Bilton Grange Record 2011 - 2012 by Rebecca Bantoft

Bilton Grange

RECORD 2011-2012

SCHOLARSHIPS 2012 Ella Davenport – Academic Scholarship & Music Scholarship to Uppingham Juliet Smith – Honorary Academic Scholarship to Rugby School Amelia Tarrant – Top Academic Scholarship (Hesse) & Sports Scholarship to Repton Lottie Mann – Academic Scholarship to Princethorpe Skylar Martle – Music Scholarship to Rugby, Choral Exhibition to Repton Tabitha Churchill – All-rounder Scholarship to Oakham Harry Cash – Sports Scholarship to Stamford School, Sports Scholarship to Denstone College Milo Lakin – Sports Scholarship to Millfield Ollie Rogerson – Sports Scholarship to Rugby School Hugo Swaby – Sports Scholarship to Rugby School Jacob-Hardy King – Design Technology Scholarship to Oakham JoJo Stanton – CB Fry Exhibition to Repton Mathew Nobes – All-rounder Scholarship to Princethorpe

HEADMASTER’S REPORT THE HEADMASTER’S SPEECH AT PRIZE GIVING – JULY 2012 just three things – playing croquet; punching a political heckler on the nose, and a third that fell victim to Mrs Kirk’s editor’s pen last evening. I think I heard Mrs Kirk mutter that, given the choice, surely most women would prefer to be punched by Mr Prescott. I fear that I shall only ever be remembered for winding my wife up at Prize Giving.

Chairman, Governors, Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls,

But let me not be too smug, since I know that not all schoolmasters are paragons of virtue. (Now that’s got my colleagues sitting up listening). I received a letter from the daughter of a former BG teacher who sadly died last year. This lady explained that her father was known for playing practical jokes whilst a teacher here. Apparently, in the days before all this Health & Safety, her father and another master used to go down into the secret passages beneath the main school building. Now, our children will have heard about those secret passages but, of course, never been in – as far as I know. Apparently, one of the favourite tricks of those two masters was to go down into the underground passages on a Saturday evening and start wailing underneath the library floor when the boarders were watching a ghostly film in the library above them. How childish is that, boys and girls? The lady in question expressed the hope that things hadn’t changed too much. Writing back, I had to point out that, no, things really haven’t improved much at all in that respect, except that these days it’s the wailing of the Headmaster’s Labrador puppy that scares the boarders and wakes the boarding girls up rather early each morning – sorry girls.

You know I really rather enjoy Prize Giving, mostly because I love seeing the children’s achievements being recognised. I vividly remember Prize Giving last year, partly because a leaving dad explained to me at the tea party afterwards, that he regarded Prize Giving speeches as simply Divine. I’ve heard them called all sorts of things before, but never Divine. He went on to explain, because God only knows when they are going to end. But, be assured, as Henry VIII said to his wives – “I won’t keep you long.” And so I hope you might be pleasantly surprised by the brevity of this afternoon’s proceedings. A 5th Form boy was talking to Mrs Kirk early this term about our little bit of news. “Oh Mrs Kirk, I am so sad you are both leaving. First it was Mr Tollit, then Mr Morris, now Mr Kirk. The place is just falling to pieces!” Nice to know that I have one fan, even if he is a little misguided on that one.

So much for teachers, but what about our wonderful children? Well they have been just as engaging, honest and entertaining as ever, and it is good to know that we really are bringing them up in the real world, inculcating a pleasing degree of common sense and a real appreciation of perspective. Our children do seem to have both feet firmly on the ground, you’ll be pleased to hear, mums and dads. When asked by a prospective parent during an Open Morning tour what the food at Bilton Grange is really like, the 6th Form guide apparently looked our visitor straight in the eye and replied – “Oh, it’s really not too bad at all. You know, they do the best with what they’ve got.” Actually, I must just add that our current 6th Form children are some of the best salespeople we have ever had here, another very useful skill for life, and I’m grateful for the large number of prospective parents they have signed up this year.

Curiously, the job of Headmaster was a topic of conversation over lunch with the 4th Form at the end of last year, well before our news was announced. “Mr Kirk, we are all a bit puzzled. Can you tell us exactly what it is that a Headmaster does all day”, asked a rather mystified boy with what I took to be genuine curiosity. I responded, as I usually do, by answering their question with a question and so I asked my lunch companions how they thought a Headmaster might spend his time. “Mmm, that’s a hard one, Mr Kirk, that’s tougher than Mr Nicholson’s Maths prep”. There was a pause. “Sorting paper”, said one boy – oh, yes, if only you knew how much paper gets sorted, boys and girls. “Showing people around the school”, suggested another. Indeed, well done, children. “Walking black Labradors around the grounds?”, offered another. “Watching tv”, was yet another suggestion. “Going to Barbados on sports tours”, from yet another. There was another pause - “I think I want to be a Headmaster, said one of the other children, it sounds really cool.” Well, yes, it does have its moments, children, and there are one or two perks.

But what of the children’s many achievements this past year? As always, they are too numerous to recite, but a special mention this afternoon must go to our Scholars, and I single out Amelia Tarrant’s top Academic Scholarship to Repton, Ella Davenport’s Academic Scholarship to Uppingham and Juliet Smith’s Academic Scholarship to Rugby when she is a full year younger than the other candidates, a quite extraordinary achievement. I also congratulate all the winners of senior school awards in music, sport, DT and all-rounder scholarships. I must also mention all our Common Entrance candidates, winning places at the senior schools of their choice, with a special mention to Harry Kesterton for winning Rugby School’s Mathematics prize, Holly Mansell for jointly winning Rugby School’s Physics prize and Elian Malkin for winning a starred entry to Eton. Not surprising that the country’s best senior schools were queuing up down the Rugby Road for our Senior Schools’ Fair in February, over 30 of them, jostling for the most prominent position in our Gallery. I nearly had to call on

I understand I received a compliment this year from a boy I had been trying to help solve a particularly tricky Maths puzzle. Apparently, on the way home from school, his mum asked him about our session, to which he replied – “Would you believe it, mum, Maths was fun, and I learnt something. You know, Mum, Mr Kirk is really wasted as a Headmaster, he should be a Maths teacher.” Oh, how children see straight through you. But at this curious stage of one’s career, one begins to wonder what one might be remembered for after all, probably without really wishing to know. I recall a certain John Prescott, a politician for 30 plus years, who got all the way to Deputy Prime Minister, although heaven knows how, but in the end Mr Prescott was remembered for

that former Prop Forward, Mr de Bruin, to restore order. These days, I am even more certain that your children really are in demand by those senior schools, and if one tracks the progress of Old Biltonians currently at senior schools, it is easy to see why.

all on our toes with his attention to detail, mathematical and other, and has also given freely of his time on the games field and as a highly respected 6th Form Tutor these last few years. We thank him for all that he has done for us and wish him well in the future.

Our music has given me particular pleasure this year, with many concerts of the highest quality and the re-emergence of ensembles, and I thank this afternoon’s musicians, and Mr Gorick, once again, for entertaining us. And on the subject of creative arts, I hope you got the opportunity to see the Art Exhibition in the Gallery last weekend, which I thought was quite outstanding.

Miss Melia has been an English teacher here for some 8 years, during which time she has made a lasting impression on so many children as a creative, exciting and inspiring teacher of the highest calibre. Miss Melia, i/c Wild Wednesdays and Super Saturdays, leaves with her family for their paradise in New Zealand, where she will also be able to indulge her passion for the outdoors as well as continuing to inspire children in the classroom. Not one to hang around, I understand Miss Melia and family fly out tomorrow evening and she starts her new job next week. We thank her for all that she has done and wish her and her family every success and happiness.

Every now and again, one is privileged to watch exceptionally talented sports teams and individuals and athletes, and this year has given us plenty of those. I congratulate our U13 Girls’ Netball team for its performance at the IAPS finals, winning the bronze medal, our U13 Boys’ County and Midlands Hockey champions, IAPS semi-finalists, finishing 4th in the National Championships for all schools in the country. Our Under 11 boys won the Rugby School Rugby 7s and were National runners-up in Hockey, and became County and Midlands champions. Quite extraordinary, even by BG’s high standards. I have hugely enjoyed 4th and 6th Form plays and Pre-Prep productions with a special mention for last evening’s 6th Form Performance and the Year 2 and 3 summer performance in the outdoor classroom in the woods last week, quite special. Talking of the outdoors, I know how much the children have enjoyed and benefited from our recent focus on outdoor education in our wonderful school grounds, camp fires, den building, Wild Wednesdays and adventure trips to the hills and Ru’a Fiola. (For the avoidance of doubt, Wild Wednesdays are Miss Melia’s Wednesday activity in the Wild gardens, in case you had jumped to another conclusion, mums and dads). I also thank my colleagues for organising French Day, a bit of a legend these days with its own version of “Allo Allo”. Mums and dads, you don’t know what you’re missing. Thank you, staff, for 1887 Day, Greeks’ Day, Trips to Oxford, London, Barbados, Synagogues, Gurdwaras, Mosques, Skern Lodge, Jersey, Harvington Hall and Bosworth – the list goes on. I am also delighted that recruiting children is going so well – we have recruited 11 extra children since the start of the September term 2011 and we have higher boarding numbers now than for very many years, confirming the success of BG boarding. I confidently predict that there will be a significant increase in the school roll in September 2012, certainly 12 more than last September, bucking the trend around the country. Very pleasing, and a fine tribute to all that goes on here, and to the work of our Registrar, in particular. The huge support that you, mums and dads, gave us in the Inspectors’ questionnaire in November has done us no harm at all, and I thank you for that, a higher satisfaction rating than our Inspectors had ever seen. Inevitably, our talented teachers will be lured away, as they further their careers, and having Bilton Grange on your cv is a powerful statement these days. This afternoon we thank Mrs Sale for all she has done for us in running our science department these past two years, and acknowledge the very high standards she has brought to the role. We wish her well as she prepares to take on the stiff challenge of running a girls’ boarding house at Rugby and we look forward to keeping in touch.

Mr Gater is leaving Pre-Prep for a position of responsibility at West House School. We thank Mr Gater, a very gifted teacher, for a wonderful contribution to our younger children, who greatly appreciate his sense of humour, his commitment and care. I thank Mr White who has taught in both Prep and Pre-Prep departments and who has also inspired our Chess players. We wish him well. Miss Milne also leaves us to take up her teaching post at Warminster School. I thank her for all she has given to her old Prep School, and she leaves, I think, with all her sporting records intact from her days as a pupil here. Last, but not least, Mrs Morris has had the job of looking after our lovely Pugin library, something that she has done with care and affection for several years. I thank Mrs Morris for encouraging and guiding the children in the library and wish her well as she moves to Bishop’s Stortford to join Mr Morris in his exciting new job. We wish the Morris family well. Finally, I would like to thank a number of people, starting with the teaching staff. I thank them for inspiring the children to all those achievements I have just mentioned and so many more, but I also thank them for their support, their hard work, their dedication and their selfless devotion to our school. Without them, it just wouldn’t work. I thank my Deputy, Mr Piper, and my hard-working, loyal Senior Management Team for an enormous amount of hard work, looking at all aspects of school life, always seeking ways to make things better. I also single out for special thanks my PA, Mrs Campbell, our Finance and Administration Manager, Mrs Threadgold, the Admin staff in the Bursary, our Registrar, Mrs Bantoft, our Receptionists, as well as our wonderful Senior Nurse and Team of Matrons, Shop Manageress, caterers, cleaners, grounds and maintenance staff. You all play such an important part in the lives of our children. I must also record my thanks to Mrs Kirk for all she does for Bilton Grange in all sorts of ways. I thank the many parents and others who support us in all kinds of ways, from the Trustees of the Bilton Grange Foundation, our fund-raising arm that works so hard to provide us with those special gifts, to the FAB, and in particular its outgoing Chair, Mrs Dolly Roberts. Thank you for all your hard work and support. We really do appreciate it. Thank you very much for listening.

Thank you to Mr McGrellis, for his 8 years’ service to BG, firstly as Housemaster and Head of Mathematics. Mr McGrellis has kept us

JPK

PRIZES & AWARDS 2012 THE FOLLOWING PRIZES WERE AWARDED:

Common Entrance Special Award

Headmaster’s Distinction Award – Jacob Hardy-King, Harry Higgins, Alexander Masefield, Ollie Rogerson

Rugby School Mathematics Prize – Harry Kesterton Rugby School Physics Prize – Holly Mansell

Academic Awards

The Arts Prizes

JG Fawcus Classics Prize – Ella Davenport Fawcus/Hewitt Modern Languages & Day Mathematics Prize – Juliet Smith Veit English Prize – Harry Kesterton Eaton History Prize – Miranda Kember Geography Project Prize & Millinger Religious Education Prize – Amelia Tarrant Harrison Science Prize – Elian Malkin Best Overall Performance in Common Entrance – Elian Malkin & Holly Mansell Form Attainment 6M Holly Mansell 6N Jack Harwood 6S William Manners 5dB Toby Cripps 5J Henry Mayhew 5S George Jackson 4C Marcus Tarrant 4H Ralph Bewicke-Copley 4M Theo Davenport 3T William Hardman 3V Sam Whittaker 3W Toby Henderson JDRN Tommy Ogilvie JJB Alice Jackson

Howells Music Prize & Ritchie Singing Prize – Skylar Martle Wilkinson Choir Prize (Senior) – Anastasia de Clermont Adams Cup for Most Improved Junior Chorister – Alice Jacques Massey Instrumental Prize – Ella Davenport Hamo Vernon Music Prizes Class 1 – Jamie Marshall Class 2 – George Jackson Class 3 – Matthew White

Effort Zoe Summers Olivia Baker Henri Wood Jonathan Hutson Hamish Brodie Charlotte Franklin Imogen Blackhall Kitty Porter John Bewicke-Copley Amelia Trotter Sean Tobin Karla Hoggarth Bea Mitchell Sam Evans

Wilkinson Acting Prize Senior – Jack Harwood Junior – Harry Mitchell The Farnham Art Prize – Florence Stanley The Drawing Prize – Tabitha Churchill The Burgham Trophy (Design Technology) – Jacob Hardy-King The Owl Trophy Creative Writing Competition 6th Form – Elian Malkin 5th Form – Anastasia de Clermont 4th Form – Archie Simpson 3rd Form – Henry King Juniors – John-Henry Marwood-Frisby

Other Prizes

Boys’ Hockey Senior Champion (Moore Hockey Trophy) – Ollie Rogerson Most Improved Senior – Carlos Ribas Junior Champion (Vartan Hockey Cup) – Marcus Tarrant & Noah Martle Most Improved Junior – Ollie Park Senior Section (Wells Cup) – Wellington Junior Section – Churchill Rounders Senior Champion (Bailey Cup) – Amelia Tarrant Most Improved Senior (Williams Trophy) – Olivia Baker Junior Champion (Offord Cup) – Kaitlin Mackintosh and Lily Simpson Most Improved Junior – Elisa Pool & Anna Riddington-Gale Senior Section – Nelson Junior Section – Mountbatten

Seed of Discovery Science Prize (Most Improved Scientist) – James Eggleston Nicola Waller Prize for Improvement – Harry Smith & Griff Roberts Radley Cup for Sustained Effort in Learning Development – Chloe Degnan Linda Clarke Junior Learning Development Trophy – Karla Hoggarth Lancaster Citizenship Award – Christopher Thomas Hawkesley Incentive Bowl – William Sturrock Gerstenberg Award for the Top Overseas Pupil – Carlos Ribas The Brian Hedley Awards Outstanding Junior Girl – Alice Jackson Outstanding Junior Boy – Tommy Ogilvie Outstanding 3rd Form Girl – Georgina Jones Outstanding 3rd Form Boy – Sam Whittaker

Cricket Carter Cup (All rounder) – Harry Cash Pugh Trophy (Highest Score) – Ollie Rogerson (78 v Stamford) John Fawcus Cricket Prize – Hugo Swaby Pragnell Cup (Fielding) – George Willmott Junior Champion (Workman Trophy) – Harry Mitchell & Mathew Nobes The Most Improved Junior – Alex Roberts Senior Section (Haynes Cup) – Wellington Junior Section – Churchill

The de Morpurgo Prizes for: Outstanding 4th Form Girl – Kitty Porter Outstanding 4th Form Boy – Ralph Bewicke-Copley Outstanding 5th Form Girl – Anastasia de Clermont Outstanding 5th Form Boy – Alexey Kapustin Gimson Project Prizes 3rd Form – Jordan Haywood 4th Form – Henry Perks, Ben Seaman Bilton Cup Winners Individual Michaelmas 2011 A F Tarrant 849 pts Lent 2012 A F Tarrant 837 pts Summer 2012 A F Tarrant 834 pts

Athletics Senior Boys’ Individual Standards (Goldson Cup) – Milo Lakin & Hugo Swaby Senior Girls’ Individual Standards (Eaton Athletics Cup) – Amelia Tarrant Middle Boys’ Individual Standards – Noah Martle Middle Girls’ Individual Standards – Georgina Woodward Junior Boys’ Individual Standards – Sam Whittaker Junior Girls’ Individual Standards – Abbey Parkin Section Standards (Hewitt Cup) – Nelson

Section Winners Wellington 603 pts Churchill 574 pts Mountbatten 570 pts

Sports Prizes Netball Senior Champion (Bailey Cup) – Amelia Tarrant Most Improved Senior (Williams Trophy) – Miranda Kember Junior Champion (Glass Cup) – Lily Simpson Most Improved Junior – Maria Rodko Senior Section (Hyde-Thomson Cup) – Wellington Junior Section – Mountbatten

Swimming Senior Boy (Kaye Championship Cup) – Thomas Hardman Senior Girl (Macfarlane Cup) – Ella Davenport Middles Boy (Chance Cup) – Marcus Tarrant Middles Girl (Chance Cup) – Imogen Blackhall Junior Boy (Wateridge Junior Championship) – William Hoggarth Junior Girl (Gordon Cup) – Alice Jackson Senior Section (Heath Cup) – Nelson Junior Section – Nelson Adventure Training Tellwright Mountaineering Trophy – James Eggleston

Rugby Senior Champion (Vartan Trophy) – Oliver Jacques Most Improved Senior – Christopher Thomas Junior Champion (Hudman Trophy) – George Barber & Noah Martle Most Improved Junior – Alex Jackson Senior Section (Ross Cup) – Wellington Junior Section – Churchill

Squash Stoddart Cup – Wellington

Girls’ Hockey Senior Champion (Bailey Cup) – Henri Wood Most Improved Senior (Williams Trophy) – Holly Mansell Junior Champion (Oliver Cup) – Kitty Porter Most Improved Junior – Maria Rodko Senior Section (Matthews Plate) – Nelson Junior Section – Nelson

All Round Sport Vartan Cup for Sportsmanship (Girls) – Henri Wood Murphy Cup for Sportsmanship (Boys) – Oliver Jacques Harris Cup (Girls) – Amelia Tarrant John Lees Cup (Boys) – Hugo Swaby & Ollie Rogerson

IN AND AROUND SCHOOL

Ancient Greek Day With temperatures hotter than Athens, togas and sandals were very suitable items of clothing for the Juniors to wear as they took part in an Ancient Greek Day full of exciting activities. Learning about this amazing era, they took part in a play, learned about the myth of the Minotaur, recorded two songs, held a democratic debate, met a Spartan Hoplite, completed a quiz and took part in the tough Spartan Agoge.

French Day L’assemblee francaise, with Ned Mitchell chairing the proceedings, began with a musical performance by Jamie Marshall, George Jackson and Henry Mayhew. 3T sang in French ‘La machine a laver’, which was followed by the 4th Form performing a sketch entitled ‘La Meteo’. A group of 5th Form girls sang the famous song ‘La Mer’ by Charles Trenet, and then the 3rd Form concluded with their very own script of ‘Allo, Allo’. Milk Break was transformed into a ‘Café Francais’, with the whole school sunning themselves in the Quad with croissants and pain au chocolats served by the 5th Form. Gallic gastronomy continued with a fine ‘l’ordre du jour’ at lunchtime: boeuf bourguignon and tarte au citron washed down by something very sensible! Madame Williams’ colonisation of BG was successful and civilised indeed…

Kenya Day During the Lent term, the 3rd Form pupils were able to experience Kenya in the classroom. A talk and hands-on presentation was delivered by Action Aid and the pupils were able to understand what life was like in Kenya for the Maasai and for those who live in the Kibera, a shanty settlement outside Nairobi. The children learnt much about Kenya, and studied the foods that they eat and the jobs that they do.

Newspaper Day Mission: to create a front page for a local newspaper in one hour in groups of five (from which an editor, designer, sub-editor and journalists must be chosen). This task has been set at the end of the summer term for the 5th Form in previous years; each year different skills and emotions have been brought to the fore. There have been tantrums, tears and laughter in the past, but this year showed our 5th Form to be mature, considerate, and able to work well within a group not of their choosing – all vital skills for life.

Rainforests Day During the Summer term, the 4th Form pupils were visited by Sue Melvin, on behalf of Action Aid, who gave a talk on what it is like to live in the Amazonian Rainforest where she works in a village called ‘Pueblos de Las Palmeras y Yanamono’ in Peru. The pupils learnt about the food, the animals and how the River Amazon is essential to every part of daily life. After break, the 4th Form produced pictures which were traditional to the Rainforest using wax crayons.

CHRISTMAS & FUNDRAISING

Christmas FAB set the ball rolling for the end of term festivities with another highly successful Christmas Fair which showcased some wonderful arts and crafts from around the area. For many, the highlight was the Christmas Ball in which 350 children and parents in black tie transformed the Gallery and Pugin Library into a stunning Hogwarts-esque banqueting hall, with dancing for all in the dining room afterwards. Both prep and pre-prep departments enjoyed full scale Christmas lunches, with the deputy headmaster leading a rather raucous rendition of the twelve days of Christmas from very enthusiastic children. A few days later, Rugby School Chapel hosted the Carol Service and new Director of Music, James Gorick, was able to showcase the wonderful talent on offer, and the great strides already made under his leadership.

£7,000 was raised directly through the children via 15 different events, ranging from “Wear Something Purple Day” (Turner Syndrome) and “Jeans for Genes” Day to “Walk for Water” and the “Shoebox Appeal”. Money was raised for local, national and international charities including Hope4 (supporting the homeless in Rugby) and Zoe’s Place (supporting a baby hospice in Coventry) to Motivation UK (improving mobility for wheelchair users) and Future Hope, India (improving the lives of street children in Kolkata). In particular we thank Vicky Green-Armytage and Griff Roberts for mobilising so many of their friends to bake cakes, organise nail painting, set up lucky dips and, moreover, get everyone dressed up!

Fundraising The term “The Big Society” may still be fought over by political parties but, here at BG, Social Impact is booming. Our children, by definition, are privileged, but we want them to recognise their responsibilities and work out how they can use their position and contacts to benefit those around them. We hope that they are fully aware of their place as global citizens, and that some of the seeds sown here may encourage our pupils to be leaders in philanthropy in the future.

The Summer Fair highlighted some extraordinary entrepreneurship by the children. With the theme being “125 Years”, the children had 90 minutes on Commemoration Day to raise as much money as they could for charity. The children were given ownership of their own wacky ideas and raised a staggering £1312 before the heavens opened.

On top of the impressive fundraising that FAB organises, well over

Jubilee The sun was shining, the bunting flapped gently in the breeze, and the playground was decked in red, white and blue for the Pre-Prep Jubilee celebration. It was the perfect celebration that started with Pre-Prep singing the national anthem before tucking into a jubilee feast prepared by the catering team. After lunch and some quiet time in the shade, the children came back out for fun games and activities laid on by Mr Brindley and all the Pre-Prep teachers. In teams with children from all year groups, they enjoyed everything from Welly Wanging to Hoopla. A happy day that created memories the children and staff will treasure for many years.

Olympic Torch The Olympic Torch came to Dunchurch, and the whole school, together with guests from The Grange Primary School in Daventry, went to join the crowds to see the Torch pass through. There was a brilliant atmosphere in the village and the school had ringside seats! As the excitement mounted, the torch eventually came through, carried by Leonardo Cologna from Milan, who had been chosen for all his work with victims of the Italian earthquake. All the children had a great view of the torch, and were thrilled to have been part of this little piece of Olympic history.

1887 Day To celebrate the 125th anniversary of Bilton Grange, the school went back to a very different type of school day. Taken straight from the Victorian school rules, all the children and staff came in full Victorian Dress to see how previous Bilton Grange pupils were educated. There is still so much about an education at Bilton Grange that remains the same as 125 years ago. Climbing trees, enjoying the wild gardens, the day starting with chapel – but in other ways, from co-education to interactive whiteboards, the education of today is very different. In fact, the children put aside traditional Victorian discipline and learning by rote and showed off their independent learning skills. With very little direction from their teachers they used all sorts of modern multimedia to research, present, dramatise, sing and film whatever they wanted about was happening at BG and around the world in 1887. The 5th Form produced their very own scrapbook re-enacting old photos of BG children that had been found in the school’s archive room and the 4th Form used iPads to create video diaries of famous inventors and inventions from the period. The Juniors studied the Empire, and the 3rd Form recreated Victorian games and a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party! Thus, a very modern day, but very much in touch with our 1887 forebears, especially with gruel served at lunch time!

BOARDING NEWS - BOYS

It has been a celebratory year in which the School acknowledged its 125th Anniversary of “educating and inspiring” while the country delighted in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

the dinner to be served that evening happened to be halal chicken – marvellous. Alas, couched in the flowery language of international, if not ecumenical, diplomacy I had to inform him that it was wrapped in ham! Trying to explain this raised more questions than it answered but, as he is joining us next year, the boy was not unduly affected by the issue.

Swept up by the anticipation and now, post the event, the appreciation of the Olympic Games, I find that there are parallels to be drawn between the Olympiad and the boarding year.

In the current financial climate, respective experts predicted that boarding would suffer, yet the boarding numbers increased to exceed last year’s record and London 2012 set the benchmark for future games. They may have had an issue with some empty seats but on certain nights there were few or no empty beds in the house.

One phrase above all that has been widely used seems to be a shared ambition - the desire to provide a meaningful legacy and inspire young people in an environment rich in spirit, offering the values of friendship and inclusion.

London 2012 had the Opening Ceremony while, for outlandish splendour and choreographed mayhem, we had our uproarious Halloween party. In my search for a costume I tried on a tight fitting skeleton suit which proved to be scary for all the wrong reasons and was a little outside my, and I suspect everyone else’s, comfort zone.

Both boarding house and Olympic Organising Committee welcomed a diverse international gathering, which were helped to settle and integrate effectively into their respective communities – the athletes’ village and the boarding house. All steps to accommodate and celebrate religious and cultural differences were taken. However, as is my wont, I like to recount the quirky events of the year. One such was the arrival at short notice of a Muslim boy for a boarding taster night. With due deference for his needs, I was informed that

While the I.O.C. govern the Olympics, we had an inspection by I.S.I. who were also suitably impressed. Our laudable ‘Games Makers’ are the matrons, working tirelessly, often unseen ensuring the smooth running of the house. My gratitude too for the help and support of the volunteer boarding tutors.

The pleasure derived by the children from the many and varied activities and trips throughout the year can never be adequately demonstrated by a list, although its contents serve to acknowledge the thanks due for the earnest endeavours of the people that made them all possible: Drayton Manor; Gaydon Motor Museum; cinema; bowling; ice skating; Snow Dome; Christmas shopping; Christmas Ball; Secret Santa; Birmingham Christmas Markets; Coventry Ice-hockey; ceramic painting; climbing wall; Water World; Cadbury World; Quasar; Crazy Golf; Hatton Country World; Disc Golf; Butterfly Farm and a Maize Maze. This of course does not include all of the diverse and eclectic evening activities that have also enriched the boarders’ lives. On one of the few sunny weekends we had a welcome return of the sport of ‘sliding on soapy plastic sheets’ which, despite its excitement and drama, is unlikely to make it into the Olympics. This year the ever popular 4th Form boarding trial was held over a weekend which gave us and the children a new perspective on the experience – not least the need for a 53-seater coach to go out on the Sunday trip to cater for the large numbers. A particularly wet spell of weather put paid to a repeat end of year camping trip to the Peak District. Not daunted by this, we had an enjoyable Saturday evening of bowling and a late dinner at Frankie & Benny’s. Setting off early on the Sunday morning, we were still able to have a pleasurable, if wet and windy time cycling the Tissington Trail. Not quite able to emulate the success of Team GB at the Velodrome, there were moments of delight tinged with disappointment - a prerequisite for the next time we go is to ensure that all the children can actually ride a bike! The informality and celebratory mood of the Closing Ceremony was matched by our traditional last night’s nocturnal aquatic antics. The final word, as always, belongs to our leavers - including our longest serving full boarder of five years. What is our legacy to them and indeed theirs to the boarding house? I hope it continues to be a symbiotic relationship of mutual benefit and inspiration. That they will have the confidence to become the person they aspire to be will be our legacy and the vibrant boarding community that they have helped to develop is theirs. Last year, I closed by mentioning the Bilton Song and it seems apt to reference this again as we say farewell to our leavers: “When we are gone, long gone, And the web of the world has entwined us…” It is ironic to think that when this song was written there would have been no concept of the worldwide web that allows us all to stay connected even though, the boys are gone, long gone. DMS

BOARDING NEWS - GIRLS

As we come to the close of the summer term, I look back at what has been achieved and what fun we have had along the way.

We have done the usual trips to the cinema and bowling which everyone enjoys, and it has been nice to be able to take all the full boarders out for a meal and celebrate Georgina Smith’s birthday on the final weekend of term. Unfortunately we were unable to camp this year in the Peak District, but instead, we were up early on Sunday, lunches packed and off to the Tissington trail for a great day of cycling. Fingers crossed the weather smiles on us next summer.

The girls’ house has burst at the seams over the year with girls banging on the door to come and stay. What more can a Housemistress ask for but a happy, full house?

My favourite moments this year have been out on the Lawns playing with the children. In the January term, snowball fights on the way back from church; and water slides on the Lawns in the summer combine memorable, happy times - staff and children all enjoying water in different forms throughout the year!

As we say goodbye and good luck to all the 6th Form girls, it is with a few tears in my eyes that they leave. I am sure they will go on to their new schools and have as much fun as they did here. I wish them all good luck for the future. Back at BG I look back over the activities we have done and I am amazed at the places we have been and activities we have completed. I never thought I would see Mr Searle so focussed on a mug, painting his own design. It has been lovely to have used all of those mugs for hot chocolate over the year. Water world was another great trip: five hours in a pool sliding down water slides and enjoying chips in swimsuits and trunks. My hardest task that day was getting the children out of the pool and back on the minibus. All the girls requested another trip there.

