Lyonian Magazine 2006 - The Lyonian Association

GOVERNORS
Dr 0 Arwel Hughes OBE (Chairman)
M JAmes (OL) • M Christelow (OL) • Mrs B W Connolly • D A Crehan • J R Davies (OL) • Prof A deMello (OL)
Mrs S C Hargreaves • P R Harrison (OL) • J F R Hayes • W G S Massey QC
B J Lenon (Head Master of Harrow School)
A J F Stebbings (Clerk to the Governors)
STAFF
Headmaster: K J Riley BA MEd, Religious Studies
Deputy Headmaster: S Miles BMus ARCO ARCM AMusLCM, Critical Thinking
Deputy Headmaster: D A Rimmer BSc MSc, Mathematics
S J KAndon BA MSc, Mathematics
Miss V M L Balaven Licence LLCE, Modern Languages
A Brammer BSc, Physical Education
Mrs F J Brown BA, Drama
L D Budd BA MA, Learning Support
P M Clarke BA MSc, Mathematics
C J Clews MA, History
R L Cobb BEd BA. Economics and Business Studies
P J Cowie BA MA. History
J A J Cure BA, History and Politics
Miss G Diomampo BA, English
R Durbridge MBE,Activities Co-ordinator
o S Druker BMus, Music
L E M Evans, Music
R A Freeborn BSc MSc, Computing and ICT
RV French BSc CBiol MlnstBiol, Biology
L R Garwood BA, Physical Education
Miss D Gibbs BA, Drama
S Gouldman BSc, Physics
C M Grey BMus LRAM MA, Music
Mrs L Gupta LLB, Chemistry
Ms B Guyomard BA MA, Modern Languages
G Haines BA BEd MA, Psychology
Miss C M E Harrison BA MA,Art and Design
Miss E Headd BSc, Mathematics
Mrs EJ Ingham BSc MSc, Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Science
J L Irvine MA, German
A LJones BSc, Physical Education
LA Kodikara BSc MSc, Chemistry
Miss S E Leach BA MA, Art and Design
S J Leach BSc MSc, PhYSical Education
N Loudon BA, Modern Languages
T Mahon BSc MA BSc, Physics, Chemistry and Science
U Malik BA, English
Mrs E J Marden BA, Modern Languages and Drama
P A Matthews MA BSc, Geography
Mrs E McMillan BSc MSc, Phsychology
S McWilliam LTCL, Music Technology
Mrs J L Morris MBA MA, Modern Languages
Miss A L Mullin BA, History and Politics
I R Parker BSc, Physical Education and Geography
N H Parsons BA, English
Mrs L S Plummer BA, Religious Studies and SPACE
S Rana BMedSc, Science
P Ratinckx BA, Economics and Business Studies
Miss J Rowley Jones MusB, Music
A Roy BA. English
G J Ryder BSc MA, Biology
Miss N L Sender BA, Art and Design
R A Shaw BSc MA, Geography
Miss L C N Silverstone BA, Drama
Mrs R S Shepheard BA, Latin
Miss L C N Silverstone BA, Drama
Miss E H Slade BSc, Biology
Miss L Traylen BA, Spanish
Miss L A Twist BA, English
Mr M W Vickery BEng, Mathematics
D PVosper Singleton MMath, Mathematics and ICT
W R J Waite BSc, Mathematics
Ms P Waldron BA, Modern Languages and English
D F Weedon MA, Chemistry
A S Westlake BA MA, Religious Studies
Mrs CA Wickson BA Dip Drama, Drama
A P Wright BSc, Computing and ICT
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
N AShryane MBE BA MPhil, Foundation Bursar
N J Marten MCMI, School Bursar
H Ayre, Support Staff
Mrs E Bassenger, Receptionist
A Boilly, French Assistant
Mrs H S Cade, PA to the Headmaster
Miss W Constantine, Mus!c Administrator and SMT Secretary
N Dale, Gap Student
J DeMello, Support Staff
Mrs S Drake, Biology Technician
Mrs V Elliote, Bursar's Secretary
Mrs J Felts,Administration Assistant
Mrs S Halper ACLlP. Librarian
B Holgate BSc CPhys MlnstP. Administration
Mrs S Jull, BSc CSci CChem MRSC, Physics Technician
Mrs A Mia-Gardiner, Administrator, OLA
D Mills, Groundsperson
D Mulhall, ICT Technician
Mrs J Parker, Welfare Officer
Mrs D Patel, Bursar's Secretary
Mrs D Pragasam, Chemistry Technician
M Purcell, Premises Manager
J Robertson, Art and Design Technician
A Robinson, Head Groundsperson
W Saunders, Reprographics
G Scariett, Porter
S Schiel, Sports Centre
Mrs J Smallwood, Support Staff
Miss A Smyth, Receptionist
Miss S JSmith,JLS Accountant
P Sturgess, Support Staff
Mrs H Turner, Science Technician
Mrs J Ware, Sports Centre Manager
Mrs P Ziegelmeier, Admissions
2005-06 was a very good year for the School as my
speech on Speech Day revealed (0 synopsis orrhe
speech is printed below). Since then, of course, we know
that we have had our very bestA level results ever and
tremendous results academically right across the
board. Of course we are very proud of the boys'
achievements but we place them in the context of the
values which we cherish at The John Lyon School
which is of being an excellent all-round School. It is
tremendous that Ben Shave who achieved 3 As at A
level and is now reading History at Warwick University,
should have played Hamlet in his final year and taken a
major part in the School musical. It does go to show
that busy boys are ones who can achieve great things
and who will undoubtedly go on to success in their
future lives.
I hope you enjoy reading The Lyonion; it presents an
extremely good picture of all that goes on at The John
Lyon School. We are delighted with the way in which
things are moving forward here.
Kevin Riley
Headmaster's Speech
Mr Mayor, Mr Chairman, honoured guests, ladies and gentleman.
It is wonderful to be here again in Speech Room to celebrate
the achievements of the past year. The Speech Room is a
tangible reminder of the link between Harrow School and The
John Lyon School and it is one which we celebrate. This is, of
course, my second Speech Day and I am very pleased to say
that it really does feel very right to be standing up here. The
School is in fine form and I am very privileged to be the
Headmaster of it. I want to pay particular tribute this year to
our leaving Upper Sixth and the team of monitors led by Paul
Burke, Alykhan Kassam, Ben Shave and Yousif Ali. All
Headmasters look to the senior year in the school to provide
the right example and this year's Upper Sixth did superbly. Their
academic work was excellent and they participated in all
manner of other activities. They really have been a superb
example for the younger boys. Of course schools and pupils are
unpredictable places; that is part of the joy of them and
something that I most enjoy. I was reminded of that vividly the
other day; I was standing in the playground waiting to go into
Assembly when a small boy, clearly late, rushed past. I said, "Late
again Alykhan". "Never mind Sir," he replied, "so am I".
It has been a very good year for the School. We won the
Middlesex Under 19 Cricket Cup. a remarkable achievement for
a small school in such a strong cricketing area. Kabir Toor
played for the England Under 17 team; Simon Child has a
National ranking in boys' tennis and Narin Hengrung won an
Olympiad gold medal in the Biology Olympiad. We had another
splendid musical Grease in the Spring Term which was an
absolute sell-out and loved by all who saw it. Our Value Added
placed us amongst the top schools in the country according to
the Government's league tables.
We had many trips. Currently 17 boys and five staff are in
Uganda preparing for their expedition over Mount Elgon. Trips
have gone to Paris, Berlin, Normandy and Buxton. I went to
Buxton and thoroughly enjoyed my trip there with the Year 9
boys. I suppose perhaps the most inspirational trip that I went
on this year was in representing HMC at the International
Confederation of Principals Council Meeting in Reykjavik. It is a
fascinating country and we were addressed by a number of
inspirational speakers. One of whom quoted this wonderful
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Speeches: 7th July 2006
piece from Einstein: "Not everything that counts can be
counted and not everything that can be counted counts". It is a
remarkable expression from a scientific mind. Of course tonight
is very much about results and tests and about the tangible
things that we can see that show progress, but we all know that
in life there are so many other things, and particularly in
schools, that are less measurable but equally important. This
was very firmly put into my mind by a letter I recently received
from a former pupil of mine. I had not heard from him for over
twenty years and his life had not been an easy one. He wrote
to me and opened the letter by saying, "Dear Kevin, the last
time I can remember seeing you was in the pub just after the A
level results came out in 1985." Well no surprise there then,
and he went on to tell how his life had been difficult; his parents
had divorced, he had had enormous difficulties with his father,
he had become an alcoholic, but was now making a life for
himself. And then he wrote this: "So why bother telling you
about this.As my life has come together over the last 3fi years,
my memory has returned in patches and I would just like to
express my gratitude to you for the time and effort you
expended on me during my last year at school. Unfortunately
due to the nature of my illness your advice fell on deaf ears and
I indeed wasted a lot of time in those days anyway. Despite this
your kindness has always remained with me and I need to say
thank you for this now that I am in a position to do so." "Not
everything that counts can be counted and not everything that
can be counted counts." You cannot measure kindness. You
cannot always know what the effects of what you do in school
are going to be. In this school, in The John Lyon School, we
never lose sight of those intangibles.
This is a special School and it was never more shown that
in response last year to the terrible events of July 7th. We are
an extremely diverse School with many faiths and cultures and
the way in which the School responded to those terrible events
and the great sense of togetherness it showed was a tribute to
its ethos. The John Lyon School cherishes and values children
from many faiths and different cultures. It celebrates its
diversity. The development of the individual counts at The John
Lyon School.
Kevin Riley
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SPEECHES
arrived at John Lyon in 1999 and since then there have been
four Heads of School. They have all had their own individual
styles of leadership. Periods of rapid change are challenging for
any organisation and John Lyon is no different.
Coping with new approaches might have caused the school to
become insular and introverted, but we have emerged from the
changes stronger and more outward looking. Mr Riley has already
listed some of the achievements of the past year. The school is
especially imaginative in its extra-curricular activities. Just two
examples are the recent 24-hour fast, in aid of a charity fighting
hunger in Sierra Leone, and the forthcoming football team trip to a
top Spanish training camp.
Don't worry: exotic school trips are not the most significant
changes to have taken place at John Lyon over the past seven years.
But they do indicate a more international approach and an
opportunity to educate ourselves both in and outside the
classroom.
Everyone here is likely to have been affected by events outside
the John Lyon 'sphere', such as the 717 attacks on London. But the
balanced, broad and outward-looking approach of John Lyon can
only help us be successful in an increasingly complex world.
To help us we have the new Sixth Form Centre, which is
equipped to cater for the needs of a vibrant, successful 6th form.
Since I joined the school more Study Periods have been introduced
to encourage independent learning - not that good working
practices like this are anything new at John Lyon, far from it. But we
now have the structures in place to help us meet the challenges
which lie ahead.
The continual cycle of new teachers and pupils ensures
constant change and renewal. Each year group adds something of
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its own unique personality to the John Lyon atmosphere. The
annual introduction of a new monitors team is also important in
the creation and maintenance of this atmosphere, and I'd like to
take this opportunity to wish the best of luck to next year's Head
Boy, Sameer Jethwa, and his team.
But this school atmosphere has, thankfully, remained unchanged
during my time here. The friendliness between both staff and pupils,
and between pupils of different year groups, is not only a great
asset to the school: it is very unusual too. I remember very clearly
my parents' shock when I casually mentioned, a couple of weeks
into my first term here, a conversation between myself, a few other
first formers, and Nick Smart, the then Head Boy. It seemed such
things simply did not occur at their schools!
The school's OFSTED inspection of 1998 picked up on this
atmosphere too. The inspector's report contained six very
important words - 'John Lyon is a happy school'. This is a big
compliment. It is also as true today as it was eight years ago and I
feel it is good to know that the John Lyon atmosphere has
remained essentially unaltered. I have found that a welcoming
environment has enabled me to find areas in which I can do well,
and to continually discover new talents which might otherwise
have remained hidden and undeveloped.
It is this sort of continuity which enables the school to reflect
with pride on its past, and to face the challenges of the future with
the resilience and good humour I have come to associate with John
Lyon during my time here. It is for this reason that I believe the
school motto will continue to hold true - Stet fortuna domus - 'Let
fortune always be upon this house.'
Paul Burke
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VALETE
Roger McNae
Roger came to The John Lyon School 16 years ago from Ealing
Green High School, and took up the position of Director of
Studies.
As Director of Studies, Roger took on a variety of roles, for
example working on the timetable and organising the cover of
lessons for staff who are absent. Both are thankless tasks that are
vital to the smooth running of the school, and Roger characteristically managed them with his quiet and unassuming efficiency.
Since 1991 Roger has also been the Examinations Officer, a task
which has become more onerous and demanding since the advent
of AS levels and modular courses and the consequent proliferation
of exams. Roger has been unfailingly patient and diligent in dealing
with all the problems exams now present and meticulous in his
attention to detail in this crucial area of school life.
Roger has also taught Physics and Electronics throughout his
career here and has been a stalwart member of a department that
has experienced a lot of change over the last few years. He also
has been a great supporter of Duke of Edinburgh expeditions,
accompanying many trips over the years with his wife Jenny.
Roger now looks forward to a well earned retirement in
Ledbury, where he will no doubt keep active cycling and travelling,
and settling into his new home. He has been a familiar figure
wizzing up and down the hill here and I am sure the Malvern Hills
will prove a more attractive setting for his cycling exploits.
Roger has always been valued for his kindness and calm and
unflappability. He has been very fair with the boys when dealing
with examination results, inevitably a very stressful time. He has
always been unfailingly helpful to the staff with flaps about exam
queries or cover or many of the other areas that have been in his
charge.
Summing up his experience at the school Roger commented on
the joy that teaching provides in watching boys turn from tentative
II-year-olds to mature, confident young men. He also spoke very
warmly about the tremendous support and friendship he had
received from the staff at John Lyon School, that has made his 16
years here very happy ones.
Finally he left the staff here with a very useful piece of advice.
He suggested a new rule should be added to the guidance for the
conduct of examinations document we all receive. It was sensible,
he suggested, not to write passionate letters to one's current
amour, while supervising examinations. Or if you do, not to rest on
the self-duplicating attendance register!
We appreciate this useful advice, and wish Roger all the very
best in the future. He will be missed.
Jeremy Preston
Jeremy has been at The John Lyon School since September 1999.
He came here as a young teacher and leaves older, wiser, a married
man with a first baby on the way summer 2006. He has made a real
contribution to the school in his time here, not just in his
geography teaching, but also in his tremendous contribution to the
extra curricular life of the school. He has run a football and a
cricket team, taken part in cricket tours and skiing trips and of
course accompanied many Geography field trips to wet and windy
corners of Britain.
Jeremy has held various positions of responsibility in his time
here. He has been a Senior Tutor for four years, and Head of
Moore House for one year. He has been well liked and respected
by the boys for his kindness and patience but firmness. Jeremy has
always enjoyed the social side of teaching, always ready for an
evening out or celebration. He has made many good friends at the
school, not least his Head of Department, Bob Shaw and friend and
colleague Ray Cobb. Jeremy spoke with affection of the Last of the
Summer Wine club, who meander gently down to the benches on
the Harrow cricket field, clutching their mugs of tea, to mull over
the events of the day. He referred to the 'grumpy old men of JLS',
and I know they received this accolade in the spirit in which it was
intended. Staff have found the many changes of the last few years
hard at times and it has been these mutually supportive groups of
friends that have enabled people to cope.
Jeremy also remembered other friends he has made here over
the years, who have now left, in particular Paul Flanagan and Cliff
Jones. He also thanked lan Parker for his friendship and great
leadership of the cricket teams.
Jeremy has clearly enjoyed all aspects of school life, the
academic, the extra curricular and the social. He will, I am sure, fit
in very well and find much to enjoy at his new school, Sherborne,
and will no doubt fit comfortably into the routines and extra
demands of a boarding school. He also has the bonus of moving to
a very pleasant part of the world.
We wish Jeremy and his new family every success and
happiness in his new job.
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VALETE
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Joy Mason
Joy Mason worked at the school for three years as Head of
Science. teaching a great deal of chemistry. a fair amount of biology
and some physics. She oversaw the change to Dual Award Science
for all boys. masterminded the introduction of AS level Science for
Public Understanding and most recently laid the foundations for
the new 21 st Century Science programme which will replace the
existing GCSE courses.
She put much time and effort into the development plans for
the science laboratories under two headmasters (which meant two
different development plans) and the excellent modern facilities of
S I are in no small way thanks to her. She has expanded the
teaching resources of the faculty enormously and brought
numerous ICT applications to science teaching at John Lyon.
There is no doubt that Joy is a superb manager of change and
her deceptively gentle persuasion brought the best out of her
colleagues. both teaching and non-teaching. moulding a united
department. Innovations included the communal office which not
only allows colleagues across the three sciences to communicate
directly on a regular basis. but has also encouraged greater sharing
of teaching resources.
A few more words to describe Joy: patient and phlegmatic.
undoubtedly. Tactful. yes. Intuitive. definitely - I can think of
numerous occasions when she has read my thoughts with
penetrating accuracy. Generous to a fault with her time. one need
look no further than the help she volunteered in constructing the
school timetable. Only Joy knows how many hours she has
selflessly given to the school. helped at times by an apparent disdain
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for sleep. She also has great warmth of character and a stre ,;
sense of companionship and she leaves the Science Department
probably more united than it has ever been.
She is a true ambassador. indeed a crusader for the ca'·.f' nf
science. firing the interest and imagination of her pupils;
challenging them to ignore the effects of mankind on the
their peril. The boys will miss very much the intellectual,
thrust of her enlightened teaching; indeed I know of one
,n
chemist who was moved to tears when he learnt that sh
leaving. The number of boys studying chemistry in the six
rm
remains high even though the subject is now officially ree:'.",liised as
the hardest at A-level; Joy can take much credit for its sustained
popularity in the school.
There are of course many good teachers but far fewer who are
both effective in the classroom and have natural management and
leadership abilities. Joy is firmly in the latter camp. She is a strategic
thinker. able to take a whole school view of issues. incisive in
identifying the consequences of policy changes and fearless in
expressing her well-crafted views. Her work as a magistrate has
contributed to a range of life skills not often found in the
profession. She was always keen to advocate new developments in
science education. yet realistic about the demands these made on
other teachers. In times of difficulty Joy supported and defended
her colleagues steadfastly and we are all indebted to her for this.
Joy has moved on to become Vice-Principal of Brampton Sixth
Form College in Hendon and we congratulate her on her
promotion. She leaves her successor a thriving faculty.
thelyonian2006
VALETE
Penny Hawes
Penny Hawes has been with us for three
years, providing specialist individual support
for boys with a range of learning difficulties.
Her room has provided boys with a
sanctuary in the midst of the hurly burly of
the school day and her lessons have been
much appreciated and enjoyed.
We were very lucky to have Penny here
to help Lyndon Budd establish Learning
Support as a meaningful department in the
school. Previously Penny has worked at a
Further Education college, working with A
level and GCSE students. She has also
worked with dyslexic refugees, and
individuals as private students. She has also
run her own nursery school.
This ability to relate successfully to a
wide variety of pupils has been an
important aspect of her work here. Penny
has very much enjoyed working with the
boys and commented on how pleasant and
hardworking she has found them.
Her expertise has been much
appreciated by the school and also her calm
and patience, a vital quality in her field of
work. She has found the school very
supportive of her requirements. In
particular has appreciated the way in which
the English Department has worked closely
with her giving her useful materials that the
students are working with.
David Rimmer has also been an
invaluable support, organising time for sixth
form boys to meet Penny so that they can
be tested for exam access arrangements.
Penny now looks forward to teaching
part time at Quainton Hall School from
September, after a trip to Australia. She also
intends to clear out the loft, study, look
after her elderly aunts, and breed dogs. It
sounds a very active programme and we
wish Penny happy times in the future and
thank her very much for her invaluable
contribution to the school in the past three
years.
Angela Cannon
John Wheaton
Angela came here in the spring term of
2005 to cover the maternity leave of Ellie
Marden. In the previous I 0 years she had
taught, mostly German, at a well known
independent boys' school in Harrow,
namely Harrow School.
Angela is gifted linguist. She has a
masters degree in German, her French is
excellent, she has good Spanish and is also
learning Italian in her spare time. This
linguistic flexibility has been very useful in
her work here at John Lyon where the boys
now have a broader range of languages to
choose from.
Angela has shown great commitment to
language teaching, and despite some
challenging moments, has shown real
dedication to her work here. We have all
enjoyed her kind and warm-hearted
personality and these qualities have been
appreciated by many of the boys she has
taught.
Angela now looks forward to a more
leisurely regime of coaching and lunchtime
book reading groups, and travel certainly to
her flat in Spain, but also to New Zealand
in January. However I am sure that her new
role as grandmother will also keep her very
happily occupied.Angela spoke warmly of
the friendship she has enjoyed from her
colleagues in the modern languages
department and in the wider school. We
shall miss her and wish her very well for
the future.
John very kindly came back to John Lyon
this year for a return visit, having previously
taught here from 1988-95. Since then he
has enjoyed semi-retirement (of a very
active kind) teaching in a number of
independent schools across north and west
London. He has been at Harrow, Godolphin
and Latymer, Haberdashers' Girls, City of
London Girls, Heathfield, St Margaret's
Bushey, Northwood College and Harrow
International, Bangkok.
John came here to fill in after the
departure of Brigid Consedine in
December 200S. He has been an invaluable
member of the History Department, having
gained the experience of being able to
quickly fit into the gap he is here to fill.
John suggested he felt a bit like the Private
Godfrey or Victor Meldrew of the
department; very much the old guard
amongst his younger colleagues, but we
have all very much enjoyed his warmth and
good humour. John has enjoyed renewing
the acquaintance with old friends and
meeting the new staff here. There have
been a lot of new faces since he left in
1995 and a lot of changes to absorb so it
must have been interesting to view the
school again.
Despite being here for a short time
John has run House Bridge and umpired
Under 14 cricket. Now he is genuinely
retiring to pursue his interests of golf,
travelling, doing The Times crossword and
keeping in touch with former pupils on
Friends Reunited (started by a former
pupil). John also enjoys exploring London
on his Freedom Pass. What a pleasant
prospect that all sounds!
We wish John very well in enjoying his
leisure and thank him for the skill and
expertise he brought to his second sojourn
here at The John Lyon School
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hristmas angels, choirs, carol singers wrapped in
snow, traditional Christmas songs ringing from
every street corner, the famous Band Aid line, 'It's
Christmas time, there's no need to be afraid'.
And along with Christmas comes the annual karaoke.
Karaoke, a word which strikes a little fear amongst the tone
deaf, yet this year it was the staff who were 'afraid'.
The John Lyon Staff Karaoke, Christmas 2005. The staff
wincing every time they walked past just one of many
advertisement posters, muttering to themselves, "This was
not part of my job description." There was no apparent
escape from that word, karaoke, with the overwhelming
question "Are you going to be in the Staff Karaoke
sir/ma'am," a blunt "no" often being the common response.
However, there were those who did stand up to be
counted, all in the name of charity after all. Weeks of hard
sell and constant persuasion had taken its toll, and with a
line up confirmed, the days of anticipation as well as frantic
practising ensued.
So, with the hall filled with students who had paid good
money to this almost Glastonbury-esque festival of karaoke,
it was Mr Roy who took centre stage, kicking off the
karaoke with a bang. What ensued was indeed a spectacle
with music, drama and action, with the hall unified in
laughter and good nature. Sketches from 'Little Britain' and
eerily good impressions of teachers from Nick and Sameer,
joint organisers of the event, definitely earned them a
certain cult status within the school, accompanied of course
by the vocal talents of the staff. Yet it was the surprise
appearance of the Headmaster, fully gowned in a nun's outfit
which roused the audience to their feet, torn between
amusement for their valiant headmaster and nervousness,
unwilling to laugh so openly. Such an appearance, preceded
by Sameer and Nick's excellent impression of the
Headmaster and Mr Rimmer highlighted the amicability
which surrounded the event.
However as with all competitions, there has to be a
victor with Mr Miles and Ms Waldron taking the parts of
Simon Cowell and Sharon Osbourne, red hair included.
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STAFF NOTES
Despite Mr Cure's 1969 rendition of 'Sweet Caroline',
complete with History Department backing dancers, and the
punky performances of Mrs Ingram and Mr Roy, the boys'
girl band it la S Club was eventually to reign supreme with
its commercial vi be definitely catching the attention of the
masses.
A huge Christmas cheer must go to Nick and Sameer,
together raising over £ I 000 for the school charity as well
the as staff - to have the courage to stand on stage must
only come from the Christmas sherry. Was it the next
Glastonbury? Not quite sure. Was it the next Pop Idol?
Definitely so.
Krishan Patel
In the year since our last publication, there have been many
items of good news about the staff; a record number of births,
and some marriages.
In February, Nick Loudon's first child, Alessandro, was born,
and Sean McWilliam also had his first addition to his family,
James.
In May, Jo Rowley Jones gave birth to twins, Eleanor and
Matthew, and Kate Higson married Tom Wickson.
In August,James Cure married Caroline,jeremy Preston's
daughter Lucy was born and Emma Inpam gave birth to
Katie.
Early in September, felicity Brown gave birth to Aedhan. very
prematurely, but he is now doing well.
We send our congratulations to them all and very best wishes
for the future.
We also send our congratulations to Anna Mullin who is to
be married next summer.
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thelyonian2006
INTERVIEW: Mr Saajan Hana (Head of Science)
Full name?
Saajan Rana
What do you drive/ride?
I ride a Ducati 800 Sport, which is very nice. I drive a
Renault Scenic.
Did you know that the last Head of Science also had a Renault
Scenic?
Oh dear, no I didn't know that.
How embarrassing!
When d;q you decide to go into sdence then?
I Wa!> working in insurance, in the city, and lliteratlyw:oke liP
one day and thought, "what am I doing? I am reasonably
educated and I want to pass on some knowledge:'
What struck you ~rst about jLS?
The way that students are very well mannered and b.maved
. .. generally ... and also the lack of litter. It's a very clean
school.
In your opinion. what is the best
invention ever?
Wheelie chairs, because you
can do this: (Mr Rana wheels
himself enthusiastically round
the science office.) You can
literally whiz around on them!
Either that or Worcestershire
Sauce.
What type of music do you like?
I am not too big on music
actually.
What is your favourite TV show?
I do have a vice for watching
Hollyoaks!
Are you a keen chef then?
I do enjoy cooking actually. It
helps me relax.
If your house was on ~re. apart
from your family. what would you
save?
My DVD collection.
What are your other hobbies?
Riding the bike and just
tinkering with it.
What is your favourite movie?
'Casino', but I do like classic
comedies like 'Yes, Minister'.
What has been your most
terrifting experience?
Most recently, I went Zorbing,
which is when they chuck you
in a glorified football and throw
you down a hill! Not so
recently, skydiving, or bungee
jumping.
What would you do if you won
the lottery?
I would actually give a large
proportion to friends, family
and charity.
Who would you least, and most,
Hke to be stuck in a lift with?
Least - someone with
flatulence.
Most - my wife ... that sounds a bit dodgy doesn't it?
What are your pet hates?
Queuing, rudeness, and noise.
Where did you go to school? Any Comments?
St Albans Boys. It was a really good place, it was not a
million miles away from JLS (geographically and generally).
Did you always dream of teaching sdence?
No, when I was younger I wanted to work in the city.
Where did you do all of that?
Australia and New Zealand.
You obviously enjoy travelling, what has been your best holiday
experience?
Jungle trekking in Borneo. We saw orangutans in the wild.
If you could meet anyone from the past, present, or future. who
would it be? And why?
Darwin. I would like to ask him about his voyage to the
Galapagos Islands.
Interview by Sameer Jethwa
9
thelyonian2006
BUDD'S BERMUDA
Andrew Watters interviews Mr Lyndon Budd
Could you give me an introduaion to what you did in Bermuda, and how
you came to be there?
I was a teacher in a small independent school in Cardiff and very
fed up and underpaid and I decided, still being quite young, I would
look in the international section of the TES and see if I could have a
new experience abroad where I could find some more sunshine
and earn some more money.
The language out there, is it the same?
It is a British protectorate. It has the Queen on the money, and it is
an English speaking colony.
What were the people like?
Well, it is a very wealthy little island. It has the highest income per
capita in the world, a very, very protected economy, and is known
for banking and insurance and shipping registering. It is just a piece
of rock, rather pretty sub-tropical rock, covered in palm trees, in
the middle of the Atlantic Ocean with no natural resources, no
lakes, no rivers, twelve miles long, one mile wide, tiny and sizzling
with money, so it's an astonishing place really.
So it's a nice place to take your holiday?
Very nice place and a very expensive place. It was a pound for a
bottle of milk back in 1987.
What about the boys? How did they behave?
The children seemed to be older than their age, compared to
British children. They were a mixture of black and white
Bermudans, Canadian and British expatriates and they were the
children of well-travelled international parents. They were quite
sophisticated and old for their age, older than children of the same
age I had taught in this country.
What do you mean? More mature?
More mature, more laid back, more familiar. They just felt the world
was their oyster, and they were right; it was.
That's good for them! How long were you working out there?
I was there for just two years, but it seemed far, far longer because
the days were long and sunny and slow. There was no stress as
there is in London. It was a very slow pace to life. It had to be
really because of the heat and humidity.
Was there a siesta in the middle
of the day?
No, we worked on the American model, air conditioning
everywhere and we worked 9-5, same as here. They paid no heed
to the climate.
What was the food like?
Expensive and less fresh than here, because everything has to be
imported including the fruit, so it would not be as pristine as in a
British supermarket. It was international as you would expect with
those people from all over the world. They had a couple of local
recipes, but not much. It wasn't like some of the Caribbean Islands
that have their own cuisine. It was more a mixture of American and
British, with Italian, Chinese and Indian restaurants, as you get here
now.
What do you think was your favourite part of being in Bermuda?
I think I enjoyed the fact that you didn't get very different
experiences of summer and winter. The amount of sunlight was the
same all year round. You didn't have summer and winter and
clothing was simple. You just wear shorts and a T-shirt every day of
the year. You didn't have to think about your clothes. It was just
constant warmth.
Were there any problems with the Bermuda triangle or anything?
Well, that is in fact a patch of sea between some Caribbean islands
to the south. It does not cause problems.
Anything else?
Well, I would like to go back there and see if it has changed,
because it was beginning to experience the problem for a small
island of too many cars. I would be interested to see how that has
worked out.
Also, race relations were extremely good. The president was a big
name president for a community of 40,000 people. The president
was a black guy and the cabinet was black and white and wealth
was pretty evenly spread. There weren't the tensions you get in
places like America. I would like to see if these positive attitudes
have been maintained or if tensions have developed. But I would
recommend it for a holiday, a very expensive holiday. It's more
expensive than most parts of Europe or even the Caribbean which
more people visit these days.
Finally, were you out there by yourself?
No,l went with my wife.We didn't have children, which would have
been a bigger issue and she got a good job so we felt pretty well
off in those days. Yes, a good life!
:1 ".. .tOj. !1I
StGeMOe
ATUNTlC 0CIL4N
Did you develop any hobbies out there?
..ney.
Did you do any exciting sports like scuba diving or jet skiing?
Those things have taken off far more in recent years. I don't think I
remember seeing a jet ski there in 1987. I wouldn't be surprised if
they aren't there now. Also, scuba diving is very specialised. The sea
around Bermuda is extremely deep, extremely rocky so I'm not
sure if that particular landscape and the little islands around it are
suitable.
c'"
H..... ~
Tuck.".
Island
11.",.,. Town
SOW
BIIy
Well, I went on boats quite a bit, which I hadn't had the chance to
here. I could have taken up golf because there are lots of golf
courses, but I don't like golf, but I did manage to play lots of tennis
and spend lots of time on the beach.
..atu
Wlalle
Hamilton
o
o
o
10
$
thelyonian2006
Heads of Schools Say Education
System Must Learn to Thp into
Pupil Power
On Friday 29th September 2006 the first national conference for
Heads of Schools was held at Wellington College, Berkshire. It
revealed a hunger for responsibility as well as freedom.
Despite sending invitations to over 700 schools, 60 Head Boys
and Head Girls attended. This is because many schools made the
decision to send, or not send, their Head of School.
It was a conference aimed to promote pupil power. It is
acknowledged that Headmasters and Headmistresses are beginning to
realise something that their pupils have long known: schools would be
much better places if students had a much bigger role in running
them.
So what would more power for pupils mean? No homework? No
exams? Longer holidays? Not at all. In fact what I found most
refreshing was the fact that so many fellow Heads of Schools shared
my own view. What pupils really want is to be able to study things
that interest them in an environment where they feel completely at
ease and a chance to get involved in the running of the school to a
much greater extent.
Now this does not mean that we want to start dismantling the
traditional hierarchy, or begin to eradicate parts of the A level
curriculum that do not interest us. It merely is a matter of giving
pupils a voice, giving pupils their place in society; it would not be
unreasonable to even stretch as far as saying that pupils should be
able to adapt government policy on education. After all, it is about
them, it is their future, it is their school.
While at Wellington I met the Head Boys and Girls of several
independent and comprehensive schools from around the country,
and we discussed the role we play in each of our schools. We also
came up with numerous ideas to involve pupils in the school to a
greater extent. The school council and peer mentoring schemes were
mentioned (two of John Lyon's most successful pupil-run
programmes), as was the idea of the pupils having a seat on governing
bodies, and having a greater say on government policies.
In my opinion the predicament arises as a result of the very rigid
education system, which does not allow time for the pursuing of
particular things that pupils are interested in. The focus is too heavily
fixed on meeting the curriculum and competing in league tables. It
completely misses the point of what 'education' should be about.
Pupils are the most under-utilised resource in schools and all pupils
want to do is make education better for themselves. The sixth form is
the most significant segment of a school. Sixth formers are capable of
organising and running school and inter-school events. Not only this,
but when imposing discipline, who better to tell a younger pupil to
tidy up their appearance than a fellow pupil? The sixth formers act as
role models for younger boys.
What is most important is that pupils are respected and listened
to. The truth is that pupils do care, and greater pupil involvement
would mean more successful schools; in any case, what are schools
without pupils?
Sameer Jethwa, Head of School
THE JOHN LYON
MINI WORLD CUP
From the 19th of June to the 21 st, the John Lyon third years
embarked on an exciting cross curricular event, based
around the world cup. The main part was organised by the
P.E. Department, a mini tournament, which involved all the
boys. Other departments, including the Art, History,
Geography, Religious Studies, English and Modern Languages
had their own activities planned, all revolving around the
World Cup. The mini tournament consisted of 16 teams,
which were made up of 6-7 boys, and each team was given a
country's name. These teams were already put into a 'World
Cup Draw', which took place earlier during the month.
These teams would work as a group, not only on the pitch,
but also in competitions for other subjects. Over the three
days, crucial group matches were played, leaving teams who
finished third and fourth, qualifying into a Plate Competition.
