Old Stortfordian 2026

Old Stortfordian

HEAD’S WELCOME

ROOTED IN HERITAGE, UNITED IN COMMUNITY

It is with immense pleasure that I welcome you to the 145th issue of the Old Stortfordian. This year, as we celebrate achievements throughout the community, we have launched our renewed identity: the Stortfordian Community. This isn’t just a rebrand; it is a powerful articulation of who we have always been and who we aspire to be. We are an outward-facing community, embracing the wonderful tapestry of differences that make us all unique yet firmly grounded in the College’s shared, timeless values: belonging, scholarship, and character.

Our rich heritage is the foundation upon which many of our alumni build their successful futures. The College was founded in 1868 for the benefit of the local community, and the impact of our work continues to extend far beyond the ‘College gates’. As a significant local employer and a hub of activity, we are committed to serving the community at the heart of which we operate. Within the College, we believe in a lifelong Stortfordian journey of unique growth while remaining bound by collective values.

This magazine brilliantly captures how we celebrate ingenuity and character—the very attributes that drive success and foster collective well-being. A poignant example of this is the remarkable support and warmth extended through our Bursary programme, which helps recipients thrive and acts as a platform to future success. We have seen our community come together in remarkable ways, whether through our sustained charity work, dynamic partnerships, impactful mentoring, and networking initiatives, or through the sheer joy found in sport and shared spaces. Our plans for a revitalised Doggart Pavilion further exemplify our commitment to bringing everyone together and giving Old Stortfordians a hub within the College.

This year the College has been shortlisted for a number of external awards, including an Independent School of the Year Award. The Good Schools Guide 2025 described the College as “A joyous, scholarly, and busy school where students come out with great results and a love of learning— and where the extra-curricular and pastoral are integral, not the cherry on top. Inspirational leadership is taking just about every area of the school one step further too—exciting times.”

The energy and success documented here are not endpoints; they are the momentum for what lies ahead. The journey of the Stortfordian Community is ongoing, and your engagement is crucial to its success. We are launching exciting new and lifelong networking opportunities, and our campus will be alive with events like the ‘Invite and Inspire’ series. These are opportunities to connect, share your story, and contribute to the College’s future, and I encourage you to mark them in your calendar. Whether you are a parent, an Old Stortfordian, a staff member, or a friend of the College, we always welcome your presence and your passion. Once a Stortfordian, always a Stortfordian.

Please use this magazine as a prompt to re-engage and stay connected. Let us continue to build this inclusive community and see the College thrive.

John Maguire College Headmaster

Community has always been the heartbeat of Bishop’s Stortford College, shaping who we are, inspiring what we do, and connecting generations of Stortfordians across time and place. It’s especially fitting, then, that our 2026 magazine celebrates community in all its forms: traditions that anchor us, people who uplift us, and shared stories that bind us together.

This year marks an exciting new chapter. The Stortfordian Foundation has evolved into the Stortfordian Community, a name that more fully reflects the vibrant, inclusive, and supportive network that surrounds the College. This rebrand is far more than a change of title; it is a celebration of the values that define us: belonging, scholarship, and character. You can explore the full story on page 6.

Sport has long been a unifying force across our history, and we are delighted to introduce our new Director of Sport, Nick Prowse, whose vision for the future is shared on page 8. Our commitment to community extends well beyond the College gates, and on page 11 we share how our flourishing Partnerships programme has grown to offer 20 events benefitting over 2,000 local students, spanning the arts, forest school, languages, and more.

Innovation and enterprise continue to thrive among our Old Stortfordians. On page 14, meet OS Eloise Ford née Mollett (YH,94–96), who has brought winemaking to Bishop’s Stortford—making her a truly compelling ‘One to watch’.

Pausing to honour those who profoundly shaped our community, on page 16 you can read the story of Peter Collett (GH, DBH,43–52), whose loss in 2025 was felt deeply across the College and far beyond.

A Stortfordian through and through, he will always remain ‘One of our own’.

At the heart of this magazine, and indeed of our community, are the people whose journeys began at the College. In our feature of Stortfordian stories on pages 18–21, OS explain how their College foundations have guided and supported them through life.

We also hear from OS President Nick Reynolds (HH,08–12), who reflects on his two-year presidency on page 22. This is followed by insights from the OS Lodge on the positive impact of Freemasonry within the local community.

From page 24 to 36, we celebrate the highs (and thankfully few lows) of our events and sports fixtures, including the triumphant crowning of our OS men’s Hockey team as National Alumni Sixes champions—a title earned through remarkable skill and dedication.

Life’s milestones—both joyful and sorrowful—are honoured on pages 37 to 49, where births, marriages, and losses remind us of the love, respect, and continuity that define our community.

Our Director of Development captures the strength and generosity of the Stortfordian Community, including the success of our recent Giving Day, on pages 53-55.

The legacy of 1868 continues to shape the College today. On page 57, we recognise those who have generously chosen to leave a gift in their will, ensuring future generations benefit from the same transformative experiences.

Finally, we are delighted to share an events calendar designed to bring Old Stortfordians together throughout the coming year. We look forward to reconnecting with many of you at these gatherings.

If this issue inspires you to share your own Stortfordian story, we would love to hear from you. Please email us at: alumni@bishopsstortfordcollege.org.

Until our paths cross, may these pages offer you a warm and wonderful walk down memory lane.

Jennifer Law

Senior Development Officer

CONTACT US

OS President: Nick Reynolds nickdreynolds@me.com

Director of Development: Stef Giblin stefanie.giblin@bishopsstortfordcollege.org +44 1279 952489

Senior Development Officer and Editor: Jennifer Law jennifer.law@bishopsstortfordcollege.org +44 1279 746885

Freelance Editor: Anna Sharples sharpsightedgrammar@gmail.com +44 7544 663404

Consultant Editor: John Rycroft john.rycroft50@gmail.com +44 1424 552104

Designer: Mike Reader mike.reader@bishopsstortfordcollege.org

Print and mail: Lavenham Press

Photography: Paul Harding Photography Marketing Department

Jennifer Law

Cover Illustration: Thomas Plunkett PPRWS, Teacher of Art, Bishop’s Stortford College

We welcome articles for inclusion in future issues. Please bear in mind that it is not possible to include all contributions and we reserve the right to revise articles as necessary.

