AUGUST 2014
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AN INSPIRATION TO US ALL WELCOME TO THE n Sunday 29th June, a small group of OTs gathered at Taunton School to welcome 74-year-old veteran Racewalker, CLASS OF 2014 O Edmund Shillabeer (Somerset ’58) as he completed the second leg Will Abell, Folusho Adelagun, Folasayo Afolabi, Sena Ahadzi, Kairzhan Aldabergenov, of his 250-mile fundraising walk from Plymouth to London. Leen Alnajjab, Ryota Arai, Abi Askew, Izzy Badcock, Richard Baines, Harry Beckwith, In 2006, Edmund took part in the IRONMAN UK Championships raising Luciann Blake, Courtney Blamey, Sam Blood, Campbell Bradly, Carly Brown, Vlad Buryak, £3000 for the Rotary ‘Shelter Box’ by swimming 2.4 miles, cycling 112 Sofia Caperna, Oz Caspi, Jackson Chinery, Edward Clark, Rory Cook, Elaine Cui, miles, then race-walking 26.2 miles. 2014 sees the 50th Anniversary of Jean de Blommaert de Soye, Niklas Dehn, Max Dietrich, Tom Dornom, Kate Dubinina, Edmund’s graduation from Bristol University Vet School and what better Sam Dunn, Dylan Earle, Tom Edwards, Max Elswood, Johanne Essing, Izzy Evans, Nick Evry, way to celebrate than with a 250-mile walk! Daniel Fagboyegun, Christina Fischer, Charlie Gamble, Isabella Games-Thomas, Louise Gange, Ying Guo, Naomi Hanson, Lexi Harvey, Kate Hebditch, Jack Hespe, Alex Hill, Lily Hitchens, Edmund appeared totally unflustered when he arrived at Taunton School Will Hodder, Jack Hugh, Georgie Hulse, Sophie Hupfer, Yevgen Ivchenko, Rosie Johnson, after his 40-mile walk from Exeter. He was accompanied by Olympian Kyle Johnson-Goodier, Alyssa Jones, Mark Jumbo, Alice Kay, Alex Keeling, Max Kelly, Racewalker Chris Maddocks, the only man in British athletics history to Sam King, Aleksey Konoiko, Anton Kravchenko, Robert Krtyan, Costas Kulak, Charlie Lamb, have competed at five Olympic Games. Chris spoke passionately about Bart Lebizay, Mickey Li, Daniel Li, Lotta Lindstrand, Louis Lingjaerde, Christopher Lunt, the camaraderie and support he and Edmund have enjoyed over the Juan Luquin (Head Boy) , Katie MacKeith, Katie Mackenzie, Eleanor Mason, Sonia Matu, years. Chris retired from international competition when he finished last Callum McGough, James Mear, Jamie Miles, Wayne Moi, Amelia Moore, William Morris, after being injured before the 50km race at the 2000 Summer Olympics Matt Nawrat, Ellie Newton, Cheryl Notaro-Livingstone, Clementine Odgers, Tegan Osborne-Brown, in Sydney. Olatunde Oshunlaja, Elio Pani, Thomas Parry-Jones, Ricky Parsons, Chiara Passirani, Sam Popham, “As soon as the starter’s pistol was fired, the pain Emily Powell-Jones, Christopher Power, CC Price, Thorsten Putensen, Charlie Quick, Ilya Rachkov, was instant,” Chris said. He kept going, but was Daniel Ramirez Cabal, Yves Remmler, Wendy Richards-Binding, Kate Rider, Theo Rihll, hurting so much at the 20km stage that he was about Will Robinson, Maximilian Rode, Ariane Sales-Joannic, Yasmin Salmon, Amina Sanusi, to give up. “I can’t take anymore, I’m in so much pain,” Jessica Scott, Daniel Shestopalov, Nastya Shestopalova, Mathew Sibal, Jamie Skinner, he said to Edmund, who was supporting on the sidelines. Michael Smith, Wemi Soremekun, Alex Speak, Philip Stickler, Rory Subba Row, Sam Tapp, Francesca Tarsitano, Megan Thresher, Hope Turner, Kostadin Valchev, Amy Van Schalkwyk, Spoken with a soft yet deliberate voice, Edmund said, Francesco Verderosa, Jacob Walker, Rhys Walker, Simon Walker, Sophie Waller, “I know it hurts. Believe me I do. And it’s probably going to hurt George Warrender, Phoebe Webber, Sam Wharton, Lucy White, Alex Willes, Ben Willes, for a few weeks. But if you drop out now…it’ll hurt for the rest of Caitlin Williams, Annabelle Wilman (Head Girl) , Chris Wilson, Howard Wong, Amy Wu, your life. Now start walking. Get up that road and finish the race.” Fandi Xu, Alec Young, Natalia Zakharova, Daniel Zastavnyuk, David Zhang, Jerry Zhang. As Chris entered the stadium after 5 hours he didn’t expect anyone to be there. But, as the applause and cheering grew, the announcer recited the words of Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the founding father of the modern Olympic movement, “The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not the winning, but the taking part. The essential thing in life is not conquering, but fighting well.”
Edmund is raising awareness of International Cat Care, (formerly the Feline Advisory Bureau). iCatCare exists to improve the lives of cats worldwide and provide practical sustainable solutions to cat health and welfare problems. https://www.justgiving.com/edmund-shillabeer G
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Chris Potts Helene Jewell (School House 1961) (Bevan 1992) [email protected] [email protected] After leaving Taunton School, Helene studied Speech and Language Pathology and Therapy at Manchester University. She went on to work in London as a Speech and Language Therapist before spending 3 years in Nepal as a VSO Twenty-five years after publishing volunteer therapist and trainer. the first edition, Chris has After a further year in Nepal released a second version of working as an interpreter for the ‘The Newton Abbot to Kingswear Ed Griffith International Committee of the Red Railway’ , timed to coincide with (School House 1967) [email protected] Cross using her newly acquired the anniversary of the railway Ed retired in February 2014 as Commanding Officer of No. 634 Nepali language skills, she returned reaching Kingswear 150 years ago. Volunteer Gliding Squadron, based at RAF St Athan in South Wales, to the UK to study for an MSc in This edition includes more having served as an instructor for 32 years, the last 18 as CO. International Development at Bristol historical information as well as University which led to work as a personal anecdotes from those who Ed said: “This started as a weekend volunteer activity, training Air Cadets to consultant for an international worked on the railway. fly gliders, but ended as a full time (7 days a week), largely unpaid job since development company. 2003.” Ed (left) is pictured handing over to his successor. G This isn’t the first time Chris After a career path that took updated a book of his, having her through the charity, public and published the second edition of his Tom Woolstencroft Juliet Jensen née Gubbins private sectors, Helene has history of the Brixham railway (Goodland 2013) (Gloucester 1986) honed her skills as an expert branch in 2000. As well as railways, [email protected] communicator and facilitator. he has also written on the history Reverend Dr Juliet Jewell Facilitation, her recently of Brixham boys’ home and the Jensen was established freelance facilitation town museum. Having started his Ordained on business, enables her to design and career on the railways at Torquay 22nd June deliver workshops. booking office in 1962, Chris later 2014 at worked in Plymouth divisional All Saints Helene said: ”Facilitation is a office before spending 34 years at Church, fantastic way to improve group British Railways. Woodford Wells communication and harness people's by Rt Revd Stephen collective inputs in a dynamic, Chris said: “I’ve always taken great Cottrell, Bishop of Chelmsford. productive and motivating way." delight in railways and railway Juliet will serve Emmanuel Forest history. I’m pleased to have put to Gate with St Peter’s Upton Cross in Helene lives in Bristol with good use the education I received at the Diocese of Chelmsford, husband, Andy, and children Taunton School!” G Church of England. G Tegan and Aden. G
Nik Harwood (Evans 1989) Tom played for England U20s in [email protected] the World Cup Final against Nik has worked South Africa. In a nail-biting within Children finish, England won 21pts – 20 & Young and so Tom is now a current People’s World Champion! Services in Somerset for A member of Bath Academy, 17 years. Tom signed a loan deal with His professional Coventry in January this year but background is in his first game for the club was Youth & Community work and he delayed until after the Six Nations. has worked in both the voluntary His debut in that competition was and statutory sector in operational off the bench against France and leadership positions. He was last February and he scored a CEO of Bridgwater YMCA Foyer maiden try in the Italy game the before moving to Somerset following month. Tom, a member County Council, first as a Locality of the Exeter Chiefs Youth Manager and latterly heading up Academy from 2009-11, moved Steve Drowley Leadership Development with the from the back row to hooker (Goodland 1972) [email protected] Somerset Centre for Integrated last season. Having just hit 60, Steve is retiring from full-time work at the end of Learning. Having previously September 2014 from a career in education, specifically Youth and held responsibility for SRYP’s Tom’s experience of captaincy Community Work, the last 7 years as Programme Director for Youth Economic Programme, Nik said: spans Taunton School Years and Community Work at Cardiff Metropolitan University (formerly “I am delighted to be rejoining 9-11, Devon U15-U16 and UWIC). He hopes to spend his time travelling the world with the over SRYP at a time of significant change Bath U18 Academy. He said: 60s Hockey Grand Masters (sic), climbing mountains, acting and and development. I am passionate “My aim is to start for Bath in the playing music – and spending more time catching up with old friends.... about the high quality work that Premiership and keep a regular place. we do – and will be working with I also have aspirations to play for Steve, who plays for Wales Veterans, said: “Hats off to Richard Jowett and our committed staff and volunteers England someday. Outside the game, all the other hockey coaches, including Alan Gilbert (‘Gilley Bird’) who started towards the next stages of our I want to attend university and gain a me on the hockey pitch at Thone when I was 8! In the team photo that's me work in serving the young people degree in History and possibly have a lying down at the front.” G of Somerset.” G career in law.” G
