AMPLEFORTH DIARY SPRING 2019

Ampleforth Diary WELCOME

Welcome to the latest edition a number of the brethren: who are part of this family, of the Ampleforth Diary, once Fr Aidan, Fr Dominic and and all those who have again offering a snapshot of so Fr Antony – who between worked so hard in the many of the things happening them spent over 170 years Development Team to make in and around Ampleforth, in the service of the Lord as this initiative possible. In availing Contents in our works and among our . In gathering in the of such new technologies, may friends and Abbey Church the spirit of friendship continue supporters. (or joining via to bind us together in seeking 1 Welcome live streaming) the Lord through our own 2 Once again to pray to compass for life. Ampleforth Society Report the media the Lord 4 Meet the Development Team spotlight for Aidan, In his Rule, St Benedict says 6 Message from Fr Hugh Lewis-Vivas in recent Dominic and that the “life of a months has Antony, we ought to be a continuous 7 Ampleforth Global Launch focussed on witnessed one Lent”. In faith we know and 8 Ampleforth Society Events 2019/20 the Catholic of the things believe that Lent ends with Church and that makes the celebration of the joy of 10 Ampleforth Society & The Catholic Union sexual abuse, Ampleforth Easter Resurrection, and so 11 Announcements and it would so special: on behalf of the Monastic be remiss people from Community I wish you all a 12 New Years Honours of me not all corners happy, holy Easter: may the 14 Fr Aidan Gilman Homily to take this of the globe Light of the Risen Christ 16 opportunity to reiterate in coming together as one family. dispel any darkness and fill you Fr Dominic Milroy Homily the name of the Monastic In its own way, each occasion with His joy. 20 Old Amplefordian Rugby Club Community our profound was a celebration not just of 22 sorrow at the lasting damage the service of the individual May I beg your prayers for Our Mission, from the Dean of inflicted by the actions of monks but of the wider family vocations to our Monastic 24 Landrover Restoration Club individuals and by our failures that they had helped to nurture Community, that the voice 26 The Gut Girls as a community, to say how over many years. For those of the Lord calling young sorry we are and to dare to ask grace-filled opportunities, we people to a life of prayer and 30 The Gift of a Bursary for forgiveness. We understand give thanks to God. service may be heard; and 31 Come and Stay too, that it is actions that be assured that you will be count and we continue to That ‘family connection’ is at remembered in our prayers 32 Ampleforth Venues work with and learn from the heart of the work of the here at Ampleforth. 34 News from the Orchard survivors of abuse and commit Ampleforth Society, a global to promoting the highest community of 16,000 people, 38 St Benet’s Hall 100 standards of safeguarding of with its launch of ‘Ampleforth children and adults at risk. Global’, the new, dynamic networking platform uniting Since the last edition of the people across the globe. May I Ampleforth Diary, we have take this opportunity to thank all Fr Gabriel Everitt OSB celebrated the funerals of of you, friends and supporters, Prior Administrator

The Marketing & Communications Office “WE WITNESSED ONE OF THE THINGS THAT MAKES & College, YO62 4EY AMPLEFORTH SO SPECIAL: PEOPLE FROM ALL CORNERS OF THE GLOBE COMING TOGETHER AS ONE FAMILY” Tel: 01439 766777 Email: [email protected] Design: www.mercerdesign.co.uk AMPLEFORTH DIARY | SPRING 2019 | 1 Ampleforth Society Note from Report of the Trustees the Editor

What is the collective noun Here is a story of a family parents will recognise this also welcomes many hundreds Dear Friends, for us, this band of monks, going through a difficult phenomenon in our own of other visitors, and you can parents, alumni, staff and time, suffering persecution, children. It happens in the read how the Lettings Team Receiving two editions of the Diary in quick friends from all walks of life returning home, worrying Ampleforth Family as well. In organises and welcomes succession may have left some of you wondering why. and all parts of the world about a missing child, of a his article, Fr Hugh, Chaplain these groups. More recently we moved to publishing two editions who all have in common child growing up, changing to the Society, encourages of the Diary each year; one in early spring and the a strong connection to into adulthood. It is the story us to return to Ampleforth Finally, I would like to thank second in late autumn. However, last year brought a Ampleforth? of people from all walks of where we will be made Richard Collyer-Hamlin, Vice number of challenges which focussed our attention life including shepherds, welcome while asking us to Chairman of the Catholic and resulted in our late autumn edition being delayed Well, for many years it’s kings, wise men and temple recognise and accept the Union of Great Britain, for until January. In order to get us back on track in been a form of shorthand elders supporting a couple necessary changes to access writing about the CU and the producing two editions of the Diary each year, and to bundle us all together and their child. and procedures for visitors. Ampleforth Society’s new as we had lots of news to share with you, we decided and just call us the affiliation with the CU. to publish our spring edition as usual. The next Ampleforth family. Ultimately, the story of the Elsewhere, you will find a edition will be with you in late autumn, but please Holy Family is the story of profile of the Development As you read this edition of do not wait until then to discover what is happening On reflection, however, the love, sacrifice, encouragement, Team. The team works tirelessly the Ampleforth Diary, take a at Ampleforth; you can access news and updates via phrase ‘The Ampleforth support and growth. It is the to strengthen and deepen the few moments to reflect on the the Ampleforth Society website and by signing up to Family’ could not be more story of our own families, and Society through events and concept of the Ampleforth join Ampleforth Global, our new digital platform for appropriate. The concept of the Ampleforth Family. communications. The team Family and what it means to Ampleforth Society members to interact, share news of family is essential to the wants to ensure that students you. If you can, come back to and find out more about what is happening at the Catholic faith. The story of I’ve heard people from other learn about the Society from the the Valley to say hello. You are Abbey and College. Jesus’ early life is the story of schools express surprise (and outset and that College leavers always welcome. a family that includes his birth, some envy) at the strength of are adequately welcomed into Best Wishes presentation at the temple and the Ampleforth Family. It’s the Society during their last year the flight into Egypt to escape not surprising though, given at Ampleforth. Sue Fisher persecution. that Society members are often Director of Development so willing to extend these We’ve also included an update Editor of the Ampleforth Diary After the family’s return Christian values to others with on Ampleforth Global, to Nazareth comes Jesus’ generosity and kindness. our exclusive social media Jeremy Deedes (W73) disappearance at the Passover platform. There is no doubt Managing Trustee in Jerusalem, the concern of Many articles in this edition Ampleforth Global will make Ampleforth Society his parents and their wonder of the Ampleforth Diary focus it much easier for the Family at how their child has grown on the importance of the to share news, organise get- and changed when they find Ampleforth Family, and of togethers, provide support him in the Temple. Finally, coming home from time to each other and to give at the Marriage Feast at Cana, to time. or receive help and advice. Mary gives her blessing to Please join up and share your Jesus and his ministry with It’s probably no surprise thoughts and stories with your the words ‘Do whatever he (especially to parents) that fellow Society members. tells you,’ words that usher we hear nothing of Jesus in Jesus’ first miracle and returning home after his Apart from the many the evolution of Mary’s mother lets him go at Cana. members of the Society who own role as a mother. Many of us who are now visit each year, Ampleforth

