieldians who would like to get involved or who have ideas to contribute. Following postings to Tehran, Brussels and Paris he became Head of Chancery in Ankara, The OTA has provided some funding and the School will be delighted to host OW events. Director of Americas and Deputy Private Secretary to the Prince of Wales. Sir Peter, currently I am aware, though, that many OWs do not read The Review so, if you are in touch with British Ambassador to France, is a firm supporter of the School – he generously hosted an friends from Weirfield, please pass on the news and encourage them to join in. OT French Club Cocktail Dinatoire in the British Embassy in Paris in 2009. Jan Nuttall 7.00pm Old Library (refreshments available from 6.30pm) [email protected] Old Tauntonian Review

BIRTHS ALSTON to Lisa (née Bown) Murray ’88 and James Miles – 01.03.10 NOT ENOUGH CLARKE to Sarah (née Kent) Murray ’96 and James Poppy Elizabeth – 20.11.09 GLEAVE to Kate (née Leamon) Bevan ’96 and Benjamin Daisy Olivia Jemima – 30.03.10 HOURS IN THE McFAUL to David Fairwater ’00 and Emma Nathan John – 20.06.10 SMITH to Caroline (née Shipton) Murray ’89 and Andy Lily Isabella Grace – 14.05.10 DAY? THE HEAD ENGAGEMENTS STILL LOVES Lloyd Smith (Fairwater 2000) to Christina Moon (Gloucester 2000) SATURDAY SCHOOL! MARRIAGES While newspapers AULD Danielle (née Collins) Gloucester ’00 to Jonathan married 30.04.10 agonise over league tables and the quality BRODIE Hannah (née Lansdell) Murray ’99 to James married 31. 07.10 of the examination BUCHAN Chris Fairwater ‘99 to Sarah married 10.07.10 system, we perhaps BUCHAN Sarah (née Hall) Murray ‘99 to Chris married 10.07.10 overlook the fact that exams do not provide COMPTON Vicki (née Newbold) Bevan ’93 to Ben married 22.05.10 all the skills our young DUNNE Sarah-Jayne (née Price) Gloucester ’99 to Tony married 17.04.10 people need for the GOLDSMITH Jessica (née Axe) Besley '97 to Matthew married 29.05.10 coming 50 years of JOY Alan Wills East ’62 to Elizabeth married 17.07.10 their lives. There are huge problems to solve MORAN Sarah (née Taylor) Bevan ’02 to David married 01.09.09 in our world and we SKITTRALL Jonathan Evans ’92 to Saskia married 21.08.10 need people with the STEVENS Jacqui (née Baty) Bevan ’03 to Ian married 05.06.10 courage to step out of their comfort zone, think laterally, argue persuasively and design the answers with others that will enable us as a DEATHS civilisation to move forward. ALLAWAY John Simon School House ’51-’56 died 05.03.10 One of the questions I am asked is why we at CHANNING Michael John Somerset ’46-’56 died 06.09 Taunton School do a six day week from 11 years CUNNEBER Gladys Maud (née Adams) Weirfield School ’24-’36 died 04.04.10 of age (Year 7) onwards. Behind the question, usually from a pupil, is a simmering resentment DALE David Robin Fairwater ’48-’55 died 20.12.09 that somehow I am imposing more school and DUKE James Darbey Ridgway Foxcombe ‘72-‘75 died 22.07.10 taking away their fun time. EASLICK Brian David Somerset ’37-’48 died 02.10 In fact we do the same number of days in GRIFFITH John Aneurin Gref Fairwater ’29-’37 died 08.05.10 school each year as any other, but apportion that time differently. For starters, it means we can do HILL DFC Eric Senior Day Boys ‘34-‘40 died 27.07.10 all our teaching before the public examinations – LINES John Stapleton Wills East ’44-’50 died 12.04.10 a no-brainer. MAKINS Roger Henry School House ’42-’50 died 22.12.09 Of course such a long week supports our McMASTER Ian Frederick John Maxwell Wills East ’43-’47 died 14.04.10 boarding ethos, but is also good news for our day pupils. They get the best of both worlds. SNEDDON Karen Jacqueline (née Gardiner) Gloucester ’77-’85 died 12.04.10 A rich and varied week, the academic input to be ready for the exams and the chance to take a whole raft of skills, experiences and challenges into their adult life. One of the areas that benefits most in our OT 200 OTA TRUSTEES school from the long week is the Arts. We do At the AGM held over the June Reunion not make pupils choose to be either a sportsman or an actor. They do both. They can help build a CLUB SECRETARY weekend, Henry Keeling was appointed as a racing car as part of the GreenPower project Trustee of the Association to replace Mike Button After 22 years of dedicated (thanks as ever to the OTs for their support with who will retire in 2011 having served in that that!), but also take part in public speaking service, Dennis Webb is position for 35 years. championships in Massachusetts or Lithuania as retiring as Secretary of the well as in weekly debates. They can enjoy playing 200 Club. We are seeking Mike said: “It is important for the Association to be in all the major and minor concerts while still a volunteer to take on the self-rejuvenating. Presidents are younger these days receiving all the academic guidance they need to secretarial rôle which entails and Trustees and others must follow suit but only excel in exams. keeping the membership when enthusiastic and capable younger men and Why is this important? Because by engaging records and accounts, women are available.” in artistic activity, pupils experience the creative ensuring a draw is taken at and the collaborative, as well as the pressure and exhilaration of being in the public eye. each dinner, sending prize cheques to the winners and These are all skills that are vital for our producing the annual news letter. 90% of the children’s future. membership subscriptions are paid by standing order. You can have all the facilities in the world, Dennis and Julie Webb have always enjoyed attending but unless the staff, the expectation and the school OT functions but it is not necessary always to do so. week do not support them, pupils do not benefit. Six days a week. An interesting thought for If you are interested please contact Dennis for Mr Gove. further information. Tel: 01903 784986 Henry Keeling Michael Button Dr John H. Newton M.A. (Oxon), F.Coll.P., [email protected] (1963-74) (1949-56) Dip.M.S.(Ed.) Headmaster, Taunton School AROUND THE CLUBS

