METEOR2018 CONTENTS
2 CHAPLAIN’S NOTES • Rev Richard Horner considers how human life is like the ‘back of a canvas’ 4 SERVICE & PUBLIC BENEFIT • The Arnold Foundation, ponies in the Chapel, Community Action roundup and a passage from India 8 ACTIVITIES • Academic Scholars up for a challenge • The art of collagraphy 8 • CCF and the benefits of leadership • DofE, First Schools’ Day; a global conference experience; a Harry Potter celebration; engineering experience and the increasingly popular push cart race 18 CHANGING WORLDS • GAP year to Ghana 22 SOCIETIES • The Classics, Landor, Science, Sidgwick and Temple Society members learn from an impressive list of speakers 26 CAREERS • The 2018 Careers Convention – an ideal platform to inspire and inform our future workforce 34 28 TRIPS • Pupils travel the world including a classical Croatia trip; meeting the Montpellerains; enjoying life on the Opal Coast; practising German at Rugby’s Vienna partner school; delving into the history of Berlin; philosophy and theology at Quarr Abbey; the politics and geography of Geneva and a USA skiing adventure in Loon and Cannon 34 CREATIVE ARTS • Life is a Cabaret – 2018’s sell-out performance • Fun and laughter from the House plays • Highlights from an impressive year of Music 48 • Hot stuff from STEAMfest in a glorious week of sunshine • A selection of the year’s best writing 58 SPORT • Highlights from one of Rugby’s most successful three seasons of sport and the year that girls got bowled over by cricket • Sporting tours roundup 86 VALETE • A fond farewell to those who left us this year 96 OBITUARY 58 • Christian Hobbs
Head Master: Peter Green Editor: Jonathan Smith Artwork by: Cate Minards (S) Design: Mercer Design Thanks to: Amanda Hunter, PJ Green and George Archer Photography www.rugbyschool.co.uk | Meteor 2018 | 1 Chaplain’s Notes
There’s a conspiracy afoot. right across the work when one colour needed to appear in People in high places are several different places on the front. If you look at the back of a lying to us. I’m sorry to have piece of embroidery, it will in some way be an image of what’s to be the one to tell you this, on the front; you might be able to work out that it’s a picture of but strawberries are not in a flower or a bird; but it will be a confusing, unsightly mess. Of fact berries. They lied to us – course, it’s the front that matters. strawberries are actually a kind of fruit called an aggregate. Our human life is the back of a canvas. Our experiences, our And it doesn’t stop there. loves and losses, our achievements and desires, our sorrows Brace yourselves, people – and joys form a tangled knotty mess, full of false starts, wrong Stonehenge is not a henge. connections and loose ends. That’s normal – for the back of the work. It may be clear enough for us to discern a vague image of A henge is a combination of what the front is going to look like, sometimes when you look a ditch and an earth bank. at the back of an embroidery you can get a glimpse of what the And it goes on. A strawberry is not a berry, Stonehenge is not picture on the front must be. Sometimes, though, you just can’t a henge, a coconut, apparently, is not a nut (a doughnut is make sense of it at all. So it is in our school life as in all human definitely not a nut), Captain Jack Sparrow is not a bird and life. The loves and the joys of another year have contributed as for Peter Pan – well, he’s clearly not a pan, is he? He’s quite once again to the pattern; loss and sorrow have played a more obviously a boy in a short dress and not a kitchen utensil. prominent part than usual in recent months. Don’t even get me started on Winnie the Pooh. There’s a passage in the Bible which makes the same point And earlier this year President Macron of France offered to using a different metaphor. St Paul wrote: lend to Britain that priceless historical object from nearly 1000 years ago, the Bayeux Tapestry. Which is not a tapestry! Now we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. For now we see The Bayeux so-called tapestry, depicting scenes from the only through a glass, darkly; then we shall see face to face. Now I Norman Conquest of 1066, is in fact an embroidery. A know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. tapestry is made by weaving – the strands of wool criss- cross and interleave one another, building up an image with Our life is the back of the work. But on the other side, on different colours. In embroidery, you start with a plain white the front, a master artist is at work, transforming our clumsy piece of cloth – canvas or cotton – and with a needle you efforts into order, and making from the tangled knots of our sew, up and down, stitch by stitch, creating the image on the life, a thing of beauty; but a thing which we shall not see until background. And that is what the Bayeux thing is. we pass through and see it from the other side.
And now at last I arrive at my point. When you make an Almighty God, by whose command the order of time runs its embroidery, your needle passes from front to back, front course, forgive our impatience, perfect our faith, and while we to back and as you look at the front of your work you see a await the full understanding of your glorious work grant us to beautiful picture emerging. But when you look at the back of have steadfast hope in the light of the world, our Saviour Jesus your embroidery, it’s a different matter. Because there on the Christ, Amen. reverse of your work, you see the threads jumping around all over the place. You see tangles and knots, where the thread ran RMH out and had to be reattached. You see trails of colour going
2 | Meteor 2018 | www.rugbyschool.co.uk www.rugbyschool.co.uk | Meteor 2018 | 3 SERVICE & PUBLIC BENEFIT
The Arnold Foundation
This year has seen the 15th anniversary of the Arnold September offered a chance for Rugby students and donors Foundation and a chance to reflect on all that has been to celebrate with the annual Arnold Foundation Lecture and achieved since 2003. With 2000 donors, £21 million secured Lunch. Former Arnold Foundation Board Member and now and 129 young people who have benefitted in total, there has CEO of UK Finance, Stephen Jones (K 77-81), returned to Rugby been much to celebrate. to deliver his answer to the question “Is the Financial Services Industry a Force for Good in Britain?” Guests joined current Several events have marked this milestone, including a special and former Arnold Foundation Students, the Head Master 15th anniversary celebration held at The Royal Society in and Tutors for lunch in OBS, appreciating the opportunity to May for those who have been closely involved with the speak directly to those who are benefitting from the Arnold Foundation’s success. Speakers included two former Arnold Foundation today. Foundation Students and a current student who told assembled guests about the incredible impact a Rugby School AFM education has had on their lives, and their continued aspirations for the future. There was great news from former students who were graduating over the summer, with several new graduates and four achieving first class degrees (in Painting, Physiotherapy, Biomedical Sciences and Management, Accounting and Business).
Community Action a few weeks before Christmas. This sum – the length of the rugby pitch towards will help to support the excellent work the Doctor’s Wall – was as dramatic as The number of agencies in town to which the charity performs in offering equine- ever and the children, breathless from the we send students to support has increased facilitated learning to assist a wide range run as well as the excitement of the day, this year: no fewer than eight new places of disabled and disadvantaged children departed raucous and happy. (to us) – including two primary schools and young people. and three care homes – now receive sixth We have this year begun to forge links form visitors on a Wednesday afternoon. First Schools Day on 7 March brought with WCAVA, the local charity organisation along 280 primary school children from in town. They recommended some new One of the new agencies, P3, delivered six local schools. The weather played placements for us to explore and loaned a question and answer session in Chapel ball this year and the visitors enjoyed the to the school their rugby ball shaped on the subject of homelessness in Rugby. occasion hugely. There was the usual mascot Ellis, who was photographed in This was a topic close to the heart of variety of fun activities for the children to various venues around school, the pictures the Community Action levee who were choose from including Music, Fun sport, being published on Twitter. responsible for recommending the Science, Photography, IT, Drama, Maths organisation speak to the school; it was Games and Puzzles, Modern Languages AJN fascinating to hear about initiatives that and Ancient Languages. The “Fun Run” seek to reduce the numbers of young people sleeping rough. Homelessness is a growing concern for those of us who have lived in Rugby for some time and the visitors in Chapel certainly illuminated the sorts of measures that are trying to improve the lives of people who have nowhere to live.
We also received a visit in Chapel from a couple of members of the local Circles Network, Riding for the Disabled centre near Cawston. The ladies who spoke brought with them two Shetland ponies, both of whom trotted down the Chapel aisle much to the amusement and surprise of the congregation! It was gratifying to The Arnold Foundation 15th Anniversary in the Marble Hall at The Royal Society be able to hand to the Circles Network ladies a cheque for over £300, money The Rainsbrook prison Community Action group, which had been raised by members of the led by Andy Chessell, whose work with inmates featured in The Times D Block who had packed bags in Asda for
4 | Meteor 2018 | www.rugbyschool.co.uk www.rugbyschool.co.uk | Meteor 2018 | 5 India 2017
In July 2017 a second group of Rugby students, with Mr McLean, Dr Jones and Miss Scott-Martin, headed to the mountains of north-west India on an expedition to work with the Tibetan refugees who have settled there since 1959. New Delhi can be something of a culture shock, but after a day’s sight- seeing (including the Qutub Minar, Raj Ghat and India Gate) to recover from any jet-lag, we headed to Agra to see the beautiful Taj Mahal, which certainly lived up to expectations. A dawn visit to Agra fort is a memorable experience, exploring Shah Jahan’s white marble palace alone in the cool of the early morning.
The primary work of the expedition then began, as we flew north to Himachal Pradesh. The difference is immediately apparent, with the bustle and noise of India’s capital being replaced by pine-covered mountains, quiet villages and the distant chanting of Tibetan monks in their many monasteries. Based in the Zomsa Café, run by the wonderful Dawa and his fantastic team, we spent each day on a variety of charitable projects around the narrow streets of Dharamsala, teaching English to newly-arrived refugees to help them to find work in exile, visiting the elderly in their homes with Tibet Charity’s nurses, and helping at their animal clinic, where Eric the puppy was an immediate hit. At the weekend we headed to the small mountain town of Tso Pema, from where Buddhism was taken to Tibet in the eighth century by the legendary Padmasambhava. This trip away provided us all with a wonderful opportunity to relax in the place holy to Buddhists, Hindus and Sikhs, staying in the guesthouse of a Nyingma monastery. A real highlight was the chance to visit hermits in their cave homes; those who accompanied me visited Ngawang Jimpa, whom I had met before, and who had been a monk since the age of six, in Tibet. For Rugby students to hear a monk in his eighties, living in a house he built himself with few possessions, speaking of the wonderful opportunities and delights of human life was an extraordinarily memorable experience. He died only a few weeks after our visit, but all those who had the privilege of meeting him will remember his wise advice for many years to come. After a football match against a team of teenaged monks (they won 2-0), we returned to Dharamsala to continue our work.
A further week’s work allowed the Rugby students to really feel at home in Himachal Pradesh, welcomed by many happy faces and generous gestures of friendship from those with whom we lived and worked. Himachal Pradesh is a beautiful place of green mountains, terraced by rice paddies, and dotted by golden temple roofs, so it was with regret that we returned to Delhi in order to fly home, having made so many new friends. During the 2016 trip, HH the Dalai Lama told us that he feels a ‘strong emotional attachment to Rugby School’ because of its past links with the people of Tibet, so it is a great privilege that we continue that link, and I very much look forward to taking another group to Dharamsala in 2019. Perhaps it is best to end with a quotation from one of the students who joined us:
“I’ve been on school trips before, but none like this. For me, this is not only an adventure but a lifetime experience worth remembering. The vast difference in culture, people and smells has really opened “For me, this is not only an adventure but my eyes. I feel as though I have become a more rounded person and although early mornings have taken a toll, it has been completely a lifetime experience worth remembering.” worth it; this experience could be done all over again and still be as exciting as the first.”
DJM
Artwork by: Nick Lau (W)
6 | Meteor 2018 | www.rugbyschool.co.uk www.rugbyschool.co.uk | Meteor 2018 | 7 ACTIVITIES Collagraph Day On Wednesday, 7 March LXX and XX more fibrous imprint. Wood and hot Once the plate was out on the other textile students undertook a day focused glue used to draw on the plates created side a surprise was in store as one would on the art of collagraphing. A collagraph a very crisp and linear print. Technology slowly separate the plate and paper or Academic Scholars is a collage of materials glued on to a was also harnessed through the use of fabric to reveal the print. Each round of printing plate that is then coated in inks a laser cutter to create a very exact and printing was both an experiment and a It is always a pleasure to see just how to produce a print when pressed onto a methodical print. With print plates in gamble as it is hard to know the exact readily our academic scholars pick up surface. Invented in 1952, the collagraph hand the students embarked on their day result until you are actually peeling your a challenge and are prepared to think is now a staple in any print maker’s of printing. plate away from the paper or fabric. beyond the confines of examination arsenal, as it provides the opportunity to But where gambles paid off, the final syllabi and assessment objectives. This create a large quantity of prints with ease After selecting an ink colour that would results were ones of alluring beauty and year, they have certainly been kept on and speed. act as the underlying tone for the rest of represented the true effort required from their toes. They have been encouraged to the day’s prints, the students proceeded all of the textile students to execute see their scholarship as just the beginning In preparation for the collagraphing to roll such ink over their plates, trying to prepossessing prints. With a handful of of a journey and to understand that workshop, each textile student was keep the consistency even throughout. prints in each of the textile student’s being scholarly requires stepping outside tasked with creating their own printing portfolios, the prints will help inspire and their comfort zones, learning from failure plate inspired by current work from Once the plates were fully covered in ink, it play active roles in any future work and and asking questions rather than always their textbooks. Those created utilised a was off to the industrial roller where, with final pieces. having the correct answers. large variety of supplies, which all had as much strength as one could muster, diverse effects when printed. Supplies alongside some team work, the printing Olivia Johnson-Hill (B) Our new F Block scholars enjoyed such as string, yarn and fabrics were plates were rolled though the press with meeting with Mr McLean to discuss glued on to the plates to give a softer, either paper or fabric on top of the plate. topics as diverse as Grime music and tea tasting. These relaxed, weekly sessions reflected our young scholars’ impressive range of interests, and their willingness to share, question and learn means we are excited about this group’s potential as they move through the school.
Under the watchful eye of Dr Davies, our E Block scholars have also flourished. They participated in the Sunday scholars’ tea parties, a balloon debate and an inspiring trip to Corpus Christi College, Cambridge.
This year, our D Block scholars invited teachers to deliver seminars on subjects outside the curriculum. These ranged from Dr Hancox’s session on animal intelligence to Mr Ghosh’s talk on Fortress Schools. In his seminar, Mr Welch proposed that cycling replace other academic subjects, Miss Harris opened the students’ eyes to conceptual art and Dr Sutcliffe challenged the group to question their understanding of normality.
Finally, our sixth form scholars, Issy Fowler and Sarah Bibby, founded the Hall Society. Named after Rugby School’s first female scholar, this society brought together upper school scholars every half term to debate controversial and topical issues in the civilised setting of Rupert Brooke dining-room.
Other scholarly highlights were our Scholars’ Lectures, delivered this year by Professor Michael Dobson, Director scholarship places. Our 15 successful independent reading, by their creative of the Shakespeare Institute, and Sarah applicants, set to join Rugby School in responses to questions and their exciting Outen MBE, British adventurer and September 2018, not only excelled in plans for the future. We are looking motivational speaker. written papers, but were also impressively forward to them joining our lively engaging in conversation. We were scholars’ community next academic year. This year, for the first time, we struck by their willingness to discuss interviewed applicants for academic difficult global problems as well as their ASM
8 | Meteor 2018 | www.rugbyschool.co.uk www.rugbyschool.co.uk | Meteor 2018 | 9 CCF World Book Day with Matt Dickinson
The years of service given by cadets and I acted as a facilitator in helping four years previously and currently in Matt Dickinson is an established author, gloves off! It is hard for young people like and writing a short story on each of the and staff alike often drifts by as part provide the best experience possible. The the early phase of officer training. He mountain climber and filmmaker. He has us to imagine just how cold it would be pieces of paper. He said that books and of life at Rugby. One year becomes boys were also the best teachers and I recounted how, on the journey back climbed several of the highest mountains standing at the summit of Mount Everest films are essentially loads of short stories two, becomes four (the time served by soon learned a great deal from them in all to Rugby after his final Pringle Trophy in the world including Mount Everest. because we have never been anywhere put together. Writing eight short stories, the longest-serving cadets), becomes, that is CCF. competition, he reflected on what he He has written several books including nearly as cold. We also thought it was instead of trying to write a book without in my case, 12. When interviewed would do beyond Rugby and university The Everest Files whose central characters particularly interesting that during his trek planning, would mean that you would by John Moreland in 2006 to discuss While Health and Safety may have and felt that the life of a Royal Marine experience real issues and dilemmas to across the Himalayas, he was caught in be able to write enough to make a story my potential contribution to extra- become more rigorous in recent years, could offer him the opportunities he be found in Nepal and whilst climbing the most horrendous snowstorm. and that you wouldn’t run out of things curricular activities and asked: “How do the cadet experience remains one which valued: in leadership, service, and the Himalayas. Some of the episodes in to write. you feel about donning a uniform once provides tremendous opportunity, challenge. A continuation of key The Everest Files had actually happened to We also found talking to Matt Dickinson a week?” the schoolboy part of me, and ever more opportunity for those attributes we strive to develop and Matt or his peers. in the workshop fascinating because we Straight after the dinner, our visiting which has never really aged, eagerly willing to throw themselves fully into promote in CCF. both have family members that have author for World Book Day gave a lecture jumped at the chance, and I soon the experience. In September 2017, I During the workshop, Matt Dickinson trekked across the Himalayas and climbed to F and E Block, where he shared his found myself running the Royal Marines accompanied for the last time the Royal To Old Rugbeians: “What have you was incredibly supportive when we were Everest. Jack Millward (Meg’s great- inspirational tale of climbing Mount section with no experience whatsoever. Marines team to CTCRM in Lympstone taken away from your experience reading out our ideas. He was very helpful uncle) climbed Everest and wrote a book Everest. He also shared a statistic that Thankfully, I had read that one of the for the Sir Steuart Pringle Trophy. On in CCF?” and gave us a good amount of guidance. about his adventures. Although I never for every 100 people who have climbed aims of the Combined Cadet Force is entering the Officers’ Mess I found myself Before we started writing about being had the opportunity to meet him, my Mount Everest, four have died, whereas to develop leadership, and my senior face-to-face with my senior cadet exiting Floreat Rugbeia! trapped in a storm, we wrote down grandparents and parents have been able for every 100 people who have climbed cadets at the time, keen as mustard as the dining-room, immediately realising certain criteria that we had to include in to tell me a great deal about him. K2, 29 have died. This statistic really they were, effectively ran the training that he was my “senior cadet” from AMM our work and it was very useful in terms of struck me and made us all realise how structuring our work. Later on in the day, Matt Dickinson had deadly climbing mountains for a sport dinner with some selected students, can be! The most interesting thing about where he talked about writing techniques Matt Dickinson was his own personal and what made him want to become a Isabelle Norton (S) and experiences that he told us about, such writer. He shared the secret of writing a Meg Wells (S) as losing all sensation in a few of his novel, which we found fascinating. This fingers just from taking two layers of involved getting eight pieces of paper
Engineering Education Scheme
The enjoyment of the EES is in experiencing what it is like to work on an engineering project as it would be in business, as well as applying the knowledge learnt in a classroom to real-life situations. Although everything did not always go to plan, we overcame many challenges and learnt new skills, such as welding, which many of us had never done before, and it was really rewarding to be able to see the finished project in front of us after lots of hard work. The launch and celebration days, as well as the days at Loughborough University where we built the project, were fun and it was fantastic to see other projects created by other schools.
The success of our EES project took (some) blood, sweat and tears, but overall, being able to look at such a large final project and all the work that came along the way gave our team a huge sense of communal success. EES has given us the opportunity to learn from those already in the field, using their expertise to our advantage. Something especially brilliant about the scheme was getting to grips with the different types of engineers. Not only has the EES programme massively developed each of our engineering abilities, it has bonded us as a group of young budding engineers.
SCM
10 | Meteor 2018 | www.rugbyschool.co.uk www.rugbyschool.co.uk | Meteor 2018 | 11 Duke of Edinburgh Award TED Talks
Involvement in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme continues A TED talk is an opportunity for a student to The full list of talks is found below. to be a big part of life at Rugby with numbers of participants speak publicly about a topic of their interest • Is it time to change the way that we view addiction? Ashlee Brown remaining high at each level. that they might not have covered in their • Is sport the new religion? Isobel Turner A level or GCSE courses. This year we had • Why do we dream? Nicole Egan Participants made the most of their skills, and school activities a range of speakers from the D Block to • Is it true to say young people are disconnected from politics? Cerys Cooksammy-Parnell ranged from team and individual sports to dance, music and the XX, speaking passionately about topics • Does Progeria hold the cure to immortality? Susannah Gimlette drama in order to complete the Physical and Skills sections, as ranging from “The Psychology Behind • What is it like being a woman working in STEM? Anna Melenikiotou they set themselves goals to improve their expertise and gain Sales” (Oliver Branston) to “Breaking Japan’s • Do democracy, wealth and religion affect a country’s likelihood to use capital additional qualifications. For the Volunteering section students Silence on Sexual Assault” (Mahiro Tanaka). punishment and extra-judicial killings? Hannah Bruneau work hard to find an activity that will fulfil the requirements of We have enjoyed enthusiastic and growing • Breaking Japan’s silence on sexual assault. Mahiro Tanaka the Award and we have seen a range of activities from sports audiences throughout the year, who have • The psychology behind sales. Oliver Branston coaching for local youth groups to helping elderly members of engaged with the speakers in thought- • What is the right judge of our society: laws or morals? Rose Li the community, from assisting with riding for the disabled to provoking floor discussions. It has been • The butterfly children with Epidermolysis Bullosa. Susannah Gimlette getting involved in conservation projects. exciting to see the growth of TED talks and this bodes well for the coming year. Alicia Middleton (Tu), Brigitte Wear (St), Jack Salvesen (K) and Toby Rowlands (SH) Of course, one of the main memories a participant takes away from their DofE Award involvement is the expedition. At each level the expedition becomes slightly more testing, ranging from two days of activity with one night of camping at Bronze to four days and three nights at Gold. First Schools’ Day
This year, the Bronze practice expedition took place locally with The weather, which in the days and OBS, Old Quad, New Quad, TRR, TSR been submitted for marking during the groups walking various routes along footpaths and rights of way weeks leading up to First Schools’ Day and the Green Pavilion. Following this morning. St Andrew’s Benn emerged as south of Rugby. Most groups found their way to their designated had been brutally cold and unpleasant, exercise, the pupils were escorted to take the triumphant school on this occasion. finish points although some took slightly longer detours. suddenly improved and allowed all who part in one of several activity sessions The extraordinary spectacle of 259 Unfortunately, in a year in which we have seen a number of took part on the day to enjoy the variety for 45 minutes; these activities had been excited eight year-olds sprinting the weather extremes, the practice was hit hard by a flooded of activities on offer. Soon after 9 am on particularly selected by the pupils in the length of The Close closed the day in campsite and dropping temperatures. The result was a somewhat Wednesday, 7 March, we welcomed into weeks leading up to the big day. The dramatic style. We bid our farewells to foreshortened camping experience on School grounds but at the TSR ,259 primary pupils from six local choice of options included Science, IT, the departing primary pupils for whom least all the tents were pitched and food was cooked and eaten. schools: St Mathew Bloxam, St Andrew’s Fun Sport, Puzzles and Games, Drama, the day seemed to have been a great Benn, St Oswald’s, St Marie’s, Paddox Music, Ancient and Modern Languages success. Preparations for next year’s The Bronze qualifying expedition, in the Cotswolds, could and Rokeby. The primary visitors were and Photography. Following a half-hour event have already started and already not have been more different, with glorious sunshine and assigned to their own sixth form or D break the visitors returned to take part in fingers are being crossed for a repeat of lovely warm temperatures. The groups did a very good job Blocker helper and once the teaming up a different activity before being taken for the clement weather that blessed the day of finding their way along the beautiful lanes and byways had been carried out the pair of pupils lunch in one of the boarding houses. A this year. between Bourton-on-the-Water and Northleach. Setting camp conducted a quiz for an hour, finding music concert in the TSR after lunch was in the sunshine and packing away dry tents may not be the full answers to questions that took them to very well received as was the prize-giving AJN DofE experience, but the lack of rain was appreciated. Staying explore venues such as the Chapel, the based on the quiz answers that had hydrated was the only concern.
A very successful Silver practice expedition took place in the Peak District during the Easter holidays at the same time as the Gold practice expedition was out and about in the Brecon Global Young Leaders Conference Beacons. Both expeditions experienced weather extremes and all the groups put some serious miles under their feet. Practice Attending the Global Young Leaders For the political aspect, we were split into expeditions are designed to consolidate group training and give Conference last Summer was a country groups and worked on a policy the opportunity to practise navigation skills and camp craft and completely unique experience that proposal to achieve one of the United planning. Learning what not to take in a rucksack is as important I cannot recommend enough. Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, as learning what should be included. which, if selected, would be debated Never in my life had I been surrounded in the UN. For me, debating in the UN, Late in the Trinity term the Silver participants went to the Long by people with such a diverse mix of wearing the earpieces, professionally Mynd for their qualifying expedition, which went off without a nationalities, cultures, personalities and representing a country, was somewhat hitch, whilst the Gold qualifying expedition went to Dartmoor mannerisms. To illustrate how multi- of a fantasy come true. I do not think at the start of the summer holidays. Here they got to grips with cultural the event was, out of around 400 many people can say they have debated a proper wilderness and wild camping, something very few had people only four others were from the UK. a proposal they created in the United experienced previously. For this reason alone it was great for me, Nations Headquarters in New York, so it the Holocaust Museum, the White House, as someone who is very interested in geo- feels insane to be in that minute few. Times Square (several times), have a tour of Not everything this year was about walking; we had one group political affairs, to be talking to a friend Wall Street and much else besides. do their Gold qualifying expedition in sailing boats on the Solent one minute about the political climate However, it was not just work – after and we look forward to more of the same in the future. There in Zimbabwe and to an Australian friend all, it was during the summer holidays. After this trip I do not just feel enhanced are also aspirations to look farther afield – perhaps taking a Gold about social issues in their country the There was lots of freedom given to us and academically, but also I feel it has helped expedition abroad and introducing some alternative types of next. This was extremely refreshing and we were able to explore New York and me develop a deeper appreciation of expedition at both Silver and Gold. gave me a completely new perspective Washington DC. During my visit I was lucky other cultures as well as help me confirm on issues I thought I understood. The enough to attend a Broadway musical, that I would like to work internationally, MWG conference itself was partly political- a Met’s baseball game, the Empire State doing something political in the future. focused and partly general teamwork Building, the Washington Monument, activity – both equally enjoyable. the Statue of Liberty (whilst on a cruise), Cerys Cooksammy-Parnell (S)
12 | Meteor 2018 | www.rugbyschool.co.uk www.rugbyschool.co.uk | Meteor 2018 | 13 Push Cart Race
There was, seemingly, a resurgence in the popularity of this event with more houses getting into the swing of designing and building competitive machines in an attempt at one-upmanship and year-long bragging rights over their peers. The increased quality is clear to see in the tight margins seen at the finish. There was just a minute, give or take a second, between first and fifth in the boys’ event and less than a minute across the top five in the girls’ event. Cotton sought advantage with creative use of a pre-built petrol- driven unit, sans moteur, of course, but the weight and small wheels turned that dream into a slow-moving nightmare. Dean, for all their gusto and enthusiasm, failed to make the promised podium position and left the outgoing Hm with unfulfilled ambition.
Persistence in sport often pays and so it was for the engineering prowess behind the Southfield cart. Technology has an ever-increasing impact on all realms of competitive activity and so the new lightweight offering put before the Southfield girls lent itself to their athletic prowess. They achieved a record-equalling winning time and a near-new lap record, all the sweeter as it came against Griffin’s new super cart brought in to replace their controversy-causing evergreen F1 machine.
No such modern design tech for the seemingly unbeatable School House team who relied on time-tested machinery, high levels of training and self-belief. How will they adapt next year as their current cart needs to be retired and Town, now tired from pushing their beautiful leviathan, are already threatening a stunning world-beating entry.
So another successful race, but without a new lap record. Maybe next year.
PAB
14 | Meteor 2018 | www.rugbyschool.co.uk www.rugbyschool.co.uk | Meteor 2018 | 15 Harry Potter Book Night
On Thursday, 30 January, the Temple Reading Room celebrated all things Harry Potter and hosted an unforgettable evening themed around “Fantastic Beasts”. Harry Potter Book Night shares the wonder of JK Rowling’s treasured stories and, most excitingly, introduces the next generation of readers to the unparalleled magic of Harry Potter. The TRR was transformed and welcomed young wizards, witches and muggles to an evening full of activities and quizzes. Congratulations to the winning team “The Quizeners of Askaban” from Rupert Brooke.
HKT
Artwork by: Georgia Martin (B)
16 | Meteor 2018 | www.rugbyschool.co.uk www.rugbyschool.co.uk | Meteor 2018 | 17 My placement started during my second week in Ghana, and initially involved one hour each day overseeing a physical education class at a local Junior High School, and then an hour after school, coaching an extra-curricular netball club. The club CHANGING WORLDS – GHANA consisted of anywhere between 15 and 35 pupils aged from 11 (Gap Year funded by Dewar-Pilkington Travel Award) to 16, a very lively bunch of girls – who one day discovered that twerking actually improved their netball ability, at which point I knew I was in for an interesting few weeks. Coaching netball in Ghana was very different from how I’d imagined. We played on a large patch of sand in the middle of the school compound, where every day the girls would go around with sticks or their feet drawing out courts of various shapes and sizes. Many people would come and go – usually across our court whilst we were playing – including all 100 or so children from a nearby primary school when their day finished early, and sometimes even a car or two. One session, we organised a tournament where the girls I coached (joined enthusiastically by their PE teachers) played against a team of volunteers, which was great fun and a challenge in the sand (I seemed to spend more time on the floor than on my feet, much to the amusement of the speaking, dancing, a crocheting class and various sports – other volunteers). sometimes even obliging when the children wanted their picture taken (which was almost always). We also helped to I also coached a combined team from the local school circuit (a organise activities for them such as takeaway pizza, various compound consisting of around 20 schools), in preparation for birthday celebrations, touch rugby, and a football match with an inter-circuit competition in the last week of June. After five the volunteers. weeks of coaching, it was very encouraging to see how much all the girls had improved, with some who had hardly played Although they now have a branch dealing with volunteering before showing up day after day at 6:30am, often walking an and travel, Rising Stars of Africa started out life as a football hour or more from home, and training hard enough to make academy, which is currently home to 50 talented young the final team. The other coaches footballers. These boys, many and I spent a day at the tournament of whom come from extreme watching our teams compete, ‘Coaching netball in Ghana poverty, now train two or more where our netball girls came a was very different from how I’d hours per day including matches respectable second out of four. and tournaments at weekends, as imagined. We played on a large well as tours – recently some have My favourite thing about staying patch of sand in the middle of the travelled to Benin and India. Some with Rising Stars of Africa was school compound, where every day of the boys already play for the the variety of activities I was able the girls would go around with sticks national U17 and U20 sides, and to get involved in. As well as my some are scouted for professional placement, and spending some or their feet drawing out courts of clubs in countries such as Spain, mornings at the UCC, we were various shapes and sizes.’ Portugal, and Slovakia. Through also able to visit a local orphanage, the academy, the boys also have which houses 37 children aged the opportunity to complete their between 1 and 19. Over eight weeks, I was able to form bonds education to a higher level than they might otherwise, with with many of the children, all of whom have an infectious some winning scholarships to high schools and universities in enthusiasm for daily life which is so rare in countries like America – a dream many young Ghanaians share. the UK, and this experience was by far the most touching In May and June 2018, I spent eight weeks in Accra, Ghana, empty stomach. Our time there included one on one and unforgettable part of my time in Ghana. The volunteers The academy boys, though they live separately to the coaching netball as a volunteer with Rising Stars of Africa help with some of the children from the kindergarten class got involved in playground games from Ghana and the UK volunteers, were often around the house for physio, boxing Travel. I booked my trip through Sporting Opportunities, who were struggling with reading, writing and arithmetic. alike, helping with homework, bible study, colouring, French and fitness sessions, help with homework, or to watch the who were very helpful before my departure and provided a A typical session might include a child writing out the lot of useful information and support which prepared me for alphabet, before asking you to draw their favourite food the experience. I received a grant from the Dewar-Pilkington or animal and then copying a sentence which described Charitable Trust, which made the trip financially possible the picture. and encouraged me to put my all into the volunteering while I was there. The rainy season in Ghana starts around June, so some of our days at the UCC were cut short by storms which My first week in Ghana was quiet, as there was only one seemed to appear from nowhere. The school is currently other volunteer staying in the house, and it was school using temporary classrooms at a new site – they do not yet break so we had no placement. Instead, we spent each have the funding or the time to complete the permanent morning at the Future Leaders UCC (Underprivileged buildings – and these classrooms are not rainproof, Children’s Centre), a school for children whose parents meaning that books have to be moved when the rain hits, would otherwise be unable to afford their education. and class cannot continue. We set up a Go Fund Me to raise Alongside a primary education in subjects from Maths money for materials to rainproof the classrooms – green and English to Music and French, the school also provides plastic boards which cost around £40 in total, which we breakfast and lunch for its students, some of whom would donated to the UCC and which will enable the children to normally wake at 5 to complete household chores, before continue learning as normal during the months when the walking an hour to school and starting class at 9 on an rain is at its heaviest and most frequent.