2 | SPRING 2019 | AMPLEFORTH DIARY AMPLEFORTH DIARY | SPRING 2019 | 3 York Explore and Enterprise. when it became clear I was more are in museums, galleries and MEET THE Now I find myself in the Valley, successful in raising funds for the arts, so it’s of no surprise developing and producing research than actually carrying that I’ve so enjoyed leading the a bespoke programme of out the research, I decided to auctions of Fr Martin’s paintings DEVELOPMENT cultivation and stewardship focus on income generation. and have taken great delight in events for supporters of My three years at Ampleforth re-homing each piece, where Ampleforth Abbey and College have been interesting, stimulating I trust they will forever be TEAM Bron Bury through the Ampleforth Society. and challenging, and importantly admired and treasured. Bron Bury these events was the spirit enjoyable. I feel very privileged Prior to joining Ampleforth, I of kindness and generosity, I am passionate about helping to be able to work with and learn A family cousin – a priest and was extremely fortunate to work which I can already see is instilled Old Amplefordians, current from the monastic community; regular guest of Ampleforth for Summer Boarding Courses in pupils during their time at and former parents and the no amount of professional – often speaks of the Valley on their fantastic programmes the College. wider society remain connected experience or qualifications as if it were a home-from- at Clare College in Cambridge, to the Valley. It is my hope that prepare you for working within home. In the time I have and more recently at St Hugh’s At this point I feel it is crucial to Ampleforth Global will be the the context of a 1,500 year old been here and having met so College in Oxford, where I stress my immense respect for place to grow and strengthen monastic tradition. Fortunately I many of you, I’ve realised the operated as the Excursions and the comradery between current our global connections by like a challenge and am enjoying relevance of that sentiment Events Manager. I completed and former pupils, as well as enabling us to stay connected to working with the Community, and what it means to be part these roles alongside my their families who are deeply Dionne Saville all the fantastic talent we have in trustees, my colleagues and of the Ampleforth family. studies at the University of invested in the continued success the Society. Through inspiring my team in responding to the My involvement in Society Nottingham where I graduated of Ampleforth Abbey and events, careers, mentoring current situation. events has increased in recent with a 1st in American Studies College. Despite not being an and networking, I am truly months, so if our paths haven’t and History in July 2018. Old Amplefordian myself, such excited to be developing and Specifically we are developing yet crossed, I look forward to admiration for the pride amongst strengthening Ampleforth an organisation-wide strategy, welcoming you to one of our Since assuming my position as Ampleforth Society members Society connections globally. masterplan and identifying new celebrations in the future. Ampleforth Society Coordinator will ensure that my fresh outlook methods of engaging with our at the end of November 2018, I remains strictly in-keeping I am also a Postgraduate alumni, friends and importantly have been working closely with with the Catholic values which Researcher in media. I’m developing new initiatives to Jane Pillow colleagues to begin crafting an continue to underpin the Society. currently working on a case enable more people to visit and I have lived locally for many array of Ampleforth Society Sue Fisher study on the use of innovative experience Ampleforth. years and would often drive events for 2019, as well as storytelling and cultural heritage through the Valley and imagine helping to prepare Ampleforth Dionne Saville from South East Asia. I was what a wonderful place Global ahead of its launch this My son is in his penultimate born in Hong Kong, grew up in Ellie Wadsworth Ampleforth Abbey would be spring. During this period, I have year in St John’s House and has , but have lived both Before Ampleforth, I was to work – I felt that I was in also devoted a significant amount loved his time at Ampleforth. in and the USA but lucky enough to be involved some way drawn to being here. of time and energy to immersing It is a very special place that I love being here in the Valley. with several prestigious Previously, I worked for local myself in the day-to-day life of have been part of for a long It is a very special thing to be projects, a highlight being the government and prior to that, in the College. Not only has this time, from the early days of connected to a place as unique refurbishment of the Tower of banking. I’ve been at Ampleforth enabled me to introduce myself Ian Little’s Hummingbird’s as Ampleforth for daily life. London galleries, during which I for nearly seven years now and to both staff and students, Choir to the Chorus. developed a true fascination for my role within the Development but also to widen their general My son was a chorister at Ellie Wadsworth Tudor history, Henry VIII and Team is to maintain our database awareness and understanding of York Minster, so coming to Sue Fisher the resilience of the Catholic to ensure we remain connected the Ampleforth Society. Whilst Ampleforth was very much a I have been at Ampleforth faith. It seems serendipitous with all Ampleforth Society this did lead to being invited to natural progression. We have as Director of Development to now be here immersed in a members and alumni. numerous Christmas dinners, been happy to encourage other for almost three years, after modern era of Benedictine life! mirroring the challenges faced by friends to consider the value of spending ten years as Director In my spare time I enjoy the Geraldine Granger in a famous an Ampleforth education. of Development for the Science I joined in 2016 as Development countryside and exploring episode of the BBC’s Vicar of Museum Group, based at the Manager and have worked on God’s own county on long Dibley, my attendance at such I have a creative background, Science Museum on Exhibition a number of campaigns; most walks with my chocolate formal Christmas events with which includes work in the Road. I have spent most of notably the refurbishment of Labrador. I also enjoy travelling the Houses was truly inspiring. Music Industry, York Museum’s my career working in charities, the Monastery and the College’s and numerous crafting activities. Indeed, at the centre of each of Trust, the Diocese of York and Jane Pillow first as a junior researcher and bursary appeal. My interests

4 | SPRING 2019 | AMPLEFORTH DIARY AMPLEFORTH DIARY | SPRING 2019 | 5 AMPLEFORTH GLOBAL LAUNCH Following the introduction of Ampleforth Global in our winter 2018 edition of the Diary, we are pleased to update you on its ongoing progress and growth. Since mid-January, the Development Team has been working with colleagues and representatives of the Ampleforth Society on a one-to-one basis to gain thoughts and feedback on this new interactive platform. With such a wide range of functions available on Ampleforth “We can already see the significant potential of Global – from mentoring and networking, to event this exclusive social media platform for helping registration – we are focused on ensuring it has been the Ampleforth Family to share news, reunite Since entering the monastery in September 1977, successive Abbots thoroughly tested ahead of being made available to the friends, organise and promote get-togethers and have afforded me a variety of opportunities: teaching modern entire Ampleforth Society. provide support to each other. The Trustees of the languages; seven years of Housemastering; a year on a parish; three Ampleforth Society see it as a key to their objective years as Domestic Bursar at St Benet’s Hall; and Chaplain to St Following feedback Ampleforth Global is now of strengthening the Ampleforth Family and Hugh’s House since 2004. My involvement with the Ampleforth available to all members of the Ampleforth Society. encourage all members of the Society to register, Society began in September 2009 when I was asked to become the Whilst the Ampleforth Society website will still be contribute and participate”. Honorary Secretary, a post I held until October 2016 when I was online, we strongly encourage members to sign Jeremy Deedes (W73) and Managing appointed Chaplain. up to view our most up-to-date news feeds, event Trustee of the Ampleforth Society MESSAGE notifications and to connect with each other through Many changes in recent years by able and committed Old the Ampleforth Global directory. “The calibre of people who come out of Ampleforth FROM Amplefordians have reinvigorated the Society. The new as alumni are second to none. To be able to develop Constitution better reflects the professionalism required in the We have received great feedback from the participants of oneself using contacts within the Society is invaluable FR HUGH current climate and leaves monks free to concentrate on the the soft launch, some of which you can read opposite. – Ampleforth Global allows us to do this.” LEWIS-VIVAS pastoral side of the Society’s work with Old Amplefordians: Philippa Jalland (M13) presiding at before events in various parts of the country, as For more details on how to sign-up to Ampleforth OSB well as offering prayers and Mass on a regular basis for those who Global, please see the postcard enclosed. “We are always particularly delighted to welcome Ampleforth Society Chaplain contact us, as well as for deceased members of the Society. Don’t delay, sign-up today! OAs who wish to share their career stories and offer insights and wise words of advice stemming from Over the years close friendships resembling that of an extended their own experiences of the workplace. Ampleforth family have developed between Old Amplefordians and the Global is an effective platform upon which OAs monastic community. Recent changes in legislation however have can offer their time in this way and help students to meant that access to the school which holds such special memories become as prepared as possible for life after school for many, is now restricted in the interests of the welfare of current and university.” students. This has inevitably had consequences for all visitors. Amanda Toone, Head of Careers at Ampleforth College Old Amplefordians and members of the Society are always very welcome and it is hoped that Ampleforth will continue to “I’ve already been struck by how many people are so be considered a second home. In order however to balance the generous with their time and willing to help, especially requirements of safeguarding with welcoming you, it would greatly relatively recent students, and how polished and help, if at all possible, for contact to be made before arriving. An intuitive the site is. As someone at the exciting but email or phone call will suffice. This will both ensure that someone somewhat nerve-wracking stage of starting a career, is around to receive you, as well as making sure that you have access Ampleforth Global promises to be an invaluable as far as possible to areas you may wish to visit. goldmine of opportunities and advice from people who have achieved all sorts of things. It will also be The Ampleforth Society Coordinator is Bron Bury a fantastic way to keep in touch with the Valley and [email protected], telephone 01439 766884 give back, should anyone ever want my advice.” and my own number is 01439 766867. Charlie Channer (D15)

6 | SPRING 2019 | AMPLEFORTH DIARY AMPLEFORTH DIARY | SPRING 2019 | 7 AMPLEFORTH SOCIETY EVENTS

t the heart of the Ampleforth Society is a keen desire for all of its members to reunite regularly and to celebrate their Aconnections with their home-away-from-home in the Valley. The Development Team strives to facilitate this with a comprehensive year-round programme of events across the UK, with a view to expanding this offer much further across the globe.