ANNUAL DINNER – MARCH 2010

Jenny McCruden and Bruce Jeffares Fiona Guest and Sarah Ketema David Brighton and Henry Keeling

John and Ann Carrington l to r: Neil Longstreet, John and Lesley Luke Magician Sean Moon and Pippa Cook

Dale Sutcliffe and Susan Mecklenburgh David Bridges and Phil Griffiths

l to r: l to r: John Newton, Pippa Cook, Jan Nuttall and Ross and Jonathan Stocker Regina Moon

Above l to r: Susan George, Mellanie Rouse and Mark Hobbs

l to r: Rod Little, Paul Wood and Ian Angus

Pamela Greenslade Chris and Christine Levan and Sarah Wood Old Tauntonian Review

ANNUAL REUNION – JUNE 2010

David Bridges with Alison and David Yates Catherine Stocker and Gordon Cooper

‘81-‘83 Leavers

‘81-‘83 Leavers Friday evening Barbecue

The OT Burke Debate

SCOTTISH CLUB – A GRAND DAY OUT We all squeezed into a first class cabin at Aviemore and enjoyed the beautiful Highland countryside up to Broomhill and back. Broomhill featured of course in ‘Monarch of the Glen’ as Glenbogle and we had to queue to get our photo on the bench by the sign! (Keen-eyed Old Weirfieldians will have spotted Hermione Gulliford Weirfield School ‘82 who played Hermione Trumpington-Bonnett in the series.) Our carriage brought back memories of travelling to school for some and it was lovely to hear the stories and share a glimpse of those happy memories. Crona said: “It was a really lovely day, the sun shone for us but thankfully for me it wasn’t too hot! A fun outing topped off with a long and pleasant lunch in Aviemore with everyone looking forward to the next meeting.” Above: Crona & James Hodges, John & Muriel Berkeley, Peter Phillips with his daughter Margaret Robertson and Alan & Wendy Cherrett OBITUARY

