Connect - Issue 10, Trinity 2023

Connect

THE BARNARDIAN SOCIETY: AN EXCITING NEW ERA FOR BARNEY

THE TEAM AND HOW TO STAY CONNECTED

KEEP IN TOUCH

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Email and connect with us at society@barneyschool.org.uk ob@barneyschool.org.uk

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Find out more about The Barnardian Society, including events, regular updates and our digital archive at www.thebarnardiansociety.org.uk

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You can also keep up-to-date with all School news and events at www.barnardcastleschool.org.uk and by following its social media

Barnard Castle School

@barnardcastleschool

Barnard Castle School

@barney_school

Barnard Castle School, Newgate, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 8UN

Tel: +44 (0)1833 690222

Email: genoffice@barneyschool.org.uk

Headmaster and President of the Old Barnardians

Tony Jackson

Chair Geoff Hetherington

Vice-Chair

Jane Jordan

OB Representative Governor

Peter Hodges

Treasurer Les Dodds

DEVELOPMENT OFFICE ........................................

Director of Development & Alumni Relations and OB Club Secretary

Dionne Saville dts@barneyschool.org.uk

The Barnardian Society Co-ordinator

Jasmine Hooper jlh@barneyschool.org.uk

Admissions

Bronwyn Huddleston

Nicola Slater (International) admissions@barneyschool.org.uk

Events

Judith Pepper jlp@barneyschool.org.uk

Marketing & Communications

Stuart Nicholls sjn@barneyschool.org.uk ........................................

Editors

Stuart Nicholls, Dionne Saville, Jasmine Hooper

Design

Stuart Nicholls

Contributions

Due to space constraints, we are unable to acknowledge all contributors. However, we are very grateful to all OBs, staff and those within our comunity who supplied copy and imagery for our bumper issue of Connect

WELCOME FROM THE CHAIR

Those attending the Summer Gathering this year will have seen timetabling changes to the day and the introduction of a choral evensong service at which OBs with singing talent – perhaps as former members of the school choir – could be part of the choir, having had a practice session earlier in the day. The Club’s AGM took place first thing in the morning and there were more OBs in attendance than for several years. Further changes to the look and feel of the Summer Gathering are likely.

Welcome to this, the tenth edition of Connect, in which is recorded the news and activities of the Old Barnardians’ Club over the past year. And it is a little startling to realise that it has been a year since the last edition and since I became Chair after the AGM in June 2022: Where did that time go?

Although not as tumultuous as the recent pandemic years, the year has been one of change. Of national significance has been the passing of our sovereign lady, Queen Elizabeth II and the new Carolean era is marked by continuing war in Europe, an energy crisis whose immediate sting might have gone, but with a painful swelling remaining, and a cost of living crisis, which is still very acute. These factors affect all of us, some more so than others, but they also affect the management and operation of our old school, making the work of the governors, the Headmaster, his management team and all the staff so much harder. The adoption of a policy to remove charitable status from independent education and make fees liable to VAT by one of the mainstream political parties presents another unwelcome threat that might manifest in the near future. As members of the Old Barnardian community, we must be ready to respond to the needs of the school and assist in whatever way we can when requested.

Somewhat more cheerful has been the appointment of the School’s Director of Development and Alumni/Alumnae Relations, Dionne Saville, who also acts as our new Club Secretary. She might well agree with the sentiment that time has flown all too quickly, it being also just about a year since she was appointed. It is fair to say that the Club Secretary is both the sinew and heartbeat of our organisation, holding things together and circulating the oxygen and nutrients needed for the club to function. That is not to say that she does not also act as a brain, supporting and refining the ideas and initiatives of your Club Committee members and Dionne’s ideas have resulted in very visible changes to the way the Old Barnardians’ Club does business.

A key change in focus has been the concept of a wider community of people who have the interests of the school at heart – The Barnardian Society. The series of events that have occurred since the Autumn 2022 have been directed at and open to that wider community, not just Old Barnardians, but current and former parents, as well. Those events have revitalised the former series of bi-monthly “City Drinks”, which had become stale and poorly attended, with swish “London Socials” (and, indeed, Manchester, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Leeds Socials), the rebranding, some drinks & nibbles seed funding and the geographical spread bringing dozens of new attendances by OBs of all ages, male and female. Of particular note were the three social events held in different cities in Germany earlier in 2023, re-connecting with an hitherto untended constituency of OBs and their friends and families. A programme for 2023-24 will see these London and regional social events continue and the school is also planning a return to hosting events in the international destinations of New York, Dubai and Hong Kong.

At the same time, I think much more prominently than hitherto, school events are now publicised to Old Barnardians on the assumption that these are occasions they would naturally have an interest in attending, such as the School Choir singing at York Minster or Ripon Cathedral, the school’s musicians performing at the Witham in Barney, the fabulous school plays and musicals and the traditional School Carol Service. You are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities to be reminded of what a great school you attended.

2024 sees the 100th anniversary of Bentley Beetham’s involvement in the attempt on Mount Everest’s summit and the 100th anniversary of the change of name from the North Eastern Counties School to Barnard Castle School. Look out for announcements of celebratory events to come on the usual social media platforms and via Club e-mails.

The purpose of a school alumni/alumnae association is, self-evidently, to facilitate the reunion of former school friends and to arrange functions for them to attend to further their continuing connection and friendship. Our OB Club also has the objective of support to and for the school. That is done both formally, such as the provision of funds that the Head is able to use to support the families of pupils going through difficulties to pay the fees, and informally, such as individual OBs offering their services to meet particular needs the school has, as was again the case with Industry Day, OBs acting as mentors to teams of pupils carrying out business projects in a Dragon’s Den-like competition.

The knowledge, skills, talent and connections possessed by Old Barnardians collectively is the most valuable asset we have and the greatest service that we can provide to the school is making that available to current pupils and young OBs as they make choices about, and start out on, their careers. Our Club Vice-Chair, Jane Jordan, is leading on work to develop the networking and mentoring opportunities that OBs can offer. She has written about it elsewhere in this edition and I hope that many of you will be able to engage with it. In that regard, I would also ask that you consider stepping forward to express interest in joining the Club Committee. There is a need for more recent OBs and for more female OBs to contribute to the committee’s discussions and decisions, so make contact and we’ll co-opt you. Four meetings a year and technology means you can attend virtually if you need to or prefer. Even if not ready to do anything quite so formal, please do send in ideas and suggestions (contact details elsewhere in this magazine) for what your club could or should be doing in terms of providing events for OBs or for supporting the school.

I send you my best wishes for the coming year and I look forward to meeting you at one or other of the many events being held.

Geoff Hetherington (N,’76+1) Chair Old Barnardians’ Club

REFLECTIONS FROM THE OB REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNOR

I am grateful for this opportunity to reflect on the 2022/23 academic year as your OB Representative Governor. Elsewhere in this magazine both our President and our Chair report on many inspirational and exciting achievements from both School and Old Barnardian perspectives. I would like to build on their comments by highlighting the incredibly strong sense of togetherness and wellbeing that continues to grow within our Barney community. I include parents, current pupils, teaching staff, support staff, governors, Old Barnardians, former parents/grandparents and friends. In short, everyone with an interest in the School.

Following the previous dedication of Dorothy Jones in nurturing OB relationships, Tony Jackson’s vision for whole community engagement and the innovative ideas being created and implemented so successfully by Dionne Saville, we are moving into a period of positive change and consolidation. Consequently, a dynamic ‘Barnardian Society’ is emerging as an integrated and aligned body of support for developing our School in accordance with the strategic plan.

The Old Barnardians’ Club is an immensely important contributor to this ‘Society’. Having a very broad spectrum of resources to assist in providing practical career advice and work opportunities alongside fundraising and bursaries, we are uniquely placed. This has been extensively demonstrated during the year by the numerous OBs who have willingly returned to share their career experiences with the Sixth Form. These sessions have been extremely well received. There is so much more we can do to help our young adults decide on their career pathways. I encourage anyone interested in offering their support to register on our new Barnardian Society website. A number of generous donations have been gratefully received or pledged from Old Barnardians through legacy giving and personal gifting.

Fundraising will become increasingly important during the challenging years ahead as the political landscape changes and inflationary pressures bite. If you would like to help in this way and secure the future wellbeing of Barney, details on how to contribute are also available on The Barnardian Society website.

There is a tremendously positive atmosphere prevailing around Barney thanks to the dynamic leadership of Tony Jackson and his team. They have been magnificent in earning the prestigious top accolade of ‘Excellent’ from the Independent Schools Inspectorate following their recent inspection. In addition to his busy school schedule, Tony has embraced the OB Club and Old Barnardians worldwide. Subscribing to the view that OBs are the best possible ambassadors for Barney, he has hosted an unprecedented number of OB events and reunions during the course of this year, both home and abroad. We thank him for giving up so much of his personal time to reach out and engage with so many OBs. These events have been very well attended and proving popular in attracting a diverse range of OB’s of all ages. Many attendees have enjoyed their first reunion since leaving school at these events and vowed to stay connected. Social contact between OBs and with the School has never been stronger.

I conclude by thanking Dionne Saville for her impressive first year as our OB Club Secretary. This busy role is an integral part of her duties as the school’s Development Director. Her professional approach and experience has already led to significant advances in connectivity and OB engagement. There are exciting times ahead and many more regional social events already planned. Please book your place by accessing The Barnardian Society website for all the details.

With my best wishes,

Peter Hodges (Y,’72)

OB Representative Governor Barnard Castle School

HEADMASTER TONY JACKSON

I have the absolute pleasure of writing this at the end of the academic year, when the fields have been full of healthy competition and fun, and exams already feel like a distant chore, with a combined sense of relief and exultation that they have been completed once more. These sentiments were also felt in the aftermath of our recent ‘double excellent’ ISI inspection result, which saw us awarded the highest judgement possible across both academic achievement and pupil development; a real team effort which illustrated how strong the School is performing, reinforced by the high school roll in spite of these uncertain economic times. A particular thank you for the many notes of congratulations we have received from our alumni.

This time of year has also seen us admit another 74 Barnardians into the Old Barnardians; a ceremony which we take great pride in, and one which our newest OBs thoroughly enjoy. The ceremony involves each new OB being handed a personalised hymn book to mark this transition, presented by the OB Chair, and for the first time this role was undertaken by Geoff Hetherington. This transition is undeniably made all the more memorable by a big party in the evening, but nonetheless I have heard lovely anecdotes in recent times of how cherished these hymn books are, and it certainly gives weight to the importance we place on joining the wider Barnardian community, beyond the school grounds.

The opportunity for OBs to meet these newest members is increasing year on year, and a genuine highlight of this year has been the plethora of social events organised by our (now not so new) Development Director, Dionne Saville. We have undertaken a remarkable 12 social events over the course of the year, and these have all been very well attended, which demonstrates the love many of you have for your alma mater, as well as the keenness many of you have to reconnect with former

classmates (as well as the opportunity to take advantage of the hospitality on offer!). We love seeing you, and updating you on all things Barney, as well as sharing with you potential developments that are in the pipeline. As challenges continue to present themselves, it is as important as ever that we can call upon the support of our alumni, and should you wish to support your old school in anyway, be it through time investment in our burgeoning careers networking, or through financial investment to support our bursary or capital project schemes, I urge you to get in touch.

I cannot end without making reference to the magnificent impact Dionne has made in her short tenure thus far as our Development Director. She has been a whirlwind of activity, and the number of OBs who have reconnected for the first time in years is a testament to her dedication and quality. If you have not yet had the pleasure of meeting or connecting with her, please do take advantage of the many opportunities that she will undoubtedly offer you in the coming 12 months, as well as by engaging in the new online platform that will be accessible soon.

I hope to see many of you at these events, with a return to some more international events following recent times, and we look forward to seeing OBs in New York, Dubai and Hong Kong in the coming year.

Enjoy this bumper edition of Connect, and I hope to see you all soon.

Tony Jackson Headmaster and President of the Old Barnardians Barnard Castle School

HEADS OF SCHOOL REPORT

formally taught you. It is something that has made our school life even more special.

As we write this, we find ourselves at the end of our Barney adventure and reflecting on our time at school, we are filled with pride and gratitude for the experience. We began September eager to step swiftly into our roles, and continue the legacy of previous Heads of School, primarily by creating solid relationships with students of all years, a core characteristic of Barney life.

Throughout the year, our roles have been more than just being people who speak in Chapel every so often (although we have both loved that aspect of this position), it has been about reaching out into the wider Barney community, and a real highlight for the both of us has been creating those memories and relationships with the younger years of the school, as well as enjoying learning more about how the school operates behind the scenes.

This year has seen a change in the structure of the Prefect Team, with each Prefect mirroring a member of staff, be that a Housemaster or a member of the Senior Management Team. This has meant that throughout the year we have always had someone to turn to as a role model for advice, support or even just for a chat.

This has been successful due to the longlasting relationships Barney students have with their teachers. We feel it is easy to take this for granted, but in reality, it is very rare to be in a school where all teachers know who you are, of your interests, and are happy to support in any way possible, even if they have never

We were both invited to meet with the governors, bringing student voice to their meeting. Their questions prompted us both to reflect on the changes that have been made, particularly during the last seven years we have both spent in the Senior School. We both believe that as the modern world inevitably evolves and changes, it is imperative that our school does the same, and we have undoubtedly witnessed that. Barney’s impeccable character education lends itself to an open-minded and adaptive attitude, maintained by its excellent staff and pastoral team. This means that no student is over-looked or ignored, but celebrated in equal measure.

We are now preparing for the world of work. With both exciting and scary times ahead, we also enter the phenomenal community of Old Barnardians, which we know will always be a mere phone call away. So perhaps we were wrong to say that this is the end of our Barney Journey, but instead a continuation.

During this year, we both have had the pleasure of meeting so many of you at events at school, or on the rugby pitch or even just striking up a conversation in a random pub in a random town. It has been amazing to see the links and connections that can be made all because we spent our most formative years in the same school that has shaped us into the individuals we are now proud to be.

