The Radleian ST17

THE

S U M M E R 2017

RADLEIAN

Winchester Cathedral | Free Speech | Wind in the Willows | Cricket The Clarke and Lowe Years | Battle of the Bands | Posh | News The Warden’s Music | Curriculum Extension | Shell Adventurous Activities | Farewells THE RADLEIAN

1

DOWNE HOUSE AND RADLEY SING EVENSONG AT

WINCHESTER CATHEDRAL On Wednesday March 8th the Radley College Chamber Choir travelled to Winchester Cathedral to sing the Wednesday evensong, along with Downe House.

This Cathedral has the longest nave and greatest overall length of any Gothic Cathedral in Europe, so performing in such a venue was overwhelming. The acoustics in the Cathedral were unlike

any other we had sung in before. It was so immense that it was a challenge to sing, as there was a slight time delay between us and the Choir on the other side of the nave. However, after the rehearsal, we had become used to our settings and were ready for the performance.

During the Service, Ethan Clarke (A Social 6.1) sang a beautiful bass solo in the ‘Nunc Dimittis’ and the whole of the

Chamber Choir were singing joyfully, with a mature confidence. It was a pleasure to sing with such a large Soprano and Alto and we have Downe House to thank for that.

Overall it was a very successful day, which finished with a trip to Pizza Express.

Hopefully we will be back soon and we look forward to performing more musical events with other schools.

Arran Ryder 6.2, H Social

2

THE RADLEIAN

FREE SPEECH We are regularly told that Britain and the USA are bastions of free speech in a world where, elsewhere, repression and censorship stifle political pluralism and the basic right to express oneself. However, any genuinely open-minded person who has been studying what is happening in many supposedly top-end universities and colleges (in both countries) can only be alarmed. Self-gagging measures such as speech codes and ‘safe spaces’, a hypersensitivity over ‘micro-aggressions’ (perceived slights against one group or another) and an arguably obsessive concentration on identity politics (gender, ethnicity etc) have usually emerged from within student bodies.

However, they have often either been unchallenged, or in some cases actually encouraged, by academic authorities. To citizens outside academia, many reported incidents seem laughably bizarre. This report from The Tab – a Cambridge student newspaper - gives a flavour: ‘The NUS [National Union of Students] claim whooping, cheering and clapping are exclusionary to deaf people at conference. They have warned anyone who does not adhere to these rules will face “consequences”.

Loud expressions of appreciation are suspected to “trigger anxiety” amongst attendees. The NUS recommends people express their support of speakers through “jazz hands”, which has been deemed less exclusionary.’ Yet the outright

banning or sustained barracking of those who are not seen to hold the ‘right’ views, and even outright violence against people and property, are far more concerning.

George Orwell, Aldous Huxley and others remind us that those who police vocabulary aim to control our thoughts. That such word-policing and thought control are emanating from the very places which are supposed to be centres of freeranging and vigorous discussion and debate is frankly depressing. Online magazine Spiked runs a superb free speech programme, monitoring the alarming ways so many universities seem to be censoring free speech and stifling a spirit of genuine enquiry - which most of us assume are essential to university life. Using a traffic-light ranking system, a red label indicates that a university has allowed the banning and active censoring of ideas on campus. An amber label suggests that free speech is being inhibited through various interventions and a green ranking suggests a genuinely unrestricted approach to free speech.

The survey makes for depressing reading. Many universities at which Radleians wish to study are in the red and amber category. Of the seven universities given green status, only Buckingham and Loughborough would be well-known to most people. These Free Speech University Rankings (spiked-online.com) are worth a look and may surprise you.

It is to be hoped that this tendency towards intellectual selfemasculation can be reversed. This school will certainly be doing its best in this area. Radley is determined to be a place of open discussion, with a wide range of speakers invited to talk and inform. Recently, we heard philosopher A.C. Grayling giving his frank and negative views on those who had supported Brexit and on others who, to his mind at least, were deluded for holding religious beliefs. A couple of weeks before, Professor David Wilkinson of Durham University had spoken with passion, as a world-ranking astrophysicist, on what he believed to be the natural compatibility of science with religious belief. Journalist James Bartholomew raised tough and provocative questions about the welfare state and NHS, which clearly incensed some of the dons present.

It was excellent for boys to witness and take part in exchanges which epitomise the essence of democracy - free speech. The head of the California-based Ayn Rand Institute, Dr Yaron Brook, gave a blistering defence of full-blooded capitalism, which elicited one of the longest post-speech Q&A sessions I can recall at Radley. Boys were locked in heated debate of the kind I hope can happen every week.

Independent schools have an inherent duty to expose their pupils to the realities of rigorous, even gladiatorial, debate if they are to prepare them to be active citizens in what most would agree is a very challenging national and global environment. Put simply, Radley should be a vibrant haven of intelligent and informed discussion.

We intend to make it even more so. An upcoming programme of joint lectures with St Helen and St Katharine in Abingdon, focusing on this very issue of free speech, will be just one more component of our mission to help protect the right of people to debate, within the law of the land, what is on their minds.

Stephen Rathbone Academic Director

THE RADLEIAN

3

THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS Very few words can describe the rehearsal process for The Wind in the Willows. It has been a rollercoaster that none of us will forget for many years to come. It was a unique experience being instructed by two directors with some different ideas about how the show should be performed. They both had a rather ‘alternative’ approach to directing which proved to be a great thing in getting the most out of an already legendary script.

The show has come on leaps and bounds since we first began to rehearse all the way back in the Lent Term. Characters have been developed and lines have been changed – all for the better. Often, we would turn up to a rehearsal thinking we were going to do a specific scene and then actually do anything but that scene. However, this rather ‘improvised’ idea of rehearsing had a good effect, because

4

THE RADLEIAN

it always kept us on our toes – there were never any dull moments!

Once we began to rehearse at the Boathouse things changed dramatically. Using the river was certainly one of the more adventurous aspects of the whole process – not mentioning the trouble of getting the boat onto the river. There were some scenes which we sped through quickly, but then some simple moments in which the actors/directors simply couldn’t decide on what to do. For example, something as simple as a hand-shake took 15 minutes to nail.

The finished product was a thing of beauty though.

As luck goes, we had very little of it in terms of weather. Having rehearsed the previous three days in glorious

sunshine, we had slightly assumed it would remain in that state for the performances. However, this is England and so the weather wasn’t perfect; but we didn’t let that stop us from performing to the same standard as the previous shows.

The shows seemed to get better and better from a performance point of view. The rain actually raised our game and led to more improvisation, which always keeps a show fresh and different every night. The challenge of performing outside was certainly one that I think we all had to adapt to.

For instance, not having wings at the side of the stage was tricky, because you could be seen the whole time if you were anywhere in front of the audience. Luckily, there were no real incidents or mishaps that occurred

in the actual performances – a few lines certainly slipped but they were covered up quickly.

Now, the moment that stole the show for me (and many others) was the appearance of Mr Woodling driving a beautiful old car up to the edge of the stage. This was followed by what I can only describe as the best, and most enjoyable, accent I have ever had the pleasure of hearing. This appearance was clearly a highlight for the audience because whenever the car later appeared in the distance it got a raucous round of applause.

If the audience enjoyed watching The Wind in the Willows even half as much as we did performing it, then I think we can go away feeling happy that the audience had a great evening of entertainment.

Arthur Tapner 6.1, F Social

The Wind in the Willows was performed by (and, at times, in) a stretch of the Thames opposite the College boathouse. It was a lovely spot, which provided some wonderful opportunities - Rat rowed into scene, Otter swam into scene, and a steady stream of ramblers rambled into scene (the route of the popular Thames Path passed across the “stage”). If the river won Best Actor, best Supporting Actor must go to Andrew Norman’s 1953 Austin A30. It will be difficult to shake the image of George Dillon-Robinson (as Toad) leaping onto the back of the car, legs akimbo and shouting “Stop!

Stop!”, as it was driven calmly away into the distance. Not that I would want to.

The production served to raise money for SSNAP (Support for the Sick Newborn and their Parents), in memory of our daughter, Martha, who lived a short life two years ago. SSNAP provide financial support for the Special

Care Baby Unit of the John Radcliffe Hospital - where Martha spent her life, and to whom my wife Sophie and I are very grateful. Thanks to the care and expertise of the doctors and nurses who work in the unit, we have nothing but positive memories of our five days with Martha.

Our fundraising efforts were supported by the sale of cotton bags, postcards and limited edition prints - which were designed by Hazel Gearing and will be on sale at Gaudy. There was also a raffle and a very fruitful online auction.

Huge thanks to all those who donated auction lots, and to all those who bought them. Due to the generosity of all who supported the project, over £27,000 was raised for SSNAP. As a tribute to Martha, Sophie and I could not have wished for more. Thank you from us both.

Ed Tolputt Co-Director

THE RADLEIAN

5

RADLEY Preparations for any cricket season at Radley begin in September as the off- season programme starts. We are hugely fortunate to have a cricket pro who is so generous with his time. In his 34th season in charge you would forgive Wags for slowing down but he has done more than ever this year and seeing him in the Sports Hall at 6am in the winter is a real testament to him and the enthusiasm and desire of the boys he coaches. The first team squad enjoy weekly one-on-one coaching from Andy and the new Merlyn™ bowling machine that has helped boys prepare for a trial by spin in the summer. The weekly offering is also boosted by open net sessions every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon where Jeremy Lloyds has had a huge impact offering concise technical advice and slightly less concise anecdotes from his time as a pro with Gloucester and Somerset and, more recently, his experience as a first class umpire. The boys know they are being looked after by two coaches with a real knowledge of the game as well as infectious enthusiasm and energy.

The jewel in the crown of the winter programme is the Sunday cricket Academy. Wags raids his little black book of cricketing contacts and each session a number of coaches come to impart wisdom on a range of specialist

6

THE RADLEIAN

topics. Boys from various year groups are invited to join these sessions and it has been great to see a growing sense of a club identity as traditional year group barriers are broken down. This year’s highlights included sessions led

by Raj Maru developing the college’s spin bowlers, Nick Gubbins and Richard Scott who brought lessons from last year’s county champions and the visit of Andrew Strauss. There is always an extra frisson with the Ashes winning captain and head of the ECB in the sports hall and it was great to see boys from the shyest Shell to our 6.2 first team regulars chatting to an OR who has reached the very top of the game. Our thanks go to all who came an imparted wisdom and experience with such generosity and good humour.

This Easter 14 boys made the trip to Desert Springs in Spain for a preseason tour. The weather and facilities were spectacular and the chance to concentrate solely on cricket before the myriad of distractions of a modern summer term was invaluable. Matches were played against other sides who were at the same resort and the true value of the trip can be seen in the early games of the season back in England.

The rustiness and understandable nerves of a first game out were left behind and the boys started the season

with two good wins against decent opposition in the shape of St Paul’s and Charterhouse before term had even begun. Wins have followed against Cheltenham, Eton, Wellington and Bradfield and the team goes into LeaveAway unbeaten in school matches.

There are stern challenges awaiting in the second half of term and I look forward to seeing the boys in action.