Christmas brought with it the wonderful Christmas Ball. Dresses had been thought about all term and hair styles designed. We were very lucky to have “Mops” come in for the evening and do the girls’ hair which allowed everyone to relax. Some parents came to see the girls before our entrance into the ball, down the Pugin staircase. What a lovely sight they all were. Sparkling dresses and hair all done beautifully, it was amazing to see the transformation from uniformed girls to young ladies. Now all we need to do is prepare for next year. Hallowe’en allowed us to decorate the dining room and create a great party for the children who really took costumes to a new level.

With buckets of ‘sick’ and ‘guts’ all lined up, doughnuts hanging from the ceiling and lots of pumpkins to carve; the night was a great success. The 4th Form trial boarders’ weekend saw the 4th Form dorm overflowing with girls which really livened things up. Our trip that weekend was disc golf where the girls learnt how to throw a disc correctly and aim at targets around a complex course. Much fun was had with discs flying in different directions and many missing targets but still having fun. On our return to school, fun was had on the Lawns, while staff and helpful gap students cooked supper on the barbeque - burgers and hot dogs being the order of the day. It really was a fun-filled weekend and week with many children hoping to return the following year into the boarding houses. At the end of my second summer at Bilton Grange, I have seen the house come alive with girls and more faces than we have had before. I look forward to seeing even more in the years to come. FCJ

WORSHIP ON WEDNESDAY

WoW! - It’s Genesis! WoW! (Worship on Wednesday) was an idea dreamt up after my first year at BG many years ago. All too often the children thought chapel was boring and I wanted to change their minds. Whilst attending an RE course I had to draw a symbol of what I thought the children’s views were on ‘Religion’ and what we wanted it to be. I drew a broken pair of spectacles in the first box and a trendy pair of shades in the second. I wanted the children to think of faith as an essential and hip part of their lives, not just something they peered into every now and again. To try and achieve this transformation I organised a questionnaire for the whole school. Their responses underlined my own view that the children needed to see the relevance of Christianity as well as hearing about it. Ezekiel was very demonstrative in getting his message across and Jesus did this by telling stories to which the people could relate and demonstrated it through his miracles. Whilst I was and am unable to perform miracles, I have sought to make the teaching point of each WoW! as visual and interactive as possible. It has been a great privilege to see the transformation as the children now look forward to WoW! and pester me throughout the week, asking to take part in the activities. Young minds have opened and have had an expectancy that afforded me the opportunity to sow the seeds of faith.

This year WoW! was more mysterious than ever - for a start, Mogs failed to show up for most of the Michaelmas term and instead a whole heap of his relatives turned up to take the school through the 10 Commandments. Grandpa Mogs had to deal with coveting rioters, Shantell gossipped about gossiping, Mr Mogtivator motivated us all to do a shoebox (and reminded everyone that men over a certain age shouldn’t be seen in lycra) whilst Inspector Mogs had to solve a murder. Finally Mogs did turn up as the mogsters told the Christmas story and showed how even Jesus honoured his Father by coming to Earth for us all. The final four Commandments - which are the first four in the bible were duly tackled in Mogs’ last term at BG, as he and the Mogsters showed that the first Commandment is in fact a summary of the other nine, whilst his faith was demonstrated in a trick that saw him narrowly miss being spiked by three large nails - which left the Health and Safety officials sweating on the edge of their seats! WoW!’s final installment was an enactment of the biblical truth, ‘you reap what you sow’ - which actually was a cover for staff present and past to get their own back on all that Mogs had inflicted in the previous 15 years. It was a holy mess as even the Headmaster joined in by planting a pie in Mogs’ face... with great relish I hasten to add! IMM

DRAMA

Drama at BG must be synonymous with Mr Morris – he has staged innumerable productions over 16 years and maintained a fine dramatic tradition at the school, the envy of prep schools up and down the country. From the 6th Formers performing ‘Henry V’ in the Shakespeare Schools’ Festival in October, through to the Junior Play ‘Ancient Greece: the Musical’ in November, this was a busy year for the children. As well as drama lessons in the curriculum and plenty of hamming it up on stage in WoW!, there was a special production for the 4th Form, written by Mr Morris, that celebrated the 125th anniversary of the school at Bilton Grange, ‘The mysterious Beau Grange and disappearance of Bert Gill & Van Sully’ (something to delight the hordes of OBs who had been begging for more Gilbert and Sullivan). To finish the year, the 6th Form took to the stage again with a production of the musical, ‘Return to the Forbidden Planet’ directed by Mrs Vinsome in the three weeks after CE. Drama is aptly named, for it’s not just what happens during the performance that’s Drama, but so much more than that is the drama that happens during the rehearsal process. Despite the fears of every production team, each time the BG cast proved the age old adage that “It’ll be alright on the night”!

Their slick entrances and appearances from amongst the other cast members ensured that the story flowed. And finally, after all the battles were done (a health and safety nightmare as hockey sticks and cricket bats were swung through the air… in slow motion I hasten to add) the peace was won. A regal Sky Martle played the French queen whilst it was an innocent and playful princess Katherine (Henri Wood) who captured Henry’s heart, much to the delight of her maid Alice (Olivia Baker).

Henry V, Shakespeare Schools Festival. On October VIIth the VI Form performed Henry V after IV weeks of frenetic rehearsals, joining with III other schools II make I memorable night of Shakespeare at the Belgrade theatre in Coventry. Thirty one of our cohort took their places on stage and each played their part enthusiastically. The 15th Century struggle between England and France was set during World War II, Henry’s V being reimagined as the ‘V for Victory’. Hence the play began with a Dad’s Army troop of eager but ill-equipped soldiers marching onto stage armed with a collection of battered old hockey sticks and cricket bats. Prologue done, a bombing raid saw the troops swing into action whilst secure in a bunker behind, Henry and his advisors planned strategy and tactics. Amidst the falling bombs two clergy (Tabitha Churchill & Flo Stanley) marvelled at how the king had matured. A fact we were soon to discover as Henry (played by Mimi Tarrant) showed ‘Bloody constraint’ at the Dauphin’s insult of sending him a casket of tennis balls in response to Henry’s demand for the crown. Through the whole piece, Mimi’s Henry oozed confidence and a steely determination. In her hands she beautifully crafted the bard’s memorable speeches, stirring the blood, touching the heart and causing the hairs to stand on the back of one’s neck. In a majestic ensemble piece of theatre, Mimi’s performance was very much the jewel in the crown. In contrast to Henry, the French king and Dauphin (played by Harry Cash & Harry Kesterton) were puffed up peacocks, swollen with selfimportance as they flounced about the stage. Both brought a sense of comedy and pathos to the piece as we all knew that their pride came before their fall. Both were ably supported by a court of advisors and ambassadors played by Chris Thomas and Miranda Kember – both of whom were given the task of having to learn new lines within a matter of days. They rose to the challenge superbly. Back in the English camp Elian Malkin gave an assured performance as Exeter, Henry’s sergeant major, challenging the Dauphin and barking out orders to the troops before battle. Hugo Swaby’s Bardolph went from hero to zero, first as peacemaker between a disgruntled Nym (Eleanor Moyo) and cowardly Pistol (George Willmott) then as a thief, who for his crime had his neck broken by an incensed Henry. It was a poignant moment in the play as Bardolph begged for his life, but the king had to ensure discipline was kept amongst the ranks. As the play popped between the opposing armies, the chorus of Juliet Smith, Ella Davenport, Holly Mansell, Freddie Dadson and Harry Smith kept us all up to date with what and where scenes were happening.

At the end of the evening, the casts of all four SSF productions assembled on stage and an assessment of each play was given by the SSF adjudicator. Two of the many positive comments relating to Henry V stand out, touching upon the ambitious, inclusive nature of the project, ‘Henry V was energetic and directed with great intelligence…By far the largest cast on stage during the evening, Bilton Grange succeeded in creating a whole new world of action and conflict in their interpretation of Henry V where we saw important decisions being made by powerful men. A tremendous achievement, given the scale of the production.’ IMM

Greece the Musical Although Mr Morris and Mrs Brumpton gave an amazing rendition of Sandy and Danny, having got the wrong end of the stick about exactly whether it was Grease the Musical or Greece the Musical, they failed to outshine the fabulous performance of the Juniors. The life of a hero in Ancient Greece was not an easy one, and certainly for odd job man Heracles, (played by Edward Jeffery) life was not easy as plumber to the Gods. Zeus, played by Lucas Marshall and Oscar Bunting Relph, was not an easy client, or as Dionysus, God of Wine (played by William Hoggarth) found out, an easy father. Prone to becoming ‘angry, very very angry’, it was only his long suffering wife, Hera (played by Isobel Barber) who seemed to be able to placate him. Down amongst the mortals, where Eureka moments and great discoveries seemed a way of life, Prometheus (amusingly played by Bobby Bostrom) was earning a (dis)honest living on the market. Doing great deals on Greek urns, and even offering a free gift, landed Prometheus in court, and sentenced to the most horrible of punishments, that of having his liver pecked out – but despite this most horrible fate, he miraculously survived to sing another song and live in Ancient Greece for another day. The Juniors did a splendid job, with wonderful performances, and faultless recollection of their many lines. Well done to all involved – the spirit of Ancient Greece and the trials and tribulations of a hero were captured beautifully. Thanks as always to the staff involved: Mr Morris – Director, Mr Noble – Producer, Mrs Kirk & Mrs Brumpton – costumes, Mr Gorick – Chorusmaster and Miss Sellar – pianist. RLB

The Mysterious Beau Grange and the disappearance of Bert Gill and Van Sully It was with bated breath that the school, parents, teachers and children alike, awaited the swansong script of our very own Mr Morris. If past performances were anything to go by, we were in for a treat. Traditionally based around the history syllabus, this finale didn’t deviate from the historical theme, but was to prove more of an ‘up close and personal’ nature, encapsulating Bilton Grange and all of its wonderful 125 year glory. We were not disappointed; sometimes hilariously funny, sometimes complex, sometimes touching but above all else a sense that Mr Morris had combined so much so brilliantly into a drama performed so convincingly by our 4th Form. Inspired by early traditions of musical performances at Bilton Grange, Mr Morris, aided by the vision of Mr Gorick and Miss Sellar, based the musical score around Gilbert and Sullivan’s Iolanthe, HMS Pinafore and the Sorcerer (hence the characters of Old Biltonians Bert Gill and Van Sully). Beau Grange, played by Maria Rodko, was the metaphor for the school; the seductive force that people fell in love with, and like a first love stays with you for the rest of your life. Many areas of school life were celebrated including individuals who have gone on to enjoy fame (and sometimes fortune), defining moments in the school’s history and probably most importantly the breadth of experience the school offers and encourages to all of its pupils. No ‘Mogs’ production would ever be complete without those moments of hilarity where members of the BG staff community bear the brunt of Mr Morris’s quick wit, flowing pen and attention to detail. Suffice it to say, few stones were left unturned, at times the phrase ‘sailing close to the wind’ came to mind - if you were there you will understand the meaning. As ever, all in the best possible taste and good faith! As the curtains closed, signifying the end of another extraordinary BG era, I think it is fair to say, some of the audience left scratching their heads, some with tears of nostalgia, some just very content at seeing yet another stunning BG performance. But one thing on which we were all agreed; the brilliance of the children shone through in their singing, acting and enthusiasm. There were many memorable moments but to pick out just a few: the beautiful voice of Shelly Fuxman, the delivery of Theo Davenport as Guv’nor JG and the lovesick pupil played by Ross Carmichael. I cannot finish without sharing a quote that came from one of the 4th Form performers who, when asked how things were going, exclaimed ‘we have been rehearsing for over six weeks now and I still don’t have a single clue what this play is about!’ It only remains for me to say on behalf of everyone at Bilton Grange, a huge ‘thank you’ to Mr Morris for his inspiration, his humour and his humanity. IMM’s productions are now etched in BG history and, most importantly, in the hearts of all those who performed with him and for him.

Return to the Forbidden Planet Inspired by the classic 1956 film “Forbidden Planet” - itself based very loosely on Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” - this 6th Form performance featured many songs from the 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s. The story went thus; Captain Tempest and the crew of his spaceship are on a routine survey mission when their craft is dragged off course to the mysterious planet of D’Illyria. Here they meet mad scientist Dr Prospero, who has been marooned there with his daughter Miranda and the robot Ariel ever since his equally deranged wife Gloria sent them off in a rocket from Earth. Miranda falls for the Captain against her father’s wishes but before either of them can reveal their true feelings, the ship is attacked by monsters, otherwise known as ‘Ids’. In time the dangerous truth about Prospero’s secret experiments is discovered, and the Science Officer springs a surprise of her own on the whole crew. Like all 6th Form leavers’ plays, ‘Return to the Forbidden Planet’ was a huge undertaking for a bunch of 6th Formers, who had to act, sing and memorise a whole load of lines and actions without, for the first time, the talented Mr Morris leading them. However, they rose to the challenge almost without exception, and enthusiastic feedback from a very appreciative audience was gratifying for all the work both they and staff invested in this performance. As one parent wrote afterwards – ‘It oozed humour, vitality, fun, creativity, happiness, laughter, confidence and self-expression, hooray! The ‘have a go approach’ was so wonderful to see and they delivered it in bucket loads!’ All leavers had a part to play, be it big or small, and very soon had the audience clapping, singing and catching the odd meteorite (!) as they all climbed aboard the space ship for a trip to the outer planets where no man (or woman!) had gone before… Memorable moments abounded; solo singing performances by Skylar Martle were sparkling, as was the humour brought by the mad scientist Will Manners, and the truly accomplished performance of Jack Harwood as Captain Tempest. The scientist’s faithful robot Ariel, in the guise of Griff Roberts was commanding, as was the rest of the cast that made up the crew and in particular: Amelia Tarrant, Miranda Kember, Harry Kesterton, Will Sturrock and the two ‘Cookies’ Ollie Rogerson and James Eggleston who… ‘Ain’t gonna wash for a week’ – let’s hope they have! To sum up; this was a truly out of this world experience for all, and as we all come back down to Earth at the end of another hectic term, to all who took part, be it in front or behind the scenes……. ‘Live long and Prospero’ ! DV

MUSIC

When sitting down to write a review one is in danger of committing two cardinal sins. The first is to focus on only the highlights and the second, if reflecting on a particularly successful year, is to write a list. Committing either of these mistakes immediately undervalues the numerous individual achievements and successes of the pupils and also the tremendous hard work of both pupils and staff. I will attempt to do neither!

When accepting Mr Kirk’s invitation to be the new Director of Music at Bilton Grange, I knew that there was work to be done. What I had underestimated was the positive and enthusiastic response from the children. For me the year began with the auditioning of children for the Senior Chapel Choir. The queue of hopeful pupils wound its way down the stairs as I listened to numerous children keen to be involved. The first performance would be an evening of ‘Victoriana’ for the OBs’ Gilbert and Sullivan night. “No pressure then,” came Mr Kirk’s reassuring and supportive words! The Chapel Choir responded magnificently and I received many compliments from OBs and guests and, for me, this sparked a wonderful year of performances. The Remembrance Sunday Service, the Carol Service and the 125th Anniversary services, the two Zimbe! performances at Rugby School as well as the workshop with Voces 8 were obvious highlights for many, however the choir’s performance of John Ireland’s ‘Ex ore innocentium’ for the 4th and 5th forms Chapel Service in the Lent Term was the absolute musical highlight for me and demonstrated how far they had come. The development of the choristers is an important aspect of my role and I have thoroughly enjoyed training the choir this year. Congratulations to Leo Johnson who has become a member of the National Youth Choir of Great Britain. I hope we will be able to send many more of our choristers to the National Youth Choir and to establish Bilton Grange as a good feeder of young singers.

From young singers to more mature singers, the Motet Choir rehearses on Saturday mornings and it has been wonderful to work with a group of keen adults. Think of Gareth Malone, Director of the Military Wives’ Choir, and that is pretty much how it works on Saturday mornings for parents, governors, friends and staff. Please feel free to join us in the Band Room as we prepare for some Christmas performances and a professional concert in the Chapel in February 2013. The success of the Music in Pre-Prep, under the care of Mrs Watson, is essential if we are to maintain standards in the Prep School. I am delighted with the progress the violinists have made under Veronique Matarasso’s expert guidance. Mrs Matarasso is supported brilliantly by Mrs Hall and Miss Sellar and their all-inclusive performances for all abilities highlight many of the virtues of making music together. It is hard to believe that there were only three violin pupils in September 2011 and sixteen violin pupils in September 2012! The ensembles have performed on numerous occasions during the school year. From the violin group, Wind and Sax Band, Junior and Senior Flute bands as well as the two Brass Ensembles, all of the children have worked hard to produce musical performances. The Guitar and Drum extravaganza entertained a number of children, many of whom were able to play Samba for the first time - an activity which I hope will be available to many over the course of next year. The informal concerts and solo performances during assembly provide an opportunity for the instrumentalists to shine. To be able to perform to an audience and to share your skill and passion as a performer will always be far more important than taking exams. When focused on exams it is easy to forget that music was composed for pleasure, not for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music examiners. Exams serve the purpose of being able to give an aim and display a level of attainment and I have been delighted with the number of exams taken during the course of the year. This year, exam grades from Prep Test to Grade Seven give a good illustration as to the breadth and success of the individual musicians. No review would be complete without congratulating the 6th Form leavers. Skylar Martle and Ella Davenport both won scholarships to Rugby and Uppingham respectively and their performances at Speech Day were the subject of much congratulatory discussion in the closing hours of the school year. Both Ella and Sky contributed magnificently to the Senior Chapel Choir as well as to other ensembles. Juliet Smith and Amelia Tarrant were also excellent musical stalwarts and both contributed to the musical life of the school in more ways than one. We wish you every success for the future and I feel sure that music will remain an important part of your lives. Bilton Grange is steeped in musical history and I am delighted to be leading the Music Department and working with talented young musicians. I am grateful for the support of all my colleagues and also to the parents for putting trust in us to nurture the children’s musical interests and skills. I am sure readers will have their own musical highlight of the year, be it the Pre-Prep’s Christmas production, the solo performances at the IAPS Heads’ Conference at BG, the Brass Ensemble on Speech Day, or an aspect of one of the three musicals staged during the year. I can only apologise if I have failed to mention one of the innumerable achievements. However, I think it appropriate to leave you with the words of the famous children’s author Hans Christian Andersen, ‘Where words fail, music speaks.’ JMG

DESIGN TECHNOLOGY

Design Technology remains at the ‘cutting edge’ at BG. It has been another busy and action packed year for the DT department. New projects, materials, and exploring the cutting edge of the subject have seen continued high quality in pupils’ project work. There is never a dull moment in the workshop and it is great to see all the pupils enjoy, achieve and complete their own work each term. There were a number of keen and talented children this year who expressed a real interest in developing their skills in DT to the next level. Although not all of them decided to take a DT scholarship, the standard of work they achieved will set them in good stead for their future senior schools. Jacob Hardy-King and Ollie Rogerson did see it through to the end and both worked very hard on their project work and portfolio. Many, many, many hours of design sheets saw Jacob Hardy-King win the top DT scholarship award to Oakham, which was a fantastic achievement, while Ollie Rogerson narrowly missed out on a DT scholarship to Rugby School. I have no doubt that both will go on to do great things at their respective senior schools and we look forward to hearing what creations they come up with in the future!!

This year and for the first time in the history of BG, the Art, Music and DT departments teamed up to celebrate the ‘Creative Arts’ across a whole week. Workshops, displays, open-door teaching and even a master craftsman (thanks to Mr HardyKing, Jacob’s Grandad!) wowed us with his wood turning skills in the quad. A number of staff put in orders for various items! A great deal of hard work was put in to make this all happen and it was another great success. It was lovely for pupils to see each others’ projects, and the quality of what their peers had produced and achieved. A similar event will be taking place next year in 2013.

During ‘Creative Arts Week’, on the Tuesday the 5th Form headed down to London in a joint Art, DT and theatre trip to visit the Design Museum, Tate Modern and watch ‘The Mouse Trap’. The children enjoyed visiting the capital and looking round both museums and seeing the show at the end of the day. The range of prototype concepts and gadgets inspired the 5th Form and the paintings and sculptures certainly got the minds thinking…was some of this really Art…?!! It was a busy and action packed day and everyone came away feeling inspired and a little more creative! Again, we welcomed a group of very keen and excited Year 2 pupils over from the Pre-Prep for a DT Taster. They all enjoyed learning how to use some of the tools and then watch as their names were cut out in vinyl using the CAD room. There were lots of ‘Wows!’ as the machine whizzed about and cut out all the names! After the hour long activity, parents came to see what their budding designers had been up to, whilst taking a look around the department. Every year we have a fantastic team of GAP students and I am so grateful for all they have done in supporting me and the pupils during all our DT lessons throughout the academic year. A big thank you to you all! In particular it was great to welcome back Mr Harry Carr, who came and did a two term GAP placement for the Lent and Summer terms. Harry, an OB, has just finished at Rugby School where he took DT as one of his A-levels and he is now off to university this September. It was a great help to have his help and support in the DT department and he really got stuck in across all areas of BG life. We wish him well for the future. As always, it’s always great to hear what you have been up to in your GSCE’s, AS, A levels and now degrees (yes, I am getting older!) so, please do drop me a line and keep us in the loop with all the wonderful creations you have been manufacturing. As I always say, do pop in and say ‘hello’ if you are passing the front door. MGT

ART

Creative Arts Week, Art Trips and the usual exhibitions - it has been an exciting year for the Art Department at BG. Early on in the Michaelmas Term the Masterclass group welcomed a visit from Tamsin Seed, the creative inspiration behind Studio Seed, the luxury stationery and design studio. She not only talked about how she used her creative talents to set up her own business, but she also showed the pupils a portfolio of her work – many items that could be found on the high street. Further opportunities for this group of artistic pupils came from a visit to the Art Department at Oakham School. Following a tour, the Masterclass pupils took part in a practical textile workshop, where they each were able to create a felted image.

Dominic O’Brien, Poppy Price, Henry Woodward, Harry Cooke, William Ferguson, Bunty Garland, Caoimhe Tobin, Daniel Torrance and Amelia Trotter. The involvement of our pupils helped to raise in the region of £60,000 for Cancer Research UK.

Both the Christmas Card Competition and Young Art Competitions have continued to be well supported by pupils across the Pre-Prep and Prep Departments. Congratulations to the winner of the 2011 Christmas Card Competition; Elliott Marshall. The May exhibition at the Royal College of Art included work from the following Bilton Grange pupils; Hester Feilding, Alice Whittaker, Leia Gonzalez-Lee,

During the Lent Term the Department opened its doors to the annual Creative Arts Exhibition. This showcased a range of artwork from both the Pre-Prep and Prep year groups. Many pupils and parents attended the exhibition and commented on the variety of projects the pupils had been working on. Where else do you come across a room filled with oversized tools, delicate ceramic tiles and

colourful paintings of edible items? Our 6th Form pupils spent their last project creating a piece of work that combined something that was personal to them in a media that they felt most confident in. Every pupil in the year group exhibited their completed work in the Gallery, as part of the wider 125 Year Commemoration Day celebrations. Finally I would like to congratulate Tabitha Churchill on her All Rounder Scholarship to Oakham, as her Art portfolio was included as part of her scholarship application. I wish her well developing further as an artist and I also look forward to hearing about the creative achievements of our Old Biltonians. AC

OWL TROPHY POEMS

LOSING

WINNING AND LOSING

I walked around the corner,

A burst of light shines brightly, boldly through;

I tripped over Desperation, Hands out, palms bare, a beggar

The stage is full of different coloured hue,

Desperation had no love

But nonetheless you do not feel so gay,

I crept on, ahead,

Your cheeks, as if they’re on a summer’s day

I met Loneliness,

Are burning scarlet, all eyes trained on you

Hunched up in a ball on the floor

Butterflies panic, your legs feel like goo.

Loneliness had no family Behind me,

The stage carousels round and round with sound

I found no Fear,

Like thunder, they shove you to centre stage

With Deep Blue eyes, shining in the moonlight,

Where he, seen only on TV, booms out:

Fear had no future

‘Here is our winner’, and applauds his shout.

Then I bumped into Joy, With a wink and a sigh,

Overcome by genius confusion,

He passed me by

Your mouth grins in a joyful illusion;

In the distance,

You’re a caged bird, escape you now demise,

I saw hope,

No time to do so, as you’re giv’n the prize.

He smiled at me.

Right next to me the winner stands with glee,

And he ran away.

At least it seems so until wobbling, he

Anastasia de Clermont Fifth Form Winner

Makes his way to the front engulfed in thoughts. His pins and needles seem to’ve turned to swords. What is he doing? He has got no right!

OUTRAGEOUS OLYMPICS

It’s me that should be feeling my neck tight!

Diving Deep

I should be slowly drooping, losing height.

Hurdling Hurdles Running like a rabbit

It should be me that needs his lip to bite

That is what it is all about

In order to conceal my trembling fright!

Lunging Long Jumps Sailing the sea, Swimming like a dolphin

Adjudicator now comes into view,

Cycling, throwing and going to the end of the race

The winner looks like to collapse he’s due.

The Outrageous Olympics conquer all the other tournaments The Olympians stand tall, hard as diamonds

A gift received by the unsteady hold,

Frantic Fencing, Hurdling hammers, striking

That’s all that he received I am now told,

Like a snake with your sword.

But I do not wish to sink into sand When I receive a firm shake of the hand.

Then at last, Bang! Goes the gun,

Elian Malkin Overall Winner Winner of Owl Trophy in 4 successive years

But who will win ……………………? Archie Simpson Fourth Form Winner

CELEBRATION Bonfire night lit up By fireworks banging fizzing

WINNING

Shooting in the night sky Sparklers turning tossing

Anxious crowd stares silently

Spinning soon going out

Even the breeze holds it’s breath.

Warm hot dogs served

The first players’ foot tantalises the ball,

Out everywhere

The crowds roar.

Bang go the fireworks Missiles in space

A Crazy Thunder storm

Right away the rockets come back to

He blasts the gobsmacked ball

Land back to land on the ground

tantalising the air,

Glow sticks glowing

the violent volley smashes the knitted net bare.

Sparks exploding

Germans one-nil up!

Lights shining To the ground

The tip-tap of the player’s foot

Loud sounds all around

Flicks the ball towards the box, Steps up to the spot

Jon-Henry Marwood Junior Winner

Shivering madly Smashes it into the goal Leaving their keeper helpless 1 all. His heart is pounding Faster and Faster. The Keeper sprints and the player chips it high, Such violent No one can stop it It smashes,

RACES

It curls round

It was as silent as a ghost town

The Keeper dives as quick as he can,

Then the loud starting pistol went off

The final whistle blows.

The sound suddenly turned into the loud buzz

The whole crowd

Of New York city

All of England

Runners came streaming past in a long blur The race ends with the shout of the proud winner.

Explodes onto the pitch Henry King Third Form Winner

Winning feels like you are standing on the world And losing feels like the world is collapsing Around you But it doesn’t matter if you win or lose You took part and that is great! Eleanor Jones Year 3 Winner

ACTIVITIES

A varied programme of activities has been provided for the children this year – by our multi-talented staff, by generous volunteers and by outside agencies.

really did become rather too chilly (even with our drivers making sure they had hot chocolate on board!). When we took up sailing again after Easter, the children were also given the opportunity to try windsurfing if they wished. Another new sport on offer this year was climbing; Mr Moore took groups of children to the indoor climbing wall at Bear Rock, based on the Warwick University Campus where they received expert instruction at the indoor wall.

On the sports front, the children have been given opportunities to try sports which are not part of the school Games programme and to spend extra time on some of those which are. Across the three terms, football, squash, badminton, tennis, netball, cricket, rugby 7s, crosscountry and gymnastics have all been available and the increasingly popular Zumba was introduced to the children by the energetic Mrs Murray. Mrs de Clermont has augmented her very popular swimming activity with the purchase of water polo equipment and Mr Robson included an exciting cycle activity around Draycote Water as part of the triathlon training. The children have been using the walled garden for archery, instructed by Mr Gadenne from Rugby Bowmen. Both Mr Gadenne and Mr Robson very kindly donate their time, expertise and enthusiasm to offer these exciting activities for the children. The introduction of a sailing activity at Draycote Water, run by Onboard Surf and Sail, proved very popular last summer and we were able to continue this up to the October half term, when it

Unfortunately, we did not have enough children to form a polo team to continue the success of last year’s enthusiastic group, but an increasing number of children have been enjoying the riding activity at Castle Hill Riding School. Cooking, run by our very own ‘Madame Cholet’ is always in great demand – those delicious smells emanating from the kitchen always provide Madame Williams with a healthy waiting list for her class Madame also put together a cosy knitting group in the winter where children made their own scarves. Another very popular indoor activity is Mrs Carlile’s Art class, where children are able to develop their interest in the subject and create entries for competitions such as the school’s Christmas card competition and the national Young Art competition run by the Royal College of Art. Our well-equipped Art department also gave the children the chance to try their hand at pottery during Activity time this year. With Science Club, Scouting and Board Games also on offer, as well as the intrepid

Camp Craft (regaled in more detail elsewhere) there really is plenty on offer of a non-sporting nature for the children to try. Photography, as shown with various childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s creations on this page, is a highly popular choice at the moment. With so much on offer, some activities have to take place in the evenings so that children can have full access to them. Thus, three classes run by external teachers and coaches happen after tea, allowing the children to use their spare time in the evenings. Ballet classes currently provide exam tuition for children from Grade 2 to Grade 5 and the children have the opportunity to take part in regular shows. Snorkeling and Scuba diving is on offer in the pool and two Tae Kwon Do groups work towards grading exams and competitions. These run alongside evening activities run by the staff, such as chess, shooting, golf, squash and cricket amongst others. I am, as usual, eternally grateful to the wonderful staff at BG for giving their time and enthusiasm to provide so many exciting opportunities for the children. I often wish I could spend a term attending all these classes myself, though I really would be spoiled for choice!

