ISSUE 47 • SPRING 2018 THE LINK SPRING 2018 THE LINK SPRING 2018

EVITA REVIEW BY MS NATALIE BUBBEAR, ENGLISH TEACHER

In poor theatre reviewer form, I knew The cast is brilliant and has really lived nothing about Evita before watching up to this challenge. All credit to the the dress rehearsal. I used my sharply- chorus – there is a lot of background honed intelligence and assumed it acting needed and they get it just was about someone called Evita; right. Harry Milne (P), playing Che, I remember Madonna got involved does a particularly impressive hooded, at some point; and I knew Argentina smouldering glare throughout, but - featured somehow (although I more importantly – he sets the vocal genuinely thought it was a person – bar high from the very first song. how else could Argentina cry?). Well, wasn’t I in for a shock? My heart broke for Will Ludlow (Rn) as Eva’s devoted but somewhat Ms Rhiannon Johnson has thrown misguided husband. Ben Abbott (C), down the gauntlet for her whole- playing Magaldi, has always done school directorial debut at comedy so well and On This Night of a and produced a vibrant and colourful Thousand Stars seems made for him. performance that perfectly captures Hannah Prideaux (Wh) and the male the atmosphere and vibe of 1940s chorus’ rendition of Another Suitcase Argentina. in Another Hall had me in tears, even in the dress rehearsal. There is no need for an elaborate set, or even incredibly complex But Jasmine Bingham (M) as Evita choreography (although who am I to really steals this show. She is judge how hard the tango is?). It is captivating, her voice utterly angelic. the simplicity of both that makes the If anything, it gets more powerful as performance so eye-catching. Every her character begins to fade away. detail has been considered: the steps The famous Don’t Cry For Me Argentina of the tango, the authentic victory roll scene on the balcony was particularly hairstyles and the 1940s costumes, moving and, to be fair, I wasn’t far off some of which would make the Von thinking Argentina was a character – it Trapp family proud. It is a dynamic and becomes one for Jasmine, symbolised vivid production from start to finish. by its people.

You cannot help but move, either. So what do I now know after this Argentina’s music and rhythm is performance? 1940s Argentina was iconic and the Epsom band, ably led a hot bed of political strife; I’m sure by Graeme Lodge, provides a pacey I’d prefer Jasmine’s performance to accompaniment to some fabulous Madonna’s; we have incredibly talented songs and dances throughout. If you performers, crew and directors in our thought an instrument that can play midst; and I want that dress Evita only one note is redundant, then you wears on the balcony. are not doing justice to that whistle. THE LINK SPRING 2018 THE LINK SPRING 2018

SPRINGBOARD AT A PERFECT FIT EPSOM COLLEGE FOR EPSOM’S VALUES SPRINGBOARD PROVIDES FULLY-FUNDED BOARDING PLACES TO YOUNG PEOPLE FROM DISADVANTAGED BACKGROUNDS. WE TALK TO KIONI WYNTER (WH) ABOUT THIS TRANSFORMATIVE SCHEME, AND TO SECOND MASTER MR PAUL WILLIAMS ON WHY IT IS SO IMPORTANT TO THE COLLEGE.

KIONI WYNTER, LOWER SIXTH:

