Chairman’s Report

Matthew Dewis (L’05) deferred his place at university to pursue his dream of being an international triathlete. He entered the UK-tri World Championship qualifier for June 2011 and began hard serious training from August 2010. His aspirations were delivered a serious blow when on the 11th April 2011 he was knocked off his bike during training by a motorist, the accident broke Matthew's collar-bone and left him bruised and battered. After a prescribed rest period, he started back in training late May 2011 for the World Championship qualifier on 5th June 2011, which he duly competed in, and won his age group category. This means he has qualified for the Triathlon Sprint World Championships as part of the GB team to compete for his age category in Beijing this September.

Richard Hodgkinson (M'81), a mere 25 years after leaving Repton has now completed a First Class Honours Degree in Literature and Creative Writing from the Open University

Sam Kingston-Jones (S’05) is attending the National Youth Theatre training course.

Robert Kirkland (O’59), owner of Icy Colt had a win recently at Uttoxeter race course in the Always Waining Beginners’ Chase. Robert was unable to attend and asked the Headmaster to be his representative. RAH is pictured with Mrs Penny

Holroyd, Joanna Holroyd (F’08) and Scarlett Flight (M’08). Winning jockey is Will Kennedy. Robert is keen for the Headmaster to be present at Icy Colt’s next run in the hope that the Paul Webber trained gelding continues the promising start he has made to his chasing career.

Hannah Lancer (A’03) has qualified as a Doctor from Sheffield University and has started her first house job at Sheffield Children’s hospital.

James Leavesley (N’75) has been appointed a Deputy Lieutenant for Staffordshire.

Victoria North (M’04) has graduated from Medical School at Bristol, being placed third in the year and winning the Suple Prize for Medicine. She begins work in Cheltenham General Hospital with immediate effect. Peter Stones (L’05), the eldest son of OR Secretary, Mike Stones, came back to Repton School on June 8th to perform in what was a memorable concert. He was joined by a fellow final-year student at Birmingham Conservatoire, Sean Pepper, Peter playing the trombone and Sean the trumpet.

A good audience in the Beldam Hall, including pupils and staff alike, were royally entertained to a wide variety of solo pieces by each artist, both showing an impressive command of their instrument and winning the admiration of all those present. As final recitals and degree completion at the Conservatoire were literally days away for both young men, each of them showed tip-top form. The highlight of the concert was a finale piece, “Duet for Two Cats” , not only played very well but also performed.

Lena Thiel (M’08) has just completed a six month internment at Schmolz Bickenbach and Kindernothilfe in Germany, whilst studying for her Business Administration Bachelor’s degree. She would like to do an Internment in England, ideally for 6 months, in 2012 to enable her to extend the theoretical knowledge she’s learnt at university to real world situations. If any ORs are able to help her with this please contact the OR office.

Derbyshire County Cricket Club now has four ORs on their staff. Ross Whiteley (N’04) has played regularly for the First Team this season, Tom Poynton (S’06) has also been selected during the season. Paul Borrington (S’04) and Hamza Siddique (S’07) have been regulars in the 2nd X1. Tom, Paul and Ross are on the full time professional staff and have been given long-term contracts. Ross has played regularly for the club's senior side during the 2011 season and was the recipient of two awards at the club's 2011 Awards Evening; the "Eddie Barlow Inspirational Performance Award” (for his century against Northants) and the “Most Improved Player Award” . Paul has been named Kingfisher Beer World Cricketer for the month of July 2011. He achieved three centuries in five innings, scoring 409 runs at an average of 81.8. They join Howard Dytham (B’84) who will be heading up the Academy in a system that will see the Cricket Board’s age group system and the Club Academy combine to provide an integrated pathway from development squads to the first class game. Howard will perform this role alongside his current position as Executive Manager of Derbyshire Cricket Board.

Sir William Gage (O’51), retired High Court Judge, has chaired the enquiry into the ill treatment of Iraqis.