Many unusual and fun activities were held. In English,
teams watched the last few minutes of the England versus
Trinidad and Tobago match, and had to write a commentary
on it, which had to be flowing, but amusing. In Art, the boys
had to design a kit for their countries, and a boot. The over
all competition for Art was awarded to the Ukraine team
for their artistic talents. Also, in Languages, there was a
competition for an all German quiz, and a poster design for
a specific country.
As the mini tournament went on, more teams were
knocked out, the favourites, Sweden, along with Ghana,
Argentina, and the Ivory Coast were in to the semi-finals,
while Holland, Brazil, Tunisia and Spain in the Plate semis.
Eventually Spain and Brazil went into the plate final, with
Spain winning it 2-1.
An all African final took place in the World Cup, with
Ghana seeing off Argentina, and the Ivory Coast beating
Sweden. Two of the main tournaments top goal-scorers
were Michael Kim of Ghana and Luke King from the Ivory
Coast who both captained their sides out into a very
'professional' entrance. Mr Jones was the referee picked for
the game.
The game itself was contested with commitment from
both teams, and it looked to be a game of hard tackles and
clever passing. Bertie Atkinson's clever flick hit the bar for
Ghana, while Luke King and Ravi Pate I made close chances
straight from the kick off for the Ivory Coast. Eventually, as
the crowd of anxious third years got impatient, in the
second half, Michael Kim made an individually crafted goal,
side footed into the bottom of the net, to make it 1-0 to
Ghana. It would stay like this until the end, as many asked
how much time was left.
Finally the whistle was blown and the final was won by
Ghana, narrowly beating an ever-present Ivory Coast team.
Congratulations to Ghana and Spain. Also, a big "well done"
to the other teams that had had taken part, or had won a
competition. The Third years would also like to thank all the
teachers that took part in the cross curricular subjects. And
a big thank you must go to the P.E. Department, Mr Jones,
Mr Garwood, Mr Leach, Mr Dale, and Mr Brammer for
organising the event. We really enjoyed the three days and
hope you did too. Thank you.
Nihal Patel, 3P
11
thelyonian2006
INTERVI EW: Miss Lara Silverstone
You drive?
A beaten up red Nissan Micra called Ruby; I called her
Ruby because she shone and although she's old her engine
has never failed me once in the morning. However, she
was broken into a few months ago and taken for a joy
ride by people I would call'yutes', and left for dead. She
was rescued and resurrected but she still has the scars
and doesn't shine quite like she used to, but somehow I
feel even more attached
to her - that's why I'm
calling 'it' her - when
actually she's a car.
If you have time for yourself,
what do you do?
When I have time to
myself I write, write,
write. I'm currently
writing a blog - it's not
quite happening yet.
French. Also love Dan Millman. He's constantly changing
my life positively with his spiritual wisdom on the ci""nl••d's",
matters.
The shop you can't walk past?
The shop I can't walk past is Maharishi in Convent
Garden - the clothes there are ridiculous and at
ridiculous prices - and I love the stuff. A lot of it's military
or Japanese style and not
all of it suits me but
there's always an item I
get obsessed by for a few
months till I either buy it
or new stock comes in.
Fortunately, I've got a
friend who gets stuff on a
discount there, so I can
buy some things which
are just really expensive.
All your money goes on?
What are you very bad at?
I am very bad at many
things and what I'm bad at
ranges from walking (I still
lose my balance for
absolutely no reason) to
applied mathematics. I say
applied because it makes
me seem less stupid than
if I'd just said Maths which
I failed completely the
first time when I was at
school. I'm good at about
one or two things, writing
and writing - is that one
or two? I'm currently
running a monthly
comedy night (www.killjoy
comedy.com) which is fun. I used to do stand up and
have many memories - some of me shining on stage and
others of me dying horribly. Don't ask me to do any jokes
not unless you see the P45 in my hands.
Book that changed you?
A book that changed me ... probably some of the
existential playwrights whilst I was at university: Sartre,
Camus and lonesco. These playwrights should come with
a waming on the front - they rocked the foundations of
my faith and left me quite disturbed - I'm not blaming
them, I'm just saying, be careful. Books I love: any Balzac
novel - he's like a light Dostoyevsky but funnier and
12
All my money goes on?
What money!
Soundtrack to my life?
It depends on the day. I'd
like to think Green
Onions, it's a timeless
classic and whenever I
hear it I feel connected to
some supernatural energy
which inspires and makes
me laugh. Other times,
though, it would probably
...
be some awful pop
anthem or current
electro dance beat. I'm
enjoying 'Put your hands
up for Detroit' at the
moment but it hardly sums up my reflective,
contemplative nature.
What's your favourite piece
of art?
My favourite work of art is Tracey Emin's Bed because it
inspired me to write my own book, 'Charlotte's Lot'
which is about a dizzy, stupid housewife who accidentally
becomes The Turner Prize winner when her pet gold fish
swimming alone in a massive aquarium is mistaken as a
piece of installation art and social critique for the human
condition. I'm blogging it at the moment. If you search
Google for 'Charlotte's Lot' (should you want to) you
should find it.
DRAMA
s the crowds gathered for the next instalment of The John
'on School Musical' phenomenon, we wondered whether the
andards established over the previous three years could be
chieved once again and even built upon ... we were not to be
isappointed. From the moment the curtains opened and the
ntire cast filled the stage for the 'Reunion', their energy and
( ljoyment was clear to see. Such commitment is key to any
S JCcessful musical but particularly so in Grease as the vast
r,lajority of characters are teenagers themselves, and so the real
young men and women behind the characters helped to bring the
show even more to life.
Consequently the group scenes were a real highlight as the
cast, numbering close to fifty performers, expertly flung
themselves around the stage and made the most of every inch of
space. This was especially true in 'The Dance' where everyone
had a chance to show off their moves in the complex 'hand-jive'.
The fact that each member of the ensemble effected the dance
with equal precision without hitting each other in the face was
testament to their abilities as well as to the choreography that
allowed the stage to be totally filled while still meaning all could
be seen and had the space to move.
These whole cast scenes were especially memorable but the
real drive to the show came from the leading groups of the 'TBirds' and the 'Pink Ladies'.These sets of misguided and
hormonally charged teens led the plot and produced the central
protagonists of the piece. Among the boys Richard Symonds
perfectly portrayed the vulnerability and more youthful qualities
of Doody; his solo in Those Magic Changes' was both funny and
thelyonian2006
poignant, as well as showing off his unquestionably immense
talents on a guitar. His (attempted) relationship with Frenchie
was very well played as they stumbled around the issue with
15
thelyonian2006
16
DRAMA
thelyonian2006
DRAMA
naivety and nervousness. It was also useful as a foil to the other
more sexually charged connections going on around them and
consequently the audience responded with sympathy and
understanding (perhaps from memories of their own teen
experiences!?). Sarah Peters for her part was excellent
throughout; maintaining character at all times and adding to all
the musical numbers with a powerful singing voice. Despite stiff
competition she also won the award for best wig (it was bright
pink!). Nasri EI-Sayegh as Roger brought great character to the
part and combined excellently with Sharan Phull Oan), whose
accent especially was authentic and well sustained throughout.
Their most notable display together was in 'Mooning' ... when
he did just that. A rather more hot-headed couple showed itself
in the form of Stuart Onslow (Sonny) and Jessica Kangalee
(Marty). Clearly Stuart had spent much time researching his
character as he took to the innuendo and sexuality of the part
with ease and to great amusement. Jessica was equally playful and
showed off her superb singing voice through leading the Ladies in
'Freddie my Love'; the famous pyjama party scene that gave them
all a chance to shine and show how well they worked together.
For the boys, 'Greased Lightnin' was their bonding number. With
pelvic thrusting aplenty they threw themselves into it and clearly
enjoyed being part of a song that marks a pinnacle of masculinity
for most boys; it's all about cars ... and being a young male. Ben
Shave as Kenickie led the gang excellently in his last John Lyon
show and gave a typically measured performance in what has
been quite year on the dramatic front (having played the title role
in Hamlet at Christmas). His relationship with Rizzo was both
passionate and emotive. Elise Allanson showed off her undoubted
talents and bright future on the stage by performing the role with
grace and style. Her solo number was particularly effective as the
character laments a possible pregnancy, and the audience
empathised accordingly.
These two groups of teenagers were the undoubted highlight
of the show with their interaction always comic, dynamic and
extremely energetic. The other key component came in the form
of the leading couple, formerly played by John Travolta and Olivia
Newton John in the film, but here ably represented by Atif
Siddiqui and Annella Rowland.Though the parts were smaller
than the blockbuster still the much-famed partnership of Danny
and Sandy produced tangible romance and chemistry. Atif dealt
well with a scarily high vocal line while maintaining the qualities
necessary to make the character believable. I must just mention
the 'leg-over' moment also during his advances in the car at the
drive-in movie which was very funny and perfectly timed.Annella
showed off her undoubted vocal talents and perfectly captured
the innocence of Sandy as she struggles with her changing
identity. It must also be said that although the musical differs
vastly from the film, the legendary moment when Sandy appears
in her leathers post-makeover was not to be missed in the stage
show and was greatly appreciated by one and all; the audible
exhalation (by at least halfthe audience) was testament to that.
Other mentions must also go to James Kerley as a hilarious
Teen Angel, to Sophie Burgess as a perfectly annoying Patty, and
most notably to Ishil Mehta and Michael Betts in making their
larger-than-life and big-wigged characters both comic and highly
memorable.
Much credit must go to those behind the scenes though. Kate
Wickson and Felicity Brown with their organisational and
creative abilities were clearly invaluable as always. Stuart Miles
lent his sizeable skills and immense musicality to the production
and was an inevitable inspiration for all involved. The whole band
played the piece with real energy and drive, and a real feel for the
sixties rock and roll flavour of the music.
The final word must go to the living legend herself, Miss Deborah
Gibbs. No one can have imagined the extent to which she has
energised and invigorated John Lyon Drama with her
profeSSionalism, passion and immense ability aided by those
mentioned above. The professional standards to which she aspires
and frequently attains have encouraged her students to take real
pride in their performance and so raise the standards even
higher. Just to focus on the boys for a moment also. No, one
should underestimate the amazing achievement that Miss Gibbs
has masterminded and has now become an annual occurrence of hoards of teenage boys freeing themselves from all stereotypes
and managing to look at home on a professional stage showing
off their acting, singing and dancing abilities. It is a feat that other
schools can only marvel at and John Lyon should be rightfully
proud of and this was never more so than at Grease 2006.
Joel Bubbers
Cast
(In Order of Appearance)
Natalie Hartstone
Miss Lynch
Patty Simcox
Sophie Burgess
Eugene Florczyk
William Weston
Sharan Phull
Jan
Jessica Kangalee
Marty
Elise Allanson
Rizzo
Doody
Richard Symonds
Roger
Nasri EI-Sayegh
Kenickie
Benjamin Shave
Sonny La Tierri
Stuart Onslow
Frenchie
Sarah Peters
Sandy Dumbrowski
Annella Rowland
Danny Zuko
Atif Siddiqui
Vince Fontaine
Ishil Mehta
Michael Betts
Johnny Casino
Cha-Cha Digregorio
Rosie Cresner
Teen Angel
James Kerley
The Guys
Hussain AI-Hilli, Daniel Crehan, Peter Drake, Freddie Herman,
Nathan Ireland, Pierre Mcllwee,Alistair Milne,Joe Morell,
Shane O'Neill, Richard Pacy, Ashwanth Ravindrarajah,
Robert Rowland,Vikash Seth, Milan Shah, Chris Stupack,
Harry Thatcher, Adam Trepczynski, Simon Winkler Kwasi Yeboah
The Girls
Charlotte Campbell, Jessica Chamberlain, Zainab Hakim,
Sita Madaan, Hazel O'Neill, Marlenna Piponias, Stephanie Reed,
Jodie Richardson,lsabelle Tranter.
The Band
Reed I
Reed 2
Bass Guitar
Electric Guitar I
Electric Guitar 2
Drum Kit
Keyboards/Conductor
Sean McWilliam
Oliver Druker
TimAdnitt
Richard Cole
Chris Grey
Jason Holling
Stuart Miles
17
DRAMA
thelyonian2006
Hamlet
concluded from page 14
executed their roles with great conviction. These are two very
different women. Mia was moving as a sweet, innocent Ophelia,
and spoke her lines beautifully. Charlie had real dignity and
maturity as Gertrude, and convinced us of her innocent
involvement in Claudius' plans. As Claudius, Dan Morris took
on a big role and played it with real understanding and drama. I
thought he was particularly good in the speech where he
wrestles with his conscience and tries to pray. He gave us a real
sense of a bad man, who knows he is doing wrong, and wishes
he were not. All the cast were very effective in their roles.
Alykhan Kassam as Horatio spoke his lines beautifully and was
extremely convincing as the loyal friend. His clarity was much
appreciated as he conveys quite a bit of important information
in the play. Other actors that deserve a mention for their fine
performances are Atif Siddiqui who was suitably fussy and
finnicky as Polonius, and Shane O'Neill, who cut an impressive
figure as the gravelly voiced ghost.
The play had been so successfully edited by Miss Gibbs,
from its original length of three and a half hours, to a much
more manageable two hours with interval, that we never lost
track of events, though they swept past us at a cracking pace.
A number of factors struck me about the professionalism of
the piece. The play was very well acted. Every line was
delivered with conviction by each and every actor, and
built successfully to the overriding sense of tragic
emotion that defines this play. The finale of the piece was
also very entertaining for the audience to witness.
Laertes' dramatic entry and speech certainly shocked the
audience, whilst the swordfight held the audience
spellbound. On top of this, the demise of several of the
characters, such as Gertrude, Laertes, Claudius and of
course, Hamlet definitely had an impact on the audience.
Overall, the play, for me, had an array of effective
Cast
Hamlet
Claudius
Polonius
Laertes
Horatio
Ghost
Bamardo
Francisco
Marcellus
Rosencrantz
Guildenstem
Gravedigger
Other Gravedigger
Attendant/Lord/Messenger
1st Sailor
Osric
Player Queen
Player King
Lucianus
Reynaldo
Priest
18
Ben Shave
Daniel Morris
Atif Siddiqui
Ishil Mehta
Alykhan Kassam
Shane O'Neill
Stuart Onslow
Michael Betts
Alistair Milne
Nasri EI-Sayegh
Richard Pacy
Joe Morell
William Weston
Simon Winkler
Richard Symonds
Peter Drake
Pierre Mcllwee
Nathan Ireland
Ashwanth Ravindrarajah
Dylan Liew
Arun Sharma
elements within it. The set design and costumes were very
elaborate, the quality of acting was tremendous, and effects in
sound and lighting provided by Ben Sehovic added that extra
element to enhance this. Music was used very successfully to
signal changing mood and atmosphere. The play also successfully
kept itself flowing all the time, with quick changeovers in
scenes, helped by the multiple entry and exit points onto the
stage. It had comedy, provided by the 'play within the play'
featuring Nathan Ireland and Pierre Mcllwee, passion and
tension in the swordfight finale, and distress and tragedy from
the deaths of Polonius, Ophelia and of course, the actors at the
end. I believe Miss Gibbs and the cast and crew deserve huge
credit and praise for putting together such a successfully
effective and emotional piece of drama. My only regret is that
more people weren't able to witness the performances. For the .
A-level students the play saw a goodbye to their time as actors
in the School Drama, but there was certainly evidence that John
Lyon has an abundance of talent coming through to hold the
department in good stead for, at least, the near future.
Vikash Seth
DRAMA
thelyonian2006
Wt\S IT t\LL
WORTI~I
Tritton House
IT?
On Wednesday 28th June the third year boys and
Miss Gibbs presented this lively play about the
World Cup, and its impact on a diverse group of
characters.
Miss Gibbs had previously put on this play,
which she wrote in 2002, when she first arrived at
the school, and she had skilfully updated it to
accommodate the 2006 world cup scenario. For
Beckham's toe read Rooney's metatarsal. But the
main thrust of the plot remained as pertinent as
ever: the conflicting demands of schoolwork or
exam or adult working life and a passionate desire
to immerse yourself entirely in football.
Her talented cast worked very hard and put in
some long days of rehearsal, scheduled of course to
avoid clashes with any World Cup fixtures, to give a
very disciplined and perky performance.
There were some particularly strong
performances from some budding talents, notably
Freddie Herman and Nihal Patel as the father son
duo, who are equally obsessed by the football.
Freddie does a lovely line in anguished indecision
and Nihal is always a totally committed performer.
I also very much enjoyed the performance of
Daniel Orchard as Matt, and David Deltchinov as
Mr Prime, Freddie's employer, and secret supporter
of Sweden. David has real energy and conviction on
stage.
Arjun Ravrani was also notable for his clarity
and passion in his various roles.
Apart from these boys in more central roles
the whole play was a strong ensemble piece,
conveying effectively the highs and lows of
supporting your national team and leaving us, as the
play was being written to accommodate results as
they came out, with a real sense of a cliff hanger
ending. And as I now write on Sunday 2nd July the
question posed by the title does seem a highly
appropriate one in relation to becoming so swept
up in world cup fever ... was it all worth it?
Kate Wickson
Cast
Actors in alphabetical order
Tej Badiani
Rooney & Mr Pass
Alex Boa
Jason
David Deltchinov
Mr Prime
Freddie Herman
Richard
Karan Kapoor
German
Daniel Lipman
PC Plod
Rahul Malde
George, old man
Daniel Orchard
Matt
Nihal Pate I
Mickey
Arjun Ravrani
A Fan
Callum Rees
Yob 2
Aaron Sharma
Mr Strange
JamieWait
Yob I
Jonathan Webb
Sven
As usual Miss Gibbs' final offering of the year was the now traditional end of term
play by the sixth form boys.
This piece is always a light-hearted look at an aspect of modern society and
this year it was the residents' association of a block of luxury flats.
Miss Gibbs writes the play to fit the cast and always works with an experienced
group of young actors. All have been in many previous JLS productions and exam
performances and so can cope with the limited rehearsals, usually two main
rehearsals and a final run through on the evening of the play. They have to arrive at
the rehearsals ready to deliver their performance.
In this play we were introduced first to the lively Elise Allanson, as Gemima, a
dowdy wife, and Stuart Onslow as Donald, her tedious and pernickety socialclimbing husband, preparing for the residents' association meeting.
Through the course of the play we are introduced to the various assorted
characters that are coming to this event. Firstly Donald's friend Gordon, the
solicitor (Nathan Ireland) who is ever ready with legal advice, solicited or not.
Next we meet Paul (Nasri EI-Sayegh), a lovelorn man whose wife has
abandoned him for a Turkish toy boy, Mustafa, met on holiday in Bodrum. He is
wallowing in his grief, much to the embarrassment of his monosyllabic son (Simon
Winkler). Simon seemed very much at ease in the role of the grungy kid!
Next we meet the delightful Seamus Oonathan Bullock), a last minute
replacement for Shane O'Neil, but still giving us a very convincing accent. He has as
his wife, Marie (Sharan Phull), anxiously keen to fit in and avoid offending the
neighbours.
Finally we meet Wayne (Richard Pacy), medallion man par excellence, always a
success with the ladies, and his mate Shane, who has the opposite effect. Jessica
Kangalee was her usual forceful self as a scorned girlfriend, determined not to let
Wayne slip from her grasp too easily.
This ill-assorted group, with Seamus' friend Craig, the stripagram policeman in
tow, come together in the final scene, and the inherent tensions of their conflicting
emotions led to the denouement that capped this play.
This was a very humorous piece. A sort of cross between Big Brother, and
Abigail's Party and a French farce. Lots of crossed wires, and surprise
announcements and a marvellous entrance from Elise, reborn from downtrodden
housewife (in socks and slippers) to vampish sex kitten in mini skirt and stilettos.
All the young actors embraced their parts with real gusto and assurance and
the girls, who have now all appeared in several JLS productions, added their sparky
style to the play. I was never convinced that Elise, last seen as Rizzo in Grease, was
going to stay downtrodden for long.
'Tritton House' is a well written and entertaining play, with some pointed
comments about social climbing and modern mores.
The boys gave us a real sense of enjoying performing their characters and all
managed to convey the different personalities very effectively.
As always this was a very pleasant way to end the drama year, another year in
which we have enjoyed an amazing variety of performances. From Hamlet to Tritton
House we have explored the range of drama available, and plans for next year
suggest another rich feast awaits.
Kate Wickson
Cast
in order of appearance
Donald
Gemima
Gordon
Paul
Liam
Seamus
Stuart Onslow
Elise Allanson
Nathan Ireland
Nasri EI-Sayegh
Simon Winkler
Jonathan Bullock
Marie
Craig
Wayne
Shane
Susie
Sharan Phull
Amar Pankhania
Richard Pacy
Atif Siddiqui
Jessica Kangalee
19
DRAMA
thelyonian2006
INTERVIEW
Elise Allanson
Elise Allanson is 16, and is currently studying for her AS levels
at the Royal Masonic School for Girls in Rickmansworth.
Amongst other subjects, she is studying drama and music, and
has been involved in musicals not only at JL, but also with
Harrow School and with her own theatre group outside of
school.
Which John Lyon productions hove you been in?
I played Hope Harcourt in Anything Goes last year, and in
Grease I was Rizzo.
What attracted you to performing with John Lyon?
I came and saw the first JL musical four years ago, Guys and
Dolls, because my friend was in it. The next year I watched
West Side Story, and it just seemed such a fantastic experience
that I wanted to be a part of it.
What is it like working with Deborah Gibbs? (Miss Gibbs to all JL
students!)
She's brilliant, really talented and professional. She's very
organised, but also a lot of fun to work with!
And how about the John Lyon boys themselves?
They're all very dedicated, and have a great enthusiasm for
everything they do. I think this showed during 'Greased
Lightning' (the flagship song for our latest production) where
all of the boys showed such energy, which I thought was very
impressive.
How did you find playing two very different characters in Hope
and Rizzo?
I thought it was challenging but fun. Hope Harcourt was a
nice character to play but she was a bit of a drip, so it was
nice to play a strong, bitchy character such as Rizzo.
The musicals themselves, Anything Goes and Grease, are also
very unlike each other. What struck you as the main differences
between the two?
I think Anything Goes was a lot more song-orientated, with
Grease focusing more on movement. They were both
impressive in their own ways. However. Anything Goes
iCCHniC~L
iHi:£liRc
The backbone of every production. The people who control what you
see and what you hear. Countless sound effects and lighting cues at
their very fingertips. Yes, those numpties shut away in the dark and
mysterious 'technical box' listening attentively to the director's
instructions over the intercom system.
So what really goes on in there? Why are the lights and sound only
noticed when things go wrong?
One week before the performance dates, when all other
productions have ended in the Ryan Theatre, the technical crew move
in to set up the JLS production. Each of the sixty lights needs to be
individually focused, colours changed, bulbs checked and positioned.
Bear in mind that most of these lights are fifty feet above ground level!
Radio microphones need to be checked and tested for
interference and the receiving aerials needs to be strategically placed
to ensure maximum sound quality. Most of the critical wiring for the
amps runs through the walls, so the technicians' work is minimised.
One of the most critical jobs is for the sound engineers to ensure that
the radio mics are adjusted to prevent feedback - at the volume
required for a major production. feedback from just one mic is quite
capable of deafening the audience within a few seconds.
Then comes the programming of the lighting cues; not nearly as
simple as it sounds. For the production Grease, the initial programming
of the lights took 35 hours over one weekend, and then several days
of fine-tuning after the first run-through. The lighting engineer and the
director work side-by-side to achieve the best effects. By the end we
had used forty different colours, fifteen different gobos (shaped filters)
and 276 individual cues.
The sound engineers' job is much simpler at this stage; they sit
with a copy of the script and mark in the different points where each
of the 30 mics need to be brought live. In addition, they also mark in
appropriate points to include sound effects chosen by the director
(but it's still nowhere near a 35-hour job working through the night!).
The initial run-through is where the director scrutinises the
lighting cues and provides an experienced ear to check the sound
quality from the auditorium. This then leads to several days of finetuning. Things can and do go wrong at this stage - a microphone being
left switched off during a solo, or the stage being too dark to see the
cast - a common side effect when no front lighting has been used
during the initial programming. Criticism from the director, stage
manager and the actors themselves is also taken into account - was
the lighting in Scene Two too dim, or was the leading lady's solo too
quiet to be heard properly?
As the production process goes on, the lighting and sound cues
managed to get forty boys tap-dancing, which is quite strange,
but at the same time Grease had a similar number of boys
hand-jiving, which is equally as uncommon! So both
productions had parts that I thought were impressive.
And finally, seeing as next year is our last year and therefore our
last performances. which role would you choose to play if you had
the choice of any role in theatre?
Oh God, I don't know, there are so many ... I'd love to play a
lot of roles but not all of them would work with a large male
cast. On The Town would be great to perform and we would be
able to do it as there are lots of sailors in it! However, a role
I'd love to play is Eliza Dolittle in My Fair Lady as I think she is
a wonderful character with some incredible songs.
Interview by Michael Betts
Freddy Atkinson and Anup in the control room of the Ryan Theatre
20
DRAMA
are constantly practised and refined to ensure that
everything is as clear as possible. Only by the time
the dress rehearsal ends will the lighting cues be up
to the required standard, whilst the sound system
and the associated cues will have been optimised for
maximum sound clarity. During the actual dress
rehearsal and performances, the sound engineers are
concentrating mostly on their script, putting the
required effects in at the right time, whilst the
lighting engineer just presses the odd button now
and again, having had three weeks to program the
cues. However, even this can lead to an unplanned
blackout in the middle of a scene simply by pressing
the wrong button at the wrong time! During
performances the director usually stays in the wings
to keep an eye on things backstage. The lighting and
sound engineers keep an eye out on the stage to
ensure everything is going smoothly, passing on any
glitches to the director, who informs the cast.
In between performance nights, the 'techies' still
cannot rest. Fuses need to be checked before each
performance to ensure no lights have blown, whilst
radio mics need either recharging or new batteries.
And, naturally, the crew also need a rest from the
intensive atmosphere of the technical box. The
temperature in the box itself during performances is
not conducive to staying awake! The air con unit is,
unfortunately, too loud to be left on during
performances.
Even after the show, the technies cannot rest.
Radio mic receivers need to be collected in, the
lighting board's memory erased and, once again, all
fuses checked before the cast and crew leave the
theatre. Electrics must be shut down and doublechecked, in particular the 4lS-volt power supply for
the lighting. Once everything is confirmed to be off,
everybody finally gets to relax until the next show!
The main differences between a musical and a
'normal' play, such as would be staged for public
examinations, are that the workload of the sound
engineer is greatly reduced, whilst the lighting
engineer also has fewer cues to work with. The
technical layout of the Drama Studio is less flexible
than the Ryan Theatre, but is still perfectly adequate
for the tasks it has to perform. By contrast, from the
sound engineer's point of view the equipment in the
Boyd Campbell Hall is very basic, whilst the lighting is
mostly superior.
The Staff Karaoke was one of the more recent
performances to be held in the hall, and it must be
said that the majority of the sound and lighting was
improvised on the day. Some filters for the lights
were changed to suit the atmosphere, whilst the two
main speakers were re-focused (adjusted so that the
stereo sound 'meets' in the middle of the hall) from
the soundboard. It is one of the strange quirks of
operating the Hall sound system that the speakers
never retain their focus from one day to the next!
During the performances, most of the lighting was
ad-libbed whilst the sound was adjusted as reqUired.
Most of the audience will recall the sudden blackout
during Mr Miles' speech ... it wasn't a technical
error!
Ben Sehovic (lighting) and Gareth Corfield (sound)
thelyonian2006
Drama Club
Drama club is a very well grown society that gets together in the drama studio
every Monday and Tuesday. We are usually busy on performances to show in front
of an audience in the drama studio.
The last drama performance was on the 7th March 2006 and it went really
well. It was called Who am I? The new boy was played by Sam Fakouri and Mum
was played by Reggie Akinjbade. The storyline was that the new boy comes to a
new school and was not very well greeted and did not know where he fitted in.
On the way back his mum asks some questions about what he did at school but
does not get many answers. The next day the routines were all the same and on
the way back mum still got few answers.
She put on a video of West Side Story and a scene that really stuck in the mind
was acted out by a second form and two first form actors - Krishan Pate I and
Munraj Matharoo, with the lead role of Riff played with real energy and
enthusiasm by Jake Banji.
Then mum found out what was wrong and told her son, "Why don't you just
make your own gang." The next day the boy made his own gang that had five
people in it. Success!
The actors were very successful seeing as the drama studio was busier than
expected and more chairs had to be put out. Apart from that the performance
was very successful with the actors on and of stage always keeping thier
concentration level high.
At the end of all the hard effort, the work paid off and now some of the
actors who have already done more than three performances will get a Drama Tie
awarded to them in assembly at the beginning of next term. Well done guys!
Krishan Patel
2nd Year English Trip
The Globe Theatre
We set off to the tube station at about half past nine. The trains (for once!)
worked out quite well and so after a smooth journey we ... (oh sorry, Miss Twist
has asked me to put in dramatic effect) so after a dodgy journey in which we lost
four boys and three of us were sick, we arrived at The Globe. We went in and the
first thing that struck me was the architecture of the building and this was before
we had even been inside the theatre. We were, however, forced to entertain
ourselves whilst our badly organised hosts found us something to do. Something
more entertaining than sticking little pieces of paper in each other's pockets when
they weren't looking! In the end, we had to go round the exhibition on our own,
which was a shame because a guide would have given us the chance to have our
queries answered as well as getting a detailed explanation of each exhibit. At the
end of this, we encountered two men doing a fighting demonstration with real
swords - just for show of course. (Oh wait, more dramatic effect). We
encountered two men trying to kill each other with real swords!
Anyway, after lunch we entered The Globe itself. The Globe is actually on its
third life. It has been rebuilt twice since its burning down. I reckon it must be a
descendant of the cat family, so it's still got six more burnings to go. Here is a little
tip, if you ever go to see a performance at the Globe, never stand in the middle especially when it's raining because there is no roof!
We were treated to a guided tour of the theatre itself where we learnt some
interesting facts about what sort of people sat where when a play was taking
place and a general potted history of The Globe. We found out that in the olden
days, peasants would stand in the middle and, as well as getting wet, would receive
a present from above, because the rich people would sit at the top and empty
their toilet bucket over the sides.Yuk, by the way this isn't dramatic effect - it's
true. My fellow classmates and I also realised just how much effort it took to
become an actor. Then came the part of the day that everybody had been waiting
for: the drama workshop. We were taken to a rear part of the exhibition centre
where were treated to an afternoon of drama and fun. We were studying a piece
from Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare (of course!) and it was fascinating to
realise how many different exercises and mini games you could get from just two
21
DRAMA
thelyonian2006
sides of script. My personal favourite was the one where we read
through a script whilst walking around and changed everytime we
came to a bit of punctuation. Then we got into pairs and rehearsed
a bit from Twelfth Night where two characters called Olivia and Viola
meet for the first time. We had to do an exercise where we stood
either side of a chair, both grasping it. When we thought the balance
of power the piece changed, then we pulled the chair over to our
side. This was interesting because even in two pages of script the
English Speaking Union
For the past few months Max Hird, Toby Haggit and myself have
enjoyed tough public speaking competitions. Mrs Leach had entered
us for the English Speaking Union and the Rotary Club, which are
both separate competitions. Both have a reputation for being
excellent organisations. Our first visit was to the American School
in London who were hosting the first round of the ESU. The
previous year we had lost in the first round, however this year we
had the confidence to win it. Well, at least I did after being accused
by the American security for being terrorists for not showing any
identity. However we forgot about this quickly and solely
concentrated on the task in hand. We were competing against the
American School and St James Catholic School. I was to be
chairman, Toby was to be our speaker and Max Hird was to be our
questioner. Toby was first off and delivered a very coherent speech
about Positive Discrimination. The first stage was complete. Now
came the questions. Toby had been severely tortured by Max and
myself so he could learn all the statistics and comebacks he would
face. This definitely paid off. Toby replied to the questions with such
aplomb that it would even put the Queen to shame. Stage two was
complete. Now it was my turn and Max's. For my first competition I
was slightly nervous. However I overcame my fears and produced
my speech with confidence. The opposition speaker spoke about
Public Military Service. Max Hird presented his interesting and
difficult questions to the speaker. This would have definitely
impressed the judges.
Now came the moment of truth. Who would win the first
round and go through to the semi finals? After a cruel wait we
finally got the result, "The winners of the London Branch ESU
Competition are the John Lyon School," Brilliant! We were now
through to the semi-finals.
On a dreary March day we trekked the many miles to the ESU
House. This is where the semi finals would take place. All of us were
slightly nervous of course. Though we were all certain that we were
going to win! Well at least I was again. This time there were nine
schools competing including St Paul's Girls' School and City of
London School for Boys. However they were no threat to the John
Lyon team. The level of Public Speaking had risen. Once again Toby
delivered a fascinating speech on 'Corporal Punishment'. He
answered the questions extremely well. Now it was my turn and
Max's. Today's topic for us was 'How fashion is a complete waste of
time'. I personally found the speech rather interesting and I was
wondering how Max would answer these questions. Once again
Max stood up and delivered his questions and put all the other
questioners to shame. Max spoke about the economic trade and
how this would be affected if fashion designs were stopped. Now
came the moment of truth. Will the John Lyon school continue their
success in public speaking and the answer was, (Drum roll please)
"The winner of the semi-final of the Public Speaking Competition is
the John Lyon SchooL" Once again we won. We were now through
to the finals of the ESU.
On the 13th of March we arrived back to the ESU house to
complete our success and walk away with the title. This time there
22
balance of power changed a lot. At the end of this we, sadly, had to
leave and it was back to the hustle and bustle of London and the
London Underground. However, we were on a train almost straight
away and were back at school at about ten to four.
Finally, I would like to thank Mr Cure, Mr Malik, Mr Parsons, Mr
Ratinckx, Mr Roy and finally Miss Twist for organising and
accompanying us on such an enjoyable trip.
Thomas Dodd
were only four schools competing. This increased our chances of
winning. Of course I was still confident that we would win and
finally after two months my colleagues actually had a little faith
inside them. This time it was me and Max to go first. I presented my
speech introducing the questioner and the speaker including a few
jokes. However the audience didn't laugh at them. The speaker for
the Wallington Grammar School spoke about how holy sacred
buildings should be destroyed, where enemy soldiers were using
them as a place of refuge. He delivered a very convincing, exciting
speech. Even I was quite amazed by this. I was beginning to wander
how Max would respond to this speech. Thankfully Max didn't let us
down and once again presented interesting questions about how
these sacred buildings are a house of God and worship. Finally Toby
stood up and delivered his speech on, 'Corporal Punishment', Toby
spoke very fluently and answered his questions extremely well. All
looked well for the team and I was positive we would win. Before
the results were announced, Individual awards were awarded to the
best chairman, speaker and questioner. Max Hird triumphed above
the other questioners winning that award. Finally, the results, (Drum
roll. please) "The winner of the final Public Speaking competition are
the Wallington Grammar SchooL" Oh well, we lost. Well we can't
be brilliant at everything. We were given a very respectable second
place.