Economics, first as an He overcame his pacifism standing rather than a Professor John Griffith undergraduate, 1937-40, and and served in India during social figure. Griffith, the (Fairwater 1937) then member of staff, 1948-84. the war. insurgent candidate, won 1918-2010 In the official history of the easily, staff and students LSE a former director, Lord He was a prolific scholar and were delighted, and the Dahrendorf, called him “the many of his books figured university managers were conscience of the School.” prominently in student reading humiliated at the implied lists. As well as tormenting vote of no confidence. Griffith was a scourge of the judges, he was a thorn in judiciary, even when he agreed the side of university managers. His academic life was with the rulings. Throughout his He was a founder and very spent entirely at the LSE, career he sought to confound active member of the Council except for two years when those who claimed that the of Academic Freedom and he was a law lecturer at judiciary was neutral. He was Democracy, which took up Aberystwyth after the war. scathing about what he regarded cases of alleged abuses of He was promoted to a chair in as the judges’ right-wing academic staff by university English Law in 1959 and then predilections, as revealed in their authorities. In 1986 he attracted in Public Law in 1970. verdicts and remarks national attention when he A colleague called him about cases involving free stood against the Marchioness of “the Merlin from Marlow”. speech, civil liberties, trade Anglesey, the official university In his late eighties, short, John Griffith, who died in unions, racial discrimination nominee, to be Chancellor balding and with a goatee March 2010 aged 91, was and conspiracy. of the University of Manchester, beard, he was still a born in 1918 and brought up in in succession to the Duke commanding presence at Cardiff where his father headed It was because of his belief in of Devonshire. seminars; his fine mind and the largest English-speaking their bias that Griffith wanted to remarkable memory were chapel. The family moved to limit the influence of judges on There had never been a guaranteed to stimulate. London in the mid-1920s and public policy, opposed a Bill of contest before, let alone any John was sent as a boarder to Rights and would not rely on questioning of the nomination In his various activities and Taunton School. judicial activism to safeguard of the university authorities. causes Griffith was supported liberties. He preferred to trust However, many of the academic by his wife. They married He was an outstanding and the democratic process, with a staff had grown concerned in 1941, a year after both controversial public lawyer. strong House of Commons to hold at what was happening in graduated from LSE. He had a 47-year association ministers to account, and more higher education and wanted She survives him along with with the London School of open government. somebody with some intellectual two sons and a daughter.

JUNE WEDDING

Jacqui Stevens (née Baty) Bevan ‘03 was married to Ian on 5th June, 2010. Back (l-r): Simon Carroll Fairwater ‘03, Michael Williams Marshall ‘03, Andrew Barclay Wills West ‘03. Front (l-r): Helen Sloley Besley ‘03, Tessa Banham Jenkin ‘03, Ian Stevens, Jacqui Stevens Bevan ‘03, Derek Baty (proud father) and Hannah Dees Bevan ‘03. Old Tauntonian Review

WINGED WORDS – OT WORDSMITHS PAST & PRESENT MAN OF LETTERS: WORDS IN THE AIR: Edward Bryant Bryon Butler (Wills West 1958) (Somerset 1952)