CAMPCRAFT

In recent years the tradition of the great BG outdoors experience has been re-energised, with woodland spaces cleared, an outdoor classroom created, the Organic Garden set up and regular lesson, activity and boarding slots for campcraft and scouting. In the past year ‘Wild Wednesday’ and ‘Super Saturday’ free time slots have been introduced in the Wild gardens immediately a great hit with the children. Below are some musings on the trials and tribulations of outdoor education: If you can make a fine net from a ball of good string And not be disheartened if you don’t catch a thing. If you can square lash and knot and your bindings hold And you keep on smiling as the whole shelter folds. If you can handle a bow saw and not shed your blood And not be put off by the cold and thick mud. If you know where to find the best tinder and sticks And can start a brave fire without any tricks. If you look like a scarecrow and smell like a kipper If you’re having a ball and the whole world is chipper Then it’s been worth it: the cuts, the scratches and stings And you are a master of camp-crafting things. CEM

ADVENTURE TRAINING

Adventure Training continues to be as popular as ever despite the ever increasing range of other school events that are on offer. The Autumn pattern of using Bryn Hafod, the mountain hut belonging to The Mountain Club in Stafford, continues to suit very well. There is a wide range of longer and shorter walks suitable for all weathers and the large sitting room with open fire place is perfect for games and storytelling in the evenings. Also the canoeing and kayaking on Lake Vyrnwy is becoming a firm favourite, especially as it allows for a lie in on Sunday morning.

room was well used and, which is quite unusual, I heard a new joke â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Why did the children cross the playground?â&#x20AC;&#x2122; You will have to come on an AT trip to hear the answer! Another trip to The Beacon was over for another year. My very grateful thanks go to Miss Melia who has been such a good supporter of AT and I wish her well in New Zealand and to Mrs Green and Mrs Brumpton who provide invaluable help and support. ADTG

Both trips needed careful observation of the weather and alternative plans to be considered. As it happened, the first trip turned out to be much dryer than forecast, although very cold. It was that weekend when all the blossom on my apple tree was frosted. However, we all survived the cold nights and a fantastic walk/scramble/climb up Tryfan was undertaken. A few snowflakes fluttered down but otherwise it was a perfect outing. An evening at Plas y Brenin and indoor climbing at the Beacon Centre completed a really good weekend. The forecast for the 2nd trip was even worse and it was as bad as it said it was going to be! Fortunately we were able to relocate to Bryn Hafod where the waterfalls were spectacular. The sitting

DAYS OUT

Black Country Museum The 3rd Form visited the Black Country Museum in September, and had an exciting and informative day out, learning what it was like to work down a coal mine, live in Victorian houses and go to school in bygone days. The children and staff dressed up in Victorian costumes, from chamber maids to rich Victorian gentlemen. The highlight of the day for many was the school room experience, where writing on slates, the peril of the back straightener and a very strict Victorian teacher was just a little different from their life at Bilton Grange!

Safety Centre Safety issues were the order of day in November as the 3rd Form visited the safety centre at Milton Keynes. The children had to deal with various scenarios: from what to do in a house fire, to the dangers of being near water and railway lines. This was a very â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;hands onâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; visit where the children even had to dial 999 and give the appropriate information to help the emergency services deal with a situation; all useful life skills which will hopefully help to keep our children safe for years to come.

Bloxham Map Skills Day As part of Bloxham School’s Geography Awareness Week, tying in nicely with their map skills topic, the 4th Formers were invited to experience the Nation’s largest map. They were able to locate their home plus other Geographical locations around the British Isles during an interactive lesson around the map. Another activity was a treasure hunt around Bloxham School which involved solving clues based on countries, recognizing map symbols and identifying geographical landmarks.

Bosworth Battlefield The annual 5th Form trip to Bosworth was a real success, with children getting hands-on experience of the weapons used at the time, and also getting a better idea of the battlefield site at Bosworth. The brilliant guides and re-enactors set the scene, but our own Mr Morris, as usual, stole the show with his madcap impressions of Richard III!

The Globe and National Portrait Gallery The 5th Form enjoyed their first London trip in September and were thrilled to be able to get into the Globe for a workshop and then tour the National Portrait Gallery.

Harvington Hall As part of the Juniors’ project on Tudor life, they visited the amazing Elizabethan house of Harvington Hall in Worcestershire. Home of a Catholic family during the religious turmoil of the 16th Century, the house has the finest remaining collection in the country of priest holes, top-secret hiding places to conceal the clergy serving the recusant family and their fellow Catholics. The children enjoyed hiding in them and exploring the life of the family, both ‘upstairs’ and ‘downstairs’, learning how to dance with the master and mistress of the house, and how to prepare food Tudor-style.

RE Trips “Pilgrimage: a journey, especially a long one, made to some sacred place as an act of religious devotion.” After cursing the long delays in stationary traffic on two of his RS trips, Mr de Bruin at least comforted himself with the knowledge that his students were experiencing something bordering on a pilgrimage. The 4th Form supplemented their recent study of Judaism with a trip to Singer’s Hill Synagogue in Birmingham. The guide started with the basics in the children’s synagogue before moving into the main synagogue to apply new knowledge. By the time the tour was wrapped up, every pupil had tried out something – which takes some doing with a group of nearly fifty – from wearing a kippah or tallit, standing on the bimah, to opening the ark. Meanwhile the 3rd Form visited Birmingham Central Mosque where the guide was so impressed with the BG children that he wrote to the school afterwards to say he could not recall a group of adults being as knowledgeable and well-behaved! The Devgun family was kind enough to help arrange a 5th Form visit to a Gurdwara in Coventry later in the summer term. The guide welcomed the children, showed them around and allowed them to witness the verses of Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy book, being sung. The children also tried karah parshad, a sacred sweet, and shared a version of the langar meal, which Sikhs participate in to show the equality of all.

Tudor Hall Geography Gameshow As part of their preparation for Common Entrance, the 6th Form participated in a Geography Gameshow presented by Neal Nichols and hosted by Tudor Hall. Neal is able to produce a detailed world map from memory. The 6th Formers learnt a wide range of geographical locations, and also managed to walk away with a few prizes.

Creative Arts at the Design Museum, Tate Modern and the Mousetrap Trips are organised by members of staff for the children so it should be the children’s words which define this trip: “When we first came into the Tate Modern it looked like a warehouse, but when we looked round it was an art gallery and it was awesome, and full of interesting and controversial art. It was interesting how artists had different ways and methods of creating art. I was very inspired by ‘Slash in the Canvas’ or ‘Pieces of felt stuck on a nail’; my favourite was a whole row of nails all at different angles; it was amazing.” “Mrs Sakkalli’s favourite part of the Design Museum obviously had to be the shoe exhibition, now she just has to choose which pair! It was really cool because of the range of designs and seeing the real Olympic and Paralympic Torch.” “I enjoyed watching Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap and sure enough it was the person you least expected, but I’m not going to tell you! During the interval there were lots of people trying to guess what had happened. Afterwards I remember the screaming at various scary parts!”

FURTHER AFIELD

Ski Trip After a break of a few years, Easter 2012 saw the return of the BG Ski Trip. Having considered the usual haunts of France and Austria, it was finally decided to be a little more adventurous with a destination of Bansko in Bulgaria. With this step into the unknown there was some concern that it would be boiled cabbage for breakfast, lunch and dinner and that skis would be one step up from planks of wood. Thankfully, the reality turned out to be far more luxurious.

chatter on the cable car ride back to the hotel â&#x20AC;&#x201C; had Oscar beaten the land speed record? Was Matthew going to be the first person to go from beginner to advanced skier in two days? All these and much more were topics for debate. Whilst many may feel that returning from the slopes should be followed by some well-earned rest, this was a view not shared by BG pupils. The only decision to be made was games room or swimming pool? Throughout the week the games room saw many table tennis battles. Firstly this was just the children but as the week went on parents joined in on the action with a few late night competitions amongst the Dads.

Although not a large group, our skiing ability split nicely into two groups; one of beginners and one of more advanced (or do I mean brave and fearless!) skiers. After a 30 minute cable car ride the view opened out to sweeping views across the Todorka mountain. As the resort was over 2000m high there was plenty of snow and more was promised for later in the day. With beginners heading off to the nursery slopes with their instructor, it was not long before the others were at the very top of the mountain ready to try out their turns (which for some of the parents had not been tried out for several years). However, before long, mile after mile of slope was being eaten up with only a few bruises being collected along the way. After a hard dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s skiing by both groups there was much excited

As the week went by, new skiers got to grips with their turns and started exploring the mountain whilst the more advanced group tried out the more challenging slopes - the black run down to the top of the cable car was an awesome beast not tackled until the last day when it had a good covering of powder snow. Although the games room and pool were firm favourites with children, the parents enjoyed the luxuries of the spa. Tuesday and Thursday evenings were spent bowling, where various levels of skill were on show: some balls scattered the pins as they shot straight down the alley, whilst other balls scattered the crowd as they shot out of hands backwards! All too soon it was time to depart from Bansko, wind our way back through the mountains and back home. With tales of epic falls and dazzling speeds, tired, but smiling skiers were collected by parents and immediately started asking – can I go next year? PRM

French Trip On the 12th April a group of 25 5th Formers left for France, destination ‘Le Chateau du Broutel’ situated in the Picardie region between Calais and Boulogne. We crossed the Channel by ferry which was very smooth as the weather was incredibly gorgeous and lots of fun was had on deck during the crossing. Our first lunch was in an ‘estaminet’ in an old village called St Joseph. Afterwards we set off for Boulogne Sur Plage where we built some sand castles. Finally we arrived at our destination, ‘Le Chateau’. We had tea, unpacked and took part in an ‘Olympics’ organised by the chateau instructors. After a long day we all settled for the night in our respective dorms. The next day after a typical French breakfast (croissants et pains au chocolat) we all set off for Asterix Park - a theme park north of Paris, where we had great fun. Some of us got soaked on the water rides, but the highlight of the visit was, without any doubt, the dolphins’ show.

On Thursday we went on a tour of the town - we had several tasks to perform. One was to buy a postcard in a ‘librairie’ and a stamp in ‘une poste’. Another was to order a drink in a café. In the afternoon we visited an interesting underground city ‘Les Caves de Naours’. After tea we did some shopping in ‘un supermarche’. The evening ended with a disco. On the last day of our trip we visited a French ‘boulangerie’ where we were shown how to make bread and croissants. Our final stop, before heading back to the ferry, was at the ‘Nausicaa’ a sea-life centre in Boulogne which had some amazing specimens such as crocodiles and sharks!!!! We arrived back safe and sound that evening, and were welcomed back by lots of excited parents! AMW

Leaversâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; trip to Jersey We took 38 6th Form leavers to Jersey for a fun packed five day trip. This was a mini tour of two games of rounders for the girls and two games of cricket for the boys. We left on Saturday morning full of excitement, with no expectation of having good weather. However, on landing in Jersey, the local forecast seemed quite promising! The children were thrilled as we approached the Merton Hotel as it looked imposing and grand and they voiced their pleasure loudly! We were very pleased with our rooms and even more enthused by the entertainment on offer at the hotel. There was a fabulous dining room with buffet style food, which suited the children as they could choose exactly what they wanted without waste. There was a games room and dance floor, but the favourite had to be the aqua-dome. The pool was very big with an indoor and outdoor area. A very large tube slide was surrounded by spa pools and a surf machine, the children could not have been happier. We had a lovely dinner, unpacked and had a relatively early night in order to be fit and ready for a big day on Sunday. On Sunday morning the children had a very long swim followed by the boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; first cricket match. We all went along to watch what turned out to be a close game for the first team boys and an easy win

for the seconds. Unfortunately our firsts just lost but the sun was shining and a good time was had by all. The girls went to the beach to play games and bury each other in the sand! When the cricket was finished, we all went to St Ouins bay for a surf lesson. This turned out to be a fantastic evening and even those who were concerned that the sea would be cold, really enjoyed themselves. We were in the water for a good hour and a half and still the children wanted to stay for longer. On Monday morning we went off to Creepy Valley where we were put into four groups. We had zip wire rides; aerial treks across a high rope course, competed against each other on an assault course and had a go on the huge King Swing. It was an action packed morning that encouraged team work and lots of motivation, but mostly much laughter and fun. In the afternoon the girls had their first match against Le Rochier School. The boys came to support and enjoy watching the girls gain a comfortable victory. On Tuesday both the boys and girls had matches and so we went our separate ways. The girls played against Jersey College for girls and the boys played Le Rochier. After another fine victory the girls went into St Helier to do some shopping. The weather was amazing and so once the girls had burned holes in their pockets, we set off to the

beach. The sea was warm and so we all had a swim. The boys met up with us again in the evening and the children enjoyed each other’s company for the final night of the trip. There were a few tears as they contemplated the end of their BG lives together, but they ended the night with smiles and hugs. On Wednesday morning, after we had packed, we took the children down to the beach for a final swim in the Jersey Sea. We had been so blessed by lovely weather that all of the children looked healthy and tanned. We made it back in perfect time for our coach to take us back to the airport, where we boarded our plane, on time, back to the main land. Mr Nicholson, Mrs Sale, Mr McGrellis and I would like to thank all of the 2012 leavers for making this trip a really enjoyable and successful one. The children were fantastic company and we received many compliments from hotel guests, coach drivers and fellow travellers, who said what lovely, well-mannered and polite children they were. We felt very proud to be with them. MM

Skern Lodge Where has the time gone? As a school we have now been going to Skern Lodge for 7 years, and each year we always come back saying the same thing ‘This was the best year ever!’ Indeed this year was no exception, the children, the centre, and the staff all lived up to expectation. Our usual activities of surfing, rafting, climbing and riding the Rib were all there, along with a few extras thrown in for good measure; namely night-walking, scavenger hunting and the Skern Lodge Olympiad! Juniors and Thirds worked brilliantly together, coaxing each other to go just that little bit higher, or swim that little bit further, and each child had their own success story to regale at the end of the day. Skern Lodge almost seems like a second home to us now, such is the dedication of their staff (and ours) to make the trip as enjoyable as possible. The fact that the children get the opportunity to go twice, means that the more wordly wise 3rd Form children help their younger friends settle in and show them the ropes. So many of the 3rd Form end the weekend saying they ‘just don’t want it to end’ which is in itself testament to the fun they have had, whilst the Juniors have another trip to look forward to. This year, we thought the weather may not be as kind to us, but even that did not disappoint, the beach beckoned, the sun shone and other than a few drizzle drops on the Sunday (which the children didn’t even notice!!), they carried on with their unabated enthusiasm to complete their own personal challenges. Many photos and video clips were taken which will yet again help us all to relive the memories, of what has been another worthwhile trip, before we look forward to another new venture down at Appledore… DV

RU’A FIOLA

Every year, Mr Greenwood leads a large BG party of children and staff to the private island of Ru’a Fiola, off the Scottish Highlands. Places for this ‘adventure’ experience are in great demand; children experience kayaking, fishing, climbing, abseiling and build lifelong friendships. Elian Malkin, a 6th Former, relates his memories of the ‘Survival’ task at the end of the trip.

but as their only form of rescue bobbed up and down in the waves, disappearing around the coast, it seemed more daunting than ever. Trudging down the rocks, it would be the last time their boots fell over them with confidence. As their signal post came into view, so did their shelter. Paul’s Cave Motel, as they call it. Food, frazzle (the dead, dry heather that is used for burning), water, everything at your doorstep. Soon, however, they found this to be false. “Gotta go to the signal post first, then I’ll go find water. Jack, you go for frazzle and Hardy, food if you can.”

This report relates the survival journey of a particular group of explorers: Jack Harwood, Thomas Hardman, and Elian Malkin, who were later joined by James Eggleston and Harry Kesterton. Bouncing to an unsteady halt, the orange boat seemingly pushed the three boys towards their difficult task, and disembarking, they quickly took in their surroundings. Desolate, the summit of Lunga reared up, reminding the campers where they would find residence for the next 36 hours. All of them understood perfectly well their task at hand,

Such would have been the perfect way to start a survival, however, approximately forty minutes later Elian Malkin returned to the relief of his companions (he had been absent for an extended period of time), which was then extinguished at the mention of the absence of water. There was no food either, but an incredible amount of frazzle. And so, the survivalists went out in search of nutrition, returning shortly afterwards with seaweed, three limpets and a few winkles. This was a relatively good effort, considering a significant amount of time was wasted attempting to murder a seal by one of the group who decided to remain incognito. He, fortunately for the seal, was not nearly stealthy enough. Most of the food collected needed water to cook and their ray of hope was that they had found a wet patch of rock, meaning a probable stream up above. And so, after crawling into their sleeping bags and deciding to sleep, a rapping competition

broke out between two, to prove who knew the most Eminem songs. Waking up at eight o’clock provided two and a half hours of looking for water until the first boat check, and so the group got to it straight away. Their attempts were foiled, and they were forced to report to the boat on their dehydrated progress. This resulted in a few tips on the optimum places for a gypsy well, and two bottles of water, which were quickly poured out. However hard it may have been, they were not about to give-up. After digging the well, and deciding that an hour should get enough water, the explorers cooked some seaweed, which turned out to be much too salty, and fried limpets. After Jack Harwood had departed in search of water, the other two went to the shore, collecting even more of the disgusting seafood. In the process of cooking it and also having a useless campfire, a shout was heard not more than 50 metres away. It was Jack, back with half a jar of fluid. Coming up to meet him, the relieved survivalists found out that he had found a stream ten minutes to the right of the cave, and, without further ado, they set out for the life-giving substance. Upon reaching it, they filled up the jar completely, and five minutes later they came across Sam Wright and Jake Barford, who had slept in nearby caves. Conversation consisted mainly of jokes, riddles and grumbling of stomachs. This could not be carried out for long though, since new companions were soon to be delivered, and they had to be at their arrival.

drowsiness they could achieve in that state. At last morning came. As eyelids opened, Elian enquired the time, and upon the reply of 6:45am was preparing for more pained sleep, when Thomas woke and corrected Harry on his previous information, saying he read the hour wrong; it was, in fact, 7:45am. After the two expressed their views on Harry’s intelligence, they packed up their belongings, and waking the rest, stumbled to the beach, towards their rescue, over the rocks, their boots falling over them without confidence.

Elian Malkin

Twenty minutes later a sound alerted the group, and before they knew it, they had been joined by James and Harry, the latter doing only one night survival, and therefore being energetic. Since the three original survivalists had been weary after their trek back to the cave, they slumped down into their sleeping bags, while Harry drove off the midges by making a giant fire whilst wearing a shirt and his boxer shorts. He was later being shouted at for making too much smoke! Hunger had long ago taken its toll, and all the boys could think about was McDonald’s. Mindless talk took up the afternoon, as well as spooning exercises (copying another person’s body shape to mould into them for body heat), but as night set in, horror stories could not be avoided…here is the story of Paul’s Cave.

Paul’s Cave Long long ago, lived a man called Paul. Some say he was a cowardly soul. He had children and a wife, He lived a very nice life, So when our Paul was ordered to fight He sneaked away in the dead of the night And just as the sky was shattered with light, He arrived at Lunga, and stayed in a cave, He thought he was brave, But also not careful enough, Or not too tough, Since his smoke gave his position away! So that very day They found him so quick The next thing he knew they put his head on a stick. That is the story of the cave of Paul, Which is still haunted by a mysterious ghoul.

Sleep that night came at a price. It wasn’t that the story had scared them, it was simply because the hunger was clawing at the insides of the five boys’ stomachs, and food was forever rousing them from any

PRE-PREP - RECEPTION

Reception has been so busy over the year! We have enjoyed learning and playing in our many role play areas.

Of all the role play adventures we had, the rain forest was one of our favourites. We had a real canoe in our outdoor classroom and rowed through the swamps. All of us had to wear camouflaged clothing and be careful the crocodiles and snakes didn’t find us. We made our own boats to fish in the river and used magnifying glasses and binoculars to look for small creatures! We found many amazing creatures and made lists of everything we found. It was very exciting! During the year we have celebrated many festivals including Diwali. Mrs Rose visited Reception to tell us all about the Diwali celebrations. We made clay Divas, Naan bread, Rangoli patterns, Indian musical instruments and even painted Mehndi patterns on our hands. For our Diwali celebration, we dressed up in Indian clothing, learnt Indian dances, recorded each other with the Digital Blue camcorders and had poppadums to eat. Even our inspector joined in the fun! For our Harvest Festival celebration we talked about different foods that can be harvested. We went to the Organic Garden to gather parsnips and carrots for the festival. We all helped to make bread for our service. To celebrate St. Lucia, Mrs Nicholson’s Swedish friend, Kit, came all the way from Sweden to help us learn about the festival. We heard the story of how St. Lucia brought food for soldiers who were hungry. We dressed up in traditional Swedish costumes and carried candles as we gave out biscuits. This was followed by a lovely party where we enjoyed tasting some Swedish Pepparkakor biscuits. Mrs Lanni helped us to learn about Chinese New Year. She told us how families celebrate with a big meal and give money to the children. She showed us how to decorate paper lanterns, write Chinese writing and how to say, ‘Happy New Year’, ‘Hello’ and ‘Thank you’ in Chinese. Next we made beautiful lanterns, dragon puppets and made Chinese New Year Cards. We also made a big 3D Dragon out of boxes and celebrated Chinese New Year in our Chinese role play area. One of our trips was to Burnum’s Farm, where we learnt about the different animals and how to look after them. We wanted to feed the goats but they weren’t there! So we called... and they came: TRIPTRAP, TRIP-TRAP, over a wooden bridge, just like the Three Billy Goats Gruff! We also fed the donkey and we even gave the lambs some milk out of big bottles – they were very thirsty! We held chicks and rabbits too. At the end of our visit we went on an exciting tractor ride round the bumpy fields! It was a wonderful day. In the final part of our year we had visits from Dr Chesser and Mrs Hawker who told us all about their roles as a doctor and a surgeon. We dressed up in Victorian clothing for the Bilton Grange 125th anniversary and role-played a Victorian school, which was very strict. At the end of the term we had a very special ‘Seaside Week’! We had great fun outside in our very own camp site, complete with barbeques. We had a rock pool full of fish and sea creatures to fish for, a huge boat to row across the sea in and a seaside shop. Most exciting of all was playing in the paddling pool and sand. We made sandcastles, different flavoured ice-lollies, boats, puppets, postcards, flags and even a message in a bottle. It was a very exciting and creative week and the perfect end to a busy and productive year! CJ and KH

PRE-PREP - YEAR 1

Castles, Toys, Homes, Victorians and Outdoor Education - some of the highlights for Year 1. In Year 1 we had a very special week learning all about castles. We found out about the lives of people in the past and the work they did. We listened to the story of ‘The Little Knight’ around a campfire in the outdoor classroom and found clues in the wild gardens to reclaim the King’s treasure from the Big Bad Dragon. The children dressed in medieval costumes for our banquet and tournament, competing on hobby-horses and space-hopper steeds! The highlight of our week was a trip to Warwick Castle, where we toured special rooms, visited the Kingmaker village and watched the trebuchet. We were even brave enough to climb the Merlin Tower and face the fire-breathing dragon! The model castles that we made in DT were fantastic, and we all enjoyed our new-found status as knights and princesses.

wonderful means of bringing our ‘Toys’ topic to life, and was an ideal opportunity for a hands-on approach towards our study of history. Year 1 also had a very exciting ‘Teddy Day’ where we brought our teddies to school. We did many measuring activities to find out how much our teddies weighed, how tall they were and what the circumference of their heads measured, so that we could make a party hat for them. The highlight of our day was a teddy bears’ picnic for all of the children and their bears, with decorated paper plates and teddy-themed food. It was a fantastic day!

In the Lent term, St. John’s Museum in Warwick came to visit. They provided a workshop and brought lots of old toys for the children to look at and play with. The children experienced toys and games from the past and discussed what they are made from, how they work and how they differ from our present day toys. This was a

In the Summer term, as part of our topic on ‘Homes’, Year 1 went to St. John’s Museum in Warwick. We had a wonderful time experiencing the life and times of a Victorian servant. The children stepped back in time, in costume, to experience life below stairs. The children visited a Victorian laundry and all helped to clean the clothes by grating soap, scrubbing collars and cuffs, pumping water and washing clothes in the tub with a dolly peg. They then used a mangle to squeeze the clothes before hanging them out on the line to dry. The second part of the session was spent learning about how the clothes of a Victorian servant differed from those of the wealthy homeowners. The children enjoyed dressing up in a range of costumes and learning about the materials used. We had a lovely time, but we were very tired by the end of the session and we all agreed that it wouldn’t have been much fun to be a Victorian servant! Later in the Summer term, as part of our ‘Homes’ topic, the children planned and designed a room. Using a range of materials, they used their own design to make a box room. First the children had to carpet and wallpaper the room and then make the furniture. The children also made all sorts of fixtures and fittings. They used their skills to fix and attach each item. Their rooms looked wonderful when they were finished. On Wednesday 30th May 2012 we celebrated the Diamond Jubilee. We had a party lunch outside with our hats on and we all stood and sang the national anthem. In the afternoon we played games and had activities on the grass in mixed year groups, and then had an ice lolly and a cake at the end of the day. At the end of the year, as part of our Year 1 science work on living things, we had a wonderful day at Brandon Marsh. We took part in a variety of activities relating to both plants and animals. This included pond dipping, where we found some amazing creatures such as baby newts, leeches and water boatmen. We also learnt lots of interesting facts about mammals. Did you know that hedgehogs have 7,000 spikes? We found out that hedgehogs hibernate in winter and we made super ‘hibernariums’ out of twigs and leaves for our toy hedgehogs to sleep in. We visited the lovely new sensory garden, and we used our sense of smell to make ‘smelly cocktails’ out of herbs and flowers. In the woods, we looked at different colours and also used our sense of touch to feel and experience different textures. We created some natural artwork by decorating caterpillar drawings with leaves and petals, and working together in groups to make animal sculptures using twigs and branches. We learnt lots about the world around us and we all agreed that our trip to Brandon Marsh was fantastic! JMH and AJB

PRE-PREP - YEAR 2

Year 2 have had a productive year, both in and out of the classroom! Throughout the year, the children have produced some fantastic work in their Art and DT lessons. They have practised and improved a wide range of skills, including observational drawing, painting, and sewing. During their lessons, they have designed and created many super pieces, such as bookmarks, hand puppets, wind-up toys, model vehicles and clay tiles. In the Michaelmas term, Swift began their DT topic with a visit to the Coventry Transport Museum, where they learnt all about the history of the motor car. The children loved exploring the museum and they found some interesting ideas to use when designing and making their own vehicle for Santa!

In Science, Swift have had fun finding out more about the world we live in. The children have enjoyed learning through practical activities, such as building electrical circuits, looking after plants, cooking, ‘playing’ (investigating!) with toys and growing (and eating) their own food. When learning about Forces and Movement, the children loved investigating pushes and pulls in the Junior playground. They thought about which forces are needed to hang, climb, slide, spin and swing! The most exciting lesson of all, was visiting the Prep to see Mrs Sale create her magic ‘spells’ and spectacular explosions!

As part of their Art topic, ‘Can Buildings Speak?’, Year 2 enjoyed a visit to Coventry Cathedral, where they found many interesting features, such as stained glass windows, sculptures, wall-hangings and carvings. The children were given an informative tour, where they learnt about the history of the architecture and what happened during the Coventry bombings. Inside the Cathedral, they looked at the wonderful artwork and learnt about the symbolism and significance of these pieces. They then photographed and sketched some of these, as inspiration for their own relief sculpture that they then designed and created out of clay.

As part of our Science topic, ‘Plants and Animals’, Swift spent an exciting afternoon going on a minibeast hunt. We are so lucky to have such wonderful grounds for our lessons and we spotted many different bugs and other animals. The Wild Gardens are home to all kinds of wildlife and we used magnifying glasses to observe and identify the various minibeasts we found hiding in trees and under logs. We spotted worms, ladybirds, spiders and many more, but the most exciting discovery was an enormous toad living in a tree trunk in the Outdoor Classroom! In November, Year 2 had a change from their usual routine, with an exciting topic week – ‘Chocolate’! During the action-packed week, the children learnt about the history and origins of chocolate through different classroom activities and, of course, a visit to Cadbury World, which was fun, informative and most of all, yummy! Throughout the week, literacy lessons were based around Roald Dahl’s ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ and numeracy lessons were far more exciting when Smarties were involved! In DT, we created our own chocolate bars and designed simple packaging. We also created and filmed our own TV adverts, baked cookies and made stripy chocolate! As a special treat to celebrate their hard work, the children had a ‘chocolate fountain’. Swift were extremely eager to ‘dive’ in with their strawberries, bananas and pineapple and it was a definite highlight of the week! As part of the history topic ‘famous people’, the children had the opportunity of meeting Florence Nightingale first hand! They travelled back in time and visited Holdenby House to experience life as a Victorian, where they participated fully in preparing a meal for the soldiers, cleaning duties, and washing and ironing bandages. The children then travelled further back in time to meet Samuel Pepys and wrote their own diaries, using quills, ink and blotting paper. They decided pencils were much easier and less messy, but not so much fun! Before leaving, the children had an audience with Queen Victoria and they were certainly unusually quiet when in her Majesty’s presence. She explained that she was in mourning for her late husband, Albert, and the children cheered her up with their jokes. Some of their sketches of the Queen made her smile too! The last trip of the year was an informative visit to a Buddhist monastery, Forest Hermitage. It was very interesting to gain an insight into the Buddhist way of life and the Buddhist monk, explained to the children all about his beliefs and his daily routines. Before the visit, the children had thought carefully about what they wanted to find out and went armed with many questions; some of which made the Monk smile! To say thank you for our visit, we took gifts of food, as Buddhists cannot buy or grow their own food and rely on donations and people’s kindness. Swift concluded their time in Year 2 with a fantastic performance of ‘Hoodwinked’. All their hard work in rehearsals paid off, as they performed brilliantly with Year 3, ending the year on a high note! DC

PRE-PREP - YEAR 3

Romans, Egyptians and Space - exciting adventures for Year 3 this year. Roman Day was a highlight for Year 3. During this exciting day, the children learned and experienced what is was like to live in Roman times, both as a Roman and as a Celt! In the morning the children dressed up as Celts from the Dobunni and Ordevices tribe. They were transported to a Celtic roundhouse, and tried to sort out their differences… without violence! Once they had managed this, they joined forces to defend the land against the advancing Roman Army. After being defeated by the Romans, the children experienced life as a Roman Soldier. Their first task was to build a Roman-designed bridge, which was slightly trickier than first thought. Later, the children readied themselves for battle! They learned to march in battle formations, such as the ‘Testudo’ (tortoise). The children thoroughly enjoyed the day, but opinion was split on whether they would have like to have been Celts or Romans.

