The Blue Coat School, Birmingham - Old Scholars - True Blue - Issue 1

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TRUE

Blue THE NEWSLETTER OF THE BLUE COAT SCHOOL OLD SCHOLARS’ ASSOCIATION

www.osa-bham.org

2014

A welcome from the OSA President Welcome to this, the first edition of our bright, colourful new magazine, ‘True Blue,’ and my thanks to Lindsay Lucas and Sam Howells, who have laboured hard to bring the publication into being. It is my hope that, as well as an update on developments at the school here in Harborne, it will contain news of the Blue Coat community, spread far and wide across the world.

We are two terms through the academic year 2013-14 and I am pleased to report that our Year 6 pupils have again done themselves great credit in their 11+ exams, that the Blue Coat Boy and Girl above the Viney Building entrance have been given a new lease of life, that plans are in hand for a major renovation of the School Hall and that we are steadily remodelling our curriculum to meet the changing needs of our 21st-century learners. For, although we shall certainly hold on to the Blue Coat legacy bequeathed to us, we shall do well to remember the words of the eminent Ghanaian statesman Kwame Nkrumah: “Forward ever, backward never.”

Do join us on the journey!

Alan Browning Current Headmaster

A letter from the OSA Vice-President Three people we remember It is with great sadness that I write to you this year, following the deaths of three, former Blue Coat School members of staff.

There is space here only to write a little about each of them, but more detail will be added to the website.

In June 2013, Reverend John Jenkins, our School Chaplain from 1991 to 2004, died suddenly at his home in Swansea, South Wales. His funeral took place there soon afterwards and, most recently, on Saturday 8th March 2014, a well-attended memorial service was held for him in the School Chapel. One of our former Head Boys and current Committee member, Sam Howells, has now written about John for this publication.

Then, in July 2013, our former School Matron, Mrs Mary Horton, passed away in a care home to which she had just been moved from the City Hospital, Birmingham.

Those who knew Mrs Horton in the years following her appointment in 1986 will have known her as the most caring of matrons, yet forthright and always working to improve the medical and bedroom facilities.

She never lost sight of the fact that the key feature of her job was to care for the School’s children, especially the boarders who were away from home. When they needed sound advice, she gave it to them.

When they needed a hug, she gave that too.

What is probably less well-known is that she had once been a Blue Coat pupil herself,

coming in to the care of the School after her father had been killed in World War II. She therefore knew the School from the inside, long before she was appointed to office. She knew all about the incendiary bombs that fell in the school grounds and about the air raid shelters – again from the inside! In 1999, almost on the eve of her retirement, Mary suffered a massive stroke which damaged her in many ways.

Subsequent stays and surgery in hospital became a frequent part of her life.

Among other things, she was left with limited vision and the inability to close her eyelids, yet there was hardly a hint of self-pity and she never gave in. Mary, we can learn so many things from you, not least your courage and your fortitude, and we thank you for all you gave in the service of The Blue Coat School.

Finally, to those who remember our former Deputy Head, Victor Still, I must convey the news of his death on 17th February,

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2014, in the Manor Hospital, Walsall, where he had attended as an inpatient on several occasions. We extend to his widow, Sheila, and to his two sons, Geoff and Michael, our sincere condolences on their sad loss.

Mr and Mrs Still came to The Blue Coat School in 1960 when Victor was appointed as Housemaster of St Martin’s, where he remained in charge until Sheila was asked to become Housemistress of St Monica’s.

On becoming Deputy Head, he continued to teach Science, coach sport and edit ‘The Blue Cloak,’ the school magazine.

He will probably best be remembered for his excellent annual drama productions, as co-producer with Miss Helen Ison and ably assisted by Mrs Still, in charge of costumes.

Mr and Mrs Still retired from the school in July 1985 and moved to Shobdon in Herefordshire, from where they cycled thousands of miles and where the local airport enabled Victor to use his pilot’s licence on a regular basis until 2004, aged 80, when medical restraints curtailed his great passion. We owe enormous gratitude to him.

These three Blue Coat people have gone from us but their influence we will never forget. They carried the torch bravely and well – and now they have handed it to us.

