SPRING SUMMER 2020
OLD PERSIAN’S NEWS
OP
IN THIS ISSUE FEATURE WORKING WITH ANIMALS RESEARCH STANDARDISING ITALIAN ARCHIVIST’S ACCOUNT HISTORY OF RUGBY CAREERS WORKSHOP EMBRACING CHANGE
CONTENTS 03
From the Head
06 WORKING WITH ANIMALS
04
School News
OPs who have found fulfilling careers working with animals.
06
Working with Animals
10 Research and Response
10
14 Archivist’s Account
RESEARCH AND RESPONSE 15 Alumnet
The standardisation of modern Italian
16
OP News
19
Behrmann Lecture 2020
20 Careers Workshop
14 ARCHIVIST’S ACCOUNT
22 Obituaries
A history of rugby at The Perse old perseans
24
Upcoming Events
ON THE COVER The 2019–20 Perse Players Production took place in the Michaelmas term this year, with the cast taking on the 2010 musical production of The Addams Family. Read more on p4.
18 CAREERS WORKSHOP Why change is good
FROM SCHOOL THENEWS HEAD
The consultants were able to clearly articulate FFI’s role within the wider conservation movement, and celebrated the value of our relatively modest size, stating that we appeared to combine some of the best characteristics of being a big organisation with those of being small. The report also reiterated our own internal perspectives of FFI’s unique role, which focuses on “(i) collaboration through lasting partnerships, (ii) leadership through innovative models, and (iii) a lean entrepreneurial style allowing fast and flexible engagement on critical issues.” FFI’S NICHE IS CLEAR The consultants were able to clearly articulate FFI’s role within the wider conservation movement, and celebrated the value of our relatively modest size, stating that we appeared to combine some of the best characteristics of being a big organisation with those of being small. The report also reiterated our own internal perspectives of FFI’s unique role, which focuses on “(i) collaboration through lasting partnerships, (ii) leadership through innovative models, and (iii) a lean entrepreneurial style allowing fast and flexible engagement on critical issues.”
ADAM SCOTT
FFI’S NICHE IS CLEAR
THE U14 GIRLS’ HOCKEY TEAM PRODUCED A FINE DISPLAY IN THE INVESTEC ENGLAND HOCKEY NATIONAL SCHOOLS FINALS AT LEE VALLEY HOCKEY & TENNIS CENTRE, COMING JOINT FIFTH.
From the Head
F
ew articles in OP News can ever have been
At some point there will be a welcome return to
as opposite than Rich Alderton’s piece
the site, and a ‘new normal two’ – a socially distant
on ‘Adaptability’.
Perse School. This will require more successful
On 20 March, in response to the COVID-19
adaptions with changes such as the move to
pandemic, the government ordered all UK schools
e-assemblies, non-contact sports, and virtual
to shut. The Perse closed its physical doors to all but
teamwork. And when the COVID-19 pandemic finally
the children of key workers. On 23 March our virtual
passes, we will move to a ‘new normal three’. A
doors re-opened, and so began our ‘new normal
new normal that is the old Perse but better, because
one’, a digitised Perse timetable consisting of Zoom
we will retain the successful adaptions we have
lessons, OneNote exercises, and online assessments.
made. We will relish the re-emergence of contact
Six weeks on I am pleased to report that The
sports, major events and school trips, but we will also
Perse has successfully adapted to its ‘new normal
hold onto our greatly improved IT skills
one’. Staff and pupil IT skills have greatly improved,
and our new ways of more efficient and
students have become better independent learners,
effective working.
teachers are sharing more resources, and our video-
Necessity, so often the mother
conferenced parents’ evenings have been a hit. New
of invention, will have moved us
ways of teaching and learning are flourishing –
all forward.
the part-Perse built Blutick maths learning platform has seen nearly one million
With best wishes, Ed Elliott
questions answered by pupils across the globe.
3
OLD PERSEANS
School News THE PERSE SCHOOL SINGAPORE OPENS
PERSE PRIDE 2020
The Perse School Singapore opened in January 2020
For the third year
for pupils aged six to 11.
in a row, The Perse
Pupils and staff have settled in well and are
celebrated Perse
enjoying school life. Claire Bell, Founding Principal,
Pride, this year on
has been keeping the wider Perse family in
4 March. Pupils and
Cambridge well informed of all the latest activities in
staff were invited to wear
Singapore. Claire said, “ The pupils are really happy
brightly coloured clothes to
and have thoroughly enjoyed the breadth of the
School, and there were a number of activities
curriculum and all the wonderful activities on offer
throughout the day, including a lunchtime
at the school”. The broad and innovative curriculum
discussion on LGBT life at The Perse, led by
closely follows the Cambridge Primary programme,
PrideSoc leaders Gleb and Arianne (U6), and
incorporating Singapore maths as well as Mandarin
a film screening of Love, Simon. The Perse
as a second language.
Pelican even had a makeover, with rainbow
Claire Bell was formerly Head of Tenby School,
Pelican badges on sale.
Malaysia, and the British International School in northern Iraq. The majority of staff are in now place, with Claire revealing that she is immensely proud of her dynamic team who have worked tirelessly to
ECOSCHOOLS AWARD for The Perse
ensure the school, curriculum and extra-curricular
The Perse School has been awarded a Silver
activities are built upon the Perse School strengths
Eco-Schools Award, thanks to the hard work
and values.
of the student-led Green Team. Achieving the
The four core values of The Perse – intellectual
Silver Award means environmental issues are
curiosity and scholarship, endeavour, breadth
being covered in the school curriculum, and the
and balance, and respect for one another and our
whole school is involved in Eco-Schools work.
environment form the heart of the new school’s ethos. The school strives to nurture the children’s potential, build their confidence and prepare them for the future. The campus is at Upper Bukit Timah, a residential area in Singapore, and across from Bukit Timah nature reserve which is the highest point in Singapore and the oldest area of rainforest, approximately 8 miles from the downtown area and
The consultants were able to clearly articulate FFI’s role within the wider conservation movement, and celebrated the value of our relatively modest size, stating that we appeared to combine some of the best characteristics of being a big organisation with those of being small. The report also reiterated our own internal perspectives of FFI’s unique role, which focuses on “(i) collaboration through lasting partnerships, (ii) leadership through innovative models, and (iii) a lean entrepreneurial style allowing fast and flexible engagement on critical issues.”
The consultants were able to clearly articulate FFI’s role within the wider conservation movement, and celebrated the value of our relatively modest size, stating that we appeared to combine some of the best characteristics of being a big organisation with those of being small. The report also reiterated our own internal perspectives of FFI’s unique role, which focuses on “(i) collaboration through lasting partnerships, (ii) leadership through innovative models, and (iii) a lean entrepreneurial allowing fast and flexible engagement on critical issues.” FFI’S NICHE ISstyle CLEAR
The consultants were able to clearly articulate FFI’s role within the wider conservation movement, and celebrated the value of our relatively modest size, stating that we appeared to combine some of the best characteristics of being a big organisation with those of being small. The report also reiterated our own internal perspectives of FFI’s unique role, which focuses on “(i) collaboration through lasting partnerships, (ii) leadership through innovative models, and (iii) a lean FFI’S NICHE ISstyle CLEAR entrepreneurial allowing fast and flexible engagement on critical issues.”
The consultants were able to clearly articulate FFI’s role within the wider conservation movement, and celebrated the value of our relatively modest size, stating that we appeared to combine some of the best characteristics of being a big organisation with those of being small. The report also reiterated our own internal perspectives of FFI’s unique role, which focuses on “(i) collaboration through lasting partnerships, (ii) leadership through innovative models, and (iii) a lean FFI’S NICHE ISstyle CLEAR entrepreneurial allowing fast and flexible engagement on critical issues.”