In the Lent term, Year 3 enjoyed Egyptian Day. After this exciting and interesting experience, the children had a far wider understating of what it was like in Ancient Egypt. They began finding out about some of the key figures in their society and then met the different Gods. The children actually called upon these Gods when weighing the hearts of past Pharaohs, using the Feather of Truth, to determine which way they should go…up or down! Later, the children worked in groups to make their own pyramid and thought carefully about the work and craftsmanship required to create these magnificent structures. The children also had the opportunity to play a range of Ancient Egyptian games too. There was much more to the day, including measuring, writing, reading and some archaeology too! The children also had the opportunity to look at and draw some artefacts. Year 3’s Space Week blasted off the Summer Term and they had a lot to be excited about! As part of the week, the children visited Rugby School’s Observatory. In addition to seeing what a super telescope looks like and finding out how it works, the children also enjoyed finding out about constellations and other amazing facts. The children continued this back at school and made their own constellations; lighting them with torches. One of the highlights was our visit to the Space Centre, which was super. The children were spoilt for choice as they entered, with so many exciting activities on offer. They were able to drive a zero gravity vehicle and find out what it is like to drive on the moon! The children had a go at broadcasting their own weather report, essential for any successful launch, as well as much, much more. They also went on a 4D space trip, around the solar system and completed an interplanetary quiz. The children had a great time during their Space Week, although they may have asked more questions than they had answered! MG and AW

PRE-PREP - PERFORMANCES

What a treat for the Pre-Prep parents! Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday saw the whole of Pre-Prep come together for a wonderful concert celebrating Christmas. From the individual instrumental performances on guitar and piano to the full orchestra playing “Hark the Herald Angels” and “We wish you a Merry Christmas”, the children’s hard work, practising and rehearsing, paid off, with three fabulous performances.

Chicken Licken

There was no one highlight – the different tones and performances were all brilliant, and all contributed to the overall success of the concert. However, the percussion performance involving every single member of years 1-3, accompanying “In Dulci Jubilo”, was pretty special, as was the Reception Nativity finale.

Reception children retold the story of Chicken Licken with a fantastic performance for their families on Reception’s Open Afternoon. The children looked and sounded superb, remembering their lines and singing their songs with expressive actions. They clucked and squawked into Foxy Loxy’s den then reappeared to join Mr and Mrs Foxy Loxy and their family for the finale. Much enjoyment was had by all and the children were very proud of themselves: rightly so!

As usual, Mrs Watson had created her magic with much hard work, and with the support of a great team at the Pre-Prep. Well done to all involved – what on earth will follow next year!

The Litter Muncher During the Summer Term Year 1 parents were treated to the performance of ‘The Litter Muncher’.

Huge thanks to all the staff, who supported the children from every angle to make this ambitious project possible, from costumes to tickets, staging to script customisation... A special mention to the indomitable Mrs Watson, who conducted the production as if the children were an orchestra, coaxing them from quiet pauses to dynamic crescendos, from cleverly choreographed group singing to outstanding, brave solos, thus creating a fantastic outcome for the audience to enjoy and palpable joy in the cast themselves. Clearly the secret must be to never underestimate just how much our children are capable of achieving! Caroline Smith

Lazy Daisy village is an idyllic place to live – or at least it would be if it was not for a litter problem. The villagers carelessly throw their rubbish on the ground, (with gasps of horror from the audience) neglecting to use any of the brightly coloured bins provided. As the narrators explained, the villagers expected the overworked hero, the Litter Muncher (Wilfie Price), to clear it up. When the Litter Muncher can no longer cope, the Mayoress (Alice Whittaker) tells the villagers, in no uncertain terms, to clean it up. In doing so they realise all the work the Litter Muncher has had to do and promise to change their ways, making Lazy Daisy Village ‘the cleanest ever seen’. Through delightful songs with super percussion support and clever dance routines, a change in the attitude of the villagers provides a valuable message about how we are all responsible for disposing of our litter – ‘Throw it all in the bin, put it in. Throw it all in the bin.’ KW

Hoodwinked! What do you get if you combine vexed villagers, fatty friars, magnificent Merry Men, a talented town crier, luscious ladies-inWaiting, natty nerve-free narrators, a feisty Friar Tuck and articulate announcers; sprinkle them with gorgeous glamorous assistants, lissom lumberjacks, fare-toting taxi drivers, rueful rabbits, jolly jesters, lithe little friars, artful archers and a voiceful vendor; then season the mix with a dastardly Deputy, a loquacious Lord and Lady, guileful guards and a saucy, swaggering Sheriff? For extra flavour, stir in the magnificent, musing Maid Marian, buoyed by a crusading kick-ass King, an heroic Robin Hood and his trusty courageous comrades, sassy Will Scarlet and jaunty Little John. Add the most perfect forest setting, the support, dedication and enthusiasm of the most talented team of teachers and support staff, authentic fayre to create the mood, and top it off with two untypically glorious summer afternoons. What you get is ‘Hoodwinked’, a production truly fit for the West End! Years 2 & 3 surpassed themselves in their year-end play, with a production based on the story of Robin Hood. It would be impossible to have set it anywhere better than the outdoor classroom which cast both audience and children 800+ years back and 70 miles across to the Sherwood Forest of old.

PRE-PREP - MUSIC CUPS AND AWARDS 2012 Anne Skyrme Pre-Prep Music Prize awarded On Tuesday 12th June the Anne Skyrme award was presented to Jonty Smith and Samren Reddy. The award recognises both the achievement that an individual has made as well as the potential demonstrated not only as an instrumentalist, but an all-round musician. Mr Gorick, who was delighted to present the award to joint winners this year, commented: “The Year 3 pupils who took part are all very gifted musical children and I look forward to teaching them in the Prep School next year.”

The Anne Skyrme Music Award Jonty Smith & Samren Reddy Senior Instrumental Award Jonty Smith Wood Piano Cup Samren Reddy The Junior Piano Cup Tilly Kember Junior Instrumental Award George Ferguson Hicks Cup for Potential Henry Woodward Singing Trophy Ella Woodrow & Zachary Wenham Special Progress Awards to: William Ferguson William Hallard Jemima Pawar-Price

Examination Achievements September 2011 – September 2012: Rebecca Cooper George Ferguson William Ferguson Mark Gater (Staff!!) William Hallard Eleanor Jones Tilly Kember Eddie King Nicole Lanni Morgan Line Poppy Price Dominic Pritchard Samren Reddy Jonty Smith Jonny Tunstall Zachary Wenham

Prep Piano Grade 1 Cornet (Distinction) Grade 2 Clarinet (Distinction) Grade 2 Euphonium (Merit) Grade 2 Guitar (Merit) Grade 1 Descant Recorder Prep Piano Grade 1 Clarinet (Merit) Prep Piano Grade 1 Cornet Prep Piano Prep Piano Grade 1 Piano (Distinction) Grade 1 Clarinet (Distinction) Grade 1 Piano (Distinction) Grade 2 Flute (Distinction) Grade 2 Cornet Grade 1 Flute (Merit)

PRE-PREP - SPORTS DAYS I never imagined that one of the biggest problems of this post was weather forecasting. All was fine when the Reception and Year 1 Sports day went ahead without a problem – beautifully organised by the teaching team and a delightful afternoon of races culminating in a sunny afternoon tea. The afternoon was wonderfully atmospheric and so supportive. The children did their best to win their events, cheered on by their family and their many friends. Much joy was seen in all faces and the sun shone! Yet bad news was about to arrive! Summer was not getting started. Year 2 and 3 sports day was postponed – moved – “Shall we try tomorrow?” - “Let’s try again” – “Thank you Mr Fish” and “What about having a swimming gala instead?” With the end of term looming we had one last chance. Parents waited with baited breath, drinking much coffee and tea – a repeated course inspection meant we waited for the strong breeze to dry the grass, the groundsmen cut and marked the lanes again, (thank you, Gareth and Mick) and then the decision was made. We omitted the more risky hurdling events and the children competed sensibly and competitively, coping with the bends on the track in real style. Prizes were awarded for sports and yearlong efforts by Mr Kirk and we moved quickly back into school before the heavens opened again later that day. Phew! ALB

Awarded for: Swimming Award – Age 5 – 6 Swimming Award Age 6 – 7 Swimming Award – Age 7 – 8 Most Improved Swimmer – Girl (Lanni) Most Improved Swimmer – Boy (Lanni) Based on practice charts and good progress Drama Cup Drama Cup Drama Cup Junior Drama Dancing Cup - Girl Dancing Cup - Boy Speech and Drama Pre-Prep Cup - Monica Summerson Award (All round contribution to Pre-Prep) Effort & Behaviour – Dove Effort & Behaviour – Lark Effort & Behaviour – Willow Effort & Behaviour – Thames Effort & Behaviour Year 2 – Swift Effort & Behaviour Year 2 – Swift Effort & Behaviour Year 3 – Avon Effort & Behaviour Year 3 – Trent FORM CUP – WILLOW FORM CUP – THAMES FORM CUP – SWIFT FORM CUP – SWIFT FORM CUP – AVON FORM CUP – TRENT Reception Girl Reception Boy Yr 1 Girl Yr 1 Boy Yr 2 Boy Yr 2 Girl Yr 3 Boy Yr 3 Girl The Molly Tollit Cup for Gardening

2012 Winner Ffion Purviss Leia Gonzalez-Lee Eddie King Rhea Khurana Dominic O’Brien Ivor Fothergill Harry Cooke Amelia Whittaker Wilfred Price Poppy Price Kieran Bedi Jemima Bantoft & Rebecca Cooper Rachel Timms William Whittaker Alasdair Judd Alice Whittaker Tom Castle Indigo Hudson Evie Phillips Eddie King Eleanor Jones Edgar Coates Sasha Hardman Anthony Newton Esmée Grier Jemima Bantoft Rebecca Cooper Catherine Laird Jack Stern Tegan Martle William Tarrant Charlie Andrew Katie Judd Charlie Brander Bunty Garland Morgan Line

NETBALL & HOCKEY 1ST TEAM

This year, we tried a new concept for girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; games, playing both netball and hockey throughout the Michaelmas and Lent terms. This enabled us to build a far stronger fixture list and meant that we could play in tournaments that we had not entered before. This increase in competitive opportunities helped to improve the standard of skills learned in both sports. This paid dividends for the senior girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 1st teams who had exceptional seasons in both netball and hockey, at county, regional and national levels.

Netball 1st Team

Hockey 1st Team

The girls played a total of 17 games across the two terms, losing just one at the beginning of the season. The girls were crowned Winchester House Tournament champions for the first time in the seven years that I have taught at Bilton Grange and also won at Sedbergh, in November, where Amelia Tarrant picked up the award for Player of the Tournament.

The first team girls played 10 games and lost just one XI-a-side match. We were runners-up in the Warwickshire County minitournament which took us through to the regional finals in Cannock where we reached the semi-finals. Unfortunately, the game ended in a draw and we lost out on penalty strokes.

In the Lent term, we became the IAPS Eastern regional tournament winners and thus qualified for the National finals at Roedean. The girls were superb and won every one of their nine pool games, sending us through to the semi-finals as the only unbeaten team. Unfortunately, we lost by one goal to Felsted who went on to become champions. Our girls fought bravely and never let their heads go down despite having to play in the third place play-off after having lost the semi-final. We went on to win the play off convincingly and took bronze; third in the country! 1st team: Tabitha Churchill, Ella Davenport, Anastasia de Clermont, Miranda Kember, Skylar Martle, Zoe Summers, Amelia Tarrant and Henrietta Wood. MM

The climax to our hockey season was the Gresham’s tournament where the girls were outstanding. We won five and drew one of the outdoor matches. Both the A and B teams went through to the semi-finals of their respective indoor competitions and had fabulous wins. Sadly, the B team lost out on penalty strokes and the A’s lost by one goal. We came away with two silver trophies; a fantastic achievement by the girls. The girls won lots of silverware over the two terms and definitely kept Bilton Grange girls’ sports on the map. It has been an exceptional year and one that I shall always remember. 1st XI: Olivia Baker, Tabitha Churchill, Anastasia de Clermont, Ella Davenport, Charlotte Franklin, Miranda Kember, Holly Mansell, Skylar Martle, Flossie Rosser, Zoe Summers, Hannah Swaby, Amelia Tarrant and Henrietta Wood. 1st VII: Ella Davenport, Charlotte Franklin, Skylar Martle, Flossie Rosser, Hannah Swaby, Amelia Tarrant and Henrietta Wood. MM

NETBALL & HOCKEY 2ND TEAM

Netball 2nd Team Throughout the season, the 2nd VII boasted a competitive spirit, always filling the half time talks with motivational speeches and Flo Stanley regularly capping it off with her infamous line, ‘We can do it, guys!’ As a coach, I thoroughly admired this positive morale but found it frustrating when the results didn’t follow. No one could fault the girls for their determination as, at times, they quite literally ‘fought’ for the win, to the point where it was hard to tell whether it was netball or rugby that was being played. Similarly, an undercurrent of panic sometimes got the better of the girls but when they found it in them to harness this energy the result was a team to be reckoned with. Our centre court players, Hannah Swaby and Olivia Baker, often worked to the point of being handed verbal yellow cards for their attempts to keep possession of the ball whilst our shooters, Cordelia Kerner and Flossie Rosser produced some show-stopping moments, making sure that the stoic efforts of our defence, Juliet Smith, Charlotte Franklin and Holly Mansell, were not in vain. This was a thoroughly enjoyable yet nail-biting season, with each victory being thoroughly deserved. SJ Milne (OB 1995-2001)

Hockey 2nd Team This was an exciting season, proving nail biting from the side lines. The most memorable of the matches was against Winchester House where I was baffled at the lack of goals, despite having the majority of possession, a gung-ho attitude to the game and Tabitha Churchillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s complexion showing maximum exertion. When the opposition accidentally fielded a few extra players, the BG side had to work doubly hard and their teamwork was impressive. Such togetherness was a common theme throughout the season, and the girls provided great support to our novice goalkeeper Flo Stanley. Eleanor Moyo and Jojo Stanton showed great speed up front, and forwards Anastasia de Claremont, Tabitha Churchill and Olivia Baker provided much quality possession. At the other end of the pitch Cordelia Kerner and Juliet Smith put up a brave fight in defence. The team always finished a game with their heads held high, having shown much enjoyment and a sense of achievement. SJ Milne (OB 1995-2001)

NETBALL & HOCKEY UNDER 11

Netball & Hockey Under 11 A warm welcome was extended to all 6 new girls who joined our group this year: Lily Simpson, Elisa Pool, Daisy Cubitt, Maria Rodko, Phoebe Henderson and Georgina Smith, some of whom came to the school with no, or limited, hockey and netball experience. This pleasing increase in numbers meant that we would now be able to field two teams and every girl would be gaining invaluable experience of match play. This, of course, would necessitate setting out on a steep learning curve for some, as well as hard work from all to ensure they were up to speed and ready for match play.

A new season, a new format. With netball and hockey now being played throughout both the Michaelmas and Lent terms, it was with renewed enthusiasm and determination that the girls began their training and the season began. It has to be said; there were no electrifying sparks but rather a steady, grinding out of results with our first two fixtures ending in draws. It soon became very apparent that there was a lack of competitive ‘umph’ to the girls’ play; they were far too polite - coming second in too many 50/50 balls and tackles. Grit and determination needed to be injected into their armoury and the sooner the better. As the season progressed, some pleasing improvements were evident in the girls’ play, especially their movement, which was becoming much more fluent, as well as in their technical ability, but still the percentage of possession was not going in their favour. Results were patchy in both netball and hockey and the girls seemed unable to build up any head of steam and get a run of results going, meaning the promise of one match was not being carried into the next. Some girls were putting in some fine individual performances week after week, namely Kaitlin Mackintosh, Lily Simpson and, particularly on the hockey pitch, Kitty Porter, providing the driving force behind each team performance. In addition, meteoric progress was being witnessed in the play of Maria Rodko and Elisa Pool, both of whom earned well deserved places in the A team.

Despite some tough matches, the girls showed good spirit, remaining buoyant and optimistic. They enjoyed participating in netball tournaments at Rugby School, Winchester House and Worksop College and hockey tournaments at Warwick Prep and Rugby School, at which they put in some good performances, as well as school Section Tournaments, all of which built much needed confidence. DH U11 A: Ellie Andrew, Charlotte Bend, Iona Craig, Kaitlin Mackintosh, Elisa Pool, Kitty Porter, Anna Riddington-Gale, Maria Rodko, Lily Simpson. U11 B: Imogen Blackhall, Daisy Cubitt, Chloe Degnan, Angelica Fry, Shelly Fuxman, Phoebe Henderson, Georgina Smith, Rhiannon Evans.

NETBALL & HOCKEY UNDER 10

Netball Under 10

Hockey Under 10

With a few disappointing losses at the start of the term, the girls realised that if they wanted to win on the Netball court then they would need to train even harder, as most were stronger hockey players. They were able to take their focus elsewhere after a netball disappointment, triumph in hockey and then return, energised, to the netball court. Henrietta Gendler should be commended for her goal shooting from anywhere within the ‘D’ (seemingly the further away from the post, the better), Abbey Parkin for her calm approach for finding space, and Harriet Mills for her determined approach to attacking. The Bromsgrove tournament was the turning point for the team: enthusiastic (but lacking confidence) players emerged into a strong, unstoppable team that easily won the group stages before moving onto the quarter finals, only to be beaten during ‘extra time’. Going forwards, the girls started playing with their heads. Alice Jacques and Georgina Jones paired well in defence and Georgina Woodward’s speed left others trailing in her wake. Taking on Kimbolton, Ellie Harrison rose to the challenge of captain, leading by example with excellent interceptions and spatial awareness, taking her team to a memorable victory.

The girls trained extremely hard to improve their skills and coordination, moving in formation towards the goal. The benefit of this was never more evident than when playing Winchester House where the team went in united and confident and were strong on the attack from the whistle. Abbey Parkin moved around their defence effortlessly, taking the ball into the circle and producing a swift hit to score. Georgina Woodward was rampant in attack, moving around players, passing out to the wings, receiving back in the circle and scoring time after time. On the odd occasion that the ball did reach our half, the backs dealt swiftly with any danger; this was a fantastic victory for a hard-working and deserving team. Lara Vohrah proved an aggressive goalkeeper, deflecting many a hit on goal and nothing deterred her determination. Isabel Baker played skilfully on the wing and Harriet Mills looked good in attack.

JG U10 A squad: Isabel Baker, Henrietta Gendler, Ellie Harrison, Anna Ivanova, Sophia Ivanova, Alice Jacques, Georgina Jones, Abbey Parkin, Georgina Woodward. U10 B squad: Willa Barford, Karla Hoggarth, Jessica McCoy, Harriet Mills, Danni O’Brien, Amelia Trotter, Lara Vohrah.

JG U10 A squad: Isabel Baker, Henrietta Gendler, Ellie Harrison, Anna Ivanova, Sophia Ivanova, Alice Jacques, Georgina Jones, Abbey Parkin, Lara Vohrah, Georgina Woodward. U10 B squad: Willa Barford, Karla Hoggarth, Jessica McCoy, Harriet Mills, Danni O’Brien, Amelia Trotter.

NETBALL & HOCKEY UNDER 9

Netball & Hockey Under 9 The U9 girls have had a great season in Hockey and Netball. They joined the prep department in September, eager to learn netball and hockey skills. As we worked through the terms, developing ballhandling, spatial awareness and passing skills, their understanding of the games increased markedly. In matches, the girls tackled every game with enthusiasm and courage. They played against schools such as Winchester House, Beachborough and Swanbourne and always came off the pitches having given of their very best. Their success has been due entirely to their team work and effort, developing match-play skills during each game. Our biggest success was in the High 5 netball match where the A team won the game, making everyone feel elated and jubilant. I was very proud of the defence that the girls put up against our opposition and can only thank them for playing at such a high standard. Rosie Marshall, Bea Mitchell, Hosana Irankunda, Trinny Seaman and Sophia Bulla Rubio made a very dynamic defensive team. I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of Alice Jackson for performing so well in goal as, without her, we would have conceded many more goals; I have never seen a keeper move as adeptly as she does. Our attacking players, Caoimhe Tobin, Ella Mitchell, and Isobel Barber also need acknowledging for their fine attacks on goal. We may not have scored many goals but they made the opposition work very hard and always put them under pressure. Overall, our season was a successful one and I wait to see them grow stronger and be more successful next year in both Netball and Hockey. FCJ

RUGBY 1ST XV

1st XV One need not travel far from the beautiful surroundings of Bilton Grange’s corral rugby pitch to find the inspiration for Baron de Coubertin’s philosophy that “organised sport can create moral and social strength”. The measure of a person can be found in the way they deal with “triumph and disaster” and, in the most packed fixture list the 1st XV has played since anyone can remember, it was a season memorable for its opportunities to grow.

opposition could infringe with impunity because they would simply win the restart. Poor decision making with the possession we did win led to our worst defeat of the season after the long trip to Abberley Hall – and was followed by some soul searching for the team. It paid off.

Adversity came knocking even before pre-season started: Ollie Rogerson, lined up to be the team’s vice-captain, was sidelined for the whole of the first half of the term. His social strength was immediately apparent: Ollie showed his face to encourage his teammates later in the week. Pre-season had more players than ever but we lost another front line player, Hugo Swaby, at a festival on the first weekend back and Sam Wright and Jacob Hardy-King just before the first match. In the end, BG kicked off the traditional first fixture of the season against St. Hugh’s without our first and second choice scrum-half, hooker and no 8. To cover, we moved Harry Kesterton, our useful full-back, to 9. Missing every first choice player in the spine of the team, we lost to them for the first time in memory, and proceeded to lose four of our first five matches. The front row was small, and

By moving Harry back to his more familiar position, experimenting with Oliver Jacques at scrum-half and moving Milo Lakin to 10, the team had two attacking options. It led to a good win at Akeley Wood and was followed by a sixteen try shut-out of Northampton Grammar. Milo scored six of them, and went on to become the outstanding back of the season, racking up a huge try tally – he lost count at twenty! A real team player, he shrugged off bumps and knocks to put himself on the line again and again for the team. He deserved the award of colours at the season’s end. One of the most significant changes was the emergence of Chris Thomas. From a boy who was not keen on rugby last year, Chris played a barn-storming game for the 2nd XV and snatched the opportunity when offered a 1st XV spot. The difference was

immediate and BG was soon turning the tables, taking strikes against the head. Reliable possession is imperative, and it is telling that, after Chris joined the team, the 1st XV lost just four of the remaining eleven games. Highlights of the season included a first win over Spratton Hall in many years, a trip to Sedbergh (gracious hosts and strong opposition) over Remembrance weekend, and a draw against a powerful Maidwell Hall side. It was also encouraging to see the team take shape: rucking, which was a weakness early in the season, became a strength, and the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s defensive organisation matured over the term. Individuals also developed their game: Elian Malkin became a significant attacking threat on the wing, Carlos Ribas - a boy gifted with amazing understanding of sport - showed that there is still room for small skilled players in rugby, and Will Manners took every opportunity to show why he can play every position between the front row and scrum-half â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a very solid ball-carrier. George Willmott added the chaos factor to the back-row, either scoring or losing possession with nearly every run, and putting in some huge tackles. Ultimately, Ollie Rogerson and Hugo Swaby returned, further bolstering the side, and going on to win sports scholarships to Rugby School.

of the scrum. Will Sturrock and James Eggleston both played most of the early fixtures, standing in and doing their jobs when the team needed them after good showings at pre-season. Jacob HardyKing was reliable at scrum-half and showed that he is a strong runner out wide if required. Joe and Ben Anderson both played on the wing, with Joe scoring plenty using his electric pace. Results: SdB

The quiet hero of the season was the captain, Oliver Jacques. A rugby manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favourite type of player, Oliver did the hard work that allowed others to shine: he got to the breakdown and secured possession, put in the tackles, made effective carries and led his team from the front. Passionate about the game, he received rugby colours and the Player of the Season award for his tireless efforts. Two team photographs were taken just after half term. One showed the brave boys who had weathered the storm while the injured recovered and the second was made up of the boys who played the majority of the second half-term. At full strength, the team was a threat to every side they played. Weakened by injury, the boys found the going tough but represented their school to the best of their ability. Harry Smith survived the early season setbacks to retain his position at tighthead, latterly forming part of the front-row that won the surfeit of possession for the team. Antony Howard, the smallest player in the side, somehow managed to win plenty of heels-against-the-head, retaining his place in a fierce competition with Sam Wright towards the end of the season. Jack Harwood was quick and aggressive and did a job for the team in the 2nd row when he would have been far happier on the wing. Nick Fletcher was the all-purpose forward substitute, coming in at prop or 2nd row, as required. Harry Cash showed that, although he struggled a little at flyhalf, his skills and determination meant a place had to be found for him on the side

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RUGBY 2ND XV

2nd XV This was a very difficult season for the 2nd XV. Injuries in the 1st XV regularly meant that five or more of the better players were missing and it was only later in the season, as players returned, that anything like a full team was able to play. The first few minutes of the first game belied this situation when Jake Barford scored a very well worked try for Nick Fletcher to convert. Unfortunately, St. Hughâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s then played the better rugby and so began a run of eight straight defeats. However, it must be said that the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attitude was excellent and that at no time did they stop practising hard and giving of their best in matches.

Sturrock, Luke De Waal and Guy Williams. The players who came back from the 1st XV were James Eggleston, Nick Fletcher, Jacob Hardy-King, Antony Howard and Sam Wright. The following were promoted from the Lions: Hamish Brodie, Harry Fox, Rian Jones, Tommy Mann, Joseph Thomas and Charlie Winterton. 27 Players in all were used. Results: ADTG

As players started to return, performances and results improved and the 24-12 win over Stamford was a result to savour. The 27-42 defeat to the Dragon contained a lot of excellent play which led on to a very well deserved 50-0 victory over Bloxham. The 24-39 defeat to Winchester House was a disappointment but the 2nd half display, winning 24-10, showed a really determined spirit. The most regular players were George Bletsoe (replacing the promoted Christopher Thomas), Ben Anderson, Jake Barford, Toby Cripps, Freddie Dadson, Harjan Devgun, Thomas Hardman, Charlie Hudson, George Jackson, Elliott Marshall, Ned Mitchell, Will

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RUGBY LIONS

BG Lions This year, the BG Lions squad contained a handful of 6th Formers, remaining with the squad for a second season, and the experience that they brought with them was much appreciated. The learning curve was steep, with vast improvements shown in skill and commitment as the term progressed. Squad numbers increased as injuries healed in the higher teams and players were welcomed from, and promoted to, the 2nd XV. After just a couple of weeks of training, the Lions came up against a strong Wellingborough outfit and although the Lions gave their all they could not cope with the size, pace and skill of the opposition. The next opposition was provided by Abberley Hall and the Lions were determined to learn from their defeat by training hard in preparation. We started brightly with William Brodie, a talismanic figure at scrum half throughout the season, making one of his trademark breaks to open the scoring. Abberley came back strongly as indecision in our defence, and a number of missed tackles (a concern that hung over our heads for much of the season), allowed them to regain the lead. However, we did not lie down and our half back pairing of William Brodie and Tommy Mann, our captain for the season, started to control the game. They were ably supported by the pack with Rian Jones, George Bletsoe and Jonathan Hutson leading the way. Charlie Winterton demonstrated how threatening

he can be with ball in hand, reducing the deficit, before William added his second early in the second half. Abberley strengthened their side and, shortly after Daniel Shore was denied a try in the corner, they broke clear to seal victory by 22 points to 15. A 7-a-side match against Spratton Hall followed as the Lions welcomed Guy Williams and Luke de Waal into the team and with them came an air of confidence. Joseph Thomas moved into the forwards and his willingness to get his hands on the ball proved useful when retaining possession. The team demonstrated excellent running and handling skills, securing a 35 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 25 victory. A game of two halves followed as the BG Lions hosted Stamford and, despite dominating the first half, we could not put the points on the board except for a try from Rian Jones. Stamford came back strongly and deserved the 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5 draw as we struggled to clear our lines throughout the second half. The BG Lionsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; best performance of the season came in their next match against the Dragon. A slow start, due to missed tackles, indicated that it could be a long afternoon as the Dragon started brightly with a converted try. However, tries from Rian Jones and William Brodie exposed chinks in the Dragon defence as they were not too keen to tackle either. More missed tackles enabled the Dragon to regain the lead before William Brodie broke free from the

back of a scrum to give the Lions a lead that was extended further with Lucas Ribas converting. A topsy-turvy second half followed with neither side able to gain the upper hand and when Luke de Waal wrestled his way over, the Dragon hit back immediately. Some comical defending allowed Joseph Thomas to pick up a loose ball and dive under the posts and, pleasingly, the Lions dominated the latter stages and secured victory by 29 - 22. The final match of the season was a nervy affair as we hosted Winchester House. The Lions were unstoppable in the first half as Joseph Thomas crossed the whitewash inside two minutes and then Tommy Mann scored a well-deserved try. A comprehensive lead was established when Lucas Ribas dived over near the corner, and then converted, to give the Lions a 19 point, half-time advantage. Changes, as well as missed tackles, disrupted the flow of the Lions as Winchester House mounted a second half comeback which threatened to ruin a positive season. However, despite giving the coach palpitations, the BG Lions hung on for a well-deserved 19 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 15 victory. Good luck to those Lions that are leaving us at the end of the year and to those of you - there will be many, I am sure - who move up to the 2nd if not the 1st XV next year. Results:

BG Lions squad: George Bletsoe, Hamish Brodie, William Brodie (4 tries), Luke de Waal (3), Harjun Devgun, Harry Fox, Harry Higgins, Jonathan Hutson, George Jackson, Rian Jones (2), Alexey Kasputin, Merlyn Line, George Longmore, Tommy Mann (2), Jamie Marshall, Henry Mayhew, Freddie Ogilvie, Oliver Parkes, Lucas Ribas (1), Alex Ricketts, Griff Roberts, Daniel Shore (1), Joseph Thomas (4), Felix Wahlberg, Guy Williams (1), Charlie Winterton (1). CJH