Emma

Oliver

Hardy (M,’23)

Appleyard (Da,’23)

Head Girl and Head Boy

Once a Barnardian, always a Barnardian.

WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST OBs

We would like to take a moment to welcome our latest cohort of OBs.

Our 2023 school leavers are now out into the world off to do a whole host of different things, including travelling, attending university in September and other exciting things. As we know, this can be a strange and challenging time for a lot of students, and we would like all of them to know that, as a Development Office and wider school community, we will always be here to support them in whatever they choose to do next.

As a reminder to all of you who have recently left, we are now doing events in major cities all around the UK and even abroad, so wherever you find yourselves please join the LinkedIn Group. Here, we can connect you with OBs who want to help you, it allows you to stay in touch, learn all about our regular events, and we support you in using them to your advantage. Email us anytime on ob@barneyschool.org.uk.

We wish our newest cohort of Old Barnardians all the very best as they embark on the next stage of their lives after leaving Barney this year. They closed out their School journeys in style with a beautiful Valedictory Service on the final day of the Trinity Term, followed by an elegant evening at Ramside Hall with family and friends at their end of year Summer Ball.

2023 UPPER SIXTH LEAVERS

A great reminder of school days past A timely reminder that days fly fast They say once a Barnardian, always a Barnardian

So I hope that for me, and for you, That will always be true.

My 14 years at Barney soon coming to a close I’ve had the best time, and can reflect on all those

Days when we laughed and cried and failed Always taught to rise up, accomplish, prevail.

Prep school trips and overnight stays, London visits and Harry Potter days. Mad ballet lessons and house competitions, Fought hard to succeed, triumph and achieve. No matter what, we wanted to win And when we did …..what a feeling ‘get-in’!

And I can’t, not mention, the Christmas nativity plays

Wow, I remember back, back to those days, Dressing every year as a sheep, ass, or fairy Still, & even now, mad never to be Mary!

So from Prep school to big school off we went Standing tall, strong and steady, full of attitude and ready.

Ready for more challenging, independent days ahead

Warned never to get wrong side of Deputy Head.

But if you happened to fall, wrong side of his strife

Advice would always be, run…run for your life!

I’ve enjoyed school trips and Duke of Edinburgh days out,

CCF adventures, I can’t talk about.

PGL trips, house comps and dinners, the lot House singing, and baking, always gave my best shot

Always working in teams, as best as we could, Mindful to try hard, if one day we would Win nailing up, that’s really the end goal

Never losing face… no points for 2nd place!

And when the teachers weren’t looking, we did have a ball

Tik-Toks, songs and dances in main central hall. Though they never caught sight of our antics or tunes

For if they did they would think we were loons!

And I think of sport at Barney, it’s such a big event

I always think of Barney sport, as time well spent.

Fun competitions all over the place

Teachers always shouting “move, turn and face”

But sport at Barney is not for faint hearted

If you’ve played a game mid - winter

You’ll know how it smarted

Your body turns to ice, your faculties freeze But you’re not allowed to stop, can’t fall to your knees.

Soon exam days sneaked upon us fast

Where did the fun go, that didn’t last!

But mostly we triumphed, as we knew we would With the support of teachers who knew we should

Be challenged, be pushed, be resilient, stay strong

Go forth big wide world, what could possibly go wrong!

Move on with independence, courage and pride

Make the most of our lives and never let slide

The fond memories we now hold dear to our hearts

Soon an Old Barnardian, soon ready to depart.

So I want to say thank you Barney, for all you have done

For the best education, the laughter and fun. And thank you my friends, present, here, now and past

Thank you Barney, I’ve had an absolute blast.

‘THE BARNARDIAN’ CAMILLA ROYLE (B,’23)

DEVELOPMENT OFFICE REPORT

welcomed many of you back for tours this past year. Alongside OBs returning to give career talks to our students, we are enormously thankful for the gift of their time. And of course, not everyone had a good experience here, and plenty are not engaged at all. That is fine, but it is lovely when you give us a shot to show you what a great place this is today, humble and not pretentious.

So, it is officially the first anniversary since my arrival as Development & Alumni Relations Director here at Barnard Castle School. My first year taught me a great deal with balancing this active school life with a new external relations programme. Working with Tony Jackson on the ten-year plan ahead as we head towards the 150th Anniversary, drawing OBs closer to the school, growing its amazing network, and including parents, friends and the wider community in that vision.

What I have loved is meeting over 300 alumni in person. My thanks to those who have invited me for a cup of tea, a one-to-one lunch appointment or have come along to a regional or international event. It is clear to me how much they appreciate having a little bit of Barney away from home and I love seeing that play out in real time! From the nerves of walking in not knowing what to expect, to a little post karaoke everyone seems to have enjoyed reconnecting in different ways. Many attendees this year have told me they have never been to anything before but liked the encouragement on LinkedIn, Facebook or Instagram. I am delighted word spread that the events were fun so new faces decided to come and give it a go.

The School is a warm and friendly place with community absolutely at its heart and soul and that extends outside the local area. I feel so grateful to be able to spend time talking and appreciate hearing all about their experiences and treasured memories. So cross-generation conversations begin and long may they continue. As the Headmaster always says don’t leave our evenings without speaking to someone from a different era. For the OBs who cannot fathom a school with girls, it is simply brilliant to see them chatting to the recent leavers about today’s positive experiences.

The social media cohesion has allowed for a more consistent message, and it is great to see Old Barnardians posting their photos and memories which encourages further conversation. Also to hear about Old Barnardians get jobs through the networking opportunities we are providing. This is such a privilege to facilitate. Some Barnardians have formative experiences they carry with them forever and make pilgrimages back to see us with their new families and generations walk these corridors once again. We have

Of course, I do not own the special relationship between alumni and the school, merely a snapshot in time. At some point rightly assigned to a book in the archive like all the names before me. As alumni relations professionals, we can be so passionate about living in our moment that we forget that most people do not spend a lot of time thinking about their time here and wouldn’t think of attending an event they’re invited to or tell us about their new job or house move. The new website goes some way to help you with this so please have a look so you can see how to make the best use of it. You may want to advertise your business offer to be a mentor, or offer a job for someone in the community.

It has been an absolute pleasure to meet you all and I am grateful for the offers to host events and help me pull things together moving forward. This work requires quite a pace, with both external and internal demands. Because of that, the past year has flown incredibly fast.

I am delighted that my love of classic cars in my own life seems to have spilt over into Barney’s life. I have met several of you who have classic and vintage cars; we are working on some great ideas in the not-too-distant future for a Barnardian overseas car trip. I am also hugely grateful for the recent opportunities to drive some outstanding Barnardian cars.

In April I was delighted to welcome OB Jasmine Hooper to join me in the Development Office. Initially here for two years, Jasmine has immersed herself back into school life. I look forward to seeing her thrive and helping build on our successes. I would also like to thank Tony Jackson, Peter Hodges, Geoff Hetherington and the entire Governing Body for making me feel so welcome and valued.

Please do reach out at any time to reconnect with us!

Dionne Saville Director of Development & Alumni Relations and OB Club Secretary Barnard Castle School

As I am writing this, I have just finished my first term back at Barney, and what a whirlwind it has been. It was always going to be strange coming back somewhere that meant so much to me growing up. However, being able to work with Old Barnardians with whom I share my love for the school, I have formed a new appreciation for what the school has to offer individuals years after they have left.

The last weekend of term saw our annual OB Weekend take place, a first for Dionne and me. We didn’t know what to expect or how it ran, but I think everyone who attended would agree the weekend was a huge success and something for us both to grow in the years to come.

One thing that stood out for me, though, was a lack of younger OBs in attendance. Having only left Barney four years ago, I was disappointed to see that the weekend isn’t something that most are interested in attending.

My ambition is to engage younger OBs in a way that they want to be engaged; putting more of a focus on letting them live their lives beyond school and being there when they need us.

This is where I think our new careers initiative will be vital, contacting OBs after university, during career changes and in times of hardship, we can be there to put them in contact with professionals that can offer sound advice and guidance.

I want to ensure moving forward that OBs who have recently left school or are in their final years of school, feel like they can stay connected to us. This will mean us understanding what it is that the younger generations want from us, talking to those young OBs more and supporting them through their first years of adulthood.

Thank you for your unwavering support these last few months, and I am excited to build on the positivity and success our Development Office has enjoyed this past year.

Jasmine Hooper (L,’19) The Barnardian Society Co-ordinator Barnard Castle School

JASMINE WITH AMY RICHARDSON (M,’20) AT THE INAUGURAL LEEDS BARNARDIAN DRINKS EVENT

OB NEWS IN BRIEF

Future Roses and Manchester Thunder star

Ella Bowen (B,’18) surprised Barney’s budding netballers at the start of 2023, as she led their final preseason training session and put them through their paces ahead of the Lent season.

Congratulations to Alex Gray (Du,’09), who is embarking on the next stage of his fascinating career as ‘Apollo’, one of the Gladiators in the reboot of the hit TV show! The series is set to be aired on BBC One and iPlayer in 2023.

Lt Seb Hampson (Da,’15), of 58 (Eyre’s)

Battery, 12th Regiment Royal Artillery, proudly led the Royal Artillery detachment during Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s funeral procession. Seb was Barney’s Cadet RSM in 2015, and we continue to wish him all the very best and thank him for his service.

The Great British Sewing Bee’s Patrick Grant (Y,’90) continues to thrive as a media personality and commentator. Ahead of King Charles’ Coronation, he appeared on Coronation Tailors: Fit for a King, going behind the scenes of a family business tasked with creating thousands of bespoke ceremonial uniforms in time for the historic event. In the last year, he also appeared on BBC’s Question Time, delivering a thought-provoking, assured performance.

LT SEB HAMPSON

ALEX GRAY (CENTRE)

ELLA BOWEN

Stay connected and share your latest news with us at society@barneyschool.org.uk

It was amazing to hear that Liam Johnson (Da,’06) wrote an episode of Emmerdale in July. He is a core member of the famous show’s writing team, having scripted in excess of 20 episodes so far.

PATRICK GRANT

On the Rugby front, we are delighted for Karl Dickson (Y,’00) who has been named as one of the referees at the upcoming 2023 Rugby World Cup held in France this autumn.

Congratulations to one of our newest OBs and former 1st XV captain, Jacob Oliver (T,’23) who has signed with the Newcastle Falcons Senior Academy for the upcoming season, joining fellow OBs Guy Pepper (Da,’21) and Freddie Lockwood (Y,’19) at the club.

We would also like to wish Alex Tait (T,’06) a happy retirement from the sport, following a stellar 16-year career with the Falcons. He made a remarkable 269 appearances and scored 40 tries.

Well done to Sean Dougall (N,’08) who was part of the coaching staff of the 2023 European Rugby Champions Cup winners, La Rochelle, as Contact Skills Coach and Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach.

Finally, well done to Jacob Newnam (N,’21) and Matthew Osborne (T,’21) who made their debuts for Glamorgan Wanderers RFC in the summer, who we believe are the first OBs to represent the Welsh Championship side.

Phil Mews (Du,’88) is continuing to write and saw his first novel published by Hafen Publishing in April this year. The Girl On The Red Carpet, inspired by his 25-year career in television production, hit the Number 1 spot on Amazon’s Hot New Releases. Whilst continuing to make programmes at ITV, Phil is currently working on two more books, both set for release in 2024. His first book, Orphan Boys, was written at the insistence of his friend, broadcaster Sandi Toksvig, and this childhood memoir, which covers his time at Barney, went on to sell over 18,000 copies worldwide.

SEAN DOUGALL (LEFT)

ALEX TAIT

Barney achieves highest ‘Excellent’ rating Barnard Castle School is delighted to announce that it has achieved the highest ‘Excellent’ rating awarded by our sector’s regulator, the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), following a rigorous and comprehensive inspection.

In April 2023, we welcomed inspectors from across the UK for a focused compliance inspection combined with an inspection of educational quality over a three-day period, which included lesson observations and staff and pupil interviews.

Following the rigorous inspection process, the ISI concluded that Barnard Castle School is fully compliant and meets all the standards in the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014, the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools 2022 and associated requirements. The team of inspectors also gave high praise about the quality of our students’ academic achievements and personal development, awarding ‘Excellent’ in both categories.

Barney’s overarching purpose, vision and aims shone through the ISI’s report, with the Inspectorate attributing students’ excellent personal development as ‘a direct result of the values and ethos of the school. This is driven by the senior leadership team through the innovative use of assembly and tutorial time, which is endorsed by the governing body, thus fulfilling the school’s aim to develop young adults with character’. Inspectors noted many key findings throughout the report, including:

• The comprehensive and experienced pastoral care team are a huge strength of the school and embody the values and ethos they wish to promote.

• Pupils reach for higher levels of knowledge and

attainment whilst also having the freedom to make their own educational choices.

• Pupils’ sense of awe and wonder in this circle of life was contagious.

• Pupils have an excellent understanding of service to their community which is reflected in many aspects of their school lives.

• Pupils demonstrate excellent collaborative and co-operative skills that reflect the school’s core values.

• Pupils’ contribution to others and the wider community is exceptional.

• Pupils’ achievements outside the formal curriculum are excellent. They enjoy a wide range of extra-curricular activities, in which participation levels are high and enrich their education and personal development.

Headmaster Tony Jackson said: “This was a rigorous and comprehensive inspection and we are unbelievably proud of the outcome, which is validation of everything we endeavour to do. Our children are preparing for a rapidly changing world and are having to contend with adversity on a local and global level. The seamless implementation of our bespoke ‘Barney Education’ curriculum and ground-breaking ‘Apollo’ system ensure we remain at the forefront of technological advances in education, which has already had a positive impact throughout our entire School community.”

“It is a pleasure to work alongside so many talented professionals and be part of such a special, unique community, and we are excited about what the future holds for our School.”

