Reunite Issue 14 - St George`s Weybridge

ALSO INSIDE:
UPCOMING DIARY DATES, THE CLASS OF 2011,
COLLEGE HOUSE SYSTEM, OGS BEHIND THE LENS AND USA NEWS
Autumn 2015
14
Re-uniting the Georgian Family with each other and the School in order to strengthen our
community and enhance educational provision for the future through charitable giving.
Welcome
To the 2015 Autumn edition of Reunite
It’s hard to believe that is has been six months
since the last Reunite magazine. It’s even more
unbelievable that we have so many wonderful
stories and articles to share with you now that
we are publishing the magazine twice a year.
It just goes to show how busy the Reunite
programme has been, and how engaged our
OG community is with the School.
We hope you enjoy reading about all the
fantastic reunions which have taken place
since January. We have thoroughly enjoyed
meeting so many new faces and have really
enjoyed reconnecting classmates together
again after so many years.
A huge thank you must be extended to
everyone that has assisted in the School’s
career programmes – your time and expertise
has been incredibly valuable and we appreciate
the commitment you have all shown. The
students really benefit from meeting with
members of our community. I am sure you will
enjoy reading about the journey Old Georgian,
Joe Mckendrick had taken to secure his
placement with EY on their graduate scheme.
This just goes to show we have an amazing
network of Georgians.
We are incredibly excited to share with you
our digital archives. To date we have scanned
the Georgian magazine and school photos for
you to enjoy. This will be an ongoing project
over the next few years and we look forward
to introducing more of our historical archives
for you to enjoy. We will be looking to find an
experienced archivist in the near future so if
you think you have the relevant experience
please get in touch with us.
There are some great reunions planned for the
next few months – and we really look forward
to meeting more of you during the year.
With our best wishes
Caroline Long, Melanie Gordon-Hughes
& Georgia Boatman
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn is a great business
networking social site.
Follow St George’s, Weybridge
Alumni today!
Keep up to date with Reunite
news and events.
Follow us on St George’s
College Reunite.
@stgeorgesru
CONTACT US:
THE DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
Mrs Caroline Long
Development Director
Mrs Melanie Gordon-Hughes
Alumni Relations Officer
Miss Georgia Boatman
Fundraising & Events Officer
T: 01932 839352
E: development@
stgeorgesweybridge.com
www.stgeorgesreunite.com
Office hours: 8.00am–5pm
Monday to Friday all year
(except Public/Bank Holidays)
The Development Office,
St George’s Weybridge,
Weybridge Road, Addlestone,
Surrey, KT15 2QS, UK
THE CONGREGATION
OF JOSEPHITES
For information about the Josephites
and their work in Belgium, England,
Africa and the USA.
www.josephiteweb.org
OLD GEORGIANS’ ASSOCIATION
E: [email protected]
ST GEORGE’S COLLEGE (11-18)
T: 01932 839300
F: 01932 839301
E: [email protected]
www.stgeorgesweybridge.com
St George’s College,
Weybridge Road, Addlestone,
Surrey, KT15 2QS, UK
ST GEORGE’S JUNIOR SCHOOL (3-11)
T: 01932 839400
F: 01932 839401
E: [email protected]
www.stgeorgesweybridge.com
St George’s Junior School,
Thames Street, Weybridge, Surrey,
KT13 8NL, UK
St George’s Weybridge is a Registered
Educational Charity no. 1017853
L-R Melanie, Caroline and Georgia
We have received an incredibly large amount of text for this edition and sadly we have been
unable to publish every article / feedback we have received. Additionally many of the original
features have been made shorter to fit into the magazine and all original texts can therefore
be found on the Reunite website.
Front Cover
Mike Edwards (1964),
Bob Pearson (1964) &
Michael Mills (1965)
Read more on page 6
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE –
2
2015 Diary Dates
3
Who Has Been Reunited?
16 Careers
18 Four years on
26 Little pieces of history
29 Support SGW
30 School News
32 OGA Sports News
36 Behind the lens
48 Old Georgian News
52 News from the USA
57 Announcements
64 Community News
Introducing the Digital Archives
We are pleased to now be able to
share a large proportion of the
School’s archive material with
you which is now available to view
digitally online. Users can access copies of the
Georgian magazine, St Maur’s magazine as well
as school photographs and other records of the
Schools history.
We welcome donations in their original form from
our community and would love to hear from you
if you have in particular; diaries, correspondence,
photographs, uniform items and other artefacts.
Such items will add greater interest and depth
to our archive. If you have anything which you
feel would be a valuable addition to the school
collections we would like to hear from you.
1
WHO HAS BEEN REUNITED?
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
WHO HAS BEEN REUNITED
Louise, Justin & Julian.
Hong Kong
Date: Friday 6th November 2015 | 7.30pm
Venue: American Peking Restaurant in Wan Chai.
Class of 2005
10 Year Anniversary
Drinks
Date: Thursday 19th November 2015 | 7.30pm
Venue: All Bar One, London, Waterloo, SE1 7PY
Cost: £20 pp
City Networking
Date: Wednesday 11th November 2015 | 6.30pm
Class of
2015
Venue: Corney & Barrow, 10 Paternoster Square,
London EC4M 7DX
Christmas
Celebration
Date: Wednesday 16th December 2015 | 8pm
Venue: Slug and Lettuce, Weybridge.
Join your classmates back in Weybridge
to celebrate the festive holidays.
Visit to
Nottingham /
Loughborough University
Date: Thursday 3rd March 2016 | 7.30pm
Drinks
Date: Friday 22nd April 2016 | 7.30pm
Venue: Old Georgians’ Clubhouse, St George’s College.
Join your classmates for a few drinks in the Clubhouse.
Class of
30
WATCH THIS SPACE…
1986
30 Year
Anniversary
Date: Friday 20th May 2016 | 7.30pm
Venue: Old Georgians’ Clubhouse, St George’s College.
Join your classmates for a few drinks in the Clubhouse.
Reunions for the class of 1976, 1974
and 2006 will be arranged during 2016.
RU14 Autumn 2015
2
Class of 1990
On Thursday 23rd April, nine former pupils
from the class of 1990 met up for drinks at the
Hand and Spear in Weybridge.
Please visit our website to book your place on one of the events above.
www.stgeorgesreunite.com/events/
“It was great to catch up with old friends and
find out what life-adventures they have
had since leaving St Maur’s/St George’s and
happily it seemed the years have been pretty
kind to all”
Payment Options:
Claire Hobbs
•
Send a cheque made payable to St George’s Weybridge
and posted to the Development Office, St George’s
Weybridge, Weybridge Road, Addlestone, KT15 2QS
•
Bank
Transfer – St George’s Weybridge, Sort Code:
602334, Account Number: 96610603. Please reference
your surname followed by 40201. Please inform the office
once your payment transaction has been made.
It was an incredibly enjoyable evening with
many school stories being shared.
Attendees
Sarah Baker (née Coles); Virginie Behier;
Emma Campbell (née Sims); David Candy;
Claire Hobbs (née Lardner); Louise Kenny;
Emma Phelps (née Baines); Julian Shea
and Justin Wilson.
3
RU14 Autumn 2015
Class of 1991
25 Year Anniversary
Venue: Prezzo. University students are welcome
to join us for a complimentary meal.
WHO HAS BEEN REUNITED?
City Networking
On Wednesday 29th April, 16 Old Georgians,
two past parents and one current parent,
joined the Development Team for a couple
of drinks at Corney & Barrow in Paternoster
Square, London. These evenings are arranged
for the Georgian Community to network and
enjoy a light hearted social evening.
Join us at our next event on the 11th
November. These are the perfect opportunity
to expand your professional network, increase
your opportunities and have fun.
Attendees
William, David, Jeremy & Andrew.
Joanna, Julia & Vanessa.
Class of 1985
The class of 1985 got together on Wednesday
20th May to celebrate their 30th anniversary
of leaving school at the Hand and Spear in
Weybridge. It was a wonderful turnout with 22
former pupils turning up to enjoy a few drinks.
The reaction to seeing each other was priceless,
as many had not met up since leaving school.
A very big thank you to Brian O’Gorman (1954),
President of the OGA, and former English Teacher
for attending the reunion.
Attendees
RU14 Autumn 2015
4
Chris Banton; Sarah Begley; Matthew
Boatfield; Dean Bowles; Neil Bradley; Paul
Clayton; Peter Creber; Richard Crossley;
Andrew Drummond; Isabel Drummond(née
Cardemil); Elizabeth Dymond (née Bennell);
Dermot Flynn; Joanna McGhie; Vanessa
McQuillan (née Brain); Darrell O’Dea;
Brian O’Gorman; Julia Quant (née Frank);
Jan-Willem Quant; Gerald Shea; Andy Smith;
Anna Stroud (née Savill); Sarah Warley
(née Hatch).
“
“It was good to see so many people and some
hardy souls managed to struggle on until the
pub shut – no change then from 1985!”
Andrew Drummond
“Thank you for arranging a pleasant evening.
After 30 years it was with great apprehension
that I walked into the The Hand & Spear, but
within minutes I felt welcomed by a great
bunch of people.”
Dean Bowles
“It really was nice to see so many people after all
these years. I was glad that we hadn’t changed
too much and it was really interesting to hear
what everyone had been doing.”
Darrell O’Dea
5
RU14 Autumn 2015
David Aylward (1999), Andrew Burton (2000), Jeremy Doyle (2000), Will Obbard (2000), Alastair
Hegarty (2000), Thomas Athayde (1980), Paul Stubbs (1980), Jonathan Dennis (1979), Simon
Clothier (1975), Giles Vardey (1973), John Donnelly (1977), Sahiba Chandha (2005), Aimee Chalmers
(2005), John Handford (1975), John Beedham (1966), Peter Dove (1980), Collette Carus (Former
Parent), Ben White (Current Parent) and Chris Sutton (Former Parent).
The Over Sixties lunch was first held at the
Cricketers Club of London on the 22nd May
2008 and was then followed by the East India
Club in 2009. We first met as a group at the
Royal Overseas League in 2010 and it is by far
the most popular venue and for this reason we
have returned here year after year. The Princess
Alexander Hall can seat up to 120 guests and we
really hope to fill that capacity in years to come.
We had Old Georgians from four different
generations being represented at the lunch.
Starting in the 1940’s right up to the early 1970s!
Our aim for 2016 is to encourage more from the
year groups 1970 – 1973 to attend. We really
hope that our two ‘younger’ new guests, Keith
Jones, 1972 and Paul Robigo, 1973 will help by
encouraging more of their peers to join next year?
Paul Robigo was incredibly excited about
attending his very first over sixties lunch and
said about his experience, “What a wonderful
baptism into the Georgian Over 60s “Club”. Junior
here had a wonderful time and learned an awful
lot. This was and is a tradition I have long wanted
to be part of and now that I am eligible I can
see why it is so popular. I shall try to encourage
more 1970s plus Old Georgians to join the fold in
future years.” Paul was very enthusiastically seen
taking selfies with many of the guests!
The afternoon started with drinks in the
Princess Alexandra Hall. The excitement in the
room was tangible as classmates caught up
with each other – for some it was the first time
since they left school over 50 years ago!
RU14 Autumn 2015
6
The group also spent some time reflecting on
the OGs who were sadly not with us anymore. In
particulara prayerwas mentioned in remembrance
for Fr Christopher Hunting, Peter Brooker, Dick
Doyle and Paul Reed (former teacher).
This yearwe were delighted to welcome a number
of new guests to the lunch: Glen Cawdeary,
1969; Joe Connor, 1957; Aidan Cotter, 1959;
Paul Fairbairn-Tennant, 1968; Keith Jones, 1972
(who is also a current Governor); Michael Mills,
1965 (travelling all the way from Spain); William
Newton, 1964; Dominic Pini, 1970; Christopher
Spencer, 1969; David Walker, 1966 and David
Scurlock, 1966.
There was incredible excitement at the arrival of
Michael Mills, 1965. Michael had flown in from
Spain to attend his very first lunch. Michael’s
father, V.H.Mills, also attended St George’s
between 1925 and 1928. Vivien ‘George’ Mills had
been boxing champion, Captain of the 1st XV and
an excellent tennis player. An article about him
can be read in issue 12 of the Reunite magazine.
It was a real honour to be shown Vivien’s official
St George’s Boxing medal which Michael still has
to this day proudly displayed on his key chain.
A special mention should also go to John Murray,
1953 for travelling from South Africa. John
attended the lunch in 2014 and it is wonderful
that he is now arranging his annual trip to the UK
around the Over 60s lunch.
The afternoon ended with sundowners on the
patio having drinks overlooking the tranquil view
of Green Park in the late afternoon sunshine.
We hope to see everyone – new and old back
again at the ROSL on Wednesday 1st June 2016.
Thank you to Mike Edwards
and Keith Jones who have both
written fantastic reports about
their experience at the lunch
– to read these please refer to
the Reunite website, or contact
the office and copies can be
emailed through to you.
7
RU14 Autumn 2015
On Wednesday 3rd June the Development Office
hosted the 8th Annual Over Sixties lunch at the
Royal Overseas League, St James’s in London.
This year we had 86 OGs who attended. Since its
inauguration back in 2008 where only 36 OGs
attended this has definitely proved to be one of
the most popular alumni events of the year, with
more and more OGs coming along.
WHO HAS BEEN REUNITED?
Over 60s London Lunch
On Thursday 5th March, 30 Old Georgians and
their partners got together, with Caroline Long
and Georgia Boatman from the Development
Office, for a regional reunion dinner at
Prezzo in Exeter. Amongst the group, 11 Old
Georgians are currently students studying at
Exeter University and two past SGC teaching
staff attended.
"Thank you so much for organising the Exeter
Reunion. Pam and I had a wonderful time and
it was really good to chat to so many people
and especially to meet up with the both of
you. It was interesting to meet the Georgians
who are at Exeter Uni, especially Tom Minerva
whose father I taught and Stephanie Harding
whose sister was in the last girls' hockey team
I coached at the College. I can't wait for the
next reunion to come round. Thanks again for
all your hard work in making it happen”
Class of 1970
Thank you to everyone who attended!