18 | Meteor 2018 | www.rugbyschool.co.uk www.rugbyschool.co.uk | Meteor 2018 | 19 World Cup (amidst shouts of ‘it’s coming home’ from a very tro tro is also a uniquely sweaty experience, even in a country over-excited group of volunteers – or ‘obronis’, as white people where a typical day feels like 34 degrees and the humidity is are affectionately known). Some volunteers, who came on close to 100%. After getting a flat tyre just over an hour into placements such as football coaching or sports psychology, the journey to Volta, we proceeded to get very lost on a set of spent more time with the boys, but we all had the chance to very bumpy dirt roads, finally arriving at our hostel around six get to know them and watch them train and play. Highlights hours later (the journey home took two hours). included a trip to Cape Coast stadium to watch Ghana’s U20 side (including one boy from the academy – who has since Whilst I was in Ghana I tried a lot of the local food, some of been signed to a professional team in Portugal) beat Algeria in which was great – including plantain cooked various ways, and the African Cup qualifier, and the Ghana U17s (including two waakye (rice cooked with beans and usually fish). Some of the academy boys) playing against the academy team itself. The food, on the other hand, was interesting to say the least – such boys’ work ethic – some getting up in time to walk an hour to as banku (dough made from corn and fermented cassava) with school for 6:30am training, then school from 8 until 3, then okro soup (a very slimy vegetable soup), which the locals eat training from 4-6pm followed by sports psychology sessions, with their hands (a feat I couldn’t quite manage). On my last not forgetting homework – was astounding, and it was day, some of the volunteers decided to spend 400 cedis, or amazing to see how driven some around £60, on a goat to eat for of them were. Football in Ghana is dinner. When they arrived home more than a sport – it’s a collective ‘Whilst I was in Ghana I tried a (it had spent an hour asleep in the passion, something which brings lot of the local food, some of which boot of a taxi), it became clear people together, and for many that the goat was, in fact, a sheep, the dream of a professional career was great – including plantain much to everyone’s amusement. abroad is their ticket out. Being a cooked various ways, and waakye We were then taken, along with the part of an organisation which helps (rice cooked with beans and usually affectionately-christened ‘geep’, to make that dream happen for some fish). Some of the food, on the the house of one of the academy boys was something really special. boys, who proceeded to kill and other hand, was interesting cook the animal in front of us. All At the weekends, we also had the to say the least…’ part of the experience, I guess. opportunity to travel around Ghana to learn more about the geography Throughout the 8 weeks I was and history of the country. One of my first trips there, lots of other volunteers came and went, and I got was to Cape Coast, where we explored the Slave Castles to know people from as far afield as Chicago, Illinois, and – a very sobering experience and a chance to learn how Christchurch, New Zealand. As well as my placement and welcoming the Ghanaian people are to Westerners – and the other activities, I was immersed in the culture and day-to-day next morning we did a canopy walk 40 metres up at Kakum routines of the locals, which I found really enriching and which National Park. One weekend, two of us took a 12 hour bus went far beyond reading about Ghana or seeing pictures. I journey (air-conditioned – an unexpected treat) to Mole would like to share how incredibly grateful I am to the trustees National Park in the Northern Region, where we went on safari of the Dewar-Pilkington Charitable Trust, who inspired me to and saw elephants, warthogs, baboons, and a questionable take up an opportunity which was outside my comfort zone, looking caterpillar. and which will remain special to me for the rest of my life. I had never coached before going to Ghana, and I could not My favourite trip was to Hohoe, near Lake Volta, where we have imagined how special it would be to pass on my love for climbed Mt Afadjato (which purported to be the highest netball. The generosity of the trustees not only made my trip mountain in Ghana, until we reached the top and saw that the feasible, but also enabled me to go out and experience things neighbouring mountain was actually a fair bit taller), and swam with a value far beyond any amount of money. in a waterfall. Our drive to Volta was a great example of what Ghanaian roads and vehicles have to offer. We hired a ‘tro tro’, Juliet Smith (Tu 11-16) the Ghanaian equivalent of a bus – a typical tro tro journey would set you back around 50p, and you’d likely be sharing the vehicle with around 20 other people, some intriguing packages and possibly even a goat or a chicken. Riding on a
20 | Meteor 2018 | www.rugbyschool.co.uk www.rugbyschool.co.uk | Meteor 2018 | 21 Landor Society Dickinson. There was variety, too, with departments over the course of his career. SOCIETIES Dr Smith leading fascinating discussions The notion of having several careers is Landor society, an English Literature of non-English texts such as Camus’s The now familiar to us all. society for the LXX, has run on a weekly Outsider and Kafka’s Metamorphosis, and basis every Tuesday this year with talks Mrs Henderson’s presentation on the Professor Peter Watkins (Birmingham) Classics staging of the famous Greek play, from members of staff and students. This German poet Rilke. returned to Rugby to give his talk, Sophocles’ Antigone. Having set the year’s selection of people and topics has “Searching for New Physics at the Large It has been an eventful year in the Classics play in the future, it offered a glimpse been both intellectually stimulating and It wasn’t all just teachers. Several Rugby Hadron Collider”. Peter’s real skill as a Department. Our students have seen many into how much the classical themes extremely interesting, with talks ranging School LXX students gave their own presenter is to make difficult and ground- plays, attended lectures, hosted external of morality, power, and loyalty stay from “Feminism” by Mrs Beesley, to “Is talks and presentations on their own breaking research accessible for all. speakers, and visited exciting places. timeless in any era. Students from Pop Music Art?” from Dr Sutcliffe, all the interests, such as Stella Cohen on “Rupi He has written books on fundamental both departments were involved in way to, “Dystopian Literature” presented Kaur”, a modern poet, and Sophie particles, W and Z bosons. His research First, in October, our LXX Classical an acting workshop, which allowed by Rugby’s LXX student Ellie Van Laar. Norton and Millie Pryke on “Imagism” at the highest level has led to discovery Civilization students were selected to them to explore the characters and the (Ezra Pound), and an Ashlawn student of these new fundamental particles. The deliver a mock controversia at our Arnold motivations for their actions in the play. This year in Landor we have been joined on Allen Ginsberg’s “Howl”. I myself message is clear that lots of engineers Society lecture based on several primary by students from Ashlawn School, whose gave a talk with a friend, Inaara Weiss, and young scientists are needed for these sources sent ahead of time by our Our A level Latin Cicero set text contributions to the sessions have been on Goethe’s Erlkonig this term: it was exciting and demanding research projects lecturer, Professor Matthew Leigh from course prompted us to invite Professor numerous and insightful. At some points only as we presented this talk that I fully at CERN and beyond. St. Anne’s, Oxford. They each gave an Kathryn Tempest from the University of we struggled to fit everyone into the appreciated the engagement of all the eloquent, thoughtful, and impressively Roehampton, author of the book Cicero: room, especially as in the first term we people in attendance, particularly the Max Gamburg (M) and Blue Sasame (D), confident speech in front of the Upper Politics and Persuasion in Ancient Rome. were additionally joined by some year 11 Ashlawn students, who had some of both in the XX, have been instrumental School classicists, classics teachers, guests She gave us a riveting overview of the turning to infanticide for revenge. Also, students from Harris School. One of the the most insightful thoughts about the in setting up a new society, the from Rugby High, and Professor Leigh. oratory devices Cicero uses when he Juniors were entertained to a whistle- great things about literature is that it can poem. I must thank all those who gave a biochemistry society, called the Sanger denigrates the villains in his speeches. tour of Roman Society by fiction author, be universally appreciated, and brings talk during the year, for the effort put in, Society. The first lecture in January was Secondly, the interested D Block Greek Professor Tempest was incredibly skillful Ben Kane. He came dressed as a Roman people together in that appreciation. the passion shown and the knowledge given by Dr Christophe Corre (Warwick) and Latin students watched a play, in bringing to life not only the character soldier with many military props that This was evident at so many points shared. Without all this I am sure that on “Where and How we Can Find Novel Euripides’ Bacchae, in Ancient Greek at of the orator himself, but also the era students were able to try on, as well as through this year, and it was lovely to see Landor would not have been as good Antibiotics”. Accompanying Dr Corre Oxford Playhouse. Nothing could have in which he lived and operated, among many artefacts, which brought to life the students from each school come together as it has been this past year, and I hope was an admissions colleague, Maria prepared them for that experience, as the people whom he chose to vilify for everyday life of Romans. in groups to discuss and debate the that everyone who has attended can De La Pisa. The microscopic world of they were unfamiliar with the play and its political reasons. All our lectures were meanings behind some of the best works agree, every session was unique, fun and Streptomyces is yielding new and exciting gruesome ending … attended by students and teachers from However, the pinnacle of this year was of English literature. stimulating. antibiotics. This is hugely important as we Rugby High School and we are looking to a visit from John Taylor, author of all our begin to run out of effective drugs due to Thirdly, this year for the first time, all further develop our relationship with this Greek and Latin textbooks. Mr Taylor I think, in many ways, that English is the A big thank you to our Ashlawn friends, our bacteria-resistant strains. the finalists involved in the internal local high-achieving school. gave us a general introduction to the best subject purely as you can follow Rugby attendees and our teachers, though, reading competition of Greek and Latin importance of Classical linguistics and any strain of thought you like and pick of course, the biggest thank you must go February saw Merritt Moore give her attended a local competition in which At the start of the new calendar year, the how it affects the English language we almost any topic that interests you. In to Dr Sutcliffe and Mr Smith for organising life story in two parts. Firstly her love of our youngest students in F Block were department took XX Classical Civilization use today. At the end of the lecture, there Landor, people are given the chance to each and every week to be the best that it Physics and her love of ballet. Merritt commended for their efforts. students to Warwick University to attend was an orderly queue of D Block girls and share those interests with others, and could be. It was a magnificent year! is a professional ballet dancer and a Ancient Drama Day, which consisted of boys for textbook signing, which we have one such session took place just before quantum physicist. A Harvard graduate In November, we co-hosted with the lectures and a performance of Euripides’ never witnessed before. the end of the Advent Term when Mr Rachel Stevens (G) and PhD scientist from Oxford, Merritt Drama department a very dystopian Medea, a grisly story of a woman scorned Smith held a talk on “Christmas Texts”. was truly fascinating and unique in her Apart from a whole-school Croatia trip this During this session, we examined why presentation. The talk showed that by year, we also took all the students studying Santa’s outfit had become red rather Science Societies being resilient you can reach goals that classical subjects to the fortress and than green (spoiler alert – it’s all because others tell you are simply not possible. museum in Chester. Marching in Chester of Coca-Cola) and how Christmas had Dotted throughout the academic year are Our pupils were asking questions like with the Roman soldiers was not what the moved away from its original message to Science lectures which are always well well-seasoned undergraduates, which was students had ever thought they would do, become commercialised. This particular attended by pupils. Pupils and teachers good to see. Merritt is a high achieving, but they quickly got into character. All the talk felt removed from some of the more alike are fascinated to learn about the brilliant role model. Classics teachers provided entertainment ‘heavy’ texts people usually associate latest science discoveries. We often hear in the amphitheatre by having a mock with studying English and was just about University admissions and also End of February saw Professor Tim gladiatorial fight between retarius and another example of the interesting and the need for the Sciences to collaborate Bugg (Warwick) give a superb talk murmillo (types of gladiators) to students’ entertaining new information and ways of with subjects such as Geography and on “Renewable Chemicals from the amusement. We need to say that students looking at the world shared at Landor. Mathematics. Universities are increasingly Degradation of Lignin”. Getting were not merciful when asked whether inter-departmental and international in chemicals from wood is a clever way they would spare a fallen teacher-gladiator. Having said that, however, there were their team work. The Science Societies to overcome the need for tapping into also talks on more complex pieces of umbrella includes the Bateson Society, non-recyclable fossil fuels. Enzymes in During the course of the year, all our A level literature, such as a two-session talk the Wolff Society, the Seabrooke Society, bacteria are being exploited to benefit students have attended study days relevant from Mr Naylor and Dr Sutcliffe on and the new Sanger Society. our need for aromatics. Similar clever to their studies and have come from them The Wasteland by T.S. Eliot. This was, chemistry has been exploited in making enthused and motivated to learn more for an English student, a wonderfully October saw Professor Rod Jones vanilla from wood. Vanilla is now more about the subject. With that in mind, useful lesson as it is arguably the most (Cambridge) give an inspirational talk on expensive per kg than silver. 70% of the passing the Classics department baton to important 20th century poem that “The Physics of Climate Change”. It’s not world’s vanilla is produced in Madagascar the very able and enthusiastic teacher of almost every English student will study. too late to stop CO2 emissions leading and the supply has been diminished Classics, Mr Thomson, is a very satisfying It was so good to be introduced to as to the tipping point and then global due to a typhoon in 2017. Having feeling. I know that under his leadership complex a text as this in such a relaxed eco-disaster. Mathematics and modelling Warwick University so close to Rugby is the Classics department will continue to go and comfortable environment; there was are crucial to our understanding and a real blessing for our Science Lecture from strength to strength. Valete! a similar feeling with Mr Cunningham- predictions of complex environmental Programme. Our long-standing links are Batt’s introduction to the difficult processes. It was interesting to hear how greatly appreciated. ADH and intriguing American poet, Emily Professor Jones has worked in different
22 | Meteor 2018 | www.rugbyschool.co.uk www.rugbyschool.co.uk | Meteor 2018 | 23 To end the year, Miss Greatwood’s friend a definite favourite). It has been Temple Society in London. However, this lasted only sadomasochistic, capriciously malevolent from Botswana, Dr Kate Evans, gave particularly pleasing to welcome many a limited time, as he switched back to bully” (Richard Dawkins, The God a talk “Conservation in Africa – a lost members who do not study Philosophy This year’s Temple Society has seen a teaching as a Theology Professor, and Delusion). This sums up the argument cause?”. Kate lives and works in one of and Theology, but who nonetheless dazzling array of speakers and themes. we finished the lecture with a much- that Katherine Dell, our final lecturer, the world’s harshest environments in come along to contribute to the debate, From a discussion on the power of enriched understanding of one of the wished to counter. Her talk focused on Botswana and is dedicated to saving and the breadth of opinions has certainly language and the Old Testament to the most complex and labour-intensive why the Old Testament – too often swept its unique and beautiful creatures. been distinctive. The highlight of the possibilities of animation, the speakers entertainment forms. under the rug by even modern Christians Tom Farren (M) took some incredible year was a fantastic lecture from Fr have charmed and challenged those lucky – is a vital piece of Scripture. She pointed photos in Tanzania. His hobby is wild life Timothy Radcliffe OP, former Master of enough to come along and hear them. The third talk of the year was from out that Dawkins’ quotation shows photography and more of his pictures are the Dominican Order, entitled “Hope in James Harpur, and fitted very well a method of argument less based on soon to appear in the Science corridors, Uncertain Times”. Fr Timothy, always a The first session of the year was from with Harris’s talk on the co-dependent systematic definitions of God and more chosen by the Science Faculty. hugely engaging speaker, spoke to an Professor John Harris – himself a relationship between art and inclined toward ‘character assassination’. enraptured audience in the Macready brilliant bioethicist and Bob Dylan fan philosophy. Daydreaming, for him, He also downplays the New Testament, Next term Nobel Laureate Sir Fraser Theatre about his experiences in – on “Chimes of Freedom: Bob Dylan, was an exercise of the imagination which contains a much more palatable Stoddart FRS is visiting to discuss his Iraq, Syria and Algeria, and the vital Epigrammatic Validity and Alternative and JK Rowling one such example: the ethical system. journey from Edinburgh to Stockholm. importance of maintaining hope, Facts”. He took a fascinating stroll primordial Harry Potter was dreamt up The Head of Science completed his religious or otherwise, in the sometimes from the realms of the role of artistic on a bustling train carriage whilst the To sum up the year, our understanding PhD with Sir Fraser in 1992. It is hoped terrifying encounters of modern life. I expression in academia to the future rural landscape slid by. Imagination, of the spiritual, linguistic and artistic that our distinguished guest will cut the don’t know whether I have ever seen an of humanity, even discussing the role furthermore, is a staple of all branches world around us has been drastically ribbon to the new laboratory, which is audience of pupils so closely attentive to AI would play in our survival, with the of life: empathy stems from it, and increased. Throughout all four talks being refurbished over the summer. a visiting speaker, and that engagement overarching focus on freedom. hence politicians and doctors require there was a focus on the present, past continued for the lucky senior members imaginative intelligence. and future – all three of which require MAT who joined Fr Timothy for dinner at In the second talk, Professor Tim Wilson proper understanding to further one’s Rokeby House, at the Head Master’s focused primarily on the less-known “The God of the Old Testament is knowledge. As the school year draws to kind invitation. Next year promises to history and significance of animation arguably the most unpleasant character a close, heralding the end of the school Sidgwick Society be equally exciting, with further visitors and Disney. He himself started his in all fiction: jealous and proud of it; careers of many, the same principles (in conjunction with the Temple Society) animation career after seeing Richard a petty, unjust, unforgiving control- of academic curiosity and openness to The Sidgwick has had another successful and a packed programme of cheese- Williams’ Oscar-winning A Christmas freak; a vindictive, bloodthirsty ethnic debate will remain, fostered significantly year, with discussions of a wide variety fuelled discussion. Carol in 1972. His love of animation cleanser; a misogynistic, homophobic, by the Temple Society. of philosophical topics over the ever- took foreground for a couple of years as racist, infanticidal, genocidal, present cheese (with Chaource being DJM he helped in various animation studios filicidal, pestilential, megalomaniacal, Rhian Kerslake (S)
Artwork by: Eric Ang (K)
24 | Meteor 2018 | www.rugbyschool.co.uk www.rugbyschool.co.uk | Meteor 2018 | 25 THE 2018 CAREERS CONVENTION – AN OPPORTUNITY TO INFORM AND INSPIRE
Rugby welcomed 70 speakers including ORs, current and past parents and those who have no prior connection with the school. Coming from a diverse range of occupations, from an RAF fighter jet instructor, a consultant neurosurgeon, a film director to a geologist, all kindly shared their inspirational career journeys to help the D Block, LXX and XX in their thoughts about their own futures.
26 | Meteor 2018 | www.rugbyschool.co.uk www.rugbyschool.co.uk | Meteor 2018 | 27 Wednesday started with a detailed tour of The next morning, we set off to our final TRIPS the old city of Zadar, revealing its many destination of Zagreb, the capital city. On layers of historical culture. From our very the way we stopped at the archaeological friendly local guide, we learnt a lot about site at Crispo where we explored the many churches that day and, particularly, ruins of a holiday villa there. This was a Classics in Croatia about Venetian culture. The churches in very recent archaeological site and so Zadar are very strict, so knees had to be some of the area was still being excavated During the Easter Holidays this year a covered. This day happened to be the – archaeology in action! After this short group of classicists from the whole school hottest day of our trip so many of the tour, we carried on to Zagreb, stopping travelled to Croatia to explore the many girls were wearing skirts and had to walk briefly for lunch on the way. In Zagreb we ancient ruins and artefacts that have been around with jumpers tied around their were split into two groups to look around found there from when Croatia was part legs. After lunch in the old city, we then the different sections of the national of the Roman Empire. got on the bus for a long journey to Pula, archaeological museum. There they even which took about five hours! All very tired had one of the only unwrapped Egyptian We arrived at Dubrovnik airport early after a long journey, we arrived at the mummies in existence! The other section in the morning but we were held up hotel in which we would be staying two of the museum contained artefacts from by Harrison forgetting his suitcase in nights of our tour. We spent the evening other ancient periods. After the museum baggage reclaim! We then went on a skimming stones on the beach. we had a tour of the architecture of guided tour of the old city of Dubrovnik, Zagreb city centre and learnt about the showing us the walls of the city and its Thursday started with a rushed journey battle between two neighbouring cities Christian heritage. After a quick lunch, we to catch a ferry to the island of Brijuni, which form Zagreb and the religious set off on the drive to the next location because Milo and Will were late again! The culture of the area. The tour finished in where we would stay the night. On the island contains ruins of an ancient Roman one of the largest sweet shops in Croatia, way to the hotel, we stopped to look holiday villa and is still used as a holiday where we bought nutty chocolate for the at the Narona archaeological museum; home for important people. We went on journey back home the next day. it had many artefacts which had been a mini train tour round the island showing found in that area, many as early as first us all the villas, the safari (they have the All in all, it was an inspirational and century BC. After a quick tour of the oldest elephant in the whole of Croatia) fast-paced trip, as we saw everything museum we continued our journey and and finally stopping off at the ruins where that one could see in one country – from arrived at Hotel Trogir late at night. we had a look around and found out what the sunny beaches to snowy mountains, the Romans enjoyed doing on holiday. from the vibrant towns to remote hosting two teenage Mexican boys. On The next morning, we travelled to Salona After lunch, we drove into Pula and toured archaeological sites! We thank Mr Day, the Sunday the Mexicans took me on a for our first guided tour of Salona, an the amphitheatre (the largest outside Mr Thomson, Miss Marks, Mrs Froggatt tram ride to the beach with their friends, ancient town now in ruins. It took the Rome) and toured the walls of the ancient and Mrs Henderson for organising this and although it was rather windy, I got whole morning to walk around the site city. After this long day, we returned to the trip for us. a further opportunity to improve my and our guide gave us a very detailed hotel and had a quiz night about the trip foreign language skills by learning some explanation of every corner of the ancient and what we had seen. Imy Sharkey (D) Spanish colloquialisms of the youth of city, the old capital of the Roman province Mexico. The evenings were spent with of Dalmatia. After the tour of Salona, we our host families, and it was certainly set off to Split where we had a quick lunch French in Montpellier worthwhile to be able to discuss over and some free time to explore. The day was dinner different topics, including French gloriously sunny and we had opportunity After a seemingly relentless first half of culture, traditions, and social issues. to sample some local ice cream. After Advent term, eight Upper School French lunch, we toured the Diocletian palace and students piled into a mini-bus outside From Monday to Friday we reconvened the archaeological museum of Split. After the Modern Languages building for a at the LSF school for a morning of lessons visiting the museum, we got back on the week of sun, sightseeing, and speaking with our native French-speaking teacher, bus for the drive to Zadar. French, accompanied by Mr Maguire and Grant. We played many different language Mme Corvi. Awaiting our host-families games which were useful to improve our upon our arrival in Montpellier, there confidence in speaking French, and we was many a panicked cry of “How do I also got further opportunity to discuss even say ‘nice to meet you’ in French?”, some of the topics in our course. Our and I don’t think it would be entirely morning lessons on the trip also included unfair to say that for many the prospect translating a French song and doing a of spending the next 36 hours being survey in the main square – the Place de only able to converse in French was not la Comédie. It was surprising to discover a wholly exciting one. However, after our how happy most of the locals were to host families reunited the group on the spend ten minutes of their morning Monday morning outside the LSF French discussing topical issues with groups of language school, everyone excitedly English students, and throughout the trip I recounted their weekend’s exploits, and would say that the Montpellierains seemed I think I can speak for everyone in saying friendly and relaxed. ‘All in all, it was an inspirational and fast-paced trip, that we thoroughly enjoyed our time in as we saw everything that one could see in one country’ Montpellier, as well as having improved The afternoons were spent doing various our French. activities in the area, or occasionally we had free time to wander around the city I spent the week chez Huguette, an and enjoy the French cafés, chocolatiers incredibly kind lady who listened to my and patisseries. On Monday evening, we frequently slightly shoddy French with were given a guided tour which helped impressive perseverance, she also was us to gain a better sense of direction
28 | Meteor 2018 | www.rugbyschool.co.uk www.rugbyschool.co.uk | Meteor 2018 | 29 French on the Opal Coast German in Vienna each other patiently about the meaning or even origin behind the words. It was We began the journey at 6.30 in the Karl Kraus, a well-known Austrian writer fascinating and interesting, to look at a morning and four hours later we were of the early 20th century, once said, “The familiar language at another angle, to in sunny northern France. By around streets of Vienna are paved with culture, discover more beauty and nature behind 5.30pm we had arrived at our charming the streets of other cities with asphalt.” those alphabets I took for granted. hotel, Moulin aux Draps. We met our Vienna is special and irreplaceable. It animateur called François, who showed is the cradle of classical music, with Most of our afternoon excursions were us around. After a good night’s sleep, we residents including Mozart and Beethoven, led by our exchange partners themselves, visited Desvres on a wet Tuesday morning whose melodies everlastingly blessed such as our trip to the Spanish Riding to buy our lunch. In the afternoon we and inspired the whole world; it was the School—which was astonishing and visited an old WWII bunker used by the residence of Sigmund Freud, the father of eye-opening—with Jan and Maksimilian, Nazis to develop rockets. On Wednesday psychoanalysis, and the place where some but there were a few exceptions. My we visited a boulangerie and were shown of his most influential work was written. favourite afternoon was when we went how to make bread and croissants. Vienna is a complex city with a clash of to Melk, a town in the west of Vienna, We then briefly visited a war memorial modernity and antiquity, a statue of eternal to visit Melk Abbey and to walk around that was very moving. On Thursday we beauty that stands somewhere between the streets paved with local cultural visited Le Touquet for some shopping, formidability and gentleness, an existence characters. After the tour around the followed by a chocolaterie with delicious so grand and magical that people will historical Melk Abbey, we sat down in exclusive chocolates. Finally, we visited always admire it. I would have never a local café called the Mistlbacher Café a goats’ cheese farm and saw how the dreamt of touring around this miraculous and treated ourselves to a cup of hot The crowd was not intense or shouting, was haunting – provoking thought of cheese is made. On Friday morning we city, until this February half term. chocolate and a piece of delicate cake. but rather a large group of people, of all the sheer desperation European Jews packed our bags and stopped at Vimy It was the afternoon when the five of ages, simply enjoying the music, dancing must have felt during the Holocaust Ridge, surrounded by craters. We reached The five of us, Sophia, Maelon, Lucas, us truly bonded. The most interesting and singing to themselves. With only five period. The memorial did not need a Rugby by around 5.30pm. The food was May-Ling and I, from the E Block German excursion, however, in my perspective, minutes until the next meeting with the list of names or information, but rather as well as a greater understanding of excellent, and it was a very enjoyable trip class, along with our teachers, Dr Smith was our tour around the United Nations teachers, we walked amongst the group, focused on inducing an emotional the history of the medieval trading city. and Mrs Smith, went on an exchange Office at Vienna. It was my first time lost in the upbeat melody, and back response without a prescriptive list of Tuesday involved a visit to the Musée Joey Moss (K) trip with Rugby’s partner school, the visiting a United Nations Office, seeing through the gate. I did not know what what you should be thinking about. You Fabre, which contained a large collection Theresianum in Vienna for ten days, all the cultures and countries around the protest was for, but the experience have the freedom to think beyond the of historical art, as well as an exhibition over half-term. Despite our academic the world in one place—it felt like a was one of the most memorable statistics and encyclopaedic facts of what by Francis Bacon. I appreciated much schedule in school in the mornings mini-country inside Vienna, special and moments of the trip. Only later we happened to victims of the Holocaust, of his work, however I think the group during the week, we spent weekends unique, symbolising the unity of the 193 learned that it was a protest calling on and more into how they must have felt. mutually agreed that the gold-sprayed with our exchange partners’ families and countries worldwide. the German government not to tolerate plastic dog spit roast piece hanging enjoyed our afternoons with excursions right-wing hatred. A contrastingly explanatory site we visited from the ceiling was perhaps a step around Vienna. We arrived in Vienna Franz Kafka once said, “Youth is young was the Stasi Prison. For me, the sights too far. On Wednesday afternoon we on a Saturday night, were welcomed at because of its ability to see and discover Despite the brutally violent and hostile we saw in the prison were the most took a mini-bus to Nîmes, where we the airport by our exchange partners, beauty. Anyone capable of seeing beauty events that have taken place in Berlin in horrific and simply shocking of the whole saw the amphitheatre, Maison Carrée, then we separated and stayed our first never grows old.” The trip to Vienna the past century, the one word I would trip. Upon entrance, the prison looks and the Tour Magne, all impressively weekend in Vienna with our exchange not only improved my German, but also use to describe the city is peaceful. remarkably plain and merely a collection preserved relics of the Roman period. On families. Sophia went to the Wien opened my eyes to the precious gifts of Scattered across the whole city, there are of brick buildings, surrounded by barbed Thursday we went ten-pin bowling (in Madame Tussauds, the Wiener Reisenrad nature and humanity around us which I many reminders of these events, like parts wire (as one would expect of any prison). which Mme Corvi displayed great skill with her partner Viktoria, with whom failed to appreciate. of the Berlin Wall or the memorial to the Even the rooms seemed ordinary and by achieving a strike on her first go) and she also went ice-skating. In the second murdered Jews of Europe. The place is rich the size of the site was not hugely visited the Odysseum shopping complex, weekend, it was the birthday party of Emily Tsang (RB) in history and there is an air of respect in threatening. It was the tour that exposed which, after an altercation with a lost my exchange partner Paul, so his sister Berlin unlike any city I have visited before. the true terror and cruelty perpetrated Pull and Bear bag, was followed by an Sophie, Sophia and Viktoria both came upon thousands of suspects imprisoned evening meal all together at a city centre to Paul’s family on the outskirts of Melk History in Berlin I found that the Memorial to the there. The extent of the horrors of restaurant. On Friday we watched a and we had a fun night together. May- Murdered Jews of Europe was the most the place was appalling. Inside, for French film before returning to our host Ling played “escape room” with her Walking down the tiled streets of Pariser memorable monument in Berlin. The example, we saw chambers of darkness, families to pack. partner, Annaliese, in the first weekend Platz, we could hear the thumping of Holocaust memorial consists of lengthy constructed to drive people to insanity; and it was her first experience of it; in the drums echoing through the otherwise rows of grey concrete slabs standing the rooms were circular and would be We were all sad to leave Montpellier second weekend they played badminton tranquil square. The Brandenburg Gate, symmetrically across a large plot of land. kept pitch-dark, so that the prisoners on the Saturday morning; not only was together. Maelon and Lucas, along an intricately detailed structure, towered However, the memorial is designed would be unable to even find the edges the trip highly enjoyable, it was also with their partners Jan and Maksimilian, over the rows of stone buildings and so that as you enter the centre of the of the chamber. Also, we learned about very useful to learn and practise aspects went to the cinema and watched Black people seemed to be migrating towards square, the ground slopes and as you the severe sleep deprivation techniques of French ‘on the field’ as opposed to Panther. Throughout the ten days, all of the source of the increasingly loud beat. walk further down eventually you are administered by the soldiers to force in a lesson environment. I feel that all us developed a close friendship with one Having looked around the entirety of the surrounded by these tall, intimidating the prisoners to reveal information. Of of our French undoubtedly improved another. Despite the language difficulty, square, which was becoming emptier by blocks, unable to properly see the course, through the course of the IGCSE throughout the week in both confidence we shared similar interests and got along the minute, the pounding noise became entrance you came out of. As we were History syllabus, we had studied the and proficiency. I would like to thank very well. In the beginning I thought irresistible. Both excited and nervous, told at the time, there is not a definitive treatment of political opposition in Nazi Mr Maguire and Mme Corvi for leading I would not be able to communicate we headed over to the gate. On the reasoning behind the architecture of Germany. However, only after visiting such an excellent trip, and I would with them at all, afraid that my German other side there was an immense crowd these blocks, but rather many theories. the prison did the reality of the extremes definitely recommend it to future would not be good enough for smooth, gathered around a small stage, protesting In my opinion, the memorial evoked kick in and we began to understand the French students. daily conversations, but it turned out – some waving German flags and others a graveyard when looking from the nature of the psychological and physical all right. I learnt while making mistakes with green signs reading Meine Stimme outside, but when standing inside it torture that took place. Tom Capewell-Salisbury (T) and a lot of times when we stumbled gegen Hetze. Completely oblivious to was the atmosphere that stood out as a across hard vocabulary, either that I had what the protest might be for, we joined tribute to the murdered Jews of Europe. If For the last few days of the trip, we went not studied in German or Paul had not in anyway and smiling faces handed us you stood still and in silence, the feeling to stay in Krakow, Poland. The city was, learnt in English, we would explain to signs that we could wave around too. of isolation in the sea of tall, grey blocks surprisingly, completely different to Berlin.
30 | Meteor 2018 | www.rugbyschool.co.uk www.rugbyschool.co.uk | Meteor 2018 | 31 The whole place was a lot less modern felt part of the life of the Abbey, if only zones in the world. The first day ended After a few intensive days spent in the Skiing in Loon and Cannon day visiting the Empire State Building, and the buildings were all timeworn for a short time, and I know that all with a walk down to the lake edge where city of Geneva it was very pleasant to be the Statue of Liberty and, rather and often painted in pastel colours. The those who came to Quarr left feeling as in the Palais Wilson (the first seat of the able to observe the city and surrounds With great anticipation we set off on a movingly, Ground Zero too. main square was the most picturesque though they had fleetingly experienced League of Nations), the Office of the High from Mont Salève. Arriving by cable car 14-hour journey to start our USA skiing location and on the last evening we something very special. Commissioner for Human Rights is based. to an altitude of 1100m and with clear adventure. This included a quick visit to What a trip. A big thank you to Mr were able to have supper in an outdoor Here again no doubt valuable time was blue skies, we appreciated spectacular the duty free shops to see what tech we Chessell, Mr Dhanda and Miss Janulewicz restaurant with blankets and heaters DJM reserved for us to hear about the work views of Lake Geneva, the Jura mountains could not resist! for organising such an amazing venture. to keep warm. Standing in the heart of of this branch of the UN and to enquire and Europe’s highest mountain, Mont the square is a beautiful cathedral that further into its work. Blanc. Sipping home-made ice-cold tea We were staying at a traditional-looking Ethan La Porta (T) we visited and a marketplace selling Politics and Geography made in the mountain restaurant was a American motel, the type you see small handmade souvenirs. Of course, in in Geneva Many travellers, flying to Geneva on their just reward for a two-hour hike on the in movies. Following a huge waffle- Poland we also visited the largest German way to Alpine ski slopes, are probably mountain, on whose summit, much to filled breakfast, we took an American Nazi concentration camp, Auschwitz- It was with considerable relish that 23 unaware of the historical treasures which our surprise, we found a Buddhist temple. yellow school bus to the slopes. With Birkenau. In order to understand both Rugby students embarked on a warm the ancient city of Geneva has to offer. five inches of fresh snow they looked the atmosphere and experience of the July afternoon from Heathrow to the This is a city synonymous with the birth To conclude our study tour, we toured very welcoming. The skiing was simply camp, I feel that you must go to Auschwitz world’s diplomatic capital, the city of of Calvinism, the home of the great the International Red Cross’s headquarters incredible, with all of us making the most itself rather than reading descriptions Geneva, which hugs the vast expanse philosopher, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and its truly impressive museum, which of the perfect conditions. Everyone had or an account. It was an unforgettable of the lake that bears its name and from and much more. Notwithstanding the provides a chronicle to the wonderful a brilliant time whatever their standard. experience. Overall, I would say that the whose shores the magnificence of Mont heat, which reached 35 degrees Celsius, work of this organisation which has been The trip was made more memorable by History trip was both the most interesting Blanc can be viewed. Geneva is a truly we energetically explored the narrow the last line of support and salvation for some very talented and fun instructors and enjoyable trip I have been on at Rugby. global city, a financial hub, and the winding streets of the Old Town, each countless millions since its formation who ensured we were safe – well, most world’s global centre for diplomacy with corner opening up fresh historical in 1863. For some of the party our last of the time. And we went swimming and Nicole Egan (S) a plethora of international organisations treasures. The waterbus provided a goodbyes were said at Geneva airport, tubing and tenpin bowling and had the making the city their headquarters or welcome freshness as it zipped us along from where flights would take them to essential quiz night too, expertly led by a location for their major subsidiary. In to the lake to our appointment with their far-flung families. For all it was now Mr Dhanda. It was a very busy week. Philosophy and fact, Geneva hosts the highest number of representatives of the World Bank, where time to start the summer holiday. Theology at Quarr Abbey international organisations in the world we were presented with a scintillating To finish off the trip we stopped off in and is where the Geneva Conventions, lecture on this organisation’s work, past PTE New York where we spent an incredible The annual LXX Philosophy and Theology which govern the rules of war, were and present. trip to Quarr Abbey provided a novel signed. It is no coincidence that Geneva but thought-provoking way to occupy is known as the ‘Peace Capital’ of the The World Trade Organisation is based the January Leave Out. A minibus world. It was fitting that our first visit in Geneva and we were truly privileged full of pupils, with Mr McLean and was to the site of the old League of not only to be presented with a tailored Miss Chesterfield, departed on Friday Nations building, now accommodating presentation on the WTO’s work but to afternoon and, after a ferry trip which the extensive United Nations Office actually sit in the vast negotiating hall seemed to provide a lot of entertainment, (UNOG) which is the second-biggest where bilateral trade negotiations are arrived at the Benedictine monastery of the four major office sites of the conducted. With trade wars currently during Vespers (evening prayer). It was United Nations (second to the United raging, the WTO might have been one immediately apparent that the experience Nations Headquarters in New York City). of the most contemporarily relevant was to be very different to school life, Located in the Palais des Nations, it was organisations we visited. particularly when the boys joined the constructed for the League of Nations monks for supper in silence in the vast between 1929 and 1938. It provides a Founded in 1954, the CERN laboratory refectory, while the girls ate together wonderful example of art deco, both in sits astride the Franco-Swiss border near in a small room next door. Twenty-four its outward and inward appearances. Geneva. It was one of Europe’s first hours of Benedictine life is an enthralling joint ventures and now has 22 member but tiring experience for the uninitiated, A sobering visit to the UNHCR and a states. As such it is a wonderful example with seven church services during the truly insightful lecture given by the staff of continued collaboration between day (starting at 0530), punctuated by of this wonderful organisation provided governments and scientists working physical work , a tour of the abbey’s us all with a fresh appreciation of the without hindrance. Here physicists look for beautiful and distinctive buildings and work so many UN personnel perform in answers to the fundamental laws of nature. a fascinating discussion on love and the some of the most challenging conflict Psalms from the Abbot, Dom Xavier Perrin OSB. Such routines might seem anathema to the average teenager, but the Rugby LXX threw themselves into monastic life with commitment and open minds, sweeping the cloister, following the Psalms in church and even voluntarily putting aside their phones for the weekend, instead, spending their free time reading and playing card games. After Mass on Sunday it was time to head ‘The skiing was simply home, via the traditional fish and chip incredible, with all of us lunch in Cowes, and we all agreed that making the most of the it felt as though we had been there for perfect conditions’ much longer than 48 hours, but in an extremely positive way. We were made to feel wonderfully welcome by the whole monastic community and consequently
32 | Meteor 2018 | www.rugbyschool.co.uk www.rugbyschool.co.uk | Meteor 2018 | 33 CREATIVE ARTS
Drama The School Play: Cabaret
A Review 1966 was a great year: England won the World Cup, and Kander and Ebb’s Cabaret was born. People will argue until the cows come home over the best ever musical – West Side Story or Sound of Music, Grease or Les Mis – but, for my money, this dazzling but chilling portrait of a nation slipping into Fascism belongs in the pantheon. So does Bobby Moore, of course.
