Autumn 2015 - Christ`s Hospital

THE
OLD BLUE
AUTUMN 2015
POIGNANT MEMORIES AT OBs’ DAY
CONTENTS
Old Blues past and present were honoured
throughout Old Blues’ Day on Saturday
12 September. After the chapel service,
a wreath was laid at the war memorials
outside Dining Hall to honour Old Blues
who fell in both World Wars. Later, Joshua
Leakey VC (ThA/GrW 99-06) received a
standing ovation when presented with
his young achievers Old Blues Special
Recognition Award (OBSRA) – see page 10.
In accepting his OBSRA for commitment
to CH – which has included the donation of
funds to refurbish the science labs – Chris
Buggé (PrepB/MaB 56-63) paid tribute to
the example set by Jack Doyle (PrepB/MdA
40-48), by whose generosity the Design and
Technology School has been modernised.
James Hooper (MaB/GrE 98-05) was
unable to collect his young achievers
award, due to being on the fourth One Mile
Closer cycle ride – see page 9. His parents
attended on his behalf and his father, Dan,
explained more of James’s achievements,
physical and mental challenges, and his
humility throughout. Posthumous awards
are not made, but the family of Steve Webb
(PrepA/ColA 60-69) was presented with a
framed citation of his work for the School,
which his brother, John, said was a pleasure
and honour to receive.
Other 2015 award winners were Sir John
Daniel (PrepA/MdA 52-61) and Terry Bate
(ColA 45-51) for achievement in a chosen
career; Kathleen Duncan (née Dale 3s/5s
56-65) for commitment to CH; Irene Rigold
(7s 38-46) and Mike Stock (PrepA/PeA 43-50)
CHOBA NEWS
1-4, 16
Old Blues’ Day, Hertford artefacts, review
of 2014-15, careers advice, history of CH
in Ware, Great War memorial tour, Beating
Retreat 2015
Tribute: Keith Lugton (MdA 53-60) lays a wreath
outside Dining Hall
for community engagement and leadership;
and Catherine Higham (née Ennis 6s 65-71)
for excellence in the arts.
At Chapel, the Revd Stephen Golding
paid tribute to Sydney Carter (PeB 2633), the centenary of whose birth falls this
year. He spoke of Carter’s hymn “The Lord
of the Dance”, sung at the service, of its
irrepressible joy and rejoicing no matter
what life brings. Choir and congregation
also sang with enthusiasm the Foundation
Hymn, words by A W Upcott (Staff 02-19),
to the tune Middleton, by R Wilkinson (Staff
02-29); and “How Shall I Sing that Majesty”
to the tune Coe Fen, by Ken Naylor (Staff
80-86).
In Court Room, Max Rosen (LaB, 3rd
form, son of Buffy Breakwell (ColA 87-94))
gave a mature and enjoyable performance
of Elegiac Blues, by Constant Lambert (ColA
15-22), under the portrait of young Lambert
in full Housey. Violinist Miriam Briggs (GrE)
and pianist Jeremy Chan (PeA, Deps), who
Continued on page 2
REUNIONS
4-7
Gatherings in the UK and across the globe
UPDATES
7-11
News collected from the media, Old Blues,
friends and families
CREATIVE
11-12
Artistic, dramatic, musical and published
OBs
SPORT
12-13
Cruising and sailing, football, golf, netball
and rugby
REMEMBERING
13-15
Obituaries of Old Blues and CH Staff
Honour: left to right: Chairman of the Board of School Governors Mike Hiard (ColB/BaA 70-77) with Steve Webb’s brother, John; Chris Buggé; Kathleen Duncan;
James Hooper's parents with (centre) Robin Carey (PeB 45-54), who collected the OBSRA for Mike Stock
1
CHOBA NEWS
Christ’s Hospital Old Blues Association
@CHOldBlues
CONTINUING LINK
CELEBRATION OF ART AND SCIENCE
In the past academic year, we were
privileged to have three talented Grecians
working with CHOBA. Their
skills in hosting Old Blue
visitors and conducting
tours were invaluable at our
onsite reunions.
Mhairi Bartlett (BaB/
GrE 08-15) was swimming
captain and a school
council representative.
She is now studying
physiotherapy at Brunel University.
Henry Carter (MdA/GrW 08-15) was
easily recognisable as one of the senior
drum majors – he is pictured leading
the band to
Guildhall on St
Matthew’s Day
last year.
Louise Mathias
(ThB/GrW 0815) completed
the trio. The
most successful
female fives
player in the
sport’s history,
her recordbreaking
performances
won her all four singles titles — U13 in 2010,
U14 in 2011, U16 in 2013 and U18 in 2015.
She was also head of Schola Cantorum
(the senior chamber choir), leader of the
chamber orchestra and senior cadet of the
CCF’s army section. She is now reading
medicine at the University of Bristol.
We look forward to seeing them at
CHOBA events as Old Blues.
Just 24 hours after the hottest July day on
record, the OB Business Network (OBBN)
and Cipi Ilie (MaA/GrE 99-01) welcomed Old
Blues and Grecians to a much cooler event.
On display at Cipi’s gallery Frameless,
in Clerkenwell, London, were works of art
by Grecians, enthusiasts, established artists
and CH Head of Art Paul Deller (LHA/MaA/
PeB 78-85). CP Snow – he of the lecture on
the cultural divide between science and the
arts – would have been reassured by the
numerous works of chemist Imogen Dawe
(LHA/GrE 08-15).
The evening was given to recognise and
promote the huge variety of artistic talent
that CH has fostered over the years. It was
sad that, due to space constraints, only a
small proportion of work submitted could
be shown. It is hoped, however, that this will
become a regular event. If you would like
to exhibit or attend future hangings, please
contact Richard Pearey (BaB/PeB/LaA 71-78)
or the OBBN via LinkedIn or the CHOBA
office.
Cool display:
a range of
works were
on show at
Cipi Ilie’s
gallery
Frameless in
London
POIGNANT MEMORIES AT OBs’ DAY
Continued from page 1
had only been at CH for a few weeks, also
showed great talent and musicality.
The 30th anniversary of the closure
of the Girls’ School was marked by an art
and literature display (below, right), coordinated by Jo Sidebottom (5s 67-75),
Head of Art Paul Deller (LHA/MaA/PeB
78-85) and Howard Holdsworth (MaA/MdB
66-73, Staff 92-present). Old Girls and former
Head Mistress Elizabeth Tucker (Staff 72-82)
enjoyed identifying friends and themselves
in the photos. There was also a steady flow
of Old Blues to the Museum where the Great
War Exhibition was on display alongside the
main collections.
Regular features of Old Blues’ Day – the
Band Parade with March Past, visits to the
Boarding Houses and sports matches – were
enhanced with opportunities to tour the
new Language and Resource Centre (LARC)
and a pupil forum in Grecians West.
Numbers to this, the first Old Blues’ Day
in the Michaelmas term, were on a par with
those of last April, and the sun shone. If you
have any feedback, do pass this on to the
CHOBA Board. Thanks are due to CHOBA
and development co-ordinator Gina Skillings
for all her work for the day.
ARTEFACTS ON DISPLAY AT HERTFORD
THE OLD BLUE BY
POST OR EMAIL
The CHOBA Board hopes you enjoy
receiving The Old Blue through the
post. If you would prefer to receive the
publication by email only, and access
news and information online, please
contact Margaret Wadman or Gina
Skillings at the CHOBA office by email to
[email protected]. Please
do, of course, ensure the CHOBA office
has up-to-date contact details for you.
2
THE OLD BLUE
Mayor of Hertford Chantal Geall (2s 77-84) opened a display of Christ’s
Hospital artefacts at Chauncy Court sheltered accommodation on 16 March.
The Grade II listed accommodation is located on the site of the girls’ school,
the road now named Bluecoats Avenue. It retains many original features
including a coat of arms in the marble floor of the entrance hall, a spiral
staircase in the main building and the clock tower.
Chantal is pictured left at the opening with her
mother, Jill Geall, Mayor of Hertford from 1981
to 1982, and the bust of Sir Harry Vanderpant,
Mayor of the City of Westminster from 1937 to
1938 and benefactor to CH Hertford.
The history of the Victorian wall clock in the Dining Hall
at Hertford from 1879 to 1985 (pictured, above right) and its
benefactor, Almoner and Governor B A Willcox, can be read at:
http://email.sunsetdesign.co.uk/t/y-l-ihcity-l-a/.
Old Blues
CHOBA NEWS
CHOldBlues
CHOBA CHAIRMAN’S REVIEW OF 2014-2015 ACTIVITY
Andrew Howgego (BaA/ThA 70-78) highlights some of the CHOBA events this past year
This year marks 30 years since the closure of the girls’ school at
Hertford, an event significant in so many ways for the girls who
attended the School. This means we now have 30 years’ of male
and female Old Blues who have the left the co-educational site in
Horsham. To mark the anniversary, Hertford Old Blues and current
pupils contributed to an art project, with creative writing, that
records memorabilia and reminiscence from the girls’ school, and
was on display on Old Blues’ Day.
We reported in the Spring 2015 issue that plans were finalised to
commemorate Old Blues who died in the Great War. Two Old Blues
were instrumental in ensuring that Old Blues were duly remembered
– David Miller (LaB
48-55) and Peter
Bloomfield (PrepA/
PeB 44-51). A tour was
made in May – see
page 16. I pay tribute
to them both for their
dedication to this task.