Simon Dalrymple Master i/c Cricket P 7 W 6 L 0 N/R 1 The 1st XI has combined a series of strong individual performances with a developing team ethic. In helping the side to 3 wins out of 3 in the Cowdrey Cup (with victories against Charterhouse, Eton and Wellington) Jonty Robinson, Jack Folkestone and Val Brooke were the first players to be awarded colours.

We elected to field first against St Paul’s, who were reduced to 150 for 8 off their 50 overs. The pick of the bowlers was Martin-Zakheim with 2-19 off 10 overs.

We chased down the target of 151 with six wickets down and 15 overs spare.

The Captain, Betley, finished 73 not out off 78 balls.

CRICKET The following day we were away at Charterhouse. Folkestone and Eden ripped through their top order and after 8 overs, they were 13-4. Charterhouse scrambled to 160-9 off 50 overs. We won the match convincingly by 7 wickets with 12 overs remaining.

On the first Saturday, we faced Cheltenham. Yet again, Folkestone was the figurehead of a relentless display of bowling, taking 4-30, as we limited them to 171 all out. The chase was made to look easy by Hoddinott (67 not out, off 88), Betley (40 off 31) and Martyn-Hemphill (27 not out off 25).

Against arch-rivals, Eton, we chose to bat first. Openers Brooke and Hoddinott set another fantastic platform, reaching 113-0 after 23 overs. We reached a good 242 off our 55 overs, having been under masses of pressure before and after lunch.

Folkestone (3-43) dismissed an opener in his second over. However, Eton reached 76-1 off 12 overs. A fantastic spell of bowling from Martin-Zakheim (1-26) and Robinson (2-45) in tandem pegged Eton back. Purton swung the game in our favour after Martyn-Hemphill took a glorious stumping. Carr (2-34) took the final wicket to start monumental scenes of celebration.

Victory was claimed by 20 runs.

If the Eton game felt tight, it was as nothing compared to our match versus Wellington. The match’s final over began with Wellington needing 10 runs from 6 deliveries. After the first ball was carved to the boundary for 4, we were back behind the proverbial 8-ball. After a wide and a dot ball, the equation stood at 5 needed off 4. The events of the following ball will live long in the history of Radley cricket. A brilliant stop at extra cover by Carr left the eager non-striking batsman in the middle of the pitch attempting a single.

Folkestone took the bails off whilst the batsman dived desperately to get back in. After a huge appeal, there came the finger of assent from the umpire signalling the run-out; we retained our 100% record in the Cowdrey Cup. Next up was an away trip to Bradfield.

Brooke and Hoddinott, yet again, set a superb opening platform of 98, before Brooke went for 56 off 49 balls. Hoddinott and Carr put on an impressive 126-run partnership before Carr was dismissed for 73 off 69 and Hoddinott finished with 80 off 118.

Some late hitting by Betley, Eden and Cunningham, including an enormous maximum by the latter, brought us up to 314-7 off 50 overs. From needing 90 off 16 overs with 6 wickets in hand

and two settled batsmen at the crease, Bradfield lost 6 wickets for 46 runs in 10 overs as Purton, Cunningham (2-18) and Robinson (3-38) rattled through the helpless tail. Midgets 2 player Freddie Walker was substituted on to field and did a remarkably good job in the dying moments.

Next, Marlborough. A more incredible finish to an innings has never been witnessed at Radley, as Marlborough went from 220-4 to 221 all out within 6 balls. 6 wickets in 6 balls finished the Marlborough innings in the most abrupt and unbelievable fashion: with Jonty Robinson sealing a dramatic hattrick. The unprecedented 6 from 6 was accomplished in style as Folkestone took the off-stump of their No. 11 batsman.

Only the weather could stop our momentum. After hour-long heavy showers, the game was declared a draw; it did confirm that we would go into Leave-Away unbeaten in school matches, a feat that eluded even the recent vintage year of Gubbins, Marriott and Hearn.

Rory Betley 6.1, E Social

THE RADLEIAN

7

THE CL AND L YEA During their time together at Radley, Precentor Stephen Clarke and Director of Drama, Robert Lowe collaborated on some outstanding Musicals. These invariably involved huge casts of boys and girls and full use of the Theatre’s many facilities, including its Orchestra pit.

Here is just a sample of some of the stunning work they produced together.

Clockwise from Top Right: ‘West Side Story’, ‘Titanic’, ‘Sweeney Todd’, ‘Les Miserables’ and ‘The Producers’.

The panache and vibrancy that was the hallmark of all the Clarke/Lowe musicals sprang from the directors’ commitment and professionalism and the extraordinary attention to detail.

They also, of course, worked supremely

8

THE RADLEIAN

LARKE LOWE ARS well together: the combined force of their creative energies could not fail to impact on even the most inexperienced of performers.

The casts were trained and drilled, enthused and inspired, and for all of us who were lucky enough to enjoy one of these shows, it was a theatrical experience not easily forgotten. So the curtain comes down on an unique and exceptional directorial pairing, and we thank them both for taking the Musical at Radley to such dramatically exciting and ambitious heights.

We will miss them. See the Farewells section for SDJC and RML’s individual ‘Farewells’.

David Edwards Head of Theatre Studies

THE RADLEIAN

9

BATTLE OF THE BANDS On Friday April 28th in Silk Hall, the annual Radley College ‘Battle of the Bands’ took place. We were lucky enough to have an extremely successful and well-known adjudicator.

Charles Andrew is a Barclay Mercury Prize and Brit Award-winning record producer and has worked with the likes of Alt J and Matt Corby.

There were three bands playing a total of two songs each. The first band was Blue Overdose, a Remove band consisting of Maximo Lopez (piano and vocals), Wilfred Pease (drums) and budding Rock Star Andrew Shaw (bass and vocals).

Their first song was a cover of Foster the People’s Pumped-up Kicks. The first thing I noticed was how accurate they were to the original score. There was barely a note out of place, largely thanks to the drummer Wilf Pease, who was as tight as a drum machine.

Their second song was an original called I am Lost. This was an extremely impressive composition given their age, with a great structure and catchy chorus.

The second band was actually my own band where we performed two songs I had written. The first being a song called The Place She Knows, and the second being Lover. I had a great band around me (Max Armfield, George Parsons, Tom Neil) who brought something new to the song.

The final band was called Gloamers (Henry Parkin, Thomas Rogers-Coltman and Olly Crole). They were by far the

10

THE RADLEIAN

most individual band of the evening, mixing punk, jazz and some classical rock. They played two of their own songs fronted by Thomas RogersColtman. Mr Andrew took a shine to their interesting songs and few could dispute his decision, giving them the award for Best Band.

Blue Overdose’s original ‘I am Lost’ won the prize for best original composition. In an interview I had with Andrew Shaw afterwards he said, ‘this is an absolute honour. I am in a state

of shock right now. This is what rock ‘n’ roll is all about.’ I was honured to be given the award for Outstanding Musician.

It was a terrific evening and I was happy to see such a great turnout, as all three of the bands had put so much effort into preparing.

Artie Diamandis 6.1, H Social

POSH From Wednesday 22nd to Friday 24th February, ‘POSH’, the 6.1 play, was staged in Mansion.

‘Posh’ is a play that Rory Marsh, my fellow director, and I have wanted to stage for a few years; but one that, being students, we could not achieve until we graduated into the adult world, where the boundaries are not as tight regarding domestically-produced entertainment. The 6.1 year at Radley College is designed for boys to persevere with extra-curricular activities and producing a piece of theatre is certainly filling that void that exists between the years of public exams.

The process was enjoyable, yet difficult. The most difficult part of the process was the permission to start it. Everyone we asked said “yes”. It seemed as if we had to ask every member of Common Room by the end. In one day, Rory and I had asked our Theatre Studies don, Mr Edwards, the Head of Drama, Mr Lowe, the Warden, Mr Moule, the director of the other 6.1 play, Mr Tolputt, the Master in Charge of extra-curricular activities, Mr Murphy, the head of Calendar organisation, Mr Shaw, the lady who takes bookings for the Mansion’s rooms, Mrs Goodfellow, via her colleague Mrs Newell and our housemasters, Mr Langton and Mr Lawson, respectively.

This is a familiar piece of drama to Radley boys, most of them knowing the film adaptation, The Riot Club, directed by Lone Scherfig.

a cla ss y ‘Yo u we re ho pin g for y did bo d an tre ea pie ce of th sp ad es . Yo u yo u all pu ll it off in e sto ry, th th wi all us gr ab be d s an d wi th ter ac ar ch ur yo th wi lle d en erg y of th e pa ce an d co nt ro th e wh ole pla y.’

JRW B What we wanted to explore in the production of this play was the deeper meaning behind the text, and to create a disturbing and intense atmosphere that does justice to Laura Wade’s writing. We wanted to exploit the meaning behind it, satirising the vile nature in which these boys behave, whilst providing a social commentary enlightening the audience on a topic that is unfamiliar to most, but still important. The difficulty with a script like this, being performed at a School like this, is that we had to be sure not to show the characters in a positive light.

Stories not too dissimilar to this one appear in the public eye reasonably often: even a former Prime Minister was at the centre of a dining society ‘scandal’ not too long ago. To glorify them would be to encourage impressionable young men to

be more rebellious, riotous and disrespectful. That was the opposite of our aim in this Production – we wanted to ensure that people are aware of the danger of being both influential and impressionable.

The most important question posed

by Wade’s script is this: for how long will you like the members of the Riot Club and at what point will you begin to gain a clearer portrait of what they’re really like behind their amiable disguise?

‘I do n ot th in exam pl e of a k th er e is an th at h as im pr b oy -l ed in it ia ti ve th an PO SH in es se d m e m or e m y w h ol e te ca re er.’ ac h in g T h e War d en

The performances were a great success. So much so that the Warden claimed in his end of term assembly that it was his ‘highlight of the term’ for three reasons: the sheer standard of acting and performance, the boyleadership shown to organise and produce a piece of theatre, and the manner in which it was produced, which included the independent setting up, clearing up and ticketing.

Rory Betley Director, 6.1, E Social

rb to ne w er e su pe ‘T he pa ce an d d w ha t ca n be ne an d yo u co m bi va ge w it of sa th e de lic io us ly op le w ith a pe d le tit en er ev cl be ca m e m or e na rr at ive w hi ch .’ er SR an d m or e si ni st

It wasn’t exactly plain sailing after that. We held auditions for the thirty-five 6.1 boys who were interested and cast 15 of them the next day. We handed out scripts and talked them through it, the day before we left for the Christmas holidays. Ever since, we have had four rehearsals per week during prep time, which were either richly rewarding or extremely infuriating.

THE RADLEIAN

11

NE Academic  University Success, 2nd March

Last summer’s outstanding A Level results not surprisingly enabled Radleians to proceed to a host of top courses at leading universities.