“You’re not the Edward Bryant, are In the year of the Soccer World Cup, you?” asked the star-struck fan who we celebrate the memory of had just been introduced at a party one of our finest sports broadcasters, for the Paris branch of the Oxford Bryon Butler who achieved national University Society. “The one who recognition as the BBC Radio football writes for The Daily Telegraph? ” correspondent from 1968 to 1990, and thereafter was well known to He was indeed, but who exactly readers of The Daily Telegraph for was this famous scribbler? his Talking Football columns. Our man in Paris? A political Unlike some other football polemicist? A business expert? correspondents, Butler never took The answer, of course, is all of the any delight in slagging off players, above and more, for Mr Bryant, Old but rather enjoyed giving credit Tauntonian and ex-pat, retired senior wherever it was due. With his great talent with words, he excelled manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers, in description and in putting across the flavour of a game. is one of the most prolific contributors to our letters page, often He brought grace and style to his work, often adding poetic writing two or three times a day. Edward is moved to write so often touches. In one of his best known commentaries, during the because he’s “awfully disappointed that Britain doesn’t play more England v Argentina World Cup tie in Mexico in 1986, he spoke of of a role in the world”. When he is asked how many times he has “the ball creeping over the line like an apology”. Even after Diego been published, there is the sound of his picking up a heavy drawer. Maradona propelled the ball into the net with his hand – the “Many,” he declares. His ‘many’ include this particular gem: infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal – Butler never expressed the slightest indignation or anger. On the radio he read out his reports as Sir – Could the reason for the British people’s poor spelling be beautifully as he had written them. Bryon died in 2001. due to the constant reference to the three ironic Rs for the basic skills of reading, writing, and arithmetic?

adapted from a Daily Telegraph article by Iain Hollingshead KEEPING THE SCORE: OF DIDCOT AND THE DEMON Alan Gibson (School House 1942) ANTHONY Gibson has won the 2010 Cricket Society and MCC Book of the Year award for his edited selection of cricket writing by his father, Alan Gibson. Alan was a West Country broadcaster and journalist who reported cricket for from 1967 to 1986 with wit, observation and erudition. Not only OTs who enjoy their cricket, but all who enjoy good, entertaining writing, will relish this publication. The book’s title is a reference to the railway junction where Gibson would invariably miss his connections, and to The Demon of , the nickname which he famously gave Anthony Gibson (left) receives his award from the President of the MCC, John to Somerset bowler, Colin Dredge. Barclay, at Lord’s Cricket Ground. The book has been enthusiastically received. It is described by former England cricket captain, Mike Atherton, as “a vivid snapshot of a lost world delivered by a writer who developed a memorable and distinctive voice”. John Arlott called him “quite the most amusing sports writer of his time”, but the public success concealed much private grief, and in his biographical commentary, Anthony recounts dispassionately his father’s marital problems, the ending of his career as a test match commentator for the BBC and his eventual descent into alcoholism. Of Didcot and the Demon – the Cricketing Times of Alan Gibson is available on amazon.co.uk, Waterstones or direct from Fairfield Books on 01225 335813 . OLD TAUNTONIAN ASSOCIATION

