Radleian Society Gazette

Oberon - 50 years onGazette a year like no other...

It’s hard to believe that only a year ago we were just restarting the Radleian Society events programme after a hiatus of two years, whilst also beginning Radley’s 175th Anniversary year. RadSoc was, of course, central to the 175 celebrations, acting as an engine to bring together the Radley Community (in its widest sense) in a variety of ways. Working very closely with the school, we launched a year-long, jam-packed events and activities programme designed to connect Old Radleians, Radley parents, and Dons in commemorating Radley’s past, celebrating its present, and sharing in its hopes and aspirations for the ‘Radley of the future’.

One of the backbones of our celebration, and over two years in the making, was our Anniversary book Untold Stories, written by our Archivist, Clare Sargent. Clare started writing in lockdown, gathering together a suite of untold stories from Old Radleians, providing a different lens through which to view the history of the College. Feedback has been excellent, and we were delighted to sell over 800 copies, meaning it has been classified as a best seller by the publisher!

In our 175th year, the RadSoc team delivered more events than ever before. Not only did we deliver our usual programme, but we were also proud to host several flagship 175 events for the College, including the Chapel Dedication Service, a wonderful 175 Celebration Concert at Cadogan Hall, and a series of TED style ‘Big Thinking Talks’ held on Zoom, delivered by various members of the community, and discussing the future of our society and the world at large. In September 2022 we also launched our new format reunion day, known as ‘Old Radleian Day,’ which brought together the 50-year reunion cohort and those aged over 75 in the morning, and the decade year groups in the evening (10, 20, 30 & 40). We had a fabulous turn out with over 200 Old Radleians coming and going throughout the day; singing in Chapel, watching rugby, seeing their old Socials, dining in Hall, and of course popping into the JCR for a pint!

Old Radleian Day will be a yearly addition to our event calendar so if you are due a decade reunion, or are aged 75 and over, and want to revisit, then please ‘Save the Date’ for next year – Saturday 16th September 2023.

Finally, what I can say with great pride in this 175th year is that we have been able to add more and more value to the school today through the weight of the Radley Community. We are absolutely a Society for Old Radleians, but we are also a Society for current Radleians, and through the experience that sits within the network we are better informing their decision making as they transition from school and into their early careers. As Radley smoothly moves into its 176th year, and the world becomes more and more complex, helping the boys in their lives and their careers (both Radleians and Old Radleians) remains our top priority and we urge you to keep connected, and support us in this mission.

Sam Melluish (1976, B) Radleian Society Chairman

editor’s note

When I interviewed for the role of Engagement Officer at Radley College, I had little idea what the place might be like. An all-boys, all-boarding school with a golf course and a mansion: it sounded austere, extravagant and, dare I say, a bit of an anachronism.

What I’ve found is a place filled with kindness and ambition. Radley strives for excellence across all fields, and the results of this are clear to see in areas as various as sport, drama, music, and academics. As I speak to members of the OR community, it is clear to see that this breadth of ambition carries through into your lives after you leave school: sculptors, financiers, lawyers, filmmakers, authors, engineers. Speaking to you, and hearing your stories, and researching Radley’s history has been more fascinating than I could have imagined. I am inspired by your innovation and passion. Most of all, I’m grateful for the wonderfully warm welcome I’ve received both within the school, and from the wider community.

An anniversary is a milestone marker. It invites us to stop, look back down the path we’ve travelled, remember the beautiful scenery we’ve passed. If we are wise, we will also recall the blisters and ruts in the road. Then, we must plan for the next stretch: where we are travelling to, why, and how far do we have to go?

In this edition of the Old Radleian, we look back on 175 years of Radley, and forward into the future of the College, our society, and our world.