It has now become normal for us to see a double-figure tally of those progressing to US or other non-UK universities, including two to Yale from last year’s cohort. Those who are recent ORs but choose to apply post-A Level continue to be fully supported, and in this application round places have been won at Oxford, Cambridge, Durham, Imperial, UCL and other top UK universities. Seven members of this year’s 6.2 were given an Oxford offer and, among a number of exciting international destinations for this year’s crop of leavers, are Bocconi, Duke and Yale.  Classics Reading Competition, 22nd March

The Annual Classics Department Reading Competition took place in the Blue Room. We enjoyed some excellent adjudications from Dr John Roberts, Head of Classics at Harrow School, and were particularly impressed by performances from the Shells and Removes.

The Shell Latin winners were the Shell One team, while the Shell Greek prize was shared between Jose Amusategui and Orlando Soundy. Harry Glassey won the Remove Latin and Hipolit Hodges the Remove Greek, and Will Shott won both the Fifth Latin and Fifth Greek titles. Hugo Halford-Harrison was the Sixth Form Greek winner and Dan Kirchlechner retained the Sixth Form Latin prize with another sonorous performance, from Aeneid 6.  ‘Are there other Universes?’, 4th May

Colin Stuart, an Astronomy author and science writer, came to talk to Radley physicists about the possibility of there being other universes.

Colin started talking about the 1920 debate between Heber Curtis and Harlow Shapley.

This was about them disagreeing on whether there was one galaxy or many galaxies in the universe. Colin then went onto discussing the common theories of the Big Bang.

The talk kindled many students’ interest on this particular part of Astronomy.

Will Lennon, C Social 6.1

12

THE RADLEIAN

 Talk to Radley Linguists, 8th May

 Junior Debating Final, 9th June

Enrico Cecconi and current 2nd year student Max Day, came to talk to modern linguists about the Modern Languages and European Studies course that is currently taught at Bath University. Enrico is the Language Coordinator for Italian at Bath, and has been teaching there since 2014.

For the second year in succession, F Social won the Shells/Removes Debating Final. They beat J Social, proposing the Motion “This House believes that there should be a second Referendum on deciding whether Britain should leave the EU.”

Enrico talked about the various different courses and modules that are on offer at Bath as well as talking about the importance of having learnt a foreign language fluently.

Max then talked about his experience studying on the course thus far.

Will Lennon, C Social 6.1  Radley Mock Election, 17th May

A large crowd gathered in the Coffee Shop on the evening of Tuesday May 16th to meet the five candidates in the Radley Mock Election, which was held on June 8th. The candidates were: Jack Barclay, representing UKIP; Benedict Yorston, representing the Labour Party; George DillonRobinson, standing on behalf of the Conservative Party; Joe Trafford, representing the Greens; and finally Stash Samoilys, representing the Liberal Democrats.

During the course of the Mock Election each candidate outlined their policies and all five were interviewed by The Warden.  Question Time, 8th June

Radley held its very own version of BBC1’s ‘Question Time’ on the eve of the General Election, Wednesday June 7th. Organised by Head of Politics, RKM and chaired by SR, all five candidates in the Radley Mock Election formed the Panel.

The Panel took a range of questions, starting with the Terrorism issues currently facing the UK and including ‘Indy Ref 2’, Faith Schools and of course,‘Brexit’. There was some lively, at times, quite heated debate.

Harry Glassey, Albi Tufnell and Max McGee made up the F Team, with Harry being judged to be ‘Best Speaker’ overall.

WS Activities

 Radley to Big Ben, 6th May

 John Fu Magic Show, 21st March

There was an entertaining break from daily routines when John Fu, D Social Fifth, performed his Magic Show. A large audience of Radleians and

On the 7th of May, a group of intrepid J Social 6.1 boys cycled 100 miles from Clock Tower at Radley to Big Ben in London.

The 6 boys - Alex Alder, Robert Crawfurd, Ollie Friend, Freddie Jodrell, Rory Marsh and Fergus Wilson - were raising money for ‘Send a Cow’, a charity that provides food and agricultural supplies to poor communities in Africa, helping more than 1.3 million people work their way out of extreme poverty.  Inter-Social Chess Finals, 8th May

The much anticipated finals of the InterSocial Chess this year between H Social and F Social, promised to be a very close match. Both teams possessed at least two school chess team regulars out of a total of five members, and had both been finalists in recent years, with H Social containing both the present and former team school chess team captains.

The game was a very even one, with the strategic initiative often moving from one side to the other, and went on into a very long and tense endgame. Both sides seemed to have much potential in the situation and a draw was very plausible, but Christoph Wallendahl eventually obtained a winning position that resulted in a win for F Social for the first time in over 15 years. Overall, it was a very close and entertaining final, with both sides performing excellently and congratulations are due to both Socials for the spirit in which the match was played.

Christoph Wallendahl, F Social Fifth dons enjoyed John’s impressive card tricks. Selected volunteers from the audience, including most of the Maths Department, joined in.

John Fu, D Social Fifth

 Charities Reception, 9th May

On Monday 8th May in Coffee Shop, we held our Charities drinks reception. It was a nice opportunity to congratulate the 30 boys who have individually raised money for charity over the last year. We were delighted to welcome 20 charities and nearly 40 parents to join in the celebration. The boys have raised funds through marathons, cycle rides, swims,

triathlons, canoeing and even Radley crisps.

The boys on the Charities Committee did an excellent job of hosting the enjoyable event.  General Sir Nicholas Carter, 14th May

On Wednesday May 10th, General Sir Nicholas Carter, Chief of the General Staff, presented a very stimulating talk in the Theatre on the broad range of challenges facing the British Army today - and in the future. He explained how the essence of a successful military includes constant self-criticism, an open mind and adaptability. Ideally, problems will have been anticipated long before serious obstacles are encountered, although, as has been the case throughout history, this is not always possible - since the character of conflict and of enemy capability are ever-changing. Strong, clear-sighted, reflective and above all humble leaders are needed for the modern British military.

Three hundred boys and many adults attended the talk and there was a very informed Q and A session, which ran well over the anticipated end time. The event reflected the enormous interest in international affairs and the military at the school.  Biology Field Trip - Pembrokshire, 9-13 June

As part of its annual trip to Dale Fort field centre in West Wales, the Biology department took their 6.1 students to see the sea bird colonies on the internationally important Skomer Island.

Skomer has the world’s biggest population of manx sherwaters but, despite there being approximately 300,000 of them there, we didn’t see a single one because of their nocturnal habits. We were however charmed by the 6,000 friendly puffins who were already carrying beakfulls of sand eels home to their nesting young. As well as being great fun and giving the boys a unique experience of the natural world, we all learnt a lot about in-situ conservation and species diversity and interactions.  Worship at Memorial Arch, 25th May

On Thursday 25th May a short Act of Worship for Ascension Day took place at the Memorial Arch at 8:15am. The service included a short prayer and music for Ascension from the Chapel Choir, and concluded with a Blessing.

THE RADLEIAN

13

Cultural  Inchinomiya High School Visit, 9th March

Students from Ichinomiya High School in Japan spent four days at Radley during March as part of an exchange programme that has been running since 2013. As well as visiting Stonehenge, Salisbury Cathedral and the sights of Oxford, they took part in Physics, Geography, Spanish, Latin, Maths and Biology lessons. They also ran an introduction to speaking and writing Japanese during Academic Priority Time on Wednesday afternoon and took part in many other aspects of Radley life during their stay.  Chapel Choral Concert, 27th March

The Concert opened with an incredible trumpet piece, which grabbed the audience’s attention immediately. It was performed with such clarity and musicality. Then we all sang the Jubilate Deo, with the fantastic Orchestra. It made such a difference having the Orchestra, especially with five percussionists.

Personally, I think the best moment in the entire evening was the 2nd Movement in the Chichester Psalms, which I genuinely believe to be one of the most beautiful melodies ever written. It really was special to sing alongside the powerful orchestra which gave everyone the assurance to sing more confidently. A truly great evening both to perform in and listen to.

Arthur Tapner, F Social 6.1  Madrid Trip, 6th April

Easter marked another successful trip to Madrid for the Spanish Department and a group of thirteen 6.1 Hispanists.

The group spent the first morning at a language academy, on a spoken Spanish course, before attending a walking tour of Madrid to gain a brief taste of what the Spanish capital has to offer.

The next day the group set off to see one of the eeriest sights in Spain - El Valle de los Caídos. Commissioned by General Franco supposedly as a memorial to those who died in the Civil War, the ominous fascist architecture was a stark reminder of Spain’s lesser-known past.

We then visited El Escorial, the Spanish summer palace, which also was an impressive display of power by the Spanish monarchy.

Saturday and Sunday brought a packed weekend of sight-seeing for ‘los guiris’, with visits to the ancient city of Segovia, the Bernebéu Stadium, and la Plaza de Toros, before a picnic in the sun in the Retiro park.

James Innes Ker, C Social 6.1

14

THE RADLEIAN

 Gehandu School Partnership, 9th May

During May, the College welcomed Daniel and James, teachers at Gehandhu School, Tanzania.

The hugely successful Radley-Gehandhu School Partnership is now into its seventh year and it is a privilege to be able to return some of the wonderful hospitality that our students receive in Tanzania.

It was Daniel and James’ first trip outside of Tanzania and they were treated to a week of English culture, cake and animals. Educational methodology was a vital part of the trip and so they observed lessons across College and also visited Didcot Girls’ School, where the focus was on educating girls and girl leadership.

 Leavers’ Recitals, 15th June

Mid-June at Radley is the season not only of Exams, but of 6.2 Leavers’ Recitals - Concerts given by musically-minded 6.2s, organised by the boys themselves, and staged to appreciative audiences of Radleians, dons, parents and guests.

The evening of

 Young Art Oxford Exhibition, 5th May

A number of the Shells created pictures to be considered for the Young Art Oxford exhibition in the Ashmolean Museum. The theme was “The world in which we live”. Two Shells had successful entries and both won prizes.

Yuhan Yan won third prize and Patrick Clegg was awarded a commendation.

The exhibition is an annual art show open to all Oxfordshire schools. It is a wonderful opportunity for young aspiring artists to have their work judged by well-known artists and to exhibit at the prestigious Ashmolean Museum.

The money raised from the sale of the pictures goes to Cancer Research UK. It is an enormously popular show and this year there were around 3,400 entries. Of these, only 500 were selected by a panel of judges, including the Ruskin School of Art. The two boys attended the Private View of the exhibition on May 4th and enjoyed seeing their work on display in the impressive surroundings of the museum.  Rogation Service, 14th May

On Sunday 14th May Radley celebrated Rogationtide, an ancient service dedicated to agriculture and the harvest. The school prayed for British farmers and their communities, particularly the Radley agricultural community.

The service, which celebrated nature, the environment, crops and fields, was held outside on the lawn in front of Mansion in fine weather. It was a super service enjoyed by the many who attended.

Thursday 15th June saw Tom Rogers-Coltman’s Leavers’ Recital, which was held in the Sewell Centre Gallery.

Tom was accompanied by another Leaver, Henry Parkin, and played saxophone and guitar. Impressively, that same day, Tom had also found time to sit his first English A level exam. Other extremely well-attended Leavers’ Recitals included those by Freddie Elwes, Arran Ryder and Jasper Perry.