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Jane Darley Philip Withers Oli Neville-Payne Obi Imachukwu (Besley 1981) (Goodland 1981) (Marshall 2004) (Weirfield 2011) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] After University, Oli is currently Obi is currently Jane joined reading on a four- BT working BSc Hons year course in various Computer studying Law departments, Systems and with a but in the main Networking professional in marketing. at Plymouth placement Jane said: “When I joined BT I was University at Brunel determined not to stay more than 5 after working University. years and I definitely wouldn't marry in an IT Support role for anyone in BT. I failed on both counts! 7 years with Taunton firm, It is compulsory for students I am married to Keith and have 2 Girlings Retirement Rentals. to undergo a placement in a teenage daughters, Charlotte and Lucy. He is in the 3rd year of the legal environment in order to Charlotte is disabled which has thrown 4-year course, currently in gain an overview of the up many challenges, but did get me placement with Marlow-based practical aspect of law. involved in charity work.” Softcat Ltd, a UK-wide IT Obi was given the opportunity solutions provider, and is looking to travel to Tanzania to Jane has been with BT almost Philip (pictured left), one of the to remain with the company undertake her placement 30 years working in various country’s top professors, has been following graduation. year at Norton Rose Fulbright. marketing roles and has recently recognised with one of the most Core responsibilities included taken on managing and developing coveted awards in teaching: Within Plymouth University, general legal research, BT’s charity products and services. The Queen’s Anniversary Prize Oli has taken on several roles drafting legal agreements for Higher and Further Education. including Course Representative, and compiling the necessary Jane said: “I recently ran into This was awarded for part of his Peer Assisted Learning Leader documents needed to Alistair Westall (School House ‘81) ground-breaking work at the (assisting lower year groups once incorporate a legal entity at BT working in our auditorium. I also University of Manchester, a week in their courses), in Tanzania. ran into Tim Wilcox (Marshall ’81 ) ‘New techniques in X-ray imaging and Assistant Manager of the at the BBC – those OTs do get of materials critical for power, student radio station (UPSU: Radio) Obi said: “I wrote weekly everywhere! I am planning to get the transport and other key industries’ . for the past academic year. news updates regarding the Class of 1981 together for the Annual These he endeavours to continue energy sector in the East African Reunion weekend in May 2015 as Philip’s innovative imaging work during his final academic year Community which is made up President-Elect Richard Willacy has an impact across a range of from September 2015. of Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania (Wills West ’81) was one of our sectors, including nuclear, and Uganda. This was Cohorts and it would be good to aerospace, oil and gas, airport Oli said: “In my free time I circulated around the firm to support him in his new rôle.” G security, automotive, biomedical remain true to my hobby of Classic Partners, Associates and materials, manufacturing Cars; my Rover Mini Knightsbridge Trainees. In addition to this, Fiona Harrison and defence. being completely rebuilt 3 years I travelled to Johannesburg, (Besley 1997) ago and taking it to various South Africa to complete a [email protected] Philip said: “This award will help us to Classic Car shows, and touring four-week vacation scheme at Fiona graduated continue developing our X-ray imaging Northern France.” G the firm.” G from Cardiff with Facility to shine a light on previously a PhD and is unseen phenomena, primarily those of now Assistant importance to engineering but also in Professor the natural world. Our work has just (Division of been boosted by £18m from the Higher Diabetes, Education Funding Council for BEING BINKY Endocrinology & England and £4m from the Engineering elcome to the swept off her feet by Metabolism) at Vanderbilt and Physical Sciences Research Council University, USA, where she has a for new equipment and so we certainly glamorous life of Alex Mytton. The impact of G W Alexandra ‘Binky’ Made in Chelsea on her life neuroscience research lab in the won’t be standing still!” University Medical Centre. Felstead (Weirfield ’06-’08) , was immediate. Fiona said: “I have undergraduate original cast member and star and graduate students in my lab, but of the hit TV programme, Charting her overnight rise also the occasional High School student Made in Chelsea . In this to fame and exploring her life for a week or two’s work experience. tell-all account she reveals outside of Made in Chelsea , I am more than happy to be contacted what it’s really like Binky opens up about her by OTs and TS students interested BEING BINKY and what childhood, the bullying she in coming out here to work in the sciences.” G it takes to be a real was victim to at school Chelsea Girl. (not Taunton!) and the Abigail Graham difficulties of dealing with (Besley 2006) When the show launched her parents’ divorce. [email protected] in 2011, Binky was She talks candidly about Abigail is catapulted from a 9-to-5 body image and dieting, currently job as a receptionist at a and shares her beauty managing hedge-fund into the regime top tips. Chanel’s limelight of reality TV fame. Ready to Wear Department in She’s experienced many BEING BINKY lifts the lid on Bond Street. ups and downs on the one of the series’ favourite She graduated show, from feuding with characters and provides a from Sussex best friend Cheska and a backstage pass to the University in 2010 going straight failed romance with secret and exclusive world into a job within LVMH in Paris. Jamie Laing, to her new of Chelsea. A move to London saw Abigail found friendship with work in Harrods and Selfridges Lucy Watson and being Simon & Schuster, £12.99 . G before becoming Boutique Manager of Anne Fontaine on Sloane Street. G
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
enjoyed another close match and on February 15th 2015 at the dodged, or simply ignored, the Palace of Westminster and President Elect squally showers, whilst the about which I hope many hockey players from the of you will have read on the 2015-17 successful ’74 team completed 18 ‘new-look’ OT website holes at Oake Manor Golf Club. https://taunton.web- Over 100 attended the evening intouch.com dinner – another great success – and, although rather fewer In June this year I had the managed to make Chapel on honour of attending a Sunday morning where Alison Buckingham Palace Garden Shaw (née Page) Weirfield ‘73 Party and, as I walked across addressed the congregation, the Green Park, I was greeted by whole weekend was a Josh Dutfield (Wills East ’02) , t the OTA AGM in May, memorable one. one of my former Heads of Richard Willacy (Wills ven though the May Annual House. He was in London on A West 1976-81) was formally Reunion weekend was not Since then I have: enjoyed business and it was really good elected as President Elect E blessed with the lovely attending the School v OTs T20 to see him. It made me think 2015-17. weather of the past few weeks, cricket match; played in a couple how nice it would be to see it was, nonetheless, a wonderful of OT golf matches; welcomed OTs from my time in Wills West, Born in Nigeria of mixed parents occasion. Pleasingly, there was Edmund Shillabeer (Somerset Goodland and Wills East, (English/Dutch), but raised in a wide range of ages and a ’58) as he completed Day 2 of his as well as the many who played Venezuela, Richard speaks three particularly impressive turnout sponsored walk from Plymouth in teams – rugby, hockey, languages – English, Dutch and from leavers of the ‘80s and the to London; attended the cricket, tennis, golf – for which Spanish. He was Head of Wills 25-year reunion of the class Western Club Tiverton horse- I was responsible in my years West, Captain of School Tennis of ’89 was a real highlight. drawn Barge trip and the at TS. The occasion might be a and in the 1st Teams for Hockey Hopefully the class of ’90 will Midlands Club luncheon, which ‘sell-out’! I do hope some of and Rugby. aim to exceed that next May! I thoroughly enjoyed. you who are reading this will be able to respond to my He read Maths at the University The cricketers, ably led by But, already my mind is racing request for some sponsorship of Manchester/UMIST where
Ben Hunt (School House ‘89) and forward to the President’s for the event in Westminster – he captained the University Charlie Walker (Marshall ’86) , Dinner which is to be held acts of generosity by those Golf Team. He is a qualified
who can afford it, to help Management Accountant and others to attend who formerly a Finance Director. Pleasingly, there was a wide range of ages “ otherwise would find it He is now a Business Consultant, and a particularly impressive turnout from more difficult. G playing golf in his spare time. leavers of the ’80s and the 25-year reunion Richard has played OT golf “ for the past 30 years and has of the class of ‘89 was a real highlight. been Secretary of the OT London Club. G
