The Arch Winter 2021 by Repton School

THE ARCH WINTER 2021

CONTENTS

Officers of the Old Reptonian Society 2021

CONTENTS: WELCOME

CHAIRMAN’S LETTER

OR SPOTLIGHT

Treasurer: John S Wallis (Latham 1971)

OR NEWS

Governors’ Representative: Matthew J C Needham (Priory 1980)

OR EVENTS

BRANCH UPDATES

2022 EVENTS

Old Reptonian Society Officer: Lia Rothman (Staff)

FIVES RE-OPENING

Elected General Committee Members

THE REPTON FOUNDATION

HEADMASTER’S UPDATE

Andrew J Churchill (Priory 1982) - Appointed 2015

SCHOOL NEWS

Simon C Johnson (Orchard 2004) - Appointed 2016 Eleanor J Tyler (Mitre 2005) - Appointed 2016

OR BOOK CLUB

Daisy Heath-Abbott (Garden 2006) – Appointed 2019

CAREERS

OR CELEBRATIONS

Charles Haydn-Slater (Cross 2003) - Appointed 2019

FAREWELLS

Ex Officio Members

PIGEON POST

President: Rachel E Bacon (Abbey 1986) President Emeritus: Michael L Barnwell (O’57) Vice President: Mark J Semmence (Headmaster) President Elect: Nick R S Smith (Brook 1969) Chairman: Nick C Walford (Brook 1969)

Commercial & Development Officer: Andrew Cook (Staff) Deputy Development Officer: Jess Smith (Staff) Old Reptonian Liaison Officer: Nigel Kew (Staff) Old Reptonian Liaison Officer: Anna Parish (Staff)

Lloyd A Evans (Orchard 2002) - Appointed 2014 Tom Poynton (School 2006) - Appointed 2014

Susannah Fish (Abbey 1978) - Appointed 2019 Charlotte Ashley-Stojak (Mitre 2003) - Appointed 2019

Simon D Armstrong (Cross 1963) - Lancs & Cheshire David Exley (Priory 1995) - Fives Anthony E Bishop (Priory 1972) - Golfing Society James W Blackwell (Priory 2000) - Pilgrims Martin Grayshon (Cross 1961) – Yorkshire (Interim) Martin L Jones (The Cross 1997 & Staff) - Hockey J M Guy Levesley (Hall 1975 & Staff) - Arts Nicholas P Le Poidevin (Cross 1964) - Law Society Oliver R Pepper (Brook 1990) - Cycling Jamie R Muirhead (Cross 2009) - Tennis Club Mark R Norton (Mitre 1986) - Masonic Lodge Nicky B Samra (New 2002) Football Club Edward R U Rhodes (New 1995) - Squash Club Edward J N Sheasby (School 2012) - Music Club Edward T Sloane (Priory 1997) - Pilgrims Michael J Watson (Priory 2003) - Football Club

Front Cover: Johhny Rozsa (H’63) Johnny Rozsa is a New York-based photographer, specialising in fashion, portrait, and celebrity photography. © Image by Ted Belton: www.tedbelton.com

THE ARCH

HOW TO KEEP IN TOUCH OR WRITE TO US (PIGEON POST): The Old Reptonian Society The Hall, Repton School Repton, Derbyshire DE65 6FH Tel. 01283 559320 Email: or@repton.org.uk Editorial Team: Andrew Cook, Nigel Kew & Jess Smith

PRESIDENT ’S LET TER

Welcome Rachel Bacon (A’86)

letter, we are committed to making the society

now be raising a surprised eyebrow as I wasn’t

an inclusive place for all Old Reptonians, and

known for my athletic interests/abilities) I

the changes that have been taking place in the

wasn’t quite sure what to expect at either event,

OR Office will definitely support us to move in

not being a cricketer and knowing precisely

the right direction.

nothing about Fives. What I got was a startling collection of club blazers, some slightly dodgy

To those of you who have become ORs this

stories about tours and very entertaining chat

year, welcome! We hope that you’ll find

over dinner (cricket) and a genuinely fascinating

something of interest in these pages, but also in

introduction to a game I knew absolutely

n looking for some inspiration for this,

some of the events that will be open to you. We

nothing about (Fives). In both cases there

I was prompted to take a look at some

want to hear you views on these, to understand

was also the opportunity to talk to ORs from

previous editions of The Arch to see what

what it is that you’d like to see taking place

different generations about a huge variety of

others had done and – let’s be honest here – see

– we can’t make the changes you want to see

subjects. So if you haven’t attended events

if this would give me an easy way in! As I

unless you tell us. So please do email the OR

because you’re worried there may be no one to

might have anticipated, it didn’t. Not because

office, pick up the phone or leave a comment

talk to, that hasn’t been my experience and I’d

there wasn’t anything useful or interesting there,

on ReptonLife – someone will get back to you!

really encourage you to give it a go. The OR

but rather because in these challenging times

If you, like me, have been an OR for a longer

office can help you find contemporaries who

we’ve been prevented from holding so many

period of time you’re just as important, so again

could join you if that helps!

of the events that would normally form the

please talk to us if you have any suggestions or

backbone to such letters.

want to share your thoughts on potential events.

In this latter part of the year we have been able

For me, I think the thing I have enjoyed the

starting to get off the ground, and it’s fantastic

to re-start some of our activities, and you will

most about being a part of the OR Society has

(although not surprising) that so many of you

read more about this in Nick’s Chairman’s

been the opportunity not just to meet up again

are willing to give your time and energy to

Letter and Mark’s Headmaster’s Update, so

with old friends, but to make new ones. I’ve

support the next generations in this way.

I won’t steal the march on them by talking

had so many opportunities that I wouldn’t get

much about those here. Suffice it to say, it has

elsewhere to talk to really interesting people

In closing I would like to thank Nick for all his

been wonderful to be able to get back to some

about subjects I might never otherwise touch

support over the past (very strange) year, all in

semblance of normality and actually talking to

on and for my part I’m very grateful to have

the OR Office for their constant good humour

real, physical people rather than a screen!

that opportunity. Many of these opportunities

against some very trying circumstances, Mark

Whilst we haven’t been able to run all the

also involve great food, so that’s another bonus!

for all his support of the OR Society and all

events that we planned the enforced break has,

To give you one example, I recently attended

those of you who give your time and energy

however, given us a period of time in which

both the Pilgrim’s Centenary Dinner and the

to the Society as careers mentors, committee

to consider things more deeply and look at

re-opening of the refurbished Fives courts.

members, branch heads or whatever your

different options. As you will read in Nick’s

(Anyone who remembers me at Repton may

involvement. Thank you and enjoy!

The other stand out item this year for me has been seeing the careers and networking plans

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CHAIRMAN’S LETTER

OR Chairman’s Letter Nick Walford (B’69)

OVID-19 - a catalyst and accelerator

innovative sector in business, more so than

2018 hired Andrew Cook as Chief Development

for change” was how I began my

even tech. There are no monopolies or patents

and Commercial Officer. Further progress has

report last year, and it has certainly

in football. Other clubs copied the La Masia

been made this year in the appointment of Jess

been a turbulent year on many fronts but not

Academy and have caught up and gone beyond

Smith and Lia Rothman who were hired in April

just as a result of the pandemic. Change is

Barca which is why a business, like football,

and September respectively to support Andrew

something which human beings do not always

which starts every year with zero points must

across the OR Society and OR Foundation.

find easy to do. When leaders, in whatever

look to innovate.”

arena, talk of the need for change, those

Staying with the Society’s structure, as this

benefitting from the status quo feel uneasy

As Steve Jobs said “innovation is the ability to

year’s President Rachel Bacon (A’86) has had

and consciously, or sometimes unconsciously,

see change as an opportunity, not a threat.”

her time in office nearly halved by Coronavirus,

resist or slow down the required momentum for

we asked Rachel if she would like to extend her

change, even when the evidence of the need to

I see my responsibility to make sure that the Old

period in office for another year. I am pleased to

do so is clear. Often there is a failure to even

Reptonian Society is not old at all, but rather

say that she was delighted to accept and so Nick

recognise the need for change at all.

adaptive and in touch. For those who have

Smith’s (B’69) period in office as President will

attended and heard me speak at the OR Society

be pushed back a year to 2023.

A recent article in the business section of

General Committee Meetings, or the AGM or at

the Times by Graham Ruddick talked about

OR Sports Night or who read The Arch you will

We want the OR Society to be a community

businesses not being as good at innovation as

be aware that my message since taking over as

which as many ORs as possible feel is a

they think they are. He refers to a quotation

your Chair in November 2018 is the need for the

valuable part of their lives. This starts with our

from Jack Welsh, the former boss of General

OR Society to adapt, change, innovate ( choose

OR Society School Liaison Officers and current

Electric who died last year, that innovation was

whichever word you are most comfortable

teachers, Anna Parish and Nigel Kew, who will

“not a big breakthrough invention every time.

with!) to reflect more accurately the nature of

ensure we have a constant link with pupils to

Innovation is a constant thing. But if you do not

the school now and of those ORs who have left

establish early awareness and understanding of

have an innovative company , coming to work

in recent years particularly since we became

what the OR society can offer, particularly the

every day to find a better way, you don’t have

fully and extremely successfully co-educational.

help ORs can provide them in considering and

a company. You are getting ready to die on the vine.” Or as Darwin expressed it “adapt or die”.

finding out about potential careers. Recent ORs Now, if you are still with me, let’s move closer

are of course the lifeblood of the OR Society

to Repton. In the last year Repton has been busy

and so it is crucial that recent leavers are aware

We have seen the consequences in the last year

innovating under the excellent leadership of

of the benefits they can enjoy by being active

of organisations which fail to adapt or change.

Mark Semmence. Repton Prep and Repton is

and engaged ORs. Unfortunately, the last two

Organisations that cause climate change, or that

now a through school with pupils from 3-18. We

years Leavers’ Balls did not take place in July as

face accusations of institutional misogyny like

continue to develop our network of international

planned. The OR Society was delighted to host

the police, or institutional racism like Yorkshire

schools. The school’s investment in technology

these events on the 10th and 11th of December

County Cricket Club and more widely in cricket

prior to the pandemic paid off in its ability

and made a financial contribution to ensure that

overall.

to deliver online teaching effectively when

these leavers are aware of the OR Society and

the pandemic struck. The impact of all this

encouraged to be active participants.

Innovation is a much-used word and is

innovation is, I suspect, why Repton is now full,

The Society is keen to keep in touch with ORs

an excellent example of a more positive

with 630 pupils and 396 at Repton Prep.

when they are at university and when they first

expression for change. Ruddick makes reference

start working, by organising informal drinks in

to Simon Kuper, a frequent contributor to the

Recognising that engaging effectively with an

the major cities. Please do get in contact with

Financial Times, who “wrote an excellent book

alumni community requires extensive skills

the OR Office at Repton if you would like to get

called Barca about FC Barcelona, describing

and expertise, we reviewed the structure and

involved with these events.

European Football as just about the most

capability of the OR Office in Repton and in

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CHAIRMAN’S LETTER

Now, change does not mean that we neglect in

Leadership Forum took place on November 4th

Nigel Kew and Anna Parish. Thanks to Mark

any way the support of our more established

and was such a resounding success

Semmence and his leadership team for

OR activities which have all been back in

continuing to successfully navigate Repton

action this year except for tennis. As we won

In October we held our fourth OR Sports Night

through the current choppy waters of Covid.

the D’Abernon Cup in 2019 the OR Tennis

and the focus this year was the expansion of

Thanks also to your OR Society Executive

Club remain National Champions for a third

women’s sport and the plans for women’s

Committee and all the leaders of your branches

consecutive year!

sport at Repton. We had an excellent OR panel

who devote their time, energy and enthusiasm

session with Olympic gold medallist Georgie

to making the OR Society what it is. If you

The Halford Hewitt was postponed to

Twigg (F’02), John Batty (L’90), a former

would like to get involved with the OR Society

September from its normal date in April and the

professional cricketer who coached the Oval

then please do make contact with the OR Office.

OR Golf team, under new Captain Mark Anselm

Invincibles to their winning of the inaugural

(C’86), lost in the 3rd Round to Cheltenham

100 Cricket Championship, and finally the

May I wish you and your families an enjoyable

who were runners up to first time winners

most successful school coach of boys’ and

time together over the holiday period around

Loretto.

girls’ hockey, Martin Jones (C’97). There

Christmas and the New Year and I look forward

were discussions about girls as role models to

to seeing you in 2022.

In The Arthur Dunn Cup last season, we lost

encourage participation and the need for greater

narrowly in extra time in the quarter final

representation of women within the running of

to Old Foresters, the eventual winners. The

sport. This was followed by Matt Carrington

Arthurian League last season was cut short and

giving us an update on the school’s ambitious

not completed but this season we have started

plans to lead the way in developing girls’

well in the League and play in Round 2 of The

football and cricket at Repton.

Arthur Dunn Cup on Saturday, December 18th against Old Berkhamstedians, having beaten

We are all well aware of the enormously

Old Radleians in Round 1.

positive impact our girls have in the school and so we very much look forward to celebrating

In the Cricketer Cup we were beaten in the

50 years, plus two more now, since girls first

first round in a high scoring game against The

arrived at Repton in 1970 at the Hurlingham

Marlborough Blues. However, the highlight

Club in West London on May 7th next year.

for the Pilgrims this year was off the field in

Make sure you get your tickets and encourage

celebrating the Centenary of the Pilgrims at

as many of your friends as possible to come

a Dinner in the Sports Hall where we heard

along for what should be a terrific evening of

amusing reminiscences and stories from the

celebration.

1930s through to the current day. Finally, this year we have seen the successful The OR Netball Club run by Daisy Heath-

fund raising for the refurbishment of the Fives

Abbot (G’06) started up again in London on

Courts, and these were officially launched on

November 23rd.

November 13th with an Eton Fives Association Exhibition Match as well as an OR Eton Fives

Charles Haydn-Slater (C’03) organised our

Fixture. I would like to take this opportunity to

first OR LGBTQ+ event, Drinks in the Park,

thank both the individual ORs who have made

which went well. Jess Smith is now the conduit

contributions to the fundraising, and particularly

between the society that has been set up in

those who invested at a level to have their

the school, and Charles representing the OR

names on the courts and be part of Repton’s

Society. This is to ensure a co-ordinated and

infrastructure contributing to the experiences of

consistent approach for those both at school and

current Reptonians.

having left school. Let me finish with some further thank yous. I There has been progress made in the increased

would like to thank our President Rachel Bacon

number of ORs who have volunteered their

and I look forward to working with her for an

time as careers ambassadors for their business

uninterrupted year in 2022. Thanks to Andrew,

sectors. I am delighted that the first Women’s

Jess and Lia in the OR Office supported by

As Steve Jobs said “innovation is the ability to see change as an opportunity, not a threat.”

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OR SPOTLIGHT

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OR SPOTLIGHT

Woven & Made in England Tori Murphy (A’93)

n 2012, Royal College of Art Graduate

grown to 15 categories and stockists are now

Tori Murphy (A’93) founded iconic

worldwide, including Harrods, Harvey Nichols,

British label, Tori Murphy Ltd. The brand

Conran and Selfridges & Co. Tori Murphy

was established with the simple aim to create

fabrics can now be found in showrooms in

products for the home with character and

Chelsea London and Austin Texas as well as

integrity, all woven and made in England. After

being available online through torimurphy.com.

graduating, Tori worked in Milan, designing

Brand collaborations include an extensive fabric

prints for clients including DKNY, Fendi, and

production run for sofa.com and projects with

Christian Dior and it’s here she experienced the

Jo Malone. Tori credits her drive and ambition

factory floor for the first time and developed

with the ethic instilled in her during her time

a sound understanding and love of textile

at Repton from 1993-1998. Despite a career

production. After this rewarding experience,

in the creative industries not being as widely

Tori returned home and combined her passions

recognised as it is today, her passion for design

into one and focused on English textile

was encouraged and nurtured by Repton’s

manufacturing.

former Director of Art Jeremy Bournon, building the confidence and belief that anything

With a firm belief and plenty of perseverance

was possible. Having produced thousands of

she succeeded in finding weavers in Lancashire,

fabrics for a global client base, Tori continues

finishers in Yorkshire and machinists in

to work hard to grow an authentic and creative

Nottingham willing to support her. From her

English homeware brand.

first fabric run of 12 metres of woven Merino wool, Tori made a capsule collection of throws

We are delighted to welcome Tori into our

and cushions which she exhibited in London

careers and mentoring programme as an

in June 2012, and it was here she took her first

inspirational industry ambassador, providing

order from a store on London’s New King’s

us with experience in textile design and

Road, signalling the launch of Tori Murphy Ltd.

production that we know will help to inspire and motivate current pupils during an important

Almost a decade on and life is a very happy one,

time in their career development and decision-

with a beautiful family and successful business.

making. More information on our careers and

Tori and her team operate from a small factory

mentoring programme can be found in this

in Nottingham where the product range has

edition of The Arch.

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OR SPOTLIGHT

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OR SPOTLIGHT

Ice & A Slice Sam Trett (L’02)

am Trett (L’02) tells an awe-inspiring

Having identified a gap in the market for low-

with renewed vigour. Working with Halewood,

tale of rags to riches, built on a

calorie alcohol, Sam set about creating Minus

together they transformed the sales trajectory

foundation of grit, determination and..

33. In true start-up fashion, Sam spent a year

and delivered a robust NPD pipeline, seeing two

juniper berries. His passion for botanicals and,

formulating gin recipes himself in a lab, with

new flavours launch into the product portfolio.

quite by accident, chemistry, were seemingly the

a good friend who later became known as the

perfect recipe for his entrepreneurial success.

“botanical genius”. Sam does see the irony in

Having recently sold his share of the company,

Halewood Artisanal Spirits recently snapped up

this year of experimentation, having been asked

Sam is now looking at new opportunities,

the business, taking the brand to new heights

to leave Chemistry classes at Repton on more

eyeing up the lucrative Whisky market

amongst an established spirit portfolio including

than one occasion. At the end of the year they

amongst other projects. As well as supporting

Whitley Neil, Crabbies and Dead Mans Fingers.

had refined the initial recipe, secured funding,

young people into employment through

Sam graduated from Edinburgh University and

and production run one was underway. Things

educational providers, Sam has also joined

jumped straight into a year as Sports President,

were looking positive, sales were strong and

our careers and mentoring programme as an

representing the university at a number of

there was growing interest in the brand. Life on

industry ambassador. Sam brings a wealth of

events, notably holding the Olympic torch and

the road repping his brand was good.

experience in product design, development, and taking new products to market. He also

even meeting Her Majesty the Queen during the Jubilee. Sam’s love of sport stemmed from

Unfortunately a tough few years followed, with

has experience pitching to investors, our own

his time spent at Repton where he was a keen

meetings postponed and injury wreaking havoc

Dragon if you like!

athlete after discovering that English hockey

on the development of the brand, sales flatlined

didn’t involve an ice rink as it had done in the

and Sam knew that he needed to change the

US! Sport helped Sam to forge strong and close

narrative. He set about looking for employment

connections with friends at Repton where there

to fund the development of Minus 33, taking on

was an emphasis on extracurricular activities.

a position as an employee of a cider company

He believes these activities are a key part of

in Dundee. Learning the art of launching a new

the reason he has a strong work ethic, gaining

brand in the highly competitive drinks category

valuable skills for life from some of the “best

was beneficial to Sam who fought to claw back

teachers he had during his education”.

ownership of Minus 33 and start again

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OR NEWS: SNIPPETS

Matt Bankhurst (N’16)

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OR NEWS: SNIPPETS

OR News: Snippets Fleur Marshall (A’88) has been selected to

Jamie Clark (L’14), under the artist name

Repton is proud to have had three Old

take the position of Head of Royal Navy

Sfven, is releasing tracks through Liverpool

Reptonians representing Great Britain and

Medical Services in Navy Command

based label 3Beat.

Germany in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Chris Hills (N’01) received his Masters

Ikoyi won “The One To Watch” at

with a very High Distinction and one of the

this year’s “The World’s Fifty Best

highest marks given for his recital. Chris

Restaurants”. Congratulations to

was also named as the Trinity College

co-owners, Iré Hassan-Odukale (L’03)

Trinity Talent 2020 Alumnus. This takes

and Jeremy Chan.

Headquarters. “This is a huge privilege, to take up a leadership role with a fascinating portfolio of responsibility, including medical transformation for the Royal Navy.” Joe Cook (C’11) completed 13 half

on board all those who have taken Arts

marathons in 13 days for Mental Health UK.

Awards over the years for Music. It is a massive achievement to be judged against

Lavinia Blackwall (F’95) and former member of staff John Plowright have written a song together. John wrote the lyrics and Vinnie wrote the music and songs. Search Lavinia Blackwell on YouTube. Caitlin Chadwick (G’13) has been commissioned into the Royal Regiment of Artillery. The Sovereigns Parade took place at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

other musicians on other instruments and professionals in the Music business. Part of his prize will be taking part in Trinity events. The Trinity judges said: “Chris shows outstanding achievement in music, which is particularly impressive. He’s clearly a great advocate for the arts and has embedded his artistic endeavours throughout his life.” Matt Bankhurst (N’16) has signed up with

James Finnigan (N’11) has competed in the

EMI and has his first single out.

Davis Cup representing Bermuda.

Main photo, left.

Callum Inman (O’16) has been awarded a scholarship from The Institution of Engineering and Technology.

In lockdown last year Major Mick made a homemade boat out of two sheets of corrugated iron, before sailing it 100 miles up and down Chichester canal to raise money for a local hospice. Now he is back

Bruce Turner (P’58) was awarded the MBE

with the Tintanic II and plans to row 100

• Joe Cook (C’11) is/has completed 13 half

in the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours

miles for Alzheimer’s Research. Major

marathons in 13 days for Mental Health UK

List in recognition of services to business

Mick is preparing to row on rivers, canals

and the economy in East Lothian. Bruce

and open water from the South of England,

founded PureMalt Ltd the company in the

through Wales to the Highlands of Scotland.

70s and now has sales in seventy countries

Michael Stanley (H’54).

across six continents.

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OR NEWS

The Druids Challenge George Rainsford (M’96)

s I approach my 40th birthday next

Huntington’s Disease is an incurable, hereditary

I also want to raise awareness so that the

year, I’m attempting a ridiculous

and degenerative brain disorder. It has been

public understand not only how devastating the

running challenge to commemorate

compared to both Parkinson’s Disease and

disease can be, but also to celebrate the amazing

this milestone but, more importantly, to

Dementia. Most devastatingly, anyone carrying

strength and positivity that some families with

raise money for the Huntington’s Disease

the faulty gene has a 50% chance of passing it

Huntington’s have. Recently I was able to

Association.

on to their own child.

bring two members of these families on to the

“The Druid’s Challenge” is a multi-day ultra-

The producers and I at “Casualty” have now

marathon, completing the full length of The

worked closely with the Huntington’s Disease

Ridgeway, Britain’s oldest pathway, in three

Association for the past five years, fact-checking

If anyone wishes to help, my donation page

days. It will be an enormous undertaking,

and getting advice, in order to portray the

is now live at:https://www.justgiving.com/

following in the footsteps of herdsmen and

ongoing storyline as authentically as possible.

fundraising/georgerainsfordDruidsChallenge

soldiers who have used The Ridgeway since

Recently I was invited to meet individuals

prehistoric times, on a route that stretches

and families living with Huntington’s Disease

83 miles (134km) over ancient landscapes,

to see first-hand the effects it has on them. It

woodland and hills. It has an ascent of 2203

was hugely impactful, a heart-breaking, life-

metres, more than two times the height

affirming and humbling experience and I was

of Snowdon.

honoured afterwards to be asked to become a

“Casualty” set as background artists, which was

patron for the charity. For three consecutive days, I will run more than a marathon distance each day, in likely

The Huntington’s Disease Association supports

unfavourable weather, on challenging,

anyone who is affected by Huntington’s Disease

undulating terrain.

across England and Wales. They pursue the best possible care, provide training and advice

Regrettably, I had never heard of Huntington’s

to families and professionals, raise awareness,

Disease until my character in “Casualty” was

and promote research towards better treatment

diagnosed with carrying the faulty gene. It’s not

and care.

uncommon to be ignorant about this. A survey conducted as part of the Huntington’s Disease Association’s 50th year as a charity discovered 91% of those with the disease found the people they told about the condition didn’t know what it was.

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one of their bucket-list experiences.

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OR EVENTS

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OR EVENTS

The Pilgrims Cricket Club Centenary Celebrations

t was a fine day to open the doors once

effort. Al would have laughed at your

again and welcome our OR community into

memories of his faster ball, while whole-

the School, and on Friday, 3rd September,

heartedly disagreeing with you that it usually

the hospitality suite was buzzing as the Pilgrims

went for four byes. That said, your memory

celebrated 100 years of rich cricketing history.

aligns with mine, and is only eclipsed by

Repton has a long and proud cricket history,

Peter Mountford’s memory of your slower

numbering 154 first-class players among its

ball, which we all know he and others often

pupils past and present, a line dating from the

hit for six! Al was also laughing with us

nineteenth to the twenty-first century. Eleven

as you described his boundaries against

old boys have played Test cricket and three

Worksop going to the opposite sightscreen

have captained England. After dinner we heard

than the one he was aiming at! I think the

from Headmaster, Mark Semmence, as he

emotions of the moment were captured in

welcomed the many faces around the room, and

these shots from the video”. For those wishing

then President Richard Hutton, as he perfectly

to watch the video of the evening, including the

captured the spirit of the Pilgrims. A trip down

presentation of the Alastair Gordon Fielding

memory lane followed, with reminices of many

Cup, it is available on Repton Life in the Repton

a match or tour, the majority of which caused

Pilgrims CC Circle. If you would like to recieve

great amusement in the room! Tom Poynton

a link via e-mail, please contact the OR office.

(S’06), Chris Read and Jon Batty (L’90) held an informative Q&A session where we were able to

“The Pilgrims CC has an extraordinary

hear about plans for the future for both boys and

heritage, and it was a real privilege to be

girls sport at Repton. A highlight of the evening

part of the centenary celebrations alongside

was the presentation of the Alastair Gordon

such notable ORs and to hear the wonderful

Fielding Cup by Charlie Sayer (B’66) to the

stories from years gone by. On a personal

Headmaster. The emotion of this moment was

note, I’m delighted to have been made an

captured perfectly by James Barnes (M’67) who

honorary Pilgrim and shall wear my tie with

having watched the video from the US, wrote

pride, thank you to all those who made the

in to say; “Charlie, you did a lovely job and

event such a special occasion.”

made me very proud to be a part of this

Mark Semmence, Headmaster.