Sport

 Inter-Social Hockey, 6th April

 Rower selected for GB Junior Team, 5th April

The Junior Inter-Social Hockey competition consisted of two groups of five, with each Social playing each other once. The final was dominated by B Social and they won 2-0, with captain Phillip Barnett putting in a commanding performance. The Senior final was a high-quality affair with Cunningham and Todd pulling the strings for G Social.

However H Social, superbly led by their captain Jamie Farr, won the trophy with a 4-2 victory.

At the start of the rowing season more than 170 junior male rowers entered the GB trial process. Five Radley boys participated in the trial process. A small number of boys are selected to trial in March based on their

Oxford. While a few of our team were elite cross country runners, many of us have never run much further than 5km.

Despite the varying standards, we all completed the route on a hot, sunny day, many achieving personal best times, and raised over £1,400 for Muscular Dystrophy, exceeding our target of £800.

Congratulations to Mr Fernandez who won the race in a time of 32.34, half a minute ahead of the second placed runner and setting a new course record!

 County Show Jumping, 4th May

Having won the U14 County Show Jumping Championships for Radley, I went on to represent Oxfordshire in Radley colours in the National Schools’ Championships in Buckinghamshire. This meant competing against 26 other County Champions from around the UK. In the final round there were 14 jumps with the last seven of these being against the clock. I was one of only six riders to do a double clear and with my horse doing some tight, speedy turns, we managed a time of 22.12 seconds, which proved to be the fastest time by 4.5 seconds.

As a result of my win, I am now the National Schools County Champion and I have been selected to represent England in the Nations Cup in October. A great day!

Tom Beattie, C Social Shell  First Polo Match, 8th May

The first match of the season saw Radley 1st Polo Team take on Eton at Guards Polo Club. As was the case last year, Eton started with a 2.5 goal score advantage due to the handicap difference between the two teams.

performance in the long distance trials over two days. Archie McChesney and Joshua Bowesman-Jones achieved an excellent 3rd and 4th in this trial out of 40 entries which secured them an invitation to the March trial. Archie competed at the trials and after four days of extensive testing was selected for the GB Junior Team to compete in the Munich International Regatta.

Radley managed to secure the win, with the score ending 6 - 3.5. This was not quite the 12 3.5 the team had managed the year before but nevertheless proved a valiant victory to start the team’s season.

Max Rumsey, F Social 6.2  Town and Gown 10k, 14th May

On Sunday 14th May, a group of runners from C Social, consisting of ten boys in 6.1 and six dons, ran the Town and Gown 10km run in

 National Schools’ Regatta, 28th June

The Radley College Boat Club travelled to Dorney Lake over the weekend of 26th-28th of May with a squad of 90 boys to compete at the National Schools’ Regatta. The regatta is the biggest event in the calendar for the club and represents a chance for all of the boys to showcase the hard work and effort they have put in with their coaches over the course of months of training.

The Boat Club managed to deliver three Championship medals in total, two silver and a bronze. Perhaps more pleasing was that all year groups’ A and B boats managed to make it into the A Final of their respective events. This showed an increased depth to the boys’ squads, and was a credit to the boys themselves.

 GB U19 Real Tennis Winners, 11th June

Congratulations to 6.2s Olly Martyn-Hemphill and Freddie White who won the Great Britain U19 real tennis doubles championship at Wellington College on Sunday. 11th June The pair, who were crowned National School champions in February, beat a very strong Wellington duo 3/6 6/1 6/5 in an enthralling final, coming back from 0-3 in the deciding set.  Under 14 GB water-skiing, 15th June

Matthew Rowland has been selected to represent the U14 team for Great Britain in the European and Africa Championships in Spain from 2nd to 6th August this summer.

This is the third time he has represented Team GB in the European and Africa Championships in the U14 team. As this is Matthew’s final year in the U14 Team, he is hoping to get a podium position in either the Slalom or Tricking events.

Matthew trains very close to Radley, at the Oxford Water Ski Club on Berinsfield lakes.

Matthew Rowland, B Social Shell

THE RADLEIAN

15

THE WARDE On Sunday 14th May in Silk Hall, more than 120 boys took to the stage for the annual ‘Warden’s Music’ concert. Radley boasts an astonishing array of music, and the Warden’s Music concert provided a snapshot of some of the very best – from riotous Latin American orchestral music to the splendour of Italian Baroque Brass and the intimacy of French Chamber Music.

16

THE RADLEIAN

EN’S MUSIC The concert also offered a perfect opportunity to bid farewell to some wonderful 6.2 musicians, including Battle of the Bands winners ‘Gloamers’ reprising their original song and a closing Big Band performance featuring guest 6.2 vocalists.

Sam Gladstone Precentor

THE RADLEIAN

17

CURRICULUM EXTENSION In the 6.1 year, all boys take part in the Curriculum Extension Programme on top of their three or four A level choices. As the name suggests, it aims to take them into areas that the curriculum doesn’t reach and as part of this, there are three study days with Oxford High School, a girls’ school in North Oxford. Teachers at both schools offer electives in subjects that interest them and get to spend the day passing on that sense of intellectual excitement to mixed groups of boys and girls.

Art - Multi Culturalism - Cultural Identity - The Modern Day Selfie Computer Sciences - Programming Culture & History - Russian Politics Morgan car factory visit Contentious Issues in Global Energy Policy Tea Blending Machiavelli

About half the sixth form girls from Oxford High travel to Radley and are replaced for the day by Radleians travelling in the opposite direction.

Whilst some boys choose an elective to reinforce their A level subjects, for others it is a chance to try something a bit different to broaden their horizons. Tea tasting was one of the options on offer this year and the lucky students who opted for this elective spent a day with Angela Pryce (an independent tea consultant with many years’ experience in the industry) learning about the history of tea and then tasting different teas to learn about the art and science of tea blending.

French cooking

The day finished with a competition to see who could blend the best English Breakfast tea. In the Michaelmas term, Will Kay (B Social) and his team won this competition, which was rather fitting because Will is developing a Radley tea blend as part of his Extended Project Qualification! For those who didn’t fancy learning about tea, there was always the option of learning to be more (or less) Machiavellian. A day immersing yourself in Medieval Italian politics, reading extracts from ‘The Prince’ and thinking about how power is wielded in the modern world surely counts as intellectual stimulation; but the same could also be said of the ‘Great Latin Americans’, the ‘World Cinema’ or ‘DNA Testing’ electives. The list doesn’t end there and sadly there just isn’t space to talk about all the electives that were offered.

Problem solving in Physics and Engineering

18

THE RADLEIAN

Great Latin Americans World Cinema Linguistics Literature on screen Melancholy and Madness in Early Modern Literature The Plays of Arthur Miller Applied microbiology Aromatic chemistry

A glance at the list (left) will give a feel for the choice available and more than one don at Radley commented that they could happily spend a day as a student on any of the electives. As well as the intellectual part of the day, there was also a social element and in the breaks between sessions and over lunch it was great to see the Radleians and girls from Oxford High chatting and generally getting to know each other.

Part of the aim of the Curriculum Extension Programme is to try to engender a culture of learning for its own sake and the study days are a vital part of this process.

With Cyanotype Photography, Advertising and Revenge Tragedy making their way onto the list of electives for next academic year, the breadth of options available is increasing and giving boys even more opportunities to expand their intellectual horizons. I’ll raise a glass to that, even if it is only a glass of Radley blended English Breakfast Tea!

DNA testing.

History of Medicine

Design & model a stage set in a day Russian Politics

Kevin Mosedale Head of Curriculum Extension

SHELL ADVENTUROUS ACTIVITIES In the Shell Summer term, instead of Monday activities on a Monday afternoon, Shells are involved in CCF (Combined Cadet Force). As an introduction into CCF, it mainly comprises team-building exercises, fitness and map reading.

After lessons on Monday, Shells change, report at CCF and are subsequently taken to various activities. The Trim Trail is more physically demanding and involves a similar route to the steeple-chase.

The difference is that the group stops at various points, in which there are excessive fitness machines for two people to do, whilst the others are occupied with press-ups and other excercises.

Raft-building is either loved or loathed, depending on the weather. It is a great team-building exercise where each team constructs a raft out of rope, planks and large containers and competes against the clock to get all team members across College Pond. I found it the most exciting of the activities so far, as it differs from other activities and the aspect of the pond makes it more of a challenge.

The CCF for Shells in the Summer term is challenging, enjoyable and a great introduction into CCF in Removes.

The activities include: Fitness Banshee: Putting up tents Mountain biking Maps Trim Trail Orienteering Hypothermia training CasEvac Cooking with Trangias Planning routes.

Raft-building

Seymour Shaw Shell, F Social THE RADLEIAN

19

VAL John Nye The word ‘legend’ is part of the regular vocabulary of many Radleians. Not always is it deserved. But there is a Radley don who is truly worthy of this description. That don is JCN. When John arrived at Radley in 1981 with a Cambridge Maths degree from St John’s, and a couple of years of experience in his first school, noone would have guessed that he would still be here in 2017.

What a legend…

First and foremost John is a first class Mathematician. He takes his Maths seriously, and is good at it. On his sabbatical he spent the term at his old Cambridge College, attending lectures and teaching undergraduates. John is clever. He is also Chief Examiner for the STEP Cambridge Entrance paper. At A level he doesn’t specialise in any particular branch of Mathematics. He teaches everything.

Something he has particularly enjoyed over recent years is teaching and form-mastering the sons of Old Radleians. He might now be more than 30 years older than when he taught their fathers; the hair might be a bit more grey. But it is still the same JCN – thorough, professional, and totally on top of his game.

Classroom teacher is only a small part of his role. The best teachers are also schoolmasters – the term schoolmaster not being reserved exclusively for the male of the species. A schoolmaster is a teacher who involves themselves fully in the broad life of the College. John has coached and refereed rugby, hockey and cricket, and he has also taken top rowing crews. Only this year, at the age of 60, John completed the London Marathon.

JCN’s career progression has taken various turns. In the 1990s he was tutor of A Social. On leaving Social he didn’t sit back and expect a reduced timetable, a title, a big house, or a gentle life. Instead he went straight to a full teaching load; he threw himself into the extracurricular life of the College; and he took responsibility for writing the timetable.

In writing the timetable his meticulous attention to detail, and his clear logical thought processes, made him the ideal person for the job. In Maths there is a class of problem for which we are able to prove that no solution exists. I know that John was amused by those who thought that if they asked the same question enough times, John would find a way of reversing the Laws of Mathematics when applied to the timetable.

As well as Maths and sport, John is a fine musician. Those of us fortunate enough to attend his Leaver’s Concert would have been in no doubt of the talent of the man as he moved seamlessly between instruments. And what a special moment when he and Katie sang that memorable duet from the deck of the sinking Titanic in the most recent College musical. Outside Radley John spent many years as Chairman of Abingdon Operatic Society, a role in which he livened up many a dull moment in short-break with his idiosyncratic announcements. Were they ‘tongue in cheek’?

We shall never know.

