THE OLD WREKINIAN RECORD

FEBRUARY 2016 NO. 99 WHAT’S INSIDE Dates for your diary 2016 n P3 Letter from the Headmaster WEDNESDAY, 3RD FEBRUARY n P6 Announcement of new Headmaster Manchester Branch Dinner at Francs Restaurant, n P6 News of members Altrincham n P8 A Texan goes to Wrekin n P9 Lost Addresses SUNDAY, 20TH MARCH n P10 From the archives OW Hockey and Netball Matches vs The School n P11 The Parker Prize for Science SATURDAY, 7TH MAY n P12 Sandhurst team Old Windsorians Dinner at Willington Hall, Tarporley, n P14 Sport Cheshire n P15 OW Record production costs SATURDAY, 14TH MAY n P16 Annual dinners Reunion Day for the Leavers of 1991 to 2005 – families n P18 Golf Day 2016 welcome n P19 81 Not Out n P20 Births, deaths and marriages THURSDAY, 9TH JUNE n P27 Happy Days Appeal OWA London Branch Tavern Trot n P28 Wrekin College Foundation SATURDAY, 25TH JUNE n P29 OWA Weekend OWA Committee Meeting n P29 The 200 Club OWA Summer Party, The Memorial Hall n P30 Available for sale SUNDAY, 26TH JUNE n P31 Contacts OWA Cricket Matches vs The School Foundation Fun Day

MONDAY, 27TH JUNE MCC Cricket Match vs The School

FRIDAY, 14TH OCTOBER Liverpool Event at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club The front cover shows Bryn Windsor as Peter Quince, Jake Thorpe as Puck and the THURSDAY, 10TH NOVEMBER Head Boy, Jack Henderson as Bottom in a Midwinter Night’s Dream, December 2015 OWA London Branch Dinner at The East India Club

For further details, contact the appropriate secretary (see contacts on back cover). Editor: Serena Kyle T. 01952 265609 DEADLINES

Would all contributors please keep to the following deadlines: Produced by Emerge Design Limited Telephone: 01952 632750 January 1st for the Spring publication. www.emergedesign.co.uk August 1st for the Autumn publication. Letter from the Headmaster

As a new term dawns in a new year – 2016 – Wrekin continues to flourish and looks forward to the next chapter in its illustrious history.

February 2016

This year, as many of you know, will be my Tim Firth, currently senior deputy head at last on the teaching staff at the school, Hurstpierpoint College, impressed everyone who met him at interview and I have no doubt that he retiring in August after completing 40 is an excellent choice to succeed me. He is a cricket years service. The last couple of years as blue from Oxford and he, his wife Jane and family Headmaster have been immensely enjoyable will enjoy living in Halcyon with its proximity and views to cricket bigside and, indeed, of the vista and rewarding, but it is time for a new man across the school. I hope that, over the course of at the helm to steer the school through the next few months, Tim will be able to visit the the challenges of the next few years. The school for various events and especially the Open waters are considerably calmer than they Morning on March 19th, so that he can meet many of the staff, pupils and parents, both old and new, were when I took over, day and boarding and get a real feel for the school. He is very excited numbers have increased and much has been at the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead done to enhance the school’s facilities and and I know that we will all give him our full support reputation. However, no school can ever in the years to come. rest on its laurels and new initiatives are Time seems to fly so quickly in a school that it is difficult to remember to mention everything always being considered to produce that without appearing to repeat what was said in my gradual evolution which is so necessary in last report. Exciting plans for the Business School any organisation. Wrekin is a very different are being finalised and the project will be going out school from the one I joined in 1976 and the to tender soon. We are pleased that this project is progressing so well as it will provide much needed one that many of you will remember. The facilities to benefit the current generation of trick with any evolution is to retain those Wrekinians. We have had some generous offers of characteristics which define you and stand financial support for the project and others have the test of time but modify those traits offered materials or services. If you feel that you are able to help either with a one-off gift, corporate which are less meaningful and useful and sponsorship over a period of time, including monies need updating. to the Foundation to help sponsor pupils through

3 Letter from the Headmaster

the school, or you would like to pay to ‘buy’ a seat The standard of Wrekin’s music continues to rise – a in the lecture theatre which will bear a plaque to real feat considering last year’s triumphs – under commemorate your gift or a relative who may have the direction of Simon Platford. Record numbers of had an association with the school, please do get pupils have individual instrumental lessons and the in touch with the Foundation Office or me directly. junior Lancaster House Band (11-13 year olds) has The more we raise for this project, the sooner we almost as many members as the school’s Concert can start looking at other projects, including for Band and there is a huge array of talent on display example, enhanced teaching and rehearsing space at the many concerts, soirées and performances for music and the performing arts. to which we are treated. This year’s Chapel Choir, The rugby XV has had its best season for years looking resplendent in its new blue gowns (partly defeating schools such as KES Birmingham and sponsored – thank you – by the OWA), has a Adams’ GS which we have not beaten for many beautiful pure tone which impresses all who hear years, plus rewarding victories over it. Following last year’s magnificent ‘The Armed School and Newcastle School. The girls’ netball Man – a mass for peace’ by Karl Jenkins, put in your squad has qualified, yet again, for the West diaries this year’s concert extravaganza – ‘Land of Midlands finals and, individually, we have Hope and Glory – a celebration of English music’ representatives, Natasha Coleman and Lucy Asson fittingly on St George’s Day, Saturday, 23rd April in in the U18 elite squad. Playing at the Sports Hall. international level must be every sportsperson’s Other successes from last term include a group dream and Lorna Mackenzie, already an U18 of Fifth Form pupils winning and Wrekin’s Scotland hockey player at the age of 14, has now Schools’ Global Entrepreneurship Enterprise been given the rare opportunity to play for a Challenge in November. A group of Upper Sixth second country having been invited to join the pupils greatly impressed a panel of Bank of England squad. economists with a presentation and in a subsequent Drama continues to be a great strength of the question and answer session on their views of school and this year’s production, ‘A Midwinter ‘monetary policy, the current state of inflation and Night’s Dream’ based on William Shakespeare’s forward fiscal planning’ in The Bank of England and play of a very similar title, was no exception with The Times Interest Rate Challenge ‘Target Two Point excellent acting, brilliant direction by Dr Alex Zero’. A Fourth Former, Jacob Reid, is in Archery Witton, a superb set and great technical expertise GB’s junior training squad and represents GB in a demonstrated by all concerned. A real gem! tournament in France in late January. Four pupils,