Attendees
Kevin Cheney (1968); Mike Connor (1950);
Jack Dominy (2012); Jeremy Edwards (1970);
Fiona Gilbert (1974); Stephanie Harding
(2013); Rick & Sue Hames (1967); Edward &
Suzanne Hazelden (1987); Charlotte Howell
(2013); Joseph Kipling (2013); Matthew Le
Brocq (2013); Susannah Lowe (2013); Christ
& Georgie Marshall (1960); Tommaso Minerva
(2012); Salvatore Nigrelli (2013); Sophie
O’Carroll (2013); Oliver O’Carroll (2014); David
& Barbara Ottley (Past Staff); Chris Reynard
(1959); Devraj Toor (2012); Dick & Pam Von
Reibnitz (Past Staff);
Hannah Walsh (2013) and Nigel &
Pam Webster (1956)
“Thank you very much for a truly wonderful
day. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I think
everyone in our group did. Please say thanks
to all the people involved in the preparation
and serving of the BBQ and tea. The lunch
was amazing and I had far too much cake at
tea! Thank you so much. Definitely be at the
next old boys day.”
Tony Harding
“Many congratulations to you, Caroline and
the rest of your team for organising such
a splendid day. Many old friendships were
reignited and contacts made again. Nina
Lochen and Hugh Ryan did a magnificent job
of gathering as many as they could muster
together! The food was excellent. Thank you
to the catering staff for such a feast! Simon
and I thank you again for a memorable day.”
Andrea and Simon Lee
9
RU14 Autumn 2015
RU14 Autumn 2015
8
Thank you to Nina Baynham (née Lochen) and
Hugh Ryan for organising a fantastic reunion
for the class of 1970 who were celebrating
their 45th anniversary this year. The attendees
were: Nina Baynham (Lochen); Paul Corris,
Geoff D’Eon (who flew in from Canada);
Stephen Fleming; Gregory Flower; Paul Gelardi;
Liz Gill (1972); Stewart Gimber; Tony Harding;
John Hernon; Simon Lee; Ian Manners; Gary
Newell (who arrived from Dubai at 6am that
morning); Andy Prendergast; Christopher
Randle; Patrick Roberts; Hugh Ryan; Christine
Turvey (travelled from the USA to attend) and
Peter Wilson. Fr Martin led the group around on
a VIP tour of the school.
Dick Von Reibnitz.
This was the largest regional reunion we have
ever held and with a mixture of all ages it was
truly an enjoyable evening.
WHO HAS BEEN REUNITED?
Exeter Reunion
Governors’ Dinner
On Wednesday 13th May 2015, Joe Peake, St
George’s College Headmaster, invited all past
and current governors to the First Biennial
Governor’s Dinner. The evening was held at the
College in the Orchard Hall.
The invitation was well received with over
40 attendees including the Junior School
Headmaster, Mr Antony Hudson and the
Bursar, Mr Greg Cole. This was the first time
an event for current and past governors had
ever been organised and gave a chance for all
guests to get together and discuss the success
and progress of the school.
Mr Peake and the current Chairman of
Before dinner was served, there was a
photograph opportunity that couldn’t be
missed. Having 40 past and current governors
all together is a rare and historic occasion.
The College is indebted to all our Governors
who volunteer their time, and expertise to St
George’s. They have all been fundamental to
the success and progression of our School.
11
Current and Past Governors and
their partners on the Orchard Pitch.
RU14 Autumn 2015
RU14 Autumn 2015
10
governors, Mr Michael Davie (1980), said a few
words about the School and joked about why it
had taken so long for an evening like this to have
come about. Following the speeches everyone
enjoyed a beautifully prepared dinner provided
by the catering team.
The idea for a reunion was born out of a drinks
meeting between John Handford, Sean Crane
and Simon Clothier and 18 months of planning
eventually paid off to a fantastic night of
reminiscing with classmates.
Dominic, Ian, Jeanette & Charlie.
For many, they had not seen each other
since they left school and it was a wonderful
experience to watch as they started recognising
each other. There was such an electrifying
atmosphere during the champagne drinks
reception with hugs, kisses and whoops of joy.
The alumni were then seated in the Queens Room
at 8pm for dinner. Caroline Long, Development
Director, welcomed everyone and made special
note of those who travelled such a long way.
Thank you to Maria Triary who travelled from
Spain, Gabrielle OLoughlin and Patricia Gibson
Prior to the event the class of 1975 were asked to
provide a brief biography on themselves which
were printed into a who’s who booklet. To read all
the profiles please visit the Reunite website. Some
were asked to recall their most embarrassing
moments while at school. A few of the responses
mentioned when David Bittleson was a fall back
in the rugby team and he did not catch the ball
which landed on his head and the opposition then
scored under the posts. He has never tried to drop
the ball again. Stephen Byfield recollects when
Charlie Skinner tripped someone on the rugby
field instead of tackling them. Maybe he should
have been a footballer! Michael Dwyer remembers
having to give a vote of thanks to a visiting speaker
at a very large school event and giving it well
before he finished! He says it took him a very long
time to exorcise that public speaking ghost!
Thank you to everyone who helped make this a
truly memorable evening.
Attendee List
RU14 Autumn 2015
12
Nicholas Bamberger; David Bittleson;
Christine Brinkley; Stephen Byfield; Kate
Carson (née Naylor); Simon Clothier; Sean
Crane; Merope Deane (née Richards); Michael
Dwyer; Jeanette Findlay (née Arnold); Michaela
Foster (née Murphy); Patricia Gibson (née
Eaton); John Handford; Claire Hayes (née
Brand); Peter Howlett; Francis Hussey; Paul
Ive; Peter Lewis; John Luxford; Kate Lyons (née
Regan); Paddy Mulchrone; Patricia Nicholson
(née Micallef); Brian O’Gorman; Gabrielle
OLoughlin; Colin Platt; Ian Prendergast;
Robert Price; Dominic Proctor; Bernie Pryor;
James Rossiter; Charlie Skinner; James Toms;
Maria Triay; Catherine Vickery; Anna Whitfield
(née Buck); Christopher Whitfield
“
“Thank you to the Development Office for
the wonderful organisation (and care of the
oldies like me) at the dinner. It was a truly
memorable evening seeing all those 18 year
olds again-such a pity that I could not catch
up with some of those I had taught in that year.
They were my last batch of A level candidates
before I too left. The whole idea did so much
good for the morale of those involved: one
could just see the boys coming out of their 58
year old bodies and all the old stories started
re-emerging. The best was from Pete Howlett
the American and I remembered it vividly.
The whole atmosphere was so friendly and
relaxed it spread to everybody in the room
and made me feel about 31 again. Terrificwell done.”
Francis Hussey
“I’d like to thank Melanie and Caroline for all
the hard work which made Saturday’s reunion
such a big success. It was a fab evening. I’m
so glad I was there and able to share it.”
Michaela Foster (née Murphy)
“It hardly seems possible that the last time
many of us saw one another was as teenagers
and now we approach retirement; doesn’t
time fly. There was talk last night of more
of the same, but with a much shorter gap.
We must keep the flame alive.”
Bob Price
13
RU14 Autumn 2015
35 classmates, two former teachers, a
Headmaster and the Development team got
together at the Honourable Artillery Company,
London, for a memorable reunion to celebrate
their 40 year reunion on Saturday 13th June.
The photo gallery can be viewed
on the Reunite website.
WHO HAS BEEN REUNITED?
Class of 1975
(née Eaton) who travelled from Australia and
to both Jamie Toms and Peter Howlett from
America. Caroline also thanked former teaching
staff Francis Hussey and Brian O’Gorman for
attending and introduced Antony Hudson,
Junior School Headmaster to the group. Sean
Crane then asked everyone to remember in
their prayers the few OGs who have sadly died
since leaving school; Nicholas Balaban, Richard
Costello, Stephen Garner, John McDowall, Rosie
Wyatt (née Shea) and Shauna Brown.
WHO HAS BEEN REUNITED?
Annual Reunion
SGC tennis coach) and Bethan Hayward (2015)
who represented the OG team. Congratulations
must be extended to the College players; Piers
Foley, Dan and Jamie Boden and Grace Crozier
who played incredibly well and gave the OGs a
run for their money.
The day began with Mass in the Chapel which
was celebrated by Fr Aidan and Fr Jude. The
service also included a memorial mass for Fr
Christopher who was both an Old Georgian
(1946–1951) and later Headmaster between
1977 and 1987. Fr Christopher died in
December 2014. A very large thank you must
be extended to Jamie Madath (1993) who sang
the responsorial Psalms. Jamie is the lead and
solo cantor for his local church choir in Bath
and his beautiful voice filled the Chapel.
In the now customary round-robin tennis
tournament on Old Georgians’ Day, Jamie
Boden from the College Fourth Year came top
(helped by a very favourable draw), Piers Foley
came 2nd and, representing the OGs, Ed Fry
and Tim Lovegrove came joint 3rd.
Many thanks to Elliot Neame (2011), Nathan Raj
(2015) and Tim Senanayake (2015) for showing
our enthusiastic visitors the various sights; the
Chapel, Henderson Centre, Library including
the upper dormitories which are now our exam
rooms, the Kean Block corridor which included
the most amazing art exhibition by the GCSE
and A-Level Students, the athletics track, tennis
and netball courts and the cricket pavilion.
The BBQ lunch was served on the Piazza
overlooking the Orchard Pitch. The School
catering team provided a tremendous spread
of food.
RU14 Autumn 2015
14
A selection of archival literature and photos
were displayed for people to peruse in their
own time. Copies of the Georgian magazines
spanning four generations were on display
together with the sports team photos. There
was also a lovely tribute to St Maur’s and it
is always fun to see OGs and OMs spotting
themselves or a relative in the photos!
Well done to the Old Georgians on once again
being victorious on the tennis courts! Thank
you to Conor Boden (1980), Bob Pearson
(1964), Tim Lovegrove (2010), Ed Fry (former
In the annual fixture against the College
that followed, Ed and Tim combined to beat
Daniel and Jamie Boden 6-2 while, in a major
surprise in the mixed doubles, Conor Boden
joined newest OG recruit Beth Hayward to
beat Piers Foley and Grace Crozier 6-5 (11-9
in the tie-break). Piers is one of the top juniors
in the country and no doubt was correctly
focused on some major competitions to
come, including hopefully the Wimbledon
Junior Championships.
As is tradition cricket was enjoyed throughout
the day. On the first team pitch SGC 1st XI
took on the OG team. On the Farm Field was
the traditional OGs vs OGs match. Thank you
to Brian O’Gorman, Michael Price and Luke
Buckingham for organising these fabulous
matches and to all the players for a great game!
SGC 1st XI (255 – 6; Max Garvey 71; Will Jacks
51; Nick Christie 48) beat Old Georgians XI
(251 all out; Frano Annandale 80) by four
wickets with nine overs to spare. The Old
Georgian team consisted of; Tim Cross (2010),
Sam Gorvin (2009), Torsten Wrigley (2013),
Henry Grant (2005), Will Grant (2011), Franco
Annandale (2013), Jimmy Newell (2011), Ben
Monk (2010), Rory Snowball (2012), Alex Willis
(2006) Ali Stanley (2011).
Jamie Madath and
his daughter Harriet.
Two OG teams captained by Martin Collins
(1982) and Simon Willis (1981) played a 35
over game. Martin’s team batted first and were
soon 45-7. Matt Nagle (1995) and Toby Wills
(1987) were the main culprits, bowling tight
lines, Wills finishing with figures of 7 overs, 4
wickets for 7 runs. Thankfully Mike Ford (2005)
(a solid half century) and Dave McGahon (2005)
put on some late runs setting the Willis X1 a
challenging target of 143. The target proved
to be a few too few with Tom Reynolds (2006)
in particularly bruising mood, ably supported
by Chris Hanson (2011).
“Thank you to everyone who made this day a
memorable one. My thanks to you all in the
Development Office and to the Headmaster,
Joe Peake, for organising this event, and to
all the other staff, catering, etc., who helped
make a pleasant day. I would also like you to
pass my thanks to your final year student,
Nathan Raj, who gave a group of us an
excellent guided tour of the College.”
Adrian Lowe (1967)
“Thank you so much for a very enjoyable day.
Very hard work for all of you but resulting in an
enormously successful day. The food for lunch
and tea was exceptional and our thanks for all
of that to you and the College authorities. Well
done and here’s to next year”.
John Passant and family
“Can I just say how much my family and I
enjoyed the reunion. It was lovely seeing my
3 year old running around on fields I used
to play on nearly 40 years ago. Although it
was disappointing to find that “Death Hill”
is overgrown now and obviously not part of
cross country runs any more. It was lovely
catching up with Fr Jude too.”
Duncan Franklin (1987)
“Thank you to St George’s College, the
Josephites, all the staff, caterers and everyone
for a wonderful reunion day. Thank you.”
Diana Menzies-Smith (1972)
“Thank you we had a great day. Kids really
enjoyed it too. All my 5 year old daughter
would say on the way back was “Daddy your
school was sooo big!”
Alex Bushell (1993)
15
RU14 Autumn 2015
On Sunday 21st June the Headmaster, Joe
Peake welcomed just over 320 guests to the
Annual Reunion. The guests included Old
Georgians, Old Maurians, current parents,
current staff and former staff together with
their friends and families.
CAREERS
CAREERS
Joe Mckendrick (2010)
It’s not what you know, it’s WHO you know
private equity firm. He gave me an interesting
and hugely helpful insight into his area of
business, explaining that his firm does not tend
to recruit graduates, but instead seek candidates
with an accountancy/finance qualification.
This cemented my desire to gain a place on the
graduate scheme of a Big 4 firm, with the hope of
moving into private equity post-qualification.
Upon returning in September, as a temporary job
I started working for a friend of mine – Richard
Wright whose daughters went to the College. He
runs a recruitment company, Acre Resources, so
is most knowledgeable about the job search and
was able to offer me a great deal of advice. We
decided that my ideal route would be to secure a
job at one of the Big 4 accountancy firms. Here I
could work towards my accountancy qualification
whilst gaining great experience and exposure to
the financial world.