‘We have so many memories Of those who’ve passed away; Time now for all of us to give OUR influence, day by day.’

Together we go forward into another year as Old Scholars and into the next phase of our lives.

Brian Bissell Headmaster 1979-1998

A message from the OSA Chairman Dear Old Scholar I have been involved with the Old Scholars’ Association for about 45 years and latterly as Chairman. I am pleased to report that it continues to flourish whilst changing with the times as any organisation must.

The principal purpose of the Association is to continue and renew friendship amongst members whilst retaining the ethos of The Blue Coat School. We arrange reunions during the course of the year and also in the past have sent out an annual newsletter.

We are very ably supported by Lindsay Lucas, who is our membership secretary in name but actually provides a superb service, organising everything that goes on.

The Old Scholars’ Committee comprises several enthusiastic and committed members who give up their time to serve the Association.

Sadly, two of the members who have been with us some years have left us recently – Jeff Holyoak sadly died in December and Eddie Webb resigned last September, although he continues to help at events.

Recent new developments include this new magazine, ‘True Blue,’ which replaces the former ‘newsletter.’ We also provide a pack to leavers which includes a Year 6 New Members’ Photo and the offer of Pizza Express vouchers with which to organise reunions. Above all, we have our own website, www.osa-bham.org, which is for the benefit of all members. If you haven’t registered on it, I encourage you to do so now – go to ‘Help’ and follow instructions.

Lindsay Lucas needs you to register your current email address above all as this is the digital age of instant communication.

We really do want to hear from all of our members, so write to/email us today with your latest news and photographs.

Committee Members Andrew Oulsnam Chairman

Geoff Still

Alan Browning President & current Headmaster

Kathryn Dixon

Lindsay Lucas Secretary & Editor of True Blue Richard Buttle

Treasurer

Bob Findlay Sam Howells Co-Editor of True Blue John Mills

Doreen Gent

A list of forthcoming events is listed separately.

Either return the enclosed reply sheet or email lucaslj@thebluecoatschool.com and let us know which reunion you want to come to. Get writing now, tell us your news, give us any ideas you have to get together with former class and House mates. That is what we are here to encourage…

Andrew Oulsnam

Old Scholars’ New Shield Design You will see the Blue Coat School crest gracing the cover of our first edition of True Blue. We have launched a competition for Year 6’s (our next ‘new’ Old Scholars!) to design our own shield, which will reflect elements of the school’s crest but with a new slant. Edition 2 in 2015 will announce the winner and use the new Old Scholars’ Association crest for the first time.

Reunions in 2014 If you want to attend a reunion please either return the enclosed form or email lucaslj@thebluecoatschool.com Veterans’ Day (free for all members aged over 50 years) – Thursday 5th June, 11am-4pm, meeting in the Board Room in the Viney Building. Lunch and concert included.

Cricket Match (Old Scholars’ team play current staff/parent team in a ‘20/20 over’ match) – Friday 6th June, 6pm. All welcome to spectate. Barbeque for players and registered spectators only. To register, you must contact Lindsay Lucas – please also include an emergency contact number in case the match is cancelled due to bad weather.

School Fête, organised by the Association of Friends, at which the Old Scholars are represented on our stand where we sell Blue Coat memorabilia. Members are invited to update their contact information and receive a free soft drink – Saturday 14th June from midday.

ALERT! CLASS OF 1998 All those who left Blue Coat from YEAR 8 (aged 13) in 1998 (or who had been in that year group who had left aged 11 in 1996) – at the suggestion of your peer, Laura Massey, we are planning a reunion in the Autumn of 2014.

Please contact Lindsay who is co-ordinating the get-together.

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Blue

INTO THE Chapel Report

Opening the same old weather-beaten doors to catch a glimpse of two glowing candles on the altar, the coloured, House flags standing proudly against the Chapel walls, you may think that nothing has changed – but appearances can be deceptive!

The pews are now lined with a new, bright-blue School Hymn Book filled with hymns “Ancient and Modern!” The altar is covered with one of our new altar cloths embroidered with our school motto, “Grow in Grace”.

The solid walls of Chapel have become somewhat “elasticated” in recent years as every age group of our school community makes its way down the Chapel path.