All copy should be sent to alumni@bishopsstortfordcollege.org or Development Office, School House, Maze Green Road, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 2PQ. Images to be shared via www.wetransfer.com

www.stortfordiancommunity.org

@StortfordianCommunity

Stortfordian Community

@stortfordiancommunity

THE EVOLUTION OF THE STORTFORDIAN COMMUNITY: A THRIVING NETWORK OF BELONGING, SCHOLARSHIP, AND CHARACTER

We are delighted to share a new chapter in the story of Bishop’s Stortford College. The Stortfordian Foundation has evolved into the Stortfordian Community— reflecting the vibrant, inclusive, and supportive network that surrounds the College. This rebrand is more than a change of title; it is a celebration of the values that define us: belonging, scholarship, and character. It is also a recognition of the breadth of our community, which unites pupils, parents, Old Stortfordians (OS), staff, and friends under one proud identity.

At its heart, the Stortfordian Community is about connection. Together, we champion progress and welcome everyone who shapes the future of Bishop’s Stortford College. Whether through mentoring, social gatherings, reunions, or sporting fixtures, our community thrives on the bonds we share and the life-enriching experiences we create.

INCLUSIVE, CONNECTED, AND PROUD

The Development Office serves the Stortfordian Community with a clear mission: to support, inspire, and unite. We honour our heritage while embracing the future, ensuring that every member of our community is valued. ‘Inclusive, connected, and proud’ are more than catchy words—they are lived daily through our events and communications.

Publications, such as the Old Stortfordian magazine, and our thoughtfully curated events programme provide platforms to celebrate achievements, share expertise, and strengthen ties. From professional networking to social opportunities, the Stortfordian Community is a place where stories are shared, friendships are rekindled, and new connections are forged. As we often say: your story is our story.

PROFESSIONAL CONNECTIONS: MENTORING ACROSS GENERATIONS

One of the most rewarding aspects of the Stortfordian Community is the creation of professional connections between our OS and College students.

From the classroom to the boardroom, courtroom, stage, or laboratory, the Development Office is here to support OS wherever their career journeys may lead them. Seeking guidance, receiving support, and paying it forward through mentoring are at the very core of what makes our community thrive.

SOCIAL OCCASIONS AND SPORT

Beyond professional connections, the Stortfordian Community offers a wealth of opportunities to come together socially. At reunions, OS reconnect with old friends and celebrate shared experiences. Alumni sporting fixtures gather generations in the spirit of competition and camaraderie, reminding us that the bonds formed at Bishop’s Stortford College extend far beyond the classroom.

These fun events are vital in sustaining the sense of belonging that defines our community. They allow us to celebrate our heritage while creating new memories, ensuring that every member feels part of something larger than themselves.

GET INVOLVED

A thriving community depends on participation, and opportunities to take part in Stortfordian Community activities are broadening every year. Whether you mentor, attend reunions, join sporting fixtures, or support our fundraising initiatives, every contribution strengthens the fabric of our network.

We encourage all members—pupils, parents, OS, staff, and friends—to take part. Who knows what wonderful experiences you might enjoy? From professional growth to lifelong friendships, the benefits of being part of the Stortfordian Community are as diverse as the people who make it up.

Discover more: www.stortfordiancommunity.org

IN CONVERSATION:

NEW DIRECTOR OF SPORT, NICK PROWSE

WHAT LED YOU TO THE COLLEGE AND WHAT DIFFERENT ROLES HAVE YOU HELD HERE?

I studied Sports and Exercise Science with Geography at university and worked as a Duty Manager at a leisure centre while completing various coaching badges, which deepened my passion for sport and youth development. In 2006 Lyndsay Shepherd, the former Director of Sport, offered me a coaching role at the College, and I never looked back. In sporting terms, I consider myself a ‘one club’ man, having dedicated my professional life to the College ever since.

My teaching career initially focused on the Pre-Prep and Prep School, where I also served as a form tutor from 2010 to 2014 and taught Geography. Alongside my teaching responsibilities, I coached hockey for the Senior School, and in 2009 I was appointed Head of Girls’ Hockey. My leadership in sport continued to grow, and in 2012 I became Assistant Director of Sport, before being promoted to Director of Sport in 2025.

In addition to my academic and sporting roles, I have served as a resident tutor in Rowe, a visiting tutor in both Robert Pearce House and Grimwade, and more recently as acting houseparent of Grimwade. My involvement across multiple areas of College life has given me a deep understanding of its culture and values, and I remain committed to supporting both pupils and staff in all aspects of their development. Personally, I played hockey for Holcombe HC and more recently for Bishop’s Stortford HC along

with playing cricket locally. Although I have now stepped back from playing, I keep involved by coaching my children’s teams in hockey and cricket as well as watching most sports!

WHAT ARE YOUR NEW RESPONSIBILITIES AS DIRECTOR?

One of the most rewarding aspects of my new role is seeing the bigger picture and influencing how sport integrates with the wider educational experience. This includes leading the Sports Department, managing resources, and working closely with other key staff to shape the curriculum, coordinate fixtures and events, and promote a culture of participation and excellence. I’m also responsible for fostering partnerships with external organisations, supporting pupil pathways into elite sport, and ensuring that sport remains inclusive and accessible to all.

HAVE THERE BEEN ANY STAND-OUT MOMENTS FROM YOUR FIRST TERMS IN THE ROLE?

Watching Shell pupils participate in their first matches for the College is always a rewarding experience. The buzz and excitement in the lead up to the fixture is so encouraging to see. Saturday fixtures for the whole College have always been stand-out moments for me, and to see over 350 pupils representing the College on most Saturdays gives me an enormous amount of pride and satisfaction in the programme we are building here.

Nick Prowse

The introduction of golf to the curriculum has been an exciting development. In partnership with East Herts Golf club we are able to offer 10 golfers membership and the opportunity to train and compete against other schools in the East Region.

The level of support from colleagues across departments and their willingness to embrace new ideas and work together to enhance the sporting experience has been genuinely energising. I’ve also found great satisfaction in mentoring younger staff and helping them grow into their roles, which adds a new layer of purpose to my work.