As I passed the stuttering, blinking sign of ‘The Kit Kat Club’ on a dark night in February, I instinctively knew that the grand old TSR was gone and that in its place I would find a seedy Berlin club, decked out for an evening of teases and shocks. Tim Coker’s production went to enormous lengths to set the tone for this sordid burlesque: waistcoated waiters serving dinner to VIP audience members dolled up in black tie during the performance; TV screens pouring out Dadaist collages. And then, of course, the arrival of not one Emcee, but three! James Gowen, preening like Basil Fawlty, had two miniature sidekicks on stage – Stella Cohen and Edward Delville-Jones guffawing and gawping as they welcomed the audience. Did we feel welcome? Less the febrile and fractured Schneider, an at the helm, the band was the heartbeat all skipping away from the seductive and less so as the night went on. ordinary Berliner unable to stay with of the show, providing a platform for the Fraulein Köst (Susanna Gimlette), to the her elderly gent. As the senior couple stunning singing. Without doubt, this slick performances of Maggie Baring, Before the Fascist rot sets in, however, celebrate their engagement party near was a production with a rare set of voices, Zoe Mackie and Olivia Scarozza. As ever, we meet a naïve young American, played the end of the first half, the mood grows and none more so than Shelly Fuxman, a the production had an army of student by the lyrical George Jackson. Awkward increasingly ominous. The company phantasmagorical creature who appears support backstage, with Kyle Arrowsmith, and honest, where the Kit Kat club stars – an enormous chorus that has been on stage with almost the sole purpose of Peter Thomas and Matthew Gray seem slippery and sassy, Cliff unwittingly lolling and loitering around the thrust belting out ‘Maybe This Time’. It was a marshalling a technical team of more than becomes embroiled in the darker side stage – slowly emerges from the magnificent rendition. It was the great 20 students. Special mention must go to of Berlin. He’s an easy target for Cosmo shadows for a potent rendition moment of this Georgi Jones as Stage Manager for her Bellamy’s Nazi zealot (Ernst Ludwig), and of ‘Tomorrow Belongs To Me’, a production. masterful control of operations. then for Sally Bowles – the star of the Kit sonorous waltz that grows into a James Oxley, Kat Club, played by Bernadette Reynolds – horrifying Nazi anthem. As the the vocal As Sally Bowles’ world spirals out of although it could have been her namesake stage fills, giant Nazi banners coach, would control, as Cliff becomes increasingly Bernadette Peters, so comfortable was drop, the lights cut, and the have basked appalled, as Fräulein Schneider lets her Reynolds playing the leading lady, brash audience needs a stiff drink. in the glow dream drift away, as Herr Schultz cuts an and brazen as she owned ‘Mein Herr’. of hearing increasingly hapless figure and as Ernst The second act sees the his charges Ludwig grows increasingly strident, the The heart of this story, however, belongs return of our Emcees for the in action if he stature of this musical becomes apparent. to what appears at first to be the rather vaudevillian ‘If You Could See hadn’t been Coker’s decision to make each member of silly but enchanting love tale of Fräulein Her’, and their impressive busy plucking the cast leave their shoes on stage during Schneider (Ella Daniels) and the delightful donkey-dance! These Kit Kat his double bass the final number aptly brought home to Herr Schultz (Rufus Pawsey). This elderly scenes allowed the audience below decks. the audience how, for all its sparkle and couple, one a landlady, the other a to enjoy the crisp kicks and syncopation, this musical charts a very greengrocer, reaches its most endearing turns of the Kit Kat girls Mention too dark period in our history. The original as they sing a duet between a pineapple led by the lithe Zea Cole, must go to a host Broadway production ran for over 1000 – ‘It Couldn’t Please Me More’. Pawsey with choreography by of supporting performances; sadly this production was in particular captured the lightness of Merritt Gray, and the simmering Kurt Weill players, from limited to three sold-out nights. Is life a touch that at this stage of the show seems sounds of the band, buried in the belly the cameos of Caspar Gleave’s Hitler, cabaret? Not in Nazi Germany. a tonic to the brooding underworld of of the theatre. Brigitte Wear’s accordion Max Taylor’s sailor and Will Hardman’s the Kit Kat Club. Later on, however, it’s playing and Jemma Starling on the keys trouserless Neville Chamberlain (not a TEM Daniels’ ‘What Would You Do’ that reveals were worthy of note. With Richard Tanner phrase that has appeared in print before),
34 | Meteor 2018 | www.rugbyschool.co.uk www.rugbyschool.co.uk | Meteor 2018 | 35 minutes. But the show came together We make our way over to the TSR and to all your spare time to this production and looked amazing again. Every night, routines of the evening that have almost and then within three days it’s over and the show is different and every night become instinctive. Checking the props, you’re back to normal again. something goes wrong. That’s one of checking the mics, etc. the many things being on a production Final thoughts? teaches you; that And again, the show when something starts and the songs Walking into the experience as a D goes wrong, you start and the truck Blocker, I was worried that I would feel need to find the comes on and the uncomfortable overseeing not only older quickest and most truck comes off and pupils but the adult professionals working effective way of the doors go on and around me on sound and lighting. But dealing with it and the doors come off the truth is, when you’re in a production hope the audience and the interval like Cabaret, everyone relies on everyone doesn’t notice. This is begins. And then and it doesn’t matter how old or how easier said than done the crew take a experienced you are. The cast and when you have to do breath. And then technical crew relied on me to keep the it in almost complete the second half show running, know which props they silence, in the dark, starts and the needed, know when to send them on, backstage… doors go on and know their cues and, in return, I relied the doors come off on them to help me. To listen to me, to Day Six – Saturday: and the dancers guide me and to enjoy the show with the last show go on and the me. Although the process was stressful at dancers come times and didn’t always go to plan, I had ‘Walk away knowing that off and then the so much fun doing it. I pushed myself you couldn’t have done it truck goes on to take on a managerial role that I didn’t any better’ and the truck think I was capable of and, as a result, comes off and then the actors gained a huge amount of experience Again, we’re sitting in Town House come backstage and then we bow and in skill sets such as time and stress and the atmosphere is one of relief, then it’s over. Done. management, teamwork and cooperation, excitement and anticipation. Dr Coker which I can confidently say I can, and will, gives us our regular notes and again For me, I’ve only been involved for a now use throughout school and later life. A Week in the Life – Behind Day Two and Three – Monday and starts, I make sure the backstage crew things we can improve from the last week, and yes, it was an intense week the Scenes of Cabaret Tuesday: only a few days left… who are working alongside me are happy show. The last note he gives us is to of very late evenings and lots of coffees, Georgi Jones (G) and ready to go. Okay. Then the headset enjoy ourselves and to leave the TSR but for the cast this was months in the D Block Drama Scholar Georgi Jones rises A rest day and then a dress rehearsal… goes on and I’m given the all clear from knowing that the performance that making. For any production member to the challenge of becoming Stage front of house. And the show starts. night was the best we had done yet. the feeling is odd. You dedicate almost Manager for this year’s school musical So, it’s Tuesday and we’ve got two more That first night was all a bit of a blur to rehearsals and then it’s the first show be honest. That was probably my least Day One – Sunday: five days till the on Thursday. The rehearsal on Sunday, favourite part of the experience. With first show… although terrifying, was useful. Okay, so, my head in a script and my focus pulled some props went walkabout and some in every other direction possible: ‘Rufus, Ok, so, um…this is overwhelming larger pieces of stage furniture may or where is your pineapple?’ or ‘Zea, have may not have almost run me over in the you got the chairs?’, even, ‘Kyle, can you The expression ‘being thrown in at the process of being moved, but overall the stop lying on the bed please, we need deep end’ is springing to mind, only this day was successful. I’ve become more to take it on now…’, I never really got isn’t the deep end of the community familiar with my Bible and the cast and to appreciate or watch the performance. swimming pool; this is like being hurled crew around me have made me feel very Yes, I was listening to the words, but only head first into the sea… calm and completely in control. Today because I needed to know the cues for marks the first of two dress rehearsals so my next movement. Even after the show Two days ago, Mr Thomas gave me a the cast are all in costume and makeup. finished, a quick nod to Dom and Tom folder with my name and the words When the costumes and makeup go on the sound decks, a confirmation from ‘STAGE MANAGER’ in bold on the front. on, the show suddenly comes alive. The Claudia at front of house and then it was The folder was quickly followed into my female members of the chorus are now on to my next job. Getting my props back arms by the most heavily annotated stack flapper girls and their male counterparts for the next night… of paper I’ve ever seen: the production are smartly dressed in suits, Sally Bowles is Prompt Copy, or Bible as it’s known. I could now the dazzling headline act and the Kit Day Five – Friday: middle night barely make out the dialogue of the show Kat Klub girls are now, well, appropriately through the director’s copious scribbles dressed for their job... Problem solving… and flip up post it notes that had clearly been so lovingly arranged and drawn out Day Four – Thursday: the first show Every time we ate in Town House, for me. And this was the first page… Dr Coker gave us feedback from the What could possibly go wrong? previous night on things we can So, it’s a Sunday afternoon and I’ve just improve. So tonight, the goals: to make had a very strong coffee. I’ve watched the We eat in Town House at six then make sure principals have the microphones show once and not actually all the way our way over to the TSR. My first job is turned on would be a good start … to the end and now, from this point on, to make sure that all the props are where We couldn’t help but laugh at some the director has passed the responsibility they should be. Check. The second job is of the mistakes last night. We lost for the production entirely to me. I’m to help put microphones on the principals principals, we spilt champagne, I also essentially running the whole show. OK… for solos. Done. Then just before the show lost the pineapple for approximately ten
36 | Meteor 2018 | www.rugbyschool.co.uk www.rugbyschool.co.uk | Meteor 2018 | 37 our whole house team of staff; and Rupert Brooke Music segment, featuring performances House Plays everyone else involved in the play, across all year groups and a myriad of whether on-stage, behind the scenes or The Rupert Brooke play Robin Hood genres. The audience were treated to both! It was lovely to work with you all was a huge success this year, especially the musical prowess of Katie Newton (F for her costume, as though it would and I hope to have as good a time of it due to a popcorn machine providing Block), Nicole Egan (D Block), May-Ling come running to her, and yet another next year. an endless stream of snacks before a Turner (E Block), Bethan Robinson (LXX), was looking busy with a tablecloth. I delicious supper back in house. The F Holly Gowen (XX) and Holly Duke (LXX) observed all of this from my perch at the Rachel Stevens (G) Block made their debut performance in a with Ella Daniels (XX), as well as a special back of the hall, while fiddling with the RB play as townsfolk showing extremely performance from Bernadette Reynolds sound and light controls to set everything promising potential for the years ahead (XX) returning to her starring role as Sally up before people arrived. Mrs Robinson Michell and the “busty and gusty” Matron Bowles in this year’s school production soon turned up, her car stuffed to the Theresa, played by Hannah Bruneau, kept of Cabaret. The girls were accompanied brim with props and drinks and such, and Michell led a Chapel address in the everybody laughing. A special mention by the ever-brilliant and much-loved several little helpers carried it all inside Lent term, the content of which was has to go to Anna Sloane who was pianist and tutor Mr Colley – and he the bustling hall. Before too long, the a tribute to an OR of Michell, Robert convincing and compelling in the lead wasn’t the only tutor involved! Mr Oxley only thing left to do was wait for people Hardy, the Minister of Magic to some, role of Robin and to her band of merry also performed a duet of the Italian piece to arrive. Winston Churchill to others and Siegfried men whose slow-motion sword fights Vaga Luna with LXX student Ellie Muston. Farnon to many more. The House play were, as quoted from a member of the We didn’t have to wait long. Soon maintained the thespian theme, with audience, “the most gripping live action Then came the girls’ chance to impress – people began to trickle in (and gravitate Hugh Falconer, Will Jacklin and Kit scenes ever… stunning in their realism.” and they certainly succeeded! The weeks quickly to the back of the hall, where Fothergill directing a strong company of hard work for the F Block undoubtedly all the drinks were). Soon the swan-like in their performance of an episode Alice Burbidge and Ava McNeil ensured paid off as they took to the stage with a evening began. On the surface, there of Yes, Prime Minister, ‘The National that the audience’s concentration seamlessly choreographed medley of High was a calm, sociable atmosphere with Education Service’, starring Julian Baring was never lost as they, every so often, School Musical – what else! With a sassy people milling about, but underneath as Jim Hacker and Ned Ponsonby as Sir hurled sweets at them, apparently with star performance from Abi Monteith as the façade there were girls whispering Humphrey Appleby. Michell F Block boys alarming aim in their throws resulting the renowned Sharpay Evans, the girls their lines to themselves and rushing fulfilled the role of errant comprehensive in a few nervous parents and a couple set the standard for the rest of the house, around trying to find their misplaced school pupils, with Max Taylor, Benjie of minor injuries. All together it was and definitely made a good impression props. Then we all sat down and began Bradshaw and Sacha Howells making an entertaining night and very much as the babies of the house. Parents and to get food, which was a lovely curry important individual contributions. enjoyed by all those who came. Kitty pupils were then amused by an excerpt and naan bread dish. After everyone had Julian’s interpretation of Hacker brought Bulmer and Marina Symington were from the classic teen movie Wild Child by finished eating, Mrs Robinson stood up a well-judged level of exasperation to the outstanding directors and amazingly the E Block. Jenny Wilson played Malibu and spoke for a little bit, craftily giving character while Ned’s calmly pompous managed to put together an all-round minx “Poppy”, settling into her new life the girls involved in the play the chance stage persona created an appropriate amusing and successful play in a quite at a rural English boarding school, with to slip out and get ready to start the dramatic tension during their scenes. alarmingly short amount of time! communal dorms and a no-nonsense, show. In her speech she went through As for Kit’s Bernard Woolley, his ill- Scottish matron (the horror!) – expertly some of the achievements of the Griffin timed one-liners were as excruciatingly Milly Pryke (RB) portrayed by Lauren Duke. girls over the previous weeks, including funny as the well-timed ones. Benjie sailing achievements, horse-riding threatened to steal the show, however, It wouldn’t be entertainment without accolades and musical awards. Then, a as the permanent occupier of the leather Southfield more music! And so came the D Block, hush fell and the curtains drew back… armchair in the club, former Cabinet who despite busyness amid exam Secretary, Sir Arnold Robinson. Are we On the summery Friday evening of stresses, collated a medley of musical Griffin The rehearsal process had its ups and The performance itself went well, with able to discern any similarities in today’s 20 April, Southfield house held their hits, coordinated by Ollie Whitley. They downs, with last-minute adjustments to a mix of laughs, “oh’s” and half-hidden political climate? Yes, Prime Minister. spectacle for parents, peers, tutors impressed with their smooth transitions At 5 o’clock it all began. Suddenly, this the cast, costumes, props and even the grins along the way. After a particularly and teachers in the Macready theatre. from one song to the next, and even great hall went from something silent lines themselves! However as the day long scene change, in which the TJD Kicking off the evening was the House pulled puns, parading the stage with and slumbering to being awakened with of the play neared everything began to audience was kept in the dark for a rocks for We Will Rock You and historically the jarring noise of tables moving and take form and all was well. Well. Almost very long time, there was an awkward accurate red flags for the revolutionaries the ringing clang of chairs being set out. all. One glaring problem still stared us all tension in the room as no one was quite of Les Miserables. D Block student Olivia It was time to get ready for the event of in the face… the fact that the play was sure what was happening, but luckily Bruce had everyone captivated by the term … the house play! This year was only ten minutes long! No matter how one of our LXX girls had a moment her tense, powerful and impassioned a special one, as it was the first one with much wine was available on the night our of quick-thinking wit and turned the monologue, assisted by Nicole Egan. XX Mrs Robinson as our Housemistress, and parents would not be pleased to travel so situation around with a joke, to begin a students Izzy Cara and Charlotte Bell then everyone was really excited to see it go far only to be done and dusted so soon, successful finale to the show. After the burst on stage with their hilarious duet well. As such, half of Griffin came to help and thus a last-minute solution was called final line, the final laugh, the cast came of Bop to the Top, climaxing in a wow- set up several hours in advance (and the for – in the shape of a talent round-up. together for a bow, and the curtains worthy lift! other half of course helped tidy up after On the Monday before the play, we shut on the house play for this year. The all was said and done!). added a song, a completely new scene, usual congratulations came and then it Unlike the rest of the house, the LXX and a dance routine. It was a gamble, was time to tidy up and leave. It was a didn’t appear on stage, but rather on We decided to adapt a children’s book and changes were still being made strange sort of feeling, leaving the hall screen, as Eve Farmer had taken the role and put it on our stage, and so the title of minutes before the play started. after it was all over, sort of melancholy of directing the students in a highly- the play was ‘Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad yet relieved. skilled and smooth production of Vanilla Book?’ It centred on a young boy, Herb, Soon enough everything was set up and Ice’s ‘Ice-Ice Baby’. The crowd were who fell into his storybook one night and run-throughs were being carried out on All in all, it was a fantastic evening that in fits of laughter as Head of House had to navigate his way through a book the stage, with the rest of the house on everyone enjoyed to different extents. We Precious Ndukuba saucily raised her skirt where many characters were not pleased the floor below running about setting out would like to thank in particular our co- and played her best flirting techniques with his scribbling ways! (*Spoiler alert* – knives, forks, flowers and glasses. General directors for managing the organisation to the camera, as well as when new he escaped the book at the end and lived mania ensued as one girl was hurriedly and overseeing the actors; Mrs Robinson driver Alysia Nimmo exemplified her happily ever after.) arranging the decor, while another called for her support, time, and transportation; expertise Rollin’ in her 5.0, with her ragtop
38 | Meteor 2018 | www.rugbyschool.co.uk www.rugbyschool.co.uk | Meteor 2018 | 39 down so her hair can blow. Southfield’s agencies. However, in order to mix up S Veasey no less. A fully fledged famous ‘gang sign’ also made numerous the atmosphere, we decided to put in competition continues to this day in appearances, particularly from Cerys some serious monologues as so many of Whitelaw to decide whose Yorkshire Cooksammy-Parnell, with “If you know the girls in house are involved in LAMDA accent was worse, Kartik’s or Davo’s. you know.” Sarah Francis from the XX, lessons, and we thought it would be However, this admittedly rather badly who had coordinated the whole evening, a shame not to show off their brilliant rehearsed comedy sketch went down impressed with her monologue of the talent. The evening ran smoothly, a treat with all those who were lucky much-related scenario of a girl suffering with the girls receiving loads of laughs enough to observe it. The next act was from a heart-wrenching break up before from the parents and house members arguably at the pinnacle of Whitelaw’s vast retaking the stage with the rest of her watching. We had loads of fun putting talents. Yaade, Nick and Isaiah shamelessly year for a scene from yet another teen the show together and the collaborative “danced” to Beyoncé’s Single Ladies track, classic, St Trinian’s, as the mischievous way in which everyone offered ideas was and it turned out to be a real crowd students discover the legend of Fritton’s key to the success of the show. pleaser. Ben Poole-Phillips showed us that gold. The evening ended with drinks and his talents extend beyond rugby football nibbles made and organised by students Later, in February, the house performed and art, as he showcased his excellent on this year’s sports tour to Singapore a separate entertainment evening in the voice singing the classic, Fly me to the and Australia, and there was all-round Collingwood Hall, in which a number Moon via his iphone accompaniment. This jollity and merriment as the House of comedy skits were performed, such was followed up with another sketch by celebrated a successful evening and year! as Daisy Woodley, Anna Perutz, Harriet Olly Clayton, Pat Grady, Buruk Amanuel Warren and Ellie Brockbank performing a and once again Yaade. This sketch was Ellie Muston (S) scene from Mr Bean’s Holiday, as well as incredibly funny, but no one seems able to some fantastic singing and musical talent remember what it was about. from Georgia Geary, Millie Beere, Imi Stanley Burgess, Lilian Mossaheb, Sophie Hughes Nick Lau then treated everybody to a and Shelly Fuxman. Alicia Middleton solo on his guitar – another hidden talent After weeks of cramming choreography gave a brilliant performance on the cello, from this fine athlete. The penultimate and learning lines, the Stanley House play and Gracie Douglas-Miller and Charlotte piece of entertainment was produced by of ‘Take a Chance on Me’ (aka Mamma Mayhew performed poems from the Hector and Charlie Hudson’s very artistic Mia), directed and adapted by Tilly and national Poetry by Heart competition. The silent movie, which came to us courtesy Hattie, took to the stage in February. evening was rounded off with a hilarious of Kumra productions. The film contained Complete with synchronised singing of choreographed dance performed by the footage of a scantily clad young maiden ABBA’s top hits, the occasional Scottish XX, and was followed by the whole house who took Hector’s heart away, followed accent and an array of flares and sequins performing the “Hoedown Throwdown”, by an old-fashioned boxing match from our mother’s wardrobes, it was to this year’s House song. taken in the Whitelaw dining room – be an unforgettable production. The play completely staged of course! The finale followed the plot of Sophie and Sky’s Izzy Hobbs and Stella Cohen (Tu) was one of Max Boorman’s grade 8 love story alongside Donna’s “who’s the pieces which came from the school solo father” drama. Lily captured the damsel competition, rather impressively sung in in distress perfectly in her role as Sophie, Whitelaw German. Thankfully, the entertainers did Eliza displayed ample amounts of sass as not milk the applause for all it was worth Tanya and Ella’s ability to sing and dance Whitelaw House entertainment once and we still had sufficient time to enjoy with a broom was flawless. The scene again manifested itself in a number of the sumptuous food that Ritchie had on of Sophie and Sky on the beach singing excellent performances by our finest offer back in Whitelaw dining-room. The ‘Lay all your Love’ saw all the LXX flood talent. The first performance “Four perfect Sunday afternoon! the audience with swimming goggles Yorkshire Men” was undertaken by and swimming caps, circling each table Charles Davison, KartiK K, H Higgins and Freddie Whitelaw (W) of parents whilst singing the chorus. This was immediately followed by ‘Voulez Vous’, which meant that everyone was dancing on stage and in the audience. Now the current LXX look forward to next year, as they try to find another musical that can top this year’s show, with the bar set extremely high.
Sophie McCulloch (St)
Tudor
In this year’s Advent term, Tudor House performed their house play in the Macready theatre, which involved a large number of the girls in house, ranging from F Block to LXX. We decided, after a couple of rehearsals spent brainstorming, to compile a number of sketches, each around 30 seconds to a minute long, from “Smack the Pony”, about dating Artwork by: Susannah Gimlette (B)
40 | Meteor 2018 | www.rugbyschool.co.uk www.rugbyschool.co.uk | Meteor 2018 | 41 The Musical Year at Rugby School 2017-18
The prize for the highest profile musical the National Youth Orchestra in a and the second during the STEAMFest rock concert on The Close as part of the performance by a member of the programme of music by Bernstein and on June 26. Jamie Marshall opened the Community Day on 27 September and Rugby School community this year John Williams which was broadcast live first concert with the first movement Chamber Concerts given by guitarists on undoubtedly goes to Head of Brass, Mr on BBC Radio 3. She also triumphed in from Hummel’s Trumpet Concerto, 1 October and by the F Block and new E Blackadder, who was the trumpet soloist the prestigious Peter Lambourne Rotary followed by Dvorák’s Waldesruhe (Alicia Block Music Scholars a week later. at the Royal Wedding in Windsor on 19 Music award on Tuesday, 13 March. Middleton, cello), the second movement May, playing the bride in as she walked of Khachaturian’s Piano Concerto in D flat On Sunday, 15 October, Max and down the aisle of St George’s Chapel. For any student to give a complete (Theo Matthews), Richard Strauss’s Horn Lochie Bruneau took part in the West solo recital whilst still at school is an Concerto No.1 (Rob Arthur), Mache dich Country Schools Piping and Drumming However, the 2017-18 Academic Year incredible achievement and three did mein Herze rein from JS Bach’s Matthäus Gathering ‘Big Blaw’ at Clifton College saw many other, equally outstanding, so during the year. Brigitte Wear gave Passion (sung by George Jackson), Va! with the Wessex Highlanders. The musical achievements from Rugby a piano recital in the Memorial Chapel Laisse couler mes larmes from Act 3 of public performance at the end of the School musicians, with many students on Friday, 20 October, performing Massenet’s Werther (sung by Holly Gowen day included Scotland the Brave, Wings, achieving distinctions in ABRSM/Trinity music by Bach, Beethoven, Balakirev, and Olivia Scarozza), the first movement The Nut Brown Maiden, Highland Laddie, exams in addition to four diploma Rachmaninov, Ravel, Liszt/Schumann of Prokofiev’s ‘Cello Concertino in G minor Highland Cathedral, The Green Hills of exam successes. Ana Peters and Rose and her own piano teacher, Mr Colley. (Oona Lowther) and Prokofiev’s Piano Tyrol and The Battle’s O’er. Wang were both awarded diplomas Georgia Geary gave a saxophone recital Concerto No.1 (Brigitte Wear). In the by the Associated Board of the Royal on 30 November with a programme of second concerto concert, Maru Ando On Wednesday, 8 November, a group Schools of Music for piano performance. music by Telemann, Ibert, Coates and opened with the first movement of of musicians travelled to London to Georgia Geary gained a distinction in Demersseman, and George Jackson Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor. Jemma perform at a memorial event at the her Associate of Trinity College London gave a song recital on 11 March, with Starling performed the first movement National Gallery for former Chairman of diploma exam on the saxophone repertoire by Schumann, Mozart, of Wieniawski’s Violin Concerto No.2 and the Governors, Sir Ewan Fergusson. Two and Jemma Starling gained a Tchaikovsky, Lehár, JS Bach, Rob Arthur conducted a performance of days later a stunning concert took place distinction in her Associate Schubert and Finzi. Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of in NMR. A professional pianist had been of the Royal Schools of George’s recital also Paganini with outgoing Head of Keyboard due to play a recital of music by Chopin Music diploma on included fine piano Mr Colley as piano soloist. Two other until he cancelled his performance just a the violin. Ischia accompaniments outgoing members of music staff also month earlier. Despite the short notice, Gooda achieved from Brigitte performed as soloists in the concert: Mr Colley drew together a programme a staggering Wear and Katie Music Graduate Teaching Assistant, Miss of an hour’s difficult music by Chopin, 145 marks in Aram. Chrisp, sang Elgar’s Sea Pictures, and performed entirely by students – Ischia her Grade 6 Head of Strings, Mrs Brogaard, played Gooda, Jemma Starling, Brigitte Wear, singing, the There were Dvorák’s Romance in F minor on the violin. Sam Horton, Katie Aram, Maru Ando highest mark three staff and Yammi Yip. This was a great tribute in an ABRSM solo recitals The usual round of regular performances both to the quality of our pianists and music too, with Mr took place throughout the year, ensuring to the dedication that they and their exam by a Tanner giving that there were opportunities at all levels teachers put into achieving excellence on Rugbeian a performance for Rugbeians to be involved in music that instrument. The second half of the since 1998. of Olivier making: Sunday morning Chamber concert was equally outstanding with a Messiaen’s Concerts, lunchtime concerts at St performance of Dvorak’s Piano Quintet in Ischia also won La Nativité du Andrew’s Church, Blue Note Society, A major given by members of our music the prestigious Seigneur on the informal concerts, concerts for E Block staff. Buglers Jamie Marshall, Bart Hobson BBC Radio 2 Young organ in Chapel on 12 and XX parents, entertainment in local and Bethan Robinson were outstanding Chorister of the Year January, Music Graduate nursing homes and primary schools at the war memorial the next morning. competition, the final being held Teaching Assistant, Miss Chrisp, by the Social Services Music group at MediaCity UK in Salford, Manchester, giving a song recital of music by Ravel, on Wednesday afternoons and a new The Keyboard and Percussion Concert on on Saturday, 21 October and broadcast Quilter, Brahms and Richard Strauss initiative this year, Coffee Concerts. 3 December included performances on on Radio 2 a few days later. Several on 21 January in the Memorial Chapel, These very short, informal, concerts are the organ, harpsichord, piano, marimba engagements followed because of this and Mr Colley giving a piano recital, held during break each week, with the and xylophone by Sam Horton, Iichiro triumph, including: a performance at also in the Memorial Chapel, on 20 day rotating to make it as convenient Koizumi, Ana Peters, Louis Sharpe, Auriel the Royal Hospital Chelsea, home to May, with works by JS Bach, Scriabin, as possible for students and staff to Pawsey, Katie Aram, Brigitte Wear the Chelsea Pensioners; two further Rachmaninoff, Liszt, Ravel and himself. come along at some point during the and Olivia Scarozza in a varied and appearances on BBC Radio 2, first on term. The idea is for anybody to gain entertaining programme. We were “Sunday Hour” on Christmas Eve, The opportunity to perform a concerto experience in performing, whatever type treated to similar variety by the brass then on Kate Bottley’s “Good Morning with an orchestra is a great undertaking of music they play or whatever their and woodwind players on 29 April Christmas” on Christmas Morning; an for any musician and so the annual level as a musician. in a concert that ranged from solo appearance on BBC television’s “Songs Concerto Concert, now in its sixth performances on flute, saxophone, of Praise”; and, in August, Ischia gave an year at Rugby School, has become an An early musical highlight of the trombone, clarinet and trumpet to outstanding and stylish performance of eagerly awaited fixture in the calendar Advent Term was a concert given on 14 brass ensembles, saxophone quartets, a Cupid in John Blow’s Venus and Adonis at with students having the opportunity September by the Bliss Sinfonia Piano wind dectet and flute ensembles. the Bruges Early Music Festival. to perform alongside the professional Quintet, which included Mr Colley and orchestra, Bliss Sinfonia. With such an Mrs Brogaard, playing Schumann’s Piano Despite the snow that fell heavily on Jemma Starling appeared in concerts abundance of quality music students, Quintet in E flat. Others soon followed Sunday, 10 December, the Winter at Symphony Hall Birmingham and we had to programme two concerto with the new LXX Music Scholars’ Concert went ahead, though with last the Royal Festival Hall as pianist with concerts this year, the first on 23 March Chamber Concert on 17 September, a minute changes to the programme.