At the end of each term our Pre-Prep children and parents pack the pews and fill the air with music, dance and drama for their end-ofterm Chapel services.

The Sports Hall becomes the new Chapel for our twice-a-year “Whole-school Chapel Assemblies”: Prep and Pre-Prep join forces and “Chapel” takes on a whole new meaning!

The 75th and 80th birthdays of the Chapel were celebrated in style.

Chapel 75 welcomed a visit from Bishop David Urquhart to license our first school Lay Chaplain, Mrs Ruth Elphinston. A birthday lunch gave us the opportunity to thank our Wednesday Chapel speakers for their generous and ongoing ministry to the school.

The Buttons children come looking for Easter eggs left by the Easter Bunny, or bring their teddies for a summer picnic. At Christmas they fill the starlit stable with a full cast of nativity characters and animals.

Chapel life has permeated well beyond the walls and gates of Blue Coat, reaching as far as Zimbabwe, Kyrgyzstan, India, Kenya, South Africa and Tanzania as well as the streets of our own city. Through the generous giving of our school community, we have deepened our friendship with a number of charities – in particular The Salvation Army, The Leprosy Mission, Operation Christmas Child and The Community of Holy Fire. Over the last five years, in partnership with Edgbaston High School for Girls, we have been building a High School for girls in Gokwe, Zimbabwe. Our friendship with Mr Izwi Muyambi and his family have enabled this project to include a visit to Gokwe by Mrs Elphinston and a successful opening of the Logos High School for Girls in January 2013.

We celebrate the end of each school year with services of Thanksgiving and Dedication, laying on the altar items that represent some of the highlights of our learning and achievements throughout the year.

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Buttons Nursery The new Buttons Nursery was finally ready to move into on Tuesday 12th July 2011 – and what a day that was, as it was the day before the end of the Summer Term and the children and staff were full of excitement! We moved in during the summer and started the Autumn Term in there, quickly getting used to our lovely new nursery – a far cry from the old portacabins…

The building was officially opened on Friday 4th November by the Bishop of Birmingham, the Right Reverend David Urquhart.

There are three, light and airy rooms – the Caterpillar Room and the Ladybird Room, where up to 48 children are based, and, connecting them, the Butterfly Room, where art, craft and messy play are enjoyed enthusiastically. This also doubles up as our very own dining room at lunch time and for after-care tea.

There are large, glass folding-doors across all three rooms that open directly onto the outside play-area, where the children are able to enjoy free-flow movement throughout the day. The two, undercover play areas ensure that the children are able to be outside in all weathers.

It is hard to believe we are in our third year already. We are looking forward to welcoming many more children and their families into the Nursery as they start their journey at The Blue Coat School.

Gillian Harris Nursery Manager

New ‘Bissell Building’ In November 2011, Brian Bissell, accompanied by his wife, Jennifer, officially opened the new ‘Bissell Building’ which provides four, purpose-built classrooms as well as extending the existing Art Room. The rooms are used as Year 6 form rooms as well as subject classrooms.

It is clearly a much-appreciated addition to the school, replacing the ‘pre-fabs’ in which I taught for 25 years here at the school! There is also a new, multi-purpose tennis court on-site, replacing the former ‘garages’, and the playground now has new play-equipment akin to an adventure trail. Many buildings have been renamed. It’s been a busy time for development, with the Viney Building (the old ‘Admin Block’) currently the subject of a further redevelopment… watch this space.

Lindsay Lucas (Teacher of English in Prep)

Reverend Jenkins’ Memorial Service On a gloriously sunny Saturday afternoon in March, the Blue Coat community came together to honour the life and service of a man who dedicated 13 years of his life to the school: Reverend John Jenkins.

Reverend Jenkins was School Chaplain from January 1991 until July 2004. During these years he influenced the lives of many and this was evident from the number of people who attended his Memorial Service on Saturday 8th March. Current staff and students, former colleagues, Old Scholars and many friends of the school packed into the School Chapel to celebrate and remember.

As sunlight beamed through the Chapel windows, and flowers bloomed beautifully around the school site, we heard reflections from current headmaster Mr Browning and former colleagues Mrs Hartshorne and Mr Pearce. These fond memories and anecdotes reminded those present of the caring and compassionate man we had

all gathered to commemorate. Antonia Johnson (formerly Nordan) shared stories from former pupils of the impact that Reverend Jenkins had made on their lives.