4 Holly and Ella Townson and Tess and Harry Sanders pupils, especially if we may be able to meet up with have qualified for the National Schools Biathlon them or their parents in early March. Finals in March and, of those, Holly and Tess have As the temperature outside drops to more familiar been selected for the England National Talent winter values, I feel for some of our new pupils Camp in February. A member of staff, Anthony who have just arrived from climates much warmer Francis-Jones, who runs the school’s extremely than ours. However the evenings are, optimistically, successful Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, was beginning to get a bit lighter and the cricket square himself presented with an award for services to is looking in fine health, despite the recent deluges. the local community. He received an Access Award We have some very talented senior cricketers this from the British Horse Society for promoting year and I am looking forward to a vintage season. and creating new green routes in the Telford and Five of them are already associated with academies Wrekin area at a prestigious ceremony at Saddlers’ of major cricketing counties. I am delighted that Hall in London. Andy Liu, a pupil enrolled on the four are associated with Northamptonshire, school’s new Transition Year programme, designed my home county, and that Luke Swann, as a foundation year to prepare overseas pupils for Northamptonshire’s Academy’s performance coach, entry to the Sixth Form, is an exceedingly talented has joined our staff to establish a very popular mathematician. Andy sat the UK Mathematics winter training programme which should ensure Senior Challenge, qualified for the very prestigious our cricket goes from strength to strength. I am, Olympiad round, in itself a rare feat, and has now therefore, expecting our matches this summer to been awarded a distinction for his efforts and has be greatly entertaining and the ones against the qualified for the next round. Given that Andy is OWA on our Foundation Fun Day on Sunday, June not yet 16 and is competing against 18 year- 26th should be particularly competitive! Put that olds across the country, this is an outstanding date and the annual OWA Dinner on the previous achievement. The school’s website hosts a regular evening – Saturday, June 25th – in your diaries now. newsletter keeping readers updated with school I hope to see many of you at the various OW events and successes. events during the next six months in London, Wrekin is fortunate to have an exceedingly Altrincham and here at school and perhaps on my committed and talented group of very loyal travels to Dubai and Hong Kong. My association teachers and it was sad at the end of last term with the OWA will continue after I retire as, already to say goodbye to Old Wrekinienne Gemma honoured by being elected a vice president of Cordingley (née Dolphin, C.97-99) who has taught the association, at the last committee meeting I physical education and geography here since was invited to become the next OW treasurer to September 2004. In the spirit of entrepreneurship succeed David Ellison who has held and discharged being fostered at the school, she is following the with distinction that post for many years. With example of many senior pupils in the school and is Michael de Weymarn recently installed as the new setting up her own business. OW secretary, it will seem like old times back in tandem running the U15 cricket! In late February and early March, Joan and I are off to Dubai recruiting pupils and from there we fly to Hong Kong. We would love to meet up with anyone connected with the school who is resident Best wishes in either place. Sadly we have lost contact details for many of our ex-Hong Kong students and I would be delighted to hear from any who see this article or from anyone who can put me in touch with ex- Dr Haydn Griffiths, Headmaster

5 ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEW HEADMASTER

The Governors are pleased to announce that Tim Firth, currently Senior Deputy Head of Hurstpierpoint College, West Sussex, will succeed Dr Haydn Griffiths 1940s as Headmaster of Wrekin College from Michael Paddock September 2016. (B.44-45) still plays tennis for ‘Devon County Veterans’ who have just started an ‘Over 80s’ team! 1970s Sean Davison (N.74-78) has made Tim Firth was educated at Stockport Grammar numerous films for television shot all over School. He studied English Literature at the world: Antarctica, Arctic, Africa . He has Sheffield University and completed his PGCE also composed music for many television at Oxford University being awarded a Blue for programmes and series. Sean is currently cricket. He started teaching English at Bedford working on Gold Rush for the Discovery School, where he was also a resident boarding Channel. He is married with 8 year old twins. house tutor, before moving to The Leys School OWs around the world… Gary Edwards in Cambridge where he also took charge of (T.81-86) has been making the most of his the cricket. He was promoted to be Head of international photography contracts to visit English at The King’s School, Ely and is now Old Wrekinian friends far and wide. Regularly the Senior Deputy Head at Hurstpierpoint jetting off from his base in Southern Spain, College, West Sussex having previously run in the last two years Gary has visited about the Sixth Form and been Acting Headmaster 50 locations in over 30 different countries for a short period there. photographing property, hotels, travel Tim is a keen sportsman, with a particular destinations and qualifying events for the interest in cricket, and also enjoys writing Turkish Airlines Golf World Cup. Gary has poetry. His wife, Jane, had a career in Human enjoyed lunch at the Royal Birkdale GC with Resources working for, among others, Cameron Freeman (T.85-87), dinner and Arthur Andersen and now teaches in the the nightlife of Kuala Lumpur with Andrew Learning Support Department at Hurst. They Morgan (B.85-90), sightseeing in Hong Kong have three children: Michael is at Durham with Wilfred Pau (T.84-89) and drinking University studying Theology and Religion, champagne at an art exhibition in Singapore Edward is Head Boy at Hurst and Lydia is in with Mark Billington (B.79-84). Once a Year 7. Wrekinian always a Wrekinian. Gary Edwards

6 News of members 1990s Left to right: Johnny Prestt, Alexander Clare (W.90-94) works in public Peter Coy, Dorian Franklin, relations in the aerospace sector and through Mark Peake his employment has learned from an ex-F14 pilot that Top Gun is a highly realistic film and that Goose could indeed have hit the canopy. He lives and works in London but worked in PR from New York to Watford. Alexander is also a proud father of a fabulous little boy, Logan who is 3. Debbie Nelson (C.86-91) initially studied German at UCL before relocating to Barbados in the early 90s. She decided to study psychology instead and went to university part time whilst working for first the Barbados Ministry of Foreign Affairs and later the Bureau of Social Policy, Research and Planning as an analyst. Having gained a BA (1st Class Hons) in psychology and an MSc (with distinction) in applied psychology, Debbie went on to work as an independent social psychologist around the English- speaking Caribbean while continuing to work for the Bureau of Social Policy and teaching undergraduate – International Photographer. www. psychology in the evenings! She moved back to instagram.com/gary_justgoodphotos the UK in November 2012 and has found www.garyedwards.es +34 610713334 her calling as a Psychology teacher in Adrian Laycock (T.68-72) has been Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. appointed as Chief Risk Officer for Harrods Bank Limited. 50th Anniversary – 19/20th September 1965, Dorian Franklin (B), Mark Peake (N), Peter Coy (N) and Johnny Prestt (B) started at Wrekin College. To mark the occasion, we, with our wives, stayed at The Buckatree Hotel on the Saturday 2000s night (where our parents used to stay), Sarah-Jane Beswick (R.00-05) has been ranked as the dined at The Mytton and Mermaid and UK’s 37th most influential person in social media by The then walked up the Wrekin on Sunday Drum http://www.thedrum.com/drum-social-buzz-top- morning as we did as new boys. It 50-2015?desktop=1. The highlights of her career so far was great fun and brought back many include being invited to Downing Street to advise on their memories for all of us. We wish Wrekin a social media campaign and being a guest lecturer at various happy and successful future. colleges and universities in the UK and abroad. She is also a Johnny Prestt (B.65-70). published author and co-founder of @SRSLY fashion label.

7 A TEXAN GOES TO WREKIN Kirk Hoffman (B.85-87)

Texas in the 1980s was known for a lot of things, cheerful demeanour and I was poorly equipped to cowboys, big oil, big hair, steaks and Mexican food. deal with the cold and damp sleet and snow. Lastly, Education was not one of those things. My mother, there was the food. Having grown up in a who had a PhD. in English Literature and had taught predominately Hispanic area of Texas and with university level literature, decided I needed a better strong ties to Mexico, I was used to much different education than state schools could provide me. My and much spicier foods. I had no idea what half the godmother, who was English, suggested I should food was. Kippers, bangers, Welsh rarebit, spotted attend a proper British public school, at least for a dick (which I at first thought was a terrible venereal year. On my part I had a desire to travel the world disease) and steak and kidney pie were examples of and see new places and was initially keen on the food I found both odd and bland. I eventually grew idea. So began our search for a school to attend in to love British staples like the English breakfast, the UK. Eton and Harrow were, of course, out of the Sunday roasts, treacle and crumpets amongst others. question and we looked at several schools including I could easily have been the object of ridicule Gordonstoun, Marlborough, Repton, Shrewsbury and bullying but was blessed to have made many school and a few others. Due in large part to Mr friends at Wrekin, who taught me the many ins Arkell’s ability to sell the school, my mother finally and outs of British public school life. At first I did decided to send me to Wrekin. I was assigned to get into some fights and in trouble with some of Bayley house with Mr de Weymarn as my housemaster the masters. I remember distinctly being sent to and Mr Cundell as his assistant. Mr Arkell’s study by Mr Owens. Arkell gave me a My first week at Wrekin was one of complete culture singular piece of advice that not only served me shock. Firstly, most of my classmates had accents well at Wrekin but throughout my life. He sat me down and simply said, “Hoffman, hailing from Liverpool, Birmingham and Yorkshire. when in Rome do as the Romans do.” To me, they might as well have been speaking a foreign language. I remember telling my aunt back At first I struggled in many areas of my in Texas, “They don’t speak regular man talk”. Then academic life, I was far behind in much there was the weather. Having grown up in south of the sciences and definitely in maths. I Texas I was used to a hot, humid almost tropical spoke Spanish fluently, but this was not climate. The cold wet environment with its studied at Wrekin and it was decided abnormally short days took a toll on my otherwise there was no way I could catch up in