Sophie Torrance Engagement Officer

Building Connections

The challenges that boys are facing on entering the world of work are greater than ever before, not just because of the pandemic, but also because of the way the workplace has, and continues to rapidly transform. With greater competition for jobs from all over the world, hybrid work models, remote team working, multiple job/career changes, continuous members on Radley Connect 1741 digital transformation and more; decisions about the future can seem overwhelming. What is clear in the context of all of this, is that the ability to build and maintain good relationships remains incredibly important in helping individuals to navigate this landscape. The Radleian Society has a significant part to play in helping Radleians understand the value of building a network, and in providing an ‘live’ insight into the wide variety of careers out there. Our relevance has always been directly linked to the power of the Radley Community, and we are nowin a stronger position than ever before to harness and access this incredible resource, actively building an ecosystem of support for Radleians and Old Radleians. Our events, communications, and our digital networking platforms are all focused on building strong connections across the community in several ways. We are also now closely linked to Radley’s careers & UCAS department, which means we can use the network more effectively to help current boys understand the world of work, and to support them as they transition into their early careers. Radley Connect continues to be an important hub of activity where we encourage Old Radleians to post updates,and it has proved its worth, helping to share jobs, aid charitable work, promote new business ideas and connect those who are looking for advice to those who need it. We want to imbue all Radleians with an understanding of the career opportunities out there before they leave Radley, and we are now working with the school to develop a Business & Entrepreneurship programme which will help to inspire them and provide practical advice to those aged between 13 and 25. We look forward to sharing this with you soon, and hope that some of you will help to support us in delivering it.

Caroline Monaghan Associate Director Radleian Society

OUR FOCUS FOR 2023

SOCIAL CONNECTIONS

Bringing the Radley community together through events, and keeping you updated via social media, email and publications.

BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Raising awareness of business activity and entrepreneurship within the Radley network, and focusing on sharing stories to inspire and inform.

CAREERS & NETWORKING

Using our digital platforms and networking events to build connections within the Radley community, creating an ecosystem of careers support for current boys and Old Radleians.

A retirement and a new arrival

We hope you can see that the Radleian Society has evolved a great deal in the last ten years and we wanted to reflect these changes in how we present ourself in our communications. We have decided to both simplify and modernize; first we will be retiring our business networking logo ‘Radley For Life’ this year (it is no longer necessary as business networking is now at the heart of what the Radleian Society does), and second, we have created a shorthand version of the Radleian Society logo which will work more effectively on digital communications. We feel it reflects the dynamism of our work which we know will have a positive impact on the careers of many boys in future years.

▶ Look out for our new simplified Radleian Society logo on social media!

development director’s introduction

One of my highlights from this past year was the Chapel Dedication Service in March. This event represented so much of the strength of the Radley community: a long term vision which began when Dennis Silk was Warden; the aspiration to be bold with the building project yet still keeping true to our core ethos; the determination to overcome the challenges of building throughout significant disruption and finally the extraordinary generosity from so many within the Radley community who supported the Chapel Campaign.

Six months later, the entire school gathered for Evensong, only half an hour after the announcement of the Queen’s death. The poignancy and reverence in Chapel were palpable and deeply moving. Chapel was the sanctuary for us all during this historic moment, as it has been during key events for so many generations before.

As we close our 175th anniversary, a year of reflection and celebration, we now turn our focus towards the future. While Radley is still firmly committed to a traditional education, we are incorporating both innovation and enterprise to deliver a balanced and modern educational experience. The Radleian Society is instrumental to the future of Radley. Drawing from the expertise of ORs and parents, and the philanthropic support of donors, exciting initiatives have been introduced and integrated as part of a contemporary education. The Business and Entrepreneurship Programme aims to create an enterprise mindset; Partnerships have built meaningful collaborations where value, experience and purpose provide a double benefit; the introduction of Robotics expands the ambition in STEM, and the Batten Law programme to include the topics most pressing in the future of law: ethics in relation to AI, biosciences, and the automation of legal services.

The vitality of Radley today is comprised of people: boys, Old Radleians, parents, staff and friends. We have been delighted to welcome so many new and familiar faces at our events this year, and our increased events programme will continue next year and beyond. As well as the social events and reunions, we will continue to expand our professional and business networking, plus the online Big Thinking Talks which have already covered topics like the Future of Companies, the Future of Cities, the Future of Education and Rethinking the Future.

The Radley Connect online hub continues to grow. We are thrilled that so many of you are using this important resource for networking, but also reconnecting with old friends. It has proven to be a valuable tool for many, and particularly the boys in 6.1 who are seeking work experience and career advice. We have been reviewing our overall communications so that we can be more efficient with email, but do look out for and follow our increased activity on social media, so as not to miss out. Please let us know what you think, as you see the improvements in the coming months.

Each year, the work of the Development Office increases, and we are busier than ever! We do not accomplish all of this on our own but rely on many volunteers on committees and as speakers. I would like to thank the Radleian Society Committee members, the Radley Foundation Trustees, and the Radleian Society (Hong Kong) for their tremendous support for all of our endeavours. As we expand our reach, we welcome new ideas and feedback to ensure that everyone in the Radley community feels connected.