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OR EVENTS

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OR EVENTS

OR Sports Night Celebrating female sporting success

n Thursday, 14th October, the OR

Georgie gave valuable insight into her

Society welcomed many familiar (and

own experience as a professional athlete at

lots of new!) faces to The Queen’s

Repton, and how important it is for women

Club in London for OR Sports Night. We heard

to be surrounded by both male and female

about women’s sporting success over the years

role models.

at Repton and enjoyed an insightful Q&A session with Olympic Gold Medalist, Georgie

Matt Carrington spoke about women’s sport

Twigg MBE (F’02), Martin Jones (C’97),

at Repton continuing to gain momentum with

Director of Hockey at Repton, and former first-

the recent appointment of Molly Holder as a

class cricketer, Jon Batty (L’90).

designated women’s football coach. Molly plays in the FA Women’s National league North and

The audience listened to some of the challenges

has recently transferred to Stoke City after a

that have been faced historically for women

stretch at Middlesbrough.

in Sport, in comparison to men’s teams that typically have had wider media coverage and

“As a current female footballer, I am very passionate about developing and supporting young female players. Women’s football is a rapidly growing sport and it’s an exciting time to be involved in the game, particularly here at Repton”.

sponsorship opportunities.

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OR EVENTS

AGM & Annual Dinner On Saturday 13th November the OR Society

At the AGM Nick Walford (B’69) shared with

Society Annual Dinner in the Kan Library

hosted the AGM in the Seminar Room at Repton

us his Chairman’s Report, summarising some

when we heard from President, Rachel Bacon,

Science Priory. Focus of the AGM this year was

of the changes in the OR Society over the last

(A’86) as she echoed the vision for The OR

around improving links between school and the

12 months, and also looking ahead to the future.

Society as we move in 2022. Thank you to

OR Society, due to the disruption of COVID-19,

This was followed by a more intimate OR

all who attended.

in order to continue to recruit younger ORs into the many OR clubs and societies that are available. There are many initiatives in place to help us deliver on this objective, including communications from the OR Society at the 2022 careers convention, further conversations with pupils as they prepare to leave school, a comprehensive targeted events calendar, and through our alumni networking platform, Repton Life.

Drinks in Dubai Headmaster, Mark Semmence, hosted a drinks reception at The Westin Dubai Mina, on Wednesday 10th November. Around 20 guests were present, including ORs and parents of pupils at Repton UK and Repton International Schools. The drinks reception was a fantastic opportunity for the school to further strengthen relations with alumni and parents and we hope to host many more global events in 2022. Guests in photos (L-R) Robert Nicholls (M’68), Mark Semmence, Elizabeth Tebbs (A’92), Dr Njay Nto (Parent).

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OR EVENTS

The OR Women’s Leadership Forum Creative Minds Come Together

he OR Society recently launched a

Auctioneers, Deloitte, National Film and

Women’s Leadership Forum, providing

Television School, No 7. Beauty Co, and ASOS,

an opportunity for like-minded peers to

to name a few.

celebrate career and personal success through a global alumni network. We would like to

We heard from speakers Ruth Millington (F’00),

thank the Old Reptonian Masons for generously

Head of Careers at Sotheby’s Institute of Art

supporting this initiative and helping us to reach

and Author of “Muse”, as well as Emily Boyce

a very important part of our OR audience. The

(M’07), Founder of Sweet Thyme Foods. The

first meeting was held virtually on Thursday 4

evening comprised of a short interview with

November to allow as many of our community

each speaker followed by a Q&A session with

to join as possible, regardless of geographical

the online audience.

location. We welcomed over 30 guests on the call, all of whom had received a letterbox

There was a real buzz in the virtual room as

meeting pack in advance, containing speaker

Ruth (pictured below, left) and Emily (pictured

profiles and refreshments (some of which we

below, right) answered many questions from

understand were consumed in advance of the

our audience including how they have both

meeting!).

overcome challenges in their careers, and what the future holds. Many thanks to both Ruth

Guests came from far and wide, with some

and Emily for joining us and offering careers

waking at the crack of dawn in Australia in

support to our OR community. We are already

order to join us. It was really wonderful to see

planning our events schedule for next year and

some of the organisations represented during

plan to include a mix of virtual and in-person

the evening, including: Harrods, Cooper Parry,

events. If you would like to speak at our next

Allsop LLP, Warner Brothers, Swan Deverell

event then please do get in touch.

Please join us at the Royal Over-Seas League on Thursday 24th March for our next meeting and private viewing of the “Muse” exhibition. Further details to follow.

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OR EVENTS

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OR EVENTS

The Priory House Centenary Dinner

Do you remember when…? We invited many of you to share memories of time spent in The Priory, some of the replies made for very good reading! We have taken words from some of them and hope they bring back a memory or two for you. We used to play Fives in the House court. Another great way to pass the time before prep and a reason why Priory was so successful in the Fives House competitions. Jeremy Ogden (P’71) The theatre gave me great enjoyment. Michael Charlesworth, The Priory House tutor and of the English department, was arguably the School’s leading director and was always on the lookout for boys with a talent for the stage. The Priory was one source. The extraordinarily creative MC wrote The Priory House pantomime for every end-of-Christmas term, performed in the dining room. In my first term I played in Shale: a gripping emotion-packed drama of the woolliest West. I took part in Harlequinade, The Priory-Mitre House play performed a year later before the School in Pears School. In my last pantomime, I played the part of an Indian doctor, taking off the character played by the great Peter Sellers of the Goon Show in his 1960 film The Millionairess with Sophia Loren. I sang Goodness Gracious Me. Peter Boon (P’56)

n Friday 19th November we celebrated

of whom I liked, admired and respected.

a major milestone at Repton, 100

Their values of kindness above everything, of

years of The Priory. It was joyful

individuals flourishing within a community

to have so many familiar faces in the room,

ethos, of playing to win but living to enjoy,

the event was well attended by over 100 ORs,

chimed with mine and remained the

current staff, guests, and former staff. The

blueprint for my eleven years in the House.

Sports Centre was transformed for the evening,

I have been equally delighted in recent years

including a carefully curated exhibition,

to see that torch passed to colleagues of the

showcasing some of the wonderful memorabilia

quality of Nat Pitts and now to David Exley,

from over the years. Many thanks to Archivist

one of our own returning home, and to see it

Paul Stevens for his dedication to this and many

burning as brightly as ever.”

other projects across the school. John noted that perhaps much of the success Guests enjoyed a fine dinner, courtesy of

of being a great houseparent, is down to the

Stuart Burt and his team at Repton. We heard

support of a partner, and extended team,

from Headmaster, Mark Semmence, who

all working together to deliver exceptional

was delighted to see so many Old Reptonians

experiences for pupils. He ended his speech by

sharing their memories of special times spent at

raising a glass to The Priory.

The Priory. Some poignant words were spoken by John Golding, an extract captured below:

“To be in your company in such a uniquely close way, for those five formative years has

“When I was appointed as Housemaster of

been one of the privileges of our lives and

The Priory in 2001, I was very conscious of

to see how those pupils have grown into fine

inheriting a tradition of caring stewardship

young – and not so young – men, is one of the

from Barry Downing and Mike Stones, both

greatest of pleasures. Thank you.”

We had Egg curry for tea which led to a mass exodus to the chippy! Terrence Cheung (P’87)

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BRANCH UPDATES

Branch Updates The OR Society has a number of branches and societies. Due to disruption caused by the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, the last 19 months have meant that some of these branches have been unable to operate in the usual way. Moving forwards, we are looking to increase awareness of the many opportunities available to get involved with the OR Society. Please do get in touch with the OR Society if you would like to find out more about what is involved or to be put in touch with the relevant branch lead.

OR Golfing Society After so much golf was cancelled in 2020 expectations were not high at the beginning of the year as golf courses remained inaccessible for the first three months. This cast doubt over the Halford Hewitt and made up our minds to cancel, for the second time, the singles knockout for the Arnell Bowl and Presidents Tankard.

The Halford Hewitt was played on 9th - 12th September. The team included Alex Mair who only left Repton in July. He was paired with the experience of Richard Hodgkinson, a seasoned campaigner if ever there was one. The other pairings were Mark Anselm & Ben Sharpe, Myles and Sean Pearson, Philip Carr and Cameron Shaw, Richard Holdsworth & James Wilson. The first two rounds went well with

Nonetheless, much golf was played:

wins over Downside and Wrekin but once again

Scratch Teams

were victorious and went on to the semi-final.

we met Cheltenham in round 3. Cheltenham

Fortunately, the Halford Hewitt was rearranged

After joining the select band of players that have

for the Autumn; unfortunately dates were close

completed 100 matches in the Halford Hewitt,

to the Grafton Morrish leaving our scratch

Keith Andrews becomes President of the

team skipper, Mark Anselm, with the problem

Tournament. A great honour for Repton.

of persuading enough good players to take

The benevolent Douglas Campbell once again

several days away from both work and family

took a team to the Queen Elizabeth Coronation

commitments twice in two months.

Schools Trophy at Royal Burgess. Douglas played with John Wood. Adrian Pepper played

First things first, Grafton Morrish qualifying

with Dominic Watt and Alex Needham played

at Olton G.C.

with Jeremy Cunningham. Although a good time was had by all, Repton had a most unfortunate first round draw against the adamantine George

Team Composition:

Heriots, from Edinburgh, playing on their home

Myles Pearson & Sean Pearson; Mark Anselm & Richard Holdsworth; Philip Carr & Richard Hodgkinson. Usually, Olton has a field of between 11 - 15 teams but we ended up being only 6 teams tomake it. Alas, and unbeknown to us until after the round, a smaller field would mean fewer qualifying places available. Just two, possibly three. However, we scored 95 points as a team and qualified as West Midland winners.

course. Heriots went on to win in the final. The Grafton Morrish, following only three

Douglas intends to carry on as non-playing

weeks afterwards, was always going to present

skipper but is looking for two youngsters to

a challenge for the selectors. The good news is

bolster the Repton Challenge next year.

that, due to a shortage of regulars, two young members Alex Needham N10 and James Glover P13 joined Mark Anselm, Philip Carr, Richard Hodgkinson and Richard Holdsworth. Sadly, we suffered a first-round exit but great experience of scratch foursomes for two young men.

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BRANCH UPDATES

Repton v Malvern at Walton Heath This is always a popular fixture, well organised

The Public Schools Putting Competition at Royal Wimbledon

Southern Autumn Meeting - Woking 10.9.21

by Charlie Pepper. The organisation of his oppo

Always a very pleasant summer evening event

19 Old Reptonians gathered for the ORGS

from Malvern, Chris Cudahy was not quite

with teams of four trying to avoid consuming

Southern Autumn Meeting at Woking Golf Club

as efficient, and a shortage of players meant

too much beer while negotiating the tricky 18

on Friday 10th September. The winner of the

Charlie had to join Tony Bishop in playing for

putting holes, set up on the enormous putting

individual stableford for the Barnett Bowl was

Malvern in order to guarantee a questionable

green. The 2021 team was Nick Walford,

Richard Cawdron. James Fletcher and James

Malvern victory:

Richard Fry, John Carruth and Tony Bishop. It

Porter came joint second.

was great to see John competing for Repton as he started in the Brook in 1950!

The Prickett Platter, awarded to the player with the best combined Spring and Autumn stableford scores, was won by Paul Brownhill. The afternoon foursomes’ winners were James Glover and Paul Brownhill.

2022: Hopefully, 2022 will herald a return to

Silver Tassie: Monday 23rd May 2022 - calling all Ladies!

normality in the golfing calendar. The full fixture list will be published by December 1st.

This deserves support. It is an all-female

Please use the Reptongolf.com website to

The singles knockout will be played.

competition, played annually, at The Berkshire.

With a friendly, four-ball, better-ball format, off

know about future events. I stress that all other

handicap, it is a very sociable event with dinner

O.R.G.S. events are completely gender neutral

afterwards. Repton would like to enter a team

and ladies are welcome at any time.

of at least four players. We need some more ladies to get involved.

Tony Bishop (P’72) THE ARCH

BRANCH UPDATES

OR Lodge Despite a lack of opportunity to meet up during the start of the pandemic, Lodge members were still able to support the Masonic Charitable Foundation’s national COVID-19 appeal with £500. The charity is helping a multitude of individuals, families and charity partners who deliver vital services in local communities across England and Wales. With restrictions easing in summer 2021, the OR Lodge was finally able to meet in June, in London. Past member of Staff, Ian McClary, was very pleased to take over as Master of the Lodge for the ensuing year.

Great Turnout, Great Company and Great Food A large group of ORs, friends and family

there are also lots of options for ladies to join

Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Charity

descended upon Great Queen Street, London

Freemasonry if they wish to. The Lodge actively

– This is what we stand for. If any OR boys

for the OR September masonic meeting. Whilst

promotes a strong relationship with the Order of

or girls would like more information on this

the Lodge conducted its meeting, guests were

Women Freemasons, which also recognises the

great organisation, then please contact Lodge

given a private tour of Freemasons’ Hall and

distinctive character of single-sex spaces whilst

Secretary, Mark Norton (M’86), or see details

museum. We all met up again for a delightful

also celebrating gender equality.

on Repton Life.

3-course lunch with plenty of wine! Our charity collection raised over £200 and the day finished with a toast to the Queen and Repton School. We all look forward to our next London meeting and dinner on 31st January 2022 which again will be open to all ORs and those with a close connection to the School. Lodge members are delighted to have recently sponsored the OR Women’s Leadership Forum. Whilst constitutionally the OR Lodge is made up of men, freemasonry is inclusive and

THE ARCH

Mark Norton (M’86)

BRANCH UPDATES

OR Football Club 2020/21 SEASON:

2021/22 SEASON:

The club had very high expectations for the

The squad was raring to go this season and

Arthur Dunn Cup: Our first-round tie saw us

2020/21 season, but due to the pandemic we

build upon their growth over the past 18 months

drawn away to Old Radleians, who were not

were unable to complete what looked like it

which has seen some new and familiar faces

known for their footballing pedigree but

was going to be a successful league campaign.

thrown into the mix. We welcomed back Ed

certainly put up a good fight. They actually went

It also meant we were robbed of a few top-

Jackson and Josh Riley on a regular basis, both

ahead not once, but twice in the first half. As

quality players who should have been in London

of whom featured in the 2017 Arthur Dunn

soon as we switched on and started to play like

either working, on placements or studying,

Cup Final. We also gained a new goalkeeper,

we know we can, it was one way traffic. It was

but were based elsewhere. We had 30 players

Gleb Tverdokhlebov, who has kept a seriously

a squad that hadn’t played a lot together and it

represent ORFC in this shortened season, five

impressive 3 clean sheets so far, a new striker,

was evident during the first half – we can count

of whom were debutants: James Glover, Tommy

Max Barnes-Batty, who has already scored

ourselves lucky we weren’t too far behind

Redhead, Jake Raine, Matty Bowman and

two competitive goals for the club, and Eemeli

before it clicked. The final score was 5-2 with

Luke Tandy.

Heiskanen who bossed the midfield at the start

goals coming from Jack Bull, Jamie Slack,

of the season before heading up to university.

Artem Aliev and a brace from Alex Evans.

League: We set our target of finishing in the top

Alex Needham was superb in his Dunn debut

4 this season, with the aim of being in touching

League: As things stand, we are fourth in the

and deservedly picked up the Man of the

distance of top by Christmas. We started

table having played two to four games fewer

Match award.

very well with an impressive win over Old

than every other team. We’ve clocked up four

Marlburians, as well as securing our first ever

wins, a draw, and a narrow loss so far, and have

We travel to Old Berkhamstedians in the second

league victory over Old Berkhamstedians (an

the best points per game ratio in the league.

round, having last faced them away in the cup in

8-0 thrashing!), which were two of four wins

With some big games coming up around the

the 2013/14 season, which ended in an 8-2 win.

from the six games we managed to fit in before

festive period we need to make sure we make

Let’s hope for a similar result this time!

the season was cancelled. We were top on points

our games in hand count. Next up we face top of

per game, having played fewer games than any

the league, Old Marlburians.

To stay up to date with the club’s fixtures and

other team.

Our post-Christmas form is usually what lets

results, follow us on Twitter (@oldreptionianfc)

us down each season, so it’s important we stay

and Instagram (@old_reptonianfc). If you’d

Arthur Dunn Cup: Having knocked out

physically and mentally sharp over the break

like play for the club or be added to the mailing

a very strong Old Bradfieldian side with a

and come back fighting fit. With the quality with

list to read the match reports then please email

comprehensive 3-1 victory, we were feeling

have in the side this year, anything but a top

oldreptonianfc@gmail.com. We are always

very confident. Despite gathering as good a side

three finish will feel like a failure.

looking for new players and can promise you a

we have done in the past few years, and taking a

great time both on and off the pitch.

1-0 lead, we were knocked out in the quarters by the eventual winners, Old Foresters, with a goal

Nick Samra (N’02) and Mike Watson (P’03)

in the last minute of extra time. It was a tough lesson for our young squad, but one we are sure to learn from.

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BRANCH UPDATES

LGBTQ+ In July the OR LGBTQ+ Branch had its first

utilising other events to make sure members

event. It was an informal get together that a few

know what we now offer. In the new year I

members attended, and others messaged to say

would hope to attend more events myself to

that they wished they could attend. One issue

help promote the branch. I also intend to arrange

was that London wasn’t accessible to most of

with Repton to meet current students in person

the ORs. As the branch is new and we are just

to discuss what they would want, and also make

starting to get back to post-Covid normality it is

sure they feel confident in the support the OR

still about getting the word out there and

Society can offer them after school. Charles Haydn-Slater (C’03)

OR Tennis It’s been some time since we have had a chance for any meetups, so I’m pleased to share the first post lockdown event was the School Old Boys Lawn Tennis association (PUBS) annual dinner on Wednesday 22nd September, once again we were very fortunate that it was hosted at the AELTC. This year’s speaker was Mick Desmond, the recently retired commercial & media director at the AELTC. Mick joined the team in 2010 and oversaw significant developments across branding, digital strategy, sponsorship, broadcasting, and media strategy, to name just a few. Safe to say I’m sure he will have some interesting anecdotes about Wimbledon and the tennis world more widely! let me know if you would like any more details. Unfortunately, the D’Abernon Cup was cancelled for the second year. PUBS were hoping to be able to run the event in September in a shortened format, but this has proved difficult. This silver lining is that we remain defending champions for another year!... Let’s hope things remain open going forwards and we can have another tilt at the silverware in 2022. I look forward to seeing some of you soon. In the meantime, do let me know how your tennis is going and if there are any other events or items of news I can share. Jamie Muirhead (C’09)

©eyeforcolour

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BRANCH UPDATES

OR Hockey Old Reptonians Charlotte Stapenhorst (A’11) (Germany), Shona McCallin (A’08) (MBE) and Leah Wilkinson (A’03) (GB) all participated at the Tokyo Olympics last summer, making it the fourth consecutive Olympics with ORs involved and third consecutive Games with medals won. Leah and Shona collected bronze medals this time around. Leah Wilkinson was in Repton’s first ever girls’ national-winning squad in 2005. Erica Sanders (G’10) and Esme Burge (G’12) represented England last Summer in the European Championships. OR Lily Walker (F’18) and current pupil Claudia Swain were selected in the England U21 squad due to play in the Junior World Cup in South Africa before a late withdrawal due to covid. Tyler Kim represented the USA in the Men’s version in India. The OR contingent combining studying with playing in USA continues to grow. Mimi Tarrant (M’12) co-captained Harvard this season as they reached the National Semi-Final. Hannah Davey (F’14) (Princeton), Ellie Barlow (Yale) (G’16) , Fenella Scutt (G’13) (Stanford), Emilia Kaczmarczyk (M’14) (Louisville), Esme Gibson (F’16) (Iowa), Maddy Wray (G’16) (UConn), Sian Emslie (M’19) (Delaware), Imogen Hatton (G’15) (American) and Rebecca Nelson (M’13) (Kent State) also featured in America this season. Martin Jones (C’97), Director of Hockey

OR Netball

Pilgrims Cricket

Well done to the OR Netball Team who won

It ended up being a quiet year for the Pilgrims

their last season back in May! The ORs have

on a cricketing front with Cricket Week being

now played five seasons and have been finalists

cancelled due to Covid and getting knocked

in every single one!

out of the Cricketer Cup (CC) in the first round. The CC team was again weakened by

The new season started back again in November

unavailability of key players, but we put up a

with a full contingency playing in Balham every

worthy show at Marlborough with some very

Tuesday. We are putting together a second team

good individual performances. I was grateful

to start in Spring in the Clapham area and a third

to those who committed to play and made the

in the Fulham area

long journey, and equally to those who came to support. With playing only one game over the

For anyone interested, please email

last two summers, it has been difficult to build

daisyheathabbott@hotmail.co.uk

momentum and camaraderie with the Pilgrims. We have also missed out on introducing

Daisy Heath-Abbott (G’06)

and integrating recent leavers. However, the Pilgrims Centenary Dinner was a great evening with a range of generations coming together.

We give special thanks to the School, Repton Enterprises, the OR Society, and the Pilgrims administration for bringing the event together. Moving forward: We need to encourage and engage the next generation of Pilgrims to help administer and carry us forward. Baron & Grant Investment Management Limited have agreed to sponsor the Pilgrims going forward. We will have some new training and playing kit for next season to help create a better collective identity when we play and come together. Our relationship with the School is as strong as it has been for a long time and we are grateful for the support from the OR Society Office, Repton Enterprises, the Headmaster and his Executive team, and Chris Read. Tom Poynton (S’06)

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BRANCH UPDATES

OR Professional Property Club

OR Yorkshire Branch Yorkshire President Martin Needler (N’56),

Bridge, offering us the chance to arrange

Following a hiatus due to the pandemic, we are

and myself, returning as Hon Secretary on an

a widely spread lay-out of tables - more

delighted to announce that the OR Professional

interim basis, are aiming to arrange a Reunion

appropriate for the times that we seem to still be

Property Club is back! As with years before, we

Dinner, very possibly to be held at The Bridge

passing through.

are planning on booking in a lunch somewhere

Hotel & Spa, Walshford, some 3 miles from

in Central London. This has been a fantastic

Wetherby which is itself close to Junction 45

Meanwhile, the Society is aware that the contact

event in years gone by, and one that has resulted

of the A1 M motorway and therefore easily

details held for several Yorkshire - based ORs

in both new friends and business.

accessible from most parts of the County.

are now out of date. We therefore urge all those

If you are interested in joining us, please send

Obviously, OR Dinners these days welcome

OR office to update these to ensure that future

an email to aoife.broderick@allsop.co.uk and

members being accompanied by spouses and

communications successfully reach them.

you will be added to a mailing list. We are

partners, and therefore whilst such occasions

looking at organising the lunch for a date in

in the past have usually been held on Monday

We therefore anticipate being able to confirm

May – and look forward to seeing you there!

nights, and at Alwoodley Golf Club in North

the full details of this Reunion Dinner sometime

Leeds we are seeking to change to this new

in the New Year.

who might fall into this group to contact the

Aoife Broderick (A’07)

venue, with the main Dining Suite at The

and Chris Berriman (L’77)

Over 50s Football – Sign up! For all of you that still fondly remember playing football at Repton, wearing a cotton shirt, that added an extra 1 kg to your body weight when it rained, then this message is aimed at you. This will mean that you are over 50 years old and would welcome the opportunity to join a group of sad, like-minded individuals that still think they could have, should have, made it. (Some of you did). We are looking to organise a match on OR day, which is Saturday, September 3rd, exclusively for over 50s. At this stage we are looking to understand the level of interest and are not expecting a full-on commitment so please can you contact the OR Society if interested. We look forward to hearing from you. Adam Phillips (B’79) and Paul Brownhill (P’80)

Martin Grayshon (C’61)

Arts Having attended a performance of this term’s truly outstanding school production of “Frankenstein” by Nick Dear, directed superbly by current Director of Drama Jon-Paul CooperRichards, in one of the best small regional theatre spaces in the country - the 400 Hall - I took to reflecting on the rich tradition Repton has in nurturing pupils who develop a passion for and then a successful career in so many aspects of the entertainment industry. We are indebted to Michael Charlesworth (O’41 and Former Staff) and others whose infectious enthusiasm encouraged pretty much everyone to acknowledge, develop, respect and support creativity in all its aspects - alongside sporting interests, of which Mike, in particular, had many. I believe so many of us have built on this legacy, mostly unwittingly perhaps, and Reptonians’ creativity in the arts continues to flourish in so many stunning and diverse ways.

THE ARCH

The OR Society would very much welcome information about events and performances that you are involved in, in whatever capacity and on whatever platform, both in order to publicise them appropriately to other ORs, and (hopefully) post-Covid, to celebrate them again. We’d particularly like to learn from those working under the headlines - alongside headliners! Please do let us know too, if you might be happy to offer further education/career advice to current pupils and younger ORs who aspire to forging a career in the creative arts. I know from personal involvement that advice based upon informed, current experience is uniquely beneficial to both. If you would like to send us an update or have news to share with ORs, please send an email to or@repton.org.uk Guy Levesley (H‘75) Former Staff (2001 to 2021)

2022 EVENTS

Events Schedule

a Sir John Port Society ‘Founders’ Lunch on 21st

number of new activities and events that we are

to be the rescheduled Summer Ball on Saturday

May, providing an opportunity to find out more

planning to add to the weekend.

7th May at the Hurlingham Club where we will

about Repton’s founder and philanthropist, and

celebrate the arrival of women to Repton 50

the society which has been created in his honour

The popular London Drinks event will be

years ago. During the event we will also be

for those who have left a legacy to support

expanded to a number of cities, more details

marking significant milestones for a number

transformational bursaries at Repton and Repton

to follow.

of our girls houses, giving us even more of a

Prep. Guests will enjoy a welcome drink in The

reason to come together and celebrate!