At around the same time, I applied to the EY
graduate scheme and was offered an interview. I
was put in touch with Nigel Moden, a parent at St
George’s and a Partner at EY, who was kind enough
to meet with me. The expansive insight he gave me
about the firm meant I was very well prepared for
my interview, and knew things about the firm that
my competition was unlikely to. I also met with an
Executive Director at EY who like Nigel, answered
all my questions and advised me on how best to
prepare for my interview. Their help was brilliant as
I passed my first interview with flying colours and
was eventually offered the job.
Richard also made the suggestion that I
contact Melanie in the Development Office at
St George’s College. The Development Office
runs the Reunite Programme and they have
over 12,000 contacts of former pupils, parents
and current parents. I explained to Melanie that
I wanted to better understand the accounting
industry, the recruitment process and the postqualification job prospects. The help I received
was outstanding. Melanie put me in touch with
various parents of St George’s pupils who were
more than happy to meet with me for an informal
chat to offer any assistance they could.
I first met with a former pupil and current parent
at the College, who works for an international
Another parent I spoke to was a Partner at Deloitte.
During our conversation he gave me a great deal
of information about Deloitte and the industry as
a whole. He also told me of an internship scheme
his firm was running and offered to put my name
in the hat. I attended an assessment day for it and
was subsequently offered the role.
With huge credit due to Richard, Melanie and the
network of parents who helped me along the way,
I was in the very fortunate position of having a job
offer from 2 of the Big 4 firms. I was also offered an
interview at KPMG but declined due to the 2 offers
I already had. I chose the job at EY over Deloitte as
it was a three-year training contract, rather than
an internship, and I would work towards my ACA
qualification. I have been in the job for 4 months
now, passed my first 4 exams and well on the way
to becoming a qualified accountant.
Headstart Careers Lunch
with Giles Turrell, Current
Parent and CEO of Weetabix
On Friday 6th February a group of Upper
Sixth Business and Economics students were
fortunate to meet and have lunch with Giles
Turrell, CEO of the Weetabix Food Company.
International Careers Evening
There were ten guest professionals at the event
on Tuesday 17th March, who represented a
wide range of careers; the unifying factor was
that their roles were international. Over forty
15-18 year old students attended the evening
event and picked up on key aspects that will
help them develop their careers.
Careers Convention
Fourth Year Students received a taste of the future
as 18 professionals gathered together for the
Annual St George’s GCSE Careers Convention.
Over 150 students attended the event which
aimed to give them an insight into a broad range
of careers as well as the opportunity to talk face
to face with those working across different fields.
“The convention is excellent for widening our
students’ ideas of what they might do and
ensuring that they talk to people who do jobs
that they might not have already considered.
The more advice students seek and receive
the more informed and confident their
choice will be.”
Mrs Knights, Head of Careers
Future Career Events
We are actively appealing to our Georgian Family to assist us in a variety of career related
events for our current students. If you are in a position to offer your expertise at either
of the two career evenings please can you get in touch with Melanie or Caroline in the
Development Office who will be able to offer further information:
6th October – Networking Evening
23rd November – Medicine & Engineering Evening
Our thanks to those who have volunteered for the careers events.
17
RU14 Autumn 2015
RU14 Autumn 2015
16
I graduated from
The University of
Manchester in July
last year with a 2:1
honours degree in
Business Economics.
I had known for a
number of years that
I would search for a
finance related job, with the aim of focusing on
private equity in the future. However, not knowing
which job would be the ideal starting point for my
career, nor the best way of going about getting it,
I decided to go on holiday! I jumped on a flight to
Bali with the job search well and truly put on hold.
FOUR YEARS ON
FOUR YEARS ON
The Class of 2011 look back at their time
since leaving St George’s Weybridge.
19
RU14 Autumn 2015
RU14 Autumn 2015
18
FOUR YEARS ON
The Class of 2011
Ed Ludlow
RU14 Autumn 2015
20
I am a journalist at Bloomberg Television, based
out of the channel’s broadcasting hub for
Europe, the Middle East and Africa in London.
I work on the News Desk as part of an amazing
team that sources financial and business news
stories and reacts to breaking news during live
programming. I also operate out in the field
and play a part in organising our coverage of
events across the region.
After graduating I had a short stint in the City of
London working in corporate communications
for American asset managers. Inevitably, the
heart overcame the head and on receiving an
academic scholarship to Cardiff Journalism
School, I packed my bags and headed back to
my second home to start studying again. CJS
has been turning out top-notch journalists
for decades and it was a privilege to train and
study at what is now officially the UK’s number
one journalism school. If you feel you are a
natural hack then don’t hesitate to call them.
It is an institution with an open door, provided
you’re willing to work hard.
In the few months I have been with the
organisation, I have come to realise it is a golden
age for business journalism. With events like
the Greek debt crisis, a changing and growing
Chinese market and Osborne’s post-election
budget dominating the headlines, it’s a good
time to be a financial journalist. Bloomberg
is a place to think fast, share ideas and reach
the world’s most influential business decision
makers and I am grateful for the opportunity.
Although I have no academic background in
business or economics, I have a fascination
with global markets, economies, politics and
technology. All things taken for granted at
school! Think global. That is the key. As a business
journalist, you might not necessarily be in a position
to change the world. However, you certainly get
a front row seat when it comes to watching the
world change and a duty and privilege to report
those changes to a wide audience.
With hindsight my route to finance or business
journalism might not seem straightforward,
but nothing ever is. After leaving the College
I went to study law in Cardiff, a city I feel great
affection toward and would recommend to
any student planning their own futures! If
you are sports-mad, like a reasonably priced
pint and sunshine (some of the time), it’s the
place for you. If you have an affinity for rain and
rolling hills, it also has a lot to offer. As a seat
of learning it gave wide-ranging opportunity.
I enjoyed three successful years, made friends
for life and watched my beloved Wales win…
sometimes.
On the topic of change, it’s great to see St
George’s write its own headlines and to read
so often about the success of the College and
Georgians past and present. I’m so pleased
to be able to stay connected through the
Development Office’s Reunite Programme and
the OGRFC, who go from strength to strength.
I wish all Georgians the best of luck for the
future. Please feel free to contact me whether
it is with a story, for advice (though I am still
fresh to this Journalism game) or about
OGRFC. I would be happy to talk.
21
You can follow Ed on twitter: @EdLudlow
RU14 Autumn 2015
It’s been a busy few years since leaving St George’s.
Many lessons have been learnt along the way. As
a journalist the first lesson you learn is that the
story is never about you. This makes writing about
oneself slightly awkward. Here goes…
Alice Tribe
Jess Manning
After leaving St George’s in 2011, I went to
the University of Birmingham and studied
International Relations for three years,
graduating in 2014. Following graduation
and a summer internship, my brother and I
went travelling for eight months, across three
continents, visiting 15 countries. I’m back in
the UK now and have a summer of work with a
consultancy firm before beginning a master’s
degree in September, in Barcelona, studying
political philosophy.
Since leaving SGC in 2011, I went to the
University of Nottingham to study Art History. I
absolutely loved my three years in Nottingham
and couldn’t have asked for a better experience.
Upon graduating, I worked in marketing for
a nano-technology company P2i, despite
knowing very little about nano-technology!
Very fortunately, I was given the opportunity to
travel around with the company and visited the
States, Berlin and Warsaw during my time there.
I am studying for my Masters in
Manufacturing Engineering at Cambridge
and will graduate this June – I will start my
graduate job in a management consultancy
this August. Beforehand I will be going on
a university research trip to Scandinavia
in July researching industrial symbiosis. At
my time at uni – I have taught English in
two different schools in China, been Vice
Captain of my college boat club and played
for the university Waterpolo team. I taught
in three separate summer school camps,
in Zhongshan and in Yangjiang, teaching
beginner and advanced level English, along
with drama and dance lessons over the
summer of 2014. Afterwards I spent a bit of
time in Beijing and then Hong Kong before
coming home.
I have always dreamed of going travelling,
and six months after graduating and a lot of
saving, I set off to South America with a group
of friends for three and a half months. It was
truly fantastic! I arrived home in June and have
just begun my graduate scheme at Teach First.
The scheme recruits graduates to work in
poor-performing schools across Britain, with
the vision that no child’s success is limited
by their background. I will be starting as an
English teacher in September at a school in
South Croydon.
23
Jess (left) and her friends
travelling in Beijing.
RU14 Autumn 2015
22
RU14 Autumn 2015
FOUR YEARS ON
Ian Harper
It has been a busy four years since leaving St
George’s – time seems to have flown by. The
first two years at uni (Bath) were a good mix
of work hard, play hard, trying to balance an
intense Mechanical and Electrical Engineering
course with sport and a social life.
During my third year I had my first taste of ‘real
life’ on placement at Rolls-Royce. (…and no I did
not have a company car! Rolls-Royce make jet
engines, Rolls-Royce Motors make cars). This
was a thoroughly enjoyable year despite the
numerous shocks to the system including early
mornings, no three month summer holidays and
learning a whole new language in acronyms.
Feeling deprived of holiday time, I sped back
home from Bristol then jumped on a plane to
South Africa with two SGC friends, Joe Dickson
and Dom Williams to visit another of our
friends, Rob Littlewood. Rob took the brave step
and decided to go to university in Cape Town.
After a week with him the three of us – after
many school adventures together: DoE, World
Challenge, etc. – then spent the next six weeks
Michael Aguss
working our way up from Cape Town travelling
by bus, boat and motorbike to Zanzibar; at
which point it was unfortunately time to get
home and start my fourth year.
I tried my best not return to the status quo
ante, and instead incorporated the working
life approach back into my penultimate year
at university. This allowed for a productive
first semester, including securing a second
semester project back at Rolls-Royce. This is at
present where I find myself, busy looking into
Disruptive Innovation.
What does the future hold? There will be
one more gruelling final year at university.
Then ….well I am weighing up a number of
possibilities and keeping options open. I have
applied, and am in the selection process for a
scholarship for a place on training to become
an officer in the Royal Marines. If given an offer,
I may return to Rolls-Royce on the graduate
scheme. Maybe I will decide to take a post-uni
gap year and travel, or even continue my new
weekend hobby working as a chef in Bath!
After 14 memorable years at SGC I decided
to carry on my education down on the South
coast, studying International Business at
Bournemouth University. My degree saw me
focus on working across borders and cultures,
whilst my time at Bournemouth when not spent
on the beach or tennis court saw me partake
in numerous national enterprise challenges
and charitable projects, including a successful
summit of Mt Kilimanjaro. As well as this I
completed a 15-month work placement in
Michael Aguss, Ed Ludlow,
Alice Tribe & Chris Hanson.
FOUR YEARS ON
Matt Bennett
the property finance division of the John Lewis
Partnership getting to work on many of their
new store build and refurbishment projects.
Having recently graduated with a 2.1 I have
accepted a role with Grant Thornton on their
Future Leaders Programme, where I will work
within their Government and Infrastructure
Advisory team. In the meantime I intend to
take a few months off to travel through South
America before moving up to London and
getting stuck into my new job in early 2016.
Robert Littlewood
L-R Joe Dickson, Matt Bennett,
Dom Williams & Rob Littlewood.
Dom Williams,
Matt Bennett
& Joe Dickson.
It’s been a great experience for me out here,
and I’ve loved immersing myself in such a
different culture. The University itself has
been incredible for me and I could not have
envisaged a route further from my intentions
come the end of my time at St George’s. I
do intend to return to the UK though, and
it honestly doesn’t feel like four years at all.
Whenever I’m home it’s always nice to catch up
with everyone and even better that it doesn’t
feel like we’ve spent four years apart.
25
RU14 Autumn 2015
RU14 Autumn 2015
24
I ended up taking a gap year in Kwa Zulu
Natal, South Africa after St George’s in 2011.
I actually ended up applying to study at the
University of Cape Town towards the end of my
gap year (2012), and now I’m in my third year
due to graduate in December in a Bachelor of
Arts in Print Journalism. I am yet undecided
on what to do once I finish at University but I
hope to have a clearer idea nearer the end of
my studies!
1801 – Robert Edward
Petre, 10th Baron Petre
(3 September 1763 –
29 March 1809).
1735 – Philip Southcote,
the 4th son of Sir Edward
Southcote.
Owners of
Woburn Farm:
1759 – Duchess of Cleveland,
widow of Philip Southcote.
1783 – Robert
Edward Lord Petre
(9th Baron Petre).
Petre
Written by Paul Robigo (1973)
The house system at St George’s College,
Weybridge began in the 1925-26 with the
establishment of three houses for the boarders
named after the owners of what was originally
known as Woburn Farm – a “smallholding” of 150
acres, also known as Cocks Lands.
With an ever increasing number of pupils on the
College register, it was decided to abandon the
previous White House (Juniors) and Red House
(Seniors) system in favour of a vertically tiered
system of houses. With three sections for Seniors,
Middles and Juniors, the new three house system
thus maintained the old traditions of keeping
“the Juniors quite distinct from the Seniors.”
RU14 Autumn 2015
1876 – Rev Monsignor
William Joseph Petre
(13th Lord Petre).
1884 – Very Rev Father
Genera, Congregation of
Josephites.
Kilmorey
St George’s
College and the
House System
26
1834 – Lord William King-Noel
and Lady King, (later 1st Earl and
Countess of Lovelace).
St George’s College,
Weybridge has thus been
in the ownership of the
Josephites since 1884.
It was to be hoped that everyone in the College
would participate far more actively in College life
thus ensuring that his house won the coveted title
of “Cock House” for which rules were drawn up
and regulations stipulated:
•There were to be three houses with three house
captains – one of whom would also be Captain
of the School – plus three vice-captains for the
Seniors to aid and assist (and if necessary stand
in for the house captains) and three monitors for
the Juniors.
•There was to be a General Merit Trophy for the
best study and classroom marks as well as the
Inter-House Shield for athletics.