Two key CHOBAorganised events
continue to be Old
Blues’ Day, now moved
to the Michaelmas
Term, which we hope
you have just enjoyed,
and the Carol Concert.
For a second year,
this will be held at St
Stephen Walbrook, London – see page 7 for details. Do continue to
send your feedback on both these events to Margaret Wadman and
Gina Skillings in the CHOBA office.
One area we have been developing greatly is our careers
service, with Old Blues involved in several ways. The CHOBA office
maintains a database of willing volunteers and co-ordinates requests
for help that come from Old Blues of all ages via the CHOBA
website or other sources. Career-sector groups, including the legal
group, meet regularly to promote networking opportunities between
legal professionals at any stage of their career. Other groups,
including the Old Blues’ Business Network, organise gatherings
such as an art event – see page 2 – and a careers event in London. In
addition, Old Blues are giving talks to current pupils at the request
of the School – see below.
What is important to the continued success of each of these
activities is the selfless commitment of time that many people make.
There is always more that could be done – perhaps differently or
better. If any Old Blue wishes to be involved in any aspect of these
activities, the common link is the CHOBA office. Margaret Wadman
and Gina Skillings co-ordinate events and
are administrators for the Old Blue groups.
Alternatively, contact the Old Blues or OBBN
Facebook pages or LinkedIn groups.
Finally, we are formulating ideas within the
CHOBA Board to improve ways in which we
interact with members and can better serve
members’ needs; and to make clearer how the
CHOBA Board is accountable to members.
It will also make transparent the process that
the Board follows when seeking to elect or reelect members to the Board.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Do you know an Old Blue who we have lost
touch with? Would you like to get involved?
Take-off: CH is now
pictured on platform
two at Gatwick Airport
railway station. Old
Blues passing through
have been pleasantly
surprised by the mural
of the band
• Offer your experience to the careers
network
• Organise an event
• Support CH
To find out more, please contact the
CHOBA / Development Office on
01403 247665 / 247588
OLD BLUES INSPIRE GE AND DEPS IN A WIDE RANGE OF CAREERS
With GCSE and AS exams completed,
the GE and Deputy Grecians were given
an induction to the year ahead and future
careers on 22 June.
Old Blues from several decades and
covering a diverse range of careers – from
university lecturers to TV producers, and
solicitors and financiers to an osteopath
and chartered surveyor – gave talks and
presentations to small groups throughout
the morning in familiar venues. Head of
Classics Edward Hatton (MdB/MdA 92-99)
also spoke about a career in education and
teaching.
It is the first time CHOBA has supported
careers-training for these cohorts; giving
pupils a choice of talks and presentations to
attend was successful.
Thanks are due to Eddie Clarke (LHB/
PeB 70-77), Chris Kelly (MdB 75-82), Tom
Godfrey (LHA/MdB 77-83), Alex “Accy”
Yeats (LHA/MdA 79-87), Jennifer Sands (7s/
BaA 84-91), Ed Turner (MdB 88-95), Dan
Hanrahan (MdB/MdA/ThA 91-98), Sian
Brace (ColA 92-99), Theo Usherwood (MdB
92-99),Tom Richardson (ThB/GrW 97-04),
Tracey Abayeta (GrW 02-04), Sam Adelaja
(PeB/PeA/GrW 98-05), Jasmine Boadi (ColA/
GrW 02-09), Golda Hagan (LHA/GrE 02-09)
and Michelle Hagan (BaA/GrE 04-11).
AUTUMN 2015
3
CHOBA NEWS/REUNIONS
Christ’s Hospital Old Blues Association
@CHOldBlues
MUSEUM TEAM INVESTIGATES CH HISTORY IN WARE
In April, a group of CH Museum volunteers visited
Ware, in Hertfordshire, where CH had links from at
least 1564 to 1900. The school sent young children
there to be fostered, until they were ready to attend
CH in London.
After the Great Fire in 1666, more children went
to Ware; the School purchased Place House, which
it used as a boys’ school from 1684 to 1761, and
owned until 1900. CH built a row of ten cottages next
to Place House, each fostering up to a dozen boys.
In 1975, Place House, parts of which date back to
the 14th century, was acquired and restored by the
Hertfordshire Preservation Trust. The ten cottages
survive as privately owned accommodation.
20 Years On
The walled yard, in which Place House and the
cottages stand, is known as Bluecoat Yard. The chair
of the Trust, Dorothy Abel Smith, showed the group
around Place House, and they were welcomed into
one of the cottages by its owner.
The story of Place House and the Bluecoat
children has been meticulously researched and
published. The book’s cover shows the statue of the
Bluecoat Boy which used to guard the entrance to
Bluecoat Yard before being placed on the front of
the Hertford School Hall, returning to Ware after
Hertford’s closure. It sits inside Place House, its former
place in a niche outside Bluecoat Yard being taken by
a new statue of a Bluecoat Boy, carved in elm in 1985.
60 YEARS ON
More details: Violet
Rowe's book, or visit www.
placehousehall.org
CH, 18 MARCH 2015
It was a rare sunny day in early spring when
leavers of 1954/55 enjoyed a visit to CH. The
morning offered a Classics lesson taught by
Assistant Head Marlene Fleming or a tour
of the museum. After lunch Grecians West
and Coleridge B opened their doors for
house visits, with the young ladies acting
as excellent tour guides, answering many
questions.
We received some excellent feedback
after the event. “It all proceeded very gently
(as suited us!) and gave a good balance of
interesting activities in which to participate,
and current staff and pupils to talk with.”
“We were made very welcome, and
given an informative and interesting insight
into school life today. It was an enjoyable
day and, although there were only three
Hertford girls present, we managed to share
many memories.”
“Moments with old friends were
also useful, and it may have opened up
opportunities for us to meet again.”
“It was a most informative day, very
enjoyable, and brought back many
memories, meeting contemporaries I had
not seen for 60 years.”
“The catering was excellent and a far cry
from what we were fed in our Housey days!”
“The photographic display was an
excellent reminder of how we looked in our
youth!”
60 Years On
20 YEARS ON
LONDON, 23 APRIL 2015
The 20 Years On reunion was a lively drinks
reception at the National Gallery Café,
attended by 28 Old Blues. French teacher
and Coleridge B housemaster Andrew
Phillips spoke about CH life today and the
changes since 1994/95.
OBs enjoyed the evening: “It was great
to see people I hadn’t seen for two decades
and catch up with old school friends. I
appreciate the effort that was put in to
organising the event and thank you for a
very enjoyable evening.”
“It was an amazing atmosphere.”
Leavers of 1990 & 1991
LEAVERS OF 1990 & 1991
An impromptu gathering of the Class of
1990 and 1991 was held at Bam Bou Bar,
London, to toast the (brief) return to the UK
of Daniella Wardley (née Lack 3s/BaA 84-91)
and Will Fellingham (ThB/ThA 84-91). The
group took a moment to remember Steve
Combe (LaB/LaA 83-90) and Sam Willcocks
(MdB/MdA 84-91) and their families
Pictured: seated, l-r: James Battison (LHB/
LHA 84-89), Piers Kannangara (PeB/PeA
4
THE OLD BLUE
LONDON, 3 APRIL 2015
86-91), Daniella Wardley (née Lack 3s/BaA
84-91), Hazel Coggins (7s/ColB 84-91), Sarah
Thompson (née Johnson 7s/ColB 84-91),
Eleanor Taylor (née Wilkinson 1s/BaA/LHB
84-91), Will Fellingham (ThB/ThA 84-91),
and Miranda Maguire (2s/BaB/LHB 84-91);
standing: Tasha Hunter (2s/BaB 84-91), Joe
Sillett (LHB/LHA 83-90), Bridget West (née
Dray 7s/ColB 84-91), Anna Roche (7s/BaA
84-91) and Tom Balogh (LaB/LaA 83-90).
Old Blues
REUNIONS
CHOldBlues
COLERIDGE B &
HERTFORD 1s-4s
LONDON, 17 APRIL 2015
Oxfordshire
OXFORDSHIRE
16 MAY 2015
A group of 14 – Old Blues and spouses – and two dogs set out from Cumnor village for a
four-mile walk to the River Thames. There was much reminiscing and many tales from the
past en route and over a pub lunch. The walkers were: Bob Brindle (ThA 43-50), Daphne
Brindle, John Evans (PrepB/MaB 51-59), Julia Glowdansky (1s/2s 64-70), James Greig (PaA/
BaA 79-85), Bee Hillier, Richard Hillier (PrepA/ColA 50-58), Brian Hook (LaA 44-52), Jill Hook,
Lesley McGregor, Richard McGregor (PrepA/MaB 48-57), Roger Steggles (ThA 54-60), Cathy
Steiner (3s 65-71) and Peter Vezey (ColB 58-65).
PEELE B
YORKSHIRE
LONDON, 28 MAY 2015
The 20th Peele B annual lunch was held at the Union Jack Club, near
Waterloo Station in London. A total of 27 were in attendance, the
eldest being Pat Field (PeB 37-44). At the end of an enjoyable meal,
Peter Bloomfield (PeB 44-51) gave us a brief account of the recent,
and clearly very moving, tour of the WWI battlefields – see page 16.
The last stragglers left the Club at about 6.30pm.
If you would like to join us, or wish to purchase a Peele B tie,
please contact Ken Mansell.