Whilst the ESU speaking competition was going on we had
entered the Rotary Club.We weren't concentrating on this
competition as much although this would still be good experience.
Our first round was at the Hatch End Performance Centre. Nine
schools had entered including us. I was to be chairman, Toby Haggit
was to be speaker and Max Hird was to propose the vote of
thanks. Toby delivered his speech on 'Positive Discrimination'. This
was the best we had seen him speak. Finally I had a decent
audience. They actually laughed at my jokes. This made me feel
immensely pleased with myself. Max Hird did his job well at
proposing the vote of thanks. After one hour of waiting we finally
got the results. However before these were announced individual
prizes were awarded to the best chairman, best speaker and best
vote of thanks. There was no surprise thatToby Haggit won best
speaker and Max Hird won best Vote of thanks. When they
announced who won best chairman, I was astonished to learn that it
was me. We were all extremely pleased with our individual success.
Finally the results, "The winners of the North West district are the
John Lyon School," Excellent! We were now through to the finals.
During a sunny day in March we hiked all the way to the City of
London School for the finals. We were all extremely confident we
would win.Toby and I did out jobs by saying our speeches in front
of hundred and fifty people. Once again they laughed at my jokes.
Max also did his job by proposing the vote of thanks. All looked
well for us. Now came the results. Of course we had to narrowly
miss out on first place. Public Speaking was a brilliant experience
for my colleagues and myself. Special thanks must go to Mrs Leach
who had entered us in the competitions and for giving up her
valuable time taking us there.
Pierre Mcllwee
thelyonian2006
Cloisters
(Whites)
Part I
A few weeks ago I read that mothers were sneaking past 'security'
and passing packed lunches consisting of 'fizzy drinks and crisps'
through the school gates to feed their 'starving' children. I shan't say
which tabloid paper reported this, but regardless of whether it is
true or not, it perfectly symbolises the opinion of the vast majority
of the population. People are fed up with jamie Oliver parading
around in a fat suit, eating a burger, and trying to show you what
your children will look like when they are thirty-two. It's just boring.
Not only is it old news, it is in fact an impossible dream designed to
win him an OBE. It is impossible because the current Labour
government contributes about I.Sp towards each meal, and no
matter how hard jamie tries, he cannot cook his 'Polletto alia Griglia
con Rucola e Pomodorini Ciliegia' on a budget like that; and even if
he did, children are not going to eat something they cannot even
spell.
This brings me rather nicely on to Cloisters, the famous, or
rather infamous gastronomically outstanding establishment that
provides meals for hundreds of John Lyon boys and staff. Cloisters
has been a hub of activity this year and undergone a severe
restructuring programme since I last wrote. The 'Linda Barker
inspired decor' has finally been eradicated and in its place a cricket
inspired theme has been applied, with bright white walls and green
tables. Cloisters has also been given a rather interesting name,
'Whites', referring to cricket whites of course. The menu has now
been adapted to satisfy the astoundingly irritating demands of Jamie
Oliver.
I was allocated a luxury budget of five pounds. This is over twice
as much as what a full meal would have cost you before the
restructuring of Cloisters. However what we must accept is that the
old pricing system was somewhat similar to the budgets set by Ruth
Kelly and thus Cloisters was in reality unprofitable in all senses. For
my rather generous sum of money I managed to buy myself a
starter, tomato and basil soup with a slice of bread. My main meal
consisted of two 'fat jackets', jacket potatoes stuffed with jalapeno
peppers, mozzarella and topped with mature cheddar cheese. Fizzy
drinks are not available, for obvious reasons, but I bought a can of
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Review
apple juice. For desert I got a banana trifle. For all this, I paid four
pounds fifty. Now in any case, that is not bad at all, despite the
sudden and extreme price rise in comparison to the old Cloisters,
but at least now we are paying real money for real food. My dining
partner sampled the steak and Yorkshire pudding, accompanied with
vegetables and a royal slab for pudding, which he proclaimed was
excellent except for the rather soggy Yorkshire pudding. I was
somewhat disappointed; I was so looking forward to eating all this
fancy food and reporting that it all was revolting and made me sick.
However I am hard pushed to fault the quality of the food in any
way. The slices of watermelon and pineapple are also extremely
popular. I regularly witness the younger boys digging into theirs with
real enthusiasm.
However, there are a few things that I find intensely infuriating.
Firstly, the layout is inadequate. For a canteen that is meant to
provide meals for over five hundred boys and sixty staff a reduction
in the number of tables is not the way forward. The queuing system
needs to be incorporated into the overall design and layout, and not
neglected as it is now. The menu is so complicated that people do
not know what they can and cannot order without consulting the
menu stands beforehand, and due to the sudden rush of boys at
12.SSpm this is near impossible. But what I find most annoying is
that for a canteen with such a huge selection of dishes there is no
choice whatsoever for the vegetarians, of which there are a fair few,
apart from pasta or jacket potatoes everyday. Now I don't know
what jamie Oliver would say about that, but I do not think that
carbohydrate overload is healthy. But perhaps the thing that is most
annoying is that for the first few days we were treated to crockery
shaped like UFOs, which was all very exciting. But after a week this
was replaced with paper plates, and plastic cutlery! I heard a rumour
that there were dishwasher issues, but how long does it take to fix a
dishwasher anyway? I still haven't seen that posh crockery, after
three weeks. On one hand Cloisters is trying to feed children
healthy food so that they are not obese by the time they leave
school, but conversely they are using disposable plates, which
damages the environment and means (if you take Ken Livingstone's
views seriously) sea levels will have probably increased so
dramatically, and climate change will have destroyed so much of the
world, that by the time they do leave school it doesn't make the
blindest bit of difference whether their meals were healthy or not
anyway!
Now I do hope that the new Cloisters does not fall into the trap
of so many other establishments of its sort. I do hope that they do
not follow the example set by McDonald's, where, over time, fries
become thinner, milkshakes become more diluted; yet prices
increase, but the transition is made so progressively and slowly that
nobody ever notices. The eradication of the Picasso inspired
crockery may just be the first step in an attempt to cut costs
because the Cloisters menu is so varying that they cannot possibly
sustain it.
There are so many dishes, there is so much choice, but for what?
Nobody complained when we had one meat dish, one vegetarian and
some salad. Which is exactly what jamie Oliver is banging on about,
he wants to offer healthy a la carte meals to kids who don't even
know what that means. Why? I don't know. Although having said that,
the food is brilliant, and if the few annoyances are dealt with, I see a
bright and prosperous future ahead for Cloisters.
Sameer Jethwa
23
thelyonian2006
CLOISTERS
Part 11
Our second restaurant reviewer wos asked to eat a budget meal at
Whites'to investigate the assertion that it is too expensive.
Over the summer holidays the walls of Cloisters were painted
I
I
'white', the posters encouraging healthy eating were torn down and
one by one, each letter, B-R-O-O-K-W-O-O-D-S were released
from the sickening grasp of the green coloured walls that needed,
desperately, repainting. Each letter was then dumped into the back
of a van to depart from The John Lyon School forever. Once upon
time they brought us the bald man who sang merrily as he
provided pasta, fish and ... stuff, they brought us the green paint
that accompanied the feeling one got when 'enjoying' a meal, they
brought us greasy pasta, overpriced chocolate covered nuts,
Doritos, lunch vouchers, packed lunches (with detentions) and a jar
of olives which helped boys recall the stages of decomposition.
So, as John Lyon reopened its gates and the boys and teachers
flocked eagerly back for another fun-filled year of education they
were welcomed, not just by polished floors and dusty books, but
once more a new food company,'Whites'.
Whites, which conveys a more modern and generally clean
approach than its predecessor, tries to convey the idea of a "real
cafe, with real food;' as our Headmaster put it. Instead of one
choice there are many now, ranging in price and size yet rarely in
taste as they manage to achieve a relatively consistent level of
quality. This is indeed impressive as they have to cater for so many
mouths. Some are sceptical of White's 'high prices'. This is not
completely fair. Though some prices may be conSiderably higher
than some boys are willing to pay, however this is likely to be made
in comparison to restaurants like 'KFC' and 'Burger King'. There are
changes that I would like to see in the near future, for example, the
24
layout of the tables maximises the sounds of china shattering and
groans of impatience and minimises the number of boys sitting and
eating.
I was given the task of eating a meal for a price of around £2.
This amount was generated on the basis of the Brookwood's price
for a main course and dessert or bottle of sparkling/still water. It is
clear when looking at the menu that prices are higher than before
but as one member of the staff says, "you pay for what you get!" I
chose to buy fish and chips. Although it took a while to find some
ketchup to accompany my meal, I was soon sitting down with a
plate of two fish fingers, around 25 chips, and many peas. I enjoyed
my meal. Nothing was overcooked, nothing was undercooked and
they had provided a fair serving. Whites has many positive aspects
to give to the boys and staff of the John Lyon School and if they
continue as they have started, I'll remain a loyal customer.
William Weston
S
urely one of the advantages of being at a school founded by
a farmer rather than a monarch or a prelate is that we can
more easily imagine what he might have thought and felt.
Aside from any natural English embarrassment at the fuss made
over his commemoration, John Lyon would have been delighted
at the huge crowd gathered for the concert in his memory, and
dazed at the quality and range of music making on display.
These, at any rate, are this writer's opinions, and we are bold
(and daft) enough to imagine old Lyon feeling the same, had his
spirit hacked over from Preston to drop into Speech Room last
Saturday night.At least his spectral hunter would not have had
any trouble at the road works on the A4006 ... anyway, to the
music.
The concert opened with a piece that might have served as a
big closing item in years gone by - the Joint Orchestra played the
Overture to the Marriage of Figaro, the first of several homages
to Mozart in what is still his centenary year. Mr Guy Layton, from
Harrow School, promised beforehand that he would take this
piece at a crisp speed and he certainly kept to his word. The
strings were with him every inch of the way and the bassoons
kept up perfectly. The conductor was very much the maestro,
giving a clear, sharp beat, more Adrian Boult than Leonard
Bernstein in style, and clearly in command of the situation. The
players responded magnificently, creating a very slick but rich
sound.
We are glad to report that there was some English music to
25
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be heard, and at least something that Yeoman Lyon, his spectral
horse waiting patiently in Grove Hill, would have understood,
even if it was dangerously modern in his time. The John Lyon
Male Voice Choir, directed by Joseph Nolan, sang If Ye Love Me by
Thomas Tallis as the first of three magisterial performances. They
penetrated straight to the heart of the intricate polyphony and
then went on to give the same treatment to the mellifluous
Somewhere over the Rainbow and the swinging The Rhythm of Ufe,
both beautifully accompanied by Stuart Miles on piano. The
MUSIC
promising young singers Nick Kerley and Luke Rao held the top
line, while the wonderful tenors were Nick's brother James, and
Nasri EI-Sayegh. The rest of the boys gave each piece real weight
and body, and this was a very we" rehearsed and crisp
performance. A real highlight of the evening.
This was followed by the Harrow School String Orchestra,
led by Dimitar Burov, playing the three movements of Mozart's
Divertimento in D Major with such maturity that even the most
critical audience would have melted into respect and delight. The
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allegro was phrased impeccably, the spacious, gracious andante
provided a happy contrast and the presto gave full measure of
humour and excitement. What is impressive is the musicianly way
these boys perform, even more than the simple bashing out of
the right notes.
To provide a lively contrast, the Joint Big Band performed
next, firstly conducted by Mr Sean McWilliam in his own piece
LA 1973.The smooth sax sound, underpinned by the exciting
rhythm section and accented with muted and unmuted trumpets
and trombones, was perfect for this music. It may have been
inspired by the theme music for anyone of a number of TV cop
shows, but the piece sounded like a theme for the glorious 70s
themselves. The second piece by this combo was Groovin' Hard by
Don Menza. The conductor, Oliver Druker, coaxed a hard-driving,
thrilling sound from the Band, with mellow contrasts from the
fifteen or so saxes. This segment was very well received in the
Room, with long and enthusiastic applause.
The following item might well have perplexed our spectral
founder quite a bit. The Harrow School Piano Quintet played the
scherzo from Shostakovich's Piano Quintet in G minor. The
rhythms are intricate and complex and if in one or two places
they were not 100% together, it is hardly surprising - this was a
serious three and half minute workout. However, the piece
worked very well. It was as angular and spiky as Shostakovich
would have wanted and mixed the sense of fun which is essential
to the concept of a scherzo movement with the faint but very
real feeling of menace that is often evidently a part of the
Russian master's imaginative world.
As far as we can remember, the Joint Chamber Choir is a
novelty at the Commem. David Woodcock, however, conducted
Mozart's Sparrow Mass as if it were a completely natural and
normal component of the evening. Accompanied by an orchestra
of eight violins, two cellos, two double basses, two trumpets,
timps and organ, the joint Choir gave a very confident
performance of this pretty music. Nothing sounded tentative, the
whole having a heart-felt, full-blooded rendition. Nothing sagged,
but was driven along at speed, though with space to turn a
gorgeous phrase, for instance in the sanctus, where the head-long
flight was reigned in at the start and in the benedictus where the
vocal flourishes worked extremely well. The final agnus dei
achieved power and even nobility, as the phrases were drawn out
with loving respect by the singers.
To conclude this genuinely exciting evening, the Joint
Orchestra re-assembled to raise the roof with the opening and
closing movements from Shostakovich's Jazz Suite No 2, the
March and Finale. This time under the baton of Stuart Miles,
maybe more Bernstein than Soult in style, this jolly, bright
popular music whizzed along like the unstoppable force of
teenage life itself. The brass and percussion led the attack in the
March, while the woodwind triumphed in the Finale, but the
whole effect was cheerful and merry - which is just what the
whole event should be.
If a spectral farmer on his wraithlike hunter, whistling a tune
by Shostakovich on his cheery way home to Preston, was seen
by any late Saturday night drinkers as they stumbled along the
rutted roads of rural Middlesex after turning out time at the
pub, they need not have been frightened by this ghost. The
founder would have been in as benign and happy a mood as the
rest of us.
A retiring collection was taken for The Bujaga/i Trust which supports
educational projects in Uganda.
27
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thelyonian2006
'I
..
aving prepared for what seemed like an
eternity, after sacrificing lunchtimes on a
Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday for a whole
term, we stood in St John's Greenhill. Our purpose
was clear. We were there to commemorate the birth
of one of the greatest composers that ever lived,
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
We performed one of his most famous
compositions for choirs, The Requiem Mass. The story
behind this piece is well documented. Mozart was
requested to compose this by a 'mysterious stranger'
who was later found to be the manservant of Count
Franz Walsegg-Stuppach. His wife had passed away, and
he wanted Mozart to compose a Requiem in her
honour.
It is widely believed that the Count would have
claimed Mozart's work as his own, as he wanted to
keep the affair a secret. However, Mozart's wife made
a copy of the music before she sent it to Count
Walsegg-Stuppach.After several years, it was
published, but Walsegg-Stuppach demanded payment ~
for publication rights.
Mozart was on his death bed when he was writing
the Requiem. Before his death, it was alleged that his '~.
hands were so inflamed that he was unable to finish ~
what he had written, or sing what he had intended forf
those writing the music. Nevertheless, he strove
~
tirelessly to finish what he had started. He never lived . ~
H
28
MUSIC
to see the final piece, and his pupils had to finish
what he had started. Joseph Eybler helped to
complete it and Franz Xaver Siissmayr wrote the
final three movements and the instrumentation.
The performance was widely anticipated, with
an orchestra and an army of trebles and sopranos
from Crley Farm and months of preparation to
tackle one of the most.challenging pieces of
music ever written. We were also blessed to have
four professional soloists. It was befitting that the
solos in Mozart's Requiem were performed by
professionals, after all we were celebrating the
birth of the most influential of musicians.
According to tradition, the fir:st three
movements are sung through without any
interruption. However, the audience seemed to
be so moved by the second movement, 'Kyrie'
that they broke into applause. A sign of their
appreciation no doubt and a clear indication of
the amount of dedication put in not just by the
choir or orchestra, but by Mr Miles. The choir
would have been completely lost without his
direction and guidance throughout the rehearsals.
His enthusiasm for this concert has been
immeasurable. And all the choir greatly
appreciated his dynamic and forceful direction
that swung us from pianissimo to crescendo as
the music dictates.
The. efforts of Miss Rowtey Jones and Mr Drucker should
not go unmentioned for organising the orchestra. The evening
would also have been incomplete without the support of the
trebles from Crley Farm and the parents and staff who kindly
stepped in to give more weight to the parts.
thelyonian2006
As a performer, this has been an experience that will remain
with me. It is unlikely that I will ever come across a piece of
music that is this challenging and enjoyable to sing. It has been a
. privilege to perform alongside the choir and orchestra, to
honour the greatest musician of all time.
Atif Siddiqui
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MUSIC
INTERVIEW: Mr Sean McWilliam
What brought you to jLS?
I taught saxophone here for a few years in the early 90s and really
enjoyed it. In recent years,l have been teaching more Music
Technology and I heard through a friend that a position had come up
at JLS.
First impressions?
The school has a good feeling about it, which I like, and the students
all seem very willing to learn.
Current and previous teaching posts?
As I am teaching part-time at JLS, the rest of my week is spent at
Harrow School and at Harrow Young Musicians. I have recently left
Hatch End High School after teaching there for 14 years.
Hobbies?
Cinema, cooking and walking the dog.
Ideal night in?
It would be having
some friends round
for a meal.
Ideal night out?
It would involve
eating again!
Probably at my
favourite
restau rant,
Providores in
Marylebone High
Street.
Who would you like
to be stuck in a lift
with?
Scarlett Johanssen.
Favourite book/film?
The book would probably be 'Perfume' by Patrick Susskind and as
for the film, it would be 'Lost In Translation' by Sofia Coppola.
Pet hates?
It has to be untidiness.
Greatest invention?
The dishwasher. I couldn't be without one.
i
If you could meet a performer/composer?
It would be Carole King, so I could talk to her about her album
'Tapestry', one of my favourites.
What would your epitaph say?
He was a good all-rounder.
Interview by Jonathan Mizler
30
THEREDEVE:NT
This evening ofThursday 23rd February, was an evening of
performance and art, involving all the Expressive Arts
scholars. This was a new addition to the calendar of
performances we see during the year from boys in drama
and music, and this event cleverly used the theme, red. The
event reflected the opportunities the faculty structure
presents us with to integrate the different art forms.
We arrived and were met by a space dramatically
enhanced by some very red art work, in the style of Rothko,
by various boys who are art scholars. They had collaborated
to produce very large canvasses. We also were tempted by
red food, of a remarkable variety, and red drinks, wine or
cranberry juice.
The performance part of the evening was shared
between music and drama events, and the drama pieces were
equally split between the light hearted and humorous, and
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the passionate and angry.
For example I was very impressed with Alykhan Kassam's ability
as a comic in his scene with Ben Shave, from Chekhov, and again
with Ishil Mehta in 'Back in the Apartment after a Hard Day'. I am
used to seeing these boys perform in a more serious vein so it was
great fun to see their lighter mood, and their control of comic
timing. Michael Betts and Stuart Onslow were also hilarious in their
piece 'Red Hot in Amsterdam'. We were left with the delightful
image of this pair of lads dressed in scanty female clothing. All an
inevitable part of the plot, of course!
A younger performer, David Deltchinov, was very forceful in his
performance of 'Red Wolf, the Hood'.
These dramatic items were interspersed with some very
entertaining and effective musical offerings, for example Jonathan
Mizler's Jazz Trio performed with real professional panache.We also
had a very expressive performance of 'Butterfly' by Grieg by
Alexander Bao - a young talent to watch.
The final piece of the evening was a very creative combination
of the talents of Paul Burke, Deborah Gibbs and the performing
boys. Paul had composed 'Stop! Do not pass go' in the style of
Michael Nyman and it had an excellent driving rhythm, that gave a
sense of panic and frustration in travelling to an unknown
destination. The piece was played by Paul, on piano, Christopher
Grover and Luke Rao on violins, Mr Grey (viola) Stefan Hargreaves
(cello),Andrew Prower ( clarinet), Mr Mcwilliam, Sam Pickering and
Gareth James and Freddie Atkinson (saxophones)
They gave a very tight ensemble performance. Their excellent
playing found a vivid illustration in the movements of the
performers, who used chairs as obstacles and supports and
imaginary vehicles. Given the small space it was impressive how
much movement the group created and it built very eloquently in
pace and dynamic to the sudden and startling finale. It was a
fascinating piece to watch as so much was going on on stage, you
were constantly surprised and entertained.
This was the first of such events, and it was very pleasing that
the boys had put so much effort in to make it a memorable and
impressive evening of music, art and drama.
Kate Wickson
Salsa Band Workshop
with Alex Wilson
April 2006
The John Lyon School Sal sa Band has, for many years, been an
ensemble which pupils, staff and parents have enjoyed performing
in and listening to at concerts. The diverse range of music
originating from Latin America gives the band a number of
different styles to rehearse and perform. Over the years the band
has given many pupils the opportunity to perform with a variety
of instrumentalists working hard developing their montunas, coro
as well as their improvising skills.At one point we even had an
electric violin in the ensemble! The current line up of brass/reeds
and rhythm section containing percussion, piano and electric bass
has been used for the past few years to great success.
The Salsa Band had the amazing opportunity to work with
Alex Wilson, one of Britain's leading Salsa pianists last term.Alex
has worked with the band before and has provided the ensemble
with lots of music to work through over the years. Whenever
Alex has worked with the band he always listens intently to each
individual part before refining the sound. He takes each piece
apart and builds up the music from the bass line again focussing
on rhythm and feel for the music. By taking away the
amplification, which we use for concerts,Alex works on the many
different layers of sound. He harnesses the talent the pupils have
and gets them all thinking carefully about the complex rhythms,
which are apparent in his music as well as that of the style.
Alex always gives enjoyable, insightful workshops extending
the abilities of the young musicians in the department. To hear
such a wonderful musician perform alongside John Lyon pupils is
a wonderful Sight and importantly an impressive sound to be a
part of!
With the visit of Alex Wilson hailed as a great success by
both pupils and staff and under the dedicated leadership of Mr.
Jason Holling the Salsa Band keeps moving from strength to
strength.
Oliver Druker
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INTERVIEW: Miss Guilia Diomampo
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
Who would you most like to be stuck in an elevator with?
I'd hope to be here still.
Jamie Oliver would be quite entertaining. Paul Bettany for a
more deep and meaningful conversation!
What did you want be when you were young?
I was always drawn to the Arts-based subjects at school as
opposed to the Sciences, and so I found it difficult to channel
what I wanted to do in terms of a career. I loved music and
dancing so a career on the stage did cross my mind at one point!
Favourite film?
'Rain' directed by Christine Jeffs.lt is slow moving, but beautiful. I
have a keen interest in photography so good cinematography in
films is something I always appreciate.
What's the most interesting place you've
ever been to?
Holiday genre?
I need a variety; I like city breaks and beach holidays.
In three words, how would your friends sum you up?
Well I can give you two that they always seem to use - high
maintenance - although I can't think why!
What~
your funniest teaching story?
Not so much funny, but embarrassing! I had a disastrous fit of
the giggles whilst reading out some Sixth Form poetry to the
rest of the class. They did not look
impressed!
The area surrounding Chiang Mai near
the Burmese border in Thailand where I
stayed with a hill tribe.
Do you have a 'claim to fame?
I'm on the Wisbech Grammar School
music department CD singing Vivaldi.
Your greatest talent?
Where's your favourite place in London?
I used to sing a lot when I was younger;
I was leader of the soprano section in
the senior choir of my school.
Primrose Hill. I love sitting there in the
summer especially, just looking out over
London.
Who do you think you may vote for in the
next elections?
Do you prefer to play sports or watch them?
Watch them if I have a choice, I don't
really like sport.
Probably Oavid Cameron. I think he's
got more charisma than Gordon Brown.
I think it's more a question of
personality over principle these days in
polities.
I wish I'd never worn . ..
A denim gilet.
Favourite book and favourite author?
Favourite band and favourite song?
'The Great Gatsby'. And Thomas Hardy.
Zero 7.And 'Day dreaming' by Aretha
Franklin
What~
Do you like musicals?
Yes, Les Miserables is a favourite.
your favourite day of the week?
Saturdays because I can laze around and go shopping, see friends,
go out for meals and socialise.
If you have time to yourself what do you like to do?
Why did you decide to become an English teacher?
Made any friends with staff yet?
I worked at a London advertising agency and loved the buzz and
working alongSide highly ambitious, motivated and successful
people. But. after three years, I realised my job was just about
making money for companies/brands that didn't really need it. I
wanted to do something a bit more worthy - work with a subject that I love, so teaching English seemed the perfect solution.
I like to read if I'm alone.
I hope so.
Are you going to do the staff karaoke?
Apparently I have been enlisted. Do the whole school come to
watch that? Miss Twist yes. Oh no!
It's not fashionable but you like ...
Baking cakes
What were your first impressions ofJohn Lyon?
Favourite work
of art?
Very amiable students who are extremely polite and smile at you
in the corridors.
Any Turner piece actually.
Are they still the same?
Biggest regret?
They are actually; even six weeks on!
I don't like regretting things! POSSibly being so afraid of heights
makes skiing holidays a nightmare.
Best invention?
Mobile phone.
Greatest triumph?
Favourite dessert?
When I was in the first year at school I came first and I beat all
the upper sixth in the vocal section of the house music
competition. That was a good moment in my life.
I like lots of desserts, it's hard to choose, possibly apple crumble.
Who would you least like to be stuck in an elevator with?
Someone like Anne Robinson
Interview by William Westol'l'
.----------------------------------------------
32
Changing Animals
As I walked up to the strange box-like
object, the first form-changer ever, I could
feel a rush of excitement. I was the first
man to ever test it. I walked in and the
media started to flash their cameras. This
was the big moment. Suddenly, a cool
female voice echoed around the chamber.
"What animal will you choose? Think
carefully, then type on the keyboard
below. If you are unsure how to spell,
there is an Oxford Dictionary to your
right.
I reached over and gingerly typed in
'penguin.' The next moment, the box
sprang to life, rattled and everything went
black. Next thing I knew, I was standing in
a land full of snow with many penguins
and arctic seabirds around me. It looked
very cold outside, but inside all my warm
feathers, I was as warm as a piece of
freshly toasted bread ... very cozy!
I looked around at the blinding white
snow but it didn't hurt my eyes at all.
Surely, when I was a human, I would've
had to wear some kind of eye protection.
I was on the edge of an iceberg, and
suddenly, many of the penguins jumped
into the freezing water. I turned around
and looked up into a looming face, full of
white fur and a dead black nose. A polar
bear.
My mind was racing and I was so
shocked I couldn't move. Two seconds
later, I would've been the bear's appetizer
if it hadn't been for an old looking
penguin with ruffled feathers and a large
chunk missing from his beak, who pushed
me into the water and dived in himself.
As I slammed into the freezing water, I
could see what some other penguins
were going after ... fish. If I was a human
I would have hypothermia by now, but
now I was a penguin and so the cold just
skimmed the top of my feathers, leaving
my inner coat of feathers completely dry.
My eyes could see everything as dearly
as on land, maybe even clearer with all
the amazing colours beneath the surface.
As I dived silently and swiftly towards
the fish, I looked in awe at all the Arctic
coral, with their pale pinks, oranges and
greens.
I was so close to the fish now that I
opened my mouth and popped a few in
when I could catch them. Tasty! I went on
greedily; swallowing quickly when all of a
sudden, the fish and other penguins went
off to the side making a clear path for
me. I squinted to see what was happening
but it was on me in a second.A very rare
Arctic endangered whale-shark with a
liking for strong, healthy penguins. It
pulled at my leg and with my flippers, I
whacked it hard in the eye, the only place
on a shark where it will always stop to
nurse itself. This one didn't though; it only
stopped still in its tracks for about ten or
so seconds. I took my chance, and raced
as fast as I could to the nearest seal airhole. I climbed up the tube like thing and
broke the surface, just as the shark pulled
out one of my tail feathers. I got myself
out of the water as quickly as possible,
using my streamlined shape to make me
go further and faster when I pushed on
the snow to glide back to safety.
I entered the snow cave thinking. Two
narrow escapes ... you know what, being
a human has its ups and downs but so
does a penguin. I think I'll go back to
being a human though, far less
excitement.
As if on cue, I felt a whirring and
realised what I was doing, I reached the
box-like contraption again, and opened
the door. Instantly, cameras flashed,
blinding me for a moment. I got over it
though.
A news reporter came to me asking if
I could tell her what I had seen and done.
So I told them all ...
David Orr
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A story in the style of
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1II1I
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tDubliners'
Five struck. He'd been walking for some time. The iron gates
of the school had long since relinquished their captives from
the incarcerations of tutelage, yet he had been wandering
aimlessly for well over an hour, engrossed in the slapping of
his resoled shoes on the wet pavement and the swishing of
his trouser legs about an inch above his ankles. A faded
yellow-peaked white cap sat submissively on his head, the
two colours barely distinguishable following years of being
handed down. Its label recounted the history of its previous
owners, Messrs Sean, Patrick and Michael Flynn. They were all
gone now. Now adorning the matted straw above the
youngest brother's head, the label bore four names; three
eradicated by a single black biro line, and the fourth
inscription remaining steadfast, proud. It was his cap.
A tired looking woman approached, pushing a pram
containing greyish, over-washed linen, and an infant who
appeared to be in considerable distress. The woman pleaded
with the child to cease its misery, yet this only served to
unlock further reserves of noise that had previously gone
untapped, and the child redoubled its efforts. The capped boy
did not like the sound, and silently wished the pram to be
silent. As the woman with the baby passed, the boy spied out
a few friends from school playing with grey stones on the
pavement opposite. Their hands were dirty. Cries of
"Con nor!" went unheeded - Connor was lost in thought. The
overcast sky gave no indication as to the time of day, and
were it not for the church bells clanging five times, it would
be nigh impossible to differentiate even between morning,
afternoon or evening and even the seasons, since Ireland
appeared, in Con nor's six-year-old eyes at least, to perpetuate
in different hues of grey.
As he continued along, Connor entered the tobacconist
that marked the end of the stretch of brown houses. As he
heard the door close behind him, the pitter-patter of rain
that had just begun to fall died down into silence, and
Con nor was faced with the familiar deafening silence. No
music played, and the shop was empty except for its owner,
who was reading a newspaper, which unbeknownst to
Con nor warned of a forthcoming depression and left patches
of inky smudge on the fingertips of the shop-owner. Just
inside the door was a display of flowers. Con nor picked up an
unimpressive collection of four bowed lilies, and proceeded
to the chocolate counter. He was sorely tempted to purchase
a bar of plain chocolate, but, remembering his Catechism,
recalled that temptation was a sin, and tore his eyes away
from the shelf. Besides which, the financial constraints placed
on him by his meagre pocket money would have meant he
would not have been able to buy it anyway, and so Con nor
replaced the flowers and picked up a larger bouquet.
Approaching the counter, the boy placed his solitary coin into
the soiled palm of the owner. No pleasantries were
exchanged, the man barely even looked up from his paper.
Con nor stepped outside. It was raining harder now; fat
34
by James Joyce
droplets of rain were smattering in
the road and on the pavement,
interrupted momentarily by the
church tower knelling once,
signalling it was half past the hour.
Con nor followed the sound of the
bells. He turned left into the
courtyard and spied an old man
with a grey beard and a cane kneeling beside a headstone.
The decrepit inscription told of Siobhan O'Grady, 1927-1978,
allegedly a "loving mother, wife and friend:' Cracks snaked
their way over the stone, and resembled an archer's bow or a
harp. Connor wondered if this man were Mrs O'Grady's
husband, though his face showed little emotion. If he were
mourning, his grief was evidently surpassing tears, yet it were
just as likely he had nothing to do with the dead woman, and
was simply passing the time at her graveside.
Connor continued past the old man, and walked along the
winding path towards the oak church doors, which were
heavy and rotted at the hinges. Con nor concluded that were
it not for the fact these doors formed the entrance to God's
house, they would have collapsed long ago. His weak arms
strained to part them, until they eventually opened,
screeching in protest. The grey granite walls made his
footsteps on the stone floor echo embarrassingly, though
none of the praying figures acknowledged any intrusion.
Con nor laid his flowers on one of the pews, and approached
the altar. Removing his cap, he took hold of an unlit candle
and inverted it above one of its burning counterparts. His
first few attempts were unsuccessful, but eventually the
candle spluttered into life before settling. Connor stood it on
the altar amongst other, similar candles, dropped to his knees,
back upright, and closed his eyes.
After a moment's silent thought, Connor rose and turned i
back. He retrieved his lilies from the pew, replaced his cap 1
and made towards the oak doors. They opened more easily J
this time, and he was greeted by raindrops splashing his face.
He pulled his yellow peak down and headed outside. The old
man with the grey beard was gone, leaving Con nor alone in
the churchyard. His shoes squelched in the mud as he passed
across graves and headstones in differing states of disrepair. 1
Even had he not repeated this ritual every day for the past
year, Connor would have known which grave was his father's,
a shining white marble monument amongst a plethora of
dilapidated stone ruins. Connor had never discovered why his
father took his own life just after his fifth birthday, but felt
partially responsible. A huge man who had once stood almost
six foot above Con nor now lay six feet beneath him. Connor
removed the white cap with the yellow peak once more, and
placed the Wilting flowers on the ground. Next to them he
laid his cap. Con nor stood for a moment, staring blankly at
the ground. The rain began to fall harder.
Michael Betts
It
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thelyonian2005
Life in the
35
thelyonian200S
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The LastTime I Laughed
The last time I laughed was never
The last time I cried was today
The last time I was pushed over was 5 minutes ago
Every school day seems to go on and on ...
The last time I bled was yesterday
The last time I went without food was break
The last time I sat by myself was everyday
I pray for the end of school to save me
The last time I had a friend was pre-school
The last time I played with a person was then
The last time I had the will to live was ...
I
,I
My New School
Dear Diary
This was my first day at my new school
I sat in the corner, silent
Knowing that if my bully found me, he would be very violent
I dodged everyone, silent as a mouse
Wishing that I had stayed in my house
Today was a horrible day.
Dear Diary
This was my second day at my new school,
They teased me
I wanted to flee
I tried to run
I wanted my mum
Today was a horrible day.
Dear Diary
This was my third day at my new school
I was scared of a new member of the bullies, Bill
I immediately knew they were moving in for the kill
I hid, not being able to hear a penny drop, not a sound
But they still found me and gave me a good pound.
Today was a horrible day.
Dear Diary
This was my fourth day at my new school
When they wanted my money, I said 'no'.
I suddenly knew they weren't my worst foe.
They backed off and ran away
Diary, this is definitely my best ever day.
