ISSUE 141 • NOV 2020
OS News - Issue 141 November 2020
Contact Us
Welcome
OS President: Alastair Lukies CBE Alastair@apidae-partners.com
We thank you for your patience as this edition of OS News is certainly arriving much later than originally intended. The past year has truly been unlike anything any of us could have imagined, and we have really treasured hearing from OS near and far and about how they have coped during the pandemic. While the College was forced to close its doors to most pupils in March, I am pleased to report that learning and teaching was able to continue successfully as the brilliant teaching staff creatively adapted to provide a wonderful distance education programme for pupils. Everyone is presently back in the classroom this Autumn, and we look forward to another fantastic year ahead!
Development Director: Britt Ellice Britt.ellice@bishopsstortfordcollege.org Tel: (01279) 838655 Community Coordinator: Jennifer Law Jennifer.law@bishopsstortfordcollege.org Tel: (01279) 838348 Campaign Coordinator: Jo Beatty Jo.beatty@bishopsstortfordcollege.org Tel: 07483 064306 Commercial Manager: Emma Tumelty Emma.tumelty@bishopsstortfordcollege.org Tel: (01279) 838618 Consultant Editor: John Rycroft John.rycroft50@gmail.com Tel: (01424) 552104 OS Benevolent Fund: Richard Price richard@price-central.com Tel: (01279) 657675 OS Golf Society: James Greenall (Hon. Secretary/Treasurer) osgolfsociety@gmail.com Tel: 07836 714917 OS Lodge No. 5721: Stephen Appelman (Hon. Secretary) scatali@aol.com Tel: (01279) 506785 OS Swimming Club: Nick Reynolds (Hon. Secretary) nickdreynolds@me.com Tel: 07961 048913 OS Staff Liaison Officer: Simon Lipscombe Simon.lipscombe@bishopsstortfordcollege.org Back issues of OS News can be viewed online by visiting the College’s website https://www.bishopsstortfordcollege.org Submission of articles: We welcome articles for inclusion in future issues. Please bear in mind that it is not possible to include all contributions and we reserve the right to revise articles as necessary. The copy deadline for the next edition is end of February 2021. All copy and photographs should be sent to Jennifer.law@ bishopsstortfordcollege.org, 10 Maze Green Road, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 2PJ Cover Photo – Memorial Hall Chairs by Britt Ellice Other photographic contributions from: Marketing Department, Jennifer Law, Jason Philips, Ian Taylor, David Clode, Obi Onyeador www.facebook.com/stortfordianfoundation/ @stortfordian The Stortfordian Foundation www.instagram.com/stortfordianfoundation/
Building Confidence for life
This is a really exciting edition of the magazine, as it will be the last in its current form. A hard copy (and digital option) magazine will return in the Spring with a new look and feel. It will still have all your much-loved favourites, plus much more. As you will read inside, we are delighted to announce the upcoming launch of The Stortfordian Foundation, a new era of evolution in the way in which we communicate with you and a fresh approach to our programme of events and activities. Fear not – the new focus is all about inclusivity for everyone who has a place for the College in their heart. To usher in this new era, the Development Office will now be known as The Stortfordian Foundation, more of which you can read about in this edition. When it’s possible for us to host in-person events again, our programme will offer something for everyone – and your beloved events will not be lost. We will also have even more ways for you to communicate with us; we are launching a beautiful new interactive website and new social media channels as well. Further information can be found within this edition of the newsletter. I hope you will log on and get involved! If you have any queries, please do contact one of us in the team, we would be delighted to hear from you. Thank you to all OS who contribute content – we are incredibly grateful. Take care and we hope to see you very soon. Britt Ellice, Development Director The Stortfordian Foundation
OS News - Issue 141 November 2020
Farewell and Welcome! In the new 20/21 academic year, with the College fully open and everyone in good spirits, we are delighted to welcome new Head, Kathy Crewe-Read, who has taken over the reins after Jeremy Gladwin’s retirement last term.
remote learning for our students and to ensure the health and safety of all our staff members. We are proud to be providing childcare for our key worker families, helping to contribute to the national effort to provide healthcare and keep the country running. We are here to support our whole community. On a brighter note, in this issue you will read about the launch of the eagerly anticipated Stortfordian Foundation. There has been a lot of hard work behind the scenes. We are all supporting Britt and the new team in its aim to improve connections with the wider school community and in raising funds to give the gift of an education through bursaries and further enhance College facilities for all.
Although it is customary for the Head to write a letter for the OS News, as the previous Spring edition was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, and with Jeremy’s retirement during the lockdown period, it has been decided to print Jeremy’s letter by way of a farewell. We very much look forward to fully introducing Kathy to you in our next new-look publication in Spring 2021. For now, reproduced here, is Jeremy’s letter to the OS written in April. We bid him a fond farewell and best of luck in his retirement.
I write this letter to you at the beginning of the second week of lockdown for the UK during the coronavirus pandemic. It is an unsettling and uncertain time for us all. Everyone at the College is working hard to provide excellent
Please do visit the new website, https:// stortfordianfoundation.org, or connect via the social media channels, set up to take you on this journey with us. There really is no better time to get involved with the Foundation and be part of something very special.
many engaging and interesting OS. Through you, I can see that the College continues to succeed in its mission to build confidence and develop character. Our pupils past and present are the best advert for the College. Please do support The Stortfordian Foundation in any way that you can: suggestions for events, clubs and ways to fundraise are welcome; make a donation or perhaps consider leaving a legacy. To those donors who already support us, we are extremely grateful and hope that the Foundation will add to your number. Everyone can play a role and be part of the success of the College, now and in the future. Finally, my best wishes to you and your families during this uncertain time. I sincerely hope we emerge from this safe and well and with a new gratitude for everything we have and hold dear. Jeremy Gladwin College Headmaster, Spring 2020
Sadly, the coronavirus has dealt a blow to our calendar of events, I was so looking forward to seeing many of you at the Diamond dinner; we hope that this event will be rescheduled at some point in the future when it is safe to do so. I thank you all for your understanding regarding the cancellation of this event and am grateful to those of you who have donated their ticket costs to our Bursary Fund. This is, sadly, my last ‘From the Headmaster’ as my retirement date draws close - I will soon be part of the OS! I am in the midst of the handover process with the new Head, Kathy Crewe-Read, who is excited to be taking the reins from September. I have been lucky enough to be custodian of this wonderful school for some nine years and have met so
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OS News - Issue 141 November 2020
A Life In The Day Of: Lucy Brash (née Stapleton) (MJH,YH, 95-06) Earliest memory of BSC? I have vague memories of being in Shell in the old pre-fab style building, playing hockey on the grass and wearing the old grey shirts.
Where is home? New York, NY, USA. My husband and I moved to NYC about six years ago on an 18-month rotation, and, well, we didn’t come back. Career? I am an Executive Director at J.P. Morgan in the Investment Bank. Specifically, I sit in the Equity Capital Markets team covering the Energy sector. Essentially this means facilitating Energy companies to list on the stock exchange, raise new equity to fund acquisitions/pay down debt and assist major shareholders to monetize their positions. Career plan B? When I was a child? I didn’t know what an investment bank was... I wanted to be a teacher, or a barrister, or a web designer. In short, I had no idea! Today? Investor Relations at an Energy company or Private Equity firm. Plan C... Pro triathlete.
Biggest lesson learnt at BSC? To explore and develop my passions by trying new things in a safe environmentit’s possible to be book smart, but sporty; enjoy debating but not acting or music; to like public speaking but be introverted. Your best quality? I am rather determined and like working hard. Your worst quality? I love a good debate...even when I’m not right! Guilty pleasure? I have lots of pleasures, though I don’t have any guilt about them, be it a multi hour bike ride or run or crushing a bar of Milky Bar chocolate. If I enjoy it why be guilty about it? Who would play you in a movie of your life? Never thought about it... and don’t have the breadth of knowledge of actors to come up with a good fit. Dream dinner party guests? Jeff Bezos and Steve Jobs because their innovations have done more to change the way I live my life than anyone or anything else.