Scan the QR code above to view a short video about Barney’s ‘Excellent’ news!

Coronation celebrations!

Ahead of the Coronation, our entire School community were well and truly in the spirit as we observed two lovely Chapel services, both delivered by Reverend Alec Harding. Prep School was transformed into a sea of red, white and blue as Preppies dressed for the occasion and, in their year groups, showed togetherness and teamwork as they designed and built thrones. A wonderful day was enjoyed by all at Barney, and we hope our community enjoys a pleasant remainder of the Coronation Weekend.

The Barney Run

Whether you hated it or loved it, the Barney Run remains one of our School’s most memorable spectacles! The 131st rendition of our historic event was another classic as students ran proudly for their respective Houses, despite adverse weather and heavy fog this year. We also had the pleasure of welcoming back Johannes Vollmer (Y,’13) (pictured) all the way from Germany, who braved the elements to run the race as well!

Founders’ Day

As ever, the entire Barney community remembered and gave thanks to the people who laid the foundation for our wonderful School 140 years ago in February, as we held two special Chapel services for the Senior and Prep School students and staff. Scan the QR code to view a short, poignant video about Barnard Castle School through the years.

Drama and Musical successes

This year, Barney’s thriving Drama and Music departments staged three spectacular productions: Six, Les Miserables and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Well done to Scott Edwards and Richard Dawson, Barney’s Directors of Drama and Music, respectively, for all their hard work in producing these masterpieces, and all aspiring actors and actresses for delivering magnificent performances.

The entire Barnard Castle School community remembers and give thanks for the extraordinary life and work of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 1926 - 2022

OB FISHING AND SHOOTING CLUB

I have always been passionate about hunting - whether it is salmon or a stag. However, in recent times, I have found quality salmon fishing and shooting becoming increasingly hard to find and, as with many things, it has become more about “who you know” rather than what you know.

I would like to do my best to make it more accessible to people who are interested. As well as connecting likeminded Old Barnardians of all ages who enjoy such sports, the ultimate goal of the group is to connect OBs by working together to build an Old Barnardian Fishing and Shooting syndicate. We will achieve this by sharing resources and offering each other opportunities and experiences otherwise missed. We are aiming to get some dates fixed in the calendar for the 2024 season.

We are hoping to create a club with longevity and as such are looking for the right people to run the group. If any this is of interest, or you may be able to help facilitate this, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me on 07399 109149

Would you like to join the OB Club Committee and help shape our future?

As you can see from the articles within this magazine, it is an exciting time for Barney. The OB Club is revitalising how it can support the School, and we are always on the lookout for new committee members. We meet four times a year and support the plethora of networking, careers and social events available to OBs, as outlined in Connect.

If you are interested, please get in touch via ob@barneyschool.org.uk to find out more about how you can help and grow the Club.

Jacob Oliver (T,’23)

JACOB OLIVER

THE BARNARDIAN SOCIETY

We would like to take this opportunity to welcome you all to the brand new The Barnardian Society!

This is a space for Old Barnardians of all ages to stay engaged with the school, grow their networks, sign up to events and hear about the latest news in the Barnardian community.

The Barnardian Society is for all Old Barnardians, past and current parents, staff and of course all pupils who have attended Barney at some point. This space is for everyone who would like to stay involved with the school. The parents and friends’ section on the new website will keep everyone updated with school events, current news and links to photos from school life.

There is an option for Old Barnardians to sign up with their details, update their address and contact preferences. This will not only allow you to log in and create your own profiles, but also find lost contacts from school.

The lost contacts project is a massive undertaking for myself and Dionne with hundreds of Old Barnardians not having up to date details, we really hope this website will be transformative in strengthening our community.

We have a lot going on in the OB community now and upcoming so we would encourage you to sign up to the website and have a look for yourself. We will be posting regularly about upcoming events, OB news and photos and memories from past events.

This website allows OBs to stay engaged with how the school is progressing but also to be at the forefront of this progression. A major part of this project has been creating the brand-new careers page, which allows Old Barnardians to register their profession, sign up to mentoring and find other professionals in their industry.

The mentoring side of the careers page will be vital in keeping that relationship between the school and Old Barnardians. We will be able to bring back those registered mentors to work with students on headspace lectures, 1:1 mentoring and general help with application processes etc. Any current students who have an interest in a certain profession will be able to seek help from the development office, allowing us to partner them with a professional in the relevant industry.

We hope to get this careers page to the point where all OBs are registering their professions and it becomes a space not only for pupils of the school but also for OBs who are newly graduated and require jobs as well as others who are wanting a career change or simply need advice on entering a certain industry.

Jasmine Hooper (L,’19)

The Barnardian Society Co-ordinator society@barneyschool.org.uk

THE BARNARDIAN SOCIET Y

How can it help?

We want this space to be an area where you can connect with old school friends, by using the member search filter to find details of people you may have lost contact with, or people you may share things in common with. We want Old Barnardians to use the space to stay in touch with the school, and to be engaged with events and school gatherings that will benefit everyone.

Login and create own account

Your account will be a space for you to keep your contact details up to date and to give us your contact preferences so we can ensure you are getting all the new information. The website allows users to log who their siblings, parents etc. are. This feature is great for tracking families who have been coming to Barney for generations, but also if we have lost contact with anyone, logging these connections will be vital in finding these lost contacts.

Post your own news, see announcements

We have a lot going on in the OB community. The website will let you post your important life updates, share your big news and engage with school news. We want OBs to be more engaged with eachothers’ lives.

Touch back on careers

As we have touched on, the careers aspect of this website is going to be of huge importance. We want to create a space that encourages OBs to leave school as young professionals who are ready for life after school. We want OBs to play a part in this, knowing first-hand what it is to leave school life, this knowledge will make you perfect role models for young OBs to look up to and learn from. Logging interesting careers, signing up to be mentors and volunteering to come back to school to do talks and engaging with pupils. We really hope to create a network of Barnardians that can inspire younger generations.

THE SPIRIT LEVEL FOUNDATION

IN LOVING MEMORY OF ANDREW MASON (Du,’07)

A fundraising evening in aid of The Spirit Level Foundation (TSLF) was held at the School on 15th April 2023. The charity was set up by OB Laura Mason (B,’06) and her family, in memory of her brother, OB Andrew Mason, who died in 2020, at the age of 30, from a rare blood cancer.

“It aims to capture the resolve and strength of Andrew’s character and use it as a focus and a force for good,” explains sister Laura.

The principal objective is to raise £67,000 to support the employment – for three years – of a specialist blood cancer nurse to cover the North of England. The event raised more than £30,000 towards that target.

“Andrew was always a creative net contributor, consistently putting others before himself and embracing challenge as the norm. It is only right that The Spirit Level Foundation aims to do the same,” says Laura.

His charity ventures included rowing 2,000 nautical miles around Britain with three school friends, running 100 miles in five days with a 55kg keg of beer on his back, and building resources in Eastern Africa for an orphanage.”

The Spirit Level Foundation is actively seeking individuals willing to take on a challenge to raise funds, so if you are up for it get in touch via info@thespiritlevelfoundation.com. You can also visit www.thespiritlevelfoundation.com for more information and updates on upcoming events and coverage.

THE MASON FAMILY

ANDREW MASON

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH CALDECOTT, NORTH EAST LIVING, NEWSQUEST

‘BARNEY ARMY’ REUNION

In November 2022, we welcomed members of the 20th/21st anniversaries of the historical two years of the ‘Barney Army’ – our back-to-back National Schools Cup finalist sides from the 2003 and 2004 seasons.

OBs and their families enjoyed a special lunch in the Sixth Form Centre reminiscing about their playing days and time at Barney with their coach, Second Master Martin Pepper, before they headed out to the 1st XV pitch to watch the current 1st XV side in action.

In both of those years, Barney achieved unbeaten seasons culminating in trips to Twickenham. Unfortunately, the School suffered heartache on both occasions, but the players and fans who travelled down enjoyed the experiences and those OBs can hold their heads high given their achievements for our School.

The final ‘hoodoo’ sadly continued for Barney as last year’s 1st XV suffered a similar fate in the 2023 National Schools Plate Final, being narrowly beaten 24-27 against a strong RGS High Wycombe side. We are grateful for the support shown by OBs during the final, especially those who travelled to watch the game. Scan the QR code below to view our ‘behind the scenes’ video of their experience at StoneX Stadium.

The hunt for a national Rugby title continues at Barney...

LECTERN CLUB MEMORIES BRIAN HICK (Da,’13)

When I first started at Barney in September 2011, there was a lot of buzz about the first Lectern Club of the year, and so I decided to attend. However, thinking it was like any other after school club, I didn’t realise that you had to book it in advance and could only attend if you were either a speaker or the guest of one. As such, I turned up to school that evening in casual attire and without a spot at the table!

Fortunately, they found me an extra chair with the teaching staff, opposite then-Headmaster Alan Stevens, and the kitchen managed to whip up an additional meal for me. So I’m one of very few students who were able to attend without an invitation! I did then speak at every other Lectern Club during my time at Barney (and was a guest judge at my final one) to make up for it!

In the present day, Lectern Club is still going strong under the astute leadership of Scott Edwards, Barney’s Director of Drama, who built on the foundations laid by his predecessor, Erin Beaty. It remains one of, if not, the most popular activity for Sixth Formers and is equally enjoyed by staff members.

LECTERN CLUB EVENTS FROM 2022/2023

WECARE WORLDWIDE APPEAL JANEY

LOWES (M,’07)

Barney OB and vet, Dr Janey Lowes, left the UK to set up a charity in Sri Lanka almost nine years ago with the aim of treating as many street animals as possible in a country where there are almost 3 million dogs without veterinary care. Having treated over 20,000 animals in desperate need of veterinary care, the charity she set up - WECare Worldwide - is now facing severe financial difficulties with donations down over 40% due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. The need in Sri Lanka is greater than ever with the island nation facing severe economic issues itself, resulting in more animals being dumped on the streets and veterinary care now being out of reach financially for the vast majority of owners.

WECare Worldwide is the only veterinary hospital on the island dedicated to street animals and a future without it doesn’t bear thinking about. Some of the illnesses and injuries seen in Sri Lanka are beyond anything we - in the UK - could imagine possible, and yet the street dogs fight for life like you wouldn’t believe; more often than not going on to make miraculous recoveries.

WECare - and Janey - need your help more than ever. If anyone would like to donate, host a fundraising event or purchase any of their merchandise (including a newly launched WECare Pet Food range - the ONLY dog food on the market that gives 100% of profits back to the dogs) then please do head to the website www.wecareworldwide.org.uk or reach out to Janey directly on janey@wecareworldwide.org.uk, it would be very much appreciated.

WORDS FROM THE ARCHIVES

MALCOLM McCALLUM

Whilst I was Chairman of the School Governors I took it upon myself to produce a book about the School Chapel which had celebrated its Centenary in 2012. It was never distributed as intended, and many copies remain in the archive.

Producing the book resulted in many visits to the archive and it was very obvious that it needed more regular visits to keep it tidy. I try to make weekly visits during term time, occasionally with my wife.

Those of you who attended the OB Weekend will have seen the two trophies on display - one presented to Andy Murray’s great grandfather in 1917, and the other to G.G.Macaulay who played cricket for Yorkshire and England. As well as the many School trophies for which there is no longer a competition, we hold a number of trophies which have been returned by families of OBs, and recently received two old school blazers in immaculate condition. We are always happy to receive such treasures from the past.

With the bi-centenary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway approaching, I have produced another booklet about Benjamin Flounders and the Foundation of the North Eastern County School. I have only had six copies printed but will be pleased to arrange for further copies if there is a demand and a sensible price can be negotiated. Benjamin Flounders, who lived in Yarm, was a Director and Shareholder of the railway. On his death in 1846 he left much of his estate to be used for educational purposes, eventually becoming the main source of finance towards the building of Barney. Next year we will be celebrating Bentley Beetham’s expedition in 1924 to Everest.

There are sixty years between the two of us in the photograph above. Whilst I was educated elsewhere, Matthew and his younger brother, who left Barney this term, were the fourth generation of our family to be educated at the School. I shall be pleased to continue to assist in the Archive as long as I am able to climb the stairs to the top floor.

Malcolm McCallum Archivist Barnard Castle School

MALCOLM WITH HIS GRANDSON, MATTHEW FORSTER (Da,’21)

RUGBY+ FUTURES PROGRAMME

Newcastle Rugby Foundation RUGBY+ Futures Programme – developing emotional intelligence in young people of the North East to assist them in reaching their full potential.

Would you be interested in learning more about this programme and how you might support it in your local community? The Programme recognises the barriers faced by young people in the North East, particularly in terms of deprivation, poverty, and limited resources. We also recognise that these factors can have a significant impact on their prospects, in areas such as education, health, and employability. This ground breaking project delivers a comprehensive training programme for young people aged 14 – 24 years, that focuses on raising confidence, self-esteem, aspiration, resilience, plus teamwork through the learning of some key lessons from sport and developing their emotional intelligence skills.

It has been developed by British Lion, Tony Underwood (T,’87), and Olympian Chris Cook with acclaimed coach Lysa Morrison and the Newcastle Rugby Foundation Team. Our aim is to unlock the buried potential in young people by removing the barriers that hinder their progress, helping them believe in themselves, so that with the right mindset, they can achieve more than they ever dreamed possible and become our fantastic, talented employees of the future.

This is a great opportunity for local businesses to get involved and make a difference to the lives of young people in their local community. Benefits that a business can realise by getting involved include brand exposure, strengthening CSR efforts, enhancing their reputation with their future workforce, and unlocking the potential of this local talent pool. In addition, businesses will have an opportunity to send some of their team to a free emotional intelligence workshop delivered by Lysa Morrison and Chris Cook. Businesses can get involved by sponsoring the delivery of the programme to a local school, or youth and community group of their choice.

For more information about RUGBY+ Futures, contact melanie.magee@newcastle-falcons.co.uk

Barney welcomes all financial support through donations, regular giving and legacy pledges.