Central to our events programme is the annual Ampleforth Society Weekend. Every October, Society members are welcomed back to Ampleforth to join a number of activities, which in previous UPCOMING EVENTS years have included the AGM, clay pigeon shooting, spiritual day retreats, chocolate making, orchard tours and a celebratory 2019 dinner hosted by members of the monastic community and Wednesday 1st May Manchester HotPot representatives of Ampleforth College alongside the Trustees Thursday 2nd May St Laurence Ethics Forum of the Ampleforth Society. Sunday 5th May Old Amplefordian Golf Day Thursday 16th May Ampleforth ‘Compass for Life’ Reception, The Ampleforth Society Weekend may be regarded as the flagship Brompton Oratory event of the year, but it is fair to say that the St Laurence Ethics Wednesday May 29th St Benet’s Summer Drinks, Oxford Forum and the Brompton Oratory Mass and Drinks have become June Yorkshire Walk firm favourites in our calendar, interspersed by sports club fixtures Friday 11th to Sunday 13th October Ampleforth Society Weekend and OA reunions, closing festively with carols at the end of the year. Wednesday 6th November Northern Counties Dinner Thursday 14th November Brompton Oratory Mass Our well-established committees in Yorkshire and London are but Sunday 1st December Lourdes Carol Service two great examples of how OAs and Society members play a crucial Thursday 5th December Ampleforth Society Christmas role in helping us to orchestrate key regional events. As we look Carol Service, London towards increasing our presence in other counties, we are always grateful of offers of support from OAs and friends of Ampleforth 2020 to help us co-ordinate various celebrations across the country. Friday 20th March 50th Anniversary Celebration of the founding of the Schola Cantorum, London Whilst we do charge a fee for some special occasions, many Society TBC Old Amplefordian Sports Weekend, Ampleforth events are free to attend; however, we ask that you still register for Friday 16th to Sunday 18th October Ampleforth Society Weekend non-ticketed events, so that we can best prepare for numbers. Event bookings can of course now be made via Ampleforth Global or by contacting the Development Office and speaking to the team directly. For more information and to keep up to date on new events as they are announced, Needless to say, it has been impossible to ignore the enthusiasm of please go to the Ampleforth Society Website or Ampleforth Global. If you have all the Ampleforth Society members who have attended so many any questions about upcoming Ampleforth Society events, please contact Bron Bury, of our events to-date. To see photographs and read feedback from Ampleforth Society Coordinator via [email protected] or on many of our guests, please visit Ampleforth Global. 01439 766884.

8 | SPRING 2019 | AMPLEFORTH DIARY AMPLEFORTH DIARY | SPRING 2019 | 9 The Ampleforth Society & The Catholic Union Announcements

We are delighted to announce that the Ampleforth Society has become an Associated Society of the Catholic Union of Great Britain. Old Amplefordian Births Old Amplefordian Deaths

2019 2019 What is the Catholic Union of Great Britain? The Catholic Union Charitable Trust 3rd March, to Kirsty and Harry Lukas (O99) 23rd March, Fr John Melhuish (W68) Founded in 1870 by the Duke of Norfolk and The Union has a sister Organisation, the Catholic a son, Dominic Cecil 12th March, Patrick Hickey (A41) other Catholic peers, the Catholic Union has Union Charitable Trust, which was launched 14th January, to Maria and Thomas Healy (D97) 22nd February, Dominic Michael Pearson (W39) been the consistent voice of the laity working in 2015 to develop and strengthen the role of a daughter, Ivana Vasilisa 18th February, Anthony White (E43) to promote and develop the values of Catholic advancing Catholic moral and spiritual principles 7th January, to Charlene and Charlie Pacitti (W99) 16th February, Christopher Jardine (E63) spiritual, moral and social teaching. It speaks out by means of educational conferences, lectures, a son, Julian Charles 27th January, Peter George (C53) on issues that affect Catholics and brings together training, and seminars. Please visit www.cuct.org 26th January, John Middleton (D43) the expertise of the laity with Catholic members for more information. 2018 18th January, Rev Thomas Cullinan (C53) of both Houses of Parliament. The Catholic 14th August, to Mark and Cecilia Nunn nee 17th January, Charles Anthony del Tufo (A57) Union has consultative status to the Bishops Why does the Catholic Union invite Horsburgh (A10) a son, Amayus Dominic Patrick 14th January, Francis Oldham (W46) Conference of and Wales. other Catholic groups to become 9th May, to James and Adelaide Paterson (nee 12th January, Dr Peter Mcgrath (A46) Associated Societies? Staunton) (A07) a daughter Ailsa Dorothy May 9th January, Simon Pilkington (E91) What is the role of the Catholic Union? In 2020, the Catholic Union will reach its 150th 6th January, Sebastian Bourne (H13) The Catholic Union aims to provide a voice for anniversary. There is widespread sympathy and Old Amplefordian Marriages 6th January, Michael Howard (T51) Catholic lay people through sensible and informed respect for the Catholic viewpoint in our nation 1st January, Very Rev Dominic Milroy OSB (W50) contributions to public debate and legislation. yet is it often not heard or considered seriously. 2018 With wide expertise in different disciplines, the The Catholic Union works to draw from as wide 25th August, Alex O’Rourke (T03) to Joana De Luca 2018 Catholic Union has been able to make effective a range of Catholic opinion and experience 4th August, Moritz von Eltz-Rübenach (E94) to 31st December, Simon Gegg (D55) criticisms and representations to Government in as possible. By inviting Catholic organisations Anna von Zerboni di Sposetti 22nd December, Dominic French (W76) many areas. It has specialists on its Parliamentary and groups to become Associated Societies it is 21st July, Alexis Bouvier (J06) to Katy Hands 15th December, Rev Aidan Gilman OSB (A45) and Public Affairs Committee and it also has hoped that both parties may benefit from their 7th April, Tom Leeming (H00) to Charlotte Garrett 13th December, Richard Reynolds (C51) representatives in the field of bio-ethics with the respective networks and mutual friendship. It is 24th March, Grant Denny (J97) to Katrina Clarke 3rd December, Hugh Lumsden (B56) Catholic Medical Association. intended that the Catholic Union will support the 13th October, Henry Lynch (W44) development of the St Lawrence Ethics Forum Ampleforth Community, 9th September, Peter Hothersall (D50) The Catholic Union speaks out on issues that may and that members of the Ampleforth Society Parent and Friend Deaths 26th July, Michael Cole (T60) affect the freedom of Catholics to live according will become engaged with the life of the Catholic 16th June, Blaize Harper Gow (A10) to their consciences. It seeks to uphold a Christian Union. Members of the Ampleforth Society have 2018 14th June, Kit Mangles (D) standpoint in public life, through representations Associate Membership of the Catholic Union. 12th February, Rev Antony Hain OSB 10th June, Patrick Feeny (E49) to Parliament, Government bodies and the media. 23rd December, Claude Briske, friend of 1st April, Brian Hill (A37) If you would like more information about Ampleforth Abbey Catholic values and interests are presented to key the Catholic Union of Great Britain, 9th November, Dr Joyce Korczak-Fields, friend 2015 decision makers who determine legislation and please visit catholicunion.org.uk or contact of Ampleforth Abbey 29th August, Adam Pearson (H65) social policy. The Catholic Union seeks to make [email protected]. 3rd November, Professor Thomas Edward John its contributions in a balanced and respectful way Healy, father of Thomas Healy (D97) to the dialogue between religion and politics and Jeremy Deedes (W73), 16th September, John Atkin, friend of Ampleforth to promote the common good in public life. It Managing Trustee of the Ampleforth Society Abbey works to influence the changing nature of the Richard Collyer-Hamlin, Parliamentary world where the Government relies Vice Chairman of the Catholic Union on the recommendations of expert Commissions which in turn take evidence and advice. If you have an announcement to add to the Ampleforth Society website and the Ampleforth Diary, please email [email protected].

10 | SPRING 2019 | AMPLEFORTH DIARY AMPLEFORTH DIARY | SPRING 2019 | 11 Captain Sir Nicolas Wright RN KCVO (T68) After attending Gilling Castle, Junior House and St Thomas’ NEW YEAR’S HONOURS from 1957-1968, Nick Wright joined the Britannia Royal Naval Following the publication of the New Year’s Honours list, we are thrilled to share news College at Dartmouth. On passing out from the College in July of Old Amplefordians who have been recognised by Her Majesty the Queen for 1969 he was awarded The Queen’s Telescope by Her Majesty on outstanding accomplishments. board HMY BRITANNIA.