Ken Mansell (PeB 53-61) [email protected]
United:
Peele B Old
Blues don
their house
ties for the
20th annual
lunch
30 YEARS ON
Recent Old Blues and ex-pats were among
the 30 attendees at the fourth annual
lunch, held at the DoubleTree by Hilton
Hotel in Southampton Row. Coleridge B
housemaster Andrew Phillips updated us on
life in ColB in 2015, and then house captain
Stephanie Addo-Quaye read Grace after
Meat.
It was good to see Debbie “Rosh”
Wright (née Stone 1s/7s 57-66) from the
US and Tim Henderson (PrepB/ColB 50-57)
from Guernsey. We hope Helena Bewick
(ColB/GrW 08-13) and Louisa Haywood
(ColB/GrW 05-12) will return next year, with
contemporaries.
Thanks are due to founding member
and organiser Leigh Smith (ColB 53-60) who
has now stepped down.
Bruce McKenzie-Boyle (ColB 58-65),
Michael Liberman (ColB 51-59),
Heather Court (4s 72-78)
6 JUNE 2015
Margaret Wadman
Yorkshire
writes: “I was very
happy to visit my
native Yorkshire for
the weekend and
meet up with the Old
Blues at the Rudding
Park Hotel, where
managing director
Peter Banks (MaA
80-86) welcomed us
to the award-winning
venue.
“A buffet
barbeque lunch
on the patio was
followed by a Housey-style quiz, which was very amusing for
everyone. Peter thanked Megan Godden (née Fisher ColB 88-95) for
her hard work in organising the Yorkshire Old Blues’ section since
2010 as she now steps down.“
30 Years On
CH, 7 MARCH 2015
Court Room was full for this gathering of Old Blues who left
in 1984/85. Besides catching up, OBs enjoyed a tour of the art
department, a history lesson and seeing the construction of the
Language and Resource Centre (LARC) in the Science Quad.
After Band Parade and lunch, the group were able to visit
Lamb B, whose boys proved very fine hosts indeed, Grecians
East or watch the CH vs King’s School, Canterbury, football
match. Under the leadership of Head of Art Paul Deller (LHA/
MaA/PeB 78-85) and with the vocal support of the OBs, CH
secured a win.
Throughout the day, we were ably assisted by CHOBA Link
Grecians Mhairi Bartlett (BaB/GrE 08-15) and Henry Carter (MdA/
GrW 08-15) who gave an insight into the life of a CH pupil today.
AUTUMN 2015
5
REUNIONS
Christ’s Hospital Old Blues Association
HONG KONG
British Columbia: left to right: Roger Blackman
(ColB 51-58), Sir John Daniel (PrepA/MdA 52-61),
John Stanger (Col A 39-46), Anthony Sessions
(PrepA/ThA 50-55), David Taplin (LaB 50-57),
Terence Bate (ColA 45-51). Photograph by Peter
O’Boyle (MaA/GrE 03-10)
BRITISH COLUMBIA
15 APRIL 2015
The group met at the Royal Vancouver Yacht
Club where all present toasted “Housie!“,
and John Stanger read The Charge. Sir
John Daniel updated us on developments
at CH, following his recent visit to enrol
his grandson. Anthony Sessions presented
a few words on William Wales FRS and
George Vancouver. We discussed the idea
of a book on British Columbian Old Blues to
be edited by David Taplin and Terry Bate. All
BC Old Blues were invited to the Founder’s
Day Luncheon on 22 October at Terry Bate’s
house in west Vancouver.
EASTERN CANADA
6 JUNE 2015
The Eastern Canada Old Blues held their
annual lunch party in Kingston, Ontario.
The date was appropriate for our eminent
military historian Alec Douglas to recall CH
times in those boisterous end-of-war years;
the group also recognised the valour of
Joshua Leakey VC.
JANUARY, MARCH AND JUNE 2015
The Hong Kong group of Old Blues, Blues,
parents and spouses continues to grow in
number and activity.
Our first meeting this year was a curry
night at Ganga’s on 7 January, organised by
James Swatton (LaB/GrE 98-05) and Enoch
Liu (PeA/GrW 11-13). A great time was had
by all. It was brilliant to meet, for the first
time, Bella Busby (Hertford/GrW 96-03);
Mark Russell (staff 08-13), who was visiting
family in HK; young Old Blues Ming Cheung
(MdA/GrW 12-14), Yiliz Kam (BaB/GrE 1113) and David Wong (LaA/GrE 12-14); and
then Blues Tony Lam (LaB/
GrE 11-15), Jessica Ng (LHA/
GrE 11-15), Steven Wong (PeB/
GrW 12-15), Bavid Kam (LaB
11-date) and Ian Li (MdA 14date), with his parents, Leo and
Pearl.
On 28 January, the OBs
enjoyed an evening at the
Happy Valley Races, though
none made much money. The group on this occasion
included Jason Benham (MaB/
MaA 87-94), Giles Brennand
(LaB 62-70), Frank Mayes
MIDDLETON A
@CHOldBlues
(PrepB/MdA 64-70), Louise Hammond
(staff 11-13) and Sophie Lindsay (née
Gimber LHB 89-95). All were sorry to
say farewell to Ben Davey (MdB/GrW
00-07), who has been a very supportive
and enthusiastic group member since he
arrived last September; he assured us he
would be back, sooner rather than later.
The group also had a get-together on
25 March at the HK Rugby Football Club to
watch the Rugby 10s tournament, in which
Ben was playing.
On 10 June, Sophie organised a trip
CH, 2 MAY 2015
About 40 people attended the latest MdA
reunion on a sparkling day in May. We
welcomed ex-pats and others who had
travelled considerable distances to be
present. We were shown around various
aspects of the school and saw how well
everything looked.
Lunch was served in the Wakefield
Centre, known to many Old Blues as the
Scout Hut, now refurbished and a very
suitable venue. The graces were said by Sir
John Daniel and Sir John Wickerson.
Our thanks go to Matt Commander,
who has done a sterling job as housemaster
over the past few years. We wished him and
his family a successful move to Benenden,
and welcome incoming housemaster Daniel
Farnfield and his family. It was good to have
Dan’s father, Peter Farnfield (MdA 66-73),
with us on the day.
Our thanks also go to then house
captain Jed Davies, matron Anne-Marie
Davis, and Clerk Greg Andrews for their
help on the day.
Chris Pearson (MdA 42-48), Keith Lugton
(MdA 53-60), Jan de Walden (MdA 64-71)
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
22 APRIL 2015
After many attempts, a group of Old Blues based in Dubai managed an initial UAE section
get-together. A very pleasant evening was spent at The Irish Village, exchanging stories
about CH from the 1950s to the 2000s.
NEW ZEALAND
20 JUNE 2015
Eastern Canada: left to right: Mary Timms,
Cameron Cochrane (MdA 38-45), Ian Brimacombe
(LaA 40-46), Valerie Soper (1s/7s 45-53), David
Bennett (ThA 54-62), Marilyn Brimacombe,
Margaret Cochrane, Michael Morgan (ColB 40-47),
Joanne Bennett, Jane Ann Douglas, Blanche
Hinton (6s 48-54), Alec Douglas (LaA 38-47), Pat
Reynolds, Josh Reynolds (ThB 42-49), John Lupton
(MdB 40-47), David Timms (ThA 45-54)
6
THE OLD BLUE
Old Blues and their families met for another
enjoyable lunch this year. Pictured: on
the left: Peter Cox (LHA/ColA 69-74, Tony
Montford (PrepA/ThA 50-58), Colleen
Montford; on the right: Annabel Lush (6s
69-74), Marian Cox and Ellie Brade (BaA/GrE
96-03). Ellie’s partner is seated at the end,
and out of sight is their six-week-old baby
Otis.
Old Blues
REUNIONS/UPDATES
CHOldBlues
60s LEAVERS
SIR JOHN DANIEL OC
PrepA/MdA 52-61
to Lamma, a 25-minute ferry ride from all
the bustle of Hong Kong, taken up by just
a select group: James Swatton (LaB/GrE
98-05), Vicky Launchbury (LHB/GrE 00-07),
Debbie McGowan (née Rice 2s 72-80) and
Sophie, together with David Chappell (LaA
49-54) and his wife, Rebecca, who have lived
in Lamma for many years.
They were able to book The Sampan
restaurant; the food was absolutely fantastic,
especially the steamed fresh prawns! While
being the third largest of Hong Kong’s 250
islands, Lamma really is like a village, with a
population of less than 10,000.
Debbie McGowan (née Rice 2s 72-80)
Hong Kong: gatherings for curry (above) and a
night at the races (left)
EAST SURREY
OLD BLUES
18 JUNE 2015
CHOBA Officer Margaret Wadman writes:
“I visited The Old Bell, in Oxted, to meet
with the East Surrey Old Blues, always a
lively gathering. I rather disgraced myself by
knocking over my orange juice, but, always
prepared, the Old Blues opposite expertly
dodged the liquid before it landed on their
laps. I’m not sure if I will be allowed to join
them again.
“There was a good flow of conversation
over lunch, including much discussion about
the bicentenary of the Battle of Waterloo,
which took place that day.“
Sir John gave the opening lecture at the
University Presidents’ Forum held in Panama
City in April. Held in conjunction with the
Summit of the Americas, the forum was the
scene of the historic handshake between
Presidents Castro and Obama. Sir John’s
lecture was entitled “Is your university fit for
the 21st century?”