•Whoever were appointed 1st team captains of the
three dominant sports by this time – rugby (referred
to as “rugger”), hockey and cricket – would be
independent of the new system.
•T
he various inter-house cups for these sports
would all contribute to the Cock House Trophy
for the most trophy winning house.
The colours, crests and mottoes of the individual
houses were chosen from their individual coats
of arms:
Southcote – black & amber – was a Sable Coot.
The crest with the coat of arms of the Southcote
family – seen for many years in the gable over the
large bay window of the White House dormitory
– boasted a motto of Maxima Ex Minimis calling
attention to all details but was firmly believed
at the time to mean “Though you may be very
small now, we shall expect great things from
you later on!”;
Petre – wine & light blue – were two lions rampant
back to back, the one on the left coloured blue
with a gold collar and the other gold with a blue
collar and was to be seen over the front door
of the White House and the top gables of the
classroom block as well as in the Cricket Pavilion.
The motto Sans Dieu Rien literally translated
means “without God there is nothing” echoing
the beliefs of the Josephites for their charges to
put God and religion first in all we undertake.
became the much acclaimed original “ferme
ornée” a term devised by garden designer and
author Stephen Switzer for an ornamental farm.
Kilmorey – red and green – was a Phoenix rising
rejuvenated from the flames and was at the time
to be found at the magnificent entrance gates
to the College which, although relocated, still
exude its munificence in the President’s garden to
this day. The motto exhorted pupils to make the
best of their time at the College with Nunc Aut
Nunquam stridently saying that there is no time
like the present since one cannot do anything
about the past and the future is not ours, yet.
Although this was the first of its kind in England,
lauded by the likes of Lord Bath and Horace
Walpole as “Sweet Southcotes,” its notoriety
was relatively short lived as Southcote failed to
produce a profit. All was not lost, however, since
he was married to Bridget, the wealthy Duchess
of Cleveland, who ended up not only paying all of
the bills but, perhaps justly, Bridget inheriting the
whole property on Southcote’s death, “without
issue,” in 1759. On her death at the age of 80 in
1783, the estate was bequeathed to her nephew
Robert Edward Lord Petre (9th Baron Petre) but
the Southcote name lived on as the Southcote
family had founded the Catholic Mission in
Weybridge they were fondly remembered by the
locals who for many years had a Mass said for the
repose of their souls.
Southcote
Michael McQuaid was the last captain of
Southcote House in 1976.
Philip Southcote, the 4th son of Sir Edward
Southcote, came from a large family originally
from Devon but with branches in Essex and
Surrey and it was the Surrey based Philip who
bought the Farm in 1735 off a Mrs Hornby as a
country seat for himself and his wife.
The Southcotes set about converting 35 acres
of what had been a 150 acre farm into what
Petre
Robert Edward Petre, 9th Baron Petre (1742–
1801), succeeded to the title about four months
after his birth upon the death from smallpox of
his father, Robert James Petre, 8th Baron Petre.
On 19 April 1762, the new Lord Petre married
Anne Howard, granddaughter to the 6th Duke of
27
RU14 Autumn 2015
Southcote
1809 – William
Henry Francis Petre,
11th Baron Petre
(22 January 1793 –
3 July 1850).
1816 – Vice Admiral
Charles Stirling, listed in
deeds as Admiral Stirling
but Vice-Admiral.
1862 – Francis Jack Needham,
Lord (2nd Earl of) Kilmorey.
LITTLE PIECES OF HISTORY
LITTLE PIECES OF HISTORY
William Henry Francis Petre (the 11th Baron
Petre) and grandson to Robert Edward (9th
Baron Petre) sold the Woburn Farm estate to Vice
Admiral Charles Stirling in 1816 and it was not
until 60 years later that the then Rev Monsignor
William Joseph Petre (13th Lord Petre) reclaimed
ownership of Woburn Farm in 1876.
William Joseph Petre, 13th Baron Petre (26 February
1847 – 8 May 1893) was the second of 12 children
fathered byWilliam Henry Francis Petre, 11th Baron
Petre and his wife Mary Theresa Clifford. He taught
at Downside Abbey and began studying for the
priesthood in 1872 and was ordained in two years
later. By now Domestic Prelate to the Court of the
Vatican, he resolved to open his own school after
finding conventional Catholic Liberal Education of
the day “narrow and stultifying” chastising Jacques
Offenbach for composing music aimed “merely
to satisfy the cravings of sensibilities fuddled by
brandy and soda water.”
RU14 Autumn 2015
28
The by now entitled Monsignor Lord William
Joseph Petre 13th Baron Writtle, bought Woburn
Park back in to the Petre dynasty in 1876 and
was true to his word in establishing Woburn Park
School a year later as “a Catholic boarding school
for the highest classes of society” extending the
original manor house which can be seen as the
current White House. He was Headmaster of the
new school from 1877 until he sold the school
and the estate to the Very Rev Father Genera of
the Congregation of Josephites, a Roman Catholic
order whose primary duty was to educate the
young, on 6th September 1884 for the princely
sum of £6,000. He died barely nine years later at
the relatively tender age of 46.
Subsequently, the Petre family, tried to buy
back Woburn Park from the new owners, the
Josephites who refused.
Christopher Scott was the last captain of Petre
House in 1976.
Kilmorey
Francis Jack Needham, 2nd Earl of Kilmorey (1787
– 1880), also known as Viscount Newry, was an
Anglo-Irish peer and Member of Parliament who
was the son of General Francis Needham, 1st Earl
of Kilmorey, On his father’s death, he became the
2nd Earl of Kilmorey without being eligible for the
House of Lords as his earldom was an Irish and not
an English entitlement.
His name though is tinged with notoriety for
although married to Jane Gun-Cuninghame
for nearly 30 years, he eloped with his ward, the
daughter of Sir William Hoste and his wife Lady
Harriet Walpole, the 20 year old Priscilla Anne
Hoste, nearly 40 years his junior.
Oblivious to the scandal that ensued, Kilmorey
installed Priscilla in the house next door and, it
is rumoured, built a connecting tunnel for easy
access siring a son Charles acknowledged as his
son and given the Kilmorey name.
When his “beloved” Priscilla died in 1854, he had
the infamous Kilmorey Mausoleum built along
Egyptian lines at a cost of £30,000 for them
both, with the inscription “Priscilla, the beloved
of Francis Jack, Earl of Kilmorey” Eight years later
when he bought Woburn Farm (1862), Kilmorey
had the Mausoleum reconstructed on the hill and
when he too died in June 1880, aged 92, he was
buried beside her in the Mausoleum “underneath
a bas-relief showing the dying Priscilla on a couch
surrounded by her lover and ten-year-old son.”
To this day, the infamous Kilmorey Mausoleum,
can be seen in Twickenham where this Grade II
listed building is jointly maintained by English
Heritage and Richmond Council.
During the 1940s as the school took in more
day boys, three houses were added to the three
original boarding houses. These houses, Fisher,
More and, much later, Howard were named after
English martyrs and will be featured in the
follow up article in the next issue.
SUPPORT SGW
Thank You
We find ourselves saying thank you once again to
our current parents, Old Georgians and friends
at St George’s Weybridge. The volunteer hours
and financial gifts you so generously share have
an immediate impact on our dedicated students,
outstanding faculty and beautiful grounds.
4 new MacBook’s for the St George’s
College Art Department
This year we have gained 935 new donors; this is
the result of taking control of the SGW Friend’s
Fund, formerly known as the Amenities Fund at
the start of the year. From this voluntary termly
donation from Current Parents, the School
can ensure to provide a variety of projects and
facilities that will enrich the learning experience
of many students now and in the future. A few
projects over the last year have included;
Throughout this year gifts have also been secured
for a variety of other projects, such as Assisted
Places and Legacies. This year with thanks to the
incredible support of the Georgian community,
we have been able to fund three full places, with
one starting in September 2015. This is the first
time we have ever been able to do this and we are
so grateful to you for making this possible!
100
Volunteers
934
Donors gave
2 or more gifts
2 new Yamaha pianos for the Junior School
Recital room chairs for the music
department at the College
22
Donate monthly
935
New donors
Leave a legacy to help educate minds,
expand hearts & empower lives
After protecting the interests of family and
friends, many choose to remember St George’s
with a gift in their will, reflecting their support and
affection and their wish for the School to continue
to flourish and provide the very best preparation
for life for future generations.
If the time is ever right to include a gift in your will
to St George’s Weybridge, please add a codicil to
your latest will. Whatever support you can give,
small or large, will make a difference.
Current parent (841) 981
Alumnus (61)
Past parent (58)
Other (21)
TOTAL NUMBER OF DONORS
Thank You
We recognise that saying thank you to St George’s
benefactors is extremely important. Your gifts
educate minds, expand hearts and empower lives.
If you would like to find out more about
any of the funds or how you can help,
please contact Caroline or Georgia in
the Development Office at
[email protected]
or on 01932 839352
29
RU14 Autumn 2015
Norfolk and daughter of Philip Howard, younger
brother of Edward Howard, 9th Duke of Norfolk.
On her uncle’s death in 1777 without issue, Anne
became co-heiress with her sister Winifred to
various baronies: Howard, Furnivall, Strange of
Blackmere, Talbot, Braose of Gower, Dacre of
Gillesland, Greystock, Ferrers of Wemme, Giffard
of Brimsfield and Verdon.
SUPPORT SGW
Visit the Reunite Website to read about
some former House Captains who have
shared their memories.
SCHOOL NEWS
SCHOOL NEWS
Announcement of new Headmistress for St George’s
College, Weybridge from September 2016
Presently the Headmistress of St George’s
School Ascot, Rachel Owens will take over from
Joe Peake from September 2016.
Educated at Somerville College Oxford where
she read History, Rachel has a broad experience
of schools encompassing both the maintained
and independent sectors.
Within the latter she has taught at the
academic powerhouse of North London
Collegiate School and later was Vice Principal
at New Hall School, one of the largest Catholic
co-ed schools in the country. Having spent the
vast majority of her career in the world of coed Catholic education, she is delighted to be
returning to the sector as Head.
As a governor at three schools she brings a
wealth of knowledge to St George’s, garnered
also through her work as a trustee of an HMC
scheme bringing talented Sixth Formers from
Eastern Europe to British schools.
In addition to the academic side of school life,
Rachel is a firm believer in the importance of
sport as part of a well-rounded education. She
played netball and rowed for her college and
has coached netball and athletics for many
years. She also enjoys drama and music.
College
Exam Results
Overall pass rate at grades A* to C -94%
This year, eleven students will be commencing
highly competitive courses at Oxford, Cambridge
and in medicine.
Joe Russell will be going up to Oxford to read
Engineering at Worcester College, whilst
Bennett Sanderson has gained a place to read
French and Spanish at Queen’s College.
Medicine has certainly attracted a number of
students this year and Yasmin Biswas, Lucy
Burford, Nicholas Christie, Elliott Sharp, Aisling
Sweeney (2014), Lorenzo Mandolfo (2014) and
Harley Watt (2014) have secured entry to some
of the most prestigious medical courses.
Students who received the very highest marks
include Emma Bruno, Bennett Sanderson,
Tim Senanayake, David Robinson, Richard
Tarnopolski, Joe Russell and Robert Kerr,
who all achieved a minimum of 3 A*s in their
examinations. With over 70% of the students
moving on to Russell Group universities, with
Exeter being the most popular, the Upper Sixth
students should be proud of their success.
The Lower Sixth are also celebrating their
tremendous achievement this year with 21
students gaining four A grades at AS level.
“I am very pleased with my results. Being at
St George’s made me realise my potential.”
Bennett Sanderson, Oxford (3 A* and 1 A)
Rachel is married to Tom (currently Head of
Politics at RGS Guildford), and they have twin
boys aged 10. When not at school, Rachel
enjoys spending time with her family in France,
where they own a house in Thines, a tiny village
in the Cevennes.
Rachel is delighted to be appointed as
Headmistress of St George’s College,
Weybridge, and looks forward to following
fellow-Boltonian Joe Peake in leading our
fantastic school.
Summary of school successes
You can visit the school website:
http://www.stgeorgesweybridge.com to read all the school news.
St George’s rowing crews
compete at Henley Royal Regatta
Howzat girls? Girls’ cricket
introduced at St George’s College
On Wednesday 1st and Thursday 2nd July,
boys and girls rowing crews from St George’s
College, Weybridge took part in the prestigious
Henley Royal Regatta.
The introduction of girls’ cricket is certainly
one of the sporting highlights of the summer
at St George’s College, Weybridge.
31
RU14 Autumn 2015
RU14 Autumn 2015
30
OGA SPORTS NEWS
OGA SPORTS NEWS
Golf
Constant Busch (1984)
It did not require much decision-making to
accept the offer from Chris Reynard (1959)
to come and play on his private golf course at
Idehill Manor, eked out of a 55 acres estate, in
the Devon countryside on Saturday 16th May.
My wife and I set out with our OG co-golfers
to try and tame this course which claims the
signature 740 yards PAR 6, 18th hole as the
longest golf hole in the country!
Tony Jansen (1983)
RU14 Autumn 2015
32
The Old Georgians’ Association can trace its
roots back to the early 1880s arranging cricket
matches for OGs but the first reference on our
honours boards confirms that there was definitely
an Old Georgians’ Association in 1922. Since
that time the OGA has evolved and expanded
providing the opportunity for Old Georgians to
play sport, socialise, network, communicate and
support charitable causes. The OGA Clubhouse,
situated in the grounds of the school, is owned
and managed by the OGA and over the years
has been a central point for Old Georgian sports
and social functions. Today the Clubhouse is also
home to The Clubhouse Project providing a day
service facility for disabled young adults.