Nick then enjoyed a very happy 34 years in the Royal Navy including two years in the Royal Yacht BRITANNIA in the mid-1990s, after which he was awarded the LVO by The Queen. Robin Andrews MBE (O61) Nick’s last posting was to the NATO HQ in Norfolk, Virginia Having studied Civil Engineering and then Economics at after which he retired from the Navy a few years early to take up Edinburgh University, Robin emerged with an MA degree, the position of Private Secretary to HRH The Princess Royal in having played cricket for the University for three years and 2002 – essentially her Chief of Staff, a role which required a lot started his unconsummated amateur acting career. of interesting overseas travel.

In 1967 he joined de Zoete and Gordon, an old established City He was awarded the CVO in 2010 and retired in February 2019. stockbroker as one of the first Civil Engineering Investment analysts in the City and two years later accepted an offer with He was Knighted by Her Majesty and appointed KCVO at a one of the larger Canadian Investment Banks, A.E. Ames. private audience with The Queen in mid-December. He has This was the start of a love of Canada and then mining and been appointed an extra Equerry to The Princess Royal so oil exploration financing. For over 50 years he was involved in he is not quite fully retired. Among a number of charitable establishing and financing public companies in the UK and in commitments he is a Trustee of Wardour Chapel in Wiltshire, Canada and served on the boards of many of them. In this a beautiful Baroque semi private Catholic Chapel which will be time he met and partnered with some of the most creative known to many Old Amplefordians. entrepreneurs and prospectors from all over the world. Some became billionaires – but most are still waiting for their moment of good fortune.

Other than mineral and exploration, there were ventures in West Charlie MacDermot-Roe LVO (H92) End theatre productions, software development, and even a Charlie attended Junior House and later St Hugh’s between French porcelain company! Robin retired from his last mining 1984-1992 where he was taught (briefly), by the late Commander exploration venture in 2008 having discovered new tantalum and Wright, father of Captain Sir Nicholas Wright KCVO. zinc reserves in Greenland. Following University and the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, Although a keen amateur singer, but a really poor pianist, he Charlie was commissioned into The Royal Scots Dragoon nonetheless was asked to serve on the board of the Ryedale Guards, which was at that time based in Fallingbostel, Germany Festival and became Executive Chairman for seven years. He and had just been equipped with the Challenger 2 tank, on which brought business disciplines to an organisation that had been he served for operational tours in both Kosovo (2000 & 2001) used to receiving public funding, which was due to stop. The and the invasion of Iraq in 2003. Festival thrived and indeed expanded as it learned to fly solo. For this he has recently been awarded an MBE much to his surprise On leaving the Army, Charlie joined the Royal Household, where – and delight. he worked closely with Sir Nicholas, (who took it upon himself to ensure that Old Amplefordians were ‘kept on the right track’). It should also be mentioned that Robin continues to have a Currently the Head of HR for the Royal Household, Charlie was fascination for stock markets and in recent years has been an appointed as a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order (LVO) occasional writer published in The Spectator under the title by Her Majesty The Queen in the New Year Honours 2018 for Robin Andrews - Veteran Investor. services to the Royal Household.

12 | SPRING 2019 | AMPLEFORTH DIARY AMPLEFORTH DIARY | SPRING 2019 | 13 doubt – and there are those There are maybe just two Fr Aidan preached on that here who know better than comments to make about the text once at Stanbrook and Homily for the funeral of me – not necessarily worked hermit years. Before he joined remembered that it used to be conventionally. I have little the monastery he was three on memorial cards. Eyes seeing Fr Aidan Gilman, OSB 20 DECEMBER 2018 doubt that he did a good deal years (immediately after the God and love, ways in which of important pastoral work in war) in the Royal Marines and Aidan will be remembered. his time at Osmotherley, but there is maybe a connection that they are both short and hearts burning within them. It the comment he makes in italics here. To be a marine and A few years ago, but when he I think that this is part of the is the moment of salvation and on his monastic CV is that he to be a hermit requires an was already in the infirmary, deliberate plan. I am not just the re-creation of mankind, planted a garden there, as he had exceptional sinewy toughness I asked Fr Aidan, as many referring to physical height – of physical humanity restored, done previously in Stanbrook of body, mind and spirit, before me, about prayer. He his, mine or anyone else’s – but albeit in a way that is not yet and indeed, he points out, more which is not a common still responded that we approach brevity. I suspect Fr Aidan securely grasped but which than a dozen gardens in total in less a universal gift. Then for God through the incarnation. did not want long readings points beyond itself to what is assorted places. those who think that being He comes to us and that or even more to the point still to be. a hermit is an antisocial monastic life is God’s love a long homily; I shall try to This is my way of turning to turning away from human affair with us. He recalled heed the warning. Many of us There could be a great deal of the untraditional Aidan, fellowship and friendship, Abbot Herbert Byrne’s were summoned to Fr Aidan’s biographical detail and much because of course as we all then one simply has to say comment that contemplative room in recent months and anecdote, but the funeral know he will be remembered that for Aidan, as for many prayer lasts only a few days, usually for a very specific homily is not the place for this. among us and widely beyond another hermit in the history moments. Then he became purpose and then there would I just want rather to point out, Ampleforth, as the postbag of the Church, friendships autobiographical and he spoke n behalf of Fr Abbot be some such quite speedy and see if I can draw some has shown in the last few and ministries were opened to me of three moments. Of and of the monastic closure – certainly and very meaning, from the obvious and days, as a hermit. He spent up and entwined through the knowing for a moment in Ocommunity I would sympathetically in my case – intriguing point that Fr Aidan’s six years on the moors from eremitic experience. He was boyhood that God loved him. like to welcome you all to this ‘you can go now’ sometimes monastic career, which spanned 1969, occupying and repairing also thereby enabled to walk Of choosing in early manhood funeral Mass for Fr Aidan. I with a wave of the hand ‘you 70 years, went down some a derelict cottage and building a alongside and support brethren monastic life and not marriage would like to welcome family are very busy’. routes that were very traditional small chapel. Then interspersed in very difficult circumstances. and then of being a hermit, members who knew him as in the Ampleforth community with the other roles I have not so much times of prayer Dick, and who have been able Brevity is, however, I realise only and some that were very mentioned, he spent a year in He had an eye for the odd but as living with God. Finally to be present at rather short part of the point; the readings definitely not traditional. Yet Nigeria, including a trek to the connection, for paradox, for – and this story he also shared notice and I welcome friends, may be brief but they are telling. it was the same Aidan taking place where Charles de Foucault the coincidence that points with the brethren last August of whom I know he had a First there is the creation of both routes, a man made in the had lived; this was the basis of towards a providence. I in our celebration of his two great number over the years. mankind, male and female, image and likeness of God and one of the ‘shaggy dog stories’ remember him preaching once jubilee celebrations of this He was a dearly loved and in the image and likeness of seeking through his monastic to which he could be partial on the feast of St Dominic year, 70 years a monk and 60 highly valued friend, spiritual God. This seems appropriate call to catch a glimpse of the with the moral ‘man proposes when the reading was by years a priest – he recalled a director, adviser. We pray for Fr Aidan, because he was face of the risen Christ. but God disposes’ – he was in coincidence the Canaanite photograph of his parents, his for him in this Mass, for the grounded in his humanity, no fact due to the exigencies of woman who Our Lord father’s hand upon his mother’s forgiveness of his sins and for gnostic ignoring of the body On the traditional side, there is travel only able to spend 20 compares to the house dogs; shoulder and in that picture he his welcome into the Kingdom and the physical in the interests studying Biology and General minutes there not the planned Fr Aidan found a twinkle in saw a couple grown together of Heaven. These are the of an ethereal spirituality. Science at Oxford to equip week. He was part of an the eye connection between in love, one being. In the end prayers we all need; to offer him for teaching in the school. experimental community (his the house dogs and the ‘domini of our lives, at the end we pray them for Aidan is a duty, but Then there is the Resurrection, He was Housemaster of St own words) in Little Crosby canes’ the Dominican self- of a long monastic life, we also a privilege and a joy. again something physical and Thomas’ for five years and later and then closer to home and description as ‘God’s dogs.’ find and remember what has bodily, but now transformed; Novice Master, albeit just for a more age suitable, in Plantation been there from the beginning; Fr Aidan made a careful an astonishing, fleeting year and Chaplain of Stanbrook House in the valley, 12 years On the day he died, the first God’s love, and we pray that he selection of the two readings moment of recognition. The Abbey for five years. He was there in total. Before thinking reading at Mass was from the takes us to himself. we have just heard from the disciples recognise the risen part of the pastoral centre at however of that as a half-way book of Ecclesiasticus, which book of Genesis and from Jesus at the breaking of the St Bede’s in York and then compromise with civilisation has the final line ‘Happy shall Fr Gabriel Everitt, OSB the Gospel of St Luke, the bread, but he has vanished in four years in the priory and and amenity, we may remember they be who see you and those Prior Administrator Emmaus story. I think the that very moment from their parish in Osmotherley. These that he used to refer to who have fallen asleep in love.’ first thing we might notice is sight, leaving them with their are traditional works, but no Plantation House as the hutch. Sister Philippa remembers that