In September, he was presented with the
highest honour of the US National University
Technology Network, its distinguished
service award.
JUDY EVANS
6s 62–69
Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
examiner Dr Judy Evans presented Nobel
Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi with
a Fellowship from the College, in Myanmar
(Burma).
Judy, a plastics and cosmetic surgeon
at Plymouth’s Nuffield Hospital, was the
UK’s first female to gain the plastic surgery
specialist qualification. She is also involved
in running a support programme for medical
student electives to visit the Thai/Myanmar
border areas, for which Old Blues are given
a high priority during selection.
Award: Dr Judy Evans (second from right) with
Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi
Photo courtesy of the Royal College of Surgeons
of Edinburgh
JOHN MARTIN
PrepA/MdA 53-61
Now living in Chiclayo, in the north of Peru,
John owns and runs a hotel, La Posada
Del Ingles. Although the hotel has a 3-star
rating, there are a few economy rooms on
offer for low-budget travellers.
70s LEAVERS
RORY FARQUHARTHOMSON
BaB/ColB 71-78
Chairman of the Charity Commission for the
British Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai,
Rory was interviewed by the International
Channel Shanghai about the Chamber’s
Centenary CSR project, Bright Eyes.
For the past seven years, the company
COME AND JOIN US FOR
A CAROL CONCERT
ST STEPHEN WALBROOK, LONDON, EC4N
Tuesday 15 December 2015 at 6.30pm
St Stephen Walbrook was the only church designed by Wren in 1672, and was his
prototype for the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral. It was the first classical dome to be built
in England at the time. The church features a large altar by Henry Moore.
Enjoy the singing from the Old Blues’ Choir and join in, too. Round off the evening with
a glass of warming mulled wine, mince pies and a catch-up with friends old and new.
Tickets are available from the CHOBA office (details below) and online: www.choba.org.uk/shop.
GERMANY AND
BENELUX
Christopher Sholl (ThB 64-71) is the new
secretary of the CHOBA Germany and
Benelux Old Blues’ Section.
Based near Monchengladbach, in
western Germany, he is asking those
who are interested in becoming involved
in this section to be in touch with ideas
for meetings and events. He can be
contacted at
[email protected].
Adults: £6.00, children under 13 years: £3.00, children under 5 years: free.
Once again we are thrilled that Andrew Cleary, CH Director of Music, will be
conducting this year’s concert.
If you are interested in singing in the choir or would like to take part in the
evening, please email or telephone Margaret Wadman. The choir rehearsal
will start at 4.30pm.
CHOBA, The Counting House, Christ’s Hospital, Horsham RH13 0YP
01403 247665, [email protected], www.choba.org.uk
Registered Charity Number 306975
AUTUMN 2015
7
UPDATES
Christ’s Hospital Old Blues Association
@CHOldBlues
CARPENTER BROTHERS
Third-generation Old Blues tell of their
careers.
Iain (PrepA/LaA 60-67), left picture, is
emeritus professor of human ageing at
the University of Kent; associate director
of the Health Informatics Unit at the
Royal College of Physcians; and heads
a government-sponsored organisation
developing standards for computerised
care records for the NHS.
Keith (MaA/LaA 68-74), centre picture,
is professor at the Graduate School of Law,
Kobe University in Japan.
Michael (PrepA/LaA 64-71), right
has been supporting under-privileged
children, many of migrant workers or
farmers, in Lixin County, Anhui Province,
by refurbishing classrooms and supplying
desks, chairs and libraries. Now, through
partners, it is offering eye tests and
prescription glasses.
DAVID GREEN CB
PrepA/ThB 64-71
After 25 years of prosecuting and defending
at the Criminal Bar, David (below, left) was
appointed the first Director of Revenue
and Customs Prosecutions in April 2005.
He headed the Revenue and Customs
Prosecutions Office from its launch until the
department was merged with the Crown
Prosecution Service in January 2010.
David was called to the Bar in 1979;
appointed Recorder in 1996 and took silk
in 2000. He was
appointed CB in the
Queen’s Birthday
Honours 2011. He
returned to the
Bar in April 2011,
and was appointed
Director of the
Serious Fraud Office
on 21 April 2012.
MATTHEW OATES
LHB 63-72
Butterfly expert, author, poet and English
graduate, Matthew (above, right) moved
into the world of nature conservation and
has been working at the National Trust
since 1990. He is particularly drawn to
people’s relationships with nature, places
and seasons, and increasingly the impact of
weather on wildlife.
Matthew is well known to the media. He
has made a number of appearances on BBC
8
THE OLD BLUE
Radio 4, on Today and Shared Earth, and
has presented two short series: In Pursuit
of the Ridiculous and In Pursuit of Spring.
His TV credits include The One Show,
Springwatch and The Great British Summer
and Butterflies: A Very British Obsession.
80s LEAVERS
STEVEN HILTON
LaA 81-86
Steven’s book More Human, was published
in May by W H Allen. A “call to action…
for a more human way of living“, the
book explores solutions to the broken,
disconnected and fragmented systems
of politics, industry and education. With
case studies from across the world, Steven
encourages social action from every one
of us. His first book, Good Business, was
published in 2002.
Steven is co-founder and chief executive
of Crowdpac, a mission to give politics
back to people; a former senior adviser to
David Cameron; and a visiting professor at
Stanford University.
WILLIAM NYE LVO
LaB 78-83
Principal Private Secretary to Their Royal
Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The
Duchess of Cornwall for the past four
picture, is professor of mineralogy and
mineral physics at Cambridge University
and president of Magdalene College.
The brothers’ father was G Anthony
Carpenter (LaA 37-44) and their
grandfather George Carpenter
(LaA 09-15).
years, William Nye has been selected by
the Archbishops’ Council to be the Church
of England’s next Secretary-General and
Secretary-General of the General Synod.
He takes up the post from 1 December
2015.
William was selected unanimously
by the interviewing panel, which said
he demonstrated great commitment to
the vision of a Church which will support
future generations. He impressed with his
understanding of the challenges the Church
faces and his thinking as to how these can
be met and opportunities exploited.
William has 25 years of experience from
the Civil Service and Whitehall. Prior to his
current position, his posts have included
National Security at the Cabinet Office,
Diplomacy, Intelligence and Defence at HM
Treasury, and Arts at the Department of
Culture, Media and Sport.
MARCUS WRIGHT
LaA 80-87
For the past couple of years, Marcus has
been working as senior concept designer
at Oyster Yachts in Southampton. He is
responsible for the interior design of some
of the world’s finest sailing yachts between
47- and 115-feet long.
90s LEAVERS
HASAN AHMET
MdB/MdA 85-92
With a finish time of just
under five hours at this
year’s Brighton Marathon
on 12 April, Hasan (right)
raised money for the
Sussex Fund, a hardship
fund for students of the
University of Sussex.
Old Blues
UPDATES
CHOldBlues
Bush-craft training: UF in Shelley's Wood
CHRIS BRICKEL
PeB/PeA 90-97
Chris has now been joined by Jon Peterson
(LaB/LaA 84-91) as business manager of the
Exploration Society (ESCO), which teaches
children how to live and play outdoors.
On 11 June, Chris and Jon ran bush-craft
training on a UF Field Day. They began with
bread-making, fire-making and some woodcarving, followed by homemade burgers for
lunch, cooked on fires by small groups of
hungry pupils. With Shelley’s Wood being
ideal for games, much of the afternoon was
devoted to a complex game of Diamond
Smuggler, and its valuable lessons on the
relative merits of stealth and speed. Jon
says: “It was a pleasure to see CH children
once again enjoying all this woodland has to
offer, and we look forward to doing more in
future.”
The ESCO team also includes Mary
Clare (BaB/GrE 97-04).
BAFTA: John Keyes,far right) with members of the
production team
JOHN KEYES
MdB/MdA 91-98
As production manager at ITN Productions,
John had great success with Children on the
Frontline, broadcast on Channel 4 last year.
The documentary, about children living in
the midst of the war in Syria, won a BAFTA
and many other awards. Voiceover for the
programme was James D’Arcy (Simon
D’Arcy LaB/LaA 84-91) – see page 11.
He writes: “Becoming a priest in the
Church of England is a long and careful
process, of which the two years I will spend
at Westcott House are the last stage. My
own calling has been growing for more
than five years and has been influenced by
a great many mentors I have had along the
way.”
Joshua, who married Leah in September
2014, expects to be ordained at Petertide
2017 in Derby. He is writing a blog about his
calling, http://dominequovado.wordpress.
com.
HARRY
DOYNE-DITMAS
LaA/GrE 99-06
SAMUEL & THOMAS
CURTIN
MdA/GrW 95-02; PeB/GrW 95-03
In late Spring 2015, Sam and Tom (above) –
who are both living in Australia – completed
the Ironman Asia-Pacific Championship,
Melbourne. The race of great endurance
comprises a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike
and a 26.2-mile run.
The twins had planned to complete the
race last year in South Africa, where Sam
was working, but just before the race he
broke his ribs and was unable to compete. It
was a bitter pill to swallow as they had spent
three months sticking to the same training
programme – despite being on different
continents. However, their dream has now been
realised and they were not only racing for
themselves but raised money for Save the
Children, a charity for which Tom’s wife
works in Sydney.
In the past they have raised money for
various cancer charities after losing their
father to the disease when they were 17.