The Clubhouse was built in the 1970s and
although it has been extended to provide
changing facilities for the sports teams and had
a kitchen makeover the time has come to spruce
it up for Old Georgians. Work started in August to
The OGA exists because of the College and
the provision of the facilities for our sporting
and social activities. The OGA is working with
the Development Office to build on the firm
foundations built over many years to expand
the scope and opportunity for OGs to meet and
play sport. Today the Old Georgians’ Association
provides a Clubhouse for its members to use,
the opportunity to play a variety of sports,
Rugby, Cricket, Hockey, Golf, and Tennis, and
provide charitable help for those people in less
fortunate circumstances. We have approximately
1,000 members contributing to our continued
success. The OGA wants to provide more
opportunities for Old Georgians to interact on
and off the sports field and welcomes ideas to
establish more sports clubs, netball, rowing,
cycling, and athletics spring to mind and greater
charitable involvement in our community. For
any Old Georgian interested please contact
me [email protected] or Miriam Geraghty
[email protected]
Your shot making has to account for
circumventing and avoiding the natural
obstacles such as hedgerows, trees and areas of
native deep grass. And whilst you are doing your
arithmetic you cannot stop to be amazed by the
beautiful vistas that surround you. Once you
settle into the “rhythm” of the course it provides
a fantastic test of golfing ability and it would
seem provides a glimpse into the way in which
original, grassroots golf used to be played.
The highlight for me was the 13th hole,” the
ski slope”, which saw my carefully hit rescue
club direct my ball effortlessly from on high
to the green, buried in the far right corner of
the fairway. My ball landed within 15 feet of
the pin and afforded me an easy par. My low
light was the failure to obtain a par at the
magnificent 18th 740 yards “Dovecot”.
After 2 long shots I was in range to place
my 3rd shot onto the small, hidden green.
Unfortunately my lack of course knowledge
made me choose the wrong club and my
ball became part of the countryside a longdistance to the left of the green, never to be
seen again!
With the help of a Mulligan I achieved 37
Stableford points but I will forever rue my
miscue on the 18th which denied me the trophy
of the birdie 5 on the 18th. Maybe next time!
Thanks to Chris for his magnificent hospitality
and for allowing us to use of this authentic,
beautiful and thinking man’s golf course.
Attendees
David (former teacher 1981 – 2004)
and Barbara Ottley
Tony (former teacher 1975 – 1997)
and Anthea Smith
Dick (former teacher 1972 – 2007)
and Pam Von Reibnitz
Constant (1984) and Karen Busch
Nigel (1956) and Pam Webster
Paul Stubbs (1980)
The New Zealand Golf Club report which
took place on the 17th June can be read on
the Reunite website.
33
RU14 Autumn 2015
Chairman’s
Report
refurbish and repair the roof, guttering and soffits
and plaster and paint the interior. The cost of this
refurbishment has been borne by the current
members of the OGA, via their subscriptions,
and donations received from Old Georgian
Association members. We are very grateful to
all our members and hope to see as many as
possible using the Clubhouse in the future.
This course was very different from the manicured
fairways of St George’s Hill Golf Club where I have
the good fortune to play. The 1st hole set the
scene by providing a 1st blind shot over trees,
missing a hedgerow and landing into a wellprepared “meadow”. The greens provided a bit of
a challenge but once “clued in” and accompanied
by the “gimme”, within a putter’s length, they
provided a fair challenge and added to the
flavour of the course. This is a thinking man’s
course. With the run of the ball being limited it
lends itself ideally to careful placement of the ball
from one area of the course to the other.
Chairman’s XI with OG Chairman Brian O’Gormon.
President’s XI.
Cricket
Rugby
President’s Day
Sunday 2nd August
Preparations are underway within OGRFC
ahead of the 2015/16 season in Surrey 2,
following back to back promotions through
the Surrey leagues. The season kicks off
this year on Saturday 5th September with
a cup fixture in Hampshire, with the league
starting on Saturday 19th September. We are
absolutely thrilled to welcome into the club the
most recent leavers from the College and look
forward to them being a part of this growing
and highly entertaining club!
Harry Samuels broke this with a 3 for 15 spell
so that 151 for 2 became 162 for 5 at Lunch.
Alex Fleming arrived to assault the bowling for
57 and assisted by the more sedate Jayden Clark
(33) raised a secure total. Commanding batting
by Will Grant (58) – playing with ease and
certainty of touch – Harry Samuels – powerfully
and straight (84) and the irrepressible Tom
Doran (62*) – his first innings in a long while
– and help from Steve Fleming and Franno
Annandale saw the Chairmen’s men home.
RU14 Autumn 2015
34
A fitting conclusion to our home matches –
such a pleasure and privilege to play on the
ground we love so much.
Brian O’Gorman, OGA President
the case for many teams, KCS proved a match
too far, and let’s just say that although we did
get on the scoreboard, we came second!
Overall a very enjoyable morning of tennis on
the indoor courts and just unfortunate that
we just missed out on a place in the knockout
stages. A special mention should go to Conor
Boden (1980) for his hard work in organising
the Old Georgians’ Tennis. He does a fantastic
job, and his efforts are much appreciated by all
those who play. Thanks Conor!
Results:
Beat Millfield 6-1
Beat Oundle 6-1
Lost to Westminster 1-6
Beat Old Edwardians 4-3
Lost in qualifying final to KCS 1-6
Tim Lovegrove (2010)
If you are interested in playing in the OG
tennis side please contact Conor Boden at
[email protected]
Victory for the OGs
on Annual Reunion Day.
A fixtures list will be posted on the OGRFC
website – www.ogrfc.co.uk – with our Home
fixtures taking place at the College.
As always, we welcome new playing members
and supporters with open arms to come and
share the fun ride we’re on. The OGs Clubhouse
is always open after games to socialise with
fellow OG’s.
If you are interested in receiving match reports
updates, interested in joining or would like to
purchase some OGRFC kit then please email
[email protected].
Alex Willis (2006)
The full cricket season report can be read on the Reunite website.
35
RU14 Autumn 2015
The President’s batting was reduced to 31 for
3, with Toby Wills bowling a 9 – 3 – 28 – 2 spell
but this was combated by a spirited and skilful
stand between Charlie Crossley (35) and Ryan
Borgman with (91) – who was unlucky to miss
a second century. With 16 fours and a six and
splendid cutting on show.
Saturday 11th April saw the annual D’Abernon
Cup Tennis qualifying rounds take place at St
George’s College. Teams including Hampton,
Westminster, Eton, Cranleigh and KCS took
part in a round-robin format to decide who
would make it through to the knockout stages
of the Cup. Unfortunately the ‘big-hitters’ –
like Fred Britton (2013) and Ollie Smith (2009)
were unavailable, so Tim Lovegrove (2010) and
Jeremy Fleming (2008) were called into action
to represent St George’s. In a tricky group
consisting of Millfield, Oundle, Westminster
and Old Edwardians, the first match of the
tournament saw St George’s defeated by a very
useful pair from Westminster, who would go on
to win the group. However, after this tough
start we recovered to beat both Millfield and
Oundle 6-1 to set up a deciding match with the
Old Edwardians for a place in the semi-final.
In an epic match in which St George’s saved
several match points, we emerged victorious
4-3 with a 10-8 victory on a tiebreak, much
to our opponents obvious disappointment!
As the 2nd placed team in our group, we were
drawn against KCS in the semi-final, who were
the winners of the other group. As has been
OGA SPORTS NEWS
Tennis
RU14 Autumn 2015
36
37
RU14 Autumn 2015
This feature is all about Old Georgians who
contribute to the amazing work that goes on
behind the scenes in delivering TV Shows, theatre
productions and film work. They are responsible
forthe talented script writing, lighting, and camera
work and not to forget the important lessons of
teaching in the world of performing arts.
BEHIND THE LENS
BEHIND THE LENS
BEHIND THE LENS
William Kee
(2008)
Although this sounds like a deterrent, the
experience was invaluable. I was able to see
just how much work and effort goes into the
film-making process. As a runner, I was able
to observe all the different roles within the
production. When I wasn’t making someone
a cup of tea, I would study the director’s
technique, the cinematographer’s choice of
lens, the gaffer’s choice of light, the actors
approach to the scene etc. For this reason
alone, the experience was worth it, and I would
advise anyone interested in the industry not to
be put-off by entry level jobs, even if you find
yourself working a 25 hour day for no pay.
RU14 Autumn 2015
38
After my stint of entry-level film jobs, I began
filming my own videos for various industries
from wine makers to restaurant managers.
Although few people join the film industry to
film corporate video, it is a great way to get
a foot in the door, make contacts and earn
some money. Perhaps most importantly, it
provides an ideal environment for developing
communication skills and learning how to
interact with clients.
Eventually, I was offered the opportunity to
work in a camera rental company in Pinewood
Studios. This is the best place to start if
you want to understand how the high-end
camera equipment works and to meet people
in the camera department. The experience
was invaluable as I was dealing with the
best cameras in the world on a daily basis
– the same cameras that were used to film
The Hobbit, Captain America and Exodus:
Gods and Kings (most films schools don’t let
their Cinematography students touch these
cameras). This gave me the confidence and
know-how to use the cameras under pressure
in a film environment. More importantly, I
was exposed to like-minded people who were
enthusiastic about helping me with my own
projects, as well as recommending my services
to other productions. It provided a ‘stepping
stone’ to bigger and better things. Indeed,
this is how all jobs in the industry should be
perceived. Through contacts that I made on
this job alone, I was able to work on numerous
commercials, music videos and promos.
Since working at Pinewood, I have re-entered
the uncertain (but exciting) world of freelance
as a director/producer. My goal is to create
video content that is always better than
my last. This way, my work is progressively
evolving; I am always taking a step forward. It’s
also important to me to work with like-minded
friends and colleagues who share my vision
and are fun to work with.
My advice to anyone thinking about working
in the film industry is to interact with as many
people as possible, both inside and outside
the industry. It’s largely true what they say:
‘It’s not what you know, it’s who you know’. I
was offered my job in the industry because
the director was a friend of my father; I was
offered a job in Pinewood because of a friend’s
recommendation, most of my clients are friends
of friends of friends. Having said this, you have
to be good at what you do otherwise your career
will be short-lived. It’s extremely important,
both psychologically and for your career, to
reach a stage whereby you are proud of your
own creations and this can only be achieved if
you are imaginative, innovative and talented.
Never be afraid to dive in head-first and don’t
be discouraged by a disgruntled director or a
moody producer – there was a time when they
were the ones being shouted at!
39
RU14 Autumn 2015
My first experience in the film industry took
place the day after graduation. I worked as a
runner on a low-budget feature film. I knew it
was going to be a challenging day – low budget
films have a reputation for long hours and that,
as a runner, I had to be the first to arrive and the
last to leave set. I was working on a deferredpayment basis (I would only earn money if the
film made a profit) but ultimately I was doing
it for the experience. That morning I woke up
at 5am. I went to bed the following morning
at 6am. My first day (days) on set lasted for
25 hours.
BEHIND THE LENS
Nick Bissessar
(2008)
Performance into Teaching
When I first embarked on my training as an
actor I didn’t quite envisage that I’d one day
be teaching drama, let alone at the school I
was once a pupil at. In positive hindsight, the
parallels between the two forms are clear to
see: you plan/rehearse your lessons to engage
and focus an audience; you stand up and speak
to an audience who scrutinise every minutiae
of your performance and you aim to affect
and provoke a response from that audience
(however positive or negative that may be!).
But before the application of teaching lessons
came the process of learning to act. During
an intensive postgraduate acting course at
Drama Studio, Ealing I practiced a variety of
performance styles, from the naturalism and
detail of Chekhov to the comedy of manners
found in the Restoration comedies. Each form
presents a different challenge and stylistically
you have to be willing to be adaptive and openminded in your approach. There is no doubt
that during the process you learn as much
about yourself as you do about the psyche of
the character you’re about to portray on stage
(I’m sure Freud would have a view on an actor’s
mind-set). The in concealable truth is that all
actors thrive upon the ‘buzz’ of performing,
that moment when all the painstaking hours of
rehearsal and preparation pay off and the actor
laps up the applause of the audience. This all
sounds a tad romantic but unfortunately the
bitter truth isn’t quite so gratifying.
“
There are very few careers that have as high a
job satisfaction rate as the performing arts and
yet there are more performers unemployed
than in any other respective industry. The
conundrum then is whether or not a performer
can negotiate the lifestyle and persist until
they make that ‘breakthrough’. Money and
reputation isn’t of course the pinnacle and
like every career, the actor looks to gain the
respect and reverence of his peers.
41
‘My Beautiful Laundrette’
performed in 2013.
RU14 Autumn 2015
RU14 Autumn 2015
40
Whilst I would never deter any would-be student
looking to pursue a career in the performing
arts (the world needs entertainers!). I would
heed a word of warning that the industry is as
cut-throat as you might presume it would be.
You have to be strong-minded, self-motivated
and extremely driven in all aspects of your
work; this may involve countless auditions
and rejections before converting a job. From
my own experience there is also an element
of selfishness and the need to sacrifice parts
of your social life in order to advance your
career. This shouldn’t necessarily be seen
as a negative – all careers require great
commitment but the difficulty with acting
is the blurred line between performing for
enjoyment and performing to earn a living. The
greatest compliment however, is to know that
in paying to watch you perform, the audience
is directly acknowledging and complimenting
the work you’re doing.
of the US television machine at first hand
and a thrill to sit in a building supported by
concrete Seven Dwarves.
(1982)
We’ve continued to write for our friend Ben
Miller in The Armstrong and Miller show, which
won a BAFTA (finally, Armando Iannucci had
taken a year off).
I met my writing partner Mark at university in
1984 and since then we’ve been writing stuff
that makes us laugh. Sometimes it makes other
people laugh and they commission us to write
more stuff. Sometimes it doesn’t and we go back
to the drawing-board. Sometimes the drawingboard rejects our stuff and that really hurts.
So after I met Mark we thought it might be
fun to send in some sketches to Radio 4 and,
incredibly, one got broadcast. We received a fee
of £12.50 and felt we’d made it. This was the 80s
so to celebrate we splashed out on a bottle of
Thunderbird and a couple of mullet haircuts.
RU14 Autumn 2015
42
When the show goes out, we’ll have a drink to
celebrate. But not Thunderbird. We’ve moved on
to Carlsberg Special Brew.