WHAT EMOTIONS DID YOU FEEL BEFORE They are also great experiences to include STARTING AT EPSOM? on my university applications. My previous school didn’t have the resources to provide Springboard offers young people I was slightly apprehensive about fitting this kind of opportunity. educational and life experiences that in, being from a very different background. are truly transformational. The portrayal of boarding schools in the WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE AREA OF media is often one of snobbery and elitism. Epsom’s key founding principles are SCHOOL LIFE AT EPSOM? However, I quickly realised it’s not like that those of ‘Benevolence and Excellence’, at Epsom. I love boarding – being among 50 girls, so the concept - of offering fully-funded all your own age, is a special experience. places to hard-working and ambitious I was welcomed and supported from my first My boarding house, White House, is Sixth young people - ties in nicely with our day, by my year group, the girls in my House, Form-only and so all the girls joined at the founder’s vision. as well as my Housemistress, Matron and the same time as me. We immediately bonded, teachers. In fact, I was invited to a summer It provides the foundations to excel and I always feel I have someone to turn to party before the school year had even academically, as well as in a broader if I need them. I hope that I act as a support started, so rather than feeling nervous, I was sense across other areas of school life. to others in need, too. excited to get started. I was also appointed a It enables them to pursue university ‘big sister’ mentor before I arrived, so I could careers, which may well not have HOW DOES YOUR FAMILY FEEL ABOUT ask any questions I had. previously been an option. YOU BEING AT A BOARDING SCHOOL? I quickly learnt that what’s valued at Epsom is They are so excited, and very proud of The young people joining us are making your attitude, not from where you have come. everything I’m achieving. I phone my Mum a life-changing move in coming to a The school put their faith in me, and I wanted most days, and she loves hearing about all school like Epsom, but the Headmaster to prove they were right to do so. the clubs I’ve joined, shows I’ve seen, and and I have full confidence they will thrive matches I’ve played. I look forward to going in a boarding environment. Springboard HOW DID YOU FEEL IN YOUR FIRST FEW home for the holidays, but equally I look and their partners – Hope in Tottenham WEEKS? forward to coming back to school again. and Hope in Liverpool – are vastly Excited definitely, but also occasionally experienced in selecting candidates. overwhelmed. The biggest difference is the WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE It is really encouraging to see these long, fast-paced days. TO SOMEONE CONSIDERING THE young people seize the opportunity I was amazed at how much the school does SPRINGBOARD SCHEME? with such gusto, making the most of outside lessons. My favourite activity is the Attend the Open Mornings - they give you every minute and every opportunity. Academic Enrichment programme which a real idea of what to expect. Talk to others includes presentations and talks from visiting who’ve done it; it’s a new lifestyle, not just MR PAUL WILLIAMS, SECOND MASTER speakers and lecturers, and trips away a new school, but it will open new doors from school. Visiting the theatre, going to and opportunities, and you will make great museums, and working on field trips brings friendships along the way. the work we are doing in the classroom to life. THE LINK SPRING 2018 THE LINK SPRING 2018 FIRST-CLASS CRICKET AN INTERVIEW WITH NEW DIRECTOR OF CRICKET, MR DAMIAN SHIRAZI Damian Shirazi joined Epsom College as Director of Cricket in January 2018. Damian played professionally for Hampshire CC, and attained honours with England U19, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, MCC Young Cricketers and British Universities. Prior to joining the College, Damian spent a decade coaching in two leading independent schools, most recently as Director of Cricket at Dulwich College. Here he talks about his aspirations for the development of Cricket at Epsom. WHAT ARE YOUR PRIORITIES BEFORE forward to ensuring our talented players get the THE CRICKET SEASON BEGINS? exposure and opportunities their abilities deserve. In the last year I have also started scouting I am keen to gain a full understanding of what a for Essex County Cricket club. Away from the day in the life of an Epsom pupil looks like. I work professional game, I have had many players with some incredibly experienced and committed go on to play at both university level and within staff who have given so much to cricket at the the club game. As mentioned previously, I am College - it will be vital for me to pick their brains committed to ensuring that opportunities are ahead of my first season. I look forward made available to pupils, during and after their to continuing the busy winter programme that time at the College. we have been operating for all boys and girls. The pupils will