42 | Meteor 2018 | www.rugbyschool.co.uk www.rugbyschool.co.uk | Meteor 2018 | 43 The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire years with all Houses contributing days earlier) singing Schubert’s Litanei. Brass Band was unable to make it, but with enthusiasm. It was good to see Ella Daniels won the Music Theatre our own Symphony Orchestra stepped everybody having such fun, being Singing Competition on 3 March forward at the last minute and took so supportive of each singing “Fly, Fly Away” from their place, delighting the audience other and engaging in Catch me if you Can, which comprised many people from the an atmosphere of with Holly and James local community as well as students, great teamwork. Gowen taking the parents and staff. Every ensemble that Mr Oxley did a prize for a duet took part was outstanding. The Concert wonderful job performance Band – conducted at very short notice bringing it all of “Anything by Mr Smith -, played music from The together, the I can do” Wizard of Oz and Frozen, as well as A staff band from Annie Cowboy Christmas. The String Orchestra was amazing Get Your played music by Mozart; Canzona and the Gun. It was sang excerpts from Britten’s Ceremony technical a fabulous of Carols accompanied on the harp by support evening with Auriel Pawsey; The Arnold Singers, with first rate. a consistently soloist Rufus Pawsey, accompanied by Ella Daniels high standard the String Orchestra, presented Harold and her band, of singing by Darke’s “In the bleak midwinter”, ‘A that included all, adjudicated Cappella Fridays’ sang an arrangement Holly Duke, by Olivier Award by Mr Oxley of Coldplay’s Christmas Freddie Ogilvie and winning actress Joanna Lights; and The Jazz Orchestra, directed Ollie Lushington, gave Riding. We had been by Mr Davey, performed with soloists a superb performance whilst delighted to welcome Joanna Ben Poole-Phillips and Ella Daniels, the adjudicator, David Mckee, Director as an audience member at the School’s backing vocalists – Shelly Fuxman, Ellie of Music at Cheltenham College, production of Cabaret in February – a Muston and Olivia Southfield and string collected his thoughts. We welcomed highly successful collaboration between quartet, Brigitte Wear, Oona Lowther, David Beavan, brother of our former the music and drama departments Katie Aram and Jemma Starling. The Head of Singing, Nigel, to adjudicate with sensational singing and acting event was a tour de force in terms of the Beavan House Singing competition from a large cast, not to forget superb teamwork, which even included staff on 2 December. This competition instrumental contributions by Brigitte and parents making a dash to Asda features selected musicians from each Wear who played accordion in the band, to ensure that there was mulled wine House singing in harmony and the and Jemma Starling who not only played Rachmaninoff’s Cello Sonata. Brigitte of music performance. A beginner’s it was wonderful to watch the following and other refreshments for about 400 winners were Sheriff (who sang “Golden piano in the band but also excelled as Wear was runner-up, playing the third introduction to Alexander Technique was students rise to the challenges that he set people. £2847.02 was raised in aid of Slumbers/Carry that Weight” by The rehearsal pianist throughout the project. movement of Franck’s Violin Sonata. In led by Kathy Hulme and Deborah Davis. them: Iichiro Koizumi (Rachmaninoff’s Myton Hospice and everybody present Beatles) and Rupert Brooke (with “When the Grade 6-8 category Jamie Marshall Simon Channing, Head of Woodwind at Etude Tableau in G minor), Yammi Yip had a very good sing, joining together in I was your Man”). Most students who play an instrument triumphed with his performance the Royal College of Music, held a solo (Chopin’s Nocturne in E), Maru Ando (1st songs from Good King Wenceslas – sung took part in the instrumental of the first movement of Hummel’s masterclass session in the New Music Movement of Grieg’s Piano Concerto) as a two-part unaccompanied round for Those who attended the Song competition during February. There Trumpet Concerto whilst Auriel Pawsey Room at which Jemma Starling and Ana and Jemma Starling (Liszt’s Hungarian 400 people – to, “Jingle Bells”, and, the Prize on 25 January, adjudicated by were many outstanding performances was awarded second place for her Peters performed. Rhapsody No. 2). “Twelve Days of Christmas” under the internationally renowned tenor John and it was a difficult task for the music spectacular performance on the harp of leadership of Mr Tanner. Mark Ainsley, were struck by the quality staff to select finalists to go through to Fire Dance by David Watkins. The search for excellence was the theme A great innovation this year has been of solo singing of all 22 participants the Musician of the Year Competition of the Music Scholars’ Lecture on 3 the founding of The Beavan Society, The usual round of competitions began and there was general agreement that that took place on the first Sunday of As well as welcoming such eminent October, with a short talk given by Nick which meets on Thursday evenings and with the whole school taking part in the the standard had never been better – a Trinity term. We were treated to a very musicians to adjudicate our competitions, Tester in which he explored areas of takes the form of a conservatoire-style Sing-off! on 7 October. This year’s theme great tribute to the incredible work high standard of performance by all the others visited to give masterclasses, common ground in music, drama, sport, song class, under the leadership of Mr was songs from Disney and DreamWorks being done by our extraordinary team finalists on 22 April, with adjudicator lectures and workshops, including one of academic work and other disciplines. The Oxley and Miss Hyde. Students sing to movies. Although the winners were of singing teachers under the leadership Paul Brough, an eminent conductor the world’s greatest musicians who visited lecture itself, “The Expertise Mindset”, and receive coaching from each other Town (singing “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”) of Mr Oxley. The winners were Shelly and professor at the Royal Academy Rugby on Sunday, 24 September. Sir delivered by Michael Griffin, explored the and from staff, the whole experience and Stanley (singing a mash-up from Fuxman with Bizet’s Habañera, Olivia of Music, awarding Oona Lowther first Antonio Pappano, music director of the question of how and why some people being one of mutual support and of High School Musical), the overall quality Scarozza with Fauré’s Ici-bas and William prize in the Grade 8+ category, for her Royal Opera, led an orchestral masterclass become experts and others do not. building confidence, as much as it is an was much improved on previous Chen (whose voice had only changed performance of the first movement from in the TSR for more than 150 musicians opportunity to discover repertoire and from schools across the region, including On 8 March Professor Daniel Grimley of learn performance techniques. From time our own. Rob Arthur was selected as one Oxford University visited to give a lecture to time, we have been joined by visitors, of two students to conduct a symphony entitled “An Introduction to the Study of such as the internationally acclaimed orchestra in front of Sir Antonio, and Music”, covering themes such as Musical counter tenor, Paul Esswood and the Dvorak’s Carnival Overture was chosen for Identity, Gender, and Nationalism, baroque oboist, Kathryn Montoya. him to work on. He said: “The Pappano incorporating discussions of Elgar and day was inspirational to me, working with his Cello Concerto. It was good to also It was a busy and rewarding year for one of the world’s finest conductors. He welcome A level music students from the choir. As well as singing at regular taught me new dimensions I never even Lawrence Sheriff School and to have the Sunday services, Tuesday evening thought of.” After the masterclass with chance for discussion with them and Compline services, Choral Evensongs on Maestro Pappano, the students broke into Professor Grimley after the lecture over a Friday evenings, Christmas Carol Services small groups, taking part in workshops soft drink and canapé reception. in Chapel and visits to sing Mass at St with Jonathan Freeman-Attwood, Marie’s Church, there have been several Principal of the Royal Academy of Music, It was a great pleasure to welcome, extra opportunities for the choir, starting Jonathon Cross, Professor of Music at Nathan Williamson (OR) to give a piano with a visit to sing Choral Evensong on Oxford University and Ruben Van Boven, masterclass on 15 June. The level of detail 28 September at Bilton Grange School. who led a session on the psychology covered by Nathan was impressive and The choir then travelled to London on
44 | Meteor 2018 | www.rugbyschool.co.uk www.rugbyschool.co.uk | Meteor 2018 | 45 2 October where they visited St Paul’s once more, presenting a meditation and regular guest conductor of the fecit mihi magna (Max Boorman) and Cathedral. On arrival, the singers were for Ash Wednesday which included a London Symphony Orchestra and the Suscepit Israel (Natalie Houlston, Cat treated to a marvellous tour by one of performance of Allegri’s famous Miserere. Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Timothy Ng and Yammi Yip), an excerpt from the Cathedral’s regular guides, Tom had put the orchestra through its paces Henry Purcell’s The Fairy-Queen (Miss Yuille (OR), before singing Evensong The choir returned to school early after in two three-hour rehearsals prior to the Hyde, Ellie Muston, Rufus Pawsey and accompanied by Simon Johnson, the the next two holidays so that they concert and the result was not only a Samuel Raifu), an aria from Handel’s Cathedral Organist and composer of our could make recordings for the BBC. On musical triumph, but attracted a sizeable Semele (Elen Wylie) and Hilf Mir Geistlich 450th Anniversary Anthem, who wrote: Sunday, 25th February, Ischia Gooda audience, raising over £800 for Myton Auferstehen from Telemann’s Easter and Olivia Scarozza recorded solos and Hospice. Cantata (George Jackson with Mr “I wanted to write to congratulate duets and the choir recorded hymns and Blackadder on the natural trumpet). you and the choir for performing so anthems for future broadcast on BBC This year’s Arts Festival (known as This was also the day in which our brilliantly at St Paul’s last Monday. Radio 4’s Daily Service. On the weekend STEAMfest) was the best of the last choir’s recording of “Choral Evensong” The standard of singing was uniformly before the start of Trinity Term, the six years in terms of the breadth and was broadcast on BBC Radio 3, so the excellent throughout and I was choir worked very hard and produced quality of its musical content and the opportunity was taken to stream it absolutely thrilled by the performance extraordinary results in recordings for extraordinary opportunities on through loudspeakers in of the Jubilate that I wrote for the BBC Radio 4, Sunday Worship, and BBC offer for our musicians. It Chapel, accompanied choir. If only all musicians performed Radio 3, Choral Evensong. Following the opened, on Monday, by a spectacular light my music with such care, commitment transmission of the broadcasts in June 25 June with the show, created and energy! It was really exciting to be and July, many wrote to congratulate the sixth annual earlier that day as playing the piece alongside the choir choir on its achievement, including the Big Sing for part of a festival in St Paul’s, where the space and organ Director of Music at York Minster, who local primary workshop. really helped to project the music in wrote: “It sounded like a well-established schools in That same a meaningful way. I have had many and highly-accomplished undergraduate collaboration afternoon wonderful comments from the clergy college choir. The 27th evening Psalms, with the saw an here. What you are achieving with the sung a cappella, was superb and it was international Ensembles choir is really fantastic.” good to hear Noble in A minor again. vocal group Concert The soloist in the Mendelssohn was as Apollo 5 and featuring The choir returned to school a few hours good as one could ever wish for, but the inspirational the larger early at the end of leave-out on 26 choir matched her superbly.” educator and ensembles November to provide spectacular music former member of the school, for the 450th Anniversary Thanksgiving The year ended with a very special of Voces8, Paul as well as a Celebration Service, including the performance for the choir during Smith. As well as guitar masterclass opening movement of Monteverdi’s STEAMFest when it gave a concert with welcoming around and recital by Vespers (Monteverdi having also been the choir of Merton College Oxford and 500 primary school Zayn Mohammed, a born 450 years ago), the official Bliss Sinfonia Brass in the TSR, under children, this was also an UK-based award-winning first performance of Simon the baton of one of the nation’s most opportunity for our A Cappella Fridays multi-instrumentalist, composer Johnson’s Jubilate, Mr Tanner’s eminent choral conductors, Christopher group to learn musical leadership skills. and guitarist. In the evening over 30 Prayer of Thomas Arnold, Robinson (OR), which included a rare Later that evening there was a Gala students took part in a rock and pop and the world première of performance of The world is charged with Concert featuring the award-winning concert in the Collingwood Centre Hall. two organ pieces, the first the grandeur of God by former Master of Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra, directed On Thursday, the choir sang alongside by Alexander Campkin, the Queen’s Music, Sir Arthur Bliss (OR). by John Ruddick MBE. Tuesday featured the choir of Merton College Oxford in commissioned specially for the Concerto Concert, with students workshops and a concert conducted by the occasion and played The Symphony Orchestra also had an performing alongside the professional Christopher Robinson (OR), and primary by Bart Hobson, and the exceptional year, under the Bliss Sinfonia. On Wednesday school children visited the School for An second, Fantasia on Floreat leadership of Head of we welcomed some introduction to the Orchestra, taking the Rugbeia, played by the Strings, Mrs Brogaard, of the world’s best form of workshops under the impressive composer, Mr Williams. who worked in practitioners of leadership of Jemma Starling. The partnership with baroque music to final day of STEAMfest included two On January, 19 Canzona horn teacher Mr lead workshops concerts. The first, a concert of chamber gave a stunning Smith and a and perform music with a mix of staff and students performance of superb team alongside performing various styles of music for Britten’s Ceremony of of colleagues, students in different combinations of instruments. Carols, accompanied to prepare a concert, The second, Shakespeare and all that by Auriel Pawesy on for a ‘If it ain’t Jazz, was an exciting collaboration harp in a candle-lit stunning baroque’. between music and drama, in which Memorial Chapel and concert This was an students performed selections of on Thursday, 8 February on 11 extraordinary Shakespeare from a wide variety of plays, Holly Gowen, Ellie Muston March. The opportunity interspersing spoken word with settings and Yammi Yip had the programme for our talented of words to music that dated from opportunity to visit Oxford included boys and girls Shakespeare’s time to the present day, where they worked with Mendelssohn’s who presented in solo songs, duets and pieces for choir the choir of Merton Hebrides Overture, repertoire that by the jazz pianist George Shearing. College. Holly wrote: ‘Fingal’s Cave’, the first included: Bereite dich A busy, but highly rewarding week “It was, as everything is movement of Beethoven’s Zion from JS Bach’s Christmas bringing an end to a high-achieving in the world of choral Eroica Symphony, Ravel’s Pavane, Oratorio (Holly Gowen), Laudamus te and tremendously varied year of music music, incredible.” Jupiter from Holst’s Planets, and Danzón from Vivaldi’s Gloria (Ella Price and Zoë making at Rugby School. A few days later the no.2 by Marquez, conducted by Timothy Mackie), Domine Deus from JS Bach’s choir performed in Redmond, Professor of Conducting at Mass in B Minor (Olivia Scarozza and Mr RJT the Memorial Chapel the Guildhall School of Music in London Oxley), from JS Bach’s Magnificat: Quia
46 | Meteor 2018 | www.rugbyschool.co.uk www.rugbyschool.co.uk | Meteor 2018 | 47 At Rugby we don’t do things by halves. the country are narrowing – with across the campus. We delivered over It’s all about the whole, as one might say. headline-grabbing warnings of the 100 workshops and welcomed around So when we were planning the end of demise of the Arts and Literature set 1000 children from local schools to year festival to complement the outward- against the rise of AI for instance – in join us. looking biennial Festival on The Close true Rugby fashion and with a healthy we knew instantly that the focus for our disregard, we continue boldly and It’s not really about the numbers though, intervening year’s work must embrace publicly to counter Michael Gove’s impressive though they are. It’s not all that is gloriously broad, inclusive and misguided 2010 reforms, not with about individual successes or stage, wholesome. rhetoric but through demonstrative concert hall, science lab or playing field action. We offer, and will continue to triumphs. It’s about the democratic Ofqual, the government’s regulating offer, a broad and balanced curriculum right of every child, from whatever body for examinations in the UK, alongside unparalleled opportunities background, to have an equal right to revealed recently that there has been to engage with a diverse co-curricular the broadest creative education we can a 15% drop in the number of entries programme. It’s at the heart of the offer as a country: a right to borrow a for Arts subjects at A-Level in the UK school and our greatest strength. So book from a library; to learn a musical since 2013. English A-Level entries have naturally, our festival had to be about the instrument; to play in a team; to imagine dropped 14%. In the same period, there whole person, all subjects, all skills – not solutions to the global plastics crisis; has been a 6% rise in students opting for just STEM, not an Arts festival, rather a to find cures for cancer. STEAMfest is STEM subjects. genuine celebration of the whole person. an example of what we can be, at our We picked up this one and ran with it. best, as a nation. One which celebrates Since 2010, more than 478 libraries diversity, individual and collective have closed in the UK and in 2016-17, STEAMfest took over the school for the ambition and entrepreneurship, which the budget for libraries was cut by a whole of the last week of the Summer reads and writes creatively, which listens staggering £66 million. term. Students took the lead both in the and sings joyfully, which experiments planning and execution of the festival, and invents imaginatively. When, in the world of education, with dozens of student-led workshops, curricular and extra-curricular practical science experiments, concerts TDC opportunities for young people across and theatrical productions taking place
48 | Meteor 2018 | www.rugbyschool.co.uk www.rugbyschool.co.uk | Meteor 2018 | 49 50 | Meteor 2018 | www.rugbyschool.co.uk www.rugbyschool.co.uk | Meteor 2018 | 51 52 | Meteor 2018 | www.rugbyschool.co.uk www.rugbyschool.co.uk | Meteor 2018 | 53 The Last Whale Song Creative Writing Shells washed up At the edge of the sunlit reef Offerings from the tide Cactus And rocks like pointed teeth
I’m hastily changing before my mirror when I find the bruise. Where ships float like petals It’s purple and ugly and if I could I’d cut it out my skin with scissors. Where seagulls cry Instead I turn to my drawer, where I reach for a chocolate And draw arcs in cloud from one of those little transparent containers made of plastic Across the darkening sky that my mother gave me in return for looking after her cactus while she partied with her new husband, a man that I can’t say I love. With the rhythm of sea Lush green seaweed sways In fact, I hate him. Towards him, I feel the furthest emotion possible from love. To mark time that is counted Unlike a flower, you cannot grow your own bruise. in number of waves My mother’s husband gave it to me. I didn’t want a reward for the cactus. My mind wanders to the aforementioned scissors Atop a sandy bed and then drifts towards the idea of plastic The ancient ocean breathes Artwork by: Eric Sun (K) while I question why I continue to eat so much chocolate. Near moon-bathing seals The swirling water seethes It’s probably because I wish I was the colour of chocolate. Night Ceiling Silky brown, a smooth rush of velvet love The liquid moonlight Instead of the artificial gunk my mother smothers on her pale skin, bottled in plastic. Lapping sand with its tongue Sun streaked faces flashed by me while the moon grew heavier She buys it in bulk from Selfridges. When she spends too much she earns another bruise Mimicking a lullaby and the stars grew brighter until they were pulsing in unison from her husband, who hits her after the tag’s been snipped off with scissors. Of the last whale song with the throbbing throng of thick bodies. A pair of silver When her screams fill the house my brother cries and I tend to her cactus. eyes darted past me and a crowd of glistening girls were Olivia Hunter (S) carried back to their tents on a wave of giggles. A shirtless Her husband often makes her cry so I spend a lot of time with the goddamn cactus. Shortlisted for the 2018 Children’s Poetry Competition and man with crocodile scales slid past me while I watched a I’ve decided to name it: Praline, after my favourite flavour of chocolate. winner of The Rupert Brooke Literary Prize 2018 (Junior Section) couple, the girl rising onto the man’s shoulders, mould into He lives in a pot covered in little flowers, carefully cut from magazines with nail scissors. a magnificent beast, smoothly weaving through the delicate My mother woke up late today. She had a neck covered in bites of love frames, surrounded by a shimmer of constellations. I could At least, that’s what she called them. A hickey is actually just an ugly purple bruise. feel vibrations in strangers’ chests, while I was seized beat after Her husband’s tried to claim his property; sucking on her as if she were made of plastic. beat by the relentless pulse of the crowd, and the movement of thousands as one. The hot air clung to my body like a It worries me that the oceans have too much floating plastic. sweltering blanket while flies danced alongside us in the air It kills birds and ducks and turtles and fish and plants like my precious cactus. and soon I was wedged between the trunks of people’s bodies, I don’t think love is supposed to kill. It shouldn’t take the form of a purple bruise. the humid air suffocating me and their unforgiving dancing But mother’s pathetic. She cries and cries then forgives with gifts of flowers and chocolate. wrenching me from here to there like a paper bag caught in She thinks her husband shows her love a storm. I jumped high into the air, my fingers shattering the but living with him is like an everyday gamble of rock, paper, scissors. night’s glass ceiling and wrapped my fingers around a star, the only sound the blood beating in my ears and the only taste the I want to poke out his eyes with sharp scissors, sweat on my lips and suddenly I dragged it down further and want to see him still and cold in a morgue under a sheet of sterilised plastic further until the sky grew brighter and brighter and people’s because my mother deserves an actual, real love. faces flashed orange and red and pink and yellow, imprinting Not her husband, who acts like such a prick that one wonders if he’s actually a cactus. themselves onto the insides of my eyelids as I gave in to the I’ll get him. Perhaps I’ll poison him with spiked chocolate. endless stream of bodies. Or smack him as he lulls in unsuspecting sleep, give him one hell of a bruise. Isobel Hobbs (Tu) His love is a balloon which I’m determined to puncture with scissors, (This piece won joint First Prize in the Senior Section His presence was a fresh bruise, with a personality as superficial as plastic. of the Rupert Brooke Literary Awards 2017) Now his cactus spikes are broken, like his promises of sickly sugar. But we’ve given up chocolate. Poem 1
Sophie Norton (S) We know these dry mountain ash roads. Commended for the Foyle Young Poets This walk we root round, of the Year Award 2018 where not one eye lies. This small seed gives new men hearts, where blood swims red and rain water lies cold.
This tree we water sleeps.
You know not what men say and see not what the cold Earth holds but deep in your heart, something pure grows.
Meg Wells (S) Artwork by: Thomas Farren (M)
www.rugbyschool.co.uk | Meteor 2018 | 55 La Mer
The first day of the voyage was a windy one, the cold air The first to succumb was the youngest, barely a woman and chilling the pallid sunlight that dripped from between the more of a girl. Her lips, drained of colour, opened, and her clouds. The ship sailed out of harbour regardless of the cold, desperate eyes pleaded with whatever god she was seeing before its burnished bow glistening from the reflection of light her. The other women followed soon after – one a brunette, the on the water. Its figurehead, a mermaid, parted the water other already grey. As they allowed the liquid to slide into their before them, leading them onwards. The crew were singing throat, something inexplicable happened. They didn’t die. a merry, but slightly stilted, ditty while they hoisted ropes, the faintly faltering tune drowning out the twisted whispers Instead they tasted a cool, slightly salty, spring breeze. Like they following the ship, from the more superstitious land-dwellers. were back on the docks the day of their departure. A sharp pain Voices snaked their way through the air, and the heavy made them all gasp simultaneously, as their legs fused seamlessly, words “doomed” and “misfortune” trailed behind the boat, until each woman had a single leg, which, with pinpricks of dragging it lower in the water. Some of the crew, those agony, began to grow scaly and into something resembling a not singing, were indeed tense, and some were muttering fishtail. Their eyes met and each woman saw in the others the amongst themselves – until their captain strode within same idea that was floating in her own mind. They paused a earshot, his uniform crisp and his ears as sharp as the narrow moment, then dived, ignoring the storm raging above them. sword hanging at his waist. ≈ The cause for the tense atmosphere on the ship became clear as three women stepped out on to the deck behind the The 48th day of the voyage began as a quiet one. The ship, captain. Some of the more superstitious sailors recoiled and having made it to its destination and been fixed up, had begun made signs to ward off the bad luck that women brought its return journey. No mention was made of the sacrifice of the upon ships. The captain saw this and furrowed his brow, but women, and people assumed they were some of the unlucky with the voyage underway, and no sign of trouble ahead, he few that had perished in the severe storm that had struck the was content to let them keep to their beliefs whilst it caused ship. The weather was warm, slightly less wind than ideal but no trouble. the languid air made the sailors relax, so much so that laughter was heard aboard the ship. ≈ A pod of dolphins had begun to swim near the ship, far The 17th day of the voyage was an awful one. Wind battered enough away that they wouldn’t be hunted, but close enough at people and wood alike as rain and sea mixed aboard the that several crewmembers were looking at them while they Artwork by: Annie Mangan (S) boat, the waves pounding the ship louder than the feeble chattered. Then one sailor caught sight of movement a bit shouts of the desperate sailors. The wind lunged, and plucked further away and turned to look. His face slackened and he hit an apprentice off the slippery floor, throwing the boy carelessly his companions to get their attention, words failing him. into the raging sea. The emerald and sapphire waves whipped Three women had appeared, swimming through the sea, the and fought each other, not caring for the tiny brown fleck tattered remains of clothes clinging to their lithe figures as in their midst. The water tore itself apart and crashed down their torsos emerged from the sea. They seemed to be saying together again, over and over. Everyone, even the women, something, calling to the ship, and the men strained to hear, were shouting, scuttling like ants around a flooded nest, as they every person on board now paying attention. Oblivious to all pulled ropes and bucketed water off the ship, in a futile attempt else, even the patch of rocks on a collision course with the ship. to stop the wrath of the Sea. They worked day and night, As they drew closer to the women, and the unseen rocks, they although no change in light occurred to tell them of this fact, began to make out words: the voices were alluring, but hoarse. only the aching of their bodies and the rawness of their throats After all, the women’s throats were still raw from when they had as they screamed when yet another crewmember fell into the screamed for mercy, mercy that wasn’t granted to them… empty black torrent below. The ship never made it home.
≈ Rachel Stevens (G) The 18th day of the voyage was no better. The storm had Shortlisted for The Rupert Brooke Literary Prize 2018 (Senior) Artwork by: Ellie Shepherd (S) reached new levels of violence. The crew, a superstitious bunch, had outnumbered the captain and a loyal few and, upon Portrait In Blue finding the need to blame someone for the elements, had condemned the women as the cause. The three women were I think sometimes that I am always at war, tied at the ankles and the wrists, and even amidst the howling Wearing a navy-blue uniform. wind, their screams for mercy echoed through the storm. As the I am a warrior, my fist raised to fight, waves drenched the exhausted ship, the sailors threw the three Like a wolf; I am the leader of the pack. women off the boat, one by one, into the whirling abyss below. I do not fight for freedom or peace. The women dropped. I fight for the adrenaline and pleasure. A way to live. A way to die. The water enveloped them and drowned out the sounds of the And now my uniform. Tattered. Ripped. Scarred from war. storm. The unnatural silence stifled them; and as they slowly No wish can grant me peace or grace, fell lower and lower, away from the war above them, their I am no swan but a bull. vision darkened and chests constricted. Soon, they had fallen Bitter blood breaks from beneath the barrier of skin, far enough that the world around them had turned as black as The sound of vicious fighting has turned to groaning of pain. a moonless night. One by one, their bodies filled with pain as And I am left alone, still standing in my navy-blue uniform. they struggled not to breathe in the deathly elixir pressing at their throats. Artwork by: Harriet Carr (St) Isaac Denness (T) Artwork by: Sophie Whittley (D)
56 | Meteor 2018 | www.rugbyschool.co.uk www.rugbyschool.co.uk | Meteor 2018 | 57 with their running style of play, looking to play from all areas of played well at Oundle, they were down to 14 players for much of SPORT the pitch. The resulting performance saw the XV run out 31-17, the second half due to injury and were beaten 22-0. putting five tries past the opposition. The team was ably led by Toby Rowlands and Max Bowen, well Special mentions must go to the Captain of XV, Fergus supported by a number of senior players from the XX such as Guy Hodgson, who delivered consistently outstanding Williams, Will Hawksworth, Will Whitney and Sam Veasey. The LXX performances. His leadership style was exemplary, leading by provided a number of stalwarts too, with Hugh Falconer, Tom example throughout the season. Furthermore, Vice-Captain Spruce and Tom Myers featuring strongly in most games. Wilf de Matthew Hackney showed some individual brilliance in la Hey made several appearances when not selected for the 2nds creating several individual tries from nothing. Further mention and was outstanding every time. A special mention to Jeremy Weru to XV Secretary Xavier Addy: as well as some outstanding who scored three hat tricks and a try in every game except one. performances, his professional attitude inspired others around him to perform to the best of their abilities. The Player of the It was an excellent group to work with; hard working and keen to Season was awarded to Ben Poole-Phillips: his powerful ball learn, who played open running rugby with style. carrying, and skill level saw him leading from the front, often seen to be making yards past the defence and then delivering BJR an offload to a supporting player. Miles Shaw was awarded the Most Improved player award for his dedication to training and his development throughout the course of the season. 4th XV The Unsung Hero award was presented to Arun Mehta who P6 W3 D1 L2 consistently was a leader behind the scenes. His attitude towards training and matches rubbed off on those around him. The season began inauspiciously, with a heavy loss against a strong Oakham side (5-33) followed by a frustrating defeat SP away at Uppingham (12-19). Yet the mighty 4th XV soon found its stride, with referee HGSB congratulating the boys for an outstanding display of running rugby in the win against Cheltenham (60-22). The dominance of the pack on a cold, rainy 2nd XV Saturday afternoon in Stowe returned a 34-12 victory, before a P11 W7 D0 L4 gritty draw against a competitive Abingdon side (12-12), with Rugby camped on the opposition try-line in the dying moments. The 2017 season was a tremendous experience for all players The best, however, was saved until the last match, as Rugby involved and the effort that every boy gave in each match ran out 29-26 winners in a pulsating encounter with old rivals, was outstanding, with the team ethos making for excellent Oundle. Player of the Season was awarded to Adam Newton camaraderie within the group. The departing XX, who have for his outstanding work rate and breakdown skills, while Kit played a lot of this season, will be sad to leave the team, Fothergill bagged Most Improved Player for stepping in admirably considering there were six players who have played in the to the pivotal scrum-half position. Thanks go to the captains seconds for the last two years. It is to be hoped that the 2018 (Hamish Maddocks and Felix Gladstone), the inimitable Bigside 2 season will be just as meaningful for this year’s LXX players. We coaching team (Messrs. Rigg, Robinson, Lane and Wright), and all RUGBY FOOTBALL through tough conditions and a couple of injuries, the XV came had some hard-fought victories and some close losses, all of the boys for their efforts in a highly enjoyable season. from behind to claim a 18-17 victory. A well-deserved win to which only brought the team closer as a unit. The 2nd XV have finish the first half of term. a culture about them that is unique and every player involved in AELT XV it is very glad to have this extra element to the side. The team P13 W7 D0 L6 The XV carried their winning momentum through into has a tradition of demonstrating that rugby football is more the second half of term. A strong performance saw an than just a game, and it can provide an amazing way for people U16A The XV this year have won seven out of their 13 fixtures, emphatic victory over Abingdon School (29-5); again a to gain so much more from all we do on Bigside 1. Having the P10 W6 D0 L4 scoring a total of 267 points. The first half of the season was strong performance from the forward pack gave the side the privilege of captaining the side, I got to know the many players somewhat mixed. Having beaten King’s Macclesfield School momentum they needed to cross the line on five occasions. we used this season well, as we had injuries as well as first team The season for many of the A team started in Belfast, where we in the first game (22-3) we suffered a couple of unexpected An excellent individual try from Matthew Hackney set the call-ups. However, in every game, with any combination of competed against very strong Irish teams, allowing us to test defeats at the hands of St Edward’s School, Oxford (0-20), and tone for the game and put Rugby on the front foot. The XV players, it was always a team win or a team loss and that is what the team and show the depth we had in our squad. This was Oakham School (0-49). The squad came back refreshed after played Berkhamsted School away in the wettest of conditions, we want the team to carry forward into the 2018 season. reflected throughout the season, where we lost a few players to the first leave-out of term, to beat Uppingham 28-17. This playing excellent flowing rugby for the entirety of the match; the first team on the occasional weekend meaning we had to performance showed more of the characteristics that are true however, we played the majority of the rugby inside our own Sam Tuckwell (K) consider the strong B team for replacements. The players who to a Rugby School XV, and showed that the team has potential half. The running and offloading style of play adopted did not got the call certainly stepped up to the intensity of the A team to beat strong Rugby-playing schools if they play in the fashion look appropriate for the conditions, although the side persisted and fitted the shirt perfectly. Fresh from Ireland, we started they are capable of. Unfortunately, the winning ways did not and caused Berkhamsted some problems, camping on their 3rd XV very strong against a new opposition in King’s Macclesfield, continue for long, but the performances were developing and line on a number of occasions. The lesson learnt from this P8 W5 D0 L3 where we put many tries past them. Ben Muncaster, although it was clear that a 31-7 defeat against Cheltenham College game was how to manage a game: even though we held the missing pre-season, made a huge impact from the minute he was not a deserved result. In the lead up to half term, the XV majority of possession the XV lost 24-0. The next fixture on This was a stronger 3rd XV than we have had for several years stepped on to the field, linking up beautifully with Josh Beal in seemed to finally click and our style of play began to become the calendar was Oundle. Again, the XV played some fantastic and despite the usual issues of constantly changing personnel the centres, certainly justifying his move to the XV later in the more successful. Undoubtedly this produced two of the best rugby, the execution of our style of play again saw us dominant due to injury and call-ups to the 2nds the squad put together a season. The next weekend brought the honour of playing on The performances of the term. A 75-5 triumph over Trent College in the forwards. A close-fought 28-14 victory over Oundle was very pleasing set of results. Close against St Edward’s. The first half was a lot closer than we was testament to the hard work put in by the players on well earned. Our penultimate fixture against Malvern College anticipated, proving to be the first test of the season. However, the pitch. Our ball-carrying forwards managed to break the unfortunately had to be cancelled due to snowy conditions. This The season started with a good win over St Edward’s followed despite being a try behind at half-time, the boys produced a defensive line on numerous occasions, providing offloads for allowed the XV to recover and recuperate in time for the Guest by a defeat against Oakham whose pack proved too big and flurry of tries from Josh Beal, Josh Bebb, Ben Muncaster and Sean the backs. The execution of our style of play proved too much XV match. The XV season was capped off well with a well- strong on a stormy day with the ground heavy underfoot. Good Tobin to take Teddie’s out of the game for good. The result was for the opposition, who could not deal with the physicality and deserved win over a competitive Bristol Grammar squad. The results followed against Uppingham and Cheltenham but a 69-22 but we had much to work on with a tough away game at relentlessness of our forward runners. The last day before half players were keen to impress in front of a large crowd and were disappointing loss to Stowe just before Exeat followed when we Oakham the next week. Oakham were a very testing game for term saw the XV travel away to Stowe, where the picturesque high in confidence after producing a fantastic run of form at played our poorest rugby of the season. Both Abingdon and us, battling the wind and rain as well as a very strong opposition. setting did not distract the team from their aims. After battling the latter end of the season. The game saw the XV continuing Berkhamsted were beaten comfortably but, although the 3rds The boys put in a very strong second half, however, putting