8 Lost Addresses

SINCE SEPTEMBER 2015

Please look through the list and, if you know anything of them, MY MOTHER’S GIFT TO let us know. Battson, A.L-M. (C.94-96) ME OF A BRITISH EDUCATION London Chapman, I.A. (C.89-94) AT WREKIN COLLEGE. Buxton, Derbyshire Crutchley, T.M. (Y.74-77) Ness, South Wirral, Cheshire French or other languages which were available. I Gregory, J. (S.45-49) Raby, finally did obtain my Spanish ‘O’ Level with an A. Cheshire After much study and help from both masters and Roberts, J.G. (B.61-65) Rhyl, friends at Wrekin, I was able to obtain all of the O Denbighshire Levels I sat with good marks. I left Wrekin before Preston, K. (R.03-08) Telford, the Sixth form and was accepted at the University of Texas in Austin. I excelled at University Preston, S.J.S. (R.06-11) Telford, and eventually graduated with two degrees in Shropshire International Studies with minors in Government Riley, P.J. (T.83-86) Middlewich, and History and Philosophy. Cheshire Skurek, A.M. (nee Shepherd) I worked in fine dining and the wine (R.91-94) Cheltenham, industry during college and had a Gloucestershire myriad of jobs out of university. I was Visser, R.J. (nee Trigg) Lincoln a stock broker, investigator, certified legal assistant, wine purveyor and Are you being correctly did signal intelligence and medicine addressed? Do we have in the US Navy. I finally settled into your house number, my career as a strategic consultant postcode and email in complex litigation and politics. I address? specialised in patent law, toxic torts and bank and finance litigation as well as Each year a number of opposition research for both litigation and magazines are returned by the political campaigns. Post Office marked ‘Incomplete Address’. Please check the Recently I was asked, what was the address used on the envelope best present I ever received as a kid? and let the Editor know if any After thinking about it for a minute alterations are needed. I replied, “My mother’s gift to me of a British education at Wrekin College.”

9 From the archives

10 The Parker Prize for Science

Over the last 80 years this prize has been Wellington College (Salop). He was far too old to awarded and presented at Speech Day, but have been a former pupil but he was a local and interested friend. His scientific work made a great how many of the recipients know anything impression on Cyril Polson, a pupil at the school of its origins or of the person that it (1911-19) and in 1935, 20 years after the death of commemorates. Thomas Parker, Cyril and his family founded the Parker Prize for Science in his memory. In 1980, Thomas Parker was born in Coalbrookdale in following further support from Cyril Polson, the 1843 and lived in the area all his life. He had little award was renamed the Polson-Parker Prize thus formal education and his first employment at linking the names of two notable scientists, both of the age of 9 was at Coalbrookdale Ironworks whom reached the top of their professions. where he worked a 59 hour week at four pence per day. Despite this humble start he had a great More recent OWs may now be wondering who was determination to learn and by 1882 when he Cyril Polson. While at school he had a great interest left the company he had been in charge of both in science, especially Medicine After qualifying chemical and engineering departments. he specialised in Forensic Medicine and as such was associated with Leeds University for nearly He then set up his own company and turned his sixty years. He appeared as an expert witness for attention to the uses of electricty, especially in the prosecution in many murder trials, the most transport including the design of accumulators famous being the ‘Moors Murders’. and dynamos. He installed the first underground electric system for mines followed by electric tram One of his contemporaries, Herbert Moore (1919- systems in Blackpool, Birmingham and London 23), recalled the kindness shown to him as a new where he converted the underground system boy away from home for the first time by Cyril from steam to electricity. He also installed the Polson. He was also aware of the great interest of Liverpool Overhead Railway, the first of its kind in Polson in medicine as he kept a skeleton in a box the country. He was opposed to the burning of coal under his bed. because of the pollution to the atmosphere and In October 2015, to commemorate the centenary consequently designed a fire grate for the burning of the death of Thomas Parker, a celebration of anthracite and other smokeless fuels. In addition meeting was held at the Valley Hotel, Ironbridge, in the 1880s he designed a type of electric car. which, as Severn House, he had bought in 1907 and By now you may be wondering what was his where he established his own home laboratory. connection with what was then known as Mervyn Joyner

11 Sandhurst team Mervyn Joyner

This photograph was sent to me earlier in the year by Dr. Frances Hurd who was researching the names and details of the hockey players. It shows the Sandhurst Military College team of 1915 and the team captain was a former pupil of Wellington College (Salop), Ivor Cochrane. A search of the school records showed that he was at Wellington 1911-12 and for those two years he was goalkeeper of the college soccer team and also a member of the cricket XI.

Ivor Cochrane is frequently mentioned in match to England he served with a garrison battalion reports in the old school magazines and in his final until 1918 when he went to Salonika with the 7th term the results read: played 7, won 5, lost 2, goals Battalion South Borderers. Local conditions for 53, goals against 10. That looks like a good were very bad and he was one of many who result for a goalkeeper! Unfortunately there is no contracted malaria. In 1939 he was still on the reference to him amongst the ‘Letters from Old army reserve and was called up and went to France Boys’ and he does not seem to have kept contact as a Captain where he was adjutant on the staff of after leaving. a POW camp at Favreuil. On 4th February 1940 he came home on leave but when he failed to return Ivor Edward Morgan Cochrane was born in 1896 on 15th February his commander sent enquiries at Ynystar, Glamorgan, the son of a doctor. In asking where he was. He never returned and died September 1914 he enlisted as a private in the in Weston-super-Mare on 19th July as the result Public Schools’ Battalion but was permitted to of a kidney infection. He is buried at Kewstoke resign in November as he had been accepted with a CWGC headstone as they accepted that at Sandhurst. In 1915 he was commissioned as his death from a severe kidney infection was the second lieutenant and served with the South Wales result of active service and that he should be Borderers. He was with them in Gallipoli but was commemorated accordingly. His name is to be injured when an early type of grenade went off in added to the War Memorial in the School Chapel his hand, removing three fingers. Invalided home and is included in the list of names read out at

12 the Remembrance His name is to be added new mine shafts. Sunday service. Consequently his work entailed However, that is not to the War Memorial in moving around the end of the story. the School Chapel and is included the country. The The correspondence in the list of names read out at the 1901 census from Frances Hurd showed Dorothy mentioned that Remembrance Sunday service. Piggott living near Ivor Cochrane was Cardiff with three married in 1919 to brothers, Gordon, Dorothy Piggott, Percy and Herbert. the daughter of a neighbour from Glamorgan. The The 1911 census showed Dorothy as a pupil, at ‘Find My Past’ website gave the place of marriage Northumberland House School, a girls’ boarding as Oxon, a village just outside Shrewsbury. This school in Bristol. Percy and Herbert were both seemed odd for two people from South Wales but pupils at Wellington College (Salop), Percy from a search through the parish records at Shrewsbury 1914-15 and Herbert from 1914-17. Just to Archives showed that the Piggott family was living complete the coincidences, Percy Piggott died in there from about 1918-21. Dorothy Piggott’s father France in 1918 and is also commemorated on the was a mine engineer involved in the sinking of WW1 memorial in the school chapel.