WHAT IS THE CURRENT COLLEGE SPORTS PROVISION, AND WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE FUTURE?

Core sports such as rugby, hockey, cricket, netball, swimming, and tennis are supported by expert coaching and competitive fixtures, and we are expanding our options to include golf, padel, basketball, yoga, and pilates. Pupils of all ability and ambition levels benefit from our state-of-the-art facilities, including two floodlit astroturf pitches, a floodlit Multi-Use Games Area, a 25m indoor swimming pool, a large sports hall, and over 100 acres of playing fields.

Our Elite Sports Pathway nurtures high-performing athletes with personalised mentoring and access to sports psychology, nutrition, and physiotherapy support, and our Performance Sports Programme balances academic rigour with sporting excellence, enabling students to train and compete at regional and national levels. All pupils also take part in our in-house and inter-school competitions, which foster team spirit and a love of sport across all age groups.

Looking ahead, I’d love to position Bishop’s Stortford College further as a national leader in school sport. Our immediate priorities include enhancing participation across all year groups, expanding fixture opportunities, strengthening partnerships with elite clubs and national pathways (e.g. Saracens, England Hockey, London Pulse), and improving data tracking and performance analysis to better support individual development and team progress. After that, I’d like to develop a Centre of Sporting Excellence, offer more bespoke pathways and international opportunities for our top athletes, and embed sport deeper into our pastoral and academic frameworks, recognising its role in character development, well-being, and lifelong success.

WHAT BENEFITS WILL THE DOGGART PAVILION RESTORATION BRING?

The approaching Doggart Centenary in 2033 offers a unique opportunity to honour the Pavilion’s legacy while reimagining its future. This restoration is vital both because it preserves a historic and much-loved facility but also because we must meet the evolving needs of our students and wider community. The restored Doggart will provide modern, inclusive, and sustainable sports facilities that will support our growing need for high-performance training, recreational use, and community engagement. It will enhance the College’s ability to host events, foster inter-school and local partnerships, and promote well-being through sport. Importantly, it will also serve as a symbol of continuity and ambition—connecting generations of Stortfordians through shared experiences and a renewed commitment to excellence in sport and fitness.

HOW DO YOU HELP THE COLLEGE ENGAGE THE WIDER COMMUNITY?

Bishop’s Stortford rugby, hockey, cricket, and football clubs currently use our facilities on weekday evenings and Sundays, and many of our staff either play or coach at these clubs. We also make our facilities accessible to local primary schools, a number of which use our swimming pool. Part of my role is to ensure that Stortfordians develop a lifelong passion for sport, health, and fitness while at the College, and it’s always great to see OS continuing this passion by playing or spectating at the local clubs.

I know first-hand how important engaging and being part of the wider Bishop’s Stortford sporting community is for developing relationships. I coached Bishop’s Stortford Ladies 1s for six years, coaching many current pupils and OS. I continue to coach in the Junior Section where my children play, and I also coach at Bishop’s Stortford Cricket Club on Sunday mornings during the summer months.

HOW CAN OS ENGAGE WITH AND ENHANCE THEIR LOVE OF COLLEGE SPORT?

OS are an integral part of the College’s sporting legacy, and we warmly welcome their continued involvement in shaping the future of Stortfordian sport. They can reconnect, contribute, and celebrate their passion for College sport by:

• Supporting our College teams at home matches, tournaments, and showcase events such as the MCC cricket fixture. They can also help run College sports days, tournaments, or alumni matches.

• Forming or joining OS sports teams and taking part in the cherished tradition of annual OS vs College matches.

• Mentoring pupils interested in sports careers, whether in performance, coaching, physiotherapy, or sports journalism. OS with professional or semi-professional sporting experience are also invited to deliver specialist sessions or share their journeys through assemblies, Q&A panels, or careers events.

• Contributing financially towards facilities and bursaries that enhance sports infrastructure and widen access to sporting opportunities for talented pupils from all backgrounds.

To discuss getting involved in Stortfordian sport, please contact the Development Office: development@bishopsstortfordcollege.org

PARTNERSHIPS: INSPIRING CONNECTIONS, CREATING OPPORTUNITIES

From arts workshops to language sessions, our Partnerships programme has grown to include 20+ events, benefiting nearly 2,000 students and strengthening ties across schools and communities.

Our Partnerships programme has gone from strength to strength over the past year—from securing our second year of funding through East Herts Council for the Arts in East Herts initiative to culminating in the College being named finalists for ‘Outstanding Educational Partnerships’ at the Independent School of the Year Awards. It has been a remarkable journey, and we are immensely proud of what we have achieved together.

The sense of community and support from College staff and students has been exceptional, extending opportunities from Reception right through to Sixth Form. Highlights include sell-out sessions for Years 3 and 4, and a growing connection with Little Hallingbury School, who visited in both the autumn and summer terms to experience our Pre-Prep Forest School. Our own students play an increasingly active role in welcoming and supporting visitors, and their involvement has grown significantly this year as they have taken on responsibilities as guides and workshop assistants. This hands-on engagement enriches the experience for our guests and also has a profound impact on our students’ self-confidence, leadership skills, and pride in their

community. New last year, our after-school languages sessions offered local students a chance to learn in a relaxed, enjoyable environment, free from the pressures of formal assessment. We were delighted to run German, Latin, and Spanish sessions, welcoming a diverse mix of learners from different schools and backgrounds. These sessions focused on making language learning fun and accessible, encouraging curiosity about other cultures while building confidence in communication. The success of this programme reflects the dedication and creativity of our Modern Foreign Languages department, with German sessions continuing into 2026.

This autumn saw the continued success of the Arts in East Herts initiative, with three inspiring artist workshops hosted at the College:

Sam Wootton, a freelance artist renowned for using social media as a creative platform, delivered an oil painting workshop for Year 10 students from the College and St Mary’s School. The workshop was met with glowing feedback, with students describing the experience as inspiring and confidence-boosting, praising Sam’s approachable style and emphasis on creative freedom. For many, it was their first time working with oil paints, and they relished experimenting with new techniques. Every participant said they would recommend the workshop, highlighting the opportunity to develop their artistic voice.

