Old Wrekinian - Wrekin College

THE
OldWrekinian
RECO RD
FEBRUARY 2009 NO. 85
Changes to the OWA Record
For the first time in many years,
the OWA Record has been designed
and printed by a new company,
Emerge Design Limited, based in
Wellington. To cut down on the
costs, it has been decided to add
the Reply Slips to the Record in
the form of tear-out centre pages.
Lost Addresses also now appear in
the Record rather than as another
insert. The changes of address
and email will be produced once
per year and will be sent out with
the September Record. However,
if any OW wishes to get in touch
with a contemporary, please
email the Foundation Office on
[email protected]
or telephone 01952 265609 and
Serena or Mervyn will be delighted
to pass the contact details on
to you.
Dates for your diary 2009
WEDNESDAY, 4TH FEB RUA RY:
Manchester Branch Dinner,
Francs Restaurant, Altrincham, Cheshire
SU NDAY, 15T H MA RC H:
OWA Hockey & Netball vs The School
FR IDAY, 20T H M A RC H:
Liverpool Branch Dinner,
Royal Liverpool Golf Club, Hoylake, Wirral
FR IDAY, 17T H AP RI L :
Midlands Branch Dinner,
Worcester Golf & Country Club, Boughton Park
SAT U R DAY, 9T H M AY:
Old Windsorian Dinner,
Willington Hall Hotel, Tarporley, Cheshire
SAT U R DAY, 16T H M AY:
Reunion for the joiners of 1971-80
at the school
SU NDAY, 21ST JUNE:
OWA Committee Meeting
and OWA Cricket vs The School
Editor: Serena Kyle
T H U RSDAY, 1ST OC TOB ER:
Yorkshire Branch Dinner,
Woodsome Hall Golf Club, Fennay Bridge,
Huddersfield
T H U RSDAY, 12TH NOV EM B ER:
London Branch Dinner,
The East India Club, St James’s Square, London
SAT U R DAY, 5T H D EC EM B ER:
OWA Annual Dinner
COVER PHOTOGRAPH – SERENA KYLE
I took the front cover photograph of the
Cricket Pavilion on Monday, 5th January
before the Lent Term started. The new
extension to the Pavilion housing the
changing facilities can be seen on the
right hand side of the building.
JANUARY 2009
LETTER FROM
THE HEADMASTER
Dear Old Wrekinians,
I am not sure how many Old Wrekinians
have scored 150 to help thrash the Aussies,
but it is very good to record that Jean-Paul
Duminy, who has had such a good series against the Australians, attended Wrekin, admittedly
just for one term, and played for our 1st XI. The first thing he did for us was to drop a
spectacularly easy catch at point in the very first innings of his very first match, but things did
improve after that and he scored a lot of runs. I was able to chat to him when he was on Tour
last year and he remembers his time with the school with great affection, and indeed says he
was indebted to us for the experience he gained during his season. Let us hope he doesn’t do
too much in future matches against England.
Old Wrekinians will be delighted to know that Fleur Clarke, the daughter of my wonderful
Deputy, Stella, has won a place to read English at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. She has
done exceptionally well and we are all very pleased indeed for Fleur and her Mum. In a different
field, another huge achievement has been made by a young lady in Year 9, Nicole Watson, who
is currently representing Great Britain in the Youth Olympics in Sydney. This is probably the
nearest we have got to Olympic honours, and she has a real chance for 2012
in gymnastics.
It is no accident that I write about individual achievements rather than global statistics for the
school. Our students achieve so much in so many areas, but it is always the individual who
counts and it is these achievements, especially in the academic areas, which make the school
strong at a time which is certainly difficult for business, including educational businesses.
We are currently full, and expect to remain so next year, but we operate in a very competitive
environment and we need to make sure that we offer value for money. I am very confident
that we do, and confident above all that your school remains a very purposeful and happy
community, confidently embracing change and development, but remaining true to our central
core values.
I hope you will be able to visit the school if you have not done so recently. It is always a
pleasure to meet Old Wrekinians and if you are not able to come here then I hope you will be
able to support regional dinners, because it is always good to meet on those occasions too.
Yours sincerely
Stephen Drew, Headmaster
W HATS IN SIDE
■ P4 School List ■ P5 News of Members ■ P14 OWA Sport ■ P21 Future Dairy Dates
■ P23 Births, Deaths and Marriages ■ P25 Foundations News ■ P27 Available for Sale
1
Hadden Hall
On Tuesday, 11th November 2008, Mrs Roly Hadden
made a very special visit to the School to open the
first girls’ Hall of Residence named after her late
husband, Geoffrey Hadden, Headmaster of Wrekin
College from 1971-1983. It was he who had the
foresight to introduce girls to Wrekin in 1975 so it
seemed very fitting to name the house after him.
Hadden Hall is situated in the old Clarkson House
and is home to 46 boarders under the care of David
Winterton (B.81-86) and his wife, Jo. Mrs Hadden
enjoyed a tour of the Hall, lunch with the Governors
and former members of staff and then Dr Rodney
2
Edrich and I gave her a tour of the School. Finally,
Mrs Lesley Drew very kindly invited us for tea at
Halcyon, which had been the home of Roly and
Geoffrey. Mrs Hadden has since donated a painting
of Geoffrey to hang in the hallway of Hadden Hall
alongside the plaque which she unveiled.
The photograph shows (from left to right):
Christopher Reynolds-Jones (T.52-55), Chairman of
Governors, Serena Kyle (nee Howard) (C.75-77),
The Headmaster, Stephen Drew, Mrs Roly Hadden, David
Winterton (B.81-86) and Abi Varley, Head of Hadden Hall.
Serena Kyle
OWA
Annual Dinner
The Annual Dinner was held in the Memorial
Hall on Saturday, 6th December 2008, with
59 OWs and their guests in attendance.
We enjoyed chicken with wild mushroom
and asparagus tartlet followed by roasted
tenderloin of pork wrapped in smoked bacon
with a rich apple and calvados cream sauce
with toffee and date sponge for dessert. The
toast to the Queen was proposed by the
new Chairman of the OWA, Jonathan Grant
(W.79-83) and Dr Rodney Edrich proposed
the toast to our Founder, Sir John Bayley.
The Head Girl, Hannah Baker and Head
Boy, Alex Shanklin both made excellent
speeches, followed by a toast to the OWA.
The toast to the School was made by the
retiring Chairman of the OWA, Barrie Roberts
(N.51-55) and this was responded to in the
Headmaster’s absence by Dr Haydn Griffiths,
Deputy Head.
WINTER MEETING 2008
Those who attended were:
Mr W H B Roberts (N.51-55), Mrs J Roberts,
Mr M Joyner, Mrs M Joyner,
Mr P R Dutton (T.44-48), Mrs A Dutton,
Mr P J Berry, Mrs H Berry, Mr & Mrs B C Crone,
Mr & Mrs C Baker, Miss H Baker (Head Girl),
Mr & Mrs S Shanklin, Mr A Shanklin (Head Boy),
Mr J G Waterworth (W.42-49),
Mr R Price (W.42-47), Mrs A Price,
Mr D Stevens (N.57-62), Mr M Westwood (Y.47-53),
Mrs S Westwood, Mr R Haseldine (Y.49-53),
Mrs A Haseldine, Dr R G Edrich,
Mr J Jemmett (Y.02-07), Mr R Nicholls (Y.01-07),
Mr D Phillips (Y.00-07), Mr A Smith (Y.03-07),
Mr T Wright (Y.02-07), Mr E Morris (Y.05-07),
Mr C Reynolds-Jones (T.52-55),
Mrs B Reynolds-Jones, Mr D G Ellison (T.54-58),
Dr & Mrs H P Griffiths, Mr D Thomas,
Mrs Y K Thomas (Bursar),
Mr M Gordon-Williams (W.67-72),
Mr M de Weymarn, Mrs S de Weymarn,
Mr A S Kyle (S.72-77), Mrs S M Kyle (C.75-77),
Mr J A Grant (W.79-83), Mrs J Grant,
Mr C Alltree (T.80-85), Miss C Heyes,
Mr D Petty (B.82-87), Mrs L Petty,
Mr N Haig (N.81-84), Miss N Jones (C.02-07),
SPRING MEETING 2009
Miss O Baker (R.00-07), Mr A Coles (T.03-08),
Mr A Elleray (T.03-08), Mr T Elphick (T.02-06),
Sunday, 16th March
Mr H Orton (B.02-08), Mr A Saunders (B.01-08),
2.15 pm Netball: 1st & 2nd VII v OWA (H)
2.15 pm Hockey: 1st XI v OWA (H)
3.30 pm Hockey: 2nd XI v OWA (H)
Mr M Smith (T.01-06), Mr D Whibley-Law (T.01-06).