implementing many of where former and current the new initiatives when pupils’ memories were shared GOODBYE VICKY...GOODBYE! Weirfield and TPS merged in and her favourite hymns 1994. She is highly respected were sung. ributes and presentations Weirfield School in September and will be missed by have been made to 1983, under the headship of colleagues and pupils. Mrs Caroline Tucker, T retiring TPS Deputy Miss Ruth Hodgson. Assistant Deputy (Academic) Head, Mrs Vicky Pugh . A Chapel service was said: “It was a moving occasion She was employed as a form held in her honour during and a fitting tribute to a very Mr Duncan Sinclair, teacher for Senior Two the last week of term, special colleague.” G TPS Headmaster, said: (our current year 8) and “We cannot begin to try and English teacher. She is measure the contribution made remembered fondly by many in her time serving our school. of her previous pupils having We wish Vicky well in all the had over 1,500 of pursuits which come as a them in her care consequence of this well over the 31 deserved retirement.” years. She has been an Vicky has served Taunton exceptional School for 31 years, Deputy Head working with no less and leader than ten Headteachers. at Taunton She began teaching at Prep School,
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CAN YOU HEAR ME? he School is extremely CONGRATULATIONS grateful to the OT 200 Club, ongratulations to Dr James Hickman (Marshall 1984) T the OT Western Club and who has been awarded an MBE in The Queen’s Birthday an anonymous donor who, C Honours, June 2014. between them, have contributed £1400 towards James, who rescued a woman who fell 30ft from Wells Cathedral two high-quality radio and was first on the scene of the November 2011 M5 crash microphones which tragedy, was described by the Somerset County Gazette as an complement the recently ‘heroic doctor’. installed, excellent Chapel David Brighton (Chairman 200 Club) sound system. James, a GP in North Curry & Judith Dawson (Chairman Western Club) (near Taunton) and pre-hospital emergency care doctor, was commended for his services to health care, particularly OVER AND OVER AGAIN emergency medical care, in his year’s Commemoration Day saw the inauguration of a specially Somerset and abroad. created sculpture designed as part of a Senior School cross- As a member of the Somerset T curricular project to commemorate the passing of 100 years since Accident Voluntary the outbreak of the Great War, a conflict which witnessed the sacrifice Emergency Service of 168 Old Tauntonians. (SAVES) James has attended hundreds Intended to double up as sculpture and usable seating, the new ‘trench of incidents in support bench’ makes a striking addition to Densham Court. After consultation of the ambulance service, Dr James Hickman MBE with the History Department, it was designed by Neil Gush of the DT including rescuing a patient by department, then constructed and fashioned by Jon Baker and the Art amputating his arm high in the roof space of department under Lotte Hammer. Grounds and Maintenance, an industrial complex. meanwhile, played a vital role in moving, then cementing, the heavy piece into place. In addition to his 24/7 voluntary work as an emergency call-out doctor in the county, James is a member of the UK The sculpture is intended not as a Great War International Search and Rescue Team, and was deployed to Memorial per se – this already exists in the Science the 2009 Sumatran earthquake and the 2011 Japanese Block – but as a commemoration of the centenary of earthquake and tsunami. In October 2013, James was the outbreak of the tragic conflict. elected Chairman of the British Association for immediate Care.
Eventually, an inscription on a nearby obelisk will reflect this: James said: “I am grateful to my colleagues in SAVES and BASICS, ‘Over and over again’ will allude not just to ‘going over the top’ the doctors and staff in my practice, my patients for supporting my and the trench warfare of the Western Front, but also to the fact emergency work and particularly my long-suffering wife and that this was not the ‘war to end all wars’ as the repeated daughters for all their support in putting up with me disappearing at a conflicts of the intervening 100 years have demonstrated. moment‘s notice!” G It is hoped that this, as well as the poppies which will be planted around the sculpture, will give future generations pause for thought.
The inauguration ceremony involved the County Chairman of the Royal British Legion, Roger Duddridge, and Alec Young, the CCF’s RSM for 2013-14, cutting a set of red ribbons (pictured right) in front of an audience which included the School Governors.
A special exhibition, curated by school archivist John Brown, was simultaneously opened. ‘Taunton School and the First World War: A retrospective of 1914 and what followed’ focuses on the school in 1914 and how life was changed for leavers and younger pupils alike. It also highlights the development of attitudes during four years of suffering and the state of the school upon the cessation of hostilities in 1918.
Many other academic departments and a large number of pupils will be involved in the 2014 commemorative project.
The Sculpture was part-funded by the Taunton School Foundation. G
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It is a pity that such wise thinking does not apply to other far more important parts of our national life. Take the health of the FROM THE HEADMASTER nation. The NHS is becoming unaffordable. What are we doing to prevent illness rather than just curing it? Where is our investment FOR HEALTHY BODIES AND HAPPY LIVES, in sport?
WE NEED LONG TERM THINKING.... Statistics have emerged that show that 21% – yes, only 21% – of 2 to 15 year-olds do an hour of exercise per week since the ou’re not going to like this London Olympics. This is a reduction from pre-Olympic days. article. However, I am The budget was too easy to cut. What a disaster for those Y prepared to take the risk. 10 year-olds who by the age of 50 will be suffering all sorts of health issues that could have China does politics better been avoided. than we do – and in ways we are going to have to Let’s move this forward to our get used to. I know education system in general. this is hard to accept, We have done badly in PISA league because in some areas the tables. Do we wish to improve Chinese do politics badly. the educational success of our For example, nobody can young people so that by 2030 be comfortable with the we are not scratching our fact that there is only one heads over exactly the same name on the ballot problems? The answer once more paper or with the way is long-term thinking. dissent is treated. Every party has ideas
Headmaster John Newton However China’s about education. No party capacity for long- does education well. term thinking, their long-term planning for long- China’s capacity for long-term Political indecision and term success is a strength. There are few political ideological tampering continue footballs. Progress is smooth. This is, perhaps, one thinking, their long-term “ to have a horrendous and reason why they believe that 17 of the last 20 “ negative impact on the centuries have been dominated by them and there planning for long-term success precious lives of young people. is no reason why this – in their eyes – established is a strength...We need to adopt Cross-party, long-term order should not continue. co-operation, such as is being some long-term thinking too. attempted with HS2, must We need to adopt some long-term thinking too. surely be our aim. Let me give three examples. The first one is very positive. The high-speed rail link 2 project is of such significance to the While China may not be covered in roses when it comes to how it country that, whether we agree with it or not, the fundamental deals with its politics, it at least has some long-term, laudable ends, principle adopted by the Prime Minister to proceed only if there is many of which we would do well to adopt ourselves. constant cross-party support is a sign that there’s some attempt somewhere to think beyond the immediate. Dr John H. Newton M.A. (Oxon), F.Coll.P., Dip.M.S.(Ed.) G
AN OFFER YOU CAN’T REFUSE
fter 33 years of working in the IT Industry, Dave Markham A (Foxcombe ‘78) finally decided it was time for a change. He and his wife both took redundancy and are now the proud owners of a B&B (www.southcliffe.co.uk) in the quiet, picturesque, North Devon town of Lynton. David says: “It really is the most beautiful area with so much to do – wonderful coastal walks (we are on the South West Coastal path as well as being on Exmoor), a Victorian cliff railway to our sister town of Lynmouth, horse riding, cycling, sandy and rocky beaches, steam trains, as well as many National Trust properties (Dunster Castle and Watersmeet to name two), plus we are only 10 minutes’ walk from the ‘Valley of Rocks’.”
David is happy to offer a 10% discount for any Old Tauntonians who book directly with him by phone. Please see www.southcliffe.co.uk for further details. G Photo:
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Veryan Rookes (née Acheson), Alison Hembrow THANKS FOR and Charlotte Barber (née Evans) in 2014 THE MEMORY
r Martin James (Fairwater ’66) and Richard Bond (Fairwater ’66) , D after exchanging Christmas cards for the past 50 years, decided it might be a good idea to meet up before the Grim Reaper paid a call. They met for lunch at Richard’s house in Gloucestershire. Martin James and Richard Bond (Fairwater ‘66), circa 1964. He dug out a battered photograph of the pair of them in the Tuck Room in Fairwater, circa 1964.
Veryan Rookes (née Acheson) sent a photo of herself with two other Jenkin ’82 girls, Alison Hembrow and Charlotte Barber (née Evans), taken on Dartmoor in 1978 where she, Alison and Charlotte were part of the same Duke of Edinburgh’s Bronze Award team.