14 | SPRING 2019 | AMPLEFORTH DIARY AMPLEFORTH DIARY | SPRING 2019 | 15 written in the last few days and Aidan’s house from 2008 to experience. This international there have been references to 2013. This first stage came venture presaged how the Homily for the funeral of some of the concrete signs of to a close though in a very years of maturity developed Dominic’s presence for which individual and distinctive way after he stepped down as Fr Dominic Milroy, OSB 11 JANUARY 2019 he is lovingly remembered: the when he was headhunted by Headmaster again in a global smell of pipe smoke and of a the Abbot Primate to be the frame, as he became a retreat tumbler of malt, the sight of Prior of Sant’ Anselmo in giver and canonical visitor – Mass, for the forgiveness of ‘spiritual’ and as opposed to the a golf club and of a fishing Rome for five years to 1979, over 25 monasteries across his sins and for his welcome created world of things, Jesus rod, the distinctive sound of the international Benedictine nine monastic congregations. into the Kingdom of Heaven. sees creation as a manifestation a voice speaking and indeed house of studies on the I should also mention that Fr We give thanks for his life and of the divine. This is where singing. He was a first cantor. Aventine Hill. It was a role Dominic was key to perhaps for all that he has meant for us. the Gospel is radically different Material and in some cases for his linguistic and other one of the most unlikely from Gnosticism, which worldly things, but of course manifest abilities in his early connections which has It was not difficult to look presupposes an opposition the striking thing is that these 40s. Abbot Edmund Power nonetheless proved fruitful for a gospel reading today between the spirit and the flesh’. are remembered in the context celebrated a Requiem Mass beyond all imagining and from the gospel of John. Fr of friendship, of affection, of for him in Sant’ Anselmo on planning processes, namely Dominic had in recent days So in today’s gospel passage love and ultimately therefore Wednesday, two days ago. the link between Ampleforth and right up to quite soon for a requiem Mass we have of something at once very and the Manquehue Apostolic before he died, been dictating from John chapter 6 this bold human but also of the human In 1980 what I am typifying as a Movement in Chile. Here too his thoughts and reflections on identification of Jesus: ‘I am spirit which reaches out for, second phase, years of maturity, he formed key and lasting the Fourth Gospel and this was the living bread which has searches for, yearns for God, began when he was appointed friendships and a very special n behalf of Fr Abbot an interest which in fact goes come down from heaven.’ not yet of course in secure Headmaster of the College. one with Ignacio Eguiguren. and of the monastic back many years. Somewhere Jesus has this bold, indeed possession. There is so much one could say Another unlikely but true Ocommunity I would close to the heart of this shocking, identification of his and others could do it better. connection is that Fr Dominic like to welcome you all to this interest was the sense that in flesh and blood as our food I dare to identify three There is a particularly powerful was a consultant to an funeral Mass for Fr Dominic. St John’s Gospel a powerful and drink: ‘if you do not eat key stages or phases in Fr memory of Exhibition animated film version of the Thank you for coming and in and soaring spirituality – the the flesh of the Son of Man Dominic’s monastic career; speeches leant by heart and Life of Christ which took him such numbers, perhaps today’s symbol of St John is the eagle and drink his blood, you will interestingly the first two delivered with a remarkable to Cardiff and . greatest eloquence. I would like in flight – is nonetheless in play not have life in you … For my both in turn divide into an intensity of idea and vision. to welcome family members in very material and down to flesh is real food and my blood Ampleforth and then a wider I recall one on the challenges Across these years of mature and many friends, who have earth elements of the world is real drink. He who eats my almost global aspect. The third faced by monasteries in the final achievement Fr Dominic come from near and far, some around us. flesh and drinks my blood lives stage is then very different. decades of centuries, pointing continued to do important long journeys. I welcome in me and I live in him.’ This to some particular difficulties of things for Ampleforth: he was Abbot Christopher Dillon In a chapter entitled ‘The is strong stuff and so right In the first we find a monastic 1990 and 1991. You will gather delegate to General Chapter and Canon Jane Brooke from Gospel of Signs’ Dominic up Dominic’s street; as he put path from clothing in the that pygmies albeit standing on from 1992 to 2004, and variously Chester Cathedral. I would had this to say, which I dare it these scraps of the created habit in 1950 through study the shoulders of giants do not Master of Oblates, Secretary of like to welcome those listening to think, we may take as an world become manifestations in Oxford to school roles: manage the same feats. Confraters (this up to his death) in through the live streaming, insight into a, perhaps the, of the divine. This is our faith, librarian, Director of Theatre editor for eight years of the with perhaps a special prayer key dimension of his thought this was his guiding faith. (a role he loved, maybe even A zenith of the headmaster Ampleforth Journal, reshaping that it works properly. Among and more particularly of his a favourite which he spoke years was his chairmanship it very much in this time. He these a very particular welcome faith. He wrote ‘In John there Now it seems right, albeit that about often in later years) of HMC, the Headmasters’ particularly valued the thirteen to Clare Jennings, sadly not is no equivalent of the moral this is homily, not obituary, Head of Modern Languages, Conference and the staging – years from 1997 he spent as able to be present, but who as teaching and no parables [as in that I say something about Housemaster of St Wilfrid’s the right word I think but with chairman of governors of St we know over many years was the synoptic gospels]. Instead, the phases of Fr Dominic’s for ten years from 1964 to no disparagement – of the Benedict’s, the voluntary aided a chief support of Fr Dominic we have the ‘signs’ in which life and career, but I should 1974, already years of social annual conference in Bruges. primary school in Ampleforth and enabler of so many of the Jesus is deliberately linking maybe refer to something revolution. As in a powerful When I became Headmaster Village. In recognition of many great things he accomplished. God with elemental features of overarching, but which relates and complex symphony here in 2004 that conference achievements, abilities and Clare, we offer you great his creation – Earth, Air, Fire to things very material and themes from this stage reprised was still remembered among contributions he was made gratitude. Our most important and Water. Jesus’ attitude to of the world. It may sound in later life, so he was – in a colleague headmasters in its already in 1993 cathedral prior task, a very practical one, is for created things is wholly positive. flippant. Many, some here new monastic dispensation totality and for some of its of Chester according to our us to pray for Dominic in this Rather than seeing the divine as some unable to be here, have – chaplain to the girls of St memorable details as a pinnacle EBC custom.