Earliest memory? It’s hard to know what is real, and what is reimagined from photos, but a few snippets from being at home playing with my dogs, swimming and pre-school sports days.
Building Confidence for life
Starstruck moment? Oh, I don’t know. Famous people are just people that chose to do things more in the public eye. Top of your bucket list? Qualify and race at the Ironman World Championships in Kona, HI.
Biggest inspiration? No one person, more the notion or belief that I can “have it all” if I want it and work hard enough for it, just it will be my definition of “all”. There is no one person’s path I exactly want to follow but plenty of ordinary and extraordinary women and men that show what is possible. Philosophy? Stolen from Roosevelt ... be the man or woman in the arena: It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat. Where would you time travel to? 2050 because it would be fascinating to see where human ingenuity will get us. First record you bought? I think it was something really super high quality like the Spice Girls! Biggest regret? I don’t really have any. I’ve obviously made a huge number of mistakes but sometimes they end up being learning lessons or opportunities. Stay in the present. What advice would you give you a 2020 BSC Leaver? Work hard. Be patient. Stick with difficult things. Give your best effort most of the time. Don’t fear failure. Learn from mistakes. Be a nice person. Move every day.
OS News - Issue 141 November 2020
College News Introducing: The Stortfordian Foundation The Development Office will soon be no more and will be replaced by The Stortfordian Foundation. The Stortfordian Foundation will build upon the good work undertaken by the Development Office and evolve it to become a fully inclusive school community. Bishop’s Stortford College is our common interest and The Stortfordian Foundation will provide a place for the whole community to engage for the benefit of the school. We will welcome not only OS but also parents, past and present, staff and Governors and other interested parties to get involved and be an
active part of the community.
opportunity and reasons to get involved.
We will offer an inclusive, diverse programme of events and communication channels to enable our community to experience life together at the College. The official launch date will be 23rd - 27th November, more details will follow on social media, email and via our new website.
For now, please follow us on Facebook, on Twitter @stortfordian and on Instagram – just search for Stortfordian Foundation. Details of our launch and programme of (virtual) events and activities will be released on these channels and our new website soon.
There will be a new look to OS News coming next year and a new interactive website (see page 25 for more details) for you to read and engage with. We hope to be able to provide you with much more
We want you to be part of it!
Message from the OS President Let me start by saying I do sincerely hope that you and your families have kept well and safe during the pandemic and continue to do so. 2020 has so far been a rollercoaster and has affected all of us, no matter where we are in the world. The efforts made by the College to continue educating the children virtually has been nothing short of superb - although I know everyone is relieved and happy to be back on campus. Coronavirus has ruthlessly demonstrated that we are all exposed to global events now more than ever. However, it is for this reason that I feel so positive about our wonderful school and the introduction of our new Stortfordian Foundation. Many of my friends, from the time I was at the College, have moved all over the world, had families and built amazing careers and yet every time I have the pleasure of catching up with Stortford alumni we always talk about the importance of our foundations, camaraderie created at school and being part of a community. I think it’s fair to say that whilst at school as a pupil we may not be able to comprehend fully how fortunate we all are in the global
context - the more of life we experience the more we see the value. Bishop’s Stortford College is an accessible, open and inclusive environment that welcomes all newcomers. That said, not everybody is fortunate enough to be able to cover the costs associated with the world class facilities that the school provide and that is why the new Foundation is so important: the Foundation is all about providing ongoing connectivity, communities within communities of College alumni as well as present pupils, parents and staff and most of all (and certainly the thing that I and the rest of the committee of Old Stortfordians are so focused on) - the raising of monies for the gift of an education.
can benefit most, as seamless as possible. It is this wonderful spirit of community that is at the heart of the Foundation. Although some of our fundraising activities have been put on hold for the moment please do join in and get involved from the comfort of your own home, details are contained in this newsletter. If you have ideas or want to pledge your support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me via the new Foundation office at the College. My warmest wishes to you all. Al Alastair Lukies CBE (GH,AH,80-90,OS President,19-21)
We have a bursary system which means we can help families and pupils that can benefit greatly from an education at Bishop’s Stortford College. The new Foundation structure, sponsored by the Governors, all the staff, the Bursar and, led by the excellent Britt Ellice, has been designed to make the process of raising money and channelling it to those who
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OS News - Issue 141 November 2020
College News Julie Pridmore After 26 years of dedicated service to the Old Stortfordian Community the College bade a fond farewell to Julie Pridmore in October 2019. Julie has devoted over two and a half decades to all matters OS and (amongst countless other things) has reunited numerous childhood school friends, attended over 60 events, has collated c75 editions of OS News and has worked with three Headmasters, three Bursars and loyally served 22 OS Presidents, whilst also playing matchmaker on more than one occasion! The words ‘OS Society’ and ‘Julie Pridmore’ frequently followed each other in conversation and written correspondence. Having single handedly administered the OS Society before the creation of the Development Office in 2011, to many generations of Old Stortfordians from around the world, Julie has been their ‘go to’ person for any information or enquiry about the College or fellow Old Stortfordians. Julie’s diligence, attention to detail and empathy along with her amazing memory and recollection of people’s
names and family relationships made her an invaluable member of the College community. Her powers of diplomacy have smoothed many a ripple over the years and she was described as the ‘glue’ keeping relationships across our community strong even at the toughest of times. Julie worked tirelessly to build relationships between the College and the Old Stortfordian community and today we can proudly stand together as one College community.
We are grateful for all Julie has achieved over the past 26 years and wish her every happiness as she embarks on her next adventure in life, no doubt surrounded by friends and family, including, husband Neil, daughter Gemma and her husband Chris, son James and his wife Jodie and her beautiful granddaughter Harper. We cannot fail to mention her canine affections! Dennis her Jack Russell will be sure to get her up and out in the morning for their beloved walks as we know that Julie won’t be able to sit still for very long!
Nigel Witherden After 43 years tirelessly tending the College grounds Nigel Witherden left the College in December 2019. After arriving in Maze Green Road aged just 3 years old when his father, Ted Witherden started a new job at the College, Nigel has devoted himself to providing immaculate grounds for generations of the College community to compete on. In fitting tribute to both Ted & Nigel, Top Field has been renamed Witherden Field in their honour.
Building Confidence for life
Over the decades, Nigel has got to know generations of pupils (many now OS), parents, staff, umpires and visiting opposition teams and will be missed by all who have had the great pleasure to meet or work with him. After 57 years in Maze Green Road, Nigel will not be going too far away. He has moved with his wife Nicola, to live in Elsenham so that they remain near to their two daughters, Rebecca (PP,NH,BH, 95-07) and Lucy (PP,NH,AH, 98-12).
We look forward to seeing Nigel at future OS fixtures – as a guest from now on! Our warmest wishes and immense gratitude to Nigel for his dedicated service over the past 43 years.
OS News - Issue 141 November 2020
Home News Rugby Shirt Donation
International Science Award
During the 2018 Rugby World Cup we were delighted to welcome OS Dan Hood (CH, 10-16) back to the College to hand over a very special gift. Dan represented Hong Kong in the U20 Rugby World Trophy championship in August 2018 and has generously donated his shirt and player’s medal to the College.
Rory Galloway (HH, 07-09) travelled to Seattle to pick up a Gold Award at the international Kavli Science Journalism Awards for a BBC Radio 4 programme he produced called A Sense of Time. The programme looks at how different species experience time and was inspired by a flock of swifts Rory had filmed in Bishop’s Stortford. You can listen to the award-winning programme now on the BBC Sounds app.
College Head of Rugby, Andre Beukes, took pleasure in receiving this extra special donation which will take pride of place on display in the Doggart Pavilion. We are very grateful to Dan and are sure that his shirt and medal will inspire future College rugby stars to aim for the top just like he has!
Congratulations Rory!