certainly be ready for the first AS A FORMER PROFESSIONAL fixtures in April. CRICKETER WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A YOUNG PLAYER KEEN TO WHAT ARE YOUR ASPIRATIONS FOR PROGRESS TO A HIGH LEVEL? EPSOM CRICKET? WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO EPSOM? I look back at the top players I was lucky enough The short-term goal will be to develop the The first major attraction was the College’s to train and play alongside. The common strong links I have with both local clubs and ‘total curriculum’ philosophy. I felt it was very denominator between all of them was their representative teams and to make sure a direct much in line with my own view of how education attention to detail. If young players can focus on bond between them and the College exists. I should be delivered. Alongside this was the getting the small details right in practice, handling hope to enhance the opportunities our many clear ambition the College has to further develop pressurised situations and executing in games talented boys and girls have in and out of school. cricket, whilst also having the opportunity to work will become so much easier. in such a talented sport department. Looking further down the line, the goals for me are simple: I would like to look at raising statistics WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES AND WHAT WERE YOUR EXPECTATIONS OF in the following areas: INTERESTS OUTSIDE OF WORK? THE COLLEGE PRIOR TO JOINING? Sport has played a large role in my life and • Participation levels among both boys and I already had very high expectations of the whether it’s rugby (Bath), football (Manchester girls. College, having always received such a warm United), or golf, I’m always around a game of • Numbers of pupils gaining representative welcome on my previous visits. It really is sorts. My wife is a keen hockey player as well, so honours away from the College. amazing how much you can pick up about a no change there. Alongside this we both love to • Increasing the number of pupils who continue school when visiting on a Saturday block fixture. cook and travel and have many destinations to to play the game on leaving the College All pupils, staff and parents always displayed a tick off in the coming years. real pride in the College and impressed me with (university, club, OEs, professional levels). their character and flair. If the above goals are met, it will provide OTHER THAN CRICKET, WHAT OTHER a tangible indication that we are delivering SPORTS DO YOU ENJOY COACHING? YOU HAVE COMPLETED YOUR FIRST a successful, innovative, and enjoyable As mentioned, my passions mainly lie in team TERM – HOW HAS EPSOM LIVED UP programme for our boys and girls. It will also, sports, having coached rugby, football, and TO YOUR EXPECTATIONS? of course, put the building blocks in place for hockey in my career. As a true believer in the It has surpassed my high expectations. The thing many a winning season. benefits of multi-sport participation for young that really stands out is the great breadth of people, I love the variety a new term brings. opportunity that is available for all pupils. Pupils YOU HAVE DEVELOPED STRONG LINKS at Epsom display many strings to their bow. The WITH A NUMBER OF SPORTING BODIES WHAT OTHER AREAS OF SCHOOL LIFE balance of tradition and forward thinking is also – HOW WILL THIS BENEFIT COLLEGE ARE YOU INVOLVED IN? a fascinating aspect of the College and one that CRICKETERS? I am currently a Fifth Form Tutor in Fayrer House, makes for an exciting place to work. Having had former pupils involved within with a weekly boarding duty part of the role. While Gloucestershire, Northants, Sussex, , I’ve only been there a short while it’s been great Hampshire, and the MCC YC academies, I look being a part of Mr Head’s fantastic team. THE LINK SPRING 2018 THE LINK SPRING 2018 THE GREAT EPSOM CREATING A COLLEGE COMMUNITY Throughout the year there are a HOUSE SOIRÉES INTERHOUSE PANCAKE RACE number of occasions when the The popular House Soirée season is a bright spot The College celebrated Shrove Tuesday in the Epsom community unites and in the calendar during the winter months. House time-honoured manner with a series of pancake Soirées allow pupils to showcase their talents to races around Chapel triangle. these are always a highlight in family, friends and House staff in a fun-packed Teams of runners from across all houses the College Calendar. This term, evening, which often includes a gourmet meal. completed a leg of the triangle, flipping their outstanding team spirit was on All House members are involved, whether pancakes as they went and handing the frying providing the entertainment on stage, or working pan on to a team mate at each corner. The school display at the Interhouse Pancake backstage on lighting, sound and videos. Guests community turned out to support the runners, Race and across the House were dazzled by the professional shows that creating a fabulous carnival atmosphere as they really captured the essence of the houses, in a cheered on their teams. Soirées. humorous and original way.