Garth, followed by lunch and an opportunity to

Please view the events calendar below and

watch Repton 1st XI take on Uppingham, house

make sure to regularly check Repton Life for

Over 250 tickets have already been sold for The

tours will also be available for those wishing to

the most up-to-date event information or

Summer Ball, so please do book your tickets

walk down memory lane. OR weekend will be

contact the OR office.

he OR Society have been working on a

through Repton Life or The OR Society office

back on 3rd September with fixtures for both

comprehensive calendar of events for

to avoid disappointment. We will also be hosting

men’s and women’s sports, in addition to a

2022, with a highlight of the year set

JANUARY 31st January – The OR Lodge Dinner at The Farmers Club, London

FEBRUARY

MARCH

The Arthur Dunn Cup – 2021-22 Quarter-finals

3rd March – Drinks in The City, London venue TBC 10th, 11th & 12th March – ‘We Will Rock You’, 400 Hall, Repton 24th March – Women’s Leadership Forum, at The Royal Over-Seas League, London The Arthur Dunn Cup – 2021-22 Semi-finals

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

2nd April – Repton Filmfest, Repton

7th May – Summer Ball at the Hurlingham Club, London

12th June 2022 Cricketer Cup – First Round

21st May – Founders Lunch, Repton

14th & 15th June – OR Golfing Society: Senior Darwin Trophy, Woking

7 to 10 April – OR Golf Society: 2022 Halford Hewitt Cup th

22nd April - Yorkshire Reunion Dinner at The Bridge Hotel & Spa, Wetherby

22nd May - 2022 Cricketer Cup – Bye Round

30th April –The Arthur Dunn Cup – 2021-22 Final

26th June 2022 Cricketer Cup – Second Round 30th June & 1st July OR Golfing Society: Bernard Darwin Trophy, Woking

JULY

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

30 June & 1 July – OR Golfing Society: Bernard Darwin Trophy, Woking

7 August - 2022 Cricketer Cup – Final at Arundel Castle Cricket Club, West Sussex

3rd September OR Day, Repton

8th to 10th July Repton Literary Festival, Repton

The D’Abernon Cup Tennis Final

10th July - 2022 Cricketer Cup – Quarter-finals 24th July - 2022 Cricketer Cup – Semifinals Pilgrims CC Cricket Week The Arthur Dunn Cup - Draw

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

7th to 9th October – OR Golfing Society – Grafton Moorish – Hunstanton & Royal West Norfollk

12th November AGM and Annual Dinner, Repton

2nd December School House 25th Year Reunion, Repton

The Arthur Dunn Cup – 1st Round

The Arthur Dunn Cup –2nd Round

THE ARCH

HISTORY OF FIVES

A History of Fives

hen Dr Pears became Headmaster of Repton in 1854, there was one roofless Fives court, dating from his predecessor’s time and located on the site of the present Marshal’s Lodge. Charles Peile (1846), the former Headmaster’s son, recalled that “we played at Fives, the court being inside the Arch and between that and our Paddock Gates”. Under Pears in 1863 the Old Fives Court was roofed and refloored and a second one built facing the Cricket Field, while Orchard and Latham were both lucky enough to enjoy courts of their own. There was plenty of enthusiasm for the game in the Masters’ Common Room. ‘Two or three times a week, George Messiter could be seen enjoying himself to the full, bounding about the Court, shouting with excitement and delivering his celebrated left-hand drives which came with a jerk, apparently from his left hip.’ George Clarke is described as a first-rate player and must have cut a striking figure on court in his braces and top hat. In 1895, under Headmaster William Furneaux, the court overlooking the Paddock was demolished to make way for the red-brick teaching block still at the heart of the School today, but new ones were built, and the sport continued to thrive. The popularity of Fives at Repton greatly increased during Lionel Ford’s headmastership (1901-1910), Ford himself being an outstandingly good player. H.S. Altham recalled the ‘Jovian severity and good humour with which he would crush all opposition’ and a Housemaster, the Rev John Carter, wrote of him, “Up to the end of his time he was the best Fives player in the place and he did all he could to encourage that and other ‘by-games’. The current Fives courts at Repton were built over a three-year period during Ford’s headmastership. Eight were erected in 1908 /1909 as part of the 350th Anniversary Memorial scheme by the Repton School Shop Ltd, at a cost of £1,881 5s. 9d, and a report from the June 1908 issue of The Reptonian declares: “As we write, the new Fives’ courts are under construction, and it would seem to be an opportune moment for us to express the hope that the keenness of the School for the game will steadily increase, and that it will not be confined to two or three houses, as is far too often the case.” In 1910-11 further courts were erected to the plans of Mr Forsyth, the architect behind, among others, New House in 1909, the War Memorial and tablets, and the restoration of the Old Priory in the early 1920s. Still in use today, the block created by those energetic Edwardians provides no fewer than twelve courts – the fifth largest in the country - and offers an unparalleled opportunity to create an outstanding facility for current and future generations of players, and one worthy of the heritage of Fives at Repton. Fives is not only an important part of our history, it is a game which is benefiting our pupils’ broader sporting development. In a recent symposium hosted in partnership between the Eton Fives Association and the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Old Reptonian, former professional cricketer, and current Director of Cricket Operations at the ECB John Carr highlighted how the crossover of skills and techniques such as footwork, anticipation, body position and hand-eye coordination supports player development in sports such as cricket and hockey, two sports which are central to both our boys’ and girls’ sporting curriculum.

THE ARCH

EVENTS

Reopening of the Fives Courts

urther to a successful fundraising campaign, led by Andrew Cook, Chief Commercial and Development Officer, the Fives Courts at Repton were officially re-opened on Saturday 13th November 2021. The re-opening allowed an

opportunity to meet with, and say thank you to our generous donors. With special thanks to both the Eton Fives Association and the Old Reptonian Society, as well as the families of former members of staff John Walker, Mike Charlesworth and Russell Muir and to ORs Robert Mackenzie (H’63) and Des Anderson (P’82) for their generous donations. Headmaster, Mark Semmence, started proceedings by welcoming over 80 guests to the viewing terrace in the Kan Library. Guests enjoyed a stunning view of Chapel Hall, alongside the newly refurbished Fives Courts, bathed in the glorious autumn sunshine. Shortly after, viewers enjoyed the Eton Fives Association Exhibition Fixture, followed by the OR Eton Fives Club Fixture. Whilst there is a need to evolve, innovate and adapt to the ever-changing environment in which we operate, it is equally important to promote and safeguard those traditions at Repton which have given its pupils an opportunity to broaden their horizons, build friendships, compete and create life-long memories. We look to the future, and the reinvigoration of The Old Reptonian Eton Fives Club (OREFC). The now refurbished courts will provide an opportunity to host regional and national tournaments, whilst providing a first-class facility for individuals and organisations within the local and regional community to join Repton Rackets Club and play Fives alongside Tennis and Squash, and possibly Padel Tennis in the future.

THE ARCH

FOUNDATION

The Repton Foundation

ir John Port opened the School’s doors to our community in 1557 to provide local people with a good education

irrespective of wealth or status. Our founder’s ethos continues today through The Repton Foundation where generous donations from parents, friends and Old Reptonians provide an equal footing from which to begin a lifechanging education. Everything we do at Repton – learning to think, to play, to create, to compete, to win, to lose, to appreciate what is around us – is built on the bedrock of a healthy and conscious balance in all things. Whilst we are a school with intellectual ambition, world-leading sports coaches and facilities, where artistic endeavour forms an integral part of everyday life, the emotional and physical wellbeing of our pupils remain our imperative. The Repton Foundation allows young people, regardless of background, to experience a fullyfunded education at Repton. There are currently a number of pupils at both the Prep and Senior school who benefit from donations made to The Repton Foundation, allowing them to receive transformational bursaries. These donatations are gratefully received and critical to the success of our fundraising strategy. If you would like to discuss making a donation to our transformational bursary programme, please contact Andrew Cook, acook@repton.org.uk

Amir Kadkhodaei (L’19) At just 16 years old Amir Kadkhodaei fled his

The support I have been given by my teachers,

home country of Iran with his mother and one

tutors, Housemaster, matron and friends has

of his sisters for fear of persecution on religious

played an important role in this moment and

grounds. They spent two difficult months in

I am enormously grateful to Alex and Repton

Turkey before arriving in the UK as legal

School for seeing the potential in me.”

migrants, and it took two years for Amir’s father to safely join them.

his home and he hopes to be able to return to A chance meeting with Old Reptonian Sir

the country he describes with warmth and and

Alexander Elphinston (M’68) at a church in

affection: “It is a truly beautiful country,” he

Birmingham led to a conversation with Repton

enthuses. “It has so much more to offer than the

School, and Amir joined Repton that September

reports on the news would have you believe - a

on a fully supported place so he could complete

rich cultural heritage, incredible landscapes,

his studies.

delicious food. I hope to return when it is a safer, more stable place.”

Amir, who lives in Derby, arrived at Repton just a term before the full force of the pandemic

What does the future hold for Amir? For now,

hit. He was given a warm welcome in Latham

a three-year course at Cambridge and beyond

House and embarked on four A Levels and

that, he hopes, a Master’s degree. But for now,

one AS Level; whilst English is taught in Iran,

Amir wants to live in the moment: “I am

mastering the technical nuances required for

absolutely committed to making a positive

his academic studies was, he says, at first an

contribution, wherever I can, to this country I

enormous undertaking. Undeterred Amir went

now call home.”

on to achieve A*s in Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Persian and AS Level Computer Science to secure a place at St John’s College, Cambridge. Headmaster Mark Semmence says Amir’s attitude and approach truly sets him apart as a role model for our community and wider society: “Amir has shown exceptional character. Few of us can comprehend the challenges he has faced – leaving behind his home, his friends, his native language and all that is familiar to him at such an important time in his education. He has faced many complex challenges with a sensibility that enabled him to remain focussed on his academic ambitions and deserves our unreserved respect.” Amir remains modest about his achievements, saying: “Two and a half years ago if someone had told me that I would be awarded a place at Cambridge I wouldn’t have believed them.

THE ARCH

For everything Amir has achieved, Iran remains

OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, OUR AMBITION IS TO DOUBLE THE NUMBER OF FULLY-FUNDED PLACES AVAILABLE AT REPTON, THROUGH GENEROUS DONATIONS TO THE REPTON FOUNDATION.

THE ARCH

HEADMASTER’S UPDATE

Headmaster’s Update Highlights of 2021

The OR Community

For the Upper Sixth and O Block, of course, the

There is no doubt that our current pupils are

main business of the Summer Term remained

inspired not just by the superb facilities they

A Levels and GCSEs, albeit with conventional

enjoy but by the remarkable pedigree of their

examinations replaced by Teacher-Assessed

OR predecessors. The Tokyo Olympics saw

Grades. Both year groups and staff rose to this

Shona McCallin (A’08) and Leah Wilkinson

challenge with characteristic resilience, and it

(A’03) winning bronze with Great Britain in

was wonderful to see the pupils achieve such

the women’s hockey competition and Charlotte

success – thoroughly well-deserved after all

Stapenhorst (A’11) again representing Germany.

the disruptions and uncertainties of the last

Bekah Walton (F’16) won her first British

two years. At GCSE well over half the results

Championship in the women’s javelin this

achieved were grade 9 or 8, while at A Level

summer. And in the inaugural season of The

a remarkable 64% of grades awarded were A*

Hundred, many of you will have enjoyed the

or A and over 90% at A*AB. This provides

sight of Ross Whiteley (N’05) smashing 44

compelling testimony to the serious sense of

off 19 balls in the men’s final to help Southern

purpose with which this cohort approached the

Brave take the title, while Jonathan Batty (L’90)

final term and as a result 96% secured places at

coached the Oval Invincibles to their victory in

from a Repton fully alive once more. There has

their first-choice institution and 66% to Russell

the women’s competition. These successes were

been a genuine feeling of joy as we have been

Group universities, including five to Oxbridge

just one of the many topics under discussion at

able to come together to participate in some

and Ivy League. UCAS applications for 2022

the Repton Pilgrims Cricket Club Centenary

of the activities that form part of school life

entry are well underway.

Dinner in early September – a superb celebration

ear Old Reptonians, What a pleasure it is to write to you

at Repton. Facemasks, one-way systems and

of the club’s heritage, magnificently organised by

year-group bubbles have been replaced with

School musicians, actors and artists have been

James Ross and the OR team and with fascinating

smiling faces, packed pitches and busy rehearsal

inventive in presenting individual and smaller-

reminiscences spanning the club’s 100-year

rooms; and we have enjoyed all the everyday

scale performances and exhibitions, however,

history from a distinguished series of players and

interactions across the School that give us our

we took great delight in seeing the 400 Hall

staff, including President Richard Hutton (H’56)

sense of family and belonging. Of course, we

come alive once more for the outstanding

(Yorkshire CCC and England).

continue to remain vigilant, aware of rising case

production of Frankenstein this term. One

numbers across the nation and the appearance of

thing that never changes is Repton’s appetite

This was followed by the well attended OR

a new variant, with safety of pupils and staff an

for sporting success. There has been great

Sports Night at Queen’s Club in October, and

absolutely priority.

success on the football and hockey pitches this

the OR Dinner the evening before the School’s

term and an impressive number of our young

Remembrance service in the Chapel, followed by

sportsmen and women have been in action for

wreath-laying in The Garth by Michael Barnwell

their respective countries across a range of

(O’57), OR President Emeritus.

National Recognition for Digital Excellence I feel real pride in the character with which

sports, including cricket, athletics, and tennis,

our community has coped with the challenges

and no fewer than 14 of our hockey players

The following week we hosted The Priory House

of the last two years. Staff have shown

representing England, GB and the USA.

Centenary Dinner, celebrating 100 years of The

outstanding commitment and readiness to

Repton Swim Club continues its rapid growth.

Priory being located on the high street in Repton,

adapt, and the second enforced period of online

Offering a premier programme for academically

having moved from it’s original location, The

school earlier this year also benefited from a

minded swimmers aiming at international

Old Priory. and over ninety guests came together

major – and timely – transformation of our IT

success alongside community access, it ended

to re-connect and reminisce, sharing memories

provision. As a result, lessons continued live

its first full year with 10 members ranked in the

of their time in The Priory. Looking to 2022,

and uninterrupted, keeping pupils on track

top 20 nationally.

the Summer Ball, now on 7th May 2022 at The

academically and at the same time supporting

Hurlingham Club in Fulham, will commemorate

their wellbeing with an extensive pastoral and

We welcomed ORs, friends of Repton and the

the 50th anniversary of the arrival of girls at

co-curricular programme. We are delighted

Eton Fives Association to the re-opening of

Repton. Details of all forthcoming OR events can

that our success in remote learning has been

the refurbished Fives Courts on Saturday 13th

be found on Repton Life.

recognised in various national awards and the

November. Fives is enjoying a real renaissance

acceleration in our digital journey means that

amongst current pupils and alongside tennis,

The OR office team, under the leadership of

we are now very strongly placed to lead the

squash and other sports will form part of

Andrew Cook, has strengthened further with

way in the sector, blending the very best of

the new Repton Rackets Club – emulating

the appointment of Jess Smith as Deputy

traditional face-to-face teaching with all the

the successful model of the Swim Club to

Development Director, and she is already in

exciting opportunities EdTech can offer.

combine an ambitious school programme with

contact with many of you to develop networking

opportunities for the community and families.

initiatives such as business hubs. In addition to

THE ARCH

HEADMASTER’S UPDATE

which, Lia Rothman has joined taking over the reins from Jan Cobb who has retired after 13 years’ service to the OR Office.

Looking Forward with Confidence There is much to celebrate in the School’s glorious history, but our future undoubtedly looks equally bright. We have opened this year at full capacity, with nearly 630 pupils at the senior school and over 400 in the prep. This is matched by the continued growth of the Repton family of schools, the latest addition - Repton Cairo – making a total of seven international schools and three in the UK (Repton, Repton Prep and St Wystan’s); and we remain very well-placed to take advantage of further opportunities in the UK and overseas. Back home we began the year with a clear focus on the core business of our pupils’ academic development, under the leadership of our new Deputy Head Academic, Mr Ashley Currie: making the most of the inestimable value of the taught lesson, maximising achievement of course, but also encouraging their intellectual curiosity beyond the classroom with a reinvigorated menu of academic societies. One of the many pleasures of working in education is that wonderful sense of renewal and revitalisation which each new school year brings, but now, more than ever, this feels a very exciting time for the School. As ORs you are a crucial part both of Repton’s history and of our present community; I very much look forward to sharing our forward journey with you. With my very best wishes, Mark Semmence Headmaster

THE ARCH

LEAVERS’ LUNCH

Welcome to the OR Society 2021 Leavers

e wish our 2021 leavers the best of luck as they begin a new chapter in their lives.

Despite some of the challenges presented by COVID restrictions and a change to the normal format of Speech Day, we were delighted to be able to give our wonderful Upper Sixth a celebratory lunch on their last day at Repton. In our Headmaster’s words, they are “an indelible part of Repton history, not just onlookers of these memorable days, but shaping them through their vibrant, kind, amusing presence.” We applaud them and look forward to sharing their achievements beyond the Arch, of which we know there will be many.

THE ARCH

SCHOOL NEWS & HIGHLIGHTS

School News & Highlights National Development Pathways

epton Swimming successfully gained

Repton is also proud to be supporting

Repton Swimming Club continues to have great

Swim England Swim Mark status in

Hannah B as she undertakes the Diploma in

success in the arena with a positive appearance

August of this year, the recognised

Sporting Excellence (DiSE) for swimming.

in Birmingham over the October half term.

kitemark of approval for swimming clubs in

The industry-leading programme is tailored

Competing in the City of Birmingham Level

the UK, and now, under the expert guidance

to individual athletes and their respective

2 Meet, 58 swimmers were entered into their

of double Olympian Scott Talbot, 11 Repton

disciplines, providing them with the key

respective classes with numerous winners and

pupils have been selected onto various

knowledge and skills to become a high-

podium finishes. The competition culminated in

national performance pathways.

performance international athlete. Past alumni

Repton Swimming Club being awarded the cup

of the programme include reigning World and

for Top Visiting Club.

The swimmers have been selected for the

Olympic Champion Adam Peaty.

national development pathways following their performances in both The Swim England Festival

Repton’s Director of Swimming, Scott Talbot,

of Swimming and virtual Level X events, held

has congratulated pupils on their achievements

through 2021. Arabella G, Cameron J, Fenella W,

saying: “Our swimmers have really applied

Finn C and Charlie J will join the Swim England

themselves throughout the last year and have

Development Programme, and Josh B, Leo P

demonstrated the dedication and consistency

and Hettie D’A will be part of the Swim England

required for both training and their academic

National Event Camp Programme. Sarah H joins

work. They are true, committed athletes and

the Scottish Swimming National Youth Academy.

have shown a great deal of resilience.”

THE ARCH

SCHOOL NEWS & HIGHLIGHTS

Bells and Whistles

t’s quite a feeling, to see all the many

level required to do them justice (including

those on stage had never before done a

areas of busy school life flourishing

some extremely powerful scenes in which the

Repton show and we are so proud of what

around campus. There was much

tension and emotion was frankly palpable).

they achieved, especially the younger ones,

excitement amongst pupils, staff, parents and

who really rose to the task. I can only begin to

the village as we opened the doors to the 400

The quality of the entire company was definitely

imagine the camaraderie and teamwork that

Hall for Frankenstein. Head Prefect, Mary

the jewel in the production’s crown, with Reims

must have been required to pull it off and I

B, shares here review, below.

Wright and Joseph Reid often singled out for

think it bodes very well indeed for the future of

praise afterwards for the sheer maturity and high

Repton Drama (it has certainly set a high bar!).

At the start of November, with Winter Time-

standard of their performances. Throughout the

table, UCAS applications and worsening

show there was a real sense that all on stage,

After a hiatus of more than 18 months, it is

weather taking their toll on morale, Repton’s

from the major to the minor roles, were taking

difficult to overestimate how great it felt to be

Drama Department (ably led by Mr. Cooper-

their parts seriously and doing them to the

back watching a performance in the 400 Hall,

Richards and Mrs. Whitfield) offered up the

best of their ability, making for all the more

especially one so completely engrossing. I’d

three-night panacea that was the School’s

enjoyable a performance.

like to give a huge thank you to all involved –

production of ‘Frankenstein’.

actors, staff and stage crew – for putting on such Most importantly, however, it was lovely to see

a great show for us and we’ll be sure to be back

I attended the first evening, unsure of what to

various year groups and Houses come together

soon to be ‘rocked’ by what you have in store

expect, and I was absolutely blown away by

to produce something truly special. Many of

for us next…

the performance. The sets and make-up were fantastic – we all couldn’t believe how our classmates had been transformed (bald caps and all) and it was brilliant to see the full use of the 400 Hall’s various bells and whistles, including sparks and rain. The special effects really did augment what was already a strong show. Despite its fairly heavy source material, there were several funny moments throughout the play that elicited laughs from the audience, a testament to the skill of the actors in handling changes to the tone. The dramatic elements that formed the majority of the play were carried out fantastically well, with all actors rising to the

THE ARCH

SCHOOL NEWS & HIGHLIGHTS

A First of its Kind

epton School has been selected by

With a clear mission to reduce the incidence and

“In addition to our elite sports programme,

Podium Analytics, founded by Ron

impact of sports injury in young people, Podium

participation is a fundamental part of the

Dennis, CBE, as pilot school in

Analytics has secured a series of high-profile

Repton experience. Sport, academics and the

the establishment of ‘The Podium Analytics

partnerships to help create a safer world of

co-curricular exist in complementarity, with no

Institute for Youth Sports Medicine and

sport. Headmaster Mark Semmence joined the

sacrificing of quality and we see how valuable

Technology’ at the University of Oxford.

charity’s founders, the Rt Hon Nigel Huddleston

this sense of balance is to the state of mind of

MP, Sports Minister, sporting bodies including

our entire pupil body. Indeed, most develop

This will be a first-of-its-kind institute

England Hockey, other seats of learning that

a lifelong love of sport and all appreciate the

focused on 11 to 18-year-olds and safety for

are part of the pilot programme - which include

universal benefits participation in sport brings.

lifelong health. Its purpose is to inspire and

Wellington College and The David Ross

Our imperative to safeguard the wellbeing of

forge evidence-based changes in sport and

Education Trust, as well as lead researchers

our pupils extends to their emotional as well as

physical education, and to develop innovative

from Oxford University, at the official launch

their physical prosperity, which is why Podium

technologies to monitor, analyse and ultimately

at 10 Downing Street.

Analytics will play such a valuable role in

prevent injury in sport.

Repton’s sports programme going forward.” With a major focus and investment in

Ron Dennis CBE, Founder and Chairman of

addressing the issue of sports-related injury in

The Institute’s work will put young people at the

Podium Analytics, commented: “Safety in sport

11- to 18-year-olds, Mr Semmence welcomed

heart of research, shifting the traditional focus

is paramount and it’s essential that the focus

this drive for pioneering research that will help

of sports injury research, which is principally

shifts to young people.

ensure a better understanding of individual

adult-focused and based upon treatment, to

factors that lead to injury in youth sports:

preventative solutions looking at the causes of injury, designed for and proven at a youth level with a focus on 11–18 year olds.

THE ARCH

OR BOOK CLUB

“FILL YOUR PAPER WITH THE BREATHINGS OF YOUR HEART.” – WILLIAM WORDSWORTH

Insert imagery from marketing

THE ARCH

OR BOOK CLUB

Muse Ruth Millington (F’00) Synopsis

ncovering the hidden figures behind

This book will uncover the true role of an

art history’s masterpieces.

artist’s muse. By delving into the real-life relationships that models have held with the

Artists have always been moved to create

artists who immortalised them, it will expose

portraits of their muses; we instantly recognise

the influential and active part they have played.

many of their faces from the world’s most iconic

Far from posing silently, muses have brought

artworks. But just who is Picasso’s ‘Weeping

emotional support, intellectual energy, career-

Woman’? Why is Grace Jones covered in

changing creativity and practical help to artists.

graffiti? How did Francis Bacon meet the

In turn, artists have valued their muses for much

burglar who became his muse?

more than their appearance. This book will also show that muses are far

With examples from the ancient world to

more diverse than we might imagine. From job

today, this book will tell the true stories of 30

centre supervisors and criminals to homeless

incredible muses who have inspired art history’s

men in Harlem, ‘Muse’ will reveal the

masterpieces. From Leonardo da Vinci’s studio

unexpected, overlooked and forgotten, models

uth Millington (F’00) is an art

to the covers of Vogue, ‘Muse’ will include

of art history. At times, artists have identified as

historian, writer and critic. After

paintings and photographs, sculpture and

their own muse; at others, they have portrayed

studying Art History for an MA at

architecture, film and performance art.

family members, close friends, partners,

the University of Oxford, Ruth spent five years

Today, our perception of the muse is that of

political figures and activists, turning their muse

working for museums and galleries across

a passive, powerless model, usually young,

into a powerful message.

the UK, including the Ashmolean Museum of

attractive and female, at the mercy of an

Uncovering the hidden figures behind

Art and Archaeology, the Estorick Collection

influential and older male artist. But could this

art history’s masterpieces, this book will

of Modern Italian Art and renowned modern

impression be incorrect and unfair? Is this trope

deconstruct reductive stereotypes of the muse,

art dealership Connaught Brown. She is an

a romanticised myth? Have people embraced,

and reframe it as a momentous and empowered

art expert on radio and TV, including BBC

even sought, the status of muse? And where

agent of art history.

Breakfast, Woman’s Hour, ITV News, BBC

would artists be without them?

WM Radio, Radio 4’s Today programme and in a Sky Arts documentary on Cold War Steve, entitled ‘Cold War Steve Meets the Outside World’. Ruth lectures on Art History and has spoken at Coventry University, the University of Oxford and Sotheby’s Institute of Art, where she is Head of the Careers Service. Ruth also manages an award-winning art blog at www. ruthmillington.com. She uses the platform to write, in particular, about women artists and gender in art history.

THE ARCH

OR BOOK CLUB

The Altham-Bradman Letters Edited by Robin Brodhurst

epton holds a special place in my

wrote a speech for him to deliver at an MCC

to Bob’s 70th birthday party at Hambledon

heart for two interconnected reasons.

dinner. By far the most interesting was this

in 2005, and after teaching 4 lessons and

Firstly, my grandfather, Harry Altham

collection of letters between Harry and Don

refereeing a rugby match drove down, and

(O’1902), was a pupil there before 1914, and

Bradman about the throwing controversy of

ended up talking with so many of my boyhood

secondly, my godmother’s husband, John

1958-61 and the I.C.C. conference of 1960,

heroes: Bob Barber himself, Tom Cartwright,

Gammell, was Headmaster at Repton 1968-

chaired by Harry as President of the M.C.C.