Particularly touching memories came from current members of staff Miss Drage and Miss Price, who had both been close friends of Reverend Jenkins.

to me whilst at Blue Coat and this is something that I never have and never will forget.

Sam Howells

The well-chosen hymns (starting with the appropriately-Welsh ‘Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer’) were magnificently led by the Chapel Choir, and a selection of prayers, readings and blessings provided the apt religious element to the day.

Following the service, former colleagues and friends were reacquainted in the School Dining Hall where there was an opportunity to sign a Book of Remembrance.

I’m sure I speak on behalf of everyone when I say that it was the greatest pleasure to have known Reverend Jenkins. His kind, empathetic nature was a great comfort

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BEYOND THE

Blue

Interview with Mark Aldred (eldest son of David and Sue Aldred) who left in 1998 aged 11, to attend KE VI Five Ways the following Monday. I now train full time and do some work from home to keep my hand in, so to speak.

When and where did you start rowing and at what stage did you row competitively?

I started rowing at Cambridge University in 2005. Pretty much everyone gives it a go there! I was still mainly concentrating on cross-country running then, but over the course of my time at university rowing gradually took over. Initially, I would row perhaps three times a week. (Now I train 2-3 times a day with a day off every fortnight.)

As part of the Cambridge University lightweight rowing club, there were quite a few inter-college races to get involved with, but I started training and racing “properly” in 2007 as part of the University lightweight rowing club (CULRC) squad. One of my Uni friends, George Blessley, who had rowed at school and was president of CULRC, encouraged me to get involved. I raced Oxford in 2008 (lost) and 2009 (won). [As an aside, I’m a “lightweight” rower, which means that the maximum weight you can race at is 72.5kg, with an average crew weight of 70kg.]

When you moved to London, where did you train?

I trained at London Rowing Club, which is based in Putney and is known for producing lightweight rowers.

When and how were you selected to race for Team GB? Each year there are a series of open selection races (in single sculls) that anyone can attend, culminating in an invite-only regatta in April, where everyone races each other side-by-side. Depending on those results, the top few are selected for more testing on the rowing machine and in crew boats, and all the data is used to select the GB boats. The 2012-2013 season is when I got selected.

Tell us a bit about the events in which you have represented the country in Team GB. I have raced in the lightweight pair (LM2-) at the Dorney and Lucerne World Cup regattas (winning gold at both) and at the

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What are your aspirations/dreams from here in the sport?

To win an Olympic Gold Medal.

World Championships (winning bronze).

My pairs partner was a Scottish lad called Sam Scrimgeour who actually lives down the road from me, so we share lifts out to the training lake each morning. The GB lightweight men coaches are Darren Whiter and Rob Morgan. Each international racing season was three “world cup” regattas and a world championships (or Olympic Games).

The world cups are seen as stepping stones to the world championships, which are the focus of the season. The whole season has been a great success; if someone had told me at the start of the season what would happen I wouldn’t have believed them.

My favourite part was winning in Lucerne (which is a bit of a rowing Mecca).

What qualities and character-traits would you say are crucial to being a member of Team GB? Mental toughness (there is a lot of training, and rowing and racing are physically demanding), and a good sense of humour to get through the tough times!

What is your ‘regular’ job and how does being a member of Team GB impact on your work there?

In the lead up to selection I was working full-time as a patent attorney in London - I took holiday to do the selection races. ‘Work’ were very good to me when I told them I had been selected, and let me go off and row. I was literally working full time on a Friday and then rowing full time

What would have to happen for you to be selected for the 2016 Olympics in Brazil?

Pretty much the same selection process happens in Olympic year, so even though I am now training as part of a nine-man GB squad, we still have to do the selection races. The LM2- is not an Olympic sport, so I would have to do slightly better!

Who has/have been your greatest inspirations/ encouragers throughout?

At London Rowing Club, one of the lightweight rowers (James Lindsay-Fynn) had been world champion, took me under his wing when I joined and mentored me.