16 | SPRING 2019 | AMPLEFORTH DIARY AMPLEFORTH DIARY | SPRING 2019 | 17 Then we come to the third for God to come down to him on his death bed. Nothing include the beloved disciple imagery here is hard to grasp. Let us pray for the repose phase, which crept up on him. On the day of his fall in about it suggested a marriage is, once again, a word that Jesus, in his humanity, of Dominic’s soul, for the him and as for many people, the monastery infirmary, in a bed. But one of the themes moves at two levels. At the is the son of Mary and brother forgiveness of his sins, for his particularly those who have particular agony, he wanted to that intrigued him for a long surface what he says results of the whole human family. coming to the marriage feast in been accounted among the sing a Salve for those suffering time about St John’s Gospel in John taking Mary into his In his divinity he is the divine the kingdom of heaven, for his ‘great’, it is darker and more more acutely and he asked is the wedding, the nuptial care. At the deeper level he is bridegroom. His bride is the singing of the Song of Songs. difficult. It is the time of for his community list to pray imagery. He was certainly extending the motherhood of chosen and redeemed people May we come all together to failing powers, for him of a for all his monastic brethren writing about it in 2008. On Mary to include not only John of God, represented here by everlasting life. terribly debilitating macular by name. Yes of course these Wednesday 5 December five but all his human brothers and the person of Mary. The degeneration that hit his have his taste for drama, but days before his accident he sisters, a new dimension of bridal images echo the Fr Gabriel Everitt, OSB ability to read and write and they are the real him. In his last said this ‘The Gospel passages universal fruitfulness. These prophets and the Song of Prior Administrator sing, so key to his art, and of moments as this new year was of Jesus’ passion and death are Dominic’s last words in this Songs’. The Song of Songs, depression about which, being coming in he was wishing well are starkly concise and factual. passage: ‘The richness of the that favourite monastic text. him, he was able to speak very cheerily to the staff and his It is not immediately self- clearly. It could be a time of fellow patients. He commented evident that they are giving us great disappointment and at to one of his very many an account of a supreme act times of rage. His wide world hospital visitors that whatever of love, which is both human painfully narrowed. else there was about his and divine.’ Then he has this condition, that his depression remarkable insight: ‘Suffused He faced the tarnishing of seemed to have lifted. with the imagery of love his own reputation in the between bridegroom and bride, A Gift in Memory of child abuse scandals and in Dominic was a man who they become immeasurably the very difficult material we loved, he had a mind which richer’ … ‘Beneath the events Fr Dominic Milroy, OSB have had to face through the loved. He had a mind of the Passion there is, in Independent Inquiry into Child which loved and embraced John’s Gospel, a particular and Sexual Abuse. We all here have complexity and paradox. In powerful sub-text, hinted at to confront the exposure of the time since his death we but not developed. This hidden aving spent so much of his early life at Ampleforth, Fr Dominic was clothed as sins and crimes committed by have been celebrating the theme is that of the fruitful a monk in 1950 and had a dedicated presence at the College thereafter. He held Ampleforth monks, and Fr Epiphany. In the Benedictus union between God and his Hthe positions of Housemaster of St Wilfrid’s from 1964 to 1974, Chaplain of Dominic himself came under antiphon at Lauds on this feast people.’ Dominic reflects that St Aidan’s from 2008 to 2013, and served as Headmaster for 13 years from 1980. direct fire for his handling of day, it is said of the Church’s in the Fourth Gospel, John the these matters. He like many of experience of the Epiphany Baptist had spoken of Jesus as In recognition of his work within the College, the Monastic Community and the family of us had to face some failures in ‘Today the Church has the ‘bridegroom’ and suggests Fr Dominic intend to allocate any donations made in his memory towards an Ampleforth the care of children entrusted been joined to her heavenly that this attribution takes on bursary fund. The bursary fund will support a gifted individual who might not otherwise to our schools, who have been bridegroom, since Christ has a new resonance in the light have the opportunity to enjoy an Ampleforth education; enabling them to recognise their harmed. We have to apologize purified her of her sins in the of Christ’s dying words. He unique capabilities and develop their potential. We believe this to be a true reflection of for these and we have to ask river Jordan, the wise men draws a link between the words Fr Dominic’s principles of an education at Ampleforth. forgiveness; even when not hasten to the royal wedding from the Cross ‘I thirst’ and directly harmers, we have to and offer gifts: the wedding Jesus’ encounter earlier in the If you would like to commemorate Fr Dominic Milroy OSB in this way, or wish to receive share responsibility for what guests rejoice since Christ has Gospel with the Samaritan further information, please contact: happened. changed water into wine’. To woman: ‘On the surface, as a say the least this is a strange dying man he is thirsting for Sue Fisher, Director of Development In his last days in hospital in passage. Why describe the wise water but, on a deeper level, he [email protected] or telephone +44(0)1439 766766 York Dominic had a very acute men as hastening to a royal is thirsting for the fulfilment Ampleforth Abbey Trust registered charity number 1026493 and very general consciousness wedding, when nothing in of the love between God and of the desperate need, which the gospel text, at least on its his chosen people’. Dominic in truth we all have, for surface, seems to speak of then looked at the words forgiveness. If the eagle was a wedding? from the Cross addressed to no longer soaring, he was his mother and to John, the lying often in great pain and When we visited Dominic in beloved disciple: ‘his extension mental distress reaching out York we were in truth visiting of Mary’s motherhood to

18 | SPRING 2019 | AMPLEFORTH DIARY AMPLEFORTH DIARY | SPRING 2019 | 19 I first joined the OA Rugby Football Club in 2015, shortly after moving to London. I hadn’t played rugby seriously for 4 years and hadn’t really considered going back to it. However, when my brother (also an OA) suggested I join, I decided it might be fun to play again (as well as being a good opportunity to shake off some of the university weight I had accumulated). I showed up to my first training session in Battersea Park a little sheepishly but was very happy to see a few familiar faces. I haven’t looked back since.

The playing squad is composed of a wide of array of OAs but also many non OAs (even a pair of Sedbergh boys) who happen to have stumbled across the club in one way or another. I was very quickly made to feel welcome and I rediscovered what it was that I had enjoyed so much whilst playing rugby for the College. The club is an amazing group to be a part of and I have proudly played for the team for four years now. It is very inclusive, open to players of all abilities who are keen to be part of a team. The commitment of some members has allowed it to become the amazing environment it is today, starting with the club President (Sebastian Reid) and Club Chairman (John Dick) but also all the non-playing members who support us on weekends and make playing in the red and black such a great experience.

From a playing perspective, the club has achieved some fantastic results. In my first year of playing, we narrowly missed out on a promotion to the top Surrey league (but clinched the top of the table the following year and were promoted). We have now had two tumultuous seasons in Surrey 1, where we have learned there is no such thing as an easy win but that we are capable of beating anyone on our day. Playing attacking free flowing rugby has always been a club philosophy and we have always tried our best to abide by this.

What makes the club particularly special is the strong ethos that reigns not only on the pitch but also off it. The club house is always full and vibrant after matches. We have now gathered a wide array of regional Surrey pub knowledge, and have organised a many social events on bye weekends. A memorable highlight was the trip to Ampleforth for the OA sports weekend. We played an unforgettable 30 minutes of rugby against an OA barbarian side, in the midst of a brutal snow storm before converging on the Windmill for drinks with teachers, monks, parents, and other OAs.

Sadly I am due to move away from London in the summer and it looks like this will be my last season with the OAs. I am very grateful to everyone OLD AMPLEFORDIAN who made the club the great place it is, from the committee members to players and social members. I encourage anyone who fancies a game to get in touch with the club (Jamie Reid, Ben Pearce, and Geordie Tulloch) RUGBY CLUB and head down for training in Battersea. Vincent O’Rourke (D11)

20 | SPRING 2019 | AMPLEFORTH DIARY AMPLEFORTH DIARY | SPRING 2019 | 21 “…the characteristic humanity and openness of About Fr Ambrose: Fr Ambrose joined the monastic community at Ampleforth in 2011, making his final profession of heart of Ampleforth students continues to give vows in 2015, and was ordained priest in 2017. Fr Ambrose holds degrees in Classics, Philosophy and Theology from the University of St Andrews and the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. us the courage to invest in what we’re about.” Alongside his new role, he continues to teach students in the Classics Department, and to be a tutor and House Chaplain in St John’s.

Our Missionfrom the Dean of Ampleforth College, Fr Ambrose Henley OSB A school for the Lord’s Service. OUR MISSION: Fr Ambrose says about the role:

Our mission is to educate our students to the best of their ability, within a community “The word Dean in St Benedict’s Rule signifies a focus on people first of faith and scholarship. in the community: who we are as a Benedictine Community. This role is intended to place service of our spiritual aims and needs at the heart of what we do and where we are going. Longer term the task is to foster a fruitful relationship between what Ampleforth From everyone who has received, much more will be asked. stands for, and the way it makes sense as a place for each person OUR VISION: who comes here. I have the responsibility of being the point person between monastery and school, and working with both to help shape Our vision for our students is that they leave Ampleforth a source of life for the church and the the future of monastic commitment to education at Ampleforth. world through service, as young men and women of enduring friendships, deep and nourishing faith, and a love of learning and of the truth. “I believe what Ampleforth has to offer our students is fairly breath taking: loving dedication well beyond the call of duty, and an art of living and growing within a community of faith and scholarship. It has grown up through the astonishing and unrelenting efforts of so many now and over the years, and fundamentally around a praying community of monks for whom this is home. Let all guests who arrive be received like Christ. The basic invitation of St Benedict to his monks was ‘to receive all like Christ; to pray before WHO WE ARE: all else; to share the Gospel as good news; to undertake service with humility, kindness and the courtesy of love;’ and to do it together, as an act of the community.” Since 1802 Ampleforth has been the home of a praying community of monks, in a life-long commitment to seeking God in this place. “If the community is rather large, some brothers chosen for their good repute and holy life should be made deans. They Heirs to 1,500 years of Benedictine dedication to learning, we understand education as a spiritual work of the most profound kind, encompassing the whole person. This is the basis on which the will take care of their groups of ten, managing all affairs according to the commandments of God and the orders of monastic community shares the precious and life giving gift of the Gospel with all the students their abbot. The deans selected should be the kind of men with whom the abbot can confidently share the burdens of and staff, and their families, who make Ampleforth a home from home. his office. They are to be chosen for virtuous living and wise teaching, not for their rank.”Rule of St Benedict, 21