FFI’S NICHE IS CLEAR
The consultants were able to clearly articulate FFI’s role within the wider conservation movement, and celebrated the value of our relatively modest size, stating that we appeared to combine some of the best characteristics of being a big organisation with those of being small. The report also reiterated our own internal perspectives of FFI’s unique role, which focuses on “(i) collaboration through lasting partnerships, (ii) leadership through innovative models, and (iii) a lean entrepreneurial style allowing fast and flexible engagement on critical issues.”
FFI’S NICHE IS CLEAR
the famous Marina Bay Sands.
PERSE PLAYERS prove frighteningly funny as The Addams Family The Addams Family was the 2019–20 Perse Players production, which the company performed to rave reviews in December. Based around the fictional family of Gomez, Morticia, Wednesday, Pugsley and Uncle Fester, talented Perse actors, technical crew and musicians from all year groups staged four shows of the musical comedy in the Peter Hall Performing Arts Centre. The show was the last for Perse Theatre Director in Residence, Matthew Hawksworth, who left the School in February to take up a role leading the Youth programme of Pavilion Dance South West. We wish him all the best for the future.
4
SCHOOL NEWS
PERSE STUDENT WINS prestigious Tata Materials Prize Oliver Phillips (Upper Sixth) has won the illustrious Armourers & Brasiers Tata MateriaIs Prize with his in-depth research into spider silk. He was one of just four entrants chosen to take part in the final in London, having worked on a number of projects for the competition, including an investigation into the material properties of chocolate, with the support of Perse Head of Physics David Tricker. In his presentation to the judging panel, Oliver explained how the production of spider silk is a hugely time-intensive process, highlighting the manufacture of a cape exhibited at London’s V&A Museum in 2012 that took eight years to make, using silk harvested from 1.2 million golden orb weaver spiders. He noted that the weightto-strength ratio of spider silk is many times that of steel, hence the scientific interest in finding ways to artificially produce the material, which could eventually be used in making items such as bulletproof clothing, bandages and artificial tendons and ligaments.
PERSE STUDENT REPRESENTS Combined Cadet Force in Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall
Robert Almqvist (Upper Sixth) had the honour of representing the Combined Cadet Force in the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall. He was one of three cadets chosen to escort the CCF standard into the arena at both the matinee and evening performance, the latter being in the presence of Her Majesty the Queen and other members of the Royal Family and televised live on BBC One. Robert, who is lead cadet of the Perse CCF (RAF) section, was elated to be part of such a poignant occasion of remembrance, which included tributes to mark the 75th anniversary of the GB HOCKEY STAR returns to The Perse after
pivotal World War II battles of Monte
sealing Olympic qualification
Cassino, Kohima, Imphal and D Day. He
Tess Howard (2017) returned to The Perse to give the U14 girls’
said: “It was amazing to be part of such
hockey team a coaching session just after helping GB Hockey earn
a globally significant event and to be
Olympic qualification. Tess, who made her full GB debut last year,
around so many inspirational people
ran through a range of shooting drills with the U14 team and was
and hear their stories.”
struck by the eagerness of the players to develop their skills. She said: “Because I’m Perse-bred, I’ve been there in the same kit as them, so it was really nice to work with them. I was in the U14 team coached by Mr Kirkham (Perse Director of Sport), as they are, and I remember our team ended up getting to the national finals. They’re so coachable and that’s the mark of a good player, to have the attitude to learn. You can be as talented as you like but if you don’t believe in yourself, nothing will come from it. It was so great to see them believing in themselves and being so enthusiastic.” The coaching session paid off for the U14 girls, as they took part in the national finals in February, narrowly missing out on the third place play-offs. 5
OLD PERSEANS
WORKING WITH ANIMALS
6
From four-legged creatures to feathered friends, hear from three OPs who have found fulfilling careers working with animals.
SCHOOL FEATURE NEWS
their own nearly identical eggs in their communal nests, and discriminate in favour of them. Next I was appointed Curator of Mammals at London Zoo ZSL, and later also ‘given’ the Aquarium and Invertebrates. Highlights of my eight years there included: accompanying our giant panda to Washington on an abortive mating visit; reintroducing scimitar-horned oryx into the wild in Tunisia; introducing naked mole rats to the international zoo world; behavioural enrichment; and upgrading the keeper force.
Brian Bertram (1961)
I then joined the Wildfowl Trust at Slimbridge, where I overlapped
I have been fortunate in having
noises the birds make in the
with and took over from Sir Peter
had a varied life involving animals.
wild so that we can understand
Scott as the Trust’s first Director
In 1956, aged 12, I joined The Perse
why they are such good mimics
General. In my five years there, we
3rd Form, with my zoological
in captivity”. Answer – they
put ‘and Wetlands’ into the title,
interest already established. This
copy a few near neighbouring
established new centres at Llanelli
withstood advice from a couple
mynah birds of the same sex as
and Castle Espie, and laid the
of teachers who urged me to do
themselves; but why?
groundwork for the fine London
languages (rather than science)
I then spent four years in
Wetland Centre. I also dealt with
because I was better at them
the Serengeti National Park
(a good memory, though not a
in Tanzania, studying lions
particularly good ear – now all
and leopards, establishing
consultancies overseas, then was
three poor). I think I was influenced
long-term records of known
Special Projects Coordinator at
most at The Perse by Ken Symonds
individuals in resident prides,
Bristol Zoo, responsible for new
who in his CCF Naval Section
assessing woodland lion ecology,
development projects, especially
enabled me and others to go down
discovering the adaptive basis of
those for seals and penguins,
in a submarine, to loop the loop at
infanticide in lions, and pioneering
invertebrates, nocturnal animals,
the then Marshall’s Aerodrome, to
gentle darting and radio-tracking
lawn theatre, and car park (rather
sail on the Blackwater River, and
techniques. Friends kindly
a zoological comedown).
enjoy the luxurious Dartmouth
brought a lovely young lady
Britannia Royal Naval College. I
visitor to my hovel in the bush,
been a Zoo Inspector on the
was moderately sporty, playing
and tolerant Kate is now my wife
Secretary of State’s list, in the
1st XI hockey, captaining 2nd XV
and mother of our three children.
course of which have inspected
rugby (undefeated season), and
Jumping about, I got a Senior
lots of fabulous birds. After that I did a few short
For the past 36 years, I have
well over 100 zoos – which are
being captain of shooting (small
Research Fellow in Behavioural
bore, an expression I still dislike).
Ecology (then called Sociobiology)
I enjoyed The Perse and the friends
at King’s College, Cambridge,
much involved with various ZSL
made there.
and we studied the communal
committees, with proofreading
nesting system of ostriches in
zoological magazines (as a natural
College, Cambridge, taking
Tsavo West National Park in
pedant). I cultivate vegetables,
part in various zoological field
Kenya, finding (among other
bees and family. And I am
trips in vacations; solo night
things) that supposedly dim
pleased to hear from Perseans on
diving in Malta was, in hindsight,
female ostriches can recognise
bbertram@btopenworld.com.
I read Zoology at St John’s
improving well. Since retirement, I have been
somewhat reckless, although clearly survivable. I did a PhD at Cambridge based on fieldwork on the Indian hill mynah bird, and was mostly in Assam for two years. The subject was simple then: “Find out what
I GOT A SENIOR RESEARCH FELLOW IN BEHAVIOURAL ECOLOGY (THEN CALLED SOCIOBIOLOGY) AT KING’S COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE, AND WE STUDIED THE COMMUNAL NESTING SYSTEM OF OSTRICHES IN TSAVO WEST NATIONAL PARK IN KENYA.