3
SCHOOL OPEN DAY 2009
SCHOOL LIST
Sunday, 26th April
from 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm
There are numerous enquiries sent to the
school each year asking for information
on a relative who was believed to be
a member of the school at some time
in the past 129 years, usually from
descendants who are working on their
family trees. Many times I have wondered
why there has never been a complete
list of all pupils of the school to which I
could quickly refer. Having taken over the
sorting of the mass of material known as
‘The School Archives’, I have spent many
hours during the past year in trying to
assemble such a document. To date I
have a list of over 8,500 names – how
many more there might be is difficult
to predict. Each entry, where possible,
gives names in full, House and years,
dates of birth and death (if appropriate),
relationship to other OWs, change of
name (if appropriate).
This is a very important event for the
School when we invite prospective
parents and grandparents to visit the
School for a guided tour, meet with
teaching staff and the Headmaster
and have tea and cakes afterwards. It
is also a good opportunity for OWs
to visit the School and have a guided
tour accompanied by present pupils
– especially if you are a parent or
grandparent yourself!
Many fascinating items have come to
light but there is still much to be done,
particularly in tracing relationships in
previous generations. The purpose of this
notice is to ask for your assistance. If you
know of any relationship to other OWs
which you may think is not generally
known, or is in the distant past, could
you please let me know, giving as much
detail as you can. This information is not
for publication, but simply to build up a
reference list. I can be contacted by post,
telephone or email – see Contacts page
for details. Many thanks,
Mervyn Joyner
4
NEWS OF MEMBERS
1940s
John Lindop (S.40-44) left Wrekin and went straight
into the Royal Navy and became a radar operative
in Flying Control, which came in very useful when
he took out a civilian pilot’s licence and ran a
Flying School at Liverpool Airport for many years.
In addition to sousaphone player for the Panama
Jazz Band (photo in Record number 83), his 1929
two speed ex-Brooklands Morgan Threewheeler was
raced at Broadlands in the hands of Clive Lones who
clocked 116 mph and still holds many world records.
5
Lost addresses since September 2008
1940s DECADE
The list is longer than usual – they cannot all have
disappeared without trace.
Geoffrey Waterworth (W.42-49)
published his first novel in 2008, under
the name ‘Gordon Green’. ‘Ten Days’ is
available direct from Geoffrey at £9.99 –
01352 751569. A synopsis of the book
as follows:
Please look through the list and, if you know
anything of them, let us know.
Bernie, M.A. (W.82-87)
London
Bulley, J.J. (Y.91-96)
Shifnal, Shropshire
Carter, I. (N.79-84)
Pateley Bridge, North Yorkshire
Corcoran, T.M. (Y.97-98)
Ontario, Canada
Dixon, J.B. (B.84-89)
Nailsea, North Somerset
Fox, J.W. (Y.74-78)
London
Foster, C.B. (T.69-73)
Pattingham, Wolverhampton
Greenhalgh, M.D. (N.64-69)
London
Griffiths, J.K.J. (W.86-91)
Farnham, Surrey
Guiness, A.A.C. (W.75-78)
Stamford, Lincolnshire
Hirst, M.L. S.78-80)
Hinderton, South Wirral
Inoue, A. (R.01-06)
Telford, Shropshire
Jones, A.T. (T.73-76)
Dudley, West Midlands
Jones, N.M.F. (C.80-82)
London
Kameen, A.K. (W.70-75)
Tiverton, Devon
Li, R. (T.03-05)
Hainan Province, China
Mills, P.M.H. (N.76-81)
Poynton, Cheshire
Morgan, A.C. (B.85-90)
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Myers, C.R. (nee Mello) (C80-82) Bermuda
Naik, A.M. (W.87-92)
London
Naik, T.A. (Y.83-88)
London
Scheerer, N.J. (S.57-60)
Queensland, Australia
Timmis, D. (N.56-58)
Oswestry, Shropshire
Von Gottberg, J. (C.02-04)
Bonn, Germany
Wathes, E.R. (S.61-64)
Swindon, Wiltshire
Whelan, K. (B.82-85)
Hong Kong
Woodward, P.M. (W.70-74)
Pevensey, Sussex
6
“When GCHQ intercept radio messages with
TT in them, they suspect the Isle of Man is
involved. But they fear far more is at stake
than a sabotage attempt on the famous
motorcycle races. With time of the essence,
Royal Marine Commander Woolmer is
parachuted onto the island and then the
cat and mouse game really begins.”
1950s
1950s DECADE
David Owen (T.53-57) has been awarded
an M.B.E. in the 2008 New Year’s Honours
list for his services to charity.
David Quantrill (W.50-55) retired from
the family business of surveyors and
estate agents based in Sutton Coldfield
in 2006 (Quantrills) after more than 40
years as a partner with brother Michael
(W.55-59). David now spends the winter
months in Southern Spain where he plays
golf and enjoys the sunshine. David is
married to Cheryl with 2 sons.
1960s
1960s DECADE
Jonathan Harrison (Y.60-65) is Finance Director of AIM listed Sirius Exploration Plc and Plus Markets listed
World Mining Services Limited. He is also Non Executive Director of Plus Markets listed Fundy Minerals
Limited operating in Canada and Liberia. Jonathan has just published a book “Life’s Hop, Skip and a Jump”
which can be obtained through www.lulu.com or www.amazon.com. This is a book about life experiences
and learning of the ‘Hop’ from education and travel through the Rotary Club, the ‘Jump’ onto the corporate
ladder travelling around the world employed by a well known international hotel company and the ‘Skip’ to
an entrepreneurial life completing a successful management buy in (MBI), angel investing and development a
portfolio of small listed companies on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) and Plus Markets and lessons
learned during this journey.
Richard Jones (S.61-66) is now fully retired and enjoying the 3 ‘G’s – golf, gardening and grandchildren!
He attended the 60s Reunion in May 2008 which was excellent with the additional bonus of attempting to
match names and faces after 40 years!!
John Wallace (S.67-72) has written that after a spectacularly inept start to his career as The World’s Worst
Lawyer, extreme gardener John has been an advertising copywriter and freelance writer for the last 30 years,
drawing on his Wrekin education for inspiration when tackling writing jobs as diverse as sewage equipment
brochures, leaflets for Chinese takeaways and Jehovah’s Witness recruitment ads. He lives in Alderley Edge,
Cheshire, loves dancing and owns more bicycles than is altogether proper. You can find out more about him
at www.johnwallacecopywriter.com
1970s
1970s DECADE
Roy Dean (Y.75-79) married in 1991 and now has 2 children, Charlotte (13) and Christopher (11).
Roy owns the Grange Nursing Home in Heswall and still keeps in touch with old friends from Wrekin.
7
1980s
Kate Broadbent (nee Dickson)
(C.82-84) had a baby boy in 2007,
William, her second child. She does
freelance work for the BBC in the north.
1980s DECADE
Adrian Harris (Y.80-85) moved to Shanghai with his wife Sally
and two boys Charlie (9) and William (5) in 2007. He is working
as a Regional Non-Food Chain Director for Tesco covering Asia.
On Sunday, 30th November 2008, Adrian and Sarah Edwards
(nee Hopkins) (R.83-85) completed the Shanghai 2008 Half
Marathon. Having kept in touch with Adrian and Sally, this was
Sarah’s first visit and it was a great adventure. Adrian and Sarah
joined 20,000 others for the Marathon – Adrian beat Sarah in 1
hour 45 minutes but at 1 hour 46 minutes, Sarah was the 82nd
female home and she says she was very proud of that! Although
this was the first Marathon for both of them, Sarah had decided
to run for charity and has so far raised over £700 for Cancer
Research – any other donations gratefully received – please
send them to Sarah at her office, RBR House, Hawkesworth
Road, Telford, Shropshire TF2 9TU.
Alex Edwards (T.77-82) has recently
been in touch with the School having
been ‘lost’ for some time! He is
married to Louisa and they have two
boys, Connor (10) and Rohan (4). Alex
is Department Chair of English at a
boys private middle school in West
Massachusetts as well as being Head
Coach of football, squash and tennis
and Hockey Coach for White Mountain
Sports. He also coached hockey on the
Olympics Futures programme, College
Connection and three Varsity level
sports, all of which, he says, he fine
tuned at Wrekin.
Rebecca Fenton (nee Hearn)
(C.86-88) is Deputy Chief Executive
at the Heart of England NHS
Foundation Trust.