Please visit www.thebarnardiansociety.org.uk for details or contact the Development Office in confidence.

TONY UNDERWOOD

NETWORKING AND MENTORING COULD YOU OFFER SUPPORT FOR THE NEXT GENERATION?

Over the coming year, we are looking to increase our business networking opportunities for all OBs.

This may come in the form of career days, specific industry events, coaching and mentoring, or more informal networking gatherings. We also have opportunities to speak directly with the current Barnardian community through the school’s Headspace programme.

However, for us to gather pace with this initiative, we require your help.

As we move forward post pandemic, it is evident that how we engage with one another and get business done has changed dramatically. Most of us are now predominately working from home and perhaps escaping to the office a couple of days a week. Technology has advanced to the point we no longer need to fly around the world, or even move to a meeting room, to have crucial face to face meetings with our colleagues.

Although there are huge advantages to this new way of working, there are of course drawbacks and it could be argued that it is the younger generation who are feeling the negative effects most acutely. They no longer have the same level of exposure to more experienced colleagues, either in the workplace, or through work and social networking opportunities and new joiners can work in an organisation for months before meeting their team in person.

This can be almost impossible to navigate, particularly if it is your first role in the corporate world.

It is here, that we see a massive opportunity for the Old Barnardian community to step up and offer support to new OBs as they set out on their career journey and manoeuvre through its early stages.

If you would like to be involved with any of these events, or could offer some of your time to mentoring, or indeed would like to be supported yourself, we would love to hear from you.

Please go to the new OB website to register your interest. Further details can be found on Page 21 of this magazine, or by visiting www.thebarnardiansociety.org.uk directly.

Jane Jordan

Vice-Chair Old Barnardians’ Club

(M,’95)

PAUL MILLION (T,’89) MENTORING STUDENTS DURING BARNEY’S INDUSTRY DAY 2023

OB INTERVIEW BECKY BOSTON

Can you tell us your memories of Barney?

My memories of Barney are very fond ones. School was such a warm, happy and safe place - more like a family than a school. I obviously remember my classes and I enjoyed most subjects, however my strongest memories are outside of class. Laughing with friends in common rooms, the buzz of the dining hall at lunch or walking down the (normally very cold) corridors arm in arm with my girlfriends. I remember starting off the day in a student-packed chapel, cross country runs in the middle of winter, shirt sleeve order and lessons outdoors in the summer. One memory that has stayed with me is my headteacher at the time David Ewart’s assembly on ‘how to properly wash your hands’ using a bucket of water and a bar of soap. I still think about this most days when I wash my hands.

When you were at Barney, what did you want to be when you left?

I honestly didn’t know what I wanted to be when I left. I just knew that going to University would open many doors so that’s what I did.

What about your life now would most surprise your Barney teachers?

Probably that I live in Sydney, Australia. That wasn’t on the cards when I was at school.

What advice would you give back to yourself?

People used to tell me all the time (& I didn’t believe it back then) but as hard as school can feel at the time, it really is one of the most special experiences of your life. Grades are important, but learning how to be a good person and building strong relationships are equally as important in life.

What was your chosen career, did you find it or did it find you, did the Barney network help at all?

I was in digital marketing and fashion and it definitely found me! Not really, I actually got my first job through a friend and worked my way up, so was very lucky.

The last couple of years have been hard, did you manage to stay positive, what have you been doing to stay positive?

I actually got married and had a baby, so that definitely kept me very positive, and busy too!

What are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of myself for creating a life which everyday feels like a dream. I got a degree, took a risk moving to the other side of the world, set myself up in a great job and now have a beautiful family and baby boy who I am so proud of. I think one thing Barney taught me was was to set your goals higher than you think you can achieve and you’ll never be too far off.

Have you stayed in touch with other OBs over the years?

Yes I have. It’s been hard not living in the country, but I stay in touch with so many friends over social media. I’ve also been lucky enough to have my baby at the same time as a few of my close girlfriends from school so that’s been really special.

Becky with husband Pat Cummins, Australia’s Test & ODI captain

OB INTERVIEW

PAUL WEIR (Da, Du,’93)

What are you doing now in your work and life?

I live just outside of New York City and work as the Chief Operating Officer for a large Investment Firm. Married with 2 kids and 3 dogs. We have been here for 5 years, having previously spent 12 years in Los Angeles, 2 in Singapore, 6 months in HK and around 10 in London.

When you were at Barney, what did you want to be when you left?

Military Pilot. Whilst at University, I achieved that somewhat with Yorkshire Universities Air Squadron. Once I graduated, I joined the Royal Navy with a plan to eventually specialise in Aviation. Sadly events took their course ( Defence Cuts) and that never happened.

What about your life now would most surprise your Barney teachers?

I was never the strongest in Maths and Economics! I now oversee a $40bn trading business as part of my job using advanced maths and economics daily. Funny how it works out!

What advice would you give back to yourself?

Don’t be afraid to go for it. I remember people telling me you’ll never get into the Air Squadron as it’s so competitive and to get a Commission in the RN is really difficult so you should have a back up plan. There’s a tendency to think you need your career all lined up after University and that’s not true. Don’t be afraid to try and fail, rather than not try at all.

What was your chosen career, did you find it or did it find you?

It kind of found me. Having left the Royal Navy, I was on my way home to Durham from Portsmouth and stopped to stay with a friend. Next thing I knew, I was working in the City. The plan had always been to train as an Airline Pilot, but I never managed to get there!

Did the Barney network help at all?

Not initially, but it certainly has over the years. Not necessarily in finding a career, but helping with issues I have come across during my career.

The last couple of years have been hard, did you manage to stay positive?

They have been tough, but I try to look at the positives. If I had said in 2018, that the whole Financial Services Industry was going to work from home for two years, people would have laughed and said “no way can we do that”. The technology was there, it just needed a different mind set and COVID forced us to do that. What’s emerged is a much more flexible arrangement and a focus on quality of life. My industry wasn’t known for that previously!

What are you most proud of?

I think looking back, I have had some amazing

experiences, both in the Royal Navy, ranging from sitting in a helicopter with the doors open at 150ft above the Caribbean Sea doing 200mph, to having lunch with HM The Queen right through to my present career where I have managed to live (and drag my poor wife!) all over the world. I firmly believe in experiencing as much as possible and try not to visit the same place twice. I think though, my 2 kids have to top the list.

Have you stayed in touch with other OBs over the years?

I have an incredibly strong network of OB friends that I keep in touch with. Facebook etc has helped a lot, but just recently about 15 of us met up in London. For some of us, it’s been 30 years since we last saw each other, even though we do all still keep in touch. The amazing thing was that within 2 mins of meeting, it was like we were still back at school and the conversation flowed naturally. Some of the guys travelled a long way to meet up and I think that’s what made it even more special.

Can you tell us your lasting memories of Barney?

So, so many. I very much enjoyed my time there. During my last year, I boarded in and that was a lot of fun. But I even look back on the Barney Run practises in Feb as the snow was blowing horizontal with nostalgia. Football on a friday night with the Masters, kneeling down in Central Hall singing ‘ I vow to thee my country’ to Grayson Parkin, Nigel Stevens and A few other Masters because we were a minute or so late coming back on a Saturday night after being out down the town, then ski trips, the French trip, the Iceland Expedition in 92 that Tim Stott led. The memories wouldn’t be complete without: “ The following will see me at 1.05pm” !

How would you like to be remembered?

I think with a sense of humour. I may have been known for the odd practical joke at Barney (as am sure many reading this can attest - pupils and Masters alike!)

HEADSPACE VISITING OB LECTURERS - 2022/2023

Complementing Barney’s pioneering Headspace speaker programme, we have been fortunate enough to welcome several OBs back to School to give current pupils an insight into their respective careers.

We are grateful to OBs Salma Ali (M,’17), Piers Doggart (T,’87), James Heslop (T,’?), Steve Kinghan (N,’01) and Rachel Metcalf (B,’11) for giving up their time and providing invaluable advice and guidance to Barnardians over the course of the year.

SALMA ALI

If you are interested in returning to Barney and getting involved in our visiting lecture programme, please contact ob@barneyschool.org.uk.

FAMILY FROM AFAR

Former Head Boy Thomas Valdivia (N,’19) recently attended a 2-week course at Hong Kong University, where he was welcomed by OB Jacky Tsang (N,’95) and had a wonderful time meeting his family and talking about all things Barney!

This really is testament to how fantastic our OB network is. If you are travelling and would like to find OBs in different parts of the world, get in touch at ob@barneyschool.org.uk and we will see if we can help.

JACKY TSANG AND TOMAS VALDIVIA

OB INTERVIEW

TRUTZ Von Der TRENCK (Y,’12)

When you were at Barney, what did you want to be when you left?

To be honest, I had no idea what I wanted to do when I left Barney. I was going back to my old school to Germany and still had two more years to come, so that decision was still a little far in the future from that point of view.

What about your life now would most surprise your Barney teachers?

My biology teachers will be most surprised that I took biology as one of my final exams in the German Abitur (equivalent of A-Levels), despite my performance at Barney. On the other hand Mrs Connor might be surprised that the initial contact to CCF ended in a 2 year career in the German Army. This is one of the examples for something that I got to know at Barney and then became a part of my life later on.

What advice would you give back to yourself?

Try everything despite what people say. Spend the time with other people and be there for the moment.

What was your chosen career, did you find it or did it find you, did the Barney network help at all?

At the moment I’m working in a company that I’ve founded myself. The topic we are dealing with clearly found me and I didn’t plan on founding anything. Though, the Business Studies classes might have helped.

The last couple of years have been hard, did you manage to stay positive, what have you been doing to stay positive?

It was challenging but I got through it quite well. I used the time to found a company which I’m currently working in and it develops quite well, so I think it was the best way to use the time in which there wasn’t much to do.

Have you stayed in touch with other OBs over the years?

Yes! I’m still in touch with some of the people and see one of them every year. We have just had one of the meeting nights that Barney organises in Hamburg and I met quite some people I haven’t seen since the time at school. It was a great night.

Can you tell us your lasting memories of Barney?

Looking back the time at Barney has a special feeling as a whole. I will never forget the night that Bayern Munich lost to Chelsea and five Germans had to deal with a common room of 50 (felt like 500) Chelsea supporters. In the end, I had to sneak out with a sobbing Austrian friend (heavy Bayern supporter) to get a smoke (sorry!).

OB INTERVIEW

JONATHAN WALLIS (Du,’02)

What are you doing now in your work and life?

I am a Chartered Surveyor and run my own firm based in Barnard Castle with clients from all across the North East and North Yorkshire. In my personal life, I enjoy organising events and raising money for charity, and am involved in Barnard Castle Christmas Lights and Christmas at the Cathedral concert at Newcastle. I am a classic car fan and organise an annual Classic and Retro Car Meet in the grounds of Barnard Castle School.

When you were at Barney, what did you want to be when you left?

I always wanted to be a land agent, but probably when I was at school wanted to be more on the residential property side.

What about your life now would most surprise your Barney teachers?

I am still close friends with some of my teachers and regularly socialise with them in the pub!

What advice would you give back to yourself?

To always persevere and never give up. To rise to every challenge and to not worry about other people’s opinions of you.

What was your chosen career, did you find it or did it find you?

I chose to be a RICS Chartered Surveyor as I’d always wanted to do.

The last couple of years have been hard, did you manage to stay positive?

Yes and no, work kept me busy and keeping in touch with my clients. It was hard to lose the social aspect of life during the pandemic, as this is a significant and important part of my life and it was difficult to not be able to arrange events like I am used to doing, and arrange to meet up with friends and family so easily. The life we all had pre-pandemic is very different to the “new normal” we have now, and we’re all having to adapt in the best way we can.

What are you most proud of?

Making the leap to go self-employed in 2017 after being with a firm for a few years. It was a massive and, at times, scary risk, but you don’t know if something will work out unless you go for it, and it has turned out to be a fantastic decision and a constantly exciting journey to be on.

Have you stayed in touch with other OBs over the years?

Yes, there are a few people I keep in touch with both socially and professionally.

Can you tell us your lasting memories of Barney?

My lasting memories are of the wonderful teachers and teaching staff I had at Barney, they were brilliant mentors who I’ll never forget.

INDUSTRY DAY 2023

Barney’s Sixth Formers were given a taste of business after being challenged to design a new chocolate bar at the 13th annual Industry Day, in June 2023.

Students worked with business mentors from around the region, including several OBs, in a day-long test of their acumen. They were tasked with coming up with a chocolate product complete with a multi-media marketing campaign comprising print, video, radio and social media content, which they presented to a panel of judges Dragons Den-style.

Products ranged from sustainable, environmentally-friendly chocolate bars to sports performance orientated treats and confectionary aimed at helping a vulnerable workforce. Nine teams pitted their wits in a practical activity designed to hone their business skills and boost their networking abilities.

Daniel Newell, Barney’s Head Boy for 2023/2024, who was part of the winning team, said: “It’s a really good feeling winning the trophy, which was a brilliant team effort. I think we have learnt a great deal today that will help us in coming years as we enter our chosen careers.”

Business teacher and event organiser Nick Connor said: “This well-established event is an invaluable way of tapping into students’ creativity and critical thinking skills with an added dose of healthy competition. Since Industry Day began in 2010, over 1,000 students have taken part in the day.

“We are incredibly grateful to the business mentors for sparing us the time to be involved in Industry Day. For the students, this day could lead to something important as they have made some useful contacts in regional industry and have developed their business skills.”

Many thanks to OBs Paul Million (T,’89), Richard Parker (Da,’00), Andy Yeadon (T,’93), Jonathan Wallis (Du,’02) and Matthew Osborne (T,’21) who gave up their time to support the event. Scan the QR code above to view a short video of the event. If you are interested in participating in Industry Day in the future, get in touch via ob@barneyschool.org.uk.