PRESIDENT Jonathan Stocker [email protected] WESTERN AUSTRALIA CLUB Chairman: Greg Gregory [email protected] President-Elect CANADIAN CLUB Chairman: Chris Loat [email protected] Vice Presidents Michael Button [email protected] USA (WEST) CLUB Chairman: Dr Alan Morgan [email protected] Michael Willacy CBE [email protected] HONG KONG CLUB Chairman: Sabrina Leung [email protected] David Jenkins [email protected] FRENCH CLUB Chairman: Edward Bryant [email protected] The Headmaster [email protected] Social Secs: Matt Forrester [email protected] (ex officio) Mark Bootherstone [email protected] Trustees Michael Button [email protected] David Jenkins [email protected] SPANISH CLUB Chairman: John Edwards [email protected] Henry Keeling [email protected] NEW ZEALAND CLUB Chair: Ceri Abbott chocolate [email protected] John Pangbourne [email protected] DUBAI CLUB Chairman: Anthony Forester-Bennett [email protected] Hon Assoc Secretary Colin Humphrey [email protected] PRESIDENTS’ CLUB Hon Assoc Treasurer Simon Smart [email protected] OLD TAUNTONIAN TRUST (Reg Charity No. 1060388) Registrar David Bridges [email protected] Charitable purposes connected with Taunton School Publications Secretary John Carrington [email protected] Trustees: John Pangbourne (Principal Trustee and Treasurer) Michael Button, David Jenkins, Henry Keeling Younger OT Representatives Iain Large [email protected] Kate Taylor [email protected] SPORTS CLUB Chairman: Will Osmond [email protected] Hon Sec.: Peter Dunn [email protected] LONDON CLUB Chair: Mary Woodgate [email protected] GOLFING SOCIETY President: Wes Wyatt [email protected] Hon Sec.: Julian Pike [email protected] Hon Sec.: Richard Jowett [email protected] WELSH CLUB Chairman: Oliver Griffiths [email protected] 200 CLUB Chairman: David Brighton [email protected] Hon Sec.: Philip Griffiths [email protected] Hon Sec.: Dennis Webb [email protected] WEST WALES CLUB Chairman: Philip Griffiths [email protected] OT FREEMASONARY Hon Sec.: Michael Colley [email protected] Old Tauntonian Lodge No. 5735 WM: Nigel Wood [email protected] Secretary: John Ingram-Johnson [email protected] WESTERN CLUB Chairman: Chris Levan [email protected] Taunton School Lodge No. 8215 WM: Julian Frost [email protected] Hon Sec.: David Bridges [email protected] Secretary: Chris Harding [email protected] SOUTHERN CLUB Lunch Secretary: Chris Davis [email protected] Old Tauntonian Chapter No. 5735 MEZ: Michael Webb [email protected] SCOTTISH CLUB Chairman: Crona Hodges [email protected] Scribe E: Graham Bowerman Hon Sec.: [email protected] MIDLANDS CLUB Chairman: Keith Ingram [email protected] Hon Sec.: Chris Ainley [email protected] FORTHCOMING EVENTS CORNISH CLUB Chairman: Bruce Jeffares [email protected] SEPTEMBER NORTHERN CLUB Chairman: Stephen Gullick [email protected] Friday 10 Western Club Lunch 1.00pm Taunton School Sunday 12 Cornish Club Lunch 12.00pm Crantock Bay Hotel EASTERN AUSTRALIA CLUB Chairman: Mark Slee [email protected] Fri 17 - Sun 19 French Club Weekend Lyon OCTOBER Saturday 16 OTA Committee meeting 2.30pm Taunton School GRADUATION NEWS Saturday 16 Western Club Dinner 6.30pm Taunton School Wednesday 20 Southern Club Lunch 12.30pm Cloud Hotel, Brockenhurst Congratulations to the following on their recent Graduation success: Saturday 23 USA Reception Los Angeles NOVEMBER Emma Kennedy (Jenkin ’04) MA Pharmacy Bath Friday 12 Western Club Lunch 1.00pm Taunton School Saturday 20 Welsh Club Dinner 7.30pm Cardiff Golf Club Will Hopkins (Evans ’05) MEng Aeronautical Engineering Southampton DECEMBER Monday 6 Western Club Christmas Lunch 12.30pm Taunton School Nathan Morgan (Wills West ’05) LLB Law UWE, Bristol Tuesday 7 London Club Dinner 7.30pm RAF Club, 128 Piccadilly Richard Parsons (Wills West ’05) BA Ancient History & Archaeology Birmingham Saturday 11 OT Sports Club Dinner 6.00pm Taunton School William Warnock (Marshall ’05) BSc Hons Criminology & Forensic Science Keele 2011 William Warnock (Marshall ’05) Graduate Diploma in Law Bournemouth JANUARY Bryan Wong (Wills West ’05) BSc Chemical Engineering Manchester Friday 7 Western Club Lunch 1.00pm Taunton School FEBRUARY Josh Bess (Marshall ’06) BSc Hons Physiotherapy Cardiff Friday 4 Western Club Lunch 1.00pm Taunton School Emily Duggan (Besley ’06) BA French Oxford – Queen’s MARCH Alice Fitton (Bevan ’06) BA Anthropology Durham – St Mary’s Friday 4 Western Club Lunch 1.00pm Taunton School Saturday 12 OTA Annual Dinner Lansdowne Club, London James Longstreet (Marshall ’06) BA History Cardiff MAY Tom Millington (Marshall ’06) BA English & Sports Exercise Sciences Loughborough Saturday 21 Midland Club Dinner 7.30pm Alveston Manor, Stratford Oleksandr Nikolayev BSc International Business JUNE (Fairwater ’06) Management Aston Friday 10 Western Club Lunch 1.00pm Taunton School William Pickard (Fairwater ’06) BA Hons History and Politics Birmingham Friday 17 Reunion Weekend BBQ 7.00pm Taunton School Ryan Robert (Fairwater ’06) BSc Animal Management Portsmouth Saturday 18 Reunion Weekend Dinner 6.30pm Taunton School Dorothy Sanders (Bevan ’06) BSc Geography Durham – St Chad’s & School House Joel Thomas (Evans ’06) BA Sports Coaching Science Birmingham Centenary Reunion 6.30pm Taunton School Emma Westman (Bevan ’06) MA Hons History Edinburgh Sunday 19 Reunion Weekend Lunch 12.30pm Taunton School SEPTEMBER Amy Bray (Jenkin ’07) BA Natural Sciences Cambridge – St. John’s Friday 9 Western Club Lunch 1.00pm Taunton School Clare Davies (Jenkin ’07) BSc Marine Geography Cardiff OCTOBER Iain Large (Goodland ’07) BA History Oxford – Balliol Saturday 15 Western Club Dinner 6.30pm Taunton School Sophie Large (Besley ’07) BSc Geography Manchester NOVEMBER Rhiannon Piper (Jenkin ’07) BA Hons Three Dimensional Design Plymouth Friday 11 Western Club Lunch 1.00pm Taunton School Justine Singleton (Besley ’07) BA Hons Marketing UWIC DECEMBER Monday 5 Western Club Christmas Lunch 12.30pm Taunton School Vincent Tso (Fairwater ’07) BSc Virology & Immunology Bristol Old Tauntonian Review