While crossing the finish line was the
main goal for them both, where they
finished in relation to each other was also
high on the agenda. After a swim with a
one-second difference, Tom finished in
just over 13.5 hours with Sam coming in
an hour later. 00s LEAVERS
SPENCER DAVIS
JOSHUA BELL
MdB/GrW 06-08
PeA/GrW 02-09
At the end of last year, Spencer left a
managerial position in the City of London
and founded a software development
agency. Having had experience working
for international clients, such as the
London Stock Exchange, GlaxoSmithKline
Joshua has been selected to train for
ordained ministry in the Church of England,
and is now studying at Westcott House,
Cambridge.
and Universal, Hyper’s focus is to adopt
emerging technologies and offer these to
enterprise customers.
From existing solutions such as
application and mobile development, to
more advanced offerings (those that employ
virtual reality and artificial intelligence),
Hyper seeks to become a leading software
development agency and pioneer in these
fields.
Insurance company JLT (Jardine Lloyd
Thompson) has created a new regional
credit, political and security risk hub in the
UAE, which Harry is now leading from his
base in Dubai. He works closely with other
company hubs, in London and Asia, to
structure and arrange solutions for financial
institutions, trading companies, major
corporations and public sector clients.
TIM GAUNTLETT &
JAMES HOOPER
MaB/GrE 01-08; MaB/GrE 98-05
Since 2009, the One Mile Closer team
(pictured below), led by Tim and James,
has completed three major cycle rides in
memory of Tim’s brother Rob (MaB/GrE
98-05) and James Atkinson (MaB/GrE 99-05),
who died while climbing the French Alps in
January 2009.
This year, in its aim to raise money for
education, to remember loved ones and to
inspire young people to take up adventure,
the team headed to Korea in September.
Pedalling from Yeosu in the south, following
the east coast to Taebaek, and then finishing
on Mt Namsan in Seoul, the 1000km journey
took 50 riders eight days to complete.
PETE HANSELL &
SIMON TOMKINS
MaA/GrE 05-07; MaA/GrE 00-07
Together with business partner Sonam
Haria, who grew up in Nairobi, Pete and
Simon have launched London-Nairobi
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9
UPDATES
fashion label Maasai
Colour.
Realising that
London was missing
the bold and colourful
styles of Nairobi, they
identified a gap in the
UK market for a high-end
African design label, with
production manager Mary Mwangi, who
has worked for designers including Stella
McCartney and Vivienne Westwood.
The company has a workshop in Nairobi
and have a team of artisans who hand-make
all their bags (one is pictured above), using
the natural and sustainable material jute,
which is grown in West Africa.
JOSHUA LEAKEY VC
Christ’s Hospital Old Blues Association
to Santiago de Compostela, in Spain. In
doing so, she raised more than £3000 for the
British Heart Foundation, in memory of her
father who died from a heart attack when
she was just seven.
She says: “I ran completely on my own,
without any form of support team, distances
of between 30 and 40km a day. I had ten rest
days due to injuries and the odd recovery
day, and I completed the run in 55 days. The
mental endurance was just as important…
I only had myself to motivate and keep
going, and carried photos of my family to
remember why I was doing it.”
Despite the multiple injuries,
dehydration, blisters and struggles along
the way, she is extremely proud of what she
has achieved, and plans to run a marathon
for the BHF.
Santiago: Catherine stopped
to take in the view
ThA/GrW 99-06
On 14 April 2015, Lance Corporal
Joshua Leakey became the first living
British recipient of the Victoria Cross for
his courage during a Taliban attack in
Afghanistan in 2013. He is the first Old Blue
to receive a VC since the First World War.
Head Master John Franklin said:
“Christ’s Hospital congratulates Josh on
receiving the VC, an award of the highest
valour. We are immensely proud of his
achievement.”
Neil Fleming, Grecians West
housemaster, said: “Josh was a hardworking
and lively pupil. I remember thinking that if
I was ever on the battlefield, Josh would be
the dependable person I would like by my
side.”
In addition to one George Cross award,
three Old Blues have won VCs; the most
recent was Lieutenant Colonel Wilfrith
Elstob in March 1918, at the age of 29.
Living award:
the Victoria Cross
CATHERINE LEE
BaA/GrE 02-09
In April, Catherine challenged herself to
run the 1000km pilgrimage route of the
Camino de Santiago, from southern France
10
THE OLD BLUE
@CHOldBlues
DANJUMA MSHELIA
ThA/GrW 01-08
Former 1st XV captain and Richmond RFC
winger, Danjuma has been called up to
Nigeria’s Black Stallions Sevens squad for
the All Africa Games and Olympics prequalifiers in Lome, Togo.
MONIKA SOBIECKI
Hertford/GrE 04-06
London Barrister Monika
(right) won the Sydney
Elland Goldsmith Bar Pro
Bono Award in November
2014. She was recognised
for two acts of pro bono
work.
First, she set up a legal advice clinic
at the Hackney Winter Night Shelter; it
provides free legal advice on housing,
immigration, welfare benefits and family
law to a small proportion of some of the
most destitute members of society. Second,
she volunteered her services, through the
Employment Lawyers’ Association 100 Days
Project, to represent a vulnerable client in
a complex ten-day disability-discrimination
case against a retail brand.
GUY VESEY
PeB/PeA/GrW 94-01
GEORGINA MARTIN
LHA/GrE 00-07
CHOBA Board member and events coordinator for Saracens Rugby Club's Allianz
Park, Georgina was part of the team that
won the Match Day Hospitality Experience
Award in the Stadium Events & Hospitality
Awards 2015.
Allianz Park also won the gold award for
a stadium that can hold up to 750 hospitality
guests, seeing off competition from
Leicester Tigers, Morecambe FC, Newcastle
Falcons and Nottinghamshire County FC.
Saracens sales director, Hugh Vyvyan,
said: “This award is great recognition for
Allianz Park, a stadium that is only two years
old, and our match-day staff. Huge amounts
of praise need to go to Georgina Martin and
Clare Ludlow for managing our match day
hospitality.”
Hospitality:
Georgina
Martin (second
from right)
receives the
award with
Saracens
colleagues
Guy raised almost £2000 for the Mines
Advisory Group when he took part in the
Ironman Triathlon, Lanzarote, in May. He
completed the race in 14 hours and eight
minutes, which included a stop to take in
some of the breath-taking views, plus just
15 minutes for the swim/bike and bike/run
transitions.
RECENT LEAVERS
SOPHIA MARIANNI
ThA/GrW 08-10
Sophia is now
travelling the world
with Emirates as a
stewardess. In the
past year she has
been to more than
18 countries, including Jordan, where she is
pictured.
HARRIET TYM
LHA/GrE 12-14
This summer, Harriet took part in a threemonth Raleigh International expedition in
the depths of the Bornean jungle. There,
she and other young people from across
the world carried out vital community and
environmental work.
Old Blues
UPDATES / CREATIVE
CHOldBlues
STUART
WHITTINGHAM
MdB/GrW 05-12
Stuart became the first Old Blue to make his
first-class cricket debut since the retirement
of John Snow in 1977, when he played for
Loughborough MCCU vs Hampshire CCC at
the Ageas Bowl in early April.
Stuart is also in his second season with
Sussex on an Academy Plus programme.
ART
AMELIA PHILLIPS
BaA/GrE 04-10
WEDDING BELLS
Congratulations to Chris Thomas (ThB/ThA/GrW
94-01) and Michelle Healey, who were married on 29
November 2014, at St Stephen Walbrook, London
– the home of the CHOBA Carol Concert; and
Golda Boateng (née Hagan LHA/GrE 02-09) on her
marriage to Lemuel Boateng.
Melanie Hargreaves (ColB/GrW 94-01) married
Alex Williams at the CH chapel on 1 November
2014. Many OBs and former staff were present,
including Gemma Brown (BaB/GrW 94-01),
Emma Dods (BaB/GrW 94-01), Mark
Hutton (ThB/MaA/GrE 96-02), Matt
Stevens (LaB/LaA 92-99), and Bob Sillett
(Staff 63-01). Melanie’s father, former Head
of English John Hargreaves, gave her
away.
Since graduating from Falmouth University
last summer with a fine art degree, Amelia’s
work has been displayed at venues across
the south-east, including an exhibition at Art
Jericho, in Oxford, in the spring.
BENEDICT RUBBRA
ColA 47-56
Devon-based artist Benedict’s major
exhibition “Eye to Image” at the Royal
Albert Memorial Museum, in Exeter, ran
from May to August. “Inspired by Florentine
renaissance artists, searching for a balance
between form, colour and light, using his
own unusual technique ... the works all
originate from three-dimensional forms
constructed variously from paper, card,
wire and wood. Vibrant shapes of light are
then projected onto these forms creating
unexpected spaces, colours, tones and
shadows”.
Benedict credits his art teacher at CH:
“She recognised something.” Benedict
is also a published author on painting
techniques; his biography by Jenny Pery,
Benedict Rubbra: Point of Balance, was
published by Halsgrove in 2008.
DAVID POSTON
PrepA/BaA 58-65
Jeweller and designer Dr David Poston is
exhibiting his work since 1974 on a tour of
the UK. Future venues
for “Necklace for an
Elephant and other
Stories: The Working
Lives of David Poston”
include Milton Keynes,
Birmingham and
Edinburgh.