He taught me a lot, and even let me borrow his boat until I got my own! My girlfriend, Hannah, is a cox and so understands rowing, and has been very supportive!

What advice would you give to current Blue Coat pupils who have a dream or who are yet to find their passion/talent?

Don’t be shy about giving new things a go: if you work hard at something, anything is possible!

Do you have a blog?

No but I have an underused Twitter account, @mdaldred.

Old Scholars organise the Leavers’ Disco for Year 6 My friends and I entered the transformed School Hall to the sound of loud, crashing music with neon lights flying around the room in the shapes of hearts and flowers. We all knew we would have the time of our lives tonight but we also knew that it would be the last time that we would do that at Blue Coat. We were all very sad to be leaving this wonderful school but excited by the prospect of a fresh start next year. We were all leaving but there will always be a part of us that will stay at Blue Coat. The neon lights were the only illumination in the Hall

and everyone immediately started to dance (well, jump) to the music. We jumped and danced for hours (although it seemed like only a few minutes). I think everyone ended up gulping down at least a whole bottle of the cool, refreshing water that was given to us. One of the last songs was: ‘We are never getting back together’ by Taylor Swift and all the girls held hands in a large circle, singing along at the tops of our voices. Finally the music died down and the disco ended. We ran outside onto the fields for the last time, while the flashes of parents’ cameras whizzed

around us. The sun set on the beautiful grounds just as it set on our memorable time here at The Blue Coat School…

Evie Wynne – Leaver July 2013

Welcome to our new Members in 2013 Shoaib Aftab Seher Ahmed Elise Beecroft Emilia Berry Navraj Bhamra Lily Bradshaw Scarlett Brunning Anusha Chandra-Paisley Sanjana Cherukad Thomas Corbett Celine Dass Saffron Dass Molly Davies Rosa Day Arjan Dhinsa

Nick Draisey Kaela Ferguson Francesca Fernando Emily Geoghegan Freddie Goodrham Claudia Grocutt Michael Heneghan Alexander Hindle Armaani Hussain Charles Iliff Zayn Islam Michael James-Thomas Gaurika Jaswal James Kendall Pavan Khatkar

Arushi Kulshreshtha Luca Laroiya-McCarron Harry McGuirk George Morris Ben Murphy Nikhita Nijjar Aryan Parekh Nina Piotrowska Dylan Poole Isabel Protheroe Haris Rahman Navun Rai Neena Saini Abnash Sian Armaan Singh

Sachin Subramonian Sanjana Sudeshkumar Anil Suglani Rohan Tandon Varsha Thirumalaikumar Avanish Tiwari Shreyas Tiwari Francesca Ward Bradley Williams Madeline Williams Luke Wilson Evie Wynne Usmaan Yaqoob

Veterans’ Day 2013

Members’ News

Veterans’ Day, 6th June 2013, was much earlier than usual. More than 45 members, the oldest in their 90s, took advantage of the perfect weather. Hosts Jeff Holyoake, Eddie Webb and I supported Lindsay in providing the welcome, and over coffee we viewed memorabilia going back to pre-war days. A lovely lunch was provided

by Mark Gladwin and served by Sue Finnegan.

We are always interested in the news of Old Scholars – please do forward your news (plus photos) to Lindsay for possible inclusion in a future magazine.

After lunch, some outstanding young performers put on a concert for us in the Chapel, ending with ‘Jerusalem’. Then pupils showed us around the former boarding houses, now day houses. Our day ended with tea and cake and a group photo outside the Board Room.

The following was sent by Jennie Mallela, who was at Blue Coat from 1978-1988: I thought I’d send you some news. I’m still living in Canberra, Australia, working as a marine biologist looking at the impacts of climate change on coral reefs. My good news, I had a little boy, Tom, in September 2013. I’m currently on maternity leave and we’re enjoying getting to know him. We plan to make a trip back to the UK this summer so that he can meet his UK-based family. Natasha Putnins recently paid us a visit and Jenny Atkinson (Morris) and Sarah Manners will be visiting later this year too. We’ll be based in Birmingham at my parents’ place and would love to see anyone from school. However, anyone passing through Canberra is also welcome too! All the best for 2014, and hopefully I’ll see some school friends this UK summer.