AhsanJamil
I can't remember
I won't be returning to school in September
Zuaib Kassam
Standing Up and Down
Down the street he came
His cronies huffing by his side
They didn't like him
They only wanted to get on the good side of him
There is a small shed at the back of the school
Where you see little Ist years holding lighters and COs
He gets what he wants
But demands for more
Until people steal to give him their own
You can hide but he'll find you
You can beg but he'll have no mercy
You can stand up to him but he'll just laugh
Until you're so scared you can barely talk
As he goes home he gives all his homework
To a little nerd to do it for him
As the boy daren't not do it for fear of his family
The bully's parents beat him and starve hIm
Giving him a bed of cardboard
You can see where he gets it from
Families are weird
One kid can be nice, while another a bully
Even if both parents may be bullies themselves
How do I know all this?
I am his brother.
David Orr
36
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Bullied
I'm waiting
Only ten minutes of lunchtime left
I'm shrivelled up like a pea
Getting ready to flee
I'm waiting by the bin
Then I see him
He then comes to me
I try to flee
He grabbed me
He punched me as hard as thunder
He slaps as fast as lightning
I cry
I try
The bell goes
I'm still trying to struggle
He threw me in a puddle
There I am left to die
I try
I try
But I am trying to die
Rajiv Pau
Bullying
Bullying is a mind game
In which you have no one to blame
First he scares you
And next invisibly dares you
Everybody says it's fine
Believe me it is a problem as hard as pine
Then he hits you hard
Not caring about your feelings or emotions
At the end of day
Let it be your say
Remember this, stand up
Anyone who is being bullied
Because I'm with you all the way
Right till the end
Taha Mahmood
thelyonian200S
Bullying
I'm waiting
There's only ten minutes of lunchtime left
I knew they were going to beat me
And commit a theft
They would say "Give me your money"
Because they thought it was really funny
I never ever said a thing
Because I knew it would sting
I felt I was locked up and surrounded
In a prison
Where no one would speak
To me or listen
I pushed as far as I could go
But in the end it doesn't ever matter
Salamaan Haji-Essa
Bullying
Bullying is painful
Bullying is bad
Bullying is all around
Bullying makes people sad
Bullies like hitting
Bullies like kicking
Bullies like calling names
And they like threatening
Bullies can be tall
Bullies can be small
Bullies can boys
Bullies can be girls
Bullies need to be reported
Bullies need to be dealt with
Stand up to the bullies
And never give into bullies
Rohan Kalsi
37
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thelyonian2005
Limericks
Why Me?
Persevere, persevere were my parents words.
I'd like to scream at his face,
Lets both look into the mirror!
What can we see?
You see straight face,
Me? I just see fear and terror.
I ask myself, can I overcome my fear?
I'm in despair, I feel pain
Would it help, if I talk it through?
Let's talk it through!
Why me? Why me? Why me?
When I set eyes on you,
Something tells me I'm not to blame
Why me? Why me? Why me?
I dread the day and night,
The thought of you gives me no hope,
If you knew, how I felt,
Surely you will have some regret!
Let's break the mirror!
Let's break my fear!
Persevere, persevere, were my parents word,
And that is how I did not get far in life.
Imhemed Shibu
I Prisoner 786
I, prisoner number 786 sit behind the bars of my cell.
I look out and see the world going on as I age.
A life time it takes for them to realize I am one of them.
They call me 786, they don't know my name, but why do
they look like me?
I, prisoner number 786 sit behind the bars of my cell.
I look out and see an angel come towards me.
"Do not be afraid I am your angel!"
I took his hand and flew away, but why did he look like me?
I, prisoner number 786 sit behind the bars of my cell.
I look out and see a chance for freedom.
Should I take it or should I leave it?
I am free and see my creator,
now I know why they look like me.
Karan Visavadia
38
There was a young lady from Gloucester
Whose parents thought they had lost her
From the fridge came a sound
And at last she was found
The trouble was how to defrost her •••
There was an old woman from Kent
Whose nose was remarkably bent
One day they suppose
She followed her nose
And nobody knows where she went •••
There once was a boy named Tom
Who swallowed a very big bomb
The doc said cough
The bomb went off
And that was the end of poor Tom •••
Michael Duncan
The Boy
He had scruffy brown hair,
And would do anything for a dare.
He would rather climb trees,
While his father struggled to pay the fees.
He spent all day on the playstation,
And thought he was Father of Creation.
His room was in a total mess,
But he thought he was blessed.
He spent all day dreaming in class,
And dreamed about having a blast.
I just want to be left alone to be me,
Did you guess this poem was about me.
Mayur Gupta
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thelyonian2005
My Challenge
The water shivered
VVaws of apprehension rolled through me
A deep chasm of anxiety.
WIthin minutes we will be one.
Quietly, Smoothly
In an attempt, not to disturb
As my battle lay ahead of me.
Into the flow, enticed to the challenge.
Adrenaline soared
The water vanished, nothing but sky.
Plummeting to my destiny
Me or it, now.
I exploded to the surface
Gasping, determined to dominate.
Rushing over rocks, white-water foaming around me,
Enveloping the Kayak.
Frantically paddling to sustain control
Shallow breathing, aching limbs, tiredness
Nearing exhaustion.
The war is nearly won
Around the next curve ...
All over.
Until next time.
Anon
Identity Poem: I Rise, I Fall
Who are we,
The youths of society?
Each individual has so much to tell,
But, like a leaf,
Falls from the tree of good company,
Isolated, unnoticed,
To join those who have shared the same, miserable fate.
There are those,
Who still have foes,
But, such as myself, resist the simplicity
Of giving in;
Into the sweet, sweet call of failure,
Resistant, vigilant,
Leaves of a coniferous tree, whose leaves shall not fall.
We suffer,
The seeds of mothers,
I, more so than those, who choose to fall from grace.
We aren't alone,
But, shouldn't always be dependant,
Significant, passionate,
Don't forget to care for those who show you affection.
lam old.
My shattered heart is frozen,
So now, I pass onto you, the warmth of good advice.
We are varied,
But we are all one and the same;
Independent, defiant,
You will see, I will give the fallen, the chance to rise.
I shall fall alone ...
Kwasi Yeboah.
World War One
The only reason I joined the war,
Is the government begged they wanted more,
The others were getting old and tired,
So we want more is what they cried,
Reinforcements knocked at their door,
As they all fell for the lure,
I did not want to stay at home,
What would I tell my children when I've grown?
The disease which haunted us was lice,
Accompanied by those crippling mice,
The trench walls were splashed with blood,
It even stained the colour of mud,
Soldiers flee to certain slaughter,
Their gruesome guts find a puddle of water,
The soldier's gaze meets a gun-barrel's stare,
His screams and shouts hang in the air.
This proclaimed glory isn't worth a fight,
It merely is a government's hype,
Do not be so troubled to seize some fame,
It's only worth a stone-etched name,
The army is not compulsory,
But just an angry nation's plea,
Do not sign up my charming friends,
Or awaiting you is a bitter end.
Amir Mirza
The attack/massacre
The nerves were building up,
Everyone was hyped up,
Generals said get ready,
Everyone held their rifles steady ...
Bang! The general's pistols were shot.
Everyone rose on the spot,
Climbing up to no man's land,
Feeling for their hands ...
Bullets flying past,
People get killed fast,
This wasn't an attack,
It was just a massacre.
Ayman AI-juzi
39
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thelyonian2005
In the film Au Revoir Les Enfants, the lives of Jean and
Julien are influenced by the Nazi policy of anti-Semitism.
How effective is this portrayal?
[ I'
1'
[I
II
11'
1
,
11
1
1I
In the film Au Revoir Les Enfants, the Nazi policy of anti-Semitism is
effectively portrayed through various scenes which have antiSemitic and discriminatory elements. Louis Malle depicts the
severe policy as having permeated all aspects of Jean and Julien's
lives, and the film is littered with anti-Semitic references, inspiring
feelings of pity, shock, sympathy, and even anger.
Jean and Julien face their first encounter with anti-Semitism at
a scene in a restaurant. They, along with Julien's mother and
brother, are happily conversing over a meal, an affable atmosphere
prevails. Julien, who understands that there is a war going on, but
is naive, then asks his brother a difficult question: 'What's a Jew?'
His brother responds, 'They don't eat pork'. Shocked by this,
Julien then asks, 'But what is their crimer The childish innocence
of these questions is powerful;Julien is only asking the question
that everybody is afraid to ask, but no one can answer. The fact
that it comes from a child increases its potency and the film's
effectiveness.
Suddenly, the pleasant atmosphere is destroyed as the French
militia storm in and - against the will of the manager and the
customers - demand the ejection of an elderly Jewish gentleman
sitting at his table. The gentleman is a loyal customer, a good man,
merely enjoying his meal; yet he is made to look dangerous and
undesirable, just because of his faith. The innocuous appearance of
the man, combined with his obvious frailty, inspires pity in the
eyes of the viewer who cannot help but sympathise with his, and
thereby the Jews' plight during the Nazi reign. What has he done
wrong~ Nothing. Thus, depicting the victim as an elderly and
harmless man is an excellent technique which heightens the
effectiveness of the film's portrayal of anti-Semitism.
However, the customers in the restaurant share our view that the man has done nothing wrong - and many begin to speak
out against the militia to defend the gentleman. This pressure
causes a German officer to stand up and, with a tone of authority
and defiance, order the militia to leave. The silence that ensues
increases the dramatic nature of the scene, and the militia back
down and leave. The conversations continue and everything goes
back to normal. The contrasts of the cheerful atmosphere at the
beginning of the scene, the aggression of what ensues, followed by
normality again, are also extremely effective. Overall, this scene is
very important in describing to the audience the harshness of the
Nazi policy and the difficult plight of Jews during the war.
Another scene with anti-semitic elements is when the boys
are having a shower. At the public baths, a large placard is shown
and in big, bold writing there is the message: 'NO JEWS
ALLOWED'. A separate area is prescribed for Jews to shower in
because the Nazis viewed them as unclean and inferior. This very
outward sign of anti-Semitism is shocking to the audience.
A further example of anti-semitism is in a scene where Julien
is talking to another boy, and this boy begins to mock Jewish
accountants, claiming that They're ruining the world'. He is
repeating what he has heard adults say, but. no doubt if
challenged, would be unable to explain his remark.
However, the film's powerful climax is probably the most
important and shocking example of anti-semitism within Au Revoir
Les Enfants. The Gestapo, having been made aware of the presence
of Jewish boys within the Catholic school, arrive to callously
deport the Jewish boys and Pere Jean to concentration camps,
40
'.,
and, to their inevitable
deaths. The indifferent and
unfeeling nature of the
anti-semitic policy of the
Germans is epitomised in
the character of Doktor
Muller, who is portrayed
as heartless in the way he
rounds up the children
and priest. One example is
when the boys are made
to line up in the
playground, and Muller
begins to maliciously muse about the 'Jewish-like' appearance of
some of the boys. The viewers' sense of shock and repulsion at
Muller's behaviour is heightened when he proceeds to read out
names from a register which, according to him, sound Jewish. This
is shocking. Not only is he sending innocent Jewish boys off to
their deaths, but the way in which he categorises a race to fit a
particular physical profile or be like a certain name, is especially
shocking and objectionable. The row of schoolboys lined up in the
background - a row of innocence and naivety - heightens the
potency of this scene. What could these young boys have done, at
such a young age, to deserve such treatment1 Louis Malle gets the
viewers to ask themselves this question, and therefore, his film is
extremely effective at portraying the harsh Nazi policy of antisemitism.
The other source of emotion in this scene stems from the
breaking up of the friendship between Jean and Julien. There is a
scene when they are in a classroom, and Doktor Muller is eyeing
everybody to find the one Jewish boy in the class; it is Julien's
split-second glance at Jean which gives it away that he is one
being sought; Muller then takes Jean and leaves. The guilt that is
felt by the character of Julien is enormous; he feels as if he has
betrayed his friend. However, Jean seeks to reassure Julien and
says, Ten fais pas. lis m'auroient eu de toute fo~on'. It is a touching
thing to say.At a time when his life is at risk, the only thing on his
mind is to selflessly make sure that his Catholic friend is free
from guilt. Indeed the whole friendship between Jean and Julien,
throughout the film, is significant. Julien sees Jean as a normal boy
to have fun with; the fact that he is a Jew is irrelevant and
meaningless to him, yet it is the one thing that breaks them apart.
The despair and devastation is clearly apparent on Julien's face, as
he watches his best friend being escorted away by the Gestapo.
His expression at the end of the film - sorrowful and confused is poignant as it sums up the incomprehensible and outrageous
nature of the holocaust how two best friends - a Catholic and a
Jew - are forced to split because of the wicked and ruthless
ambition of a nation's policies.
Au Revoir Les Enfants is a very powerful and moving film which
effectively portrays the anti-Semitic policy of the Nazis through
various scenes with overt anti-Semitic elements. The film is
successful as it makes the viewer contemplate the senselessness
of the holocaust and makes us sympathise with the Jews' plight.
Furthermore, the fact that innocent children are the ones who
suffer in this film heightens its overall efficacy.
Faisal Islam
thelyonian2006
INTERVI EW: Mile Veronique Balaven
What region of France do you come fram?
What did you want to be when yoU were a child?
I come from Brittany, in the north-west of France. It's not very
far from here, so that's why I've come here in the first place, and
it's famous for pancakes and cider.
I wanted to be an English teacher or a doctor. So I managed to
do one of them, because I am a French teacher.
What do you think of British cuisine?
(Laughs) I don't mind it. I've had a very good experience of it $0
When I was about six years old, I wore bright blue shoes with
red socks, to go to school. We had our class photo done that
day, and I have this image of red· socks and blue shoes forever.
What do you wish you'd never worn?
far. The one thing I absolutely hate is horseradish. I have tried it,
but cannot stand it. Otherwise,
everything else is fine.
How long have you been in Britain?
I have been in England for seven years
now. I have lived in lots of different
places. I started off studying in London,
and then I went to Leeds as a French
assistant. Then I spent four years in
Glasgow, where I taught in secondary
schools, and now I'm in London.
What do you spend all you money on?
Usually books and DVDs, very sad. I
love anything to do with French and
Spanish books. I'll buy anything. I love
novels. And I love French and Spanish
films.
What do you like, that's not fashionable?
What are you very good at, that we don't
know about?
I love 'The Beatles'. Not fashionable, but
I love them. I discovered them when I
was 14 or IS, and used to drive my
little brothers mad listening to them. I
still love them.
I'm very good at cooking. Normally
Mediterranean food, such as paellas, or
French food, for example, yesterday I did
a Tartiflette', a speciality from the
mountains in the south of France. Lots
of cheese, potato, onion and bacon.
Is there a shop that you cannot walk past?
Any bookshop. I can't walk past a
bookshop, I have to go in for a quick
look to see if there are any interesting
books.
What are you very bad at?
What is your favourite work of art?
Maths in English, I can't add up two
numbers in English. My brain just goes
dead.
Is there a book that changed you?
I read The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho,
and it is one of those books that changed my view on the world.
It's very positive, and it makes you believe in your dreams. I read
it a few years ago, and I really enjoyed it.
Movie heaven?
Any movie that makes me think. Something intelligent, not too
silly. I like movies about people, and that tell the story of people.
The last movie I've seen that I really, really enjoyed, was Walk the
Line, about Johnny Cash. It was absolutely fantastic!
Comfort eating?
I love creamy pasta. Pasta with cream and anything! Normally it's
bacon and onion, with lots of cheese on top.
What is your biggest regret in life?
I don't really have any regrets. Maybe not being able to spend
enough time with my grandparents, back in France, as obviOUSly
I'm quite far away from them. That may be the only regret.
Ooh! I don't know if I have got a
favourite, but there are loads of things I
really like. The French painter Gauguin,
as he was in Brittany for a while, and
did loads of paintings of the Bretagne
countryside, and Bretagne people. I just
love Italian classical artists, like Michelangelo. I was in Rome in
the summer, and was just surrounded by sculptures, and was just
amazed by them.
What would you say is the soundtrack to your life, and do you have a
favourite band?
'The Beatles', again. Any Beatles song would fit a point in your
life. There's always an album you can listen to at any point in
your life. Anything by The Beatles'.
The best invention ever?
I would say vaccines. When somebody manages to come up with
the idea that by injecting somebody with a tiny bit of a disease,
you end up making people immune to that disease. I just find it
amazing that somebody came up with the idea.l don't know
whether that counts as an invention, but hopefully it does.
Interview by Edward Matthams
41
thelyonian2006
Monitors, Head Boy and Deputies
Upper Sixth Leavers, 2006
42
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)1
I,'
Silver Expedition, August 2006
!I
A typical Duke of Edinburgh expedition involves walking
approximately 50km, carrying a bag the size of a small man
where a single lane road is the only reminder of civilisation.
A typical summer holiday involves waking up, somewhat
reluctantly, at noon before drifting downstairs, deciding that you
really cannot be inclined to make a bowl of cereal this early in
the day so you'll just skip breakfast and have lunch later (where
warming up left over pizza is a chore in itself so cold pizza will
do).
Evidence enough that our group were clearly not prepared
for the three days of physical hardship. So, a day before we
were set to depart off to the Yorkshire Dales, the frantic paniC
ensued. A sleeping bag, mat, fuel, stove, food, clothes and a map
all forced into a hiking bag. Indeed I packed all but the kitchen
sink, with my mum insisting I take every item which was
categorised under the "What if ... " heading. After all, her son
was going into the 'wilderness' for three nights so about ten
pairs of socks may not be enough.
With packing ticked off, I arrived bleary eyed and early,
ready for the Yorkshire Dales. Some seven hours later, our
bodies were allowed to uncurl from the minibus, which we
would later regard as civilisation heaven (it had a radio).We had
arrived in the Yorkshire Dales, the country side.
Our trek commenced the following day, yet it did not start
well. For one, my socks got wet, but at least I had nine spares.
Then there was the food. "Just add water". Even I, who could
burn water, could do this. But as my sausages and baked beans
turned into a grey sludge, I realised that this was going to be a
long expedition.
I was certainly not a cook, but I was an accurate fortune
teller. The first checkpoint out of twenty; we were lost. 'Follow
the road north'. Problem being, there was no road going north.
After qUickly discovering our map was the wrong way up, we
were able to complete the first day with relative ease, hills and
bogs aside as well as the fact that we could no longer feel our
feet. But at least the campsite had a shower with hot water, a
real luxury considering our expedition was in August. The next
day however, the facilities were not as great, and when I say
this, toilets were simply comprised of a 'pee corner', highlighted
by a small sign. By then however, we were glad simply to sit on
our bags and just rest. The third day, after endless moss covered
hills scattered with sheep, with only "a bit further" left to go, we
emerged over the final hill to see the Ribblehead Viaduct
stretching over 400m, a dramatic sign to end our exile from
civilisation and a memorable sight to take away from our
exploits in the Yorkshire Dales.
On behalf of all the silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh groups, I
would like to express my deepest thanks to the tireless efforts of
Mr Durbridge, MrVickery and Mr Miles, who all made such a trip
possible.
Krishan Patel
44
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thelyonian2006
SCiEnCE j\nD iCT
Science in the Twenty-first Century
Introduction
In this year's Lyonian we are looking at the work of
two areas of the school that traditionally do not
always have such a high profile in the magazine, ICT
and Science.
These two areas are obviously crucial to the boys'
education and we thought parents and friends of the
school would be interested to hear more about
recent developments.
In Science, Mrs Joy Mason, who is leaving this year,
has driven forward a great deal of change in both the
way the subjects are taught, the options available to
the boys and the labs the boys learn in. While they
are not yet a state of the art facility, the laboratories
have benefited from a significant upgrade in the last
two years and also the prep room for the technicians
is now a much improved space. Science staff also now
have a work room, where they can meet, discuss their
work and occaSionally relax.
ICT has mushroomed across the school in all
kinds of ways, as Mr Damon Vosper Singleton explains
in his article. The new interactive whiteboards are a
wonderful facility, that can be used effectively to
enhance our teaching and the boys' learning. I enjoyed
this year watching a student teacher capture the boys
ideas about different types of print media (in an
English class), typing as the boys talked. It makes the
work legible for the boys, and crucially, keeps the
teacher in eye contact with the class.
In the ensuing articles Mrs Mason and Mr
Singleton discuss new developments and their impact
on the school.
Science has changed a lot in the last few years. Many people have put a greater
emphasis on being able to acquire the skills needed to use information and collect
data and communicate effectively. There is less emphasis on learning facts by rote
and a greater one on being able to use the information effectively. The first three
years at John Lyon study science using a 'Thinking through Scien~e' c~urse th~t
helps to teach scientific knowledge but also helps students acqUlr~ s~IIIs to thmk
critically and plan effectively. These are very important parts of sCientific method.
There is also a greater emphasis on the link between ideas and evidence which, I
hope, the course has developed. I am also a great believer that Science should be
fun and that people learn by doing and talking about their experiences. When I
arrived at the school the laboratories had no access to the network and very little
ICT was used.
Over the past three years we have been able to let the boys use ICT to
measure and analyse their results quickly and spend time talking about what the
results mean. We plan to introduce a radio network so that laptops can be used
more easily in the laboratories and research can take place immediately. Pupils can
move at their own pace using specially designed software.
When I came to John Lyon boys could choose a combination of sciences.
Some did all three and some did very little. If they did all the sciences it gave them
less opportunity to do other subjects and if they did only one or two they
sometimes found their choice of university course and career was restricted when
it came to the sixth form. It had already been decided that John Lyon boys should
do all three sciences but only take the dual award examination. This meant that
none of the sciences were studied in such depth but gave a general background in
science which many people require. My concern was to make sure that although
boys may not have studied quite as deeply they had a broad overview of science
and its relevance in SOciety. We offered an AS in Science for Public Understanding
to many of the boys so they could see the relevance of how science impacts on
everyday life. Last year our boys sat this examination alongside their GCSEs and
we obtained some very good results despite taking the examination a year early.
IJ
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SCIENCE & leT & MATHS
Changes are still happening and 2006 brings a major
transformation in the way science is examined at 16. We have used
the opportunity to make sure all boys will continue to do all three
sciences and to obtain a minimum of two GCSEs, but many will go on
to do three separate sciences. They will do this by sitting modules in
years 10 and I I that will build up to give GCSEs in Science,
Additional Science or the three separate sciences. Each boy will be
helped to fulfil his potential. Many of the changes we have already
introduced anticipated these new procedures so the boys should
move smoothly into the course. Changes in the A level courses are
anticipated for 2008, but you can be assured they will be well
prepared for so that your sons can go on enjoying and achieving
great success in science.
Facing the technological future
•
As all well-informed parents are no doubt aware, our government,
through the various incarnations of the DfES, has been ploughing vast
amounts of money into the provision of technology in schools over
the last few years. Accompanying these substantial funds has been,
unsurprisingly, the commitment for specific targets for schools in
terms of their ICT provision. A large deadline looming for the
educational system is the creation of virtual learning environments,
with each pupil having his own on-line space through which to
access, develop and share work electronically. Schools are expected
to have this in place by 2008.
This drive towards an increasing presence of ICT in education
has been fuelled by changes across our daily lives, which we see
becoming increasingly dependent upon technological assistance. Of
course, this increasingly rapid change permeates the world of work
and consequently shapes the demands of employers, demands which
John Lyon School is determined to ensure our boys can meet. The
constant development of ICT in all aspects of our lives requires not
only that our leavers are competent users of today's technology, but
also that they have personally acquired the familiarity and flexibility to
keep up with future developments. The fact that our students are all
accompanied by mobile phones, music players and other small pieces
of technology exemplifies the agenda being set for all schools. As
educators we must maintain pace with the world in which these boys
are growing up; as an independent school we should be in the
forefront, exploiting the new technologies to their fullest, ensuring
the students are gaining the full benefits offered.
A key aspect of any policy of implementing ICT development in a
school must be to meet the needs of the learners in the school. A
teacher will tell you that ICT must be implemented purposefully and
used appropriately. Across the school, teachers have been
instrumental in developing the hardware and software resources to
be used in classes and accessed by pupils remotely for revision or
homework purposes.
An important aspect of ICT is the capacity to support the boys'
education across their experience. Recent developments at John Lyon
School have included:
• Establishing the Music Department's new suite of computers
equipped with compositional software - enabling the boys to
develop their skills and produce fully professional scores - and
digital music editing kit, harnessed to the full by the students on
the music technology course. Kunal Thakker, of 4V says "This helps
us to compose our pieces more quickly, and it's much better as
you can hear what you've written being played back to you."
• The Science Department's development of wireless laptop
networking and data-logging software.
thelyonian2006
• A new software system for the library, enabling boys to check the
library catalogue for availability of books from anywhere around
the school and post reviews of books they have enjoyed. The
school is committed to opening and directing access to the library
as an immense learning resource which can be all too easily
overlooked.
• The installation of Interactive Whiteboards in all curriculum areas
of the school. In mathematics, these tools help enhance pupils
understanding of the abstract objects they need to understand as
well as making the subject more lively and interesting! Sam Andon,
mathematics teacher, reports increased pupil motivation and
interest, and points out the increased efficiency with which one
can teach: "With an IWB you will never need to draw a diagram
more than once, though you may save the different annotations
put on it by different classes separately and use them for
comparison in a later lesson."
• Various departments have benefited from computer suites, and the
development of study areas equipped with computers in the Red
House has aided the independent study of our sixth-formers.
Caroline Harrison, Head of Art and Design, identifies ICT as an
area of 'rapid growth' in her department, with software packages
such as Photoshop and the use of flash animation supporting the
broadening skills of the pupils. Staff also undergo training as part of
their continuous professional development, with the intention of
utilising video editing software for further creative expansion of
the boys' imaginations.
Members of the teaching staff who attended the educational
technology show BETT at the beginning of the year were over-awed
by the vast industry which has grown up around educational
technology provision. It is of course the case that these
developments can only be the beginning of an ongoing process.
Technologies are superseded endlessly and users will always need to
be prepared to adopt new skills and ways of working. The course is
set for John Lyon to expand its methods of teaching, and for our
leavers to be equipped with the flexibility and confidence they need
for the technological future.
Organised and Ego Free Thinking
Edwards de Bono's 'Six hats of thinking', is a system of thinking
whose game-like quality tests the ability of the thinker to switch
mind sets at will. You are a great thinker not because you're
brilliant at defending your own idea and ripping apart your
opponent's, but because you can dispassionately and
systematically explore ideas wherever and from whomsoever
they come from. The Six Thinking Hats have been taken up by
schools, governments and companies worldwide. NASA, IBM and
Shell are just some of the companies that have used the six hats
concept to make discussion more productive.
The Gifted and Talented boys from the second form and Mr
Andon spent a day experimenting with the concept. Some of the
boys found it harder than others to detach their ego from their
thinking! However most of the boys understood immediately the
advantages and were fantastic at staying within the required mindset and systematically mapping out their thoughts and ideas. The
boys also learnt lateral thinking techniques such as the
'Provocation Operation', PO, in order to help them generate
ideas (The Green Hat') and escape existing comfortable patterns.
We all found the session real fun.
47
thelyonian2006
INTERVIEW: Mr Lusha Kodikara
What is your fUR name?
What would your perfect soul mate be like?
Or Lusha Angelica Kodikara.
I've already got a kind of soul mate, and the thing about
her is that she laughs at my jokes so someone with a good
sense of humour and a nice smile.
Why did you want to be a chemistry teacher?
I have always liked the subject
and at school, I used to help my
friends with their homework and
I like helping people understand
chemistry.
,I
. 1.,
The person I would most like to
meet is .. .?
Bill Clinton
Who is your inspiration?
i
First impressions. ofJohn Lyon?
I would say Gandhi.
It's very nice. Most of the boys
around the school are very polite
and courteous so it's a good
school.
One person I'd like to be trapped
in an elevator with?
Sir Paul McCartney.
What is the most outrageous thing
you have done?
When I was younger, I always
,:
wanted to be .. .?
A football manager because I
always wanted to lead my team
out in the FA Cup Final at
Wembley.
How would your friends describe
you?
You wouldn't know it but I'm very
good at ...
They would say I'm one in a
million, with an unusual quirky
personality.
Making people laugh with silly
jokes.
What/Who makes you laugh?
Can you give us an example?
Robin Williams, Peter Kay. Most
comedians make me laugh.
No ... it's not the time but
maybe at parties and so on.
When you get to know me, I can
be a practical joker sometimes.
I've gone skinny dipping.
Ideal night out?
Go to the pub, catch a movie,
then probably a restaurant and
then maybe a late night club.
If I won the lottery, I would ...
I would divide the money between myself, my family and
One shop I can not walk past is •.. ?
my friends.
Music shops. I love music and buying COs.
Three things I can't leave the house without?
What are you favourite bands?
Keys, wallet and my mobile phone.
I'm into the older bands so Rolling Stones, Bruce
Springsteen and Dire Straits.
Three things I would have on a desert island?
Probably a radio, a can opener and cans of food.
Three words I live by?
Loyalty, perseverance and determination.
What are your pet hates?
When people say one thing but do another.
Is science at odds with religion or is science the key to
understanding religion?
I'm a Buddhist and we believe in change so that goes along
with the idea that nothing's permanent so that kind of goes
along with what science and evolution is about. The world
is not a constant and things are always changing so in some
ways, religion is really in parallel with science.
Interview by Krishan Patel
48
thelyonian2006
Union
Roxeth First & Middle School
It has always been the school's philosophy to educate. Yet,
education embraces far more than facts and figures; education is
the broadening of one's mind. Indeed the very ethos of the school,
'From Boys to Men' is central to this take on learning.
In this sense, Union is a key element of our schooling. Miss
Gibbs invites a wide range of speakers from all aspects of society,
each with a different experience, a different view. It is this exposure
which interrupts our often somnambulistic lifestyles with a sharp
forward jerk. In our increasingly shielded lives, where routines
guard us from some brutal realities, Union seeks to open this door.
As Mr Riley justly sums up, "Union makes matters real." And it is
this which makes Union essential to education in John Lyon.
Over the previous year, Union has been fortunate to host a
number of guests from Hollywood actor Colin Salmon to Erwin
Jones, a journalist who was in prison for twenty years .Yet what is
the essence of Union is people's experiences. Speakers do not seek
to preach a message, to etch a glorified sermon into one's mind;
they speak simply to share. Emma Cole, whose life was
transformed due to HIV, portrayed a life not of despair but of
happiness and refreshing normality. Conversely Charlotte Brown
recalled her life story of how binge drinking fractured her life, to
the point of death.
Union also allows interaction with the speaker, most notably
with the Council for Arab-British Understanding. Given the
precarious state of the world, despite the cultural diversity within
our school, it is easily to fall prey to the unfounded declarations
made in the media. The conflict of opinions led to greater
appreciation of those often wrongly portrayed in our society, with
the representative expelling unjust rumours and myths. Another
topical debate was engendered with the invite of one of those
involved in the London 2012 Olympics games, who had to foot
numerous questions from an audience evidently concerned that
their first taxes would be immediately pocketed by a project
spiralling out of control. But, as life itself, Union also provides a
platform for diverse entertainment. Martin, the hypnotist,
successfully managed to get a group dancing to 'I'm singing in the
Rain', umbrellas included. A magician also confounded an apparently
intellectually sharp audience, while Sherby gave Christmas a certain
Reggae flavour.
What is at the heart of the school is the promise of unifying all.
The boys of John Lyon will be the men of the future, people who
society both embraces and emulates. It is this which Union
educates us to be.
Krishan Patel
at John Lyon
Maths Club
Last year 20 after school classes were held over the Spring and
Summer Term for Gifted and Talented Mathematicians at Roxeth
First & Middle Primary School, free of charge. The sessions were
held on Fridays after school in the John Lyon School Library, using
the latest computer technology to enrich and accelerate the
mathematics curriculum. Students, for example, explored the
origins of Pi, the golden ratio, formulae in games. They created
dynamic drawings, covered advanced topics such as reverse
functions, permutations and The Pythagoras Theorem. Overall the
students seemed to really enjoy the work and find it challenging
(see feedback summary below).
"The teacher, Mr Andon, believes people get good at things they
enjoy doing. Responding to feedback from last year, this year Mr
Andon intends to differentiate the work better between the higher
and lower year groups, to move to the air conditioned computer
room on hot days and to further increase the variety and style of
the lessons. There is not much he can do about it being Friday as
this is the only time everyone is free. 'Stress Busters' (sweets) are
sometimes given by way of compensation."
This year has started well with 22 students, a mixture of old and
new. At the time of writing this article we have already covered
index notation, prime factors and sets.
,I
49
thelyonian2006
M. Antoine Boilly
Antoine Boilly is the French language assistant at the
school. Since his arrival in September 2005, he has been
assisting some of the modern foreign language teachers in
developing pupils' oral French skills in a didactic role he
finds vital to success in languages: "It's a good exchange - I
teach them French. I do my best so that they can learn
the best of what I can give them and I also learn through
them the British culture. It's a nice cultural linguistic
exchange:' he says in an interview.
Antoine himself has been shaped by a purely
'academic' education without
the normal extra-curricular
benefits thrown in to enrich
his experiences. "I prefer it
here because you can not only
study but you can do sports,
acting and singing and music
classes so it's a very balanced
school:' Having only ever
frequented mixed schools
himself, he finds however one
drawback of the concept of
single-sex institutions: "Perhaps
if I were the director of the
school I would have a mixed
school because school also
reflects society with men and
women. So, even if the positive
intent in having only boys is to
make the boys work better
and not to be distracted from
girls, I'm sure at the same time
that the boys meet girls at the
weekend, well most of them,
[and] they will meet girls
anyway in SOciety when they
work, so why not prepare
them already for that, dealing
with girlsl I think that would be what I would change, but
having said that it's a very good school."
Also open to other cultures,Antoine visits London
during the weekends. "Either I go to the library and work
on finishing my Masters in English or I visit a lot of things
that can be visited." Having lived in and experienced two
different cultures, which not many of us have done, he has
offered an interesting yet slightly controversial insight into
the differences between the French and the English:
"French people are more straightforward, more direct
when they speak. English people pay attention to what
they say; they are perhaps more politically correct."
Being an idiosyncratic demonstrator of the fact that
people have aims and goals no matter what age they are
52
or what achievements they have already fulfilled,Antoine
aspires currently to become a counsellor, even after
gaining his diplomas and partaking in the 'cultural
exchange' of teaching French to John Lyon pupils. It has
been his largest dream since his late childhood to
empathise with others and deliver psychological assistance
through effective communication. "I'm finishing my
counselling training in NLP, Neurolinguistic Programming.
It's a new way of helping people with different problems
or [with] their objectives in life including health and
illness. In the future I'm going
to be a counsellor; that's true.
My dream is more to be a
counsellor than a teacher but I
like teaching here very much.
It happens that I get on well
with Grendon Haines, the
Head of the Psychology
Department. I can get a job in
September 2007 as a
counsellor, having already
helped him unofficially this
year."