Lance Gibbs, Fred Rumsey Harold Rhodes and

78, and for many years they held marvellous

I must have read them back in the 1970s, and

Ian Thompson, MJK Smith, AC Smith, Mike

New Year parties in The Hall. Scottish reels

put them back in the cabinet, saying to myself

Brearley, David Allen and so on. It was a cricket

in the entrance hall, with the Headmaster on

“Those were interesting,” and thinking no

nut’s heaven!

his wooden leg leading the way was a raucous

more about it. The cabinet eventually came

and vastly entertaining way to see in the

to me when my parents moved house and I

Bob replied to my request so kindly and

New Year. The fact that John Gammell had

again explored them, transcribing three sets

produced his vivid memories, which form the

been in Harry Altham’s house at Winchester

of letters as well as this set. What then to do

first part of the book. The second part is based

was not unconnected with him ending there

with them? I had little idea, until I was asked

on my speech at Hambledon, much expanded

as Headmaster. To discover that the present

to speak about Harry at the Hambledon Cricket

in an attempt to paint a portrait of a man who

Headmaster had played Free Forester cricket

Club, who meet every March and October for

started adult life as a schoolmaster, survived

with me was an added bonus.

lunch in The Bat and Ball on Broadhalfpenny

four years on the Western Front, was a highly

Down. Putting together a 35-minute talk was a

successful Housemaster, and who retired not

This small volume came about in an unusual

challenge which I relished as a historian, and

into a sedentary quiet life, but into almost full-

way. Harry Altham died in 1965, and initially

it seemed to go down well. The chairman of

time (unpaid) cricket administration, including

his papers and books remained undisturbed until

the club encouraged me to get the talk, as well

being the Chairman of Selectors for one year.

my father retired from being a Housemaster at

as the various collections of letters, published,

Thirdly, the letters had to be put into context,

Winchester in 1970. At that point we moved

and I slowly moved forward. Eventually I sent

and the throwing controversy and other related

into another large College house, and his widow

a large document to Stephen Chalke, the doyen

problems explained, so that those who do not

came to live with us, requiring the disposal of

of cricket book publishers, with his Fairfield

know the history of that much-neglected period,

his books. His cricket library came to me, along

Books. Stephen and I had met a couple of times

the 1950s, might understand what was going

with a roll-top filing cabinet containing many

and it was his decision to separate the Bradman

on. Finally, the letters themselves needed to

loose papers. Among these were various loose

correspondence out which really led to this

be footnoted, rather than edited. Initially, Don

files of collections of correspondence, such

book.

Bradman’s were handwritten, and mercifully all of Harry’s were typed. His handwriting

as 25 letters from George Lyttleton between 1948 and 1962 (alas only one side of the

Stephen explained that we needed a foreword

was notoriously difficult to read, leading one

correspondence) and a short series of letters

and he suggested Bob Barber. I had been lucky

correspondent to remark that he knew he had

with Field Marshal Montgomery where Harry

enough to be invited (as Harry’s grandson)

been invited to dinner, but not when, apart from

Harry and IPF Campbell taken in 1912, both were in the Oxford side in 1911 and 1912.

THE ARCH

The Altham Bradman Letters £12 + £4 p & p, from www.cricket-books.com

Edmund Nelson painting , commissioned by EWS for the first indoor School at Lord’s.

OR BOOK CLUB

the fact that it wasn’t on Friday. But once Harry

Repton Pilgrims for three years before World

I hope that the small book – it’s only 125 pages

became President of the MCC in October 1959

War 2. He always believed that Jack Crawford

– might be of interest to Reptonian cricketers,

they were all typed, probably copied by the

was the greatest ever schoolboy cricketer,

or indeed to Old Reptonians in general. It tries

secretarial staff at Lord’s for wider distribution

and also believed that his (Jack Crawford’s)

to portray a man and an episode from a distant

within the cricket hierarchy, Bradman’s

last side at Repton (1905) was the strongest

generation, when values were different, but

reverting to handwriting for the last two letters,

school side ever, as opposed to his own 1908

human beings were as fallible as they are today.

which form a postscript to the episode.

side. Certainly, Crawford’s record at Repton

One of the surprising points to find out was

is remarkable. In 1904 he scored 759 runs and

that without exception all the ‘chuckers’ were

Writing and editing, researching and footnoting

took 75 wickets. In 1905, he scored 766 runs,

universally liked as men, being wholly honest

was the easy part. Both Stephen Chalke and

but hampered by injury took only 55 wickets,

and charming. In my experience cricket throws

Christopher Saunders (the publisher) were

bowling in only 5 matches. One remarkable

up almost no people who are the opposite to

superb at picking up mistakes and making

fact is that boys stayed on to a much older age

that. I don’t think I have ever actively disliked

suggestions. It was Stephen who reminded me

in those days. Crawford was 19 in his last year,

anybody I’ve ever played cricket with or

that you should get your worst enemy to proof-

and Harry nearly 20 in 1908. Nor did they

against, although that may just be my trusting

read anything you write, and it’s very true. A

play the large number of games available to

naïve nature, but I don’t think so! The qualities

couple of mistakes have crept through. How

today’s players, who with festivals after summer

of leadership and humanity schooled into Harry

could I write in a caption that it showed “The

exams can sometimes rack up as many as 25

Altham at Repton shine through this episode

editor ready for practise…” The schoolmaster

games. Taken at random from the 2019 Wisden

and gladden the heart.

in me hangs his head with shame! Illustrations

Winchester and Repton both played 21, Eton 18,

were fun to collect. Most came from our family

Marlborough 16, but Charterhouse managed 25!

Robin Brodhurst

collection, some via Lord’s and the selection

Bob Barber’s record in his last year at Ruthin

Newbury, February 2021

was left to the publisher. The montage of the

School in north Wales (1953) bears comparison

actual throwers was all found on the internet.

with any. He scored over 1,000 runs and tookover 100 wickets, playing in 21 matches,

Repton meant everything to Harry. He loved

according to Barber’s biographer ‘only the third

going back there, and served as President of the

time in the history of schools cricket such a feat has been achieved’.

Taken at College House, Kingsmead

Repton XI 1908

THE ARCH

OR BOOK CLUB

Truth Games Caroline England (A’79)

orn in Sheffield, Caroline England

Caroline has two pen names. As Caro Land

(A’79) studied Law at the University

she has written a legal suspense series,

of Manchester and stayed over the

‘Convictions’, published by Bloodhound Books

border. Caroline was a divorce and professional

in January 2020. The follow up, ‘Confessions’,

indemnity lawyer. She turned to writing when

published in June 2020.

Synopsis

she deserted the law to bring up her three daughters. Caroline has had short stories

As CE Rose she has written a gothic-tinged

and poems published in a variety of literary

psychological thriller ‘The House of Hidden

publications and anthologies.

Secrets’. It was published by Hera Books in April 2021 in ebook and audiobook. The

Caroline writes domestic psychological thrillers.

paperback will follow in August 2021. ‘The

Her debut novel, ‘Beneath the Skin’, known

House on the Water’s Edge’ will be published

also as ‘The Wife’s Secret’ in eBook, was

in ebook and audiobook in August 2021.

published by Avon HarperCollins in October

amily is everything to Ellie Wilson. She tries hard to be the perfect mother, the perfect partner, the perfect daughter -

but she can’t always seem to get it right. When an old friend from university re-enters their lives, dark memories from Ellie’s past

2017. Her second novel, ‘My Husbands’s Lies’,

Caroline has two dark, twisty short story

begin to resurface. Memories that have been

followed in May 2018 and became a Kindle top

collections available on Amazon, both in eBook

buried for a long time.

ten bestseller. ‘Betray Her’, was published by

and paperback, ‘Watching Horsepats Feed the

Piatkus of Little, Brown Book Group, in July

Roses’ and ‘Hanged by the Neck’.

2020. ‘Truth Games’ followed in June 2021.

As Ellie starts to unravel some shocking and sinister realities, she realises that she must choose between keeping the family she loves and facing the truth.

The Seal of Promise Geoffrey Piper (B’57)

Synopsis

ormer Head Prefect Geoffrey Piper (B’57) grew up in Bakewell,

long and successful career in accountancy and

regional community development, working

seemed no danger as she made her way over

family backgrounds – he the wealthy laird’s

towards a steep grassy bank which took her

younger son, she a penniless crofter’s daughter.

up to another ledge. But what none of them

Close friends as children at the island’s

could see was the series of eroded, sloping

little school, they are separated later by the

rocks that lay beyond the next bank. Bernie

Britishclass system until eventually united

was barefooted and wearing her usual tattered

by the revelation of a secret discovery they

clothes.”

had made together as children. Little had they

Derbyshire, studying at S. Anselm’s

and Repton School before gaining an honours degree in Law at Cambridge. He enjoyed a

across much of the British Isles and Europe. A family man with four adult children and ten grandchildren, he has spent many happy holidays in Scotland and derived his inspiration for The Seal of Promise from family visits to Eilean Shona.

ernie slowly clambered up the slope and over the rocks on which she and her friends had often played. There

realised how significant that discovery might be, Set on a tiny Scottish island in the early

not only for their own lives but potentially for

nineteenth century, The Seal of Promise tells the

the nation as a whole.

story of two young people from contrasting

THE ARCH

OR BOOK CLUB

Travels Through Two Lives Fairy Path to Ha-Ha Jonathan (L’64) & Jenny Bradley Sibling Poets

onathan Bradley (L’64) was born in 1951 and has been writing poetry since the age

Synopsis

with the United Nations. His longstanding

passion for butterflies was inspired by walks in

brother Jenny and Jonathan share many things,

of fourteen, at the same time as pursuing a

career in business, as a university academic, and for an international educational body connected

the country with his now-adult children when they were young. He has a strong commitment to conserving butterflies and their environments. He lives near Bristol with his wife Harriet, and is currently working on a second collection of poems. Jonathan’s lastest release is a poetry collection titled Sibling Poets, written jointly with his sister.

his unique collection of fifty poems and short prose pieces, twenty-five by each of the authors, is bound together

in a very unusual way - by genetics. Sister and including the desire to write. Their styles and

of them on being siblings. Jenny and Jonathan

approaches are often different (but aren’t any

lived as young children in the North East of

two poets?). What binds and underlies these

England. They then went with their parents

poems is their shared family experiences. Some

for several months to the USA and Canada.

are written in free form and others in traditional

Later they lived in Marseille and Paris before

forms such as the sonnet; some rhyme, and

returning to the UK. Their parents spent some

some use other means of enjoying the beauty

years in Belgium and all members of the family

of language to convey emotion or atmosphere.

travelled widely in many parts of the world. Both

There is one poem in French, and pieces about

accomplished in their own right as published

many different countries and places. The deep

authors, they have now worked together to

pull of the sea, a spell in France, a love of nature

produce an entertaining and varied set of poems

and adventure, together with enquiring minds

ranging from humour to deep grief, from

through family trips, holidays and debate: these

Cambodia to Cornwall. There is often reflection

were their inspiration. There are poems on all of

in these poems, particularly in response to events

these subjects, as well as one composed by each

such as lockdown. Overall a far ranging and thought-provoking collection.

I Wished I Was There Robin Snook (L’76) Synopsis

rom 1966 World Cup glory to 2019

Wilkinson, Usain Bolt, Andy Murray and Ben

Headingley heroics, Robin Snook (L’76)

Stokes to name a few!

is back with his sequel book, “I Wished

I Was There”.

With contributions from Olympians Jonny Brownlee and Georgie Twigg, and forewords

Relive some of our greatest sporting stories,

by Mark James and Jonathan Agnew, this is a

both on a local and a global stage - played

book that will appeal to all sports fans. To order

out at some of the world’s most iconic venues

a signed copy, contact the author by email:

including Wembley, Lord’s, the Crucible, Ellis

robinsnooky@gmail.com

Park, Augusta and SW19 - by many of our most cherished sporting heroes - Geoff Hurst,

The book is priced at £9.99 or £12.00 inc

Muhammad Ali, Viv Richards, Jonny

postage and packing. THE ARCH

OR BOOK CLUB

The Lake Poets in Prose: Connecting Threads Stuart Andrews

Synopsis

ormer Head of History and Librarian 1961-67 and former Governor, Stuart

This collection of essays challenges some

widely -held assumptions.

famous as poets while in the West Country.

were written over a period of 25 years. The

Wordsworth’s stay in Dorset and Somerset

book’s main divisions are: “Transatlantic

lasted barely five years—from 1795 to late

Contexts”, “Poets and Revolution”, “Poets

1798—before he and Dorothy returned to their

and Religion”, “Bristol and Beyond”, and an

native Westmoreland. Coleridge and Southey,

epilogue on “Wordsworth and Methodism”.

who both married Bristol girls, were born and

Strict chronological sequence should not be

bred in South-West England. However, by 1803,

expected.

Andrews, has published a book on

the sense of the Lake Poets’ prose writing, including their journalism and correspondence.

he three poets—Wordsworth, Coleridge

Readers of The Lake Poets in Prose need to

and Southey—in spite of their being

remember that most of the 18 chapters were

linked to the Lakes, all became

originally published in literary journals and

both had joined the Wordsworths in the Lakes.

Meet Me In Another Life Catriona Silvey (A’98)

Synopsis

atriona Silvey (A’98) was born in Glasgow and grew up in Perthshire

Cambridge, and spent the next few years there

working in scientific publishing. After that she

clocktower in central Cologne, with nothing but

Natasha Bardon, publishing director at

the stars above and their futures ahead.

Harper Voyager said “Catriona has crafted

and Derbyshire, which left her with a

strange accent and a distrust of flat places. She overcame the latter to do a BA in English at

did a PhD in language evolution, in the hope of finding out where all these words came from in the first place. Following stints in Edinburgh and Chicago, she returned to Cambridge, where she lives with her husband, son, and a very peculiar cat. When she’s not working as a researcher studying meaning in language, she writes fantasy and science fiction. Her short stories have been performed at the Edinburgh International Book Festival and shortlisted for the Bridport Prize.

oyful, devastating, and profound, Meet Me in Another Life is a story of love and connection in every possible form.

Thora and Santi have met before...Under the

an unforgettable exploration of the many They will meet again...They don’t know it yet,

different forms love can take and the

but they’ll meet again: in numerous lives they

profound ways in which our actions affect

will become friends, colleagues, lovers, enemies

the world around us. There is something

- meeting over and over for the first time, every

her for everyone: touching relationships,

time; each coming to know every version of

heartrending drama, exhilarating thrill, and

the other.

a compelling mystery that ties it all together, I am so excited for reader to discover this

Only they can make sure it’s not for the last

moving and clever story from a confident new

time.But as they’re endlessly drawn together

voice”.

and the lines between their different lives begin to blur, they are faced with one question: why? They must discover the truth of their strange attachment before this, and all their lives, are lost forever.

THE ARCH

OR BOOK CLUB

Memoirs of an Accompanist Richard Stokes (H’59) Synopsis

uring a career spanning more than

In this engaging and entertaining account,

50 years, pianist Helmut Deutsch

Deutsch offers fascinating insights into

has accompanied over 100 singers,

pianistic technique, repertoire, performance,

Also by Richard Stokes

including Ian Bostridge, Grace Bumbry, Diana

interpersonal relationships, and the special

Damrau, Brigitte Fassbaender, Jonas Kaufmann,

qualities required for his profession: empathy,

Angelika Kirchschlager, Camilla Nylund,

flexibility, sensitivity, patience and the ability to

Christoph Pregardien, Mauro Peter, Hermann

stand back in the service of others.

The Complete Songs of Hugo Wolf: Life, Letters, Lieder Synopsis

Prey, Thomas Quasthoff, Yumiko Samejima, Peter Schreier, Irmgard Seefried and Anne Sofie

Deutsch is a captivating narrator, frank and

von Otter.

entertaining. From out of tune pianos to jealous

Translated from the German by Richard

and reflections on his multi-faceted life as

Stokes (H’59), professor of Lieder at the Royal

a musician, offering readers a glimpse of

Academy of Music, this memoir describes,

unforgettable moments on and off stage without

leading Lieder expert Richard Stokes, who also

with humour, honesty and intelligence, Helmut

a trace of vanity.

provides illuminating commentary. The 36 poets

singers, his memoir teems with anecdotes

he Complete Songs of Hugo Wolf gathers together for the first time every poem Wolf set to music. Alongside

the original German texts are translations by

Deutsch’s journey from unknown repetiteur

set by Wolf are each given their own chapter:

to one of the most refined and sought-after

Close friends as children at the island’s

a brief essay on the poet is followed by a note

accompanists of the modern era, respected by

little school, they are separated later by the

on Wolf’s connection with the writer, extracts

the leading singers of our time, who make music

Britishclass system until eventually united

from letters that throw light on the Songs and

with him and revere him as a great artist and

by the revelation of a secret discovery they

convey his mood at the time of composition,

strong musical partner.

had made together as children. Little had they

and the texts and translations. Short biographies

realised how significant that discovery might be,

of all Wolf’s correspondents flesh out the

not only for their own lives but potentially for

extraordinary life of this genius. This will be an

the nation as a whole.

indispensable volume for all lovers of Lieder.

Idiots inc. Guy “Mex” Jones (L’78)

In his later years, and with his

So be it, we will incur her wrath.

Took us to task and made us the clown.

insight and his love of words, he

Needless aggrandizement for nought but self

Our bravado is hollow and devoid of meaning

turned to writing poetry in his

We delude our tiny insignificant selves.

We should get on with living, not killing.

own gifted idiosyncratic style. He

What betters the company of a friend?

Raw and heartfelt we strive for the moment

often wrote under the pseudonym

Exactly, nothing, it’s the reason to the end.

Ultimate heartbreak is surely the prominent.

of “Mex”. Idiots Inc, written 15th

So why do we enemies our neighbors

Planet decay our lasting memory

May 2017, is profoundly relevant

Seek to kill rather than nurture friends?

Oh I hope we die in dismay.

as to how he saw and perceived the

Green and religion all succumb to power

As river leads to ocean, so raindrop leads to heart

troubles besetting

Money is not the root, the love of power

Flora or fauna from start to finish is just same art.

the world.

And its mind-altering delusion of life

From earth to dust, birth to death, ever revolving.

That is the evil which causes our strife.

We traverse the planet neither giving nor making.

Seeking control is the unnatural natural

The night is mine, please keep your days

Which untempered will see us revert to natural.

The peace of solitude, without the maze

Power begets ownership and greed

Of beings and being within the haze

The sin of the world is wanting without need.

I wish no harm to any, but always

uy Jones (L’78) passed away in June 2019.

Gillian Hartley (Mother)

atter we are, but matter we don’t

Our tenure small and full of bold

Specs of intrusion, we will, but we won’t. We give little but take the world. The infinite of nature’s relentless path

About time our higher being came down

THE ARCH

OR FEATURE

The Bat that Broke A VIRTUAL REUNION

t was in March 2021 that the steady

wickets falling fast, Bill, facing School 1st XI

which read: “We are 187 for 8. Ollie (Paul) Holt

stream of communication regarding a

captain, Charlie Sayer (B’66) saved the day as

(M’68) gets two runs and then is out. We are

1971 cricket match caught the eyes of

he “survived...three balls. The fourth ball was

down to our last men - Arthur (Bill) Brown and

the OR Society office. Tapping into zoom

a ‘no ball’ and ..the Mitre won by one wicket”.

Pooney (Dave) Wells (M’69). When Ollie is out

calls with ORs from around the globe, we

The OR Terminal Letter reported that.. “the

the fielders are leaping about and Cheshire is

knew that the story was something quite

match was still undecided as the clock neared

grinning smugly. This is terribly tense, I nearly

special.

7:30 pm and many members of the school

have a fit every time Charlie Sayer bowls, he

missed their tea in order to see the finish.”

has bowled most of the team out. We are equal,

On Saturday 3rd July 1971 a senior house match

can we get the one run we need? Sayer now

cricket final was played between Mitre and

Charlie Sayer writes: “I would like a DRS on

gets a bit excited and bowls a no-ball – absolute

Brook houses. 11 Mitre boys participated in the

the no ball. It was an extraordinary house match

pandemonium! A most incredible match.”

match which resulted in a win for Mitre and

final. Brook looked as if they had got enough

famously included a bat that broke! And that

runs, then looked like losing by 10 wickets.

From online reunions, searches through old

made all the difference. The Reptonian report

Mitre then attempted to snatch defeat from the

photos, attics, diaries and more, the story of

declared that the game “must have been one

jaws of victory with a spectacular collapse. I

the bat that broke has evoked many happy

of the most exciting matches ever seen on the

always did bowl bloody no balls – but I still

memories around the world and has reconnected

square.” It named 10 of the Mitre team, one of

want a DRS!”

22 from the Mitre and many more beside.

whom was Bill Brown (M’69) who not only lent

With many thanks to James Barnes (M’67) for

his bat to Dick Whittington (M’67) (who scored

Claire Jenkinson, Mitre housemistress, “trolled

facilitating these conversations from the US! We

128 runs with it, broke it, and now, 50 years

the attic” for a score book that might identify

hope you enjoy the highlights and memories of

on, would like to finally - as promised after the

the 11th man. Meanwhile, Dick Frase (M’69)

a few involved with “The Bat that Broke”.

game - replace it), but with the scores tied and

(recovered his diary of the day from his attic

“Saturday 3rd July 1971” (From the dairy of William Brown)

himself, and is finally caught when he plays a rather showy

“I watched the house match final between Brook House and

stroke. “By this time we only have about four men left, and

the Mitre. Quite an occasion. Brook have regularly won the

with Dick off the runs come very slowly and the wickets fall

cup for years and Scotty Cheshire is quite obsessed about it of

uncomfortably fast. By seven o’clock we are 187 for 8. Ollie

course. “Brook are in batting first, and after a long stand by

Holt gets two runs and then is out. We are down to our last

the opening batsmen are all out for 189. Then we go in, with

men - Arthur Brown and Pooney Wells. When Ollie is out the

Dick and Hairy first, who notch up over 100 between them

fielders are leaping about and Cheshire is grinning smugly.

when Hairy is caught, and then the trouble starts, because

This is terribly tense, I nearly have a fit every time Charlie

it seems that none of the rest of the team are any good at all.

Sayer bowls, he has bowled most of the team out. We are

Eggy is out first ball, Dave Allen is bowled fourth ball without

equal, can we get the one run we need? Sayer now gets a bit

making any runs. Only Dick seems to be operating, and it is

excited and bowls a no-ball – absolute pandemonium! A most

he who keeps pushing the score up to 170, getting about 130

incredible match.”

“This bat originally belonged to my grandfather F. W. Brown, which he had specially made for him by Gunn and Moore, as he used to supply cricket bat willow to Gunn and Moore. The bat was handed down to me by my father, J. R. Brown (Old Mitre ‘33)... I believe (Dick Whittington) scored 3 consecutive centuries with the bat, including the Brook vs Mitre match. A fitting end to a great bat!” William (Bill) Richard Salter Brown (in Yorkshire)

THE ARCH

OR FEATURE

From the 1971 “OR Terminal Letter”

while the wickets fell at the other end, and when he

The House Match Final

was out for a quite superb 128, the score was 187 for 5.

The Senior House Match Final produced a thrilling

5 wickets standing and only 3 runs wanted to win. Two

finish this year. Played on Gilllette Cup lines, with each

more wickets fell at the same score; the ninth wicket

side having 45 overs, the match (between Brook and The

pair managed to add 2 runs to make the scores level.

Mitre) was still undecided as the clock neared 7.30 p.m.,

With the last Mitre batsmen at the crease, overs passed

and many members of the school missed their tea in order

with a wicket always seeming more likely than a run.

to see the finish. Brook had been bowled out for 189 in

Finally the spell was broken

the last of their 45 overs, C.J.W.Sayer being top scorer

when the Brook captain

with 91. No Mitre player would be offended if we said

bowled a no-ball to give

that their reply depended to a vast extent on their openers,

The Mitre victory in a

J.R.H.Whittington and J.R.Barnes, both “teamers”.

fascinating match.

They responded magnificently and put on 142 before Barnes was the first out for 46. Whittington batted on

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“HOW GREAT IT IS TO READ OF EVERYONE’S LIFE JOURNEYS – I FEEL SO LUCKY TO HAVE BEEN PART OF THE REPTON MOSAIC AND FOR THE SPRINGBOARD IT GAVE ME IN LIFE.” DICK WHITTINGTON (M’67) (in Australia) THE ARCH

REPTON FEATURE

Life Behind The Lens Johnny Rozsa (H’63) (as seen on the front cover)

hen Nairobi-born Johnny Rozsa

Johnny sold his share of the shop and invested

(H’63) arrived at Repton in the

in a camera; from here he became one of the

1960s it was something of a

world’s most iconic photographers.

culture shock. He says: “I had never been on an aeroplane, let alone been to England,

Since the late 1970s Johnny Rozsa has

never been away from home and never

been the photographer of choice for A-list

worn long trousers!” At 13 years old he

celebrities from John Malkovich to Tina

threw himself into swimming, choir, French,

Turner, and Helena Bonham Carter to Hugh

Geography, Art and Drama, quickly adapting to

Grant. His epochal images have adorned the

life at one of Britain’s oldest public schools.

pages of Vogue, The New York Times and i-D Magazine, as well as the walls of The National

Born and raised in Nairobi, the son of Jewish

Portrait Gallery in London, the Museum of

Hungarian-Czech parents, the life Johnny came

Contemporary Art in Sydney, the Kunsthalle in

from on the African continent could not have

Vienna, and the Kunstverein in Hannover. His

been more far removed from the world he

images depict a genuine love and warmth for his

entered into. The grandmother who raised him,

subjects and his pieces are a treasured record of

Selma Leibzchutz, was a survivor of Auschwitz,

faces that are so familiar.

and Terezin, and Johnny has spent lockdown turning her own 30-page notes about her life

He says of his early days behind the lens:

into a soon-to-be-published book that charts

“Often I photographed well-known actors

their intertwined lives.

wearing the latest threads of the day for a magazine spread. Most times, it was in

Having studied architecture and then

conjunction with a movie or album that they

communications in London during the late

were promoting. People needed me just as

1960s, Johnny turned his love of beauty and

much as I needed them, so collaborations

glamour into a career working at Vogue where

were mutually rewarding.”

he found inspiration in some of the world’s most

THE ARCH

revered models, art directors and photographers.

Johnny is a practising Buddhist thanks to his

He soon opened Covent Garden’s destination

friendship with Tina Turner - a faith that has

vintage clothing shop, where stylists, models

supported him through illness. A true Repton

and artistes flocked, and his modish eye meant

Role Model, he has pursued his ambitions with

the shop’s pieces were regularly featured in

unwavering passion and achieved success on a

leading fashion magazines. Yearning for more,

global stage.

CAREERS

Careers & Mentoring Bekah Walton (F’16) Third Year Mechanical Engineering Student, Loughborough University.

Edward Sheasby (S’17) Graduate Audit Trainee, BDO Global.