RACE WINNERS: Lower School - Hutchison Junior Race - Forest Senior Race - Fayrer

OVERALL WINNERS: Lower School Hutchison – Inaugural Thompson Pancake Trophy Senior School Propert – Case Pancake Trophy

SUNDAY 22 April Have fun - get muddy & raise money For more information on the fundraising campaign, please contact the for The Mermaid Education Trust & OE Club Team on 01372 821042 OPEN TO ALL PUPILS, PARENTS, STAFF, OES AND FRIENDS OF EPSOM COLLEGE AGE 10+, ALL FITNESS LEVELS WELCOME

LOCATION: Action Days Ltd, Henfold Lakes, Henfold Lane, Dorking RH5 4RW With years of experience in outdoor events, you can feel safe with the knowledge that you will be looked after by a military experienced team who will be onsite with you throughout the event.

PLEASE REGISTER AT educationtrust-oeclub.org/mud-run Registration fee £10 + small admin charge - FREE souvenir T-shirt THE LINK SPRING 2018 THE LINK SPRING 2018 STRIKING THE RIGHT CHORD NEWLY-APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF MUSIC, MR PAUL JOHNSON-HYDE, OUTLINES HIS AMBITION FOR THE DEPARTMENT, AND HIS VISION TO COMBINE THE TRADITIONAL WITH THE CONTEMPORARY.

THERE IS AN EXTENSIVE CALENDAR OF MUSIC EVENTS AT EPSOM – WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE EVENT OF THE YEAR? The Choral Competition is a personal highlight. I enjoy walking through the College in September and hearing singing everywhere. With every pupil in the College taking part, it is a fantastic Mr Johnson-Hyde first visited the opportunity for pupils to bond, I think it is College back in 2012 as a guest a testament to our strong House system. adjudicator at the annual Choral Competition. In the following year, THE INAUGURAL JAZZ NIGHT WAS he joined Epsom as a Visiting Music A RESOUNDING SUCCESS - ARE Teacher, accompanying the Chapel THERE ANY OTHER NEW EVENTS Choir on a tour to Venice and YOU WOULD LIKE TO HOST IN conducting the College’s production FUTURE YEARS? of Jesus Christ Superstar. He joined Following the popularity of the Jazz in a full-time role in 2016, before Night, I have booked jazz clubs in becoming Acting Director of Music . I am currently planning ‘A Night the following year. at the Musicals’ for our talented musical WHERE HAD YOU STUDIED AND theatre pupils. I am also keen to set up WORKED PRIOR TO JOINING a ‘live lounge’ evening to showcase the EPSOM? large number of excellent contemporary musicians we have at the College. I received a scholarship to study at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, where I was organ scholar of Symphony Hall, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A Birmingham. After a couple of years BUDDING MUSICIAN JOINING THE as a freelance musician, working with COLLEGE IN THE LOWER SCHOOL? orchestras and choirs, I became an Learn an instrument or start to sing, academic teacher at Tonbridge if you aren’t already, and then take part in Grammar School, followed by the plethora of musical activities on offer Windsor Boys’ School. at the College. The Music Department I HAVE A POLICY is a fantastic community of which to be HOW DOES EPSOM SUPPORT a part. THAT“ IF A PUPIL MUSICIANS AT ALL LEVELS, FROM BEGINNER TO ELITE? BEGINS TO LEARN AN WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE INSTRUMENT ON A I have a policy that if a pupil begins to COMPOSER/BAND/ARTIST? learn an instrument on a Monday, they This is a difficult one, but as an organist, MONDAY, THEY MAY may join an ensemble on the Tuesday. I would have to say J.S. Bach. His They may only be able to play a handful JOIN AN ENSEMBLE music is ingeniously crafted and always of notes, but being part of a musical manages to speak so clearly to the soul. ON THE TUESDAY. community is so important. The College At the other end of the spectrum, I am a also has elite ensembles that stretch huge fan of Muse. ” our most able musicians, such as the Chamber Choir, Chamber Groups and Big Band. THE LINK SPRING 2018 THE LINK SPRING 2018