RUGBY COLTS

Colts A The season was truly one to remember for all those involved. Many of the boys played as Colts last year and that experience proved invaluable as they were well versed in the requirement to play as a team, supporting one another through thick and thin, in order to achieve success. Pre-season training was well supported and, coupled with an early festival at Worksop College, it gave us the opportunity to hit the ground running for our first match of the season against St. Hugh’s. Ben Harris led the side to a comfortable 38-14 victory. Wellingborough proved a difficult side to overcome and gave us plenty of defensive practice; Harry Mitchell, Ollie Park, Angus Robinson and Hugo Ayo were particularly uncompromising. An early converted try in our favour separated the two sides as the final whistle blew. Gt. Houghton proved to be no match for the BG boys and Noah Martle scored 5 tries in a 49 – 0 victory. A fourth consecutive victory for the Colts was not achieved without concern, despite an impeccable start at Abberley Hall. Within a couple of minutes, Ayo was touching down and another sweeping move resulted in Martle increasing the lead. Abberley, however, were not about to lie down and responded with a try of their own in the second half. The BG defence stood firm and held on to the 14 – 7 lead until the close. The front row of Ben Harris and John and Ralph Bewicke-Copley were bull-like in their demolition of Eversfield’s scrum, providing the possession needed to run in no fewer than nine tries, four of them through the hands of Alex Jackson. Three exciting matches then followed. Maidwell were typically

robust but BG went into half-time with a 14 – 7 lead. The second half saw a battle royal. The half-back pairing of Marcus Tarrant and George Barber conducted the BG attacks whilst Ollie Park, Theo Davenport, Hugo Ayo and Harry Mitchell discovered how to multitask, attacking and defending with equal measure. As BG sought to extend the lead, Maidwell pressed for the try that would level the game but BG’s resolve was absolute. Cargilfield’s captain piped both teams onto the pitch as the Colts hosted the touring Edinburgh side. The game was extremely competitive and both sides enjoyed each other’s company before and after the game. BG came out on top, Noah Martle scoring two tries in a 14 – 7 victory. The match was refereed by our Aussie gapper and dutiful coach of the Colts B, Alex Still, whose cousin wore the colours of Cargilfield. The visit of Spratton meant that we had to be on top of our game and, although we threatened on occasions, we just did not hit the previous highs and went down by 21 – 7. A 35 – 7 victory over Akeley Wood, in which Oscar Phillips and Sean Tobin made their A team debuts, put the boys in good heart for the annual Rugby School 7’s tournament. On the gloriously prepared birthplace of rugby football, the Bilton boys began the day with a comfortable 42 – 0 victory over Moorlands. Our second group game, against Oratory’s B team, provided Alex Jackson with three tries in a 24 – 7 victory. The reward for topping the group was a semi-final encounter with Spratton Hall, the only team to have defeated us this season. In no time, Martle managed to sprint clear and Barber converted. Spratton responded, as we knew they would, and broke away to level the scores before half-time before taking the lead in

the second half. This time, it was the turn of the Bilton boys to step up to the challenge and, playing rugby of the highest quality with the ball moving sweetly through the hands, they did just that. Barber spotted the gap and sprinted over for the second try. The last play of the match saw Martle doubling his tally, taking the final score to 19 – 12 in BG’s favour. The final, against Gayhurst, was far too exciting! BG again took an early lead which was extended when Jonty Craven touched down. Turning round with a 14-point advantage, we soon conceded a converted try and our opponents’ impressive comeback was completed just before the final whistle. Golden try extra-time was now on the menu; a real test of character for the boys. It was not long, as the BG boys piled forward, before Martle ended the agony of the watching parents, going over in the corner. Marcus Tarrant, who captained the side on this occasion, lifted the prestigious trophy. We travelled to Winchester House for our final match of the season in which Sam Cave made his second appearance in the front row. With confidence high, the BG Colts were in devastating form and ran out 21 – 0 winners. Angus Robinson converted all 3 tries to maintain his 100% conversion record over the season. So ended a most memorable season. The team grew in both ability and confidence; they played as one unit and showed great strength of character, representing their school with honour. George Barber, a most accomplished fly-half, and Noah Martle, who scored an impressive 22 tries, shared the Hudman Trophy as the best young players and Alex Jackson, a real emerging talent, was awarded the trophy for the most improved player. A hard-fought Section competition was won by Churchill. My thanks go to all those involved but particularly to coaches Elliott Read and Matt Price, Alex Still, the parents and, most importantly, the boys for making this a season to remember. Results: PJN

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Colts B The Colts B enjoyed a highly successful and improved season. Losing only three of their 10 games, the team showed fantastic desire, skill and technique to help defeat teams who were at times bigger, older and stronger than them. Made up largely of Under 10s, the Colts’ improvement in all areas of the pitch was exceptional for a team still developing. Their passing, tackling, rucking, mauling and scrummaging reached a different level compared to where they were at the start of the term. These improvements, and the team’s willingness to learn new skills, not only helped their season but lay important foundations for a strong future in rugby. The performance of the forward pack was an essential contributor to the Colts’ strong results during the season. The front three of Yuwakur Gurung, Toby Henderson and Sam Cave always put up a strong challenge against every opposition. They were supported strongly by the lock pairing of Conor Tobin and James Cooper who used their height and leg drive to push off opponents, as seen particularly in the matches against St. Hugh’s and Maidwell Hall. Against Abberley Hall, the boys fought back from two tries down to snatch a draw. This result can be put down to the strength and desire of the forwards who won every scrum, either with the head or against. Against Maidwell Hall, the forwards (especially Toby Henderson and Sam Cave) also showed a similar desire to dominate their opponents, using their low body technique to push their opponents off the ball, hook the ball back and get it out to the backline to create an attacking move. In rucks and mauls, the boys showed fantastic technique and desire to recycle the ball and win it back from their opponents. Toby Henderson, Sam Cave and Conor Tobin were fantastic at driving their opponents away from the ball and allowing Marcus Nicholson to get the ball out to the backs. This was seen in a 9-a-side game against Akeley Wood where victory was attained through their desire to throw their bodies into rucks and mauls to protect possession or to pick and drive. The backs improved remarkably throughout the term. Their handling and passing at the end of the season was a far cry from that at the start of the season. The boys became more confident in passing it out to the wing, catching the ball and finding gaps with the ball in hand. Mathew Nobes’ passing at fly half led to a number of tries, many of which were scored by Jordan Hayward, whose speed and ability to find gaps in the opposition defence led to important scores against Maidwell Hall and St. Hugh’s. Oscar Phillips displayed fantastic ability throughout the season. The timing of his runs and his willingness to put his body on the line, no matter the opposition, made him an invaluable asset to the side. Marcus Nicholson scored 11 tries, an incredible statistic for a half-back. The backline’s defence showed fantastic ability as well, with Sean Tobin making some unbelievable tackles that saved likely try scoring opportunities. The Colts B can be proud of their achievements over the Michaelmas term; the skills and ability they have shown give them all a great opportunity to compete for top teams in the future. I wish them all the best! Results: AS

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RUGBY CUBS

Cubs A The Cubs A played their first competitive match of the season away to Wellingborough. This match was fairly even throughout but we went in at half time leading 5-0 through a fine try from Sam Whittaker; Eddie Baker went on a mazy run before feeding a good pass to Sam who ran wide to score a fine try in the corner. We knew we would win the match through not conceding a try and this led to some super tackling and rucking in the second half, giving Wellingborough no time to settle in to any kind of rhythm. Not only did we keep a clean sheet, but a second try was won; Alex Roberts managed to touch down on the line at full stretch to secure a hard fought but well deserved away victory, 10 - 0. The Cubs A then played their first home match of the season against Abberley Hall. We went in at half time trailing 0-10 after conceding a couple of unconverted tries. The second half saw our boys begin to make good progress in to the opposition half with some super running, in particular, by Alex Masefield and Sam Whittaker. Unfortunately, we never really threatened their line and did not score any tries. However, the boys really grew up in the final 10 minutes and were certainly giving as good as they were getting in the close contact areas. The third fixture, against Maidwell Hall, was a match that BG Cubs

A had almost complete control of throughout. Good rucking from the Cubs set up numerous try scoring opportunities and we led 20 – 0 at half time thanks to tries from Freddie Jones, Eddie Baker, Henry King and Max Broad. More tries arrived through Alex Masefield and Sam Whittaker to put the outcome beyond any doubt. Further fine play saw Freddie score his second try with Eddie securing his hat trick! Breaking in to the team after injury, Jacob Bunting-Relph notched up a fine brace. All in all, the Cubs were too strong for Maidwell Hall’s brave players. Against the Beachborough Cavaliers (Colts B), our Cubs A were caught cold very early on; less than two minutes gone, tackles missed and we were 0 – 7 down! More of the same after only four minutes and we trailed 0 – 12. A few encouraging words from a suited gentleman on the touchline and the Cubs started to perform! It did not take long until our backs were receiving good ball, and an Alex Masefield try after 12 minutes was fully deserved. By this stage, the Cubs were looking the more accomplished side, and 2 minutes before half time, Henry King scored a super try which Freddie Jones duly converted, taking us into the interval at 12 – 12. The second half continued in the same vein, and the boys continued to pile on the pressure, resulting in a high clearing kick from the opposition 22 being taken superbly by Eddie Baker 25 yards out, who then ran from the centre to score a wonderful try in the corner! Once again Freddie Jones confidently converted. Sam Whittaker scored a couple

Cubs B

of fine tries late on, the second of which came from turnover ball just outside our own 22; a couple of passes later and Sam knew where the try line was from long range. The Cubs dealt very well with a 5 minute period of sustained pressure between our last two tries, and ran out worthy winners by 27 – 12. Our next two matches ended in rather heavy defeats.

With just two weeks of practice under their belts the Cubs B team travelled to Wellingborough for their first match of the season. Although BG worked hard as a team, Wellingborough took an early lead. Not to be defeated, the Cubs fought hard and Max Broad finally broke through for a try just before the final whistle.

The Cubs A then visited Winchester House for their final match of the season. With the season’s record standing at 3 wins and 3 losses, we really wanted to play our best and give a good account of ourselves. What a fantastic display the boys gave on a very cold afternoon with a wonderful blue sky and lowering sun. We worked hard to avoid conceding three early tries and conjured up a fine Henry King try a minute before half time. The second half saw us going with the slope, with the wind behind and the sun on our backs; with some super play and commitment, the tries started to flow: a brace for Henry King, with one each for Sam Whittaker, Alex Masefield, Eddie Baker and Harry Parkes. The team as a whole was fantastic in their effort, commitment and play. The man of the match was Alex Masefield for his sheer guts and determination in going straight at the opposition at every opportunity! What a wonderful example to all the other players. Well done to all the boys for a super end to the season!

Late in November the Cubs B had their second fixture of the season against Stoneygate. This time, they faced a well-disciplined team with several fast players. Although Stoneygate took a commanding lead, the Cubs played with determination and Alexander Pagendam made several good runs on the right wing. With just five minutes to go, Pablo Pool’s neat footwork foxed the opposition and he stole through to score a well-deserved try for the Cubs. Cubs B Squad: Max Broad, Ross Carmichael, Joshua Chandler, Jacob Denness, Archie Higgins, Harvey James-Bull, Leo Johnson, Rufus Kerner, Freddie Manners, Matthew Pattison, Henry Perks, Pablo Pool, Ben Seaman, Archie Simpson and George Whiston. PRM

I would like to extend my thanks to all the parents who supported us at home and away. This was a team effort in so many ways and I am indebted to PRM, JWSP and Mr Freemantle for the vast amounts of support they gave to the boys. Results:

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Cubs A squad: Eddie Baker, Max Broad, Jacob Bunting-Relph, Henry Cripps, William Hardman, Archie Higgins, Harvey James-Bull, Leo Johnson, Freddie Jones, Henry King, Alex Masefield, Thando Moyo, Harri Ogilvie, Alexander Pagendam, Harry Parkes, Pablo Pool, Alexander Roberts, Alex Sturrock and Samuel Whittaker. JMcG

RUGBY UNDER 9

Under 9 The Under 9s always present a great range of approaches to the contact version of the game, as their collective experience ranges from children who have been playing mini rugby for up to 3 years, to boys who are completely new to the sport and are understandably wary of tackling and rucking. One character (who shall remain nameless but who has since turned into a super tackler) did his level best to convince me that he was never going to tackle, whatever I did to persuade him otherwise! An interesting start to the season. Archie Jackson’s speed and skill on the wing were evident from the start where he opened his account for the season by scoring two exciting tries in the first match against Maidwell Hall. The back line looked to be developing well, with William Hoggarth showing a determination and commitment to both attack and defence, Charlie Tarrant keen to develop scrum half skills and William Jackson belying his stature with the fiercest tackles. Winning scores were rather elusive initially, although the ‘B’ team were very unlucky to lose 25-30 to Stoneygate where a last-minute try from the home team rather dampened the celebrations of Lucas Marshall (returning from injury) who had scored 20 of those 25 points in a thrilling demonstration of forwards’ rugby, ably assisted by George Taylor. The tide turned in the next match against Great Houghton, when the ‘A’ team put the visitors under pressure from the start and began to show that they could combine forward strength with backs’ speed and agility. A try apiece from Lucas Marshall and William Jackson, topped up with a brace from the fluid running of Archie Jackson, secured a 20-15 win. The ‘B’ team weren’t quite able to co-ordinate their efforts sufficiently to contain Great Houghton’s powerful runner, though Bobby Bostrom and Crispin Marshall-Rowan tackled valiantly.

Consolidating on their new-found confidence, the ‘A’ team followed with another win a week later against The Grove. Archie Jackson opened the points for BG, but the score sheet was dominated this time by the strength and determination of the forwards, with Richard Rose, George Taylor and Lucas Marshall (2) all powering over the line. William Hoggarth executed some incisive attacking runs but wasn’t quite able to cut through the strong defence and Tommy Ogilvie was unlucky to be bundled into touch just short of the line after a searing run up the left wing. Two away matches late in the season against Akeley Wood and Winchester House gave both teams a chance to develop their game but they weren’t able to secure wins against these strong sides. It was encouraging to see different players coming to the fore though, with William Hoggarth at last being rewarded for all his commitment and effort during the season with a try against Winchester House. For the ‘B’ team, Alex Watson began to emerge with more confidence as a reliable, determined player, scoring tries in both these matches, and Oscar Bunting-Relph put on a display of nippy footwork, which was to be such a boon in the ensuing hockey season, to score a try of his own against Akeley Wood. All the boys developed their technical skills and team spirit during the season and gave many displays of exciting rugby in their first term of the contact game. Oh, and apparently, tackling is “OK, really,” when you’ve given it a go! U9 A Results: U9 B Results: JB

P7 P5

W2 W0

D0 D0

L5 L5

BOYS’ HOCKEY 1ST XI

1st XI As excited talk of the impending BG astro continued, the 1st XI went about their business in impressive style. The first outing of the season, a tournament at Dean Close on the third day of term, provided the opportunity to try various combinations and revealed a glimpse of what might follow. The highlight of the afternoon was the acknowledgement of Ollie Rogerson - later appointed to the captaincy of the XI - as the player of the tournament; this was indeed an honour, particularly given that some of the top hockey schools in the country were represented. Foremarke Hall provided the opposition for the first of our 11-a-side matches and succumbed by 5 goals to 2. Will Manners scored twice and Milo Lakin recorded a hat-trick as Foremarke discovered, as many other sides would, that Milo was mighty quick! Following a below par performance at Winchester House, where Ollie Rogerson scored twice and Will Sturrock once in a 6 - 3 defeat, the 1st XI put on a stunning second half display against Trent College to complete a 5 - 1 victory. In the first half, Lakin set BG on the way with a crisp strike from the edge of the D but Trent came back into the game with a well-deserved equaliser and we turned round at 1 - 1. Nick Fletcher and Hector Hilleary, both co-opted from the 2nd XI, played their part and Joe Anderson had his best

game of the season on the right. Carlos Ribas worked tirelessly whilst Oliver Jacques, George Willmott and Harry Cash continued their improvement. Hugo Swaby was simply outstanding at sweeper, timing his tackles immaculately and distributing the ball with the utmost precision. Second half goals came from Lakin, Swaby, Anderson and Hilleary as Trent had no solution to the problems posed by an increasingly confident BG. At Cheltenham, Will Manners opened the scoring and soon added a second before Ollie Rogerson scored the goal of the game; a tight turn away from his marker followed by the burial of the ball in the roof of the net. Cheltenham clawed themselves back into the game momentarily before Ollie Rogerson struck again and again, completing a well-deserved hat-trick. Nick Fletcher had a sound game on the left at the back. The first qualifying tournament of the season, for a place in the IAPS National finals, took place at Bishop’s Stortford. In the group games, BG won 3 and lost 1, going through to the quarter-finals in second place. Our reward was an exciting game against St. Faith’s which, despite having the better of the match, ended in a stale-mate. Golden-goal extra-time still did not help to separate the two sides so penalty strokes were on the menu. Hugo Swaby, Milo Lakin and Ollie Rogerson all netted comfortably, as did the St. Faith’s takers, so sudden-death loomed. Harry Smith saved the first St. Faith’s stroke

with ease and Hugo Swaby then sealed the victory. Remarkably, the semi-final followed a similar pattern. A 2 - 2 draw with the hosts ended with another penalty competition. Harry Smith saved again and BG were through to the final against Beeston Hall. At half-time, the game was evenly poised at 1 - 1 but BG put on a superb second-half display to take the title, winning 4 - 1. Oliver Jacques had a magnificent game, snuffing out Beeston’s most dangerous attacker throughout. For the record, the goals during the day came from Ollie Rogerson (8 + 2 strokes), Milo Lakin (8 + 2), Harry Cash, Carlos Ribas, Hugo Swaby (1 + 2), Will Manners (2) and George Willmott. At the Dragon, our hosts took the lead after some ineffective defending but BG were soon back on terms and then went from strength to strength, outplaying the Dragon for much of the game. Milo Lakin ended with a hat-trick, Ollie Rogerson scored two and Joe Anderson pirouetted on the ball to complete the half-dozen. At Spratton Hall, playing some of their best hockey of the season, BG romped to a 5 nil lead by half-time. Perhaps feeling rather too confident, both Hugo Swaby and Oliver Jacques pushed forward from

the back, leaving a gap for Spratton to exploit. The damage was not too serious and the final scoreline of 8 - 2 reflected BG’s dominance of the game. Ollie Rogerson scored a hat-trick, Joe Anderson nipped in with 2 close-range goals and Harry Cash, Milo Lakin and Carlos Ribas scored one apiece. Bilton Grange then captured the Warwickshire County title for the fourth successive year, defeating King Edward’s in the final. Earlier, BG won all three of their group games, scoring 10 and conceding just one goal. Bablake provided the semi-final opposition but were no match for this talented Bilton Grange side. The goal of the tournament came from Carlos Ribas after a huge Hugo Swaby aerial from the back was chased down by Milo Lakin (no one else would have caught it) who crossed for Carlos Ribas to drag skilfully around the keeper and dribble into the empty goal.

in the play-off did not match the outstanding displays that were witnessed earlier in the day. To finish fourth in the country, standing toe-to-toe with the big senior schools, however, is a monumental achievement. Congratulations to Ollie Rogerson, Hugo Swaby, Milo Lakin, Harry Smith, Ollie Jacques, Carlos Ribas, Harry Cash, Will Manners and George Willmott; you did yourselves and BG proud! The boys were delighted to receive their medals from current GB international and Olympian, Ali Wilson.

BG came out on the wrong end of a battle royal against Bromsgrove, though it could easily have been a different story. This was Prep school hockey at the highest level and all the Bilton boys did their bit to make it such a spectacle. Ollie Rogerson, Milo Lakin and George Willmott worked tirelessly and skilfully in the mid-field, Anderson and Will Manners hounded their opponents and Carlos Ribas was in stunning form, ending the game with a hat-trick to his name. At the back, Hugo Swaby commanded his troops magnificently as Nick Fletcher, Oliver Jacques and Harry Cash were given a stern test whilst Harry Smith, in goal, was also tested to the full. Ollie Rogerson deservedly scored BG’s fourth goal but we were unable to find that elusive equaliser.

So ended one of the most successful season’s of hockey that I can remember. The Moore Hockey Trophy was awarded to Ollie Rogerson (who scored a total of 60 goals indoors and out), Carlos Ribas received the award for the most improved player and Wellington won the Wells Section Cup. We start again next year. PJN

With three players resting, the squad was joined by Will Sturrock, Jacob Hardy-King and Elian Malkin who all played their part in a BG victory at Maidwell Hall. Joe Anderson helped himself to a couple of goals and Harry Cash scored twice from drag flicks. This year’s trip to Millfield, for the National IAPS finals, was as exciting as ever. BG eventually bowed out at the semi-final stage, losing out to Bromsgrove on sudden death penalty strokes after being two goals ahead. There was no time though to lick wounds as the Midlands’ Schools finals beckoned. Cruising through the group, BG set up a semi-final confrontation with De Ferrers School from Staffordshire. Falling behind, it was Ollie Rogerson who dragged us back into the game with a stunning goal. This time, BG won through on penalty strokes. The final was a rematch with King Edward’s, Birmingham, the other Warwickshire representatives, and, once again, Ollie Rogerson scored two outstanding goals to help BG take the Midlands title for the third year in succession. The Easter break brought with it the annual Gresham’s festival, previous occasions being fondly remembered by many an Old Biltonian. BG won the Indoor title and the A team boasted an unbeaten record, both indoors and out. To top it all off, Milo Lakin was named Player of the Festival by the tournament organisers and umpires; an honour, indeed. At the start of the summer term, the boys began preparing for the National Schools’ finals at Cannock. On the day, comfortable victories over Beeston Hall, St Olave’s and Chafyn Grove, along with a draw against Kingston Grammar, gave BG 10 points and a goals tally of 12 goals for and 4 goals against. To our dismay, Kingston also finished with 10 points, 12 goals for and just 3 goals against. Had we scored just one more goal, we would have been fighting for national glory in the final but had to settle for the 3rd/4th place play-off against Simon Langton Boys. Having given their all, it was not too much of a surprise that BG’s performance

Results: Padfield Trophy Clifton Millfield Dean Close The Downs Foremarke Hall

Lost Drawn Lost Won Lost

0–2 1 – 1 0–2 3 – 1 1 – 2

1st XI Foremarke Hall Winchester House Trent College Cheltenham Dragon Spratton Hall Bromsgrove Maidwell Hall

Won Lost Won Won Won Won Lost Won

5 – 2 3 – 6 5 – 1 5 – 1 6 – 2 8 – 2 4 – 5 4 – 0

IAPS East Region Maidwell Hall Beeston Hall Felsted Holmwood House St Faith’s (QF) [Penalty strokes Bishop’s Stortford (SF) [Penalty strokes Beeston Hall (F)

Won Lost Won Won Drawn Won Drawn Won Won

6 – 0 1 – 2 4 – 3 4 – 0 1 – 1 4 – 3] 2 – 2 2 – 1] 4 – 1

IAPS National Finals Hazlegrove St Faith’s Hoe Bridge Witham Hall Port Regis (QF) Bromsgrove (SF) [Penalty strokes

Lost Won Won Won Won Drawn Lost

0–1 4 – 0 2 – 1 2 – 0 3 – 1 2 – 2 2 – 3]

Warwickshire Bishop Vesey’s Solihull Lawrence Sheriff Bablake (SF) KES (F)

Won Won Won Won Won

2 – 1 1 – 0 7 – 0 3 – 0 2 – 0

Midlands Church Stretton Trent College Oundle/Kingscliffe Loughborough GS De Fererrs (SF) [Penalty strokes KES (F)

Won Won Drawn Won Drawn Won Won

5 – 0 3 – 1 1 – 1 5 – 0 1 – 1 4 – 3] 2–1

Nationals Beeston Hall St Olave’s Kingston Grammar Chafyn Grove Simon Langton Boys

Won Won Drawn Won Lost

3 – 1 4 – 1 1 – 1 4 – 1 0–2

Gresham’s Indoor A VI Perse (SF) St Faith’s (F)

Won Won

3 – 0 2 – 0

Gresham’s Outdoor XI’s Victoria College Stamford St Faith’s Gresham’s Ipswich

Won Won Drawn Won Won

4 – 0 1 – 0 1 – 1 3 – 0 3 – 1

Gresham’s Outdoor VII’s Stamford Ipswich Town Close

Drawn 1 – 1 Won 2 – 0 Won 2 – 1

BOYS’ HOCKEY 2ND XI

2nd XI

stream of attacks on goal from both sides. BG’s defensive line - James Eggleston, William Brodie, Ned Mitchell, Sam Wright and Luke de Waal, proved a force to be reckoned with for much of the half but Trent were strong enough to find a winner.

Returning to my former Prep school five years on, I was fortunate to be given the opportunity to join Game 1 and coach the 2nd XI alongside PJN. The weather proved to be a constant menace during the season, with several matches cancelled due to frozen pitches, but, despite this, the 2nd XI had a pleasingly successful season. The boys had a stroke of bad luck to start the season off, venturing over to play a formidable Formarke Hall team. The first half brought a stalemate but, after the break, a cleverly crafted through ball gave Harry Kesterton the opportunity to open the 2nd XI’s account and he did so, comfortably working the ball around the keeper’s legs. Much of the remaining 25 minutes was reminiscent of the first half, a hard fought contest with Will Sturrock and our Captain, Jacob Hardy-King, leading the barrage of attacks on the Formarke defence. With 10 minutes to go, an unfortunate bobble of the ball allowed Formarke to collect the equaliser and their winner came moments later. We were then visited by an old rival, Winchester House, and the boys took to the grass rather than the more usual, smooth astro turf surface. This seemed a daunting task for both sides but the BG boys confidently rose to the challenge. An early chance for Luke de Waal was neatly tucked between the keeper’s legs to send BG into the lead. The game quickly became an exciting, end-to-end affair with attacks on goal being relentlessly exchanged throughout the first half. Lucas Ribas, a secondhalf substitute, deserved particular praise for his performance that day. He was devastatingly skilful in attack and individually scuppered the Winchester defence, time after time. The second twenty five minutes was spent mostly in the BG half as Winchester drove forward in an attempt to equalise… James Eggleston had other plans, confidently saving all of their attempts until the final whistle.

An early goal from Will Sturrock against Bedford opened up the 2nd XI’s account. The early lead boosted the boys’ confidence on the ball and there were particularly remarkable slalom runs from Carlos Ribas who tore the Bedford defence apart. Goals from Will Manners, Lucas Ribas and Jacob Hardy-King put BG four up and well on the way to a comfortable win. Joe Anderson used his incredible pace down the right, leaving the Bedford boys in his wake. Bedford’s second goal was matched by a fifth from BG and we ran out as comfortable winners. At Spratton Hall, the defence of Sam Wright, Ned Mitchell, Thomas Hardman and Elian Malkin had their best game to date, proving to be a solid and formidable line that was rarely broken. Spratton, however, did have chances which were modestly brushed away by the mits and pads of Alexey Kapustin. BG’s patience was rewarded with a cracking goal from Jacob Hardy-King off a late penalty corner and victory was secured. BG’s final match of the term was a difficult fixture against the Dragon, who proved to be the better side throughout the match. Several players fought hard but a special mention goes to Alexey Kapustin in goal who, despite the 5 goals that went past him, made three or four times as many saves. It proved a challenging season for the 2nd XI with some terrific wins and some unfortunate losses. However, all the boys played and trained with the right attitude and a determination to perform at their best. It was a pleasure to have been their coach, alongside Mr Nicholson, and I hope they add to their successes next season. Results:

A difficult third match of the season saw BG lose out to a strong Trent College side. Harry Kesterton levelled the scores in the first half but the second half brought a hard struggle for possession, resulting in a steady

HJ Carr (OB 2001-2006)

BOYS’ HOCKEY 3RD XI & LIONS

3rd XI and Lions Whilst the 1st XI and Colts sides were grabbing all the headlines, the 3rd XI and Lions were busy enjoying themselves at a slightly more sedate level. Goals were hard to come by, but resilience and work rate were evident in abundance. The boys experienced the usual Lent term weather conditions but, despite a short break for inter-section snowballing fights, they were keen to get outside and onto the grass pitch. Practice games were fast and furious, but gradually players showed more poise on the ball, started moving their feet and also moving the ball to the right. Despite the coaches’ best efforts, the inevitable lumps were occasionally hacked out of the grass pitch, beautifully prepared by the groundsman, Gareth. Memories of the 3rd XI season include Alexey Kapustin’s acrobatic keeping, Charlie Hudson’s and Freddie Dadson’s poise on the ball, and Ben Anderson running tirelessly in attack. George Bletsoe proved a rock in defence and Rian Jones was a revelation in the midfield. However, a mention to Captain Jack Harwood whose never say die attitude set the standard for his team mates, even if he caused much mirth every time he slipped over in his old trainers. Other than two mismatches (against Trent College U12 A and Bromsgrove U12 A) the side lost to Winchester House, Cheltenham College and Bedford before beating Spratton Hall and St. Hugh’s. Lions’ memories include Henry Mayhew’s big hitting from the back, Harry Higgins’ constant energy up front and George Longmore’s determination up the right flank. Griff Roberts (when shorn of his hoodie) bossed (literally) the defence, and Mr Searle frequently had to duck the golf swings of Harjan Devgun and Daniel Shore. There were losses against Trent College, Bromsgrove, Winchester House, and Cheltenham College before wins against Bedford and Spratton Hall. However, the highlight of the season was surely the last gasp equaliser against BG’s own 3rd XI in a triangular tournament.

next year, but for those moving up in the world we wish them happy memories of an enjoyable season, and perhaps a few more goals to celebrate! Many thanks to the loyal parents who travelled far and wide to support the two teams. 3rd XI Results: Lions’ Results:

P9 P7

W2 W2

D1 D1

L6 L4

3rd XI squad: Ben Anderson, George Bletsoe, Hamish Brodie, Toby Cripps, Freddie Dadson, Jack Harwood, Charlie Hudson, George Jackson, Rian Jones, Alexey Kapustin, Tommy Mann, Elliott Marshall, Christopher Thomas, Joseph Thomas, Guy Williams Lions squad: Harjan Devgun, Harry Fox, Harry Higgins, Jonathan Hutson, Merlyn Line, George Longmore, Jamie Marshall, Henry Mayhew, Freddie Ogilvie, Oliver Parkes, Alexander Ricketts, Griff Roberts, Daniel Shore, Felix Wahlberg, Charlie Winterton JWSP and DMS

We look forward to seeing some of these players back on this game

BOYS’ HOCKEY COLTS A

Colts A Noah turned provider for Angus and Mathew.