John Barker
But we did get the go-ahead to produce
Barbara, a sitcom with Gwen Taylor and Sam
Kelly. In fact we made 28 episodes of that
show, all in front of a live audience. It’s a great
way to make comedy and it’s an even better
way to get ulcers, as you’re basically mounting
a new play every week. But what a buzz and
a National Television Award nomination, a
Monte Carlo TV award and a wardrobe of
puffer jackets (this was the Noughties).
Our next plan was to travel to Edinburgh and
wow the comedy world with our sketch show at
the Greyfriars Kirkhouse in the coveted 12.30
slot. Well, perhaps not so coveted when we
discovered this was actually half past midnight.
We were really excited, though, when we found
out that a junior BBC producer – a guy called
Armando Iannucci – would be coming to see
our show. He slept through the whole thing.
Since then we’ve created 12 shows for TV, all of
which have been broadcast in some shape or
another. Sometimes it doesn’t work but you’d
be mad not to enjoy working with people like
Martin Freeman, Timothy Spall, David Jason,
David Walliams, Hugh Bonneville and Alison
Steadman. Sometimes the alchemy comes
together in a natural, unforced way as it did
on The Worst Week of My Life, a project where
everything went right (ironically, as the story
was about everything going wrong). We were
rewarded with a BAFTA nomination but lost
out to a now-senior BBC producer – a guy
called Armando Iannucci – and his show The
Thick of It.
Undeterred, we took a shot at TV and our
first big break was getting a pilot made by
ITV. It was called Stuck on You and when they
broadcast it, the show was watched by a
whopping 9.8 million viewers. ITV considered
these ratings “disappointing” and didn’t
commission a series. (This was the 90s so we
consoled ourselves by splurging our writing
fees on several pairs of high-waisted jeans.)
Worst Week has been remade in quite a few
countries so we’ve enjoyed travelling across
the globe to see Ben Miller’s character being
tormented in America, Germany, France,
Italy, Lithuania and, most recently, Ukraine.
The American remake led to a period in Los
Angeles where we developed a new show for
ABC, the network owned by Disney. This was a
fascinating experience to see the complexity
(1961)
When my BBC career as a broadcast engineer
finished I spent a few years in theatre lighting
followed by some time doing lighting & sound
in a local theatre. I was quite pleased to find
that after normal retirement age I was still
in demand & so set myself up as “Linlithgow
Sound & Lighting Services”.
A small show might consist of a single
microphone (mic) with some stage lighting
for an award ceremony whilst two or three
times a year I’m involved in large productions.
I recently worked as technical director for
“Seuss the Musical” performed by Star
Harmonies Children’s Theatre. As the “tech”
I attended a couple of meetings with the
director then planned the sound & lighting to
her requirements.
The show was staged in a school but I had to
hire in & rig extra lighting for various effects
which the director wanted. Each element of the
show needed different lighting cues & I plotted
about sixty into a computerised lighting desk.
As there was a large cast, fourteen radio
mics were required so I contracted this to
another company, although I still edited the
pre-recorded sound onto a memory card for
a playback machine. On the day of the show
all I had to do was just press a button to go
from one lighting “state” to the next, another
person worked the sound desk to bring up
each radio mic when required (no mean feat)
whilst people from Star Harmonies played the
music, worked the curtain, moved the props
around & made sure the right child was in the
right place in the right costume at the right
time! The show worked very well.
Earlier this year when I travelled from Scotland
to Stratford with my wife’s drama group
(The Linlithgow Players) to stage an open air
production for the Royal Shakespeare Company
(RSC). The group were part of the RSC’s Open
Stage project which involved amateurs &
professionals re-working a Shakespeare play
for local performance followed by Stratford
performance in “The Dell”. The Players rewrote
“Twelfth Night” in modern language & time
with the exception of Sebastian & Viola who
stayed with the original prose, the logic being
that they were foreigners.
I only had to play some music & provide a
couple of radio mics for a singer & guitar. This
worked well in Linlithgow, what could possibly
go wrong in Stratford? Answer, rain; lots & lots
of rain! I was working under a makeshift which
suddenly gave way & deluged the equipment
thus putting an end to the technical side.
Meanwhile the RSC had decided that it was too
wet to continue so, with half an hour before
“curtain-up” the show was pulled.
But all was not lost! Nearby Holy Trinity Church
offered us their hall & the show went on in the
best tradition of the theatre, albeit with no sound!
43
RU14 Autumn 2015
My comedy education at St George’s came
from English lessons with a teacher from, gulp,
America. Auden Witter introduced our class
to a whole range of American literature from
writers like Saul Bellow that made us see there
was a world beyond Addlestone. There was also
Frank Ahern, who directed the annual school
plays and I managed to blag myself a couple of
crucial roles in Ernie’s Incredible Illucinations
(“librarian”) and Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime
(“vicar”). Frank believed that comedy was all
about energy and timing. I had neither. Maybe
writing would be more my thing.
And we’re back making a new series with Ben
which we shoot this Autumn and will go out on
BBC1 next year. It’s called I Want My Wife Back
and it’s about…well, you get the idea.
BEHIND THE LENS
Justin Sbresni
BEHIND THE LENS
Pip Clothier
(1978)
The threat appeared to have come from
football hooligans I had secretly filmed and
who I was due to give evidence against in
court. The real problem was that the letter
contained my home address.
I made a chirrupy call to my wife, who also
worked at the BBC, trying to stay calm as I
said that we should meet up. I then went to
see my line manager and burst into tears.
A few hours later my wife and I were taken
home by close protection officers. We were
sent abroad with our two small children
and later moved home to a secret address.
Weeks later my bodyguards escorted me to
court to give evidence. The hooligans were
found guilty and were jailed.
It’s a good story among many that I can
tell about my life as a TV producer who
makes films that, generally speaking,
annoy people and organisations. Normally
the programmes provoke very long legal
letters from libel lawyers, letters which I
have become expert in answering. It’s my
proud boast that I have never yet lost a libel
action – and I have even won one too.
RU14 Autumn 2015
44
When I was at St George’s College my
father always used to say I should be a
barrister, so perhaps he was right after
all. If I had taken his (sensible) advice, I
would probably have been a lot richer
than I am today, for working in tv and the
media is not, generally speaking, the way
to make a fortune.
In fact, it never was. When I first decided
on this career, I was also warned that
journalists had the highest rates of divorce
and alcoholism and the earliest heart
attacks. Plenty of people stood in my
way to say that I ought to do something
else. However, the stable worlds of a
professional life did not appeal to me. And
besides, they wouldn’t allow me to pursue
my pet fantasies of a) seeing the world and
b) helping to set the world to rights, if only
in a small way.
Getting into any half decent and interesting
job comes down to persistence, self-belief, a
bit of native wit and having a well-organised
plan. The media is really no different
in this respect than any other industry,
although be careful not to over-cook your
attempts. My first attempt to get a job with
a large newspaper group came on the “Milk
Round” interview circuit at University. The
interviewer told me that if everything I had
written on my application form was true
“then he was in the presence of Superman.”
I blushed but he liked me enough to put me
through to a second interview.
At an interview for a reporting job on a
magazine, I was asked where I wanted to be
in five years’ time. I replied that I would be
making TV documentaries. I didn’t get that
job either.
So I ended up cleaning tapes at a local
radio station and went back to the
magazine group the next year. They asked
me the same question and this time I got
the answer right. That said, I still ended up
making TV documentaries five years later.
For the record, I ended up working at ITV’s
“World In Action” and “Cook Report” report
for ten years and spent another eventful ten
years at BBC Documentaries making a mix
of hard edged investigative and undercover
programmes. When the work ran out and I
was asked to produce The Chelsea Flower
Show (quite fun) and run the Richard Dimbleby
Lecture (also a laugh), I decided it was time to
leave and set up my own indy, which is what I
do today.
My first three programmes as an indy
involved being rude about David Cameron,
Boris Johnston and Gordon Brown. I’ve made
undercover films in Westminster which got
several of the last Labour Cabinet suspended
and one leading Conservative MP sacked. We
did get the lobbying laws tightened up as a
result, but I guess I’m never going to be top
of the Birthday Honours List. And that’s fine
by me. In any case, I’m sure I would turn down
a visit to the Palace, because over the years
I have developed a deep loathing for privilege.
On my 50th birthday I was told that I am a
person “that shines light into dark places.”
It’s a corny line but if that’s how my career is
remembered I’ll be very happy.
45
RU14 Autumn 2015
There are some days in your career that you
never forget. I think the most memorable
one for me was the day a death threat was
placed on my desk at the BBC.
Geoff D’eon
RU14 Autumn 2015
46
Sometime in mid-career, I made a radical switch
to Arts and Entertainment programming, lured
by an upstart satirical CBC program that mocked
and satirized Canadian politics. (Trust me – this is
easier than it sounds, but you’d have to live here to
understand). The program was wildly successful, a
ratings smash, and I shamelessly used its success
to vault myself to other programming forms, such
as music and comedy shows. Honestly, after years
of cranking out daily news, I felt as if I had run
away and joined the circus. Given all the different
kinds of television shows I have produced,
doubters might wonder if I have some sort of
attention-deficit disorder. I don’t believe this is
the case. I simply find that diving into different
programming genres keeps it fresh. I don’t think
I have been bored at work more than a handful of
days in 35 years.
How could I be bored? To be a television journalist
is to have a front seat at the theatre of political
and social upheaval. I have interviewed Prime
Ministers, rock stars, local heroes, supposed
celebrities, and so-called “ordinary people” who
tell the most extraordinary stories. I have shot
pieces at the Beijing Olympics, the Taj Mahal,
inside the White House, outside Number 10, in
animal sanctuaries down-under, and on Arctic
ice up at the North Pole. I tell you, the variety has
been intoxicating. One evening in 2006, we were
shooting a stand-up comedy show in Afghanistan
(not the most obvious of settings, I grant you), all
part of an initiative to entertain the troops. During
the show, the Kandahar air base was attacked by
Taliban rockets. Not once, but twice. The show, of
course, went on. How could it not? The entire crew
was giddy with excitement.
These days at work I am engaged mostly in
documentary-making. Just about everything
I make is for the CBC, which is one of the last
bastions of documentaries over here. The private
broadcasters have simply stopped pretending,
and focus instead on mass-entertainment
shows. It’s depressing, actually. Thank the Lord
for the internet. The Lord or Al Gore, I forget now
who invented it. Shooting documentaries in the
past five years has taken me literally all over the
world. I love the travel, the food, the people. The
whole process is still endlessly interesting to me.
The current project is on the subject of human
longevity and radical life-extension. Many highly
intelligent people believe that as a species, we
are on the cusp of big changes in this area, that
humans will soon start living much longer and
healthier lives. There are serious conversations
going on in scientific circles that the first humans
to reach 150 are already walking amongst us. If
this is true, and I am one of them, I look forward to
another St George’s Reunion in 2075, much like
the one I enjoyed this past June. I hereby resolve
to bring my Concise Oxford.
47
RU14 Autumn 2015
On a sunny July day in 1970, in a large white
marquee beside the St George’s First XI cricket
ground, my name was called out, and I went up
to collect the Kelly English Prize. My surprise at
winning has long-since faded, but to this day I
treasure the actual prize: a hard cover volume
of the Concise Oxford English Dictionary. It
sits on my desk, and I use it regularly. My work
requires a fair bit of writing. Nothing high-brow
or literary I’m afraid, (apologies to the late Father
Christopher, for whom I had the highest regard).
For the past 35 years I have been in the television
racket. I started as a TV news reporter for the
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), and
worked my way up the ranks as an editor, then
as an executive producer. Daily journalism can be
immensely rewarding but also frustrating, since
there is usually too little time for proper context
or analysis. It is also relentlessly demanding if it
is to serve the viewer at all, which I have always
believed is the whole point.
BEHIND THE LENS
Geoff D’Eon (1970) lives
and works in Halifax, Nova
Scotia. At this time of year
he spends as much time as
possible on his sailboat.
The great thing about St George’s was it didn’t
matter whether it was the grade card or the
sport that you enjoyed – as long as you worked
hard it was a good place to be either way.
Each of my siblings loved St George’s but we
have had totally different experiences. I loved
sports, Christian and Emily (2015) always had a
paintbrush in their hand and Alana (2012) had
her head in books (All A*).
Joel Jeffery
(2006)
Working in your pyjamas
I don’t think there is anyone who can honestly
say they don’t enjoy a good set of pyjamas.
Coming home from a long day at work or school
and slipping into something comfortable is a
familiar feeling – and now I get to go to work
in them too.
RU14 Autumn 2015
48
If you had told me during my time at
St George’s that close to 10 years after
leaving I would be making pyjamas for a living
I don’t think there would have been much
chance of me believing you. I’d always wanted
to do something of my ‘own’ but, pyjamas? Do
people even wear those anymore?
Well, it turns out quite a few people do. For the
past year my brother Christian, my girlfriend
Molly, and I have been running Desmond &
Dempsey – designing and manufacturing
luxury printed cotton pj’s.
I am the eldest of four, and we have all been
through good old St George’s. I started St
George’s in the junior school after moving over
from Australia when I was seven years old.
I don’t remember too many specifics about
that time, but I’m told that I spent a lot of
time by ‘the wall’ crying because I didn’t have
any friends when I first arrived. Luckily for the
wall, and me, I very quickly made some of the
best friends you could hope for, and despite
everyone living different lives we remain the
closest of friends to this day.
Before we started Desmond & Dempsey, Molly
once said to me that we should try and do
things that make us interesting people. As far
as I am concerned, that’s a pretty good outlook.
Whilst I can’t point to an academic subject at
St George’s that I thought would lead me to
start a business I do think access to interesting
opportunities and the confidence to ‘give things
a go’ played a big part. Our World Challenge trip
to India for example, is without doubt one of
the best experiences I have ever had, and made
possible by St. George’s.
Christian, Molly & Joel.
I left St George’s and immediately went
travelling before starting at Leeds University.