22 | SPRING 2019 | AMPLEFORTH DIARY AMPLEFORTH DIARY | SPRING 2019 | 23 LANDROVER RESTORATION Ampleforth has been rebuilding, renovating and restoring classic Land Rovers since 2006. The Sitting in the beautiful rural , gives a CLUB group started when one of the School’s Biology stunning backdrop to any activity, especially classic 4x4s! teachers brought his Series 2a in to work on in Design and Technology at Ampleforth has a strong ethos of an outhouse on the School site. Soon a group ‘Design for Good’, with a focus on sustainable, recyclable and of students had begun helping regularly and the environmentally responsible design (6R’s) in all projects for all project became an official activity. The work done year groups. The restoration of old and broken cars (instead of was to such a high standard the restoration featured simply buying new ones) fits well within this. in Land Rover Owners International magazine! The project vehicles are chosen so as to offer the largest scope of processes and techniques to the students. Often it will be a ‘frame-off ’ restoration starting from a new or restored chassis and building from the ground up. Students work on everything from the brakes (under close supervision) to the engine and even painting the bodywork. Most of the students involved take Design and Technology for GCSE or A-Level but that isn’t a pre-requisite to joining. Links to subject topics are raised as they appear giving students to opportunity to cement their knowledge of the subject through a practical example (metal types, joints and fasteners, finishes, upholstery, electronics all real topics on the syllabus). The group allows students from Year 10 up to participate (for safety reasons) but younger students are invited to join the ‘4x4 in Schools’ competition team in year 8 and 9 with a view to joining the Restoration Team in year 10.

Working for an hour a week on the vehicles the club is an excellent way for the students to relax and focus on a practical, and often physical, activity. Students often look forward greatly to their time in the workshop and you can watch as the day’s stress is turned into mucky hands and smiles whilst half under a Land Rover.

Some students have used the activity to bolster their CV for jobs at Land Rover after they leave school, having a real passion for the History of the company looks great on an application.

The club has two vehicles in the workshop at the moment and a third ‘mystery’ vehicle under wraps for next year. These vehicles when completed are displayed at the School’s year ‘Exhibition’ and it is often and impressive line-up of past, present and future projects. It’s great to see past students come back and reminisce about the hours of care and attention they put into the machines. We certainly hope the club is the most positive memory of school.

24 | SPRING 2019 | AMPLEFORTH DIARY AMPLEFORTH DIARY | SPRING 2019 | 25 THE GUT GIRLS Congratulations to the cast and ladies, train them up for a life class gutting sheds to the crew of “The Gut Girls” for as maid-servants. ‘Improve’ pristine world of Lady three tremendous performances them. Of course, it doesn’t Helena, moving from deeply in December 2018. work out that way. Gut Girls emotional monologues to contrasts the bloody mess of farcical demonstrations of You may well wonder about independence and solidarity the girls’ attempts to become the plot! In the introduction with the apparently pristine face more ‘ladylike.’ The production to her play, Sarah Daniels says: of upper-class life.” received amazing feedback “The women of Deptford from each audience. One Foreign Cattle Market are up Armed with a group of audience member said: “What to their elbows in the guts of talented actors and highly a fantastic production! It was animals, working 12 or 13 hours skilled technicians, the students thought-provoking and gutsy. a day preparing meat. They set a truly professional All of the students performed are pilloried, and marginalised, standard in the theatre. They with real confidence and even though they are well-paid. created a piece of epic theatre, displayed their vast array One local well-to-do woman which was moving, funny and of talents.” decides that the Christian thing completely absorbing. The to do would be to teach these audience were transported Congratulations to all the women how to act like young effortlessly from the working students and staff involved.

26 | SPRING 2019 | AMPLEFORTH DIARY AMPLEFORTH DIARY | SPRING 2019 | 27 THE GUT GIRLS

“What a fantastic production! It was thought-provoking and gutsy. All of the students performed with real confidence and displayed their vast array of talents.”

28 | SPRING 2019 | AMPLEFORTH DIARY AMPLEFORTH DIARY | SPRING 2019 | 29 THE GIFT OF A BURSARY - JOB OPPORTUNITY Come and Stay “If an education is the greatest gift any child can be given, an Ampleforth education sends Peace Space Beauty Rest young people out from our beautiful valley with something they cannot get anywhere else – a particular sense of their place in the world, a compass for life.”

t Ampleforth we know the difference the receipt of AMPLEFORTH ABBEY a bursary can make in transforming the lives of those Astudents who, without support, would not benefit from an education at Ampleforth. Children, from a diverse Jesus said: range of backgrounds genuinely exceed expectations, with recent recipients going on to achieve great success, including places at Oxbridge. “Let us go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile” (Mark 6:31) Old Amplefordians, parents and friends have been incredibly generous in supporting our bursary scheme and now we want to significantly grow the funds available, doing so will enable us to offer more bursaries than ever before. To help us achieve this we are investing in the creation of a new Would you like some time out, some space for yourself, role. The Bursary Development Manager will be responsible a chance to rediscover a sense of peace and calm? for raising the profile of our bursary scheme with Old Amplefordians and parents and seeking donations to support the giving of more bursaries. Due to the amount of travel Come and spend some time with us at Ampleforth expected for this role, we would be happy to have a flexible approach to where the post holder would be based, however, we would always ensure they have a desk here at Ampleforth. For further details and to check availability and book, please contact us on [email protected] or call us on 01439 766486 If you are interested in applying for this role or would like to know more, please contact Sue Fisher at [email protected] or keep a lookout on our Ampleforth jobs board at www.ampleforth.org.uk/careers

@ampleforthretreats @ampleforth1802 @ampleforthmonks

30 | SPRING 2019 | AMPLEFORTH DIARY AMPLEFORTH DIARY | SPRING 2019 | 31 n your time since leaving the College, be it a few months or a few years, no doubt there have been many life events to mark Ior celebrate. You may now be the owner of a thriving business; you may be getting married or have become a parent or grandparent. Perhaps life has changed, and you simply want to relax and reconnect. Where better to do that than here in the Ampleforth Valley? AMPLEFORTH Steeped in history and memories of your school days, we have facilities VENUES old and new that can cater for all occasions, from small parties of 20-30 guests, to large, formal, sit-down dinners for up to 350 people. We serve drinks and canapés, hot and cold buffets, or formal three-course dinners with table service, depending on your occasion.

We are always delighted to host events, catering for weddings, christenings, anniversary parties and birthday celebrations to name just a few. Our venues go far beyond the celebration, as we offer accommodation in our comfortable guest houses, and for large groups we can take you right back to your school days and offer accommodation in your old boarding house. If you are feeling energetic you can make use of our excellent sports facilities. Go for a morning swim in our newly refurbished swimming pool, challenge your partner to an intense game of squash or enjoy a work out in our fully equipped gym.

Perhaps you need a get-away for your business and feel some teambuilding is in order. Why not bring your colleagues to the Valley and turn your hands to some clay pigeon shooting, or if you’re feeling even more adventurous, we can run activities on the lake including canoeing and raft building? In the New Music School, we have the Performing Arts Centre, lovingly known as PAC, for sport and dance activities. With tiered seating for over 100 delegates and a large cinema screen, PAC is a great place for team presentations or for more light-hearted film nights.

But it’s not just parties and getaways we cater for. If you’ve never tried Ampleforth’s award-winning cider, come on one of our Orchard Tours to see how it’s made from over 70 varieties of apples grown on site in our historic orchard. Our cider, beer, apple juice and chutneys can all be purchased from our shop in the main building, making excellent gifts for friends and loved ones.

We run public orchard tours, which can be booked online, but for groups of 20 or more, why not have a private tour and afternoon tea in the Windmill, our purpose-built pub, fully fitted with Robert “Mouseman” Thompson furniture? The Windmill is one of our key venues for hire offering spectacular views over the valley making it the ideal location for weddings, christenings, parties, or a simple BBQ night to round off a day of team building.