Dan currently plays rugby for Hertford and we wish him continued success both on and off the rugby pitch.
Pictured: Geoff Marsh, the presenter of the programme on the left and Rory Galloway on the right.
50th Wedding Anniversary Alan Thistleton (GH,HH, 49-58) got in touch recently to let us know that he and his wife, Val, had celebrated their Golden wedding anniversary on 20th July 2019. Alan and Val were married in South Africa in 1969, living there for nine years before returning to England with their three children. Celebrating with Alan and Val last July were 50 friends and family including their three children and seven grandchildren. Also joining them for this very special day were Alan’s best man, Chris McDonald (HH, 56-57) and his niece, Caroline Lewis (née Hanney) (YH, 93-95) and nephew David Hanney (MJH,RPH, 87-98).
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OS News - Issue 141 November 2020
Home News The Goldfish Club
New Appointment for OS
Did you know that OS Keith Quilter (SH, 36-39) is a member of the Goldfish Club? Qualification for membership is that you must have ditched into the sea in, or from, an aircraft!
Tim Lustig (MJH,SH, 71-79) has recently been appointed to a personal chair in Literary Studies at the University of Keele.
At 98 Keith is the one of the club’s oldest members and was recently featured as part of a BBC news story online covering the club’s history. In 1945 during WWII airstrikes, Keith was shot down near Osaka. Thankfully he was saved by an American submarine and lived to tell the tale. You can read the full story on the BBC website.
After his time at the College, Tim read English and Related Literature at York University (1980-84) and gained a PhD in the Faculty of English, at the University of Cambridge, where his work was supervised by the eminent literary critic Tony Tanner. Tim gained a Lectureship in American Literature at the University of Keele in 1993 and was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2010. He currently serves as Dean of Education in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. He has taught nineteenthand twentieth-century literature, British and American, and particularly enjoys teaching creative writing, contemporary literature, and Victorian and Edwardian children’s literature. Tim has written studies of Henry James and Thomas Malory as well as editing scholarly editions of James’s eerie tale The Turn of the Screw (1898) and his still stranger novel The Sacred Fount (1901). Congratulations Tim!
Photo Credit: Jason Philips
OS Group Rugby Weekender A group of 18 gathered in Topsham, near Exeter for an excellent weekend, primarily to see the Exeter Chiefs play Wasps. The group comprised of OS predominantly from the 1960s, a group brought together by APP (Peter) Smith (AH, 64-68). The golfers in the group arrived in time for a couple of rounds on Friday with the non-golfers arriving that evening for the opening dinner. On the Saturday most of us took the coastal path to Budleigh Salterton for a pub lunch. Saturday evening opened with a wine tasting organised by Peter Warner (GH,HH, SuH, 61-68) and Robin Goodchild (GH,SHa, 60-67) followed by dinner.
Building Confidence for life
Sunday was match day and it was off to Sandy Park where surprisingly Wasps beat the Chiefs 19-26. Charlie Abrams, (former BSC Master, 68-83) was able to get us into the club facilities for a beer after the game, which was much appreciated. The final evening was spent in Topsham at the home of Martin Harvey (GH,SuH, 65-72), providing amazing hospitality, to round off a fabulous weekend with great company throughout. Special thanks go to Peter Smith (AH, 64-68) for his organisation, Duncan Beck for securing the match tickets and the OS President, Alastair Lukies, CBE (AH,GH, 80-90) for generously supporting the kitty.
Attendees: Charles Abrams (Master, 68-83), Chris Carter (GH,SH, 64-71), Stephen Cozens (GH,RPH, 66-75), Andrew Gebhart (GH,HH,SuH, 61-68), Robin Goodchild (GH,SHa, 60-67), Andrew Liggatt (SHa, 57-62), Norman Livings (GH,SHb, 55-62), Roger Madsen (GH,SHb, 53-62), Graham Murdoch (GH,HH, 62-69), Clive Norris (GH,SH, 60-68), Peter Smith (AH, 64-68), Peter Warner (GH,HH,SuH, 61-68) Non-OS – D R Beck, R Chown, G Griffiths and J Prowse. Robin Goodchild
OS News - Issue 141 November 2020
Peter Wheeler Peter Wheeler (WH,CH, 05-13) left the College to go to Solent University, Southampton, to study Audio Engineering. After completing his BSc he then returned to Solent to complete a Masters. He is now working for Vanguardia Ltd. in London. As part of his role as an acoustic consultant, Peter liaises closely with the front of house engineers and system technicians in order to control elements of unwanted sound both on and offsite, in order to comply with guidance and licence limits set for the event. Peter is currently undertaking a PhD in
Robinson Engagement Announcement Dr Harriet Robinson (GH,YH, 02-09) brought joy to lockdown as she announced her engagement to Dr Alexander Cavell on 23rd May 2020. Harriet had been working as a locum during the Covid-19 pandemic at Addenbrookes, during what should have been a planned year of academic study, when Alex proposed during a picnic. Harriet is now undertaking GP training. They plan to marry in Oxford, where they both attended university, after her training at the Whittington Hospital in London is complete and they have purchased their first home. Congratulations!
Psychoacoustic Engineering with the Open University and has had a research article printed in the Bulletin for the Institute of Acoustics. His article being the front-page feature, was the technical contribution, as part of his PhD project. The article in the IOA Bulletin was building on research done through Peter’s practical work to highlight why large portions of the guidance and legislation in the UK was outdated. It explains the need for the research into pyschoacoustic phenomenon as a method of low frequency control, which is the main
theme of his thesis. The outcome of the research is now being used by the Noise Council to aid the development of the new national guidance due in 2020, and will go on to play a large part of his PhD research where he is developing psychoacoustic phenomenon as a method of low frequency noise mitigation.
Funeral of Peter Rowe (GH,SH, 39-46) Headmaster 57-70 John Williams (GH,SHb, 58-65) writes: I seem to have played the organ for some memorable Stortford occasions, including the Queen Mother’s visit in 1968, Teddy Wall’s funeral; and on September 14th 2020, in a barn, on a beautiful day in the heart of the Weald of Kent; it was my great privilege to play for Peter Rowe’s funeral service. Covid restrictions were in full force, so it was a small gathering, but it was full of joy and thanksgiving for a life lived to the full. Bridget and all the family were there, and I accompanied a magnificent Old Cranbrookian violinist in music by Bach, Elgar and Massenet.
stimulating and successful academically, culturally and on the games field. In retirement, my wife and I returned to Cranbrook, and it was always a pleasure when the Rowes dropped in to see us, the last time only a few weeks before Peter died. I know that Bridget was very moved by the many tributes to Peter she received from Stortfordians. A full obituary for Peter Rowe, who sadly passed away at the age of 92 on 1st September 2020 will be included within our next edition.
My associations with the Rowes go back to 1957 when I received a scholarship to BSC, and I saw them from time to time after school, when I was at Cambridge. After I had been teaching at Rossall for a few years, Peter offered me a job at Cranbrook School, where I spent some of the happiest years of my teaching career. Cranbrook was a co-ed Kent Grammar School, half board, half day, and the school was vibrant: fun, happy,
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OS News - Issue 141 November 2020
Overseas News Fires in Australia Ian Burrows (GW,HW,SuH, 62-68) has lived in Australia since 1976 and has witnessed first hand the terrible fires that ravaged the country between September 2019 and January 2020. At the time of writing, 33 people had lost their lives, over 11 million hectares (equating to 84% of England) had been burnt, over 1 billion animals perished and more than 2,000 dwellings had been destroyed. Here is Ian’s account of the Australian fires: Living in Australia you learn that fire is a fact of life but I have never experienced such wide spread fire and ferocity across every state. In January, the majority of Australia was suffering from temperatures up to 48°C and the whole country collectively held its breath watching the long burning fires, hoping they would not cause any further death or destruction. Whilst I write in early February, much of the coastal fringe and many of the inland areas of the country are thankfully receiving significant rainfall, putting out fires and providing initial relief to drought ravaged communities, many of which have not received rain for two years.