BARNARDIANS PUT THEIR CREATIVITY TO THE TEST DURING INDUSTRY DAY

OB INTERVIEW HAYLEY ANDERSON (M,’15)

What are you doing now in your work and life?

Six years post being a Barney pupil, I am now a Chartered Surveyor and Registered Valuer based in Newcastle, working with clients across the UK. I love every aspect of my work and my life up in Newcastle, where I live with my partner, a fellow OB, and our two dogs.

When you were at Barney, what did you want to be when you left?

When I first joined Barney, I had always dreamed of being a paediatrician, which quickly changed to a midwife during my A Levels. My quite maternal nature drew me to this line of work, however that changed when I found the world of careers in property. A Chartered Surveyor had never been on my radar, but it was my calling.

What about your life now would most surprise your Barney teachers?

Most likely the fact I didn’t end up working in healthcare.

What advice would you give back to yourself?

Enjoy every moment of your time at Barney, because one day you will look back and realise they were some of the best times in your life.

What was your chosen career, did you find it or did it find you?

I would say my career found me, it couldn’t be any better suited to me. It’s mathematical, logical and subjective and I love it.

Did the Barney network help at all?

In all fairness, I don’t know directly of any other Chartered Valuation Surveyors that are OBs, but I am certain there will be some out there and I would love to extend an invitation to connect with those people.

The last couple of years have been hard, did you manage to stay positive?

At points, particularly at the beginning of the pandemic things were tough. However having

the support of family and friends throughout is what has made all the difference, and being willing to see the positive in every challenge.

What are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of becoming an RICS Chartered Surveyor. All the hard work truly paid off to gain the recognition of this international institution.

Have you stayed in touch with other OBs over the years?

Yes, absolutely. Most friendships made at Barney last a lifetime. The connections made with and through these friends are invaluable.

Can you tell us your lasting memories of Barney?

My favourite memories of Barney, which I know I will not be alone in thinking, include: singing Jerusalem in Chapel, tea and biscuits, house activities such as house singing and the amazing performances that were created in the school musicals.

How would you like to be remembered by other OBs?

I would like to be remembered as being dependable, focused and trustworthy. An authentic person with the best intentions.

OB INTERVIEW

RICHARD PENNELL (T,’86)

What are you doing now in your work and life?

Despite my Dad advising me not to, I followed his career path into the heavy engineering field. I saw this as an exciting and interesting career having lived in Lagos, Nigeria for a number of years due to my Dad’s work in the oil construction industry. Nowadays I live in Staithes North Yorkshire, but my career has taken me to many European countries working in the steel industry, I’ve also spent periods living in the Netherlands and Swansea, South Wales.

What about your life now would most surprise your Barney teachers?

Following my career in engineering until 2017, the jump into commercial fishing (crab and lobster) would probably surprise some of my former teachers at Barney, that said, it was a fantastic experience and one I enjoyed for around 4 years before being approached to undertake a role returning to the steel industry.

What advice would you give back to yourself?

Whilst I achieved my Mechanical Engineering B/ Eng (Hons) Degree through sponsorship via my employer, I perhaps wish I’d applied myself better during those early years at Barney school. That said, on a positive, Barney provided me many personal values and “tools” with which to engage the challenges life throws at us, positiveness, calmness in situations, thoughtfulness to others are just a few which come to mind.

What was your chosen career, did you find it or did it find you?

My chosen career in engineering was thanks to a company which specialised within nuclear power, aerospace, Ministry of Defence and high-end motorsport fields. During my career I’ve changed jobs a number of times. Barnard Castle School being mentioned within my CV has prompted many a discussion with respect to the school’s history and remarkable connection with international rugby. The biggest change in my career path came in 2017 having been made redundant, I was offered the opportunity to work at sea as a Commercial Crab & Lobster Fisherman. This offer came from a local family who’d fished commercially for generations out of Staithes. Despite at the same time receiving an attractive opportunity within the corporate world, I decided to take up the offer to go to sea as a Fisherman. Life at sea is wonderful during the summer months, Minke whales were regularly seen on flat calm mornings in July and August as were Dolphins and Porpoise which would follow us whilst steaming from Staithes Harbour out to sea, not to mention the many Seals which were naturally inquisitive. Winter on the North Yorkshire coast is a bleak place to work. Dark, cold, rainy mornings don’t make for leaping of bed at 0500 with much enthusiasm. Even drying waterproofs in preparation for the next day at sea presented a challenge. Catch rates of shellfish in winter reduce significantly, so one must be extremely careful with the money earned throughout the summer months.

The last couple of years have been hard, did you manage to stay positive?

The last couple of years have been tough for everybody, what with the Covid pandemic compounded by the cost of living getting no easier. During my time as a Fisherman, one had to be encouraged by the prospect that the next day would be better than the previous one. Over recent years I’ve embarked on a number of long distance trekking challenges, Lyke Wake Walk, Hadrian’s Wall, Beacons Way and numerous Lake District and Welsh peaks. I find walking a great way to relax and generate a bit of optimism, a quality I no doubt take from my school years.

What are you most proud of?

My Dad having recently passed away, I’m extremely pleased at having forged a path through life in a manner he would have been pleased with, from a career point of view, I always say, “I’ve done alright......,” I’m a crew member of our local RNLI Lifeboat in Staithes, something I know Dad was proud of, I’ve made a lot of friends and I’ve a wealth of great memories and experiences. At only 53, there’s a lot of memories to look forward to!

Have you stayed in touch with other OBs over the years?

Yes, I’ve stayed in touch with a number of OBs. In fact, only last summer I was delighted to host a friend of mine (Joe Murphy) and his daughter who were visiting the UK from New Zealand.

Can you tell us your lasting memories of Barney?

Presentation afternoons in Central Hall and singing Jerusalem in Chapel at the end of term is a great memory. Playing rugby on those freezing cold afternoons on the pitches overlooking the school were real character building sessions too. I could mention several Masters who had a significant bearing on my life’s direction, be that academically, sporting or generally on how to approach life.

‘THE GRAND DINNER’

We are grateful to all OBs who supported and attended ‘The Grand Dinner’ on the 8th February 2023. It was the culmination of the Lower Sixth’s ‘Confidence Course’, delivered by acclaimed skills coach Belinda Alexander. In the weeks prior, students learned about key presentation and communication skills, which were put to the test as they entertained esteemed guests, including the School’s Senior Management Team, Governors and OBs, at the dinner party setting.

OB INTERVIEW

PAUL RABBITTS (T, Da,’84)

When you were at Barney, what did you want to be when you left?

I was at Barney from 1977 to 1984 and was a member of Teesdale House and eventually Dale House. I was a happy ‘zunt’ and I loved my time at BCS despite a somewhat rebellious nature at times - long hair, cowboy boots and black cords were frowned upon often. From the age of 9 years old I wanted to join the RAF as a pilot and used to queue up to see the RAF Careers liaison officer usually with Rory Underwood. I got as far as Biggin Hill and aptitude tests and passed them all except the medical where they picked up a ‘temporary’ hearing deficiency. I was however lucky to get a Flying Scholarship via the RAF and they paid for 30 hours of flying lessons at Liverpool airport where I eventually gained my pilots licence at the age of 17. I kept this going for many years, but sadly it became too expensive to maintain and as for the hearing, years of AC/DC and Black Sabbath now means I have hearing aids.

What about your life now would most surprise your Barney teachers?

I have written over 30 books, none of them best sellers, but very proud of them and I am an expert [sic] on the Victorian and Edwardian bandstand, which found me in a book a few years ago called Dull Men of Britain. I later appeared on Radio 2, on the Jeremy Vine and Simon Mayo shows, as well as on Have I got News for You. I also appearewd on TV in a documentary called Britain’s Parks Story with Dan Cruikshank as a result of this so called expertise.

What advice would you give back to yourself?

To get on in life, you sometimes have to listen to others that know!! I wasnt always good at that. I never made a School Monitor but was a House Monitor - or feds as we used to be called. The Head thought I was too rebellious to be a School Monitor. I regretted that.

What was your chosen career, did you find it or did it find you?

My A Level results were bad despite the work I put in and my predictions. English Literature and St Andrews University were my chosen path. Deputy Head Graham Abel collared me after I got my results and could see I was devastated. I didn’t know him very well but he took me in hand and suggested Polytechnic and perhaps to look at Geography as an option or similar. I ended up at Sheffield City Polytechnic doing a BA Hons in Geography, gaining a 2:1 and then doing a 2 years Masters Degree in Landscape Architecture at Edinburgh University. My first job was as a Landscape Architect in Jersey in a small private practice and I eventually ended up in the public sector at Carlisle, then Middlesbrough as Landscape Design Manager, and a 4 year stint at engineering consultancy Halcrow and then 11 years as Head of Parks, Heritage and Culture for Watford Borough Council. I am now Head of Parks and Open Spaces at Southend City Council, with a team of 140. I am hugely proud of my achievements in the world of parks locally and nationally and like to think I have made a difference somewhere along my career trajectory.

The last couple of years have been hard, did you manage to stay positive?

Really hard, I found the transition of working from home very hard as I am a sociable person and like the office atmosphere and that was tough. I am now used to it but do worry that we are now in a more isolated world and loneliness will increase as we now spend more time at home behind closed doors. I remained positive throughout focussing on my writing and read a tremendous amount of books.

What are you most proud of?

Quite a few things really, my book writing definitely and my achievements at Watford made the local paper when I left ‘Parks boss leaves a legacy to be proud of in Watford’ which came out of the blue. I established the Parks Management Association too, a body to support park managers nationwide, I am really proud of and will occupy me when I eventually retire.

Have you stayed in touch with other OBs over the years?

Not really which is disappointing. I met up with my school bestie a few weeks ago at a recent book launch, Stuart Metcalf, we were inseparable as kids and it was fantastic to catch up. The Rev John Moore also popped into the book launch - he is a blast from the past. Phil Nicholson and I keep in touch on Facebook, but I suppose life takes over and events take place that you end up in different worlds.

Can you tell us your lasting memories of Barney?

Happy days indeed, lots of daft memories such as reading annuals in Mr Fender’s study, school musicals, where I played the Cornet, the first school singing contest where we did Blaydon Races and I donned my Barnard Castle Band Uniform and conducted 50 out of tune lads but had such a laugh, snow ball fights vs boarders in the school yard, spilling sulphuric acid at the back row of the physics lab on the floor we had managed to nick and covering it with soil, and winter hours - finishing at 5.45pm and getting the 6pm bus back home running down dog poo alley dodging do dos. There are many more but sadly I have never been back since I left and that saddens me. I must correct this.

OB INTERVIEW

SARAH BLANSHARD (L,’04)

What are you doing now in your work and life?

I have two young children, Oliver, four in July, and Emily, two in September. They are my priority right now, so work is taking a bit of a back burner. Having said that I am still working, supply teaching in local primary schools. The flexibility it offers is really working for me right now and I’m really enjoying teaching in different schools, picking up new ideas, having some time off from being a mum and most of all, not taking all the work home with me!

When you were at Barney, what did you want to be when you left?

I really didn’t know what I wanted to be. It is hard not to be ‘an all-rounder’ when you are lucky enough to go to a school like Barney. I thought primary school teaching might suit my wide variety of interests but knew I didn’t want to go straight into this and that I wanted to experience life outside of the classroom first. Following my degree in French and Art History at Durham University, I spent a few years working in the events management industry, which included managing corporate hospitality for Shell in Formula One and creating experiential marketing experiences across Europe for Nickelodeon.

What about your life now would most surprise your Barney teachers?

You know, I don’t think anything would surprise my Barney teachers because Barney is the kind of school that sets you up to achieve anything you put your mind to. I suppose they might be surprised that after 20 years, I still look exactly the same! I can say that because everyone says so. In fact, I amazingly recently bumped into an OB in a local playground, who now lives in the same town as me, who hadn’t seen me since school, and she recognised me instantly, saying I hadn’t changed one bit.

What advice would you give back to yourself?

When it comes to deciding what to do after school, do what you love, and don’t feel like you have to go to university. Don’t worry about whether it is the most practical or the most academic thing to do. If you really love it, you’ll find a way to make it work for you. I loved art at school. My brain told me to give it up after AS Level; though my heart wanted to carry it on. In the end, I was able to pursue my love of art at university by taking up Art History in my second year.

What was your chosen career, did you find it or did it find you?

Although I love teaching, I’m still not sure I’ve found my chosen career. I think we live in such an ever-changing world, it is important to have an open mind about what opportunities might come your way. I’ve had a varied career so far and have a varied skillset. Who knows what the future holds? I have found most of my jobs myself through perseverance and contacting companies / schools prospectively. It was after calling a local events agency three times, enquiring about job opportunities, that I landed my Formula 1 job.

Did the Barney network help at all?

I’ve got to admit, it’s not something I’ve tapped into, but I’m a strong believer that the Barney network could be an amazing asset for Old Barnardians and something I would love to get involved with. Just think how many hundreds and thousands of Old Barnardians there must be out there, each with their own unique story to tell, experiences to share and contacts to draw upon.

The last couple of years have been hard, did you manage to stay positive?

I am generally quite a positive person. It might sound a cliché but there is always someone in a worse off position than you and I often remind myself of this if times are tough. I’ve also come to realise that you can usually find a positive in any given situation. When covid struck when we had an eight month old, I could have dwelled on the fact that the remainder of my maternity leave was to be confined indoors with only one outing of exercise a day permitted, but instead,

I was grateful that I wasn’t having to adapt to remote learning like all my colleagues at the time and that we had a son that couldn’t walk yet and didn’t need to be home educated, so was happy just watching my husband and me do a Joe Wicks or play a game of scrabble! How parents survived without playgrounds and gardens, I really do not know!!

What are you most proud of?

It is such a small part of my life and such a long time ago now, but I really am proud of my publication in ‘The Burlington Magazine’, the world’s leading fine and decorative arts magazine, as I was only an undergraduate and my work, based on my degree dissertation, was published alongside leading academics. The article was called ‘Le Vrai et Le Faux in Juan Gris’s ‘Le Table’’ and explores the use of pasted texts in the collage.