13 Sport Golf The OWGS summer meeting Wrekin v Bedford

Sunday, 11th September 2016 Sunday, 23 October 2016 To be held at Little Aston. The format will be To be staged at Little Aston Golf Club. similar to previous years, meeting for coffee/rolls • Coffee & Bacon roll on arrival from 8.15am: • 18 holes • Coffee available in the clubhouse from 8.15 am • 2 course lunch • From 9.04am 18 hole medal for the J.S.Kerr Cup • Cost for the golf (non LA members) and and the Sir John Bayley Cup lunch is £75 • Lunch and prize giving. As always we want to encourage Old • Afternoon foursomes from 2.32pm for the Sir Wrekinians, new and not so new, to take part. Frederick Neil Trophies. Anyone interested in playing should contact • Final prize giving and AGM Simon Westgarth the match organiser on [email protected] or 07870 602184 • Cost for coffee & rolls, golf (am & pm), and a 2 course lunch for an inclusive rate of £85 Please confirm your attendance by preferably responding to [email protected].

Jackets and ties are required in the clubhouse after 11.00am. Payment is on the day and cash only please (this will enable us to pay the caterers and green fees promptly).

President: P. Butler Captain: R. Sutherland Secretary: S.R.D.H. Lander Treasurer: R.J. Hall

14 Hockey

& Netball Cost of OWA Hockey & Netball vs The School producing and Sunday, 20th March 2016 The OWA Hockey Matches will take place as follows: posting out the Girls 1st XI at 12 noon, Boys 1st XI at 2.15pm. Anyone wishing to play please contact OW Record Barrie Roberts on 01684 541416 or [email protected] At its last Committee Meeting in The OWA Netball Matches will take place at November, the OWA Committee 2.00pm in the Sports Hall. If you wish to play, discussed the ever increasing cost in please contact Sophie Summers on 07801 922868 producing and posting out the OW or [email protected] Record. A recommendation was made that if any Old Wrekinian with an email address wishes to continue to receive the magazine in hard copy, they must ‘opt in’ to do so. Otherwise if an up to date email address is on file, they will be sent the magazine via Cricket email as a pdf. This will save the OWA costs and allow them to support OWA Cricket vs The School other projects. Sunday, 26th June 2016 To ‘opt in’ to continue receiving As last year, the matches will be played whilst the the magazine in hard copy, please Foundation Fun Day is in full swing. There will be either write, telephone or email entertainment, food and drinks so why not come and Serena Kyle on 01952 265609 or bring a picnic? Families and dogs are welcome! [email protected] If you wish to play whether you are cricketing If we do not hear from you, then currently or not, there are no age limits to the game from September you will receive the – so I look forward to welcoming former OW players, magazine via email. newcomers, and those coming out of retirement on Thank you. the 26th. To definitely book your spot, please e.mail MdeW at [email protected] or phone/ MdeW text 07805174584 as soon as possible.

MdeW

15 Annual dinners London Branch Dinner 2015

Over 60 OWs and guests attended the dinner at the splendidly appointed East India and Public Schools Club in St James’ Square. The new branch President, Rod Rigby (B.53-57) opened proceedings by paying tribute to his predecessor Jim Markwick (N.48-54), who had passed away earlier in the year and said how delighted we all were London Branch to welcome his widow, Marg Ann Markwick, to the function. An excellent four course meal, with wine and port, followed. Dinner The Headmaster then brought us all up to date on news and achievements at Wrekin over the past year. Knowing that he Thursday, 10th November 2016 was entering his last year in office, he was thanked for the great work he had done after taking over at a particularly The London Branch Dinner will be difficult time. The evening closed on a high note with a held on Thursday, 10th November speech by Dr Rodney Edrich (Staff 70-06) who proposed at The East India Club, St James’s the toast to the school. It goes without saying that the Square, SW1, 6.45pm for 7.30pm, speech was of the usual high standard that we have come lounge suits. The cost of a place will to expect. All enjoyed the evening and it is hoped OWs will be confirmed in due course. A Reply attend in even greater numbers next year. Slip will be included in the September Record. The Tavern Trot, during which we visit a number of the great historical pubs of London followed by a Chinese meal in China Town, will take place on Thursday, 9th June. I do hope to see you there!

Rod Rigby

The Old Windsorian Dinner

Saturday, 7th May 2016 The Old Windsorian Dinner will be held on Saturday, 7th May at the usual venue Willington Hall (http://willingtonhall.co.uk), Tarporley at 7 for 7.30pm. Tickets are £35 and a reply slip can be found in the centre of this publication.

16 Liverpool Event

Friday, 14 October 2016 Following the success of the dinner in 2015 the Organising committee: OWA will be hosting another evening at the Royal David Lewis (T. 76-80) Liverpool Golf Club, Hoylake, Wirral on Friday 14th 07971 366503 [email protected] October 2016. Mike Halewood (N. 75-80) 07768 876163 [email protected] Among the invited guests will be Tim Firth, the new Headmaster of Wrekin College who will be a month Andy Evans (B.61-65) 07785925007 [email protected] into his tenure, which we hope will be a long and happy one. Johnny Prestt (B.65-70) 07798 576800 [email protected] Spread the word and come and have a few drinks, enjoy a superb dinner and take the opportunity to meet up with old friends!

17 Golf Day 2016 Windlesham Golf Club

After the success of our first OW London We do hope that you are able to attend and Branch Golf Day last March, we warmly invite feel free to invite along as many guests as you you all once again, along with your guests, might like. We would then be most grateful if to the delights of the Windlesham Golf Club. you would complete the form in the centre of The club is set amidst the beautiful Surrey this publication and either send this together countryside and is a par 72, 6,650 yard, Tommy with a cheque for £60 payable to ‘OWA London Horton designed championship parkland golf Branch’ to Jonathan Wood at the address below course. See www.windleshamgolf.com for or electronically to 40-03-21 88189168. It more details. We are indebted to Rod Rigby would be very helpful if you could let us know (B.53-57) for the invitation to play at his club. early if you are going to be able to join us but in any case before the end of February 2016. We have booked to play on Thursday 17th March 2016 and we welcome you all for an For those interested, convenient accommodation affordable good day’s golf and meal for £60. is available at the Cricketers, Bagshot. Tel 0871 The format for the day will be: 527 8040 www.premierinn.com/en/hotel/

10.30am – Arrival coffee and a Bacon Sandwich BAGCRI/bagshot. Rod will be delighted to assist (contact number below). The hotel is located 11.30am – First tee off time for 18 hole Stableford within a couple of six irons of the Course. 4.30pm – 2 Course Meal and Prize Giving (dress for the meal will be smart casual) We really do hope you will support this OW London Branch event and look forward to your Whilst there will be prizes – for the Winner early reply. and a few Nearest the Pin etc., it is not a day where golfing skills are the main requirement. Very best regards We want to get a goodly number of OWs (Old Jonathan Wood – 31 Trinity Church Road London Girls & ) and their guests (male and SW13 8ET 07901 555 271 female) together in great surroundings for an Rod Rigby – 01344 622476 enjoyable event.