Jarretts in South Africa Mark (MJH, HH, 79-87) and Sara (YH, 85-87) Jarrett and their children Emily and George travelled to South Africa in October 2019 and enjoyed a mini-OS reunion while they were there. During their time in Cape Town they spent a few days with their College contemporaries Charlie Wright (AH, 83-87) and Richard Fisher (AH,HH, 82-85) and their families. Mark commented ‘It was so good to see them, spend time with their wonderful families and reminisce about our time together at BSC.’
Building Confidence for life
I live in Bowral (home to the late Sir Donald Bradman), an urban environment mid-way between Canberra and Sydney. Large fires were burning within 20km of our house and the air was thick with smoke and ash for most of the festive time with visibility being very limited. For many families it was a tense period; medical advice was for children, the sick and the elderly to stay indoors which particularly in the middle of summer holidays was difficult. Friends living in a more rural environment close to our home spent nights just hosing their property to stop ember ‘attacks’ as the fires moved closer.
resilience in the face of danger and destruction: the reaction of the entire Australian community has been heartwarming.
There are many stories of community
Photo Credit: David Clode
Whilst clearly the loss of life and destruction has been tragic I am optimistic that Australia’s terrible experience over the last few months will be a wakeup call to the climate change deniers both in our own Parliament and to the world in general. As a nation we are immensely grateful for the assistance, donations, thoughts and prayers received from around the world.
OS News - Issue 141 November 2020
Marriages Grace Wignall (NH,BH, 00-11) married Matthew Corby (MJH,HH, 00-11) at Great St Mary’s Church in Sawbridgeworth on 3rd August 2019. Grace and Matthew met when they joined the College in 2000 and have been together since 2009. Bridesmaids were sister of the groom, Jessica Alder (MJH,AH, 01-08), Phoebe Marsh (GH,BH, 02-11) and Emma Roberts (PP,WH,BH, 97-09), and Best Man was Jim Saggers (WH,HH, 04-11). Phoebe, Jim, Matthew and Grace all delivered speeches after the ceremony reminiscing about their days at the College. Also in attendance were father of the groom, Nick Corby (MJH,HH, 69-78), the groom’s brothers, Tom (MJH,HH, 97-04) and Lewis Corby (MJH,HH, 97-05) and the bride’s brothers, Tom (NH,CH, 01-07) and Daniel Wignall. The wedding party also included a large number of OS: Annabel Baker (NH,YH, 04-11), Jack Baker (NH,SuH, 04-11), Mike Butler (MJH,SH, 0011), Izzy Connor (PP,WH,AH,TH, 97-11), Adam Connors (SH, 06-11), Lucy Crossfield (NH,BH, 05-12), Tom Dewhurst (RPH, 06-11), Pierre During (GH,RPH, 03-11), Jon Earp (RPH, 0611), Luke Farmer (MJH,HH, 03-11), Zena Fraine (née El Farra) (AH, 0608), Jennifer Farrant (NH,TH, 02-13), Nick Hartwell (MJH,HH, 96-04), Nadir Hemnani (GH,HH, 02-11), Rebecca Hood (GH,BH, 04-11), Sam Hopperton (WH,RPH, 02-11), Ross Johnstone (MJH,SH, 01-09), Matthew Kerr (PP,NH,SuH, 97-11), Phil Limmer (HH, 09-11), Natasha Longthorpe (BH, 0611), Hayley Martin (AH, 03-08), Kristina Murkett (NH,AH, 03-11), Tom Pearman (GH,RPH, 03-10), Sophie Pike (WH,BH, 00-11), Josh Roberts (PP,WH,HH, 0014), Nina Sivyer (MJH,BH, 04-09), Will Thomson (GH,SH, 00-11), Cyan Williams (MJH,BH, 04-11) and Conor Wright (MJH,SuH, 04-10).
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OS News - Issue 141 November 2020
Marriages & Births Harry Thomas (GH,RPH, 97-06) married Philippa Clough on Saturday 1st June 2019 in Grantchester, Cambridge. Harry and Philippa met over ten years ago whilst at the University of Oxford. Joining Harry and Philippa at their wedding were the following OS: Ryan Bahia (WH,RPH, 98-06), Jack Barnes (WH,HH, 98-06), Caroline Boardley (née
Wilson) (GH,YH, 97-06), Max Boardley (MJH,HH, 99-06), Jessica Chivers (BH, 03-05), Will Hart (WH,MJH,RPH, 9506), John Kisenyi (MJH,SuH, 98-06), Alex Martin (NH,SuH, 96-06), Hugh McGilveray (MJH,SH, 98-06), Jonny Round (WH,CH, 98-06), Johnnie Smith (MJH,SuH, 98-06), Peter Smith (AH, 6468), Gordon Stewart (GH,RPH, 91-02), Vicky Stewart (née Morphew) (WH,BH,
Members of the Household Cavalry Regiment: Blues and Royals (RHG/D) (2nd from left is OS Jack Barnes) and Life Guards (LG) in Frock Coats with bride and groom
Congratulations to Karen Li (YH, 0305) and Alexander Ng (RPH, 02-06) on their recent marriage. The couple were delighted to welcome a number of OS to their wedding including Venus Tsang (GH,YH, 99-07), acting as bridesmaid and Felix Tsang (SH, 03-07), acting as groomsman.
98-06), brothers of the groom Albert Thomas (GH, 06-13) and Frederick Thomas (GH, 04-11), Best Man, Dan Wakerley (GH,SH, 99-06), Ellie Wakerley (PP,GH,YH, 01-13) and Imogen (Sophie) Wakerley (GH,YH, 01-07). Also invited was Lewis Codling (GH,RPH, 94-06) who was unfortunately unable to attend.
Ushers – from left to right OS Hugh McGilveray, Max Boardley, Johnnie Smith, Albert Thomas, Frederick Thomas, Dan Wakerley, (Bride, Philippa) and Harry Thomas
Karen and Alexander chose to return to the College campus to conduct a very special engagement photography session. Karen told us, “Having our engagement photography session in this special place, so full of memories, was a dream. We couldn’t think of any better place to have this meaningful moment captured. Special thanks to Jennifer Law for her support on creating an unforgettable once in a lifetime experience for us!” OS Wedding Attendees Michelle Wong (YH, 02-04) Helen Kwan (YH, 02-06) Yvonne Tse (YH, 04-06) Kevin To (GH,SH, 99-05) Jackin Lam (SH, 02-07) Sam Wong (GH,RPH, 00-06) Dennis Cheung (GH,RPH, 01-07)
Harry Thomas (GH,RPH, 97-06) and his wife Philippa are delighted to announce the birth of their son Emory Gordon Derek Thomas, who arrived safely into the world on 19th December 2019. What a wonderful early Christmas present for the family – congratulations!
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In Memoriam Since our last publication we have been notified of the following deaths: Sir Richard Alexander, 3rd Bt (Sha, 61-65) See Obituaries Aaron Basha (GH, RPH, 08-15)
Hugh Metivier (Prep, 31-33) Richard Pennington (MJH, HH, 76-85) See Obituaries Robert J. Rabl (SHa, 61-66) See Obituaries
Peter R. Boggis (GH, HH, 50-56) John Browning (RPH, 40-42)
Paul Adrian Rooke (GH, SHb, 56-63) See Obituaries
Richard Coward (Staff, 78-82) Sarah Burry (Wife of Michael Burry SHb, 39-44)
Peter Rowe (GH,SH, 39-46) Headmaster 57-70
Michael Dineen (GH, HH, 54-61)
Edwin (Ted) A. Smith (Sha, 48-50) See Obituaries
Stuart Findlay (GH, SHa, 55-61) See Obituaries
Revd. Hugh Talbott (Chaplain, 71-96) See Obituaries
Robert (Bob) J. Franklin (GH, DBH, 48-55) See Obituaries
Richard T. Trigg (GH, SHa, AH, 39-48) Anthony (Tony) D. Truman (SH, 58-60)
Norman Gower (AH, 33-37) Alistair M. Grant (GH, AH, 42-51) Gordon W. Hurren (GH, HH, 39-46)
Henry Weston (DBH, 36-41) Robin Venn (HH,39-45)
Richard T. Ling (GH, AH, 46-53) See Obituaries
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Obituaries ALEXANDER – Sir Richard Alexander, 3rd Bt, (SHa, 61-65) died on the 2nd December 2019 at the age of 72. Richard was, he believed, the 17th member of his family to attend Bishop’s Stortford College and sent his two sons here, continuing the family tradition. His great-uncle and father were both Chair of Governors and thus he was proud to have been a member of a family which played a large part in the life of the school. He began his career in the ship-owning industry going on to join Alexander Shipping in London. In 1979, he joined the Public Relations Dept. of the holding company where he was responsible for the Group’s printing and was the editor of the house magazine, later becoming the Public Relations Officer for the Group.