Karen Hawker (C.83-85) gave up
nursing in 2007 following a back injury
and she has now returned to full time
education, successfully completing
her first year at Coventry University
working towards a Degree in Social
Work.
Peter Hawkins (Y.81-85) has just
contacted us after being ‘Lost’ for some
years! He is married to Nicky and they
have 3 sons George (10 years), William
(8 years) and Tom (3 years). Peter
works for AXA Framlington Investment
Management in London and would
love to meet up with any City-based
Old Wreks.
8
Wendy Knight (nee Evans) (R.87-89) married Gary in 2001 and they have 2 boys, Tom aged 4 and Theo
aged 1. Her brother Robert Evans (T.85-89) is married to Samantha and they also have 2 boys, Josh and
George. Robert now runs the family business.
Fleur Patten (nee Griffiths) (R.86-88) visited Jo Hassell (nee Plumb) (R.86-88) and her family in Devon
in October. Jo was one of Fleur’s bridesmaids at her wedding in the Wrekin Chapel in 1992 and Fleur is
godmother to Jo’s youngest daughter, Juliet.
Charlotte Whitehead (nee Edwards) (C.84-86) is living in Berkshire with her husband, Nick and
daughters Alys (11), Lucy (9) and son Ollie (4). After having her children, Charlotte retrained and now
teaches yoga for pregnancy and baby massage. She sees Jane Holliday (C.84-86) regularly and bumped
into Tanya Glencairn-Campbell (nee Thompson) (C.84-86) at the London Baby Show recently.
1990s DECADE
1990s
2000s
Kathryn Hurd (R.93-98) had a baby
girl, Rebeca Catrin on 28th September
2008. Andrew and Chris Hurd are now
doting grandparents!
Guy Simpson (B.94-97) is currently
living in Abu Dhabi and working as a
solicitor for an American law firm, Reed
Smith.
2000s DECADE
Elizabeth Smith (nee Wakeman)
(C.91-96) has been married to Justin
for 3 years and they have a gorgeous
daughter, Emily Hope who is 18
months old. They live between their
homes in Exeter and Porthleven in
Cornwall. Elizabeth (known as ‘Biff’)
was a Secondary School English teacher
before having Emily.
Stacey Barber (nee Jennings) (C.98-00)
studied Sport Science and Education at
the University of Surrey, Roehampton
and when she graduated, trained as a
Montessori teacher before returning to
Shrewsbury. In September 2007, she
opened Happy Faces Day Care Nursery
School at Adcote School, Baschurch, near
Shrewsbury, where Stacey was educated
before she came to Wrekin. Stacey
married John in August 2007 at Great
Ness Church and the reception was held
at The Albright Hussey Hotel, Shrewsbury.
Emma-Jane Crawford (nee Summers)
(R.94-99) married Tim on 12th July
2008. Patrick Snodgrass (T.94-99) was
the Best Man and Sophie Summers
(R.96-99) and Rosie Chang (R.94-99)
were bridesmaids.
ADDRESSES
Are you being correctly addressed? Do we have
your house number and postcode? Each year a
number of magazines are returned by the Post
Office marked ‘Incomplete Address’. Please
check the address used on the envelope and let
the Editor know if any alterations are needed.
9
NEWS OF MEMBERS
The Inspiration
of an English Teacher
Alistair Forrest (T.65-69) has recently corresponded with his English teacher of 40 years ago, Sir
Patrick Cormack, about a ticking off in front of his classmates for being too descriptive in his essay
on Macbeth.
After a career as a journalist, editor and public
relations consultant, Alistair now lives in Monda,
Spain with his wife Lynda. The town is the site of an
ancient battle between Julius Caesar and the sons
of Pompey – Libertas tells the story of the people
who lived there and the effect upon them of Roman
greed and brutality. It’s a story of bravery, love,
invention and hope.
As Chairman of the All Party Arts and Heritage
Group and Life President of the House of Commons
10
Magazine, Sir Patrick is well qualified to give Alistair
an opinion on his second attempt to impress. He
provided this comment on Libertas:
“Forrest has the gift of the true story teller – the ability
to engage his readers’ interest from the very first
sentence…”
“That sort of encouragement is so important to a
first-time author,” said a relieved Alistair, who is now
writing a second historical novel.
NEWS OF MEMBERS
“I’m not sure if that was the
moment of defiance when I
decided to become a writer, but
that’s what I told Sir Patrick
when I sent him an advance
copy of my first novel Libertas,”
said Alistair. “I begged for a
better mark this time and I think
Sir Patrick saw the funny side of
my tale.”
Delighted to have contributed
in an unusual way to a former
pupil’s literary career, Sir
Patrick wrote back: “To think
that my strictures should have
stimulated you in this way is
extremely gratifying and I do
congratulate you on Libertas
and on what has obviously been
a fascinating and thoroughly
rewarding career to date.”
2 TUDOR
REPROBATES
FROM THE
1950’s
Rick Prichard (T.52-55) and Christopher
Reynolds-Jones (T.52-55) – friends for nearly
60 years – are both now three score and ten! Rick
Prichard shown ready for food to celebrate his 70th
birthday on 20th September in Spain where he now
lives, is seated next to Christopher, Chairman of
Governors who being 9 days older has successfully
proposed Rick’s future health at his 50th and 60th
birthdays.
Libertas is published by
Cheshire-based Quaestor2000 in February.
See www.alistairforrest.com for more
information.
David Prichard (T.49-53) together with so many
other friends and family enjoyed a fantastic Spanish
meal. The Chairman has now received his invitation
for a 5 year reunion on 20th September 2013 and
wonders whether he will be asked to speak again!
11
NEWS OF MEMBERS
On the 27th of April this year
five Old Wrekinians will be
setting out from Hampton
Court on a four day cycle
marathon to the Eiffel Tower,
not in an attempt to flee
the ghost of Jane Seymour
that is said to haunt the
Palace but to raise money for
the Birmingham Children’s
Hospital’s Red Balloon Appeal.
Jamie Berry
Providing they don’t spend four days haplessly peddling around the maze,
Jamie Berry (Y.95-00), Nick Berry (Y.97-02), Neal Lamont (Y.96-00),
Dan Webb (B.95-00) and Sam Sneyd (B.95-00) will be arriving in the French
capital on the evening of the 30th April after a gruelling 300 mile ride that
promises to test even the strongest of wills. Whilst Jamie and Nick are brothers,
the five friends collectively met at Wrekin in 1996 and have remained close
friends ever since. They now all live within a mile or two of each other in Tolkein’s
leafy Birmingham suburb Moseley. Commenting on why they have chosen the
Birmingham Children’s Hospital as the designated charity Jamie said:
‘‘We decided to do the ride as our family owes a huge debt of gratitude to The
Children’s Hospital. Nick spent the first two years of his life there with a serious
heart condition and we have been thinking of ways in which we could make a
contribution for a while; this suddenly came up in conversation and sounded just
far fetched enough to be a good idea! We mentioned it to our friends and before we
knew it we had a team.’’
Facebook group on blog:
http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=24495358001&ref=ts
12
“It’s a tough challenge, but I owe
them a great deal.”
Although some fairly inactive years have
passed since Wrekin’s gruelling games schedule
moulded them into the fine athletes they
left as, the benefits of a rigorous approach to
exercise have not been forgotten. Memories
from their Wrekin days of numerous rugby and
hockey fixtures endured amidst the battling
elements whether it be sleet, snow, wind or
hail, still loom large for all five, but these are
experiences that are the making of endurance
athletes and the perfect basis from which
to build a cast iron will to succeed and the
mindset that the seemingly impossible can
be achieved if you just grit your teeth and
get on with it! The group is currently training
three times a week at a Bannantyne’s Gym,
which is sponsoring them on their adventure
and you may spot these hardy souls, slogging
through the Worcestershire and Warwickshire
countryside, covered in frost and blue with
cold most weekends.
Since moving to Birmingham they have
developed a close affiliation with the city and
the timing seemed right to do their bit for the
Children’s Hospital. Sam mentioned he was
thinking of doing this and Jamie took it on and
irritated his closest friends until they agreed
to do it too.
The boys hope to raise £10,000 for The
Children’s Hospital, whose pioneering surgery
has saved countless lives, including Nick’s.
As he commented:
“It’s a tough challenge,
but I owe them a great deal.”