On the same day, Ross Deeley captivated audiences with a Ferguson Lecture on his conceptual practice. The next week, he delivered an experimental photography session for local GCSE and A Level students, as well as adults. All participants enjoyed exploring beyond traditional techniques as they sliced lemons, poured shaving foam, and added effervescent vitamin C tablets to photographic paper to see what they would create. Ross’s engaging style and thought-provoking ideas, introduced during his Ferguson Lecture, translated seamlessly into practical experimentation, inspiring attendees to embrace conceptual thinking.

Finally, James Millichamp, a skilled printmaker, introduced students in Years 5–7 to the art of drypoint printmaking, giving them the rare opportunity to work with a professional Gunning Etching Press. For over half the group, it was their first experience of printmaking, and everyone described feeling positively challenged as they explored this intricate (and very messy) process.

Each workshop offered access to specialist materials and techniques rarely encountered within the standard curriculum, enriching creative learning and inspiring artistic confidence. We are keen to build on this success by engaging with Old Stortfordians working in creative fields, exploring opportunities for collaboration and sharing expertise. These connections will help us continue to offer experiences that broaden horizons and nurture the next generation of artists.

Building on these successes, we have also launched our new Visiting Speaker Programme, comprising a diverse range of talks, lectures, and workshops designed by our expert staff and offered to schools and community groups across the region. Within its first week, five schools expressed interest in sessions on fossils, World War Two, and politics. As with all our initiatives, this programme exemplifies our ethos: creating exciting co-curricular opportunities for all.

January 2026 marked the debut of our Futures Fair, an ambitious new initiative bringing together universities, employers, and alumni to help students explore career pathways, higher education options, and vocational opportunities. Louisa Piercy, Head of Futures, curated a wealth of engaging sessions and networking opportunities for the day, ensuring students gained practical insights and inspiration for life beyond secondary education. This event promises to become a regular feature in the College calendar, and we warmly invite OS to showcase their careers and inspire the next generation.

February saw the return of the much-loved Festival of Literature, now led by our Head Librarian, Ellie Dixon-Coyte, who crafted an exciting programme for students of all ages.

Whether you’re an Old Stortfordian keen to share your career journey or you want to support an event such as the Festival of Literature or the Invite and Inspire series, we would love to hear from you. Join us in shaping opportunities for communities across Hertfordshire and Essex.

Emma Bowater Assistant Head (Partnerships)

ONE TO WATCH ELOISE FORD NÉE MOLLET (YH,94–96)

With the launch of her family’s English sparkling wine, Eloise reflects on her time at the College, the path that led her to winemaking, and the joy of building something special in the town she still calls home.

My years at the College were full of laughter, friendship, and more toast than you can imagine. As a boarder, there was a real sense of togetherness—we were each other’s family, especially during those cold winter mornings. I can still picture us coming off the hockey pitch with purple hands, racing into town to warm up with hot chocolate on the top floor of Pearsons before afternoon lessons. We were also among the first girls to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh trip, which felt like a real adventure at the time, and many of those friendships are still strong today. The College was also how I met my future husband, Dylan, when we were both scrawny teenagers—who could have predicted where that story would lead!

After leaving the College, I studied History of Art and European Literature at the University of East Anglia. It was an incredible time, full of discovery and independence. I didn’t have a clear plan for what came next, so after graduation I packed a bag and headed off to Australia and New Zealand, seeing in the millennium on a beach in Melbourne. When I returned to the UK, I joined the world of recruitment in London, specialising in graduate recruitment. It was fast-paced, full of energy, and I learned

so much about people, business, and resilience. Although I loved it, I always had an inkling that one day I’d work for myself. Growing up, my parents ran their own business from our front room, so entrepreneurship always felt normal to me. When Dylan was working for someone else as a builder and electrician, it seemed only natural to encourage him to take the leap too. That spirit of independence and teamwork became the foundation for everything we’ve built since.

Opening Bailey Hills Winery this year is the culmination of a long-held dream. The idea began years ago, after visiting vineyards in France and imagining what it might be like to create something similar ourselves. At one point, we even considered moving abroad—but then we realised we didn’t need to. We could do it right here, in the countryside we love, and in the town where both our families still live. The dream kept us going through the early years of planting, growing, and waiting—even when life was full with small children and full-time jobs. There wasn’t time to think about how to keep going; we simply did. Our friends and family have been involved every step of the way, helping with harvest and, of course, with tasting! The children absolutely love it too; they’ve crushed grapes with their feet and they confidently show visitors around. One of my favourite moments was overhearing George telling volunteers, “Do you want to come into the winery?

There’s chemistry happening!” That mix of curiosity and pride sums it up perfectly.

We live on-site, so the vineyard and winery are part of our everyday lives. The location means the world to us—our children go to school here, both our families are nearby, and so many of our closest friends are part of the community. We’re proud to have built something in Bishop’s Stortford that celebrates local craftsmanship and collaboration. From our logo—designed by a talented local designer to reflect the borders of Hertfordshire and Essex—to the incredible support from nearby businesses, the town has truly been behind us. We hope Stortford feels just as proud of Bailey Hills as we are.

Climate change is reshaping the wine world. While it poses challenges for some regions, it’s also opened new opportunities here in the UK. It’s amazing to see champagne houses like Taittinger investing in British vineyards (unthinkable twenty years ago). English red wines are starting to thrive, particularly those from Essex, which makes us proud to be part of that movement. At Bailey Hills, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do—from using our own spring water and heat pumps, to the sedum roof on our winery, to growing our own food and cultivating wildflowers and bees. It’s all about working with nature, not against it.

We currently produce Premium English Sparkling wine made by the traditional bottle-fermented method, using Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay grapes. Our range includes a Classic Cuvée from 2021 and 2022 and a sparkling Rosé. We’ve been lucky to work with the awardwinning winemaker Emma Rice, and our own talented winemaker, Sam Picton, who brings both expertise and great energy to our team. The 2025 harvest has been our earliest yet—a full month ahead of schedule—and it’s also our first year producing everything on-site. It feels like the start of something truly special. Our first harvest supper club sold

out, our festive fizz sold out in a weekend, and we can’t wait to host more events and welcome guests to Bailey Hills to celebrate their own milestones. Ultimately, we just want to add a little extra sparkle to Stortford.