Veryan said: “A photo was recently taken at The Castle Hotel, Taunton, where I was celebrating a ‘special birthday’. Although we V Veryan, Alliison and Charllotte – feel much more grown up these days and thought Jenk kiins ‘82 on Dartmoor iin 1978. we had changed a lot, it would appear that we are all too recognisable from this photo!” G Dr Martin James and Richard Bond in 2014
HOME FROM HOME A GLOBAL THANK YOU ape Town is fast becoming a sub-branch of the OTA Dear Mrs Coomber, Western Club with both former Secretary Ian Irvin C (Somerset ’64) and former Chairman ’ve been thinking about you, the house Chris Levan (School House ’66) having homes and the school a lot lately. It was pretty nearby, and another former Chairman and I much exactly one year ago when I was OTA President, David Brighton (Fairwater ’49) in the middle of my final International who often visits his daughter there, all spending Baccalaureate exams. It doesn’t feel that the warm South African summer months away from the long ago at all. How’s the house doing? cold and rainswept UK. Ian, and his wife Tina, live in Hout Bay I do miss the days in Woodyer… a lot. I’m where his daughter, Nicola Broxis (Bevan ’94) has a permanent always happy if Jessie, Jasmin, Eleanor or Bella home having married a South African. Chris and Christine have a message me a little update of how things are from their perspective. home on the Arabella Country & Golf Estate near Hermanus. I thought I’d write to let you know how I’m doing: I’m so grateful The four met up for the weekend in April this year and attended that all that hard work does actually pay off! If I had not gotten one of the many outdoor music festivals held at the world those 40 IB points, I would not have been accepted at the Humboldt renowned Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, in the shadow of University here in Berlin. It’s such an amazing law faculty and the Table Mountain. professors are great, too. Also, law is definitely keeping me busy and that’s just the way I like it, as you know…. With the mixture of music and champagne, Ian and Chris soon joined in the dancing – Then there is Berlin – there is always something happening here, African style – much to which is quite nice after a long working day. The latest great news is the embarrassment of that I got an offer for a part time job at an amazing law firm (Noerr) their wives. here in Berlin. I’m so happy about it, especially as, once again, I would not have got that job without the IB. They usually only take Chris is due to give students who already are in their 6th semester and actually have a digital slideshow some more knowledge of the German law, but since they are a very to the Western Club international firm, they liked my CV a lot. So I’m really looking on Monday 15th forward to my first day of working there next week. I think next to September of his reading and trying to memorise all that abstract knowledge, getting and Christine’s some insights of how an actual day as a lawyer could look will help self-drive safari motivate me even more for all the abstract parts of the course. in the Kgalagadi Ian, Chris, Please say hi to everybody. Transfrontier Park in Christine and Tina G Northern South Africa. G Jonna Klockenhoff (Woodyer ’13)
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ANNUAL REUNION WEEKEND May 2014
The reunion weekend included an impressive turnout from leavers of the 1980s.
Above: OT President Hugh Todd & President Elect Richard Willacy (Wills West 1982).
From left: Colin Trim (Somerset ’64), David Craggs (Somerset ’64), Brian Smith (Somerset ’63) and Paul Williams (Somerset ’63).
From left: Ed Warneford-Thompson (Goodland ’84), Hugh Todd and Peter Hubbard (Marshall ’89).
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OT Cricket Match with spectators
REUNION SUPPER
WESTERN CLUB AT TIVERTON
80TH BIRTHDAY LUNCH Below: David Mason (Fairwater ’51) and Brian Stent (School House ’52) celebrated their 80th birthdays with a lunch at Taunton School in March.
Western Club members are pictured here after having enjoyed a horse-drawn barge trip on the Grand Western Canal, Tiverton.
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FORE! TAKAPUNA TURTLES
epresentatives of the unbeaten 1974 1st X1 hockey team gathered his year the Takapuna Turtles re-grouped, starting things off to celebrate their 40th anniversary with what was intended to be at North Petherton 7s, where we unfortunately lost in the R a gentle stroll around Oake Manor Golf course in the sunshine, T final. Following this our confidence was boosted as we followed by a celebratory meal at the OT Reunion weekend in May. entered the Bournemouth 7s again. However, we did not plan for the torrential rain and gale-force winds – at times it was quite a challenge just to complete the 18 holes, Looking fresh with our brand new playing kit, we took on a wet but true to the spirit which defined the unbeaten side all those years Saturday morning, avoiding the puddles which had formed on ago, we battled on valiantly, with one team doing rather better the pitch, making it through to the Semi finals the next day. than the other and enjoying the complementary post-match On the Sunday we fought hard to pull off a late comeback win in clubhouse hospitality! the quarter finals and were determined to make the final on the main pitch. Unfortunately, Sevenoaks were too strong for us again Many could not make this reunion due to other commitments, but it and rattled our shells to take the win. was agreed that there would be no excuses for everyone not making the next big anniversary – the 50th in 2024! The following weekend we crossed the bridge to Wales for the Cardiff 7s. We dug deep and made the final of the open Thanks to Rick and Lizzie Pudner , Mike Pudner (even though as a competition, only to lose to a far stronger side. Our next point of 1978 leaver he was a mere youngster), Kim Husband , Clive Large and call was the Newquay 7s at the end of June. A tough day in the skipper, Neil Longstreet , and a special thanks to Richard and sunshine saw us fall short to a well-drilled Army (German Gill Jowett who saw the teams off and joined up afterwards for Division) team in the Semi finals. Of course, we did not leave dinner, thus wisely avoiding the tempest! G without playing a traditional TS game of beach cricket and taking a dip in the sea.
We would like to thank Jonathan Stocker and the OT 200 Club KEEP CALM for their generous donations and support. If any other young and experienced OTs are interested in playing, please feel free to AND CARRY ON... contact me at [email protected] G n a bright January morning, Wes Wyatt (Fairwater ’48) graciously hosted the O Headmaster, Dr John Newton, for a round of exhilarating golf at Burnham and OT CRICKET Berrow Golf Club. As part of the visit, Wes was able to take the photograph (left) showing the Headmaster and the Honours Board aunton School played an OT XI on celebrating the success of Taunton School in the ‘West of England the front in a 20-over game on 23rd Public Schools Tournament’ which Taunton won in 2010 and 2011. TJune – the first time the fixture has been played in over 10 years. The Headmaster lost many balls, but not once did he lose his temper... Wes, of course, was triumphant. G The school batted first and got off to a very fast start after some slightly generous bowling from the OTs. Once we realised the School were taking this seriously, we upped our game, and some tight bowling, good catching and fielding restricted the school to OLD TAUNTONIAN 153. There were fine contributions in the school’s inning whilst Josh Kelly and Richard Glover were star performers for the GOLFING SOCIETY OTs in the bowling stakes. he OTGS continues to organize meetings The school bowled very tightly in the opening 6 overs, and the in the London and Taunton areas OTs fell below the rate. However, a mixture of nurdling and T throughout the summer, both social and hitting from Phil Higginson , David Higginson , and Hugh Kelly competitive. All OTs and those connected kept the OTs in the hunt. Some fine bowling from Ed Clark meant with the School are very welcome to join in the target was just out of reach and the school ended victorious and should contact the Secretary, Richard Jowett, by 10 runs. for details: [email protected] or 01823 331666 . This was a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon, and the hope is that A reminder also that all young OTs (under 25) are able to enjoy entry it will become an annual event, with a BBQ and drinks afterwards to all competitions free, as these costs are met by the OTGS. in future years... perhaps with a few more spectators as well! David Higginson (Goodland ’99) G We look forward to meeting golfers old and new. G