7
OLD PERSEANS
Emily Morris-Lowe (1997) I truly have wonderful memories
day event that year as one of
polo ponies form Argentina
the youngest GB competitors.
for teaching new players and
During my gap year, I worked for
matches. In the early 2000s we
of my time at The Perse School
the family business teaching in the
put in an all-weather arena for
for Sixth Form. I was in the very
riding school and competing the
polo, one of the largest in the UK.
first cohort of girls to arrive at the
horses. Then I went onto The Royal
I was teaching clients, from total
School – it was an adventure, and
Agricultural College at Cirencester
beginners who had never ridden a
to an extent it felt like a bit of an
to take a degree in Equine and
horse before upwards. Cambridge
experiment. There were only 13 girls
Agricultural Business Management.
University Polo Club played out
in our year and of course, therefore,
This was excellent, it helped to give
of our grounds at Haggis Farm
the whole school. I can remember
me such an enormous overview of
and polo begun to grow hugely.
we were made incredibly welcome
the whole equestrian industry. As
Now schools and university polo is
and to be honest, thinking back,
part of an exchange programme I
proving hugely popular, with over
really quite possibly a little bit
was lucky enough to spend a term
3,000 members playing in the UK.
spoilt. At the time I was eventing
at The University of Kentucky,
Polo and riding are exhilarating
at a serious level and it was
Lexington. Here I was learning
and often at times can be a
therefore extremely important
primarily about the racing industry,
great leveller – a brilliant sport
to have as much time as possible
thoroughbred and sports horse
that really can be taken up by
to ride and train the horses. The
breeding. Kentucky has produced
anyone at any age and enjoyed
School was very understanding
some of the greatest racehorses
at all standards.
and I was able, during Upper
of all time and this was a brilliant
Sixth, to take sports afternoons
experience to spend time out there
I wanted to move to London for
to go home for coaching and
with some of the most expert
a bit of a change in direction and
riding. I was competing nearly
racehorse producers and trainers
now today, as well as still being
every weekend during the spring
in the world.
heavily involved in Cambridge
and summer months and have
By my early thirties I decided
At Cirencester, I also discovered
Polo Club, and the family business
an accidental diversification with
something which I greatly enjoy,
jumping and cross country phases
the family business. Within a few
proving all skills learnt along the
of events. I managed to qualify
years my brothers were playing
way can be hugely beneficial and
for Windsor International Three-
professionally and we imported
transferable to different industries.
8
The consultants were able to clearly articulate FFI’s role within the wider conservation movement, and celebrated the value of our relatively modest size, stating that we appeared to combine some of the best characteristics of being a big organisation with those of being small. The report also reiterated our own internal perspectives of FFI’s unique role, which focuses on “(i) collaboration through lasting partnerships, (ii) leadership through innovative models, and (iii) a lean entrepreneurial style allowing fast and flexible engagement on critical issues.”
between my dressage, show
FFI’S NICHE IS CLEAR
in Luxury Travel Marketing. This is
The consultants were able to clearly articulate FFI’s role within the wider conservation movement, and celebrated the value of our relatively modest size, stating that we appeared to combine some of the best characteristics of being a big organisation with those of being small. The report also reiterated our own internal perspectives of FFI’s unique role, which focuses on “(i) collaboration through lasting partnerships, (ii) leadership through innovative models, and (iii) a lean entrepreneurial style allowing fast and flexible engagement on critical issues.”
with an old polo pony. This led to
FFI’S NICHE IS CLEAR
I work for a small media company
in the back of the horsebox in
The consultants were able to clearly articulate FFI’s role within the wider conservation movement, and celebrated the value of our relatively modest size, stating that we appeared to combine some of the best characteristics of being a big organisation with those of being small. The report also reiterated our own internal perspectives of FFI’s unique role, which focuses on “(i) collaboration through lasting partnerships, (ii) leadership through innovative models, and (iii) a lean entrepreneurial style allowing fast and flexible engagement on critical issues.”
polo and ended up coming home
FFI’S NICHE IS CLEAR
memories of revising for exams
POLO AND RIDING ARE EXHILARATING AND OFTEN AT TIMES CAN BE A GREAT LEVELLER – A BRILLIANT SPORT THAT REALLY CAN BE TAKEN UP BY ANYONE AT ANY AGE AND ENJOYED AT ALL STANDARDS.
SCHOOL FEATURE NEWS
Cathy Fryers (2008) I joined The Perse Sixth Form in 2006 and after studying the three sciences and art for A Level, my teachers were wholly supportive of my ambition to go to Vet School. But I realised, after a dramatic imitation of a stampeding rhino, that it was Mr Pickstone, my biology teacher, who most shared my joy in the natural world. During my time at the School I also joined the CCF. By nature I was rather quiet, and the CCF did wonders for improving my confidence. I achieved the grades I needed and got my place at the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science at Nottingham University. I adored my five years at Vet
sure it would keep me happy
School; the course was taught
until retirement. I was ready for
practically and suited me perfectly.
another challenge. I wanted to
After qualifying I started work
find a way to develop myself
at a small animal hospital in
further whilst maintaining my
Bedfordshire. My first year as a
veterinary skills. I was drawn to
practising vet was a baptism by
a Royal Army Veterinary Corp
fire. The hours were long and the
stand at a conference – Military
caseload was huge, but I was
Working Dogs, the outdoors,
well supported by those around
teamwork. I was hooked.
me and I learnt quickly. I grew in
I started doing loaded marches,
UNTIL I SAT DOWN TO WRITE THIS, I HADN’T QUITE REALISED HOW MANY OF THE THREADS IN MY LIFE LEAD BACK TO MY TIME AT THE PERSE!
people safe around the world. The dogs we use fall broadly into two
competence and confidence over
press-ups and runs in my spare
categories: those that search and
my first few years, and specialised
time to get fit for application
are trained to detect weapons,
further in cardiology.
and before long I attended
ammunition and explosives (these
the Army Officer Selection
tend to be Labradors and Spaniels)
longer felt as if I was just trying
Board at Westbury. Three days
and those that protect, which
to keep my head above water; I
of interviews, psychometric
tend to be Belgian Malinois, Dutch
had settled into the rhythm of a
testing, fitness tests, assault
Herders or German Shepherds.
busy general practice. At the time
courses and command tasks
Much to my civilian vet friends’
I hated the out of hours work,
– easily the most intense job
bemusement I can honestly
but with hindsight the stressful
interview I’ve experienced. I
say that the protection dogs
2am surgeries, worried owners
passed and attended the Royal
are significantly safer to handle
and critically ill animals not only
Military Academy Sandhurst in
than your average Chihuahua.
taught me a lot about my trade
2017. Weapon skills and drills
but also made me realise that I
came flooding back to me from
Army has delivered exactly what
loved working under pressure. I
CCF, and I took to yomping
I had hoped. On a ‘typical’ day I
really enjoyed my job, but wasn’t
around in the cold and the
could be treating strays in Cyprus,
mud like a duck to water.
leading my Troop on Exercise
After four years in practice I no
I commissioned on 25
DURING MY TIME AT THE SCHOOL I ALSO JOINED THE CCF. BY NATURE I WAS RATHER QUIET, AND THE CCF DID WONDERS FOR IMPROVING MY CONFIDENCE.
So far my time in the British
in Canada, behind my desk
November 2017, cheered on by
managing my soldiers’ careers,
my two best friends from The
getting involved in army-wide
Perse, and since then have been
organisational change or visiting
working as a Troop Commander
other NATO Forces.
in the 1st Military Working Dog
Until I sat down to write this, I
Regiment. My soldiers inspire
hadn’t quite realised how many of
me on a daily basis – committed
the threads in my life lead back to
men and women working to keep
my time at The Perse!