To find out more about venues at Ampleforth, visit “Let all guests who arrive be received like Christ, www.ampleforth.org.uk/visitors or if you have an event enquiry, who will say: I came as a guest and you received me.” please email [email protected]. We hope to see you soon! – Rule of St Benedict

32 | SPRING 2019 | AMPLEFORTH DIARY AMPLEFORTH DIARY | SPRING 2019 | 33 A VIEW FROM THE ORCHARD

They say the best time to have lasted for far longer others because they will plant an apple tree was ten than trees of this type in a help us to broaden our years ago, and the second- typical commercial orchard. produce range and extend best time is of course There, dwarf trees are often our season. Good examples now. It is over 50 years grubbed out and replanted being Belle de Boskoop since Fr Edmund Hatton on 12 year cycles, so there and Ashmeads Kernel. Two OSB planted a new and are always new, vigorous richly flavoured heritage modern orchard on former trees maturing and risks apples, robust and very well pasture alongside Aumit are spread. To help future- suited to our location. In Lane. A collection of proof our orchard we are addition, a collection of varieties selected to provide now replanting, taking out heritage cider apples have a succession of ripening the most diseased and least been planted including apples from early August productive trees to make Foxwhelp, Fillabarrel and through to December, with way for new trees on a more Tremlett’s Bitter all ‘bitter late storing varieties keeping vigorous rootstock. Our new sweets’ that will add a real the community and College orchard planting will be more bite to our cider. in apple pie beyond Easter. robust with longer living “OUR REPLANTING PROGRAMME IS A trees and provides us with an We currently have over 70 FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY TO SHOWCASE Our 50-year-old trees, opportunity to introduce new different varieties of apple grafted onto dwarfing varieties. Some have been in our orchard, unlike most MORE OF OUR APPLE HERITAGE AND WILL rootstocks, are now reaching chosen because they are less commercial orchards, which BE SURE TO DELIGHT OUR ORCHARD TOUR the end of their lives. They disease prone and may grow only a few in VISITORS.”

34 | SPRING 2019 | AMPLEFORTH DIARY AMPLEFORTH DIARY | SPRING 2019 | 35 “THE MANAGEMENT OF OUR ORCHARD IS OF line with retail demand, yet Peach, Ribston Pippin and Our mowing regime means there are over 2,000 in the Pitmaston Pineapple. Their that the grass sward beneath GREAT IMPORTANCE AND INTEREST TO US National Apple Collection orchard tour becomes an the mature trees is now left AND CONSTANTLY PROVIDES US WITH NEW at Brogdale in Kent. Our opportunity to reminisce, uncut, helping to protect the LEARNING EXPERIENCES.” replanting programme is as well as learn about our soil, reduce water loss and a fantastic opportunity to award-winning ciders and minimise compaction. It showcase more of our apple apple juice. also enables small meadow heritage and will be sure flowers to flourish, and to delight our orchard tour The management of these, along with the trees visitors. Orchard tours begin our orchard is of great and shrubs on the orchard’s with the first apple blossom importance and interest to perimeter, provide additional and continue until the end us and constantly provides forage and habitat for of harvest in the autumn. us with new learning beneficial insects and birds. Tour visitors, especially those experiences. Although not These things all add interest who remember particular certified organic, we apply for our visitors, and help us varieties from years past, are no chemicals, preferring to fulfil what we believe is fascinated to see and taste instead to manage pests our responsibility to practice apples that will never be and diseases by careful good land stewardship. found on our supermarket husbandry, selective shelves, varieties such pruning and by encouraging Tim & Steve, as Beauty of Bath, Irish beneficial insects and birds. the Pommeliers

36 | SPRING 2019 | AMPLEFORTH DIARY AMPLEFORTH DIARY | SPRING 2019 | 37 4’s 1932 St Benet’s Hall: Benet’s welcomes newly matriculated graduate students, including the first cohort of those studying the MSc in Global Governance and Diplomacy

initially made an annex of students through their time at Fr Oswald Hunter-Blair from St John’s College but was these protestant universities Magdalen College who founded Years as a Permanent Private Hall eventually refounded as and the religious orders came Hunter-Blair’s Hall in 1897 Worcester College in 1714. forward to found houses of after being asked to do so by 100 studies. These houses of study a close friend, Fr Anselm Burge It is well-known that the What we do know is that the Benedictines, and Catholics were founded based on the OSB, Prior of Ampleforth. University of Oxford is vast majority of students of more generally, were largely statutes passed in 1895 allowing As the private halls developed the oldest university in the the time lived and studied absent from Oxford for the any Master of Arts to open and leadership changed, so did English-speaking world; in a variety of small halls of next 350 years. a private hall their names. Hunter-Blair’s Hall however, not much is known scholarship scattered around It was not until THE UNIVERSITY, after receiving a became Parker’s Hall to reflect about the history of the the city. These halls included the University RECOGNISING THIS, license from the the name of the new Master University from its founding the medieval incarnations of Test Acts 1871 PASSED A STATUTE IN University. and licence-holder. As the in 1096 until the late 12th Blackfriars, Greyfriars and that Catholics, licence for each hall was held St Benet’s Cricket 1923 and early 13th centuries. St Edmund Hall. non-conformists 1918 ALLOWING FOR The problem only by the existing Master and and non- THE CREATION the religious no other entity, the halls held After the founding of the Christians were OF PERMANENT orders came a fairly transient and first colleges in the mid-13th allowed to take PRIVATE HALLS TO across was that unimportant role within the century came the Benedictine up fellowships, ENSURE CONTINUITY Catholics were University. The University, colleges: Gloucester College studentships and OF LEADERSHIP, only just then recognising this, passed a (1283), Durham College other positions allowed to study statute in 1918 allowing for (1291) and Canterbury within Oxford SCHOLARSHIP AND at the University the creation of Permanent College (1311). During (as well as STATUS FOR THESE so no Catholic Private Halls to ensure the reign of Henry VIII Cambridge and HALLS students had continuity of leadership, and the Dissolution of the Durham). The been made scholarship and status for these Monasteries, these Benedictine Catholic hierarchy, however, did a Master of Arts. Luckily halls. Parker’s Hall became colleges were closed. Durham not respond in-kind and barred enough, the presence of the St Benet’s Hall and joined College became Christ students from attending these Oxford Movement led by Campion Hall (formerly Plater’s Church in 1546 and universities until 1895. That Cardinal Hall) as the first two Permanent Canterbury College became year, Pope Leo XIII set up the earlier in the century created Private Halls of the University Trinity College in 1555. Universities Catholic Education a number of converts to of Oxford in Michaelmas Summer party 1985 Gloucester College was Board to help guide Catholic Catholicism. Among those was Term 1918.

38 | SPRING 2019 | AMPLEFORTH DIARY AMPLEFORTH DIARY | SPRING 2019 | 39 In the decades since this status current undergraduates study level with high levels of Firsts was conferred, St Benet’s Hall Theology, History, Classics, and a number of distinctions. has grown from a house of Oriental Studies, PPE and Benetians also lay claim to the study for Benedictine monks Human Sciences while the most Blues per head as well as from Ampleforth to a global postgraduates study a number the highest student satisfaction community of students and of associated subjects, including: of any College or Hall. scholars founded on and DPhil and MPhil in Theology, informed by the Rule of St Archaeology, Egyptology and If you have never visited Benedict. Like the medieval Eastern Christian Studies, the Benet’s, have not been back Benedictine halls of study which MBA and MPP, and a variety of to see us recently, or haven’t formed the foundation of the one-year taught courses. been to visit in a few weeks, we University, our fellows, students extend an open invitation to you and staff begin every dinner As we look towards the next to come and sit with our staff with a reading from the Rule 100 years, the future for St and students. We would also like and sit around a common table. Benet’s Hall is bright. Benet’s for you to make a note in your is not only a bridge between diary for May 15th when the Our current community is the worldwide Benedictine Chancellor of the University, made up of men and women, community and the world- Lord Patten of Barnes, will Old Amplefordians and those leading teaching and research be joining Benet’s alumni from state schools, Benedictine carried out across the University and friends for an evening monks and atheists. We house but an active participant. celebration in London. More nearly 100 undergraduate Benetians are increasingly details will be forthcoming. and postgraduate students successful academically both at Thirty-nine new St Benet’s Hall undergraduates and graduate students matriculated into the University of Oxford on from over 20 countries. Our the undergraduate and graduate Saturday 13 October, 2019

Benet’s Hall photo 1958

BENET’S IS NOT ONLY A BRIDGE BETWEEN THE WORLDWIDE BENEDICTINE COMMUNITY AND THE WORLD-LEADING TEACHING AND RESEARCH CARRIED OUT ACROSS THE UNIVERSITY BUT AN ACTIVE PARTICIPANT.

Tea in the Garden, 1960’s

StB Women’s boat Feb 2019 StB Men’s boat Feb 2019

40 | SPRING 2019 | AMPLEFORTH DIARY AMPLEFORTH DIARY | SPRING 2019 | 41 News from the Monastic Community, Old Amplefordians, the College and St Martin’s Ampleforth

www.ampleforth.org.uk