Find out about the London to Paris ride
and how to sponsor the Team at:
Sponsorship details:
www.tower2tower.wordpress.com
13
OWA
Golf
OWGS SUMMER MEETING 2007
This year’s event was held at Bamburgh,
Northumberland over the first weekend
in September, which also brought some of
the worst floods in living memory. Despite
the hideous weather, everyone turned out
and enjoyed the trip although few balls
were struck in anger. Some played 9 holes
on Friday evening, but we all eventually
Sir John Bayley Cup (Stableford)
NO PLAY
J S Kerr Cup (Gross Medal)
NO PLAY
OWGS Invitation Trophy (Stableford)
Winner Sean Bennett
37 points
Second James Edwards
36 points
Third
Henry Yiend
32 points
Fourth
Julian Smallshaw 31 points
Bamburgh 11th Green
Col. Frederick Neil Trophies
(14 holes Stableford)
NO PLAY
walked off the course thoroughly soaked
by the north easterly monsoon. By
Saturday morning, the 18th green was
flooded and with continuing rain, the
course was closed for the whole weekend.
On Sunday morning most of us headed
further north to Berwick GC and whilst
the OWGS competitions were cancelled,
the boys at least played for the Invitation
Trophy over the 12 holes that remained
playable.
14
Practice Ground – Berwick
FIXTURES
2009
FIXTURE/EVENT
VENUE
ORGANISER
January 14
Halford Hewitt AGM and Draw (6pm)
East India Club, St James’ Sq
J Evers
March 22 – 23
Birkdale Bucket
Woodhall Spa
R Sutherland
April 1
Halford Hewitt Practice
Deal or Royal St George’s
A Brett
April 2 – 5
Halford Hewitt Cup
Deal or Royal St George’s
J Evers
May 9
Grafton Morrish Qualifier
Olton Golf Club
J Evers
June 24
Midland Public Schools Meeting
Little Aston
R Allen
June 24 – 27
Cyril Gray Trophy
Worplesdon
M Thorpe
September 13
Summer Meeting
Little Aston GC
J Evers
September 24 – 27
Grafton Morrish Trophy
Hunstanton/Royal West Norfolk
J Evers
October 17
1st Old Bedfordians Match
Woburn GC
S Westgarth
FINANCE AND OTHER BUSINESS
Accounts for 2008 were reviewed and showed a
satisfactory position. No increase in the subscription
rates was proposed.
Simon Westgarth (Captain) and Roger Allen (President)
retired. Michael Thorpe was elected as the new
President and Jonathan Evers as the new Captain.
Sadly, both were away on holiday and unable to attend
the meeting but sent their apologies and best wishes.
The Captain reported on OWGS events with particular
reference to our first round victory over Repton in this
year’s Halford Hewitt.
Jeremy Ballard has made significant
progress with golf at Wrekin. Golf is
now a recognised activity on Saturdays
throughout the year. Coaching has
been organised with Dennis Pugh and
the House Competition has returned
to The Wrekin GC.
An annual fixture against Old
Bedfordians has been arranged with
the first match in teams of ten to take
place at Woburn on 17th October
2009.
The 2009 Summer Meeting will take
place on Sunday, 13th September
at Little Aston and Aberdovey will
hopefully occur in 2010.
Alistair Brett, Secretary September 2008
From left to right:
Back row: Sean Bennett, Julian Smallshaw,
James Edwards, Malcolm Gloster,
Philip Chadwick, Henry Yiend.
Middle row: Jeremy Ballard,
Andrew Whittaker, Roger Armston,
Ian Hayes.
Front row: Alistair Brett, Roger Allen,
Simon Westgarth.
15
OWA
Cricket
OWA v The School –
Sunday, 15th March 2009
If you wish to play in one of
the OWA teams, please contact
me as soon as possible – see
Contacts page for details.
Barrie Roberts
OWA CRICKET MATCHES V THE SCHOOL – SUNDAY 1ST JUNE 2008
It was excellent to see that the Old Boys managed to produce 3 teams for this annual
fixture. With the support of so many Old Boys currently playing for local clubs, coupled
with the efforts made by Michael de Weymarn and the OWA Chairman, Barrie Roberts,
three sides took to the field at 2.00pm with the sun shining on a beautiful June day. Our
thanks go to the School for their hospitality, in particular for afternoon tea. Our grateful
thanks to the umpires, namely Ken Hughes and Bruce Summers for the first team match,
Andy Hurd and Guy Roberts for the 2nd XI and Ed John for the 3rd XI game. After the
matches, a superb barbeque was most generously sponsored by Tom Whittle (T.97-02), who
with a colleague served the food and drinks – all for free – wow! Let us hope for another
enjoyable day on Sunday, 21st June 2009 (put it in your diary) with improved results!
Barrie Roberts
1ST XI MATCH REPORT
Result: OW’s batted first -147 all out in 44 overs lost to School 1st X1 by 4 wickets, having scored 151
for 6 in 34 overs. OWA 147 (J. Pee 38, C. Joyner 20, N. Benwell 15, A. Hartley 19, A. Saunders 3-12,
S. van Breda 2-20, R. Oliver 2-22). Wrekin 151-6: S. van Breda 40*, R. Fern 37, R. Oliver 23,
A. Saunders 20* (A. Smith 2-23, S. Blount 2-30)
Team: Matthew Tilt, Martin Savage, Jimmy Pee, Chris Sheperd, Andrew Hartley, Nick Benwell,
Stuart Blount, Adam Smith, Stuart Black, David Winterton, Chris Joyner
With previous years’ fixtures tending to fall on a Saturday and therefore clashing with
local league cricket, the OWA were rewarded with a strong turnout for this sundrenched
Sunday. All gathered with anticipation at the Pavilion awaiting the announcement of which
team they would be selected in. The 1st X1 was looking very strong on paper even if some
hadn’t donned their whites for some time. The match started well for the OWA. We won
the toss and chose to bat. Unfortunately for some time it seemed that this would be the
16
highlight of the game with Van Breda dismissing Chris Shepherd with his first ball of the match and
continuing to bowl tightly along with Saunders, Oliver, Mehat and Blackie. Runs were found difficult
to come by. However, thanks to some impressive batting by Jimmy Pee, and good hitting from Nick
Benwell, and Andrew (Titch) Hartley, (who, having connected fully with a sweep shot was dismissed
by a stunning diving catch at mid-wicket by Saunders) the ship was steadied. Thanks to a masterclass of manoeuvring the ball by number 10 Chris Joyner we recovered from 56 for 5 to post 147 all
out from 44 overs with Saunders taking 3 wickets and 2 a piece for Van Breda and Oliver. Following
an extended tea break, the OWA took to the field full of determination to make the school battle
for every run. After an inspiring team huddle, the opening partnership of Dave Winterton and Stuart
Blount let rip with their gentle swing bowling. Two wickets a piece for Adam Smith and Blount
promised to set-up a good finish with the school at one stage being 107 for 6 with contributions
throughout the batting order. However, an unbeaten partnership of 44 between the impressive Van
Breda (40 not out) and Saunders (20 not out) coupled with some tired looking bowlers and fielders,
with the exception of an excellent display of wicket keeping from Martin Savage, the School eased
to victory with 34 overs completed and 4 wickets remaining. I do hope that the players who enjoyed
each others company greatly are all available for next year’s re-match with the hope of reversing
the result.
Matthew Tilt
2ND XI MATCH REPORT
Result: OW’s batted first -79 all out lost to School 2nd X1 (T. Shaw 27, A. Whitehouse 3-23) – 81 for 4 wickets
(J. Woolley 30)
Team: Toby Shaw (27), Richard Lees, Adrian Eley, Barry Jones, Ben Morley, Robert Davies, Robin Eatough, Jeremy
Drewery, James Shaw, Richard Winterton, Shail Shah (School)
A great deal of thought and preparation had gone into the selection of the OW second X1,
combining youth and experience. For some, it was time to reminisce on past glories whilst for others
it was an opportunity to don the whites and meet up with old friends. The decision to bat first was
initially met with enthusiasm, but questions were asked of the captain’s choice once the OWA team
were 6 wickets down with less than 20 on the board. The ship was steadied with a middle order
stand of 40 between Toby Shaw (27) and Robin Eatough (19). Whilst their departure within an over
of each other left the team in a precarious position, they were comforted in the knowledge that our
most experienced players in Barry Jones (ex-Worcestershire) and the ever-youthful Jeremy Drewery
were available to see us through and post a respectable score. Unfortunately our best-laid plans
were scuppered when Barry received a rising delivery in the eye resulting in early retirement and a
welcome tea break for some. Despite finishing with the score of 79, the team took to the field full of
enthusiasm and determination, which was supported by an excellent spell from our opening bowlers
leading to an early breakthrough. Unfortunately this could not stem the flow of runs, with the School
side reaching their target with the minimum of fuss helped by some indifferent and less than classical
fielding. Despite the result, everyone had a very enjoyable and entertaining day and we would all like
to thank Barrie Roberts and the staff at Wrekin for making it such a success.