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PRESIDENT Hugh Todd [email protected] HELPING CHILDREN, President-Elect Richard Willacy [email protected] Vice Presidents Michael Button [email protected] CHANGING LIVES Michael Willacy CBE [email protected] David Jenkins [email protected] ince 2012, Richard Wakely (Evans ’11) has been volunteering in the City of Cebu (Philippines) for the Bath based charity, Mercy in The Headmaster [email protected] S Action (www.mercyinaction.org.uk) . His first visit was a 6-week (ex officio) volunteering stint after his travels around Asia with Guy Skinner Trustees Michael Colley [email protected] (Evans ’11) and Richard Glover (Evans ’11) . He then went back for 6 Jonathan Stocker [email protected] months on his own in January 2013, working as a full-time volunteer in Old Tauntonian Trust their drop-in centre: a house where they feed, cloth, shower, teach and (Reg Charity No. 1060388) Henry Keeling [email protected] look after the children in the community who live on the streets. Charitable purposes connected with Taunton School In January 2014 he began a one-year contract as the Community Outreach Intern in charge of starting up after-school clubs and activities, Hon Assoc Secretary David Bridges [email protected] majoring in sport and activities that the children can’t access due to Hon Assoc Treasurer Simon Smart [email protected] the poverty they live in. Also, a big part of his job is getting into the Old Weirfieldian Rep Jan Nuttall [email protected] community and building friendships with the children and their families. Publications Secretary Bev Cox [email protected] Richard runs a club each night Younger OT Representatives Ed Gauntlett [email protected] of the week from Monday to Friday, Richard Wakely and then opens the centre on Will Pickard [email protected] Saturdays. Monday is problem- LONDON CLUB Chair: Robin Birtwistle [email protected] solving games where the children Hon Sec.: Julian Pike [email protected] can come into a safe environment WELSH CLUB Chairman: John Ryland [email protected] to enjoy fun activities and learn new things. Most are just Hon Sec.: Philip Griffiths [email protected] happy to do some drawing WEST WALES CLUB Hon Sec.: Michael Colley [email protected] and colouring as they WESTERN CLUB Chairman: Judith Dawson [email protected] don’t have the materials to do these kinds of things Hon Sec.: David Bridges [email protected] at home. Tuesday is Bible SOUTHERN CLUB Lunch Secretary: Chris Davis [email protected] study night and Wednesday SCOTTISH CLUB Chairman: Jo George [email protected] is Arts & Crafts night. MIDLANDS CLUB Chairman: Tom Jameson [email protected] Richard said: “Due to my utter lack of talent, and the fact our long-term Hon Sec.: Chris Ainley [email protected] volunteer whose talent was art has just left, I am doing art one week, science experiments (which is much more up my street) the next. Thursday is CORNISH CLUB Chairman: Bruce Jeffares [email protected] assignment night. Due to lack of electricity in many houses, and the fact that AUSTRALIA (EAST) CLUB Chairman: Mark Slee [email protected] many of the children have six or more brothers or sisters, home can be a very AUSTRALIA (WEST) CLUB Chairman: Andy Griffiths [email protected] busy and noisy place. So we open up on Thursday for them to come and do their CANADIAN CLUB Chairman: Chris Loat [email protected] assignments in a quiet, clean environment that has good lighting. We have a donated laptop (we are hoping to get a printer soon!) so they can research, USA (WEST) CLUB Chairman: Dr Alan Morgan [email protected] as around 50% of their assignments require this! On Fridays there are two clubs HONG KONG CLUB Chairman: Sabrina Leung [email protected] running; the first one is a life skills club that looks at cooking, cleaning, first aid FRENCH CLUB Chairman: Allan Green [email protected] and so on. When this club finishes, Richard opens up a space for older college children to come and share about their week. They are able to ‘chill out’ as many Social Secs: Matt Forrester [email protected] of them are studying, then working for money and then, on top of all that, Mark Bootherstone [email protected] looking after their younger siblings! On Saturday there are two clubs running: SPANISH CLUB Chairman: John Edwards [email protected] 9.00am to 11.00am is our Dance Club run by one of the girls and 11.00am to 2.00pm is the Basketball Club. Hopefully, there will soon be a soccer club from NEW ZEALAND CLUB Chair: Simon Guilliver [email protected] 7.00am to 10.00am.” DUBAI CLUB Chairman: Anthony Forester-Bennett [email protected] Richard also said: “It’s been pretty tough to say the least, as this is a totally SPORTS CLUB Chairman: Will Osmond [email protected] new part of the charity that had not been tried before. We had to overcome many Hon Sec.: Katie Riseley [email protected] obstacles including finding venues for the sports clubs as every place is always GOLFING SOCIETY President: Terry Davidge [email protected] fully booked and it’s too hot to do most sports outside. Another, is the schedules of the children out here. The schools are so over-populated, that some go to school Hon Sec.: Richard Jowett [email protected] Monday to Friday, some Tuesday to Saturday and others Wednesday to Sunday. 200 CLUB Chairman: David Brighton [email protected] Some then have classes in the morning, some in the afternoon and some in the Hon Sec.: Jonathan Stocker [email protected] evening! So to find the right venue at the right time and then to find the children OT FREEMASONRY we are targeting to get there has been pretty interesting, to say the least. God has kept me strong, and kept me going and enthusiastic about wanting to help the Old Tauntonian Lodge No. 5735 WM: David Noble [email protected] children I really care for and love out here. I’ve been super-blessed by him! Secretary: Graham Bowerman We are coming into a new season now for the Community Centre. Venues are being found and booked for long periods of time, and evening clubs are gathering [email protected] structure and focus! With this new season I will be going into a new community, Taunton School Lodge No. 8215 WM: David Noble [email protected] so who knows where God will take me and the programme!” Secretary: Chris Harding [email protected] Mercy in Action www.mercyinaction.org.uk Old Tauntonian Chapter No. 5735 MEZ: Peter Blacow [email protected] Mercy in Action works to alleviate the suffering of children living in Scribe E: Graham Bowerman poverty in the Philippines through feeding, education, shelter and love. [email protected] Richard Wakely: [email protected] G 11 https: // taunton.web-intouch.com 111 OBITUARY
Donald Malpas CBE For all his public achievements, Christopher Clifford Harris (School House 1934-42) it was Donald’s personality that will live on in people’s memories; (Fairwater 1953-60) 8 March 1924 – 26 March 2014 he loved fun and he was funny, 16 December 1942 – 30 April 2014 Whoever tried to stereotype the a raconteur of enrapturing talent. concept of The Boring Accountant He loved people; people loved being Chris was a Governor for never met Donald Malpas. with him. His wit was always sharp, The Rose Bruford Donald was many things, none his curiosity and knowledge on a College, a member of of them boring. wide range of subjects prodigious. the Board of Directors He loved a party; parties loved him. for Salisbury Playhouse, Born in Bahia of British a panel-member for parents and sent off to Of course he planned, down to the Southern Arts and past board at Taunton minutest detail, a big birthday bash President of Bridgwater School, Donald for his 90th on March 8. The spirit Theatre Trust. returned to remained willing, but the flesh was Brazil in uncooperative, and his family very 2013 saw Chris Harris perform in He was British delegate for the 1940 in the reluctantly called off the party. his fifteenth pantomime at the International Theatre Institute XVIII face of the He died two weeks later, a fighter to Theatre Royal, Bath, and his Congress in Sofia and also for the then real the end. His children, Richard and twelfth consecutive year as director, World Shakespeare Congress in possibility that Susan, and grandchildren Daniel, during which time he played all of Japan. He was also a Patron of England would Filipe, Andrea and Sabrina have the legendary Pantomime Dame Circomedia in Bristol and fall into enemy much to be proud of. roles. The West’s best-loved Dame, Highbridge Arts Festival. hands early on in the Chris most recently performed as Second World War. He vowed to go Congratulations, Donald Malpas, Governess Gertie in Peter Pan . Chris was much sought after as a back and serve his country. This he on a life well-lived. G His rapport with audiences and lecturer and teacher, notably a duly did, after a short spell at expert knowledge of pantomime is regular visiting lecturer and director Price Waterhouse in Rio. what made his reputation as one of for the Bristol Old Vic theatre school
Christopher Bull the UK’s favourite Dames. As such for twenty-five years. He lectured at (Somerset 1947-55) a recognised authority on this Universities in London, Manila,
6 September 1936 – unique theatre form, he conducted Bangkok, Cambridge and Exeter. Whoever tried to 31 March 2014 workshops on pantomime both in the UK and abroad. His workshop ‘How to make a fool of stereotype the “ Chris was yourself and get away with it’ was “ born in Chris was a member of the Royal used by many educational concept of the Boring Taunton and Shakespeare Company but since authorities, the probation service, won a 1976, he toured the world theological colleges, the social Accountant never met Scholarship extensively with his six one-man services and the BBC TV Donald Malpas to Taunton shows, the flagship of which was News Department. School. ‘Kemp’s Jig ’. He studied On May 20th 2014, the Theatre In his own matter-of-fact words, Architecture His television credits include an Royal, Bath hosted what it called a “After pilot training I was commissioned briefly before RTS Award for the BBC TV series ‘Farewell Jollification’ in memory of and posted to India and Burma with deciding to ‘Hey, look, that’s me’ which ran the much-loved actor and director, Transport Command to take part in become a for eight years and also five who died of cancer at the age of 71. what was to have been the invasion of Chartered Accountant, joining a local programmes he co-wrote and Friends, family and colleagues came Malaysia, had the atom bomb not made firm in Taunton. performed in, including the trilogy together to celebrate his life and pay this unnecessary.” ‘That's the way to do it!’ which tribute through music, dance