OT FRENCH CLUB REUNION WEEKEND LYON 17-19 SEPTEMBER 2010

Saturday 18: am. Tour of Old Lyon (a World Heritage Site), followed by lunch in a typical bistro. pm. Free for browsing, shopping etc. 8.00pm: Apéritif, followed by Dinner at Chabert (a well known Lyon ‘bouchon’) Cost: about 45 €, for the four course dinner, wine and coffee. Sunday 19: am. Visit to le marché de la création along the banks of the Saône, followed by Enjoy the gastronomic delights of France’s second city and discover something of its two lunch at Sud, one of the restaurants run by chef Paul Bocuse. thousand years of history during this weekend, hosted by Simone Boulanane-Snow (Besley 1985 ) and Trevor Snow (former Head of Modern Languages). We recommend the 3 star Hôtel Carlton, rue Jussieu, right in the heart of Lyon, within walking distance of Chabert, Bar Américain, shops etc. If you wish to use a different hotel, Outline programme: look for those in the Centre-ville (Bellecour-Terreaux) or Perrache. Please ask David Bridges to put you in touch with either Simone or Trevor, if you want Friday 17: advice about accommodation, travel etc. 7.30pm Apéritif at the Bar Américain, followed by dinner in local restaurants of your choice (advice given by hosts). Venez nombreux!

DAVID BRIDGES (OT REGISTRAR) IS ON THE MOVE... Don’t worry – I’m not leaving; the OT Office has relocated from the Clark Centre to the former Gent’s Toilet in the Main School Corridor! Please make a note of our new contact numbers: OT Office: 01823 703158 Fax: 01823 703704 Foundation: 01823 703159 OLD TAUNTONIAN ASSOCIATION

A GREAT DEAL ON OFFER... ON THE ‘UP AND UP’... Leslie-Ann Davis née Rice (Babbingly ’76) has told us of her 2010 OT skiing trip to Courchevel 1650. The Davis family try to go en masse every winter and their first trip numbered 22; on the 2010 trip 18 skiers participated. The ages in the groups have been between 4 years and 76 years and the abilities have been between total beginner to expert like Andy Davis (Foxcombe ’76) .