“Studying at Loughborough University, I am in

“As of September I will be starting my career

an incredibly fortunate position to pursue both

as a Graduate Audit Trainee for BDO Global

my athletic and academic ambitions. I currently

following the completion of my Geography

train for twenty-five hours a week, which I

degree at the University of St Andrews. I have

balance alongside my Mechanical Engineering

successfully navigated the graduate recruitment

Degree. Although training is demanding and

process for a major company, which might be

requires a strict routine, I have recently become

useful for other ORs.

the British Senior Javelin Champion, and finished fifth at the European Under 23s Athletic

Therefore I am able to offer advice to those who

Competition, Tallinn.

will find themselves going through this process

Our alumni networking platform continues to

either as a graduate or an apprentice as they

gain momentum, with near to 1,000 active users,

I was once disinterested in Engineering as the

Repton Life is an ideal place to re-connect

traditional association with machinery had no

with peers, organise events and share news

appeal. However, the degree at Loughborough

In addition to this, during my penultimate year

and job opportunitiues. In addition to this, The

University has allowed me to combine my

I successfully secured an internship with Baillie

Careers Hub is an area on Repton Life that

passions for STEM and sport, enabling me to

Gifford & Co, where I navigated a competitive

might be useful to find out more about ORs,

undertake further study in Sports Engineering,

application processes.

their experience at university and subsequest

which I find particularly engaging.

career paths. Please do visit The Careers Hub

often follow similar application journeys.

I was totally overwhelmed when I started my

to browse the stories of some of our careers

In my role as a STEM ambassador, I aspire to

career hunting process three years ago and

ambassadors, and do feel free to contact them

encourage more women to consider careers in

any help I could offer fellow ORs would be a

directly using the chat functionality. If you

Engineering. I am grateful to Repton School

pleasure.”

would like to feature in The Careers Hub, please

for supporting my journey when I first joined

contact the OR office or@repton.org.uk

their Sixth Form and shaping the individual I am today.”

Bekah and Edward are part of our mentoring programme and can be contacted through Repton Life for any questions relating to University experience and career pathways. The OR Society are working with over 50 industry ambassadors from the OR community, all available for career advice and guidance. Please contact the OR Society for further details. If you would like to sign up as an industry ambassador and share your own experience and advice, please do get in touch.

THE ARCH

REPTON LIFE

Musings from the Archives Repton: A 1958 Victory by Ronald J. Sichel (L’54)

thought that Reptonians both old and new might possibly be interested in a tournament that the school, sadly, is no longer able to compete in. Late in the Summer Term of 1958 Repton School Cadet Eight won at Bisley the Inter Schools Full Bore Rifle Competition….better known as the Ashburton Shield. As was usual in those days just under one hundred schools descended on Bisley Camp each year to vie for that coveted trophy. The event was shot at 200 and then at 500 yards, and I was both privileged and delighted to be a member of the winning team as well as being selected to compete with the United Kingdom Cadet Team against Canada (for the Alexander Graham Bell Trophy) which the UK won. Dress for all events was military uniform, and all used the .303 Lee Enfield No. 4 service rifle but fitted with micro-adjustable, aperture rear sights. The Ashburton-Shield (pictured in the enclosed team photograph) was first presented by the third Baron Ashburton in 1861, making it one of the older sporting events. In the competition’s years of existence Repton had only won the shield once before – in 1913. Being ‘first in the field’ in 1958 was exhilarating to put it mildly! The drive back to Derbyshire, in the old school bus, took rather longer than usual as we had to have several celebratory ‘pit stops’ en route! We returned to a flood of congratulations which even included, I seem to recall, a message from the Archbishop of Canterbury. For me it was also a wonderful way to end four very happy years at Repton.

Bisley, Brookwood (near Woking) is the largest complex of ranges in the world covering an area of over 3000 acres. It caters for every precisionshooting discipline, be it military or civilian rifle, pistol or shotgun. It provides ranges from fifteen yards to well over one thousand. The camp itself has a special atmosphere, being largely made up of rather charming colonialstyle clubhouses as well as being the HQ of the National Rifle Association. Naturally with so many competitors descending on the place for major events the clubhouses themselves are unable to provide sufficient accommodation. We cadets therefore were all billeted under canvas in rather old army tents – rather fun unless it rained! It may be of interest (to those who do not know) that all national shooting events originally took place on Wimbledon Common, London. The move was made to a newly constructed Bisley in 1889. The inaugural shot on Wimbledon Common was fired on the 2nd July 1860 by Queen Victoria by pulling on a silken cord attached to a rifle that had been firmly lashed to a special tripod!

The target is on display at the NRA’s museum for those who would like to see how well Her Majesty did! Why does Repton no longer compete? A much smaller CCF today must be one reason I guess. In the 1950s the CCF was almost at battalion strength. Moreover it is not possible for a school to provide a full-bore rifle team unless the squad is able to train (in the summer months) on a range situated within reasonable driving distance of the school itself. Repton had the use of an old 200-to-600 yard military range built on nearby flood meadows next to the river Trent and juxtaposed to Burton itself. Unfortunately, with Burton town expanding too close to the line of fire, the range was eventually deemed unsafe, and long range shooting had to be discontinued. The enclosed photograph is of the 1958 team. I shall attempt to name those shown correctly, however, should there be an error, I can only offer my most profuse apologies, as time tends to fade one’s memory. Top row – left to right: C.S.M A.Lowe | J.N.Collin (New) N.P. Thornton (New) | Lt Col J.D.Eggar Capt H.B.Williams (MIC shooting) M.J.Barrett (New) | F. D. Marsh (Cross) C.S.M J.V.Paul | A.K.Bolland (MIC shooting) Middle row – left to right: T.R.Scorer (Orchard) | R.J.Sichel (Latham) R.J.R.Owen (Priory) | P.R.Anderson (Brook) | J.P.Stanley (Priory) Lower row – left to right: G.P.R.Boon (Priory) | E.W.Monro (Cross)

Some Other Openings, Some Other Shows by Mark Woolgar (H’54) quire Trelawney in ‘The Admiral

as Artistic Director at Derby Playhouse (now

Finally, a mixture – first Senior Moderator of

Benbow’ at Foremark on a stage of

Derby Theatre), two in the old theatre, five in

qualifications in Professional Acting, Dance

shoved together tables, dubbed ‘a

the new, doubling attendance, ‘The Seagull’

and Musical Theatre, ran the Richmond

transferred to West End.

Drama School and now, after nearly three

personable fishwife’ by the Birmingham Post in

hundred productions one way or another, teach

a musical ‘Comedy of Errors’ in Pears School, lead in ‘The Strong Are Lonely’ , which was

On to the inevitable ‘make your own work’

youngsters LAMDA exams, watch over the

invited to Derby Playhouse, Polonius in the new

period, taking my own Oscar Wilde show

Library at Guildford’s Performance Preparation

400 Hall – I suppose what happened later was

around the UK and three times to USA,

Academy and comment on ‘reflective writing’

inevitable. Mostly Charlesworth’s fault!

guest directing from Dundee to Worthing via

for Drama Studio London.

Coventry. Work in Drama Schools, including Later began with three years school mastering,

seven years at Guildford School of Acting, in

Five months was my longest period without

directing a newish school’s first full length

schools (Charterhouse, Wellington, Trent), many

work. It’s much harder to get started now. While

productions, and endless theatre visits. Then

years with teenagers’ residential summer Drama

wishing any ORs trying to do that all good

four years with the Bristol Old Vic Company,

courses, and with American Acting and Musical

fortune, I say a personal thanks to Foremark,

initial professional directing and expanding

Theatre majors in their London semester.

Repton – and the benevolent ghost of Michael

educational and outreach work; seven years

THE ARCH

Charlesworth!

OR CELEBRATIONS

Births

Daisy Heath-Abbott (G’06) and Christopher

Mike Cobb (B’95) and Vikki are delighted to

Polly (M’03) and Ludo Compton welcome

Ralph welcomed Dolores Gaynor Ralph on 9th

announce the birth of Asa John on 8th May 2021, a

Theodosia ‘Teddy’ Beatrice de Grey Compton.

August 2021.

brother for Ivy.

Myles (P’99) and Bethan (née Bournon) (A’99) Pearson welcomed Wilbur James Pearson on 5th September 2020, a brother for Ottilie.

Emma Doughty (née Close) (F01) and Shaun are delighted to announce the arrival of Isabella Jean Cara on 22nd February 2021.

Emily Summerton (G’06) and Adam Byrne are delighted to announce the arrival of Tobias Joseph Ronald Byrne on 5th April 2021.

THE ARCH

OR CELEBRATIONS

Engagements Aaron Burgess-Smith (C’04) and Phoebe Heath-Abbott (M’06) celebrate their engagement.

Weddings Woody Bridgeman (N’01) to Emily Bown on 22nd May 2021 at the bride’s family home. ORs in attendance from left to right: Matt Gough (L’01), Chris Carlile (L’01), Chris Paget (P’01) Best Man, Joe Bridgeman (H’73) father of the groom, Woody Bridgeman (N’01) groom, Emily Bridgeman (née Bown) bride, Tony Aspinall (C’45) grandfather of the bride, James Aspinall (C’77) uncle of the bride, Ed Myhill (C’01), Will Boot (S’01), Tom Jenkins (L’01)

THE ARCH

OR CELEBRATIONS

George Dunnicliff (S’00) to Holly Goodwill on June 15th at Melbourne Parish Church, Derbyshire with the reception at Lambert House, Melbourne, Derbyshire. ORs in attendance from left to right: Paul Borrington (S’04), Richard Kniveton (S’04), Rachel Storey (née Whiteley) (F’03), Thomas Whiteley (S’00), William Boot (S’01), Luke Harvey (S’03), Charlotte Ashley-Stojak (née Stojak) (M’03), George Dunnicliff (S’00), William Felix (Foremark), Michael Jacques (C’09), Holly Goodwill, Abbigail Smale (A’09), Scott Chilman (P’99), David Oppenheimer (P’01), Yu-Shin Liao (S’00), Nick Wells (Foremark Staff), Dan Townley (S’00 and Best Man), Oliver Townley (S’04), James Gigg (Foremark).

Mike Watson (P’03) to Amber Golledge in The Algarve, Portugal on 20th September 2021. Guests in the picture (left to right): Ben Samra (N’03), Tiff Bowers (M’04), Alex Paget (P’07), Aoife Broderick (A’07), Tim Lambert (P’01), Alex Haynes (P’04), Cal McIntosh (P’06), David Scarrett (P’04), Josh Golding (P’06), Rich Lawrence (P’04), Jack Golding (P’04), Amber Watson , Mike Watson (P’03), Jack Williams (S’04), Josh Webster (N’04), Alex Evans (N’04), Luke Lacey (C’07), James Leavesley (N’04), James Bishton (L’02), James Kilby (N’04), Tom Singleton, Abi Halidu (A’07), James Watson (P’07).

THE ARCH

OR CELEBRATIONS

Dan Townley (S’00) was married to Betsy Willey at St. Illogan Church, Illogan, Cornwall on the 21st of August 2021. The reception followed on the coast at Carvannel Farm, North Cliffs, Cornwall. ORs in attendance from left to right: Yu-Hsin Liao (S’00), Marcus Brenchley (S’00), Oliver Townley (S’04), Dan Townley (S’00) groom, Betsy Townley, George Dunnicliff (S’00) Best Man, James Gigg (Foremark Hall), Tom Whiteley (S’00). In absentia: Luke Harvey (S’03)

THE ARCH

REPTON ENTERPRISES

YOUR HAPPILY EVER AFTER Set within the grounds of Repton School and Foremarke Hall, discover a totally unique and stunning wedding venue, that will make your special day perfect.

Stunning venues, set in historical grounds Bespoke packages tailored for your dream day Preferred supplier lists & event management Flawless attention to detail & on-site support No corkage costs! To discuss your requirements further, contact: enterprises@repton.org.uk 01283 559383

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Facebook: @leighmcaraphotography Pinterest: Leigh Mcara Photography

THE ARCH

FAREWELLS

Farewells The Abbey

Latham House

Brook House

Philip Anthony Crowe (L’50) on 14th June 2021.

Caroline Mary Smart (A’73) on 22nd October 2020.

Alan Charles Carruthers (L’49) on 19th November 2020. Ian George Wilson (L’52) on 20th January 2021.

Nicholas John Dicker (B’56) on 6 March 2021. th

Anthony Scott Holmes (B’51) on 3rd August 2020. Kenneth Christopher West (B’59) on 8 August 2021. th

The Mitre

Robert Hollinshead (M’31) on 1st January 2021. Michael Alfred Johnson (M’60) in 2020.

The Cross

Anthony Hugh Thornton (M’43) on 31st January 2021.

John Jamieson Black (C’76) on 13th August 2021. John Corfield Bottomley (C’53) on 8th February 2021. David Dixon Hewitt (C’45) on 26th March 2021. Tim Jones (C’96) on 22 April 2021.

New House

David Hamilton Ball (N’45) on 19th July 2020. Mr Alan G F Frazer (N’92) in 2021

Ralph Acland Spreckley (C’46) on 16th January 2021.

John Frederick Larard (N’52) on 31st January 2021.

Patrick Hallowes Vaughan (C’57) on 1 April 2021.

John Oliver Maxwell Robotham (N’42) and Governor on 29th January 2021.

The Hall

The Orchard

Robert George Blomfield (H’51) on 14th December 2020.

Peter Henry Gray (O’53) on 24th December 2019.

David Lawrence Bumstead (H’55) on 27 December 2018.

John Anthony (Tony) Ostick (O’47) on 10th June 2021.

John Campbell Clothier (H’57) on 16 March 2020.

Richard Geoffrey Wilkes (O’42) on 21st June 2021.

Andrew Philip Corn (H’48) on 31 May 2021.

Priory House

Robert Charles Cotton (H’39) on 8th August 2020. Peter Geoffrey Dawson (H’33) on 20 December 2019. th

Simon Andrew Bullock (P’55) on 19th April 2020.

Patrick Michael Franklin-Adams (H’58) on 18 November 2020.

Philip Hextall (P’44) on 5th June 2021.

Derek Martin Fuller (H’68) in 2021.

Anthony Charles Hungerford Morgan (P’47) on 25th November 2020.

Thomas Henry Simon Kunzer (H’46) on 7th June 2021.

Former Staff

Robert John Leach (H’49) on 20th May 2021. Andrew Ronald Emilius Laurie (H’58) on 3rd September 2021.

Heather Hawkins on 31st March 2021.

Christopher John Phillips (H’48) on 14 May 2021.

James McLaren on 28th March 2020.

Ben (Humphry Stuart Loftus) Tottenham (H’36) on June 14th 2021.

Dr George Edward Pearson on 29th August 2020.

June Ratcliffe on 19th October 2021, (non-academic). Tim Scott on 3rd December 2020.

Remembering our Loved Ones The OR office has received many wonderful memories of Old Reptonians, each with their own unique story. To allow our OR community to read this collection of memories, we have created an online Obituary for each submission that will be published in our digital magazine, Repton Life. There is no word limit for these documents and the OR office can send out a printed copy to family members and close friends upon request. Historical copies of Repton Life can also be viewed on the Repton Life Alumni networking platform. If you would like to make a submission for the annual printed Arch publication, please provide an edited version of no more than 300 words, along with a photograph if available. The deadline for the next edition is 31st August 2022. If you wish to receive a printed copy of any Obituaries, please contact the OR Office directly and we would be very happy to post these to you – or@repton.org.uk

THE ARCH

FAREWELLS

His fame went before him as he entered Repton, going into the Cross - a suspected bit of collusion between David Carr (C’37), master in charge of football and cricket at Foremarke, and Bill Blaxland housemaster of the Cross and known for his effective scouting from prep schools feeding Repton.

John Corfield Bottomley (C’53) 25th July 1939 – 8th February 2021 The COVID-19 pandemic has caused massive distress to families in so many ways, not least in the wholly inadequate way in which we have been able to say goodbye to loved ones. This is particularly the case for funerals which were restricted in number, with no singing nor the ability to reminisce and celebrate the lives for whom they were held in the form of a wake. This unfortunately was the case with John Bottomley whose funeral was held on 12th March 2021 at Trent Valley Crematorium. I was asked by John’s wife Ann to provide one of three Tributes at the service, and I’m pleased to share for The Arch some of those memories that I relayed. I knew JCB, whom to his OR friends we called ‘Botters’, for 70 years from our days at Foremarke. He was 2 or 3 years older than I, and when I arrived in 1951, he had already made his mark and was Head of Stanton House and in the cricket and football 1st XIs. A standout memory was the Housematch final in John’s last year of 1952 in which Stanton found themselves. John was captain and goalkeeper, a position he reluctantly was forced to play because of his asthma. It was a very competitive game with no goals scored and time running out. Bottomley’s frustration was reaching massive heights, with chances missed time and time again. With only two minutes left in the game, Bottomley gathered a shot at the Stanton goal, put the ball to his feet, dribbled the length of the pitch leaving the opposition in his wake, just like George Best. He arrived in the penalty area and blasted the ball past the goalie into the back of the net, whereupon the ref. blew his whistle for time and Stanton had won the Housematch final.

In the relatively short time John was at Repton, from May ’53 to December ‘56, The Cross won trophy after trophy on the cricket and football fields. The Cross had a line of good goalkeepers in the late 40s/early 50s as Edward Wilkinson (C’46), himself a goalie, advised me. Ken Gregory (C’47) followed by Edward’s brother Richard Wilkinson (C’49) and David Vaughan (C’53) but none better than John Bottomley who, at the age of 17, played for Repton’s 1st XI on a number of occasions in 1956, ably followed by David Shentall (O’53), another contemporary, the following year. He was a great horseman, earning his “Buttons” with the Cheshire Forest and Quorn Hunts. Being a good athlete, fearless and brave, he pursued the sports of point to pointing, short lived because of a bad fall, and skiing which continued until his late 70s. JCB left school and became an auctioneer, but this didn’t suit him, and he then followed his maternal grandfather and became a farmer after a spell at Cirencester Agricultural College at the same time as Neil Alston (N’56) who, among others, became lifelong friends. I lost touch for twenty years until I returned to the area where I grew up and went to Repton only to find that Botters was farming cattle, sheep, and arable crops up the road at Isley Walton. Latterly he went into dairy but with the erosion of margins he was forced to sell his milk quota in 1989 when he and Ann converted their barn into bedrooms, and they ran a successful B&B business with Ann taking the reins – a role reversal which took a bit of getting used to for John. But they were a great team, and this was exemplified by John’s support of Ann’s Hospice Hope charity work. During all this time, indeed for the next 42 years, we enjoyed the company and hospitality of John and Ann and observed the success of his work and pastimes.

He managed to find time for golf. Clearly, he was well tutored in his native Mere in Cheshire as he became a fine player with the most perfect swing. He enjoyed playing in competitions and was always the one to have on one’s side in the annual outings with fellow ORs Philip Scott (N’ 55) Stan Cutts (C’ 55), Butch Newbould (C’55) and me, which we enjoyed over the years. His steady play was rewarded by no less than 7 Holes in One, 4 of which occurred in the space of one year. But with all this going on in his life, he was throughout a constant and devoted Rotarian. He was a founding member of the Castle Donington Branch in 1974 and was its President in 1988/89. A Rotarian friend reflected that John epitomised the Rotary motto of “Service before Self”. He was always at the centre of things, doing good works and going about them in an unassuming modest way, never seeking the limelight nor any glory. His fellow Rotarians regarded him as a true gentleman, and for his many efforts he was awarded one of the highest accolades bestowed in Rotary, that of the Paul Harris Fellowship. John Bottomley was not a demonstrative man, but he was generous and kind and would do anything and everything for Ann, his children Sarah and Katie and grandson Harry. They were his priority but his hospitality and that of Ann, was enjoyed by the many friends they had. He was a tough old boot whose actions spoke louder than words and was held with great affection by so many. Ann received 250 cards and numerous letters of condolence when John died. I enjoyed his company immensely and will miss him terribly, especially when putting the world to right over pints of his favourite Pedigree on a Friday evening at the Malt Shovel in Worthington. He did have a bit of a reputation for finding something to grumble about, but this was part of his charm and any criticism he levied was never in malice. He certainly would have no cause to grumble at the love and affection that have been displayed since he died to the great comfort of Ann, the children and Harry. John Hings (P’55)

THE ARCH

FAREWELLS

He delighted in capturing fleeting moments. His close observations made between 1957 and 1967, while a medical student and junior doctor in Edinburgh and London, are particularly remarkable. Two years ago, Edinburgh’s City Art Centre hosted a major exhibition of Robert’s work. For four months the gallery was abuzz with enchanted visitors; the images were universally appealing, striking a chord, stirring childhood memories.

Robert George Blomfield (H’51) 16th March 1938 – 14th December 2020 Family doctor and acclaimed photographer known for his striking, fly-on-the-wall street images. My brother, Robert Blomfield, who has died aged 82, was a family doctor who practised in Wrexham then Hebden Bridge. The website robertblomfield.co.uk shows that he was also an outstanding photographer. Around the age of 13, Robert started using his father’s Leica and Contax cameras. He soon mastered them, showing a natural flair for photography, spending many hours coaxing prints from special paper immersed in bowls of chemicals under the filtered light of his father’s makeshift darkroom. Later, at Repton school in Derbyshire, the headteacher, recognising his talent, gave him free rein; from then on, he was rarely seen without a camera.

Born in Leeds, Robert was the eldest of the five children of freelance journalist Mary (nee Gough) and George Blomfield, a surgeon and engineer, and also a keen photographer. Growing up in Sheffield, with a good head for heights, Robert climbed drainpipes, tall trees and rock outcrops. Like the poet Shelley, he could never see a tower, or a mountain, without having an irrepressible urge to go. At Edinburgh University, weekends were spent climbing with the Mountaineering Club. In the summer breaks he travelled throughout Europe, usually on a Zündapp scooter, always on a shoestring. He became bolder and more imaginative with his cameras. Once he pedalled to Istanbul and back on his bicycle, alone, returning with a fine record of the journey – and hepatitis.

In 1965 he met Jane Alexander, an art historian working at the Courtauld Institute. They had three sons, William, George and Edward, and married in 1975. Jane inspired and promoted his photography, supporting him in all he did. After suffering a stroke in 1999, Robert had to use a wheelchair. With Jane’s help, he bore this with great fortitude and good humour, regaling his visitors with an inexhaustible supply of witticisms, such as: “Time flies like an arrow but fruit flies like a banana.” Jane died in 2011, having begun to archive his extensive collection of work for publication. Their sons are continuing her project, preparing more exhibitions and books of his engaging photographs. Their sons are continuing her project. They survive Robert, as do his siblings, Christopher, Stephen, Irene and me, and five grandchildren. Johnny Blomfield (Brother)

Caroline Mary Smart (A’73) 16th August 1957 – 22nd October 2020

Anthony Scott Holmes (B’51) 5th August 1945 – 8th August 2021

Kenneth Christopher West (B’59) 5th August 1945 – 8th August 2021

Caroline was one of the first girls to attend Repton in September 1973.

Anthony sadly passed away from a stroke on 3rd August 2020. He was a pupil at Repton in the fifties, joining from Foremarke Hall Preparatory School. After Repton, he read law at Caius College Cambridge and went on to have a successful career as a shipping lawyer. He attended a reunion at Foremarke Hall in 2015 and much enjoyed it.

Kenneth Christopher died peacefully on 8th August 2021, aged 76, at home, after a short illness, bravely borne, with loving support from sister-in-law Rowan. Much loved husband of the late Josephine, brother to Prue, John and the late David. He will be greatly missed by everyone.

Nicholas John Dicker (B’56) 17th November 1942 – 6th March 2021 Nicholas died peacefully at home, early in the morning of 6th March 2021. He was fighting cancer (pancreas, liver, stomach wall and bowel). It was hard, draining and painful – but mercifully quick. He died at home with his daughter at his side, holding his hand as he slipped away. Nigel Dicker (B’54)

A few weeks before he died, Robert had the satisfaction of seeing a book of these and many more of his Edinburgh photographs published by Bluecoat Press, with immediate appreciation from far and wide.

With friends and family, Robert organised expeditions to the Alps. On one occasion, traversing the Matterhorn from Italy to Switzerland, he led his little party on an “interesting” descent from the icy summit by moonlight.

THE ARCH

John Jamieson Black (C’76) 9th June 1963 – 13th August 2021 John died suddenly and unexpectedly on 13th August aged 58. Loving son of Jenny and devoted father of Jock, Jamie and Jono. A truly remarkable man known by so many who will be forever missed.

FAREWELLS

him banned from the stage, but this did not deter him and with his passion and natural ability he decided to do his own comedy show, called ‘Banned from the Stage’ and then on to perform his comedy act at the fringe in the Edinburgh festival. Tim left Repton and went on to do a degree in Music at Bristol University, during this time he released an album “Gotta Get Thru To You”, which went into the UK charts. Tim went on to do a masters at Bristol before moving to London to embark on his career in media.

Tim Jones (C’96) 22nd May 1983 – 22nd April 2021 Jonah (Tim), the name many of you will remember him by during his time at Repton, sadly passed away due to cancer. This was unexpected and a huge shock to all close to him. A keen musician, Tim gained a music scholarship to Repton where he played the violin and piano. Tim was an incredibly funny and confident person right from the start at school. He was never fazed, intelligent, musically talented and hugely popular. Tim enjoyed his sports, especially his 4th House football and 3rd XL Cricket. It was during the house unisons where Tim made a name for himself, and he wrote himself into Repton folklore with his escapades.

Working for a variety of media firms in London from 2005, Tim worked his way from being a media planner to becoming the Managing Director of Red Star for Dentsu. Tim’s drive and hard work alongside his incredibly natural ability to get on with people and to be liked led him to be a great success. His legacy at Dentsu was established when he won the Heineken account which took the company to new heights. Tim’s greatest success at Dentsu was when he met his wife, Lucy, with whom he shared a very special bond. They married on the 22nd August 2020 in Chelsea, London.

Throughout his life, Tim was very much the life and soul of the party, great fun to be around, great one-liners, great friendship, very loyal, generous and caring. There was never a bad word to say about Jonah. He loved music, films, sports, Aston Villa, TV, restaurants, his Xbox and a pair of fluffy slippers. The never-ending times our group of friends would end up around a Piano, whether on holiday, at someone’s wedding or after a night out, where the rendition of Gummy bears, a Backstreet Boys song or the Home and Away theme tune would come out, always such special times. Repton created an incredible bond between us and the close group of friends we still have to this day. We all feel so blessed to have grown up with Tim and revelled in his effervescent humour which shone through even in the direst times. Jonah – it’s never goodbye and only ever see you later. Keep the piano warm for us and we will harmonise again. Tim Smith (N’96), Matthew Bracegirdle (O’96) and Richard Alsop (L’96) https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/ timothy-jones

Until Tim arrived at Repton, all the house unisons were orchestrated by a person in Upper 6 but in his first term, Tim took over the baton for Cross House and did so for four years. Tim picked some colourful songs for his house to perform, ‘Macho Man’ by the village people being a particular highlight. Tim’s love for pushing the boundaries got

David Dixon Hewitt (C’45) 30th April 1931 – 26th March 2021

Ralph Acland Spreckley (C’46) 26th June 1932 – 16th January 2021

David died peacefully in hospital on 26th March, aged 89 years. Loving husband to Maggie and much-loved uncle to Simon and Sara, David will be greatly missed by family and friends.