9
OLD PERSEANS
Research Influences on the standardisation of modern Italian: Applying the frameworks of Haugen and Joseph
in the emerging dialect’s prestige to outsiders and changes in attitudes of speakers within the speech community; (5) change or increase in influence of cultural avant-garde; (6) change in the language’s writing system and use in writing; (7) codification of the dialect’s grammar; (8) change in functional range; (9) desire to change (usually reduce) internal variation within a speech community; and (10) change in the standard’s status (Joseph, 1987). As Romance languages, Italian dialects descend from Vulgar Latin, the heterogeneous colloquial forms of the Roman Empire’s lingua franca. Due to the vast extent of Latin’s imposition, great linguistic variation developed on regional and social levels. The distinguishable development of Italian began in the fifth century, after the fall of the Roman Empire. At this point, most people spoke local vernaculars evolved from Vulgar Latin, although Classical Latin, Europe’s established written language, was still used in European universities and churches (J:4,5). Of all the modern Italian dialects, Florentine is closest to Classical Latin, which already had a codified grammatical system and elaborated vocabulary (H:2,3), facilitating Florentine’s establishment as a standard language.
GEORGINA FOLLOWS
Florentine’s selection as standard was influenced
(UPPER SIXTH)
perhaps most significantly by Dante Alighieri (1265–
T
1321), arguably the early Renaissance’s most influential oday 34 native Italian dialects are spoken,
writer. Dante’s Commedia (1307–1321), unparalleled in
central to Italy’s cultural identity and reflecting
other dialects, first formalised Florentine and, thanks to its wide-reaching publication and popularity,
its history as independent states until 1861.
established this as Italy’s ‘literary’ language (J:4,5,6).
Since its unification, however, Italy has adopted Florentine as its standard language, officially since 2007.
Meanwhile, other dialects were predominantly spoken,
I explored the process of this standardisation, relating
failing to meet Joseph’s requirement for a standard
to frameworks composed by linguists John Earl Joseph
language to have an established writing system.
and Einar Haugen.
Florence was also a renowned place for learning and home to the House of Medici’s vastly influential
Joseph writes that for a ‘standard’ language to exist there must exist non-standard varieties, a normative
political and artistic dynasties (1434–1737), with
grammar, an established writing system and the ability
clients such as Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Machiavelli and
to translate into another standard (Joseph, 1987).
Galileo reinforcing the prestige of Florence’s culture
Haugen identifies four stages of standardisation:
and dialect (J:4,5). Dante’s extensive writing along
(1) selection of norm (2) codification (creation of a
with Renaissance Florence’s cultural and political
model of standard usage), (3) elaboration of function
significance meant that when a universal language was
(enhancement into a ‘developed’ language), and (4)
needed Florentine would almost inevitably be selected. With Italy’s unification in 1861 came a desire to
acceptance by community (Haugen, 1966). These
reduce the country’s internal linguistic variation
stages are not necessarily chronological or mutually exclusive, though selection generally occurs first. I
to facilitate nationwide communication and create
mainly explored Italian’s selection and acceptance,
a sense of national identity (J:1,8,9). Florentine
many influences over which correlate with Joseph’s
had already emerged as dominant, and by the
factors affecting standardisation: (1) redefinition of
19th Century had spread widely enough to be selected
a speech community; (2) emergence of a dominant
as a common language (J:2/H:1). Being an intermediary
dialect; (3) change in degree of ‘abstand’; (4) change
between Italy’s northern and southern dialects, already
10
CAMPAIGN SCHOOL FEATURE NEWS UPDATE
learn this supraregional ‘italiano popolare’. Although
DANTE’S COMMEDIA (1307–1321), UNPARALLELED IN OTHER DIALECTS, FIRST FORMALISED FLORENTINE AND, THANKS TO ITS WIDE-REACHING PUBLICATION AND POPULARITY, ESTABLISHED THIS AS ITALY’S ‘LITERARY’ LANGUAGE.
unmentioned in either of the frameworks I studied, I would therefore hypothesise that increased popular mobility plays a key role in dialectal levelling. Arguably the most influential factor in the acceptance of standard Italian was late-20th Century advancement in mass media distribution, especially radio and television broadcasting. Television broadcasting in the standard was introduced in 1954, but it was not until Italy’s economic boom (1958–62) that programmes in the standard were broadcast to most households and the population’s exposure to and acceptance of the language drastically increased (H:4).
having an established writing system and having
I would also suggest that emigration, globalisation
gained prestige through cultural significance made
and an increase in mobility in the twentieth century
Florentine a logical choice for a standard (J:4,5,6).
encouraged the adoption of a common language to
However, it wasn’t until ubiquitous standardised
aid universal communication (J:9). In summary, Italy’s unification in 1861, redefining the
schooling exposed a wider demographic to the standard that many abandoned their native dialects
speech community’s geo-political borders (J:1), meant
in its favour.
an unprecedented need to reduce internal linguistic variation (J:9). Florentine had already become
Haugen writes that ‘every self-respecting nation
dominant due to prestigious Renaissance culture and
needs […] a fully developed language. Anything less marks it as underdeveloped’ (Haugen, 1966).
literature and its established writing system (J:2,4,5,6),
Endeavouring to create such a nation, Mussolini’s
making it appropriate for selection (H:1). Grammatically
Fascist regime (1922–1943) sought to reduce linguistic
codified and elaborated, increasing its functional
variation (J:9), prohibiting dialects across Italy and
range, under the Fascists (H:2,3/J:7,8), the standard
formally codifying and ‘fully developing’ the imposed
was accepted most successfully in the 20th Century
standard (H:2,3/J:7). The Accademia d’Italia thus
due to popular movement and integration in the army,
composed an official standard (Florentine-based)
and later as technological advancements facilitated
vocabulary, as well as rules of pronunciation and
increased movement, communication and mass
orthography, rigidly imposed throughout the Fascist
media distribution (H:4). The standard thus gained a
era. Many foreign loanwords were ‘Italianised’ during
heightened status, becoming Italy’s official language
this period to reinforce external distinction. However,
in 2007, accepted today by the majority of Italians
by 1951 only 18% of the population had abandoned
(J:10/H:4). Additionally, I would update Joseph’s
their native dialect and in the post-Fascist era many
framework to consider influences of increasing
returned to speaking regional mother tongues.
mobility and globalisation on dialectal levelling.
The 20th Century Italian army was enormously impactful in dialectal levelling and the population’s uptake of the standard language (H:4). Mandatory military service exposed millions of soldiers to varying dialects from distant regions; linguistic diversity caused issues here, both with communication and in creating a shared national identity. To reduce variation within the speech community (J:9), the recently standardised Italian (‘italiano popolare’) was accepted (H:4) as a lingua franca, allowing communication among troops of differing origins. Many also learnt to write in the trenches – in the standard form as local dialects were only spoken – meaning that, in order to communicate, families also had to
11
OLD PERSEANS
& Response
I should begin by explaining that, although I am a linguist, my specialism is the German language. The standardisation of the language is one of the major topics in German historical linguistics and shares several points of comparison with Italian, but there are also differences. The first obvious similarity is that both Italy and Germany were unified politically at approximately the same time, in the latter part of the 19th Century, after having been comprised for many years previously of independent states. The standardisation of the language frequently goes together with the unification of a country. Linguistic standardisation will often begin before political unification and will usually be accelerated as a result of the latter. It is usually based on the language of the capital city (as in England). In the case of both Italy and Germany, there was no capital city until after political unification, so both linguistic standards emerged for different reasons. Nina shows how there are many factors that affected the standardisation of Italian, using a theoretical framework of two sociolinguists, Einar Haugen and John Joseph. She fits data that she has gleaned for Italian into this framework, with positive results.