. In the long term, Antoine
aspires to continue to be
happy in life and foster a
utilitarian attitude. "People
should be all healthy and
happy but this isn't the case
unfortunately because for
many reasons people come
across problems. That's why
I'm doing my NLP training - it
is very strong and powerful to
help people very qUickly in an
efficient and ethical way. I'd like
to help the most people I can
and show them the example
of health and positive behaviour and thinking, and,
ultimately, to bring peace in the world bit by bit:'
Finally, he offers students advice on how to be
successful in life. "listen to your heart, to your gut, as long
as there is no inconvenience to others, and also being
ecological, that is respecting your environment. Be positive
about what happens and also you are responsible for
what you are experiencing. Practice makes perfect and if
you want to achieve things in life you first have to have a
strong basis, that is to say A Levels. Work hard, make good
choices in your lives and go on with your passion. Make a
masterpiece of your lives if you can and be positive and
compassionate with yourselves and others."
Interview by Rishi Sethi
Tutor NaJline Sender
The course is open to all regardless
of experience. It introduces all
aspects of working with clay,
including an opportunity to use a
potters wheel
Aninud & Human Form in
a range of 3D techniques
A new proposed course, depending
on uprake*, to be run by a visiting
professional sculptor
Con/Qc/ the School Secretary on:
0208872 84000r
e·mai/,'ajfiwrri,on@johnlyonnrg
~
~
THE JOHN LYON SCHOOL
/
/
)
(
thelyonian2006
INTERVIEW: Mr Bobby Ho
What was your life like here as a student?
It was pretty interesting, to say the least, but it was pretty
normal too, just like most other people when they were at
school. You have a laugh with your friends and you go through
exams and the worrying about UCAS applications together.
Otherwise, I just got on with it really, reaching my A Levels, and,
before you know it, off to university.
· What made you want
Oldfe/d library?
to
become a monitor of the
It wasn't really a want, but more really what I
: was given. I was given the job, and that was it.
, From then on, though, I was given the idea to
take a gap year after my final year at university
and be in charge of the main library here.
How has your view of the school changed now
that you are a member of the staff!
It's certainly a lot different from when I left.
Physically, the school has changed a lot. It's got
the new temporary building, for example, the
reception's all changed and the Art Department has been re-housed. A lot of the teachers I knew aren't
here any more. With regards to the ones that I do know, it's a
bit strange at first, because you're not calling them sir or ma'am
any more, but, after a few months, it's just become normal.
Eating with them in the dining room is strange. At first it was
extremely bizarre because you're sitting there and everyone is
chatting about their day and it's really hard trying not to call
them sir and ma'am - especially the ones that you know. My
view of the school hasn't changed an awful lot from when I was
a pupil here. It's always been a good school, and academic results
are improving every year.
Did you enjoy your life here more as a student or now as a member
of staff?
That's a good question. It's almost as if it's two different
lifetimes. When I started here back in 1995, things were so
different - the buildings were different, the teachers were
different, there wasn't a swimming pool, or a gym, or what we
have now. We only had the one computer room, so things were
a lot different. I enjoyed both of them, but in different ways. As a
student here, you have such a good time with your friends,
playing sport, especially tennis, my favourite, but of course you've
got the exam stress and so on. Now, I enjoy it for different
reasons. I enjoy working with the people that I do, everyone has
a laugh, but the way I've helped the kids, and watching them get
their test and exam results, that's enjoyable too. So, you can't
really compare the two and say which one I enjoyed more.
They're both pleasurable, but in different ways.
· How different is the relationship between the teaching staff from that
between students?
· That's another good question. At first it's really strange, because
with the teaching staff, especially the ones that taught me, I still
have the respect for them as a teacher, but you've got to slightly
lose that so that you can cooperate with them. With the kids,
, there's a friendlier atmosphere. Everyone's here to get on with
their jobs, but it's still fun. With the kids, you've got to remain in
charge, but you've still got to get on with them. You have to be
friendly towards them as well.
I've heard that you hardly go into the staff room. How do you feel
about coming into the staff room?
,
Well, the whole time I've been here,;I've only D~en in
staff
room once, and that was just to find sOmeone.
I wouldn't mind going, but I just don't have the
time.
the
What contribution do you think.the younger
students mske to the tibrary? Can you relPte to
their misbehaviour?
,.
Well, they certainly make the place livelier - it's,
more alive with activity and it's not jurt a dead
space where people just come to read books
and sit with their heads down revising. It's
definitely become alive with hustle and bustle.
Young kid~ especially like taking books out and
/
they sit down and read. But, at the same time,
they are a bit mischievous because they do run
in and out and they crowd round computers,
but that's to be expected.
How have you personally changed the library since September 2005?'
There have been a lot of changes since September. Theftrst
thing I did was I had to reorganise the layout of the library itself.
It was quite a tough job, because I had to make sure that I had
the logistics right, and I had the right sections in the right places
so that things didn't clash, and yet I still had to follow the
cataloguing system so that nothing was out of place. After that I
did a lot of book ordering,eSpecially in conjunction widnhe
English Department, ordering lots and lots of fiction books.
After that, I think the biggest thing so far would be the new
library management system that we've put in, because now we
have biometrics - using your fingerprint as a library card.
future of the library thii;Vear?
In the near future, I certainly hope to improve the book stock
that we possess, making sure we have all the books necessary
for the curriculum. Seating is another thing I'm trying to
improve at the moment. I'm hoping to get some bean bags for
the younger kids so they can sit down and do some reading, and
if I have enough money left at the end of the year, maybe some
sofas for the senior fiction. On the whole, I've changed it so
much, so there isn't an awful lot to do physically, but there are
still little things to improve on.You'II have to wait and see ...
What are your major plans for the
What would you recommend students who are about to embark on
a philosophy degree to do after graduation?
.'
There are many different alternatives. One of I'Tli friends.Who
has graduated has gone into corporate work, working for banks
and working in insurance. Some are teaching or doing a PGCE
or you can continue with postgraduate degrees, either dOing a
Master's, an MSC or law conversion. Doing philosophy offers
you so many different routes that you could go . down ratJ¥!r
than, say, if you were doing computing for a degfee. The~aln
thing is to enjoy doing the course.
.
Interview by Rishi Sethi
61
FILM REVIEW
thelyonian2006
Losing it All
The John Lyon School Film
hen Mr Dom Roy set about his now second movie
enterprise, he did not have the intention of undertaking
the task of making a solely unaided movie, supported
only by the John Lyon School and his own bank balance. There were
fears as to whether he, the crew, and all the other people involved in
the production of Losing it All could pull off such a massive feat of
effort and skill. However, the result of only four months of filming and
editing is nothing short of an outstanding achievement.
The innovative and provocative Losing it All focuses on the life of a
young teenager, Charlie (played by Sonny Flynn), whose life is turned
W
upside down over the period of a year by first his father's traumatic
death, followed by mother's suicide. As a result, Charlie begins a
violent and chaotic descent into the abyss of a meaningless
existence, encouraged by his increasing alcohol abuse, drug taking
and stealing. This downward spiral climaxes in Charlie being brutally
mugged after leaving a party and him ending up at his father's grave.
However, some hope does exist within the murky gritty depths of
the film and the final scene gives the audience a sense of a better
future for the teenagers.
This film offers a unique and spectacular insight into the world of
a teenager whose existence is falling apart. Sometimes horrifically
blunt, the movie tackles issues, which even today some would see as
taboo, with inspired effectiveness and provides the audience with a
lot to think about when they leave the cinema. This is achieved not
least with the unimaginable twist towards the end of the film that
both shocks the audience and reflects the intense turmoil taking
place in Charlie's head. It could be argued that the adult language and
topics like underage drinking explored in the film justify its certificate
of IS, but it's a shame that the film isn't
accessible to younger people as it discusses the issues relevant to
young teenagers today in a way that traditional education can't.
The camera work used throughout also adds successfully to the
atmosphere of the film whether it be to create a sense of confusion,
chaos, euphoria or sheer desperation and Eliot Haigh, the editor and
cameraman of the film, deserves a special mention for the
unbelievable amount of time and effort he gave to the making of the
movie. There is no doubt about his immense talent as
the camera work was so innovative, original and really enhanced the
overall quality of the movie. The music too contributes well to the
movie as it enhances the emotions felt by the characters, perhaps
most of all in the final moments as it really works to pull at the
heart strings of the audience.
Sonny Flynn is brilliant as the lead role and plays the troubled,
62
.4
I
FILM REVIEW
thelyonian2006
.»
~
h,,,;"••dol.",",
W"" 'pp"."' ."•. ~'ho,gh ;, ;, ob~o", tha,
he invested a lot himself in the role. His pained expressions and
portrayal of a tortured mind are deeply convincing, so much so that
I had to remind myself at times I was watching Sonny, not Charlie.
Obviously this is the sign of a great actor and from one so young,
his performance is stunning. In the same way, Stuart Onslow gives a
convincing performance as Luke, the harassed older brother. The
, development of his character throughout the
film is an amazing thing to see, as he changes from
a bitter, selfish teenager into a compassionate and responsible young
man. Jessica Byrne also gives a very natural performance as Tammy, a
girl who sympathises with Charlie and encourages him to talk about
his parents' deaths whilst Alice Southwood gives a believable, and at
times amusing, presentation of Luke's self centred, shallow girlfriend,
Sadie. Shane O'Neill is utterly convincing as the brutal and sinister
Vince. Robert Rowland as Charlie's ultimately selfish friend Paul,
Kumar Pate I as Ash and Aswanth Ravindrarajah as Jay all give the film
a refreshing realism as teenagers who only look out for
themselves and pay little heed to Charlie's cries for help. Niccy and
Simon Morris play Charlie's Aunt and Uncle in the movie. Together
with their two-year-old daughter Lucy, a credible family unit was
created to emphasise how isolated Charlie feels in their company.
John Lyon School teacher James Cure opens the movie's dialogue as
the insincere school counsellor and Paul Cowie has a cameo as an
irate member of staff. The flashback sequences in the movie depict a
forlorn and ailing Charlie's mother played by Nikki Dunbar. These
scenes evoked genuine sympathy from the viewer.
Finally, Annella Rowland, Tarah Golding, Simon Winkler, Richard
Symonds, Kwasi Yeboah, Chris Stupack, Dhruv Bharchha, Asantha
De Alwis, all give realistic performances in supporting roles at the
party towards the film's climax and all deserve to be heartily
congratulated for their accurate portrayals of teenagers seeking to
enjoy themselves. The long list of extras is too vast to congratulate
them individually, but all performances were passionate and involved.
In conclusion, the film is a marvellous piece of skill and effort
that no-one imagined could have been such a success. The
combination of: a cast of wonderful and talented young actors, a
determined and expert crew of behind the scene workers; an
original and compelling plot and an excellent director have resulted
in an astounding, fantastic achievement that everyone involved in
should be extremely proud of.
Losing It All had a premiere at The Harrow Vue Cinema on
Monday October 30th with a second screening at the Channel 4
Film Room in Victoria on Thursday November 21 st. The film is due
to be released at The John Lyon School at the end of January 2007 with DVDs available for purchase from February 2007.
Andy Watters
63
thelyonian2006
.' ~;1;
..~
INTERVIEW: Mrs Lily Gupta
May we ask your age?
I knew you were going to ask me that! 27.
include the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Dubai. I went to India for
the first time two years back. I've done a lot of America too.
Where were your first impressions ofJohn Lyon?
Where in the world would you most like to be and why?
No girls. Small; I've come from lie school where I've had 1,.500
pupils. And also friendly. The staff here are very friendly. I'll leave it
at that.
I'd love to be in the Maldives, just chilling out there with no care
in the world and lot's of sun and beautiful weather; and a drink!
What's your favourite song?
Whats your nickname?
'Hello' by Lionel Richie.
Lil.
What was the first thing you said this
morning?
Where were you educated?
I was first educated in Watford Grammar
School for Girls and. then Keele.
UniverSity,
Hi baby (to my husband).
What would be your ideal night in?
In my PJs, in bed, watching tele.
Why chemistry?
What's your favourite film?
I didn't actually study chemistry at
university. I did law and biochemistry. The
reason I chose to teach chemistry is
because I had a chemistry teacher for
five years who I looked upon as my role
model. I'd never come across s.uch a
brilliant teacher.
'Green Mile' (1999 release
Hanks and David Morse)
If your house was on fire, which
would you save?
Well, I've just moved in so
of decorating going on. I'd save
wedding albums, along with the
movies, my jewellery and my car·
What is your favourite TV programme?
I've got too many! My favourite has to
have been Prison Break. Currently I've
just started watching Lost, but I'm a bit
behind. I love the OC and a lot of
American drama. Eastenders is probably
the main soap that· I watch, and The Bill. I
also like Grey's Anatomy and One Tree
Hill. So quite a few!
How would you describe yourself in three words?
That's a hard one! It's easier to ask someone else about you!
(At this point the cleaner Peggy intervenes, suggesting 'very very
nice').
going to just basically quote what my husband would
say, which is that I am honest. I like to think that I'm fun, and
interesting I hope! . But honesty is the most important one to me.
"m
Can you cook, and if so, what is your specialty?
I'm a chemistry teacher! If I'm given a set of recipes or some
good instructions, I can cook it.
Ask me if I can cook Indian and the answer is no. Not really,
because no one's ever taught me how to make it. You ask your
parents to teach you and it's 'bung in a handful of salt and a
handful of this.' They don't have a concept of measurement so
I've never been able to learn traditional Indian cooking from my
family. However, when I follow recipes, my food comes out really
well. My speciality would be Thai cooking. I love the different
variety of meat, vegetable and seafood. My best dish would be
'PadTbai.'
What does all your money go on?
Holidays. I love travelling. My ambition is basically to see as much
of the world as I can. I'm hoping to visit South Africa and
Australia in the fut~re. I tend to go to Europe when it comes to
short or weekend breaks. Other places I've been to recently
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What do you think of Big Brother?
I probably watched the first and
.
ones, but after that, it's 'seen it, done It,
rubbish!' I probably only watched the
latter part of it when the hype came to
see who was going to win.
Do you have any phobias?
Not really no. I used to be scared of the dark, and that phobia
went on up to university, where I finally got over it.
Is there a motto or philosophy that you live by?
Keep smiling!
What's the craziest thing you've ever done?
Set the fire alarm off. In my last school, we had new labs and I
conducted what is referred to as a thermic reaction. I did that
right underneath a smoke detector that was very sensitive and
set the whole school fire alarms off. I think the worst part was
when I did it the following day with the same class again with
another experiment!
Any pet hates?
I hate queues. I hate banks. I hate Argos. I can't line up in Argos
because of the fact that they send you to one queue and then to
another and then to another. And I hate Ikea. So impatient is
probably another way you would describe me!
Where do you see yourself in ten years'time?
I see myself settled down with the family. I can't say whether I'd
be working or not at this stage. I hope I would be, but you can
never tell!
Interview by Rishi Sethi
thelyonian2006
It was with great trepidation that the new recruits to the JL 6th
form gathered in the less-than-glamotous setting of a Waitrose
carpark, preparing to depart for fair Scotland. The congregated
parents waved farewell to their offspring, several of whom were
shedding tears (later reports of students hearing champagne
corks popping as the coach turned out of the car park could not
be verified.) Anecdotal stories from students who had previously
been on Outward Bound rang in our ears; both fantastical tales
of great camaraderie and horror stories, often involving being
stranded on mountain-tops and/or rampaging wildlife, in such
equal measure that it became impossible to decipher the fact
from the fiction. However, our fears were allayed (or at least
temporarily forgotten) when it materialized that we became
stuck in traffic next to a coachload of excitable girls. I have never
claimed to be superstitious, but surely this was a good omen?
Having reached our destination after a character-building 14hour drive, we were split into groups of about ten. This group
was to become our family for the next week, performing tasks
and going on expeditions together. We were also introduced to
our group leaders, in my case Allan, whose thick Scottish brogue
was impossible to understand but greatly amusing nonetheless.
The very first night we were informed that, as a means of
bonding, we were all to strip down as far as possible and run
into the neighbouring loch. The logistics behind running into a
freezing cold pond along with 80 odd (some very odd!) seminaked boys in order to feel more comfortable within our new
surroundings escapes me, though admittedly it was fun, if only to
see the look on Miss Gibbs' face when four nameless individuals
attempted to pick her up and drop her in the loch. Sorry again,
ma'am.
The next few days were spent performing tasks that
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improved both our leadership and team skills. We learnt the
importance of good preparation whilst rock climbing, the value
of safety precautions on the zip wire, and, unfortunately, the
usefulness of lifejackets whilst raft-building. Having completed
this, we headed out on what formed the core of the trip - the
expedition. The packing of the rucksack posed a few problems,
such as how many items of clothing to take for the 3-day trip,
trying to keep gas and matches as separate as possible, and,
crucially, the amount of Kit-Kats we could physically carry
without risking permanent vertebrae damage.
Stepping off the train at a remote Scottish train station,Allan
informed us that we would be scaling Ben Abre'ch, one of the
taller mountains in Britain, before descending the other side to
the shelter that would hopefully await us.A few well-timed
hamstring injuries hampered us slightly, but for the most part the
group attacked the task with relish. After a gruelling seven-hour
trek non-stop through teeming rain and lashing winds, we were
greeted by the apparent oasis of the shelter, or 'bothy' as it is
known. The delight of the group at the sight of a derelict, run
down shack, devoid of electricity, windowpanes and decoration,
was extraordinary. Having finally settled, Allan told us that we
were to set up our tents. Outside. Once more, I failed to grasp
the genius behind walking half a day to the nearest shelter, then
erecting al fresco accommodation. However, after a slight
clamour for the prime sites (those that were least likely to be
flooded or urinated upon by wildlife during the night), we all
managed eventually to set up our two-man tents, which
astonishingly (and somewhat disappointingly) remained in place
and intact for the entire duration. Time for respite and
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OUTWARD BOUND
recuperation was at a premium however, as the bulk of our spare
moments were taken up by cooking food, hiking up mountains,
and trekking through wilderness, all of which seemed arduous
and pointless to begin with, but in hindsight provided an
invaluable and extremely worthwhile experience. Thus it was
with a renewed life perspective that we returned to Harrow
dirty, unwashed, tired and dishevelled, just in time for the return
to lessons on Monday morning, where we were grateful to
return to our more natural state of being dirty, unwashed, tired
and dishevelled.
Michael Betts
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INTERVIEW: Mrs Sally Halper
What is your full name?
Sally Dawn Halper
Why did you choose to come to John Lyon?
I was interested in working in a school environment, not having
done so before. I was intrigued by the idea of helping boys to
learn how to research things independently. It's a criticism in
government reports that when boys in particular go to
university, they struggle with doing research for themselves and
don't have good library skills; they can't evaluate websites. So I
thought it would be a good thing to work on.
a long time. I met him very briefly once but I would have liked
the opportunity to have a proper conversation with him about
what inspired his music and what it's like to work in the music
business for, well, getting on to forty years now.
What is your favourite type of music?
I like everything. At the moment I'm listening to Razor light and
a band called the Kooks - it's kind of poppy-rocky music.
What would you put into room 10 I ?
Angel Delight. It's just so false and full of chemicals and it's not
good for you at all.
What previous positions have you had?
I've been a librarian for the last ten years, mostly for local
authorities but also in the corporate sector.
Where were you born?
In Leeds, in Yorkshire.
Who would you hate ta be stuck in an elevator with?
Saddam Hussain. I think he's just an obnoxious man.
What book changed you as a person?
I would say Thomas Hardy's Tess of the
D'Urbervilles. I read it when I was about 14 or
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Oh that's a tough one! Happy, lively, fun!
Do you have a claim to fame?
When I was 14 I won an essay competition
which was between Leeds, my home town,
and Dortmund in West Germany. So I've
actually been on German television twice
during the week that I was there.
What are your main hobbies?
Well, reading, obviously! I'm also a runner - I
do about three IOkm races per year for
charity. Apart from that, I play the piano and
the saxophone and I keep fancy goldfish.
Any pet hates?
Ooh um noisy boys I suppose! And people who think that
librarians just shelve books and don't have an academic
background.
What are you particularly bad at?
-. Perhaps asserting myself; I don't always come across with exactly
what I mean to say. Sometimes I'm a bit too diplomatic.
What has been your biggest regret in life?
That I didn't have more time with my mum. My mum died about
eight years ago; she was only 65 when she died so I guess I'd say
that.
so for GCSE English and I found it very
interesting as a study of how young women
can be taken advantage of by older men in
positions of power.
What's your favourite film?
Casablanca.
What's your ideal night out?
Meeting with friends for drinks and a meal. I
have a lot of friends spread over the country
and sometimes we hire a farm cottage that
sleeps 15 people and spend the whole evening
together. That would be my ideal evening I
think.
What was your ambition as a child?
(Chuckles) It wasn't actually to be a librarian! I wanted to be
somebody that was a force for good in the world, but I wasn't
quite sure what form that would take.
What was your most embarrassing moment?
I went on a school trip in 1983 when I was eleven to a place
called Flamingo Land (sees the bemused expression on interviewer's
face) - an adventure park a bit like Alton Towers. We went out in
these paddle boats, two or three of us per boat and I managed
to fall in the water as I was getting out. I was wet for the rest of
the day.
What shop can you not walk past?
Do you have any bad habits we should know about?
(Chuckles) Drinking too much, but not during the week - it
wouldn't really work well with the job! And eating too much
chocolate, that's the other one.
Apart from chocolate shops, probably New Look. They always
seem to have very trendy fashions in the window.
What do you think the best invention ever is?
Oh umm, the washing machine! It saves me an awful lot of time.
If you could meet anyone, past or present, who would it be?
I would really like to meet David Bowie. I've been a fan of his for
Interview by Rishi Sethi
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INTERVIEW: Mrs Jenny Parker
How long have you been atJohn Lyon?
Eleven-and-a-half years.
What
are
you duties
as
welfare officer?
Every day my duties vary so much. One minute I
can be patching up an injury, the next listening to
a problem big or small; some can be sorted
there and then and some take longer but each
one is important. Other duties include arranging
the dreaded BCG immunisation programme,
stock keeping, letter writing, record keeping,
accounting, liasing with staff, GPs and hospitals
and at the end of the day I do 'Zig-Zag' duty
which involves walking up and down Middle Road
moving irresponsible drivers. I'm never bored!
Do you like your job?
I think I have the most satisfying job. 'like' is too small a
word.
Is it hard to stay motivated when youre constantly dealing with the ill and injured?
Not at all, I keep motivated by remembering that when we are ill, injured or
troubled, a grumpy or insensitive person is the last thing we need.
How do you spend your time when you're not in Welfare?
I love to go walking with Cookie and Conner, our two Jack Russell terriers. I love
gardening as well but I must admit if Conner, who's only a pup, decides to help me,
planting can take days; as fast as I dig something in he'll dig it right up again, but it's
fun!
Ideal evening in/out?
Ideal evening out would definitely be the theatre and a superb veggie restaurant
afterwards and, of course, a limo to take me home: Ideal evening in would be
Saturday night on the sofa, Cookie on one side, Conner the other, 'Casualty' on the
box and a big bar of Diary Milk straight from the fridge.
Dream
holiday?
Lucky woman that I am, I have had two dream holidays: one to the Maldives - truly
paradise, the other New York - shopping paradise!
If you could have three wishes?
I. To grow old in a healthy and active way so I may watch my three children and
perhaps their children as well grow into the people I know they'll become.
2. For all those people who inflict cruelty and pain onto animals and humans to
realise what they are doing and to stop. It's something that eats me up inside.
3. One day to hug and talk to my dad again. He died seven years ago and I miss the
best friend ever.
If you could meet one person?
I'd love to spend time with an actor of some years ago, James Stewart. I've watched
many of his films and have seen him at the Theatre in 'Harvey'. There really is
something about him, especially his wonderful voice. He intrigues me.
What's a piece of advice you'd like to give readers?
I believe you can't go wrong if you treat others, including animals, the way you
would like to be treated yourself. Sometimes, because none of us is perfect, that's
hard, but I promise that it gives you a real buzz if you can do it.
What would your epitaph say?
If this is the end, try not to continue
If this is the beginning make a start
You cannot finish what has not begun
Nor begin what is over.
Interview by Jonathan Mizler
Peer
Support
When was the last time you truly
listened?
It was meant to be a simple
question, and within a few hours I
realised the answer was just as Simple.
Never.
In our busy, hectic lives where the
hands of a clock dictate our routines,
it is rare that we find time to listen to
other people, to other people's
worries and concerns. It is not that
we do not care, there are just
sometimes more pressing matters
which play with our thoughts. In the
same light, we often have little time to
talk about our problems. Even one of
the most frequently asked open ended
question, "How are you?" is met with
an automated response, "I'm fine
thanks".
It is this that the Peer Support
group aim to tackle. We are seldom
"fine, thanks". The peer support group
is there to listen to any concerns
which a person may have, relating to
school work, domestic issues or
bullying. Any concern is treated
confidentially or passed to our
resident psychologist, Mr Haines, and
it provides an outlet for those who
do not feel comfortable in addressing
a teacher about a more personal
issue.
On behalf of the group, I must
thank Mr Haines, Mrs Plummer and
Mrs Parker who sacrificed many
weekends in order to complete the
training, as well as providing more
than adequate food stuffs which
definitely made those long hours
more tasteful.
And as a Greek philosopher once
said, "We have two ears and one
mouth so that we can listen twice as
much as we speak."
Krishan Pate I
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Uganda
On the 2nd July 2006 seventeen boys and five staff embarked on
a journey of a lifetime. One that we will all treasure as both a
fantastic opportunity and also a most gratifying way to spend a
month.
Our African adventure began however in the somewhat less
exotic location of Sudbury playing fields - our 'build up day',
consisting largely of kit allocation as well as team discussions
about how we would live for the next thirty days.
It was to be the last trip on the underground for a while as
we took in our final memories of England; a hot and uncomfortable journey to the airport! Our real experience was soon
underway and we arrived at Entebbe Airport in Uganda, after a
quick transfer at Dubai. We were soon bundled into a rather
optimistically-sized van for twenty-five, led by John, our eccentric
Australian guide who we all grew to love!
It was at his own campsite where we settled for the next few
days; 'Backpackers', situated on the edge of Kampala city centre.
We soon made use of their excellent African restaurant, even if it
was in the style of a westernised burger bar! Needless to say we
ate well for the next few days.
There were to be numerous eventful circumstances throughout the month, the first of which occurred in the first few hours
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and has established itself in just four years to be what is an
outstanding co-educational institution, with international links.
Most pupils go on to university, a remarkable achievement in the
African world. John Lyon boys may remember Mr Riley's African
brother, Mr Kiganga (Headmaster of Lords Meade) who made a
visit to our school two years ago. Lordsmeade is fortunate
enough have its own large plot of land, and numerous classroom
facilities, all funded by aid work. Our project phase of the
expedition consisted of building another two classrooms, with
the overall aim of reducing the class sizes of 60 pupils.
When we arrived we were met with some excitement, whilst
our showering facilities were being constructed by enthusiastic
pupils all sporting a customised Lords Meade T-shirt printed with
the school motto, 'reach high through hard work'. Individual
cubicles were made out of bamboo, where we poured water
over ourselves. We camped in the grounds of Lords Meade,
within a small section which is mainly used as their quiet study
area. Water was collected using jerrycans and required a stroll
over to the girls' dormitories, as this is where the nearest tap
was. Whilst at Lords Meade we were certainly given plenty of
opportunities to embrace the African culture. It is only when you
come to Africa that you appreciate the luxuries that a western
toilet provides! Toilets, or 'latrines' as known in Africa, are
commonplace and can simply be described as a hole in the
ground, with a ISm deep cess-pit below - never before had the
concept of a conventional sit-down toilet sounded so appealing!
We took daily trips to the African market in Jinja, where we
bought fresh produce for the day's meal.
Our meals were cooked on Trangia stoves, essentially mini
gas burner stoves requiring methylated spirits. On one shopping
trip to Jinja town we acquired a larger paraffin stove which we
used along with our large cooking pot to cook meals for all
twenty two of us. Our group of twentytwo is one of the largest
groups that
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World Challenge Expeditions has taken, and cooking successfully
with such limited facilities for such a large group was a challenge
in itself. Our trips to the market gave us the opportunity to buy
some authentic African produce. We ate well while we were at
Lords Meade, as we were stationed in one particular place for
five days instead of constantly relocating. We cooked stews
predominantly which was a welcome change, compared to the
monotony of pasta and sauce that we had become used to.
One evening we interacted with the African students more
closely as a cultural evening had been organised. Various acts
were performed by the Ugandan pupils and five of us took part
in a drama production with the LMVC Drama Society. We also
organised our own short drama piece as an introduction to
English culture.
After having said our goodbyes we left Jinja to begin our
expedition phase. It was an emotional experience as real bonds
had been formed between many of the students. The expedition
phase was centred on climbing over Mount Elgon, whilst in the
process crossing over from Uganda into Kenya. Since day one of
the trip, various roles had been established which were rotated
on a daily basis. These included leaders for food, transport,
accommodation, medical, baggage and culture as well as an
overall leader. Each of these positions also had deputies. The aim
of this system was to provide a structure to the group; ensuring
that the team remained organised and focused, whilst providing
everybody with a chance to participate in each of the roles. The
system proved to be vital on the trekking phase as each
leadership aspect, diet in particular, was imperative.
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The trek phase officially began at the
rather early time of 4.30am, much to the
dismay of the team. By this stage in the trip,
the incessant ring of watch alarms had
become synonymous with ridiculously early
mornings. It was however quite an
experience waking up with a starlit sky.
We had set off by 6.50, all forty-seven
of us including porters! After an eight-hour
walk through the Mount Elgon National
Park we arrived at our campsite for the
night - Tatum Caves. The caves were a truly
memorable place to camp, complete with
their very own waterfall - the ideal washing
up location as a few of the group
discovered! We also shared our campsite
with a colony of bats which graced us with
their slightly spooky presence at nightfall
and daybreak.
On day two of the trekking phase we
travelled from Tatum caves to Kajeri.
Unfortunately the immense challenges of
this day's hike, combined with health issues,
proved to be too much for two of the
team members who made their way down
the mountain and remained in Mbale, the
nearest town. Despite this setback, the rest
of the team continued to press on, reaching
Kajeri river campsite by late afternoon. We
had walked again for roughly eight hours
again today. We were making plans with our
leader Ralph Durbridge as to how we
would make it to Wagagai or Jackson's
Peak. We cooked pasta with sauce once
again and all had an early night as we were
to wake up early the next morning.
We awoke at 4am as we had ten hours
of walking ahead of us today. It was vital
that we made up for lost time as it was our
last chance to reach one of the peaks. As
we trekked across and up Mount Elgon
over the rolling hills, we began to notice
the grey mass above our heads. The
inevitable was approaching. We had evaded
rain for the past two days, but today that
was all about to change. Just as the
lunchtime ritual of cheese and crackers
began, the heavens opened, in a somewhat
dramatic fashion. After lunch we continued
up the mountain, through the rain and
towards Jackson's Peak, the second highest
peak on Mount Elgon. After what felt like
days of walking in the middle of nowhere,
surviving the rain anJ surprisingly painful
hail, we finally arrived at the foot of
Jackson's peak. A rock pile above the
clouds. We staggered, tired and drenched,
up to the top watching our
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History
Battlefields Trip, 2006
It was an early start for the 5th Year history students as we
embarked on our trip to France. After meeting at Whitmore
Road on Friday morning at 6am, and passports had been
checked, we made our way to Kent.After several hours sat
on a coach, we found that our excitement overcame our
exhaustion, and by the time we reached Kent and boarded
the Eurostar, spirits were high, and conversation had replaced
the silence of tiredness experienced on the coach journey.
Surprisingly for some, the crossing from England to
France was relatively short, somewhere close to the hour
mark. We drove through France into Belgium, and stopped
for lunch close to the Passchendale Museum. Already we
could sense that the trip would be one to remember, with
laughter and discussion from everyone.
After lunch we made our way to the actual Passchendale
Museum, where we were able to get an idea of uniforms,
different types of gas and gas masks used, and we were able
to see a wide variety of weaponry and maps from the war.
We then visited Tyne Cot. This beautiful war cemetery
was home to I 1,856 graves, representing the final resting
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place of a large number of British soldiers who had died
graves were unknown. In the area ofYpres, after visiting the
defending their country. Other than the mass of stunning
Menin Gate and the In Flanders Fields museum, we were
white headstones, the other main, outstanding sight was the
given the opportunity to buy souvenirs and gifts.
Cross of Sacrifice. Thousands of names of the men who died
After our break in Ypres, we made our way into France
for their countries lined the walls of Tyne Cot Cemetery.
to visit Vimy Ridge - the Canadian Memorial ground granted
The next site we visited was almost the complete
to Canada for their services in the war. This was more than
opposite of Tyne Cot. The German cemetery of Langemark
just a memorial ground; it was where the original Battles of
was smaller, and darker than the brilliant white of Tyne Cot.
Vimy Ridge took place. As the day progressed, we learnt
A flowerbed close to the entrance was actually a mass grave,
how the Germans had originally been in command of Vi my
where a supposed 25,000 German soldiers lie. Each flat
Ridge, and how the Canadian battalions had cleverly, and
stone was a grave marker, and the grave was usually shared
bravely taken control of the territory on which now stands
by eight people. We found out that this was the only
the Vimy Ridge Memorial.
German cemetery in the Ypres Salient. We also found that
We made our way back to Ypres for a meal out, quite
Langemark had four times as many burials as Tyne Cot, but
fittingly too, as two students were celebrating their
was several times smaller.
birthdays.After a filling dinner, we made our way back to the
The last place we visited was Sanctuary Wood. Here we
Menin Gate, and observed the Ceremony of the Last Post.
were able to get an impression of what trenches were like:
Once again, the crowd gathered there were moved by the
muddy and uncomfortable. However, despite the conditions
sincerity of the Last Post, giving thought not only to the
we found ourselves in, it was good to experience to a minor
55,000 men listed on the walls of the Menin Gate, but more
degree what soldiers had to endure almost a century ago,
generally to soldiers who have ever had to endure the
and to walk quite literally in their footsteps.
tortures of war.
With Friday's work out of the way, we made our way
A late night and an early start lead up to our last day in
back to the hotel we were staying at, ate dinner, and relaxed
France. Having washed, eaten breakfast, and prepared lunch,
after an exhausting day. Some people however, still had
we were surprised to find that our expedition was almost
enough energy to enter the games room, and play pool and
over, with only one last site to visit. Notre Dame de Lorette
table football!
was a beautiful cemetery for not only the French soldiers
Saturday was an early start to yet another eventful, yet
who gave their lives in the Great War, but specifically for
entertaining day. With a 7am French time start (an hour
those who died protecting this specific plot of land. The
ahead of Britain) we slowly woke up, and made our way
church is on a spectacular site, with a beautifully decorated
down to breakfast by 8.
interior, and to many people, this place was a sanctuary.