Elisabeth Anderson Development Director

Seamus Blackley, physics expert and creator of the Xbox gaming console, recently visited Radley while researching OR Charles Howard (1921, D), George Cross recipient and inventor of bomb disposal, about whom he is writing a book. During his visit, Seamus spoke to current boys about their robotics projects as well as his career and research.

transforming the future in a moment

We talk a lot about time at Radley, and for very good reason. Time – some 175 years of it – has made the school what it is today. In a previous Impact Report, the Bursar talked about patterns of time throughout our history. He talked about William Sewell’s original vision back in 1847, guiding the school as we move forward to the next 175 years and beyond.

Time is personal and, more often than not, the brief years a Radleian spends at the school have a profound effect on the rest of his life. The moments in a busy Radley day, the act of setting aside time to reflect in Chapel, to enjoy a sport or activity, to catch up with friends in Social, are what makes Radley so special to many. Of course, personal history and institutional history are often inextricably linked. It is the experiences of individual Radleians that have shaped the school at large and the lives of future generations of Radleians.

The War Memorial Fund comes to mind. Born out of personal losses following the World Wars, the War Memorial Bursary provided fee support for the sons of servicemen killed or wounded in the line of duty. It still provides means-tested support today for Radleians whose parents are in the Armed Forces. In September 2022, there are two recipients at Radley – all thanks to the personal sacrifices and charity of those who came before them.

In a similar spirit, the Armed Forces Fund was founded in 2011 following the loss of Old Radleians Lieutenant Colonel Rupert Thorneloe (1983, E) and Lieutenant Dougie Dalzell MC (1996, A) in the Afghanistan conflict. This award supports the education of children whose parents have been killed or injured in active service. Seven children have been supported (at Radley, Downe House and St Mary’s Calne), and it is an immensely positive initiative founded out of tragic circumstances.

These deeply personal links to the wider future of school are often represented in the act of remembering Radley in one’s will. This represents a deep connection, both to the school you enjoyed when you were here, and the commitment to the College’s future. Many Radley scholarships of today only exist thanks to this kind of generosity. One such long-standing scholarship is the Thompson All Rounder Award, founded thanks to James VP Thompson, Tutor of C from 1950 to 1964, who left a bequest of upon his death in 1981. This award appreciates boys who excel in a variety of areas and who bring a breadth of talents to their education. There are nine worthy recipients at Radley today.

It is not only scholarships and academics that have been remembered by Radleians. Brigadier Walter Radford MBE MC (1917, C) was a considerable athlete who won the United Services Steeplechase in 1930 and 1931. Later, he was a prisoner of war from 1940 to 1945. Throughout that time the Radleian Society sent letters, books, cigarettes, and other gifts, while making sure his family was cared for – all orchestrated by Honorary Secretary Vyvyan Hope, as he did for other OR POWs. Brigadier Radford never forgot how important that constant contact was in helping him get through five years of imprisonment. His gratitude took the form of a bequest of £250,000 in 1987, which enabled the opening of the much-needed Radford Athletics Track in 1995.

In more recent times, we have seen individuals make transformational bequests to benefit others. John Waddilove (1947, H), upon his death in November 2021, bequeathed over £80,000 for the benefit of the library and cricket facilities at Radley. John lived in Australia – a very great distance from Radley – but never lost his passion for the school. His gift to Radley was the largest bequest in his will.

Gerard Richmond (1951, H), who passed away in January 2022, has left a significant donation to grow the Richard Morgan Award, a means-tested funded place in honour of the former Warden. And when David Bastyan (1959, D) died in 2009, his immensely generous bequest of the majority of his estate enabled the founding of the Bastyan Organ Scholarship, which was done so in honour of David’s deep love for music during his lifetime.

So, what does this all mean? It means that Radleians care deeply. They care about the school they enjoyed as a boy, they care about how the school is adapting during their lifetime, and they care about the direction in which the school is going. There are 96 members of the community who have told us they plan to remember Radley in their will. This group of generous individuals represents those who have experienced Radley in different ways – whether as a boy, Don, parent or via a totally different path – and all have a firm belief in Radley’s future. We are immensely grateful to them for making such a commitment. If you have already remembered Radley in your will, or would like to find out more about doing so, please do get in touch: foundation@radley.org.uk

Time is a funny thing. It can take just a few years, a few days, a few moments to shape a lifetime. These moments stick with us. For some, these moments can be an inspiration, making a transformational difference to those who come after us.