58 | Meteor 2018 | www.rugbyschool.co.uk www.rugbyschool.co.uk | Meteor 2018 | 59 in big hits and scoring a couple of tries. Phil Sharkey played between. After half term, as the injured returned, every game especially well in this game and continued his class into the rest was won. Indeed the cold weather on the very last Saturday of the season, proving his worth in the team. We were now into robbed the side of a chance to show their improvement and the second half of the season where we really proved the class reverse the result from last year against a strong Malvern side. and depth in our squad, facing very tough teams with a few of The victories over Abingdon, Oundle and Berkhamsted were our own players playing out of their position. We had some very real highlights of the season. strong results as well as some very disappointing results but the team stayed strong and hopeful until our very last game. Losing The major strength of the side is quality of the handling in the players to the XV gave the opportunity for many people from not backs but particularly at ten. The captain, Will Vaughan, plays only the B team but also the A team players to step up and take right in the faces of the opposition and has the skill to distribute leadership. Rob Hardwick was outstanding at this, keeping the under this pressure and he invariably took the right decision. He pack and team towards the latter stages of the season, allowing had a great season and was rewarded with Player of the Year. He players like Sean Tobin and Toby Henderson to excel at their own was aided throughout by good straight lines from full back Will game. Luke Wandless and Pat Grady both made vital step-ups Jackson, who improved rapidly and never missed a tackle. General when called upon and deservedly earned their shirt at the end of play often involved these two but was interspersed with hard the season. The 16s had a very strong season with many positives yards from Morgan Oruche who, although upright, was certain to take into the senior teams. Sean Tobin picked up the coach’s to gain ground. Yafet Melake added strength and fitness to a player of the season, Rob Hardwick was players’ player of the pack that needed more dynamism although the forwards were season and Luke Wandless most improved. reliable and keen to learn. Max Shippey, Fergus Rathbone and both Chapmans had good seasons. The backs were more affected Josh Montfort Bebb (SF) by injury but solid tackling and the approach of Maelon Buckland U14A Salah’s handling skills and growing confidence to run with the ball, earned him the accolade of Most Improved Player of the Season. P10 W7 D0 L3 Xander Lees Jones’ tenacity and courage along with the willingness of Raphe Shelton and Will Harbottle to learn, as well as their U16B I am once again indebted to Mr Hemming Allan for his Last year the U14 As had a very tough year with some great wins capacity to organise their team-mates, means that there is going P9 W6 D1 L2 excellent support in what has been an enjoyable season. against schools like Uppingham and Northampton School for to be huge competition in the midfield in the future. Mention Boys, who are very competitive, and narrowly losing to Stowe should also go to Ethan La Porte for his dangerous running, to Will The U16B team had an exceptional season playing nine matches, TMW and Cheltenham College. Our forward pack, led by James Hill as Barton for his devastating tackling and Onochie Nwagbogu for scoring 245 points and keeping three clean sheets in the process. pack leader, proved stronger as the season went on, with Lochie his balanced attacking running. This is a team that will certainly The team won 66% of their games with their high level of fitness Bruneau scoring a few tries at flanker and at 15 when injuries improve its win-loss ratio if they continue to approach training being a deciding factor in most of their matches. Close losses U15B came around; and Oliver Nilsson coming from Sweden with with thought and focus as well as a desire to learn. As individuals away at Oakham and home to Berkhamsted saw the team grow P10 W2 D0 L8 limited game time and making a great impact on the pitch and I have no doubt that a number will force their way into the As. It and develop with new players in and out due to various call-ups the training field. Where we really shone was in our back line with has also been fantastic to be able to draw on such a large squad to the As and injuries. The team proved their worth through their This season has been a learning curve for the 30 boys who great communication and excellent execution. Our main offensive of committed and capable players and I am equally sure that a adaptability. A real show of resilience was on display when we represented the team at some stage. After a strong victory in the threat was through our two centres Mackenzie Morgan and number of those who didn’t quite make the B team will push hard played Stowe on Pontines. After going down by two tries, the first match of the season, the movement of several players to the George Whitelaw who showed great physicality and skill against for a place next season. team clawed their way back before leading by three points with As resulted in the loss of the pace and size which had provided the opposition. Try of the season was from Ollie Orme-Smith ten minutes to go. Invariably these final minutes were spent on our the initial playing style. There was much moving of position but with a whole pitch run to score under the posts. Match of the ESD own try line and we showed great grit, determination and resolve the half-back combination of James Miller and Josh Sanderson season was against NSB where we had a very close match under to hold out for a draw. Highlight of the season was the game at (Captain) became the constant that we then built around. In the the floodlights away and won by three points. We had a very home to Oundle where the Bs showed their true colours. With pack, Petr Semenov and Alex Diachenko provided the muscle for successful season with a 70%-win rate and 171 point difference. U14C three players called up for the As and two injured, Charlie Bruce- some excellent counter-rucking and a strong attacking platform. P7 W4 D0 L3 Jones, Ed Whittley, Eddie Baker, Ugonna Agwo and James Cooper Loose forwards Louis Kent and Harry Johnson-Hill marauded Fred Thame (SF) stepped up. These new acquisitions put a real shift in and the team around the pitch, amassing a huge tackle rate and securing ball on A strong start to the term saw convincing wins over St Edward’s, looked like it had been playing together for years. However, by half a regular basis. When the ball moved through the hands, centres Oakham and Uppingham with more than 50 points being put time, an A team player had been injured. Now with 14 men on the Sean McKibbin and Archie Jackson regularly broke the line, whilst U14B past each with some glorious displays of running rugby in the pitch, the Bs had to find a way to claw their way back. The match winger Henry Gurney was almost unstoppable, out-scoring the P9 W5 D0 L4 early season fine weather. Raphe Shelton and Lucca Cinquini- was won with a great team try in the corner after a moment of rest of the team by three to one. The strength of the attack was Steele were prominent in the lose broken field play generating brilliance saw the scrum half, Charlie Bruce-Jones, throw a 30-yard unfortunately not matched by the defence, with positioning and The U14B side had an enjoyable and successful season. The tone quick ball for the likes of Max Conway and Tom Hortop and pass to Alex Parker, who quickly popped the ball to Ed Whittley. tackling both major weaknesses. As the season progressed, tactical was set by team captain Max Molloy, who was uncompromising Misha Rodko to profit out wide. Perhaps the strong start led to The ball was passed with pace and precision, the Oundle players awareness developed but to the end stopping the opposition in his dedication to training and fixtures. The greatest progress a degree of complacency as a somewhat weakened team took running in vain to keep up. The move was neatly finished off by ball carriers was never mastered. Notable exceptions were Tinius came in the level of intensity and physicality with which the boys the trip to Stowe and came unstuck against a more physical and the winger and captain, Mahmoud Atta. Thanks go to Mr Shaw Mosvold, Max Taylor and Harry Pryce who were ever-reliable in the approached their training and matches. The final games against combative side. The front row of Isaiah Simmons-Alexander, Archie who oversaw the season with great charisma, inspiring the team to line. The highlights of the season were the dramatic improvement Berkhamstead and Uppingham served to demonstrate this. A Webb and Angus Hill-Trevor provided a solid platform and some a season they will remember for years to come. in personal skill from many players, including prop Jim Slemeck very strong Berkhamstead side faced their toughest match of the good go forward, but a slow start cost and in spite of a better and full back Harry Seagon, as well as the fantastic spirit that the season because of the determined tackling and breakdown work second half performance we couldn’t find a way back. Some Mahmoud Atta (C) team always displayed, whether winning or losing. of players such as Dom Ritchie, Christian Guy, Luca Cinquini-Steele tough fixtures against Abingdon and Berkhamsted followed half and Ben Fossick. Uppingham fell foul of the same uncompromising term and in spite of creditable performances these games were BJW defensive play as well as the excellent support play and attacking narrowly lost. The season finished with another strong win over U15A running of Freddie Fowler, Adam Kenworth-Fahy, Will Davison and Uppingham and a frustrating cancelled game against Malvern P12 W4 D0 L8 Tom Jenkinson. Almost as impressive was the progress the boys due to snow. This promising group of players has a lot to look made in the development of their basic skills. Their capacity to keep forward to next season. A number of players came through the An enthusiastic and skilled group of pre-season trainers ‘The team won 66% of their the ball alive in attack, look for passes, offloads and to lift the ball ranks and broke through into the B team and many made huge assembled in School House early in September suitably off the ground after being tackled came on in leaps and bounds. progress throughout the season. Most notable was Jacob Bethel optimistic of success in terms of both results and improvement. On match days this often resulted in some superb flowing attacking from Barbados who won the most Improved Player Award having As it turned out this optimism was generally well placed and games with their high level of play but they will still need to work hard in future to fine-tune only started playing rugby this year. Raphe Shelton through his the group worked efficiently throughout the term and achieved their execution and improve their ability to make good decisions leadership and commitment won Player of the Season. a good deal of success. It was, however, very much a season fitness being a deciding factor about which skill to apply in which situation. Behind the scrum the of two halves; before half term numerous injuries, especially to side developed greater fluency as the season progressed with Will MF the more physical players, meant that victories were few and far in most of their matches.’ Shingles and Dino Gallone increasingly assured at half back. Orson
60 | Meteor 2018 | www.rugbyschool.co.uk www.rugbyschool.co.uk | Meteor 2018 | 61 GIRLS’ HOCKEY The player of the season this year was Rosie Stranack, new to Every girl in the squad played her part – the defence were superb the school in LXX and a fierce competitor who was a rock at the in shutting out the opposition. The midfield linked really well back making numerous tackles and distributing the ball with a with both the defence and attack, and the forwards created XI power that defied her size. Izzie Bower made others look good havoc in the opposition defence. The Most Improved Player P30 W18 D3 L9 by distributing the ball so effortlessly at central midfield. Both Award was presented to Angharad Wylie and the Player of the were fantastic additions to a talented squad. Harriet Fagan was Season was the captain, Anastasia de Clermont. Thank you to all The 2017 squad must have come close to a constant threat, whether attacking from deep at right half of the girls for a great season. setting a record for the number of matches or powering her way through midfield while the quality of Jika played in a single season. When you Nyirenda in midfield meant we always created chances. Jika PKB include the Independent Schools Cup, the finished the season as top scorer with 14 goals including two Independent Schools League, the 450th incredible solo goals in the game against Uppingham, as good Anniversary Hockey Festival, the County as you will see at schoolgirl level. New LXX like Freya Chichester 3rd XI and Regional tournaments, the ordinary and Isabel Gardiner took a while to settle but by the end of the P7 W5 D1 L1 school friendlies and the Guest Match, the season had gained valuable 1st XI experience and Isabel won girls played an incredible 30 games! The the Most Improved Player Award. Others like Freya Harrison and The 3rd XI gave Dr Beesley a fitting send off from his time as 3rd XI biggest positive to come out of it was the Bethan Robinson both had a taster of 1st XI hockey and now coach with a fantastic season, losing only once. Millie Glenn was a strength in depth at the top end of the know what it takes to become more established next year. brick wall in goal repelling so many opposition attacks and winning school with 21 girls representing the XI the Most Valuable Player of the Year Award and the quality of the including Gigi Woodward (D Block) who A special mention must go to the departing XX who made up girls going forward was befitting of an A team as many of these played two years young all season and Lissie the bulk of the squad this year. Many of these girls had gone girls once were once upon a time. Georgia Sweeting won Most Bridges-Webb who made her debut in the through the school as winners, regularly winning County Cups Improved Player. Highlights of the season included a 6-1 thrashing 450th Anniversary tournament. The girls and challenging for Regional honours; in F Block they reached of Uppingham, a 4-1 hammering of Stowe and a brilliant 3-1 win were double County Champions indoor Nationals. Led by captain Ellie Kennedy (who scored 10 goals and over Repton. Only a narrow defeat to Oundle in the last game and outdoor and, for the second season in made numerous assists this season) and Vice-Captain, Charlotte season ruined the unbeaten season. Thanks to all the girls for their a row, fell agonisingly close to qualifying for Franklin, who possessed that sportsman’s ability to be all sweetness hard work – and many of the LXX 3rd XI squad members should be National Finals, losing out to Repton in the and smiles off the pitch but ferocious on it, they will be sorely pushing for the 2nd team next season. Midlands semi-finals. missed. Loz Rigby, the Hockey Club Goalkeeper of the Season, was a brick wall in goal, Clara Miles was calmness personified at full JMS The girls, resplendent in their new Rugby back, Maisie Harte scored a number of crucial goals including both School white and duck egg blue match goals in the 2-1 win over Bristol Grammar in the Guest Match on kit, played in front of a crowd of over 250 the last Thursday of term. Georgia Martin was ever-present as a 4th XI pupils, parents and staff at the ‘Friday Night marauding left half while it was great to see Hannah Swaby able to P10 W8 D1 L1 Lights’ floodlit league game vs Repton, the play the last few matches after her season was decimated by injury. first time we have done this. With the Guest Her composure on the ball under pressure was missed. Millie The 4th XI girls’ hockey team’s season was a huge success and a Match and 450th Anniversary Festival also Anderson and Millie Hughes formed a threatening double act up whole lot of fun! Out of ten fixtures, they won eight, drew one attracting big crowds, the profile of girls’ front. They will leave a big void but that provides opportunities for and lost only to Oundle. A continuous flurry of goals provided by hockey was certainly raised this season. With others in an ever more competitive squad. Hannah Bruneau and Lulu James, and some magnificent defending a raised profile, more will be expected of by Head of School, Ginny Gough, ensured that a clean sheet was the XI players as role models for girls’ sport I thank the girls for all their hard work and camaraderie in a common occurrence for this team of senior girls. In the LXX Ava as they are now more visible to the rest of what was my first season as XI coach and Director of Hockey. A McNeil and Milly Pryke showed a lot of promise for next year’s the hockey players in the School. huge thank you to Ollie Willars, a member of Beeston HC and team and it was clear by the last game vs. Oakham that this team England, for his coaching and to Mr Dhanda for his umpiring were stronger as a single unit than in the sum of their parts. The and guidance. The girls and I are lucky to have such passionate team did not have a clear goalkeeper, but the girls took it in turns and knowledgeable support. to step into this challenging role and learn some new skills in shot stopping. The coaches’ Player of the Season was awarded to Lulu JMS James (B) for her energy and dynamism on the pitch, and Most In the league, with the exception of Improved Player was awarded to Ava McNeil (RB). Uppingham where we won 7-0, goals were hard to come by despite some 2nd XI LEM/EP excellent build-up play, and this led to a P10 W8 D0 L2 frustrating 1-0 defeat to Stowe and draws with Oakham and Oundle. The one poor The 2nd XI girls had a really good season, finishing second in 5th XI defensive display of the season came against the Independent Schools Midlands League behind Repton. The P8 W8 D0 L0 Trent where the XI blew a 3-1 lead to lose girls played some fantastic hockey, highlighted by the fact that 6-3. In general the best displays were saved they scored 50 goals and only conceded 15. The Vths have been the most amazing team to coach this season. for tournaments with the County Cup The girls turn up week by week with consistently brilliant attitudes, and Midlands zonal rounds won with the There were numerous highlights, including a 13-0 win fabulous skills and pristine hockey kit! They have improved an conceding of only one goal. against Bromsgrove. However, the top game from the incredible amount over the season. We have won all our matches coaches’ perspective was a 6-0 win away at Oakham. The girls this term, the most impressive win being against Oundle a few dominated the match from start to finish and demonstrated weeks ago where we smashed a 9-1 win! We have been unbeaten how much they had learned this season, playing at a high in something this season, namely our skilful relay warm-ups, which tempo, pressuring the opposition into mistakes, passing the ball have been the highlight for me. Sorry 4ths – but there is only one quickly and scoring some great goals. winner every Thursday and it’s not the team who’ve been wearing the bibs for the past term! I cannot explain how much I have Lots of girls have contributed to the goal tally – particular mention enjoyed coaching this wonderful set of girls and I hope that I am must go to Freya Harrison for her six goals against Bromsgrove. lucky enough to get the same LXX again next year to coach. Well However, top goal scorer, even though she only joined the 2nd done ladies, you really are a credit to Rugby School. XI part way through the season, was Georgie Bibby, who had an amazing knack of being in the right place at the right time. AKJ
62 | Meteor 2018 | www.rugbyschool.co.uk www.rugbyschool.co.uk | Meteor 2018 | 63 6th XI U16C U15C P4 W4 D0 L0 P5 W3 D0 L2 P10 W8 D0 L1 U14C P8 W4 L1 D3 An unbeaten season for this talented team. Ably assisted by new The U16C Hockey team were full of spirit and determination An excellent season for the 15C team who were undefeated until coach Miss Warwick, this well-organised and skilful side conceded with a team of strong players all working together to compete their final game and finished the term with a goal difference of 35. The U14C girls had tricky start with a draw against an older but only one goal (for 19 scored). The standard of hockey was high and have fun in the process. The season got off to a strong We were lucky enough to supplement the core team with additions weaker Oundle side and ended the season with a disappointing right across the squad – a factor that enabled the 6ths to control start and the team won their first three matches against Oundle from the B and D teams to provide great strength in numbers. loss to a different side from Oundle who proved to be far games from almost every position on the pitch. It was a youthful and Uppingham. Despite two final losses in our season, the The forwards and wings consisted of a very talented group of stronger. For the rest of the season goals came in every match side too, with many new LXX girls making their Rugby debut. U16Cs showed progression in their ability to keep possession players: Maggie Baring, Saskia Fuchs, Tereza Khranovska, Anna with our attacking play improving throughout, not least when Excellent levels of fitness and match intelligence were quickly of the ball and to pass strategically, helped by coaching advice McCosh, Eliza Marlow, Flora Mitchell, and Clemmie Silverwood. Bromsgrove visited us and suffered a 6-0 defeat. In their first fashioned into a cohesive unit, difficult for opponents to break from Mr Foulds. It is not surprising that the U16B coach was The midfielders proved to be decisive in many of the games – Evie season together the team became exceptionally tight and really down (even when 4th and 5th team players were brought off the impressed by the U16C team, and was keen to take on some Atkins, Nina Hayashi, Rinesa Kastrati, Daisy Laming, Clarissa Webb grew in confidence as the season progressed. Their effort in bench). Controlling players like Sophie Beckitt, Olivia Johnson-Hill of our players. The team as a whole demonstrated excellent and Jenny Wilson – and last, but by no means least, the defenders matches was matched by their enthusiasm on the training pitch and Jess Daniel blended brilliantly with the attacking instincts of sportswomanship on and off the pitch, with dignity, grace (Hosanna Irankunda and Sophia Bulla Rubio) were almost every week. Particular mention should go to Player of the Season, Ana Peters, Grace Blackburn, and Lucy Lucas-Clements. Titans and just the right level of competitiveness. Particular mention impossible to get past and Rosie Marshall was a superb goalkeeper. Meg Wells, and to our Most Improved Player, Ella Woodrow, of defence, Alysia Nimmo, Sarah Francis and Cerys Cooksammy- should go to the Player of the Season, Lilian Mossaheb, and to It was very tough to select the players of the season, but Rosie although singling these players out should take nothing away Parnell provided superb protection for the goal keeper, Rhian the Most Improved Player, Nicole Egan. The U16Cs were an Marshall was the Player of the Season after only allowing 11 goals from the other team members who all have the potential for a Kerslake. At all times, the team could rely on the pace and energy absolute delight to coach, a lovely group of committed girls. past her; and Nina Hayashi was the Most Improved Player after only great hockey career as they progress through the School. of Cordelia Marcus, Ella Finnigan and Zoe Mackie. Zara Walton starting hockey this term and improving steadily every week. Miss proved a revelation of skill and intelligent running. Overall, the SLH Chesterfield and I have really enjoyed coaching you all this term MWG VIs made a very strong case for player-led training and match and we wish you all the best in your future hockey endeavours. preparation: success was down to a developed sense of fun and excellent student leadership. U15A ICM U14D P9 W1 D2 L6 P7 W2 D1 L4 TDG The U15A hockey team may say that their season was not very U14A Throughout the hockey season the U14D team has seen over successful and on paper it doesn’t look very pleasing. However, P9 W1 D1 L7 20 players go through the squad and we started in September U16A through perseverance they have achieved some remarkable feats. with the majority of girls being totally inexperienced players or P19 W12 D1 L6 Alice Jackson was selected to play up for the U16A team early in The U14As had a tough start to the season with losses to beginners! But the girls worked hard, were enthusiastic, had the season. Emma D’Angibau also received a call-up to the U16A both Cheltenham and Uppingham to contend with early on. fun and made some rapid progress in order to manage their Our season started strongly with comfortable wins against team. Honor Richards and Chidaro Nyrienda have been training Nonetheless, a determined approached in training resulted competitive matches very early on in the season. They won two Cheltenham and Uppingham. Notably, at the beginning of the with Beeston Hockey club. The team also beat King’s Worcester in a win against St Edward’s. The girls were then set for a of their matches and had many other closely fought battles! Well season we beat Teddies 10-0 in a game in which the whole team 2-1 to go through to the second round of the Smile Cup. competitive County Cup competition but were unfortunate done to all players and I am sure their progress and enjoyment contributed a huge amount of effort which led to the brilliant win. to have five of the squad unavailable for selection following of the game will continue next season. Nearing the end of the first half of the season, we played Repton Congratulations go to Emma D’Angibau for being named Player injuries and illness in the week leading up to it; two losses in who are renowned for being our toughest opposition and the of the Year and Imogen Sharkey for being named Most Improved the tournament meant that the girls did not go through to the MEB team played the best we ever had together, and although the Player of the Year. Midlands finals. The girls did show improvement throughout outcome was 1-0 to Repton, due to a very unlucky goal, every the season but the standard of hockey in the Independent player gave their all and played with skill and aggression. DLS Schools Hockey League at this age group was particularly After our loss against Repton, the team picked themselves up and strong. Player of the Season was Jemima Barlow and the squad trained hard, which paid off with a 3-0 win against Stowe and regularly recognised her as being the stand-out performer. The a 4-0 win against Northampton’s U18 team. Our final match of U15B Most Improved Player was Grace Douglas Miller, whose effort the season was against Oundle who had a very strong team, but P9 W4 D2 L3 and work rate were exemplary throughout the season. everyone fought hard and we came home with a 3-0 win. Throughout the season the team has progressed massively due to The U15Bs had a good season. Each of the matches that they lost EAR lots of hard work and effort but also the excellent coaching from were only by a narrow margin, meaning they ended the season Mr Dhanda and Mr Tester, who have supported us through every with a positive goal difference. They worked incredibly hard all match and training session, enabling us to improve hugely and season, in every training session. They have been a great team to U14B making the season thoroughly enjoyable. coach because, as well as lots of fun, they have listened carefully P9 W2 D1 L6 to everything they have been taught and have built themselves Lissie Bridges-Webb (D) into a strong team who should, hopefully, go on to even more The stats suggest a weak U14B side this year, but the ability of success in the future. Special thanks should go to our captain, the girls themselves tells a different story, with strong opponents Neve Satchwell, who led from the front, approaching every providing the challenging experience that could well prove U16B training session and match with full effort and determination. In invaluable in future seasons. Five of the girls were promoted to the P9 W8 D0 L1 addition, the Most Improved Player Award for the season went As on merit and there was a six game streak in the middle of the to Hope Stoney. Hope started the term without a set position but season during which only five goals were conceded, a testament Domination was the motto of the U16B team. They were she worked hard, listened well and became a key defender. The to a defence that grew in strength and confidence. Unsurprising victorious throughout the season until meeting stiff opposition Player of the Season was Shobana Satchithananthan. Shobana then that Player of the Season went to defender Alex Neal and from Oundle in the final fixture to determine who would be is quite difficult to coach because she has a style all of her own. Most Improved Player to goalkeeper Nafisa Atta. overall league winners. Oundle had the greater skill and were Her motto is “why use two hands on the stick when you only able to hold off all attacking play from the girls in order to snatch need one”, but this may actually be because her feet are so quick Goal scoring was the problem and once this team clicks and finds victory. Prior to this the team had made impressive progress it takes a while for the rest of her to catch up! There is plenty of a more direct route to the backboard, all their hard work will be with highlights including a well fought victory against Repton potential in this team and a number of them should be pushing rewarded with improved results. That said, the two wins against St. on a Thursday afternoon and a 13-0 goal fest of a victory to move into the A team as they move into the U16s. I wish them Edward’s and Trent saw a combined total of 11 goals fly in, though against Trent. All girls improved their skill massively and worked all the best in their future seasons. the coaches felt that the narrow losses to strong sides from Repton extremely well as a team. and Oakham showed the team in their best light. KH RJF1 LMH/SF
64 | Meteor 2018 | www.rugbyschool.co.uk www.rugbyschool.co.uk | Meteor 2018 | 65 U16A can only be fought against if the group understand that this can P23 W16 D0 L7 be an issue. This was not a problem for Harry Darby throughout the year. Harry ended up playing pretty much every minute of “I have learnt that in life the best thing you can do is the right thing, every game, and his influence at full back was marked. The drive the next best is the wrong thing, but the worst thing you can do is and determination in defence that he showed gave the team the nothing.” Theodore Roosevelt basis for attacking. Similarly, for this reason, the joy of watching Jordan Hayward score his reverse stick hit against St Edward’s was The U16 boys’ hockey season saw progress on all fronts which, palpable. The opposition manager asked me, having taken two in turn, led to some fantastic outcomes for the talented players of our higher-level players off, whether he was a 1st team player, involved. At the start of the season, who would have ever such was the quality of the goal. This was an important moment thought the team would, in the coming weeks, win their County for Jordan, as he worked tirelessly for the team throughout the Cup and second place in the Regional Cup, and then represent season and was never guilty of social loafing. Indeed, Dougie their school in the national finals at an Olympic ground? The Ralston and Sean Tobin were other characters like this – always work that it took to get to these dizzy heights, in a season giving their all and contributing to the team effort. I liken group that ended up spanning 24 matches, whilst studying for their dynamics and team building to painting a rainbow. You need all impending GCSE exams, was quite phenomenal, and must be the different colours within the side for the team to be successful. congratulated. The lessons that the players learnt throughout this These three, along with the aforementioned, Baker and Parker, journey were varied, and, I hope, important for later on in life. were crucial to the overall success of the squad. Peter Colbourne was another, at the start of the season, who added to this, whilst The first training sessions were undertaken, and comments in the emergence later in the season of Will Jackson and Harry training such as “We’re not that good”, and, “Hockey’s not McNee to the squad from the U15s was important for later my sport anyway”, led to a rebuilding process of culture and victories. Indeed, the latter of these two stole the show in the mindset. An important first two wins against Bedford and regional match against Trent and their future is truly exciting. Oundle set a certain level of confidence, and this was followed up by early success in the County Cup, where victories against And so back to the season, and after the regional finals, where we KES Birmingham, Warwick School, King Henry VIII School, and once again beat Trent and KES Birmingham, we were finally to face then KES Birmingham again, gave the side their first trophy of Repton. This was a disappointing match, and probably one step the season. By this time, the structure of the side had been set. too far in what was an exhausting day. The most frustrating thing Charlie Bruce Jones had become a rock in the centre of midfield; was that we looked scared of trying to play, and worried about Josh Montfort Bebb had started a scoring spree that would last failure. Even the incredible efforts that day of Jack Hughes, who throughout the season; Ed Whittley had confirmed himself as a was a colossus throughout the season, could not prevent defeat. powerhouse in the team, and Ollie Mourant and Beno Wiltshire Jack’s attitude to sport is something every younger player in the produced match-winning performances consistently to get the school should aspire to. His drive to be the best possible version of side to this point. himself really helped us from his half back position, and he became crucial in both attack and defence. We then went on to play Prior BOYS’ HOCKEY Improved Player. Our playmakers this year were Arun Mehta and Consistency is an interesting challenge in school sport. The Park College in an away fixture to try and reach the national finals. Will Gardener and their job was to distribute the ball to our pacey young players have so much to do in their lives, and so many What an occasion! Prior Park had half of their school out watching midfield and forward players’ where the likes of Hugh Ogle, other pressures, that to become a consistently good side, the in what was an extremely intimidating atmosphere. The team XI Noah Martle, Tom Farren and Hector Hilleary were constant training environment needs to be one where mistakes can be played superbly, with the prolific goal scorer Josh Montfort Bebb P12 W6 D0 L6 threats. Wilf de La Hey was a composed presence in front of goal, made. Indeed, this is the only way that one (and the team) opening the game up with a superb reverse stick finish, whilst finishing the season as top goal scorer while it was great to be can improve. This is where the quotation above became more Beno Wiltshire and Ollie Mourant gave every last bit of energy to The XI this year was a development year and the results reflected able to include D Block boys, Beno Wiltshire and Oli Mourant, pertinent. After wins against St Edward’s, Oxford, and crucial the performance, providing quality and skill. that. The squad consisted largely of LXX players which included into the squad on a regular basis and they will both be integral victories against Thomas Telford and Trent College in the regional the captain, Noah Martle and the vice-captain, Arun Mehta. In members of the squad next year. A big blow early in the season cup, the side lost their way slightly as Radley and Stamford I must say something about these two. In the rainbow that I the last game of the season there was only one member of the was the loss of Laurie Lewis who injured himself only minutes stopped the unbeaten run. This was a turning point in the talked about, it is imperative, to be seen as one of the best, that XX in the squad, which bodes well for the XI next year especially after scoring the goal of the season, a top corner piledriver in a season, as the quality of training ramped up and the players you have match winners in the squad. A sportsman once said with the U16s reaching the National Finals and winning all their cup match against Loughborough High. started to take responsibility for their own training. Much of this to me, “Working hard is a prerequisite, but what else do you league games. was epitomised by the development of our goalkeeper, Conor bring?” Ollie and Beno time and time again brought match- Many of the LXX boys had a big learning curve this year stepping Tobin, who realised how good he was, and how putting extra winning performances to the season, and their efforts, as well The indoor season gave the boys confidence as we were very up from U16A hockey, but the likes of Miles Shaw (goalkeeper), time and effort into his training linearly saw him become one as their humble natures, really added the icing to what was unfortunate not to qualify for Regional Finals Day, missing out Marcus Richards and Hugh Falconer (half backs) and Jeremy of the best goalkeepers on the circuit. It was no surprise to me becoming a very tasty cake. I look forward to hearing about how on goal difference only despite beating the County Winners, Weru (forward) made great improvements over the course of that we saw incredible diving saves regularly towards the end their hockey develops in the future! Warwick School. In the outdoor season there were good wins the term. George Mallinson at left back was another who made of the season – this was due to the amount that he saved (and over Oundle and Uppingham and, for a large part of the season, great strides over the season before injury ruled him out of the missed) in the extra training sessions he put in. Similarly, the The 3-1 away win against Prior Park led us to the national finals we were in both cup competitions, including reaching the last couple of matches. Great credit must go to Noah Martle and roles of Eddie Baker, Alex Parker and Dan Hatton became even at Lee Valley Olympic Park. It was an honour that the players quarter finals of the Independent Schools Cup. The performance Arun Mehta for their leadership of the team. I involved them far more important. Conversations with the latter of this triumvirate were pictured as one of the eight best teams in the country of the season came in a backs-to-the-wall 3-1 win over a talented more in the running of training sessions and setting the standards earlier on in the season were based around being a leader at their age group. The sessions we had in preparation were a KES, Birmingham in the ISHC while there was also a dramatic that they wanted for their team on training and match days and I and not making excuses. Dan’s effort and humility increased total reverse of what we had experienced at the start of what penalty shootout win over Solihull in the second round of the was delighted with how they responded. throughout the season and had a huge bearing on the side. No was to be a very long and busy season. On the day, stage fright National Cup. Twice the boys came from 3-0 or 3-1 down to win longer was there an excuse and blame culture, but instead one of got the better of the team in the first match, where decisions 5-4, firstly against St Edward’s, Oxford and then in the final game A big thank you also to Mr Dhanda for his umpiring of all XI acceptance that to become the best in your field, one must take got muddied and the occasion overcame the side. However, of the season against Oundle. matches and his support to me as coach and also to Mr Tester the lead. an improvement in the second match gave the team hope for and Ollie Willars, who helped to coach the XI at times during our final encounter against Whitgift School. This performance Player of the Season and Clubman of the Year went to a member the season. I know the boys really valued all of your input and This concept was important for the team during the season. became the epitome of our season – a hard-working, passionate of the XX, Max Bowen, a consistent performer whose attitude with the passion and desire of the coaching team, I know Rugby The theory of social loafing is an important one for any group team show against the very best side in the country. To finish the was exemplary. Max made tackles, ran down short corners and School hockey will continue to improve. dynamic to understand. It is based on the Ringelmann Effect, season as part of one of the very finest teams in the country was was tireless in his midfield running. Ross Warwood at centre whose basic premise is that when you add team members to a testament to the quality and effort that the players had put in back was another who never failed to give less than 100% and JMS group, the output lessens for each individual player. It’s human throughout the season. broke up numerous opposition attacks. Ross was awarded Most nature to let someone take on some of the work for you, and it
66 | Meteor 2018 | www.rugbyschool.co.uk www.rugbyschool.co.uk | Meteor 2018 | 67 The U16A hockey team of 2018 made decisions, sometimes For the awards this season, the Most Improved Player goes to U14C failing, and more regularly succeeding. They also made a Raphael Mathews whose skills have increased along with his P4 W3 L0 D1 decision, throughout the season, to become the best possible confidence. The Player’s Player goes to Oscar Phillips who has version of themselves – and how well they achieved this. frequently been a game-changer with the energy and skill he When the U14C boys played this year, they played with spirit and displays on the pitch. enthusiasm. Unfortunately Mother Nature got in the way a little NT so the team only managed to play four matches throughout the KH term. The winning margins were decisive in the three victories, demonstrating a solid attack and defence and although the draw U16B against St Edward’s was one of the tougher matches, the team P8 W4 D2 L2 U14A remained cohesive and managed to stave off several concerted P10 W4 D1 L5 attacks. Julian Baring, in goal, was certainly kept on his toes! As This was a successful season for a side with real spirit and ever, choosing individuals to recognise over others is no easy enthusiasm, with only one game lost in regular time and another It is very clear that boys’ hockey in the Midlands is extremely task, but the quiet force of Alex Cartwright had to be singled on penalties. A 3-3 draw against Bedford to open the season strong at this age group and lesser teams than this Rugby U14A out for Player of the Season whilst Noah Milligan’s ever-present, perhaps should have been a win, but this only inspired fine side would have struggled in almost every fixture. That all the ever-keen dedication had him well-placed for our Most Improved performances to defeat Radley (4-1) and Oundle (6-0). Consistent games were played to a competitive standard was a testament to Player. I hope that next year this team will manage more fixtures; pressure against a dogged St. Edward’s side eventually yielded the depth of talent in the squad: what the side may have lacked in they deserve to show their skills off more widely. a 5-1 victory, before a loss at home to a strong Stamford side star quality they more than made up for with no weak links across (2-4) and an agonising defeat on penalties at Trent. An excellent the park, no matter what combination of the 15 boys was used. MWG showing against Uppingham’s senior 4th XI (4-1) got us back to Dino Gallone pulled off some magnificent saves in goal, though winning ways, before a captivating encounter against Oakham the defensive unit of Harry Hess, George Whitelaw, Orsin Salha, (2-2) to finish the season. The main strength of the side was Will Pond and Thomas Hortop, kept some fine attacks at bay. Hess U14D undoubtedly the work rate and defensive pressure applied by the was named Player of the Season for his skill, awareness and calm P5 W5 D0 L0 midfield, and great improvements were made in the ‘final third’ authority at the back, though in truth a number of boys would over the course of the season. have been equally deserving. Eddie King and Fred Thame proved An impressive unbeaten season for this talented and enthusiastic the most skilful players in midfield and much of the attacking play group of players. The team had battled their way through AELT went through them. Having the wide options of Sholto Harris inclement weather and injury to deliver some fantastic Stuart and the pace of Kenzie Morgan always resulted in the performances. After a strong start against Bedford most productive attacking play, though Misha Rodko and Ted (3-1) and St Edwards (6-0) talented striker U15A Pryke were also both constant threats in the middle. A plethora Dom Pritchard, P9 W1 D1 L7 of possibilities up front meant opposition defences could never who scored four settle. Luke Heseltine often created space for others to play in to, goals, was lost The U15 boys’ hockey team had a tough season, playing against with the aforementioned Pryke, as well as Lochie Bruneau and to injury. Not to some high quality opposition teams. Several cancelled matches and Ethan La Porta being amongst the beneficiaries, the latter being worry, Ben Fossik a reduced number of outdoor training sessions due to the poor awarded Most Improved Player, due to his pure adaptability at and Onochie weather made it difficult for the boys to find any sort of rhythm. playing in different positions. Thame and Pryke ended up as the Nwagobogu However, highlights included a 2-0 win against St Edward’s School season’s leading goal scorers, but if ever there was a hockey team stepped up and and a 1-1 draw with Bedford School early in the season where the that should look forward to future seasons playing together, this continued the prolific boys showed real grit and determination against a good side. group of exceptional boys is certainly the real deal. scoring. Nwagbogu was pulled up to the C team late in the season, giving George Sale his opportunity, which he took with The aim of the season was to develop individual skills and unit SF1 both hands, scoring some tremendous goals himself. The midfield skills which will stand the team in good stead next year and of Max Tannet, Jonty Smith, Angus Hill-Trevor, Edward McDonald, every player in the team improved as the season progressed. Edward Delville-Jones and Joshua Nevill supplied the front line The Coaches’ Player of the Season was James Miller, who played U14B with excellent ball and made life difficult for any opposition consistently well and demonstrated great versatility, being able P6 W5 D0 L1 attack. Alex Milner and Benjamin Ellis were rock solid in the centre to play in any position. The Coaches’ Most Improved Player of defence ably supported by Taisei Suzuki and Felix Jameson was Ollie Chapman, whose tackling, passing and leading skills The mighty U14B team had an excellent season. It was fantastic Evans. In goal Isaiah Simmons-Alexander conceded only five goals developed significantly throughout the season, as well as his to see the players grow in all aspects through the season. Not all season making some terrific saves on route. The final game of awareness of the correct option to pick in match play situations. only did their skills level increase but their understanding of the the season against Oakham in sub-zero conditions and a howling game and teamwork improved dramatically from the start of the gale was a nail biter but the character of the team shone through PKB season. They also grew as young men, understanding the values of and a 4-3 win was a great way to crown a superb season. hard work and teamwork as well as displaying courage and good sportsmanship. Most of all, they had fun and enjoyed themselves. U15B It was a very well balanced team with a strong defence, only MF P5 W5 D0 L0 conceding five goals in six games. A solid midfield that was able to provide good opportunities for the forwards to score a phenomenal This season saw the U15Bs secure their second undefeated 24 goals in six games, averaging at four goals per game. Albert U14E season in a row. They have, perhaps, been helped a little by a Sitwell was our most prolific goal scorer, scoring 11 goals in the P4 W4 D0 L0 few matches being cancelled due to bad weather, but I am sure season, the next being Freddy Fowler with four. Ollie Orme-Smith that even with a full fixture list the boys would still have been led the team well and displayed some great skills until he was A glorious unbeaten run from the U14Es culminated in the 7-0 victorious. At times they made hard work of it, twice coming injured. Charlie Jacklin took over the captaincy admirably and also thrashing of Uppingham on a murky day in March. Captain from behind in order to win. They were 2-0 down at half-time impressed with his strong defence. Hugo Ambrose led from the front, forming a dynamic attacking against both Trent and Uppingham and yet managed to finish partnership with Isaac Denness. Chessell, Hammond and Chalmers’ both games with a 3-2 win. Whilst I’ve never known a team so A big thank you to Mr Jake Ling for his coaching of the boys. He committed performances were also worthy of note. That which is collectively fall apart with laughter whenever anyone on the pitch had a great rapport with the boys and they thoroughly enjoyed his called a rose by any other name would smell as sweet: this team falls over, they’ve also met every match with a determination to sessions and playing for the team. was much, much better than the letter ‘E’ suggests. win and they have done exactly that. It certainly has helped that no defender who values their teeth will go within a mile of Alex MAB TEM Watson when he is lining up a shot in the D!