18 The Old Wrekinian Lodge was founded in 1934 “primarily for the convenience of old boys of Wrekin College and their friends”. Over the years, many distinguished Old Wreks and staff have been active members, including Lord Mayor of London, Sir Peter Gadsden, industrialist Sir Stanley Harley and Headmasters Walter Maxwell Gordon and 81 Robert Dahl. A distinguished past, but it is the future which is more important and the OW Lodge is happy to advertise the benefits of membership, forge closer ties with NOT the OWA and the school and invite enquiries about membership from all male OWs aged 21 or over. Old Wreks who are already freemasons but not yet members of the OW Lodge are very welcome and there is then no joining fee. OUT Freemasonry is a secular worldwide fraternity of 7 million men and has a history in the UK going back more than 400 years. The Royal Patron is HRH Duke of Kent. The OW Lodge meets four time a year and members can take part in some fascinating allegorical ceremonies which illustrate the guiding principles of brotherly love, charity and truth. After the meeting, we dine at school and, at a recent dinner Dr Haydn Griffiths was our guest of honour. Charity lies at the heart of freemasonry’s purpose and nationally the masons donate millions of pounds each year, most of which goes to really good causes like cancer research, the Hospice movement, the RNLI and international disaster relief. In addition to these national campaigns, the OW Lodge supports local Now to charities and also supports the school and the OWA. The OW Lodge has 35 members at the moment ranging in age from the late 20s up to 94! We need the next to make sure that the Lodge can continue helping the school, the OWA and our charities in the future. So, if you are interested in the possibility of taking part in this intriguing and fun way of being an OW, 81 Years’ please look at www.ugle.org.uk and then please do email the Lodge secretary, Paul Rhodes, at Service! [email protected]. We really look forward to hearing from you!

19 Births, deaths and marriages

BIRTHS To Libby Graham (R.97-03) and Jon Sevink on 26th June 2015, a Ehisieme daughter, Polly Joan Sevink To Lindsey and Ben Milton (Y.91-96) on 3rd March 2015, a Osarieme daughter, Eva Florence, a sister for Freddie and Annabel To Hannah Noble (nee Perry) ‘Ehi’ Alonge (C.97-99) and Ben Noble on 2nd July 2015, a daughter, Camilla Josie, a Aged 35, 10th June 2015 sister for Meredith Rose To Alison Sandilands and Ehisieme Osarieme ‘Ehi’ Alonge (B.92-97), Andrew Kirkland (Y.93-98) on whose death was reported in October’s magazine, 29th November 2015, a daughter, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, 10th Gabrielle Rose Kirkland June 2015, at St. Mary’s Hospital in London, at the age of 35. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Ehi began DEATHS his education at Corona School in Ikoyi. He then moved to the UK when he was 11 and started at D.F. Annable (Y.45-48) aged 84, Wrekin in September 1992, where he was a popular on 9th September 2015 member of Bayley House. Throughout his time at J.W. Beddoes (T.66-69) aged 63, Wrekin, he contributed to all areas of school life. on 20th January 2016 He represented both his House and the school on J.S. Bellis (N.48-53) aged 80, the rugby, hockey and cricket pitches, as well as on 21st December 2015 shooting many a hoop on the basketball courts. N.S. Maddock (Y.45-48) aged 83, He was a keen debater and a fine actor and had on 28th February 2014 roles in many of the school’s theatrical and musical J.B. Milburn (Y.55-60) aged 73, productions. Everyone knew him and everyone on 18th September 2015 liked him. In short, he was legend. OWs from years D.H. Phillips (S.33-37) aged 95, above and below, as well as former members of on 12th December 2014 staff, all came to pay their respects at his funeral; a D.J. Roe (B.35-37) aged 95 testament to the high esteem in which he was held in September 2015, and to the fondness of the memories everyone had E.S. Rowland (T.46-50) aged 81, for him, eighteen years after having left school. in June 2014 A.J. Scopes (Y.39-40) aged 92, After graduating from the University of West in April 2014 England with a BA in Politics, Ehi left Bristol (much A.E.H. Stapleton (Y.54-58) to the sadness of his many Bristolian friends) aged 70, on 19th March 2010 and made a new home for himself in Maida A. Vening (Staff) aged 81, Vale. But Bristol’s loss, as they say, was London’s on 30th October 2015 gain. Ehi’s professional career included positions in the worlds of marketing and sponsorship, business development and most recently he worked as a freelance consultant, specialising in

20 communications as well as offering with his camera and discovering new input on strategic marketing places and people, and catching and project management. He them on film. was commercially astute I know I speak for a lot of with a drive for growing the OWs when I say I am very commercial pipelines and proud to have been able to client lists of all those with call him my friend. I don’t whom he worked. He was believe I ever heard anyone gifted with an extraordinary say a bad word against Ehi. ability in content creation He had a genuine warmth and and curation, with social media kindness to his character. Amongst marketing, PR, communications, his many admirable qualities was his digital marketing, events and lead charming ability to get on with everyone. generation. If Ehi did not know how to do He held no prejudices, and his approach to life something (which was not often) he certainly knew and to people transcended creed, class and colour. someone in his vast network who did. He was He always invested time with his friends and he always thinking of his network of contacts and was made everyone feel they had a unique bond with always willing to set up connections with those him. This was because he always took the time to who went to him for advice. speak to people and to listen attentively, forming Ehi was passionate about sports and was a meaningful and enduring connections with them. committed rugby player. He joined the Kilburn Ehi touched the lives of every person he met and Cosmos RFC in 2006 and was a member of the 1st left a lasting impact. There were messages from XV, playing predominantly second row and also people who in some cases had had only the briefest many times as prop. In his time there, he helped of encounters with him, but he had still had that coach the Kilburn Cosmos Juniors. It was a moving “Ehi” impact. That was Ehi – unforgettable. sight to see so many members of his club (together with their families) at the funeral, all carrying club He was always great fun to be around and any colours. Their tribute at the reception afterwards memory of Ehi would be incomplete without demonstrated how highly regarded and valued he mentioning ‘that’ laugh – the booming, infectious was as a team mate, both on and off the pitch. Ehi laugh which just made you feel glad to be there in also had an unbeaten record as a boxing coach, of that moment. which he was very proud. He also led many fitness Ehi’s ability to relate to everyone was never sessions; those who survived them were labelled more evident than seeing him with children, with M.B.E’s – “Made By Ehi”. whom he always seemed to have an immediate He was articulate, intelligent and could speak and natural connection. He had a number of knowledgeably about many subjects. Politics and godchildren, including Milo, son of Vanraaj history were of particular interest. And he had a Padhaal (W/Y/92-97), whose christening was in great ability to adapt to situations; he was just as Helsinki earlier this year in January. The event comfortable and content engaging in an in-depth brought together OWs: Helen Boyle (R.92-97), debate about the current state of the Cabinet or Chris Sheehan (Y.92-97), Justin Bulley (W/Y.91- any number of current world affairs, as he was 96) and myself and was one of the last times we talking about Arsenal’s chances in the Premiership got to spend with Ehi. It was a terrific weekend, (being an avid Gunners’ fan). Ehi was also a gifted and we are fortunate to have that memory. It is photographer and had a keen eye for a fantastic incredibly sad that Milo (and his other godchildren) shot. He liked nothing better than going for a walk will not get to know their “Uncle Ehi”, or as he was

21 Births, deaths and marriages affectionately known as by one of the Cosmos’ children, “Uncle Rugby”.

In 2014, he met his partner, Christina, with whom he spent the rest of his life. Many of us had expected our next big gathering to have been to celebrate a much happier occasion. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Christina, as they do to all of Ehi’s family.