Toby Shaw
17
3RD X1 MATCH REPORT
Result: School batted first 102-8 (James Drew 27)
Bowling: Andy Beckett 4-14, Neil Griffiths 2-21, Rob Sankey 1-10,
John Wright (School) 0-12, Duncan Lloyd 1-12, Chris Jones 0-22
The OW’s 3rd X1 scored 103 for 5 in 21.1 overs, winning by 5 wickets
(D. Lloyd 25, E. Davies 21)
Team: Tom Fisher (11), John Woodhead (7), Duncan Lloyd (25),
Ed Davies (21), David Constable (14 no) (School), Neil Griffiths (2),
Chris Jones (2 no) – Andy Beckett, Matt Hall, John Wright (School).
Rob Sankey did not bat.
The Old Wrekinian’s 3rd X1 stood under the trees looking out
over the New Field square pondering the last time they had
picked up a cricket bat, bowled a ball or even worn cricket
whites. With that in mind we decided to negotiate with the
School. After a quick discussion with the skipper it was agreed
all round that the Old Boys would take the field. The next
decision was how we would fill the 30 overs.
After much discussion, Bayley’s John Wright and Rob Sankey
opened up the bowling with a sprightly spell, Sankey getting
the first break through. The School’s 3rd X1 bolstered by some
strong hitting from James Drew seemed to be in control. After
some tactical changes Andy Beckett came into the attack
offering some slow bowling which seemed to dazzle and
confuse the School’s middle order in the same way Shane
Warne’s magic bemused the English middle order for so many
years. With some tidy but sometimes erratic medium pace
from Neil Griffiths, the Old Boys seemed to get a strong
foothold in the game, reducing the school to 102-8 off their
30 overs with Beckett finishing with more than respectable
figures of 4-14 and Griffiths with 2-21. After much needed
refreshment the Old Boys embarked on chasing down the
School’s total and with a fine “pinch hitters” start from Tom
Fisher (11) the Old Boys never looked back with Duncan Lloyd
top scoring with 25. Ed Davies (in borrowed shoes – his had
fallen apart earlier) also contributed with 21 and after some
aggressive stroke play from Bayley’s David Constable (14) the
Old Boys were home finishing with 103-5 off 21.1 overs.
This victory was the only Old Boys’ win of the day, so well
done lads. Thanks must go to Barrie Roberts for organising
such a good turn out and also the School’s Ed John who
umpired the whole game. Thank you also to the School’s 3rd
X1 who had some great banter which made the afternoon so
enjoyable.
Neil Griffiths
18
OWA
Hockey & Netball
On Sunday, 21st September, on one
of the rare, hot afternoons of 2008,
the ‘old girls’ Hockey XI played the
School. The first half was very even,
with the School going 1-0 up by halftime. In the second half, the ‘old girls’
surged ahead, beating the School by
6-1 as the final score.
The game was enjoyed by all and
many thanks to everyone involved,
including Phil Berry and Haydn
Griffiths for umpiring.
Any Old Wrekinian girls interested in
playing in September 2009, please
contact Harriet Elleray on 01565
633550 or [email protected]
Left to right: Harriet Elleray, Cara Meehan,
Alex Smith-Maxwell, Olivia Baker,
Katie Fitzgerald Frazer, Cara Whitehouse,
Charlotte Roberts, Monica Crone,
Janicke Pilkington.
NETBALL OWA v The School
Sunday, 15th March 2009
If you wish to play in this match,
please contact me as soon as possible
– see Contacts page for details.
Caroline Ritchie-Morgan
OWA
Branch Dinners
Yorkshire Branch
The Yorkshire Dinner was held on Thursday,
2nd October at Woodsome Hall Golf
Club in Huddersfield. 19 attended the
dinner, in the magnificent banqueting
hall. Dr Rodney Edrich informed those
attending of the significant changes
that had occurred at the school over
the last decade. Sir James Hill, President
of the Branch, replied on behalf of the Old
Wrekinians. We were delighted to welcome Sir
John Roch, President of the OWA, Barrie Roberts,
Chairman of the OWA, Christopher Reynolds-Jones,
Chairman of Governors and Serena Kyle, Foundation Manager and OWA Social
Secretary, to the dinner. The dinner in 2009 is planned for Thursday, 1st October at
Woodsome Hall. Any Old Wrekinians living in the North of England would be more
than welcome.
Robert Shaw
Those who attended were:
Sir John Roch and Lady Roch (W.47-52), Sir James Hill (S.57-62),
Mr & Mrs Barrie Roberts (N.51-55), Mr Christopher Reynolds-Jones (T.52-55),
Dr Rodney Edrich, Mr Robert Shaw (B.71-76), Mr Paul Sykes (W.72-77),
Mr Andrew Sykes (W.81-83), Mr Peter Jackson (W.62-66), Mr Martin Shaw (N.66-71),
Mr Jonathan Grant (W.79-83), Mr Andrew Blair (W.62-66), Mr Mike Mellor (N.70-75),
Mr Richard Sutherland (Y.69-73), Mr Jonathan Isles (W.67-72),
Mr Wayne Chadwick (S.71-74), Mrs Serena Kyle (C.75-77).
The Old Wrekinian Lodge is always looking for new young members. If you are
interested, please contact the Lodge Secretary. See Contacts page for details.
19
BRANCH DINNERS
London Branch
In the comfortable setting of the East India Club,
thanks to its member Ian Ely-Corbett (W.78-83)
and within its Canadian Room, hail fellow and well
met pre-dinner drinks were served. Thirty nine OW
trenchermen and their guests stood to the table
where our President, Jim Markwick (N.48-54),
called for a moment of reflection upon the recent
and sad death of Grahame Murray (B.50-55).
Jim recalled a ‘gentle giant’, a friend and man of
considerable achievement. Our thoughts remain
with his family. Grace was eloquently said by Dr
Rodney Edrich, still happily moving amongst us
(‘Bayley’s Children’ still available at £20.00 a copy).
A surprising menu, accompanied by a selection of
wines, was consumed with interest.
There being enough Presidents of this and
Chairmen of that (past, present and future) to
run a small country, it was inevitable that the
evening’s enjoyment was bound to be interrupted!
A couple of star turns, nonetheless, merit mention.
The Headmaster cheered us with humour and
an optimistic review of Wrekin’s achievements
and its ability to sustain itself within the current
economic climate and beyond. In fact so cheerful
and upbeat was the delivery that two thoughts
occurred. In the first instance, it might be a good
time to consider the needs of the Foundation.
In the second, it did set one thinking just what
it might be like to be sent down by Stephen. At
least you would leave in no doubt, for Stephen
is extremely clear in delivery. On the other hand,
you would leave with a few good jokes with which
to placate the irate ‘P’! The many achievements
outlined are a credit to Stephen and his team and
congratulations are offered to all.
Amongst the many, one near perfect endeavour
was that of the girls’ senior hockey team; so
nearly taking the crown in the recent County
competition. Proud dad to the girls’ senior hockey
“A man who can
enjoy a London dinner
table can enjoy the world”
To paraphrase Oscar Wilde
team captain, Phillippa, Barrie Roberts’ (N.51-55)
brief yet hearty farewell to a period in which he
served valiantly as the Chairman of the OWA for
that last two years, was well received. He welcomed
Jonathan Grant (W.79-83) to the post. I am sure we
all join Barrie in our sincere offer of sympathy and
encouragement to Jonathan in his new role. Our
thanks to Barrie for all his effort and achievement.
Often seen but only quietly heard passing the port,
the Branch must yet again offer its gratitude to
Serena Kyle (C.75-77) for her uncomplaining help
in arranging the logistics and thus the success of
our dinner. Not just a necessary part, but a most
welcome guest at our table.
Whilst it was a pleasure to see so many enjoying the
evening, we would still wish to widen the appeal; we
are currently considering ways of offsetting costs for
recent leavers and will report further when our ideas
are more concrete. Your suggestions upon this and any
other matters are not only welcomed but encouraged
– please forward to:
The Secretary: [email protected]
01435 882350/07771 800958.
In closing, it must not be forgotten that Jim
Markwick stood to offer his and the Branch’s best
wishes to our Treasurer, Christopher Reynolds-Jones
(T.52-55) on the occasion of his **th birthday.
Happy Birthday Christopher and thank you for your
organisation of the 2008 London Branch dinner.