Out of the hotel by 9, the 54 students made their way
With all our sites visited, we made our way back to
to the 'In Flanders Fields' museum, where we were able to
England,,\now with memories many people would never
get an impression of how soldiers actually felt about the
have dreamed of having. We left, now with a much deeper
--::;""-,; understanding of what the soldiers of the First World
war, and more specifically the battles fought in Ypres. It
was extremely moving, to find how men died, and how
War had to go through. It had been a weekend to
they actually felt fighting in the war.
remember.
"Their Name Liveth For Evermore"
Moving swiftly on, we made our way to the Menin
Gate. This enormous archway contained the names of
Kwasi Yeboah
almost 55,000 allied soldiers who had died, and who's
'illW
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The 2005 Biology Field Trip was, for me, a trip to remember.
Having started at the school six weeks earlier I could only
anticipate the fun on a six-hour drive to South Wales.
We set off around 9am on a Saturday and arrived much later
in the coastal region of Pembrokeshire. Rooms were allocated
and luggage unloaded, but there was no time for rest. We spent
the first afternoon on a coastal walk which provided us with
stunning views of the Pembrokeshire coast.
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After the long walk, dinner was extremely welcome.
However following dinner, much to the delight of the Upper 6th,
there was still no rest in sight. The first lecture began at 7pm the sudden realisation of the amount of work that was required
to be produced that week was written all over the pupils' faces
as they were given the week's itinerary: Breakfast at 8am,
lectures at 9, out all day working followed by lectures again in
the evening until 9pm, or, as Lord Ryder demanded, 10pm!
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The week involved pupils becoming familiar with a variety of
marine organisms and sampling techniques. Each pupil then
chose an area that they would focus on for their coursework.
Once their data was collected the pupils needed to complete
the final write up of the planning stage of the coursework and
commence analysis. The amount of work involved was
underestimated by those pupils who would rather make use of
the table tennis or borrow my eyeliner! However, to their
credit, they all worked extremely hard and completed their
plans by the deadline set, even if they weren't all sure whether
to use a meter rule or a calliper to measure a periwinkle!
The last day was spent on the sand dunes. By this time
everyone was exhausted and reluctant to do any work. After Mr
Ryder had tripped over some rocks, Mrs Drake and I decided to
use them for our own further amusement. While the pupils
were pretending to work hard, we sneakily placed a few rocks in
their rucksacks. It wasn't until after walking to lunch that they
realised their bags were heavier, and eventually found the rocks!
On arriving back to Orielton we spent an hour on a
conservation walk around the local grounds and went for
dinner. The last evening was spent with the pupils presenting
their work, followed by an awards ceremony.
The following morning we set off back to Harrow, but after
the minibus broke down it occurred to the pupils that they
might never leave Pembrokeshire! However, it eventually started
and the journey home was a welcome affair, with. many of the
pupils settling down to catch up on much needed sleep!
Emma Slade
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UGANDA
concluded from page 73
every step upon the slippery rocks. One would expect that
reaching the top (or second highest peak) of a mountain which
had been our aim for this entire expedition would mean that we
would be overcome with elation. Quite the opposite. However
despite many of us not particularly wanting to be in such awful
conditions for much longer, we stuck with it. This highlighted the
resilience of our team. Nevertheless we all shook hands in a
triumphant and congratulatory manner and posed for a picture
that no doubt we will look upon fondly in many years to come.
We then descended and walked for a further hour and a half to
our camp for the night, Mude caves, although no caves were
actually spotted. This night was rather uncomfortable, after
having cooked our McDougalJ's (dehydrated food) we settled
into our tents, which were meant to be waterproof. We got
some well-deserved rest after today's eleven-hour trek.
The next morning we woke up at a rather leisurely Sam and
we continued on our last stretch. We arrived at Hot Springs,
where we were to finally arrive at the Kenyan border, which was
marked by a rather inconspicuous river. We encountered some
difficulties with the transition between Ugandan porters and
Kenyan porters but finally got going again and headed for the
bottom of Mount Elgon. There were some issues with the
borders and the porters, which resulted in us having to take the
long route back down. The long route was roughly twice the
length of the shorter route and was mostly uphill, climbing to
practically the same height we had been to on the previous day!
However we once again stuck with it and pressed on.
We finally, after a total of ten hours walking, reached the
bottom of the mountain and were met with some four-wheel
drives and pick-up trucks. However there were nowhere enough
seats for all forty-seven of us excluding drivers. Therefore some
of us were required to sit on the back of the pick-up trucks on
top of all our bags while we were driven down the treacherous
mountain roads. Another four-wheel drive was located and six
of us were transferred from the back of the pick up into the
four wheel drive. However our rather over enthusiastic driver
crashed into a ridge on the side of the road and we were
stranded for almost an hour. It soon darkened and we were
piled onto the back of another pick-up truck as the four-by-four
had ~ffered a broken axle and was no longer drivable.
had then come to what was to be the end of our trek
over I aunt Elgon - and what a memorable few days it had
been. Now we were to enjoy some time at various campsites in
Kenya. Kenya is noticeably different from Uganda, not least for
its wider variety and greater population of animals. At Lake
Nakuru National Park, where we spent two nights, we were
lucky enough to see millions of flamingos, rhinos, a giraffe,
numerous mischievous monkeys and zebra. This was part of our
rest and relaxation phase. In Uganda we had taken an early
morning zebra walk at Lake Mburo where we wandered across
the National Park and got as close as possible to herds of zebra.
Also we were regularly paid visits by warthogs and hyenas
during the night. We rested at Kakamega Forest, the last
remaining rainforest in Kenya, where we took advantage of the
various National Park walks that were on offer. We also camped
for our last night at Lake Naivasha, where we made use of their
'popular restaurant and bar'. A most welcome luxury! We were
>
thelyonian2006
warned of the wandering hippos as we were camping very close
to the lake.
This constant relocating meant a lot of travelling in the bus
was required. However one journey that we were all looking
forward to making was the journey to Nairobi. This was our
next and final stop before departing for home. We arrived in
Nairobi and we checked into the Hotel Terminal; a budget hotel,
however compared to the conditions that we had grown used
to, it felt like absolute luxury. One would be hard pushed to
prove that we were in fact in Africa at this time; Nairobi is a
very westernised and advanced city. As we had been well
informed about the security situation in Nairobi we were
permitted to wander about the city in groups of four or five.
The three nights in Nairobi allowed us to recuperate after the
sixty mile long trek over Elgon and also to reorganise ourselves
before making that most longed-for journey back to London.
The morning finally came and we made preparations to leave
for the Jomo Kenyatta Airport, Nairobi. Even though it was the
last day, it was far from uneventful. The concept of retaining a
three-part plane ticket, from day one to day 31, through wind,
rain, and golf ball-esque hail stones proved to be too much for
two of the challengers. But after the trip we'd had, no soap
opera crisis was going to faze the group and the situation was
quickly rectified at the airport, despite the 'help' of the least
accommodating airline staff imaginable!
Back in the comfort of our own homes it is quite difficult to
imagine ever living as we did for more than a month, even with
many of the creature comforts many of us brought along.
Everybody knew upon leaving for Africa that poverty existed;
that hardship, disease and death were regular evils crippling the
lives of people who we were soon to encounter. But though
many of the people we met along our epic journey had so little,
they conversely had so much more than us British travellers. In
England much of what we see of the developing world is
unhappiness; yet it is the unfathomable ability to cope with such
hardships in life which amazed us. The lives of the people we
met were undoubtedly basic; but far from empty due to their
deep appreciation for the things in life which do not cost
anything. It was this aspect of our trip which proved to be the
most profound for much of the group and most definitely the
most valuable experience to learn from.
On arrival in Uganda we were given the The Lonely Planet
guide to East Africa under the instruction that it was essentially
the bible of any traveller. Under the Uganda section it read:
'Ugandans are very polite and friendly people who will often
greet strangers with not just a simple hello but also "How are
you" or "How is your family", and the interest is genuine.' The
book went on to say, 'Ugandans are keen debaters, eloquent
during disagreements and engagingly warm.'
After reading this we were somewhat amused and sceptical
of this character description, given the stark contrast it prOVided
to the average hedonistic Londoner we encounter on a day-today basis. But after having spent such a long time in the arms of
such an embracing culture we can safely say that this was the
perfect description. There was no place or person that failed in
making us feel completely welcome and comfortable, and it is
this which we are hugely thankful for. The trip had its ups, and its
downs; but it is a certainty that the unbelievable month will
remain as one of the fondest memories of our lifetimes.
Sameer Jethwa & Nicholas Hallam
81
TRAVEL
thelyonian2006
Second Year History Trip
Hampton Court Palace
On the 21 st February 2006, all of the Second
Year boys visited Hampton Court Palace for the
day. We left school promptly after registration
and enjoyed a quick journey through West
London to the site of the palace. After a fiveminute walk from the coaches to the entrance
of the palace, we divided into groups and started
our visit.
Guides dressed in Tudor period clothing
were allocated to show us around. Having been
led to a small green room where we sat on the
floor, we listened intently while our guide (a nice
lady named Josi) described her dress which
symbolised her rank within the palace: she was
dressed as a lady-in-waiting. Josi went on to talk
about various objects that HenryVl1I might have
used: a parchment listing the king's property,
falconry equipment and a helmet for jousting.
After this session, we departed from our
guide and recruited new guides: our teachers!
Carefully, we walked through the many
bedrooms of the palace, one after the other,
looking at the paintings and the furniture. One
impressive room was a large hall with an
amazing display of guns, pikes and other weapons
artistically arranged on the walls. Another hall the Great Hall - had huge tapestries hung on
the walls and the emblems of different factions
carved into the wooden ceiling: these included
the French fleur-de-lys and the combined Tudor
rose of York and Lancaster. After this, it was
lunchtime and we sat in a modern room while
we enjoyed our vittles.
After the filling of our bellies we headed,
refreshed, to the palace gardens. There were
trees shaped like mushrooms and a small lake
that extended about 400 metres in a straight
line. The palace kitchens were next, filled with
kitchen equipment and reconstructed food including a slaughtered deer from the king's
hunt! Having seen the huge wine barrels and
cooking areas, we spoke to a kitchen employee
(another guide) in front of a large roaring fire he told us that children were once employed to
turn the spit and roast the meat. The last area
we visited was the Royal Chapel which although the main chapel in the Palace - was
surprisingly simple. As we left through many
doorways to the main entrance we passed the
Haunted Gallery, said to be haunted by the
ghost of Henry's fourth wife, Catherine Howard,
who ran screaming along this corridor after
hearing of her planned execution. Our visit sadly
over - after a quick visit to the Gift Shop - we
boarded the coaches for the trip back to school.
Philip Bunyan
82
The Swaminarayan Temple, Neasden
One Tuesday morning in December we went to the famous Swaminarayan Temple in
Neasden. It was built about ten years ago and is the first and only traditional mandir
in England. It used to have the biggest prayer hall outside of India.
When we arrived we had to take off our shoes as a mark of respect and so that
we did not damage any of the marble in the mandir. The inside of the mandir itself
was quite small compared to the large scale of the site. Inside we had to be
completely silent so that we preserved the calm and holy atmosphere. The pillars
and walls are made of marble, and engraved in amazing detail; they were carved in
India where the skill of stone masonry still flourishes. Each of the pillars was
dedicated to one of the deities. In alcoves in the walls were statues of the gods and
avatars such as Ganesh, Krishna, and Hanuman. At the front, behind ornate gates,
were the statues of Swaminarayan and his successors.
After visiting the mandir we went around an exhibition on Hindu origins and
culture. We then attended two short presentations in the prayer hall, one on
Hinduism and other on the building of the temple site.
Finally we returned to the mandir and watched an arti ceremony, where a candle
was waved around the statues, in which it is believed that Braham exists. Then the
candle was passed in front of us and we had the option to take part in the
ceremony. After retrieving our shoes and buying some Indian sweets in the shop, we
returned to school after a fascinating and informative visit.
Timothy Smith
First Form French Trip
Normandy
The trip started very early on a Monday morning. We had to get up around 3am to
arrive at the coach, put the bags in and get ready to leave at 5.15am for the long
journey to Normandy.
After the exhausting trip by coach, ferry and then coach again, we arrived at our
accommodation. Next, even after the long day, we had to unpack and make our
beds. With all the excitement we were desperate to get some sleep. However,
looking forward to the next day, we found this hard.
Tuesday started with a rock climbing session at the Centre de Pleine Nature.
Each group of three took a rope and, one by one, climbed, with the other two
holding the rope.
The afternoon consisted of abseiling off a 27-metres high bridge, which most
people found scary at best, and an adventure course in the mountains, which
included two zip lines and some other difficult and challenging parts.
The next day six people from each group went to the supermarket to get all the
supplies we needed for the next three days. This involved trying to understand
French and sticking within budgets!
Meanwhile the rest of us made our way to the starting point of our walk. The
journey included steep hills and wet boots! For some of us this proved quite
difficult.
When we reached the campsite we had to pitch our tents. This was done by
putting one peg in, then stretching the skin before putting the next one in.
After a long rest we started to prepare our meal. We went to our allocated
'kitchen' area and started to cook. It was quite a challenge not to burn our food!
We were all ready for sleep after our long walk. Unfortunately the weather had
different ideas! We all froze overnight and the ground didn't make sleeping much
easier.
Our two days walking included us having to take control of navigation. We had
to look out for different landscape features but at the same time remember to keep
safe.
We all had a fantastic trip and would like to thank Mr Durbridge, Mr Westlake,
Mr Vickery, Miss Traylen, Mrs Plummer and all the World Challenge instructors.
Michael Duncan and Abdul Karimjee
thelyonian2006
INTE RVI EW: Mr Christopher Clews
What is your full name and what are you teaching here?
INTERVIEW: Mr Simon Gouldman
I drive/ride
Christopher Clews. Teaching History and Politics
A racing bike
I drive/ride . ..
If I have time to myself I ...
I drive to school in either a Citroen or my wife's very battered
Volvo - I notice I get more people giving way to me in the latter!
I like extreme sports like snowboarding and rock
climbing, and I have a black belt in Shorinjikempo - a
martial art I learnt in Japan. More regularly t go to the
gym, play the guitar, and
since becoming a
teacher I've done a
lot of sleeping!
If I have time to myself I ...
If I have time to myself I like to read,
cook, hike in the country, visit a
good country pub or socialise
with friends.
You wouldn't know it but I am very
good at. ..
Baking cakes and bread - but
not too often - too many
carbohydrates!
I am very bad at ...
Maths!
A book that changed me ...
Any works by Dickens - I love the way he
brings to life Victorian society and its seedier parts.
Movie heaven?
Action genre, to be more specific, Star Trek, although I probably
shouldn't advertise the fact.
Comfort eating . ..
Chocolate.
My biggest regret . ..
Not having gone walking in Scotland, not yet having finished my
PhD
All my money goes on ...
Italian restaurants - I like to eat o.ut far too much!
The shop I can't walk past . ..
You wouldn't
know it but I
am very good
at ...
Japanese.
I am very
bad at ...
Just after
university I
spent some.
time try'ingto
get a band
together to fulfil my
dreams of rock
stardom. I got a job at a cafe
making coffees to make ends meet but I was so bad I
was sacked within a week!
A book that changed me ...
'Stark' by Ben Elton.
Comfort tating . ..
Anything, especially when I'Ye got books tom~rk
My biggest regret . ..
Montezuma's chocolate shop in Windsor - makes wonderful
organic chocolate!
Too many to decide
My favourite work of art is ...
A guitarist
When I was a child I wanted to be ...
'The Execution of Lady Jane Grey' by Paul Delaroche in the
National Portrait Galley. It is a wonderful Victorian attempt to show
the beheading of Lady Jane Grey - the so-called nine-day Queen. I
love the way the artist has made her seem so fragile and innocent.
The soundtrack to my life would be ...
Abba - I had some neighbours who would play it very, very loudly
all evening! Otherwise Vivaldi when I feel tired or down.
.The best invention ever is ...
All my money goes on ...
Food.
The soundtrack to my life would be ...
Something by Chilli Peppers.
The best invention ever is ...
Van Der Graff!
The bread machine!
83
thelyonian2006
What You Didn't Know About ... Miss Emma Slade
After having spent little more than a year at John Lyon, Ms Slade has
already become synonymous with injeaing a bit of glamour into the
world of biology; not to suggest for one moment that Mr French has
ever been lacking in this regard. However, away from the exciting
world of test tubes and photosynthesis, not many people are aware of
Ms Slade's aeronautical side. As I scribbled down notes on the back of
a "testing for greenium" worl<sheet, I aimed to find out more!
When did you first become interested in flying?
When I was about 15 or 16.1 think it was in
the year when we were being asked to
think about careers.! and I didn't really have
much of an idea ... but being a pilot jumped
into my head and I thought that might be
quite interesting!
Was this interest spurred on by anyone else?
My dad applied to get into the RAF when
he was younger but unfortunately didn't get
in as his eyesight wasn't good enough - so
sometimes I think the interest was always
there in my blood. But really, someone just
suggested it to me at school and I thought
why not just give it a go~
When did you first start having lessons?
In my first year at the University at Bristol, I
used my student loan money to pay for
private lessons. An hour's lesson was about
£ 120 and that figure's gone up a lot now. I
had a lesson every fortnight. Then I applied
to be a member of the University Air Squadron. Unfortunately I
didn't get in the first year, so I continued to pay for them myself. I
re-applied in the second year and was accepted and subsequently
flew with them for the next two years at Uni.
So how much flying experience did you actually gain whilst at Bristol?
About 30 hours in total, including some aerobatics.
Aerobatics .. .what does that actually consist of?
Well I got to learn the loop, barrel roll and the aileron roll. Just
the three at that stage, but I learnt how to connect them all
together, doing one after the other in sequence. Scary but hugely
exciting being upside down!
At what point do they let you fly solo?
Well you have to follow training when you start. the same type
which you have in the RAF. But after about 12 or 13 hours you
get sent off solo without an instructor to do a few circles around
the area. Eventually you get to the stage where you can fly
around on your own on what's known as a solo sector reccie.
This is 45 minutes by yourself, flying around the whole region. It
was really quite daunting beforehand, but obviously really
exhilarating when your in the air!
84
Which part of flying was the most difficult?
Taking off is quite easy. When you're in the air its mainly just
carrying out lots of in-flight checks ... lots of instruments to
keep watching and adjusting. It's landing which is the difficult bit.
There's just so much to think about at once. And I found it really
difficult not to think "what if I get stuck in the air!" or "what if
the fuel runs out!:'
Did you have any dodgy moments or close
shaves?!
No not really, no crashes or near misses!
Only feeling sick during aerobatics!
What aircraft have you had the chance to fly?
Well when I paid for my own lessons, I flew
a Cessna 152, which is a small fixed wing
light aircraft ... a two-seater. Then when I
joined the air squadron at Uni I flew a
Bulldog, again a two-seater fixed wing craft.
The Bulldog was later phased out and
replaced with the Tutor Grob, which I also
flew. I've also been in a Lynx helicopter and
had a go at some of the flying controls.
How did you pursue flying after university?
Well I decided I didn't want to join the RAF.
I didn't like the idea of having to relocate all
the time to different bases and be
deferential to certain people in the ranks! It
was the flying and the social side which I
liked in particular. So I applied to join the
British Airways sponsored flying training scheme. I didn't get in
the first time I applied, which was what led me to carry out my
teacher training. While I was doing my teacher training, 9/1 I
happened, and since then BA have not offered this pilot
recruitment scheme.
Do you have any future ambitions to take it up again?
Well I'm quite content at the moment being a biology teacher! If
I wanted to take it up again, I'd have to have lessons regularly for
the continuity of the learning experience every weekend. To gain
the Private Pilots Licence would cost me about £30,000, as well
as a lot of time. Also, you have to learn all the routine checks and
learn a lot of theory, which I don't really have time for in this job!
But if you did get your private pilot's licence, what would that entitle
you to do?
Well provided I had my own plane ... only a small light aircraft of
course, I could basically go off flying whenever I want!
I don't think the Headmaster has any plans for private helipads on
the sdence building roof at the moment though!
Well unfortunately not, but if he did then I might reconsider
getting the licence!
Interview by Nick Hallam
thelyonian2006
SPORT
pO.I
Football
1st XI
The Ist XI season saw the team entered into four competitions
including the Middlesex Cup, the National Cup and the prestigious
Boodles Cup. Regular fixtures in the Middlesex league saw John
Lyon playing schools in a strong pool of teams including Cardinal
Vaughan, East Barnet, Woodhouse and Enfield Grammar School.
As far as filling the cupboards with silverware goes, Mr Leach
certainly won't be spending too much of the department budget on
polish and glass cabinets. However, credit must be given to the
team, which reached the quarter finals of the Middlesex Cup
before failing to overcome a technically and physically strong
Bishopshalt School in early February. The run to the game included
a bye against Hayden School and a narrow 3-2 victory against
Alexander Park. The competition was the highlight of the season as
far as progression, since a loss to Chigwell School in mid October
on a rainy, cold, miserable afternoon saw any hopes of domestic
success crushed. However, the highlights of the season as a whole
was by far and away the tremendous progress made as a team and
as a squad in the Middlesex League. John Lyon played a grand total
of 16 matches in this league recording eight wins, two draws and
six losses. This form meant that we finished much higher up the
table than many had anticipated, narrowly missing out on a play-off
spot. It has also led to rumours that the school will be asking the
three senior upper sixth players: Nikin Ruperelia, Neil Change la
and Captain Dan Morris to stay on for next season and act as the
Iynchpins once again in what is sure to be another successful
domestic league campaign. The boys need to reach a greater level
of consistency next season to ensure they earn the success they
deserve.
Mr Leach craved attractive, creative football and got the basics
right both on the training ground and on the pitch. This allowed the
goals to flow thick and fast throughout the season (in both the
right and wrong directions!}.The highest scoring game was a 6-4
thriller against Cardinal Newman in the National Cup. Our 4-3 lead
disappeared as a result of three late goals in a game that lasted I 10
minutes. Our goals this season came most noticeably from the
three new additions to John Lyon football. Shane O'Neill, Theo
Ohene and Ben Trout have been prolific all season clocking up
some 41 goals between them. These goals certainly helped ease the
pressure off the defence which could go from rock solid to less
than convincing in the space of five minutes. Adam Gill, Dan
Morris, Stef Perdoni, Michael Betts and Gurpreet Dhami all deserve
great credit for their defensive contribution to the team. Other
goal-scoring feats worthy of mention include Adam Gill's 10 goals
in seven games with what must be a record number of penalties
including a hat-trick of spot kicks in a 4-2 win over Mill Hill in
January. Charlie Whitmore, Stuart Onslow and Jack Abelson bagged
six, four and three goals respectively and a summary of the season
wouldn't be complete without a mention of Nikin Ruparelia's
sublime solo effort goal against Latymer Edmonton. Unfortunately
for Nikin, if he had been more confident in his finishing he could
have won the golden boot. The award for goal of the season was
too close to call but the short list included Theo Ohene's against
Latymer Edmonton when he lobbed the goalkeeper from outside
the box with the outside of his right foot, Ben Trout's strike against
Harrow, Nikin's finish in the same game as Theo's and Jack
Abelson's 30-yard drive against Woodhouse.
Attractive, creative football was certainly what Mr Leach got
and as far as results went. The biggest win was a 6-1 lesson handed
out to Isleworth & Syon School and there was a fiercely
competitive 3-2 win against Harrow School. Wins against Dr
Challenor's in the snow of January and Westminster in October
underlined how the team have been able to grind out a result
against decent opposition and as far as cup success went we were
worthy of more than we got.
Overall highlights of a fantastic two terms of football have
included Raam Joshi's finger-tip full stretch penalty save against
Harrow College, a 4-1 drubbing of local rivals Enfield Grammar, a
goalless draw against Cardinal Vaughan and telling David O'Leary
exactly what we thought of Aston Villa, as their team coach
followed ours to the Westminster match.
I would like to finally congratulate the squad on a tremendous
season and one which should make next season very interesting
but most importantly to thank Mr Leach for all his hard work,
technical advice on the white board and on the pitch and all his
support and enthusiasm for a team which has come on leaps and
bounds over the last two years.
Dan Morris, Captain
Squad: Raam Joshi, Oliver Gattas, Stef Perdoni, Adam Gill,
Michael Betts, Gurpreet Dhami, Daniel Morris, Neil Changela,
Jack Abelson, Stuart Onslow, Ben Trout, Charlie Whitmore, Theo
Ohene, Shane O'Neill, Nikin Ruparelia, Elliott Bertram
85
SPORT
thelyonian2lJ06
2nd XI
A promising start to the season. with the team playing with
confidence. passing the ball well. creating and taking their chances
in front of goal gave hope for a promising season.
A 4-2 victory over Kimbolton School with Whitmore scoring a
hat-trick was followed by a most entertaining game finishing 5-5
away at Aldenham School. Whitmore scored all five. a performance
that rightly warranted his promotion to the Ist XI. The neutral
referee claimed it to be one of the best advertisements for
schoolboy football that he had ever seen. in over 30 seasons of
refereeing. It was a credit to both teams. Following Whitmore's
promotion. goal scoring became an issue and confidence fell. with
the team only scoring five goals in the next ten games when nine
goals had been scored in the previous two games. The team put in
workmanlike performances against a strong Enfield team. Finchley
and Westminster but in other matches gave the game away too
easily. and chances that were created were not converted.
Between Christmas and February half term injuries further
weakened the team. However. performances improved following
the half term break. and the boys demonstrated a more
determined. competitive edge. showing greater character and
endeavour. Close matches against Latymer Upper. West London
Academy. Richmond College. Cardinal Vaughan and Latymer
Edmonton illustrated the qualities of the side.
The Captain Homer Shahnamy has been an excellent role
model in his defensive organisation. Michael Beaber. Daniel Crehan.
Oliver Gattas and Alistair Milne all worked for each other. with
Sam Belazka in goal orchestrating the defence.
In midfield. Akhil Shah. Priam Patel. Anuj Patel and Nathan
Ireland worked tirelessly and a rotation of strikers - Prateek Shah.
Vikash Seth and Kashif Shirazi - worked hard to finish the openings
created. Charlie Whitmore was the leading goal scorer with 10.
Seth scored 5 and Shirazi 3.
lan Parker
Squad: H. Shahnamy (Captain). M. Beaber. S. Belazka. D. Crehan.
O. Gattas. N. Ireland. A Milne. A Patel. P. Patel. V. Seth. A Shah. P. Shah.
K. Shirazi. C. Whitmore.
3rd XI
'The first 90 minutes
of a football match are the most important"
Bobby Robson
For much of the season a young 3rd XI toiled against stronger
opponents. The final analysis reveals that only two matches were
won and many lost. although it is fair to say that as individuals there
should be much to be positive about as they move forward into
another year of senior football next year. The side was ably captained
by Arun Jothinath. who was well supported by Sanal Das.
Early hopes were high in the balmy late summer months as we
travelled to Merchant Taylors' and Forest school. MTs were beaten
1-0 in a classic display of counter-attacking football. a sound
defensive display backed up by some robust strikes on goal. The
game at Forest was probably the best of the season. The odds ebbed
and flowed as both teams took their opportunities well. the lead
changing hands several times. A 40-yard screamer from Daniel
Goldstone brought us hope in the final minute before eventually
losing 3-2. Some members of the team. rather uncharitably. thought
that Daniel's shot was a hit and hope effort. but on the long journey
home he attempted to redress the balance of opinion. By now the
team had been boosted by the reappearance in school football of
Matthew Jobson after a couple of years out. He continued to play
with sense and style in midfield. allowing the team to keep
possession more than is often witnessed at this level. Khalid Shah in
fought manfully at the back to halt the opposition. seemingly on his
own at times. He was immense and fully deserved his call up to the
2nd XI when it came.
Further games were lost and the early momentum was in danger
of running out before our final fixture of the Christmas term at
Richmond College. At half time a stunning victory was on the cards
against a physically strong team. and the addition of Corin Ruan and
Sumeer Bose was paying dividends. Alas. pace and ability told in the
second half and Richmond were deserved 4-2 winners. Some heavy
defeats followed after Christmas. although a I-I draw was obtained
in a spiteful game against Buckingham College; it was unfortunate to
see a couple of John Lyon players rise to the taunting of the
opposition in an unpleasant manner. The rematch versus MTs saw us
beaten 4-1 in a closer game than the score suggests before we
entertained Halliford School and handed out a 5-0 drubbing. New
recruits Rory Jackson and Andrew Prower gave us added power and
strength and complimented the more subtle midfield talents of
Daniel and Arun. Hussain AI Hilli strived all season in midfield and
the team missed his competitiveness when he didn't play. Rickesh
Shah and Mithunan Sothilingam shared the keeping responsibilities
and should be fighting to keep the jersey next year.
Apart from the afore-mentioned game. the boys were a pleasure
to manage. The general banter was usually entertaining and Sumeer's
views on the game were interesting. if not held by anyone else who
was watching the same game! Unfortunately too many players were
either combative but lacked ball skills. strong without being athletic.
skilful but uncompetitive. This created a situation where we struggled
to exert any lasting influence on games and often wilted in the final
third of matches. I hope that next year will be as enjoyable. and
more successful for the 3rd XI. and wish the boys the best of luck in
the future.As ever massive thanks got to Andy and his team for the
sensational quality of pitches that we played on all year.
Jeremy Preston
Squad: S.Jothinath. S. Das. G. Aujla.J.lrwin. R. Shah. M. Sothilingam.
S. Bose. K. Shahin. AVora. R.Jackson. M.Jobson. D. Goldstone. C. Ruan.
H. AI Hilli. N. Balarajah. A Prower. K. Shirazi.j. Elkiner. B.Joshi
86
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Under 15 XI
Under 148 XI
The U 15s had a strong season picking up some
good wins against competitive sides. Coached
and managed by our new manager Mr Garwood
we quickly adapted to his 4:3:3 formation.We
played good football throughout the season and
most of the results didn't reflect the way we
played. We had a strong squad with four ofthe
players representing the borough. We also had
good depth in our squad with many of the B
team players quite capable of filling in for the As.
Some of the players enjoyed the tournament
in Chester. We stayed in a floating hotel for the
night and enjoyed playing in the 6-a-side
tournament the next day. We did quite well in
the tournament. We missed out on the knock
out stage by one point but overall it was a very
enjoyable weekend.
All of the players had a good season and
improved immensely as the season progressed.
Different players took on the new positions
extremely well. Fazleabbas Karmali enjoyed a lot
of success playing the holding role of the three in
mid-field. Oily Harrison and KwasiYeboah were
promoted to strikers and combined with Dhruv
Barcha made an unstoppable force.
Congratulations to Kwasi who was the seasons
top goal scorer. Once these new positions were
settled, along with the quality in the rest of the
side, we enjoyed a great deal of success beating
Harrow School 4-1. This in my eyes was the best
result of the season. All of this gives me high
hopes for next season and I'm really looking
forward to it.
Louis Lavers
Played: 7
Goals for: 14
Won: 3
Lost: 4
Goals against: 21
v. Chigwell (H)
Won 6-2
Squad: Charlie Tizard, Nezar Zein, Faz Karmali,
Rob Rowland, Christipher Stupack, james Corcut,
Sonny Flynn, Louis Lavers (Captain), Matthew Henry,
Druv Barcha, james Neidle, Kwazi Yeboah, Bilal
Khan, Oily Harrison
The season started with a promising win against Chigwell, one of the strongest school
football teams. Great play was shown by Michael Kim, Callum Rees and Luke King
.The score was 6-2 with goals from Stefan Duvnjak, Waqar Ahmed, Luke King and an
outstanding three goals from Daniel Shaw (not a bad first match in a new school!).
v.Aldenham (H) Lost 0-2
The next match was against Aldenham, a boarding school in Hertfordshire. Both teams
looked balanced until late in the first half when Aldenham's skipper scored. We looked
the better team in the second half until we seemed to relax and let Aldenham score a
late goal. Overall, the teams were almost equal in ability and strength but it was just
not our day.
v. Westminster (H)
Lost 1-4
The next match, against Westminster, was just as unfortunate. The match was very
slow in pace in the first half. It appeared that both teams' players were still half asleep
from the early start.
When we finally woke up we passed the ball around well leading to a good goal by
Stefan Duvnjak. The score at half-time was 1-0 to John Lyon, but this was all to change
for the worse in the second half. Westminster's team talk at half time had paid off as
they were wide awake and raring to go, scoring four goals in the second half.
v. Highgate (A)
Lost 7-0
This match was held at Highgate, probably one of our strongest opponents. We knew
this match would be difficult. Our team played nervously resulting in a very one-sided
match.
v. Dame Alice Owens (A)
Lost 4-0
Another hard match was against Dame Alice Owens. There was a lack of
determination and pace in our play which led to us being three goals down by halftime. The second half, though, showed much more commitment from the team. This
led to conceding only one goal, although many chances were created by our mid-field
players and strikers.
v. Harrow (H)
Won 4-2
An end-to-end, exciting and enthralling match was played against Harrow School. A
great match, packed full of action with goals from Waqar Ahmed, Ravi Prenanathan and
two well-earned goals from Stefan Duvnjak, the team's top scorer. Harrow School
managed to pull back two goals, but great play had earned us the win! Outstanding
efforts came from Nihal Patel, Alfie Whitmore, Debs Basi and Stefan Duvnjak. My man
of the match had to be Debs Basi, who fought and battled hard in defence, stopping
some great Harrow chances with some exceptional tackling.
v. Halliford (H)
Won 3-0
Another great performance by the team was against Halliford School. With action at
both ends there was never a dull moment in this cold and windy match, with goals
from Louis Lo, Simran Lotay and Tej Badiani. The team performed to their full potential
with good defensive play. We were the better team overall and it showed in the final
result. My man of the Match had to be Alfie Whitmore for his continuous
contributions and strength in defence.
Overall a very enjoyable season for the team with some good team performances. I
would just like to thank Mr Shaw for his great help in managing the team.
Daniel Orchard
Squad: Daniel Orchard (Captain); Alfie Whitmore (Vice-Captain);jonathan Webb and Ravi
Shard a (goalkeepers - half a season each); Nihal Patel, jack jordan-Baker, Alfie Whitmore,
Debs Basi,jamie Wait and Humzah Khan (defenders); Simran Lotay, Daniel Orchard,james
Lee, Rahul Rohra, Waqar Ahmed (midfielders); Daniel Shaw, Stefan Duvnjak, Nicholas Wills,
Tej Badiani, Ravi Patel (strikers).
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thelyonian2006
Under 13
Under 12 XI
The Under 13 football team had a challenging
season facing strong teams. We had two good
goalkeepers who would keep us in the game when
needed. We had an improving defence. a strong
midfield and an attack that is improving all the
time. We drew against the county champions.