The season started with a home fixture against Foremarke Hall and the Colts A quickly set the tone for the term with fast flowing, attacking hockey with every team member pressing forward as well as working hard for each other in defence. Goals started flowing with Marcus Tarrant orchestrating play, as he did throughout the season, from centre midfield whilst Noah Martle and Mathew Nobes provided the width and attacking options on the flanks. Noah secured the first hat-trick of the season, actually scoring five, with Mathew hot on his heels in the goal scoring stakes with his own hat-trick in a comfortable 8-2 victory. A couple of enforced changes were made prior to the visit to Winchester House, with Jonty Craven making his debut, which resulted in the team taking their time to settle into the fluid hockey which they demonstrated against Foremarke Hall. However, Harry Mitchell and Ben Harris were secure at the back, repelling any attack with ease. Despite going a goal behind, we responded well and goals from Marcus, Noah and Angus Robinson contributed to a pleasing result. The Colts’ next two games were against new opposition in the form of Stamford and Cheltenham College. Theo Davenport stepped into the side, after a pleasing start to the term in the Colts B, and looked assured at the back. A comfortable win against Stamford, which saw goals from our front three and an assured, mature, defensive display from George Barber, was followed by a 4-0 victory over Cheltenham College. After the half term break, the high-quality hockey that was demonstrated before the break continued. The Dragon provided the next opposition and the Colts A were quickly on the front foot with Noah providing the main threat on the right as well as proving a deadly finisher. George highlighted the attacking nature of the team by surging forward from right back and setting up Noah for his hat-trick before

Bedford were welcomed to Rugby School for the next game and the Colts A produced their best performance of the season with an unbelievable display of passing, defending and finishing. They breached the opposition’s defence time and time again, much to the delight of the supporting parents. Noah scored the first three before Mathew demonstrated his full repertoire of shots with a tap in, reverse stick effort and fine strike from the top of the ‘D’. The Bedford defence had no response to the pace, support and quick thinking of the whole team. Angus ended the scoring with a brace of his own to seal a phenomenal 9-1 victory. The fine start to the season set the side in good stead for the IAPS qualifiers at Repton School where the boys were keen to demonstrate their skills on a wider stage - they certainly did just that! One is always nervous in short games, as a momentary lapse can prove so costly. Despite starting slowly, the side breezed through their group, winning all our games. In the groups, Angus found his scoring boots as 13 goals were scored and only 2 conceded. A quarter-final victory over St. Olave’s (3-0) also provided my moment of the season when Marcus, unselfishly, allowed Mathew to score, to boost his confidence, when the goal was at Marcus’s mercy for his first goal of the season. Two late goals from Noah in the semi-final victory over Altrincham Prep ensured that the side reached the National finals. Unfortunately, tired legs in the final against Stamford meant a 2-3 defeat despite a tussle royal between two attacking teams in a match that could have gone either way. The Colts A were not at their sparkling best against Bromsgrove, although I feel that some leeway needed to be given considering their achievements thus far. However, the boys were quickly out of the blocks,

securing a 3-0 lead with Mathew proving lively on the left. Mention needs to go to Ollie Park who only donned the pads in pre-season training yet proved to be a ‘big hit’ in goal. It is always difficult to be a goalkeeper in a successful team as one often has long periods of nothing yet is always expected to produce the saves when the defence is breached. However, Ollie never failed to deliver, constantly producing fine saves to keep clean sheets or ensure a comfortable victory. I appreciate his efforts and the fact that he only conceded 22 goals in all matches and tournaments speaks for itself! The IAPS National finals were held at Wellington College where the Colts A delivered on the biggest stage. St. George’s found Ollie in fine form in our first game and, much to their frustration, when they got it passed him, they found Harry on the line (no less than three times!). With a minute left, Noah broke with his usual speed to find a narrow gap between keeper and post and snatch a win! Wins followed against Chafyn Grove (2-0), Hazlegrove (3-2) and Ashfold (2-0) as the side again topped the group prior to the last game, allowing players to have a breather yet still pressurising the opposition, with Ben having a strong game on the right. A tense quarter-final followed against Gresham’s with a late Mathew goal into the roof of the net setting up a semi-final against Lambrook. After a 1-1 draw in normal time, a golden goal was needed to prevent penalty strokes. Noah kindly delivered as he waltzed through the opposition defence to produce a calm finish. The final proved a bridge too far as Felsted played very well and deserved the victory, yet the boys must be delighted with their achievements with more still to come.

Foremarke Hall 8-2 Winchester House 3-1 Stamford 4-1 Cheltenham College 4-0 Dragon 5-1 Bedford 9-1 Bromsgrove 3-1 Kimbolton 5-0 Colts A squad: George Barber (3 goals), Jonty Craven (3), Theo Davenport (1), Ben Harris, Noah Martle (62), Harry Mitchell (2), Mathew Nobes (19), Oliver Park, Angus Robinson (38), Marcus Tarrant (5) CJH

In the last match of the season, the Colts A played an excellent game of passing hockey, resulting in Kimbolton chasing shadows for much of the game. Five unanswered goals secured a fantastic unbeaten season (8 out of 8) in the process. However, this was not the end to endeavours with the County and the Gresham’s tournaments once the term had finished. The Colts A won the County tournament, cruising through the group stages with comfortable wins before beating Solihull (3-0) in the semi-final and Warwick in the final (2-0). This meant cutting short our weekend in Holt to attend the Midlands finals at Cannock. The Colts A enjoyed a very successful weekend at Gresham’s, remaining unbeaten and passing 100 goals for the season on Saturday afternoon. All five outdoor games were won, including a 2-0 victory over Gresham’s with Harry in amazing form to restrict their attacking threats down the right, whilst winning three and drawing two matches indoors. Unfortunately, due to the Midlands, we were unable to contest the finals on Monday. At the Midlands tournament, the Colts A rounded off their season in style by dominating all of their matches with the hockey that I, and parents, have witnessed throughout the season. Strong performances in the group resulted in a semi-final against Warwick. A tense affair was settled with Noah outpacing the defence and giving Angus a simple tap in at the far post. Grosvenor provided the opposition in the final and, having previously beaten them twice at the Gresham’s tournament, the boys were confident of gaining the Midlands title. An assured performance from every member of the squad allowed Noah to score two quick goals as the Colts A were named Midlands Champions, in addition to County Champions and IAPS Runners-Up, in what has been a breath-taking season! Results:

BOYSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; HOCKEY COLTS B

Colts B

A return fixture versus Stamford was a closer affair although the boys showed their resilience and bounced back well from the Bromsgrove defeat with Marcus having his best game of the season and staking a claim for a Colts A place next year. Matthew White marked his debut with a well-taken goal whilst Sam Cave looked solid at the back along with Ralph Bewicke-Copley. The Colts B rounded off the season with a comfortable win against Kimbolton as they worked hard for each other and hassled their opponents. Fittingly, goals from Jonty and Alex secured a great win and an excellent set of results over the term.

The Colts B have had an excellent season with results to match. Many players have alternated between the Colts A and Colts B with the strength in depth of the Colts squad highlighted by the number that has represented the team. They have shown real grit and determination this season, epitomised by Alex Jackson, who controlled the centre of midfield with strong tackling, quick thinking and a fantastic work rate in every game. A pleasing start to the term saw them beat Foremarke Hall with Oscar Phillips demonstrating his predatory skills and calm finishing at centre forward by bagging an early hat-trick. A good victory over Winchester House followed with the younger members of the team (Marcus Nicholson and Jordan Hayward) opening their accounts for the term with strong performances.

Results: P9

Foremarke Hall 6-0 Winchester House 5-0 Stamford 6-1 Cheltenham College 3-1 Dragon 1-0 Bedford 3-1 Bromsgrove 0-2 Stamford 4-2 Kimbolton 2-0

A comfortable victory was achieved over Stamford, with Ben Harris and Harry Mitchell producing an excellent defensive display and giving Alexander Sturrock a quiet game in goal. Oscar claimed five goals in an exhibition of devastating finishing. The final game before half term, against Cheltenham College, saw the Colts B preserve their unbeaten record with Jonty Craven demonstrating his effectiveness at penalty corners with two clean strikes giving the goalkeeper no chance. A hard fought victory over the Dragon was followed by a strong performance against Bedford. After a scrappy first half, the boys came out fighting with a much improved display, Alex controlling the middle and providing opportunities for Oscar and Jonty as we came from behind to gain a deserved win. Weary legs cost us against a physically stronger Bromsgrove outfit as the Colts B were often out-muscled when in possession of the ball and we succumbed to our only defeat of the season.

Colts B squad: John Bewicke-Copley, Ralph Bewicke-Copley, Sam Cave, Jonty Craven (6 goals), James Cummins, Theo Davenport, Ben Harris, Jordan Hayward (1), Alexander Jackson (8), Harry Mitchell, Marcus Nicholson (3), Oscar Phillips (11), Alexander Sturrock, Matthew White (1) CJH

BOYS’ HOCKEY COLTS C & D

Colts C & D The Colts C & D squad enjoyed a mixed season of highs and lows. It was good to work with a squad who were so united and supportive of each other, even when they were up against it. As the term progressed, both teams improved significantly and were able to create and work goals with deft tactical manoeuvres and accurate passing. Another key area of development was working for each other off the ball. Perhaps the highlights of the C’s and D’s season were the matches against Bedford School in March. Despite trailing 2-0 from early in the first half, an excellent individual goal from Matthew White gave BG a chance to get back into the game. Two further goals from Matthew, who finished with a hat-trick, took BG into the lead early in the secondhalf, but Bedford managed to draw level with a well worked goal just before the full time whistle. The tenacity and ferociousness of the fight back was enough to stir the cockles of any one associated with BG and the boys should be proud of their performance. The 3-3 draw was the deserved result from an exciting and technically excellent match. The D’s enjoyed an emphatic victory over Bedford with four unanswered goals. The tight and assured defending ensured that Bedford were unable to threaten the BG goal. Some outstanding work by Toby Henderson and James Cummins in the midfield provided Freddie Jones, who also finished with a hat-trick, some great opportunities to score. Toby Henderson also claimed a goal for himself. Many of these players will play for senior sides at BG next year, others will feature strongly for Colts A and B. All have developed hugely over the term, and I wish them well for the future. JMG

BOYSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; HOCKEY CUBS

Cubs The Cubs B season started with a match against Winchester House. Despite some good passing and working as a team, it proved to be a tough match with a significant loss. The next two matches against Bedford and Bromsgrove were also difficult games although increasing skill could be seen within the team. For the final match, two days before the end of term, the Cubs travelled to Beachborough in glorious sunshine. From the start, the Cubs took possession of the ball, kept in formation and every pass had pin-point accuracy. Although Beachborough responded with strong defence, it is was not long before Harvey James-Bull broke through and scored. In the second half, Beachborough fought back and levelled the score, but the Cubs were not to be denied their only win and slotted in a second without reply. Cubs squad: Eddie Baker, Ross Carmichael, Joshua Chandler, Henry Cripps, William Hardman, Archie Higgins, Luke Hodds, Harry JamesBull, Rufus Kerner, Freddie Manners, Alex Masefield, Thando Moyo, Matthew Pattison, Henry Perks, Pablo Pool, Ben Seaman, Archie Simpson, George Whiston. PRM

BOYS’ HOCKEY UNDER 9

Under 9 The boys received a bit of a wake-up call in the first matches of the season against Winchester House, the A’s and the B’s losing by some margin. We soon realised that we would need to play with much more fight and determination. Unfortunately, the next two matches, against Stamford and Clifton School, were cancelled due to the freezing weather and this interrupted the development of our play. It turned out that the next fixture was a rematch against Winchester House, away on their grass pitches, and there was much trepidation about how things would go on their home patch. As things turned out, both BG teams showed huge improvements since the previous matches, both in technique and effort, and the A’s lost just 1-3 (Oscar BuntingRelph) with the B’s registering a 0-0 draw. Much encouragement was gained from these performances and taken on for the rest of the season.

the only chance to play on Astroturf; all the boys played against the same squad of 10 from Clifton. The C’s tried hard but were rather outclassed, losing 7-0, the A’s then had an excellent end-to-end game which either team could have won but the final result was a 0-0 draw. The B’s were probably a little disappointed to lose 0-3 against a tiring Clifton side. A’s Results: B’s Results: C’s Results:

P5 P5 P2

W1 W0 W0

D2 D2 D0

L2 L3 L2

A’s squad: William Hoggarth, William Jackson, Lucas Marshall, Tommy Ogilvie, Oscar Bunting-Relph, Artyom Tomilin and Alex Watson.

The next matches were against Milton Keynes. The A’s drew 2-2, with Will Jackson and Oscar Bunting-Relph scoring, whilst the B’s lost 2-3, Sam Evans scoring both goals. After half time in each match, reserves were brought on in the spirit of involving all children in the match experience. The A’s then conceded 2 more goals while the B’s maintained their score line.

B’s squad: Thomas Cleaver-Cavalier, Sam Evans, Archie Jackson, Crispin Marshall-Rowan, Charlie Tarrant, George Taylor and Daniel Torrance.

At home to Gt. Houghton, the A’s won 5-4 with goals from Oscar Bunting-Relph, William Jackson, Tommy Ogilvie, Lucas Marshall and George Taylor. This was a hugely exciting game with the winning goal being scored with an ‘end of time’ penalty corner. The B’s drew 1-1 (Sam Evans) and then the C’s performed very well to lose just 1-0 against Gt. Houghton’s B team.

C’s squad: Max Bishop, Louis Edwards, Edward Jeffery, Jon-Henry Marwood-Frisby, Richard Rose, and Theo Winter.

The last fixture of the season was with Clifton School and presented

ADTG

ROUNDERS 1ST TEAM

1st Team This summer has not been the kindest to us, weather-wise, and this has impacted on our rounders fixtures. We had thirteen games arranged and managed to play ten of them, even though, at times, we could have played in wellington boots rather than trainers. The fixtures that we did fulfil were played in a wonderful sporting spirit. The girls were so pleased to be able to run around and exert some energy that they produced some excellent results. Out of the ten matches played, we won nine and lost only one, giving us a fantastic 90% success rate for the season.

minutes of the first innings. Amelia Tarrant was named â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Championâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for the season. This was due to her dedication, hard work, excellent batting and consistent throwing from back stop, enabling us to stump out many opposition at first post. Olivia Baker was named as the most improved player for her great team work, wonderful deep fielding and scoring of numerous rounders. Special mention has to go to Hannah Swaby who was amazing in her bowling as she only conceded one half rounder for the entire season.

We had some very exciting games with some close results against Oundle and Stoneygate and then there were matches where we had control throughout and finished with some impressive victories. The girls gelled as a unit very early on in the season, mainly because many of them had played together last year. The fielding was particularly tight and well structured which proved formidable to our opposition on many occasions. We were also very strong in batting this year; it is definitely a great advantage to have good tennis players amongst the team! Our mini tour fixtures against the Jersey teams were particularly enjoyable and competitive, especially our game against Jersey College. The entire experience of playing in the sunshine on a beautiful island against tough but very friendly girls was the highlight of the term. The games did prove a bit of a challenge as the schools in Jersey play with a softer incrediball which is more difficult to hit a long way but easier to catch. We soon got used to it and ended up catching and stumping out six girls in a row within four

Every girl played an important part in this very successful team. The attitude, sporting ethos and great talent demonstrated by all was exceptional but, most importantly, the girls had fun and were fun to coach. 1st Team: Olivia Baker*, Anastasia de Clermont, Ella Davenport*, Charlotte Franklin, Miranda Kember*, Skylar Martle*, Zoe Summers*, Hannah Swaby, Amelia Tarrant* and Henrietta Wood*. *Colours awarded. MM

ROUNDERS 2ND TEAM

2nd Team The 2nd rounders team, who appropriately re-named themselves ‘Team Fun’, had a gratifying season despite the weather’s best effort to dampen their spirits. The initial matches proved disappointing as the team collectively seemed unable to put bat to ball which was all the more frustrating as their fielding was second to none. Flo Stanley led the team in the field, bossing the ball here, there, and everywhere to stump the opposition out in quick time. Furthermore, with Flossie Rosser stepping up to the mark as bowler, Tabitha Churchill and Holly Mansell putting on the pressure at first post and with deep fielders Cordelia Kerner, Eleanor Moyo and Millie Beere reigning in the balls, the team meant business. However, all was not lost as the arrival of some metal bats, along with some targeted practice, paved way for some impressive results. As the batting went from strength to strength, the grins got wider. Some cunning tactics, alternating our vast number of left-handed players with our right-handed ones, helped our cause. With Juliet Smith sneaking it down past first and Jo Jo Stanton slogging it out past third, our competitors didn’t stand a chance…and, just when they thought they had us worked out, ambidextrous Grace Blackhall stepped into the box. The girls can be proud of their performances on the pitch and also their attitude and sportsmanship off it, making for truly enjoyable afternoons spent in the sun. SJ Milne (OB 1995-2001)

ROUNDERS UNDER 11

Under 11 In spite of all the unseasonal rain, the children did not sprout gills, the wellies did come off and some good competitive matches were played, Section Matches fulfilled and tournaments attended. Each and every game has been filled with both personal triumphs and disappointments but it is fair to say that every girl in the group has undertaken a journey. Without exception, each one has seen, felt and enjoyed improvements in their skills and abilities; improvements that will hold them in good stead for their senior years at Bilton Grange. Fielding displays often outshone those of their batting. There were outstanding performances, particularly by Kaitlin Mackintosh, who bowled with great accuracy and reliability, and Ellie Andrew at backstop, whose reactions improved significantly as the season wore on and who possessed a phenomenal overarm throw. Lily Simpson proved herself exceptional on 2nd Post, showing a safe pair of hands, a good reading of the game and razor sharp reactions. These three pivotal positions were ably backed up in deep field by Charlotte Bend who regularly turned in very solid performances, preventing many rounders being scored by her good technique and commitment to the cause. But fielding is only one half of the game and we regularly lacked the consistency needed with the bat to enable us to dominate games. However, Anna Riddington-Gale, Elisa Pool

and Lily Simpson showed good hand-eye coordination and regularly found themselves on the scoresheet. As a team, what some of the girls often lacked in true competitive edge they made up for in team work; bonding well, showing support to each other and, even when facing defeat, never letting their heads drop and trying to the best of their ability to the final ball. The girls very much enjoyed participating in the tournament at Rugby School; no medals this year, but more experience under the belt in pressure situations and greater realisation of the need to get off to a quick, decisive start. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hoping for kinder weather next year. U11 squad: Ellie Andrew, Imogen Blackhall, Iona Craig, Daisy Cubitt, Chloe Degnan, Rhiannon Evans, Angelica Fry, Shelly Fuxman, Anna Riddington-Gale, Phoebe Henderson, Elisa Pool, Kitty Porter, Lily Simpson, Charlotte Bend, Kaitlin Mackintosh, Maria Rodko, Georgina Smith DH

ROUNDERS UNDER 10

Under 10 With the weather preventing an enormous amount of outdoor activity on the rounders field, preparing the team to be match fit was quite a challenge. Undeterred, training went well and a team was fit and ready to play. Bowling successfully, time after time, Henrietta Gendler with Georgina Jones or Ellie Harrison as back stop were a formidable team, sending the ball to 2nd post to prevent a score. Directing the ball deep, the opposition were often mystified when Abbey Parkin quickly returned the ball with her enormous overarm throw straight to 2nd post; they must have wondered how they were ever going to score. Amelia Trotter saw her finest hour when she caught out a ‘big hitter’ against Beachborough, completely reversing the momentum of the opposition. In the final matches of the year, the BG girls were on winning form and fabulous batting came from Alice Jacques. The team’s fielding was so tight that the opposition could not penetrate, the season finishing on a high for the U10 girls. U10 squad: Isabel Baker, Willa Barford, Henrietta Gendler, Ellie Harrison, Karla Hoggarth, Anna Ivanova, Sophia Ivanova, Alice Jacques, Georgina Jones, Jessica McCoy, Harriet Mills, Danni O’Brien, Abbey Parkin, Amelia Trotter, Lara Vohrah and Georgina Woodward. JG

ROUNDERS UNDER 9

Under 9 The rounders matches for the Junior girls were sadly disrupted, both by the weather and by cancellations. However, they have given a good account of themselves on the rounders’ pitch, with two wins and only one defeat. Their first match, against Warwick Prep, was a nail-biting affair, with fielding errors leaving BG trailing at half time. The girls pitched in with some determined batting in the second innings, however, judging perfectly when to take risks and when to play safe. Their concentration and communication vastly improved in the fielding and they only allowed Warwick to score one rounder, getting the team out before they had received the customary 30 balls! The final score was a win of 22 – 11, with some excellent batting totals from Ella Mitchell (5), Alice Jackson (3), Bea Mitchell (2) and Hosanna Irankunda (2).

some formidable batters. Some reliable batting, especially from Ella Mitchell who amassed 4 rounders, put Bilton narrowly ahead 10 – 8 at the break, with Trinny Seaman and Caoimhe Tobin managing to contain the Crackley Hall big hitters. Steady batting in the second innings took BG to a total of 18 rounders, with Isabel Barber bringing her total for the match to 4 rounders, and their fielding was an excellent demonstration of communication and teamwork. Trinny Seaman, Rosie Marshall and Isabel Barber all managed runouts, and Alice Jackson did an excellent job at first post, stumping two girls out. The result – a second superb win with a score of 18 - 14. Despite working very hard, the girls were unable to secure a third win in their final match at home against Beachborough. While the Under 9 girls all worked very hard this season, and their matches were a great team effort, special mention must be given to Hosanna Irankunda, who proved a very calm and reliable bowler.

Their second match was at home against Crackley Hall, a team with

CRICKET 1ST XI

1st XI The summer term was once again upon us and the cricket season was about to start……or so we thought! I was pleased to appoint Harry Cash as Captain of Cricket and Hugo Swaby and Ollie Rogerson as vice-captains. They were all on the second half of their two year contact with Game 1 and a great deal of hope and expectation was resting on them and the other senior players. Our first game of the season was due to be against a Dragon XI but, sadly, the weather had other ideas and the game was cancelled; this was to be the story of the term. It wasn’t until the 16th May that we played our first competitive game against a strong Wellingborough side where we were dismissed for just 34; Ollie Rogerson managed to top-score with 15 off 30 balls. Wellingborough went on to knock off the runs easily. Bedford was our next fixture and although we played a weakened 1st XI they posted a massive score of 209. Harry Cash, Ned Mitchell and George Willmott all took wickets but we were unable to get into the tail as the Bedford captain knocked up a fine ton. With the bat, we dug in and fought hard; Oliver Jacques (6) played a perfect opening innings, facing 41 balls. Ollie Rogerson (10) came to the crease and played some flashy shots but the afternoon was saved by Ned Mitchell (12) and George Willmott who put on a great partnership

of 57 runs; a fine effort by both boys. BG ended on 98 - 9 and came second but I was pleased that the boys stepped up and tried hard with the bat. As the term and the rain continued to pass by, we welcomed a window of blue sky and sunshine over BG as we hosted Stamford for the first time in a new block fixture. We got off to a flying start, winning the toss and taking early wickets through Ned Mitchell (2 for 28 runs). Next into the attack came George Willmott who tried to weave his magical web and was successful, taking 2 wickets for just 10 runs. The fielding was aggressive and supportive and everyone was trying their best for the team. It was a joy to watch and be involved with as catches were taken and run-outs were achieved. In the final stages, Harry Smith (2 for 11 runs) and William Sturrock (1 for 12 runs) both came into the bowling and took wickets through bowling a good line and length. After 25 overs, Stamford posted a score of 139. With the bat, BG go off to a wobbly start as Stamford had two openers who both pitched the ball up and let the ball do the work! Ollie Rogerson stood firm at one end as wickets fell at the other. George Willmott (11), William Sturrock (2) and Jacob Hardy-King all stuck around to help see Ollie past his 50 and onto a magnificent

78. It was left to Elian Malkin and Harry Smith to see us nervously home for a draw which proved to be an entertaining last few overs for the spectators and helped to produce a few more grey hairs for Mr T!! Our final school match was against Grace Dieu which was another new block fixture and it was a thrilling game of prep school cricket! We started brightly with Hugo Swaby and Ned Mitchell (4 wicket for 16 runs) both bowling a good line and length. George Willmott (4 wickets for 36 runs) then came into the bowling attack and straightaway weaved his magic, taking a couple of big wickets! Our fielding was tight and there was a good sense of pressure on the Grace Dieu batsmen. As further wickets went tumbling, Grace Dieu were 60-6; it looked like we were going to wrap the game up but they dug in and knocked some quick runs. The skipper, Harry Cash (2 wickets for 25 runs), then charged in and bowled his best spell of the season, taking two wickets and adding further pressure on the tailenders. After 21 overs, Grace Dieu were bowled out for 107. After tea, we took to the crease and slowly started to chip away at the total with a sensible opening innings from Jacob Hardy-King (11), supported by Ollie Rogerson (31) who led the charge. It all looked to be going according to plan... well, so we thought! Ollie played some of his usual flamboyant shots and the boundaries came! Harry Cash (23 not out) took to the crease and batted very maturely and led by example, playing a range of quality shots. Ollie’s wicket fell and it was left to a couple of the senior players to step up but sadly this didn’t happen and, although valiant attempts were made by Will Sturrock, Will Manners and Elian Malkin we fell 15 runs

short of the total. The season had finished having never really started and across the country all the Directors of Sport and Heads of Cricket were pulling their hair out coming up with yet more wet weather games programmes! I don’t think we have seen a summer like this for many, many years. Full Colours were awarded to Ollie Rogerson for his efforts with the bat and for leading the way in the field, and half-colours were awarded to Harry Cash for his effort and contribution to the 1st XI with both the bat and the ball. Maidwell 20/20 Another Leavers’ XI was invited play in a T20 match by Maidwell Hall. Coloured kit was worn, parents enjoyed a barbecue and music blared out as the boys provided the entertainment. On the night, a Maidwell XI bowled and batted well with the BG Leavers’ XI finishing a close second! A great night enjoyed by all! Results:

1st XI squad: Harry Cash (captain), Ollie Rogerson (vice-captain, wicket-keeper), Hugo Swaby (vice-captain), Jacob Hardy-King, Oliver Jacques, Rian Jones, Milo Lakin, Elian Malkin, Ned Mitchell, Harry Smith, Will Sturrock and George Willmott. MGT

CRICKET 2ND XI

2nd XI This may be the closest to a notice such as “Season called off: rain” that Bilton Grange ever faced as the early season saw the cancellation of the first few fixtures. The first completed fixture was against Wellingborough. The quick, accurate bowling attack of the hosts put the 2nd XI’s biggest weakness into the pale, watery limelight as we were bowled out for a paltry 18. Elian Malkin, who top scored with 8, was one of four who scored any runs at all, and was promoted to the 1st XI. Obviously outclassed, the team’s tenacity was shown by the positive way in which they took the field, setting small targets to take one more wicket before Wellingborough reached their total. To their credit, some fine fielding by skipper Milo Lakin and Charlie Hudson meant two catches and a run-out: we may not have frightened Wellingborough, but we got their attention. With the first real day that felt like cricketing weather, the team hosted Bedford on the square. The baking sun seemed to affect Bilton Grange more than the visitors, though, as, with one notable exception, BG withered under the heat of the Bedford bowling attack.

falling of wickets: ten BG batsmen could not reach double figures. The 11th, though, was Milo himself, who seemed oblivious to the pressure his team-mates were feeling: he rushed from 38 to 50 in three deliveries and ended up on an unbeaten 71. With another six overs to face, he might have gone on to greater things if someone had been able to hold the other end for a while. The 2nds eventually posted 114 all out in 28 overs. As it was, the six additional overs that BG forfeited to Bedford proved the hosts’ undoing: after a very slow start (the visitors had four runs after the first four overs), they were able gradually to improve their run rate and reached the target with only a few overs to spare – overs they would not have had if BG had stayed in. In the late afternoon sun, Bilton’s boys were occasionally guilty of lapses of concentration in the field, and of some wayward bowling: the visitors were given a quarter of the runs they needed through no-balls and wides. It was, however, a far more competitive match than the week before, and Milo collected the match ball for his innings. He was, of course, promoted to the 1st XI immediately. In a new fixture against Stamford, the 2nd XI chalked up a first win, managing to bowl out the visitors’ 4th XI through tight bowling and fielding. With the bat, Will Manners got the scoring off to a flying start, hitting the second, fifth and sixth balls of the innings for boundaries, but the ball would not cross the ropes

As BG batted, drinks breaks were regular, though less so than the

again until the 11th over of Stamford’s innings! As it was, only Will managed to achieve double figures, reaching 20 before lifting his head to a straight delivery which clattered the stumps. Thereafter, wickets fell regularly, with four falling on 79! Were it not for some wayward bowling by the visitors, Bilton Grange’s total of 95 in 25.3 overs would have been a lot more modest. With a few overs to bowl before tea, the 2nd XI set a target of an early wicket. The team responded brilliantly, and tea was taken with Tom Hardman on a hat-trick ball to go with the wicket Ryan had taken on his second delivery. The hat-trick eluded Tom, but the team’s long target to keep extras down was also met. Most catches were held and only the visiting opener stood firm – that young man nearly carried his bat but, in the end, was the last wicket to fall for 49. Skipper Ryan Jones was the pick of the attack, with 3 for 6 from three overs. The long trip to Abberley Hall seemed even longer on the way back a few days later, though, when the team again struggled to make runs. Rian Jones won the toss again and chose to bat, but the hosts’ opening bowlers wreaked havoc in the Bilton batting by taking the first 5 wickets for 10 runs. A dogged partnership between Harry Kesterton and the newly promoted Luke de Waal added a modicum of respectability, contributing 35 runs for the 6th wicket, but the end of that pairing saw the capitulation of the innings, with the last four wickets falling for just six additional runs. The Bilton side’s enthusiasm in the field was commendable, and Hector Hilleary’s accurate throw at one stump to run out the Abberley opener in the first over was followed quickly by George Jackson’s catch off skipper Rian’s bowling. The hosts steadied their ship, however, and their third wicket partnership took them close to the winning total. In a final act of defiance, Hector bowled Abberley’s top scorer and George Jackson caught-and-bowled their no. 5, but Bilton had made too few runs to defend.

to shake off a week of trips and fun, but Jake Barford steadied things, playing very maturely for 16 runs before retiring to allow one of the 6th Form the chance to hit the winning runs in one of their last games: a very generous attitude. Sadly, it did not pay off, and his older colleague was bowled instead. Luke de Waal was the other anchor, scoring 13 before Bilton overhauled the first innings total. The traditional final fixture of the season is against Spratton Hall. Desperate to stay in for the allotted 20 overs, the Bilton boys were, perhaps, too cautious, achieving just 34 runs from the bat in a total that Spratton’s occasionally errant bowling generously bolstered to 66 for 5. The final partnership between captain Rian Jones and Luke de Waal (17) was solid. Spratton reached the total for the loss of 5 wickets too, but their quicker scoring rate meant that there were 5 overs to spare. Harry Smith was the pick of Bilton’s bowlers, taking three for fourteen runs from his 4 overs. The season was an enjoyable one, with a tremendous sense of team spirit developing. The fielding was very good, with more catches held than I can remember by a 2nd XI at BG. Results: SdB

The team recorded a comprehensive win in a new fixture against Grace Dieu a few days later, dismissing the visitors for 40 runs before overtaking that score. The first wicket fell in the first over with the score on 3, Harry Kesterton showing a safe pair of hands from his captain’s bowling. It was to be the only catch of the innings as every other wicket was bowled! Charlie Hudson took the first of two a couple of overs later. Thereafter, wickets fell regularly, with a small stand for the 10th wicket. Hector Hilleary and George Jackson, the pick of the bowlers on the day, both with figures of 3 for 9, saw off the two intransigent batsmen. Grace Dieu were dismissed for 40 runs. The Bilton innings wobbled early, with the 6th Formers struggling

CRICKET 3RD XI & LIONS

3rd XI & Lions The weather, which will no doubt be a feature of all the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;summerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; games reports, sadly prevented any momentum building up during the term. Against Wellingborough, BG batted first and Sam Wright, Joe Anderson and Nick Fletcher all showed good determination but were not able to find enough scoring strokes and the total of 59 for 9 was never likely to be enough. However, Joe, George Jackson, Harry Fox and Harry Higgins all showed promise as bowlers but were not able to prevent the visitors passing our total with a few overs to spare. The match against Bedford took place on just about the only hot sunny day of the term. Again, BG batted first and this time Guy Williams, Carlos Ribas and Joe Anderson all batted well but were not able to score quickly enough against some tight and consistent bowling. Bedford were able to pass our total of 51 with some ease.