PROFESSOR DAVID YEANDLE,
Lingua toscana in bocca romana is a well-known
MA, PHD (CANTAB.) (1973)
Italian phrase—a maxim to indicate the ‘best’ form
T
of Italian: ‘the language of Tuscany as spoken by the his is a mature essay on a complex subject.
inhabitants of Rome’. Pronunciation is secondary,
It bodes very well for Nina’s university
but one of the most important aspects of linguistic
studies. She has not only shown herself
standardisation is geographical area. In the case of Italian, the regional language of Tuscany became
capable of producing work of which any
paramount. Nina shows how cultural and political
undergraduate would be proud, but has also
factors led to the emergence of Tuscan as
thought carefully about the topic and contributed
the basis of a national standard language.
some original ideas to the advancement of the
Florence, the capital city of Tuscany, was, of
subject. Moreover, she treats a subject
course, the hub of the Renaissance and was
– the standardisation of the Italian
therefore very significant culturally as well
language – which she has not been studying at school and which
as linguistically. The great Florentine poet
is still relevant in terms of its
Dante Alighieri (1265–1321), author of one of the greatest works of world literature, The Divine
continuing development in the 21st Century. She is to
Comedy, was one of the major factors affecting
be warmly congratulated
the emergence of this form of Italian for the
on having won The Perse’s
standard. A parallel in German is Martin
Rouse Research Award.
Luther (1483–1546), whose brilliant Bible translation, based on the language of Meißen, helped establish East Central German as the basis for standard German. When Johann Christoph Gottsched came to codify German
DANTE ALIGHIERI
12
SCHOOL FEATURE NEWS
standardisation. This is certainly seen in the case of German standardisation (c. 1350), where settlers from different areas converged in East Central Germany, resulting in much dialectal levelling. It would be well worth pursuing this aspect for Italian. The second aspect is globalisation, which Nina mentions briefly at the end of her essay. The use of Italian internationally in the media and especially in the internet is a developing phenomenon which is bound to affect standardisation. It is worth remembering that a living language is always changing. It may have been codified as a standard language at a time of linguistic convergence, but it can similarly in the 18th Century, he asserted that the standard
begin to diverge for a variety of reasons. Twitter,
language should be based on the best dialect and
Facebook, the internet generally, youth language,
the best authors. Luther was often regarded as the
the inexorable rise of global English are all factors
father of the German language, which in turn was
that are affecting, and will continue to influence,
regarded as a Protestant dialect. Clearly, with Italian,
standard Italian. The interplay between colloquial
the religious dimension was lacking, but beginning
Italian and the ‘literary’ standard will also offer
with Dante and continuing with Petrarch (1304–74) and
much scope for further (empirical) research.
Boccaccio (1313–75), the Florentine language became established as the literary language par excellence. Likewise, Dante is often regarded as the father of
Professor David Yeandle is an Affiliated Lecturer in
Italian. Indeed, as Nina shows, his language is very
German at the University of Cambridge, and Emeritus
close to the modern standard, so that present-day
Professor and Senior Research Fellow at King’s
editions of his works do not need to be modernised.
College London, where he taught for over 30 years
Of course, there are many further factors that
and was Professor and Head of Department before
contribute to the standardisation of a language. Nina
taking early retirement in 2010. His principal teaching
investigates many of these, for example dialectal
interests are in the History of the German Language,
levelling amongst soldiers in the two world wars,
from the earliest times to the present day and German
the rise of fascism and the proscription of dialects
translation. He has published widely on linguistic and
by Mussolini. The introduction of universal primary
medieval topics, including medieval literature and
education further played a significant role, as did the
the sociolinguistics of German. In addition to journal
introduction of broadcasting in the 20th Century.
articles and essays, he is the author of three books. He
To conclude, I should like to highlight some of
has co-edited and contributed to volumes on Old High
the original aspects of this essay, where Nina has
German, lexicography and lexicology. He is currently
drawn conclusions that are not to be found in the
working on 19th-century ecclesiastical history.
literature that she consulted. The first is the impact of increased mobility of a population on linguistic
SHE HAS NOT ONLY SHOWN HERSELF CAPABLE OF PRODUCING WORK OF WHICH ANY UNDERGRADUATE WOULD BE PROUD, BUT HAS ALSO THOUGHT CAREFULLY ABOUT THE TOPIC AND CONTRIBUTED SOME ORIGINAL IDEAS TO THE ADVANCEMENT OF THE SUBJECT.
13
OLD PERSEANS
Archivist’s Account
Early Rugby at The Perse Rugby began at The Perse in the 1870s, stimulated by the first inter-varsity match (1871), but association football was also played, and was the more dominant game for almost three decades. Confusion over the rules sometimes ensued when rugby and soccer matches alternated.
In late 2019, we approached the Perse rugby community to ask
I
n 1903 the Debating Society argued whether ‘Rugby Football should take the place of Association Football’. The verdict was yes, by 24 votes to 11, but not until 1908 did rugby replace soccer as the main
winter sport. Concern for public school status may have contributed to the
for memorabilia to fill in the gaps
decision: soccer began to be perceived in some circles as a working-class
in our archive and contribute to
game, and Dr Rouse wanted to recruit the sons of socially aware dons.
a display. Thank you so much to everybody who got in touch!
The change was welcomed, although enthusiasm may have been dented in the first season when, as The Pelican records, the team ‘was absolutely thrashed’ 103–0 by Elstow Grammar School. An anonymous article also poked fun, in a skilful parody of Homer’s style. Odysseus’s slaughter of the Suitors comes to mind as we read of the ‘prowling beggar’ and ‘the stranger with the goodly calves’, while players are given pseudo-Homeric names and attributes: ‘he of the wooden head’, ‘Tall Titeros, nine miles high’, or Ionios, ‘deadly foe of all men’s shins’. Perse teams were usually smaller and lighter than their opponents, especially when enduring ‘severe beatings’ against college teams, and in the early days there were frequent references to players being ‘smashed up’, or out with broken collar bones. But performance improved, and by 1914 the school recorded as many wins as defeats. In 1921 seven Perseans played for the Combined Public Schools teams, and in 1923 the XV amassed 435 points to 150 in a season that produced 15 wins from 21 matches. In 1929 R. Jones played for Wales. Team critiques appeared early on in The Pelican, with hints of methods of play more akin to soccer, such as ‘dribbling rushes’. The 1924 captain, presumably bespectacled off the field, was ‘apt to pass thoughtlessly, perhaps … due to his eyesight’. The 1919 full back was urged to ‘use his head more, instead of acting according to the supporters’ instructions’. A New Zealand formation was copied in that season, and in 1931 the attacking play of the South Africans was commended. Rugby was played in both winter terms until 1941 when Hockey became the Lent term game. However, despite the consequent reduced practice, the team of 1951 was the best for nearly 30 years, winning 10 of 11 games and scoring 164 points to 9. The 1958 team was also impressive, going six consecutive games with a clean sheet and in ten games scoring 185 points to 12. By 1965 there was a full range of teams, junior to senior, and subsequent tougher fixtures included boarding schools such as Oakham, Culford and
FROM TOP: 1ST XV RUGBY SHIRT,
Gresham’s. In the 1980s, under the guidance of Hugh Vodden, foreign
LATE 1980S, OP XV SHIRT, EARLY
tours were taken, and thorough preparation included pre-season training
1990S, BOTH WITH THANKS TO
camps. This professional approach is now an established part of Perse
MARK PADEN (1988); 1ST XV RUGBY
rugby. The tale of outstanding individual players requires a separate article.
SHIRT, 1970S, WITH THANKS TO MICHAEL POOLES (1974)
David Jones joined The Perse in 1974 as a history teacher and was House Tutor at School House until 1982. He retired from teaching in 2008, but has continued at the School in his role as Archivist. 14
SCHOOL NEWS
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: THE PERSE 1ST XV TEAMS FROM 1951, 1958, 1970 AND 1992.