FINDLAY – Stuart Findlay (GH, SHa, 55-61) was a most kind, generous and lovable person, highly respected by all those who knew him. He arrived at Grimwade House with his brother Peter in September 1955. Lifetime friend and classmate, Paul Hickling recalls that Housemaster Mr Bond was taking their class one day and he had brought in a meteorite. He left to get something and Stuart started to play around with it, throwing it about, saying, ‘Look out here comes a meteorite!’. Well it certainly did and while it was in orbit it crashed to earth right into Mr Bond’s favourite picture on the wall just as he re-entered the classroom. Mr B was not impressed! Bill Clare was a great mentor for Stuart, and it was no accident that of all the sports he enjoyed he was particularly gifted at water polo. He also played rugby, was a good athlete and was captain of the basketball team. After leaving the College, Stuart took
In the late 1980s, he became a consultant in PR and printing, running his own company. Outside of work, he owned a vintage Bentley for many years and through this, became a Director of the Bentley Drivers Club, and the editor of their magazine, Review. He also played a role in the life of the village of Detling, in Kent, being editor of the parish magazine for 16 years and Chairman of the Village Hall. He often remarked later in his life that he enjoyed his time at Bishop’s Stortford College and looked back with fond nostalgia at his days here. Richard is survived by his sons Edward (SH, 88-93) and James (SH, 91-95), as well as his granddaughters, Neve and Caitlin to whom we send our sincere condolences.
the then unusual step of travelling to the Middle East and South America before his return to work at the family farm. At around this time he started taking out the love of his life Penny Rowland, who he had actually known since primary school. He had found his soulmate and in June 1967 they were married and lived at the farm before moving to Albury and then to Barley. Before long, the Findlay family started growing with the births of Jamie, Rupert and daughter Abi. His love of sport with the OS continued and he was captain of the rugby team in its last full season at Bonningtons in 1970-71. At that time, he was also captain of water polo in the London Thameside League and a keen supporter of OS golf. Stuart co-founded Pelmark promotional clothing from his factory in Braughing with many OS wearing bespoke Pelmark sportswear. Before long he grew the business in the UK and abroad. From 2000 onwards, he moved into the property business with interests as far
afield as China where he was director of a nursing home, which he visited several times a year. He was very competitive, a fellow director recalling that on one occasion at Bangkok’s Don Muang Airport, Stuart bet with him to see who would get through the immigration gate first. Monks have priority so Stuart went straight to the front of the queue and bribed a monk a few Baht to let him be his helper! The other loves of his life were the College and the OS. Many swimmers will remember their formative years spent in the West Country playing water polo over the weekend after August bank holiday. Stuart initiated the annual tour in 1980 and did all the arranging of fixtures and sometimes dubious accommodation! He even donated an old gatepost to be the prized trophy presented to the older OS who won a handicapped swimming race – only Stuart!
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Stuart was president of The Society in 1993/4 during the College’s 125th year, which he made sure was seriously celebrated! Stuart and Penny opened up their house in Barley for the President’s Luncheon, where over 100 guests ate and drank in a marquee pitched in the garden, followed by an impromptu game of water polo in his pool officiated by the President, who fell in! Stuart attracted a record 200 guests for the annual OS dinner in his year. For the first time ladies had been invited, and after warmly welcoming them in his speech Stuart also welcomed Julie Pridmore in her first year as secretary. During his many years serving on the OS committee, he had been the rugby and golf representative and created the Sixth Form Fund with Frank Bennett which helped many students whose parents had
fallen on hard times. He organised careers conventions for the school and was a strong lobbyist for the new swimming pool, which was eventually completed in 2002. Stuart fished every year in Iceland, was a keen shot and loved racing, being a member of the Jockey Club Rooms. He managed to achieve all this while travelling frequently on business and to holiday homes in South Africa and Portugal. Stuart and Penny celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in Portugal in 2017, where they welcomed 50 guests – a truly memorable weekend. Stuart died on 24th March 2020, in Addenbrooke’s hospital. He was suffering from underlying health issues and died as a result of contracting the coronavirus. Our thoughts then and now are with Penny, and their children Jamie, Rupert and Abi. He is terribly missed.
2013 OS Reunion in South Africa at the Findlay’s Farm. Pictured: Stuart (SHa, 55-61) & Penny Findlay, David (DBH, 42-49) & Yvette Emery, Brett (SHa, 55-60) & Pam Jones, Ed (AH, 53-59) & Elaine Carter, Charlie Wright (AH, 83-87) and Penny’s Sister, Caroline.
FRANKLIN – Robert (Bob) John Franklin (GH,DBH, 48-55) passed away peacefully in hospital on 30th October 2019, aged 82 years. Bob, formerly of Bishop’s Stortford, lived in Blakeney in Norfolk. Born on 1st September 1937, Bob grew up in Bishop’s Stortford and was awarded a scholarship to Bishop’s Stortford College where he embraced his passion for rugby as no.1 loosehead prop for the school, OS and BSRFC. He had a reputation of being a mild man socially but a force to be reckoned with on the field. When he left the College, Bob completed an apprenticeship at Vauxhall Motors and Luton College between 1955 and 1960, leaving with an HND in engineering. He then joined the family business, Franklin’s Garage Limited, marrying his wife, Janet, in March 1960. They had a daughter, Sally, and a son, Mark (MJH,HH, 72-82). Bob took the helm of the family business and was succeeded by Mark in 1989. He was secretary of the Vauxhall Dealers Association and a Fellow of the Institute of the Motor Industry. He was also a passionate member of Bishop’s Stortford Rotary Club and later Holt, Norfolk. With ill health upon him, Bob and Janet retired early to Blakeney, Norfolk in 1998 where they enjoyed being part of the community. Bob is survived by his wife, Janet, his daughter, Sally, son, Mark, and grandchildren, Sophie, Tom, Beth, Anna and Lottie (NH,BH, 05-12). We send our sincere condolences to the family.
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Obituaries LING – Richard T. Ling (GH,AH, 46-53) died on 9th November 2019. Richard entered Grimwade House in 1946, moving up into Alliotts in 1949 while Chas Mellows was still Housemaster. He involved himself in every aspect of College life, in the Music Society, the Senior Athletics team, on the rugby and hockey fields and as a senior NCO in the CCF. Richard became a Prefect in 1953 and won the EW Edmunds Biology and English Verse prizes that year. After leaving school, he took a diploma in agriculture at the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester. He moved to Kenya in the late 1950s and stayed there farming for 13 years. It was there he met and married his wife, Anita. What followed was a long, happy marriage and they were devoted to each other until the end of their lives. Returning to the UK, Richard bought a farm near Kingsbridge in South Devon with
PENNINGTON – Richard Pennington (MJH,HH,76-85), husband of Julia Pennington (YH,84-86), passed away on 5th May 2020, aged 52, after a short stay at Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge. Richard spent the majority of his school years at the College, leaving in 1985 to start a career at British Rail. Richard and Julia married in 1990 and were blessed with a son, James. James shares some words that might resonate with OS that knew Richard: ‘Dad was like an older brother to me: he always looked out for me and we were always able to have a laugh together. He was always approachable and would do absolutely anything to help me. He had a superb sense of humour and was able to see the ridiculousness of a situation and laugh about it. He had a vast catalogue of funny stories to share, which always
a dairy herd. He decided to sell the herd in 1979 due to the work involved and bought a flock of sheep, continuing with cattle and some arable farming. His specific interest in sheep centred on the Wiltshire Horn breed and he later held offices as Chairman and President of the Wiltshire Horn Sheep Society. He moved farms in 1988 within the same area of South Devon and diversified by establishing a marquee hire business which he ran from the farm for 10 years until the early 2000s.