Enfield (I-I) with an amazing game for the
goalkeeper. and beat Finchley 3-1 and once again a
great game for the goalkeeper. We started the next
game well scoring two goals but losing 3-2. The
goals came from Farhad Ahmed. and Johanan
Dawkins. We then had a cup game when we came
back from 3-0 down to just losing 4-3. A special
well done to Thomas Dodd. Kishen Rowan.Johanan
Dawkins. Matthew Gooder. Alex Tranter and Daniel
Gohar. Also. a big thanks to Mr Mahon for not
giving up on us during both seasons. Hopefully next
season we will get a few more good players to
make our team even stronger.
Alex Tranter
Our first game together was against Chigwell. Despite the fact we were not used to
each other's style of play we tried our best and managed to score two goals. but
lost 4-2. Our second game was against Alleyn's by which time we had had more
training sessions together. but we lost that game too.
Our third game was not so much a game. more a tournament on the Astroturf
which was covered in snow. The tournament winners were Dr Challoner's A team.
followed by Dr Challoner's B team. with the JLS A team third. Dr Challoner's C
fourth and in fifth place were the JLS B team.
Our away game against Enfield was the first time we had a full team and subs.
and we started really well; but the opposition had the edge over us all the way and
Enfield won 4-0.
In our next game. against St Ignatius. we made the mistake of underestimating
this team because of their height. But they put up a very good fight and at half time
we were losing 2-1 but Mr Brammer then employed new tactics. moving players into
new positions. and we did much better. The game was good entertainment in the
second half and we won 5-2 - our first win of the season!
JLS. now with more confidence. went into the next game expecting to win but
Cardinal Vaughan had other ideas and beat us 5-2. We had put up a good fight to
win but Cardinal Vaughan were just better than us.
In our next match against Latymer we played well even though we were tired
because we had no subs. but we managed to hold on by brilliant play and we drew 4-
Squad: Farhad Ahmed. Steven Buckmire. Thomas
Dodd. Hamza Khan. Omar Nwoko. Nikhil Parekh.
Kishen Rowan. Piranavan Shasiharan.Ashish Thaker.
Alexander Tranter. Alexander Fraser. Mohammed
Gohar. Matthew Gooder. Stephen Lam. Anand Mistry.
Shiv Mistry. Mohamed Hassaan. Abishek Pattni.Tom
Randall. Alexander Remedios.Johanan Adjei-Dawkins.
Muhammed Ahmed. Gareth Bek. Joshua Burnham.
Ryan Eshghi. Alexander Foster. Myles Golding.
Rian Karia. lan Tang. Raheem Williams
4.
The game against Edmonton was the one we were most upset about. Edmonton
teased us with their brilliant play and they beat us 6-0.
Over all it wasn't a good season but we all learned and hope to do better next
year.
Reginald Akingbade
Squad: Reginald Akingbade. Harry Barton. Daniel Gbadebo. Kanyin Fagade. Sam Fakouri.
Ahsan Jamil. Rishi Kotecha. Ben Marsh. Oliver Marsh. Kishen Patel. Kevin Simion.
Neville Smith. Warren Won
thelyonian2006
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Football
1st XI
Back: Elliot Bertram, Nikin Ruparelia,
Theo Ohene, Stephano Perdoni,
Jack Abelson
Centre: Mr S Leach, Gurpreet Dhami,
Michael Betts, Stuart Onslow,
Charlie Whitmore, David Jones
Front Shane O'Neil, Adam Gill,
Daniel Morris, Neil Changela, Raam Joshi
2nd XI
Back: Mr I Parker, Vikash Seth,
Nathan Ireland, Kashif Shirazi, Akhil Shah,
Priam Patel, Prateek Shah
Front Alistair Milne, Anuj Patel,
Homer Shahnamy, Oliver Gattas,
Sam Belazka
Under ISA XI
Back: Faz Karmali, James Corcut,
Druv Barcha, Sonny Flynn
Centre: Mr A Jones, Nezar Zein,
Oily Harrison, KwasiYeboah, Bilal Khan,
Harry Thatcher
Front James Neidle, Robert Rowland,
Louis Lavers, Chris Stupack, Charlie Tizard
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thelyonian2006
Under 158 XI
Back: Asantha De-Alwi 5, William Wilson
Centre: Mr A Brammer. Marcus Bethel,
Alex Golding, Austin Lam, Nicholas Yoke,
John Ahn
Front: James Kerley, Mathew Barker,
Scott Girling-Heathcote, Hashim El Tumi,
Michael Leedham
Under 14A XI
Back: Temmuz Sancur, Ravivannan
Premanathan, Finn Grist, Callum Rees
Centre: Mr A Jones, Luke King, Louis Lo,
Michael Kim, Shabil Dhami, Amman Patel
Front: Ravi Sharda, Matthew Henry,
Joe Cumberbatch, Will Davies,
Jonathan Webb
Under 148 XI
Back: Jamie Wait, Rahul Rohra
Centre: Mr A Jones, Luke, Rao, Nihal Patel,
Simran Lotay,Jamie Lee, Alfred Whitmore,
Nirmal Varasani, Daniel Shaw
Front: Ravi Sharda, Debs Biswas,
Stefan Duvnjak, Daniel Orchard, Tej Badiani,
Waqar Ahmed,Jonathan Webb
90
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i
"
Under 13A XI
Under 138 XI
Back: Muhammed Ahmed, Ashish Thaker, Matthew Gooder
Centre: Mr N Dale, Piranavan Shasiharan, Alex Fraser,
Back: Mr A Jones, Gareth Bek, lan Tang, Hamza Khan, Alex Foster,
Myles Golding, Kishen Rowan, AlexTranter
Front: Abhishek Pattni, Steven Buckmire,
Johanan Adjei-Dawkins (Captain), Mohammed Gohar,
Thomas Dodd
Front: Brindon Bagirathan, Omar Nwoko, Shiv Mistry,
Ryan Eshghi, Stephen Lam
Kaiser Ahmed, Anand Mistry
Under 128 XI
Under 12A XI
Back: Sahil Pate I, Neville Smith
Centre: Mr A Brammer, Karan Visavadia, Max Neumann,
Back: Kevin Simion, Warren Won
Centre: Mr A Brammer, Sam Fakouri, Oily Marsh,
Alex Doey,Amar Desai, Shakir Muhammad, Luke Leonce,
Imhemed Shibu
Front: Dominic Olins, Chris Leung, Munraj Matharoo,
Taha Mahmood, Sebastien De La Fuente, Myuran Ranganathan,
Maaz Essa
Reginald Akingbade, Rishi Kotecha, Harry Barton
Front: Kishen Patel, Ben Marsh, Daniel Gbadebo, Kanyin Fagade,
Ahsan Jamil
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Cricket
1st XI
Back: Priam Patel, Jack Abelson, Rishi Pate I
Centre: Mr I Parker, Vikash Seth, Adam Gill,
Raam Joshi, Kabir Toor, Rajan Seth
Front: Anuj Patel, Avinash Murthy,
Nikin Ruparelia, Anek Mhajan,
Gurpreet Dhami
2nd XI
Back: Imran Keshani, Priyan Pate I
Centre: Mr N Loudon, Devkishan Chauhan,
Madhav Manek,Adam Gill, Nikhil Patel,
Veer Shah, Praveen Nandakumar,
Khilan Shah
Front Pardeep Bahra, Meeth Katira,
Nirav Varsani, Nick Hallam, Raam Joshi
Anuj Patel, Lavan Krishnamohan
Under ISA XI
Back: Druv Barcha, Charlie Tizard,
Anuj Patel, Jathukishan Shasiharan
Centre: Mr J Cure,Ashwanth Ravindrarajah
Alexander Golding, Marcus Bethel,
Kumar Patel,Adam Trepczynski
Front: MitulVora, Harshil Palan,Asantha DeAlwis, Louis Lavers, Bilal Khan
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Under 158 XI
Back: Mr J Cure, William Wilson,
Priyanth Yoganathan, Ravi Pattni,
Marcus Bethel, Praneet Vaishnav,
Raminda Karalliadde
Front Scott Heathcote, Adit Ruparel,
Arjun Sahay, James Neidle,
Amanbir Sawhney
Under 14A XI
Back: Ravi Patel,Amaan Patel
Centre: Mr A Jones, Luke King,
Debashis Biswas, Waqar Ahmed,
Shabeel Dhami, Finn Grist
Front: Ricky Sandhu, Bhavesh Makwana,
Thivanka Obeysekera, Ravi Sharda,
Gurkiral Bhambra
Under 148 XI
Back: Alfie Whitmore, Humza Khan
Centre: Dr J Wheaton, Aamir Tayeb,
Bhavin Makwana, Guneet Kahai,
Rushil Lachani, Rahul Rohra
Front Rahul Malde, Jon Slater, Akhil Patel,
Shyam Patel, Ameer Mirza
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Under IlA XI
Under IlB XI
Back: Hassaan Mohamed. Abdul Ahmed. Muhammed Ali Ahmed.
Centre: Mr A Brammer. Ashish Thaker. Abhishek Pattni.
Farhad Ahmed. Alex Fraser. Hamza Khan
Front: Brindon Bagirathan. Nikhil Parekh. Prin Shasiharan.
Daniyal Gohar. Rian Karia
Back: Mr A Brammer. Thomas Dodd.Abhishek Pattni. Ebad Abid.
Kieran Tailor. Anand Mistry. Gareth Bek
Front: Rohan Jayawant. Rahul Gandhi. Daniyal Gohar.
Jack Cuthbertson. Shiv Mistry
Under 12A XI
Under 12B XI
Back: Sahil Patel. Warren Won. Amar Desai.JackTucker.
Back: Luke Leonce. Harry Barton. Jeyam Emmanuel
Centre: Mr N Dale. Abdulquadir Karimjee. Sam Fakouri.
Myran Ranganathan. Mohsen Usmani.Adrian Dharmachandran
Front: Siddharth Malhotra. Reginald Akingbade. Michael Dryden.
Munraj Matharoo. Ahsan Jamil
Krishan Patel
Centre: Mr I Parker. Kazim Siddiqi.Jamie Karia. Shanen Emmanuel.
Ricki Halai. Daniel Gbadebo .
Front: Kishen Patel. Ben Marsh. Rishi Kotecha.Aashish Gundecha.
Oliver Marsh
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Basketball: Under 15
Basketball: Under 14
Back: Mr L Garwood, Kunal Thakker, Charlie Tizard, Austin Lam,
John Ahn. Front: Louis Lavers, Kwasi Yeboah, Chris Stupack,
Adit Ruparel, Steven Hadjiminas
Back: Raffi Yeghikian, Luke King, Nirmal Varasani.
Centre: Mr L Garwood, Ayman AI Juzi, Adam Gothelf,
Freddie Herman, Yura Bolatov, Joe Cumberbatch. Front: Louis Lo,
Stefan Duvnjak, Matthew Henry, Ravi Sharda, Michael Kim
Basketball: Under 13
Basketball: Under I 2
Back: Mr A Brammer, Alex Remedios, Oscar Harrison,
Navroop Chehal, Johanan Adjei-Dawkins. Front: Dominic Dichen,
Abhishek Pattni, Omar Nwoko, Milan Patel, lan Tang
Back: Mr A Brammer, Daniel Gbadebo, Reginald Akingbade,
Sam Fakouri, Warren Won
Front: Kanyin Fagade, Munraj Matharoo, Kishen Patel
Badminton: Under 16
Badminton: Under 14
Back: Mr I Parker, Nishil Mapara,Alexander Golding, Sam Deacon
Front: Imran Keshani, Avinash Murthy, Stuart Childs
Back: Mr I Parker, Myles Golding, Ashish Thaker
Front: Thivanka Obeysekera, Alex Mak, Hamza Khan
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Swimming: Under 15
Swimming: Under 14
Back: Mr I Parker, Mitesh Hathiramani,James Caldecourt,
Sonny Flynn, Nicholas Yoke. Front: Matthew Barker, Kwasi Yeboah,
Robert Rowland, Louis Lavers, Oliver Harrison
Back: Mr I Parker, Nirmal Varasani, Nihal Patel, Thivanka Obeysekera,
Akhil Patel. Front: Benji Barker, Ricky Sandu, Alex Mak
Swimming: Under 13
Tennis: Senior
Back: Mr I Parker,Alex Remedios.
Back: Sam Deacon, Myles Golding
Front: Alex Tranter, Milan Patel, Abdul Ahmed
Front: Alexander Golding, Stuart Childs, Avinash Murthy
Tennis: Under I 5
Back: Bertram Atkinson, Charlie Tizard, Yura Bolatov, Myles Golding
Front: Alexander Golding, Robert Rowland, Matthew Lee
96
Tennis: Under 13
Back: Mr A Brammer, Ashish Thaker, Myles Golding,
Matthew Gooder, Thomas Dodd, Mr S Leach. Front: Taha Mahmood,
Humza Khan, Sukanth Yoganathan, Hassaan Mohammed, David Orr
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thelyonian2006
SOOG
11
I
,
.....
100
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Cricket
Ist XI Averages 2006
1st XI
Played: 17
Abandoned: 2
Won: 10
Drawn: 4
Lost: 1
This was one of the most successful seasons on record for the 1st
XI. We had a squad that had strength in depth and there were
many significant contributions from a variety of players.
The pre-season nets had gone very well, with many of the 5th
years pushing for a place in the Ist XI. Skipper Nikin Ruparelia and
Vikash Seth were the only representatives from the upper sixth, a
side short of Ist XI experience but with ample ability and
confidence. With Easter being late, the traditional opening fixtures
against Hampton and Aldenham were missed. The first Saturday
fixture of the season was away at the traditionally strong
BerkhamstE!\d School, who, on winning the toss, elected to bat on a
true batting wicket reaching 84-1 from 18 overs with their two
Hertfordshire U 17 players at the crease. However, the introduction
of K. Toor and R. Pate I changed the game in our favour and they
lost their last 9 wickets for 29 runs with Rishi Pate I taking 5-8 in 6
overs. In reply, Ruparelia and Toor put on 105 for the first wicket.
Toor finished on 77 not out. An excellent innings guided the side
to a 9-wicket victory.
Enfield Grammar followed, who had been the Daily Telegraph
team of the week the previous weekend. Enfield won the toss and
chose to bat reaching 52-1 in 16 overs before Ruparelia 2-7, Dhami
3-20 and Toor 3-21 bowled them out for 113. In reply John Lyon
reached 67-2, Murthy 33 not out before rain curtailed the game.
A 40-over match v Habs followed. Bowling first, we restricted
Habs to 164-9, but a disappointing reply saw John Lyon finish on
160-7, losing by 4 runs, our only defeat of the season. In a
comprehensive win over Regent College, Ruparelia scored 104 not
out, Krishnamohan 53 not out, followed by Rajan Seth 4-1 I and
Anek Mhajan 2-2.
Confidence was high and it showed in the next fixture, a
Middlesex Cup Match against Isleworth. Batting first John Lyon
scored 236-1, Murthy I 12 not out, an innings including eight sixes
and seven fours. Ruparelia scored 80 and Toor 34 not out, including
four sixes. Isleworth in reply were restricted to 129-6. Rain brought
about the cancellation of the next two Saturday fixtures against Mill
Hill and Q.E. Barnet.
Following half term, a disappointing draw at St Benedict's was
followed by an entertaining fixture against Westminster at Vincent
Square. John Lyon scored 200 all out, Murthy 70, with Westminster
finishing on 198-7.
In the semi-final of the Middlesex Cup we faced West Thames
College who had reached the final in the last five years. Tight
bowling resulted in West Thames being bowled out for 123 - Toor
taking 3-23 and Krishnamohan 2-21. Dhami finished off their
innings with 2-1. At 65-4 John Lyon found themselves in an exciting
finish, with Dhami 29 not out and Seth 30 not out, steering the side
home off the last ball, finishing on 124-4, a 6-wicket victory. With
exams finished, the start of our cricket week and an all day game at
Merchant Taylors', John Lyon lost the toss and were put into bat on
a perfect batting wicket.
Toor and Dhami put on 184 for the first wicket, Toor II I and
Dhami 76.John Lyon declared on 236-7,losing wickets as we tried
to push the score along for an early declaration. In reply Merchant
Taylors' lost wickets at crucial times making it difficult to chase the
JL total and finished on 128-6.
The MCC followed on the Monday but disappointingly the
game was abandoned at tea due to rain with the MCC 229-5 from
Batting
KToor
A Murthy
N Ruparelia
V Seth
G Dhami
RJoshi
J Abelson
9
12
14
9
10
5
10
NO
Runs
HS
Av
2
4
4
5
3
2
2
448
498
470
158
272
70
179
115
127*
104*
53*
76
35
59
64.00
62.25
47.00
39.50
38.85
23.33
22.37
2
2
61
33
15
39
56
9
6
0
53*
20
15*
29
37
9*
3
0*
61.00
16.50
15.00
13.00
11.20
9.00
2.00
Also Batted
L Krishnamohan
A Mhajan
R Patel
R Seth
P Patel
A Milne
A Gill
A Pate I
Bowling
KToor
A Mhajan
N Ruparelia
L Krishnamohan
NVarsani
G Dhami
A Patel
R Pate I
R Seth
A Milne
Also Bowled
J Abelson
V Seth
P Pate I
A Gill
RJoshi
N Desai
3
4
2
5
5
2
3
I
2
0
I
0
I
R
145
131
204
173
96
265
159
303
277
141
W
45
25
59.2
40.3
84.5
78
37
M
12
4
12
2
5
4
6
10
7
3
4
6
12
10.2
4
4
I
0
0
I
0
0
9
20
50
71
15
26
2
0
51.5
38
64
16
14
19
11
6
16
9
16
14
5
2
2
0
0
BIB
3-21
4-15
5-16
3-12
1-2
4-42
3-5
5-8
4-11
1-6
Av
9.06
9.35
10.73
15.72
16.00
16.56
17.66
18.93
19.98
28.20
1-4
1-20
1-11
2-21
0-7
0-26
4.50
20.00
25.00
35.50
Catches
11: N Ruparelia; 10: G Dhami, 7: R Patel; 6: R Seth, J Abelson;
5:A Murthy (+ 12 stumpings); 4: K Toor, R Joshi, A Patel, A Mhajan;
3: P Patel, A Milne; 2: A Gill, L Krishnamohan
60 overs. The team contained three John Lyon old boys, C. Gupte,
N. Patel and N. Goh. Tuesday saw the visit of Christchurch
Grammar School from Perth, bowled out for 100, Ruparelia taking
5-16, John Lyon reaching the target for the loss of three wickets, R
Joshi 37 and R Seth 29.
Wednesday brought the visit of Dr Challoner's who had beaten
us comfortably the previous season - batting first John Lyon scored
232-1 in 35 overs. Murthy 127 not out, an innings including 13
fours and six sixes, Ruparelia 71 not out. In reply Dr Challoner's
reached 147-8, Mhajan 3-22. The Ist XI won by 85 runs.
The final of the Middlesex Cup followed against Harrow
College in a 30-over match. Batting first John Lyon scored 224-2,
Toor 115 and Murthy 55 not out. In reply, Harrow College scored
161-9. For the first time for over a decade we had won the U 19
Middlesex Cup, winning by 63 runs, with a team which thoroughly
deserved its success.
Haliford followed. John Lyon, batting first, scored 166-5 with
J.Abelson 59. In reply, Haliford were 100 all out, Krishnamohan 312 and Dhami 3-15. The last week of term saw the long awaited 1st
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XI v. Staff match. In a split overs match, the Ist XI scored 151-1.
Ruparelia 74 not out and Seth 53 not out. In reply the staff finished
on 149-6, an entertaining draw.
Association Day saw the final match of the season against an
Old Lyonian XI in a 40-over match. Batting first, the old boys
finished on 124-9, M. Geelan top scoring on 39, A. Mhajan taking 415. In reply, the Ist XI scored 125-5, Abelson 37 and Joshi 26 not
out, winning by 5 wickets with over 10 overs to spare.
Resultswise, it was an outstanding season, in which I have
thoroughly enjoyed seeing so many players making valuable
contributions to the success of the team. They pulled together
when required and showed commitment throughout. A special
thank you to the skipper, Nikin Ruparelia, who performed superbly
during the course ofthe season. Thanks also go to Mr Leach, Mr
Brammer, Mr Garwood, Mr Loudon, Mr Cure and Dr Wheaton for
coaching the Junior sides and in particular to Mr Preston who has
helped so much over the last six years, and who now moves on to
Sherbourne School. Also, Andy and Roy, the groundsmen, for
producing top quality wickets for all our teams to play and practise
on and finally the mums for their help in preparing and serving the
cricket teas.
Kabir Toor represented England U 16s in South Africa and also
played for Middlesex 2nd XI; Gurpreet Dhami and Avinash Murthy
were both selected for Middlesex U 16s. The Ist XI have never had
so many of the squad represented in Wisden: For batting A. Murthy,
K. Toor, N. Ruparelia, G. Dhami, V. Seth and J. Abelson; for bowling
N. Ruparelia, K. Toor, G. Dhami, R. Seth, R. Patel, A. Mhajan and L.
Krishnamohan.
The Massey Bat was won by Avinash Murthy, the Fraser
Bowling award went to Nikin Ruparelia and the Gupte Fielding
award was won by Gurpreet Dhami.
I.R. Parker, Master itc Cricket
Team from: N. Ruparelia,J. Abelson, G. Dhami,A. Gill, R.Joshi,
L. Krishnamohan, A. Mhajan, A. Milne, A. Murthy, A. Patel, P. Patel,
R. Patel, R. Seth, V. Seth, K. Toor, N. Varsani.
2nd XI
The 2nd Xl's season was somewhat plagued by a combination of
rain and cancellations from the opposition.
The start of the season was perhaps a bad omen; a last minute
cancellation from Berkhamstead followed by rain mid way through
against Enfield did not bode well for the rest of the season. The
match against Enfield did however contain the only notable
performance of the short-lived season; an excellent 69 from Adam
Gill in difficult damp conditions.
After a disappointing performance against Haberdashers', with
Nirav Vasani's ec'onomical bowling display being the only highlight,
the rain against Mill Hill and Q.E. Boys continued to prevent the
season from really starting. This was followed only by cancellations
from St Benedict's, Westminster and Merchant Taylors', who simply
could not arrange a 2nd XI team.
Despite the short season, the side show a lot of promise and
ability to work effectively as a unit. The team can definitely look
forward to a fruitful season next year, especially with the up and
coming players from younger years.
The 2nd XI would like to thank Messrs Loudon and Parker for
their help in arranging and umpiring the fixtures, as well as
providing support and training before and during the season.
Nicholas Hallam, Captain
102
South Africa
"Hide not your talents, they for use were made. What's a sun-dial
in the shade?"
Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
DAYS 1 & 2
And so off we went, a talented, determined group of individuals.
There was a positive vibe in the air as we dragged our heavy bags
down Middle Path and onto the coach. The sun was shining down
on us, and I think we all knew this was going to be a good'un.
Before we go on I would like to warn, or better, inform of the
informality of the U 15 diary extracts used in this article. However,
I strongly feel that these add to, and show, the strong teacher-pupil
and inter pupil relationships that were forged on this trip, and
present the sense of pOSitivism and openness that was present.
After being assured by Mr Garwood that we looked, "a million
dollars" in our identical, and smart, John Lyon polo shirts, we drove
off, ready to endure our daunting long-haul flight.
"Boarding the plane we got used to our surroundings that we were
going to spend the next eleven hours in. But the John Lyon boys
found a solution in playing the interactive game Caveman on our
personal screens. Ned (lames Neidle 4N) kept boasting that he got
to level I 3 on this game, and just in case you were wondering, the
password for this level is ...
We landed in Cape Town airport, but the weather was overcast
and not what we were expecting it to be. Soon we were on the
coach and on our way to the Grand West Hotel. On the way we
saw two shanty towns which made us all appreciate the things we
had.
After settling into our rooms we were soon off to eat at the
Victoria and Albert Waterfront and do some shopping. Returning
back to the hotel some of us played cricket or American football in
the gardens. Mr. G (Mr Garwood),Jez (Mr Preston) and Mr
Brammer were all involved. Jez left early pretending he had an
injury. Obviously the game was too rough for him. Later on we
went to the Grand West Casino and entertainment complex where
we heard that Mr Brammer was told to leave the blackjack table
because he kept winning."
Asantha De Alwis
DAY 3
"It was an early start for some, as we had our first match. As the
rest of the group went down to breakfast Mitul and I were still
asleep because ... our alarm didn't go off.
At around 9:45 am we departed for Bellville Cricket Club,
where the match was to be played. We got changed into our coolas-school cricket kit. We came out and the teachers informed us
that we would be bowling first. Asantha De Alwis and Harshil Palan
opened the bowling. They managed to keep the batsmen alert and
on their feet. However it was not until the II th over while Anuj
was bowling that one of the batsman played a nice straight ball
pathetically and was caught out by Asantha. There were then three
more outs which included a catch by our wicket keeper Charlie, a
run out and the bowling of J. Corralison by John Lyon's only
spinner Adam 'the trep' Trepczynski. By the 41 st over we got the
rest of their team out, and we eagerly anticipated the next innings
when we would be able to bat.
Starting off the batting for us were Kumar and Dhruv. They
tried their best, but together with the other nine batsmen we only
thelyonian2006
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managed 78 runs all out and we lost the match. After the match
there was a small ceremony where captain Asantha 'shibz' De Alwis
received a cap and cricket shirt:'
Shaffi Chogley
DAY 4
"After a delicious breakfast we left the hotel for our match against
Western Province Cricket Club. The drive was not too long and we
got a spectacular view of Table Mountain. Our skipper won the toss
and elected to bat. We got off to a good start with a lot of help
from WPCC giving us extras. Wickets fell around the halfway mark
but this did not stop our team continuing on a good run-rate. The
run-rate was then increased substantially by the arrival of our key
slogger the PALANATOR (Harshil Palan 4N)."
Ash Ravindrarajah
Runs were added by a remarkable innings by one of our less
experienced batsmen, William Wilson, who managed to hit a four
or six off nearly every ball he faced. In helping the team to get a
score above I50 he was later awarded man of the match. Our
bowling and fielding followed on and was simply excellent. This, and
our winning attitude, made our first victory as a team on foreign
shores a reality.
DAY'
"A nice helping of fruit and cereal was followed by us getting ready
to go to Durbanville for our third match. We were high in
confidence after our win on Sunday. The toss was won by De Alwis
and he delightfully chose to bat first. Our openers Kumar and Mitul
wanted a good start on a fast outfield. However by the 8th over
the Lyons were 12-1. Mitul was looking good until he was run out
by some dodgy calling. Adit then got himself off to a flying start
with some nice shots, before being bowled for a measly 16. John
Lyon eventually got bowled for 83, a low total, but enough to put
pressure on the opposition. We went out to field in full aggression
and wickets started falling. However, a good 8th wicket partnership
won the game for Durbanville and taught us a lesson on how to
bat through the heat. A positive came out in Jez agreeing that De
Alwis' captaincy was coming on leaps and bounds.
After the match there was a barbeque, where everyone was
either playing rugby or cricket. While we were playing we met an 8year-old called Terrence who managed to nail G'Wood in a rugby
tackle."
Dhruv Barcha
DAY 8 was a travelling day. It was an enjoyable six-hour drive
along the scenic Garden Route. Nobody really minded as we knew
that without a journey there was no destination.
DAY 5
"The itinerary for today depended largely upon the weather.
Luckily it was good and we went up Table Mountain. After a short
cable car ride, which proved daunting for Twista (Kumar Patel 4B),
we were at the top of the mountain catching the breath-taking
view. We were able to take pictures and walk along the different
routes around the mountain."
Praneet Vaishnav
DAY 6
"The day started of with the usual latecomers not turning up to
breakfast. The four apparently, again, did not hear their wake up call.
We then got ready to go down to Cape Point. The bus felt like it
was tilting as we sped up mountainous, winding roads. We stopped
at one point to take pictures of the incredible scenery at Hout's
Bay.
We walked along the beach where G'Wood (Mr Garwood)
informed as that it was whale season, and told us all about their
mating behaviour. After getting back on the bus we had some
delicious fish and chips for lunch. As usual Adam attracted some
locals who played us some great music.
When we arrived at Cape Point most people couldn't be
bothered to climb up. Joe (Praneet Vaishnav 4M) was at the back
huffing and puffing, and with most just trying to make it up to the
top where there is the famous lighthouse. On the way down
Gurkipal suggested it would be quicker to reach the bottom by
rolling. He did this, getting up only five metres later with a cut on
his arm.
We then went to the Cape of Good Hope. It was another
tough climb, and Chogz (Shaffi Chogli 4B) was getting edgy as we
walked near the edge of cliffs.
Back at the hotel Jez, the new housewife, gave us a
demonstration on how to wash our clothes with his washing
powder."
Kumar Patel
DAY 9
"Match four We were told that we were going to bat. Will and
Dhruv opened the batting, with Will the once big hero losing his
wicket on the second ball. Mitul then came in, soon before Dhruv
got caught at short cover. As Harsh (Harshil Palan 4N) and Mitul
carried on batting well, the rest of the team practised in the nets.
Chogz was having a go at both batting and bowling, slowly
improving ... slowly. We ended up with a total of 101 all out. John
Lyon then came out to bowl. Asantha had a great spell of 5 overs
giving away only 3 runs! But the bowling soon became less steady.
Few wickets fell as more and more runs were scored and with the
help of some poor fielding the match was taken away from us.
We then returned back to the hotel for a Quiz Night. The
teachers somehow managed to win this ... cough ... I think they
wrote the questions?"
Anuj Patel
DAY 10
Another day of travel, this time further up the coast to Port
Elizabeth. Two matches and the Kariega Lodge still awaited us!
"Match five: John Lyon took to batting first with a reversed batting
line up against a younger opposition. Joe and Adam 'the trep'
Trepczynski opened. Joe looked good with his 5kg bat working the
fielders. However, he was unlucky to be stumped out. He was soon
followed by Ned and our surprise captain Charlie. Trep still
blocked away while Anuj played a steady innings of about 13 runs
until we lost count ...
After about half an innings of blocking,Adam hit four fours and
got bowled. Will scored 16 in another quick innings, leaving Trep as
top scorer. Mitul and Dhruv were also out in quick succession
making it John Lyon's turn to take wickets and defend our total of
117.
Harshil started us off with a maiden over, not bowling any of
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thelyonian2006
his famous bouncers to a side we'd become mates with. A much
younger and inexperienced side batted well with their opening pair.
John Lyon's bowlers continued aggressively though, with Trep
probably being man of the match with an unusual catch at leg slip
alongside his batting. We recorded another victory and were
treated to a homely dinner, returning to the hotel very happy
indeed:'
Marcus Bethel
Conclusions and the rest of the tour
I congratulate you if you have stuck with it and read each day's
detailed analysis of events. However I don't blame you if you
haven't. I also apologise for the fact that any mention of how the
UI4s got on is missing. Maybe asking Mr Brammer for their diary is
a possibility if you want to find out how they got on. Or of course
you could ask them personally.
We managed to stick a sixth and final match in, which was
slightly disrupted by the drizzly weather that day (yes I know - rain
in South Africa?!). Batting in pairs alongside the U 14 squad
improved age group relations in many cases and I personally
experienced the high level at which a team a year younger than us
can perform.
The last few days were an awe-inspiring episode in our lives. A
stay in the exclusive and well facilitated Kariega Lodge - for safari!
With our own collection of wild animals in the group it was
sometimes hard to distinguish who was in or out of the jeep.
Apart from once being followed by an angry elephant, no harm was
done. The highlight must have been seeing a lion in deep slumber
on the side of a track, totally unaware of the animated onlookers
just feet away from it.
Later in the evening, when the sun was falling from the sky, it
was a pleasure to look over the ravine which met our chalet
balconies, and reflect on the day's sightings and on the memories
and experiences of the trip as a whole.As I know from the boys, a
sigh was released and a tear fell from many an eye, on what was
our last real evening on the soil of Africa. An emotional award
ceremony followed; with among others, our skip Asantha and the
U 14's captain Shabil picking up trophies in thanks for their
leadership on tour
This trip really did mean a lot to us. In simple words it was
unforgettable. From seeing and learning South African life and
society, to seeing and learning South African cricket. From being
with our best mates, to learning how to be with those we had
previously not got on with. And in the wider perspective - from
being a boy, to becoming a man.
I would like to thank all the staff who sacrificed their Easter in
order to give us this opportunity. It was a big loss of personal time,
and all the South African fillet steaks in the world can't make up for
being at home with one's family. Mr Preston, Mr Garwocid, Mr
Brammer and Mr Jones were a pleasure to be with, and certainly
did look after us well and made sure that we enjoyed each part of
the tour to its full potential. I hope they didn't find us too much of
a pain. I would like to wish Mr Preston all the best for the future,
knowing that this was his last year with John Lyon.
Lastly one for the lads - 3 ... 2 ... I ... LYONS!!
Adam Trepczynski
104
Under 15 XI
Played: 17
Abandoned: 2
"Plus
Won: 9
~a
Lost: 4
Drawn: 1
change, plus c'est la meme chose"
Even though there were a number of changes made to personnel,
and to pre-season training facilities (Cape Town rather than
Sudbury) there are uncanny similarities between the 2005 and 2006
seasons completed by this team. The playing record is almost
identical which suggests that not as much progress has been made
as might have been hoped for. They remained a pleasure to coach
and manage and were often commented on in a positive fashion by
the opposition, which was encouraging. Another Middlesex Cup
final was reached which is a testament to their individual abilities.
The traditionally strong fixtures versus MerchantTaylors' and
Dr Challenor's were again to prove too hard for us to surmount
and they should remain the yardstick against which we are judged.
The latter were surprised to see John Lyon choose to bat first, a
rather arrogant judgement one felt at the time, especially as they
saw the match as batting practice before a national quarter final.
After 12 overs we were well placed at 62-1 and the opposition had
gone very quiet - if only we could have really believed in our ability
to post a decent score, the result could have been so different.
Taylors' had too many players that were able to do the basics
comfortably all the time and we were no match for them, a
disappointing way to end the term.
Early results were encouraging and many of the same players
were to the fore again. Kumar Pate I put Habs to the sword with 92
and remained a strong front foot player, happiest when the ball was
full which enabled him to get his hands through the ball. In future he
must make more of the starts that he gets; he gives inferior players
his valued wicket too often. Kumar had a new opening partner in
Dhruv Barchha and he displayed an admirably straight bat and
sound judgement. He tried to get innings off to a positive start by
taking quick Singles and rotating the strike but became confused
from mid-season onwards about the corridor of uncertainty outside
off stump. Harshil Palan and Asantha De Alwis were regular run
scorers, although Harshil suffered a little from second season blues
with the bat and did not make the weight of runs of last year.
Asantha didn't always know whether to stick or twist when he
came to the crease and he was left too often with the tail to
shepherd - a difficult task at the best of times. Many others were
given opportunities and showed promise; Alex Golding could easily
be a top order batsman and Mitul Vora has ability but infuriatingly
refuses to think about his game with any accuracy.