Michael Gordon-Williams
Please note this year’s dinner will be again at the East India Club but we have booked the Clive Room – a very pleasant
room on the ground floor as we anticipate even greater numbers
20
Future dates for your diary
LIVERPOOL BRANCH
FRIDAY, 20TH MARCH 2009
OLD WINDSORIAN DINNER
SATURDAY, 9TH MAY 2009
The Liverpool Branch Dinner will be
held on Friday, 20th March at The
Royal Liverpool Golf Club, Hoylake,
7.30 for 8.00pm, lounge suits. The cost
of a place is £35 per head, to include
your first drink, a 3 course meal and
half a bottle of wine per person. OWs
aged 25 and below are being offered
a concessionary price of £25 per head
per place. Guests of OWs are most
welcome. A Reply Slip is enclosed –
please return to Nick Hewitt as soon
as possible.
The Old Windsorian Dinner this year will
held at Willington Hall Hotel, Tarporley,
near Chester (01829 752321, www.
willingtonhall.co.uk). The dinner will be on
Saturday 9th May at 7.30pm. Guests are
welcome. The cost will be £30 per head; a
number of rooms are available for those
wishing to stay at Willington Hall. Rates
have been negotiated at £110 for a double
room and £72 for a double room with
single occupancy. Please let Richard Franklin
have numbers by 30th April; payment will
be taken on the night. Looking forward to
seeing all the Old Windsorians at our new
venue. A Reply Slip is enclosed.
Nearby Accommodation:
The Kings Gap Hotel, Kings Gap, Hoylake,
Wirral CH47 1HE – 0151 632 2073
Thornton Hall Hotel & Spa, Neston Road,
Thornton Hough, Wirral CH83 1JF –
0151 338 3938
The Jug & Bottle, Mount Avenue, Heswall,
Wirral CH60 4RH – 0151 342 5535
Anyone interested in playing Golf
on Friday afternoon, please email
David Lewis (T.76-80)
[email protected]
MIDLANDS BRANCH
FRIDAY, 17th APRIL 2009
The Midlands Branch Dinner will
be held on Friday, 17th April at The
Worcester Golf and Country Club,
7pm for 7.30pm, lounge suits and
the cost of a place is £25 per head,
which includes your first drink and
table wines. Golf will be available in
the afternoon. The green fees are £35
and a tee off time has been booked for
1.30pm. A Reply Slip is enclosed.
SHROPSHIRE BRANCH
The 2009 Shropshire Branch Dinner date
has not yet been decided but it has been
suggested that the dinner be held in
Shrewsbury in June with the intention of
allowing those younger OWs who are still
undertaking their studies to join those who
are ‘regulars’ at this event. Please let the
Editor or the Secretary, Nicola Jones, have
any comments on this suggestion. Members
of the Shropshire Branch will be contacted
nearer the time with a Reply Slip.
YORKSHIRE BRANCH
THURSDAY, 1ST OCTOBER 2009
The Yorkshire Branch Dinner will once
again be held at Woodsome Hall Golf Club,
Fennay Bridge, Huddersfield on Thursday,
1st October. Golf will be available in the
afternoon. Further details will appear in the
September OW Record.
21
Future dates for your diary
2009
Wednesday, 4th February
Manchester Branch Dinner – Francs Restaurant, Altrincham
Saturday, 15th March
Hockey & Netball v The School
Friday, 20th March
Liverpool Branch Dinner – Royal Liverpool Golf Club, Hoylake
Friday, 17th April
Midlands Branch Dinner – Worcester Golf Club
Saturday, 9th May
Old Windsorians Dinner – Willington Hall, Tarporley, near Chester
Saturday, 16th May
Reunion Lunch – 1971-80 Joiners
Sunday, 21st June
Committee Meeting and OWA Cricket v The School
Thursday, 1st October
Yorkshire Branch Dinner – Woodsome Hall Golf Club
Thursday, 12th November
London Branch Dinner – The East India Club, St James’ Square
Saturday, 5th December
OWA Annual Dinner – The Memorial Hall
DEADLINES
LONDON BRANCH
THURSDAY, 12TH NOVEMBER 2009
Would all contributors
please keep to the
following deadlines:January 1st
for the Spring publication
August 1st
for the Autumn publication
The London Branch Dinner will be held on Thursday,
12th November in The Clive Room at The East India
Club, St James’s Square, SW1, 6.45pm for 7.30pm,
lounge suits. The cost of a place will be confirmed
in due course. A Reply Slip will be included in the
September Record.
For further details, contact the appropriate Secretary (see CONTACTS Page)
22
Births, deaths & marriages
BIRTHS
To Tanya (nee Thompson) (C.84-86) and Carlos
Glencairn-Campbell in November 2007, a boy, William,
a brother for Max.
To Kathryn Hurd (R.93-98) and Dafydd Haries on 28th
September 2008, a girl, Rebeca Catrin.
To Melanie (nee Pritchett) (R.85-87) and Jay Jeary on 28th
March 2008, a daughter, Emilia Eloise, a sister for Oliver.
MARRIAGES
Stacey Jennings (C.98-00) to Mr John Barber
on 18th August 2007.
Katie Miller (C.93-95) to Mr Alistair Greatbatch
on 15th July 2006.
Rex Dixon attended Lincoln College,
Oxford on leaving Wrekin, where he
earned an Honours Degree in Law.
He served in the Royal Artillery and
Bedfordshire Yeomanry during the
Second World War and finished with
the rank of Major. In 1954, he and
his family emigrated to Canada and
after a career in business (municipal
taxation), he retired in 1978. Rex
leaves a widow, Joyce and a daughter,
Ann. Our son, John, died in 1968 of
Leukaemia.
Joyce B Dixon
J.S. Crowe (W.52-55) aged 70, on 3rd February 2008
David Hipkins died on 17th June after
a brave battle against oesophagus
cancer. He had recently taken early
retirement from his company after
41 years in the chemical industry. He
had then taken up a role as Consultant
in the same industry and was also
Chairman at the Royal Schools for
the Deaf at Cheadle, Cheshire. He will
be greatly missed by his wife Kate,
two daughters, Angela (R.89-92) and
Amanda (Ingram) (R.91-93), son-inlaws and his 6 grandchildren.
A.R. Dixon (W.28-31) aged 95, on 31st May 2008
Kate Hipkins
Emma-Jane Summers (R.94-99) to Mr Tim Crawford
on 12th July 2008.
James Whittaker (B.95-00) to Miss Karen Emma Spencer
on 18th October 2008.
DEATHS
R.M. Bancroft (W.34-36) aged 88, on 27th December 2008
W.D. Bennett (B.45-48) aged 76, on 23rd September 2008
J.K. Brigg (W.59-64) aged 62, on 14th October 2008
W.E. Dornan (S.18-21) aged 68, in February 1973
D.W. Hipkins (Y.60-65) aged 61, on 17th June 2008
S.K. McComas (T.35-39) aged 87, on 15th May 2008
R.H. Passmore (W.43-47) aged 79, in November 2008
D. C. Raymond-Jones (S.51-56) aged 69, on 30th April 2008
P.J. Smith (S.32-37) aged 88, on 14th January 2008
J.H. Thomas (T.56-61) aged 58, in March 2001
C.S. Wood (Y.59-63) aged 61, in 2007
James Thomas died in March 2001
of Motor Neurone disease. On leaving
Wrekin, James got a scholarship
to Cambridge and then went into
industry working for Universal Grinding
at Stafford. He then ran his own
catering and restaurant business and
finally ended up working for Medicare.
James left a wife and 2 daughters.
Chris Thomas (T.58-60)
23
Remembering Jeremy Brigg
Some Personal Memories of Jerry Brigg
Having seen Jerry together with his wife, Anona in such good
form at the Windsor Dinner in May 2008, it was a shock,
though not unexpected, to be sitting with Peter Jackson at
Jerry’s funeral in October. Jerry and I (together with Baker,
Bird, Crump, Ellis, Grove, Jones, Lewis and Welbourne) started
in Windsor House in September 1959. We shared our first
night in the Ten Dorm, me away from home for the first time
and feeling slightly homesick, and Jerry already a man of the
world at 13! Thus began our 5 very happy years at Wrekin.
Jerry had a mischievous side both in and out of class that
many of his teachers would remember.
One such event was when Jerry was flinging fireworks from
an upstairs study window in Windsor at the maids who were
walking home down Constitution Hill. I became involved and
we were sent to Mr Dahl’s study. I was severely reprimanded
by the Headmaster; he believed as I was supposedly the
sensible and responsible one, I should have stopped JKB
– some hope of stopping Jerry once his mind was made
up! Jerry was a great athlete. He represented the School in
most sports but I remember him mainly for his hurdling,
excellent pole vaulting, gymnastics, shooting and his grit and
determination in the boxing ring in the Memorial Hall.