Perse Alumnet: Connecting OPs online LEARN FROM OTHERS IN YOUR INDUSTRY ACCESS EVENTS, INSIGHT AND KNOWLEDGE GIVE BACK TO YOUR COMMUNITY RECONNECT WITH OLD SCHOOL FRIENDS
The Perse has recently launched a new online
celebrate the 60th anniversary of The Perse Upper
platform for OPs to stay connected.
School moving to its current site. We are also using
The Perse Alumnet allows OPs to reconnect and
the platform to collate OPs experiences of the
keep in touch with each other, sign up to events and
coronavirus to hold in the School’s archive, and are
offer and receive careers mentoring.
always pleased to receive further contributions.
The platform enables alumni to create interest
If you haven’t already, join over 700 members
groups, known as circles, and OPs have already
of the OP community and sign up to The Perse
created groups for alumni in London, in the armed
Alumnet to get involved with future events,
forces, and for former boarders.
reconnect with friends, hear the latest news and
We have been using Alumnet to host virtual
much more!
events whilst we are unable to meet in person, get.alumnet.socialtheperseschool
such as screenings of Eric Mival’s (1957) film of the 1956–57 school year, and a ‘day at virtual school’ to 15
OLD PERSEANS
OP News Rachel Barlow and Sophie Meadows (both 2019) have both had artworks selected for exhibition as part of the RBA Rising Stars competition. Developed with the Royal Society of British Artists, the RBA Rising Stars competition encourages aspiring young artists who are identified and entered by The Arts Society’s local Societies. The RBA then selects the very best pieces for exhibition in London. Rachel’s work Girl with a bucket will be exhibited at the Royal Over-Seas League (ROSL) and the Mall Galleries, and Sophie’s piece Portrait Drawing will be on display at the ROSL.
Hannah Parker (2010) is undertaking a huge challenge as she swims the Topun Austin (1989) featured
English Channel to raise money for
in The Golden Window, which
three charities close to her heart:
won the Arts and Humanities
the MS Society, Prostate Cancer
Research Council (AHRC)
UK, and the Karuna Trust, which she
Research in Film award. The film
chose in memory of Rajen Mahendra
followed a newborn baby who
(2010). Hannah says “I have always
had been starved of oxygen
been a swimmer, competing in galas
following complications at birth.
when I was younger and now as a way to
The ‘golden window’ refers to
keep fit. This challenge has been one I have had
the 72-hour period following
my eye on for a while, mostly encouraged by my grandad Jack
birth, where reducing the
Human, who was a big advocate of my swimming. The swim was
temperature of the baby can
planned for August, but it is too early to tell what the COVID-19
be crucial in minimising long-
pandemic will mean. A delay to later in the swim season is
term brain injury. The film was
likely, depending on how soon I can get back in the water!
made by Dr Shreepali Patel,
Many of you will know the Mahendra family and will have
from Anglia Ruskin University’s
known Rajen. I unfortunately did not have the privilege of being
StoryLab research institute,
as close to Rajen as some, but seeing the impact of his loss on
who worked with Professor
many close friends and his family – to whom we have all grown
Austin’s team at the Cambridge
closer – is deeply saddening and a true testament to him. I am
University Hospitals NHS
swimming in his memory, for those he has left behind and for a
Foundation Trust.
cause that his family have chosen in his name. The Karuna Trust exists to end caste-based discrimination, poverty and inequality in India and Nepal. I hope to make a difference with the funds raised as part of Rajen’s legacy. For more detail on the swim, the charities and the opportunity to donate, please visit https:/uk.virginmoneygiving.com/hanswimsthechan”
16
SCHOOL OP NEWS NEWS
Natasha Dell (2018) was
Jamie Carpenter (1994)
on the executive team
was appointed Queen’s
for the 2020 Durham
Counsel at a ceremony
University Charity
in Westminster Hall on
Fashion Show, which
16 March. Jamie, who
raised £171,000 for Stop
is based at Hailsham
the Traffik and Fashion
Chambers, specialises in
Revolution, charities which
Costs and Professional
tackle issues concerning workers’
Negligence. Jamie’s
rights. Natasha’s role included working
appointment makes
with corporate sponsors, marketing and
him the third OP from
social media platforms for the event, which
Hailsham to take silk,
attracted 3,000 people over its three-
following Lawrie West-
night run.
Knights (1972) and Michael Pooles (1974).
Angus Birditt (2009) has written a collection of poetry called Our Isles: Poems Celebrating the Art of Rural Trades and Traditions, published by Pavilion Books. Angus said: “This collection of Phoebe Penfold (2019) spent October–December
poetry was born out of a deep affection for
2019 working for Voluntary Service Overseas’s ICS programme in Zanzibar, in partnership with the
the rural environment, capturing its beguiling
Tanzanian Ministry for Youth and Employment.
nature, its rich heritage and traditions, and the
Phoebe said “there were 20 of us in our team, ten
remarkable lives that have a deep connection to
from the UK and ten from across Tanzania, all aged
the landscape. After university, I moved from the flatlands of
between 18 and 25. We integrated into the local
Cambridgeshire to a very different landscape,
community by living in host homes.
the wild mountainous terrain of North Wales.
The aim of our project was to reduce youth unemployment in Zanzibar, so we planned and
There, beside undulating brooks and rushing
delivered sessions for local 12–25 year olds on
rivers, I founded a seasonal foraging food
employability skills. We covered topics such as CV
company called The Bridge Lodge. Over the last
writing, interview technique, presentation skills,
few years, the company has taken me all across
entrepreneurship, access to microfinance and more,
the British countryside, selling products and
as well as developing their English skills. During the
collaborating with other food producers. Along
weekends, we also held community action days,
my journey, I have met and been inspired by a
which raised awareness of different sustainable
breadth of extraordinary individuals, who call the
development goals. Since returning, I have been
countryside their home. This collection of poetry
researching the impacts of western volunteering
is to celebrate those rural lives, and promote the
on developing countries and delivered a workshop
artistry of their craft and knowledge.” Angus will also have an exhibition this summer,
to Perse pupils on how to volunteer effectively, avoiding projects that are inefficient or could even
showcasing his poetry and photography at Our
do harm, such as working in orphanages, and raising
Isles: An Exhibition Celebrating the Art of Rural
awareness of ICS as an alternative.”
Life in Oriel Davies Gallery in Wales. ourisles.co.uk
17
OLD PERSEANS
A memorial project is underway for Jamie Gardiner, Perse alumnus and Head Boy (2012–13), led by OPs including Will Aitchison (2013). Will writes: “Since his tragic death in a mountaineering accident in 2017, a group of school friends and family have hatched a plan to plant a 1,500 tree woodland in the Scottish borders to celebrate Jamies life. Jamie lived his passion for nature in countless walks, hikes, PES trips and expeditions, and the woodland will grow as testimony to his love of the natural world, providing rich habitats for wildlife and contributing to efforts to combat climate change. For more information, contact details, and opportunities to donate: https://jamieswood.carrd.co/” Ramiz Cuthbert (2019) has been working as a high-level e-sports coach and analyst for a team playing Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege. He says “like regular sports, online gamers can be categorised into different groups; from casual players and supporters to professional competitors, like myself. My role has a wide remit, from team strategy and tracking opponent statistics, to looking after player health and lifestyle. Whilst some competitions take place online, bigger competitions are hosted in arenas with a live audience, and I’ve taken part in competitions all around Europe. The prize pools can vary massively, ranging from a thousand to millions depending on the scale of the competition. E-sports is a fast growing industry, with viewership doubling in the last four years. Though the concept of playing a video game for a career may seem rather bizarre, it is rapidly becoming a more
In January, Chris Dodsworth (2016)
established career path with the growth of the
took on the role of Cassio in the
scene, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me.”