68 | Meteor 2018 | www.rugbyschool.co.uk www.rugbyschool.co.uk | Meteor 2018 | 69 3rd VII U15A P8 W8 D0 L0 P14 W8 L5 D1
The 3rds are an incredibly motivated group of individuals The U15A had a very positive season winning the majority of their NETBALL who remain undefeated this season. They strive for excellence league games including fixtures such as Oakham and Bromsgrove, on the court and have improved in each game of the eight whom they had struggled against in the previous season. This played this season. Credit must go to the Captain Maisie shows the extra hard work put into pre-season training had paid 1st VII Harte who has encouraged her team through every game. off. The victories came from the praiseworthy turnovers from P17 W9 D0 L8 With the team scoring an impressive total of 190 goals, I the defensive unit made up of Shona, Caoimhe, Daisy and Chid must mention our consistently impressive shooter, Flossie as well as the precision shooting by Honor and Jenny, and not The 1st VII started the season with a convincing win over Rosser, who won the Players’ Player award of the season: her forgetting the excellent attacking play of Alice, Bea and Immy. We King’s High in the ISNC to take them to round 2, they came movement on court is fantastic and she has been an essential ended on a high by playing some outstanding netball in the U15 2nd in both the County tournament and the CSW tournament member of the team who will be missed next year. Shout out County Tournament and hope this will continue into next season! only losing to Higham Lane in both tournaments. This also goes to the well-deserved Freya Harrison, Coaches Player, It was a pleasure to see the team grow in strength and confidence meant qualification to the regional round of the national and Jess Daniel, Most Improved Player of the season. throughout the season. Coach’s Player goes to Imogen Sharkey tournament for the second time in two years. Unfortunately, who was committed at every training session and in every match. losses to Bromsgrove in round 2 of the ISNC and the regional AKJ Most Improved Player goes to Bea Rose for her roles in attack tournament ended the road to further rounds of both and bringing the ball down court. Shona McGuinness was voted competitions. The team has worked relentlessly in training Players’ Player for her consistency in the defensive circle. to achieve fast and fluent netball with interchanging defence 4th VII tactics led by Ellie Kennedy and Charlotte Franklin. Captain P9 W8 D0 L1 AC Clara Miles led the team’s attack to impressive shooting statistics. Anastasia De Clermont was unanimously voted The 4th VII team had a fantastic season of netball. The girls Players’ Player and Coaches’ Player after maintaining her mid went above and beyond my expectations across the term and U15B court performance that is worthy of a place in higher level could have given higher teams a run for their money. Perhaps P8 W3 D0 L5 netball. Most Improved Player goes to Harriet Fagan for her this means I am a biased coach, but never a biased umpire! performance in all defensive roles this season. They brought individual dexterity and worked with such fluidity The U15 B team had a season of many close and competitive and harmony as a team. A highlight was the nail-biting match matches. They were all focused in training sessions and their DLS against Tudor Hall in which we got ahead in the final quarter to performance in matches reflected this hard work and team spirit, win 18-16. Across the season we won a total of eight matches though the results did not always go their way. Hope Stoney, and lost just one (but as this loss was a “friendly” game we have Scarlett Wellings and Rosie Marshall formed a strong defence in 2nd VII collectively chosen to ignore it). Frequently, we won by 10 or 20 the circle and the centre court players, Emma d’Angibau, Clemmie P9 W4 D0 L5 goals, which is a reflection of the grit and determination of the Silverwood, Anastasiya Gromyko and Flora Mitchell, worked tirelessly 4th VII. Each and every one of the girls shone in their individual in both defensive and attacking situations. The shooters, Georgina The 2nd VII had a tough start of the season, losing both of our positions, but it should be noted that Tilly Ponsonby gained Jewson, Hosannah Irankunda and Auriel Pawsey, shot accurately early fixtures against Oakham and Bromsgrove narrowly by the Players’ Player Award; Sophie McCulloch gained the Most throughout the season and worked well together in the circle. three goals. Having been so close to victory we were determined Improved Player award; and Zara Walton received the award for to win, so we pinpointed our weaknesses and began to train the coach’s player. This group of strong, young, sportswomen AC more effectively and with determination to improve our game were an absolute pleasure to work with throughout the season. strategy. In our next match against Stowe, we put in our maximum effort and won 30-17. Throughout the season our SLH U15C shooters, Lucy Lucas Clements, Mimi Tennant and Amy Stoker P6 W3 D0 L3 scored 227 goals. In our fixture against Repton, we were just as driven, securing a 28-23 victory. U16A It’s been a good season for the 15C team with plenty of victories P7 W4 D0 L3 throughout the term. The centre court has been admirably The second half of the season saw some very close results. controlled by the skills of Bertille de France, Jeanie Falconer, Neve Matches against Uppingham and Oundle were hugely The U16A VII had an enjoyable season and the quality of netball Satchwell, Shobana Satchitananthan and Maggie Baring . Defending competitive but unfortunately both resulted in losses by only played throughout was high. Despite losing the first game of the ‘D’ were the powerful defenders Saskia Fuchs, Georgie Clayton one goal. This was a disappointing end to the season for the the season to Oakham, they then went on to pick up a number and May-Ling Turner. Lastly, our very able shooters were able to team, having shown such determination in all of our matches. of convincing wins against Bromsgrove, Quinton House, score 111 goals in just six matches: well done Evie Atkins, Jessie Mimi Tennant was a fantastic captain, giving her full effort to the Uppingham and Oundle. What impressed me most about the Stoddart and Izzy de la Hey. Coach’s Player was Evie and Most team and remaining positive in all training sessions and matches. girls this season was their focus and determination, and this Improved was Shobana. Well done for a fabulous season and I hope Despite gaining and losing players from the team due to injury, permeated both training and match settings. Each girl worked that you continue to play (and enjoy) netball in your time at school! teamwork and focus remained strong despite some flexibility incredibly hard to ensure that they improved and as a team between positions. they learnt how best to work together; perhaps the touch rugby ICM bonding session helped with this part-way through the season! We wish those players in the XX the very best for their future Alongside a great work ethic was their inclination for fun and and hope that it involves playing some netball. Those of us who Rosanna Brockbank definitely entertained us all, whether that U14A return next year look forward to another exciting season. was with her dance moves, goal-celebrations or ruthlessly taking P14 W3 D2 L9 out the officials on the side-line. Lucy Venters was awarded Kiki Budden & Lucy Lucas-Clements (St) Coach’s Player as she was a calm, mature and talented captain A season of frustrations for the U14A as many games were lost by throughout the season – balancing her WASPS commitments narrow margins. The team bonded well due to playing in a local with the School fixture card. The girls voted Ingrid Thame their league on Sunday mornings but struggled to relay this in to court Players’ Player (she played excellently and tirelessly at Centre) sequences during league school matches. Great performances by and Lucy Seidler was awarded Most Improved Player as she both Jemima Barlow and Harriet Anthony led the pair to Receive made the most significant progress in her role as goalkeeper. player of the Season trophies, shooting 220 goals over the season. Most Improved Player was awarded to Nafisa Atta. EAR AC
70 | Meteor 2018 | www.rugbyschool.co.uk www.rugbyschool.co.uk | Meteor 2018 | 71 U14B BOYS’ CRICKET P7 W4 D0 L3
The U14B girls’ netball team had a good season and were XI an absolute pleasure to coach and manage. They were P12 W4 L6 D2 committed, determined and very willing to work hard to succeed, managing to win more matches than they lost. The The XI enjoyed a challenging season on the cricket field after season’s awards were presented to Tabitha Dury Davies for Most one of the wettest starts to a season for many years. Pre-Season Improved Player; Jemima Henderson Players’ Player and last but was a complete wash-out, as was the School’s annual fixture by no means least, Coach’s Player of the Season to Lottie Short. with the MCC. The highlight of the season was the final week Congratulations to all players and I am sure they will continue where the XI played their annual two-day fixtures with Clifton to thrive next season and enjoy their involvement. and Marlborough College. There were a number of individual highlights in both these fixtures. Rugby’s Captain Henry Anton MEB notched up an eagerly anticipated and thoroughly deserved century against a strong Clifton attack whilst young Jacob Bethell recorded figures of six for 86 off 25 overs. Will Hardman U14C followed up his near heroics at Lords in the 450th anniversary P6 W1 D0 L5 match with an innings-saving 91 which featured both resilience and the shot making of a wise old Owl in the XX. Hugh Ogle The U14Cs played in six matches this season and faced some also demonstrated his big match performance with a resilient challenging teams, leading to five losses and one win over 49 not out in the 2nd innings of the Marlborough match. Tudor Hall. The level of enthusiasm of the team was high throughout and they demonstrated some excellent skills and Rugby responded from the early loss to a very strong St teamwork throughout their matches. Players’ Player was chosen Edward’s team with an excellent win against a spirited Eton by the team as Jasmine Macintosh for her contribution to the XI. Rugby then beat Wellingborough in the National T20 first team as goal shooter. Coach’s Player was awarded to Stella round with Jonny Law bowling his four overs for just 14 runs. Spens for her excellent sportsmanship and supportive attitude Unfortunately, a defeat by Stowe followed where just eight runs to other team members. Most Improved Player was awarded to separated the two teams in a surprisingly low scoring match in Megan Wells. arctic conditions.
KW1/PJAR Rugby travelled to Oundle and after a slow start posted a competitive score of 181 on a bowler friendly surface, Josh Montfort Bebb and Will Hardman both posting half centuries. U14D Montfort Bebb scored an excellent 71 runs, supported brilliantly P6 W5 D0 L1 by Hardman (52) who again showed his experience, guiding 2nd XI for it. The victorious performance itself is merely the demonstration his exuberant young SF partner through to his half-century to P7 W2 D0 L5 of their championship character.’ T Allen Armstrong U14D team had an exceptional season. They have won all of rescue the innings. Sadly, after Rugby reduced Oundle to two their matches, except the last one, played in extreme weather, for two, heavy rain prevented the match from an undoubtedly In a term with many disruptions and D Block and XX exams, Cricket in schools is a fascinating sport to be involved with. with Oundle. The girls have shown they possess an incredible thrilling conclusion. the XXII performed admirably when we batted first. Our The year begins in September, when most of the pupils aren’t team spirit and willingness to learn. Several players deserve a bowling was solid throughout the season with probably the even thinking about the game, or how to improve in it, and particular mention: Mimi Merritt for her willingness to try her The XI travelled away to Uppingham where they recorded a most consistency from Alex Parker, who eventually made his then, in next to no time, it is January. As the winter months fly hardest; Willa de Jonge for her enthusiasm to try a new position resounding 9-wkt victory. Rugby restricted the home team debut for the XI. Other good performances with the ball came by, some practice, whilst others start to focus on exams, until, and excel in it; and Maddie Tailby-Faulkes for her incredible to just 137 having at one stage reached 74 without loss from from Matty Coe, who took four wickets in one match bowling suddenly, the summer comes and the players expect themselves precision under the basket. just 17 overs. The spin pairing of Anton and the young Bethell spin and three in another bowling pace. Solomon Johnson-Hill to perform in this unique competitive sport where failure is so proved too much for the Uppingham batsmen. Anton claimed also performed admirably with the ball, bowling with some regularly experienced. ADH three wickets and Bethell an excellent five for 14 off 10 overs. devastating pace. Anton (58*) and Bethell (32) made light of the target of 138 The U15 season was a success in two ways. Firstly, in terms and finished the game off in only the 39th Over. Our batting let us down this season, especially when we had of the excellent results, as the side managed to reach the U15F/U14F to chase. We unfortunately were unable to build significant final stages of the regional finals, having won their age group P4 W0 D0 L4 Heavy defeats to Bedford and Shrewsbury either side of the partnerships and lost wickets too easily at regular intervals. county cup, and finished just a match away from a place in the Uppingham victory left the XI going in to two very tough Having said that, there were some good performances with national final. Secondly (and, perhaps, most importantly), in The U14F and U15F teams combined to play against Oundle, two-day fixtures low on confidence. A young yet resilient side the bat from Jacob Drabble (45), Ben Muncaster (35), Wilf de the way in which this group of young players learnt the value Uppingham and Kimbolton Schools. With several of our players worked well leading up to the big final week although the la Hey (33) and George Mallinson (30) through the season. We of practice and preparation – and its relationship with the having had little or no experience of netball before this season, failure of Trent to raise a 1st XI team was a frustrating and needed some batsmen to kick on after good starts and more aforementioned successes. The term started in a rushed way, we faced some tough opposition. However, their determination worrying sign of modern times. The Clifton two-day match consistency would have helped the cause. with structures quickly being put in place for team fielding, and resilience should be applauded, with coaches from other highlighted the potential in this young team with Archie Gibbs bowling and batting, and cultures having to be broken down schools commenting on their positive attitude to the sport and opening the batting and scoring a convincing 21 in the 1st The boys nevertheless enjoyed themselves and were always slowly, as much of this was coach-led. The concept of focus in their efforts to act on advice. Captain Freya Seex was excellent innings. Bethell (59) and Anton (136*) put on 124 runs for the upbeat and competitive when we were in the field. A big thank training also had to be challenged, as the use of time in the way at keeping everyone focused and in good spirits throughout 2nd wkt and Will Gardener took four for 68 and bowled with you to Mr Tom Middleton, who scored and helped with the the players trained was questionable. That said, the potential of the fixtures and consequently she was voted Players’ Player by aggression and control. umpiring on Saturdays. It was a most enjoyable season. the group was obvious, as the side beat King Edward VI Sports the team. Most Improved Player went to Marwa Jama, who College convincingly in their first cup match. Archie Gibbs (61) made excellent progress as a goal shooter for the first time. The Marlborough two-day fixture at home rounded off a tough MAB introduced himself here in the first of many important innings, Finally, Coach’s Player went to Rainbow Hong for her continued season for the XI but allowed the XI stalwarts of Captain Henry and Paddy Powell Capper (65) also scored heavily, and, once efforts across the season and huge contribution to the team Anton and his SF compatriot Will Hardman to sign off their three the main protagonist of the opposition had been sent back to performance. years in the XI with valuable innings in both the Clifton and U15A the pavilion, the game was easily won. A tied match followed Marlborough fixtures. They leave a group of young Cricketers P9 W4 D0 L5 against St Edward’s (featuring a strong 52 and 4-18 from Oscar KW1/CAO and leave as loyal servants to the traditional Duck-Egg. Phillips), before the team ably beat Oakham and Solihull in MJP ‘Champions do not become champions when they win the event, consecutive T20 matches. A partnership in the first of these but in the hours, weeks, months and years they spend preparing matches between Watson and Powell Capper was pleasing to
72 | Meteor 2018 | www.rugbyschool.co.uk www.rugbyschool.co.uk | Meteor 2018 | 73 see, whilst Jacob Bethell’s 56 from 43 balls in the latter of these U15B by Tom Hortop, 65* versus Bedford, while the innings of the GIRLS’ CRICKET was exquisite. P7 W4 D0 L3 season came from La Porta, a Northants U14 player, who scored a magnificent 119 against Cheltenham looking very However, whilst results put a gloss on things, what was An overall extremely pleasing season for the 15Bs led by Harry classy in doing so. Victories came batting first against strong XI particularly interesting behind the scenes was the change of Chapman, in which the boys massively developed in ability and opposition in Oakham, Cheltenham, KES Birmingham and P5 W3 D0 L2 atmosphere within the training camp. Significant improvements character. The season began with a relatively comfortable win then in the County Final while the boys also enjoyed their were being made in the way that we practised, and extra over Teddy’s, Oxford, the bowlers taking the plaudits to bowl the experience of playing “The Hundred” for the first time at the The girls’ cricket season got off to a great start with the first sessions were being used for individual development. Due to opposition out for 74 on a very slow wicket. A nail-biting finish Cheltenham festival where Dom Ritchie excelled with the bat XI beating Trent comfortably. Captain Freya Harrison led the this, when the matches came about, the players were able to followed against Oakham in which the boys made a meal of in both games. They struggled a little more chasing totals, batting order with a fine display of shots. Harriet Cuthbert took make individual decisions. This was important as a chastening chasing 69 in wet conditions, but another win. Our next game disappointingly coming up short in the Uppingham and Trent numerous wickets with her fast-paced delivery. Our good form defeat against Cheltenham College needed a strong response, against Oundle signalled a dramatic shift in their young cricketing matches but this will improve with more experience. With continued for much of the term. The team achieved notable and the win against King Edward’s School Birmingham was careers. The boys fought hard in dismal conditions in chasing 146 the ball, Alex Cartwright (12 wickets in the season) and Praan victories against Uppingham, in which Captain Freya Harrison particularly sweet. Again, Gibbs scored runs (58), alongside Jacob over 30 overs. They fell six runs short but showed great character Moodley, bamboozled many a good batsman with their flighty took three wickets, against Bromsgrove. The highlight of the Bethell (47), whose bowling was also becoming more and more and resilience to bat out the 30 overs, a feat they had not leg spin while the opening bowling partnership of Hortop and season had to be the exciting opportunity for the first XI to important, to win by eight wickets. It was also exciting to do this achieved in their first year of cricket. A heavy loss to Cheltenham Fowler (who ended the season as top wicket taker with 16 play against Marlborough, a historic match to mark the 50th in front of one of England’s finest ever batsmen, Jonathan Trott, followed but again character was shown as we made 140+, Jack wickets) was as good as there was on the circuit and regularly anniversary of girls at the School. We travelled down the day who came to watch the team’s development. Cross top scoring with 40. An easy win at Uppingham followed, put the opposition under pressure right from the start. It was before and were hosted for a barbeque with the opposition again the bowlers with a dominant display, before another great to see the emergence of Harry Hess as an all-rounder this before spending the rest of the evening as a team doing bonding The work rate and culture described was now steaming ahead. heavy loss at Bedford with a depleted side. The boys wrapped season and the team were lucky to be able to call upon two exercises. Even though we narrowly lost the game, the team put The players were coming to training sessions with plans of up the season empathically with a 32-run win against Trent, Josh very talented wicket keepers in King and Thame. Will Shingles up a good fight and played well. Luisa Prior and Claudia Harrison what they wanted to achieve from the time they had, and with Sanderson finally contributing with 50 off 23 balls. and Kenzie Morgan both chipped in with useful runs and also made their debuts for the XI in this game. Overall, as a club, the use of the superb training facilities that the school has, we wickets too and will have learned lots from playing a season of we had a very successful season winning 70% of our matches. really started to see the true qualities of the players exhibiting AMB ‘A’ team cricket. themselves. A strong win against Uppingham, with a third DLS fifty for Gibbs, ably supported by Will Vaughan, coupled with King, La Porta, Hortop, Freddie Fowler and Fred Thame were all an excellent bowling spell from Will Dudley (2-22), set up an U15C selected to play for the U15s in their run to the Regional finals intriguing match against Bedford School. Two of our main P5 W1 D0 L4 while it is also worth mentioning that Jacob Bethell, another U15 batsmen were playing 1st team cricket by this time, but the future superstar in this year group, played the whole season in P5 W4 D0 L1 side showed diligence and character to push Bedford as far This was a tough season for the U15C cricket team in terms the XI as a 14 year old! With hard work in the winter on their as possible. Powell Capper was back to his best in his batting, of the quality of opposition faced, but the players showed techniques this group will do Rugby School cricket proud in The U15A team achieved great scoring 54, backed up superbly by Ethan Laporta (34), whilst impressive resilience in all the matches and there were some fine the future and it was our pleasure to coach them. success in playing five hardball the introduction of Guy Wilson showed exciting prospects for performances across the season. After a losing start against St matches and winning four the future. Edward’s, hope dawned in the shape of a victory against Oakham, JMS & SF out of the five. They with Ollie Chapman – soon to be promoted to the Bs – scoring beat Bromsgrove by a The loss against Bedford was, perhaps, by no means a negative 30 runs and William Spruce taking three wickets with his fast convincing eight wickets thing. Indeed, sometimes the true value of a team or individual and accurate bowling. However, we then lost the next three after Henderson and is how one bounces back from disappointment. And perhaps the matches, against Oundle, Cheltenham and Bedford. Making runs Merritt took two wickets best performance of the season was against Shrewsbury School, was not especially problematic – scoring a 100 feels solid to me each. Auriel Pawsey then, as we travelled to the highly renowned school for another at C team level and we managed this against Oundle (100) and achieved an impressive regional cup match. Despite a minor collapse at the start of the Bedford (102) and came close against Cheltenham (89) – but 22 runs. The St Edward’s innings, a wonderful partnership between Laporta (52*) and we lacked bowling depth as regards bowlers who could really game saw Bertille De Oscar Phillips (36*), gave the team a strong total of 134 from the trouble batsman with fast and fierce deliveries (in 25-over cricket France score 48 not out in 20 overs. Shrewsbury fought back, but Jacob Bethell’s 4-8 from one bowler is limited to five overs). The star player was the her debut match that allowed his four allotted overs tilted the game Rugby’s way. captain, Hasnain Khan, who scored 31 against Oundle and a very Rugby to won by ten wickets! impressive 39 against a strong Bedford team. Well done to all the Our final friendly at the end of the season saw Rugby win players, who tried their best, and, I hope, enjoyed their cricket. MJP against Trent, with Alex Watson blasting an incredible 19 off the first eight balls. Alex did this regularly throughout the season, JOS putting many a building in danger. Indeed, his 51 runs from 40 balls against Solihull was truly astonishing. He will be a good prospect for the future. It was also good to see Max Shippey in U14A the wickets, alongside Harry Seagon, who had bowled better P10 W5 D0 L4 ABANDONED 1 and better throughout the season, learning how to swing the ball both ways. He was another that showed how commitment The U14As finished the season in dramatic style, somehow to training leads to performance success. grabbing victory from the jaws of defeat against Bishop Vesey’s in the County final. Thanks to Ethan La Porta’s well-made 48, The year finished with a loss against Repton in the regional Rugby posted a competitive 121-7 off their 20 overs. At 99-1 finals’ day, and the U15A team were just short of being named with six overs to go, Vesey’s were cruising until an inspired spell champions. Maybe the culture change of the team, the practice from Harry Hess (4-1-9-4) and a nerveless final over from La ethic and belief in the synonymous role practice has with Porta including a final ball Yorker, meant Rugby scraped home performance, has taught this side that they still have even more by two runs to win the County Cup. This was a fantastic way potential as individuals to get better and better. The challenge is to end a season full of real positives and means the boys now now set: can you put the work in over the years of success that represent Warwickshire in the 2019 National ECB Trophy. you have to keep displaying the championship character that In almost every game this season there was a batting Allen Armstrong speaks about. performance of merit. Half centuries were scored by Freddie Fowler, 51 versus Teddies, Eddie King, 68* versus Oakham, NT Harry Hess, 58 and Max Conway, 62* versus Oundle, where the team racked up an impressive 220 in their 30 overs before rain cruelly meant the game had to be abandoned;
74 | Meteor 2018 | www.rugbyschool.co.uk www.rugbyschool.co.uk | Meteor 2018 | 75 BOYS’ SOCCER U16A GIRLS’ SOCCER P5 W3 D2 L0
1st XI The U16As had a very successful season, finishing unbeaten 1st XI P10 W1 D2 L7 having played some high-quality football. The impenetrable P5 W2 L2 D1 wall of Imran Abdullayiev and Ugonna Agwo stood firm in Rugby, captained by Henry Anton and coached by Mr Berry, the centre, making keeper Pat Grady’s job much easier. Early This has been the most successful season for the squad, starting began the season with a difficult match against a skilful matches against Wellingborough (4-0) and Oakham (4-4) off in excellent fashion with a 5-3 win against previous league Wellingborough side who were, on reflection, the strongest showed the creative intent and goal-scoring talents of Ronan champions, Repton. Millie Glenn, our captain, opened her team on the fixture list. A pre-season tournament hosted at McKay and Luca Antoci. As the season progressed, the team account with a hat-trick, and was ably supported by excellent Rugby gave the squad an opportunity to gel but individual gelled together and developed an attractive and entertaining goals from Artemis Denton and Alice Baker. We have been errors and, at times, bad luck cost the team any chance of style of fast, attacking football with a combination of slick very fortunate this year to have both Artemis and Alice in victory before the end of the first half and Wellingborough were passing and skilful running with the ball. Wing backs Daniel the squad. Our next match was on a cold, windy Saturday victorious 7-1 at the final whistle. The ship steadied somewhat Chow and William Gower were often to be seen carrying afternoon in Malvern, where the girls fought back from 3-2 against Oakham in another home fixture. Strong defending forward over the half-way line, before linking with the sublime to draw 3-3 – a well-deserved KFC awaited the squad on the from both teams meant the first half was a tight affair but after skills of Jasper Kraamer and Seyi Khalidson who ran rings around way back. Unfortunately, the next match was a convincing loss opening the scoring, Rugby conceded two late goals which was opposition defences and scored some fantastic solo goals. Wins to this year’s league champions, Oakham. Sadly, we also lost a bitter pill to swallow after demonstrating enormous amounts against Oundle (2-1) and local rivals Princethorpe (3-2) were our goal keeper, Alice Payne as she broke her arm making an of hard work, effort and commitment throughout a tough 80 hard won but showed the determination of the boys. Upfront, outstanding save – we all appreciate Alice’s contribution over minutes. A local fixture against Rugby Town FC followed and the speed and power of Norman Ye kept the wins coming and the last two years. With a goalkeeper down, Mr Gardner and this was seen as a turning point in terms of results. Rugby had enough goals for him to claim the Golden Boot. Perhaps the Mr Lane were very nervous – who would go in goal? Would Victoria Perronet Miller and Thea Edwards have shown their already met the opposition once during preseason in a morning defining characteristic of this team was their willingness to one need to wear a wig? Fortunately, Ginny Gough stepped talent for the sport, whether in midfield or securing the match on Butlin Road’s astro turf where they demonstrated play for each other, enjoy themselves and produce a winning up, with a smile on her face, demonstrating her commitment defensive line – thank you for all your hard work this season. themselves to be organised and physically strong opponents. spirit. Central to this was captain Mahmoud Atta, who worked to the squad. Over the remainder of the season, she showed I would personally like to thank Harriet Warren for stepping The match on Springhill started badly for Rugby, conceding tirelessly from midfield, often running from defence to score she was quick to learn and became an outstanding goal keeper, up as a substitute or playing in almost every match but also a goal within the first few minutes, but for the remainder a goal at the other end, and he received Junior Colours in saving many goals. Another muddy, windswept Saturday away putting in some fantastic tackles. At our awards evening, of the contest the hosts dominated. Confidence was high, recognition of his efforts. to Oundle followed, where Millie Glenn not only scored but Sophia Perronet Miller picked up the Most Improved and has and the important equalising goal was scored soon after half made a goal line save, which saw her injuring her foot for the been fully commited to the squad over the last few years, even time. Rugby deserved to win the contest but the second goal BJW rest of the season! Up front, Alice Baker, Portia Sherpa-Blaiklock coming to an away match at five minutes’ notice! Alice Baker didn’t materialise and although the post-match team talk and Artemis Denton peppered the goal. A depleted team (at secured Performance of the Season, while Ginny Gough picked was tinged with disappointment, the progress made wasn’t one point having over seven players off games) then lost to up Manager’s Player of the season. Colours are awarded to underestimated. U16B Welbeck. Unfortunately, three matches were cancelled due to Zoe Ashby, Ginny Gough and Millie Glenn, who we sadly say P4 W1 D0 L3 the Beast from the East and its various offspring. farewell to at the end of this year. In addition, Eliza Williams It was important for the squad to win after the promising and Olivia Channing leave us – both of whom have played previous displays and this was duly delivered in a home match The U16B team played four matches, winning one and losing We have been very lucky this year to have the addition of Orla consistently well in defence. against St Edward’s Oxford. The 2-1 score line didn’t accurately three. Losses against Oakham (1-4) and Oundle (1-7) were McKay, Portia Sherpa-Blaiklock and Olivia Johnson-Hill to our reflect the balance of play: the deficit should have been wider followed by a victory against MCS Oxford, with the season midfield, who have shown skill on the ball but also outstanding OG as the hosts outplayed the opposition for large portions of the ending on the unhappily stunning note of a 0-10 loss against fitness, constantly chasing down any opponents. In addition, match (although there were still many relieved faces during Princethorpe. In goal, Marlon Spiers was a cat-like agile the post-match discussion after the game). A short two-day presence, pulling off some excellent saves and showing no little break was quickly followed by an away trip to Oundle where bravery; missing for the last match, he was replaced, at the last the rain and wind afflicted the entire match. Rugby were minute, by Alex Masefield, who was on the badminton half and confident of victory after taking the lead in an impressive first swapped the gentle movement of shuttlecocks floating past him half display helped by the conditions, but an unfortunate lapse for the thunderous strikes of Princethorpe forwards. Amin Fazal in concentration meant the score finished even, with Rugby and Oluseni Fagbemi were solid and dependable figures in the conceding midway through the second half. The return fixture centre of defence, flanked by the full-backs Will Hardman and on home soil was the start of a poor finish to the season for Rohan Jain. In his “Claude Makelele” holding role in the centre Rugby and the strengthened Oundle team deserved a 2-0 of midfield, Peter Hammond provided strong tackling and spirit, win. Defeat by MSC Oxford and Princethorpe followed before and alongside him Nikita Federov, or Stefan Palade, brought the season reached its climax against Oakham at Rugby on dynamic running and accurate passing; Freddie Anderson and Hillbrow. Both teams strived to stamp their authority on the Rufus Kerner provided width outside of these two and tried contest from the outset and tough tackles made for an exciting, hard in all the matches. Jack Cohane played with guile and competitive game in the first half. Oakham’s direct style of play speed behind the strikers, who were the lively Tom Davies-Pope became the dominant force and the frustrated Rugby team and top scorer Charlie Collins (with five goals). This was not an started to press forward after finding themselves behind. A easy season for the players but they showed impressive tenacity Rugby goal was ultimately only a consolation and the season throughout. ended in a 4-1 defeat. JOS Thanks go to Mr Berry for managing and leading the team through the tough but ultimately rewarding season and special mentions go to Henry Anton, Felix Gladstone, Tommy Rombelli, Youssef Al Abasery, Jean-Charles Agbo, Alex Carter, Keita Umetani and Nicholas Lau, who demonstrated courage, class and sportsmanship throughout the campaign.