A wake was held on Tuesday, 30th June and a funeral on Wednesday, 1st July, at the Catholic Church of St. Mary and St. Andrew in Dollis Hill, London . The packed, tearful church showed just how much he had been appreciated and loved as a caring family man, friend, teammate and as a true gentleman to everyone. It was an enormous honour to have been asked (along with Vanraaj Padhaal) to be amongst the pallbearers.

At the reception, friends and family were given the opportunity to pay personal tributes. Whilst, of course, light-hearted references were made to his unrivalled talent for consuming chicken, it was the touching tributes to his warmth, selflessness, strength, love and loyalty that resonated with everyone and brought home the tragic reality and realisation of what has happened. Ehi is from a large family and the memories of family gatherings recounted by his cousins and siblings showed what an integral part of family life he had played and how much he was valued, cherished, loved and respected, and how sadly he will be missed.

Ehi is survived by his parents Dupe and Niyi, his brothers Nosazee (B.92-97), Ifueko, Osagie, Amen, Tinya, his sister Ivie (C.08-10) and his Derek partner Christina.

Ehi was a warm, charming and fun loving gentleman who cared for his loved ones, friends and Frank family, and will be greatly missed by all those who were fortunate enough to have known him. May he rest in peace. Annable Guy Simpson (B.94-97) (with many thanks to Christina, Helen and Vinnie for their contributions)

22 Derek Frank Annable (Y.45-48) passed beginning to end. He was also the author away on the 9th September 2015 at and publisher of numerous books, the the Bijilo Medical Centre in the Gambia, most successful being ‘Derek Annable West Africa aged 84. He had been due (Boy Racer) 60 years behind the wheel’. to fly back home to Anglesey on the 8th He was flown home to be buried with September. From racing with Stirling our mother who also died in the Gambia Moss in the 50s, to competing at Santa in April 2011. He will be sadly missed by Pod, York and Shakespeare County Drag his five children, Lynne, Paul, Peter, Mark Raceways winning many trophies, our and Debbie. father lived his life in the fast lane from Lynne Annable-Staines

23 Births, deaths and marriages

John Bellis (N.48-53) passed away peacefully the Shrewsbury Light Infantry Regiment and upon on 21st December 2015 at the Royal Shrewsbury completion joined his father in the family building Hospital finally succumbing to a combination of business and qualified as a quantity surveyor. He respiratory and heart related difficulties. Whilst became MD in 1969 and the business completed having a very full and active life, he had noticeably many significant local authority/public works slowed down over the last few years. He was born contracts in Shropshire, Cheshire and North Wales in Whitchurch, Shropshire in 1935 and is survived up to the late 1990s when these activities were by his wife of 55 years, Pat, sons Jonathan (N.75- enhanced by a bespoke joinery company and 80) and Jeremy (N.77-82) and grandsons James various land and development interests. He was and Justin. also a member of the Association of Surveyors & John came to Wrekin in 1948 and joined Architectural Consultants, The Chartered Institute his older brother Paul (N.43-49) of Building and became President (deceased) in Norman House. of the Shropshire Branch of They both enjoyed playing the Federation of Master much sport at Wrekin Builders in 1996. with Paul ‘bruiser’ In addition to Bellis developing business John was a reputation passionate about in the boxing his charitable ring and for activity and sprinting. John was a Round also played 1st Tabler from XV rugby (full his mid 20’s. back/centre) He was also and received his a very active 1st XV colours Rotarian for on the pitch after 41 years being beating Ellesmere Whitchurch Rotary College. He also Club President in represented the school 1980/1 and in May at gym, tennis, athletics, 2000 received Rotary’s fives and squash which he Paul Harris Fellowship award loved. He was also a prefect in for outstanding services to the Norman House. community and club. He was also a very John loved Wrekin and visited many times after active member at Whitchurch Rugby Club for he left the school. He also attended many reunion over 50 years, being Sportsman of the Season in events with wife Pat including the Centenary 1967/68, Captain in 1968 and Club Chairman from Dinner at the Guildhall in May 1980 and can be 1970-73. He was also a golfer for much of his life, clearly seen in the memorial picture of the event. captaining Hill Valley Golf Club, Whitchurch in He also thoroughly enjoyed attending a number 1986. He also encouraged many Rotarians to take of Liverpool Branch OW events where he was very up or return to the game. Having passed away after pleased to meet up with many contemporaries and a very full, happy and accomplished life, he will be old friends. sadly missed.

After Wrekin he completed National Service with Jonathan Bellis (N.75-80)

24 David Charles Wilfred Howell (N.76-80), whose Robbie Gradwell (N.63-69), whose death death was reported in October’s magazine, was was reported in October’s OW Record, was a a School Prefect, Head of Norman and captain of true gentleman and a devoted family man who the 1st XV rugby team. David, Dave or Dai was the tragically, but stoically, died at the age of 65 on life of Norman House with his love for everything 26th November 2014 following a stroke. Robbie Welsh, from the famous rugby team to Swansea had been ill for some time with diabetes and had City Football Club. He grew up in Mumbles, become increasingly immobile after breaking his Swansea and loved the sea with an ambition to ankle in 2010. Nevertheless, despite his inability be a marine biologist, intending to spend further to walk, he was the life and soul of the party at days on the coast and in the water. He did succeed his and Ann’s Ruby Wedding last June when he in spending 25 years of his working life on the entertained family and friends in his generous and Island of Hong Kong and even scuba diving in its inimitable style. Although he was diabetic he still surrounding waters. managed a few G and Ts as I sat with him at a long lunch reminiscing about our times at Wrekin and David was my assigned buddy when I joined beyond. It was (and still is!) a great privilege to be Wrekin in September 1977. He initiated me to asked to be a Godfather to his daughter, Vicky, the ways of British public school education! He who, with her twin Richard, supported Ann over introduced me and the whole of the year to Procol the last few months and his passing was a blessing Harum’s ‘Whiter Shade of Pale’, then Thin Lizzy, to the family eventually. Although “Gradders” before finally graduating to Rush. Armed with his was suspect academically (and he won’t mind guitar and his black and white scarf around his neck, me saying that!) – he was an accountant until he would strum away in our study most evenings retirement through ill health – his children are after prep. brain boxes and charming. Vicky went to Durham He travelled extensively, cycling around Ireland after Harrogate Ladies and Richard went to Caius, and visited the Far East, Thailand and Malaysia in Cambridge (my daughter‘s college) and they have his holidays. He was energetic, charismatic and 3 daughters who he absolutely adored. He will be always Welsh wherever he ventured. He attended missed. Above all, he was fun with a capital F! Nottingham University continuing to play 1st We first met in the San in 1963, discovered we class rugby and graduating in Zoology. He then had lots in common and never looked back in spent a stint in the City with Ernst & Young whilst what they now call “pushing boundaries” whether gaining his Chartered Accountancy qualifications it was smoking, going to the Raven or the Glebe before moving with Linda to Hong Kong where he for a swift half, or cycling out to the Pheasant would flourish, despite a bad back, playing more at Wrockwardine when we weren’t allowed out! rugby (Hon Treasurer HKFC), running marathons He was a good athlete in his youth and loved and triathlons despite a bad back. David had a sport, especially watching in his ‘old age’. A great successful career in HK starting with Radica Games, socialite, he was very popular with the girls and then Mattel and becoming the Chief Executive reminded me at his ruby party of his exploits at of Grand Toys International in Kowloon. He then CCF camps on the Brecon Beacons and, especially, became CFO for Petrocom and Binatone before at a Signals Army Camp in Germany (cost to our a sudden illness afflicted him. He battled bravely parents of £5 each!) when he was late back to before returning home to UK, leaving many barracks after an assignment with the daughter of friends in HK. He leaves his wife, Linda and his 3 the head of the Military Police! Robbie got away children, Cameron, Connor and Kate. Dave is dearly scot-free but Martin Thouless (Captain, no less!) remembered and missed. disciplined ME for not keeping Gradwell in check – Tony de Souza aka ‘Jack’ (N.77-80) an impossible task!