and In 1968, “in order to gain more received a Royal Command song. Guests were asked to wear Peacetime saw him back with Price experience of the world” , Chris joined Performance for The Queen in bright, colourful clothing to the Waterhouse, to which he gave himself Price Waterhouse and set sail in a 1979. He performed and directed event, which saw the venue packed wholeheartedly, in New York, Buenos banana boat to the West Indies with all over the world: in the USA; out as people poured in to say their Aires, Lima, São Paulo, Recife and Rio, his then young family, living there with the National Theatres of final goodbyes. until – and beyond – his retirement as for three years. On returning to Turkey (four awards) and Namibia; Senior Partner, Brazil in 1984. England he joined the London Office, in Hong Kong, the Philippines and Despite the emotional occasion, Donald will be especially remembered rising up through the ranks to Singapore; and throughout the there were plenty of laughs for the hands-on interest he took in become a Partner in 1971. His work Middle East. throughout the performance, new arrivals to PW: he took his took him as far as Japan, New York as Chris’s sons, Sam and Matt, ‘boys’under his wing, showed them and Australia. Chris toured the USA for Sam led tributes to their dad. the ropes, followed their progress, Wanamaker raising money with Matt performed a stuntman routine remembered the names of their He retired, aged 59, and enjoyed others for The Globe Theatre on as Sam cheered him on, before children, and thus created a travelling the world with his wife London’s South Bank. He also Matt’s two sons came on to throw network of loyal friends spanning Patricia whilst maintaining a busy toured with members of the Welsh sweets out to the audience in true several generations. social life at home. He was a great National Opera with shows based panto style. Matt joked that it was supporter of his local Church in on the works of Charles Ives, the one time he didn’t want to hear His community activities were an Fleet, Hampshire, a staunch Banchieri, Monteverdi and the phrase “he's behind you” . important part of his life. Donald was supporter of Rugby and a very Thomas Weelkes. highly visible for his participation active member of the Carlton Club Comedian Jon Monie, who in the BCCC, the RBL, St Paul’s in London. He loved good food A recipient of scholarships appeared alongside Chris in panto School, and especially the British and enjoyed a glass of wine; from the Rose Bruford College, in Bath, said: “ It has been a most Chamber of Commerce. In all he did, he loved his art, music, golf and, the French Government and the remarkable event. I've never been to a his beloved wife, the late Maggie, above all, life! British Council, his training ranged funeral where there was so much was by his side. from The Jaques Lecoq Mime laughter, where water was squirted His claim to fame was being known School in Paris to the Moscow and where sweets were handed out. Her Majesty The Queen recognized as the man who never bought, owned State Circus School and Ladislav It ended with a standing ovation and Donald’s qualities and achievements or wore a pair of denim jeans, or Fialka’s pantomime company was a fitting send-off for a truly by awarding him the OBE in 1986, and trainers in his entire life. in Prague. memorable man.” G then upgrading him to CBE in 2002. Richard Bull (Somerset ’53) G
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Donald Ian Clarke David John Harris wartime photo of David in the he wore his OT tie and I sported (Wills West 1939-49) (Wills East 1935-44) Taunton School Jazz Band on his mine. David’s sister recognised them trumpet! He was Head Boy and a at the graveside and was obviously 18 June 1931 – 08 February 2013 1 April 1926 – 7 May 2014 front rower in the 1st XV. He went pleased. David's last visit here Donald David was a Oxford to read maths, but this was was to bring me a CD of the Ian Clarke real Christian curtailed by service as an army Taunton School Chapel Choir in their attended warrior – officer in India, a country for latest recording. He enjoyed John Taunton he preached which he retained a life-long love. Brown’s History of Taunton School, School from the Gospel Another officer introduced him Independent Witness. 1939 to 1948. regularly, to his sister in UK, Betty, who survives This was a always him with their four children, David also organised all the details of somewhat faithfully and grandchildren and also a brace of his joyful farewell service; it was led by difficult time thoughtfully small greats! I should add that it was a Canadian Presbyterian, the main for him, and I handling the in India that he first met the Ogle tribute was given by a former RSM, guess for Word of God – family, whose family Trust he an Irishman, and the sermon was many others, until just a few chaired for many years; they preached by an American, all in our as he did not weeks ago, published Christian books, Anglican church! see his father for six years. In early when he began a new series on including all Watchman Nee. For a 1939 his father was promoted to Lt Jeremiah, which someone else will long time David was with Costains, David worked tirelessly for the Colonel and sent to Singapore to have to finish off. He was 88, the International Civil Engineers, vision of local inter-denominational command searchlights and was well-loved, and hugely respected by working in the Middle East. Christianity. We know he knew posted missing on the fall of so many in this area and beyond. exactly where he was going [but, not Singapore to the Japanese. Although he lost touch with Taunton, the details!] and looked forward to He ended up as a prisoner of David, the youngest of five born to he held the school close to his heart. meeting our Creator face-to-face. war until his release in 1945. Baptist missionaries in China, That is literally true, as David He had a heart for the Gospel Donald’s mother had taken a first went to Chefoo School before gave instructions to be buried and for world-wide Mission. cottage in Taunton to be near him following an elder brother [once wearing his OT tie! I rang We salute this gentleman, who and his older brother who also The Times Far East Correspondent] to Richard Greaves (Wills West ’54) an loved Jesus! attended Taunton for a while. Thone in 1935. I remember seeing a hour before the service to make sure Simon Kendall (Fairwater ’58) G He always had vivid and fond memories of school life, which I am sure gave some security to many Ian Albert Coate McLennan Sapper to a famed Indian Army Ian always paid tribute to those youngsters during the war years. (Senior Day Boys 1934-42) Engineering Regiment. On active principles instilled in him at 10 October 1923 – 31 March 2014 service in the Burma Campaign he Taunton School of team work and was ‘Mentioned in Despatches’ competitiveness within the rules; “An outstanding all-rounder, doubtless (awarded for distinguished service in the acceptance of these, along with ...never forgot being one of the all time greats, he was an the field). self-discipline had given him a inspiration to his contemporaries and to sound basis to the building of confirmed while at many that followed.” In civilian life, though selected for his career. He became a Director
“ Somerset CC and playing for of Bovis Civil Engineering, school with doughnuts Ian was Rugby 1st XV for two years; Taunton RFC, he realised that serious the national/international Cricket 1st XI for two years; School studies had to be the priority over construction group. The strength of in his pockets which “ Swimming for six years (two as the attractions of a sporting career. his success in both hi profession Capt); Bevan Diving Trophy winner He attained a BSc in Engineering and and sports clearly lay in the he obtained from the 5 of those 6 years; Water Polo Capt later became a Fellow of the Institute evolvement of team spirit which, and Victor Ludorum. School Prefect of Civil Engineers. he said, lay in the standards set in tuck shop on the way and Head of Day Boys too – his school life. to chapel... yet a notable modesty prevailed From the age of 11 through to 63 he over all his accomplishments ‘kept wicket’, playing wicket and At the celebration of his life, and responsibilities. opening bat in Yorkshire, Durham Sir Henry Newbolt’s popular verse After his Father was released the Leagues and in Kuwait as well as for ‘Vitae Lampada’ (They pass on the School allowed Donald to visit him in In Bill Currie’s 1988 publication, the minor counties, North Wales and Torch of Life) was so rightly recited, Pembrokeshire where they had a ‘A century of promise’ , he recites Somerset 2nd XI. for Ian just did, always, ‘Play up, house on the coast for his Father to from Donald Crichton-Miller’s play up and play the game ’. recuperate, but later took up Commemoration Day speech It was, however, the beauty of his Philip Green residence in their ancestral home at mention of two boys that epitomised Crawl swimming stroke that showed (Senior Day Boys ’43) G Welton, Northamptonshire. the aim and achievement of Taunton him in an elite class: his head, Although a quiet, beautiful person School: one boy from the arm and leg movement were sheer Donald was a great character ‘outposts of Empire’ and the other, perfection in unison. He held (a good mimic, a talent he used Ian McLennan, the ‘local boy’ . several records for many years in at the end-of-term entertainment) the green, algae-coated water of the and a collector of books and Ian entered Taunton School on a TS open-air pool! everything military. In later life scholarship from St Andrew’s he studied the Christian faith School, Taunton, where his father Other sporting areas included and became really committed, was a master and keen sportsman. yachting and the, then derided, but never forgot being confirmed With a Headmaster who had Catamaran Class. His wife Peggy while at school with doughnuts introduced compulsory games would sail as crew, but not without in his pockets which he obtained (including PT before breakfast), a apprehension for, when overturned, from the tuck shop on the way to father’s passionate expectancy in all prevention of a fractured mast came chapel – food was very short in directions and his own natural first and not the wife treading water! those days! He was a wonderful ability, Ian’s destiny in sports In later years, Ian took up golf and husband and father and we have was assured. played with the OT Western Club many happy memories including golfers. He was Chairman of the visits to Taunton. His family motto After attaining his School Certificate, Western Club and attended many ‘Erectus non elatus’ (Exalted, but not Ian joined the Royal Engineers. Club Dinners and Annual Reunion elated) described him well. Posted to India, he was attached as a Weekends with Peggy. Jennie Clarke G