SPORTS TOURS: COMPETITION, Netball trip to Dubai

A group of 14 Fifth and Sixth Form In the third matches of the tour, CAMARADERIE AND CULTURE netballers travelled to Dubai where the A team, secured an impressive they played some challenging 45-9 win, and the B team made a matches in high temperatures. stunning come back to win their The girls travelled to the match in the last quarter, 26-24. impressive 7he Sevens Stadium Away from the courts, the girls for their first match - the A team enjoyed many opportunities to played a Dubai Netball league unwind and enjoy the local culture. team, and the B team faced a Highlights included visiting the travelling school. The A team world’s tallest building, the Burj managed to hold on to a three- Khalifa, Zayed Grand Mosque, Yas goal lead and take the win 20-17, Marina F1 circuit and local souks. but the B team, although drawing The tour culminated in the Dubai at half-time, could not maintain College International Netball their efforts and lost by 10, 16-26. Tournament. Three close matches The Zayed Sport City was the saw the girls come away with venue for their second match of two losses, one by just a single the tour, against youth teams from goal, and a draw. Going into the the Abu Dhabi Netball league. playoffs they were determined to Squash team on tour in Jersey Epsom skiers travel to Canadian Rockies The girls played impressive netball play their best netball and they to take two wins, 26-10 for the A did not disappoint, taking the In what has been a stellar year their performances improved During the February half term The pupils enjoyed evening team and 26-8 for the B team. win and securing a third place for Epsom’s Squash team, the considerably throughout, and 30 Epsom pupils travelled to the activities such as geothermal hot finish, despite temperatures of 31 January tour to Jersey stands as competing against high-level, Canadian Rockies to take part in springs at Sulphur Mountain, degrees. a highlight, offering the players experienced players has proved the annual senior ski trip. alpine tubing and evenings out in an opportunity to test themselves to be of real benefit. The trip provided wonderful Banff town. against strong adult opposition Other activities included a freedom with quiet slopes and The ski instructors commented and to bond as a team. round of golf, high ropes and stunning views of the Canadian on the very high standard of the Football tour to Valencia FC They played two matches bowling. The boys conducted Rockies. During the week, the Epsom skiers and said how much against adult teams and one themselves very well on the tour group skied at three outstanding fun they had guiding the pupils Forty-four pupils left for Valencia The U16s also had three U15s against the island’s junior team. and displayed real sportsmanship locations: Sunshine Village, around the mountain. The ski Football Club at the start of the supporting their squad and Although they lost each match, on court. Norquay and Lake Louise. Of all groups made excellent progress with scores of 8-2, 6-4 and 5-3, three, the favourite location was and left better skiers than they Christmas holidays for a short but produced an excellent 5-0 win Lake Louise where the pupils arrived. intensive pre-season tour. in their first match against CD spent three of the six days skiing. Conduct from the boys was Zafrana, followed by a valiant 4-4 excellent in every area and each draw against Vall De Alcalnas. player trained hard to make the The U15s worked hard on all most of the coaching sessions on aspects of their game and in offer from the team at Valencia FC. training, but against older (U16) The U18 squad made exceptional sides they couldn’t quite find the progress, bolstered by some of results to match. our U16 talent, and secured two A foray to the ten pin bowling convincing wins against very alley saw Mr Rob Seale as newly- strong opposition. A 4-0 opening crowned champion, with Mr win against Athletic Torrefiel was Mike Day relegated to the bronze more than matched by a 5-1 win medal position. An afternoon at against a top U19 club side, the L’Oceanogràfic rounded off an SPF FC. excellent tour overall. THE LINK SPRING 2018 THE LINK SPRING 2018 HOUSE PROFILES