Many readily acknowledge his support, encouragement and mentoring in their early careers in farming or in the events business. Notably among these is Charles Wright (AH 83-87) for whom Richard provided technical advice and practical encouragement in Dubai in the early establishment of Harlequin Marquees, now part of the international Arena Group.
Anita, his wife, died in 2009 due to complications from multiple sclerosis. Richard was supported over the last decade with regular visits from his children and their families.
Richard is survived by an older sister, Angela, his two children, Chris and Amanda and their spouses, and four grandchildren ranging in age from 16 to 24. We send them all our sincerest sympathies.
made me laugh even if I had heard them a hundred times! Dad was truly the life and soul of the party and radiated positive energy whenever you were with him. He always had a realistic outlook on life and never dwelled on the negatives. We have received some lovely memories people have shared of great times with Dad and I think this is a key thing to remember about him – he always wanted to have fun! Dad lived a very fulfilled life and let nothing stop him from doing what he wanted, even his Type 1 Diabetes. I think this is an attitude we can all adopt because, as Dad would say, at the end of the day between you, me and the gatepost, life is too short! I will miss everything about him: seeing his cheery face when I come back from school, his warm and comforting presence and his constant support and encouragement’.
Local artist Sonia Villiers (soniavilliers. co.uk) has kindly dedicated a recent commission in Richard’s memory. If you are in Saffron Walden, look for the brightly painted bollard in the Market Square. It replicates one of Sonia’s most iconic paintings of Saffron Walden. Anyone wishing to get in touch please do so via the Development office. Julia Pennington (YH, 84-86)
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RABL – Robert (Bob) Julius Rabl (SHa, 61-66) died on 2nd November 2019 after a long and bravely fought battle against cancer. Bob’s father was originally from Czechoslovakia and served in the RAF Czech 312 squadron during the war as a radio technician on Spitfires and Hurricanes. Bob was brought up in London and joined the College as a boarder in 1961 as a result of local family connections in the area. At school, Bob was a very popular figure enjoying enthusiastic outings on the rugby field - although he did confess recently that he really did not enjoy the game! He also had a special interest in matters scientific; the occasional chemical experiment at school was known to go spectacularly wrong! After leaving school, Bob kept in touch with many friends, even taking on the
ROOKE – Paul Adrian Rooke (GH,SHb, 56-63), known as Adrian to many here at the College, passed away peacefully on the 19th Nov 2019, aged 74 years. Adrian was born in Peterborough and educated at Bishop’s Stortford College where he developed his love for music. Adrian went on to earn a Music (honours) degree at Gonville and Caius College. After graduating he spent 36 years teaching music in secondary schools, before retiring in 2002. He then established himself as a freelance musical originator and editor, transcribing and editing music by Elgar in particular. Following his lifelong passion for Elgar, in 2006 he was instrumental in the formation of ElgarWorks: an organisation which provides practical support to those wishing to put on performances of Elgar’s lesser-known works. Within this new organisation he served as Chief Originator with the primary role
role of best man at school friends’ weddings and acting as godfather to several their children. In the 1980s, Bob moved from London to Switzerland where he lived with his second wife, Reggie, and his two children from his first marriage, Robert and Sophie. Bob was an entrepreneur by instinct and ran his very successful businesses with skill and flair; he was multilingual and operated in some difficult and challenging markets.
He will be greatly missed by family and friends. His family was everything to him but friendships spanning decades were also an essential part of his life. Bob’s passing makes the world a poorer place but his legacy continues through his wife, children and his unstinting and tangible support for the College and its values. We send our sincere condolences to Reggie, Robert and Sophie.
The College was very important to Bob and he was a regular and generous benefactor, attending the opening of the new Rowe House in 2018 with his family. He also always kept in touch with school friends, many of whom will remember the lunch which he organised in 2016 to mark their 50th anniversary of leaving the College.
of providing high quality scores for inclusion in newly published volumes of the Elgar Complete Edition. Adrian took the role a step further by turning the scores into digital sets of high-quality performance material, many of them for rarely performed works. As a result (and under the stewardship of ElgarWorks) 19 of the 30 remaining volumes in the series have been published since 2007, with 11 scheduled to be completed shortly. This is perhaps his true legacy and will benefit lovers of Elgar for generations to come.
He said later that he wouldn’t have missed it for the world.” Adrian leaves behind his two sons, Nick and Jon, and a daughter, Jeni, to whom we send our sincere condolences.
Adrian’s friend, Michael Baim (SHb, 5862) writes “Adrian was, first and foremost a pianist and organist. I remember so well reintroducing him to his beloved organ in Memorial Hall where he hadn’t sat for over 50 years. It was a moment of pure magic, the years evaporated. In his 70s and with white hair and white beard, becoming 16 again. He was lost in his music, the keys, the pedals, the stops.…reliving memories of playing there so very many years before.
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Obituaries SMITH – Edwin (Ted) Smith (SHa, 48-50) died peacefully at home in Northampton on 25th October 2019. Ted was a charismatic character who enjoyed careers in science and music, both of which were evident during his time at the College. He graduated from London University and was appointed Assistant to the Prosector at London Zoo. In 1960, following national service in the RAF, he moved to Scotland as Head of the Grey Seals Fisheries Research unit before returning to Cambridge in 1966 as Chief Biologist for the British Antarctic Survey. A violinist and bassoonist, his great love was choral and orchestral conducting, working with professional and amateur groups in the UK, Singapore and Australia. In 1980, his two passions came together when his appointment as Curator of the Aquarium and Reptiles at Taronga Zoo, Sydney, included the remit of bringing music into the zoo; the stage he built has developed into a major performance venue. Returning to the UK in 1994, he worked as a teacher, advocate and consultant in sustainable aquaculture. Ted was a Scientific Fellow of the London Zoological Society and a member of its governing council from 1997-2000. Ted leaves his wife Gill, a son and a daughter, and four daughters from his first marriage, to all of whom we send our heartfelt condolences.
TALBOTT – Revd. Hugh Talbott (1934-2020) College Chaplain 1971-1996. Although of course sad, my father’s death is not a tragedy. He had a long and rich life, from a working class childhood in Sunderland to Oxford, national service in the Royal Navy, theological college in Cambridge where he met my mother and then a fulfilling professional life as a school chaplain at Barnard Castle School and BSC, a naval chaplain in the Royal Naval Reserve and a parish priest over the decades. He then enjoyed his retirement in Somerset with my mother, still taking services in local churches, a year out of retirement at short notice to cover as the chaplain at Wells Cathedral School and walking daily in the Mendips right up to the end of his life. Aidan Talbott (MJH,HH, 81-86) There are few clergyman who have had such a singular and profound impression on an individual. I first remember meeting ‘Mr’ Talbott as a newly arrived Grimwade boarder. He tried hard to make us all feel at ease and had a good knack of remembering names. Who could forget the endless cartoons we drew of bible stories each week!