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William Bentley Trained in Switzerland, he continued steak and a vast and varied salad Outside the school, Ben had a great to gain experience in hotels in bar. Visiting sports teams looked love for his family. He married (‘Ben’) Walker Paris and London before opening forward to our fixture – probably Sheila whilst they were both working 8 July 1939 – 24 May 2014 his own hotel – The Dragon House for the food! He provided OT reunion in Paris and his love for her was at Billbrook – which swiftly gained weekends with lavish BBQs and plain for all to see, particularly Ben, a human an impressive reputation in high quality dinners. He started during the deterioration of her dynamo of every way. Taunton School Enterprises to bring health and subsequent death. energy and many outside events and sporting That love extended to Paul, initiative, who A brief foray into horticulture, driven fixtures into the school. No request Charles and Kate and his had such a by his life long love of plants and was ever rejected. We never heard grandchildren whom he adored. huge expanse gardening, enabled him to bring his “it can’t be done” , because with Ben’s funeral at Staplegrove Church of affection for vast experience to the kitchens of, Ben it was a case of if you want it, was attended by a large congregation so many our then, three schools. we’ll do it – somehow. After all, he of family, friends and former people – died was a Yorkshireman! In the 90s he colleagues. His contribution to the at Musgrove Ben simply transformed school also took on the role of Domestic life of Taunton School was immense. Park Hospital. catering to bring it to a level hitherto Bursar, at a time when the two He will be long remembered. only dreamed of. Headmasters had junior schools were amalgamating He joined Taunton School as its Ben on their wish list. Parents could and he oversaw the building of Extract from the Eulogy given at Catering Officer in 1982, following a not believe their children’s description the current TPS classrooms and Ben’s Funeral by Rev Terry Curnow successful career in the hotel industry. of lunches which could include duck, sports complex. Former Taunton School Chaplain G
CHALLENGING THE ‘NASTY PARTY’ IMAGE the playing of classical music at diverse pool of people into the The following (edited) article appeared in meetings, accompanied with youth wing in order to achieve a expensive wines and port. But there more representative future. The Daily Telegraph on 14th May 2014 is also a serious side to this culture. These associations tend to be Many of the Cabinet members and equal marriage. We are the party of unrepresentative of the makeup of M's we’ve had to speak at the LSE ‘help to buy’ and the party which the student body. this year have recounted how their has built an economy with growth time in campus associations set them levels not seen since 2007, giving While giving the speech at my on a path towards Westminster students a more optimistic future. election meeting for LSE politics. Even the much beleaguered Conservatives, I glanced around at LSE alumni, Maria Miller, who had a So, this begs the question: Why is room of close to a hundred people. twenty-year stint in the private sector the Tory brand loathed on campus? I managed to count a handful of before making the jump from student women and even fewer to Westminster politics, cited her time One source of disdain is people from ethnic in the LSE Conservatives as crucial in student hostility to the minorities. This is harnessing an interest in politics and campus incarnations at a university a loyalty to the party. of the party – famous for its Josh Hitchens the university cosmopolitan Equally, until we create more diverse associations. make up and and representative associations we These eccentric one where will continue to be open to Josh Hitchens (Wills East ’12) , organisations are women have accusations of being closed shops, President of LSE Conservatives Society, not overseen by the always played elitist and ‘toffs’. Some fellow young warns that tales of Bullingdon Club-style party in the way a leading role. Tories may indulge in that reputation, behaviour from Tory university that constituency but as long as we allow it to go associations put students off joining associations are. This is all accompanied by unchallenged our hopes of achieving the party. They are also often the an exclusive series of more goodwill and electoral success first direct contact that social events. Whether it with students will be hindered. Despite the best efforts of David Cameron many young people is a Christmas party for and senior figures in the Tory party to have with the £50 at the elite, male It is an exciting time in the banish the well-publicised ‘nasty party’ Conservative Party. only Carlton Club, or Conservative Party; modernisers image of the Conservative Party, the forthcoming abound and diversity is high on the when it comes to universities like LSE, Part of the Summer Ball in agenda. But university associations the toxicity of the party image is as problem is a Cambridge for £69, must buy in to the vision set out by strong as ever. perception of events are often the party leadership. This is why ‘toffish-ness’ and that these priced at a level most more support from Conservative hen I first joined the party associations are closed clubs, almost students cannot afford. And the central office and a mechanism for the another member of LSE exclusively consisting of white men, reputation of Bullingdon Club-style party to intervene when things go WConservatives advised me not more often than not from public antics means many wouldn’t badly wrong is desperately needed. to keep my membership card in my school and wealthy backgrounds. want to. wallet in case it became visible on a There are occasional damaging and Ultimately, if university associations night out in the Student Union bar. infamous incidents, such as the This may be ‘toffish’, pompous fun are allowed to become a series of Oxford University Conservative to those who organise such events, wannabe Bullingdon clubs consisting More recently I let slip that I was Association night of port and Nazi but it deters the exact type of primarily of old public school boys, president of LSE Conservatives at a songs, which was widely reported people we need to be attracting then the party in twenty years will student union event. Needless to say in 2011. into the party. not only be permanently tainted in conversation stopped in its tracks the eyes of millions of students, it will and people started to drift away However, beyond such exceptional Only 4 per cent of MPs are from also fail to shake off the lamentable from me. I initially struggled to cases there is a pervasive culture of ethnic minorities and only 16 per diversity record which currently understand why. We are, after all, no elitism. This culture manifests itself cent of Tory MPs are women. deters swathes of voters. longer the party of Clause 28 but of in seemingly benign ways such as We must, therefore, attract a [email protected] G
14 https: // taunton.web-intouch.com Old Tauntonian Review