MURRELL HOUSE FAYRER HOUSE Number of girls: 20. Number of boys: 63. House colours: Purple and light blue. House colours: Light blue and white. Did you know: We won four out of five places in the Senior Cross Country. Any recent developments in Fayrer: The transition to a day House is going very smoothly indeed. Two more summer refurbishments will complete this work. Did you know: We hold the record for longest serving House tutor - 34 years no less, held by Mr Drinkall. HOUSEMISTRESS HEAD OF HOUSE HOUSEMASTER HEAD OF Name: Mrs Kate Hancock. Name: Zoe James. Name: Mr Stuart Head. HOUSE Roles at Epsom: Teacher of Favourite subject: Maths. Roles at Epsom: Senior Name: Mathematics, Head of Core Housemaster, Business Chosen sport: Sailing and Alexander Smith. Curriculum Sixth Form, Cross Country. Studies Teacher, Hockey, responsible for EPQ, Global Football and Cricket coach. Favourite subject: Perspectives, Core Maths and Young Enterprise. Music/co-curricular: Playing the piano. HMM since: September 2008. History. HMM since: September 2017. Favourite House event: Choral Competition. Favourite part of being a HMM: Guiding, supporting and helping Music/co-curricular: Favourite part of being a HMM: Getting to know Describe a Murrell girl in three words: teenagers to fulfil their potential during their time in Fayrer and at Chapel Choir, Oboe Grade 8, Piano, each individual and gaining a wider perspective Enthusiastic, conscientious and diligent. Epsom. We consider ourselves to be one big happy family in our Barbershop. of their time at the College. What makes Murrell great: Everyone is very House on the Hill. Favourite House event: Choral Funniest Murrell moment: My Lower Sixth caring, friendly and welcoming. There are close Funniest Fayrer moment: With an average of 70 boys each year, Competition. making pancakes that resembled burnt relationships between all year groups which there are just so many moments! One that stands out is winning What makes Fayrer great: It really scrambled eggs. makes Murrell a very supportive community to first place in the House Pancake Race, only to be disqualified for is like one big family. In terms Proudest Murrell moment: There have been so be a part of. not having a pancake at the end. Asking the pupils what happened of achievements, we seem to many it’s difficult to choose - here’s my top four: What will you take from your time in Murrell: to it, their reply was: “I ate it because I was hungry.” have done well in various House • Winning the Senior Girls Cross Country. I have really enjoyed being part of, and setting up, a Proudest Fayrer moment: competitions recently; from winning the Choral Competition, to our • Naomi Witts and Emma Coates gaining their new House. It has been great to take a leading role atching• W the Upper Sixth open their A-level results at the end recent record of success in the well-deserved Oxbridge offers. and watch the House grow. It has been a wonderful of each year and seeing them gain their university place and Cross Country. • Jasmine Bingham taking the lead role in this opportunity although I couldn’t have done it without thinking I had a hand in moulding that individual. the support of my friends and the goodwill of the term’s school musical, Evita. • Not having a musical bone in my body and winning the Choral Describe a Fayrer boy in three • Our little House making such a big noise at the whole House. Competition three times in four years. words: Enthusiastic, welcoming Choral Competition. Plans for the future: I plan to go to university next • Winning the overall Cross Country trophy 10 years in a row and and skilful. Favourite House event of the year: At the time year to study Economics. I’m excited by this as helping to continue the House legacy in this event. What will you take from your of writing we are preparing for our first House I’m really interested in how the world works. After • Finally scooping the CCF competition last year (still require a time in Fayrer House: Lifelong Soirée which is really exciting. The start of year that I want to go into a commercial job, hopefully music trophy and the pancake pan!). friendships. eventually running my own business. House Quiz was a great bonding experience, too. Favourite House event of the year: With Fayrer’s tradition of Plans for the future: Describe a Murrell girl in three words: Every winning the Cross Country this has to be our favourite event University to study History, and girl in Murrell is so different which makes it such - I think I would be in trouble if I chose anything else. All training beyond that is yet to be decided. a great community, but if I have to choose three together in the dark around the chuds really does bring the House words that I feel best reflect their characters together. they would be: considerate, good-humoured and Describe a Fayrer boy in three words: Respectful, polite and hard-working. ambitious. THE LINK SPRING 2018 THE LINK SPRING 2018