Marlowe Society’s production of Othello, directed by John Haidar. Founded in 1907, The Marlowe Society is one of Cambridge University’s oldest drama societies, boasting illustrious alumni. Previous members include Sir Trevor Nunn, Sir Ian McKellen, Emma Thompson and The Perse’s very own Sir Peter Hall (1949).
18
BEHRMANN SCHOOL NEWS LECTURE
BEHRMANN LECTURE 2020 Standing Together The 2020 Behrmann lecture, given in memory of OP Josef Behrmann (1939) was delivered on 12 February, on the theme of ‘Standing Together’, in line with the theme for Holocaust Memorial Day. Y11 pupil Robert Rayner gives his thoughts on the lecture:
A
s the 75th anniversary of the liberation of
were among those as they were sent to an orphanage
Auschwitz-Birkenau was fresh in collective
in the city.
memory, the theme for this year’s Holocaust
Reverend Moriarty gave a thought-provoking
Memorial Day was ‘Standing Together’. The speakers,
response to this testimony. He delivered his own advice
Patrick Moriarty, ordained priest in the CofE and
towards how Christians can truly ‘Stand Together’, and
Headteacher of the Jewish School JCoSS in Barnet,
minimise the impact of anti-Semitism, stemming from
and Andrew Sawczenko, Consultant Paediatrician
the Jewish teaching that one ‘can’t forgive for others’.
and second generation survivor, delivered two very
He detailed how pervasive anti-Semitic prejudice is in
different, yet enlightening testimonies.
our institutions, notably the military industrial complex,
Delivered in the Peter Hall Performing Arts Centre,
and the looming threat of populism.
Dr Sawczenko told his mother’s story for the very first time. It was an evocative testimony of how his
Reverend Moriarty expanded on this with four
mother, a Polish Jew residing in the 30% Jewish
suggestions to avoid ‘unhealthy tribalism’, and further
city of Przemyśl survived the holocaust. A tale of
disaster:
endeavour and endurance, then aged six, his mother and her family escaped to the Soviet-controlled
• Respectful silence; giving space for mourning and processing of collective trauma
zone as Germany began to repress Przemyśl’s Jews, eventually forcing them into sealed ghettos before
• Embrace difference; talking about and celebrating difference between groups
taking them to extermination camps. Dr Sawczenko explained how, even when in
• Build trust; ensuring diverse friendships and relationships, rooted in mutual trust
the USSR, they had not escaped the last of their persecution: Poles who refused to take Soviet
• Sharing; spreading our own experiences and narratives, in trust
citizenship were banished to gulags (hard labour camps). His grandparents both died of starvation in one such gulag in Siberia, leaving his mother and aunt
I found the lectures incredibly interesting.
orphaned. They then spent much of World War Two
Dr Sawczenko’s mother’s story served to further
at another camp in Kazakhstan.
extend my own understanding and knowledge of
The audience was guided through Dr Sawczenko’s
the horror of the Holocaust, and Reverend Moriarty’s
own reunion with his mother’s story, in following her
response was enlightening in its sensitive approach
footsteps as one of the small minority of Jews who
to healing from trauma and moving towards a more
decided to return to Przemyśl. His mother and aunt
equal society.
ANDREW SAWCZENKO (CENTRE LEFT) AND PATRICK MORIARTY (CENTRE RIGHT) WITH PERSE STAFF AND PUPILS AHEAD OF THE 2020 BEHRMANN LECTURE.
19
OLD PERSEANS
R EE R S W A C O RK SH O
P
Adaptability the life changing skill The modern workplace is constantly changing in response to new technologies and new challenges, and never more so than during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this article, Rich Alderton (1984) explains why adaptability is crucial to success.
20
SCHOOL CAREERS NEWS
CHANGE IS THE BEST CHANCE YOU WILL EVER HAVE TO ADD VALUE, TO FEEL THAT YOU BELONG, AND TO HAVE FREEDOM.
SEEING THE NEED FOR CHANGE Craig Lundberg was a sniper for the 2nd Battalion of the Duke of Lancasters. In 2007, on a routine patrol in Iraq, he was hit by two rocket-propelled grenades during a roof top battle. As soon as he regained consciousness, he knew that he would be blind forever.
3. Freedom
Craig will tell you he isn’t special; that he’s just another injured war veteran. But he’s wrong. What
Change mandates the freedom to think, speak, and
makes him special is his attitude to change. In that
act differently. In other words, any organisation that
moment of realisation, Craig’s response was, ‘well,
wants to achieve results beyond its current reach
that’s it then, let’s get on with this’, and he turned
needs to let its people go beyond their existing
his loss into something positive. He’s since climbed
boundaries to seize those opportunities. In 1974,
Kilimanjaro, cycled the length of Britain on a tandem,
the SR-71 Blackbird flew from New York to London
and carried the Olympic torch into his home city of
in under two hours – a record it still holds today.
Liverpool in 2012.
Lockheed Martin’s ground-breaking design was
The challenge for us all is to become as adaptable
directly attributable to the high degree of autonomy
as Craig, because in a world that is increasingly
given to its ‘Skunkworks’ team.
complex and disruptive, our ability to see what lies ahead is fading. The good news is that becoming
MASTERING CHANGE
more adaptable doesn’t just make change easier
At best, change is usually perceived as a necessary
to cope with. It can be life-changing.
evil; something that you just need to get through in order to keep up. At worst, it is something be avoided
CHANGING HOW YOU THINK AND FEEL
or resisted at all costs. Your mission, should you
ABOUT CHANGE
choose to accept it, is this:
Our species has survived because we evolved
Develop the trust (in yourselves and your team),
to perceive change as a threat to our security.
the ambition (to move forward), and the curiosity (to
We were born to resist. Paradoxically though, the
explore the road less travelled). You will then be able
reason that people truly are an organisation’s most
to generate enough drive to overcome your primal
valuable asset is because nothing is more adaptable
knee-jerk resistance to change. It’s a journey worth
or creative than the human mind. The rewards of
taking, and here’s why:
overcoming our primal instincts and becoming
Change is the best chance you will ever have to add
more adaptable are significant:
value, to feel that you belong, and to have freedom. These are precious experiences that will enable you to
1. V alue
enjoy rather than endure a life of change that surely
Embracing change gives us the opportunity to make
lies ahead.
a difference – to ourselves and others – in ways that the status quo can only dream of. In the wake of the Suez crisis in the 1950s, Alec Issigonis took up the challenge of designing a car that was big enough to have four seats, but small enough to be low-cost and fuel-efficient. And it had to have good handling too. The result was the Mini. To tick all those boxes at once was extraordinary, but Issigonis delivered something else as well. He turned small into cool. 2. Belonging A change challenge can bind a team more tightly than one that’s operating in maintenance mode. People are united by the common cause of achieving something difficult that matters. It gives the individual a powerful sense of belonging. The ‘All Blacks’ are the most successful team of any
Rich Alderton (1984) is a High Performance
sport. That gives them a major challenge, given that
Change Specialist.
it’s harder to stay at number 1 than it is to get there. They work for each other to continually improve
Check out www.highperformancechange.com
and adapt through the mantra of ‘leave the jersey in
for more information.
a better place’. 21
OLD PERSEANS
Obituaries
a glider solo, which no doubt
Royal Academy of Engineering.
fostered his life-long interest in
Approaching retirement age,
aviation.