25 Births, deaths and marriages

A devout churchman – no doubt inspired by his housemaster at Saxon, ‘Bonzo’ Kerr, as well as being long tenure as a chapel keeper at school – his taught by three other masters Douglas knew well funeral service was packed with friends (including from his time at Wrekin – Colonel Johnson, ‘Daddy’ Johnny Thompson (Y.63-68), representatives Cox and Mr Wilson-Jones! from Harrogate Rugby Club, the cricket club, the In his 50s he started to take a keen interest in golf club and beyond. His old friend, Michael painting and became a really talented Fattorini, gave a most moving tribute and eulogy artist, both in oils and water to a wonderful man who we will all miss colours. He painted some greatly and remember with fondness excellent portraits and and love. wonderful landscapes at Tom Hoyle (T.62-67) home and abroad – in particular St Mark’s Square in Venice. He also turned some of his best paintings into Christmas Cards Douglas that were eagerly awaited each year by friends and Phillips relatives alike. On retirement Aged 95, 12th December 2014 he continued to enjoy his golf and acted as a volunteer at the Ironbridge Museum where he Douglas Phillips (S.33-37) was could be seen wearing born in Birmingham in 1919. Whilst a cap and muffler whilst at Wrekin he became a member of the looking after a steam GYM 8 – the eight best gymnasts in the engine! He also enjoyed school. After joining The Royal Warwickshire a round the world trip and Regiment in the Second World War, he was caught up with many old friends posted to India and served with the 10th Gurkha and revisited India. After his wife Mona Regiment. After a thorough grounding in the family died, he attended several painting courses where he engineering business, Ephraim Phillips, he qualified eventually met Florence, a widow, who he was to as a Production Engineer and went on to lead the marry a few years later. They lived happily, close to company successfully up to the 1980s. the river Severn in Bewdley, sharing a great interest in painting, both being talented artists. They often He married Mona Keevil, a war widow in 1952 and took their palettes on cruises and trips to the became a wonderful stepfather to Jim Keevil (S.57 countryside. Douglas died, aged 95, on December -61). Hazel, his daughter, was born in 1954. He and 12th 2014. He was a true gentleman and will be Mona, were accomplished ballroom dancers. greatly missed. In the words of Chaucer, “He was a Strange to relate when his stepson, Jim Keevil who true, a perfect gentle–knight.” was at Wrekin in 1957, encountered the same Jim Keevil (S.57–61)

26 Happy Days Appeal Boosted by the Generosity of Old Wrekinians

The Happy Days Appeal – set The Sons of Pitches, winners of up in memory of Simon Wallis Gareth Malone’s BBC Naked Choir, will be giving a special July concert (N.75-80) by his family and on the Wirral in support of the friends – has reached over two Appeal and a repeat of last year’s thirds of its £50,000 fundraising successful Friendship Golf Day is target in one year thanks, in no being held at Caldy Golf Club on Thursday 28 July. In addition to these small part, to the generosity of organised events, many individuals many Old Wrekinians. are kindly raising money for the Appeal in their own way. Simon took his life on 19 June 2014 after a roller-coaster battle with depression. The Appeal hopes to make it easier for people to talk openly about their depression and aims to be a catalyst for a radical Simon’s family and friends would like improvement in the initial support to thank everyone who has donated given to those who attend their so generously to the Appeal so far doctor in a suicidal state. and to invite those who would like to support our aims to visit our Just All funds raised by the Appeal Giving page www.justgiving. go directly to Warrington-based com/happydaysappeal registered charity PAPYRUS where details of (Prevention of Young Suicide) which the Appeal and its operates a national confidential forthcoming events helpline HOPELine UK (088 068 can be found. 41 41) for young people and those worried about a young person. Nigel Wallis The charity also works actively (N.73-78) throughout the UK to promote positive mental health and emotional well-being in those aged 35 or under.

27 Wrekin College Foundation

SATURDAY, 14TH MAY 2016 Future Reunion For pupils who left between 1991 to 2005

This year’s Reunion will take place on Saturday, 14th May and will be for the day only. The day is open to any OW who left between 1991 and 2005. Invitations will be sent out in March 2016 and no charge is made to attend the day or for lunch. If you wish your partner or children to attend, please indicate this on the Reply Slip and a small charge of £10 will be made for their lunch.

Accommodation The future reunion programme has changed The Old Orleton, Holyhead Road, Wellington, Telford, Please make a note that we are now inviting back Shropshire TF1 2HA. Telephone: 01952 255011 the leavers by decade group and not the joiners. The Whitehouse Hotel, Watling Street, Wellington, The future programme will therefore be: Telford, Shropshire TF1 2NJ. Telephone: 01952 250700 May 2016 – Leavers between 1991 and 2005 Travelodge, Shawbirch Cross Roads, Whitchurch Drive, May 2017 – Pre 1960s leavers Shawbirch, Wellington, Telford, Shropshire TF1 3QA. Telephone: 0871 984 6110 May 2018 – Leavers between 1961 and 1970 May 2019 – Leavers between 1971 and 1980 May 2020 – Leavers between 1981 and 1990

OWA WEBSITE Your website has now been incorporated into the school website and the address is www. wrekincollege.com. Please keep sending your photographs and news of achievements, weddings, births and any other items of interest to [email protected] Do you want to trace lost friends and colleagues? If so just ring or email the Foundation Office with DONATING TO THE FOUNDATION ONLINE! any queries. You are able to donate to the Foundation online through the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF). TO CONTACT THE FOUNDATION OFFICE Simply go to www.cafonline.org, enter ‘Wrekin Serena Kyle – Foundation Manager College Foundation’ in the search box and donate Telephone: 01952 265609 using your credit or debit card or your CAF Email: [email protected] Charity Account.