I had no idea what I wanted to do when I left
school. After three years at Leeds to figure it
out, I still had no idea. So I decided that I should
go to Whistler, Canada and snowboard for a
year, which has to be one of the best decisions
I ever made. That’s where I met Molly and
ultimately I managed to convince her to leave
sunny Brisbane to give it a go in London, which
led to Desmond & Dempsey.
For Molly, moving to London was a bit of an
adjustment to say the least. Without being able
to find a good set of PJ’s that weren’t cheap and
nasty she took to wearing my shirts to sleep in.
At that time, I was working for ad agencies and
actually needed to wear my shirts to work so the
jam stains and morning coffee spills became a
problem. After trying in vain to find something
similar of her own to wear – we decided to
make it ourselves. We brought in Christian to
design all our logo, and our prints (he paints
them all from scratch) whilst Molly and I set
about learning to make a pair of pyjamas.
Given neither of us had any experience at all in
fashion, what we didn’t realise at the time was
that making something is actually quite hard.
At least in our experience the ‘fashion industry’
is extremely closed off. We knew nobody in
fashion and quickly discovered that it was naïve
of us to assume a Google search for ‘factories
in London’ would yield many results. But, after
some very fortunate chance encounters and a
lot of knocking down doors we got there in the
end, launching in September 2014.
For Christmas 2014, we rented a stand at the
St George’s Christmas Fair to see if we could sell
anything we had made. Fast-forward one year,
plenty of mistakes and a lot of hard work – we’ve
designed and sold out our first two collections,
produced a third and have launched with our
first retailer, Fortnum & Mason. For Christmas
2015, we will be stocked in Selfridges, Fenwick
Bond Street and Bergdorf Goodman in New York.
And, of course at the St George’s Christmas Fair.
49
RU14 Autumn 2015
Unlike my brother Christian (2008) who was and
still is a whizz kid at art, I didn’t have a particular
subject that I excelled at school. My grades were
always good, not exceptional, not terrible – just
good. I spent most of my time on the hockey
and rugby field, for me, there wasn’t a grade
card that could beat the feeling of captaining
the hockey sixes team, winning against Reed’s
(at anything) or running around outside on a
Wednesday afternoon during games.
OLD GEORGIAN NEWS
OLD GEORGIAN NEWS
OLD GEORGIAN NEWS
Matt Ming
(2014)
Scotland Camp
With this programme we have regular training
days during the season when there are no
league or BUCS matches, and throughout the
summer. The head coach of the programmes is
also the head coach for the U21s so these days
ensure regular contact him and the squad.
From the squad the U21 squad was picked.
With this being my first U21 experience I was
feeling nervous ahead of our Scotland test series
in April 2015. Having never played Scotland
before, I also wasn’t sure what to expect.
As this was the first fixture of the year for us
we were a relatively new group with most of
us having played together before in the U18
age group, we started off with a training day
on the Friday. We then had two matches on the
Saturday and Sunday which we drew 2-2 and
won 5-2 respectively.
Playing hockey at St George’s was possibly
some of the best experiences that I have to
date regarding my hockey career. My personal
favourite hockey experience of all time is the St
George’s Sixes Tournament. This tournament
was the highlight of my year whilst studying
at St George’s. With lots of different schools
coming from all over the country and with the
whole school coming out to support during
lunch-time and break, created an amazing
atmosphere to play in.
My main future aspiration at the moment is the
U21 Junior World Cup taking place in two years.
Dr Richard Tanner
(1963)
RU14 Autumn 2015
50
After a career working as a scientist in
pharmaceutical research and development
with Glaxo, now GlaxoSmithKline, I retired and
joined the charity Citizens Advice as a volunteer.
I qualified as an adviser in my local branch in East
Herts. I then took on the role of their Research
and Campaigns co-ordinator. It was in this role
that I contributed to the Citizens Advice guide for
MPs in the new parliament called “Helping your
constituents”. The guide includes a toolkit to help
MPs advise and support those constituents who
raise issues at the their surgeries.
I was then invited to attend and support the
launch of the guide at Westminster, to which 117
MPs attended to collect their guide. The picture
shows me with one of the new MPs, Anne-Marie
Trevelyan MP (Berwick-on-Tweed) on the Terrace
at Westminster. I managed to talk to some MPs,
their researchers and assistants and to explain
the role of Citizens Advice in guiding those
members of society who need help with issues
about benefits, debt, employment, relationships
and just about anything else.
John Coningham-Rolls
(1981)
John Coningham-Rolls was the first Old
Georgian to swim the English Channel in 1998
igniting his passion for open water swimming.
Having completed solo swims of the English
Channel, Manhattan Island and Lake Zurich, as
well as half and full Ironmans and marathons
in the UK and the USA, John now uses his
own personal experience in swimming and
triathlon to make the seemingly unattainable
challenge for many become a reality. After
over 10 years of organising and planning
swim trips worldwide, John owns a business
called SwimQuest Holidays (www.swimquest.
uk.com). SwimQuest run open water swimming
holidays suitable for all abilities in locations
around the world, including the UK, Thailand,
Greece, Formentera and even the Arctic Circle.
John is also the Vice President of International
Winter Swimming Association and continues
to advise and help select the host venue of this
popular biannual championship.
John says:
“I come across individuals time and time
again who are punching below their weight.
One of our main goals at SwimQuest is to
help people realise how much potential they
have as swimmers. I’ve had numerous guests
over the years who have started as complete
swimming newbies, and gone on to do really
incredible swims. The boundaries to entry
are so minimal – swimming really is a hobby
open to all – and it’s always a delight to help
people make the most of it.”
John is offering fellow Old Georgians a 5%
discount on any SwimQuest holiday. Simply email
[email protected], introduce yourself,
and let him know which holiday you are interested
in booking.
51
RU14 Autumn 2015
Having played U18 England for the last two years
I wasn’t sure what would become of this year,
with the next age group up being U21s (which
is quite a big jump). The year started with an
invitation to the Men’s Development Programme.
This programme is designed “specifically for
those players who have the potential to play
senior GB Hockey within 2-4 years, are highly
committed, and available to attend the majority
of Development Programme activities.”
NEWS FROM THE USA
Reunited:
Tony Lacy-Thompson
and Stephen Wheeler.
NEWS FROM THE USA
New York Reunion Reunited
Caroline welcomed our guests with a quick
update about what is happening at St George’s
and future plans. Some words were also said by
Michael Findlay on the vital role of the British
Schools and Universities Foundation and how
it can help St George’s.
“
RU14 Autumn 2015
52
“Thank you for hosting
a wonderful evening.
Aim and I greatly enjoyed
ourselves, and it was a
pleasure to meet you”
Ian Weatherseed
This was our largest New York reunion yet and
we are extremely grateful to all those who
made the evening such an enjoyable night!
Tony Lacy-Thompson (1972) and Stephen
Wheeler (1982) together after a tennis victory
playing 4.5 for Kona Kai in Santa Clara, California.
50th Birthday
Celebrations
Harriet Shannon (1983) celebrated her 50th
birthday on the 27th June in Cupertino CA. The
following OGs attended the celebrations: Gerard
Mattimoe (1981), Merche Shannon (1983),
Stephen Wheeler (1982), Emelia Shannon
(1982), Patrick Wheeler (1981), Seamus Hatch
(1983) and Tony Lacy-Thompson (1972).
Attendees
Suzie Boulos (1992), Elizabeth Boulos (1982),
Katie Boulos née Gildea (1988), Peggy Smith
née Boulos (1986) and Alex Smith, Michael
Findlay (1963) and Victoria Findlay, Danny
Haydon (1998) and Courtney Haydon, Mary
Kebbe née Boulos (1981), Charlie Segal
(1992), Stephen Smith (1981) and Jennifer
Smith, Philip Subhan (1977) and Melanie
Molloy, Ian Weatherseed (2002) and Aim
Nattha Sangboon, Simona Evans (1992), Peter
Howlett (1975), Catherine Daly née Little
(2005) and Brendan Daly, Leanna Dimaya
(2014) and Patrick Haydon (2004)
53
RU14 Autumn 2015
New York Reunion
On Tuesday 31st March, Caroline Long was
joined by 24 Old Georgian’s and partners for
a reunion dinner at The Strand Bistro in New
York. The evening started at the Top of the
Strand for a few drinks and a spectacular view
which was then followed by a tasteful dinner at
the Bistro!
“Michael Findlay, an Old Georgian, spoke to us
on his experience of living in the US during the
time of the Vietnam war. His story included how
he avoided conscription to the US army due to
not being the “type of person” they wanted in
their ranks, due to his previous apprenticeship
with a company in Canada. What surprised
the majority of students, was that those who
possessed a green card were also eligible for
conscription. His tale reinforced to us the effect
the war had not just upon ordinary US citizens,
but also foreign parties.”
Holly Collins, U6 Student (2014/2015)
John O’Driscoll
(1962)
(1989)
It was a great pleasure to have SGC students visit
my home in Manhattan on their recent trip to
New York City. I explained to my wife and daughter
that I was not nearly as well-informed and wellbehaved when I was at St George’s!
I continue to buy and sell modern paintings and
organized exhibitions for Acquavella Galleries
and will be going to Abu Dhabi in the autumn to
participate in the Abu Dhabi Art Fair. My first book
“The Value of Art” published in 2012 continues
to sell well and has been translated into German,
Spanish, Japanese and Korean and this summer I
will finish a second book about looking at modern
art which I hope will be published in about a
year. When I left St George’s in 1962 I wanted to
become a poet but unfortunately that puts little
bread on the table and I soon stopped trying
to get published but I did recently get a poem
published in a small U.S. literary magazine so it’s
never too late!
I serve on the board of the New York Foundation
for the Arts and was recently appointed to
the Executive Committee. This non-profit
organization provides grants to artists, writers
and performers in New York and has been doing
so for almost fifty years and provides training and
advice for similar organizations in countries such
as Ireland, China and Guatemala.
Currently I am part of a small art business trade
group that is working with the office of the Mayor
of New York City, Bill de Blasio to help better
promote New York City as an arts destination.
Last year I was invited to become a member of
The Century Association which is a private club
in New York City founded in 1847 by artists and
writers and whose members have included some
(but by no means all!) U.S. Presidents.
“I emigrated to the US in 1989 with my family
to follow my father’s job. We settled in the
Chicago suburbs. I now live in Aurora Illinois
(suburbia) with my wife and two kids who
are active in the local charities and sports
organizations. I have been a practicing trial
attorney since 1996 and currently represent
businesses in contract disputes, employment
issues and torts.”
Prior to joining Tressler in 1999, John was an
attorney with Craig and Craig. John has been
selected for inclusion in Illinois Super Lawyers®
every year since 2012 and in Illinois Super
Lawyers Rising Stars® from 2008 to 2011.
He has also been recognized as a “Leading
Lawyer” by the Leading Lawyers® Network.
In 2010, John received the Illinois Association
of Defense Trial Counsel’s President’s Award
for his exceptional service, dedication and
significant contributions to the IDC and its
President. In 2011, he was named a recipient
of the IDC Meritorious Service Award for his
outstanding service as co-chair of the IDC
Commercial Litigation Committee.
John and his
family visiting St
George’s in 2013.
55
RU14 Autumn 2015
In the first week of the Easter holidays over 60
History students in the Sixth form travelled to
Washington DC and New York. The students
were very fortunate to be invited to Michael
Findlay’s (1962) incredible apartment in
Manhattan for an evening drinks reception. Mr
Findlay discussed the 1960s, life in America
during the Vietnam War as an ‘alien’ in New York
and his successful career in the art world.
Michael Findlay
NEWS FROM THE USA
College Sixth Formers enjoy
insightful trip to Washington
DC and New York
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Wedding
Anniversaries
Andrew Marsh (1963)
Ramzi Ammari
(1978)
(1985)
Frank and his son Brett, came to visit St George’s
from California on Monday 11th May. Frank was full
of stories, informing Georgia and Brett all about
his time at St George’s. Even after all the years
away it was so lovely being able to see the strong
connection Frank still had with the St George’s.
Ramzi and his family are living in Newport,
California, and would love to meet up with
other OGs living in the area.
Above: Ramzi with his wife Dana,
daughter Paris and twin boys Grey and Pierce.
Martin A. Conroy
(1981)
Professionals,” a prestigious national awards
ranking sponsored annually by the two respected
publications. Martin is ranked in the top one
half of 1 percent of the more than 1,100,000
REALTORS® nationwide.
“Becoming a member of such an elite group as
The Thousand is an incredible accomplishment
in any market, but what Martin Conroy did during
these challenging times is impressive on so
many levels,” said Marti Gallardo, vice president
of classified advertising for The Wall Street
Journal. “His efforts topped 99.99 percent of the
more than 1,100,000 REALTORS nationwide.”
RU14 Autumn 2015
56
Martin A Conroy (1981) of Fite Shavell &
Associates was named one of America’s top
real estate professionals by REAL Trends, as
advertised in The Wall Street Journal. Martin is a
member of the “The Thousand Top Real Estate
“I am absolutely thrilled to be named to The
Thousand,” said Conroy, who serves clients
primarily in Palm Beach County. “Even with the
market’s challenges, it’s incredibly gratifying
to help clients find their dream homes as well
as help them sell their properties quickly and
for the highest price possible.”
Andrew and Sue Marsh,
celebrated their 40th Wedding
Anniversary on Sunday 8th
February 2015 at St Michaels
Church, Ashtead.
They were married in St
George’s College Chapel,
with Nuptial Mass, and the
ceremony was performed
by Fr Peter Murtough (1932)
assisted by Fr Francis Owen
(1934) and Fr Aidan Rossiter.
The best man was Chris Marsh
(1968).
They have three daughters and a son and five
delightful grandchildren
Peter Adolph (1953)
Congratulations to Peter and Jane Adolph who
celebrated their golden wedding anniversary
in February. The day started with mass at
their parish church – Our Lady of Lourdes in
Haslemere, and they received a special blessing
at the end of Mass. They then moved to the
Parish hall for a buffet lunch for 40 of their
friends and family, ending with the cutting of
a ceremonial cake.