As a community man, John will do anything for anyone. JCN has been a key member of the Community Action project. He believes in Common Room, and is happy to serve. He has worked for the Common Room Committee, and has given his time as Chairman. On the day of John’s 60th birthday it was no surprise that he offered a glass of champagne to everyone in short-break. And of course, who was the right

person to act as Chairman of Past and Present, ensuring that ex members of Common Room are still welcome at the place they had served in earlier days? Again that person was JCN. As I conclude, perhaps I can be excused a tiny bit of self-indulgence. I have worked with John in the Radley Maths department throughout all of those 36 years. Typing this final paragraph, I can feel a tear in my eye. It is quite special to be able to teach in a place that you love, and to pass the lion’s share of that teaching career with one very special colleague. Radley has been very fortunate to work with the legend that is John Nye. And so have I. GW

Katie Nye KSN arrived at Radley with JCN in 1981 at the start of their married life. She recalls that on her first visit she was very taken with the charming manners of the boys. Katie and John are a wonderful partnership and Mr Nye’s career is chronicled elsewhere, but what is clear is that Mrs Nye has made an extraordinary contribution here in her own right. Katie brought with her a Cambridge Natural Sciences degree, which meant that at various times Biology and Chemistry HoDs tried to tempt her into a teaching career. No doubt she would have excelled at that, but Katie put raising a family first - and what a delightful trio of younger Nyes many of us have watched grow into such impressive adults. Utterly supportive of John and thoroughly immersed in College life across four Wardenships, Katie was from the off a busy helper in B and then F Social (in which John was a Sub-Tutor) and a star of the Radley stage in various productions. She could not have been a more dedicated and influential Tutor’s wife in support of John - A Social boys were lucky to have such an intelligent and caring role-model.

In terms of her Radley employment, she started as ‘Exams Assistant’, and in the middle phase was a key member of the Library staff, with her enthusiasm, warmth and attention to detail doing so much to set the standards and tone for what was a new venture. And all the time she devoted herself to family life and sensitively watched over the welfare of many friends and colleagues. She continued to tread the Radley boards, the lead role in “Daisy Pulls It Off” being perfect for such a young-hearted sprite.

Her role as Head of Examinations defines her for recent and current Radleians, as indeed for so many parents who are grateful to her for her cheeriness, efficiency and clarity. She has ruled the Barker Gym with grace and steel - truly “The Boss”. Those who have been lucky enough

20

THE RADLEIAN

LES to be part of her thoroughly professional exams team - not to mention her co-consul in the Clocktower Court office - will miss her enormously.

A highlight of John and Katie’s final year was their duet in “Titanic”, an encapsulating showcase of their musical and marital partnership. She memorably gave Agnetha Fältskog a run for her money at JCN’s concert with a rendition of “Thank You for the Music”: it is Katie whom we thank. The same boys who charmed Katie on her arrival and all the Radleians whom she has helped in so many ways over 36 years knew a class act when they saw one. As one member of 6.2, unprompted, opined to a friend in his and KSN’s final term: “Mrs Nye - she’s an absolute babe!”

PWG

Angus McChesney Radley College legend, from Economics to Geography Departments and the best of Tutors.

Fantastic.

Angus and Annabel showed up to everything – music, sport, theatre, art, declamations – that kind of support is felt and appreciated more than I can convey.

Angus is an amazing teacher – we had incredible times.

This duo performed a seamless job of looking after the boys with great love and commitment.

In the Economics Department as much as on the river, Angus inspired us to reach and work for success, not to wait for it to arrive.

Angus swam the Channel – if that doesn’t equal Radley legend I don’t know what does.

Angus recognised the value of trust, loyalty and friendship. He was an exceptional rowing coach and we had great success along the way but above all we had a tremendous amount of fun!

He skippered us on the Tall Ships Race across the Atlantic – an adventure of a lifetime.

I can think of no happier times I had at Radley than in the presence of Angus and Annabel.

Angus came to Radley in 1993 and Annabel in 1998 when they were married. These are just a few of the many tributes to a much-loved Tutor and his wife, both exceptional teachers and coaches.

From the London School of Economics and Oxford University, Angus came to Radley in September 1993 to teach Economics. There are many stories about his university days but two

stand out to illustrate how fortunate Radley was to secure such an imaginative and inspirational recruit: During Eights Week, the bumping races for Oxford College crews, Angus and a friend constructed a ‘Jaws’ shark’s fin which they could, out of sight and below the surface,‘swim’ through the water. They waited for a suitable gap in the racing and the shark’s fin crossed the river to the acclaim of the crowds. When the propulsion unit of Angus and his friend emerged from the water they were treated to an endless supply of free drinks by the astonished spectators – and invitations to May Balls on condition they wore their shark outfit.

Angus had student digs on one side of the river while Annabel lived on the other. On one occasion Angus took the direct route, swam across the river and arrived, dripping, on Annabel’s doorstep.

Angus had been in the British Junior Rowing team and an excellent school and club rugby player. He rowed for Imperial College and the University of London. At Oxford his commitments to the PGCE course prevented him from being involved in the Boat Race squad. With such a sporting pedigree it was natural for him to get involved in coaching both rowing and rugby at Radley.

Angus was part of the team with Harry Mahon and Donald Legget that put Radley at the top of school rowing in the late 1990s and early 2000s. They did not just coach the Senior Squad but helped the crews of all age groups.

Their record speaks for itself: National Schools’ Medals 1997– 7 medals (1st VIII gold); 1998 – 6 medals (1st VIII bronze) and 1st VIII won the Princess Elizabeth at Henley; 1999 – 6 medals (1st VIII bronze); 2000 – 4 medals (1st VIII gold); 2001 – 6 medals (1st VIII gold).

After Harry Mahon died in 2001 Angus and Donald continued to win medals with the 1st VIII: bronze in 2002, silver in 2003 and bronze in 2004, so the Radley eight won a medal at National Schools’ every year for eight years – including three golds.

He introduced the Boat Club Facebook page so parents were better informed of the regatta programmes and the last-minute changes to race times or crews. The award of Sculling Socks encouraged boys to improve their skills in single sculls and his Family Regatta introduced the river to a wider community.

For twelve years Angus and Annabel made their F Social an exceptionally warm and welcoming home. Among the many innovations were the F Social Twitter account, keeping parents and

boys informed of all that was going on in the Social, fresh F Social cookies (every Thursday night), and the F Social brewery: teaching not only the skills of brewing but also instruction on the different types of hops and flavours created by them. The famed F Social hospitality, powered by Angus’ & Annabel’s superb cooking, resulted in marvellous parties, including the celebrated ‘Titanic’ party.

When one of his F Social boys was diagnosed with leukaemia Angus decided to swim the Channel in 2007 to raise funds for University College London Hospital where the boy was being treated. The swim, the “challenge of a lifetime”, was completed in 12 hours 45 minutes and raised an astonishing £50,000 for research at the hospital.

After his Channel swim it was not long before Angus had introduced outdoor swimming at Radley, with boys being taken to swim the Henley course just before the regatta and sometimes to swim the Pond on the last night (or was it morning) of term. The Tug of War competition, Juggling & Circus Skills (including Fire Breathing), High Board Diving, Skateboarding – Angus was involved in so many exciting projects at Radley, including the Millennium Tall Ships Race, when he skippered a crew of Radley boys across the Atlantic from Boston to Amsterdam via Halifax, Nova Scotia, in the 72ft Ketch John Laing (from the Ocean Youth Trust).

JKM

THE RADLEIAN

21

Annabel McChesney

Stephen Clarke

Annabel took up rowing when she went up to Pembroke College, Oxford to read Fine Art. Five years later she was rowing for the British team in the Double Sculls at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, finishing fifth, at that time the highest position a GB Women’s double had ever achieved. In 1996 Annabel coached the Radley J15 2nd Eight with Will Matthews and their crew won their event at National Schools’. After some part-time coaching over several years Annabel returned full time in 2014 to help the J14s win National Schools’ medals for three consecutive years.

Despite meeting us all in the Music Department, and a lot of advice against taking the job from outside, Stephen Clarke fortunately decided to accept the position of Radley Precentor, bringing with him his lovely wife Helen and two young children. Before that he had been: Assistant Chorus Master at the New Israeli Opera, Assistant Chorus Master at ENO, Head of Music at Scottish Opera and Garsington Opera.

To help fund her international rowing career, Annabel set up Rock the Boat, a company specialising in innovative and fun rowing kit. Annabel’s artistic talents and in-depth understanding of rowing made the business a huge success.

Annabel remains with Rock the Boat as a consultant and now concentrates on her art. She works across a wide range of media encompassing watercolour, printmaking and, most recently, digital laser-cutting. At Radley she has produced wonderful paintings, portraits of Radley staff and boys together with numerous cards, including her immensely popular ‘Social socks’ cards. From January 2014 to February 2015 the boys were lucky that Annabel, covering some maternity leave, taught in the Art Department.

During her time at Radley Annabel has been closely involved in the Radley village community and projects, such as the Save Radley Lakes campaign, which successfully prevented the local lakes being filled with ash from Didcot Power Station. Now the lakes are part of an environmental plan to foster wildlife and encourage public access.

For many years Annabel arranged Yoga classes for the Radley community and second-hand uniform sales for the Radley parents. Spotting that too many of the apples from the numerous trees on campus were going to waste, Annabel arranged for boys and families to pick the apples which were taken to be pressed and the juice to be bottled. The delicious apple juice was then sold by Annabel to provide funds for an excellent cause each year, such as the Radley Primary School.

Thank you Angus and Annabel. For 24 years you have enriched the Radley community and now others will be blessed by your great talents, warmth and generosity. You will be sorely missed.

JKM

22

THE RADLEIAN

Radley Music was a different place then. The choir consisted of just a handful of boys and due to the early changing of boys’ voices we had a small, struggling treble line. Some of the instrumental teaching took place in portacabins vacated by the Maths and Geology Departments, and the orchestra and the musicals were enthusiastic affairs often held together with enthusiasm and hope.

The Music Department however had bold, ambitious and politically delicate plans in place to start up a Choristership scheme, the prospect of a multi-million pound new theatre and music school development, and the wish to revitalise the Choral Society and large ensembles.

Within weeks we had discovered that Stephen was not just a superb conductor and choral specialist, but one of the very few musicians I have ever had the pleasure of seeing treating the boys as if they were professionals. With his diplomatic skills and expertise he was also the perfect person to oversee these initiatives.

In collaboration with Dr Morris he took up the mantle of setting up the Choristership scheme and gradually the inspiring top line began to emerge, delighting all of us who regularly hear the choir in Chapel.

And then there was the first Clarke/Lowe musical production – West Side Story. Few of us who heard this will forget the impact that it made. Boys treated with professional respect will aspire to professional standards, and they did.

He organised orchestral concerts at St John’s Smith’s Square, took the choir to cathedrals around the country, resurrected the Butterworth-founded Choral Society and instigated a series of international orchestral tours. Radley music began to acquire the status and the reputation amongst boys, parents and dons that it deserved.