A true gentleman. He was a kind and very well-respected family man, whose advice, amusing anecdotes and love will be remembered by all who knew him. Devoted husband to Jennifer for 57 years and amazing father to William and Joanna. He will also be greatly missed by his 3 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

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FAREWELLS

Pat was in the Football XI for four years. In October 1953 he played his first match aged 15 ¼ at outside left against Derby County Colts. Repton 2 – Derby County Colts 9; it must have been an interesting debut ! Moving to inside right in 1954, he was described in 1955 as “a very talented inside who created most of the goals“. He was Captain in 1956 and played in the Public Schools XI. Pat was also in the Cricket XI for four years. He was awarded his Teamer in 1954 aged 16 and was third in the Batting averages. Patrick Hallowes Vaughan (C’57) 16th June 1938 – 1st April 2021 Patrick Hallowes died peacefully at home on 1st April 2021, aged 82. A very special brother to David and Pruey. Very much loved by his wife Ro and his children Will, Johnny and Rachel. Adored by his grandchildren Alexander, Liberty and Phoebe. Loved and respected by his stepson Mark and a wonderful Grandpat to William, Sophie and George Langran. Pat Vaughan, who died in April aged 82, will be remembered by his contemporaries at Repton not only for his remarkable sporting career but also for his friendliness and modesty. He came to Repton for the Summer Term of 1952 with an Exhibition from Edgeborough Prep School, Surrey. His father J H Vaughan (H’27) had been in the Football XI for three years and Captain in 1931. His uncle R T Vaughan (H’22) was in the Cricket XI for two years and in the Football XI for three years and Captain in 1926 before going to Clare College Cambridge where he was awarded his Football Blue in 1927 and was University Captain in 1929. The Vaughan family had established a good sporting record for Pat to follow and during his five years at Repton he succeeded in all sports. It may be of interest to set out some details. I’m writing these paragraphs on 16th June 2021, the day that Pat Vaughan would have been celebrating his 83rd birthday. He would have been the first of our small group of Cross ORs to reach that age; we all catch up later this year. I met Pat in 1955 when, aged 16, I arrived at Repton after living for eight years in South Africa. The aim was to achieve a minimum of two A levels to enable me to enter articles in Accountancy in London. The Cross was an incredibly happy house under “Bill” Blaxland. It was successful at all sports, which itself created a wonderful atmosphere of achievement when the House won numerous cups across the board. Pat was at the centre of it all, particularly South

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1955 was probably his best season in the XI with 110 not out against The Pilgrims and an average of 40.33. He was Captain in 1957 and the XI were unbeaten in school matches. Scotty Cheshire, Master in charge of Cricket, wrote “An outstanding leader of the side. In his 4 years in the XI, his record of 1600 runs at an average of nearly 40 speaks for itself but equally important was his unselfish leadership on and off the field, and Repton Cricket owes him a great debt”. Pat was in the Hockey XI for three years, captaining the side at the 1957 Oxford Hockey Festival and winning 4 out of the 5 Matches. Pat also played in the first Pair at Fives for 1955, 1956 and was Captain in 1957 (playing with his brother David).

At Clare College, Cambridge he gained his soccer Blue in December 1961 at Wembley playing at right half in their 2-0 victory in the Varsity Match. Most of his football was with the Old Reptonians, and he played for them in five Arthur Dunn Cup Finals between 1960 and 1970 being on the winning side on three occasions. He has been described as “one of the best footballers Repton ever produced. Beautifully balanced, and a visionary passer”. He also played for the Corinthian Casuals 1st XI between 1960 and 1962. On coming down from Cambridge, he went back to Edgeborough, his old Prep school, to see whether he wished to make teaching his career. Having decided to do so he went to Teacher Training college in Exeter and from there to Millfield School, where he started in 1969 and remained until 1994. He was Housemaster of two Boarding Houses and was Master in charge of football until he became Tutor for Admissions. Unfortunately, he suffered a heart attack in 1994, and was unable to return to Millfield. During his enforced retirement he continued to live in Somerset. Life was never dull. He set up a very successful Appeal for Edgeborough, was Vice Chairman of the local Parish Council and Chairman of the Village Hall Committee as well as taking up golf and following Bristol City.

It would be interesting to know whether his four years in both Football and Cricket XIs and his other sporting achievements have ever He was diagnosed with Alzheimers in 2016 been bettered. He was also a popular Head of and was able to cope well for three years House and was able to obtain a place at Clare but then suffered from heart failure and College Cambridge. died at home. He married, first, in 1963, Jill Sutherland with whom he had two sons After leaving Repton Pat did his National and a daughter. The marriage was dissolved Service in the Royal Navy 1957/59 as and in 1990 he married secondly Rosemary an Ordinary Seaman, but was promoted Langran who survives him with his children to Able Seaman in 1958. Stationed in and stepson. He will be remembered by his the Mediterranean, he represented the Mediterranean Fleet at football and was once contemporaries as a very great sportsman. lifted by helicopter to play at Real Madrid. Gerald Wyllys (C’52) Africa. The aim was to achieve a minimum of two A levels to enable me to enter articles in Accountancy in London. The Cross was an incredibly happy house under “Bill” Blaxland. It was successful at all sports, which itself created a wonderful atmosphere of achievement when the House won numerous cups across the board. Pat was at the centre of it all, particularly when Head of House in 1956/7, and was consequently highly respected. In 1957 our “year” went our separate ways and, after a period of studying and qualifying, we all started to meet up again; we attended each other’s weddings and kept in touch even though our careers took us to different parts of the country.

In 1985 my wife and I acquired a family cottage in Dorset. We realised we were close to Pat in Somerset and Gerard Wyllys in Dorset. A get-together was organised at the cottage in 1999 for Pat, Gerard, me and our spouses. We repeated it and gradually the Cross Reunion became an annual event and was duly reported in The Arch. Pat always showed his pleasure at being present at these reunions and, whenever possible, we included others whom we would all have known at Repton. All of us are incredibly sad that the reunion has lost one of its founder members. Pat will be remembered as one of the best friends we have ever known. Michael S Potts (C’55)

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attendance, including several Trinity Colleagues: Chris Marsay, Chris Jackson, Ken Merron, Nigel Windridge and myself. I first noticed him 2 or maybe 3 years later when he was placed in my Study (1st on the right, coming down the stairs from the Housemaster’s study) and not much after that, as our different sporting abilities kept us apart during that time and we each had a set of friends in our separate years.

Andrew Ronald Emilius Laurie (H’58) 20th October 1944 – 3rd September 2021 Andrew died suddenly at home on September 3rd 2021, with many of his family around him. His funeral (and Service) in Hexham Abbey took place on 20th September 2021, with a good

However, when he appeared at Trinity College, Oxford, probably in 1958, where I had been studying since 1956, his natural inclination was to contact me, and I then introduced him to the group of some 10 people in “my group”. His attitude and the way he mixed with us soon meant that he was invited to join us. It didn’t harm his chances that he had a very nice room which he allowed us to use and dump our stuff in after meals, as by this time we were all living out of college! Mind you, this continued through our 4th Year as well

David is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Janet, and his adored daughters Katie, Amanda, Sarah and his six loving grandchildren Kailas, Darbhi, Miles, Abigail, Erika and Brooklyn.

- we were reading Chemistry, which is a 4-year course. After we had graduated, we all still kept in touch, with most of us (including Andrew) attending Gaudies etc. and, making it a regular event to attend the annual 50+ lunches - until COVID-19 ruined that as well as a lot of other things. we had a Zoom meeting during the first lockdown, which Andrew recorded and sent to Trinity. It was published! It was at the last of these events that we all had our last meeting and all of us carry great affection for Andrew. Peter Rolfe (H’56)

Development and a Director of Noranda Inc. He also found great reward while serving on the boards of several public and privately held companies and industry associations.

Also surviving him are his brother Allan, brother-in-law Peter, and sisters in law Barb and Mary. He was preceded in death by his brother Dennis.

David Lawrence Bumstead (H’55) 4th August 1941 – 27th December 2018 David, 77, of Toronto Ontario, passed away peacefully on Thursday December 27th 2018. David is now free from the Lewy Body Dementia that robbed him of his strength and intellect.

David lived every day to its fullest. He travelled the world for work and for pleasure. He shared his passion for travel, culture, and history with Janet and his daughters. Many have referred to David as David was born in Shanghai on August 4th a true gentleman; they are right. He was a 1941. He lived in many countries as a child, devoted and loving husband and the best was formally educated in England, and Dad anyone could ever ask for. He has left graduated from Cambridge University in us with so many gifts; honesty, integrity, 1963. He then immigrated to Canada to compassion, confidence and a sense of build a life with Janet. adventure to name but a few. We will forever miss him, but his spirit will live As a businessman David was incredibly on in all of us. well respected. He began his career with Noranda Sales in 1963 and worked extensively in the mining industry until his retirement in 2001. He finished his career as the Executive Vice President, Corporate

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it was a family only occasion, not the full congregation that would have surely wished to come. Christopher spent 5 happy years at Repton and was an enthusiastic sportsman. On leaving he was commissioned into the North Staffordshire Regiment for his National Service and immediately went out, by sea, to Korea with the regiment to join the United Nations forces in the conflict between the South and North Koreans, the latter supported by the Chinese. Fortunately, the battalion arrived just as peace talks had started, but he spent a year entrenched on one side of a valley with the enemy well dug in just a few hundred yards away.

Christopher John Phillips (H’48) 10th September 1935 – 14th May 2021 Christopher Phillips died on 14th May after a short illness. He had been diagnosed with prostate cancer 2 years ago, but apart from taking pills, he had carried on, as usual, playing golf two or three times a week until “lockdown” last Autumn. Christopher had lived almost all his life within 5 miles of his birthplace in Stafford. As very much a “people person” he knew and was friends with very many people. Sadly, his funeral was limited to only 30 people through the Covid restrictions, so

On returning home he joined the BSA Company (well known then for building motorbikes) as a management trainee. He then joined Universal Grinding Wheel Company in Stafford where he stayed for about 20 years. In the latter part of his working life, he was employed by Barclays Bank to sell pensions and investments. His empathy with others at all levels meant it was a successful move. For many years Christopher played hockey and cricket for local teams. In 1960 he married Patricia Woolf and they had 4 children; Sadly, Patricia died in 1994. Christopher moved across his yard to the stables, which he converted, and his daughter Caroline and family moved into the main house.

This was an incredibly happy arrangement that gave him independence, while still having close family contact. He is survived by his children, their spouses, 10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Christopher joined Brocton Hall Golf Club at the age of 13 and remained a playing member all his life, Golf was his great outlet, playing many times for the OR’s and 2 or 3 times a week, as well as matches, for the Seniors at his Club. Earlier this year the club made him an honorary life member. Christopher stayed in the TA and in later years would attend the Armistice Day parade at his local memorial in Sandon. As it was beside the busy main road the traffic had to be stopped for the 2 minutes silence. He was active in the local Conservative party and was treasurer at his local church. He had an enviable memory for people and places. At almost 6 ft 5 inches tall and with a loud voice he stood out in a crowd. Over the years he made frequent visits to Repton, and this helped him to stay connected with ORs of his generation and with the current affairs of the school, which he valued and greatly enjoyed. I visited him for the last time just a week before he died. He told me that he had had a good life and a long life. Indeed, he did. Tim Phillips (H’49)

Patrick Michael Franklin-Adams (H’58) 27th March 1944 – 18th November 2020

Robert John Leach (H’49) 16th May 1935 – 20th May 2021

Andrew Philip Corn (H’48) 28th July 1935 – 31st May 2021

Patrick died on 18th November 2020, aged 76, peacefully at home after many years of living with Alzheimer’s. He was dearly loved by his wife Carol and his children Katherine, James, Nessie and Jonny and his grandchildren, Ella, Max, Jack, Tommy, Sammy, Sophie, Olly, Emily, Charlie, Daisy, Lola and Harry. He will be remembered for his incredible energy and joy of life. He will be much missed by family, friends and all who knew him.

Robert passed away on the night of 20th May 2021, peacefully at home with his family after a battle with cancer. Dearly loved husband of Lotta, father of Sue, Lawrence, and Jeanie. Proud grandfather of Edward, Hannah, Elizabeth, Archie, Helena, Bobby, Bill and Douglas.

Dad passed away on 31st May 2021. Repton schooldays were some of his fondest memories.

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Jonathan Corn (H’79)

Peter Geoffrey Dawson (H’33) 13th May 1919 – 20th December 2019 Peter died on 20th December 2019, aged 100 years. He is survived by my mother Joyce, his widow aged 101.

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Philip attended Repton school in Derbyshire, where he missed his exams through illness. Despite this, after national service he was accepted to study theology by Selwyn College, Cambridge. When he was ordained a minister in 1962, he was already in love with Freda Gill and they married the following year. The first of their three children was born nine months later.

Philip Anthony Crowe (L’50) 16th August 1936 – 14th June 2021 My father, Canon Philip Crowe, has died aged 84. If you recognise his name but are not sure why, you probably heard him on BBC Radio 4’s Thought for the Day during the 1980s. He often took the Friday topical slot; he would occasionally have to rewrite his piece on the way to the studio due to breaking news. He was a left-leaning progressive who was unafraid to say what he believed was right, which occasionally led to controversy. Born in Wrexham, Philip was the third of four children of Frank Crowe, who ran a local grocery business, Crofruit, and his wife, Hilda (nee Moss). (Frank’s younger brother, John, was the grandfather of the actor Russell Crowe).

Philip’s career began at Oak Hill College in London alongside the future archbishop of Canterbury George Carey, who recalls Dad editing the report of the National Evangelical Anglican Congress of 1967, which was highly influential on the Church of England. He subsequently edited the Church of England newspaper, then relocated in 1970 to Birmingham, to be lecturer at St Martin’s in the Bull Ring and chaplain to the children’s hospital. Disliking city life, though, he next spent 11 years as rector of Breadsall, Derbyshire. He used the large garden for a menagerie of animals including chickens, goats, sheep, rabbits, cats and a large Old English sheepdog. Ahead of his time, he was inclusive to gay couples, single parents and divorcees with faith, whom he remarried in church. He and Freda were very supportive during his child’s gender reassignment.

In 1987 he became principal of Salisbury and Wells Theological College, joining General Synod. Colleagues and students remember his inclusive leadership, challenging teaching of ethics and worship, and sense of fun; he was a strong proponent of women’s ordination. He loved college life and was dismayed when the Lincoln report into the viability of theological colleges recommended its closure. Although the idea was rejected by the General Synod, the bungling of the report did cause the Salisbury and Wells to be shut, and he retired shortly afterwards. He and Freda travelled the world and developed their beautiful garden, winning local agricultural competitions so often it became embarrassing. They enjoyed three grandchildren and three stepgrandchildren. Philip’s relationship with his son-in-law, an American rabbi, deepened his interest in Judaism. Freda’s death in 2011 was a terrible blow to Philip. Despite this and ill health he enjoyed life to the fullest. His family and friends will miss his intellect, humour and love. He is survived by his children, Michael, Robert and me, grandchildren and stepgrandchildren, and his sisters, Jen and Elaine. Elisabeth Crowe

confectionery in 1911, selling homemade sweets from a shop at 159 Norfolk Street. He became chairman of Thorntons in the 1970s and remained focused upon retail development. By the time he retired from the company in 1984, it had more than 150 shops and 70 franchise outlets.

Anthony Hugh Thornton (M’43) 4th October 1929 – 31st January 2021 Tony Thornton, who has died at 91, was chairman and managing director of the family’s chocolate firm in Sheffield for many years, and also principal and founder of the city’s Mayfield Valley Arts Trust, in which capacity he was awarded an MBE for services to music in Yorkshire. He was the eldest son of Norman William Thornton, who had founded Thorntons

Following his retirement, he pursued his love of classical music and his lifelong ambition to help develop and nurture the arts in Yorkshire. He became involved with Sheffield Theatres Trust and its musicians, and took on a number of high-profile positions within Sheffield Arts, most notably as chairman of Sheffield Theatres, where he helped transform the fortunes of the Crucible. In acknowledgement of his support for the arts in the city, he was awarded an honorary master’s degree by Sheffield University in 1986, the same year his three sons also graduated.

In 1987 he set up Mayfield Valley Arts Trust to support talented young musicians and ensembles who might otherwise struggle to get the backing they needed to fulfil their potential. The Trust widened its work into supporting music in educational settings and helped in the expansion of several other charitable bodies, including the National Centre for Early Music, Wigmore Hall and York Early Music Foundation. A keen sailor and golfer, he maintained a collection of vivid yellow boats and was a Friend of the Royal Academy, National Gallery and The Tate. He is survived by his sons, James, Mark, Simon and five grandchildren. Tony Thornton, businessman and arts patron – The Yorkshire Post

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Robert Hollinshead (M’31) 31st January 1918 – 1st January 2021 My Dad was born on 31st January 1918 in his family home in Church Lawton, Cheshire, the fourth child of Lilian and Edward Hollinshead. On that winter’s day when he arrived into this world, Britain was still ten months away from the end of the First World War, King George the 5th was on the throne and David Lloyd George was Prime Minister. The late 1920s saw Dad attend West House School in Birmingham. Summer holidays would include a family trip in the car to North Wales and in particular to Criccieth. Rowing boats would be rented from Mr Cadwaladar and put to sea in the same bay that at age 87 he would cross again, but this time in shorts and t-shirt and on the back of my jet ski! He was never one to say no to adventure nor miss out on activities more suited to those of a younger age. Repton beckoned in September 1931 and thirteen-year-old Robert took up residence in Mitre House under the pastoral care of Mr Haywood and his wife. Dad excelled playing school hockey, and his love and more importantly his participation in this sport carried on well into his 50s. After leaving school his coaching abilities were of great benefit to North Staffordshire hockey club, an allegiance which he valued for many decades. During his time at Repton, and when off the hockey pitch, he took part in target shooting, representing the school at Bisley. He was a keen member of the Officer Training Corps, and his last year saw him become a house prefect. It was at Repton that he would have listened to the sermons in the chapel of his Headmaster, Geoffrey Fisher, who later went on to become Archbishop of Canterbury, spiritual words which I know formed the basis of many sermons given by Dad in his capacity as a licensed reader.

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War with Germany began three months after Dad’s graduation from Manchester in 1939, having obtained an LLB in law. Volunteering for military service was at the forefront of his mind, as he said the old school doctrine of never volunteer for anything only applied when you didn’t run the risk of being shot at or being at risk of other serious injury! In this case he thought it better to volunteer and have at least a part say in his military destiny than to be eventually conscripted, and so decided upon joining the navy. However a recruiter recommended shortly after, probably based on his short stature, that he might look at joining a tank-equipped regiment of the Army instead. Throw in the fact that he had spent a few years in the officer training corps at school, and the Army became a logical choice. Having passed selection for Sandhurst, he entered the military academy shortly after graduation from Manchester. Second-lieutenant Hollinshead passed out of Sandhurst in 1940 and was commissioned into the 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards. This cavalry regiment had only recently returned from France via Dunkirk, and the next two years were spent in Oxfordshire and the South East, predominantly guarding airfields in Austin Beaverette armoured cars. However, the powers that be had far bigger plans for the regiment, and they were selected as one which would be assigned the duplex-drive DD tanks. These tanks were planned to be used as part of the initial invasion force to land on the beaches of France. In his few years in the regiment, he had risen to the rank of Captain and furthermore as an aspiring leader he was appointed Adjutant in early 1944. My father was one of the many who set to sea from the banks of the Solent in the early hours of 6th June 1944 and he landed on Gold Beach at 0825 “the first of a series of 20-hour days but the most momentous of them all”. There are many stories which he told me over the years about his journey of liberation through France and on into Germany, and his connection with the Regiment endured for his lifetime. Shortly after the war he received the MBE for his military service, presented to him by Field Marshal Montgomery. He never failed to miss the annual Cavalry Memorial Parade in Hyde Park (apart from once when he was on his honeymoon) and he attended many regimental dinners over the years. He was honoured to receive the Regimental Medal on his 100th birthday. Furthermore, he, along with my Mum and myself, have made many trips back to Normandy since the 1990s.

After VE Day the Regiment, having proved itself in battle, was again back on the move. This time they were sent as part of the peace-keeping mission to Palestine at the time when thousands of displaced European Jews were seeking new lives in their ancestral homeland. During this deployment my father reaffirmed his Christian faith by being confirmed in Jerusalem. In 1948 he made the decision to return to civilian life and to make use of his law degree which he had obtained nearly 10 years prior. The family practice during the war had been kept going by his eldest brother John (also ex Mitre) and so in his beloved office in Tunstall he started what was to become over a 70-years legal career! The most important meeting of his life occurred in St Stephen’s Church, Congleton. In 1962 a new organist took up her role and very soon caught the eye of this, at the time, eligible bachelor. Very soon my Mum became his girlfriend, and this then led to their marriage in 1968. I was born forty-four years ago, and I could relay many stories from my childhood which starred Dad. He was an active father, always wanting to take part and be a part of activities which I enjoyed growing up; He taught me to drive on Black Rock sands when I wasn’t much older than 10, and we reached speeds that nowadays would probably see us with some kind of legal sanction. I had the privilege to take him flying in light aircraft with me on several occasions in his eighties, nineties and into his hundreds. His sense of adventure never left him. Dad possessed the calmest of calm demeanours. He didn’t even bat an eyelid when he counted forty-seven (mainly old Reptonians) of my 21st birthday guests arriving at home after the party on a coach following a mix up with accommodation. All friends subsequently occupied every corner of the house, and the only concern he had was whether there was enough milk and tea bags for the next morning! 2007 was the year that he finally put his office pen down and retired from frontline solicitor duties after over sixty years of legal service in North Staffordshire. However, he maintained his practicing certificate until his 100th birthday and would often visit local law firms to swear legal documents. Many former staff and clients of the practice will remember how Dad always climbed the stairs to his room in batches of two. CONTINUE ON PAGE 67

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Robert Hollinshead (M’31) 31st January 1918 – 1st January 2021

medal in Arromanches, Normandy; a town which he adored in a country and continent which he loved.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 66 They will also remember him for his honesty, politeness and professionalism. The letter which he received from the Law Society in 2018 suggested that he had been on the roll of solicitors for seventy years he never really did do retirement! My fondest memories of holidays with him were in Wales and Normandy. On one trip across the Channel in 2018 Mum and I were privileged to watch him be presented with the Chevalier of the Legion of Honour

Dad’s life of 102 years has seen 20 prime ministers, three kings and one queen, the Soviet Union come and go, a World War, a Cold War and the end of an empire. But there is something that never changed with time and that was his wonderful personality, his always calm demeanour, his love of people regardless of background, beliefs or religion. He believed in and fought for freedom and democracy. It was a life lived out through service, be it to the legal profession, to the Church, to his country, to his friends or to his family. It goes without

Malton, and 5 years later went to Repton, to New House where he had had cousins previously. Our father loved his time at Repton, the friendships he made, and the sport he played, and for him being an Old Reptonian was an important part of his life. He was followed to New House by his brother Tony (N’57), and later Stephen (N’61), and he remained in contact with his contemporaries, and Dr Butchers for the rest of his life.

John Frederick Larard (N’52) 3rd February 1939– 31st January 2021 John Frederick Larard, known during his time at Repton as “Fred”, died on 31st January 2021, shortly before his 82nd birthday, after a long on-and-off battle with cancer. He had remained positive and active right up to the end, carrying out a property inspection 3 days before he died. John was born in Anlaby, now a suburb of Hull in 1939, shortly before the outbreak of World War Two, and his earliest memories were of having to go out to the Anderson Air Raid shelter at the bottom of the garden whilst nearby Hull was being bombed.

He left Repton two terms early (and just before the 400th Anniversary of the Foundation of the School) to train and qualify as a Chartered Surveyor, so he could join the family business back in Hull. He did his Articles in Leeds, and returned to Hull in 1961, aged 22 to join his father in business. Later both Tony and Stephen were to join him in the family business which they ran together until Tony’s death in 1997, and he and Stephen retired in 2003.

John married Sue in 1969, a week before her 21st Birthday, “because he could”, and they set up home, first in North Ferriby, then Elloughton, and were joined by 3 children, Mark, Rebecca and Tom. For many years he played hockey for Welton Hockey Club, and then tennis, and latterly golf, and there was always time for at least one skiing holiday a year!

saying that Mum, Sweta and I, along with all our family and friends, will miss him dearly. For me though he was simply the best Dad any son could ever have wished for. To quote Winston Churchill “we make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give”. In the case of Robert Hollinshead, his life of 102 years was truly made by what he gave. Until we meet again Dad. Edward Hollinshead (M’90)

As my father grew older, holidays and grandchildren became the priority, and he was forever disappearing with Sue for a quick trip somewhere at short notice, as he saw a bargain, or somewhere he particularly fancied seeing. One of his last trips in 2019 was to travel on a Paddle steamer down the Mississippi from Memphis to New Orleans. Our father had been managing cancer since 2013 but was told at Easter 2020 that it had come back, and there was nothing that could be done. John’s approach was to plan a series of holidays for as soon as the Lockdown restrictions were released, and over last summer he and Sue had a week with each of the children (and 9 grandchildren), on the Norfolk Broads, in Scotland and in Sardinia, and then went with Sue to a favourite haunt in Cephalonia in September and were lucky to be allowed back into the country before the second lockdown took hold! Our father enjoyed nothing better than getting back together with his OR friends and attending a Gaudy. Mark Larard (N’83), Rebecca Hughes, Tom Larard (N’89)

In 1947 he got the train out to Woodleigh Prep School, then still evacuated near

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John Oliver Maxwell Robotham (N’42) and Governor 14th August 1928 - 29th January 2021 John was born between two world wars at Bower Hill, Repton, the youngest of three boys. He attended St Wystans in Repton and then, at the age of 8, Clifton College in Bristol. His mother Katharine died when he was 12. When his father re-married John gained a stepmother Ruth, a stepbrother Richard and a stepsister Ann. His late mother’s family, the Thomas’s, continued to feature greatly in John’s life and, with his two brothers, he spent holidays at Bourne, his uncle’s house near Bristol, and at Polzeath in Cornwall. John was badly affected by his mother’s untimely death, suffering from ill heath himself he completed his school life nearer home as a boarder at Repton Prep School, and then at Repton from 1942 to 1946. His love of music began at an early age when he learnt the piano, but he found greater success playing the violin, and became leader of the school orchestra at Repton.