We’d love for everyone to visit, taste our wines, and see what’s growing right here in Bishop’s Stortford.

Follow us @baileyhillswine on social media and sign up to our newsletter to stay updated on events, releases, and vineyard life. Here’s to good friends, good wine, and exciting new beginnings!

ONE OF OUR OWN

PETER COLLETT

(GH,DBH,43–52)

As a young boy, Peter lived at the top of Windhill, and the College was so close it almost seemed an extension of his home! He entered Grimwade House just after the war, and as he progressed through the school he was fortunate to share his time there with several cousins (his father being one of eight brothers, all Old Stortfordians), with whom he remained friends for life. Although he did not excel academically, he enjoyed everything the school had to offer, especially sport. His early cricket talent was nurtured when he entered the Senior School, he became Captain of the first cricket XI and Captain of the first rugby XV, and he was also an enthusiastic hockey player alongside Cim Jones (AH,47–53; Staff,59–70).

At the end of Sixth Form Peter embarked on a cycle trip to the South of France with his great friend Keith Smith (RPH,46–51). They kept a joint diary with exquisite drawings by Keith and a written record by Peter in the beautiful and enduring handwriting he was taught by College Master Walter Strachan.

As the first day boy to be appointed Head Boy, Peter passionately championed the cause of day boys being recognised as equal members of the College community. After he left, he campaigned for the day boy houses to have the same status as those of boarders and be given formal names. Headmaster Arthur Evans took his suggestion seriously, and in 1956 Hayward House was established,

followed by Sutton House. This significant achievement marked a turning point in the recognition and status of day boys within the College.

During his National Service, Peter was commissioned in the 13th/18th Hussars in Carlisle in Cumbria and appreciated the rigid army training and comradeship (he later felt that modern youth were denied a valuable life experience when National Service ended). He then spent two years sharing a city flat with his army friends and enjoying the London scene. During this period in the city Peter decided he wanted to work on the Baltic Exchange. He sought work experience with a merchant shipping company sailing out from Liverpool. He was employed sweeping the decks and generally assisting in keeping the vessel ‘ship shape’ during the passage to South America. On his return, the Baltic Exchange offered him a training place to begin in six months’ time. However, following his father’s premature and unexpected death in 1956, Peter instead returned to help his mother in the family business, Carr and Bury—a general drapery store in North Street where he worked for over 40 years, becoming its Chairman.

As bigger department stores opened nearby, Peter gradually phased out traditional stock (e.g. everything from dusters to uniforms) and specialised in fabrics, including importing and wholesaling beautiful silks from India. Through membership of the Draper’s Chamber of Trade, he embarked on study

tours to Denmark, Paris, Dublin, Toronto, New York, and other cities, gaining valuable experience of retail trading.

In 1996, he was instrumental in the merger between the British Shops and Stores Association (BSSA) and the Retail Furnishers Association, becoming its first Chairman and also its representative for three years at the Association of European Textile Distributors. He was also President and twice Chairman of Bishop’s Stortford Chamber of trade. Additionally, for eight years he was a Justice of the Peace—reported in the press to have been the youngest in the country before he retired from the bench following the tragic death of his first wife, Sally.

A devoted father, he courageously became mother and father to his four young children with help from friends, family, the nuns from St Mary’s school, and a variety of house keepers, nannies, and au pairs. Seven years later, in 1973, Peter married Mary, who became stepmother to his daughter and three sons, and in 1974 and 1976 they had two more daughters, evening the numbers of boys and girls in their noisy, busy household!

Peter was gregarious and loved meeting customers and hosting parties, and he seemed to know just about everyone in town. Three of his children studied languages, and when students from France and Germany came to stay mealtimes were loud and fun with everyone attempting to speak a foreign language—though Peter’s own efforts in French involved gesticulating wildly with a great smile and shouting in Franglais! After retiring, he bought a little house in France with Mary, and he loved nothing more than painting peacefully for hours in the garden there and in the surrounding countryside.

For many years he ran the Bishop’s Stortford Cricket Club’s Wednesday XI, named the ‘Shop Lifters’, and he was also a stalwart member of the OS rugby team. Actively involved in the work of the parish, he became a Eucharistic Minister, worked for the Westminster Tribunal, and threw himself into the St Joseph’s Church amateur dramatics productions.

He continued to be involved in the life of the College as a member of the OS Committee and as Editor of the OS magazine for several years, and he enjoyed the Presidency of the OS Society in 1996. That same year, Steve Benson suggested that a new day boy house might be named Collett House. This delighted the family, who planted trees

behind the Prep School to form an arboretum in thanks to the school. In 2017, the new Collett House was built and Peter was honoured to be invited to open it. He had been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, but he managed to deliver his speech as he cut the ribbon surrounded by family, staff, and friends.

Fortunately Peter’s memory loss was very slow and Alzheimer’s did not change his personality. He remained his cheerful, friendly self and enjoyed a full and normal life well into his eighties, taking regular walks through the College fields and sometimes resting by the Doggart Pavilion, especially on a bright sunny morning. When he did have to go into care, he cheerfully joined in with all the activities and sang to everyone, quickly becoming known and loved by all. Fittingly, his older sister Sheila, diagnosed with dementia, joined him in the home and they spent their time together very happily. After a short, totally unexpected illness, Peter sadly died on 12 February 2025 aged 91, leaving a huge gap in the lives of many.

Until the end, his passion and enthusiasm for the College remained as strong as ever—along with his sense of humour, which he never lost, his wonderful smile, and his laughter with that twinkle in his eye. He is greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

CRAIG BEAUMONT

(MJH,SUH,86–93)

The College gave me two things that matter enormously: a very good education and, despite me being an awkward teenager, enough confidence to choose what I wanted to do with my life. That combination—education plus confidence—is priceless.

I still remember my careers adviser raising an eyebrow when I said I’d decided to do something around (but not in) British politics, to get things done. My classmates thought this was weird and uncool: both fair assessments. I wasn’t about to be nudged towards accountancy or management consultancy, though, and my resulting College work experience placement was at Bishop’s Stortford Council. By rights, that should have put me off public life forever. Somehow, it didn’t.