“Unconventional
throughout his
career”, David (right)
has designed a necklace for an elephant,
developed training projects in Africa, and
photographed bands including the Rolling
Stones. Much of his work has been collected
Wedding days: above, Chris and
Michelle at St Stephen Walbrook;
left, Melanie with her father, John
Hargreaves, at CH Chapel
by museums across the world. A book and
website accompany the exhibition.
FILM / STAGE
JAMES D’ARCY
Simon D’Arcy LaB/LaA 84-91
James plays a lead role in Gernika, the first
full-length feature film about the tragedy
of the small Basque town bombarded by
Hitler’s Condor Legion 80 years ago.
On release next year, D’Arcy plays Henry
Howell, a “cynical American correspondent
who has lost his soul”, who meets Teresa
(Maria Valverde), an editor of the Republican
press office where she works as a censor and
“falls for Henry’s dormant idealism”. Much
of this drama and love story is based on
testimonies of the events of 26 April 1937
collected by director Koldo Serra.
James also stars in ITV’s Broadchurch,
American series Agent Carter, as well as in
the films Survivor and Jupiter Ascending
released this year.
JOSEPH DARKO
MaA/GrE 10-12
Joseph won an 11-week summer internship
at the Paris studios of visual effects company
Mac Guff, whose works include the films
Despicable Me and Minions.
SUSANNAH FIELDING
née GLANVILLE-HEARSON
ColB/GrW 01-03
Susannah played lead role Mrs Sullen in
the revival of Restoration comedy The
Beaux’ Stratagem at The National Theatre,
London, this year. Media reviews include
“outstanding performance…spirited and
eloquent”, “scintillating star quality”,
“sparkling-eyed…taking full command” and
“hers is the grounding role around which all
the frivolity can orbit”.
Susannah (right) credits CH for sparking
her interest in
performing,
saying in an
interview it’s
“where she
fell in love with
acting”. She
went on to
study at the Guildhall School of Music and
Drama.
MAGDALENA
MANNION
ColB/GrW 00-07
Magdalena took No Frills on tour across
the country in July. The dance company,
Dotdotdot, which she co-founded, uses
flamenco as a medium to create a dance
that challenges conventional perceptions in
a contemporary context.
THOMAS
ST JOHN GRAY
LaA 91-97
Tom wrote, directed and produced the
series Raffles Revealed broadcast on
NewsAsia in January.
Exploring the untold story of the
extraordinary life of Sir Stamford Raffles,
the documentary series is hugely popular
and formed a part of Singapore’s 50th
anniversary celebrations.
Tom is an award-winning producer,
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CREATIVE/SPORT
Christ’s Hospital Old Blues Association
director and writer in the UK and Asian
television industry. He has filmed extensively
around the world over the past 12 years,
working across development, production
and post-production.
2014. The first in a series of three, it is
a whimsical love story giving humorous
glimpses into the difficulties of starting over.
LITERATURE
PrepA/PeA 56-63
ALASTAIR FORSYTH
Former financier George’s book A Head of
My Time: Change through a Business Life is
a memoir of his career of more than 40
years in at least 20 countries in Europe,
the Middle East and the Far East. It follows
his good times and bad, and how he was
developing new products and services for
markets; it was his housemaster in Peele A,
Pat Daunt, who led George on his career
path.
George was also featured on the BBC
south-east news broadcast on Easter
Day, talking about repairs needed to the
800-year-old church in Pevensey, East
Sussex, where he is deputy church warden.
MdB 43-51
Having been misinformed about the history
of his house, Alastair started his own
research and has written Tales from Hoxne, a
brief history of the north Suffolk village.
Alistair says: “I hope there are a number
of things I have written about that will amuse
and surprise…in the ways Hoxne has been
connected to events.”
VERNON JOYNSON
PrepB/ThA 63-71
British-music historian Vernon has released
a revised and expanded version of The
Tapestry of Delights. Triple the length
of the 1995 edition, the lovingly and
meticulously rewritten two-volume edition
is an encyclopaedic guide to the “UK Rock
& Pop of the Beat, R&B, Psychedelic and
Progressive Eras 1963-1976“ with detailed
artist bibliographies, discographies and
critiques for most entries.
Reviews describe it as an “invaluable
tool for collectors”, saying “it should be a
mandatory part of any true record collector’s
library, and essential reading for music
collectors and fans alike”.
JEFFREY RICHARDS
ColA 61-68
Jeffrey’s debut novel,
Indigo Heartfire, was
published under
the pen name of Jo
Marryat by TicketyBoo
Press in December
GEORGE STEPHENS
MUSIC
@CHOldBlues
The Brighton Phil performs a concert every
month in the Brighton Dome during the
autumn and winter, and a series of chamber
music concerts in the summer.
Nicolas was headmaster of the Yehudi
Menuhin School for 22 years. Previously,
he was head of classics and a housemaster
at Hurstpierpoint College, and before that
sang in Chichester Cathedral Choir.
SARAH FUGGLE &
JIM NELHAMS
LHB 91-98; MaA 55-61
The BBC Music Magazine Awards 2015
award in the choral category went to Sir
Andrew Davis’s recording of Elgar’s Dream
of Gerontius. Soloists joined the BBC
Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, in which
Sarah and Jim sing soprano and tenor
respectively. Jim has been the choir librarian
for 19 years.
PHIL GLENNY
PeB/GrW 05-12
President-elect: Nicolas Chisholm
Phil sings in barbershop quartet Proper
Sound (below), which took part in BBC
One’s Frank Sinatra: Our Way competition at
the beginning of the year. They performed
Come Fly With Me in front of a live studio
audience.
They said: “We have a lot be thankful to
Frank for and we feel we would do his songs
justice with our unique spin on [his] style.”
NICOLAS CHISHOLM
MBE
ThB 61-68
Chairman of the Brighton Philharmonic
Orchestra, Nicolas will become president
of the Incorporated Society of Musicians in
2016. The ISM has a membership of more
than 6,000 professional musicians in the UK.
OLD BLUES’ FOOTBALL CLUB
The Old Blues vs Christ’s Hospital annual match took place on 11 January. This year, the
School won 4-0, reversing the trend of previous years.
OLD BLUES’
NETBALL CLUB
The Old Blues’ team went to CH on 22
March to play the School team, where they
were victorious, with a score of 32-30.
Captain Tissie Chan (BaB/GrW 00-07)
said: “Very surprisingly we actually won!
I can’t believe it because those girls were
incredible.”
OLD BLUES’ RUGBY
FOOTBALL CLUB
The Old Blues’ 1st XV had a successful match
against Cranleigh this year, winning 19-15.
12
THE OLD BLUE
Old Blues
CHOldBlues
CH CRUISING AND SAILING CLUB
On 18 July, four OB-owned boats with crew
– Harmony (Vice Commodore Martin Crick,
LHB/LaA 78-85), Mandarin (Jeremy Simon,
ThB 49-56), Vigornia (Gerald Harris, ColA
56-63) and Easter Snow (Chris Ennis, MdB
64-72) – met off Yarmouth, Isle of Wight.
At dawn, the boats passed the Needles
lighthouse and set course due south
for France, arriving at Cherbourg in the
evening. Crew swaps in place, we set off
in the morning around Cap de la Hague
for Diélette marina. With only one, closed,
restaurant on site, Chris and some of his
crew hiked more than 2km to find one, the
rest following in a taxi. It was an excellent
evening, helped by French speaker Chris,
Still waters: OBs enjoyed the moments of good
weather on the summer cruise
who made sure everyone had a good time.
Erratic weather was a feature of the
cruise, so, to beat this, the fleet set off for
pretty Carteret down the coast where lovely
weather was enjoyed. Two boats made it
over the tidal sill; but Vigornia developed a
mechanical fault and was towed back into
Diélette by Mandarin – a good exercise for
both crews!
The next destination was St Peter Port,
Guernsey, before we parted. Easter Snow
and Vigornia went back to the UK, Harmony
and Mandarin sailed to St Helier, Jersey.
Rain and wind forced a second night in
Jersey, with an exciting late-night shift to
the outer harbour, to allow another early
start. The next day it was all change with
the weather, high winds and rain, before the
return back to the Solent.
While the weather could have been
better, it provided some fun and experience
for the crews, which spanned leavers from
the 1950s to the 2010s. Stories were shared
of our varying experiences at CH – recent
leavers find stories of the original lav-ends
hard to credit – and of our life experiences.
Next year’s summer cruise will take place
from 8 to 24 July. All are welcome to join us
for some or all of this.
Jeremy Simon, Vice Commodore (ThB 49-56)
OLD BLUES GOLFING SOCIETY
The society enjoyed two meetings in May. At
the first, on 8 May, 15 members competed
for the Atkinson Trophy at Effingham Golf
Club in Surrey.
The morning nine-hole team stableford
competition was won by Julian Tedder (ThA
80-87), Brian Quaife (PrepA/MdA 56-63)
and Adrian Dixon (LHB/MdB 76-83). In the
afternoon, Robert Muir (LHB/ColB 66-72)
won the Atkinson Trophy with a score of 39
points; runners-up were captain Stephen
Quest (BaB/PeB 65-72) and Rod Bayliss (BaA
51-61), with Stephen being awarded second
place on his higher score for the back nine
holes.