BIRTHS BARROW to Andrea Gloucester ’96 and Edward Oliver Sebastian – 26.01.14 BEVIS to Rose (née Milner) Jenkin ’01 and Simon Isla Ruby – 04.05.14 COLLINS to Lizzie (née Penny) Jenkin ’00 and Nick Finlay Thomas – 12.02.14 COTTRELL to Alex Marshall ’06 and Sylwia Annabel May – 30.04.14 DILLOWAY to Abbe (née Bartlett) Jenkin ’06 and Paul Joshua – 25.03.14 FRITH to Tim Wills West ’01 and Jenny George Benjamin – 26.02.14 HAY to Alex Marshall ’88 and Debbie Joshua Robin – 25.04.14 HENDERSON to Kerry (née Slocombe) Besley ’95 and Calum Hattie Doris McLeod – 14.05.14 SPEEDY to Kathryn Weirfield ’04 and Owen Tomos Henry – 28.06.14 SWEENEY to Lucy (née Pitt) Bevan ’99 and Phil Sophia Grace & Emilia Florence – 23.06.14 WOODWARD to Emily (née Mortimer) Besley ’05 and Joseph Matilda May – 17.05.14 ENGAGEMENTS November 2013 Daniel Green (Wills East 2004) to Elizabeth Eccott November 2013 Ben Pine (Wills West 1997) to Stephanie Tomlinson April 2014 Captain Tim Taylor (Goodland 2006) to Dr Katherine France MARRIAGES BREWER Ian Marshall ’06 to Pippa 24.05.14 BREWER Pippa (née Gwynne-Jones) Bevan ’03 to Ian 24.05.14 BUDD Emily (née Ford) Besley ’05 to Nathan 30.05.14 COOK Tom Wills East ’97 to Emily 02.07.14 DAVIDSON Andrew Marshall ’03 to Charlotte 10.05.14 FEANE Kate (née Wood) Besley ’82 to Philip 15.03.14 GAPPER Rosemary (née Hawkins) Weirfield ’05 to Robert 21.06.14 HASHAGEN Jocelyn (née Reynolds) Jenkin ’02 to George 04.04.14 JOHNSTON Rosie (née Hastilow) Jenkin ’04 to Tom 21.06.14 KENNEDY James Goodland ’01 to Susannah 26.07.14 KIRBY Alastair Evans ’08 to Nicola 04.04.14 Photograph the QR code above with a PAYNE Carly (née Pitman) Jenkin ’03 to Thomas 02.08.14 smartphone to connect to OTs Online. WOLFE Gavin Fairwater ’05 to Gemma 31.05.14 DEATHS BOMFORD Peter Herring School House ’48-’59 17.02.14 BRISTOW Richard Lawrence Fairwater ’41-’47 11.02.14 BULL Christopher Somerset ’47-’55 31.03.14 OT PRESIDENT’S DINNER CANNON Garth Kingsley Wills West ’52-’59 02.03.14 CLARKE Donald Ian Wills West ’39-’49 08.02.13 Friday 13th February 2015 GARRETT Keith Alan Shefford Somerset ’44-’48 26.02.14 Palace of Westminster FORREST Roderic MacLeod Wills West ’38-’45 25.05.14 This is an event I am looking forward to enormously and I GRAY Richard Neil Fairwater ’47-’54 14.06.14 hope it will attract many who have never before had the GRAY Robert Cuthbert Birrell Fairwater ’39-’46 08.04.14 chance to visit this iconic building. HARRIS Christopher Clifford Fairwater ’53-’60 30.04.14 Tickets are £80 (£40 for OTs aged 30 and under) which is HARRIS David John Wills East ’35-’44 07.05.14 not, I believe, excessive for such a prestigious venue. HEBDITCH Betty Mary Weirfield School ’35-’40 26.04.14 However, I would very much like to limit further costs by HUNT Geoffrey Wills East ’45-’52 06.09.11 gaining sponsorship which works in two ways: JAMES Roger Howard School House ’23-’27 26.11.13 1) Sponsorship (essentially for wine) for an individual table LANG Henry Wilfred Thomas Marshall ’83-’92 22.07.14 at a cost of £250 LYNAS Ivy Beatrice Jane (née Baker) Weirfield School ’27-’35 11.04.14 2) Sponsorship for the Reception Drinks at a cost of £1000 MALPAS CBE Donald School House ’34-’42 25.03.14 McLENNAN Ian Albert Coate Senior Day Boys ’34-’42 31.03.14 Sponsorship could be from an individual, a business or TEMPLEMAN MC Charles Henry Senior Day Boys ’40-’44 14.06.14 company, a group of OTs perhaps with a shared background (eg Marshall House Leavers 1985 /Murray House Prefects WALKER William Bentley ‘Ben’ TS Catering Manager 24.05.14 1989 /1987 unbeaten 1st XV /1974 unbeaten 1st XI Hockey) ... the possible combinations are endless! OTs MEET IN NATIONAL HOCKEY FINAL Clearly, all those who supported the event in this way would be acknowledged both in pre-dinner communications Oliver Large (Marshal ‘12) and Tom Chandler and appropriately on the night. Additionally, an individual (Evans ‘11) competed against each other in the National sponsor for the Reception Drinks would have Association of Medical Schools mixed hockey cup final at complimentary tickets for him/her and partner. Sheffield in May. Oliver played for Sheffield University medics and Tom played for Guy’s, King’s and St Thomas’ I do hope that many of you will be able to support this – medics. The match was played on the blue and pink there are 17 tables available! Please contact me at 2012 Olympic hockey pitch, which was transferred to [email protected] to confirm your Sheffield as part of the Olympic legacy. The standard of willingness to sponsor this Old Tauntonian Dinner. G hockey was high, with both junior international and future cup players on the pitch. Oliver scored the first goal and set up the second for Sheffield in a tight and nervous first half. A fitter and more cohesive Sheffield side then dominated most of the second half to secure a comfortable 4-0 victory. Clive Large (Fairwater 1975) G
https: // taunton.web-intouch.com 115 5 OLD TAUNTONIAN ASSOCIATION
LEARN FROM THE PAST FORTHCOMING EVENTS SEPTEMBER 2014 hen the Old Library was One of the twelve panels depicting the history originally donated to the Friday 12 Western Club Lunch 13:00 Taunton School of Taunton School through its Headmasters. W school, the two rooms at Sunday 14 Cornish Club Lunch 12:00 Lanhydrock GC, each side of the vestibule were set PL30 5AQ aside as museums, both fitted Monday 15 Call of the Kgalagadi 18:00 Taunton School with glass cabinets in what we OCTOBER 2014 know today as the Winterstoke Saturday 4 OTA Committee Meeting 09:30 Taunton School and Meeting Rooms. Saturday 4 Western Club Dinner 18:30 Taunton School Friday 10 Old Weirfieldian Lunch 12:30 Taunton School Winterstoke Room It was suggested some three NOVEMBER 2014 years ago that the OTA undertake Friday 7 Western Club Lunch 13:00 Taunton School a refurbishment project which has Thursday 27 London Club Dinner 18:30 RAF Club, London resulted in a twelve-panel display W1J 7PY entitled ‘A History of Taunton School DECEMBER 2014 through its Headmasters’ along with Monday 8 Western Club tributes to the Independent College Christmas Lunch 12:30 Taunton School Old Boys, the Taunton School Old Boys Associations and the Old FEBRUARY 2015 Weirfieldian Association, which is Friday 13 OT President’s Dinner 19:00 Palace of Westminster, now part of the OTA. London
This collage gives a brief outline of the development of Taunton and its buildings from its formation as the A HAPPY RETURN Dissenters College in 1842 to the Dear Dr Newton, present day under the stewardship I was recently a fly on the wall at Taunton School. of the current Head, Dr John Newton. originally the centre piece of the Hall Pupils were encountered moving between classes and balcony, now hangs above the sketch. going to exams and all looked happy and purposeful. The project has, as its centrepiece, a state- It was a joy to see the school alive and functioning. of-the-art touch screen, that is accessed When you visit the School for any future I went into the Science Block and saw the upgraded gathering take some time out to view both through a glass panel, which allows laboratories. Where has the smell of hydrogen sulphide these rooms which complement the Association members, researchers and gone? Ian Piper explained how the chemistry syllabus pupils to interact with an archive facility. Association’s Archive project soon to be had changed and his enthusiasm really shone through. launched on-line via https://taunton.web- Happy pupils were engaging in cadet activities and I The Meeting Room intouch.com . G spoke to one of the teachers instructing map reading: This has been re-designed using existing Phil Griffiths (Fairwater ’59) this could be vital later in life when the Sat Nav fails! memorabilia from the original display, I looked in on the Carrington Library, which was a complemented by an overview of the vast amount of work has gone into junior dining hall in my time, and it seems to be laid out four ‘warrior heroes’ who passed this OTA Archive Project, so it is only well. I made a point of looking at the new stained glass through Taunton School under the A right that I publicly record my windows in the Chapel and noticed how much extra heading ‘For Sovereign and Nation’: personal thanks to Phil Griffiths for his space had been freed up by removing the old organ. General Charles Gordon (Gordon of vision to see this project through from Thank you for your kind hospitality and the Khartoum) who attended the original the start. Whilst there is more work to opportunity to see the Meade King in progress. The star college in 1842; RA Gerrard (killed in be done (mainly by myself!) I am swimmers were, of course, outstanding and far quicker the push after El Alamein who is extremely grateful to Phil for his k
than in my time as I expected. The support for all u . remembered by the Memorial prize in his support and cajoling through the past o c
swimmers from their teams was terrific. Naturally, not . s
three years. c name); Gerald Blaker (who was awarded i
every swimmer in a team is a top performer and swims h the Victoria Cross when killed in action p a
as the best option to secure a team point. It was r g during the Burma Campaign) and It has cost a lot of money and the OTA is r especially good to notice a modest Taunton swimmer, e t c
Group Captain ‘Bob’ Brabham (a night hoping to recoup a small part of the costs a
finishing in last place on the opening leg of the cannon, r a fighter veteran whose three DSOs and by charging a one-off, life-time access fee h but ending up on the winning team. Actually, every c . three DFCs and the Airforce Cross Award of £15. This will give you searchable access w participant is a winner; they have been involved in w w
make him one of the most decorated to all Tauntonian Magazines since 1882; swimming training and so have put down a foundation 8 officer in all theatres of the second as many of the Weirfieldian Magazines 0
for their cardiovascular and muscular skeletal systems 0 9 world war). that we have; House photos; School; 7
that will benefit them for life. 2
3
team photos and so on. High resolution 2
In conclusion I had a lovely day and every member of 8 photos (together with names, if possible) 1 An artist’s sketch of the original 0
staff I spoke to gave me the impression that they were : l
Memorial Hall has been hung, now the to go on the archive will be gratefully e T
inspiring and committed.
Arts Centre, in recognition of the received! If you are unable to scan your G s c
Keith Ingram (Wills East ’59) i contributions to Taunton School by photos, please send me the originals and h p a Dr Charles Whittaker and JG Loveday. I will return them to you. Email photos to: r
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Loveday was the founder of Weirfield t c
G a School. The School Crest, which was David Bridges – OT Secretary r “ a h C
y b
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It has cost a lot of money and the OTA is hoping to g i s e D
recoup a small part of the costs by charging a one-off, &
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Keith Ingram n i r “life-time access fee of £15. P 16 https: // taunton.web-intouch.com