OUR STUDENTS’ REFLECTIONS SUPPORTING THE VITAL WORK OF THE ROSY PAYNE “The trip to India was very rewarding, I enjoyed experiencing the culture, viewing the locals’ way of life and documenting each moment with TARABAI DESAI EYE HOSPITAL IN INDIA photography. The trip was very humbling as we realised that our lives at At the end of Michaelmas term, students from the Lower Sixth - Epsom are, by comparison, extremely privileged. We met local people who were living off 500 rupee a month, the equivalent of £5. Seeing how a Imogen Smith (Wh), Giles Malone (P), Emma Piggot (Rv), Alex Li (F), charitable donation can go a long way, supporting the camps and cataract Steven Li (F) and Rosy Payne (RV) - departed for India, to the city of operations that we participated in, made the trip incredibly worthwhile.” Jodhpur, to see how the money raised by Epsom is supporting the work of the Tarabai Desai Eye Hospital. Over 12 days they contributed to the ALEX LI work of the hospital and developed an understanding of the medical “The trip was an unforgettable experience. I went with the hope of first- system in India. hand medical experience, and got a lot more than just that. I was most The trip was a resounding success with pupils gaining unparalleled shocked by the operating theatre at the Tarabai Desai Eye Hospital. medical insight, including visits to the operating theatre during live eye It is virtually the opposite of what you would expect of an operating theatre. The paint is peeling off the walls; the lighting is very poor; and surgery, performing pre and post-operative assessments, and fitting all the equipment was reused on many patients, even though it is out-of- patients for glasses. Pupils attended eye camps across the region in date single usage equipment from the UK. According to the surgeons, the order to help identify those in need of treatment. It was a rich cultural temperature in the theatre can rise to over 40°C on a hot summer day. experience that included eating a meal prepared by village elders, being There is no air conditioning and the windows must remain shut during featured in several newspapers, getting honoured at various ceremonies operations. After I was informed of this, I really admired the surgeons who with flowers and speeches, meeting hundreds of children, visiting a are doing this on a voluntary basis in such poor conditions.” secondary school and making a memorable trip to a maternity hospital. EMMA PIGGOT The group spent a unforgettable New Year’s Eve at a remote castle and “Travelling to India was an incredible adventure. I loved experiencing the saw in 2018 with traditional Indian folk music and dancing. They also culture, which was very exciting, though I found it shocking to observe how visited the bustling city market, imposing Mehrangarh Fort and beautiful different their way of life is. I am considering studying medicine at university Umaid Palace, during their limited downtime. Finally, they posed for and this trip was invaluable for gaining first-hand experience at the hospital dozens of photographs with people who had seldom, if ever, met a and surrounding eye camps. It was humbling to see how grateful the local westerner before. people were to receive these surgeries, and glasses which they would Mr Dan Reeve, who led the trip, noted that it was a humbling experience otherwise be unable to afford. We also visited the main attractions of to witness the relatively poor health and education of the wider Jodhpur, including the local market and Mehrangarh Fort which were very colourful and fun to explore.” population of Rajasthan, and a privilege to see how the money raised by the College is helping to transform lives across the region by supporting GILES MALONE the hospital’s vital work. “This trip to India was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a different The pupils learned much, both medically and culturally, and were a medical culture and way of life. It was so gratifying to see where the money credit to the College. They had direct access to patients and made a that Epsom has raised over the past two years has gone, and to see genuinely meaningful contribution to the hospital’s provision throughout how much good it has done. It was amazing to be able to work with an their time in India. established organisation where we made a direct impact on the outcome – it was so rewarding to be a part of a trip where we helped the doctors and underprivileged people directly.”