We were delighted that other OBs took
up the opportunity to compete for the David
Spackman Trophy at the RAC Club, Epsom,
on 29 May. Ten teams from the rugby and
cricket clubs and the golfing society played,
alongside a scratch team of former staff of
Erik Hansen, Phil Jacques and Keith Mullins.
Eighteen holes were played in both the
morning and afternoon.
The golfing team of Charles McKay (BaA/
LaA 75-82), Julian Tedder and Charles Leon
(MdB/MdA 84-91) won the morning session
with 84 points. Two of the seven rugby club
teams took the runner-up slots: Patrick
(Beach) Seakins (LHB/PeA 79-85), Chris
Allen (BaB/MdB/ColB 77-84) and Gordon
Bloor (BaB 74-79) scored 80 points, with Tim
Hackshaw (MaB/ThA 68-75), Robert Muir
and Simon Johnson (PrepB/BaB/LaB 61-70)
scoring 77 points.
In the afternoon, the David Spackman
Trophy was won by the rugby club team
of Tim Hackshaw, Simon Johnson and TJ
McCaw with 78 points, beating the ex-staff
team with a higher score for the back nine
holes. Third place was taken by the cricket
club team of Stephen Quest, John McKenzie
(LHB/LaA 68-75) and Matt Tilbury (BaB/MdA
80-86). Giles Simons was nearest the pin and
Rickie Sherlock (MdB/GrW 00-07) had the
longest drive.
More members are always welcome at
Old Blues’ events.
Colin Russell, Secretary (BaA 54-61)
Prize-giving on 8 May: left to right: Robert Muir,
Bill Richards, Peter Martin, Adrian Dixon, Julian
Tedder
SPORT / REMEMBERING
REMEMBERING
The Telegraph
IAN ALLAN OBE
Governor and Almoner
Died 28 June 2015. Obituary summarised
from the Daily Telegraph.
Ian (above) was born at CH, where his
father was Clerk, but was educated at
St Paul’s School, London. Starting with
the publication of ABC guides to railway
engines, buses and trams, he eventually
became a large-scale publisher of railway
and other transport magazines.
He was responsible for the growth of
interest in trainspotting, founding a club
which eventually grew to 230,000 members.
In later life, he held a number of board and
honorary roles on railway companies, trusts
and lobby groups.
He is survived by his wife, Mollie, and
two sons.
L G DEREK BAKER
LaA 43-50, Staff / Head Master 79-85
Died May 2015. An edited extract of the
eulogy given by the Revd Gary Dobbie (CH
Chaplain / Staff 86-02).
Derek (below) obtained a first-class degree
in history from Oriel College, Oxford,
where he was also Captain of Boats. He
taught history
at Cambridge,
Edinburgh, and at
CH, and then spent
14 years teaching at
a university in Texas.
He had a detailed
academic approach
to history, was
comfortable with
medieval Latin and
Greek among other
languages; he was incredibly well-read.
At Cambridge, he met musician Ken
Naylor, whom he brought to CH as director
of the Arts Centre (80-86).
Derek married Jean in Cambridge in
1970, with whom he had two children,
Simon (LaB/LaA 83-90) and Amanda
(BaB 85-92). He was famously unpunctual,
the last to arrive, and the last to leave.
He gave his energy to whatever he was
currently involved in, losing track of time
Continued on page 14
AUTUMN 2015
13
REMEMBERING
Christ’s Hospital Old Blues Association
We are aware, through various channels, of many more OB deaths, but unfortunately we
are not always able to include obituaries for all. If you would like an obituary included in
a future issue, please contact CHOBA officer Margaret Wadman. Full obituaries can be
found at www.choba.org/old-blues/obituaries/ and obtained from Margaret Wadman.
Continued from page 13
by being absorbed in detail. Derek was
[and his name spelt out as] determined,
exasperating, reckless, enthusiastic,
enterprising, energising and kindly.
JOHN DYMOKE MBE
MICHAEL CHALLIS
After CH, John (below, right) was
commissioned into
the Royal Lincolnshire
Regiment and served
in campaigns in
Sumatra, Malaya and
Aden. He left the
Army, as a LieutenantColonel, in 1972 to
manage his Scrivelsby
estate in Lincolnshire,
which dates back to
the Norman Conquest.
As a hereditary Queen’s Champion from
1946, John acted as standard bearer at the
coronation in 1953. He was appointed MBE
in 1960, was High Sheriff of Lincolnshire in
1979 and Vice Lord-Lieutenant of the County
from 1991 to 2001. He is survived by his wife,
Susan, and three sons.
PeA 57-62
Died 27 October 2014. Obituary by his
widow Liz Challis.
Mike gained a first-class degree in
mathematics at Trinity College, Cambridge,
and then gained a doctorate in computer
science. His career was as a software
manager, although he also spent two years
teaching computer science at a university in
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. After retirement, he
supervised students in Cambridge.
Mike pursued his interests with rigour:
photography, astronomy, family history and
a problem in number theory that occupied
him for much of his adult life. He married
twice and greatly enjoyed his extended
family of two children, two step-children and
five grandchildren.
STEPHEN COMBE
LaB/LaA 83-90
Died 19 February 2015. Obituary by Tom
Balogh (LaB/LaA 83-90).
The UK memorial service for Captain
Stephen Combe was held in Bromyard on
23 May, and attended by many, including 15
Old Blues. It was a moving tribute to a man
who touched many lives around the world.
His faith and generous spirit were reflected
in contributions by family and friends.
Steve (below) was born in South Africa
and gained a degree in marine technology
from Plymouth University. He was an
experienced pilot with eight years’ service in
the Royal Marines 847 Naval Air Squadron,
serving in Sierra Leone, Kosovo and Basra,
Iraq. He retired to
pilot civilian flights.
He attended
the 2010 20 Years
On reunion and is
deeply missed. He
is survived by his
wife, Stephanie,
and two sons,
Alexander and
Joseph, who live
in Wanaka, and by
his parents and his
sister Patricia (7s/
BaA 82-90).
14
THE OLD BLUE
ColB 37-43
Died 21 March 2015. Obituary summarised
from the Daily Telegraph.
NEILL EVANS
BaB 40-46
Died 24 November 2014. Obituary collated
from contributions to the CH Unofficial
Forum.
“Neill the Notorious” (his Forum alias) was
an old-fashioned gentleman. A few people
had met him at reunions but his “virtual”
friends were fond of him, too. He had
been a boxer, an army captain, and had, in
his eighties, undertaken a parachute jump
in aid of Diabetes UK. Although he could
be easy to wind up and abhorred anything
“trendy”, he was also utterly charming,
and regularly referred to his long-suffering
wife as “The Blessed Anne”. He will be
missed.
RI HORNUNG
PeB 45-53
Died 11 June 2015.
Ri studied medicine at Guy’s Hospital and
went on to become a GP in Dorking. He
did a lot of work on postgraduate medical
education for GPs in the south Thames
region, mentoring GPs, and he was proud
to be the first GP to be elected vicechairman of the Royal Society of Medicine,
a major provider of postgraduate medical
education. He also became a professor in
that subject at the University of Surrey.
@CHOldBlues
RODNEY LANDSELL
BaB 37-42
Died February 2015. Obituary by his wife,
Anne.
Rodney’s participation in the CH band led
to a career as a tuba player. After playing
with British military bands, he returned to
his native Canada and spent the rest of
his career in various military bands around
British Columbia, travelling throughout
Canada and Europe playing remembrance
programmes at cenotaphs and memorials.
Both Rodney and his late brother, John
(BaA 30-37), appreciated their time at CH,
and particularly the care they received
during the difficult wartime years.
He visited CH several times, the last
one being a reunion for Old Blues from the
1930s to the1950s.
AUSTIN MARSHALL
MdB 47-53
Died November 2013. Obituary summarised
from the Daily Telegraph.
Austin trained as a graphic designer. He
became involved in music during the sixties
while married to singer Shirley Collins,
acting as producer, art
director and songwriter
on several of her albums.
He also worked with other
artists, and contributed to
the film of Jimi Hendrix’s
Rainbow Bridge concert.
Austin (right) moved to
New York in 1981, where
his anti-war folk musical
Smudge was performed.
He became known for
performance poetry as John the Angel Fish,
and for his murals.
He was married three times and had two
children.
ROBIN MUNDILL
Staff 87-97
Died 4 July 2015. Obituary by Tiffany Ebrey
(née Day ColB 87-94).
Dr Mundill was a history teacher, academic
and a published writer on Jewish history. He
taught at St Andrew’s University and Cornell
University before coming to CH, and left CH
to become head of history at Glenalmond
College in Scotland.
He is remembered with affection by his
students, and in particular by residents of
ColB where he and his wife, Elaine, were
interested, sympathetic and attentive house
parents from 1990 to 1997. His annual
summer term beard-removal was marked by
an affectionate nonsense poem which was
preserved for posterity and hung outside
Old Blues
CHOldBlues
the door of their flat.
Dr Mundill (left) is survived
by his wife, Elaine, and their
daughters, Emma, Cat and
Becky.
CRAIG OCTON
BaA 50-58
Died 17 April 2015.
Obituary by Roger
Wickins (BaA 49-54).
Craig (right) was house
captain and, nicknamed
“Swot”, was the top
classicist of his time at
CH, winning a scholarship to Trinity College,
Cambridge.
After gaining his PhD, he lectured for a
period at the University of London, before
entering the Civil Service, where he served
in various roles.