He was also a member of the chapel choir. His singing in later life was always at full volume and once heard would never be forgotten! He became head of New House at Repton and was a great supporter of everything Repton throughout his life. He developed his love of sport there; football, cricket, golf, motor sport, rugger; in fact, sport of any kind. John aged 12 would cycle from Repton to the Baseball Ground to watch Derby County play.

eye for detail and was an excellent commercial solicitor, but he made no secret of the fact that he carried out his job with no great enjoyment.

When he left school, he spent his National Service firstly with the Sherwood Foresters and then the Royal Artillery where he was awarded the stick of honour as an officer cadet. He later spent 12 years in the TA with the Derbyshire Yeomanry and received the Territorial Decoration. John went up to Clare College Cambridge in 1948 to read Law and always thought this time was one of the highlights of his life, gaining an MA and his LLB. Such was his affection that he visited Cambridge every year and even proposed to Yvonne on Clare College Bridge. They spent the first night of their honeymoon in Cambridge at the Garden House Hotel apparently. Over the years they often attended evensong at King’s College Chapel, and John was Chairman of the Derbyshire branch of the Cambridge Society for many years.

He met Yvonne at Normanton Barracks at a Scottish Dance in 1954, and so began a love affair that lasted 67 years. Other than Yvonne, perhaps his greatest love was Thurlestone in South Devon. He visited every year for 84 successive years from 1938, they bought a house there, and he was a member of Thurlestone Golf Club for over 40 years.

His elder brothers, Anthony and David, joined the Army and the Navy respectively, and John was therefore expected to join the family law firm. He was articled from 19511955 and was admitted to the Supreme Court of Judicature on 1st October 1955; on the very day that he married Yvonne. He was very proud to be the sixth generation in the family firm and was a partner at Robotham & Co for 41 years until his retirement in 1996. He had a meticulous

John was a Notary Public and a magistrate for 38 years. He was a Governor of Repton, which he enjoyed enormously for 17 years, and the Cases Secretary for the NSPCC, a voluntary post for which he was made a life member.

Golf became more important in later life, John playing off a handicap of 5. He played for the ORs at Repton on many occasions and won club honours at Kedleston where he was a member for 60 years. He was very pleased and proud to be asked to be Captain of Kedleston Park Golf Club in 1984. In the last 4 years John needed more assistance and care, and accepted this with his usual grace and courtesy. My father-inlaw need not be idealised, or enlarged in death beyond what he was in life; he should be remembered as a good and decent man, an intelligent man with an encyclopaedic memory who lived a long and happy life. A true gentleman. His was a life to be celebrated, a life well lived, and a life which will be long remembered with great love and affection. Ian Neal (Son-in-law)

Peter Henry Gray (O’53) 18th December 1940 – 24th December 2019

Simon Andrew Bullock (P’55) 10th February 1942 – 19th April 2020

Philip Hextall (P’44) 30th December 1930 – 5th June 2021

Peter Henry, died 24th December 2019, aged 79 years. Much loved father of Charles and brother of Lynne and Jill. Loving husband of Carol (dec’d) and Theresa (dec’d).

Simon passed away peacefully on April 19th, after a short illness, aged 78 years. Amazing husband of Betty, devoted father of Matthew and Alison, adored grandpa of George and William.

In loving memory, Philip of Mansfield, passed away 5th June 2021, aged 90 years.

John Anthony (Tony) Ostick (O’47)

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On his return to Leicester as a chartered accountant, he served in the Territorial Army with the Royal Leicestershire Regiment, which he later commanded, was awarded the OBE and then appointed an ADC to HM The Queen and Deputy Honorary Colonel, The Royal Anglian Regiment (Leicestershire). All this was carried out alongside his professional career, first as a partner with Bolton Bullivant in Leicester, before he joined Price Waterhouse as a partner in

Richard Geoffrey Wilkes (O’42) 12th June 1928 – 21st June 2021 Richard Wilkes (O’42) died on 21st June 2021, aged 93. The son of a Leicestershire boot and shoe manufacturer, Richard Wilkes was educated at Nevill Holt and Repton, as were his cousins and younger brother. He did his national service in Germany with the Royal Horse Artillery.

London in 1969. He served as President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (ICAEW) in 1980 and in 1987 as President of the International Federation of Accountants, as well as Master of the Chartered Accountants Livery Company in 1991. In 1983 he was appointed an adviser on self-regulation to the Chief Executive of Lloyds Insurance market. In 1990 he was appointed CBE for his services to the accounting profession and given the ICAEW International Award.

Greece. He entered the film business in 1966 as the cinematographer on The Private Right, directed by 27 year old Greek Cypriot, Michael Papas. ‘As a first film made by a young director with a student crew (from the London School of Film Technique where Papas also studied), the film has a high professional gloss. Much of this is due to the elegant camera work of Ian Wilson, a faculty member at the School.’ Ian George Wilson (L’52) 23rd April 1939 - 20th January 2021 Ian Wilson was born in Sheffield in 1939. He studied graphic design and photography at the Nottingham School of Art and filmmaking at the London International Film School (now the London Film School). During the 1960s he worked for the United Nations and shot documentary footage in

He moved on to shooting short films, commercials and documentaries, including the live performance of the rock album The Butterfly Ball and The Grasshopper’s Feast (1977) based on the work of songwriter Roger Glover and the science-fiction series Quatermass (1979) directed by Piers Haggard for Euston Films. In 1982 he received a BAFTA Award nomination for his work on the television series The Flame Trees of Thika, directed

For ten years from 1988 he served as a nonexecutive director and then as chairman of Cassidy Davis Insurance Group. In addition, he was Commandant, Leicestershire Special Constabulary for six years and treasurer and chairman of SSAFA Leicestershire for over thirty years, as well as a long-standing Trustee of the Royal Leicestershire Regiment Funds, of which he was Chairman for many years, a role his son now fulfils. He was a founder, treasurer and then chairman of national charity CARE for the Mentally Handicapped for over twenty-seven years. Remarkably, he found time to raise a family, to enjoy playing hockey and cricket, sailing and shooting, also watching Leicester Tigers play rugby. Wendy, his wife of 68 years, predeceased him by ten weeks. He is survived by his son Tim (O’67) and three daughters, six grandchildren and nine great grand-children. Tim Wilkes (O’67) - Son

by Roy Ward Baker, and in 1986 began a collaboration with director and screenwriter, David Leland, on his films Wish You Were Here (1987), Checking Out (1989) and The Big Man (aka Crossing the Line 1990). Other notable productions include Edward II (1991 d. Derek Jarman), Backbeat (1994 d. Iain Softley), Erik the Viking (1989 d. Terry Jones), Emma(1996 d. Douglas McGrath) and The Crying Game (1992 d. Neil Jordan), which explores themes of race, gender, nationality and sexuality against the backdrop of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Ian received an Emmy Award nomination in 1999 for A Christmas Carol (d. David Jones) with Patrick Stewart. Wilson, who struggled with Parkinson’s disease, died on 20th January 2021, from COVID-19. He was 81.

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Ben (Humphry Stuart Loftus) Tottenham (H’36) 24th October 1922 – 14th June 2021

Alan Charles Carruthers (L’49) 18th February 1936 – 19th November 2020

Anthony Charles Hungerford Morgan (P’47) 28th December 1933 – 25th November 2020

Lieutenant-Colonel Ben (Humphry Stuart Loftus) of Ramsbury, late 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards. Peacefully on June 14th aged 98. Much loved husband of the late Sue, adored father of Fanny and Hugh, and proud grandfather of Charlotte, Sam, Sophie, Isabella and Emily. A life well lived.

Alan passed away on November 19th after a short illness. Alan was at Repton in the early 50s and was a vital member of the 1st XI for whom he took a hat trick against Uppingham. He was also in the hockey team and a Pilgrim.

Peacefully, at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital, on 25th November 2020, aged 86.

Michael Roff (O’46)

provided a firm foundation for the new Girls’ House – the Abbey – that came into being in 1979. Heather Hawkins attended St Hugh’s College, Oxford, during the war (194245) and was lucky to have as one of her tutors Charles Williams, a member of The Inklings - who included C.S.Lewis and J.R.R.Tolkien - and whose religious slant on English Literature especially suited her.

Heather Hawkins 5th May 1924 – 31st March 2021 Former Staff – 1975 to 1979 Pioneer of Repton’s first Girls’ House It was under the headship of John Gammell that the first girls were accepted into Repton in 1973, and it was Heather Hawkins who was chosen to ease their way into a rather forbiddingly male environment. The choice was wise, for as a mother of five boys and girls of similar age to Sixth Form girls, she knew better than most how to offer moral guidance and to advise on behaviour, dress, suitable rules, and to educate the Housemasters of the Boys’ Houses on how girls should be treated. It was a role that required patience and Heather’s unconfrontational, but firm approach was just what was needed: she

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Heather enjoyed entertaining and many pupils and staff benefitted from Heather’s cooking and kindness. Where Dennis espoused new ideas enthusiastically Heather was more reflective. Like Mary, she “kept all these things and pondered them in her heart” before delivering her conclusions which were invariably wise and well thought-out.

When her husband, Dennis, was appointed Director of Art by Lynam Tim Thomas in 1952, Heather followed. She could probably have had an academic career at a university, but her priority was always her family, and she would certainly not have enjoyed the often-ruthless competition of a university don.

On the literary texts she taught, her comments were measured and offered valuable and original insights. She treated those she taught as equals. And as a woman she presented salutary reminders of alternative viewpoints to the dominant male view of the time. In retirement she wrote poems for her friends (and occasionally publication) – polished gems of quiet reflection.

As her family grew up Heather took on a second career as a supplementary teacher of A level English. Clever and sensitive boys, like James Fenton - later Professor of Poetry at Oxford - whose status in a games-oriented school was low and whose contribution was undervalued at the time, found a friend and mentor in Heather.

Heather had a strong spiritual base. In later life both she and Dennis adhered to the Quaker way, believing, with Socrates, that the unexamined life is not worth living. She exemplified the examined life and died just short of her 97th birthday. John Billington – Staff (1965 to 1996)

Both Heather and Dennis were thinkers – something relatively rare in the Repton of the 1960s – and their home, Askew Cottage, was always a good place to visit if you wanted stimulating conversation.

FAREWELLS

Here is a photograph of James as captain of the 1959-60 Football XI:

James McLaren 13th February 1942 – 31st March 2020 Former Staff – 1971 to 2002 James was born to Neil and Ruth McLaren on the 13th February 1942, the youngest of four children, to join Robin and his twin sisters, Sanda and Ailsa. The family lived at the time in 4 Roughdown Villas in Boxmoor, Hertfordshire before moving in 1945 to Box Lane House, which was a large rambling Victorian house set in four and a half acres on the site of Boxmoor Hall that had been previously destroyed by fire. All the children had bicycles and devised some hair-raising games in the extensive gardens, such as ‘The Land of No Brakes’ and ‘The Land of Near Miss’. The lawns at the house were so large that they were used every year for the church fête – an event referred to by the parents as ‘the fête worse than death’. In 1946 Robin went away to a boarding prep school, Swanbourne House, about thirty miles away in North Buckinghamshire. His cousin Malcolm joined the school, followed by James, and they were collectively known as McLaren I, McLaren II and McLaren III. In September 1955 James moved to Bradfield College entering into H House – The Close – Mr Young being the Housemaster. The January 1961 Bradfield College Chronicle lists his achievements: House Prefect May 1959, School Prefect Sept. 1959, Senior Prefect Sept. 1960; 1st XI Football 1958-60 (Capt. 1959-60), Public Schools XI 1960-61; 1st XI Hockey 1958-60 (Capt. 1960); 2nd XI Cricket 1958-60 (Capt. 1960); Fives Team 1960; Ami de Molière; Halstead Declamation Prize 1959; Food Committee (Hon. Sec.); Games Committee; J.U.O. [Junior Under Officer] in C.C.F.

In his final term, Michaelmas 1960, he took part in the Sixth Form Speeches on the morning of Saturday 26th November, just before he played in the Old Bradfieldians match in the afternoon.

The report in the Chronicle reads: ‘For the last item, from McLaren, we welcomed the Head of School and the Captain of Football, who, on the morning of the match against the Old Boys, still found time for a considerable extract from Tennyson’s Lotus Eaters. Under the circumstances, it seems almost churlish to suggest that prose rather than poetry might have been more suitable. There is, however, a wholesome cheerfulness about his voice and personality which kept on breaking in and preventing the audience from being lulled into a mood properly receptive of Tennysonian melancholy.’ James also wrote in his final Head of House report in The Close House Book: ‘In conclusion, after 16 terms in the Close, and after many major and minor changes, I would like to remind you all that, although we have our successes and failures, the community life within the House will always remain and it is the way in which the individual contributes to this life that is so valuable.’ That parting sentiment would become apparent in the future when James became housemaster of The Orchard at Repton twenty-six years later. With so much going on at school it would seem that James would have little time for anything else. However, later on, he did often boast about having dated the future film star and actress, Jacqueline Bisset, daughter of a local doctor in Tilehurst, near Reading, while he was at Bradfield. For those who do not recognize her name, she acted opposite Steve McQueen in the 1968 film ‘Bullitt’, famous for its stunning car-chase sequence around the streets of San Francisco. She added to her fame for her wet T-shirt scene in the 1977 film ‘The Deep’ and was called ‘the most beautiful actress of all time’ by Newsweek magazine in the same year. Some boast, James!! CONTINUED ON PAGE 72

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James McLaren 13th February 1942 – 31st March 2020 Former Staff – 1971 to 2002 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 71 He applied to Christ’s College, Cambridge to read Modern and Medieval Languages he said that he won his place after kicking a screwed-up piece of paper into an upturned waste-paper basket during his interview as the college were short of left footers for the football team. At Christ’s College he played lots of football and rowed - his boat, for which he was ‘stroke’ was an unofficial Christ’s team called the Random Variables; on good authority they were hopeless, being bumped in the first race by the last placed boat. To recover from this ignominy and revive their spirits they retired to a local hostelry for the rest of the day! Here is an official photograph of The Random Variables in and out of their boat. He and his friends also organized nightclubs in Cambridge for the undergraduates, such as ‘Les Fleurs du Mal’ and ‘The Blue Horizon’. On the football front he was a stalwart of the college team and was elected to the Marguerite Club - a club recognising sporting excellence that was reformed in 1899 by Gilbert Jessop the then captain of Cambridge University Cricket Club, and later of Gloucestershire and England. On coming down from Cambridge he went into marketing, or commerce as James would call it, with Vicks International. On one occasion he was invited as guest of honour to a pygmy ceremony in the Congo where the tribe rubbed ‘VapoRub’ all over their naked bodies as an aphrodisiac! James was the only person with any clothes on during the entire time; he didn’t know where to look or indeed know if it was more polite for him to take off his clothes too – apparently he kept them on. Another story, also when he was in the African bush, tells how he went in the dead of night to the privy (a lean-to shack over a hole in the ground). Squatting in the pitch dark he felt a snake wrap around his leg and curl up in his lap to go to sleep - poor James was too terrified to move and stayed squatting for several hours. When daylight finally came he looked down and realised that he had been sharing the loo with a harmless grass snake all along!

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After finishing at Vicks he worked as a sales rep. for Wilkinson Sword Ltd. in Scandanavia and years later was still using up an endless supply of razor blades! These stories, and others, would be told to his future pupils during many a ‘red herring’ moment in his class room in the Cloisters - his students would purposely ask him about them so they wouldn’t have to do any work. It would always work like a treat! James married Bernice in London in 1971 before they moved northwards to Repton. In Michaelmas 1971 James was appointed by John Gammell, the then Headmaster, to teach Modern Languages and to coach football. He was forever grateful to JFG for giving him the chance, and the confidence,

to teach at the School where he stayed for the next thirty-two years. The couple were blessed with three children Alexander in 1972, Angus in 1974 and Fiona in 1977. They were all educated at Repton – Alex in The Cross, Angus in The Mitre and Fiona in The Garden. He became Master in charge of Football in 1972. He cared about results but also about the way the team played. He coached many good teams including Adam Burdett’s (H’74) XI in 1978, but arguably the 1979 team with Mark Stretton (H’75) as captain and John Wood (L’78) as striker was his zenith, with victories over Bradfield 6-2, Malvern 5-0 and Shrewsbury 7-1. Below is a photograph of James with that XI:

Standing: J McL, J.H. Proctor (O), J.S. Maxwell (M), E.J. Sadler (N), J.S. Frost (P), C.D. Ostick (O), J.E.C. Small (P), J.C. ‘Doc’ Green Seated: R .N. Miller (L), J.G.W. Wood (L), M.N. Stretton (H), G.R. Harnby (M), S.G.M. Graham (H) CONTINUED ON PAGE 73

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James McLaren 13th February 1942 – 31st March 2020 Former Staff – 1971 to 2002 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 72 James developed the link between the school and I.S.F.A. (Independent Schools Football Association), serving the latter as a committee member and manager of the combined schools team, and was well respected by his fellow Masters in charge. I am grateful to Graham Blakesley (M’74) for this recollection of James: ‘He was a real gem of a man and infinitely good natured, and my how he lived and breathed his rôle as coach of the first team - I remember being called in by (Peter) Toynbee lateish one evening who gravely told me I had to go forthwith to James McLaren’s house (21 The Pastures), as he wished to discuss my booking in the Shrewsbury match that afternoon with me. I trudged down with a heavy heart, fearing the worst for my future in the team. Having been ushered into his study in silence, I saw two beers had been poured, and as we sat down he opened with “great win today here’s to stuffing the enemy. Cheers!” and I left an hour and 4 beers later - the booking being the only aspect of the game that was never mentioned.’ Jonny Proctor (O’76) also added ‘The wonderful thing about OR football is that many of the great Jimmy Mac’s players from different Repton teams went on to play with each other and form the basis of the successful Arthur Dunn Cup teams of the 1980s and 1990s.’ Those teams contested in six Arthur Dunn Cup finals of which they won five. James was a valued colleague in the Modern Languages department. For twelve years (1983-1994) he ran school trips in the Michaelmas half-term to Brittany when the area was a topic of study at A Level. The trips would always follow a similar pattern with a game of football on the beach at Dinard, a trip to Cancale to sample the oysters and also the tourist trail to Mont St. Michel. James and Bernice always ran a happy ship, getting on well with the pupils and establishing a relaxed rapport. In the 1978 Reptonian in an article by Andy Wilman (P’75) and Andy Madaras (B’74), they wrote about the adventures

that the ‘Brittany Boys’ had encountered, of which one was: ‘That night on the ferry (from Portsmouth to Roscoff) Mr McLaren showed the skills that Cambridge had taught him for the outside world, by persuading people to buy him drinks and winning every card game’. A fellow colleague and linguist, Mike Stones, who spoke ‘French like a tyke’ remembers: ‘In 1985 Gareth Williams and I ran the London Marathon raising money for Cancer Relief in memory of Chris Parker. James was a friend of us both and, as luck would have it, he and his family were in London that weekend. I will never forget the final mile rounding The Mall at the top to be greeted by a great cheer coming from our right - it was the McLaren family!’ James succeeded the charismatic David Wilkinson as Housemaster of The Orchard in 1986, where he started to put into practice his ethos of an individual’s responsibility to the House. The McLarens continued to be a real feature of the Repton social scene, hosting many dinner parties. Bernice took on the rôle of Housekeeper, and always made hundreds of Christmas puddings for the Sale of Work. She was also stalwart in her support of the boys, especially in helping backstage with House Plays. It was in James’s tenure in the House that the first, and very successful, Charity Cabaret was masterminded by a handful of Orcadians. James was considered a very decent Housemaster - fairly laid-back and as one who liked to let the House run itself, preferring to keep in the background until, and unless, it was necessary to intervene. If anyone was caught smoking in The Orchard, James’s reprimand would always start with asking the pupil why on earth he was smoking cigarettes and that smoking a pipe was far superior - if any of them had been guilty of pipe-smoking, they would probably have been let off entirely! On leaving the House in 1993 the McLarens returned to live in The Pastures at number 36. James succeeded Gerry Pellow as Head of Careers and he introduced the World Trade Game; this was a House competition for sixth formers and included a Staff team. It was an evening of industrial espionage and subterfuge – one had to sit on one’s money and trading cards otherwise they would be pilfered by light-fingered

opposition teams! He was thus preparing Reptonians for financial skullduggery in the future. James took part in seven editions of the Sir John Port Pedants, the staff revue that takes place every four years. However it was in 1990, whilst taking part as Le Clair, a disguised French Resistance Worker, in Paul Jenkins’s loose adaptation of the TV programme ‘’Allo ’Allo’, that James did his famous stunt routine by riding an onion-bedecked bicycle off the front of the stage. Fortunately he was unhurt as he had had the foresight to visit the staff bar beforehand and was certainly more pickled than his onions! In 1994, Dad’s Army replaced ’Allo ’Allo so there was no chance of a repeat performance, much to the disappointment of both pupils and staff! Below is a photograph of James as Le Clair and yours truly as René:

In 1998 he made his Pedants’ swansong, singing his introductory song in ‘About Ourselves’ to a 1877 music-hall song ‘Abdul Abulbul Amir’. The key beats are underlined in each line: ‘I’m dreamy old Macke, I like my tobacky And slip out of class for my pipe When you mention Spurs, a red-herring occurs For retirement I nearly am ripe’ He also played ‘Sleepy’ in Snow White Special, pranced as a cygnet in the Corpse de Ballet in The Dying Swan (based loosely on Swan Lake) and danced as the Steeplejack, next to the ‘dyslexic’ cowboy Russell Muir, who could never sign the ‘iconic’ YMCA in the correct order. In the same year James was appointed by Graham Jones to take on the new post of Director of Admissions, being the School’s link to the junior feeder schools. His genial and affable character went down well with the prep school Headmasters and also with CONTINUED ON PAGE 74

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James McLaren 13th February 1942 – 31st March 2020 Former Staff – 1971 to 2002 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 73 their pupils. He continued in this post until his retirement in summer 2002. As colleague and linguist, Terry Blain, wrote in his valete for James in the Michaelmas edition of The Reptonian: ‘A career so rich in variety and unstinting in its commitment is not easily summarised in these few lines. Suffice it to say that JMcL is being missed already. Without his ready banter and the cloud of pipe tobacco that followed him (almost) everywhere, Repton does not seem quite the same place.’ After retirement he and Bernice moved to Pinfold Close, where he continued to teach, home-tutoring children who were too ill to go to school. Above is a lovely photograph of them at their house in the Close. Both James and Bernice took an active rôle in village life, with Bernice becoming a Parish Councillor. She and James, with the help of Marg Garner and Joanna Hands, resurrected the Repton Village Show and it was their vision and hard work that helped to make the Show the success it is today. James and Bernice took up Tai Chi and they also enrolled in an adult education class at Burton (and South Derbyshire) Technical College which they enjoyed, involving lectures in the morning and a book discussion in the afternoon. They both joined The Arts Society and also, on

a lighter note, started the inaugural Repton Dinner Club, which had them serving gins and tonic on the platform of Willington Station before taking the train to a Burton curry house!

funeral attended by only four people, including the celebrant.

However, their village and social commitments became curtailed after the sad death of Angus in 2012, they taking solace in their garden, and especially their vegetables, which they loved. Fortunately, Fiona/Bone met Ritchie and they gave James and Bernice two grandchildren, Perdita and Huxley, for them to dote on and help them to regain some happiness. In late 2018 Bernice was diagnosed with cancer, and James nursed his beloved ‘Bern’ in the last months of her life before she died towards the end of March the following year. Bernice’s Memorial service in the packed Parish Church was a moving occasion at which James gave an emotional eulogy. Sadly, James too died a year almost to the day after her on the 28th March 2020.

If I should die before the rest of you Break not a flower nor inscribe a stone Nor, when I’m gone, speak in a Sunday voice, But be the usual selves that I have known. Weep if you must Parting is hell. But life goes on So sing as well.

Our thoughts are with Alex/Jigme and Fiona, and their families, having lost both parents within a year and not being able to celebrate James’s life at a Memorial service in Repton. They did, however, manage to organize an on-line service for him on April Fools’ Day, which gave a wonderfully evocative impression of his life, and Jigme’s eulogy gave a touching insight into the loving and caring McLaren family life. The author of this piece lost his dear brother a fortnight before James’s passing and read this short poem by Joyce Grenfell at his

Dr George Edward Pearson 5th October 1941 – 29th August 2020 Former Staff

June Ratcliffe Passed on 19th October 2021 Former Staff, non-academic

Passed away Saturday 29th August 2020 at the Royal Derby Hospital. Dearly loved husband of Anita and stepfather of Richard and the late Simon. Special grandpa to Cameron and Charlotte.

June Ratcliffe of Willington, formerly of Repton, passed away peacefully on 19th October 2021, aged 81 years. Dearly loved wife of the late Peter Ratcliffe, loving mum of Gary, motherin-law of Lesley and a friend to many.

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It seems to me that it accurately reflects James’s outlook on life:

Requiescat in pace, James – a true and loyal friend. God bless you. Peter Bradburn (P’67) & Staff (1977 to 2014)

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Tim Scott ‘Sco’ 29th March 1949 – 3rd December 2020 Former Staff – 1974 to 2006 It was with great sadness that the Repton community heard the news on 3rd December 2020 of the sudden death of Tim Scott, one of the most remarkable, highly regarded and memorable masters of an era when being ‘true to thine own self’ was actively encouraged. Tim, or Sco as he was affectionately known by pupils and staff alike, was born in Norwich on 29th March, 1949. After attending Town Close Preparatory School and Gresham’s, where he was Head of House and Head Boy, he went up to University College, Oxford as an exhibitioner to read English in 1968. He had always intended to be a schoolmaster later, and after brief spells teaching at a prep school and Slindon College went to Exeter University to take a PGCE, where he met Fiona. They were married in 1975, Tim’s wedding clothes, perhaps surprisingly given his later sartorial choices, being the epitome of elegance. He went to Repton as an assistant master in

1974 and was to remain there for the rest of his professional career, teaching English and occasionally French and Latin, serving first as House Tutor at the Orchard and then Housemaster of The Hall, running the 2nd XI hockey and the army section of the CCF, and overseeing Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions, the Film Society and the Philosophy Society. Such bare details give some indication of what Tim did but they fail to do justice to the huge impact he had on colleagues and pupils alike. He was an inspirational teacher, and to ascend the outside stone staircase to his Edwardian form room with its master’s dais, accoutrements of ancient helmets and shells, and roaring coal fire, was to enter a different world.

His penchant for what were dubbed Sco’s red herrings was actually a skilful way of encouraging his pupils to make unexpected connections between topics — to think for themselves, ‘to live’, as one Old Reptonian put it, ‘and not just to pass exams’. His breadth of reading and catholic cultural tastes, ranging from Shakespeare to The Simpsons, meant he was adept at recommending the sort of text an unbookish boy might enjoy. He was a stickler for technical accuracy and spent hours correcting pupils’ work, not because he was a pedant but because he believed passionately that words express thoughts and if thoughts are to be incisively conveyed, they must be couched in accurate expression.