After completing my BA and MA at Hull, I moved to London and worked in 10 Downing Street. Then I built a career campaigning on issues I cared about, advocating for public policy change in engineering, tourism, transport, and sport.

I also landed a big job on the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games organising committee. Later, I joined the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) to help the UK’s small firms and self-employed, and I’m now the Executive Director, regularly talking to government and the media—so I sometimes pop up in your newspaper or on your phone screen, TV, or radio.

In March 2025, a very posh envelope arrived in my mailbox asking if I’d accept being appointed an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List in June. Aside from telling my partner Marco (who saw me go pale when I opened the letter and feared it was a tax demand from HMRC), I kept it confidential for 12 interminable weeks. Then for the genuine once-in-a-lifetime moment in December, I arrived at St James’s Palace with parents—my mum in her lovely hired hat and my dad in his new suit—and Marco (you get three

tickets, mercifully avoiding awkward choices). Princess Anne pinned the OBE onto my lapel and fully lived up to her reputation: sharp, wry, and utterly on top of her brief. I was lucky enough to have a long conversation with her, putting the world to rights.

By a quirk of alphabetical fate, I was in the first group of the day when HRH came in; a ‘B’ surname sneaks you in early. It wasn’t unlike pre-assembly roll-call at the College, except this time I didn’t get told off for missing it! After being whisked across the Palace for glorious but cheesy photos, I took the family for afternoon tea at The Wolseley. The best part of the day, though, was sharing it with my parents, now in their 80s, who did everything they could to ensure I was able to attend Bishop’s Stortford College with a scholarship.

The OBE feels like a bookend for that nervous teenager explaining his plans in the College library. Being recognised for doing what I wanted in life reflects on the College too, and I hope today’s students still leave with the same confidence and support to discover what they want—and go for it.

Image credit: ©️ The Crown

Image credit: ©️ The Crown

Image credit: ©️ The Crown

ELINAH PHILLIP

(BH,15–19)

After completing my A Levels, I made the journey to Rutgers University, ready to begin the next chapter. I’d spent a year preparing for the move to the US, sitting the SAT and ACT, navigating recruitment, and laying the groundwork for life as a student athlete. Freshman year flew by, but when the pandemic hit and classes shifted online, I returned to the UK. Those months at home brought clarity: I needed a change of scenery, more sunshine, and a new energy. I re-entered the recruitment process and ultimately decided to transfer to Florida International University (FIU), making Miami my home for the next few years.

At FIU, I thrived in the sunshine while balancing life as a student athlete on the demanding pre-dental track. By senior year I’d competed in my second Olympic Games in Tokyo, completed a coveted internship at Columbia University, graduated with double honours, and earned a place at Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine.

None of this would have been possible without my time at Bishop’s Stortford College, which opened my eyes to what I was capable of and helped me seize opportunities.

Being a student athlete at the College instilled discipline, time management, and a competitive mindset that prepared me for athletics and academia in the US. The pastoral care balanced those demands by providing personal support and practical guidance. From university preparation to the support I received in Benson House, the College not only prepared me academically but also shaped me in ways I never anticipated and set me on a clear trajectory. It gave me the foundation to thrive as a student athlete before I ever stepped foot in the States, and it connected me with extraordinary mentors like Ms Chaplin and Ms Munck, whose guidance stayed with me long after I left. Perhaps most significantly, a College connection introduced me to the dentist who inspired my career choice. Looking back, I can trace many pivotal moments directly to my time at the College, and as a Douglas Knock Memorial Fund awardee, I can confidently say the Stortfordian community continues to be in my corner.

Now, as I look ahead, I am eager to continue learning and to earn my doctorate. Soon I will begin accepting patients, and I look forward to meeting people from all walks of life and making a tangible difference—hopefully inspiring others the way my dentist inspired me.

To current students at the College: cherish your time, explore every path that interests you, and reach out to the people around you. The mentors, resources, and opportunities are there to help you achieve whatever you’re dreaming of. Make the most of them.

JACOB TOFTS

(SUH,20–22)

I was fortunate to attend Bishop’s Stortford College for A Levels before studying Automotive Engineering at Loughborough and graduating in 2025.

Near the end of my short but incredibly enjoyable time at the College, I was lucky enough to start driving race cars, something I’d dreamt about for many years since watching my dad race and wishing it was me! Motorsport is a unique sport due to its financial constraints, so I couldn’t do karting like most young drivers. Instead, I learnt my race-craft from sim racing at home. Really, it’s a glorified racing game, but with modern technology it’s a serious and realistic training tool that is used by all top-level drivers today.

In 2023 I raced my first season in Formula Ford (a 115hp single-seater), the first rung on the ladder and where budgets aren’t eye-watering (just yet!). With help from my parents, I got on the grid, won three races, and finished second in the championship. More importantly, I learned a lot and felt incredibly lucky to be doing what I’d dreamt of for so long.

With significant support from my parents, I took the large jump to a 500bhp Porsche Cayman GT4RS in 2024, racing on the British Touring Car package. I was given one year to prove myself and hopefully then find sponsorship to fund my future. I am forever grateful to my parents for this opportunity, and thankfully I proudly won the AM championship in 2024.

Following my 2024 results, I gained substantial sponsorship from Duckhams Yuasa Racing, and I progressed to race in the PRO class in 2025. It was an amazing year racing at the front against people with 20 years’ experience to my three.

Unfortunately, I narrowly missed out on the title and slipped from second to third after a tough final weekend—the only round in two years where I didn’t finish on the podium.

For 2026 my sights are set on the Porsche Carrera Cup GB, Porsche’s flagship series and the fastest one-make championship in the world. Now, my days are spent liaising with potential sponsors and following a strict fitness, nutrition, and simulator plan to improve my performance as a driver. It still seems like I’m climbing a very steep mountain, but it is an opportunity I’m incredibly grateful to have and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

I had a great time as part of the College community during my A Levels, and I wished I could have stayed longer. I learnt so much, in so many different ways, in those two years, all of which helped me get where I am today—even if I’m not quite where I want to be (yet)!