We look back to the past and we look ahead to the future. The two go hand in hand.

Henry Cosh Associate Director The Radley Foundation

fundraising policy update

Over the summer, The Radley Foundation took the opportunity to update its existing Fundraising Policy. We’re excited to share our new Donor Charter, Fundraising Code of Practice and Gift Acceptance Policy. The policy takes a ‘donor-centric’ approach to all of the Foundation’s fundraising activities and continues its commitment to implementing best practice in all fundraising activities. You can view our new policy under the ‘IT and Data’ drop down:

https://www.radley.org.uk/aboutradley/policies-inspection-reports

radleian society committee meeting and agm

OR Livery Dinner

The Radleian Society Committee met, and the AGM was held, on 23rd April 2022. Due to COVID, this was the first AGM to take place at Radley in four years.

Due to the long hiatus, there was plenty to catch up on. The Chairman, Sam Melluish (1976, B), welcomed new staff to the Development Office, and gave a warm farewell to the departing Chairman, Rupert Henson (1975, A).

Rupert stepped down after 12 years of service as Chairman during a virtual meeting of the Committee in 2020. He had spent more than 20 years on the Committee, and has been a longtime champion of sports at the College, most particularly the Rangers. This was the first opportunity to thank him for his huge contribution to the Radleian Society and the College.

The OR Livery Dinner was held in the historic Drapers' Hall on Wednesday 1st December 2021. 24 Old Radleians attended for a lovely evening, with an excellent dinner. Rupert Henson speaking at the AGM Lunch, April 2022

chapel dedication service

On Sunday 6th March, Chapel was rededicated following the completion of the extension which created a larger sanctuary, and increased the number of seats to 805. New stained glass by designer Rachel Thomas casts jewel-like light over the altar. The extension finally realises the Founders’ original 1840s plan for a stunning east apse, and ensures that Chapel can continue to be a space in which the whole school can gather together.

Over 500 guests from the Radley community joined for this joyful occasion. Many took a moment to find their names on the magnificent donor board outside Chapel. The Rt Revd Dr Steven Croft, Bishop of Oxford, presided over the rededication, and music was performed on the newly installed organ.

The Bishop of Oxford in front of the new east extension to Chapel

mariners’ olympic drinks

It was a truly Olympian room at London Rowing Club on June 9th as we were joined by many distinguished people from the Radley rowing world including our Olympic medal winners, other rowers of great achievement, and those who had supported the boys through their time at Radley and beyond (Radley coaches, our Boatman, and of course Radley parents). It was a balmy evening, and there was a true air of celebration as people relished being able to finally get together after the first set of cancelled drinks in December 2021. Ben Dreyer (1981, G), Chairman of the Mariners, welcomed everyone and raised a toast to Radley College as June 9th 2022 was also the official 175th birthday of the College. He then invited our three Olympic medallists, Ollie Wynne-Griffith (2007, D/J), Charlie Elwes (2010, J) and Tom George (2008, G), to talk about their experiences in Tokyo in 2021. They each regaled us with stories from the Olympic village and talked about the highs and lows they had faced throughout their careers. An Olympic medal was passed around the room with many remarking how heavy it was! All in all, the evening was a lovely celebration for everyone who had contributed to Radley rowing over the years.

10-year reunion

On Thursday 16th June, 64 Old Radleians reunited at their 10 years since leaving Radley reunion event, held in London at the impressive Royal Horseguards Hotel. It was a warm evening, but generous options at the bar kept the crowd hydrated. ORs spent a number of lively hours catching up with each other and speaking to current and former dons; a glance around the room revealed dozens of laughing and smiling faces.

Socials gathered for group photos, and there was still some interSocial rivalry on show, both from ORs and dons, who counted up the attendees for each Social with competitive interest. The event was a triumph, and all who gathered enjoyed the opportunity to reconnect with their Radleian friends. At the time appointed for the event to end, a large proportion of ORs looked set to stay on for further revelry.

old radleian day

On Saturday 17th September 2022, and in the 175th year of the College, we returned to the historic reunion event format: Old Radleian Day. Held at the College, this is a chance for ORs celebrating decade reunion years (20, 30, 40, and 50 years since leaving) to return to Radley, reunite with old friends, and reminisce over delicious food and drink. We also invited back all ORs over 75 who wanted to visit. In all, around 200 guests came to Radley for the first Old Radleian Day in nearly 30 years.