Best wishes, Jennie

Please remember that anyone over the age of 50 can now join the Veterans; 3 new members were welcomed in 2013 and we look forward to many more in 2014.

Doreen Gent

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Scholarship Awards and Examinations Success to Senior Schools 2012–2013 Academic Year – External Scholarships, Exhibitions and Awards In total, 32 awards were offered to Blue Coat School children, reflecting their high performance, but twenty-eight were declined in favour of alternative offers.

Saffron Dass Claudia Grocutt

Edgbaston High School Edgbaston High School

Academic Academic

Luca Laroiya-McCarron Priory School Sanjana Sudeshkumar King Edward VI High School

Academic Academic

Entrance to Senior Schools Shoaib Aftab Seher Ahmed Elise Beecroft Emilia Berry Navraj Bhamra Harjan Boora Lily Bradshaw Scarlett Brunning Anusha Chandra-Paisley Sanjana Cherukad Thomas Corbett Celine Dass Nathaniel Dass Saffron Dass Molly Davies Rosa Day Arjan Dhinsa Nick Draisey Kaela Ferguson Francesca Fernando Emily Geoghegan Freddie Goodrham Claudia Grocutt Michael Heneghan Alexander Hindle Samuel Hope Armaani Hussain Charles Iliff Zayn Islam Michael James-Thomas Gaurika Jaswal William Jones Krishan Kaushal James Kendall Pavan Khatkar

King Edward’s School King Edward VI Handsworth King Edward VI High School for Girls Edgbaston High School King Edward VI Five Ways King Edward VI Five Ways Edgbaston High School for Girls King Edward VI High School for Girls King Edward VI Handsworth King Edward VI Camp Hill for Girls King Edward’s School St Paul’s Roman Catholic School King Edward VI Five Ways Edgbaston High School Edgbaston High School King Edward VI Camp Hill for Girls King Edward’s School King Edward VI Five Ways Manor Church of England Academy, York Edgbaston High School King Edward VI High School Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School Edgbaston High School King Edward’s School King Edward’s School King Edward VI Camp Hill for Boys King Edward VI Five Ways King Edward’s School King Edward VI Five Ways King Edward VI Camp Hill for Boys King Edward VI High School King Edward’s School King Edward’s School King Edward’s School King Edward’s School

Arushi Kulshreshtha Oscar Laight Luca Laroiya-McCarron Iman Mahmood Harry McGuirk George Morris Benjamin Murphy Nikhita Nijjar Aryan Parekh Catherine Perry Nina Piotrowska Dylan Poole Suyash Poshakwale Isabel Protheroe Haris Rahman Navun Rai Neena Saini Vimaldev Sanger Abnash Sian Armaan Singh Mamta Sohal Sachin Subramonian Sanjana Sudeshkumar Anil Suglani Rohan Tandon Varsha Thirumalaikumar Avanish Tiwari Shreyas Tiwari Francesca Ward Bradley Williams Madeline Williams Luke Wilson Evie Wynne Usmaan Yaqoob

King Edward VI High School King Edward’s School Priory School King Edward VI Handsworth King Edward VI Five Ways King Edward VI Five Ways King Edward VI Five Ways Wolverhampton Girls’ High School Solihull School Edgbaston High School Oldbury Academy King Edward’s School King Edward’s School Edgbaston High School Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School St George’s School Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls King Edward VI Camp Hill for Boys King Edward VI Camp Hill for Boys King Edward VI Aston Edgbaston High School King Edward VI Camp Hill for Boys King Edward VI High School King Edward VI Aston King Edward VI Camp Hill for Boys King Edward VI Camp Hill for Girls King Edward VI Five Ways Handsworth Grammar School King Edward VI High School King Edward VI Camp Hill for Boys King Edward VI High School King Edward’s School King Edward VI Camp Hill for Girls King Edward’s School

The Editors and Publisher of True Blue take no responsibility for the accuracy and content of the articles contained within this publication Similarly, the Editors and Publisher take no responsibility for the quality of the photographs and their subsequent reproduction within this publication.

Designed and produced by Kablooie Creative www.kablooiecreative.co.uk Photograph reproduced by kind permission of Gillman and Soame

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