Have you stayed in touch with other OBs over the years? Yes! My school friends have remained my best friends! Josie Lewis and Charlotte Ward (Wilkinson) were two of my bridesmaids. Jenny Dowson (Wilson) played ‘Z Cars’ on the viola as I walked down the aisle (a surprise for my husband who is an avid Everton fan. Jenny and I are returning the favour when Josie walks down the aisle this September (not playing ‘Z Cars’ this time, I might add))! I just wish we didn’t live so far away from each other. Josie, Charlotte and Jenny have remained in the north, whilst I have settled in the south. There are many other friends, I haven’t managed to stay in touch with as well, but I know that if we were to see each other tomorrow, we would hit it off straight away again, such is the strength of the friendships I had at Barney.

Can you tell us your lasting memories of Barney?

I have so many memories. So many happy memories. I really was very happy at Barney and lucky enough to be a pupil at the school from the age of seven to eighteen years old, experiencing both being a day pupil and a boarder. Where to start?! Treading the boards under the direction of Mr Johnson and Mr Moorhouse, carol services and other performances with the Chapel Choir and Mr Harrison, sports matches in all weathers, skiing trips with Mr Bishop and Mr Nicholson and passionate and such dedicated teaching across the board in the classroom. Now that I am a teacher, I especially appreciate how much time our teachers gave to us, not only giving us the best education they could, but also giving us the opportunity to enjoy so many wonderful extra-curricular activities. To any of those teachers who are reading this right now who taught me or gave me those opportunities, thank you. Thank you, thank you thank you!

VISITING OB NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK

ECONOMICS MASTERCLASS

Many thanks to Denys Orme (N,’64) who visited Barney’s Economics students during the Lent Term for an inspired talk about his storied life in business. Denys spoke about his lengthy experience, the mistakes he encountered early in his career and how he bounced back to build a successful property portfolio. He even gifted students, who answered questions correctly, crisp £50 notes! We are grateful to Denys for offering his time, and you can read more about his extraordinary career on the following page in our extended interview.

2023

As Barney recognised National Apprenticeship Week, we were delighted to welcome Kieran Bleasby (Y,’21) back to his former School for a talk with current students interested in pursuing an apprenticeship.

Kieran, who is an apprentice at DSTL, spoke to students about his positive experiences, the limitless opportunities available in his role and the application process for young people hoping to secure an apprenticeship.

It is always nice to receive visits from OBs and learn about their journeys beyond Barney and we wish Kieran all the very best with his studies and career progression. If you are interested in returning to Barney and getting involved in our visiting lecture programme, please contact ob@barneyschool.org.uk.

KIERAN BLEASBY

DENYS ORME

OB INTERVIEW

DENYS ORME (N,’64)

What are you doing now in your work and life?

I do know what I should be doing - I should be spending more time and funds on life’s little luxuries, but actually true satisfaction comes from ‘the journey, not the money’. When you do arrive at your perceived destination, you think ‘wow, is this it?’ I still do run my property portfolio, though. We all need a purpose and direction in life or we soon start to lose our faculties, especially in later life. Whatever skills you do not employ, you lose automatically; they don’t bring it up for a vote! I do mentor young people who ask and give them the benefit from my earlier setbacks and steep learning curves that I encountered along the way.

When you were at Barney, what did you want to be when you left?

I know what I didn’t want to be and that was a solicitor which is what my parents wanted. I just wanted to get into the building and property world.

What about your life now would most surprise your Barney teachers?

I was a middle-of-the-road tryer! I don’t think I would surprise them at all. Looking back, what advice would you give to yourself now?

I do wish I could have, much earlier, studied or have been taught the skills ‘where the real gold nuggets lay’. Goal setting, negotiating skills – ‘Everything you will ever need for the rest of your life is at present owned or controlled by someone else.’ – a profound statement, but able to be studied. How to ask, etc. finding mentors and value. ‘The Laws of sowing and reaping’ – most people in life are desperate to reap, but they have never sown! The law of averages and how to use it. Understanding the difference between ‘good debt’ and ‘bad debt’, never borrow money against a depreciating asset – all debt is an invisible, but real ball and chain round your ankle, but bad debt is a noose around your neck! If only you could have studied human nature and body language earlier, which has not changed in thousands of years – 60/80% of communication is through body language – what are people really saying to me?! Again, another illusion I did not grasp, until later, ‘most people think we are paid for time, when they are actually paid for value’ e.g. an eye surgeon, for example, in minutes not hours. Focus on what it takes to win, we win by a nose, focus on the nose! Every time you fail get excited about the fact that’s one step nearer according to the law of averages of getting what you want. If you ask and the answer is no then ask yourself how much worse off are you from before you asked? Setbacks and disappointments are not reserved for the poor, we all get them! The difference is how WE respond, THAT is the Barney Spirit!!!! I would always advise due diligence. Question everything from relationships to all areas of life. Don’t take what one mentor says, take 3! You simply must become a product of your OWN conclusions.

What was your chosen career, did you find it or did it find you?

A bit of both, when I left school, my father had a small joinery/undertakers firm and I started working with him, I left BC in 64 and by 73 a combination of global and economic factors meant many banks went bust and we were put under enormous pressure. Mentally and physically, this had an enormous impact, I became ill, lost 6.5 stone and experienced paralysis and other health complications of a serious nature. It was a close call but The Barney Spirit kicked in. Once I got better I was able to rethink, regroup and one day stood outside a property I had built my neighbour asked if I was looking for a job. I went for the interview the following Monday and who should I meet but an Old Barney boy, Robert Bobby Fawcett, the interview went out the window as he told me all about how Barney and learning to swim had saved his life. He had been blown off the Lancastria in the sea in WW2 and spent 2.5 hours out at sea. 1000’s of men had died. He was lucky, and following this chat, I started work immediately. The stoic notion of not staying down meant I was able to move forward. The Terrace house boom was starting, and 90 % grants were offered, I started working in this department for the council. Thanks again to another Old Barnardian, Mr Gabriel Lowes, to whom I will always be profoundly grateful for the opportunities given to me. Later, having now with help, recovered my health and some self-confidence, I branched out on my own again renovating over 100 terraced properties for friends and other acquaintances where I knew I would get paid. Not getting paid is one of life’s greatest salutary lessons – not to be repeated! If you do have to learn the hard way, like me, best learnt at a young age. Over time, I built up my own portfolio of houses, apartments, shops and offices which I have kept. It didn’t require great acumen, just hard work and sheer persistence. When the property boom was waning, I experienced another serendipitous moment: I was approached by the government’s D.T.I Small Firms Service to work part-time as advisor and mentor to small businesses in the North East. This is where I really learned so many insights from their concentrated residential training courses at Warwick Business School, on business and human psychology, negotiating skills, body language, etc.

Plus, at the Institute of Marketing at Cookham, taken by Saatchi & Saatchi and other numerous courses conducted by professional institutes (and by the way, all expenses, including fine dining were paid for plus were even paid a fee to go to! Unbelievable!). The camaraderie and synergy between the business advisors was truly mind-blowing.

The last couple of years have been hard, did you manage to stay positive?

Not for me, its only hard in that I am not making the most of the luxuries but its simply a case of energy follows desire and clearly I don’t desire the luxuries all that much! However, I do like classic cars!

Have you stayed in touch with other OBs over the years?

I have, a good friend of mine passed away recently Robin Wormald, I still see Richard Allen, Keith Snowdon and Philip Tarry on a regular basis and others now and again.

Can you tell us your lasting memories of Barney?

Barnard Castle itself in the early 1950s and 60s was a rather depressed town of approximately 5,000 with the aura of rationing still not dispersed and it was surrounded by many National Service camps which bought the population in the local area up to 33,000 with no spending power, so Barnard Castle was pretty dreadful, nothing like today there were endless brawls in the town. It was surrounded by many estate owners and tenant farmers. Raby, Lartington, Bowes Lyon, Morrit. I vividly remember three Rolls Royces in BC, one chap who owned the glove factory , Tommy Carter, who owned 28 pubs and Norman Field of Lartington Hall and I still remember the registration PY8000. One day I saw him waiting outside the shop. I was admiring his car and walked around it, Mr Field was sat in the driving seat and wound down his window and I said to him ‘what do I need to do to have a car like this?’ and I will never forget he turned to me and said ‘I would gladly give you my car and everything I own if I could have your health!’ I thought he was mad, but now I think differently. The school taught me discipline (no choice given there), how to think, think ahead, be mentally agile and try to be one step ahead, without it being too obvious and all that was just to survive – both then and now in the present world. It is even more needed.

How would you like to be remembered?

When you are dead you are dead and soon forgotten!

“I do look a bit like the Russian Prigozhin - but hope to have a less sticky end!”

OB INTERVIEW

RACHEL PRATT (M,’14)

When you were at Barney, what did you want to be when you left?

I was at Barney from 2008 – 2013. Career wise, thinking back, I had no idea! I contemplated a career in finance/ wealth management, but I definitely did not have a specific role in mind.

What about your life now would most surprise your Barney teachers? Maybe that I switched to a degree in Mandarin and lived in China.

What advice would you give back to yourself?

Please do not stress about not having your career all worked out! As long as you’re out there and doing something, you’re gaining experience and moving forward.

What was your chosen career, did you find it or did it find you?

I am a solicit0r and fell back in to Law during Covid. During school and university holidays

I worked as a legal assistant but then decided against law and chose to work in events. My events role was obviously massively impacted by covid and so I decided to retrain and sit my post graduate law exams. Law was always something I knew I would eventually return to, but Covid was certainly the catalyst for my career change.

The last couple of years have been hard, did you manage to stay positive?

Sometimes, but not always. Friends and family helped a lot with staying positive. My friends and I seemed to take it in turns to find things hard and could each offer advice in different areas. For me, regular check ins and to just keep talking seemed to work best.

What are you most proud of?

Probably dropping out of University in first year and starting again at a different University on a completely new course. I was the first out of my friends to drop out and felt like I had failed at the time. Looking back, it was a really important life moment for me as I realised that pushing

yourself to go against the grain when you’re not happy, ultimately makes you happier.

Have you stayed in touch with other OBs over the years?

Absolutely. I recently got back from a hen-do with a strong contingent of OBs. When we’re all back together, it feels like no time has passed at all.

Can you tell us your lasting memories of Barney?

There are so many – travelling to sporting events, common room chats, Summer Ball, it’s hard to pick one. After leaving, one thing I really missed was elevenses tea and biscuits, the bourbons in particular.

OLD BARNARDIAN LODGE NO.

9538

In the words of the United Grand Lodge of England’s website, Freemasonry is one of the oldest social and charitable organisations in the world, with roots lying in the traditions of the medieval stonemasons who built our cathedrals and castles. Such “operative masons” often travelled around to find work and would then be organised into lodges supervised by a skilled and knowledgeable master mason at particular sites, wearing gloves and aprons to protect themselves when working on rough stones. Levels of qualification would be signalled by hand grips, words and signs to distinguish themselves from unqualified workers. Freemasonry is a peculiar system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols, whereby members are taught via building analogies how to live more productive and useful lives to the benefit of society at large. Today, freemasons meet to build friendships and communities, rather than cathedrals and castles, and do so following the four guiding principles of integrity, friendship, respect and charity.

For men, organised freemasonry in England started with four lodges meeting in London coming together to form the Premier Grand Lodge of England in 1717. A schism in 1751 created the Ancient Grand Lodge of England (the “Antients”sic), followed by re-unification with what they called the “Moderns” in 1813 to create the present day United Grand Lodge of England, which regulates men’s freemasonry in England.

Organisation of women’s freemasonry started with the formation of the Grand Lodge of the Honourable Order of Antient (sic) Masonry in 1908, renamed the Order of Women Freemasons in 1958. The organisation was initially mixed, but had become women only by 1935. In 1913, a similar schism to the men’s organisation occurred, with the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons being founded, now going by the name HFAF – Freemasonry for Women.

The Old Barnardian Lodge, Number 9358 in the register of the United Grand Lodge of England, obtained its warrant on 8th November 1989 and was consecrated on 24th March 1990. Formation of the lodge had been sought by 28 Old Barnardians, former parents or staff of the school who were already freemasons, mostly members of Strathmore Lodge, No. 6229, in Barnard Castle, of which the OB Lodge is the daughter lodge. The Lodge, which

comes under the jurisdiction of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Durham, still has nine of the founder members. There is not yet an Old Barnardian lodge for women freemasons, though it is open to any existing OB women freemasons to seek to form one. The nearest Lodges of the two women’s Grand Lodges are in Darlington and Dalston, Cumberland, respectively.

The Old Barnardian Lodge meets four times a year, on the last Saturday of April, September and October and penultimate Saturday in June. It meets at the Masonic Hall in Newgate, Barnard Castle, except in October, which is the meeting for installing a new Master for the ensuing year, when the meeting is held at the school. Apart from the spectacle of, or taking part in, the ritual of the meetings, the enjoyment for many members is in the “Festive Board”, the meal afterwards. These are also held in the masonic hall (or school), with wholesome three-course meals prepared by caterers in the hall’s kitchen. Money is raised for charity through alms collection during meetings, raffles at the dinners, through members’ direct and Lodge contributions to Provincial Grand Lodge fund-raising drives and through members’ sponsored activities. Provinces raise funds for significant regional and national objectives, called “Festivals”. Both Provinces and individual lodges also donate to local charities and good causes. In the year to end of November 2022, the OB Lodge donated to the Barnard Castle Mayor’s fund to provide hampers for the care homes in the town, Durham Benevolence (Durham is unusual in having two retirement homes for freemasons), TLC Teddies to provide teddy bears for children in hospital and to the Provincial Almoner’s Fund, which is used for birthday cards and Christmas presents for the widows of freemasons of closed lodges in County Durham (sadly, lodges do close, though others are constantly founded). Previously, the lodge has given to Barnard Castle’s “TCR – The Hub” and the Bowes Museum for the Silver Swan appeal.