Guests were invited to join tours of their old Socials, led by current boys, and collected for drinks receptions in Mansion where a display of fascinating items from the Radley archives were on display. The Radley Beagles made an appearance in the morning, before a wonderful lunch in the newly refurbished Shop, and speeches from the Warden and Second Prefect. ORs gathered together in Chapel for a special service in which thanks was given for the life and service of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. In the evening, younger reunion groups had dinner in Hall after collecting their plates from the servery, just like the good old days. Wine and beer were flowing throughout, and most guests found their way down to the JCR to finish off the night.

We felt very honoured to inaugurate the new dining room and to enjoy a quite delicious lunch. So many thanks to you all for a wonderful day back at Radley with the old school looking in very rude health! Hugh Sutton (1968, C)

What a wonderful day that was, we were made so beautifully welcome. The refreshments and lunch were superb. Bob Ely (1944, F)

Thank you for a most enjoyable and well organised day. It was heartwarming to see how much Radley has grown and prospered in the last 60 years. Colin Williams (1959, D)

A delicious meal in the new dining-room of the refurbished Shop, with its impressive panoramic view of the playing fields. At every visit the transformed development of Chapel is an inspiration. The Chapel service was exactly right: awareness of the sombre period of mourning for the Queen, and at the same time we were welcomed with warmth and sensitivity. The hymns rang out strongly! Hamish Aird, Hon Member

business and entrepreneurship

The Radleian Society business and careers network continues to grow in strength, and a number of popular events have been held over the past year. This year we have focused our networking event programme on the theme of entrepreneurship. There have been three events, one virtual and two in-person, with a variety of business start-up panelists.

We were delighted to have 30 current boys from Radley at our final event. There were plenty of opportunities for networking, and for those who were not able to attend, the event was livestreamed with the option to send in questions during the Q&A. Attendees at the online ‘Being Entrepreneurial in your early career’ event, January 2022

Panellists at April’s event (L - R): Hugo Besley (2010, C) Founder in Residence, Entrepreneur First; Rory Codrington (2006, E) Founder & CEO, Trust Keith; Freddy Macnamara (2001, E) Founder & CEO, Cuvva; Nick Christie (1986, D) CEO, Jump 7; and Thom Elliot (1997, F) Co-Founder, Pizza Pilgrims

Panellists at November's event (L - R): Sam Merullo (1996, C) Founder, Scootfleet Group Ltd; Henry Reily-Collins (1997, E) CEO, The Fish Friendly Hydropower Company; Sam Tucker (2014, K) Founder & CEO, Common Surface; and Xander Gilbert (2002, B) Co-founder, Mojo.

Explore the Radleian Society Business & Networking playlist on YouTube to watch these panel discussions. https://bit.ly/RadSocBisVid

parents’ summer drinks receptions

Events were held for parents of all year groups at Royal Horseguards Hotel this summer, and over 500 parents attended. As well as an opportunity to meet each other, these receptions provided a chance for parents to hear about the Radleian Society: the social and business networking opportunities, clubs and groups, and the online platform Radley Connect. The atmosphere was warm and lively and, as the volume of laughter attested, guests enjoyed the evening.

leavers’ celebrations

Special Leavers’ Celebrations were held for 6.2s across the College on Gaudy, celebrating the end of their time at Radley. The day was an opportunity to gather in Chapel together for the last time, receive prizes and awards for achievement, and spend some last precious hours in their Socials. We welcome these new members to the Old Radleian community!

Although the day closed with a little rain, spirits were high as boys and parents alike celebrated the start of a new chapter.

Prizes were awarded to a number of 6.2s on their final day, and there were fizz and sweet treats on offer for all.

young or christmas drinks & university suppers

The programme of events for young ORs continued to be popular in 2021-22. Christmas Drinks were held in London at a Salvador Dali inspired tapas bar, Salvador & Amanda, Covent Garden.

University Suppers were held in Edinburgh (February) and Durham (March) for young ORs at university and living in Scotland and the North of England. The sizable gatherings were animated with excitement to be reunited, albeit far from Radley.