John’s career took another turn
On leaving school, he spent a
John Hicks (1954)
when he became Secretary
year as a student apprenticeship
General of the International
with Vickers-Armstrongs (later
Institute of Welding, a job which
the British Aircraft Corporation)
took him all over the world. In
before going to Downing College
retirement John was for 12 years
to read Mechanical Sciences,
the Secretary of the Alumni
specialising in Aeronautics.
Association at Downing College
After graduation, he returned
and Editor of its annual newsletter.
to Vickers where he worked on
In recognition of his contribution
structural testing of the VC10 and
to the College he was elected
the aerodynamics of the ill-fated
an Emeritus Fellow Commoner
TSR-2. He then joined the British
in 2011.
Welding Research Association in
John was a cheerful and
Abington and became a specialist
sociable man who was modest
Peter Hicks (current staff) writes:
in welding and metal fatigue. His
about his achievements. Beyond
John joined the Perse Prep in 1945
book - Welding Joint Design, first
his professional life he played an
from Whittlesford primary school.
published in 1979 is still available
active part in the life of his village,
On entry to the Upper in 1947 he
today. In the mid-1970s he set up
being treasurer for a local charity
achieved the required standard
his own specialist consultancy
and church organist for many
for a Foundation Scholarship,
on welded construction which
years. He often returned to The
though he instead took up the
he pursued for over 30 years.
Perse for reunion dinners and
more advantageous County Free
During this time, he worked on
sang with the Friends of The Perse
Place under the Government’s
a range of high-profile projects
Choir as recently as 2015.
Direct Grant Scheme. John always
including North Sea oil platforms,
spoke fondly of his time at The
the Jubilee Line extension and
He will be greatly missed by his
Perse and how, as a cadet in the
the Thames Barrier. In 1990, he
two sons, David and Peter; and
RAF Section, he had learnt to fly
was elected to a Fellowship of the
grandson, Philip.
John Bullen (1954)
completed his qualifications at
John died on 21 October 2019.
the Winmarleigh Hall Institute of Richard Bullen writes:
Agriculture in Lancashire before
John Bullen passed away on 18
completing his National Service
October 2019, aged 83. John
with the Royal Navy between 1954
joined The Perse in 1946 as a
and 1956. In 1970, he joined the
day pupil and then became a
Ministry of Agriculture, Food &
boarder in 1950 before leaving the
Fisheries fulfilling a variety of roles,
School aged 16. In recent years he
most notably the national response
returned to the school for alumni
to live animal exports in the early
events, the last time being for
1990s and, following his retirement
the Half Century Club lunch in
in 1996, his recall to support the
2018, where he would recall many
Ministry’s response to the outbreak
fond memories of his time as a
of foot and mouth disease in
Persean: notably the kindness of
2001. John moved to Lodsworth
the staff, the visit of Field Marshal
in West Sussex in 1958, where he
Smuts, the rugby, and the School’s
married Janet in 1962. He had a
theatre productions which he
strong sense of public service,
enjoyed immensely.
becoming a parish councillor, and
village hall, which opened in 2000.
was instrumental in a number
He had active roles on the village’s
Cambridgeshire countryside,
of projects for his adopted
recreation ground, fete, allotment,
his first passion was agriculture
community such as the Oakfield
amateur dramatics, football and
and on leaving school, he
housing development and the new
village hall committees too.
Growing up in the
22
SCHOOL OBITUARIES NEWS
He was a loved husband,
In Memoriam
father, grandfather and friend who enjoyed being around people and delighted in chatting to
Robin Blake (1957)
everyone. In later life, he began
died 3 November 2019,
to travel more widely visiting
aged 80 years
most continents, not focused on the sightseeing, but being
John P Church (1948)
more fascinated in the way in
died January 2019, aged 87 years
which other people lived. He is sorely missed by his wife Janet
Barry E Clarke (1960)
after 57 years together, his three
died 2019, aged 78 years
sons Roger, Richard and Robert and their families including his
Michael T Farthing (1946)
grandchildren, James, Chesapeake
died January 2020, aged 91 years
and Summer.
Alun T Frey (1964) died 1 July 2019, aged 74 years
William “Bill” Johnson (1957)
also took the company further by undertaking chamber organ hire,
Stephen E Frost (1960)
Michael Hammond (1959) writes:
which took him and the company’s
died 29 February 2020,
William Johnson was born
work all over the country, from the
aged 78 years
on the 16 December 1938
Royal Albert Hall to the Brighton
in Addenbrooke’s Hospital,
Pavilion. The company undertook
William M Goodchild (1943)
Cambridge. He joined The Perse
work on organs at Westminster
died 2019, aged 94 years
in 1945, after attending a private
Abbey and St George’s Chapel
nursery.
Windsor, secular buildings such as the Royal Festival Hall, the Queen
Janet Oswald (Former Staff)
displaying a particular talent in
Elizabeth Hall and the Purcell
died 27 December 2019
technical drawing. He left The
Room, cathedrals at Norwich, Ely,
Perse at 16 and decided to take his
Oxford and Newcastle as well as
technical drawing further at the
at a number of Cambridge college
Ray Revell (Former Staff)
Cambridgeshire College of Arts
chapels. There were very soon
died October 2019, aged 87 years
and Technology.
over 200 organs on the company’s
Bill was extremely clever,
regular maintenance book,
John H G Saunders (1958)
music. His father was a church
including St Martin-in the Fields
died May 2019, aged 81 years
organ builder, running the family
on Trafalgar Square. The company
business of E J Johnson & Son on
would become renowned for the
Michael M Sharp (1944)
Hills Road. Bill’s grandfather had
highest standards of workmanship
died 10 October 2018, aged 92 years
made violins; his mother was an
and customer service, and Bill
accomplished violinist and pianist.
himself was tirelessly generous to
Alan J Shoote (1965)
Bill was having piano lessons at the
staff and customers alike.
died 17 June 2019, aged 72 years
Bill’s family was steeped in
age of four, and went on to receive
Bill was incredibly generous
more serious piano tutoring by
with his time and absolutely
Anthony “Michael” Sparrow (1961)
Bernard Timberlake and organ and
committed and devoted to his
died June 2019, aged 77 years
harmony training by Harold Fleet.
work. He loved nothing more than to be delving in among the
Robin H Starte (1949)
the family business, alongside his
pipes and solving problems. Music
died January 2020, aged 88 years
father, as an apprentice organ
was his life. He was relentlessly
builder. When his father retired, Bill
relaxed and at ease with life and
Claude “Basil” Wilson (1947)
took on the business at the age of
everything in it.
died 2019, aged 89 years
In 1954 he began working in
37. One of the first things he did
William had a very deep
was to move the premises from
Christian faith, together with a
This list was up-to-date when
Hills Road to a site five times larger
love of church liturgy and church
we went to print. Obituaries may
at Bar Hill, enabling more room
architecture. He died on 6 October
be read in full on our website:
to build larger instruments. He
2019, following a long illness.
perse.co.uk/obituaries
23
OLD PERSEANS
Upcoming Events Upcoming Reunion Dinners 2020/21: Classes of 2005–2010 (to be rescheduled) 2020/21: Class of 1980s 2021/22: Class of 1990s Due to the ever-changing situation regarding COVID-19 we have had to cancel/postpone a number of our events. For the latest information about upcoming events, including our programme of virtual events, please visit perse.co.uk/alumni/events For more information Please visit perse.co.uk/alumni/events or contact the Alumni & Development Office by telephone on +44 (0)1223 403 808 or email PerseADO@perse.co.uk
Old Perseans and Friends @OldPerseans Old Perseans
ALUMNI & DEVELOPMENT OFFICE WWW.PERSE.CO.UK/ALUMNI THE PERSE SCHOOL HILLS ROAD CAMBRIDGE, UK, CB2 8QF TEL: +44(0)1223 403 808 PERSEADO@PERSE.CO.UK
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