In a Twenty20 match against Princethorpe, our opponents batted well and scored a competitive total of 62. For BG it was a question of whether the better batsmen could score the runs before getting out. Harry Higgins (9), Guy Williams (28) Harry Fox (16) and Elliott Marshall (7) very nearly managed it but it was left to George Bletsoe to try and score two runs off the last ball. He managed one and so the match was tied. Freddie Dadson, Ben Anderson and Alexey Kapustin also played for the 3rd XI, as did Luke de Waal before he was promoted to the 2nd XI. Elliott Marshall and Carlos Ribas shared the wicket keeping and Jack Harwood captained the side with increasing confidence and understanding. Results: ADTG

The performance against Abberley Hall was comfortably the best of the season. Carlos Ribas (24), Sam Wright (18) and Jack Harwood (10) all batted well to post a total of 63. Joe Anderson and Guy Williams opened the bowling and kept things very tight and they, with William Brodie, Sam Wright and Harry Higgins, supported by some fine run outs, kept pegging the Abberley batsmen back to claim a deserved victory with 3 overs to spare.

CRICKET COLTS A

Colts A The cricket season, like my ancient scorebook, simply fell apart, the weather determining that very little cricket would be played. The rain put paid to our two opening fixtures but a break in the precipitation allowed us to take to the field against a visiting Wellingborough side. It was clear from the start that our guests did not share the experience of our own Colts side and Harry Mitchell (13) and Noah Martle (30) opened up with a very solid partnership. Marcus Tarrant (15) and Ben Harris (10) pushed the score along before Jonty Craven (14 not out) swung the willow at the end. BG finished on 119 for 7. Wellingborough’s response was immediately numbed by Ben Harris, Marcus Tarrant taking the catch from Ben’s second ball of the opening over. Ben finished with 1 wicket for 1 run, Angus Robinson took 3 for 10, Mathew Nobes 3 for 13 and George Barber 2 for 8. There were catches from Ollie Park and George Barber, two stumpings for Noah Martle and a Mathew Nobes run out ended the Wellingborough innings on 32, giving BG a comfortable 87 run victory. The Colts then finished in third place out of eight at the Rugby School 6’s after losing just one match, that being a narrow defeat to the eventual winners, Cothill. The boys played well with every one making their contribution to the success of the team. There were some ‘champagne moments’ which included Alex Roberts’ four fours from four balls in the first over, Harry Mitchell’s 35 in the final match, Jonty Craven’s straight 6 and Mathew Nobes’ 14 off the last over to win. A masterful fielding display, with 5 run-outs, helped to restrict Bedford to just 95 from their 25 overs. Mathew Nobes, Angus Robinson, Marcus Tarrant and Ben Harris all combined with Noah Martle behind the stumps to dismiss the Bedford batsmen that failed to make their ground whilst the skipper, Harry Mitchell, made a direct hit to end the Bedford innings. George Barber took 2 for 1 from his 2 overs and Alex Roberts 2 for 17. In reply, BG, faced with probably the most accurate bowling attack that they are likely to face this season, struggled to get the ball away and the required run rate gradually increased. Alex Jackson (7), George Barber (9) and Alex Roberts (10) threatened to upset our hosts but in the end we fell just 11 runs short of the target.

the target set by Maidwell Hall. In the Maidwell innings, run outs were effected by George Barber and Ben Harris, Noah Martle took two stumpings and Mathew Nobes took 2 for 18 from his 5 overs. In response to our hosts’ 123, Alex Roberts and Jonty Craven both made unbeaten knocks of 26 but could not get the ball away sufficiently well to threaten the target. Batting first at Grace Dieu in a Twenty20 match, the Colts put on a tremendous display, losing just three wickets on their way to a total of 138. Harry Mitchell (25) and Noah Martle (40) ran superbly between the wickets, reaching 50 in the eighth over. Mathew Nobes (29) continued to rotate both the strike and the digits on the scoreboard and after 14 overs the score had reached 94. 44 runs came from the last six overs as Mathew Nobes, Angus Robinson (14 not out) and Freddie Jones (14 not out) continued to pile on the pressure. In reply, our hosts struggled to get the ball away as Ben Harris (0 for 10) and George Barber (a miserly 1 for 5) pegged them back. Jonty Craven took 1 for 7 from his three overs whilst Alex Roberts went for 15. After 13 overs, our hosts were floundering on 47 but in the 14th over, the batsmen took a liking to our skipper, Harry Mitchell, and seemed to claw themselves back into the game. The scene was set for the spin of Mathew Nobes and, aided by the run-saving fielding of Ollie Park, he duly obliged with 3 wickets for 18 runs. Marcus Tarrant took 1 for 22 and Grace Dieu finished some 40 runs short of our total. The Workman trophy for the best young cricketer was shared by Harry Mitchell and Mathew Nobes whilst Alex Roberts received the award for the most improved. Churchill won the Junior Section competition. Several of this talented side trialled for, or played, District or County cricket and all have a very bright future in the game. Results: PJN

In another ‘limited overs’ match, we fell just eight runs short of

CRICKET COLTS B manage to reach 81 all out in 21 overs. In reply, Northampton Grammar were bowled out for 43,with Alex Jackson taking 3 wickets for no runs off 3 overs and Sam Cave taking 2 wickets for no runs off 3 overs; 6 catches were taken in the Northampton innings. Colts B won by 38 runs. The last game of the season was played away against Spratton Hall. BG batted first, scoring 106 for 8 from 25 overs. Matthew White and Sam Cave were the main scorers with 17 runs each. Matthew White took 3 wickets for 18 runs during the Spratton reply but they still went on to win, scoring 107 for 5 and winning by 5 wickets.

Colts B Despite the constant rain, Colts B did manage to play when other teams didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t, only losing 3 out of the 12 matches on the calendar to the weather. Colts B started off with an easy win against the Crescent in a pairs match. Next, we travelled to Wellingborough and after some good catching and steady bowling we restricted Wellingborough to 121 for 5. In reply, Marcus Nicholson, Sam Cave and Hugo Ayo all batted well and Colts B managed to hold out for the draw on 75 for 8 at the close. Bedford provided, without doubt, the strongest team the Colts B had to play this season but things seemed to be going well for us as we posted 169 for 9: Freddie Jones smashed 31 with 3 sixes and 3 fours and Sam Cave made a fine 30, helped along the way by 17 from Matthew White and 15 from Theo Davenport. Bedfordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reply was very strong, knocking off the required runs for the loss of just 2 wickets.

The 2012 season proved to be a good one for Colts B, even with the poor weather conditions. Every young player used this year contributed to the performance of the whole team, whether fielding, batting or bowling. The skills of all the players improved throughout the season and I watched with pleasure as their confidence grew and individual results improved. Cricket is a team game and without the help of the whole team, the stars in the side would not be able to shine. 22 catches were taken by the team this season; the most catches by Theo Davenport with 4. The most runs were scored by Sam Cave with 111, average 18.5, followed closely by Matthew White on 89 at an average of 17.8. Matthew White took the most wickets with 8 at an average of 11, followed closely by Marcus Nicholson, also with 8 wickets but at an average of 11.25. Results:

Colts B squad: Theo Davenport (captain), Hugo Ayo, Max Broad, Jacob Bunting-Relph, Sam Cave, James Cummins, Toby Henderson, Alex Jackson, Freddie Jones, Henry King, Marcus Nicholson, Alex Pagendam, Alex Sturrock and Matthew White. PB

A 20 over match was played against Milton Keynes with the visitors scoring 63 for 6 and Matthew White taking 2 wickets for 5 runs. In reply, Colts B made 67 for 1 wicket to win by 9 wickets; Theo Davenport 18 and Sam Cave 19. One of the highlights of the season was the win against Maidwell Hall after they had chosen to bat first. Colts B managed to bowl the visitors out for 52 in 18 overs. The wickets taken were spread across most of the BG bowlers but Marcus Nicholson did take 2 wickets for 3 runs and also ran one player out with a direct hit. BG replied by losing 3 quick wickets but Alex Jackson and Marcus Nicholson went on to see us home, scoring 19 and 10 respectively and winning by 7 wickets. The match against Akeley Wood was abandoned as a draw with Colts B standing at 103 for 3 with Sam Cave 22, Matthew White 15, Hugo Ayo 8 not out and Alex Jackson 10 not out. Against Northampton Grammar, Colts B did struggle a little with the bat, only 2 players making double figures, but we did finally

CRICKET CUBS & UNDER 9 future, and also we thank the support of many parents. Some deserve prizes for their enduring support, and we hope the children provided some good memories. Cubs A results: P9 Cubs B results: P5

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Cubs A squad: John Bewicke-Copley (captain), Eddie Baker, Ralph Bewicke-Copley, Max Broad, James Cooper, Yuwakar Gurung, Jordan Hayward, Archie Higgins, Harvey James-Bull, Rufus Kerner, Harri Ogilvie, Alexander Pagendam, Oscar Phillips, Archie Simpson, Conor Tobin, George Whiston, Sam Whittaker Cubs B squad: Leo Johnson (captain), Ross Carmichael, Josh Chandler, Henry Cripps, Jacob Denness, William Hardman, Luke Hodds, Freddie Manners, Alexander Masefield, Ella Mitchell, Thando Moyo, Parker Nowick, Harry Parkes, Matthew Pattison, Henry Perks, Pablo Pool, Ben Seaman, Sean Tobin

Cubs Ah, prep school cricket – long idyllic hazy days listening to the thwack of leather on willow. Well, 2012 might have stirred the fond memories of the two coaches, but this year’s BG Cubs pulled on every available sweater and tracksuit top and braved their cricket on green, squelchy wickets under leaden skies. Early season pairs incrediball matches were played regardless of the conditions underfoot, and even the hardball Twenty20 matches after half-term were usually finished before the rains arrived which meant that we got in more matches than any of the school’s other sides – invaluable when wanting to involve 35 keen children.

JWSP and JMG

Under 9 Undoubtedly, this will not be the only Cricket report which rues the appalling weather this term. Of twelve fixtures in the calendar, we only managed to play five matches, which was very frustrating; what’s more, we were only able to play two hard-ball practice sessions (and no match) all season, which was even more unusual.

The boys and one girl (Ella Mitchell) were keen to learn new skills, and we would hope that they remember the importance of straight lines from their coaching: hitting the ball straight back past the bowler, arms and legs in straight lines when bowling, and a straight front arm when throwing. The better players started to pick up the nuances of cricket – the ability to start pacing an innings and use shot selection. They started to build pressure with the consistency of their bowling and they began to get onto the offensive in the field. Catching sadly was still a weakness over the course of the season.

It was all the more a disappointment as this was a good squad of 20 boys, and enthusiasm for the game was quickly engendered. There was a core of boys whose names were quickly inked in on the teamsheet, but also a large number of others who were well in contention for a place on the ‘A’ team, and the job of selector wasn’t easy at all. It did, however, mean that the ‘B’ team was one of the strongest in recent years.

Memories of the A team season include the Bewicke-Copley twins outdoing each other with their early innings six hitting, Alex Pagendam’s eloquent strokeplay, Sam Whittaker’s maturity with building various innings, Jordan Hayward’s irrepressible running between the wickets against Maidwell Hall, Conor Tobin’s nagging left arm seam, and Oscar Phillips’ stunning four catches at Bedford alongside Yuwakar Gurung’s fiery bowling display which almost won the game. There were good wins against the Crescent (twice), Wellingborough, Abberley Hall and Spratton Hall. There were defeats against Bedford, Stoneygate, Maidwell Hall and Kimbolton.

There was one break in the weather, during May, which allowed us to play some matches and, fortunately, the teams were able to get off to a winning start against Crackley Hall and Milton Keynes. Illness rather decimated our team against Maidwell Hall, but a good afternoon of cricket against Beachborough with honours even gave an opportunity at last for every boy to be involved in a match, but proved to be the last matches of the season. My thanks, as ever, go to Mr Searle and Mr Greenwood for their invaluable support.

B team memories include Leo Johnson’s development as a consistent leg spin bowler, William Hardman’s orthodox batting, Josh Chandler’s and Harvey James-Bull’s aggressive hitting (especially back past the bowler), and Ben Seaman as most improved cricketer in the group. The policy of squad rotation meant that results were harder to come by for the B team and so defeats came at the hands of Wellingborough, Bedford, Maidwell Hall, Beachborough and Spratton Hall.

‘A’ team results: ‘A/B’ team results: ‘B’ team results: DRN

We wish this set of players much enjoyment with their cricket in the

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ATHLETICS

Athletics What a frustrating term! After being blessed with kind weather over the previous few summers, this summer was a different story with training sessions and meetings severely affected by the poor weather. Every (rain) cloud, however, has a silver lining as will be revealed later. Despite the rain, the athletes have had a phenomenal term with magnificent results; a total of 36 National Standards have been achieved, added to the successes gained at Winchester House, Bedford and Birmingham! First, I would like to express my thanks to Amelia Tarrant and Milo Lakin who were appointed captains for the term â&#x20AC;&#x201C; they certainly made my job much easier by helping to ensure that the younger athletes were prepared but they also led by example, producing excellent performances throughout the term â&#x20AC;&#x201C; thank you. Weather threatened to cause the abandonment of the Winchester House meeting but, much to the pleasure of those 46 athletes attending, the meeting proceeded with a reduced programme of events. In difficult conditions, with the constant threat of the heavens opening at any moment, our athletes put on an excellent display. Amelia Tarrant led the way with two golds inside the first 30 minutes in the Shot Put and the 800m, with a well-timed sprint finish. A steady flow of medals drifted in throughout the afternoon

with Noah Martle achieving the sprint double. Unfortunately, there was not the opportunity for our relay teams to show their speed although eight gold medals, backed up by three silver and five bronze medals, is a fine haul. This year, 38 athletes travelled to Bedford to compete in the East Area meeting, looking to obtain a top two finish in order to make the National finals. It has been a challenging meet for many years with over 50 schools attending although the East Area regularly has success at the Nationals. All athletes performed to the best of their ability with many gaining seasonal or personal bests. The day started well with Ben Harris, Ella Davenport and Elian Malkin all reaching their respective finals in the Hurdles. Ben eventually finished 5th, Ella improved from her heat with a solid performance and was runner-up, whilst Elian produced a flowing performance to win his final. A truly remarkable achievement considering he only started the Hurdles during one of our wet training sessions in the Sports Hall at the start of term! Meanwhile, in the pit, Amelia Tarrant came agonisingly close to qualifying for the Nationals, only to be pipped by a matter of centimetres with the final jump of the Triple Jump. In the 100m heats, Milo Lakin and Noah Martle qualified for their finals with ease before cruising through and winning their finals in excellent times. Back in the field, Hugo Swaby produced a magnificent set of throws to qualify in the Discus. This was our final success although there was again agony on the track as Amelia

Tarrant finished third, after giving her all, in the 800m whilst our Under 12 relay quartet also finished third. Sports Day proceeded as planned although the weather was a constant threat in the week leading up to it. It proved to be one of the closest contests, in terms of individual events, for a number of years with very few points separating the individual winners. Two records were broken, fittingly both by the Captains of Athletics; Amelia Tarrant in the Shot Put and Milo Lakin in the 100m. In addition to this, Noah Martle and Sam Whittaker equalled the 100m record in their respective age groups. Milo Lakin won the Victor Ludorum by winning all four of his events which also meant that he won the Winterton Cup for field events, which he shared with Hugo Swaby, and the Wilkinson Cup for track events, won by the narrowest of margins ahead of Joe Anderson in second and Carlos Ribas and Elian Malkin in third. The Victrix Ludorum, Glass Cup for field events and Sue Oliver Cup for track events were all shared by Amelia Tarrant and Ella Davenport whilst Zoë Summers came third in each of the competitions.

Hugo Swaby. Georgina Woodward and Noah Martle won the Under 12 competitions with the Under 10 competitions won by Abbey Parkin and Sam Whittaker. Nelson won the Hewitt Cup as overall section winners to add to their achievement on Sports Day. Overall, it has been an excellent term with success achieved at every level possible, whether it is on a personal level or at a National level, and none of this would have been possible without the support of the staff around me. I would like to thank all of the gap students; Amy, Carla, Charlotte, Harry, Harriet and Ryan for putting up with my demands and last minute changes throughout the term, ensuring all the equipment and lists are ready, and helping with the organisation of Sports Day. Mrs Jones has been a tremendous help, with her advice and guidance much valued by the children. I would like to thank Mr Moore for giving of his time on Tuesday evenings to enable the younger athletes to practise their events. Finally, I would like to thank Gareth Ellis and other members of the maintenance team for all of their hard work, ensuring that the track was always ready for use and looking impressive in the process. CJH

In the Under 12 competition, Noah Martle won all of his events to win the Wesamael Cup ahead of Marcus Tarrant whilst Kaitlin Mackintosh followed up her Under 10 success last year to win the Glass Cup ahead of Georgina Woodward and Lily Simpson. Abbey Parkin won the Glass Cup for the Under 10 girls whilst Toby Henderson won the Jarrett Cup for Under 10 boys in a closely fought competition. The overall winners were Nelson, with Wellington second ahead of Mountbatten and Churchill. Five athletes represented the school and the East Area at the National Prep Schools Athletics Competition at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham. Ella Davenport ran well in the 75m Hurdles, achieving a personal best, although this was not enough for her to qualify for the final. However, Elian’s success story continued as he progressed through the heats and then ran very well to finish a creditable 4th in the final, narrowly missing out on a medal. Noah Martle and Milo Lakin were the next on the track, both competing in the 100m, an event that Bilton Grange has not had a competitor in for a number of years. Milo led from the gun and progressed through his heat with ease whereas Noah had a tougher race yet battled all the way to the line to earn a place in the final. Meanwhile, Hugo Swaby had been competing in the Discus final in weather conditions which were less than ideal for throwing the discus. However, he finished in a pleasing 8th position – a result he should be proud of. Back to the 100m finals, Noah competed first, in what turned out to be an extremely close final with only a tenth of a second separating the top 4 athletes. He timed his dip to perfection to claim a fantastic bronze medal. Milo had a favourable lane draw next to the fastest qualifier and they both pulled clear of the field. Milo had to settle for second place which was a tremendous achievement with a great time! All in all, it was our best performance at the National Finals for many years. The winners of the standards competition, which runs throughout the term with every athlete able to achieve standards in their games sessions, reflect those athletes that have had success outside the school and highlight those that have really been committed to the athletics scene by regularly attending extra sessions and focusing hard during games sessions. Amelia Tarrant won the Eaton Cup for senior girls whilst the Goldson Cup was shared by Milo Lakin and

Section Athletics Results Boys U/14 100m 200m 400m 800m 1500m Hurdles Long Jump High Jump Triple Jump Shot Put Discus Javelin 4x100m Boys U/12 100m 200m 800m 1500m Hurdles Long Jump High Jump Shot Put Discus Javelin 4x100m

1st T/D M. Lakin 11.51s NR J. Anderson 30.65s M. Lakin 63.57s H. Swaby 2.48min C. Ribas 6.12min E. Malkin 14.45s E. Malkin 4.71m H. Swaby 1.30m J. Anderson 9.11m M. Lakin 8.79m H. Swaby 27.04m M. Lakin 24.30m Wellington 59.03s

2nd J. Anderson W. Manners H. Swaby C. Ribas F. Ogilvie N. Mitchell J. Anderson N. Mitchell E. Malkin S. Wright F. Wahlberg H. Kesterton Nelson

3rd E. Malkin C. Winterton J. Harwood O. Rogerson H. Brodie G. Jackson O. Rogerson T. Mann O. Rogerson E. Marshall J. Eggleston O. Jacques Churchill

1st T/D N. Martle 13.14s ER N. Martle 31.45s M. Tarrant 2.53min M. Tarrant 5.54min B. Harris 13.94s N. Martle 4.17m N. Martle 1.15m A. Jackson 7.60m J. Cooper 18.51m M. Tarrant 15.70m Churchill 67.13s

2nd 3rd A. Jackson B. Harris G. Barber C. Tobin H. Ogilvie H. Mitchell H. Ogilvie H. Mitchell A. Jackson O. Park B. Harris G. Barber J. Craven F. Jones B. Harris J. Bewicke-Copley M. Tarrant H. Ayo S. Cave J. Bewicke-Copley Nelson Wellington

Boys U/10 100m 200m 800m Hurdles Long Jump High Jump Cricket Ball 4x100m

1st S. Whittaker S. Whittaker O. Phillips O. Phillips J. Hayward A. Jackson A. Watson Wellington

T/D 14.60s ER 33.86s 3.03min 10.98s 3.24m 1.05m 30.75m 71.40s

2nd E. Baker W. Hoggarth J. Hayward J. Hayward T. Henderson M. White T. Henderson Mountbatten

Girls U/14 100m 200m 800m 1500m Hurdles Long Jump High Jump Triple Jump Shot Put Discus Javelin 4x100m

1st Z. Summers E. Davenport A. Tarrant A. Tarrant E. Davenport A. Tarrant E. Davenport E. Davenport A. Tarrant Z. Summers H. Swaby Nelson

T/D 14.42s 33.20s 2.46min 5.346min 13.44s 4.23m 1.35m 8.94m 9.54m NR 19.59m 19.20m 64.69s

2nd 3rd C. Franklin H. Wood H. Swaby Z. Summers T. Churchill M. Kember T. Churchill A. de Clermont H. Swaby C. Franklin Z. Summers M. Kember C. Franklin J. Smith J. Smith C. Jiang C. Kerner F. Rosser S. Martle H. Swaby E. Moyo O. Baker Wellington Churchill

3rd A. Jackson A. Higgins T. Henderson M. Nicholson W. Hoggarth M. Nicholson M. Nicholson Nelson

Girls U/12 100m 200m 800m 1500m Hurdles Long Jump High Jump Shot Put Discus Javelin 4x100m

1st T/D G. Woodward 14.44s K. Mackintosh 35.16s A. Jacques 3.27min G. Woodward 6.25min L. Simpson 14.82s L. Simpson 3.57m K. Mackintosh 1.05m K. Mackintosh 5.21m G. Smith 12.65m G. Woodward 10.70m Nelson 71.06s

2nd 3rd L. Simpson E. Andrew A. Jacques M. Rodko A. R-Gale I. Blackhall A. R-Gale E. Pool K. Mackintosh I. Craig K. Porter G. Woodward A. Jacques L. Simpson G. Smith C. Bend C. Bend I. Craig E. Andrews H. Mills Wellington Mountbatten

Girls U/10 100m 200m 800m Hurdles Long Jump High Jump Rounders Ball 4x100m

1st A. Parkin A. Parkin A. Ivanova I. Baker A. Jackson A. Ivanova A. Parkin Mountbatten

2nd I. Baker S. Ivanova S. Ivanova A. Ivanova S. Ivanova K. Hoggarth E. Harrison Nelson

T/D 15.32s 36.73s 3.12min 11.48s 3.05m 1.07m 29.90m 78.01s

First Places at Winchester House Boys U11 100m Boys U12 100m Boys U12 200m Girls U13 High Jump Girls U13 Discus Girls U14 Shot Girls U14 800m Boys U14 Long Jump

S. Whittaker N. Martle N. Martle C. Franklin H. Swaby A. Tarrant A. Tarrant E. Malkin

15.7s 14.4s 30.0s 1.25m 16.74m 8.24m 2.4min 4.47m

Leading Results from Bedford Boys U12 100m N. Martle 14.4s (1st) Boys U12 4 x 10m Relay (G. Barber, B. Harris, A. Jackson, N. Martle) 58.7s (3rd) Girls U14 800m A. Tarrant 2.33min (3rd) Girls U14 Triple Jump A. Tarrant 9.43m (3rd) Girls U14 Hurdles E. Davenport 13.8s (2nd) Boys U14 Hurdles E. Malkin 12.4s (1st) Boys U14 100m M. Lakin 13.2s (1st) Boys U14 Discus H. Swaby 27.48m (3rd)

National Prep Schools Athletics Boys U12 100m Girls U14 Hurdles Boys U14 Hurdles Boys U14 100m Boys U14 Discus

N. Martle E. Davenport E. Malkin M. Lakin H. Swaby

Colour Awards Senior Full Colours: Tabitha Churchill, Ella Davenport, Milo Lakin, Elian Malkin, Hugo Swaby, Amelia Tarrant Senior Half Colours: Charlotte Franklin, George Jackson, Carlos Ribas, ZoĂŤ Summers, Hannah Swaby Under 11 Colours: Noah Martle

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3rd E. Mitchell C. Tobin K. Hoggarth A. Jackson A. Parkin D. Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien A. Ivanova Churchill

14.00s (3rd) 13.77s 12.20s (4th) 12.63s (2nd) 23.19m (8th)

SWIMMING GALA EVENT WINNERS YEAR GROUP

STROKE

BOY/GIRL

NAME

Junior Junior Junior Junior Junior Junior

Breaststroke Breaststroke Backstroke Backstroke Front crawl Front crawl

Boy Girl Boy Girl Boy Girl

Lucas Marshall 29.30 Alice Jackson 27.40 Richard Rose 28.20 Caoimhe Tobin 28.22 William Hoggarth 22.60 Alice Jackson 22.35

3rd Form 3rd Form 3rd Form 3rd Form 3rd Form 3rd Form

Breaststroke Breaststroke Backstroke Backstroke Front crawl Front crawl

Boy Girl Boy Girl Boy Girl

Conor Tobin 26.10 Georgina Woodward 26.00 James Cooper 27.20 Georgina Jones 23.00 Conor Tobin 19.88 Karla Hoggarth 21.90

4th Form 4th Form 4th Form 4th Form 4th Form 4th Form

Breaststroke Breaststroke Backstroke Backstroke Front crawl Front crawl

Boy Girl Boy Girl Boy Girl

Harri Ogilvie 21.32 Lily Simpson 28.60 Angus Robinson 24.75 Charlotte Bend 24.54 Marcus Tarrant 20.30 Elisa Pool 21.54

5th Form 5th Form 5th Form 5th Form 5th Form 5th Form 5th Form 5th Form

Breaststroke Breaststroke Backstroke Backstroke Front crawl Front crawl Fly Fly

Boy Girl Boy Girl Boy Girl Boy Girl

Sam Wright 25.00 Hannah Swaby 24.82 Jake Barford 22.40 Jo Jo Stanton 23.10 George Jackson 19.32 Anastasia de Clermont 19.24 Ben Anderson 25.10 Jo Jo Stanton 26.40

6th Form 6th Form 6th Form 6th Form 6th Form 6th Form 6th Form 6th Form

Breaststroke Breaststroke Backstroke Backstroke Front crawl Front crawl Fly Fly

Boy Girl Boy Girl Boy Girl Boy Girl

Thomas Hardman 23.90 Ella Davenport 21.44 Ollie Rogerson 24.12 Ella Davenport 20.68 Carlos Ribas 18.25 Amelia Tarrant 18.16 Hugo Swaby 23.80 Amelia Tarrant 24.45

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REPTON TENNIS TOURNAMENT up and shake the opposition out of their winning groove. Sadly, time ran out on the BG girls, eventually losing 6-3, but to reach another final (Amelia’s third in a row and Skylar’s second) was a fantastic achievement.

Following on from last year’s historical moment of having siblings from two families in two separate finals, this year our aim was to go one better. Hugo Swaby heroically joined our ranks at the last moment to represent the U13 boys at this year’s Repton Tennis Tournament with his sister Hannah partnering Flossie Rosser in the U12 girls’ section. With Hugo and Ollie Rogerson barely registering a doubles practice before the tournament, this was always going to prove a tough challenge, but how the boys rose to it. Both boys played some impressive shots, natural instinct and ability compensating for their lack of experience and match practice. Their defeats were close ones, losing two tie breaks, and their victories were well won and fought for. Sadly, in a highly competitive and highly skilled group, it didn’t prove quite enough to take them into the semi-finals but both boys should be very proud of their performances. In the girls’ U13 competition, we were once again represented by Amelia Tarrant and Skylar Martle, who were looking to go one better this year and come home with the champion’s trophy rather than the runners-up shield. The girls put on a great display of attacking, consistent tennis. Not without moments of tension, the girls managed to maintain a 100% record in the qualifying rounds, winning 5 out of 5 of their matches. With no semi-final to contend with this year, they were, once again, off to the final. Their opponents romped into an early lead and it needed someone to inject some more attacking play, come into the net just to mix things

William Brodie and Ned Mitchell, together with Flossie Rosser and Hannah Swaby, were our representatives at U12; all their matches were hard fought, but again the lack of match experience and not being able to convert vital points when they presented themselves proved their undoing, meaning they were unable to progress beyond the qualifying rounds. Finally our defending champions, Marcus Tarrant and Noah Martle, graced the U11 boys’ section. As last year, they put on a marvellous display of fluent, attacking tennis in a manner that was uninhibited, went for their shots and enjoyed the moment. Sadly, a repeat of last year’s final was not on the cards, Marcus and Noah being defeated in the semi-finals by the eventual winners, Swanbourne House. Another great day for children, parents and teachers alike. Experience gained, confidence built and new friends made. We look forward to next year. DH

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VALETE Paul Curran Paul took up his teaching post in the English and Drama departments in September 2011, having assisted at the school throughout the previous Summer Term. Educated at Eton and Oxford, and with an MA in Classical Acting, he was not short of qualifications and had a decade of experience working professionally as an actor on stage, television, film and radio (including time as Marshall Latham in The Archers on BBC Radio 4). Paul’s experiences of acting with the Royal Shakespeare Company came in most useful during the Michaelmas Term when he and Mr Morris entered the 6th Form’s Henry V in the Shakespeare Schools Festival. Paul cites this immensely fulfilling occasion as the fondest of his memories of time spent at BG. This memory narrowly beat his recollection of the Deputy Headmaster, like a man possessed, leading the school in the chorus of The Twelve Days of Christmas in the Gallery after Christmas lunch! Paul leaves Bilton Grange to continue his acting career and to tutor drama, most recently preparing A-Level students for their imminent Drama School auditions. JWSP

Mark Gater Mark joined the staff of Pre Prep in 2007 and throughout his time at BG was able to take all issues in his stride and he always maintained an outwardly calm and unflappable demeanour. Well, most of the time!