TER
76 | Meteor 2018 | www.rugbyschool.co.uk www.rugbyschool.co.uk | Meteor 2018 | 77 winter pays dividends in increasing the confidence of the pupils play Kings Taunton in the knockouts. Unfortunately, the 30 who are willing to continue their tennis lessons or access the degree heat and exhaustion showed as they lost to Kings. Both training programme over the winter. however showed promise for next year when they compete again in the same age group. A little work was required over the winter to get ready for next year. Rosanna and Flora, after a 15A Girls nervy start, came through their group beating Pocklington and P8 W7 L1 Habs Monmouth. They went on to lose in the main draw event to Culford who went on to the final, losing only eight games After losing their first fixture very narrowly to Bromsgrove on their way. They will also come back next year stronger to 5-4, they went on to win the rest of their fixtures (Repton, compete against the very best. Uppingham, Oundle, Stowe, Oakham, Cheltenham) in stylish fashion. The team of Emma d’Angibau, Jessie Stoddart, Florrie The senior boys’ event is played in a different way to the junior Tyler, May-Ling Turner, Chid Nyirenda and Mouse Hamwee show events and senior girls with the four boys playing as a team. This that their dedication in training paid off over the winter months. means both pairs have to win to avoid a set shootout. The first three matches were pretty poor despite winning the last two fixtures against Colston’s and St Peter’s. Credit to them for getting 15A Boys through them and holding their nerve in the shootout. They did P8 W7 L1 make the final of the Clarke trophy and were disappointed to lose given both matches were a set-up. They didn’t quite have what it The 15s boys (Pranay Kantaria, Pete Colbourne, Alexey Rovner, takes to finish off the match, getting nervy as the finish line drew Freddie Middleton, Albert Sitwell) won the county stages closer. Rugby have made a final, however – the first for a decade comfortably, beating Warwick, Kenilworth and Princethorpe, at least. Well done to all competitors! TENNIS despite not having a single member of our own first team then progressing to the regional rounds by beating a strong available for selection due to exams and a Geography field trip! King Edward’s School Birmingham 4-2 and thus setting up a Looking ahead and building on this season’s brilliant success The success of this season must go down to the commitment trip to Tipton for the regional finals. The boys did brilliantly well, with the 1st VI, we are looking to make real inroads outside of Boys’ 1st VI of the girls both this summer and throughout the winter and, finishing top 16 in the country and emulating the girls’ success our regular fixtures (Oundle, Stowe, Uppingham, Shrewsbury, P7 W6 L1 of course, to Jamie Taylor and his fantastic team of coaches. three years previously. Cheltenham, Warwick, Bromsgrove, Stamford, Oakham) and We are in an enviable position at Rugby to have such a highly challenge the top schools. We will be aiming to get to the The senior tennis strength in depth has been underlined this qualified and motivated team of coaches and their influence is JT and KH national senior student finals (over the winter) in the boys, girls term, with eleven boys representing the 1st VI. Max Guo undoubtedly demonstrated in the success of the girls this season. and mixed events. The pupils will once again try to emulate captained the side at the start of the season with Alexey Rovner Captain Lily Reynolds has surely made her impact in the two success from the past five years where the boys won the captaining the side towards the end of the season. In the years in which she has been at the school and her skills perfectly MCS Festival national title in 2014 and the mixed team won the national title second half of the season we beat Warwick and Shrewsbury 8-1 complemented the existing talent of Millie Hughes and Georgia in 2016. The U15 Boys, having won the county stages, will look and 6-3 respectively. The stand-out performance was against Martin, who should be singled out for significant praise given the The boys (Lucas Killick, Pranay Kantaria, George Whitelaw and to emulate this year’s result and maybe go one step further. Shrewsbury, where Freddie Whitelaw and Pete Colbourne won contribution they have made to school tennis over the past five Albert Sitwell) went to compete at Magdalen College singles We have a brilliant tennis set up, with coaching staff that have all three matches, seeing off the opposition’s undefeated pair years. In recognition of their contribution to the sport Lily, Millie event where many of the top schools in the region compete played the very best in the world (Ivan Lendl, Andy Murray), 6-4. Unfortunately, the season ended with a 6-3 defeat to MCS. and Georgia all receive their senior colours. Given that Lily, Millie on the lush grass courts. Our boys enjoyed the competition, competed in the best tournaments (Grand slams) and coached On the riverside grass courts, the boys struggled to adapt to and Georgia leave us this year it is encouraging to know that the adapting their games to suit the quicker surface by using teams to many national titles. So to utilise the experience of the unfamiliar surface, coming up just short, but ultimately to a future of tennis at the school is in safe hands with Rosanna and their serve-volley skills. They gave a great display of skill and the coaching staff we will be encouraging pupils to continue stronger set of opposition. Overall it was a very successful season Flora stepping into their shoes. Both girls have had an excellent determination with Albert Sitwell losing out to the eventual over the winter, honing their technical ability which will help and very nearly unbeaten. Congratulations to F Block boys Albert season and gained vital experience. In recognition of their skill winner. Pranay displayed his skill in taking a county player to the to enhance their tactical effectiveness. There will be a few Sitwell and George Whitelaw who made their debut in the final and commitment, they both received their junior colours. limit and beating some very accomplished singles players along additional tough fixtures for the 1st VI girls and boys to help match of the season and winning one match. Looking ahead the way. Overall lots of positives came out of this tournament test their skills further in the summer term as we continue to to next year we have nine of the 11 players still playing in the leading up to the independent school championships at Eton. develop the tennis at the school to new levels. squad, so we can look to build upon the successes of this year. 2nd VI Girls P7 W7 L0 JT and KH Eton Girls’ 1st VI The girls worked hard, finishing in winning form since beating P7 W7 L0 Oakham 6-3 and Repton 7-2. Testament to their strength of The tennis season culminates at Eton where the top 16 pupils character and hard work in training was that the girls won three at Rugby, boys and girls, compete against the very best Last year’s VI tennis report reflected on the young talent making close battles that went down to the last match on three occasions. independent schools in the country. In the past we have made its way into the VI this year and expressed my high hopes that it to the quarter finals of the main draw, which is normally this would lead to a successful season. I am delighted to say a good feat given the calibre and level of the players at this that my hopes were not just met but exceeded. We were in the Juniors tournament. Often the top players at the tournament compete enviable, although difficult, position of having a real competition here and then play at Junior Wimbledon. for places in the VI but, over the course of the term, ‘old timers’ The 14s boys and girls all had a varied set of results with win ratios Millie Hughes, Georgia Martin, Lily Reynolds, Jika Nyirenda and of below 50%. As we know at this early stage, it is not about wins All competitors gave up the start of their holidays to participate Aya Mekushina all played their part together with the new talent and losses. Pupils are establishing themselves in the teams and in this event and all represented their school with pride and emerging from the D Block in the form of Rosanna Brockbank learning the art of doubles and playing together as a team. What passion. Albert and George won through their group rounds with and Flora De Boinville as well as a newcomer in the LXX, Ana they did show us is how competitive and determined they are in ease, beating Cranleigh, Sevenoaks, Bradford, Kings Taunton and Peters. Together the girls put in a series of excellent performances training. The boys were inseparable in terms of level and strength Colston’s, before going on to beat RGS Newcastle and set up a to finish the season unbeaten, a feat not managed in at least of depth meant team selection was very hard for Mr Rosser. The quarter-final match against KCS. They gave an impressive display the 11 years I have been running the first team. The girls put girls did show promise in their enthusiasm and energy. We look but lost to a better side. Technically and tactically they could in a particularly strong performance against Stowe, with the forward to seeing what they bring next year. Albert Sitwell and compete with the very best but could not sustain the level as long young DB winning their final set in order to take the match 5-4. George Whitelaw were unbeaten against all schools in the junior as their opponents. They will look to improve on this next year. The girls also put in convincing victories against Uppingham, age groups all season despite playing up for the 15s and 16s. Jemima and Harriet, a year young, showed grit and Oundle, Bromsgrove, Oakham and Repton. It is testament, also, determination beating Moreton Hall, Yarm, Queen Anne’s, St to the depth of talent in girls’ tennis that, in the final match of What tennis does pride itself on is that results get better as you Edward’s Oxford and Epsom. After a long day on Sunday (five the season, we were able to defeat the Cheltenham first team go up the school, highlighting the fact that the training over the matches) they managed to win their group and went on to
78 | Meteor 2018 | www.rugbyschool.co.uk www.rugbyschool.co.uk | Meteor 2018 | 79 CROSS-COUNTRY RUNNING
Crick and Barby Runs The 180th Crick and Barby events were set to be held as usual on the last Sunday of Lent, 18 March. Indeed, preparations were all in order right up until that morning when we awoke to find a dusting of snow, and sub-zero temperatures with a wind chill factor as low as -11°C (which would have been a westerly head wind most of the way)! The difficult decision was made to call off the event that day. With over half of the signs put up around the course on respectively, all within 50 minutes. Gigi Woodward led Saturday, a few hardy staff including Mr Day, Miss Robinson, Dr convincingly to claim another win for Southfield, finishing nearly Milner, Mr Denness and Mr Gardner joined Mrs Siggers to run the two minutes ahead of second place Rosie Curry who made it route to retrieve them. They reported having to go through knee- three podium positions for Rupert Brooke. Harriet Cuthbert also deep icy cold water (which was impossible to avoid) only a few finished within an hour in third place for Tudor. hundred metres after The Crick start line, followed by challenging cold and slippery conditions over a course which even in good In the House competition, with such good representation at the conditions is challenging enough. In fact, it was only Mr Day who top of the events by Michell, School Field and School House boys, was determined enough to finish the full course on to The Close it was an impressive testament to the strength in depth of Town that day to be the first finisher of the 2018 Crick! House that they convincingly won, with their minimum position total score of 41 – despite not having any podium finishers! Unlike other local events such as the Coventry Half Marathon Well done to the Town team comprising Will Gower (5th), Ali which were also scheduled for the 18 March and then outright Brown (7th), Christian Hutchinson (8th), Harri Ogilvie (4th), cancelled due to the conditions, we set about finding another date Ethan Malone (6th) and Max Guo (9th) who all finished inside to postpone The Crick and Barby. With the Trinity calendar already the top ten. School Field were second with 73 points and School fixed it was quite a challenge to find the best time for it, and we House were third with 77 points. It was closer in the girls’ House finally settled on 4pm on the first Sunday of the term on 22 April Competition, but with two wins and good strength in depth from 2018. This neatly slotted in between the Confirmation lunch and Southfield, their team comprising Gigi Woodward (1st), Annie the Musician of the Year Final that evening! Despite suffering a Mangan (6th), Anna Ivanova (7th), Angharad Wylie (1st), Izzy reduction in the field of runners, as some entrants were unable to Cara (5th) and Ellie van Laar (11th) won with 145 points. Not far BADMINTON At the end of this year we said thank you and farewell to make the new date (particularly in the OR category), there were behind in second place were Rupert Brooke with 174 points and two members of staff, Neil Jarvis and Andrea Brogaard, who some students who signed up in April to run the event at this Tudor finished third with 249 points. have been associated with badminton at Rugby School for novel time of year. Boys: P11 W6 L5; Girls: P6 W3 L3; many years. Neil has been joint Master i/c and manager of In the OR Crick event Dan Shaw and Gauthier Arnoux set off at a Mixed A: P9 W4 L5; Mixed B: P6 W5 L1 the Boys’ team while Andrea has assisted with the Girls’ and Unlike in previous renditions of The Crick and Barby, there demanding pace and in only a couple of minutes led the rest of Mixed teams. Both are talented players in their own right was no clear favourite boy or girl for a win in either event. The the field by around 100 metres. Once Andrew Siggers had finally This was another enjoyable season of badminton spanning both and their contribution to Badminton at Rugby School will be strongest boy from the cross-country team, Ethan Malone, faced wrestled his legs back into action for the second time of the day the Advent and Lent Terms. greatly missed. stiff competition from Tom Farren who came second to Simon (that morning he had come 26th overall out of 40,208 finishers Waterhouse in 2017 as well as some strong first timers in the LXX. of the London Marathon main field), he slowly reeled the front The boys were led by Captain Theo Matthews and did well overall NDJ/JEO/NJM Third place finisher in 2017, Max Guo, might have also fancied runners in to take the lead in the fields between Kilsby and Barby against strong opposition. Theo and Ed Greig were unbeaten as his chances but rumour had it he’d been spending too much time after two miles into the course. The race was by no means won first pair with Ed going on to win a Warwickshire U18 title and bulking up in the gym. There was a close contest forecast between at this point and Andrew had to keep up a good turnover on train with the County Squad. They were ably supported by Eric BASKETBALL Angharad Wylie and Issy Turner to make the girls’ event interesting marathon legs to stay ahead of Gauthier who kept close behind in Sun, Julian Fung, Joel Haines and Patrick Clifford. at the front end of the field. It was a similar story for the Barby, second to finish only 20 seconds behind Andrew at the finish. Dan with strength not only in D Block from the likes of Toby Henderson dropped back due to struggling with the demands of his early pace The girls’ team played close, competitive matches ending up The boys’ basketball team had one of their most successful and Gigi Woodward, who were the D Block winners in the House and it was parent Giles Clifford (Jack’s father) who finished third with an overall equal number of wins and losses. The first pair seasons in recent years with captain Arkadiy Baskaev leading Running Cup, but also Will Hardman, Rosie Currie and Sam only a minute behind Gauthier, running 16s faster than his time of Anna Robinson, Captain, and Anna Faynshteyn demonstrated the team to six straight wins. These included very impressive Chalmers in the F Block could pose a threat. In the OR event none in 2017. In the ladies’ event Liz Robinson ran an impressive race great determination and spirit, particularly in close matches, results against Uppingham, Radley and Stamford where in of the top three from 2017 (Mark Bridges, Charles Plumptre and not only to win for the second year in a row, but she ran only four gaining some tremendous results. Other regular team players each game the team won by more than 20 points. Key players Graham Joyce) were due to run and with Andrew Siggers running seconds slower than in 2017 and finished nine minutes off second were Olena Yudina, Yammi Yip, Phoebe Li, Alice Baker and Joy included William Whitney who was the team’s top scorer and the London Marathon that morning there were a few staff looking place Helen Harbottle. Well done to third place lady and second Yu. All worked hard in training sessions with coach George William Hawksworth who averaged double figures in both eagerly at a possible win/high placing in this year’s Crick! place staff member Leanne Milner who finished in a respectable Tarver and many of the squad will be with us again next year points and rebounds. Vice-Captain Bobby Chung’s quick hands time well under an hour and a half, albeit around seven minutes and aiming to develop their skills further. often proved too much for the opposition and he racked up As anticipated at this point in the year, a month later than usual, slower than she ran in 2017 when she came second in The Crick. a number of steals and assists and Sam Tuckwell consistently there were pleasant (if not warm) conditions for the run and the In the Lent Term the mixed sides had a “mixed” season! The As made an impact in matches, coming off the bench to secure land had certainly dried up well beyond March. Nevertheless, Many thanks and much appreciation to Dr Joyce who this time not played some very strong opposition which included both county and a number of points and rebounds. The team went into the course is testing enough even in the summer months. It did only helped set up a lot of the course as he has done in previous international players. Anna Robinson, Anna Faynshteyn and Yammi their final two games unbeaten, both of which were against not take Tom Farren long to claim a convincing lead in The Crick. years but also was left in charge of this gargantuan task while Mr Yip paired up with the A team boys. The B team squad of Patrick Loughborough Grammar who had also yet to lose. Rugby Despite the competition from the other strong contenders, he Siggers disappeared off to London the day before! Mrs Skene and Clifford, Phoebe Li, Tom Nelson-Smith, Olena Yudina, Emir Tataroglu made the most of the home court advantage and were able to won a good three and a half minutes ahead of fellow Michell Mr Bayly also did a tremendous amount with regards to the course and Inaara Weiss were the pick of the sides, only losing one match. end Loughborough’s unbeaten season in a well fought game friend Hugh Ogle in second place, with Wilf de la Hey in third set up/take down, even having to negotiate with the cattle in the in the Old Gym. Unfortunately, Rugby’s winning streak ended for School Field. As expected, there was an exciting competition fields. Thanks to Mrs Henderson who also helped with much of Following the departure of Darren Walker after 12 years of on the last game of the season as Loughborough were able to for first place between Angharad Wylie and Issy Turner. It was the organisation leading up to the event and on the day and to as service as coach, we welcomed George Tarver, a Warwickshire capitalise on a slow start to the match from Rugby and narrowly Angharad who held on strongly to finish first for Southfield with many as 30 other staff who helped with marshalling etc. Thanks County Coach to train both team and non-team players on won the match by six points. Issy only ten seconds behind in second for Rupert Brooke. Second also to Mrs Siggers who stepped in with the big picture in the Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and work with younger pupils place finisher in 2017 and this year’s captain of cross-country, absence of her husband! in timetabled games sessions. George introduced the use of IST Hannah Bruneau, finished third. In The Barby Toby Henderson feather shuttles for both matches and training and initiated an and William Hardman ran strongly up at the front to stretch AJS award scheme of bronze, silver and gold certificates. ahead of Sam Chalmers to finish first, second and third
80 | Meteor 2018 | www.rugbyschool.co.uk www.rugbyschool.co.uk | Meteor 2018 | 81 POLO
Last year the polo team participated in two tournaments and one Speech Day match. The first tournament was the Copenhagen Cup in which we were competing for the shield. Benjie Bradshaw, Toby Bradshaw, Fred Thame and I participated. We beat Radley 2-0 and tied with Heathfield, ending up in second place. We then played the SUPA senior schools tournament, competing against Millfield, Cheltenham, Stowe and Wellington, and finished fifth, losing two games 0-2 and winning one game 2-0. The Speech Day match we won.
Santiago Bobone Mendia De Castro (W)
the schools to upsetting Eton, getting very close to pulling back seconds, and so next year bodes well for them. But special to two games all before going on to lose 1-3. Sitwell and Thame mention must go to the first team as they had the most had a great final game victory over Radley before showing real successful season ever. Many thanks are due to Elliott Marshall promise while losing to the older Eton pair. who captained the team for more than two years and we FIVES wish him luck as he leaves Rugby. As Elliott stepped aside, the It is great to see so many Old Rugbeians continuing to play. Ed captaincy was passed to Rory Odell, and waiting in the wings Beard, last year’s captain, has had three months in Chicago and his younger brother Lucas Marshall was poised to become the The 17/18 season was a little below the levels of recent seasons six weeks in New York. He and Jonnie Fagan won a competition third crew. The first team have had a phenomenal season. They particularly with regard to our silverware haul. However huge at Queen’s and two recent Old Rugbeians also won the remained unbeaten in friendly matches for a third year in a progress was made by many and fives remains very healthy Sandhurst Cup. A good group of largely recent ORs came back row, won the RHS Spring Regatta, retained the Eastern Regional indeed. The biggest disappointment came with boys not for the Sapphire trophy in April which was a very high standard. Championships for the second year in a row, and came second being available for the key matches or competitions and not in the Thames Valley Championships. They were pipped in fully realising potential. The girls were more consistent (and The current pupils get a taste of rackets and real tennis outside some very tight races by Sevenoaks but were awarded the available) and once again they provided some of the biggest school by two visits a year to the Manchester Tennis and Rackets Thames Valley Area trophy in recognition of their achievement. highlights of the season. Anastasia de Clermont, girls’ captain, club in Salford. These visits are proving very valuable in encouraging improved yet again and there is no doubt that she has become them to understand that games are largely played for fun and not Also, during the last week of term Julian Fung and Will Jacklin the best girl fives player since the courts were rebuilt in 2011. just to try and win the next match. This further encourages them to competed in the National Schools Fleet Racing Championships at She was so unlucky to lose the national U18 singles final, continue to play at clubs or schools after leaving Rugby. Itchenor, which takes place over three days. In this competition, which Rugby has yet to win, in a titanic encounter which she pairs from around the country race against other pairs in large eventually lost 13 -15. Anastasia also reached the National PJR group races over a period of three days. For the first time in U23 singles final. Both Anastasia and Maisie Harte have been the competition’s 65-year history, Rugby won. All of these are keen and dedicated performers over the last few years and significant achievements borne of hard work and dedication in an inspiration to all the younger girls. Freya Harrison and Arte SAILING training. This all bodes well for the RYA Eric Twiname Youth Team Denton lost in the national U18 doubles, 12-15, and the senior RACKETS Racing Championships in the Advent term which will see the firsts squad had great depth. Alice Day picked up the plate in the pitted against the best school and club youth teams in the country. U16 nationals and several juniors are showing great potential. The Rugby sailors have gone from strength to strength this year The strength of the girls was also seen early in the season at the Rackets continues to thrive, with more girls playing and joining in both team racing and fleet racing. The Lent term is not a LJG Lady’s Cup where Freya Harrison partnered by OR Dick Warner a strong group of boys. The first pair, Will Hardman and Noah major term for the sailors; however, there were two significant powered to victory on the Cambridge courts. Martle, won over half their matches and the captain Hardman events. The weekend of 17-18 March saw the first team brave completed a remarkable record of playing 50 consecutive first the blizzards of snow and freezing temperatures to compete in SWIMMING The boys never quite reached the same levels of achievement pair matches which started in his first match in the D Block. the UK Team Racing Association National championships. Only as the girls and only one boy, Xav Christopher, represented Several seniors rotated in the second pair, but it was Will four schools qualified and so this was a significant achievement, the school at the nationals (U16 competition). Xav won his Gardener who was the most likely to push for a first pair place. the rest of the teams being adults. They sailed extremely well It has been a year of rebuilding for the swimming team group and proceeded to the main competition, once again an The U16s Peter Colbourne and Freddie Middleton made strides in very difficult circumstances on Saturday, but the racing was following the departure of many accomplished swimmers impressive achievement. At the Midlands, Archie Gibbs lost a partly because they were pushed hard by a very strong B pair, abandoned due to significant snow fall on the Sunday. Also, as a in last year’s XX. There are, however, some good swimmers very tight match in the U15 singles final, 11-9. 10-12, 11-7. It Charlie Bruce-Jones and Ed Whittley. The U15s Harry Seagon result of their successes last year, the first team were shortlisted coming through from the younger years. The team has been was one of the most competitive finals at this level. With partner and Will Vaughan improved enough to win their last match and for the Rugby Borough Council Young Sports Team of the Year, well led by Alex Gibson and Alice Payne and has continued James Langham, he went one better and they secured the the U14 pair of Albert Sitwell and Fred Thame won all but one, and they should be congratulated as they were runners-up. The to train hard and we have seen several swimmers transfer Doubles crown. The seniors were less successful although Tom crucially reversing the result against Radley at Queen’s. The girls team consisted of Elliott Marshall (Captain), Rory Odell, Julian from recreational to team swimming for a more serious and Farren and Jacob Drabble competed for the third place in the were represented by Flossie Rosser and Harriet Fagan and at Fung, Sarah Bibby, Olivia Jacklin and Will Jacklin. structured approach. Two fixtures have taken place, against singles, and Jacob and Sam Stoddart won the Doubles Plate. U14 level by Eliza Bruce-Jones and Issy Colbourne. Welbeck College and Oundle, and although the team was Most of the sailing occurs in the summer term when the beaten in both, the usual determination and team spirit There were plenty of tight matches in routine fixtures and the Queen’s is always the highlight of the season and pride of place conditions are not so extreme and most of the racing is team were in evidence and there were some excellent individual new floor, fitted to resolve slipping problems, has been totally must go to Martle who reached the semi-final, losing it narrowly racing. This consists of six people in three boats racing against performances: Amy Stoker and Blue Sasame deserve a reliable and a better surface on which to advance the skills of after an extraordinary display of athletic retrieving against a very another team of three boats. It is a sport that requires immense particular mention here. Colours were awarded to Gibson, the game. House Fives winners were Michell. strong opponent. Peter Colbourne reached the quarter-final of skill, flexibility, team work and strategy. Rugby fielded three Payne, Sasame and Ginny Gough for their contribution to the U16 event. In the doubles at Easter in every competition we sailing teams in the summer term. The thirds, consisting of swimming throughout their time in the school. TMW won the first round and then lost to the eventual champions, mainly F Block, showed great promise in their races. The Eton. The U16s Colbourne and Middleton were the closest of all seconds performed well, beating Oundle and Uppingham BJR
82 | Meteor 2018 | www.rugbyschool.co.uk www.rugbyschool.co.uk | Meteor 2018 | 83 RUGBY, HOCKEY AND NETBALL TOUR TO SINGAPORE AND AUSTRALIA
During the summer holidays 47 students and eight staff spent We all regrouped again in Brisbane airport and travelled an amazing three weeks on tour to Singapore and Australia. by coach to the Sunshine Coast where we were hosted by It all began in mid-July when we set off for Singapore from Matthew Flinders Anglican College. We had a free day to Heathrow. Although our stay in Singapore was only short, we explore the Sunshine Coast in our small billeting groups with packed in plenty of activity. Only hours after getting off the our hosts. Everyone had a great time with their hosts doing long flight, both the boys’ rugby team and the girls’ hockey activities like speed boating, sightseeing and shopping. The and netball teams were out training in preparation for their next day was packed full of activity with some very close first games. After an exhausting 48 hours we spent the evening hockey, netball and rugby matches being played throughout acclimatising and finished with a trip to the Hard Rock Café the day. The Matthew Flinders rugby and netball teams were for dinner as a squad. Over the next two days the squads had particularly strong opposition. The next day, we departed for their first matches. It was a great start to the tour for the boys Australia Zoo where we saw all sorts of exotic animals and were with a 36-5 win over ACS Independent U17s. The girls had lucky enough to watch the world-famous croc show on Bindi hockey and netball matches against Singapore select teams. Irwin’s birthday. Following this we travelled to the Gold Coast In the netball fixtures all three teams lost against very strong to meet our next hosts. We also managed to find time for some opposition but played some good netball and learnt a lot. In surf lessons which were great fun. The boys were hosted by the hockey matches the first team won a close game 4-2 and All Saints Anglican School where they lost narrowly in a tough the 2nd team had a great performance despite the 4-1 loss. We game. The girls travelled to Lindisfarne Grammar School where also managed to squeeze in an afternoon tour of the city where we were spoilt with red carpet treatment. We played netball we visited the spectacular Marina Bay Sands, Chinatown and matches on the first night with strong performances and good Little India. Our trip to Singapore was concluded perfectly by wins. Very competitive hockey matches followed the next day our lunch at Singapore Cricket Club generously hosted by OR against strong teams from Lindisfarne. The 1st team came just Mr Willetts. It was an incredible experience and everyone had a short in a great game and the 2nd team had a fantastic 10-0 brilliant time. victory. The girls were hosted to a wonderful awards dinner, with player of the match awards being presented by Australian We then travelled to Cairns, the first stop on our journey down sporting legends Nicole Cusack and Sharon Gallagher. the east coast of Australia. We had an incredible day snorkelling at the Great Barrier Reef. We saw an array of clams, corals and Sydney was the next and final stop of our journey. It was a colourful fish and many of us even managed to see a turtle! spectacular way to end the tour. The views of the Sydney As well as snorkelling we enjoyed trips in a glass-bottomed Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House were incredible and boat and going down a slide from the pontoon into the water. our sightseeing trip to Manly was lovely. A highlight of the trip The following day, the boys travelled to Townsville to meet for many was jet boating in the harbour; we all got soaked but their hosts and prepare for a match the next day. The girls it was really fun. We also had the amazing opportunity to learn stayed in Cairns spending the day experiencing the Skyrail a bit about a totally new sport to us watching a Sydney Giants tour of the Kuranda Rainforest. We remained in Cairns to play AFL game in their amazing stadium. On the penultimate day in matches against Trinity Anglican School where we were also Sydney we played our last games of the tour. The boys played a billeted with host families. It was a great experience and a nice close game at Shore School but unfortunately were just beaten opportunity to get to know our hosts better. Some of the girls in a physical encounter. The girls played some amazing netball went to the Cairns Show which was a fun way to get a sense games against very strong PLC Sydney sides: the 1st and 2nd of the local culture. The boys played a great game against team both lost narrowly but played some of their best netball of Townsville, winning in the last few minutes of the game 10-7. the tour. Both hockey teams had convincing victories to cap off The girls played in a competitive netball tournament, against their tour in style. The final day was spent sightseeing at Bondi teams from Australia and New Zealand, and won most of their beach followed by brunch in Bondi Icebergs. It was a fantastic matches with some great sport being played. We also played way to finish a spectacular tour before we flew home again. hockey matches the next day where both teams won with HOCKEY TOUR TO MUNICH strong performances. Jika Nyirenda (B)
In October half-term the U15A boys’ hockey squad visited following day against ASV Munich, 4-2 with two goals each for Munich to play three matches, train on water-based astroturf Powell-Capper and Will Jackson. This gave them a huge surge and enjoy excursions, the highlight being a tour of the Allianz of confidence and despite a 6-2 defeat in the final game to Arena, home of Bayern Munich FC. MSC Munich, a club whose Men’s 1st XI play in the Bundesliga for hockey, the boys again finished strongly with Tommy The standard of opposition was high as we played three of Ogilvie, and then Harry Chapman, scoring late goals. Man the top club sides in Munich. In Germany very little hockey is of the Match in this game went to Max Shippey who played played in schools and so people join sports clubs from a very throughout the tour fearlessly despite having a broken nose young age. The first game versus ESV Munich, was a little from the rugby season! overwhelming for the boys, who went 5-0 down by half-time. However, the tour really built a sense of character and resilience We aimed to treat the boys on tour like elite sportsmen and the response was fantastic; with Rugby winning the second and along with the training they were educated in diet, half 2-1. Both goals were scored by Sean Mckibbin while Will nutrition, training habits, post-match recovery and sports Dudley excelled in goal, saving a penalty flick. The leadership psychology. They responded fantastically and were a pleasure credentials of the likes of Archie Jackson, Paddy Powell-Capper to take away. Massive thanks to Mr Dhanda and Mr Tester and Ollie Chapman started to shine through and this was to for their contributions to what was a hugely productive and continue over the next two matches. worthwhile tour.
After a productive training session and talk on sports JMS psychology by Mr Tester, the boys earned themselves a win the
84 | Meteor 2018 | www.rugbyschool.co.uk www.rugbyschool.co.uk | Meteor 2018 | 85 Basque country (‘dodging bullets and ever shocked. After a rough upbringing in Arriving at Rugby in 1997, Ed was VALETE bombs in the early years when Franco was the East End of London, he never lost the appointed as History teacher after still in power’), Neil learned his languages twinkly discernment of a poacher turned completing his PhD at Bristol University in the best place – on the ground. A gamekeeper. and after resisting the lures of the ATP joint honours degree (2.1) in French and tour. He leaves twenty years later to take to the BBC’s Children in Need charity from his wisdom and direction. Barrie Spanish from Exeter University followed, After 2011 Neil moved to the up a teaching post at St Paul’s, his youthful campaign. It was to Barrie’s credit that will not mind me saying that he expects then a PGCSE (Distinction) at King’s backbenches to focus again on teaching brio and affection for all things tennis and this event always felt refreshingly different the highest of standards from his exam College London and an MA at Warwick where, as in all his roles, he has been Oliver Cromwell still intact. In each of his from year to year, the highlight being the classes in particular. He is meticulous University in Occitan Studies. He would the consummate professional. His roles, he has been a tireless advocate for arresting sight of fiercely contested bouts and thorough and his patient manner surely have liked to be a troubadour. But fundamental kindness, his Camusian Rugby School students and colleagues. A of sumo wrestling between members (goodness, was there ever a more patient teaching was the next best thing and sense of solidarity, his wry sense of straight talker, with a rare gift for empathy, of the teaching staff as well as the then teacher of English than ‘Mr C-B’?) has after working briefly in Paris for Europ humour and healthy cynicism, not to Ed quickly won a reputation for working Headmaster, Patrick Derham, and his enabled pupils down the years to achieve Assistance (and turning down the offer of mention his tangible love of his subject, hard for others: helping students navigate Heads of School. Barrie’s charm and some impressive results. It is credit a job at St Paul’s) he joined Rugby in 1981 feel irreplaceable. Over the years he has tricky waters and new colleagues find their gently persuasive manner encouraged to Barrie that in this, his final year of and has stayed. run many other activities with distinction feet. Such quiet acts of kindness are what colleagues to participate in this event and teaching, there has been no evidence (from badminton to chess, from tennis make communities grow; it is telling how Barrie Cunningham-Batt a number of current members of the SCR whatsoever of a relaxation of the high Appointed Head of Modern Languages to inter-house swimming in the old many ORs and former colleagues have (1981) will have particular recollections of their standards he expects not only of the in 1987 (a post he held for ten years), his open-air Tosh), but soccer must have the kept in touch, wanting Ed to know about involvement in this occasion. History does pupils but also of himself. I will miss the impact on the School was considerable. He last word. Neil was a fiercely competitive their latest achievements (and of course Barrie arrived to teach at Rugby in not record how much money was raised ready humour and the wisdom that I persuaded the Head Master to appoint the coach and some boys he coached at U15 sometimes their latest adversities). September 1981 having just graduated over the time the Pudsey Bear Café ran associate with our visits to Caffe Vita. first full-time female member of staff. He level ended up winning the Independent from Bristol University. In his time at but I venture to suggest that the figure I speak on behalf of all colleagues who settled the Modern Languages department Schools’ Crusader and LB Cups some A brief stint as Assistant Housemaster at Bristol he was particularly influenced and will easily exceed £30,000. will join me in wishing Barrie a long and on one site (the split site being a particular years later. His pride in the boys then Michell (1997-1999) was followed by Ed’s inspired by two members of the English fulfilling retirement. challenge when he was on crutches for was outweighed only by his popularity appointment to Head of Department, Department there, the poet Charles Barrie’s 37 years at the School have three months after a football injury). He with them. where he quickly stamped his image on Tomlinson and the Middle English scholar involved him in a variety of other roles AJN instigated the first new-generation multi- the History curriculum: it was all energy, Dr Basil Cottle. To this day, Barrie continues and positions. He was on the committee media language laboratory. He set up a Now Neil has decided to retire at the same pace and academic reach. He dramatically to have a passion, learned at university, of the very first Arts Festivals that the French exchange to Le Havre, ran another time as Marie-Joelle (from her marketing widened the range of history taught, for Anglo-Saxon and Medieval church School ran between 1993 and 1995. He to Madrid, and organised an annual role with a local company) and they expanded the visiting speaker programme, architecture. University also fired in him was the Director of First Schools Liaison five-week exchange to Ecuador (“before will inevitably spend much of the year pepped up Oxbridge preparation and an enthusiasm for James Joyce, an interest and Treasurer of Social Services (1990- Health and Safety spoilt the fun”). Having in France, but I am delighted they will sought the introduction of the subject as that found expression between 2012-2014 1994) – jobs that have now merged into learnt some “basic” programming on BBC keep their house in Rugby and Neil may an option at GCSE (it had been compulsory when Barrie, together with two other that of the Director of Social Responsibility. computers back in the 80s (in the Old even be tempted back to play five-a-side. before). Yet, despite an uncanny knack members of the Department, laid on extra Indeed, Barrie’s contribution to the Quad of all places), he made MFL the first Indeed, his children (both ORs) have for encouraging even the most reluctant classes on Ulysses for the benefit of pupils School’s involvement in community department to send out word-processed been successful on opposite sides of the student to take themselves seriously as a as well as members of the teaching staff service extends over most of his career. reports using Dataease. It is no coincidence Channel – Dmitri now working for Airbus scholar, Ed refused to take his subject too and parents. Barrie still reminisces fondly He not only ran First Schools Day but that Neil’s time as HoD was also the time in Toulouse with his French wife and two seriously. There is a healthy limit to his on the pleasure he derived from inspiring helped to invent the format including the when Modern Languages (with Science) children, Estelle an account manager in evangelism. History was to recommend others to share his enjoyment for, arguably, Fun Run on the Close, a race which he dominated the academic landscape. London in events management – so he itself not on grounds of academic prestige Ireland’s greatest writer. has, to this day, always enjoyed starting. Neil Jarvis (1981) has good reason to divide his time equally or supposed utility, but rather because it Barrie has been a key member of the Having earned his academic colours, between the two countries. was a natural home for the intellectually In addition to remaining the AHm of Social Service Visiting team over many ‘After many years in which the world has Neil moved on to the pastoral side and curious and the questioning. It was also Whitelaw, in 1994 Barrie took on the role years, most recently overseeing pupils at afforded me many experiences, what became Housemaster of Kilbracken in Wherever he lives, I am sure Neil and I perfect staging for Ed’s switchblade wit. of running the Department, a position he the Rugby Care Centre. He has some very I know most surely in the end about 1997. He oversaw a major redevelopment will continue to exchange views on Albert Warming to these modest and earnest aims, held until 2003. Under his stewardship, fond memories of local characters whose morality and obligations, I owe to soccer.’ of the House, turned it into a vibrant, Camus – especially as writing to a man students quickly bought in. A dramatic the Department welcomed visits from the lives he has helped to augment through (Albert Camus) Neil Jarvis might not go successful and “ridiculously competitive” of Neil’s shrewd and practical intellect uptick in numbers at A-level soon followed. current poet laureate, Carol Ann Duffy, his attentive and hands-on supervision of quite so far, but it is safe to say he identifies place, producing in his six years three is the best guarantee I know of writing Ed’s rounded and direct approach made as well as from distinguished writers visiting Rugby School pupils. In addition, strongly with this working-class footballer Heads of School. His sense of fairness, his with integrity. its mark elsewhere. As master in charge of including the poet Simon Armitage and in his time, Barrie has made a significant who became a hero of the French understanding of boys (and their parents) tennis, and keeping his distance from the the internationally acclaimed English contribution to sport; he ran real tennis existentialist movement. Neil has taught and his readiness to support them even in JCS latest coaching fads, Ed helped develop an Language specialist, Prof David Crystal. between 1981 and 1992, transporting French (and Spanish) at Rugby for over their unorthodox ambitions (future rock ethos of sportsmanship and self-discipline On his watch, too, significant curriculum the boys each week to the courts at either 30 years (he has Italian, some Portuguese stars were rising) made him an obvious – the squad was no place for pampered developments took place. IGCSE English Leamington Spa or Moreton Morrell. He and Russian too), he has played, run and choice of Assistant Head in 2003, which he Ed Beesley (1997) egos. Lacking the full resources of a tennis was launched in 1996 and Rugby became also ran the squash option between 1990 refereed soccer throughout that time (he remained until 2011. From School House academy, Rugby School Tennis nonetheless one of the first schools of its type in and 1992 and helped supervise lawn was still playing five-a-side a few weeks he introduced many policies still in place There is never much doubt where to find regularly enjoyed best-in-class results. the country to offer A Level English tennis for many years. Barrie’s Christian ago), and taken many of his teams to today (standardised uniform, Saturday Ed Beesley when you need him. In the Language; both of these initiatives are still faith has been a key element to his life and glory. Camus, it is true, played in goal, but arrangements, staff housing…) and days before WhatsApp and Instagram, Such attributes made Ed a natural fit for integral to what the Department delivers he has been fully involved with Christian neither Camus nor Jarvis sought the glory delivered several Social Services Inspections a telephone hotline used to run from running a boarding house. In School Field and, thus, Barrie’s legacy continues to Forum throughout his time, occasionally of attacking roles. I shall remember Neil judged Outstanding. On Saturday Dr Arnold’s study to the Merchants Inn. (2004-2014), Ed’s operating philosophy be felt 15 years after he relinquished the helping with Confirmation classes. rather as the ever-reliable midfield player, evenings, he could be seen patrolling Here, rumour has it, “School Field House” was simple: the individuality of all in the Head of Department role. He stepped back in defence when needed, sizing up a the campus (and town) with other staff would answer. And Ed would be found. House deserved the fullest respect. Around away from that position to take over As a friend and colleague in the situation at a glance, and moving forward ‘heavies’ in his distinctive black leather He’d be at the centre of a colourful him, a close team of tutors, matrons and the vacancy created by the departure of Department I speak for us all when purposefully with a vision that would allow jacket (another nod to Camus?). On grouping of local characters, friends who auxiliary staff helped shape the House in this Alison Moreland to become Housemaster I say that Barrie will be missed. He is others to score. Sunday mornings he was back in School knew him for his devotion to town gossip mould. School Field’s collective memory of Marshall House. The few of us who a first-rate schoolmaster; as his most House offering a pre-Chapel clinic to those and to thinly-flavoured German lager. will be packed full of stories of Beesley’s have been at the School for more than immediate neighbour, I have occupied Packed off to France as a small boy to needing ‘guidance’ after the night before. Irascible, open-hearted, never satisfied theatrical mannerisms and his heroics as four years will associate Barrie’s role as a privileged position to witness the learn French by a French-speaking mother, He reckons most parents received a letter with the easy answer, Ed is known to the Hm, too many to recount here. But in Housemaster with the Pudsey Bear café gentle, firm authority and care that he and learning Spanish over four summers from him at some stage in their offspring’s Rugby School community as a supremely Ed, the boys knew they had both their which was the School’s contribution extends to all of the pupils who benefit working as a receptionist in the Spanish school career, but I don’t suppose he was gifted teacher and mentor. fiercest ally and, from time to time, their