SAMANTHA TOLHURST NÉE PEARL

(YH,87–89)

In 1987, Bishop’s Stortford College was still a boys’ school adapting to the challenge of integrating a few girls into the Sixth Form, so life for us girls was very different from that of today’s students. Having come from an all-girls’ school, I found the transition quite a culture shock, but it turned out to be one of the most valuable experiences of my life. It taught me that adversity breeds resilience—an essential lesson that has shaped everything I’ve done since.

My proudest yet also most disappointing memory from that time was running in the YEO Cup. It was compulsory for girls to take part, but then, when first over the line, I discovered I was not allowed to win it; the cup could only be awarded to a boy. I was not happy and made my feelings known! Though I did get a brief ‘four words’ mention in the Stortfordian magazine, I later learned that the school had created the Pearl Cup in my name to honour the best girl— and I was incredibly proud when I had the chance to present this years later.

My years at the College taught me that life isn’t handed to you and that disappointment is something you must learn to manage. Unlike today’s teenagers, we luckily

didn’t face social media pressures, and therefore, in a way, our own expectations were lower. We were allowed to make mistakes, to fail, and to deal with the consequences ourselves—and that made us stronger.

After school, life moved fast. I spent a year in New Zealand coaching hockey and riding before graduating in Computer Science (a degree that became out of date within a year of leaving!). I was then an amateur jump jockey until, annoyingly, I broke my back in a fall. After being pinned back together, I joined a record company in London and learned to fly at the weekends instead.

Later, I met my wonderful husband and started my first business with investment from a private bank. It grew quickly during the early digital revolution, but when I became pregnant for the first time, I was only given the six-week statutory maternity leave. I had to return to work when my daughter (who loves a lie-in and was two weeks late) was just four weeks old, and I soon realised I couldn’t do it all. I walked away, losing my equity.

Determined not to repeat that mistake, I started Apatchy London with another school mum once my youngest of three children began school. Sixteen years later, it’s still going strong with no private bank investment!

My message to current pupils and school leavers is simple: adversity makes you stronger. It’s okay to fail, to lose, or to be overlooked—those moments teach you to fight harder next time. The College taught me resilience, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.

SOCIETY: NICK REYNOLDS (HH,08–12)

As I approach the end of my second year as President of the Old Stortfordian Society, I find myself reflecting on what a privilege it has been to serve this remarkable community. Representing the OS Committee at College events, meeting so many of you, and witnessing first-hand the strength of our global Stortfordian network has been a great honour.

This issue of the magazine celebrates community, which sits at the very heart of everything we do. Our activities— reunions, mentoring, sporting fixtures, and forging connections across continents—are powered by people. By you. I have always believed that “community is the positive power that lifts us higher than we could ever rise alone”, and my time as President has only deepened that conviction.

STRONGER TOGETHER

Progress and success rarely stem from individual effort alone. They come from collaboration, shared purpose, and the willingness to work together for mutual benefit. No single Old Stortfordian is more important than the collective strength of our community, and that ethos has guided the Committee’s work throughout my presidency.

Like many of you, I lead a busy life. Yet taking the time to give back has enriched not only the lives of those around me but also my own. Service has a way of grounding us, reminding us where we came from, and connecting us to something bigger than ourselves.

PRESERVING LEGACY WHILE INSPIRING PROGRESS

One of the things I am most proud of is the College’s commitment to embracing modern advancements while safeguarding our shared heritage. The stories, memories, and experiences of those who came before us are living resources that continue to shape who we are and who we will become.

To support this vital work, the OS Committee delighted in contributing £5,000 this year toward updating and extending the College’s digital archive. This investment ensures that valuable materials, photographs, documents, records, and personal histories are preserved and accessible for current and future generations. It is a gift not just to the College but to every Stortfordian, past and present.

PARTICIPATE

We encourage all members of our flourishing community to take part in reunions, sports, mentoring, and fundraising. Your involvement—big or small—helps ensure that our society continues to thrive for generations to come.

As I enter a new year as OS President, I do so with gratitude and optimism. Thank you for your support, your enthusiasm, and your unwavering commitment to one another. I cannot wait to see where our community goes next.

OLD STORTFORDIAN MASONIC LODGE NO.5721

People often ask, “What is Freemasonry? Is there any benefit to the local community?”

Freemasonry contributes to communities through charitable donations and hands-on volunteer work, upholding values of integrity, friendship, and service by supporting causes like medical research, care for the elderly and children, and local charities, while also providing a strong social bond for members. Members and their families participate in events and fundraising, making Freemasonry one of the largest contributors to charitable causes through organisations such as the Masonic Charitable Foundation.

Service has always been a core principle of Freemasonry, and great pride has been taken in its 300-year history of actively supporting those in need.

Its members play a crucial role at local, national, and global levels each year, dedicating both their time and resources to make a tangible difference to various organisations and communities.

Freemasonry stands out as one of the largest contributors to charitable causes in the country, with a noteworthy almost £1m donated per week. Beyond monetary contributions, members actively engage in volunteer work, making a significant impact in their communities.

Substantial donations across the country have been made to local air ambulances, blood bikes, and a number of emergency response vehicles, including two super aerial platforms for the London Fire Brigade. Freemasonry also contributes a huge amount for medical research into treatments for cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and a whole range of other conditions, including Alzheimer’s, by funding UK medical scientists to make ground-breaking discoveries. More recently, money raised has helped support those affected by overseas disasters as well as those at home, such as the Grenfell Tower disaster in 2017.

Fundamentally, The Provincial Grand Lodge of Hertfordshire works to build good character and foster lasting friendships among men from diverse backgrounds, all while upholding principles of compassion and community involvement.

The Old Stortfordian Masonic Lodge actively welcomes new members. It is a sociable and friendly Lodge and meets four times a year at the Masonic Centre in Sawbridgeworth—on the third Saturday in March and the second Saturday in June, October, and December, the latter of which is usually held in the morning so that our partners and guests have the opportunity of dining with us after the meeting for a traditional Christmas lunch.

For more information on the Old Stortfordian Lodge, please contact the Membership Secretary of the Lodge Tony Brown on tonybrown1000@hotmail.co.uk or the College’s Development Office on development@bishopsstortfordcollege.org.