Now, with a 90 strong choir, a flourishing Choristership scheme, outstanding musical productions, and the most extraordinary enthusiasm and passion amongst the boys for singing inside and outside of Chapel, Stephen leaves a legacy at Radley which will go down in history and of which his late wife Helen was and would be, I know, inordinately proud.

All this and his other passion too – sailing: including those magical cruises around the Aegean and the Greek Islands, with the lucky Radleians involved.

There was something ironic about the choice of Titanic as Stephen’s final musical production here. He does not leave a sinking ship, but a Music Dept. which is ship-shape and sailing full steam-ahead into an exciting future. He is someone I have been proud to call my colleague, a musical soul-mate, and someone I will always consider one of my closest friends.

Stephen, thank you from all of us, you’ll be sorely missed.

AJAW

Tim Fernyhough

It’s an old cliché in Boarding Schools and other such august institutions: no one is indispensable. Life will carry on without x or y just as before.

But there’s always the exception that proves the rule and Radley may well have just found this with TJEF’s departure. Life here in its many forms simply will not be the same without The Reverend Tim Fernyhough. Not only has he been an inspiring Assistant Chaplain to boys and dons alike – we will forever miss his purposeful stride and brisk tones resonating through Chapel - TJEF is also the consummate Schoolmaster. He has made a massive impact during his fifteen years at Radley and will be sorely missed.

TJEF arrived at Radley in 2002, straight from Durham School, where he was Chaplain. During his time here, Tim has been fully involved in a huge range of activities – in addition to his busy life as Assistant Chaplain and Head of Religious Studies. At ease in the classroom, the playing-fields and boathouse alike, he coached the 5th XV for many seasons, losing few matches. He was a key member of the Boat Club – coaching the J15Bs in 2002/3 and taking the J14Bs to national success at the National Schools’ Regatta in 2007 – winning their event. Tim was also Chaplain for two terms in 2005: filling in admirably before the new appointment arrived.

All this and he still found time to be GCSE Chief Examiner in his Subject, Theology (as it is now called); Radleians reaped the benefits of his experience here too.

And then there were the cars….So many of them and all, like the Great Man himself, so individually stylish. (If it’s Monday, it must be the TVR?). Latterly too, Common Room have been hearing tales of the riverbank and the narrow-boat he’s recently bought. Tim has

already planned many happy hours along the rural waterways and pubs of Northamptonshire (not that he’s retiring quite yet). Talking of riverbanks, Tim even found time to appear on stage as Albert the Grumpy Horse, in the memorable 2013 Dons’ version of ‘The Wind in the Willows’. According to the Review in the ‘Chronicle’,“He has been rehearsing all his life to play this part”. Little did the Reviewer in question realise Tim was, as ever, sending himself up (“The Gruffalo” in disguise?).

It is these “special moments” that stick in the memory and make TJEF and his legacy so unique. Noone who was in Chapel that night in 2017 will forget the way Tim dealt with the hapless 6.2 (who’d better remain nameless), who made the foolhardy miscalculation of chattering right in front of his pew. His rasping comment, booming over the microphone, not only instantly silenced the boy in question, but every other person in Chapel too, dons included: “When you’re ready Smith, we’ll continue with Hymn 57!”

On another memorable occasion, after a particularly complicated and intricate Monday night electronic musical performance in Chapel, TJEF commented: “I’m tempted to say,“Follow that.” But I’ll stick to “Let us Pray instead…””

Then there’s the legendary ‘Christus Rex’ TJEF keeps in his classroom. Each year, this astonishes new Shells with its life-size verisimilitude; each year, those same Shells receive a deadpan introduction to the prospect of a “practical demonstration” of the Crucifiction, if they don’t behave. One should hastily add that TJEF would of course be one of the first people at Radley those same Shells would turn to for advice and words of wisdom, in times of pastoral need.

And a dry sense of humour permeates all TJEF’s dealings with Radleians and dons alike – all the more important, in the face of the bureaucratic pressures we teachers and pupils increasingly confront. He has been known to regale colleagues, over a glass of red in Common Room before Chapel, with some of the howlers he’s encountered in GCSE Theology essays, in his capacity as Chief Examiner.“How do you make Holy Water?” was one question posed in a Theology Paper. The answer? “Boil the hell out of it.”

Far from retiring, Tim leaves Radley to take on the exciting prospect of becoming Rector (along with his own Rectory) of some delightfully rural Parishes in Northamptonshire: to be precise, the Parishes of Litchborough, Adstone, Maidford, Blakesley and Farthingstone.

A whole new career beckons. Tim truly is a remarkable role model to those of a similar vintage. His parishes are fortunate to have such a special person in charge of their pastoral welfare. No, Radley will not forget TJEF in a hurry…

AC

Robert Lowe It was 12 years ago that Robert Lowe, then Director of the Stahl Theatre at Oundle, glided, in his metallic powder blue Mercedes,into a parking bay outside the Bursary, for his interview for the post of Director of Drama at Radley. I remember it being pretty much a forgone conclusion, but we went through the motions nonetheless, and he was duly appointed to run the New Theatre. We had met many years before. I was put down to examine his Theatre Studies A Level practicals at Oundle, and after a wonderful lunch accompanied by a glass of wine or two, I watched some hugely impressive, innovative drama, and aside from one special little surprise (ask Robert....) the afternoon went by smoothly, efficiently and without incident.

Typical of Robert, we now know. Exceptional drama, ruthless organisational skills, a sense of fun and mischief and, on the surface at least, a sense of calm and focus. The risk is always there too. You can always be sure of ingredients within his productions that will surprise, challenge, shock even, and this always contributes to the tension, excitement and skill that is an RML theatrical experience.

Robert arrived here just as drama was beginning to find its feet. We had a new theatre, we had drama in the curriculum, and, above all, we had boys bursting with enthusiasm for theatre. It just needed someone to harness and shape this into a force to be reckoned with in the school. This has happened. He quickly established a form and structure to work in the theatre, and this is where his efficiency and organisational skills proved so effective. DCKE had been holding the fort for a year, and things had been running to a degree, on a rather ad hoc basis, so this whirlwind of professionalism shook the foundations of the theatre, and we all knew that the new Director meant business.

Advance planning became the norm. The employment of Robert’s wonderful ‘team’ of professional technicians, costume directors, choreographers excited us all as the theatre, and the productions, rocketed to new heights of excellence. The audience forgot they were watching a school production.

Highlights of the production years include musicals that could have graced a West End stage, and one well-established thespian don remarked sincerely that being directed

by Robert was the most exciting theatre experiences he had had. ‘Titanic’ was a triumph. ‘The Producers’ was possibly the most elaborate and colourful exposure to high camp that a Radley audience had ever experienced in the New Theatre. ‘West Side Story’, a notoriously tricky and complex score, with fearsome choreographic challenges, gave audiences a real flavour of what was to come.

This was Robert’s first musical here. Then came ‘Les Miserables’ and ‘Sweeney Todd’: and

THE RADLEIAN

23

Terry Scammell Jackson

following the tradition of the theatre’s desire for superlatives, both were sensational! Many remember the musicals above all else, but it is actually, the productions of ‘straight’ drama that I think Robert takes most pride in: especially Shakespeare. The Henriad last year was, despite lowish audience attendance, a highly skilled and persuasive performance by all year groups, where real acting talent was released

by Robert’s sensitive and meticulous direction.

And then there was ‘The History Boys’ in which 6.1 boys and a group of dons appeared on stage together in an extraordinarily professional, humorous and moving production of Bennett’s brilliant drama about the ‘outmoded’ teaching methods of a much loved but flawed middle aged schoolmaster.

We have seen so much diversity on stage and we have experienced emotional responses on many levels. Robert has been instrumental in giving Radley drama that challenges and provokes, but above all gives young actors the incredible opportunity to explore all manner of relevant and testing issues through the process of bringing character to life on stage, in a truthful and meaningful way. ‘The Laramie Project’ (of which Robert says he is most proud, dealing as it did with highly emotive issues and introducing audiences to a new style of staging and performance), ‘Lord of the Flies’ (where he sacked the whole cast a few weeks before performance and asked them to reaudition: standards being firmly established here!), ‘Twelve Angry Men’, ‘Journey’s End’, ‘Hotel de Paris’, ‘The International Inspector’: all challenging theatrical experiences, directed with care, skill and insight.

I have already mentioned highlights, but I would guess the ‘highlight’ uppermost in Robert’s mind is not actually drama related.

That wonderful day when he and Stephen entered into their Civil Partnership and subsequent marriage, holds very special memories for many of us. It was a first for Radley and I think, was instrumental in helping

to change some rather more entrenched and outmoded views that were bouncing around at the time. Robert, Stephen and their son Jesse, have done more, without fuss or self-promotion, to open discussion and promote acceptance of individuals’ personal beliefs, sexual orientation, idiosyncrasies and life style choices than they might realise or acknowledge, and this is a huge achievement in itself.

So, Robert is off to Stratford. He wants to tread the boards again. What better place to start. We have of course witnessed his capabilities as an actor here at Radley and his Leavers’ show was a masterclass in versatile performance. He has appeared as Toad in ‘Wind in the Willows’, and as Serge in ‘Art’. He had a cameo role playing some old retainer, in ‘The Happiest Days of your Life’: this demands special mention as he spent two hours in make-up, and all for two minutes on stage. Well, two minutes was the official timing, but Robert managed to milk the moment and spent at least another couple of minutes hobbling off stage right, mumbling and muttering to himself, in an hilariously extended exit that left the rest of the cast barely able to contain themselves. But upstaging aside (far be it for Robert to upstage anybody..!) some of us have been lucky enough to act with him in productions, and the experience has always been enormously good fun.

Robert hands over a theatre that is in more than great shape. Drama is in a very good place here and all that happens on stage has earned huge respect from the Radley community. So much has been achieved over the past 10 years and I cannot think of another school that offers such an extraordinarily professional theatrical experience. What a legacy. Thank you Robert… and now it’s time for the New Theatre to be re-christened. What, might you ask? Well the answer is pretty obvious: The Lowe Theatre, surely.

DCKE

24

THE RADLEIAN

This could be of buildings and battle honours, but that wouldn’t begin to describe the depth and breadth of TSJ’s contribution since 2007.

It’s true that since she arrived from City of London Boys’ to run the History Dept, she has managed and overseen huge changes: the move from cramped classrooms to the splendour of Clocktower Court; the 1000 piece jigsaws of arranging for 2 new A Levels and the IGCSE; the ‘Battle of the Photocopier’ (never had the dept had its own – MC, DSO and bar for that alone). Add her powerful contributions to the academic debate – HoDs and APC – and her role with Professional Development and Induction, and that is a career in itself, but while these despatches rightly honour her determination, clearheaded intelligence and meticulous attention to detail, they say nothing of her warmth and energy as a friend, colleague, guide and adviser to boys and Common Room alike.