Jeremy Brigg was the eldest of three
sons to attend Wrekin, the others being
the late Christoper Sutcliffe (W.63-68)
and Martin Sutcliffe (W.68-73). Jeremy’s
two daughters and a son also attended
the School. At School he was a keen
sportsman enjoying athletics where he
was an excellent pole vaulter and boxing,
representing both Windsor House and the
School at gymnastics.
He was an individual who questioned and
tested the establishment and sometimes
this could make him seem something of
a rebel. Nevertheless, he cherished the
values held dear at Wrekin and carried
these through his life and made a major
impact on his loving family and many
friends. On completing his education,
Jeremy followed a family tradition of
working in the textile industry before
leaving for Australia for two years in 1969.
We both shared a love of music and while sitting next to him
in the Music School, I vividly remember him belting out Del
Shannon’s Runaway on the piano. Together with Tony Wicks
we formed the first school Rock and Roll band. Our first
concert was in the Windsor House Common Room with Jerry
on drums and vocals – we played hits by The Searchers, The
Shadows and The Beatles – great times! In later years, Jerry
and Anona’s children attended Wrekin as contemporaries of
my own children so our paths frequently crossed. He was also
joint secretary of the Old Windsorian Association. Having
known Jerry and Anona’s children and now having met
their talented grandchildren, I know that the ‘Jerry effect’ will
live on.
He resumed his career in the textile trade
until early retirement at 55 promoted
by the decline of this industry. He was
a great supporter of the School and
attended many old boys meetings and
Windsor dinners. In typical fashion, Jerry
left strict instructions for his funeral and
all who attended could not fail to be both
touched and amused by the farewell that
he had prepared and which was read so
well by his son, Edward. He leaves his
wife Anona, daughters Allison and Paula,
son Edward, four grandchildren and many
happy memories.
Richard Franklin
Peter Jackson
24
WREKIN COLLEGE
Foundation News
FOUNDATION EVENT – FRIDAY,
5TH JUNE 2009 – ANGLESEY
The Foundation will be holding an event
on Friday, 5th June at The Bulkeley Arms
Hotel, Beaumaris, Anglesey, for those OWs
living in the North Wales region. This will
be an informal drinks party from 6.30pm
until 8.30pm kindly hosted by Andrew Evans
(B.61-65). Invitations will be sent out in April
and we look forward to meeting OWs in this
area on that evening.
THE TOWER OF LONDON
& THE CEREMONY OF THE KEYS
On Monday, 13th October 2008, the
Foundation held a very special event at
The Tower of London. Through his contacts,
David Owen M.B.E. (T.53-57) arranged for
25 OWs and their guests to enjoy a superb
dinner in the Mess Room of the Regimental
Museum of the Royal Fusiliers within the
Tower grounds, followed by the Ceremony of
the Keys. Dr Rodney Edrich, President of the
Foundation and I would like to express our
sincere thanks to David for enabling us to
enjoy this wonderful occasion.
Those who attended were:
Mr Stephen Drew (Headmaster), Mr Christopher
Reynolds-Jones (T.52-55), Mr David Owen
(T.53-57), Mr & Mrs Andrew Evans (B.61-65),
Dr Rodney Edrich, Sir John & Lady Roch (W.46-52),
His Honour Judge John Price (S.54-59) & Lady
Susan Hunt, Mr & Mrs Tony Jones (Y.54-59),
Dr & Mrs Nicholas Newton (Y.58-63), Mr Rodney
Rigby (B.53-57), Mr D Thomas & Mrs Y K Thomas
(Bursar), Mr Jonathan Wood (W.65-70), Mr Justin
Mallinson (W.83-88) & Miss Alexandra Dimmer,
Mr & Mrs Toby Graham (W.78-83), Mr & Mrs
Steven Shotton (S.70-74), Mrs Serena Kyle
(nee Howard) (C.75-77).
THE CRICKET PAVILION APPEAL
The Cricket Pavilion Appeal has now
received donations from over 142 OWs
and current and former parents, bringing
the total donated so far to £61,000.
Phase 1 of the Cricket Pavilion work
has now been completed, with the new
changing facilities which can be seen at
the right hand side of the photograph
on the cover. The refurbishment of the
main building has commenced and will
be ready in time for the new season. The
Appeal is still open and if you wish to
support it, please make cheques payable
to ‘Wrekin College Foundation’ and send
to the Foundation Office.
TELEPHONE CAMPAIGN
Between the 13th and 31st August, the
Foundation ran a Telephone Fundraising
Campaign to raise money for the
Scholarship and Bursary Fund. 712 OWs
were called by 12 recent leavers and
current students and 284 pledged to
give a donation. The final total received
is £86,000, which represents 40%
percentage giving, a 92.82% fulfilment
rate and an average donation of £130
from 247 fulfilled pledges. Once again,
the Trustees of the Foundation and the
Foundation Manager would like to take
this opportunity of thanking all those who
donated to the Campaign – we could not
have reached this fantastic total without
you! A full list of donors will appear in the
forthcoming Annual Review.
25
WREKIN COLLEGE
Foundation News
REUNION PROGRAMME
OWA WEBSITE
1971-1980’S REUNION – 16TH MAY 2009
Your website address is www.oldwrekinians.
org Please keep sending your photographs
and news of achievements, weddings,
births and any other items of interest to
[email protected]
Following on from last year’s extremely
successful Reunion lunch, the next event will
take place on Saturday, 16th May 2009 –
open to all those who joined between 1971
and 1980. Invitations will be sent out in
February 2009. A reminder that no charge is
made to attend the day or for lunch. If you
wish your partner to attend, please indicate
this on the Reply Slip and places will be
awarded on a first come, first served basis
to partners, due to the number of OWs in
the decade group and the capacity of the
Memorial Hall.
This will be followed in succeeding years by:
May 2010 – joiners between 1981 and 1990
May 2011 – joiners between 1991 and 2000
May 2012 – joiners between 2001 and 2010
All Reunion lunches will be programmed
to be held on the third Saturday in May.
Please make a note of the dates in your
diaries now!
26
Do you want to trace lost friends and
colleagues? If so just ring or email the
Foundation Office with any queries.
DONATING TO THE FOUNDATION
ONLINE!
You are able to donate to the Foundation
online through the Charities Aid Foundation
(CAF). Simply go to www.cafonline.org, enter
‘Wrekin College Foundation’ in the search box
and donate using your credit or debit card or
your CAF Charity Account.
To contact the Foundation Office
Serena Kyle
Foundation Manager
Tel: 01952 265609
Fax: 01952 641293
Email: [email protected]
AVAILABLE FOR SALE
SCHOOL PRINTS
Numbered limited edition of prints of the school are
still available – the original OWA gift to Headmaster,
Peter Johnson – and can be collected from the OWA
Secretary or from the School Shop. The cost of the prints
is unchanged at £20 (unmounted), £22.50 (mounted pale
grey, dark green, maroon and cream) or £35 (framed).
Cheques payable to O.W.A.
SCHOOL BLAZERS
The material for School Blazers is ready for making up
and is superb. To obtain yours, firstly send a cheque for
£50 for the material to Christopher Reynolds-Jones
(made payable to CRJ as he has paid for the material).
Next ring John Mears on 01922 476930 to place your
order. His address is R H Mears Ltd, 10 Harrison Street,
Bloxwich, Walsall WS3 3HP. Directions: leave M6 Junction
11 towards Walsall. After 2 miles, turned left signed
Bloxwich. At T junction traffic lights in Bloxwich, turn left
and although Harrison Street is 2nd on the right, it is one
way against you, so turn first right and then wind your
way into Harrison Street. Number 10 is on the left about
100 yards before you are back on the main road. The
making up price is £38 plus VAT, to be settled with John
Mears direct.
OWA SOCKS
Nearly every other college, clubs and Regimental
Association has their own socks available from Footloose
of London, SW8 1BL. At long last, thanks to the Chairman
of Governors, we now have a stock ready for despatch.
This is a great way to protect your ankles and advertise
your wonderful School! The socks are superb – 70%
cotton, 28% nylon and 2% lycra/elastane. Please send
your cheque for £9.99 per pair made payable to Wrekin
College to Serena Kyle in the Foundation Office.