Medical foundations The Tarabai Desai partnership is part of Epsom’s long- standing association with medicine. Since the College was founded in 1855, as The Royal Medical Benevolent College, approximately 2,700 Old Epsomians have gained medical qualifications. Many have been dedicated General Practitioners, while others have pioneered new research. THE LINK SPRING 2018 THE LINK SPRING 2018 A STELLAR SEASON FOR SQUASH SPORTS ROUND-UP FOLLOWING ONE OF THE BEST SQUASH SEASONS IN COLLEGE The pre-season tour to Valencia saw The U12As, U14Bs and the FOOTBALL outstanding team performances and unbeaten U16Ds each boast a 75% HISTORY, HEAD OF SQUASH, MR LUKE FISHER, TALKS ABOUT convincing victories, and provided win rate. Notable results included THE EXCITING PROGRESSION OF THE SPORT. excellent preparation for the season comprehensive wins against Harrow, ahead. Whitgift, Berkhamsted, Tonbridge, The most enjoyable aspect of College Squash Competitive teams include pupils from across The busy Lent term has seen 27 Cranleigh and St John’s, Leatherhead. is, without a doubt, the excellent team spirit and the year-groups and, during fixtures, the players teams representing the College, all The standard of football continues social nature of the game. I am a firm believer support and umpire each other’s matches. playing an attractive passing game. to improve as the teams benefit from that if young people enjoy playing the sport, and This year witnessed the first College Squash tour Having advanced into the prestigious students involved in the Chelsea, feel part of a strong and supported community, to Jersey. The pupils played challenging fixtures Southern Independent Schools Fulham and Brighton & Hove Albion the top results will follow. against the island’s senior and junior teams, and League, the teams have competed academies. The most exceptional Participation is key and, as such, squash is were treated to a range of activities, including well and grown in confidence. personal achievement, however, is enjoyed at a recreational level by many pupils golf and high ropes. Another recent development is a new fixture The 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and U16As have Callum Holland (Rn) who has been at the College, with three Games sessions and against Old Epsomians. It is encouraging to each lost only one league match, with selected for Schools seven additional sessions each week. Last year, see how former pupils have continued to play just St Paul’s, Haileybury and Radley Football Association U18 National boys’ and girls’ House squash tournaments at a high level in university and club teams. to play. The 2nd and U16A teams Representative Squad. were introduced, and some houses have even It was inspiring for our current pupils. remain in title contention. introduced internal squash ladders. The fixture list has recently been extended for the lower teams. A strong 2nd V now play regular fixtures, and the most satisfying moment of their season was defeating the 1st V of old Epsom has enjoyed its best season The U16, U15 and U14 have all rivals St John’s 5-0. The U15 V, bolstered by in recent years, playing over 170 improved through the season, NETBALL some promising new players, have experienced matches and winning or drawing putting in excellent performances much success this season, with victories over two thirds. We have scored a record against tough opposition. Dulwich, St John’s and Whitgift, among others. number of goals and three teams In the Lower School, the U13A and For the senior players, training is taken very are unbeaten. B teams improved significantly from seriously, with regular individual and group The 1st VII performed particularly last year, but the U12A and U12Bs sessions with ex-international Neil Frankland. strongly in block fixtures, scoring led the way, achieving unbeaten This season has been one of real success for more than double their opponent’s seasons and dominating the the 1st V, who went unbeaten for most of the scores in nearly half the matches. majority of matches. Michaelmas and Lent Terms, winning 19 The 2nd and 3rd teams had some The U12A team won the Cranleigh of their 20 fixtures. They vanquished old rivals equally impressive wins, including Tournament and, in the Surrey Charterhouse, Harrow and St Paul’s, and a high scoring 55-10 and 61-4. Schools Finals, finished in the top progressed to the final stages of the National At half term, the 3rd, 4th and 5th four having won all their group Schools competition. The crowning achievement teams were all unbeaten. matches. They missed out on a top was winning the Roehampton Schools Invitation two place by just a single goal. Tournament, a prestigious event that features most of the best school sides in the country. In a tense final against Eton, the score was level at two matches apiece, before second seed Ben Harris (Rn) won the deciding game 15-13. The College has also scored victories in the OTHER HIGHLIGHTS doubles format of the game; Epsom’s first pair of Josh Costain (C) and Toby Jane (G) won RUGBY 7s: The 1st VII won the SKIING: Halim Berisha (Hu) won RUGBY: Theo Barkway-Hall (P) will : the trophy for best pair in the RAC Schools Christ’s Hospital Tournament, playing ‘Most Improved Skier’ at the represent England Counties U18s in Epsom will be well represented Doubles Tournament. sublime 7s against Brighton College Independent Schools’ Ski matches against Ireland Clubs. at the Commonwealth Games. Next year will see further development for the in the final. They also made it to the Championships in France. CROSS-COUNTRY: The girls’ OE Eboni Beckford-Chambers sport, with the creation of a Lower School team semi-final of the Surrey 7s, losing CRICKET: OE Alice Davidson- team won silver in the Senior Girls’ has been selected to represent and a new singles tournament. Our ultimate narrowly to Harrow. Richards has been selected for Wellington Relays. England in Netball; while Epsom goal is to be recognised as a top squash school, coaches Rose Thomas and Jacob SWIMMING: The inter boys secured England Cricket’s tour of India, where SHOOTING: Michael Larcombe attracting some of the best young players Paul will represent Wales in Hockey the Tonbridge Shield, winning four she joins fellow OE, Nat Sciver. (H) has been selected to represent in the country, while continuing to provide and England in the 400m hurdles out of six races at the Weald and England’s small-bore C shooting opportunities for pupils of all abilities to enjoy respectively. the sport. Downland Swimming Gala. team. Epsom College, College Road, Epsom, Surrey KT17 4JQ General enquiries: T: 01372 821000 Admission enquiries: T: 01372 821234 E: [email protected] w w w . e p s o m c o l l e g e . o r g . u k

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