86 | Meteor 2018 | www.rugbyschool.co.uk www.rugbyschool.co.uk | Meteor 2018 | 87 fiercest critic – an admixture of honesty and Although Rob is retiring from his full-time all the while, so that at the same time loss when she was able to bag both a loyalty that quickly built the strongest of role as Head of Piano and Composition, it is as developing herself in new, pastoral new home and an exciting new career bonds between boys, parents and School. very good news that he will be staying as a directions, Amy was still able to take opportunity, combining creative and Of course, there were challenges along peripatetic piano teacher and accompanist the lead in the recent development and professional development in a nationwide the way, and pursuing gut instinct when at Rugby School, for we can look forward marketing of Microsoft Surface technology schools organisation based in Texas. We sometimes policy seemed ill-equipped, to more of his fine performances and for Photography students. wish Amy the very best of luck in her Ed was known for his spirited counsel and camaraderie for many years to come. exciting new venture and look forward generosity – opening up his family home as In 2006, Amy’s enthusiasm for personal to hearing of more awards as staff and a bolt-hole for the distracted or temporarily RJT growth and openness to the importance students continue to flourish under her wayward student; acting in loco parentis of community were wisely harnessed by guidance. on the phone, by letter and by email, long her appointment as one of the first tutors after final termly fees had been collected. Rob Colley (1999) Amy Farrelly (2004) for Arnold Foundation bursary students. JDM (An annual reunion dinner is now held in It is in large part thanks to Amy’s energy, Ed’s honour, hosted by several generations There are few musicians in this world From the moment Amy arrived in Rugby passion and subtlety as a mentor that we of former School Field boys.) It was during who are so versatile and able as Rob in September 2004, it was obvious that now accept as natural and vital a process this time Ed married Lizzie, a relationship Colley, just as there are few teachers there were several core values which drove that was then radical and somewhat that not only challenged the Merchants at any school who are so admired and her forward and inspired her to support controversial. Many students from diverse, for his affections, but also established an respected by colleagues and pupils alike. others as fully as she could: an instinctive often difficult backgrounds flourished intellectual and domestic companionship Having studied Music and Maths at King’s love of creativity – photographic above under Amy’s guidance while at Rugby and of very great heart. Treated to their superb College Cambridge and Piano at the Royal all but by no means exclusively; real it is typical that she has stayed in touch hospitality and supportive insight, many Academy of Music in London and at the fulfilment from the partnership which with many Arnold Foundationers, guiding colleagues also have reason to think of the Vienna Musikhochschule, Rob was Head of facilitates personal growth; passion for them into flourishing careers. One such Beesley Great Oxendon home as something Music at Bilborough College in Nottingham Andrea Brogaard (2004) community. These values interwove to was Khadija Saye, in whose growing talent of a sanctuary. On leaving School Field, Ed before arriving at Rugby 19 years ago. create a strong academic and pastoral Amy took great delight before it was migrated to Whitelaw, where his experience Andrea Brogaard joined Rugby School as Head edifice, which had a deep and dynamic cut short in the Grenfell Tower disaster. made him a prized asset as tutor, and as There doesn’t seem to be a day go by of Strings in 2004 having been a member of impact upon those with whom she Involvement in the Arnold Foundation Andrew Maguire (2006) trusted advisor to Chris. without hearing one of Rob’s brilliant the Danish Radio Symphony Orchestra for four worked, both within Rugby School and was for Amy the highlight of her time performances, from jazz to pop and from years. A violinist of great distinction, Andrea much more widely. at Rugby, and it is characteristic of her It was immediately obvious that Andrew On returning to the classroom fulltime, musical theatre to classical, accompanying has taught violin and viola at all levels and constant insistence that School should is a very fine practical linguist; his Ed exhibited an energy and ambition that musicians – off the cuff – in an informal has enjoyed coaching chamber music. She Amy joined Rugby from LCC as only ever be part of the wider education spoken French and Spanish are both threatened to leave others in his wake setting, such as at the weekly coffee started the String Orchestra 12 years ago and Photographer in Residence, having of life and learning that she combined outstanding. Before joining us in 2006 – never any sense here of a colleague concerts, to giving a meticulously in September 2017 took over responsibility previously been an award-winning teacher devotion to this cause with many others, with a Master’s Degree and PGCE, seeking to throttle down. Instead, he prepared and brilliantly executed solo of the Symphony Orchestra, culminating in of Photojournalism, Art, Art History and most important of which to Amy was a he had spent eight years honing his threw himself at the business of running piano recital. His own musical highlights an outstanding collaboration with Timothy History in the US. Photography was show in America on behalf of a shelter for practical skills as a technical translator residential trips, supervising Oxbridge at Rugby include playing piano concertos, Redmond, Professor of Conducting at the clearly her beating heart: in these first two battered women. specialising in airbag systems and asylum candidates, convening History society particularly his lifetime ambition of Guildhall School of Music in London. She years at Rugby, she held nine exhibitions applications! That may not have been meetings, presenting Chapel talks, visiting performing Rachmaninoff’s Third Piano has given numerous recitals at School and (including one solo at the Hampstead On the back of her success as an AF so useful in the classroom but the rigour prep schools, delivering whip-smart lessons, Concerto (which he has now done twice!), appeared twice as a soloist with the Bliss Theatre and providing the cover image tutor, Amy took over as Housemistress and use of language in the workplace mentoring junior colleagues, and (always) writing and putting on two musicals, Sinfonia (playing Bruch and Beethoven for the Royal Photographic Exhibition), of Dean in 2011. Here, her core values certainly were. In the Department, he generally helping out. For me, a novice The Soldier and Death and Russian Folk, concertos). She has organised orchestral days, contributed to two books, and spent proved a brilliant fit for a House that has been a hugely supportive colleague, Head of Department, no more considerate running Social Services Music and chamber music days and prep school days, her summers on world tours with rock was looking to facilitate new dynamism one of few to understand the intricacies and inspiring a role-model could have been accompanying other staff in Chamber has been involved in many musicals playing bands, photographing concerts in 11 and energy among its students. Amy’s of Firefly, a source of useful resources, found. On the Sports pitch Ed continued Music (notably Messiaen’s Quartet for the in the band, and has been leader of the Bliss countries in five weeks. After two years, use of coaching as a key tool of her a regular participator in School trips to to coach hockey and tennis, pounding end of Time with Sarah Fletcher, Andrea Sinfonia in every concert during her time as she became a full-time member of staff in management made Dean a flagship of Madrid, Santander, Valencia, Paris and the side-lines with a twinkle in his eye. The Brogaard and Michael Martin). Head of Strings. the Art department and quickly earned a initiative, activism and partnership. more recently Montpellier. Teaching to A sense of fun was palpable and success never reputation for facilitating the best in her She adored her time with the Dean girls, level in both languages, he has a friendly far behind. His beloved 3rd XI achieved The standard of piano students at Rugby Andrea has taught academic music to all students. Amy always wanted to know revelling in the growth of their successes but firm manner with pupils who find the sole unbeaten season for 2016-2017, is incredibly high and this is a great tribute year groups and prepared pupils for music and support their ideas, and while many and supporting them in making the him easier to understand in French and stories about which Ed will be spinning to his work, not only as a teacher himself, theory exams. She has played a prominent able photographers consistently produced right decisions through difficult times, Spanish than in his native Scots! perhaps for the rest of time. He also picked but also as a leader of his team of piano role in Social Services Music, prior to amazing images under her guidance, so that the power of community as the up the threads of his research and set to teachers. He is rightly very proud of his which she helped with the Social Services equally valuable to her were the numbers basis for individual growth and group Andrew has been a loyal tutor to Town work on new projects. Latterly this included piano pupils and feels that the Concerto Visiting programme. She has enjoyed her of students who found something of success now sears through Dean’s veins. House where for his first seven years a study of Lord Michael Heseltine, a subject Concert has been brilliant in providing involvement with badminton, especially a haven in the Photography labs and During this time, she met and married he directed the House play, somehow matching neatly his own deeply scored opportunities for them. time spent with the squad, where she has were able there to explore something of Ian Farrelly, and Isaac (otherwise known turning a shambles into a fun production (but lightly worn) one-nation Toryism. encouraged an enthusiastic and ambitious themselves which might otherwise be as Superman, Batman or whichever year on year, which parents looked Away from the Music department, Rob approach in the girls’ side. She has loved hidden or suppressed in the humdrum other superhero currently grasped his forward to, even if some productions What takes Ed to St Paul’s is an was a tutor in Dean for twelve years and the pastoral side of her work, first as a world outside. One of the side effects young imagination) came into their life. tested the Child Protection Officer’s sense unquenchable thirst for challenges anew. in School Field for four, before moving to tutor in Stanley, and for the past ten years of this enthusiasm was the growing Here were two further symbols of Amy’s of humour! There, the common room and boys will Southfield two years ago. Sportswise, he as a tutor in Griffin, where she has made momentum behind student fashion shows effusive impact: I must thank Ian for encounter not only a brilliant History once ran the Crick (he says, ‘believe it or a positive difference to the lives of many and art exhibitions which she helped the generosity of spirit with which he Andrew’s contribution to the wider teacher, but also a richly gregarious, deeply not!’) and once organised it as master in girls, and as an Arnold Foundation tutor. produce. At the time, such fashion shows helped Rugby both academically and curriculum has been considerable. He humane man. London day-school hours charge of cross-country; he oversaw the were a new creative venture for Rugby, pastorally as expert Psychologist; Isaac’s initially coached U15 rugby and U14 mean, however, that we can be confident fitness centre for a year, ran girls’ football, We shall miss Andrea hugely, as a superb which helped to grow a strong sense of sense of fun and mischief, in turn, was hockey and proved to be a popular that messages left at the Merchants will volleyball, reccie tennis and squash. For musician, brilliant teacher and wise colleague, empowerment amongst female students quickly embraced into the heart of the girls’ soccer coach. He took over squash still quickly wing their way home: ‘Hello, several years, he was the minibus driver but wish her and her family well as they move while much of the atmosphere remained Dean girls. in 2014. Ever leading by example, in School Field House…’ for polo (and did most of his revision for to their beautiful new home in Denmark. masculine. Amy’s persistent support of 2008 Andrew ran the Crick and the Paris his Open University Maths degree whilst dance throughout her time at Rugby All the while, however, Amy’s heart Marathon and, after a ten-year rest, ran TDG sitting around in such a minibus!). RJT had a similar impact. Her eye remained and eye were increasingly turning back the Crick again this year! He has also clearly focussed on the cutting edge homewards, and it was very much Rugby’s reliably supported Bronze and Gold
88 | Meteor 2018 | www.rugbyschool.co.uk www.rugbyschool.co.uk | Meteor 2018 | 89 training and expeditions for ten years, The remit given to Andrew was quite of patience, not only with the students record of inspiring her students to becoming a DofE assessor, where, failing simply to bring Information Technology but with the staff too. Despite calls at pursue Classics. She can regularly be to follow his own advice, he managed at Rugby into the 21st century – a Universal Studios for “just one more found running extra language sessions to catch pneumonia in the height of Herculean task which has been achieved ride” from both students and staff, Bex for students and has led the highly summer! His fitness and skills made with the installation of over 15km of fibre held her nerve and ensured the trip ran successful ‘PIE’ club, proving that pork him an obvious recruit for CCF. He took optic cable, a desktop computer and smoothly and on schedule. In fact, the pies and historical linguistics are a over the Royal Marines section upon interactive whiteboard in each classroom, students appreciated her company so perfect, if unusual, combination. Ana joining Rugby, regularly taking cadets to a VLE to support teaching and learning, much on the trip that she was rewarded never stops thinking of new ways to Fremington, Thetford and Lympstone and a Wi-Fi system that supports some with some rather fetching gifts from the share her love for the Ancient World for the Sir Steuart Pringle Trophy where 1100 users across the whole School students on the last night. with her students and always make the School has achieved remarkable community. More recently, we have it relatable for them. Classical quotes success on a regular basis. Andrew took seen the introduction of an IP telephone Bex Froggatt (2013) This year, Bex has also helped adorn the windows of her classroom, Phil Berry (2014) over as Contingent Commander in 2014 system and transfer of data to Office 365. organise the clay pigeon shooting dispensing wisdom from ‘sero venientibus overseeing 450th events with Jeff Howe Andrew has most certainly delivered on After five and a half years at Rugby on Wednesdays. Unsurprisingly, the ossa’ to ‘nemo saltat sobrius’! Ana has Phil and I joined the Physics department at and a spectacular Inspection with Lt Gen his remit. School, Bex will be leaving us this activities day shooting outing organised led a series of highly successful trips to the same time, back in the sultry summer Tim Radford. summer for King Edward’s School in by Bex is incredibly popular – where Classical lands such as Greece, Sicily and of 2014. After only one term, Phil stepped Outwith the domain of Information Birmingham to be Head of Physics. else can students (and staff) start their Croatia, where her end-of-trip quizzes up to the AHm job in Cotton, receiving Andrew now moves to Rugby School Technology, Andrew and his wife This is a huge gain for KES but an even day with a bacon sandwich at 10am, and their eclectic mix of questions a deafening round of applause from the Thailand as Head of Modern Languages. Claire will be fondly remembered by bigger loss for us at Rugby School. before unloading 40 rounds in to the have become the stuff of legend; do House. Phil settled in to Cotton quickly With his experience as Head of a generation of Rugbeians for their Bex has been an outstanding teacher skies around Warwickshire. Bex has something embarrassing at your peril. and soon gained a reputation for his French here, an Independent Schools’ selfless support of the CCF as a whole of Physics, with all students rating her also been widely involved in sports and Ana is most famous in the department, clearly delivered notices at lunch. In fact, Qualification in Academic Management, and the Royal Marines section in lessons highly. The students all comment co-curricular activities – she has been in however, for her unbelievable ability to Phil is so inclusive he often read out the a gamut of examining and teaching particular. Having a ‘green lid’ on the on her clear explanations and lessons, charge of teams for hockey, netball and produce extensive resources seemingly netball notices to the Cotton boys in full. experience, but above all, a zest for team makes a huge difference, and plus outstanding handouts. As a measure tennis and has helped with many other overnight, earning her the title “Queen In return for his warm welcome, Phil has adventure, he is ideally qualified. He has Andrew’s many contacts and incredible of her organisation, she often colour- activities, such as Duke of Edinburgh. of the Booklet”. “How does she do it?” quite literally defended the House. One also read Houellebecq’s Plateforme and efforts have enabled cadets to enjoy a coordinates her worksheets – put side And all this while completing a Master’s wondered a former member of the night, an opportunist thought it would has Thai ‘Duolingo’ on his phone…! great number of trips, which include to side, they pretty much cover the full in Education. department. “It must be some kind of be a good idea to go roaming around We wish him, Carmen and the children the Royal Navy’s Damage Control Unit, visible spectrum. With both Phil Berry Serbian magic!” Cotton’s garden. Its being 2am on a every success and happiness in all that where they have learned to repair a and Bex leaving Physics, the photocopier The Physics Department, students and Sunday morning did not sit well with Phil, lies ahead. breached hull and fight fires; develop can look forward to an early retirement. staff are going to miss Bex hugely. She Outside of Classics, Ana has been a who chased him out of the garden armed their shooting skills on the DCCT has been an incredibly kind, friendly and much-loved AHm in Dean, where the with a 6 iron. When the police arrived, NDJ range (computerised live firing); attend From the very first moment that I met helpful teacher to me and to all around girls have appreciated her thoughtful they commended him on his bravery – the annual Sir Steuart Pringle Trophy Bex, she has been incredibly helpful, her in the department. She always makes care and happy disposition. Her though not on his use of the 6 iron. competition at Commando Training friendly and welcoming. In fact, this was time to help others, giving up many an expertise in coaching has helped Centre, and build resilience by working before I had even got the job – Bex and hour to explain the inner workings of a many to find, assess and achieve their Phil has always been a skilled linguist, to free the School minibus from a Ed Taylor kindly offered to show me to motor to her students. All the staff and goals, and she has begun the journey penning some outstanding works of muddy field at Yardley Chase, now the Merchants and buy me a drink! It students wish her all the best at KES for many by learning to deliver the art in the form of his reports. Armed known by all as Waples’ Field! continued from here – Bex is always and we hope she gets to grips with the introductory course. Ana has also given with a Year 8’s knowledge of Excel, he first to offer ideas for teaching topics concept of a “weekend” quickly. some inspirational Chapel talks over harnessed its power to help improve his Andrew has been a fervent supporter but also share her incredible resources her time at Rugby, from an account of efficiency. He has taken the advice of of pupils in CCF throughout his time with all of us in Physics – despite always OG her experiences as a student in 1990s countless teacher training lectures and at Rugby and his contributions will being in Comic Sans font! In fact, Bex Serbia, to some thought-provoking and ensures that his reports always have a be remembered for many years to has saved the whole department a huge witty advice from her grandmother. positive tone: “X has scored 0% in his come. Not only a staunch advocate of amount of time by helping to prepare She has applied her Classicist’s logic to end-of-topic test. Well done.” Being expanding cadet opportunities and being useful materials and always sharing the chessboard too, running a popular an astute experimentalist too, Phil is Andrew Waples (2009) able to identify and nurture potential, them widely. society and organising a School-wide never one to shy away from a high level he was a key figure in supporting female tournament. A keen player in her youth, of precision: “X scored an impressive Andrew Waples joined Rugby as Director cadets in a hitherto male-dominated Bex started her tutoring career with a Ana has overseen some highly successful 83.14159265359% in her end-of-topic of IT in the February of 2009 following an area of Rugby’s cadet force, a stance brief stint in Griffin, before moving to seasons for the School basketball team. test.” This level of precision c ertainly impressive 26 years of service in the Royal which was justified to naysayers when School House, where she was widely Her love of the game is outweighed only deserves a “well done”. With precision Marines, having passed out of Commando Cdt Sgt Nina Whatmough became the respected by the pupils. However, new by the infamous force of her chest pass: also comes Phil’s high level of organisation Training Centre as the recipient of the first female i/c to lead an RM section pastures beckoned and Bex moved to never again was she underestimated by – his desk has probably reached the Leatherneck Trophy, awarded to the best at the prestigious Sir Steuart Pringle Dean House. Amy Farrelly (Housemistress a new LXX student. highest entropy state of anywhere in the Royal Marine NCO, and completed tours Trophy competition in 2013, winning of Dean) said: “Bex’s caring manner and universe. His intricate filing system is a in locations not generally associated with the Leadership trophy and securing a dedication to her students is admirable. Ana Henderson (2013) Ana has been a huge asset to the School sight to behold, consisting of a number of holiday destinations. Perfect training for top ten place. The ultimate team player, Bex was an in so many ways and we will be very deposits in the B1N file. entering the world of education, one integral part of the Dean team during When you meet Ana for the first sorry to see her go. We wish her every might argue. Andrew’s appointment as Head of IT at my time at Rugby. Her ‘girls’ appreciated time, the thing that strikes you is her success in her new post as Head of Phil has been involved in all aspects of the Swiss International Scientific School her time and commitment to their enormous love for Classics. When you Classics at Loughborough Grammar. the School. He has assisted numerous The School’s IT infrastructure was a very in Dubai takes him to an area for which success. Bex is an extremely talented meet her again, the thing that strikes Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, showing different beast before Andrew’s arrival, he and Claire share a great love, and I tutor and teacher and Rugby’s loss is you is that her hair has changed colour. AELT an excellent ability to locate the nearest with just 150 desktops and a small Wi-Fi am sure they will relish the adventure certainly King Edward’s gain.” In many ways, this sums up Ana herself: pub. He has been master in charge of network. Those of us who remember and the opportunity ahead. not only a top academic, but also a soccer, a role culminating in his securing the pre-Waples era will recall frustrations One of the (dis)advantages of being the teacher full of innovation, energy and a tour to Portugal next year. In addition, in simple tasks such as trying to upload AMM only female in the Physics department passion. he has supported the golf programme reports in a very clunky system which was that Bex got to spend a week in for the past two years – it’s a tough job would invariably collapse as soon as more the company of myself, Mr Berry and A true expert in Latin and Greek but someone’s got to do it. He informs than two people tried uploading files at Mr Calleja on the Physics trip to Florida. Language, Ancient History and me that next year he will live within the same time. Bex showed a commendable amount Linguistics, Ana has an outstanding 100m of a golf course but insists it has
90 | Meteor 2018 | www.rugbyschool.co.uk www.rugbyschool.co.uk | Meteor 2018 | 91 nothing to do with his decision to move. of humour in the safety boat and Emma the current students. It is safe to say that stories of the struggles we all experience no quick exit for this GTA, oh no. We In addition, he organised the Physics was always a calming presence when such experiences are available largely in our first few years – along with her put Peter to work directing the flagship trip to Orlando, Florida – unsurprisingly we needed to help pupils out of the due to Neil’s co-ordination. quick wit and caring counselling – will be Scholars’ Play right at the start of the a popular trip with staff and students water who had been sailing too close much missed at department meetings. Advent term of his second year. He rose given the winning formula: to the wind. We wish him well in his future We wish her all the best and every to this challenge (and the responsibility adventures. success in the future. of showcasing the department’s award pizza2 + (3 x burgers) + 2 days at Emma is the daughter of two doctors holders in the best possible light) with Universal studios + Cape Canaveral = (remember the famous scene in Fawlty NGH RG characteristic ease, confidence and amazing trip. Towers?) and her husband is soon to a work-ethic which would put most qualify as a medic too. Having arrived long-in-the-tooth teachers to shame. As several students put it: “my favourite as Miss Baxter and left as Mrs Brien, she And the work was outstanding. Guided school trip”. is currently enjoying maternity leave in Peter Thomas (2016) sensitively and intelligently by Peter the Cotswolds as the fulltime mum of throughout the rehearsal process, Phil, despite having paler skin than the her beautiful baby boy Jamie. She always GTAs come and go. They swoop in, the cast were encouraged to own Milkybar Kid, will be moving to Spain had time for her colleagues and was wise add a touch of youthful sparkle and the work – something of a holy grail as assistant housemaster and Physics beyond her years (normal for Norfolk). va-va-voom to a department and then in school theatre. This was a special teacher next year. In preparation, he Her smiling face adorns the Chemistry they move on to other things. It’s just director at work, not only able to make has been making outstanding progress office in the annual department the way it is. But with Peter Thomas we sound creative decisions, but, more through the Duolingo Spanish course, photograph and she will be missed as a knew pretty much straight away that importantly, generous enough not reaching Basic Level 2. His command of colleague and friend. We wish her and this was not going to be a mere whistle to resort to an old-fashioned auteur- the Spanish language not only includes her young family well for the future. stop, flying visit en route to something director role, but rather to allow the cast “the apple is red” but also “the apple Aya Abrahams (2016) Gabriel Williams (2016) more attractive. No, Peter was here to to play, to discover, to get it wrong, to is rich”. We are all going to miss Phil MAT do something else, something serious, learn from their mistakes and to invent, hugely – students and staff alike. On the Aya came to Rugby School as a fresh- Gabriel Williams joined Rugby School as not for his own vanity but just because for themselves. Madagascar feedback forms, the most faced graduate in September 2016. a History of Art and History teacher in he could, just for the fun of it, for the popular answer to “What did you enjoy Though young, she brought with her a September 2016, fresh from a PhD at challenge. Peter has a winning, Leslie So the students, the department, the most?” was, after “Madagascar”, “Phil wealth of experience, not only as a recent York University. He threw himself with Phillips-esque smile and the charm and School and the wider community have Berry’s chat and chant”. Phil has the Oxford graduate, but also from her work energy into a number of challenges, foppish air of a young 1950s bounder. all had the best of Peter over the past amazing ability to get on with everybody with Jewish Outreach communities. Her including establishing new departmental And bound he does, from job to job, two years and we are all better for it. and has generated a huge amount two years here have left an indelible accommodation, transitioning History of from bike saddle to box office, from We will miss him as he moves on to of respect from all students – the mark on students and staff alike and Art from A-level to Pre-U, mastering a non- Macready to Merchants. Right from the Warwick University to study for his Madagascar expedition wouldn’t have it is a credit to her that she has made traditional IGCSE History curriculum, and first term here, Peter did, indeed, add Master’s degree and PGCE but sincerely been the same without him. Although such an impression in such a short time. tutoring a group of LXX and XX in Stanley sparkle to the Macready, becoming an hope that he will come back to work the staff won’t miss his ‘chat’, I know She is incredibly conscientious and has House. His contribution to the intellectual instant hit as the glamorous assistant to with us again in some capacity in the we, and the Merchants, will all miss him given countless hours of support to life of the History and Art departments has Andy Chessell in his slick, sophisticated near future. He leaves us having set enormously. He has been a very close students. I have yet to meet someone been notably rich. With him he carries a 1940s production of Shakespeare’s Much up the Hobbs’ Challenge in memory friend to many of us over the last four Neil Gutteridge (2015) who cares as much as she does about compendious (and infectious) enthusiasm Ado About Nothing. And it was through of Christian, and the money that this years and we all wish him Buena suerte the comments she writes on students’ for all things History of Art. He wears this type of accomplished, confident, work generates and the good work that en España (I’ll explain it to you later). Neil Gutteridge joined Rugby in work. Academically she has been a huge his subject expertise lightly, but he is a creative support that Peter began to it then funds, will stand testament to September 2015 as Assistant Head asset to the department and helped to relentless enquirer into the philosophical show not only his skill as a director but Peter’s passion for Rugby School, for the OG (Co-curricular). In his time at Rugby, he invigorate the students’ love for Physical and aesthetic underpinnings of things, his willingness to throw himself into kids he met along the way and for doing was responsible for helping to introduce Geography; her enthusiasm and genuine and of the creative arts in particular. His everything he did with the indefatigable something good, just because it’s the sport in the timetable on Tuesdays and love of the subject are infectious. example offers quiet encouragement that drive and tenacity you’d only expect right thing to do, no matter how much Thursdays, thus allowing more students we should all explore beyond the patina to find in a competitive hill-climbing, time or effort it takes. to access the professional coaches at the Aya has also been invaluable outside the of subject knowledge that sometimes endurance cyclist. Oh and it turns out School. A key figure in devising the new classroom, helping with CCF, where she passes for schooling. To lessons he he’s one of those too. TDC Scheme of Hours, Neil’s experience of has on more than one occasion been brought rigour, a gentle sense of humour, running co-curricular activity in other mistaken for a cadet in uniform. Get to and commitment to the well-being and So from the off, multi-talented charmer schools enabled us to maximise the know her, however, and her calm, easy progress of his students. Undoubtedly, Peter was bounding enthusiastically opportunities available to Rugbeians manner soon assure you of a seasoned he helped nurture the beginnings of a from directing to teaching support to outside lesson times. professional. She also has been drawn life-long love for his subject. He gave admin and back again without a flicker into sport, becoming a keen runner freely of his time to help with many of conceit or self-promotion and, by Neil was also responsible for the and cyclist under the tutelage of more other aspects of School life too: whether his second term in post, found himself introduction of SOCS, allowing all knowledgeable members of staff, always that be life-drawing classes, theatre set running the festival office alongside Emma Brien (2015) members of the Rugby community to encouraging the students and standing design, the delivery of academic lectures, Vicky Henderson as we embarked on access information online about sports as a role model for the girls in everything or the running of day trips, the sport of the hugely ambitious Festival on The Emma graduated with a first class degree fixtures and results and to generate she does. road running, supervision of mentoring, Close. I need say no more than that and came to the Chemistry department lists of participants in various activities. or helping to develop a new F Block Peter’s work on this project saw him in 2015 via an independent school in The Festival on the Close 2017 was the The students will sorely miss her. I know curriculum. Always, he cut a calm and nominated as a finalist in the Rising Star Hertfordshire not too far from her family highlight of the co-curricular activity her tutor group especially will be sad to collected figure as a tutor in Stanley category of prestigious Warwickshire Fenella Chesterfield (2017) home in Norfolk. She quickly established during Neil’s time here and his wisdom see her go, but all her groups comment House. Gabriel next develops his career by and Coventry Culture and Tourism herself in the Chemistry department as and experience were key to its being on how kind, fair and caring she is. going to Goldophin and Latymer School, a awards – an accolade richly deserved by Joining us from the University of a very good teacher, giving a lot of her such a roaring success. Students want to work for her, and London address allowing him to be closer this extraordinary young man. Cambridge, Fenella has been a great time to the pupils. She was a generous, that is a relationship she should be very to girlfriend and family, and the world’s addition to the Philosophy and Theology caring member of the Common Room, Neil’s legacy at Rugby has its physical proud of and one we all should aspire greatest concentration of museum and So indispensable had he become in Department over the past year. Taking much liked by the girls as a tutor in manifestation in the co-curricular to. The five of us left in the Geography gallery space. fact by the end of the year, that we a leading role in the introduction of the Dean, with her ever-smiling face and brochure, which contains almost 200 department will miss her dearly: we have simply couldn’t let him go and we new F Block syllabus, her enthusiasm for infectious energy. She threw herself into different activities, not including regular had to hire two new members of staff TDG were able to persuade him to sign up the subject is infectious and has been a netball and sailing, indeed, we had lots sports practices, which are available to in an attempt to replace her. And those for an unprecedented second year. So huge help in the wider settling-in of the
92 | Meteor 2018 | www.rugbyschool.co.uk www.rugbyschool.co.uk | Meteor 2018 | 93 subject across the School. Her fantastic first hand. Her ability to communicate her from Merton College Oxford, Lila didn’t oral competency of pupils at all levels Maria Mata Martinez (2017) ability and experience in the field of enthusiasm quickly kindles collaboration; spend much time taking in the scene and has made valuable contributions shooting has been a wonderful help to her generous spirit and ready laughter or wondering what to do: at once, she to lessons in terms of cultural input. Maria’s impact on the Spanish the CCF, and Fenella can be rightly proud make for a relaxed and constructive was teaching, organising, coaching and We have really appreciated her positive Department has been commensurate of gaining recognition for the sport as a working atmosphere. She is adept at singing as well as making friends and attitude and unfailing patience. She has with the effort and energy she has formal School activity for the first time in getting the best out of pupils (and influencing people. Lila is a priceless role become an integral part of the boarding brought to her job. She arrived from several years. For a School with Rugby’s colleagues) and promoting the culture model for pupils at Rugby. Whatever she community and been really helpful in Madrid eager to learn and teach in great historic shooting pedigree this is of curiosity on which Modern Languages is asked to do, she says ‘yes’ first and Griffin. We wish her all the very best in equal measure and it is in this way the a great achievement. I sincerely wish must thrive. She has introduced makes it work later. During an early trip her future studies. year unfurled. The Upper School have Fenella the very best of luck in her travels new events such as an Upper School to one of Rugby’s care homes, a song become more knowledgeable in their next year and in her future career. languages promotion dinner and a was required and, without hesitating, Lila REW topic areas under her guidance, and Lower School cabaret night. As another handed the piano part of “Widmung” the Lower School more fluent. Keen to Nathan Stockley (2017) DJM colleague says, “She has been a breath of to Rob Colley and, with a deep breath become involved in boarding school fresh air in the department, her warmth of what passed for air, let rip. Her Ryan Fuller (2017) life, Maria signed up for duty nights in Nathan has thrown himself into the and humour have ensured that we have singing has been a joy to hear, from Tudor, where she became one of the sports athletic development programme worked well together as a group and she accompanying herself on the double bass Ryan has been an exceptional GTA House team, specifically involved with and has passed on his experience has given our enrichment and ML Society in a jazz standard to a top-class song this year in the Sports department. He F Block tutoring. We are delighted that to all the pupils he has coached. In programme a new lease of life. It will be recital in the Memorial Chapel. With started his time helping to coach the so positive has been Maria’s experience Kilbracken, the boys have found him very sad to see her go.” her always thorough and immaculate 1st XV whilst we waited the arrival of with us that she has signed up to very approachable and appreciated preparation, she has been a living the new Director of Rugby and has complete a teaching qualification in his honest, helpful advice whenever Rachel has not been here long enough example of what can be done with sheer gone on to help head up the athletics England, and the profession will be they sought it. Nathan has been good to accrue many anecdotes, but one I hard work and dedication. We are very programme and support with hockey much the richer when she joins its ranks. value throughout the year and gained have on the affectionate authority of sorry to see her go and will miss both her coaching. In between coaching, he valuable experience which will stand the Bradley AHm will do. After one duty musical talent and her ready guffaw. has been working towards his qualified CAO him in good stead. He leaves with our night in House, Rachel inadvertently teacher status in the academic PE best wishes. took the House phone home with her. JTO department, where he has proven Rachel Wickes (2017) “After I called her, she came running back himself an excellent and respected DLS with it, only to stack it right in front of teacher. Ryan will also be missed in Phoebe Ratcliffe (2017) It is sad that Rachel, having come to us me and fall on her face in the snow. But Joshua Dakin (2017) Sheriff where he has been a reliable only a year ago, is leaving us again so even as she fell, she held the phone out member of the tutoring team and The Sports department is very grateful soon. She has brought much sweetness to me so that it wouldn’t be damaged.” Joshua Dakin joined Rugby School as the students have benefited from his to Phoebe for all her hard work this year. and light to the department and her Such selfless heroics in the cause of Music Technology GTA in September positive, honest and reliable personality. The U14 netball team in particular have unfailingly cheerful manner would communication says it all. 2017, having recently completed an We wish Ryan the very best in his really benefited from and enjoyed their have made who knows how many undergraduate course in Birmingham. future position at Wetherby School and weekly training sessions with her. We wish more converts to the cause of Modern JCS Studying at Birmingham Conservatoire look forward to hearing of his future Phoebe the very best of luck in the future. Languages if she had stayed. As the had provided him with extensive successes. Deputy Head (Academic) writes, “Head of recording experience of a variety of DLS MFL is one of the most demanding roles Agnes Bucquet (2017) classical and jazz concerts, which has been DLS in the School, requiring someone who is of great value to the Music department both a gifted linguist and a highly skilled The pupils of French have been fortunate this year. At Rugby, he has built up an leader and manager, and in this Rachel this year to have the benefit of Agnes’ impressive portfolio of recordings, posting has made an outstanding contribution.” cultural and literary knowledge. A true many of them on Firefly, and he has intellectual, she has challenged them enjoyed the opportunity to develop new “The range of languages we teach, the both in terms of content and language. skills. He is rightly proud of his recording number of staff employed and the number She has embraced the extra-curricular life of the Concerto Concert, which is the of students taught make this a daunting of the School and has made considerable biggest project he has done to date by role. It is much to Rachel’s credit that contributions to music. We wish her all himself. The opportunity to work with within days of arriving at Rugby she was the best in her future endeavours. live sound is another area in which he establishing a reputation as an excellent has extended his expertise, through teacher and calm, enthusiastic and REW collaborations with an external company determined leader. Her evident enthusiasm for events such as The House Sing-Off for languages and passionate advocacy of and the 450th anniversary community why they are such an important part of day, as well as designing sound for the curriculum has shone through. She has performances, including the Musical encouraged and promoted clubs, societies Theatre Competition. Around the Music and trips and consequently interest in department, Josh has made several languages has undoubtedly grown. improvements to set-ups for rehearsals She has also done much to develop a and concerts. He has enjoyed his collegial and convivial environment in the association with Town House, as well as his department and she will be much missed involvement with sailing and soccer. by colleagues. We would have loved her to stay longer but wish her the very best RJT of luck with her family’s move to the north west, and thank her for her contribution to Lila Chrisp (2017) Rugby. Few people can have achieved as Alex Einicke (2017) much in a single year.” Lila will be heading for Munich in September to learn German, another Alex has been a wonderful addition As an MFL insider, I have witnessed step in her voracious appetite for learning to the German department this year. Rachel’s caring and creative influence at and self-improvement. High-flying to us She has made a huge difference to the Artwork by: Max Bruneau (SH)
94 | Meteor 2018 | www.rugbyschool.co.uk www.rugbyschool.co.uk | Meteor 2018 | 95 OBITUARY
Christian Hobbs
Christian made the most of every opportunity that was afforded to him, both at Rugby and outside School. From the moment he arrived, it was obvious that he was a fiercely competitive young man, whether it was in the sports arena or in terms of his academic work, and his drive and determination to succeed oozed out of every pore. He made friends very quickly and was well-loved by his peer group both within and outside the House. He was kind, generous to a fault, caring and attentive to the desires of others, always putting them ahead of his own needs. He was also comfortable in his own skin and happy not to conform to the accepted norms of public school boys. He had a huge amount of integrity and was fiercely independent, always being comfortable to stride his own path and to be an individual.
Christian’s first love, absolutely, was boxing. When it was announced that I was taking over the running of School Field after the end of Christian’s first year at School, he sent an envoy in the shape of his then Deputy Hm and tutor, Miss Nicoll, to come and negotiate on his behalf to ensure that he should be allowed to continue with his boxing outside School on weekday nights. Who was I to refuse such a determined young man who wanted to pursue his love for the sport? He worked furiously hard on his academic work in his daytime hours, sometimes foregoing social time with his friends, just so that he could go boxing in the evening. Such was his love for the sport that he was always prepared to take on all the boys in the House on a Saturday evening by walking into my study when everyone was watching Match of the Day, bravely picking up the remote control and changing it to Sky Sports, where some lower level boxing was being shown. He didn’t mind – this is what he wanted to see and he also wanted to convert his WHOLE PERSON housemates to loving the sport, and so the fight went on each and every Saturday! WHOLE POINT Christian really came out of his shell in his sixth form years, and was often seen holding court with his year group with his sharp wit and terrible banter! In his position as the E Block Sixth in the House, Christian whipped into shape a year group that had been quite disjointed until he shaped them into the fine young men that they are growing to be. He was fearsome with them, and yet such a good friend and listening ear for them too, and he trod this fine line with absolute precision.
Christian is sorely missed – we miss his smile, his cheerful chat, the huge amounts of food that he used to pile on his plate for someone so skinny, and with lashings of Nando’s Peri-Peri Sauce to go with it. He was a delightful young man, taken too soon from us and we pray that he may rest in peace.
One of Christian’s favourite songs was Billy Joel’s Piano Man. We played it at Speech Day.
Sing us a song, you’re the piano man Sing us a song tonight Well, we’re all in the mood for a melody And you’ve got us feelin’ alright.
And this is exactly what Christian did whenever he was around. He made everyone “feel alright”.
Out of the darkness, we are trying to ensure that some good may come from the tragic loss of Christian. The Heart of England Community Boxing Club, where Christian used to box, was evicted from its premises recently and is now trying to raise over £1 million to build a new state of the art boxing gym, which will surpass all others in the UK. It will be proudly called the Christian Hobbs Boxing Gym, and I cannot wait to see the legacy that will live on in Christian’s name.
Mindy Dhanda (Hm, SF)
96 | Meteor 2018 | www.rugbyschool.co.uk Rugby School, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV22 5EH Telephone: +44 (0)1788 556 216 Email: [email protected] www.rugbyschool.co.uk