Old Georgians in attendance were Peter and
Jane’s son Anthony Adolph (1986), Michael
Humphrey (1953), Peter’s brother David
Adolph (1964) and Dr Michael Mitchiner
(1955). Michael Mitchiner was the best man
at the wedding, while Michael Humphrey and
Peter were in the same class during their time
at St George’s between 1947 – 1953.
L-R: Anthony Adolph (1986), Peter Adolph (1953),
Michael Humphrey (1953), David Adolph (1964)
and Dr Michael Mitchiner (1955).
57
RU14 Autumn 2015
Frank Weber
Baptism
Eva Marie Carr was born
to Chris and Carly on the
22nd of May 2014.
Mike and Katie Boulton
(Mike: 1990)
On Sunday 22nd March Fr Martin baptised
Mike and Katie Boulton’s son Theo Dennis
Ian Boulton, who was born on the 20th March
2013. Theo’s God Fathers are Old Georgians
Rob Lane (1990) and Gregg Kovic (1996).
Other Old Georgians present at the Baptism
were Greg Jones (1997), Tim Clark (1989) and
Christina Lawton (nèe Cottle) (1993).
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Chris Carr (2001)
Births
Lucy Wike née Allnutt
(St Maur’s 1997)
Lucy and her husband Michael gave birth to their
second child, a girl, Sophie Judith on 15th Feb.
She made a quick entrance after only 30 minutes
in hospital and is a rare female in the Wike family.
Her aunt was the first Wike girl for 97 years and
Sophie is the second, coming 32 years after that.
Sadly her Nanny (Judith) missed her arrival by
nine days after a long battle with cancer, but she
would certainly have been Nanny’s little princess.
John Murray (1953)
Paul Phillips (1951)
Congratulations to John Murray who celebrated
his 80th birthday on the 9th August.
Paul celebrated his 80th birthday on the 8th
May. He enjoyed lunch at Fishermans Wharf on
Bembridge Harbour with his close family and
oldest friends. As the venue suggests lunch was
fresh seafood landed at the wharf. Paul’s daughter,
son, their spouses and his three granddaughters
came over to the Island to be with him. Paul still
sails and races a classic 60 year old dinghy that he
restored from a wreck and keeps at Bembridge.
John Tilley (1943)
RU14 Autumn 2015
58
Congratulations
Congratulations to John Tilley who celebrated
his 90th birthday on the 5th September.
Her brother Charlie (who turned 3 in June) loves
being big brother and telling everyone about
‘baby Sophie’.
Jeff Hardman (2004)
Ariella Hardman was born to Jeff and Paula on
the 30th December 2014. Zaria is a very proud
big sister.
59
RU14 Autumn 2015
Birthdays
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Marriages
Anja and Matt
Anja (née Baynham) and Matt Gottschalk (both
2001) were married on 29th August 2014 at
St Nicholas Church, Compton, followed by a
reception at Loseley Park, near Guildford. Anja
was given away by her father, Simon (1969).
Nina (née Lochen 1970) was mother of the
Bride, Camilla Baynham (2003), her sister, was
one of two bridesmaids, and Stuart Gottschalk
(2004), Matt’s brother, was an usher.
The wedding was also attended by various
others from the class of 2001: David Johnson
(best man), Phil Linnell and Nick Moon (both
ushers), Dominique Frith (née Brooks), Felicity
Harris, Camilla Markham, Aimee Royle and
Katie Smith. Also in attendance were the bride’s
aunt; Kim Lochen (1977), Romey Hearn (née
Clayton) and Greg Flower (both 1970); Caroline
Flower (née Lewis 1972); and Nicola Porter (née
Tuson 1970). Family and friends came from as
far as Australia, South Africa and Norway.
Back L-R:
Camilla Baynham (2003), Simon Baynham
(1969), Nina Baynham (nee Lochen – 1970),
Matt Gottschalk (2001), Anja Gottschalk
(nee Baynham – 2001), Alan Gottschalk,
Karen Gottschalk, Chloe Dyson
Front L-R:
Phil Linnell, David Johnson, Nick Moon (all 2001),
Rob Jones, Stuart Gottschalk (2004)
Alex and Lara
Alex Willis (2006) and Lara Dowds (current St George’s drama teacher) were married on
Friday 29th May at Larchfield Estate in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Best men included Alex’s
dad Simon Willis (1981) and Ciaran Pillay (2006). The ushers included Old Georgians
Stuart Young (2006), Daniel Gray (2006) and Joel Jeffery (2006).
Anja and Simon Baynham (1969).
Nicola and Andrew
Nicola (née Wallace 2003) and Andrew
were married in the College Chapel on
Saturday 23rd May. “Father Adrian was so
kind and helpful and it was so special to be
back at the College where I had many happy
years surrounded by many of my fellow Old
Georgian’s. We were also so lucky to have
Sophie Duckworth (2002), another fellow
Old Georgian capture our day which she
did beautifully.”
© Sophie Duckworth Photography
Katie and Tim
61
Noel Doran, Katie Doran, Tim Hill & Adele Doran
RU14 Autumn 2015
RU14 Autumn 2015
60
Katie Doran (2002) and Tim Hill were
married in the College Chapel on Saturday
11th July. There were a few OG’s present;
Katie’s brothers Thomas (2004) and Michael
Doran along with her school friends Emily
Obbard (2002) and Alex Harington-Griffin
(2002).
Obituaries
2010-2011, and in 2012 went with it to Hong
Kong and Singapore. The show then visited
New Zealand in the summer of 2014 with
performances in both Auckland and Wellington.
We are very sorry to announce that David
died peacefully in The Chelsea & Westminster
Hospital on 25th June, aged 64 years.
David McAlister a tribute
by Richard Cooper (1969)
David McAlister
He was the beloved husband of Rayne and a
much loved father of Kieran and Amy.
David was born in Worthing, Sussex. At the age of
12 David played Freidrich Von Trapp in The Sound
of Music at The Palace Theatre in London’s West
End. He spent a year as the lead in the West End
production of The Mousetrap (at the St Martin’s
Theatre) and was the original Harry in the
National tour of Stephen Sondheim’s Company.
David starred as Horace Vandergelder in the
2008 stage revival of Hello, Dolly! and he
created the role of Sinclair Platt in Dreams from
a Summerhouse (written and directed by Alan
Ayckbourn) in Scarborough.
For five years he played Dennis Richardson in
Channel 4’s Hollyoaks (British Soap Nomination
as Best Villain).
RU14 Autumn 2015
62
David is best known for his portrayal of Daddy
Warbucks in the musical Annie. It was in 2006
that he first got the part of Daddy Warbucks in
Annie The Musical. He returned to the part in
2009 for its UK Tour, and then again between
David McAlister and I met when we joined the
lower 6th form at the same time, despite him
being a year or so older than me. Consequently,
with the antique social norms of the time; him
being a ‘day-bug’ and me being a border; we
hadn’t known each other previously. We both
attended Fr Christopher’s English classes.
Ironically, it was when I texted David last
year to discuss the possibility of attending Fr
Christopher’s funeral, that I discovered he was
in hospital with a rather serious condition.
For David, whose early exposure to theatre is
well documented here by other contributors,
had inspired in me a love of theatre that I have
retained, as I retained my friendship with David,
all my life.
I didn’t then want to be an actor, that came a bit
later (and did not last a lifetime, as with David).
Not that it ever troubled him whether I was an
actor or not – our career paths did not cross – and I
could never sing like him, so I was no competition!
David’s funeral was extraordinary; in the
wonderful world of the theatre, it was part
Musical, part Comedy, part Satire, part
Romance. But definitely no Tragedy. Deftly
balancing levity and humour with respect and
dignity, it was nothing about him, everything
about the people he loved and left behind.
Astonishing and inspiring – there David, you’ve
done it again.
David developed cancer while he was in a very
physical show last year. The severe back pains
that came on were put down to the harness he
had to wear, which enabled his suspension from
the back of a door (he was murdered).
I spent as much time as I could visiting David
over the next few months, and I’m afraid neither
of us made it to Fr Christopher’s funeral. (Sorry,
Fr Christopher, and thank you for everything.)
Sadly, it was something else, and being David,
was something rather rare and wonderful (in
the wonderful world of tumours). When this
was finally confirmed, David had some time to
prepare for the eventual swansong-in-absentia.
John Paul
Woodget
David and I both revelled in Fr Christopher’s
approach to teaching – and despite his claim
that he much preferred reading plays (especially
Shakespeare) to going to the theatre, Fr
Christopher was very encouraging when we set
up a theatregoing ‘club’ and went to see several
National Theatre (then at the Old Vic) and other
London performances.
What he left was a script and blueprint which,
with some directorial input from Rayne (Mrs
McAlister for 41 years), Amy and Kieran and
the additional material from the EMCEE, their
Matrimonial Best Man, Ian, was brilliantly
delivered in a once-only spectacular at Woking
Crematorium (incidentally, a rare and wonderful
venue in the wonderful world of crematoria).
(1969)
John and his wife Judith were both killed in a
road traffic accident on Sunday 19th July. This
is devastating news for the family and our
thoughts are with them at this time.
An obituary for John will appear in the March
issue of Reunite.
63
RU14 Autumn 2015
(1968)
During David’s time at St George’s he performed
in a number of school productions including
Pirates and the Pretty Girls where he played
General Stanley’s daughter Mable. Brian
O’Gorman wrote in the January 1966 Georgian
“For every entrance he made was an event and
for one so young his ability to hold an audience
is remarkable. He played the part with obvious
enjoyment; his poise, use of eyes and gesture
were employed artistically, while his voice had
the range and resonance to master the trickiest
passage and had the choruses as intended.
He was awarded the acting prize for this
performance and seldom can the judges have
had an easier task.”
ANNOUNCEMENTS
David McAlister
COMMUNITY NEWS
took place in Belgium, and the last two years at
St John’s Seminary Wonersh.
the historic meeting between Bishop Cormac
and Bishop Santer over Church Unity.
I can truly say that I have had a varied,
interesting and on the whole enjoyable life as a
Josephite. I have been involved with posts and
works, and seen various parts of the world, that
I would never have considered when I joined.
My love of table tennis started when I was
Junior Housemaster and wanted to know
more about the game. I studies under Jack
Carrington, head of coaching for the E.T.T.A.
I organised a table tennis club at St George’s
which went on to win 6 out of the 8 Surrey
Schools Competitions and had two players
ranked on the Surrey U17 County list. I am still
playing in the local leagues with the Woodham
table tennis club although my reactions have
slowed down considerably.
Over the years, I have held posts of Junior
Housemaster, Headmaster of Barrow Hills
School, Regional Superior, Parish Priest of Holy
Family Church, Regional Bursar and Chairman of
the Board of Governors and the Josephite Trust.
I was also a member of the Executive
Committee of the Association of Provincial
Bursars, the Missionary Union, the Across
Pilgrimage Trust, Surrey Schools Table Tennis
Association being Secretary for 20 years, and
the Institute of Journalists through my work
with the A+B News. I had my photographs
published in the ‘Times’ and ‘The Telegraph’ of
A small word of thanks to my Josephite
Community, who have put up with my
annoying ways, some not recognised, with
great patience and kindness.
I hope to continue to give service and ministry
to the Congregation and the local Church in
the days and years to come.
Golden Jubilee of Ordination to the
Priesthood of Fr Adrian Cadwallader
(OG 1950 – 1955)
Father Adrian (John) Cadwallader, who was
ordained on the 17 June 1965 by Bishop
David Cashman 1st Bishop of Arundel &
Brighton, was asked to concelebrate his
50 years in the Priesthood with the new
Bishop Richard Moffatt of Arundel &
Brighton at the Arundel Cathedral on 24th
June this year.
RU14 Autumn 2015
64
I celebrated my Golden Jubilee to the
priesthood, earlier this year, with a sense of
great gratitude and thanksgiving for all the
‘graces’ received, firstly to Jesus who ‘chose
me and appointed me that I should go out
and bear fruit and that fruit should abide”.
This is the reality. He had his reasons. He
knew what He was doing, and He still wants
me as a priest today as much as the day of
my ordination.
On that wonderful day, I felt very inadequate
and ill equipped for the future. I still feel like
a weak instrument in His hands knowing
only too well my shortcomings, weakness
and vulnerabilities. Yet He will use me
as He wishes. I am only too aware of the
dignity of the priesthood and the awesome
responsibilities it involves. Secondly, I am
aware of all the good people who have
supported and encouraged me during my
life as a priest, through their prayer, holiness
and living example of faith.
From left to right are: Fr Adrian Cadwallader CJ (50 years), Canon Paul Jennings (40),
Fr Chris Benyon (50), Bishop Richard, Fr Terence McLean-Wilson (60), Mgr Barry
Wymes (50) and Fr Graham Bamford (40).
Book your travels with Trailfinders,
the UK’s No.1 Tour Operator & SGC receives a 1% payback
All funds go towards the SGC Assisted Places Scheme
Use Trailfinders, the UK’s leading independent
travel company, for all your travel needs and
you’ll also help St George’s College – 1% of the
gross value of your booking will be contributed
to the SGC Assisted Places Scheme. Simply pass
your booking details to the Development Office
and they will sort from there.
2014 saw Trailfinders make a clean sweep of all the top awards
Let Trailfinders take care of all your travels, it’s what they do best...
Worldwide Travel 020 7368 1200
Cruise Trailfinders 020 7368 1300
First & Business Class Travel 020 7368 1400
Bespoke Touring
020 7368 1500
02425 St Georges College ad_180x165_v4B.indd 1
16/02/2015 18:08
LinkedIn
Facebook
LinkedIn is a great business networking social site.
You can stay in touch with other Old Georgians in similar
professions or offer assistance to Old Georgians who are
at university or starting out in the business world. It is a
great way of providing mentorship to young Georgians
currently at university. Follow St George’s, Weybridge
Alumni today!
Keep up to date with Reunite
news and events. Follow us on
St George’s College Reunite.
Printed on recycled paper. Designed by Pistachio Design. www.pistachiodesign.com
Twitter
@stgeorgesru