He learned to speak Welsh, and was an
active member of Probus, the Lions Club,
the RNLI and his Parish Council. Craig was
quiet, gentlemanly and thoughtful. He is
survived by his wife, Anne.
DANIEL PHELAN
ColA/BaA 68-75
Died 11 February 2015.
Obituary summarised
from The Guardian.
Danny (left) studied
theology at Durham
University, and spent
some years in the
record industry, before switching to a media
career in 1987. His publishing company Civil
Society Media founded, among others,
Charity Finance.
He helped to create the annual Charity
Awards and developed annual surveys
that produced invaluable charity audit
information. He also served on the board of
debt counselling charity StepChange.
Danny enjoyed fun, friends, food and
travel. He is survived by his wife, Cathy, and
daughter Fabienne.
DAVID SPACKMAN
LaB 38-44
Died 30 December 2014. An edited version
of the address at the service of thanksgiving
given by his son, Jeremy Spackman.
David was influenced all his life by the ideals
and ethos of CH. He was enlisted in the
army, commissioned into the Royal Berkshire
Regiment and enjoyed stints in Ireland and
Eritrea. He served in the TA for many years.
He had a talent for acting, played the piano
beautifully, and
was a keen rugby
player.
David’s
working life was
spent in insurance,
culminating as
assistant general
manager of
the Municipal
Mutual Insurance
Group, where he set up Foundation 15 in
competition with the NHBC. On retirement,
he was presented with a set of golf clubs;
he served as president of the OB Golfing
Society from 2008 until 2014, having been
captain in 1999.
He became a freemason and a Freeman
of the City of London. He was an Amicable,
a Steward of Founder’s Day and a Donation
Governor.
His presentee, Courtney Burtenshaw
(ColA/GrW 99-06), pictured with David,
adds: “David clearly gave so much time and
energy to so many people without everyone
knowing. When he gave you his time and
love, it felt like you were the only person in
the world who had his attention.“
BARBARA SPENCER
née Askham 2s 37-44
Died 25 October 2014. Obituary by her
nephew Michael Askham.
Barbara followed her sister, Joy, to CH.
Despite contracting polio, she was a
remarkable sportswoman and became a PE
teacher for some years, before moving to
the Schools’ Advisory Service and then the
Inspectorate.
Barbara had no children but delighted in
her wider family. She was particularly proud
to see some of them becoming PE teachers.
She was a remarkable lady, irascible and
determined at times, a champion of the
underdog, but an inspiration and deserving
of her many friends.
CHRISTOPHER
WRIGHT
PrepA/ColA 51-58
Died 25 February 2015. Obituary by Richard
McGregor (PrepB/MaB 48-57).
Chris enjoyed a distinguished ten-year
period playing for the Old Blues’ Rugby
team. He made his debut playing in the
centre alongside the legendary Paul Delight
(PrepA/PeB 40-49), an England trialist nearly
ten years his senior. He was vice-captain in
the 1965/66 season; and scored two tries
and was man of the match in the famous 1312 win over Saracens in 1966.
Chris trained as a dentist at Guy’s
Hospital and practised mainly in the
Cambridge area.
REMEMBERING
ALSO REPORTED
The deaths are reported of the following
Old Blues.
Edward Baker
(LaB 54-61), died 1 March 2015
Colin Blogg
(Col A 54-61, governor), died August 2015
Barry Browne
(LaB 40-48), died 4 June 2015
Katherine Colhoun
(née Copas 1s 33-39), died 2 July 2015
Alan Downs
(ThA 38-44), died 29 January 2015
Betty Drysdale
(née Disney 3s 26-32), died 29 May 2015
Rosalind Emberson
(Hertford 55-63), died 16 February 2015
Rolland Erskine-Tulloch
(BaA 28-36), died 11 May 2015
John Gould
(BaB 40-47), died 12 April 2015
Shirley Hammond
(1s/3s 47-55), died 26 March 2015
Arthur Hanna
(MdB 28-35), died 24 September 2014
Jeremy Harding-Edgar
(PeB 63-72), died 10 March 2015
Michael Harrison
(ThB 43–51), died 27 December 2014
Peter Herring
(BaA/ThA 69-75), died 6 November 2014
Vanessa Holliday
(BaA matron 91-06), died 12 January 2015
Peter Hudson
(ThA 38-46), died 15 May 2015
Ronald Kettle
(LaA 35-41), died 21 October 2014
Roger Kingdon
(PeA 40-49), died 12 May 2015
Oliver Lucas
(LaA 58-66), died 9 February 2015
Janet Mills
(née Todd 2s 43-48), died 4 July 2015
Bryan Moberly
(ColB 35-43), died 5 April 2015
Patrick Shepherd
(MaA 34–40), died 23 March 2015
David Silk
(PeA 40-47), died 18 January 2015
Mary-Rose Trigg
(née Caunter 4s/BaA 81-88), died June 2015
Colin Watters
(PrepB/LaA 39-45), died 28 April 2015
John Wells
(MaA 41-47), died 7 June 2014
John West
(ColA 29-38), died 23 March 2015
Lennox Whitworth
(ThB 36-42), died 11 April 2015
Samuel Willcocks
(MdB/MdA 84-91), died 26 March 2015
John Wilson
(PeA 40-46)
AUTUMN 2015
15
CHOBA NEWS
GREAT WAR MEMORIAL TOUR TO FLANDERS AND SOMME
Few in number they may have been, lacking in spirit and respect they were
not. From 12 to 15 May, four Old Blues – Peter Bloomfield (PeB 44-51),
Keith Lugton (MdA 53-60), the Revd Chris Martin (LaA 56-63) and Alan
Whipp (ColA 44-51) – undertook the first memorial tour to commemorate
Old Blues and CH staff killed in World War I. They covered 525 miles,
visited 11 cemeteries and memorials where 105 Old Blues are buried or
memorialised, and, at each, Chris Martin led a short act of remembrance,
and a British Legion poppy wreath with the CH crest was laid.
The tour included cemeteries and memorials of OBs in the Flanders
and Somme regions, as well as some in other countries to observe the
diversity of conflict and commemoration. In addition, the group honoured
the two Victoria Crosses awarded to Old Blues Wilfrith Elstob (ColB 98-05)
and Edward Baxter (Ward 10 96-01).
Tribute was paid to the “Feast of Five”, a lunch meeting in St Omer
of five OBs serving in the Royal Sussex Regiment, immortalised by
Edmund Blunden. After attending the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin
Gate, Ypres, and laying a wreath, the meal was re-enacted when the
group were joined by Chris Pearson (MdA 42-48), who was attending a
commemoration of his regiment, the Essex Yeomanry. Final day visits
included St Omer, where lunch was held in the hotel at which the “Feast of
Five” met in 1917.
Respects were paid to more than one-quarter of the 382 OBs who died
in the war – for full details visit the CHOBA website – and it is hoped that
many more can be honoured by November 2018.
Thanks are due to Keith Lugton for his car and services as driver and
guide, and to David Miller (LaB 48-55), without whose research the tour
would not have been possible. For a copy of David’s Roll of Honour or In
Their Own Words booklet, visit the CHOBA website.
Victoria Cross: left to right: Peter Bloomfield, Keith Lugton, Alan Whipp
and Chris Martin at the memorial of Wilfrith Elstob
MEMORIES ONLINE
Many more historical items are posted on the CHOBA
website. Read about the CH site in London; senior member
of the Magic Circle Herbert “Reggie” Milton (ThB 1909-13);
Prewitts’ Mill supplying bread to the CH bakery; memories
from Elsie Pope who worked in the CH pastry kitchens from
1937 to 47; and LE pupils’ reactions to a WWI exhibition.
RETREAT – A FEAST
FOR EYES AND EARS
CHOBA chairman Andrew Howgego (BaA/ThA
70-78) writes of the School’s final ceremony on
27 June.
“The musicianship from the whole band
was exceptional, and all performed while
executing an exacting military display of a very
high standard. At some point, each instrumental
section had its showcase moment; and in every
piece, the quality and balance of tone was
wonderful on the ears.
“Of course the snare drummers’ ‘splits’
drew loud applause for their stick taps and
throws, but the loudest cheers were heard for
the drum majors. Their mace throwing from one
to another was faultless.
“Everyone who performed must have
spent many hours in dedicated practice. What
continues to make the extent of the band’s
achievements truly remarkable is to remember
that everyone is 18 years old or under, and
many would have been under further pressure
at exam time.”
CHOBA Officer
Margaret Wadman
CHOBA and Development
Co-Ordinator
Gina Skillings
Christ’s Hospital, Horsham,
West Sussex RH13 0YP
T 01403 247665
E [email protected]
www.choba.org.uk
Registered Charity Number 306975
CHOBA Board
Harriet Bellenie
Jasmine Boadi
Simon Chadwick
Clorinda Goodman
Howard Holdsworth
(Head Master’s Representative)
Andrew Howgego (Chairman)
Bob Judson
(Board of School Governors’
Representative)
Hannah Lazell
Georgina Martin
Anjola Odulaja
Jo Sidebottom
Bridget West
OB Editorial Team
Bridget West (Editor)
Miranda Chave
Jo Sidebottom
Proofing Team
Christian Ashby
Lydia Chantler-Hicks
Natalie Cox
Philip Cunliffe
David Eastburn
Geoffrey Janes
Seán O’Callaghan
Ruth Tyrrell
Sophie Winship