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Hugh was a solid churchman whose faith allowed for pupils to question and explore the truths of the Gospel on their own terms. He was never fazed by those who did not agree or were even hostile to the Christian faith. Just prior to my confirmation Hugh discovered that I hadn’t actually been baptised. As the youngest of six boys my parents had simply forgotten. A private baptism was hastily arranged at St Michael’s Parish Church. My parents were duly amused by a significant number of rather merry Masters who tumbled out of the pub opposite on the Sunday lunchtime to add to the band of witnesses. Hugh always kept in touch and having baptised and confirmed me, he was a natural choice to do the honours at my marriage to Lucy. Again having relocated to America, Hugh and Elizabeth came to visit several times, not least for my ordination to the deaconate and subsequently the priesthood. Normally ones spouse places the stole over the new deacon as a symbol of the new office they embark on. As it came to the critical point in the service with Hugh standing next to Lucy as my sponsor, Lucy handed the stole to Hugh and with a few tears he did the deed. After twenty five years we relocated back to Bath, close to Wookey Hole and Hugh and Elizabeth. Regular visits for lunch and tea were a pattern and Hugh always seemed ageless with his crop of thick curly hair and his wonderful keen recollection of amusing College stories.
He was indeed a true Chaplain in every sense and I for one will miss him greatly. ‘Well done good and faithful servant.’ The Revd. Simon Barnes (GH,SH, 76-81) Hugh was a wonderful friend and mentor to me in my early years at BSC and he was a superb Chaplain. The College owes a considerable debt of gratitude to him, arriving at a time when things were particularly difficult for Headmaster Colin Greetham, he steadied the ship and his support did much to bolster morale. I heard it said on a number of occasions that his appointment to Stortford was the best appointment that Colin made. Certainly by the time I arrived the crisis seemed to have been overcome and the school seemed a happy place to work, but Hugh was undoubtedly the glue that held the schools together working as he did in both the Prep and Main School. I remember his work with the Christian Fellowship and there are many Old Stortfordians whose faith germinated and was nurtured in those gatherings, who will surely remember him with much gratitude. He was a great support to me when I first became a Housemaster, always willing to listen to my moans and offer sage advice and prayer in times of difficulty. He dominated the Mem. Hall, never succumbing to having to use a microphone and always getting the tone of assemblies and Sunday Services just right, relevant and reverent but not too religious for teenage boys. How we missed him when he went off for his sabbatical year in the Navy! Hugh threw himself into the life of the College, and seemed to know all the boys, certainly
the boarders, by name. He regularly visited the Boarding Houses after prep, and was always interested in their news. His lessons were famous for their drawings and diagrams of a particular style illustrating Bible stories. Most Stortfordians left the school with a good knowledge of scripture. As our family grew, Hugh was always a welcome guest in our flat, often just popping in for a chat and a cup of tea. I remember one of my children telling him that he could name all the books of the Bible in sequence, and then doing so and being delighted when Hugh immediately gave him 50p whereupon Simon (aged about 6 at the time) immediately asked if he would like to hear them in reverse order! I remember him taking the 3rd XV for Rugby for many seasons, and he was frequently to be found on the playing fields on games days supporting teams. I remember he also ran the Summer (Rose) Ball and the Christmas (Holly) Ball for parents and for leaving Sixth Formers for years - always great events, superbly organised with great energy and great diplomacy when required. But my abiding memory of him will always be as a great friend and colleague who I missed enormously when he left the College. I was so grateful that he was able to attend my College retirement dinner. It was so good to see him, and he was on good form and I think he enjoyed the visit, staying in the new girls boarding house. Sadly it was the last time I saw him. Chris Woodhouse (Staff, 76-19)
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Haileybury Sixes 2019 the least! The team played strongly from the offset in hot and humid conditions and emerged unbeaten from their five pool matches:
Our second appearance at the Haileybury Sixes Alumni Hockey Tournament resulted in an exceptional overall 2nd place result for the 2019 OS Men’s Hockey team. The tournament welcomed alumni teams from across the country and was played with six players per team on the pitch at any one time, in 15 matches played one way – intense and hugely energetic to say
OS vs St Albans – 2-1 OS vs Haileybury – 3-1 OS vs Aldenham- 3-2 OS vs Sherborne – 3-1 OS vs Cheltenham – 8-3 During the knock out rounds after lunch, the OS made it to the final only to be pipped to the winners’ trophy following a 4-2 result by Aldenham. Throughout the tournament, our OS team displayed incredible pace, talent, stamina and teamwork while maintaining an excellent sense of humour even in the face of
OS Water Polo Tournament 2019 Arranged by the Old Stortfordians, we welcomed water polo teams from Colchester, Ipswich, Enfield and the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge along with the OS team. The fast paced, high energy tournament saw teams demonstrate aggression in the pool but good-natured rivalry and handshakes out of the water. Cambridge University men emerged tournament victors on goal difference from close runners-up, Colchester. Strong performances from Ipswich and Enfield left the OS gracious in defeat but honoured to have had the opportunity to host such talented opposition. The highlight for many this year was the inaugural ladies’ Varsity fixture with Cambridge University emerging 8-6 victors. As Cambridge University celebrated winning both trophies College Headmaster, Jeremy Gladwin, who made the presentation, commented, ‘It is a great honour for the College to host such a high-quality showcase for water polo
Building Confidence for life
talent. Congratulations to all!’ The annual competition for the Wiltshire Trophy, for OS aged over 40 to compete in a handicap two length race of the pool, also took place and this year’s champion was John Bauer (staff). Special thanks to OS Nick Reynolds (HH, 08-12) who organised the event, ably assisted by Steve Ross (GH, SHa, 65-72) who ran the scoring table throughout the day and helped with tournament organisation.
fatigue. The spirit within which all the teams competed was admirable. Rivalries were always good natured even though all teams played hard to win. Huge thanks to our 2019 team, captained by Jack Wheaton, for their outstanding effort and inspirational performances – we are very proud of their achievements: Rob Adkins (WH, CH, 02-10), Keir Ansell (NH,SH,RH, 11-18), Sam Bampton (PP, NH,HH, 97-10), Jonny Pilcher (NH,CH, 02-12), Andy Round (PP,WH,CH, 9812), Paul Round (WH,SH, 98-08,) Jack Wheaton (Captain) (MJH,SH, 01-08) and Harry Wilkinson (RPH, 08-13). Paul Round (WH,SH, 98-08)
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Golden Opportunity to Welcome Back the Class of 1969 The weather was kind as we welcomed back the Class of 1969 for their OS 50th Anniversary reunion on Saturday, 5th October 2019. Travelling from across the country to walk down memory lane, some guests joined us on campus for the first time since they left the College just before man walked on the moon. Despite half a century passing since their school days together, there was a positive buzz in the Ferguson Lecture Theatre as soon as our special guests arrived. A warm welcome from Past OS President Kate Humber (nĂŠe Coysten) (YH, 9193) was followed by a humorous yet moving speech from Head of the Prep School, Bill Toleman. Mr Toleman spoke animatedly of developments that have taken place at the College in the past 50 years and highlighted the positive effect that a College education can have on those that receive bursary assistance. Ian Taylor (Head of Physics, 67-04) rallied our guests, some of whom he had taught during their A-Levels, for the traditional group photograph on the Memorial Hall steps before pupil tour guides showed the Class of 1969 life on campus in 2019. Many stories were shared between the OS and their enthusiastic tour guides before we reconvened for a delicious lunch in the Ferguson Lecture Theatre. Friendships were rekindled and anecdotes and stories of high jinks were traded across tables. It was a great pleasure to welcome back the Class of 1969, included amongst them, former Head Boy John Rycroft (RPH, 64-69), to mark their golden anniversary since leaving the College. We hope that our wonderful guests will not leave it so long before making a return visit to see what the Old Stortfordian Society has to offer. Thank you to all who joined us. It is hoped that our guests enjoyed their day on campus as much as we enjoyed meeting them and hearing their stories. Jennifer Law
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Old Stordfordian Lodge No 5721 For many years, former pupils, as well as staff, both present and past alike, have been given a warm welcome as new members of the Old Stortfordian Lodge. As with any organisation, new members are necessary in order for the Lodge to thrive, and we are particularly keen to invite new members, OS or otherwise, who express an interest in joining this vibrant Lodge. As with any group or society, a joining fee is payable, together with a modest annual subscription. The only other expenses after that are dining fees for those attending the traditional dinner held after each of our meetings. The Lodge meets four times a year at the Masonic Centre in Sawbridgeworth, on Saturday afternoons/evenings in March, June, October and in the morning of the second Saturday in December. The Lodge runs a traditional Ladies’ Night dinner and dance on the Friday before the October meeting, whilst the December meeting is followed by a White Table lunch where wives and non-masonic friends are made welcome. Much is spoken of the charitable works that Freemasons undertake, and no doubt you have seen this advertised in both the local and national press. Indeed, such information is freely available on the website of the United Grand Lodge of England (https://www.ugle.org.uk/).