Tim’s lessons were memorable not just because he prepared every text meticulously and brought great scholarship and erudition to bear on all he taught but also because he expected his pupils to think hard — to base their responses to what they had read on evidence, detail and logical deduction. In a profession which increasingly focuses on examination results he challenged his pupils through his own example of thinking critically and demanding mental excellence.

His encyclopaedic knowledge of etymology and grammar meant it was inevitably he who set the grammar section of the endof-year examination for the new boys. The only problem was that the rest of the English Department found it as difficult to spot adverbial phrases of place and possessive gerundives as the candidates did! Tim’s distinctive teaching methods reached their apogee at Sco Soc, the philosophical discussion group for sixth formers that he held at his home every Sunday evening, which gave fledgling thinkers an invaluable opportunity to spread their intellectual wings. Tim’s peculiar talents were just as conspicuous in the House as they were in the form room. He would spend hours in his study listening to boys who were having a tough time pour out their woes and showed especial affinity for those who might be deemed outsiders or unconventional — perhaps because he knew to an extent how they felt. The often bracingly unorthodox ways of responding to a problem promulgated in the pep talks he gave at House assemblies taught his charges lessons which remained with them long after more anodyne homilies had been forgotten. Just as he drove himself hard, so he expected the boys in his House to stretch themselves, to learn from experience and to discover that failing can be as enlightening as succeeding. As one of the many tributes to Sco puts it: ‘He was a man of ready, gruff compassion, willing to sympathise with an adolescent’s pain in the face of setbacks and limitations while remaining firm in his expectations of his potential.’ CONTINUED ON PAGE 76

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Tim Scott ‘Sco’ 29th March 1949 – 3rd December 2020 Former Staff – 1974 to 2006 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 75 Tim could not have been a more considerate, courteous and thoughtful colleague. He was always ready to give practical help, of course, with enormous Zippo lighter to light one’s cigarette and Swiss army knife to open one’s packages readily on hand, but much more importantly Tim was always the first master one would approach when one needed cover for a lesson or help with a difficult text because one knew a request would never be turned down. Whilst in outward appearance, with his gown, bicycle clips and weather-beaten tweed jacket, he looked as Edwardian as his form room, he took to modern technology with alacrity, skillfully producing the detailed spreadsheets I needed as Head of Department long before I could even send an email. The only thing he disliked about computers was the monstrous cost of ink, but he swiftly devised a way of funnelling ink into cartridges, heedless of the fact that much of it ended up on his desk. When most of us breathed a sigh of relief at the end of term, Tim would don his camouflage kit and set off to supervise CCF and D of E expeditions, setting the pupils characteristically demanding night exercises and proclaiming with wonted relish when their heads popped up over parapets: ‘Boys — you are all dead!’ In all of his endeavours, but particularly when Housemaster of the Hall, Tim benefited enormously from the generous support of Fiona. Their hospitality was boundless, and dinners under their roof, with lively conversation accompanied by seemingly endless supplies of wine brought back from France, and home-made beer, provided a welcome escape from the confining world of Repton. No wonder that Tim, with his disregard for convention and brilliantly deadpan performances in Pedants, was seen as a legend. The story of his falling down Jacob’s Ladder, the staircase outside his form room, and picking himself up

muttering ‘That was an experience!’ was much loved and embellished; but Tim was always utterly genuine, never striving to be anything other than who he was. He was a legend because he gave of himself unstintingly. For someone who believed passionately that your form room is your private domain the advent of lesson observations and staff appraisals was particularly irksome, and it was perhaps inevitable that he would eventually take up arms against a growing obsession with league tables and assessment objectives. A question on his first selfappraisal form asking ‘What would you consider to be your greatest achievement over the last year?’ was given the terse reply: ‘Losing half a stone in weight.’ Most of us lesser mortals conformed to this brave new world, but Tim would never settle for half and took early retirement. Release from Repton gave Tim the freedom to spend more time in his beloved France. Tim immersed himself fully in the history and culture of the Lot and its countryside, cannibalising a range of second-hand bikes to make sure he had the appropriate means of conveyance for every type of terrain. His delight in nature was evident in his enormous respect for the environment. In many ways he was green avant la lettre: from the outset there was an impressive range of recycling bins at Maison Scott. Disposing of a cigarette packet was a logistical nightmare, the cellophane wrapper going into one bin, the foil another, the packet itself into a third and the fag end somewhat counterintuitively into the compost bin! Other methods of conserving energy included seeing if he could drive the car from St Cernin to Cahors without turning on the engine — or it would seem applying the brakes! Clad in workman’s blue overalls and army boots Tim melded with the local community. Diligent reading of an antiquated Larousse French-to-French dictionary and Fluide Glaciale ensured his formal and demotic French were equally fluent and enabled him to make friends with people from all walks of life in the village.

monkish asceticism alone, using the minimum of water drawn from the cistern, surviving on a diet of army combo rations, fruits culled from the hedgerows and a beaker — or two — or three— full of the warm south, and drying his socks in front of a fire fuelled by an oak tree he had dragged in from a nearby ditch. But Tim was equally at home back in England, in Norfolk, playing a full part in the life of the local community. His tireless service to others is all the more remarkable given the stroke he suffered in 2009 whilst alone in France. The consequent problems he experienced with speech must have been particularly difficult for someone who so loved to argue and challenge to bear, but Tim rose above the debilitating effects of his illness with the same fortitude he showed when diagnosed with cancer of the colon in 2010. Tim would not have described himself as a believer, but he never ceased to wrestle intellectually with the philosophical concepts which underline religious faith, believing like Donne that On a huge hill, Cragged and steep, Truth stands, and he that will Reach her, about must and about must go, And what the hill’s suddenness resists, win so. He would probably have dismissed as fanciful the notion of there being an afterlife but if as St Matthew tells us the sheep who will be saved are those who in caring for ‘the least of my brethren, have done it unto me’, then Tim through his quiet, unobtrusive help of others and gentle courtesy was undoubtedly one of the sheep; maybe even now is enjoying a heaven of limitless brocantes and car boot sales. Tim is survived by his wife Fiona, daughter Matilda, son Freddie (N’94) and granddaughters Maisie and Norah. Martin Amherst Lock (Former Staff)

Tim enjoyed socialising but he was also good with his own company and would delight in spending a few days living in

CONTINUED ON PAGE 77

THE ARCH

FAREWELLS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 76 In Praise of Sco II shut my eyes and bowed my head on hearing that Sco had died. And at once was back in that classroom of sheep skulls and shell casings, Michaelmas 1980, with him standing in front of the dusty grate to read Keats’ To Autumn, the pace purposefully slowed, his voice soft as the colours outside. That term was a journey through the Romantics and Metaphysicals, with Sco our guide, gaunt face and grey-blue eyes, twirling the window rope while dissecting poems like Herrick’s To The Virgins, To Make Much Of Time that chimed with the shifting worlds of the red-faced sixteen-year olds before him. It wasn’t just English we were studying. No topic seemed off-limits, a welcome surprise since the fret of what to do at university – let alone in life – worsened as other masters advised becoming a captain of industry. Sco’s solution? “If you’re at a drinks party this Christmas,” he pondered, eyebrows raised, “find out what the adults there do for a living – then ask, But does it satisfy you?” As for taking a year-off, his face was absolutely straight when he reflected, “Don’t bother with some trek across Bolivia paid for by someone else; if you truly want to find yourself, become a tramp, sleeping rough in London – or maybe Hull…” I’d first come across him in the Staff Review, playing a slothful gymnast demonstrating routines such as walking-into-a-plank for Andrew Cox’s gushing commentary on comedy. Sco did it dead-pan – opened mouth and slumped shoulders, as if hung from a clothes peg – never faltering from a deeply thick look, causing his gym-twin Russ Muir and everyone there to whimper with infectious laughter. That said, nobody could miss the striking figure he cut in gown and green tweed jacket when breezing down to the Arch on his ancient bicycle – standing on one pedal, as if about to dismount, but keeping the poise of a skater to sail into the Yard with an inner glee and otherworldly presence that seemed more early than late twentieth century.

nickname was Sco – which boys would utter with an exaggerated mono-syllable and bemused gaze as if to convey the sense of an astronomer contemplating the cosmos. The inference was clear: Sco was different, ethereal, popular, fun. Or as we say nowadays, cool. In time, I did Adventurous Training, with Sco the unlikely driver of the four-tonner, discovering him to be a man of simple pleasures, content to spend an evening with just a book and that nipple substitute, yet also in his element pitted against the elements, showing us how the mountain could be won – no need to faff about with rations or moan about the sleet, just get out there and do it like Captain Oates taking a short walk in the Antarctic. When my turn came to lead a walk, I raced up Scafell Pike then looked back in triumph, the group stretched half a mile behind in mist. There was no rebuke, but after dinner he reminded us all that “leadership is about taking a team with you, not shooting off on a solo sortie”. It was 100% Sco: calm; considered; subtle. No harsh singling out, no despotic histrionics. Being more velvet glove than iron fist should have been handy when playing Fives, but Sco had other ideas. He’d turn up to practices looking like a court jester in an old hockey shirt, then spend the next hour larking about the pepper with off-the-wall quips to his beefy partner Peter Bradburn such as: “O Bradders, what lovely bosoms you have!” And then there were the times when it was just him and me. Some Saturday nights I’d take up the kind invitation to go round and discuss possible subjects for the after-life of university, half in hope of that heady homebrew, half that some of his Oxbridge aura might rub off on me. Sunk in an armchair in his study (more skulls, shells), I’d be treated to a one-to-one and selections of books that weren’t exactly on the curriculum. Quite what Sco got out of those sessions, other than a briefing on the latest liaisons at the Abbey and some mild amusement at my own scorecard there (Played 0, Won 0),

I never knew, but certainly I always came away feeling special and less alone with that inkling of becoming a writer. Forty years on, I can see what he was trying to do. Engage, nurture, steer. Provoke thought, challenge assumptions, keep spirits up. Treat adolescents as adults, provide an alternative, champion the oddballs not cut out for Engineering or Accountancy. And get this one to take seriously that inkling – which he knew meant living life by your own rules and not other people’s. Psychology and Philosophy are the siblings of Literature, and he embodied a mastery of all three with his pastoral care, wry take on life and shining mind. A fine person, scholar and character, he was also generous. Courteous. Witty. Good company. Unassuming. Pensive. Full of wonder. Enlightened. Universal. Original. One of a kind. Above all, Sco exuded a unique air of mystery born from the contradictions he pervaded: articulate yet obscure; dynamic but dreamy; noble yet unconventional; wise but mischievous; a team-player yet a loner; hero and anti-hero at the same time; an establishment figure yet a free spirit too. I already had a taste for verse before that term, thanks to John Billington, but might never have dared to live the dream had it not been for Sco. As such, he enriched my life, so I rue losing touch. Time gets away from us of course, some things are always left unsaid, and as he himself once mused about the death of Shelley, “What matters is less our passing away but what we pass on.” In this respect I was fortunate indeed to have known Sco, at a time when the sky of my world was splitting into a storm, and at least, at last, to have the means to write this, from me to him, wherever he is now. Will Kemp (P’77) Will Kemp has won the Keats-Shelley Prize and written several award-winning books; he teaches Creative Writing at the University of York

THE ARCH

OR PIGEON POST

OR Pigeon Post Dear Editors, HUGH BROGAN’S “REPTON” and John

understandably repeats this false assertion:

Salter, Don Brierley and many others who were

Thorn – correcting an authorial slip.

“Readers will learn…why staff celebrated the

loyal to JLT and his vision for a more civilised

I found Hugh Brogan’s history of Repton

1968 departure of Thorn…”. The staff did not.

school. A tiny fraction of older staff – I believe there were no more than five or six out of a staff

both entertaining and informative – scholarly, witty and setting the changes within the school

John Thorn’s brief from the governors was

of more than fifty – who were on the losing

against a background of social change within

to improve Repton’s academic and cultural

side in this argument, did indeed hold a secret

our country in a way that illuminates both. But

life. A small number of older staff including

champagne party when JLT’s appointment to

on one point he has accidently mis-represented

some Housemasters who had themselves

Winchester was announced. When the rest of

what actually happened and as this is a matter

been schooled to see sport, the CCF and

the staff learned of it they were disgusted.

of fact, rather than opinion, I feel bound to point

the production of “leaders of men” as the

it out.

justification for an outdated regime resisted

It is therefore seriously misleading to suggest

JLT’s desire to abolish fagging and corporal

that “the staff” of Repton as a whole celebrated

In his chapter on John Thorn, Brogan states

punishment, to support Music, Drama and Art,

when such celebration was confined to “a few

(page 344) that John Thorn’s arrival “annoyed

and to assign academic excellence at least equal

of the crustier pedagogues”. The majority

a few of the crustier pedagogues … (and)

status with sporting excellence. A few were

of Repton’s staff supported John Thorn and

generated the joke that, if and when Thorn left,

vociferous and aggressive in their opposition.

regretted his departure. Hugh Brogan died

the staff would celebrate with a champagne

JLT, ever a courteous and civilised man, tried

before finalising his text and I hope that he

party, and when in 1968 he was appointed

by reasoned argument to persuade the need for

would have spotted his own error had he

Headmaster of Winchester, they actually did

change but a few could not be persuaded.

had time to check his last two chapters. A corrigendum is needed.

so.” The syntax here suggests that “they” represents “the staff” as a whole when it should

By the time he left John Thorn had appointed a

refer only to the antecedent “a few crustier

host of academic heads of department, including

Yours sincerely,

pedagogues”. Your reviewer in his review of

Stuart Andrews, John Fishley, Barry Downing,

John Billington, Former Staff (1965 to 1996)

Brogan’s book (ARCH Winter 2020 page 24)

Dick Morgan, Harry Grenville, myself, Mike

Dear Editors, I found the ‘Farewell’ to Gerald Reddington

It is worth recalling that when Gerald and I were

(B’45) by his son Marcus absolutely fascinating

at Repton together in the late 1950s the entire

and very true.

school, nearly 400 boys, assembled in Pears School at the beginning and end of each term to

Our families have known each other for very

hear the Headmaster, T. Lynam Thomas during

many years, summer holidaying in Seaview on

our time and sing the full version – three verses

the Isle of Wight, to where Gerald and his lovely

each of those two wonderful but sadly long lost

wife Valerie eventually retired. In fact Gerald

and forgotten songs.

officiated at my eldest daughter’s wedding, over thirty years ago.

Yours sincerely, Richard (Tom) Cotterell (N’45)

During his rather sad and long last illness we used to greet each other with the first two lines of the Repton School songs: “Where Staid and Silver Trent once wound is deep indent” was answered in Latin by “Semper Repandunum, te canemus union “ or vice versa .

THE ARCH

OR PIGEON POST

Dear Editors, They say you are never far away from a fellow

some health issues as a teenager, which hindered

Reptonian and so it proved on a recent holiday

his sporting ambitions, but he remains a keen

to the Cornish coast when I had a chance

follower of cricket and was proudly wearing his

meeting with a distinguished nonagenarian

MCC tie for dinner. We shared a friend in the

OR. What a pleasure it was to meet the dapper

wonderful John Walker, whom Michael knew

Michael Wesson (H’40), 94 years old but still

through cricket and The Hall, and who was my

very capable of holding court over a drink or

Housemaster at Latham.

two. We attempted a few lines of the school anthem together, which reminded Michael of

It always seems to be a pleasure to bump into a

his happy times singing for Repton in the early

fellow Reptonian and it was a privilege to spend

forties. Michael was in The Hall during the war

some time with one of the most senior members

years under Headmaster Michael Clarke, so

of the Repton alumni.

he was a pupil during some challenging times. Many readers of The Arch will associate the

Yours faithfully,

Wesson dynasty with cricket. Michael suffered

Robert Miller (L’76)

Dear Editors, I was grateful for Martin How’s obituary of Geoffrey Saunders (N’43) mentioning his winning the international cross-country championship in 1951. I am glad to be able to expand and enhance his achievements in this sphere as follows. Firstly in 1949 his 5th place in Dublin was 1st for England, leading them into 2nd in the team race. In Brussels (1950) he was 14th & 3rd English runner home, England coming 3rd. His best and outstanding result, 1st in Newport 1951, which included leading England to victory in the team race. Finally at Hamilton, Scotland in 1952 he was 13th & 5th for England, helping them into 2nd in the team race. On average there were 72 runners each year representing 8 countries. Dick Morgan, Former Staff (1962 to 1994)

THE ARCH

OR PIGEON POST

Another memory I would like to share was

had available .. Here were seven men drawn

sparked in Issue 336 by seeing the name Martyn

together by the fortunes of war – two of

I read Issue 336, Winter 2020 of The Arch with

Beckett (B’64) in the Letters page and reading

them hardened veterans and the rest untried

great interest as usual and some trepidation as I

the article about the Brook House Reunion with

in combat. The play was dotted with scenes

turned to the Farewell pages . The remorseless

a token presence from a Priory OR. Because

of rollicking comedy yet, just as suddenly,

wheel of time brings my 1966 generation

of the geographical proximity of Brook House

switched to violence and death.

inexorably closer to the “exit” door. I was

to The Priory we had close and sometimes

saddened to learn of the passing of Richard

friendly relations, when not competing at sports

Martyn Beckett gave a very creditable

(Dickie) J. Bradburn (P’64 not P’67 as printed).

of course! I had a number of good friends in

I recalled that when I and others of the invited

Brook. The two Houses combined to put on a

vintages gathered at The Priory in 1982 for a

joint production of “The Long and the Short and

Gaudy my then wife Felicity had snapped a

the Tall “by Willis Hall for the Drama Society

group photograph including Dickie and here

Festival in the 1969 Lent Term. It was produced

it is, top right:

by A.J.Price and B.L.Young, House Tutors of

performance as Sergeant Mitcham, and one was really convinced that he was a real army veteran …. Mike Griffin portrayed the cold, sadistic Corporal Johnstone very well. He provided the most violent character, and it was ironical that he should be the only one of the platoon to survive. Gary Simmonds as L/Corporal MacLeish; Andrew Kemp as Private Whitaker; Paul Stevens as Private Evans and Douglas Collins as Private Smith all acted their parts very well and provided targets for the vicious but light-hearted attacks of Private Bamforth , acted by Rodney Wayman .Wayman gave yet another brilliant performance on the Repton

Dear Editors

Brook and Priory respectively. A photo of the Dickie and a number of others who attended

cast is on the right.

The Priory during my time at Repton made the experience fun and worthwhile in our shared

I retrieved my battered copy of the script from

teenage years. A sort of family, sometimes

my attic recently and as well as the cast photo

verging on the dysfunctional!

out fell a copy of the critique of it by J.S.F printed in the Lent 1969 issue of The Reptonian.

Of the Priory ORs in this photo (according to

I think JSF was Sean Fletcher (M’66).

previous issues of The Arch) as well as Dickie, Dennis Dean and Tom Hill have passed away.

The play is set in the Malayan jungle during the

C.W. Bryant, the former House Master during

Japanese advance on Singapore in early 1942

our time at The Priory (he retired in 1978), and

and concerns a British Army patrol unit led by

his wife Pauline, who both attended that Gaudy,

Martyn Beckett’s Sergeant Mitchem which gets

have also passed. Here is a nice image of

pinned down by the advancing Japanese Army

Felicity, CWB and Pauline Bryant taken on that

and take a prisoner. To paraphrase some of Sean

sunny day in 1982:

Fletcher’s comments: “It was certainly worth the while of the Brook and the Priory to combine their acting talent to produce a very good performance of The Long and the Short and the Tall …A lot of credit must go to Mr Price and Mr Young for undertaking

stage.. David Tan acted very proficiently as the Japanese soldier and was the basis for many of the laughs from the audience …. I came away having enjoyed it very much. A brilliant performance …” Sean was very generous in his praises. I have fond memories of this production which I think worked very well and a lot of hard work went into it at all levels, down to the authentic props such as 303s, sten gun and radio courtesy of the Repton CCF Armoury! It was one of those unique formative Repton experiences which has endured in my memory. Paul B Stevens (P’66)

this difficult production in the short time they

Back row: from left, 2nd M.R. Howarth, 6th A.C.Shuttleworth, 7th Dennis Dean, 9th Sam Hird, 10th Lawrence Willey, 11th John Gaunt, 12th Marcus Marsh; Front row: from left, 2nd Tom Hill, 3rd myself, 4th Chris Austen, 5th Richard Bradburn.

THE ARCH

Left to right: Andy Kemp (P’66), Douglas Collins (B’64), myself, Rodney Wayman (P’65), Martyn Beckett (B’64), Gary Simmonds (B’66), Mike Griffin (B’65), and Dave Tan (P’67). Dave Tan was from Singapore and had come to Repton in 1967 to join the Sixth Form. By coincidence Dickie Bradburn and Tom Hill were also involved in this production in charge of prompt and sound respectively.

OR PIGEON POST

Dear Editorial team,

Toby Turl – My abiding memory of HAM was

Obituaries – Sadly at my age there aren’t many

after a very hard fought football match against

left still to pop off their mortal coil but Ian

I am moved to send a letter of appreciation

The Hall when, as left back, I was marking

Richards is mentioned which reminded me that

to you all for the quality and content of ‘The

Toby Turl, a very clever and fast right winger

Ian, Jonathon Harvey and I were quite good

Arch’ which is always interesting to read and

and who is also mentioned in this issue. As a

buddies at New House. Ian played the piano,

occasionally, as with the recent Winter 2020

younger boy I had kept successful and tight

I played the clarinet and Jonathon, known as

issue, brings to mind memories of past times

control over him; so much so that we didn’t

‘moonbeam’ - because his head always seemed

and people.

lose the game. HAM at that evening ‘s supper

to be in the clouds - played every instrument,

had got up and praised the efforts of the team

wind or string or keyboard and was a cellist

On reading this one I came across the following

specifically commenting on the ‘spunk’ showed

in the National Youth Orchestra. We did a

memory-evoking articles:

by Turner, a word not often correctly used in the

youth hostel holiday in Wales on our bikes one

context of courage, and which caused a bit of a

summer which went well until Jonathon ended

stir amongst the assembled fifty boys!

up in a ditch and then in hospital to be patched

Reviving Fives – I well remember playing fives

up! I have kept in touch with Ian and his wife

regularly as well as squash, the courts for which were handily placed to New House, where I

Ted Greenhalgh – Ted was a couple of years

Gill ever since leaving Repton as our families,

resided from 1951 to 1955. The first two years

older than I and I remember watching him keep

although originating fairly close to each other in

were under Colonel Maynard’s stewardship

wicket to our quick bowlers, (I think one was

Derbyshire, went our various diverse ways. We

(HAM was his nickname because of his

a very good left-arm quick called Fletcher)

would maintain annual contact at Christmas and

initials), and the latter two under Ewart Butcher.

standing up and stumping the batsman. I

when our children were young, we exchanged a

I maintained contact with Ewart and his wife

also met up with Ted again when I joined the

couple of visits.

Betty, because after they retired down to the

Liverpool Ramblers football team, which I

south coast, I would visit twice a year when

joined when I went to Liverpool on leaving

That is quite enough rambling for now so I just

carrying out audit duties in a company quite

school. Ted was a tall and forbidding centre half

repeat my appreciation of all the work you do

close to where they lived. It was always worth

at the Ramblers and I remember one of our first

and send my best wishes for a happy Christmas.

a visit, not only to sample Betty’s beautiful

matches in the season was a warm-up game

cuisine but also to keep up to date with Ewart’s

against Everton whose game was professionally

Yours sincerely,

meticulously kept records of all the ORs with

very rough and whose rough play and language

Derek Turner (N’51)

whom he kept contact. I wish the School all

on the field of play was only matched by that of

the best in its efforts to reinvigorate interest

the Liverpool Police team!

in the sport.

Dear Editor,

But I suggest that for readers of The Arch it is

college (Merton). Our professional and most of

I submit some belated comments:

also of interest to know or recall that, before he

our later lives were different and separate, but I

left Repton in 1945, he became Head of House

am very happy to have known Sidney, a man of

(1) Issue 335 of ‘The Arch’.

at The Priory, Head of School (Classical VIth

great charm as well as intellect, both in some of

‘Repton Memories’ (page 26).

Form) and Head Prefect, and doubtless won

our younger days and quite recently too.

Something must be wrong with the captions for

other school awards and distinctions. He left

the two upper photographs. They cannot be of

with a scholarship to Wadham College, Oxford,

(3) Lost Contacts (p 60)

‘Repton School’ of any year: the left-hand one

to read Classics. He interrupted Oxford to do

1942 ‘Jean Bergery’ This name should be

shows (the late) Sidney Giffard, in 1945 Head of

his national service (getting a commission in

written ‘Jean-François Bergery’ with a cidilla (?)

House of The Priory, alongside Major Cattley,

the RAEC), partly in Germany. And among

under the ‘c’. - he was French. We were close

the then Housemaster. So the year is probably

the activities he occupied himself with after

friends at The Hall - I joined the same year. But

right! The top right-hand photo also shows

his retirement, including his several years as a

I’m afraid he died in 1977 in France (see his

Major Cattley - and his wife - and is probably

Governor of the School, I understand he was

Google entry!).

1947. Both will thus be photos of The Priory,

also prominent in a scheme to save and restore

not of ‘Repton School’.

his village church in Wiltshire. I would add that

I remember several of the other names from

(contrary to the obituary), as I am informed, his

around that period, from James Essenhigh 1939

widow Hazel survived him only briefly.

to John Cripwell 1944, but sadly am not in

(2) Issue 336. ‘Farewell’ (pp 35-6). The memorial piece on

touch with any of them. It is likely that some,

Sidney Giffard draws exclusively on his Daily

I mention these aspects of Sidney’s life partly

Telegraph obituary. This is fine as far as it

because I, a year younger, was proud to become

as those from earlier years, will be dead.

goes, but it says little about his life outside

his friend at Repton. I followed in some of his

With best wishes,

the Diplomatic Service and as an author,

footsteps there, though from a different House

Anthony (Tony) J T Williams, (H’42)

distinguished though those lives of course were.

(The Hall), and went on to a different Oxford

THE ARCH

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THE ARCH

The Arch Winter 2021

Articles inside

FAREWELLS

CAREERS

PIGEON POST

SCHOOL NEWS

HEADMASTER’S UPDATE

OR NEWS

OR SPOTLIGHT

WELCOME

BRANCH UPDATES

CHAIRMAN’S LETTER

OR EVENTS

FIVES RE-OPENING

THE REPTON FOUNDATION