THE WREKINIAN
(the bi-annual School magazine)
Any members of the OWA who wish
to keep in touch with School events by
means of The Wrekinian (in addition
to the Old Wrekinian Record) are
welcome to do so either by purchase
of individual copies from the OWA
Sec. or on a regular basis by Bankers
Order through the Treasurer. The
Wrekinian is published twice a year in
September and March. The annual
charge has now been increased to
£15. Previous subscribers please
note and alter your Bankers Order
accordingly if you wish to continue
to receive a copy which will only be
sent out to those who have paid in
full. Any additional back payment
should be sent to the Treasurer.
ADVERTISING SPACE
The charge for advertising in the O.W.
Record is £100 for a full-page (A5) and
£50 for a half page. The magazine has
a circulation of nearly 4,000. If any
members are interested in advertising
their companies or their services in
this way, please contact the Editor
or the OWA Secretary as soon as
possible.
Any advertising copy would be
required by August 1st for the
Autumn edition and by January 1st
for the Spring edition, but an early
notification of your intentions
would help in planning.
27
AVAILABLE FOR SALE
SCHOOL SHOP
THE 200 CLUB
The following items are available
from the School Shop
The ‘200 Club’ was formed in 1983 and its objectives
are to raise funds for School projects and to date,
over £20,000 has been raised. This is an excellent
way of helping the School while having the chance
of winning a prize twice a year. 50% of all income
goes out in seven prizes ranging from £250 to £25,
the other 50% goes towards the funding of School
projects.
OWA Silk Tie: £16.99 plus 50p p&p
OWA Ties: Dress Tie; Green Lion Tie; Blue
Lion Tie – all at £11.50 each plus 50p p&p.
Old House Ties: Old Tudor; Old York;
Old Bayley, Old Norman, Old Saxon, Old
Windsor – all at £11.50 each plus 50p p&p
Scarves; Sweaters; Sweatshirts; Polo
Shirts are sometimes in stock – enquire
for prices.
Available to callers, the shop is open Tuesday
to Friday afternoons during term-time or, if
ordering by post, please add postage.
Cheques should be made payable to
Wrekin Trading Ltd.
The following are available to
purchase from the Development
Office
Bayley’s Children: A History of Wrekin
College 1880-2005 by Dr Rodney Edrich
£20.00 plus £5 P&P (for overseas postage
contact the Development Office)
Each number has a 7 in 200 chance of winning at
each draw – the odds are better than the Lottery and
the proceeds are put to good use! Why not have a go!
The subscription to the 200 Club is £10 per share per
annum. At each of the two draws in the Spring and
Autumn, prizes will be 1 x £250, 1 x £100,
1 x £50 and 4 x £25. To join or increase your existing
membership (maximum 5 units), please contact
Denis Eckersley,
Birtles Cottage, 28 Gough’s Lane, Knutsford,
Cheshire WA16 8QL.
Telephone 01565 632457.
Winners for the draw
held on Saturday, 6th December 2008
Pair of Silver Cufflinks: £25.00 each
167
169
134
37
70
96
84
Ladies Silver Bracelet with School Crest:
£18.00 each
OWA DISCOUNT
Silk Bow Ties: Dark Blue with Pale Blue
Stripe £12.50 each
New School Print (unframed): £20.00
Cheques for the above made payable to
‘Wrekin College’
28
£250
£100
£50
£25
£25
£25
£25
G A Charlesworth (T.41-45)
D M Petty (B.82-87)
W H B Roberts (N.51-55)
G A Shepherd (Y.43-48)
J C Markwick (N.48-54)
N Beanland (Y.65-69)
M J T Brown (B.46-49)
The Governors have announced that members of the
OWA will be entitled to a 10% discount on fees for
any of their children while at Wrekin. It is hoped that
this will encourage more members to maintain family
connections with the school.
OWA
C O N TA C T S
OWA President:
John Roch (W.46-52)
The Beeches, Uzmaston, Haverfordwest,
Pembrokeshire SA62 4AE.
T. 01437 767727
OWA Chairman:
Jonathan Grant (W.79-83)
11 Greenside Drive, Hale, Altrincham,
Cheshire WA14 3HX.
T. 01942 881900 or 07831 344824
E. [email protected]
OWA Treasurer:
David Ellison (T.54-58)
4 Grosvenor Court, Pinfold Hill,
Shenstone, Staffordshire WS14 0JW.
T. 01543 481728
E. [email protected]
OWA Secretary:
Mervyn Joyner (Staff 62-94)
20 Albert Road, Wellington, Telford,
Shropshire TF1 3AR.
T. 01952 223295
E. [email protected]
OWA Social Secretary:
Serena Kyle
Foundation Office, Wrekin College,
Wellington, Telford, Shropshire TF1 3BH.
T. 01952 265609
E. [email protected]
200 Club Secretary:
Michael de Weymarn,
Amesbury, 7 Sutherland Avenue,
Wellington, Telford, Shropshire TF1 3BL.
T. 01952 415071
Liverpool Branch:
Nick Hewitt (T.81-86)
Woodland View, 1 Resthill Road,
Storeton Village, Wirral CH63 6HN.
T. 0151 608 5713
E. [email protected]
London Branch:
Michael Gordon-Williams (W.67-72)
Martins, Greenfield Road, Burwash,
Etchingham, Sussex TN19 7BX.
T. 01435 882350
E. [email protected]
Manchester Branch:
John Alexander (N.60-63)
The Limes, Norman’s Place,
Altrincham, Cheshire WA14 2AB.
T. 0161 9288479
E. [email protected]
OW Golf:
Alistair Brett (B.67-72)
Warden Barns, Low Warden, Hexham,
Northumberland NE46 4SN.
T. 01434 601973
E. [email protected]
Midlands Branch:
John Walker (B.52-55)
21 Elm Tree Rise, Hampton-inArden, Solihull B92 0AG.
T. 01657 443297
E. christopher.walker77 @virgin.net
OW Hockey:
Barrie Roberts (N.51-55)
Little Orchard, Evendine Lane, Colwall,
Malvern, Worcestershire WR13 6DT.
T. 01684 541416
E. [email protected]
Shropshire Branch:
Nicola Jones (C.02-07)
5 Hertford Close, Wellington,
Shropshire TF1 3PS.
T. 07941 369250
E. [email protected]
OW Netball:
Caroline Ritchie-Morgan (Staff)
Marketing Dept. Wrekin College,
Wellington, Telford, Shropshire TF1 3BH.
T. 01952 265606
Yorkshire Branch:
Robert Shaw (B.71-76)
Gawthorpe Green Farmhouse,
Gawthorpe Green Lane,
Kirkheaton, Huddersfield, Yorkshire
HD5 0NX.
T. 01484 431046
E. [email protected]
Old Windsorians:
Richard Franklin (W.59-64)
Park Farm, Aqualate, Newport,
Shropshire TF10 9BZ.
T. 01952 825291
Old Normans:
David Stevens (N.57-62)
Bracken End, Combe, Malborough,
Kingsbridge, Devon TQ7 3DN.
T. 01548 843156
E. [email protected]
OW Lodge:
Paul Rhodes (T.59-62)
18 Old Hall Close, Wellington,
Telford, Shropshire TF1 2DJ.
T. 01952 247418
OW Shooting:
Richard Brown (N.54-59)
Flamingo, Bennetts Lane, Garmston,
Leighton, Shropshire SY5 6RL.
T. 01952-510454
F. 01952-510414
E. [email protected]
School Shop:
Mrs. Joan Griffiths, School Shop, Wrekin
College, Wellington, Telford, Shropshire
TF1 3BH.
T. 01952-265615
Headmaster:
Stephen Drew, Wrekin College,
Wellington, Telford, Shropshire TF1 3BH.
T. 01952-265602
F. 01952-415068
E. [email protected]
www.wrekincollege.ac.uk
School Office:
T. 01952-265600 F. 01952-240338
OWA Web site:
www.oldwrekinians.org
OW Cricket:
c/o Michael de Weymarn,
Amesbury, 7 Sutherland Avenue,
Wellington, Telford, Shropshire
TF1 3BL.
T. 01952 415071
29
Garden Design
with David Stevens
After leaving Wrekin I studied
landscape architecture
and in 1972 started out in
private practice. I am now an
Internationally recognised
garden designer with 11 Chelsea
Flower Show Gold medals.
In all my gardens the aim is
to create a composition that
is completely at one with the
personality of the owners,
whether it be in town or
country, contemporary or
traditional. I’m always more than
happy to help Old Wrekinians so
please don’t hesitate to give me
a call.
david stevens i n t e r n a t i o n a l
T. +44 (0)1280 821097 E. [email protected] www.david-stevens.co.uk