If you are interested in finding out more about freemasonry in general or the Old Barnardian Lodge in particular, please contact the Lodge Secretary, Frank White, at obsec9358@gmail.com

Anthony Wood Worshipful Master (Parent at School,

1994-2001)

OB INTERVIEW

NICK TALBOT (Da,’94)

What are you doing now in your work and life?

Some time ago I accidentally became Chief Executive of an organisation which sets the global approach on how to value pretty much anything so work with Ministers, major Investor leaders, Banks, Regulatory leaders and Valuation experts around the world as well as stakeholders such as the UN, World Bank etc. The differences in approaches to valuing assets was a key issue in the global financial crisis and issues remain so it’s good to be doing something which helps financial stability and investor confidence. It may seem a bit abstract but when you consider almost everyone has a pension and that fund invests around the world, or taxpayers and governments having to bail out banks when things go wrong, then it impacts almost all of us indirectly. Outside of that I do speaking events and challenges to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis charities and spend time with family and friends, travelling and going on adventures.

When you were at Barney, what did you want to be when you left?

I had no precise idea, something in business and whilst I studied languages I ended up joining one of the world’s largest consultancies which was a great learning and early career experience.

What about your life now would most surprise your Barney teachers?

Everything probably, I did fine at school but wasn’t the best at studying. Actually probably summitting Everest.

What advice would you give back to yourself?

Get rid of the dreadful glasses :), and better to take bold risks and opportunities and live life than not take risks and have regrets. More often than not you can succeed, but failing on an outlandish aim is fine too, you can learn and prepare better for the next one!

What was your chosen career, did you find it or did it find you?

I wanted to work in business and did but my career found me, when I was 39 I was offered an interim CEO opportunity which had it’s risks to restructure an organisation which wasn’t doing so well. I actually said no for about 2 hours before deciding it was a great opportunity and 8 years later I still really enjoy it which is one of the key factors I look for in a job.

Did the Barney network help at all?

No, but I think back in the 90s there wasn’t as much of a network online etc. as there is now, I would advocate people using the Barney (or indeed any) network and particularly as you advance in your career

it may become more and more useful.

The last couple of years have been hard, did you manage to stay positive?

Luckily I live in a nice place and then the little things in life helped in Covid like still being able to get coffee and brunch from my local restaurant who’d let me collect round the back instead of queuing. Also a sense of perspective, we are all immensely lucky, very few of us have to struggle to put food on the table or live in a warzone so I feel grateful to be so fortunate.

What are you most proud of?

Doing things society thinks someone with Cystic Fibrosis shouldn’t be doing like surviving the two worst disasters on Everest and figuring out a way through all the mental and physical obstacles I faced to then get to the summit and spend time there just myself and a friend on top of the world.

Have you stayed in touch with other OBs over the years?

Some friends but I’m not the most organised at doing this, I think the new alumni events are a good idea.

Can you tell us your lasting memories of Barney?

A place which challenges you in different ways and where I got to extend my time in the outdoors and become more capable which ultimately led me over the years to take on bigger challenges.

Keep an eye out for a special report in 2024 from Nick, in connection with the anniversary of Bentley Beetham’s Everest expedition...

OB INTERVIEW

LAWRENCE ALDERSON CBE (Y,’58)

Can you tell us your memories of Barney?

Sport; played most sports and was captain of York athletics and cross-country, but rugby was my main passion. A prop forward converted to wing-three-quarter scoring tries and famed for heading the ball three times while running down the wing at full speed. Debating Society was a confidence-building forum. I won the Chairmen’s Prize in successive years (including a huge majority vote when defending nationalisation of the Suez Canal by Nasser). It was the foundation for frequent speech-making during my adult career. My son later was active in the Lectern Club.The trust placed in me by my housemaster, Tony Rowell, and the willingness of Arnold Snodgrass to discuss some of my aberrant opinions (Romeo was a wimp sticks in mind!) in English Literature. The brilliant coaching by John Parry which made Barney the outstanding school for swimming in England.

When you were at Barney, what did you want to be when you left?

I had no idea. Most of my family were farmers or preachers, and I went to Selwyn (Cambridge) which was denoted as a ‘ploughboys and choirboys’ college. I had thought about the Colonial Service, but Kenneth King (school headboy when I was a minnow) advised it was not a sustainable career option – very wise advice in retrospect.

What about your life now would most surprise your Barney teachers?

If I look back at Tony Rowell’s reports I’m not sure I have lived up to his high expectations. “Most enthusiastic over rugger and running”, “A powerful performance in all ways”, “His enthusiasm and power to lead are not in doubt”, “Very willing and with a winning way. I value greatly his cooperation and powerful efforts” and “Excellent as House Captain; most loyal, diplomatic, enthusiastic and thoughtful. His confident and yet determined approach to all activities is leading to all round success”. Others might be surprised that a rebellious schoolboy should eventually be made CBE. My English teacher (Arnold Snodgrass) would be amazed that I majored in science and became an international authority in a scientific discipline. My Headmaster (‘Kip’ Birkbeck) wished me success in the Varsity boxing match even though he was an Oxford man. I was the first Oxbridge Blue from Barney even though boxing was not on the school agenda.

What advice would you give back to yourself?

Probably to be more tolerant. I can think of incidents when I was critical of colleagues, or even bosses, if I felt they were not performing up to standard. Maybe I could have been gentler in my attitude. Similarly, I say what I mean so that everyone knows exactly where I stand. It is not something I regret but some people may be discomfited by such a direct approach. Maybe I should have followed a more structured career pattern, but I am comfortable with my free-wheeling attitude which enabled me to follow my instincts and find issues and roles which were fulfilling.

What was your chosen career, did you find it or did it find you?

I initially dropped into education as an easy option rather than a deliberate choice. Despite rapid promotion I moved on through two or three short-stay consultancy positions before I decided in my 20s I was not suited to normal structured employment. Nevertheless I had accumulated considerable knowledge en route and established valuable contacts. Old-boy networks had proved very useful. Harry Nicholson (OB) was a Fellow at Selwyn, and school chaplain, Dudley Johns, had been chaplain at Selwyn. Both the principals at the two colleges at which I lectured were Cambridge graduates. However, I determined to form my own company (i.e. be my own boss) and offered consultancy on business management and animal breeding. It soon developed into an international business and underpinned other activities which may have been less profitable. After I formed my company I relied mainly on my own networks both in Britain and abroad.

The last couple of years have been hard, did you manage to stay positive?

It was not a problem; I am not compulsively gregarious and quite enjoy my own company. Missed seeing family but kept in close contact. We usually over winter in Spain but had to cancel 2021 and 2022. Otherwise work continued as usual, consultancy online or telephone, books published in 2019 (Breeding the Best), 2020 (The Quest to Conserve Rare Breeds; setting the record straight) and 2022 (Precarious Planet: a Survival Strategy for Earth).

What are you most proud of?

Creativity. I developed the principles on which modern genetic conservation programmes have been built (expounded in ‘The Chance to Survive’). I founded RBST in UK, inspired the foundation of rare breeds organisations in many other countries (USA, Netherlands, Spain, South Africa, etc) and was Founder President of the global umbrella organisation (Rare Breeds International). Animal breeding. I evolved novel breeding strategies for domestic livestock (‘A Breed of Distinction’) and created a new breed (British Milksheep) which has been exported to several other countries but was extinguished in Britain by the slaughter policy applied in the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in 2001. Campaigns. A leader of the current campaign to maintain biodiversity which is threatened by damaging political decisions (latest book ‘Precarious Planet: a Survival Strategy for Earth’). This is an ongoing campaign with the highest priority for me, although it is proving difficult to attract effective political attention during the current upheavals at Westminster.

Have you stayed in touch with other OBs over the years?

I have stayed in touch with other OBs at varying levels. My cousin, John Dent, was my constant childhood companion. He attended both Prep and Main, and his wife Ruth is a Barney Governor, but unfortunately he died some years ago. John Pattison (later Sir John), Barney and Oxbridge, was a family friend and we reciprocated godparentship of our children. He died more recently. Gavin McDowell, shared ‘digs’ with me at Cambridge. Other contacts continued through shared business interests (e.g. Sir Ben Gill chairman of NFU) or social occasions (e.g. John Pittuck at London Banquet at Butchers Hall) while others were present by chance on almer mater visits (e.g. Eric Barnes who retired to Barnard Castle). I have attended one or two reunions (London, Oxford) and 20 years ago I was vice-chair of the OB Club but resigned because it became clear that personal agenda were preventing proper committee activity. Both my children (Rebecca and Daniel) are OBs.

How would you like to be remembered?

I would feel my life had been worthwhile if I was remembered, by those whose journey through life coincided with mine, as an honest and actively beneficial influence with an optimistic glass-half-full philosophy.

SUMMER GATHERING

23-24 JUNE 2023

As ever, we thoroughly enjoyed welcoming Old Barnardians and their families to our annual Summer Gathering. The weather sadly got the better of Friday evening’s cricket fixture between the School’s 1st XI and an OB XI, with only a few overs being bowled. However, the players and those in attendance bonded over a curry and drinks in the Dining Hall afterwards. Simultaneously, OBs gathered at The Old Well in Barnard Castle for drinks and quiz, kicking off the weekend in style. On Saturday, OBs enjoyed a plethora of activities ranging from Sports, singing in Chapel, tours of the School and much, much more, drawing to a close a wonderful weekend of reminiscing and camaraderie among close friends, new ones and their former peers and teachers.

We are already excited for next year’s event, and hope to see as many OBs in attendance as possible.

Dates for 2024’s Gathering will be communicated to our community as soon as possible, once confirmed.

OB UK GATHERINGS

2022-2023

Over the last year, it has been a huge pleasure to meet with more than 300 Barnardians of all ages at our revitalised programme of regional events. We have held gatherings across the UK, including inaugural ones in Newcastle, Manchester, Leeds and Edinburgh, with many more exciting events planned for the future. We have also enjoyed our trips to the capital, catching up with OBs in London at various seasonal drinks and dinner occasions.

Regardless of the year or decade you attended Barney, our comprehensive events calendar offers amazing opportunities to socialise, share memories and network - one young man even secured a new job, which is fantastic news and demonstrates the strength of our remarkable Old Barnardians community.

We look forward to building on a successful 2022/2023 and are excited to reconnect with our network even more in the future.

Dates for all future events will be communicated to our community as soon as possible, once confirmed. Please visit www.thebarnardiansociety.org.uk for further details, including booking information.

BARNEY ON TOUR

GERMANY, MARCH 2023

For the first time since the global pandemic, we jetted off for a tour of Germany where we reconnected with many international OBs.

Munich, Frankfurt and Hamburg were the destinations as the Headmaster, Tony Jackson, and Director of Development, Dionne Saville, travelled to each city over a three-day period, welcoming OBs and their families for drinks and nibbles in some luxurious locations.

It was wonderful to meet our alumni and hear about what they have been up to beyond Barney. We are excited for 2023/2024 and further international gatherings, with New York City and Dubai events planned.

Dates for all future events will be communicated to our community as soon as possible, once confirmed. Please visit www.thebarnardiansociety.org.uk for further details, including booking information.

CHARITY CONCERT OB & STRIDING EDGE REUNION

found is Ian Bloor (1970-77), so any information as to his whereabouts would be gratefully received.

Date: 22nd July 2023

Venue: Black Bull Inn, Moulton

Event: Charity Concert featuring “Striding Edge”

In a tucked away corner of the North Riding on a Saturday night, the band Striding Edge took to the stage. Three other bands – Ed’s House Band, Crispy Bacon and Stateless Crows were also on the bill and the gig was for charity, raising funds for Cancer Research and Multiple Sclerosis. Nothing remarkable about that for a typical weekend in a country pub with events space. What was remarkable was that the members of Striding Edge had not played together since 1976, when they were in the sixth form at Barnard Castle School. The line-up on that night comprised five of the six who had been part of the band at school: Ed (Ted) Atkinson (1969-76), Charlie Daykin (1969-76), Jim Macara (1970-77), Carl Scott (1970-77) and Doug Weidner (1969-76). Charlie brought Sally Tindill, with whom he has worked and performed in a professional music career from the 1990s, to join the line-up to provide vocals and percussion.

Back in the day, Striding Edge had played at end-of-term concerts, for dances at Polam Hall School in Darlington, at the Temperance Hall in Askrigg and at what was then Deerbolt Borstal. The band won the 1975 talent competition run as part of the Barnard Castle “Town Meet” that year, featuring in the Teesdale Mercury’s report.

All the members of the band have continued to play in bands in various parts of the country, though only Charlie is professionally involved in the music world. Ed Atkinson had been playing in two of the other bands (Ed’s House Band and Crispy Bacon) as a guitarist and had to re-learn drumming to appear with Striding Edge. Another OB, Paul Stiller (1970-77) plays keyboards with Ed in the House Band. The one former member of Striding Edge that has so far eluded being

The gig came about as a consequence of the efforts of one Neil Scott (1969-76), who had decided to try to get in touch with, initially, all his former Northumberland House contemporaries, and then everyone from the year-group as a whole. He had had no contact or engagement with the school or Old Barnardians for over 46 years. By February 2023, he had re-established contact with a handful of people, including Ed Atkinson, setting up a WhatsApp group to keep everyone in touch with each other. It was Ed who floated the idea of re-forming the band. Ed’s sister, Sue, had married Chris Gilbertson (1969-76) and the idea was to play a one-off gig for their Ruby Wedding Annivesary. As Neil Scott managed to get enthusiastic buy-in from the other members of the band (except for the missing Ian Bloor) and arranged for the first practice session (held at Ed’s house), the concept changed to a multi-band charity concert. With three of the band’s members back in the day being 1970-77 cohort, anyway, Neil expanded his re-connection efforts to the year-groups either side.