ALB

Joe McGrellis As mathematicians, we don’t know many words and the ones we do we tend to abbreviate. How does one sum Joe up? I will try. Joe has been with us for a number of years now - I couldn’t calculate how many - as ruler of the Mathematics department and, in addition, as 6th Form tutor. In that time, Joe has been a private man, keeping his protractors to himself, and ensuring that all his polydron models are set square on his shelf. All those that compasst his classroom will witness his acute sense of order, not for him the obtuse approach to life. For a large fraction of his time here, Joe has been the common denominator behind a string of successful CE results. An important factor in Joe’s cv is his commitment to Games where he has enlarged his knowledge and, on reflection, transformed the skills of many as he has successfully rotated between the 3 major games. In Jersey, surfing was not for Joe, preferring not to go indices, but his food intake grew exponentially as time went by. We thank Joe, for all that he has done for BG; we will miss his measured, positive approach and his infinite patience and wish him and his family well in the future. PJN

He will be sorely missed. He was able to bridge the gap between children and adults - always ensuring that everyone was cared for, helped when needed, and encouraged to do their very best. His wonderful care of children in the classroom was only outshone by the dedication he showed to other areas of school life. He started learning to play a musical instrument under Mrs Watson’s tutorage. He was even humble enough to receive his certificates at Best Effort assembly. There is no doubt West House School is very lucky to have him. Mark has contributed in so many ways: the shining fairy lights in his classroom displays (!), his marvellous handwriting (and the subsequent change to school policy) and his vibrant and entertaining day to day teaching which ensured that children in his care enjoyed every moment of school. He has set high standards. Not only this but he has contributed to our school productions by painting scenery, adding electronic gizmos and setting up lights and even volunteering to film the productions. He added to scripts to increase the humour and, more importantly, to give every child a line or two extra by the final curtain. He will be missed in the staff room too as he was able to lighten the mood with his irreverent sense of humour and ability to see the funny side of all events – his impersonation of adults and children alike has given so many moments of laughter, but I shall remember

him for his adaptability. We all wish him well and hope that he holds on to these wonderful memories, as we all will.

Catharine Melia Much has happened in the years between meeting Catharine Melia in September 2004 while walking down the corridor, and saying goodbye to her in July 2012. During those years she has never ceased to amaze me with her logical and creative approach to teaching and life. She is somebody who, by her own admission, is not a fan of children’s literature, but who is one of the most amazingly literate and inspiring teachers with whom I have had the pleasure to work. This creativity will certainly be missed in North Entrance and, even after 8 years of trying, I still cannot make a display the way she can. The only people who may be thrilled at her leaving will be the catering department, as they will not find their rolls of silver foil continually missing, and perhaps the groundsmen, who end up finding some of the trees attached to her notice boards. Catharine managed to fit in twin boys and then a daughter just 14 months later. But even motherhood could not prevent her from

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having weekends away from home in order to have a rest; accompanying Adventure Training weekends and trips to Rua Fiola. How many OBs will remember their first encounter with fish-gutting in the Bath Spinney? Campcraft was her inspiration: how many times have I been tempted to press the fire alarm only to realise that Miss Melia has just walked back inside the building with her clothes smelling of smoke?

changed their lives forever, for the better.” Faye has certainly provided that moment for scores of children, and I am sure that she will also be remembered for her warmth and kindness to all she came across.

The whole of the English Empire (aka department.) will miss her and her amazing ideas for literature essays and creative writing. And even though she may be many miles away, those compasses, bulls’ eyes, trees and seaside planning pictures will be immortalised as our children go on to their next schools, universities and perhaps even end up where she is, starting a new life in New Zealand.

Ian ‘Mogs’ Morris Ian Morris arrived at Bilton Grange with his lovely wife Faye in September 1995; the school has never been the same since! He brought with it an enthusiasm for teaching, a vitality to compete with the best of Olympic athletes, and compassion to rival the most magnanimous of us.

Sara-Jane Milne Bilton Grange saw the return of Sara-Jane, one of its former pupils (and past Head of School) in 2010. One to be remembered for her sporting and academic prowess, SJ got stuck into all aspects of school life. Right from the start, she became a welcome member of the Science department as a graduate teaching assistant and took on the huge task of organising the department’s prep room, clearing, sorting and labelling, even taking on some of Mr Searle’s specimens! Once done, and with Mr Searle’s owl pellet collection relegated safely to a dark place in her psyche, SJ moved on to pursue a career in teaching Science. Wholly committed to the role, SJ worked diligently in her planning and delivery of lessons, culminating in her successfully passing her PGCE in secondary science in the Summer Term. SJ was also prominent in many areas of the school where she could often be found lending her expertise in sports, and working in the boarding house on most nights, where she was considered a ‘big sister’ by many of the older girls. Recalling her time at BG, Sara-Jane enjoyed sports day as one of her last commitments in the school, and it was a pleasure to see her records living on for another year: a suitable reminder of her talents both then and now. SJ - has been such a welcome member of the staff this year and we hope that she will keep in touch; Warminster School is lucky to have her.

WOW!, or to the uninitiated – Worship on Wednesday, is fondly remembered by past and present staff and pupils alike, although with some trepidation, as we all waited with bated breath as to whether we would be the ones hauled on stage each week! Fun was had by all, yet Ian also had a clever way of getting a serious Christian message across in a humorous manner. As a History teacher, howls could often be heard coming from his teaching room as he re-enacted single handedly the Battle of Bosworth or 1066 etc! Never was there a dull moment in his lessons as he brought History to life for all the children. Ian was a colleague and valued friend to many, always there to lend a helping hand, listening ear or encouraging word. He will be truly missed by staff, children and parents alike after such a long association with BG. Our very best wishes go with him and his family as they start a new chapter of their lives at Bishop’s Stortford, where he goes to take on the role of School Chaplain. Thank you, Mogs. DV

ELS

Faye Morris Faye serenely created a relaxed and calm library at BG, and found the perfect balance between the antiquity of the beautiful Pugin surroundings and the need to keep abreast of modern literature and the reading appetites of young people. Teaching herself library systems from scratch, taking complete ownership of the library as her own ‘third baby’ and creating an incredibly efficient, well-used library service, Faye created a legacy which will stand at BG for a long time. She organised book weeks and fairs, visiting authors, embraced World Book Day, as well as having a pivotal role in getting pupils reading, whether directly, or by enticing children into a warm and welcoming library. Barack Obama said, “The moment we persuade a child, any child, to cross that threshold, that magic threshold into a library, we’ve

Over the years, Ian has covered a number of different roles, including that of Form Tutor, Head of History, Head of RE and Head of Drama. The latter has left a lasting legacy as Ian produced and directed many plays from Juniors to 6th Form. Achievements include successes at the Shakespeare festivals, as well as the Edinburgh Fringe. He wrote the 6th Form leavers’ plays for many years, sending the children off to their senior schools with lasting memories of BG.

Liz Sale All the way from sunny Australia, Liz Sale joined Bilton Grange as Head of Science in September 2010. The Sale family quickly became part of the school community and soon conformed and got a dog. As a Science specialist, Liz set about revamping the Science department and became known for her dazzling explosions in her lab. With her calm and efficient ways, she inspired confidence and interest in the children’s Science. Not content with just the BG teachers, the department soon had visiting teachers from Rugby School giving the children a taste of what was to come at senior school. Out of the classroom, Liz was a welcome addition to girls’ games, coaching both netball and rounders. We wish Liz well as she takes on the new challenge of Housemistress of Bradley House at Rugby school. PRM

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OB DAY

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OB Day this year was renamed “Commemoration Day” to celebrate 125 years of the school at Bilton Grange.

guests were invited for Pimms on the Headmaster’s Lawn followed by lunch. The 1887 themed School Fair began to trade and current BG pupils entertained all the guests with their weird and wonderful stalls. Much fun was had by all and yet again the weather was mainly kind to us bar one almighty downpour towards the end of the day!

OBs, former staff, friends and families from all over the country travelled to be a part of the very special birthday for the school on Saturday 30th June. The day started with a service in St Andrew’s church which was led by Rev’d Peter Beresford (left Homefield 1957) and the Headmaster, Peter Kirk. The School, current and past parents, and OBs gathered together to celebrate 125 years of Bilton Grange, and the huge part it has played in many lives. The school choir filled the church with a beautiful sound and there was a warm and endearing buzz about the congregation as the Bilton Song was heartily sung. It was the perfect start to the day.

Thanks should go to Gayle Russell, Rebecca Bantoft, Andrew Parker and Lee Cloke for their hard work in ensuring the logistics and planning of the day ran so smoothly.

Everyone was then invited back to BG for coffee in the Gallery and it was lovely to see all generations interact and talk so warmly of their former prep school. The Gallery bell rang which marked the next formal part of the day, the Old Biltonian Society AGM. Well over 50 OBs and Honorary OBs met in the Ravenscroft Hall to be brought up to speed with the society’s year. The President, Bill Krarup spoke about the various OB events and what the Committee had achieved over the year. The Treasurer, Jeremy Westhead, brought us all up to date with current state of play with the Society’s finances (all available to view on the OB section on the website) and finally the Headmaster, Peter Kirk, spoke very briefly about the academic, sporting and artistic achievements of the pupils during the year.

The cutting of the cake was yet another highlight of the day as one of our oldest OBs, Robert Hepworth (1929-1934) spoke warmly and thoughtfully about BG to mark the birthday bash!

Once again, we love to hear how you are getting on and if you have any news you wish to share, do drop us a line. You can also visit the school website to see what future OB events are happening: biltongrange.co.uk and click on the Old Biltonian section. Next year, OB Day will be Saturday 29th June 2013. We look forward to seeing you back at your old Prep School very soon! MGT OBS Secretary obsociety@biltongrange.co.uk

The meeting moved on to acknowledge all those who had sadly passed away over the year and everyone stood and observed a minute’s silence as the names were read out by the OB Secretary, Mark Tovey. This year the school and community lost two very distinguished school masters who gave so much to BG; former Headmaster, Tim Fisher sadly died in March 2012 and Thomas Cruickshanks died in October 2011. The School, Society and BG Community will forever remember the hard work and dedication that they both gave to guide and support so many young minds. They will be greatly missed. As the AGM came to a close two new honorary members were voted into the Society, Donna Vinsome and Alex Carlile who had both done 10 years of service at BG. They were warmly welcomed into the Society and received their pendants on stage from the President, Bill Krarup. The meeting came to a close with the Bilton Song, before the OBs and

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OB GILBERT AND SULLIVAN EVENING

Not for nearly 20 years have the walls of Bilton Grange reverberated with Gilbert and Sullivan renditions, but a wonderful evening’s music brought G&S back to BG. The event was attended by OBs from across the generations, many of whom starred in G&S productions whilst at the school. The evening began in the School Chapel, with Victorian music, performed by OB Ian Ritchie accompanied by the Chapel Choir. A rousing version of the Bilton Song concluded the first part of the evening, and the audience moved into the dining room for a splendid supper.

song, at a recent memorial service held at school, that provided the inspiration for this event. Sir Michael was joined by OBs Anthony and Graham Coombs, Ian Ritchie and Thomas Jelley, and the programme included excerpts from the Pirates of Penzance, The Gondoliers and The Mikado. The standard was extremely high, and a huge amount of work had gone into rehearsals in advance of the concert. Admirably accompanied by Maciej Raginia, few will forget the singers’ rendition of ‘A Policeman’s Lot’! Congratulations and thanks must go to the many people who made this evening such a success. GR

Following supper, the audience moved into the Library for an evening of songs from Gilbert & Sullivan Operettas. The original idea for this event stemmed from an email from Sir Michael Burton who, during his time at Bilton, starred in several G&S productions and “The Highwayman”, a production written by BG staff members Robin Paul and Mark Pasteur that was put on by the school during the Summer of 1957. In the style of a G&S operetta, the production featured a 10 year old Sir Michael singing ‘The Jailer’s Song’, and it was a spontaneous rendition by Sir Michael, David Bunting and John Wright of this

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OB OBITUARIES OB Deaths

Whilst still in the army, he played Rugby League for Wakefield Trinity and met Joan, his wife. It was his Colonel’s suggestion that he applied for the post at Bilton.

October 2011 Thomas Cruickshanks (1947-1969) former staff January 2012 Sir Rupert Shuckburgh, Bart (1959-1962) March 2012 Hon R.T (Tim) Fisher (1969-1992) former Bilton Grange Headmaster Robert Beardsley (1930-1934) May 2012 Frank Charles Stevenson Green (1952-1957) Christopher Pyatt (1952-1957) June 2012 Herbert Hellawell (1927-1932)

Tom Cruickshanks (1920-2011) Tom Cruickshanks came to Bilton Grange in the summer term of 1947. I arrived in the September of the same year and first met this enormous man when lined up in the Gallery on the first morning of term. I was full of awe and, yes, fear and foreboding, as I suspect was a whole generation of Biltonians for the next twenty odd years. We could not have been more wrong. He was born and brought up in Paisley in a humble but hardworking family. Times in the thirties were not easy and his memories in later life were not always cheerful. He joined the army at the outbreak of war and this was to be the turning point of his life. His considerable gifts of teaching and dealing with people were soon recognised in the Physical Training Corps and he ended up as a Sergeant Major, arguably the best rank to hold in the services.

He started by being responsible only for P.T., athletics, swimming, boxing and shooting, but this quickly moved on to being in charge of rugger, as well as involvement in most other games. Because of swimming, I do not recall too much on the cricket side, which is perhaps a relief to us all, having seen his performances with Rex Machin’s sometimes all-star teams. He had an enormous ability to inspire young people to bring out the best in themselves, and we were soon winning shooting shields and regularly beating the dreaded Dragon School and everyone else, at rugger. He was also teaching the Homefield girls and it has been interesting to read some of the reminiscences about him in the Bilton Record over the years. It was one thing to bring out the best in talented people, but it was at the other end of the spectrum that Tom’s really exceptional abilities stood out. He soon spotted anybody who was struggling, either at a particular activity, or more importantly within school life generally. I believe that it was probably this interest that brought him more and more into contact with the Headmaster, and explained his considerable and steady rise in influence within the staff of the school as a whole. He was also teaching geography: I am certain that every boy at that time would know the location of the Grampians and the Dee and Tay rivers.

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His relationship with Rex Machin extended beyond the school gates and he always kept other out of school activities going, mainly based at his headquarters at The Dun Cow. This was to play an important part later. It also led him into work with the sporting side of The Boys’ Clubs, which I heard praised at a Wakefield Trinity dinner, by the great Billy Boston, who had started his career that way. He had also moved from Laundry Cottages to Rose Ash, known as the Doctor’s house in my day. I believe that when Rex Machin died, Tom did not consider that he could possibly retain his rather special and unique position with a new headmaster, unless the new appointment was made from within. I know also that he did not wish to keep going in the physical training field when he was past his prime. He took a job in Scotland giving courses to young industrial apprentices at Dalguise House, which should have squared the circle for him, but local politics, to use a polite word, made that unworkable. He then bought a hotel at Thurlaston near Dunchurch. A property developer wished to demolish it and build houses on the site. This, and a few ventures afterwards, gave him enough money to live comfortably for the rest of his life. He travelled a great deal, often meeting Old Biltonians – by accident or design! I must give two examples of Tom’s gift with the less talented. The first was myself, who for most of my life, except between the years 9 to 13, have had an extremely healthy aversion to heights. During those four years, however, everything was different. I was climbing ropes, crossing beams at enormous heights forwards and backwards, (I can hardly believe it as I write) and racing up and down a large and extremely tall type of climbing frame. The second concerned a boy, who shall be nameless, who was really very frightened of water. It was always assumed that he would never learn to swim and remain in his red trunks until he left Bilton. One day, to the astonishment of all, we heard that he was to attempt “his length”. This was always a cheering matter, but this time the whole school got together to give maximum encouragement. This was an example, to my mind, of the very best of prep school life. Tom, who must have spent hours in the freezing green water teaching him, was as pleased as the rest of us. For years he would tell the story, particularly enjoying the surprise ending: “Do you know what he did after he left school? He joined the Navy!”. A recent headmaster said to Tom when he visited on OB Day, “You are a legend in your own lifetime.” That is about right. Weren’t we lucky to have been part of it. By the way, perhaps I should add that I stayed in touch with him continuously since I left Bilton – at his houses, during some of my leaves from the RAF, regularly in Birmingham, when directing boys to the correct train, and once even in Scotland. For the last third of a century I have been married to his daughter, Bobbi. Sam Heath (1947-1951)

Sir Rupert Shuckburgh, Bart (1959-1962) It is with great sadness that we report the death, after a valiant three-year battle with cancer, of Sir Rupert Shuckburgh, Daventry, on January 14th. Born on the 12th February 1949, he attended Bilton Grange after a short spell at Cheam Preparatory School. His time at Bilton was a fulfilling and happy one for him and he often reflected positively on his time there. Many changes to the school were witnessed during these years, including the construction of the boating pool and the Chemistry room, while a large number of military artefacts – including some from the Boer and First World Wars – were removed. A new classroom block was opened and the headmaster, Rex Machin, married the school matron. Many will no doubt recall singing in the Shuckburgh Chapel in 1961. After Bilton, he went to Worksop College in Nottinghamshire. On leaving, he went on to train in agriculture both locally, in Warwickshire, and in Scandinavia before running a farm and estate in Berkshire. Destined to succeed to the baronetcy bestowed in 1660 by King Charles II on Sir John Shuckburgh, Rupert channelled his abilities towards the running of the Shuckburgh estate, which has been in the family since the 12th century. Built around an original 14th century house, the present Hall was completed in 1844. Proud and determined, Sir Rupert decided to follow in the footsteps of his late father, Major Sir Charles Shuckburgh, and countless generations of forebears in devoting his energies to keeping the estate intact and profitable. He managed to secure and keep his home without recourse to publicorientated ventures or the National Trust, as many similar estates have had to do. This responsibility now rests with his eldest son, James, who succeeds to the title. A fine sportsman and countryman, Sir Rupert excelled on the sports field despite being blind in one eye since early childhood. His warm welcome and generous hospitality at The Hall, supported latterly by Lady Margaret, has become legendary. He enjoyed, like his father, nothing more than sharing his home with others and with members of his family from near and far; many of them highly distinguished in their professions. Never one to mince his words, his sound judgement and wise counsel were well known and much respected. He actively supported the Red Cross and the Landowners’ Association among many other local organisations. Rupert will be greatly missed by so many. May I take this opportunity to offer sincere condolences both to the family and to the countless number who will feel the loss of a good and courageous man. Edward Walpole-Brown III (1958-62)

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Hon. Richard Temple Fisher (known as Tim) (Headmaster between 1969-1992) In the three years immediately preceding Tim’s arrival at Bilton Grange, the school was in a transitional stage after a very successful 32 years under the headmastership of Rex Machin, and a countrywide reputation for excellence. This was followed by a holding year under Ken Waydelin – it was going to be a challenge. Tim met that challenge with enormous enthusiasm and innovation, which was not necessarily welcomed by all! What he introduced to BG was an expansive education into many new areas and a visionary programme of building to enhance the opportunities for the boys (yes, it was boys only then, though he did encourage a greater fraternisation with the Homefield girls), enabling us to become very much more of a junior public school with all the greater risks of mishap; it worked and BG reinvented itself, beginning a new and very successful era. With the greater freedom that the boys enjoyed, ultimately came a greater sense of responsibility for their own actions; there were occasions when members of staff felt the risks seemed too great. I have spoken with very many OBs over the years who are enormously grateful for the opportunities that they had at BG to make and correct mistakes before going on to their public schools, and what great success many of them have achieved in their adult life. I am reminded at this point, that on one occasion Tim spoke to the teaching staff, to remind us that many of the boys that we were teaching would achieve much greater things in life than we would. It was a hard pill to swallow, but an important truth.

of Boys’ Clubs, as well as visiting schools for an ever increasing number of activities. The school received visitors on fact-finding missions from Canada, Australia and South Africa and welcomed ‘gappers’ from those parts of the world. It was Tim who instigated the IAPS gymnastics competitions and the school was first to enter IAPS athletics and tennis as well as a mass of competitions and activity get-togethers nationally and locally. It is no wonder that Tim was appointed Chairman of IAPS! However, one of his greatest loves was in the music department which expanded across the local and national scene in Cathedrals, churches, schools and the IAPS, as well as in the high standard of music within BG. Things inevitably changed in musical plays, and it was indeed sad to say goodbye to the annual G&S, but modern musicals, such as Oliver, The Sound of Music, The Wizard of Oz, etc. took their place. Tim was eventually persuaded to allow G&S to return on infrequent occasions! Tim was a most approachable headmaster, who could be contrary in his views, but was he just challenging us to think through everything more clearly? I was most fortunate to have served under Tim and I know that my sons, Timothy and Edward, are eternally grateful for their years at BG. Also, Anne, my wife, has been a friend of Clare since our families grew up together in such wonderful surroundings. Our thoughts and prayers are with Clare, Paul and Ros and their families, but our thanks are with Tim. Anthony R W Day (BG staff 1966–2004)

To include all his many innovations and achievements in this article would be impossible, so I am going to try to give a flavour of the impact on BG and the wider Preparatory School world. Tim ‘hit the ground running’ when he arrived at BG and I have a 9 page review that he wrote in 1971 giving a detailed appraisal of his first 2 years, at the end of which he writes, “There are other things that I could mention ……….”, gosh! What other headmaster would be so clear about his own aims and wanting to explain himself and to take all ‘his staff’ with him? I returned a copy of the letter to Tim about 2 years ago and he was most interested to read it, his original copy having been mislaid many years before. Tim set about new staff appointments with the aim of appointing the right person rather than worrying too much about the expertise of the teacher, because he knew that prep school teaching is more about an all round education and what else a person could offer. One such appointment was when he was looking for a person to teach geography; the interviewee, not a geographer, mentioned that he had done a topic on ‘environmental studies’ whilst at college. That was enough for Tim and he got the person who was to play many important roles at BG over the following 29 years, but not in the geography department. The expansion of BG influence throughout Tim’s time saw the advent of skiing trips, adventure training, geography field trips, French trips, cricket tours to South Africa and Zimbabwe, ‘long-stride’ days (a witty play on a member of staff), social visiting to the elderly and very many academic expeditions to London and other parts of the country. As well as boys looking out, the school also entertained visitors from all parts of the country for the IAPS, Ellis meetings, National Association

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STAFF Headmaster J Peter Kirk BSc (Hons) FRSA Headmaster’s Wife Rosemary Kirk (DipCOT)

Senior Management Team Deputy Headmaster James Piper BA (Hons), PGCE Assistant Head Paul Nicholson BA (Hons), PGCE Assistant Head/Head of Middle School Donna Vinsome BEd (Hons), MA Head of Pre-Prep Adrian Brindley BSc, MA, PGCE Director of Studies Phillip Moore BSc (Hons), MA, PGCE Teaching and Assistant Staff Peter Bevin Boys’ Games Teacher Anne Brindley, MA PGCE, Cert. FP (Dys) Class Teacher (Pre-Prep) Jayne Brumpton BA (Hons), MA, PGCE Head of History Fiona Cameron Cert Ed PG Dip (Dys) Learning Development Department Alex Carlile BA Head of Art Dawn Connor BA Class Teacher (Pre-Prep) Paul Curran BA (Hons), MA English, Drama Jayne Daly Library Assistant Stefan de Bruin BA (HDE) Head of Religious Education Alison Derham BEd (Hons), RSA Dip SPLD Head of Learning Development Department Angela Douglas NNEB Teaching Assistant (Pre-Prep) Mark Gater BA (Hons), PGCE Class Teacher (Pre-Prep) James Gorick MMus (RCM), BMus (Hons) PGCE Director of Music Jennifer Green Head Matron, Girls’ Games Teacher Dominic Greenwood Cert Ed, ML, Dip Ed. Head of Rugby, Head of PE, Science, Adventure Training Frances Greenwood BEd (Hons) Cert EAL Learning Development Department Jo Hall BA (Hons), MA, PGCE Class Teacher (Pre-Prep) Debbie Higginson TA NVQ L3 Teaching Assistant, Girls’ Games Teacher Christopher Hodge BA (Hons) PGCE Head of Geography Kirsty Hunter BA (Hons) Class Teacher (Pre-Prep) Sarah Jenkins NNEB Teaching Assistant (Pre-Prep) Claire Jones BA (Hons) Class Teacher (Pre-Prep) Fiona Jones BEd (Hons) Girls’ Housemistress, Head of PSHE, PE Shirley McLean MA (Hons) Speech & Drama Teacher Joe McGrellis BSc, MSc, PGCE Head of Mathematics Catharine Melia BSc (Hons),PGCE English, Drama Sarah-Jane Milne BSc (Hons) Graduate Teaching Assistant Ian Morris BEd (Hons) Head of History, Head of Drama Michelle Murray FENTO Head of Girls’ Games, Dance, PSHE Helen Nicholson NNEB Teaching Assistant (Pre-Prep) David Noble BA (Hons),PGCE Head of Juniors & Head of ICT Jo Phillips BA (Hons) Teaching Assistant (Pre-Prep) Karen Sakkalli BEd (Hons) Head of English Liz Sale BSc (Hons), PGCE Head of Science David Searle BSc (Hons), MSc, MPhil, PGCE Boys’ Housemaster, Science Ruth Sellar BMus (Hons), Dip ABRSM Graduate Music Assistant Lee Shakespeare Teaching Assistant Eleanor Southall Speech & Drama Teacher Robert Taylor BSc (Hons) ICT Teacher, School iSAMS Manager

Kimberley Thompson BA (Hons) Speech & Drama Teacher Mark Tovey BEd (Hons) Director of Sport, Head of Design Technology, OBS Secretary Emma Turner BEd (Hons) Class Teacher (Pre-Prep) Nicola Wainwright NNEB Teaching Assistant (Pre-Prep) Sue Warner BA (Hons) Head of Classics, French Kathryn Watson Head of Music (Pre-Prep) Alex White BA (Hons) PGCE Class Teacher (Pre-Prep) Leanne West BTEC Teaching Assistant (Pre-Prep) Anne-Marie Williams BA (Hons), MA Head of French Bilton Grange Support Staff Rebecca Bantoft BA (Hons) Registrar, Marketing Officer Fiona Bowen Bursary Accounts Assistant Julie Burdett Bursary Secretary Julie Campbell MInstAM (AdvDip), Assoc CIPD Headmaster’s PA Lee Cloke Estates Supervisor Cathy Gunn RGN, RSCN School Nurse & Health & Safety Officer, PSHE Tina Hawkes School Shop Manageress Joanna Hayward Accounts Assistant Grace Hedley Receptionist Faye Morris Librarian Najia Filali Naji Assistant Catering Manager Andrew Parker Catering and Commercial Manager Carol Rea Prep Secretary & Receptionist Heather Reaich Prep Secretary & Receptionist Pauline Robertson Pre-Prep Secretary & Receptionist Gayle Russell Development Officer Sarah Southam Music Administration Assistant Robert Southcott Network Manager Karen Threadgold Finance and Administration Manager Michael Turner Gardener Serena Young-Villiers Cleaner in Charge Alison Watt Assistant Catering Manager Zoe Briggs, Margaret Fellows, Assistant Matrons Claire Bennett, Marilyn Street, Mandy Wilkin Julia Hopkin, Nicky Fisher, Joanne Clarke Night Matrons Alec Austin, Gareth Ellis, Dave Treslove, Joe Watt Maintenance Doug Mozeley, Ron Willars, Robert Cardall Drivers James Lister, Katherine Lister, Jessie Steyl, Gap Students Alex Still; Harry Carr, Amy Loder, Carla Navarra, Ryan White; Charlotte Cousins, Harriet Gover Music Staff Julie Burt BA (Hons), PGCE Singing, Piano, Cello Jack Gammon Drums Alison Grundy BMus (Hons) Flute, Recorder Kathryn Heathcote BSc (Hons), DipABRSM Piano Veronique Matarasso MA (Mus Ed), LRAM Violin Fiona McCreath BA (Hons), ATCL Singing Paul Mourant MSc, BMus (Hons), ACWCMD, LTCL Brass Sarah Mourant GRNCM, PPRNCM, DipNCOS Oboe, Bassoon, Piano Jan Newman GBSM ABSM Clarinet, Saxophone Mike Smith BA (Hons) Guitar Kathryn Wederell DipABRSM Piano Gill Wood CertEd Piano

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LEAVERS’ DESTINATIONS Child Name Joseph Anderson Olivia Baker Harry Cash Tabitha Churchill Freddie Dadson Ella Davenport James Eggleston Nicholas Fletcher Thomas Hardman Jacob Hardy-King Jack Harwood Antony Howard Oliver Jacques Celine Jiang Rian Jones Miranda Kember Cordelia Kerner Harry Kesterton Milo Lakin Merlyn Line Elian Malkin

School Princethorpe Rugby Denstone Oakham Princethorpe Uppingham Malvern Denstone Rugby Oakham Rugby Bloxham Oakham St Mary’s, Cambridge Rugby Rugby Rugby Rugby Millfield Kingham Hill Eton

Child Name School Lottie Mann Princethorpe Tommy Mann Princethorpe William Manners Rugby Holly Mansell Rugby Skylar Martle Rugby Eleanor Moyo Cobham Hall Oliver Parkes Oundle Carlos Ribas Spain Griff Roberts Bloxham Ollie Rogerson Rugby Juliet Smith Rugby Harry Smith Millfield Florence Stanley Stowe William Sturrock Shrewsbury Zoe Summers Rugby Hugo Swaby Rugby Amelia Tarrant Repton Christopher Thomas Rugby George Willmott Millfield Henrietta Wood Rugby 41 6th Form leavers to 17 different senior schools.

SCHOOL PREFECTS 2011 – 2012 Head of School Amelia Tarrant Deputy Head of School Jacob Hardy-King School Prefects: Tabitha Churchill, James Eggleston, Harry Kesterton, Elian Malkin, Lottie Mann Skylar Martle, Griff Roberts, Florence Stanley, William Sturrock, Zoe Summers, Christopher Thomas, Henrietta Wood Section Prefects: Harry Cash, Jack Harwood, Ollie Jacques, Cordelia Kerner, Milo Lakin, Tommy Mann, Will Manners, Holly Mansell, Hugo Swaby

Editorial team: James Piper, Paul Nicholson, Rebecca Bantoft and Peter Kirk. Many thanks to David Noble and Chris Hodge for providing many of the photographs. Design and print – www.cheltenhamgraphicdesign.com

DUNCHURCH, RUGBY, WARWICKSHIRE, CV22 6QU School Office: 01788 810217 Fax: 01788 816922 Email: hmsec@biltongrange.co.uk www.biltongrange.co.uk