28 THE OWA WEEKEND 200 SATURDAY, 25TH AND SUNDAY, 26TH JUNE 2016 CLUB The Annual OWA Summer Party will be held in the Memorial Hall on the evening The ‘200 Club’ was formed in 1983 with the of Saturday, 25th June, (Black Tie). Do objective of raising funds for school projects. come and join Haydn and Joan Griffiths To date, over £20,000 has been raised. This is at their last OWA dinner as Headmaster an excellent way of helping the school while and Headmaster’s wife! having the chance of winning a prize twice a On Sunday, 26th June the OWA cricket year. 50% of all income goes out in six prizes matches vs the school take place and at ranging from £200 to £50, the other 50% goes the same time, the Foundation Fun Day towards the funding of school projects. will be in full swing. Bring your gazebo Each number has a 7 in 200 chance of winning and a picnic – there will be exciting stalls at each draw – the odds are better than the to visit including the ‘Beer Bus’! The day Lottery and the proceeds are put to good use! will end with a musical extravaganza Why not have a go! under the watchful eye of Simon Platford, our Musical Director. Watch the The subscription to the 200 Club is £10 per website for more details! share per annum. At each of the two draws in the Spring and Autumn, prizes will now be 1 x £200, 1 x £100 and 4 x £50. To join or increase your existing membership (maximum 5 units), please contact David Ellison, 4 Grosvenor Court, Pinfold Hill, Shenstone, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS14 0JW, Tel: 01543 481728, Email [email protected]

Drawn Sunday 27th June 2015 204 £200 Mrs J Battye 141 £100 M de Weymarn 37 £50 G A Sheppard (Y.43-48) 87 £50 Mrs J Grant 28 £50 Mrs E Moore 198 £50 D R Franklin (W.61-67)

29 Available for sale

ADVERTISING SPACE from the Foundation Office. The cost of the prints is unchanged at £20 (unmounted), £22.50 The charge for advertising in the OW Record is (mounted pale grey, dark green, maroon and £100 for a full-page (A5) and £50 for a half page. cream) or £35 (framed). Cheques payable to OWA. The magazine has a circulation of nearly 4,000. If If ordered, prints can be delivered to any OWA any members are interested in advertising their Branch dinner. companies or their services in this way, please contact the Editor or the OWA Secretary as soon as possible. FOR SALE FROM THE FOUNDATION OFFICE Any advertising copy would be required by August Please make cheques made payable to ‘OWA’ 1st for the Autumn edition and by January 1st for Please add £1 for postage & packing the Spring edition, but an early notification of your OWA Socks – £10 per pair intentions would help in planning. OWA Scarves – £25 each + £5 P&P OWA Silk Tie – £15 each OWA Blue Lion Silk Tie – £15 each OWA Green Lion & Blue Lion Ties – £10 each Old House Ties Old Tudor; Old York; Old Bayley, Old Norman, Old Saxon, Old Windsor – £10 each

FOR SALE FROM WREKIN COLLEGE Please make cheques payable to ‘Wrekin College’ Bayley’s Children A History of Wrekin College 1880-2005 by Dr Rodney Edrich – £10 + £5 P&P (for overseas postage contact the Development Office) OWA BLAZERS Silk Bow Ties Dark blue with pale blue stripe – There is a limited amount of blazer material left £12.50 each + £1 P&P and it is held at the tailor, John Mears of R H Mears Silver Cufflinks – £50 per pair + £1 P&P Ltd, 10 Harrison Street, Bloxwich, Walsall WS3 3HP, telephone number 01922 476930. Please Blue Enamel Cufflinks– £20 per pair + £1 P&P contact Chris Jones (07970 408516 or chris.jones@ New School Print (unframed) – £20 + £1 P&P berrybros.com) if you would like a blazer. The cost of the material is £75 and this should be paid by cheque to ‘OWA’. The making up price should be OWA DISCOUNT paid direct to the tailor. The Governors have announced that members of the OWA will be entitled to a 10% discount on fees SCHOOL PRINTS for any of their children while at Wrekin. It is hoped that this will encourage more members to maintain Numbered limited edition of prints of the school family connections with the school. are still available – the original OWA gift to Headmaster, Peter Johnson – and can be collected

30 Contacts

www.wrekincollege.com [email protected]

OWA President: London Branch: OW Cricket: Barrie Roberts (N.51-55) Little Orchard, Jon Wood, 31 Trinity Church Road, Michael de Weymarn, Wrekin College, Evendine Lane, Colwall, Malvern, Barnes, London SW13 8ET Wellington, Telford, Shropshire Worcestershire WR13 6DT T. 07901 555271 TF1 3BH T. 01684 541416 [email protected] T. 07805 174584 [email protected] [email protected] Manchester Branch: OWA Chairman: John Alexander (N.60-63) OW Golf: Chris Jones (W.82-87) Leaton House, Harefield Cottage, 81 Cherry Lane, Simon Lander (B.85-90) Pound Lane, Hanwood, Shrewsbury, Lymm, Cheshire WA13 0SY 1 Teakettle Row, Tibberton, Newport, Shropshire SY5 8JR T. 01925 758694 Shropshire TF10 8PD T. 01743 861151 or 07970 408516 [email protected] T. 07549 936020 [email protected] [email protected] Midlands Branch: OWA Treasurer: John Walker (B.52-55) OW Hockey: David Ellison (T.54-58) 4 Grosvenor Court, 21 Elm Tree Rise, Hampton-in-Arden, Barrie Roberts (N.51-55) Pinfold Hill, Shenstone, Staffordshire Solihull, West Midlands B92 0AG Little Orchard, Evendine Lane, Colwall, WS14 0JW T. 01675 443297 Malvern, Worcestershire WR13 6DT T. 01543 481728 [email protected] T. 01684 541416 [email protected] [email protected] Shropshire Branch: OWA Secretary: Andrew Hartley, Finders Keepers, OW Netball: Michael de Weymarn, Wrekin College, 11 Belle Vue Road, Ironbridge, Sophie Summers (R.96-01) Wellington, Telford, Shropshire TF1 3BH Shropshire TF8 7QW T. 07801 922868 T. 07805 174584 T. 07812 489720 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] OW Shooting: OWA Social Secretary: Yorkshire Branch: Adrian Reynolds (Y.76-81) Serena Kyle, Foundation Office, Robert Shaw (B.71-76) 11 Leegomery Road, Wellington, Wrekin College, Wellington, Telford, Gawthorpe Green Farmhouse, Telford, Shropshire TF1 3BP Shropshire TF1 3BH Gawthorpe Green Lane, Kirkheaton, T. 01952 412165 T. 01952 265609 Huddersfield, Yorkshire HD5 0NX [email protected] [email protected] T. 01484 431046 Headmaster: [email protected] 200 Club Secretary: Haydn Griffiths, Wrekin College, Michael de Weymarn, Wrekin College, Old Windsorians: Wellington, Telford, Shropshire Wellington, Telford, Shropshire TF1 3BH Peter Jackson (W.62-66) TF1 3BH T. 07805 174584 56 Slayleigh Lane, Fulwood, Sheffield, T. 01952 265602 [email protected] South Yorkshire S1 3RH F. 01952 415068 T. 07801 842100 [email protected] Liverpool Branch: [email protected] Johnny Prestt, Beechwood, Puddington School Office: Lane, Puddington, Cheshire CH64 5SL OW Lodge: T. 01952 265600 T. 07798 576800 Paul Rhodes (T.59-62) F. 01952 240338 [email protected] 18 Old Hall Close, Wellington, Telford, Shropshire TF1 2DJ T. 01952 247418

31 Garden Design with David Stevens

After leaving Wrekin I studied landscape architecture and I am now an internationally recognised garden and landscape designer with 11 Chelsea Flower Show Gold medals.

In all my gardens I aim to create a composition that is completely at one with your personality and needs, wherever it may be. I also offer a postal design service which is very reasonably priced and is the most economic way to have a professional scheme prepared. I am always more than happy to help Old Wrekinians so please do not hesitate to give me a call or drop me an e-mail; it would be a pleasure to hear from you.

david stevensinternational T. +44 (0)1280 821097 E. [email protected] www.david-stevens.co.uk 64, Old Road, Armitage, Rugeley, Staffordshire, WS15 4BU

We now have an office in Central France, giving us easy access to all parts of Europe T. 0033 (0)555 28 91 97