Readers might remember the e-mail the Club Secretary circulated on Neil’s behalf at the end of May. That brought a rush of new interest and the WhatsApp group now has 50 members. After just two more rehearsals, the big day arrived and a total of 27 Old Barnardians were amongst the crowd at the Black Bull for the charity concert, including 14 from the 1969-76 cohort and 8 from 1970-77. There were four from other years and one former schoolmaster, Andy Moorhouse. For names of all the attenders, please see the group photo.

In short, it was a brilliant night, with people picking up with each other after 46 years as if a day hadn’t passed since they had last met. The driving force to the reunion was Neil Scott, with thanks to Ed Atkinson for arranging the charity event and to him and Sue for allowing Striding Edge to practice in their home. Thanks also to the management of the Black Bull Inn for hosting the charity event and all those Old Barnardians who were able to assemble from all corners of the country at relatively short notice to help make it a special occasion. It is understood that over £6,000 was raised for charity.

The WhatsApp group, which has had smartphones pinging like mad over the past few months, will ensure the (currently) 50 OBs from that era stay in touch. Neil says he has not finished trying to reconnect with OBs. Whether Striding Edge will take to the boards again.…..who knows? Never say never!

NOTICES ANNOUNCEMENTS

Many congratulations to Rev. Lionel Fanthorpe (’53) and his wife Patricia, who celebrated their 65th Wedding Anniversary on 7th September 2022!

It was lovely to hear the wonderful news that Faye Bainbridge-Robinson (M,’06), who now lives in Dubai, married Lewis Robinson at The Morritt Hotel and Garage Spa in summer 2022.

Most recently, we wish Georgina Oliveira (B,’13) all the very best following her marriage on 20th July 2023 to Bono Oliveira! The wedding took place in Forte da Cruz, Estoril, Portugal, and was well attended by fellow OBs Evie Kennedy, Sophie Brown, Emily Smith, Lottie Bradshaw, Chelsea Wilkinson and her brother Alexander Lea.

Congratulations are in order for Sarah Hutchings (B,’09) who also got married in 2022 with a wonderful Barney turn out. Three OBs served as bridesmaids and a special mention must go to Stephanie Clemons (L,’09), who actually gave birth to her second child, Isla-Rose, the day before the wedding! Isla came to the wedding a mere 20 hours old!

At the end of the current academic year (2022-2023), Barney waved goodbye to two of our longest-serving members of the teaching staff, as Amanda and Dan Gorman announced their retirement. The pair both joined our School in 1997, teaching and leading for a remarkable 26 years apiece. Many of you will have been taught by the Gormans, and we hope you join us in wishing them a happy – and well-deserved – retirement.

BIRTHS

Many congratulations to Robert Sloan (Du,’94) and Anne, who welcomed twins James Robbie Nicholson and Grace Janet on 29th March 2023 in Auckland City Hospital, New Zealand.

Remember to stay in touch and send us your news and notices to society@barneyschool.org.uk

SARAH HUTCHINGS ON HER BIG DAY!

THE HAPPY COUPLE: FAYE BAINBRIDGE-ROBINSON & LEWIS ROBINSON

GEORGINA OLIVEIRA CELEBRATING IN STYLE, IN PORTUGAL!

IN MEMORIAM

Joan at GEC in Newcastle and they married in 1964. They had two children but unfortunately lost their son, Richard, suddenly in 2018 aged just 52. Ron lived most of his life in the South of England but his love for the North East and for Barney in particular remained always strong. He is survived by his wife Joan, daughter Sarah, and grandchildren Thomas, Anna, Louise and Isaac. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. His anecdotes of life at Barney have kept us all laughing over the years.

Tom Danby (Y,’44), England Rugby’s oldest surviving international player, passed away over Christmas 2022 at the age of 96. He won a scholarship to Barney and, at the age of 13, while watching a 1st XV v 2nd XV training session, he was called over to stand in for the second team hooker, who was injured. In the following session he won every ball in the scrum and, at that age of just 13, was selected for the 1st XV. It changed his life. A schoolteacher born in Trimdon Village, County Durham, Tom played for Gosport, Durham City, Harlequins, the Army, Combined Services, Durham and Hampshire. He played once for England on the wing, against Wales in 1949. He then made the switch to rugby league, playing wing for Salford and both England and Great Britain in 1950. An England international in rugby union and a British Lion in rugby league, he inspired many young men through his example both on and off the sports field.

Malcolm Ian Clark (N,’65) died on 4th December 2022.

Ian Brown (N,’69) died on 3rd April 2023.

James (Jim) Critchley (Y,’41) died in Sydney, Australia. He was a student at Barney from 1946-1953, who was Head of York House and had school colours in rugby, cricket and squash.

Ronald M Chamberlain (Y,’42) died on 19th September 2022, aged 92 years. He joined Barnard Castle School on 1st January 1942, the same year as his great friend John Anderson and they remained close friends for 80 years until John’s death in June 2022. Ron was a keen sportsman playing rugby, cricket, squash and swimming for the school. He undertook his National Service in 1948 and was commissioned into the RASC and served in Egypt and Sudan. Following his National Service in 1950, he joined GEC Ltd as a trainee manager at Newcastle before moving to Birmingham as Midlands Regional Manager. From there he headed to London as National Accounts Manager. He moved on to Sunbeam Electric Ltd and then to Proctor Silex as Managing Director from 1979 to 1984. He met his wife

John Crozier (N,’55) passed away suddenly on 30th September 2022. Lovingly remembered by his wife Carole, family and friends, who commented that John really enjoyed his last visit to Barney at one of the Summer Gatherings.

We were informed of the death of Mark Wilford, who was a pupil at Barney in the late 1960s and early 1970s, by his daughter Annabel. His mother was school secretary while he was a pupil, and he always talked fondly of his time there.

Joseph William Stoddart (’53) died peacefully having unfortunately suffered from Alzheimer’s for the last 17 years of his life. He is survived by his wife Diane, to whom he was married for 65 years, and three children, Jeannette, Peter and Richard, plus 11 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. His son, Dr Peter Stoddart, informed us that he was very proud to be an OB and was dressed in his OB tie and a smart suit for his cremation! Peter’s Mum gave him a copy of Issue 09 of Connect, who noted that this edition contained the announcement of the death of his “Best Man” Norman Sims who passed away last year, but Peter did not realise that Norman was an OB too.

Cavan Corrigan (T,’60) passed away on the 6th October 2022 aged 80, and is sadly missed by all of his family and friends. An artist, Cavan was taught at Barney by Douglas Pittuck, and most of his work can be found on the internet.

George Bernard Atkinson (Du,’53) passed away on 8th July 2023.

TOM DANBY (BALL CARRIER)

RONALD CHAMBERLAIN

Kenneth R S Proud (Y,’66) died of cancer, for which there had been no available treatment, aged 75 on 14th April 2023 in Kuching, Sarawak, East Malaysia. Before attending the Prep School in 1955, he lived in Nigeria where his Father was in the Nigeria Police. At school he participated in all sports, gaining a reputation for sprinting in bare feet, a habit gained in Nigeria. In 1962 both Proud brothers were in York House’s team winning the shooting shield. Compared to today Ken and his brother were a couple of the six or seven boys whose parents worked overseas and had travelled widely, unlike the current school population. In 1965 he went to Edinburgh University from where he graduated with a BSc in wildlife management and his enthusiasm and knowledge took him to 16 countries in Africa and Southeast Asia, Nigeria, the Philippines, Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Hong Kong, India, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, Namibia, Tanzania, Mauritius and Nigeria, His projects included trying to create a wildlife park in north east Nigeria, the prevention of hillside soil erosion by creating tailor made bunds to contain water and soil for agriculture and orangutan reserves in Sarawak. Most of his projects were funded by the World Bank. In the course of his work he gained an M.Sc. In the early 1970s, he was in northeast Nigeria, near Lake Chad establishing a wildlife reserve. Should any OBs be in Sarawak, in the vicinity of Kuching, visit the Semenggoh Orangutan Reserve a few miles south of Kuching, preferably at 9.00 am or 3.00 pm when it’s feeding time for these amazing animals. Ken was instrumental in establishing this reserve from 1975-78 and it is also a popular tourist attraction in its own right. In SE Asia he did a fair amount of reafforestation. Ken was married twice and had four children, three by his first wife and one with his second wife. He liked the lifestyle in Southeast Asia and in 2012 decided to settle down in Kuching, Sarawak.

David Wesson (‘50) passed away in 2022, and is survived by his five children, 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He was awarded a St John’s Scholarship to Barney School and cited both his excellent education and John Parry, his swimming instructor at school, as a major influence in his life. He was part of the quartet who won the British Public Schools championship in 1950 and he went on to swim for Northumberland and Durham Counties, Durham University, the English Universities Team and was a swimming champion during his National Service. He swam all his life, which undoubtedly contributed to his longevity. After a successful career with Royal Insurance, he retired in 1990 and returned to his beloved Teesdale, living in Holwick and latterly Middleton.

Ian Ferguson (N, T‘55) passed away in February this year aged 86. He joined Barnard Castle Prep School in 1944 as his father, Fred, took up the position as Director of Music in the Senior School. He was a keen cricketer and followed the family tradition of being a devotee of many musical genres. On leaving the school he read Geography at Keble College, Oxford and decided that teaching was THE career for him. He taught for a number of years in Hertfordshire before taking up a position at Dean Close Junior School, ultimately becoming the Headmaster there. After 16 very successful years in that role he and his wife Margaret retired and moved to Wensleydale. Ian immersed himself into the community becoming a reader at St. Andrew’s church in Aysgarth and Chairman of Catterick Golf Club. He was also an Ofsted Inspector and the Northern Representative for the Joint Educational Trust Charity. Ian was very proud of his Barney connections.

Bryan Aynsley Crawford (Du,’51) passed away peacefully after a short illness in hospital aged 87. After leaving school, Bryan graduated from Kings College, Newcastle before joining the family business, Oxbridge Garage, the main Ford dealership for Stockton-on-Tees. Bryan ran the business very successfully until it was sold in 1986, when he embarked on a complete career change into the world of computers. Bryan enrolled at Teesside University where he completed a Masters degree in Computer Science in 1988 before joining the lecturing staff. Bryan continued to work at the University for a further seven years setting up and leading the team placing students into Industry. In 1995, Bryan took early retirement moving with his wife to Northumberland where he spent a very happy 25 years playing golf, walking in the Cheviot Hills and strolling on the beautiful beaches around Bamburgh. A devoted husband, father and grandfather he will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Ronin Leathard Wormald (Du,’64) died on 14th August 2022, aged 76. Described as a ‘well-known accountant, who specialised in liquidations’ by his friend and fellow OB, Denys Orme.

KENNETH R S PROUD

Current Barney staff member Joy Roxburgh informed the School of the death of her brother Neville, a former pupil at Barnard Castle School, on the 3rd October 2022 aged 66. Neville, affectionately known by friends and Family as ‘Nobby’, was the eldest child with two younger sisters, Fay and Joy. From Barnard Castle, he enjoyed his days at Barnard Castle School. From there, he went on to be an apprentice electrician in 1973 and although he did change jobs over the years, he did return to being an electrician later in life. He will be sadly missed by friends and family.

David Wilford (T,’66) died on the 5th December 2022 in Inverness. He played cricket for the 1st XI and also represented the school at Cross Country. In addition, he was in the CCF and once went with them to Norway - his only comment was that it was ‘bloody cold’ and he certainly never went back again!! After leaving school post A Level, he trained as a Quantity Surveyor and worked all his life, until retirement, in this field, all over England and Scotland. As a very keen sportsman, he played cricket and rugby regularly. An injury at rugby forced him to move from playing to refereeing which he greatly enjoyed. He developed a passion for rallying and, for many years, he was a co-driver to a number of talented drivers, taking part in a variety of rallies. While working in Scotland, he met his wife Norma and eventually, on retirement, they moved to live near Inverness.

Thomas Wright Sayer (‘43) sadly passed away on 2nd December 2021. He attended the school as a dayboy leaving at 17 to join the RAF following the outbreak of the Second World War. After initially being based at Windsor Castle learning to fly in a Tiger Moth, he was sent to Canada on board The Queen Mary to complete his training. On his return to the UK, he was posted to RAF Coastal Command as a flight engineer in Halifax bombers flying over the North Atlantic searching for German submarines and warships. Following de-mob at the end of the war, he worked for Glaxo in Barnard Castle, qualifying as an accountant and subsequently marrying Mabel who was training as a nurse in Darlington. Subsequently Tom joined ICI where he was

constantly on the move throughout England and Scotland, eventually settling in Cambridgeshire when sons John and Nicholas were 13 and 10. Tom’s work with ICI involved much overseas travel as his job involved setting up new accounts departments and overseeing others. Tom eventually decided his work was taking him away from home too much and he took early retirement at the age of 55. He was a very active member of the local community, helping out at the in RAFA branch in St Neots and the local British Legion with any VE Day celebrations. Both Tom and Mabel were active in the local Parish Church where Tom acted as a sidesman and Mabel was a member of the Mother’s Union and WI. Tom would also prepare the accounts for a number of local clubs and societies, and at Christmas would dress up as Santa to entertain the children of the local playgroup. Tom and Mabel were devoted to their grandchildren Thomas and Henry, and spent a lot of time with them, helping out with childcare whenever needed. Tom became Mabel’s sole carer when she became ill and looked after until she died in 2014. Tom was extremely independent and remained living on his own in the family home until he became too frail to look after himself and for the last year of his life he was cared for by his family.

The thoughts and prayers of the entire Barnard Castle School community are extended to the friends and family of all Old Barnardians who are no longer with us. May they rest in peace.

BRYAN AYNSLEY CRAWFORD

THOMAS WRIGHT SAYER

2023 DATES FOR THE DIARY

For further details about our upcoming events and to register your interest, please visit www.thebarnardiansociety.org.uk. All OB and Barnardian Society events will be listed on this website and communicated via our usual digital channels.