The boys – whether they knew her as a classroom teacher, Oxbridge supervisor, Form Master, Sub Tutor or fellow Beagler – will miss her enormously. The ‘Dancing Queen’ of H Social has embraced life in two Socials with matchless enthusiasm, and to be allocated to TSJ’s form always seemed to me to be one of the top prizes in the great Form Lottery. Her precise teaching, especially on her C20th patch of the Cold War, Germany and Civil Rights, was full of sharply drawn scholarship, bringing years of fabulous results, and the evening discussion groups at home also produced 14 Oxbridge successes. Above all Terry injected new life into the History Society - eloquent visitors included test pilot ‘Winkle’ Brown and Holocaust survivor Freddie Knoller whose audiences filled the Coffee Shop to overflowing – and into the trips abroad that she has engineered. As well as supporting trips with Politics (USA) and History of Art (Paris), and arranging a Shell tour of Ypres and the Somme, 5th formers now go annually to St Petersburg and Moscow, and in 2008 she created, with Anthony Robinson, a scholarship funded by the Malcolm Robinson Memorial Fund which has since sent 8 Radley historians to Summer Schools at the College of William and Mary in Virginia. All this Terry leaves behind for new generations to enjoy.

Her colleagues will miss her just as much.

Terry knows how to give a party: as Guest Night organiser for Common Room she threw some absolute corkers – not least the ‘Titanic’ evening and the ‘Waterloo’ dinner of June 2015 from which regimental songs rang across the gardens and down the E Shell corridor. She knows how to manage people, and does it above all with grace and artistry.

Full of Grandees - 2 Wardens, 2 Directors of Studies, Senior Masters and swathes of Tutors and Masters i/c of this, that and the other – the History department is no easy one to manage, but she made it hers from the start.

She knew what she wanted the department to be and what she wanted it to achieve – the architect of the new building thought book shelves would spoil the ‘look’; TSJ intervened and shelving, copious shelving, appeared.

She is happy for everyone else to believe that the ideas are theirs, if that gets the job done.

I once tried to argue for a particular A Level topic only to find that I’d agreed to something completely different and that it was the best idea in the world. Brilliant.

Terry also cares deeply about her friends: I will never forget the thought and tenderness with which she held Jim Summerly close to the dept even as his life faded away, and then remembered him in the History Library that bears his name. TSJ is a brilliant manager, yes, but a friend of heart and soul more than anything.

Every school, every job takes a little from you, sometimes more, and now is the time for her to re-embrace academic life and turn a Masters into a PhD in the fullness of time.

“I am a part of all that I have met” wrote Tennyson of another determined traveller, and of no relationship is that more true than that between Radley and TSJ; it is to our lasting and treasured benefit.

JRWB

David Cresswell David Cresswell arrived at Radley in September 2010 as an assistant master, teaching German and French. He came from Cranleigh where, under Guy Waller, he had been both a pupil and a member of Common Room. At interview, he stood out as a highly personable, confident and

mature young man with a lot to offer, both in and out of the department. He was clearly going to fit in. In his observed lesson, he made a point of giving the boys a word for the day in German and in French, written in a box at the top right hand corner of his whiteboard. I have just been into L6 to have a quick look, more than 7 years later, and there it still is. (The keen Germanists amongst you may be interested to know that today’s, 10th June 2017, word for the day is Geschäftsbedingungen.) David’s awareness of the importance of, and emphasis on, method as well as magic, has been a hallmark of his teaching over the last seven years. He sets very high standards for all his students, not just the ones who are already achieving. His approach is to challenge and nurture not to judge. However, like all good schoolmasters, David has a reserve of unpredictability, an extra gear in his transmission that keeps the boys, and sometimes colleagues, on their toes. He often deploys silence instead of rebuke. With a small crease of concern between the eyebrows, he can throw a look that would send a shiver down a polar bear’s spine.

Nationally, A Level numbers halved between 2003 and 2013 and the A* difficulty debate discouraged many bright pupils from opting for German. Bucking this trend, Radleian interest in German grew as the Department’s reputation blossomed. By 2013, there was a set of 7 boys in the sixth form, a group which included luminaries such as Alexander Johnstone, Hugo Hesselgren and Alec Murray-Brown, all of whom, under David’s expert supervision, went on to get A stars and offers to read German at Oxford and Cambridge. This was a major milestone for the German Department. David’s hard work and management potential were recognised at the end of his second year at Radley, when Sholto Kerr moved on to Tonbridge, and David took over as Head of German. Never short of initiatives, David set up a German Society and one of the first speakers was his father, Jeremy Cresswell, Director of the Foreign Service Programme at Oxford University, who gave an excellent talk on Germany and the EU. David also established a strong link with the Oxford German network which allowed boys to speed date in German in the JCR and, in collaboration with Claudia Piller, he launched the Radley Business Challenge.

colossal contribution to the sporting life of the College and his own personal passion for sport. Was it a coincidence that he and Aynsley got married, the day Andy Murray won Wimbledon? He is a seriously good tennis player and hits the ball ferociously hard, giving it the chisel, as RDW would say.

Although more discreetly proportioned than, say, Juan Martín del Potro and less obviously lanky than, John Isner, (I am sure that RDW would agree that it is the vice of a vulgar mind to be impressed by bigness) David cuts an authoritatively muscular figure on the tennis court. As a Premiership and Oxford Hawks Hockey player, Bigside hockey coach, Bigside tennis coach, master in charge of tennis, CR basketball player, CR football player, committed cross fitter, and so much more, David’s impact on and commitment to Radley sport is hard to overestimate.

Highlights of successes in the Tennis Club might include Ed Monbiot and Hamish Miller beating Millfield in 2011, as well as Toby Ryan and Freddie White beating Reeds in 2015. DJC’s own personal hockey highlight was beating Abingdon away, 3-2, with Hamish Wishart scoring the winning goal in the last two minutes. The boys he looks after are fitter, more aware of their nutritional requirements and better turned out. Bigside tennis players look egregiously smart at matches compared to many of their counterparts from other schools. David will willingly admit that he may come across as intense when engaging with sport and, although he has found the contrived nature of Common Room fixtures anathema, it has not stopped him taking part. RDW remembers a tennis match with the staff of a large Preparatory School in Oxford when a rare miss-hit from DJC was followed up with some helpful suggestions, over the net, from a well-meaning Australian lady, along the lines of “Have you thought about bending your knees mate?”

After a year’s residency in “P Social”, as the bachelor colony was affectionately known in David’s first year, he moved to become a residential Sub-Tutor for John Sparks. This position gave David fresh opportunities to develop his interest in pastoral responsibilities and, for four years, the boys in C benefited hugely from his time, advice, support, discretion, generosity and kindness.

Academic and pastoral contributions aside, most Radleians will remember David for his

THE RADLEIAN

25

Actor, mimic, teacher, sportsman, form master, friend, Head of Department, Sub-Tutor, coach, David’s contribution to Radley life has been colossal. And did you know he can also sing?

At a recent social gathering, as the shadows started to lengthen and the evening began to mellow, David discreetly produced a guitar and gently crooned his way through a few popular classics. As others began to join in, he draw much admiration from his fellow guests.

One female admirer quoted from Pitch Perfect “Nothing makes a woman feel more like a girl than a man who can sing like a boy” Judging from the warmth and wealth of the replies to my discreet inquiries into his dealings with colleagues and boys, David leaves behind him a large legacy of memories, respect and affection. Both he and Aynsley will be greatly missed but they will no doubt flourish in their new life “up north” in County Durham, as David takes on the role of Head of Sixth Form at Barnard Castle School.

to eat our words. The couple have recently been blessed with a beautiful baby daughter, Ciara, and Kevin has duly become the most doting of fathers.

Kevin will be a huge loss to Radley, not only in terms of his immense contribution to golf, but also as an experienced and highly successful and respected Maths teacher, and as a great friend to many of us here. Kevin is taking over as Head of Department at The Royal Hospital School in Suffolk, and we wish him, Muriel and Ciara every luck in the future.

PM

Josh Sumner

SB

Kevin Reid Kevin joined the Maths Department in September 2011 from Loretto School in Scotland, having previously cut his teaching teeth at Gordonstoun. Prior to Kevin’s arrival, I recall little being made about his sporting prowess, other than that he was supposedly a very accomplished footballer in his youth (he trialled for Aberdeen), and was also rumoured to be “quite handy” at golf (this on the basis that he had represented Scotland at U16, U18 and U21 levels, as well as representing his university, St Andrews, the home of sport, and was a member of the Scottish team that held the European Boys Championship in 2000).

Quite how handy he was rapidly became clear upon his arrival; Kevin was (and remains) a proper golfer: a solid +1 handicap, an effortlessly loose, consistent swing that sees him rarely troubled with the rough, and an ability to deliver ball to hole from 100 yards out in rarely more than two shots, something that all of us that have had the privilege of playing a round with him will remember as simultaneously effortless and frustratingly straightforward-looking; and yet it is borne of not just the ubiquitous 10,000 hours of practice that is a prerequisite of this degree of mastery, but also innate talent. Kevin played for Scotland at U16, U18 and U21 levels, as well as representing his university, St Andrews, the home of golf, and was a member of the Scottish team that held the European Boys Championship in 2000).

Kevin’s talent and enthusiasm for the sport naturally resulted in him taking over as

26

THE RADLEIAN

master in charge of Golf upon his arrival, and saw the start of a significant run of success in Radley golf. The run of titles that the seniors have won since Kevin’s arrival: West of England Schools Championships in each of 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015 & 2016, National Handicap champions in 2014, qualification for the National Foursomes Finals in 2016 and National Team Finals in 2017, speak to his prowess as a coach, motivator, tactician and his ability to turn boys who often had yet to really achieve their potential into genuinely accomplished players.

All of this, of course, was really just an adjunct to Kevin’s primary role as a highly effective and hugely admired teacher of Maths. Although it took a few months for the hard edge of the Scottish brogue to mellow sufficiently for some of Radley’s more sheltered Home Counties members to fully comprehend the nuances of everything that was spoken in class (with sentences often ending in a typically Kevin-like “shambles”), “Kev”, as many of the boys used to refer to him, soon became a much sought-after teacher.

He gave selflessly of what little spare time he had and helped endless boys with extra sessions at the start and end of days and at weekends. He is as clinical in the way he approaches teaching and doing maths as he is in his life (anyone who has seen how tidy the boot of Kevin’s car is will know exactly what I mean).

Kevin met the lovely Muriel during his time at Radley, and those of us who scoffed at the notion of him being able to deal with a sophisticated Frenchwoman, let alone attempt to communicate in French, have had

Josh joined us in September 2012, straight after finishing his degree at Cambridge.

He was one of the most talented linguists graduating that year and came to Radley eager to keep learning. I do not lie a bit when I say that from the very beginning Josh impressed us all. Very early on it was clear that he was going to be an outstanding teacher and by the end of his first year I knew he was exceptional.

In his second year with us, Josh started his ITT programme and this meant that his teaching abilities went through the roof.

This is what makes him so special; he is keen to learn but his innate intelligent and organised nature makes him take things to a different level of excellence.