Nearer to home, many will remember when Hurricane Irma struck the British Virgin Islands in the late Summer of 2017. Among one of the buildings that suffered was that of the Joyce Samuel Primary School, normally home to around 120 pupils from 4-11 years of age. Elinah Phillip (BH, 15-19), a former pupil of JSPS, at the time a pupil at BSC, and an Olympian (having represented the BVI at the Rio Olympics), came to talk to us in December 2018. She spoke movingly of the plight of the school children on the islands, where they had lost not
only their school rooms, their desks and chairs, but all the educational materials, such as books, paper and pens. As a result of this visit, the Lodge were delighted to present a cheque for £1,000, the proceeds of the raffle taken at the lunch, to assist in addressing this plight. Further information on the OS Lodge in particular, or Freemasonry in general, can be obtained from John Rycroft, who may be contacted via the Development Office at the College or direct (see inside front cover for contact details).
Old Stortfordian Golf Society President and long-serving organiser of the OS Golf Society , John Hickling (GH,SHa, 47-56) retired two years ago. A small delegation including Keith Turner (GH,HH, 59-66), James Greenall (GH,AH, 65-74) and I drove down to Canterbury Golf Club on 14th August 2019 to present him with a gift of two cases of Bollinger Champagne in recognition of his many years’ work with the OSGS. Donations came from
Building Confidence for life
members of the Golf Society, as well as a donation from the OS Committee. Stuart Findlay (GH,SHa, 55-61) Editor’s note: Sadly, Stuart Findlay passed away in March 2020 but had kindly supplied this article and photograph for inclusion in the next edition of the OS newsletter. A full obituary can be found within the In Memoriam pages.
Stuart Findlay presenting champagne to John Hickling
OS News - Issue 141 November 2020
A Trip Down Memory Lane! College Cadet Force Camp, 1955 A recent news article about the German city of Wuppertal triggered memories of a Cadet Force camp in Germany in 1955, writes Robert Mather (GH,DBH, 50-55). A group of about twenty cadets travelled to the continent by troopship and then by rail to join the BAOR (British Army of the Rhine) at the Wuppertal base of the Suffolk Regiment. We were housed in a barracks named Seringapatam, after a Suffolk Regiment campaign in the 1790s. The next ten days were spent on drills, weapons training, assault courses and route marches. It was not for the faint-hearted! One particular night-time exercise comes to mind. We were in an entrenched position in wooded country where a patrol of regular soldiers attempted to overrun us using camouflage and stealth. Alas, as I recall, they managed to infiltrate our position before we knew what was happening! But it was not all work. We had a day trip to Cologne, experiencing the novelty of travelling on an autobahn and seeing the magnificent Cologne Cathedral, which had survived allied bombing largely unscathed. Strangely, College and Cadet Force records make no mention of this camp. The only evidence comes from my CCF Service Record, authorised by Major Soady the CCF Commander. However, there is a record of a similar exercise a year earlier in 1954 when a contingent was attached to the KRRC (Kings Royal Rifle Corps) at Paderborn. If any OS have experience of CCF camps in Germany in 1954 or 1955 or in any year, please send in the details of your experiences, so that the history of this important era of College life may be enhanced.
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OS News - Issue 141 November 2020
Introducing The Stortfordian Foundation Team After a period of research and planning last year, the Development Office has a new look team that is now up and running.
communications and alumni relations background and will be stewarding the fundraising ambitions of the Foundation.
The Development Office, as you will have read, will be rebranded as The Stortfordian Foundation and will provide an inclusive platform for OS and the wider community to engage with the College going forward. This means more interested parties can get involved and play an active role within the College community, from OS to parents (current and past), to staff, the local community and more.
We are delighted to introduce the new team to you. Our ambition is to get more of you involved with activities of a varying nature at the College. Together, as a whole school community, we can make a big difference. #buildinggenerosityforlife
The team is led by Britt Ellice, Development Director, who will oversee all aspects of development and fundraising at the College, being introduced to the community last year when she joined in June. Britt has spent the time since, honing the direction of The Stortfordian Foundation and its fundraising objectives. A delightfully familiar face in the office, Jennifer Law, is our new Community Coordinator. Jennifer’s extraordinary knowledge of the College, it’s history and the OS community, perfectly places her in her new role. Continuing her sterling work, Jennifer will be on hand to assist with all OS and community enquiries. She will also be supporting events for the wider community, some old favourites and some exciting new ones – watch this space!
Britt
Jennifer
Jo
Emma
There are also two new faces to introduce. Firstly, a warm welcome to Emma Tumelty, our new Commercial Manager. Emma has excellent experience working within government departments and running her own business and will now focus her skill set on generating new enterprise income streams for the College. Information on new plans and opportunities will be released soon. Finally, we welcome Jo Beatty as our new Campaign Coordinator. Jo comes from a
Building Confidence for life
OS News - Issue 141 November 2020
New Foundation Website Coming Soon! To support the launch of The Stortfordian Foundation we are delighted to announce the launch of a new website:
able to connect with other members of the community plus access to exclusive content for those who sign up.
https://stortfordianfoundation.org
There will be a networking area, a careers area, numerous galleries of photos and an up to date news section covering OS news as well as College news. OS will be able to view an Events Calendar and book and pay for events with ease all in one place via the new site. The site will also be home to a new online shop selling exclusive Foundation and College merchandise, great gifts for all!
The website will be the new hub for all the activities of the Foundation and will be available to use for all our community. There will be news and stories from all corners of the College community to keep you right up to date. OS will still be able to find and network with old friends but there will be a whole host of new areas where you will be
The Clubs area will be home to all the specific interest clubs that are currently in
operation with the addition of new ones. Therefore, those who are members of, for example, OSGS, or who have a general interest in golf, will be able to view all things golf in the Golf Club area. You will also be able to find out about the campaigns that the Foundation are currently supporting and how you can get involved to support the College. The website will soon be ready to launch, keep an eye on our new Foundation social media channels for the latest updates (see outside back cover for social media details) and come and join us!
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OS Events Programme 2020
*Subject to official COVID-19 advice
Wednesday 11th November
Virtual Service of Remembrance (shortened service), live stream at 10.50am
23rd to 27th November
Virtual launch of The Stortfordian Foundation, details to be released soon
Sunday 13th December
OS Rugby Match, at the Doggart, 1pm
Thank You to all the NHS and Frontline Workers. Very proud of all those within our community going above and beyond in these challenging times
Follow us online for all the latest event updates: www.facebook.com/stortfordianfoundation/ stortfordianfoundation.org
@stortfordian
The Stortfordian Foundation
www.instagram.com/stortfordianfoundation/
Due to the ongoing Covid-19 situation, regrettably, we are unable to facilitate visits to the College. We hope to resume this service as quickly as government regulations and safety allow. We appreciate your understanding in this matter.
THE OLD STORTFORDIAN SOCIETY
Bishop’s Stortford College – Registered Charity No 311057
Bishop’s Stortford College and the ‘crest’ are Registered Trade Marks of the Incorporated Bishop’s Stortford College Association