The bowling strengths were in evidence again. Harshil and
Asantha were bettered as an opening pair probably only by Dr
Challenor's and were accurate, aggressive and threatening in every
game. They fully deserved to finish as the leading wicket takers. Spin
really came to the fore this year. Dhruv discovered some success as
an off spinner and in tandem with Alex's tweakers gave us a real
threat mid innings. Alex has an exceptional talent as a spin bowler
and could, and should, make great strides in the next couple of
years, given opportunities. Adam Trepczynski suffered from bouts of
uncertainty and needed constant reassurance but when in the
mood delivered some outstanding spells of bowling. Anuj Pate I was
again accurate but tended to wilt when under pressure. It was a real
shame to see Jack Turton lose the accuracy and penetration that
has made him such a key member of the team up until this year and
I Sincerely hope that one of life's nice guys comes back with a
vengeance next year.
The fielding was enthusiastic but sometimes lacking in cricketing
sense; excitability often led to runs being leaked at an alarming rate.
SPORT
The performance at Enfield GS, a team beaten with ease last year,
was lamentable and under pressure each boy went quiet and failed
to apply sense to their actions. The fact that the match finished in
pouring rain only added to the sense of helplessness. Asantha De
Alwis can be excused from this general criticism as his fielding was
immense in every game. He claims not to have dropped a catch in
four years at the school, a highly believable feat. Charlie Tizard kept
wicket and performed with consistency behind the sticks, enabling
the number of extras to be greatly reduced from last year, a sure
sign that things are going ok. Asantha has grown into the role of
captain and his burgeoning self-awareness has helped to make him
far more proactive on the field.
Our Middlesex Cup overfloweth again this year and four
relatively easy games saw us reach the final for the second year in a
row. The absence of any other independent schools in the
competition is something that needs to be looked at. Claremont
School proved to be too strong for us, although Adam's 4-24
stemmed the tide somewhat. Nevertheless it remains a fine
achievement to reach consecutive finals.
The leap into senior cricket is the task for all the boys next
year. Some will go straight into the Ist XI whilst others may have to
bide their time in the 2nds. I hope that they continue to play the
game with energy and enthusiasm for they have been a delight to
coach and manage again. I wish them all the best in the years that
follow. Once again thanks must go to the ground staff team led by
Andy Robinson who have provided pitches of outstanding quality,
week in week out. As ever the teas were devoured with ease by
boys and staff alike and all that helped deserve our thanks, as does
lan Parker for his efforts on all fronts cricket.
Jeremy Preston
Squad: A. De Alwis (Captain), K. Patel, A. Patel, D. Barchha, C. Tizard,
J. Shasiharan, A. Golding, L. Lavers, A. Ravindrarajah, J. Turton, J. Neidle,
M. Bethel, A. Trepczynski, M. Vora, S. Girling-Heathcote, H. Palan.
Under14A
A new coach to the squad, Mr Garwood, coached this season's
U 14A cricket team. The team was very talented and refreshed as
new players were brought into the side as a result of the 3rd year
entries. The team did have a trip to South Africa pre-season with
some ups and downs with a shaky start. So as the season began, we
had a rough idea of the batting and bowling order. However, as we
were about to learn, everything would change! Our first match was
against Berkhamstead in a 40-over match played at home. Our
Captain, Thivanka, won the toss, and decided to bowl first. The
bowlers were very erratic, starting with some pace from Ricky
Sandhu and Bhavish Makwana. However too many runs were given
away, and by 15 overs, they were already on 100. After a few great
pieces of fielding from Waqar Ahmed and two qUick run outs by
Debashis Singh, wickets fell. The final score was 171. The batting
line-up started with Gurkipal Bambrah and Amaan Patel. The start
was sound, but the run rate was slow and by the first 15 overs, we
had just made 50. Suddenly wickets started to fall with four top
batsmen leaving the crease. Ravi Sharda stabilised the batting but
unfortunately, the match was lost.
Early jitters in our performances meant that the results for the
next few matches panned out in the same way. After playing
Enfield, everything changed! We discovered and believed in
ourselves and that our team was talented and had the potential to
be the best in Middlesex. With high expectations and some words
of wisdom from Mr Garwood, the team changed for the better. All
eight matches through the middle of the season were won.
thelyonian2006
That there were some great batting performances by Finn Grist
and Amaan Patel, our newly-established opening pair, helped
immensely. The openers were ably backed up by Thivanka
Obeysekera who chipped in with a number of fine captain's innings,
occupying the crease when others around him were losing their
heads. Shabeel Dhami often dominated the batting with some big
hitting displays and was partnered more than competently by
Debashis Singh with equally bullish batting. Ravi Sharda and Zan
Khan were often on hand to finish the innings off with the bat.
With the ball, new man Bhavish Makwana showed his mettle, aided
and abetted by Ricky Sandhu and Waqar Ahmed, as a great frontline
attack.
So at this stage, late into the season, we had won eight
matches, lost two and drawn one. Our team had gelled together
well, and now the big names of Hampton and Merchant Taylors'
stood in our way. With two matches left, both being against strong
rivals of ours for the title of Middlesex champions, a lot was at
stake. First Hampton, with the winner to go into the final of the
Middlesex Cup. Hampton, undoubtedly a very strong cricket
school, lived up to everyone's expectations, and attacked us early
with the bat.
We had learned through the season never to give up, and as
long as we believed we could win, and as long as everyone of us
played to the best of our ability, we could do it. Bhavish and Ricky
couldn't seem to get the vital wickets off their on-form south of
England batsman. However, pieces of great fielding from Shabeel
Dhami and Debashis Singh got the breakthrough. After their main
batsmen got out on 98, the wickets seemed to fall. Even though
Singh and Obeysekera bowled their hearts out, it was too little too
late, the damage had already been inflicted. Their total was around
220-5 off 20 overs! With our strong batting line up, we put that to
the back of our mind and our batsmen went into the crease
mentally controlled, knowing that we had to stick to our targets
and had to attack the bowling side. Our batsmen did well under
the circumstances but we learned that in cricket, sometimes a team
does have the one player who wins it for them, and unfortunately
we came across this player. Even though Finn,Amaan,Thivanka and
Ricky did well, the total was too far from our reach. And after 20
overs, we lost the match with our score finishing at 120-5.
The season had its highs and lows and the potential is very high
for this cricketing age group at John Lyon. Now we know each
other well in a cricketing sense, and also have the right mind-set
and the right attitude going into games. The title, Champions of
Middlesex, is in our sights for next season.
We all feel that we have the ability to trouble any side, and we
just need to improve on keeping our wins consistent throughout
the season which I firmly believe will happen next summer. A huge
positive about the team is that we represent the school with great
pride and play with dignity and respect for the opposition.
Leadership, not just by the captain, was shown this season, and
everyone, to their credit, chipped in. The team boasts a number of
potential first team candidates for later years, and everyone who
plays, loves the game of cricket, which is why the talent flows
through the team in such a great way. Overall, it was a long and
rewarding season with plenty of positives to look forward to next
year.
Debashis Singh
Squad: Debashis Biswas, Ricky Sandhu, Amman Patel (Vice Captain),
Shabil Dhami, Ravi Patel, Finn Grist, Gurkipal Bhambra, Thivanka
Obeysekara (Captain), Bhavesh Makwana, Ravi Shard a, Zan Khan
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thelyonian2006
Under 13A XI
'Play Hard. Play Smart Play Together'
Mr Brammer, (2006)
Those were the words of the coach as the U 13s started the year,
confident of success.
The first fixture of the year was a tough game against a strong
Berkhamstead side that dismissed the Lyons for a total of 94 with
only Nikhil Parekh offering any sort of resistance. Despite a fine
bowling effort,John Lyon went down to a narrow defeat. The
following game was in the first round of the Middlesex Cup in
which John Lyon cruised to victory against Alperton Community.
Abdul Ahmed's 'king' spin helped him to take 4-12 and he was
supported well by Hassaan Mohamed (2-4) and Alperton were
dismissed for 49. Nikhil Parekh (23*) and Prin Shasiharan (18*) led
the Lyons home with an unbeaten fifty partnership.
The Enfield game was abandoned half way through the John
Lyon innings after Enfield had been restricted by good bowling by
Nikhil Parekh (3-35) and Nikhil showed his all-round capability by
achieving a total of 42 before the rain interrupted play. The game
against a strong Highgate team was rather a disappointment. The
top order collapsed though a captain's innings from Prin Shasiharan
and the tail-enders helped the Lyons to wag to a respectable total
of 101 on a hard pitch, but dropped catches in the field from John
Lyon led to Highgate cruising to victory. A couple of tough games
followed against Haberdashers' and Dr Challoner's but even though
the Lyons were defeated in the National Cup fixture against
Bishops' Stortford,John Lyon batted well in hard conditions with
Hassaan Mohamed (39) and Ash Thaker (30) impressing.
The second round Middlesex Cup game was against Compton
High. They were knocked over for 60 runs with Prin Shasiharan
taking 3-6. Nikhil Parekh and Hassaan Mohamed put on an
unbroken opening stand to secure the victory. Despite two strong
victories in the Cup, a weakened Lyons team bowed out to Park
High after they failed to chase down a total of 66.
Over the final few games of the year, John Lyon resurrected
their performances by giving high quality effort. A strong St John's
team won the toss and elected to bowl but regretted it when
Nikhil Parekh raced to 59 hitting 12 boundaries along the way.
Stable support was given by Prin Shasiharan (23) and Muhammed
Ali Ahmed (18). Kishen Rowan (12) with some late fiery sixes,
made sure the run rate was a run-a-ball. A spell of super fast
bowling thumped the opposition to 28-6 and, despite a valiant
seventh wicket partnership, St john's were rolled over for 92 with
fine bowling from Nikhil Parekh (3-10), Prin Shasiharan (3-18) and
Hassaan Mohamed (2-10). The following fixture, against St
Benedict's, resulted in yet another triumphant win. John Lyon
elected to bat and Nikhil Parekh (37) and Ash Thaker (43) led the
Lyons to a great start and Prin Shasiharan (16*) and Muhammed AIi
Ahmed (13*) kept the scoreboard ticking with some decisive
running at the death. St Benedict's were dismissed for 78 with
Hassaan, Prin, Nikhil,Abdul and Muhammed Ali being among the
wickets. Wicketkeeper Hamza Khan kept outstandingly and took a
total of three catches. The away game against Merchant Taylors'
resulted in a loss but plenty of positives were taken from it with
superb batting from opener Nikhil Parekh (65), middle-order
batsmen Alex Fraser scoring a delightful 23 and a bit of pinchhitting from Brindon Bagirathan (24*).
It has been a great experience to captain the team to a
successful season this year and hopefully in the next season we will
improve on what we have been lacking. Running between the
wickets and shot selection have improved since the beginning of
the season and now we have changed from a 'bowling' team into an
106
'all-round' team. Nikhil Parekh has shone with the bat this year,
scoring over 300 runs in the season and he has continuall~
improved his shot selection. He has been ably supported WIth the
bat by Prin Shasiharan, Hassaan Mohamed and Ash Thaker all of
whom have also played very well. The bowling department was led
by seamers Hassaan Mohamed, Prin Shasiharan, Nikhil Parekh, Alex
Fraser and Muhammed Ali Ahmed. The team also possessed a top
spinner in Abdul Ahmed who has the capability to deceive all
batsmen. Hamza Khan and his moments of magic behind the
stumps were also noteworthy.
And finally a big thank you to Mr Brammer for coaching the
team with such enthusiasm and for the wise words he gave us
during the course of the season.
Prin Shasiharan
Squad: Prin Shasiharan (Captain.), Nikhil Parekh (Vice Captain),
Hassaan Mohamed,Ashish Thaker,Alex Fraser,Abdul Ahmed,
Brindon Bagirathan, Hamza Khan, Muhammed Ali Ahmed, Farhad
Ahmed, Daniyal Gohar, Kishen Rowan, Anand Mistry, Rahul Gandhi,
Myles Golding, Rian Karia, Mohammed Khan, Niral Bharat
Under 12
This has been an immensely enjoyable, successful and action-packed
season. There has been an even spread of games won, lost and
drawn and there were some outstanding performances both by the
team and individually.
The match against Merchant Taylors' was an absolute thriller.
Batting first John Lyon made the most of a lightning fast outfield
and perfect batting strip. Oliver Marsh (34), Sahil Patel (52*), Rishi
Kotecha (50*) and Ahsen Jamil (33) set about destroying and
demoralising the MT's attack. Defending a handsome score, the
John Lyon bowling attack set about their task full of confidence.
However we found ourselves on the end of some equally ferocious
batting. With the game seemingly slipping away and all but lost, a
flurry of quick wickets left the game balanced on a knife edge with
six runs needed off the last over. Every remaining ball was either a
wicket or runs and with great drama JLS successfully saved the
game.
Equally exciting was the last ball finish against Isleworth & Syon.
On this occasion JLS were unable to make the two runs needed to
clinch the win.
Individually, Oliver Marsh's whirlwind 61 against Highgate and
Rishi Kotecha's hat-trick against Wembley were particularly
memorable. Kishan Patel and Jack Tucker rescued the team from
the middle order on several occasions. Sahil Pate I anchored the
innings, playing some exquisite front foot shots and Ben Marsh
struck fear in to the heart of the opposition with bat and ball.
Behind the stumps, Daniel Gabdebo and Luke Leonce proved very
capable 'keepers'. Ricki Halai was at times almost unplayable with
his clever left arm round the wicket deliveries. Amar Desai,Jamie
Karia, Warren Won and Krishan Patel all made crucial contributions
and should look back on the season with pride.
Spencer Leach
Squad: Oliver Marsh, Ben Marsh, Ricki Halai, Sahil Patel, Warren Won,
Rishi Kotecha, Daniel Gabdebo, Jamie Karia, Kishan Patel, Ahsen Jamil,
Amar Desai
SPORT
thelyonian2006
Tennis
Whilst the tennis teams never quite scaled the dizzying heights of
the 2005 season, all the teams still performed exceptionally well.
The senior team continued to have the most success in 2006 and
the players in this age group still have a few more years left in the
school to win more competitions.
The Glanville Cup began in the 2005 autumn season and the
team of Avinash Murthy, Alex Golding, Stuart Childs and Daniel
Goldstone easily won through their initial group stage matches for
the loss of only one set in three matches. The team reached the
knock-out stage of the competition and ran into their nemesis,
Latymer Upper School, in the quarter-finals. John Lyon has usually
had the better of Latymer School over the years and this time was
no exception as we comfortably won 6-0. In the semi-finals U.C.S.
were also conquered, 5-1, to set up another final match against
Langley Grammar School.
John Lyon lost by a whisker to Langley Grammar School in the
Under 15 Nestle Greater London Final in 2004, and we were in a
determined mood this time as we drove up to the school on a
drizzly Friday afternoon. The team knew all of their opponents and
both Avinash and Alex had previously lost to the boys they were
about to play again.
Under ominous clouds and with very vocal support the match
began. Stuart and Daniel won their respective singles matches easily
and then all eyes were on the numbers I and 2.Avinash lost a tight
match, but Alex made a magnificent comeback to win in three sets,
having lost in straight sets to his opponent only three weeks
previously in an out-of-school tournament. With Stuart and Daniel
winning their doubles in straight sets the final doubles match was
cancelled due to poor weather;John Lyon had an unassailable lead
of 4-1. The team were through to the National quarter-finals in the
senior event for the first time in John Lyon tennis history.
Unfortunately it was at this point that Avinash, Alex and Stuart all
informed me that they would all be unavailable for the final stage of
the National Competition due to various school trips and holidays.
Rather than pull out of the competition, a younger team was
entered and in the first week of the school holiday Daniel
Goldstone, Matthew Lee, Myles Golding and Hassan Mohamed
played much older teams narrowly losing each of their matches. We
are hoping to go all the way to victory in 2007 and providing we
have a fully fit and available team, this is a distinct possibility.
Both the Under 13 and Under 15 A teams also won through all
of their group stage matches in the Nestle Team Cups in 2006. The
Under 13 team of Myles Golding, Hassan Mohamed, Thomas Dodd,
Sukanth Yoganathan beat JFS School, Latymer Upper School, The
London Oratory, Mossbourne Academy and the team to have sent
us packing last year, Westminster Under School. This time Myles
Golding and Hassan Mohamed made no mistake in thrashing their
opponents in singles and doubles. There was also a surprising
victory for Thomas and Sukanth in the doubles, to seal a 4-2 victory
and win the group. Unfortunately in the knock-out stages of the
London Competition, our semi-final opponents from Belmont
School were all the same 8:2 rating and whilst Myles and Hassan
won their singles matches, Sukanth and Elliot Ross, making his debut
for the team, were simply outclassed. John Lyon School were tied
on three sets all, but lost the match overall by two games.
The Under 15 team comprising Alex Golding, Matthew Lee, Yura
Bolatov, Sam Deacon and Myles Golding also did very well indeed in
storming through each of their group stage matches for the loss of
only one set. The team beat JFS School, The London Oratory and
Latymer Upper School to reach the final of the knock-out stage
against King Alfred School. In an extremely close match again John
Under 15 Tennis team
Lyon were tied at three sets apiece and amazingly were also tied on
games.Alex and Myles as numbers I and 2 had lost easily to higher
rated opponents whilst Matthew and Yura had also come through
easily winning their singles and doubles.
The final and progression through to the National quarter-finals,
hung in the balance as the Golding brothers once again held centre
stage in a shorter replay of the doubles match that they had just
comprehensively lost. This time the winner would be decided on a
first to 10 point tie break. Each point was agonising to watch and
with some tremendous play, John Lyon reached triple match at 9-6,
only to watch this lead slip away with some inspired play from the
older King Alfred School boys. It was a devastating loss having been
so close, but tennis matches are decided by the narrow misses and
hits on the big points.
The climax of the summer season is always played at the
Independent School's Championships at Eton. The atmosphere there
is very much like a mini Wimbledon and the boys always enjoy their
time there. It was always going to be tough to match the final berth
achieved last year by Alex and Avinash, but the mood was still
optimistic, despite being without Stuart Childs who was away in
Uganda on World Expedition. The senior team, seeded number 4
this year, advanced to the quarter-finals of the Youll Cup beating
Malborough School and Bristol Grammar School.Avinash Murthy
had to win two deciding singles rubbers after each team had been
tied at one match all. Matthew Lee and Yura Bolatov almost won
their doubles matches but just came up short each time against
older and more experienced opponents. John Lyon faced the 5th
seeded Hampton School in the quarter-finals, but we were
comprehensively beaten.
The Golding brothers teamed up in the Under 15 Thomas Bowl
Cup to knock off Solihull in the round of 32 in a straight sets
victory, but were trounced by Loughborough Grammar School in
the round of 16. Hassan Mohammed and Bertie Atkinson also won
a couple rounds before falling in the last 16.
The John Lyon school tennis team should once again be proud
of their achievements. All of the boys show tremendous enthusiasm
and have a sense of fun and commitment. I have really enjoyed
taking the tennis teams and there is real promise on the horizon as
the current group of players in years 7 and 8 show a lot of potential
with talents like Taha Mahmood, David Orr, Dominic Olins, Michael
Christou, Scott Wilsher, Robert Ivory and Robert Gardiner, some of
107
SPORT
t. h ,?!lyonian2t1;1 h
whom, could in due course take over the mantle of tennis success.
Finally I would like to thank Lisa Golding for helping out with all
of the matches and for booking courts at the David Lloyd club in
Bushey. The Riverside Esporta in Northwood has also been very
generous in allowing boys from John Lyon to play tennis regularly at
the club on Monday evenings. I look forward to the 2006/2007
tennis season.
Dom Roy (Head ofTennis)
Sports Day 2006
This athletics season has seen a large number of new school
records, with John Lyon athletes producing some fine individual and
team performances over the term. In the Harrow Championships
the colts section (4th and 5th years) were extremely successful with
Sonny Flynn's 3rd in the 200m, Louis Laver's 3rd in the 800m, Oliver
Harrison's runners up spot in the triple jump, Chris Stupack's 2nd in
the discus and Kwasi Yeboah's 2nd in the shot putt being some of
the highlights. The juniors (2nd and 3rd years) were just as
competitive with Nathan Grant 2nd in the 200m in a new school
record, Louis Lo 2nd in the triple jump, Luke Kings 2nd in the
1500m and Ashish Raithatha runner up in the javelin continuing our
success at the championships. Sonny, Oliver, Chris, Kwasi, Matthew
Barker and Louis along with Nathan, Ash and Luke, were all selected
to represent Harrow in the County championships. This was a
record number of athletes selected from John Lyon.
The School also competes in the Harrow athletics league
meetings which allow for a number of boys to compete and try to
improve upon their personal bests.The most noticeable performance was that of Matthew Henry whose time of I 1.7 for the lOOm
set a new junior school record. Matthew went on to anchor the
relay team to a new school record of 47.9 with Nathan Grant,Joe
Cumberbatch and Louis Lo. With all four boys in different Houses
the junior relay promised to be one of the highlights of the day.
Sports Day 2006, on Wednesday 5th July, managed to be the one
wet day in an otherwise blazingly hot
week. We were at the track for the
heats in the morning, and enjoyed a
very good session of athletics. As
last year, the boys very much enjoyed
running on the Harrow track and its
all weather capability stood up well
to the intermittent showers that
dogged the morning.
In the afternoon the whole
school came down for the finals, but
with the sky looking increasingly
ominous and distant rumbles of
thunder the meeting had to be
abandoned after about an hour, so
that the boys could get under cover
before the heavens opened, and they
did!
As always, many thanks to Mr
Jones and the PE staff for a very well
organised programme of events and
we do hope we have a better day
next year so that we can really see
some of this elite squad of athletes
put through their paces.
Adam Jones and Kate Wickson
108
Sports day results
Oldfield
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
Norwood
Moore
Vaughan
Butler
71
63.5
60
59
Butler
Vaughan
Norwood
Moore
135
122.5
119.5
112
Norwood
Vaughan
Butler
Moore
137.5
131
127
124.5
Vaughan
Butler
Norwood
Moore
87.5
83.5
46.5
37
Juniors
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
Colts
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
Seniors
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
School records
Colts
Juniors
Oldfield
Oldfield
Oliver Harrison
Matthew Henry
Matthew Henry
Ash Raithatha
Kanyin Fagade
Sam Horsley
Winning Archery Team from 2006
lOOm
lOOm
high jump
javelin
long jump
High Jump
11.5 secs
11.5 sec
1.51m
29.81m
4.20m
1.24m
•
e
thelyonian2006
Meah Shearilll aO ne Hundred Gates"
(All wording in bold is in the glossary)
A dry Sahara wind circled around the room oozing
its scent. The room shuddered acknowledging the
present task. A layer of dust, accumulated from the
previous Pesach, swept through the apartment
capturing all objects and leaving them tainted.
He sat in his room on a chair looking through the
hardened dust of the window pane. He could
distinctly make out the scurry of people preparing
for the Sabbath. The light glared down as if to
punch the Hassidims as they swayed frantically in
their own direction preparing for the Sabbath.
Few people stirred in his house. It was empty. His
father was out scurrying through the streets of
Meah Shearim trying to find what he needed. He
wiped his brow with the arm of his suit abrasively
and made sure his tallit was tucked in beneath his
heavy cloth jacket. He whipped out his blue and
white checkered handkerchief and blew his nostril
which was dripping because of the hot moist air.
He studied the decrepit book, cobwebbed with dust
entangling the meaning in a pale sickening shadow.
The book whined as it turned a hardened page.
He left the house and walked underneath the
overbearing sign saying, ":-r.,'ON ~'n:-r:" through
the gate. A musky scent of roast chicken and challa
swept the air enticing the family home. In one arm
he carried the restraining Shulchan Aruch and in
the other a small list detailing the needed products.
The list was intricate to accommodate the growing
number of Michal visiting his house to study. He
walked along the street where he would normally
ride his bike in the morning and then go and study
the Talmud in the afternoon. He was a Cohen and
studied hard to become a rabbi.
The butcher's shop was packed and he had to
squeeze cautiously to get through the swann of
sweat-ridden hassidims urgently scavenging for
chickens to be thrown into the oven when they got
home in time to eat. He look at the ground trying to
see rabbis with their suit trousers in their socks as
to find his Polish clan. An ann grabbed around him
as if to engulf and devour him. "Herzl", a deep
Polish accent said. It was his rabbinic teacher. His
hand clutched the hat to his chest as he coughed.
"What are you doing here?" Herzl found this
deeply aggravating as there was only one reason
for being in a butcher's shop, He would hardly
want to stay there for long, among the curtains of
dry cows skewered by ropes in the other room.
"Brestlitovsk, Mr Brestlitovsk" called the butcher,
slumping a chicken, wrapped in "the Jerusalem
Post", onto the counter. Herzl paced to the counter
quickly and gathered the chicken feeling nauseous
due to the smell of sweat and toil. Herzl stumbled
onto the stone paved cracked road and coughed.
Herzl ran home listening to the sway and scratch of
his trousers against his thighs. He could feel a red
raw burning sensation yet kept on running. When
he arrived home, there was no one there. He threw
the chicken into the sink and poured the hot water
over it. The boiling water battered the chicken's
skin and it wrinkled as if it was an old person's
skin being stretched. He looked up at the clock. It
was four 0' clock, only two hours until the Sabbath
came in. He knelt onto his knee wiping the desert
of dust. He pulled out a trough and threw the
chicken in, the wing snapped vigorously. The
chicken lay there helplessly as the water pounded it
into submission until eventually the broth was full.
Herzl threw some salt and herbs in and slid the
trough across the sink onto the gas hob and turned
it on. The lid was placed on like a stone setting
allowing the chickens and the water's flavours to
entangle themselves eventually involuntarily
becoming one.
Herzl heard the door slam shut six times as the
family ran in. Undisturbed by the raft of penguins
waddling into the room, Herzl stood there mixing
the trough watching the water slowly become
opaque and mysterious. Herzl's mother pushed him
aside and entered a cabinet sliding the door open
preciously with satisfaction and removing
109
thelyonian2006
delicately a white clean cloth which she unfolded
and placed on top of the wooden, chipped and
scarred table. She went up to Herzl and kissed his
cheek softly, spreading colour through his olive
skin, reviving his bones. Herzl crossed the room to
the polished cupboard and pulled out the kiddish
cup full of inscriptions on the silver. It shimmered
in the dust-covered room like a bright light. The
light danced on the coloured pebbles. This cup had
been handed down from generation to generation,
an antique which embodied the values of tradition.
He placed it carefully, cradling the cup in front of
his father's place sliding the kiddish wine carefully
into the cup to provide a vibrant red.
The plates lay there glistening as the chicken
wheezed in the background. His father entered the
room upright, a man with a pot belly and a beard
full of as many grey hairs as scriptures in the bible.
He scratched his head under his kippah and walked
over to Herzl kissing him on both cheeks. All six,
sat down including Herzl. The chairs slid blissfully
across the floor. Herzl's father stood up and started
the prayers, singing melodically ""WW:'T Cl'.,,, The
air sighed relief as it heard the calm melodic
mantras of generations. It soothed the soul and
covered up the dust spreading to all four corners. A
white blossom wrapped itself around the house as
if a bride. In the background the mantras could be
heard all over the road as people sang overlapping
each other, spreading all over the city forgiving
people's sins and laying to rest worry and past
disappointments. Herzl's father chimed with the
cacophony of the Sabbath ''c''~17:'T ,~~" In the
background of the chimes of life a hollow bang
was heard spreading shattered glass. Yet the black
reality of the bomb was covered with the spiritual
organs of life protecting the quaint village of "one
hundred gates".
110
Glossary
Meah Shearim - City on outskirts of Jerus,,'
preserving old religious Jewish traditions. T
into English means one hundred gates.
Hassidims - Ultra-orthodox Jews wearing f
top hats with sidebums wrapped around thei
ts and
:'T"ON tQ'":'T:: - This translated means "is stn. .y
forbidden". However, in context it is a sign sclying
" entrance for women dressed immodestly tourists and
groups is strictly forbidden.".
Shulchan Aruch - A guide to the Jewish law.
Michal - Orthodox woman over thirty living in a large,
religious city.
Cohen- One of the scattered twelve tribes of Israel.
Traditionally, the tribe where males become rabbis.
Kiddish - Service centered around rituals such as the
drinking of wine.
"CI"~17:'T '~~"- Means "you give us a heritage" It is a
prayer in the Sabbath service.
'thelyonian2006
INTERVIEW: Mr Phillip Matthews
So, what car do you drive?
It's a little Vauxhall Corsa; I've had it about a year. It's not
bad, a nice little runner, quite economical, keeps the wife
happy. (laughs)
young people. It keeps me younger than some of my friends
who aren't in the profession; gives me a few more grey hairs
and wrinkles as well but it's worth it in my opinion.
What do you wish you'd never worn?
What do you do if you have time to
yourself?
I once went with a friend to a club in
Cornwall because he said that his
mate was having a themed party and
that the theme was star wars. It was
about six years ago so we both went
into town; got changed and I went as
Darth Maul and my friend went as
C3PO. We turned up at the club and
... it wasn't fancy dress. We walked
around town all night but we got into
clubs for free but it was embarrassing
having kids running up and having their
pictures taken with me and asking for
an autograph.
Sit in the garden and do some
thinking probably. I like to think when
I have a spate five minutes; I'm quite a
laid back person.
What are you good at, but people
wouldn't guess you were?
Rugby I reckon. I retired from it about
two or three years ago; I used to play
it in Hong Kong and Japan when I was
there.
What would you say you are very bad
at?
So what would you say 0/1 your money
goes on?
Rent probably. I just moved to the area
to check out all the property and I
might buy a place permanently later on
Geography? No, football probably. I'm
absolutely hopeless at it.
Could you name a book that's changed
you?
I can't say there is a book that's changed me really. I read
from time to time but I'm not really a big reader so no, I
can't think of a specific novel.
What would you say is your favourite movie?
I quite like sci-fi movies actually. Anything with blood and
guns and guts in it would be fine. I'm not into all that
romantic stuff really. I quite liked Independence Day because a
bit of escapism is good in every day life.
Would you say that you comfort eat, and if so what is your
favourite comfort food?
Comfort eating? Well I really do love most British puddings
like jam roly-poly, bread and butter pudding; all the old
school favourites. To be honest though I rarely eat cake and
sweet stuff, if it's bought for me I'll eat it, but my wife and I
rarely buy those sorts of things, we're quite health
conscious.
When you were a child, what did you want to be?
I think a fireman or a doctor perhaps. I liked the sound of
the engines and other noisy things but I decided to be a
teacher in the end. I spent many years trying to escape from
it but I always knew I'd end up here in the end. I taught for a
while in Hong Kong and Japan and I taught in the Czech
Republic. I enjoy working in the classroom; working with
down the line.
It's not fashionable but you like?
Slightly older styles of clothing I think; like tweed jackets
even though I'm about thirty years too young for some of
them.
What would you say is the shop that you can't walk past?
Quite a few of the shops on Saville Row because I feel quite
sick if I go inside and have a look at some of the prices.
What is your favourite work of art?
I don't really have a favourite piece of art but I have a lot of
old maps, being a geographer. Some of them are 17th
century, 16th century, 15th century; quite a collection. I
suppose I like Asian art as well, wood carvings and those
sorts of things.
What would you say the soundtrack of your life was?
Err, Mission Impossible I think; lots of the things I have to do
during the day seem impossible at times.
And finally, what would you say was the best invention ever.
Probably the television because when my wife is going on at
me I always have something else to listen to instead and I
always have an excuse as to why I haven't heard her (laughs).
Interview by Andrew Watters
III
ACHIEVEMENT
University Entrance 2006
Ibrahim Abu-Abdo, Medicine, East Anglia
james Matthams, Medicine, Clare College, Cambridi:,
Ahmed AI-Naher, Medicine, St George's
Anthony McCarthy, Sports Science, St Mary's
Yousif AIi, Medicine, Cardiff
Ishil Mehta, Sociology, Nottingham
Daniel Artus, Theology, Regent's Park, Oxford
Amit Mistry, Mechanical Engineering, Imperial
Freddie Atkjnson, Art and Design Foundation,
Central St Martin's
Rishi Mistry, Accounting and Finance, Warwick
Gagandeep Aulja, Law, UCL
Tharshan Baskaran, Economics, Birmingham
jonathan Mizler, Music, Royal Holloway
Daniel Morris, Geography, Durham 2007
Michael Berryman, Law, Wad ham College, Oxford
Steven Palmer, English, Communication and Society,
Nottingham Trent
Daniel Brett, Philosophy, York
Mitesh Parikh, Chemical Engineering, Nottingham
Paul Burke, Music, Worcester College,Oxford
Arjun Patel, Dentistry, Birmingham
Ram Chawla, Aeronautical Engineering, Imperial
jaysil Patel, Psychology, City
Vincent Chung, Physics, Imperial
Parit Patel, PPE, Warwick
Sanal Das, Electronic Engineering, King's College, London
Shamil Patel, Dentistry, Birmingham
Niral Desai, Medicine, Birmingham
Sam Pickering, History,York
jenk Elkiner, Civil Engineering, Nottingham
Daniel Pugsley, Music with Computer Sound Design,
Surrey 2007
Shyaam Gohil, MORSE, Warwick
Chris Grover, Physics and Astronomy, Nottingham
Stefan Hargreaves, Music, St Peter's College, Oxford
Narin Hengrung, Natural Sciences,
Clare College, Cambridge
Suney Hindocha, Economics, Trinity College, Cambridge
jack Hobbs, Physics, Balliol College, Oxford
james Irwin, Art Foundation, Central St Martin's
Gareth james, Psychology, Exeter
Amandeep johal, Law, Reading
David jones, Politics, Nottingham 2007
Rishi joshi, Philosophy, Nottingham
Saad Quraishy, Accounting and Finance, Bath
David Raspin, Geography, UCL 2007
Bhavin Raval, Banking and Finance, Birmingham
Callum Reid, Music, Surrey 2007
Vikash Seth,Accounting, Finance and Management,
Nottingham
Bhavik Shah, History, Manchester
Khilan Shah, Dentistry, Birmingham
Meer Shah, Linguistics and Psychology, Lancaster
Prateek Shah, Economics, Manchester 2007
Gap Year placement with KPMG
Shivraj Sharma, Physics, Southampton 2007
Arun jothinath, Economic History and Economics,
Manchester
Ben Shave, History and Politics, Warwick
Alykhan Kassam, Management Sciences, LSE
Ravi Sodha, Modern Language Studies, Nottingham
Alastair Kidner, Accounting and Finance, Exeter
Sam Steel, Mechanical Engineering, Nottingham
jinhan Kim, Mathematics, UCL
Faizal Vankalwala, Medicine, St George's
Kunal Kotecha, Biomedical Science, Kings College, London
Krishna Vicknakumaran, Biomedical Science, St George's
Nathan Langford, Physics, Southampton
Tony Xiao, Chemistry, UCL
Amol Lotlikar, Medicine, King's College, London
112
I
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i