He works hard for his students and he is always finding ways to improve as a teacher. His students feel safe with him and all admit that he is a fantastic teacher. Josh has taught top to bottom sets and his exam results have been impeccable at either end. In 2016, he became my successor as Head of Spanish and had the difficult task of organising the scheme of work and lesson structure of the new A Level course. I knew he was going to be successful but he has certainly surpassed my expectations. I know all the teachers in the Spanish Department are sad to see him go, as he was from the very beginning to the very end a committed, efficient and easy to work with colleague and Head of Department.

Josh’s talents are not limited to the classroom and for the past few years he has been a UCAS advisor where his knowledge and work ethic has been pivotal for students and greatly appreciated by PWG. He was also part of

the Careers team for several years and his organisational skills came in handy here too. He has been a caring form master and a devoted member of K Social.

His commitment to K Social was so strong that when in his first Summer Term, he was asked to be part of the 4x400m K Social relay team, he didn’t refuse to help.

Josh is not really interested in sport and perhaps this is the only area where his expertise is not exceptional. He ran those 400m with the courage of someone who strongly feels the call of duty and despite my teasing, he took everything on the chin without losing his cool. This was not the only involvement in sport for Josh. He coached Midgets 7 rugby two years in a row and has since taken on the role as a badminton and tennis coach.

Saying farewell to Josh is not easy. Many boys are devastated and I know that his colleagues know that his departure is a great loss for Radley. On a personal level, it is really difficult to see him go. He has great things ahead of him and I am sure he will be tremendously successful in Dean Close School as Head of Modern Languages (at such a young age!). This is just the beginning, I am sure. Superbly talented yet humble and caring people like Josh are rare and he can go very far if he wants to. Saying goodbye to Josh is not only seeing a fabulous member of the MFL department go, but saying farewell to a friend who will be missed dearly.

GCP

Neil Martin Neil Martin

Neil Martin Neil joined Radley in September 2014, having joined us from Reading Blue Coat School. In the three years he has been a teacher at Radley Neil has shown enthusiasm, proficiency and dedication in the classroom, and is a highly-regarded colleague.

In all endeavours, Neil has embraced his responsibilities with genuine enthusiasm and gusto, and his willingness to ‘go beyond’ has been much commented on by dons and boys alike.

In sum, Neil leaves behind a gap that will be hard to fill but he leaves Radley now to take up his role at Christ’s Hospital College as Head of History – a role in which we know he will excel. It is with great sadness that we now say ‘cheerio’, but we are grateful to Neil for everything that he has contributed – in the History Department and in the School more broadly. We wish him, his wife Victoria and young son, James, all the very best of luck, as they move to Christ’s Hospital to begin their new life in September.

TSJ

Gemma Maybank

From the outset he quickly made his mark. A thorough and conscientious approach, and careful planning, not to say dedication to the highest of professional standards, have ensured a continuous stream of impressive examination results and we, and the boys, are minded of just what Neil has contributed to the History Department these past few years.

Impressive exam results are but one indicator of success, and it is outside the classroom as well that Neil’s strengths have been all too apparent: his tenacity, his perseverance and his encouraging of the boys in their academic endeavours have all combined to inspire many boys to further their interest in History.

Neil has also contributed an incredible amount to the broader life of the school, in both a pastoral and extra-curricular sense. He has been the resident SubTutor in C Social for the past two years, has served as Contingent Commander of the CCF Army Section, has been in charge of administering the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award here at Radley, and has been a regular on the squash courts.

Gemma has served the Radley College English Department with distinction over the past three years. Boys have benefited from her professional approach; her diligent preparation and execution of lessons has enriched many. Her ability to get the very best out of her pupils was notable: some excellent results are testament to this (most recently seeing A Level boys secure 100% in various units). She taught from across the Canon, sharing knowledge and unearthing interest in tight-knit Sixth Form lessons and in grander lecture format. Gemma managed

THE RADLEIAN

27

the delights of coursework moderation and A Level administration with a patient smile and recently won a phenomenal wrestling match with Firefly, putting in place the building blocks for an first-rate resource for boys and colleagues alike.

her?” was an equally pressing conundrum and one that highlights all that she has done in just 13 years to help grow the Department into what it currently is.

We have had to find someone whose enthusiasm for their subject is unending; who constantly researches new ideas; who is proactive in promoting a wider understanding of, amongst others, attention disorders, reading weaknesses, visual and motor difficulties; who can find practical solutions to any problem and who will never give up on anyone; and someone whose determination to get boys and dons engaged in the support process goes far beyond the Central Hour slots that they are employed for.

As a Sub Tutor and Junior School Form Master, Gemma engaged enthusiastically with the boys. Evening treats were eagerly anticipated at A Social Cocoas, served alongside interesting debate. At the Butterworth Festival, GVM’s Form were there to the last, perhaps buoyed by the sumptuous picnic they were enjoying alongside the festivities. In the Department Office, too, her little Post-Its labelling the latest batch of brownies were delightedly received. Elsewhere, Gemma ran the Swimming Club and bolstered the top line in the Choral Society.

Her involvement in Christian Forum was another focal point for her, and the responsibility she took for her charges here helped shape a good deal of her satisfaction with her role at Radley.

Gemma and Philip welcomed Rowan in November and life took on a splendid new dimension. Never one to sit still, the demands of a new baby have been taken immediately in her stride. She couldn’t keep away from the Radley pool, enrolling in Baby Aquatics within weeks. Gemma moves on to teach at Wycombe Abbey in September and we wish her all the best in her new position.

HC Ian Ashpole The Geography Department has benefited greatly from Ian Ashpole’s year with us. With a PhD and a background in meteorological observation from Oxford University, he brought with him real academic rigour which the boys have gained from enormously. He has taught the whole age range from Shells to 6.2 and been incredibly committed to their progress throughout.

Sixth Form boys have been captivated by his tales of Saharan fieldtrips and keen to learn more about geography and real life research. Ian has organised a trip to the Meteorological Centre in Oxford and been incredibly useful in helping the 6.1 boys develop their statistical skills. He has accompanied trips to London, Birmingham, Devon and Oxford, where he introduced the

28

THE RADLEIAN

whole Department to the delights of his former hang-out, The Handle Bar Cafe.

Outside the Department he has contributed to squash, overseeing Shell progress, Remove Duke of Edinburgh Award, Monday activities, where he has been involved in mountain-biking and running, Field weekends on the Ridgeway and G Social Sub Tutoring. Ian is highly diligent and reflective in character and has been a real asset; we are very grateful indeed for his contribution to College and Department this year. We wish him and Gaelle the very best of luck for their wedding in September and the next stage of their lives as Ian continues his academic career in North America. We hope he will keep us up to date with his research.

We wish her much success with her next steps and are so glad that she is not going far. Our loss is very much Abingdon Prep’s gain, but hopefully her expertise and passion are areas that we can continue to benefit from.

LPG

Lil Pullen “What on earth are we going to do without Lil?” was my first reaction to her announcement that she was to leave Radley in order to to increase her hours in the Learning Support department at Abingdon Prep, as well as pursue her own interests in the field of special educational needs. As I look ahead to life after Lil, I can see us building on the strong foundations that she has helped to lay for wider understanding of the range of learning difficulties, continuing in her example to ceaselessly find the best in all our boys.

“How can we ever find someone to replace

LRIS

Charlie Ingham Clark Charlie has worked at Radley on a oneyear renewable contract as a Sports Science Assistant. He has been part of a team of three running our Strength and Conditioning sessions in the mornings (6.30am-7.45am). These run from Monday to Friday, and are an essential part of the sports programme at Radley. Charlie and the other SSAs have also had other responsibilities around the school: nutrition

advice, specialist rehab programmes in the gym for boys returning from injury, lifeguarding duties in the swimming-pool, supervision of smaller-scale S&C sessions (eg. golfers, racquet sports) and helping out in the coaching of games.

Charlie has run the Waterpolo Club very successfully, both arranging and taking fixtures with other schools and also organising the Inter-Social competition.

However, it is down at the Boat Club where his real talents lie: he has run our J15 squad for two years, and the retention rate of the boys involved in the J15s has soared.

He is an enthusiastic rowing coach, and has had considerable success with the J15 year group over two years. Last year his J15.1 crew won bronze at NSR, with J15.2 and J15.3 both winning their categories.

This was in no small way down to Charlie’s galvanising of the year group.

This year at NSR Charlie’s J15.1 crew won a silver medal - a fantastic achievement.

Over the past year Charlie has also been the resident Sub-Tutor in B Social, which involves supporting the boys, tutor and PHM, which he did with great warmth and energy. He performed the role of lower school (Shell) academic form-master with great success too. Charlie is universally well-liked and will be greatly missed by boys and colleagues alike. We wish him the best of luck as he embarks on a PGCE course next year, whilst also keeping up his rowing coaching.

CESM

Noemi Sanchez, Louise Peillon and Marc Cladellas Every year the French Department takes a group of 6.1 and Vths to Paris for the long standing and highly popular French Exchange with the Lycée Ste. Geneviève.

It is a tradition to select two final year students of the lycée to spend a year with us at Radley. There is always an exciting group of candidates waiting to be interviewed when Radley goes in December. Eighteen months ago Noemi and Louise were the two candidates who stood out and both have done an impeccable job.

Noemi is responsible, dedicated and her professionalism is beyond her years. She speaks French, Spanish and now her English is fabulous; being a polyglot has made her a highly competent French Assistant. She understands how best to help the boys in the arduous task of mastering a language and she has done so with patience and the best of attitudes. Noemi’s talents are varied and her artistic abilities have also come in handy within the MFL department.

I know she has enjoyed every theatre play performed this year at Radley. She has been a great supporter of the extra curricular activities in the school.

Louise has also been an excellent French Assistant. She is reliable and willing to help in whatever way she can. She understood from the very beginning that to foster the boys in to work hard and take her seriously, she had to lead by example. She is also a talented violinist and for sure has many other talents that she was too modest to reveal to us. Louise stayed in Radley in the February half term and accompanied me to pick up a bike I had bought online.

We started driving to Bedford thinking it was going to take us two hours. It took us four and a half! As we sat in a horrible traffic jam, we had no choice but to speak, a lot. Louise was excellent company and very forgiving when I managed to take a wrong turn that meant we joined another traffic jam.

students from their partner school in Paris, we were keen to do the same with Viaró. Marc graduated from Viaró a year ago.

Marc was our Spanish Assistant this year and he has definitely set the bar high for his successor. He was liked by every single boy he had dealings with.

He impressed me from the beginning with his up to date knowledge of current affairs and an unusual wisdom despite his years. He was an outstanding assistant because he thinks like a teacher, has great patience and gets to know his students very well. Marc is keen on sports, I think he went to most of the rugby and hockey matches of our first teams! He was gladly surprised to see how civilised the support from boys and parents was in those matches. Marc was always comparing Radley to his old school and I know he has already spoken to some of his old teachers giving them ideas on how to make their school even better. There is no better proof that he had a productive and enjoyable time with us.

We have been very lucky to have three such intelligent and dynamic assistants and we wish them every good fortune for the years to come.

GCP

In the past two years, the Spanish department has organised a Remove Spanish Exchange with Viaró School in Barcelona. Following the French department’s experience selecting

THE RADLEIAN

29

30

THE RADLEIAN