Leslie-Ann says: “The picture was taken on the balcony of the restaurant at the top of Saulire (3,200m) where Sophie’s burger and chips cost 38 Euros! Can I claim 3,200 metres as the Highest OT Reunion in 2010?”

David Higginson (Goodland 1999) and Peter Whalley (Marshall 1998) have recently forged a partnership and launched a Taunton based estate agency: ‘Higginson, Weymouth and Whalley’ a sister company to the already established and successful financial services business 1st Financial Group, which is run by Above l to r: Sophie Davis (Weirfield ’08), Andrew Davis (Foxcombe ’76), Leslie-Ann Davis David, his brother and fellow Old Tauntonian, Phillip Higginson , (Evans 1987) , (Weirfield and Babbingly ’76), Karsten Marshall (Foxcombe ’77), Neville Davis (Foxcombe ’74) and Mark Weymouth. The five partners are David, Peter, Phil, Mark and, last but by no means least, Phil and David’s father Colin Higginson. Growing up together at Taunton School, David and Peter have been good OT SPEARHEADS friends for over 15 years. David, an Independent Financial Advisor, has spent the last 6 years in the financial services industry, and is now a director of 1st Financial Group. David was also founding partners in a local estate agency prior to its sale CANCER BREAKTHROUGH in August 2009. Peter has spent his career in the service industry, a Headhunter for David Longman (Quantocks 1966) writes that the announcement from the Department of several years primarily based in London, but moving back to his beloved Health recommending future investment in PDT research – and the roll-out of approved West Country in 2008. treatments using PDT – is his greatest personal achievement. As we have reported in earlier Reviews , David’s one-man campaign has been to establish this relatively new After careful consideration and lengthy discussion over several rounds of golf, cancer treatment as the ‘fourth way’ of killing cancers. Over the years, he has enlisted they felt that 2010 was the perfect time to launch. Although not trying to reinvent the the help of major celebrities, including HRH The Prince of Wales, Sir Alex Ferguson, wheel when it comes to selling houses, they strongly believe that being open, honest Chris Tarrant and Sir David Frost. “It has been a battle to gain the recognition for a and working harder to satisfy the needs of their customers will go a long way to therapy that destroys cancer cells in a single hospital visit. There are many self-interest ensuring their success. groups in the health world that have tried to hold back this therapy over the years. To now have this breakthrough is an achievement that I find hard to comprehend. After lengthy discussions and brainstorming sessions trying to come up with a short, Without my public school education (at Taunton School), I don’t think I would have been catchy and memorable name, Higginson, Weymouth and Whalley was born!! able to deliver this result.” David’s campaign started when his eldest daughter received We’re offering an introductory fee offer of 0.75% throughout 2010 and No VAT – an experimental PDT procedure that saved her from having her left arm amputated. however, would be delighted offer Old Tauntonians a discounted rate of 0.65% “We now have to raise even more money for the PDT trials. Robert Plant and The Who during this period! are doing a concert for us at Christmas, and we have been adopted by World Snooker as Pete Whalley and David Higginson its charity partner,” he adds. www.killingcancer.co.uk OT HOCKEY NEWS Oliver Deasy (Goodland ’06) captained the Exeter University side to a 3-2 victory over favourites Loughborough University in the BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sports) championship final over Easter and Tom Millington (Marshall ’06) was in goal for Loughborough. Highlights of the march were broadcast on Sky television.

Both players also played in the national English Hockey League Premier division this year for their respective university teams. John Osmond (Evans ’06) plays for Durham University 1st XI in Above l to r: Rock music impresario Bill Curbishley, Sir David Frost and David Longman meet the national EHL Conference North division. HRH The Prince of Wales.