OS EVENTS

2025 10 TH REUNION

There was a sense of nostalgia on campus in October as Old Stortfordians from the Class of 2015, joined by a few familiar faces from 2016, returned to the College for their 10-year anniversary reunion. With a mix of former and current staff also in attendance, the day was relaxed and full of catch-ups and trips down memory lane.

The day began in the Senior School Library with coffee and words of welcome from Nick Reynolds (HH,08–12), OS President, who only recently celebrated his decade reunion himself. He encouraged everyone to stay involved with the OS Community and reminded the group that the shared experience of College life still creates strong ties even a decade after leaving.

One of the highlights of the day was the tours. As the OS wandered through the familiar corridors and rooms of the houses they once spent so much time in, memories flooded back. They pointed out known spots, compared how things had changed (or in some cases how much they had not changed!), and shared wonderful stories from their time at the College.

A delicious lunch was served back in the library, giving everyone a chance to properly sit down and catch up on each other’s lives before the College Headmaster, John Maguire, gave a short address. He shared updates from the past decade including academic achievements, campus

developments, and how the College has continued to grow while staying true to its values. He also looked to the future, offering a glimpse of innovative new programmes, expanded facilities, and plans for the College’s continued growth.

As the event came to a close, no one was in a hurry to leave. Plans were made to meet up again soon and there were affectionate farewells all around. A huge thank you to everybody who joined us for this fantastic day full of laugher and great company. Please do log into the Stortfordian Community portal to see the full gallery from the day.

OS DIAMOND LUNCH 2025

The Diamond Lunch on Thursday 24 April brought together a vibrant gathering of Old Stortfordians from across three decades, united in their shared history and the remarkable legacy of Walter Strachan. Hosted at the breathtaking Henry Moore Sculpture Gardens and Studio in Perry Green, the event served not only as a reunion but also as a celebration of the longstanding friendship between Strachan and Moore.

With demand for tickets exceeding availability, the event proved to be a highly anticipated occasion. Special guest Geoffrey Strachan, son of Walter Strachan and a distinguished translator of foreign literature, travelled from Oxford to partake in the festivities. Geoffrey’s presence added a special personal touch to the event, paying homage to his father’s artistic and educational contributions.

The day unfolded under glorious spring sunshine, with guests enjoying guided tours of the stunning sculpture gardens. The College’s Headmaster, John Maguire, extended a warm welcome to attendees, sharing his personal journey to the College and

outlining his vision for the future. Following the tours, guests gathered in the Visitor Centre for a delightful afternoon tea replete with laughter, reminiscing, and meaningful connections.

Few names are as fondly remembered at Bishop’s Stortford College as Walter Strachan. A visionary linguist, poet, painter, calligrapher, and translator, Strachan dedicated over 40 years to education and artistic advocacy. He taught English, French, German, and Italian, encouraging students to form their own opinions, appreciate beauty, and make connections between literature, visual art, and architecture. He held a deep admiration for Henry Moore’s work, forging a friendship that lasted over four decades.

Strachan’s legacy at the College remains strong, with spaces dedicated to his contributions—including the Walter Strachan Art Centre, which continues to inspire students. His belief in the magic of artistic expression remains relevant today, as former pupils credit his teaching with shaping their careers in art history, education, and beyond.

The Diamond Lunch, now a biennial tradition, not only reflects camaraderie among OS but also serves as a living tribute to Strachan’s impact on the College and its wider artistic community.

As guests departed, they carried with them the warmth of rekindled friendships, the inspiration of artistic beauty, and a renewed connection to the College that helped shape their journeys. Here’s to many more reunions, celebrations, and cherished memories to come!

PAUL ‘BASH’ BASHFORD –A STORTFORDIAN LEGEND

For nearly four decades, Paul Bashford (GH,SH,77–86; Staff,87—), known to generations simply as Bash, has been the beating heart of the Stortfordian community. Whether greeting families in the School Shop or enthusiastically cheering from the sidelines of Witherden Field, Bash has been a constant, comforting presence, and he has touched countless lives with his warmth and wisdom.

To speak with Bash is to be seen, heard, and remembered. A living encyclopaedia of names and stories, once you’ve met him, you’re never forgotten. His genuine interest in every student, parent, and colleague has made him more than a staff member—he’s become a cherished friend, a mentor, and a symbol of everything the College stands for.

OS Cricket Team 2025

Will Blackmore (RPH,18–23)

Tom Clark (RPH,01–03)

Arthur Edwards (SUH,18–23)

Freddie Hickey (WH,SUH,17–24)

Thomas Howes (GH,RH,17–23)

Huy Le (GH,AH,SH,91–98)

Liam Mays (GH,12–16; RH,21–23)

Jake Morris (WH,CH,10–19)

James Pickup (PP,WH,HH,10–24)

Captain

Joseph Radley (NH,SUH,09–20)

Ollie Radley (NH,SUH,05–13)

Thomas Radley (NH,SUH,06–17)

Special thanks and congratulations to:

OS Man of the Match: Ollie Radley (NH,SUH,05–13)

OS Team Manager: Paul Bashford

John Rycroft (RPH,64–69) and Garry Hudson for presenting the Trophies

From helping wide-eyed new students into their first uniforms to supporting future sporting stars on the rugby and cricket pitches, Bash has welcomed generations into the Stortfordian family with open arms. His dedication to the College, his humility, and his unwavering love of sport have left an indelible mark on all who have had the privilege to know him.

In honour of his extraordinary service and spirit, the College were proud to dedicate Bashford Pitch at Witherden Field—a place where Bash has spent countless hours nurturing talent and inspiring excellence. It stands as a lasting tribute to a man whose legacy will live on in every match played, every cheer shouted, and every young athlete who dares to dream.

WICKETS AND WONDERS

Thank you to all who joined us for Wickets and Wonders on Sunday 29 June. We hope everyone had as much fun as we did on this scorcher of a day—and stayed cool with plenty of ice cream and shade!

The College vs OS cricket match was nothing short of thrilling. The College team had us all on the edge of our picnic blankets, but it was the OS who clinched victory in the final moments of a nail-biting finish with a score of 212 for 7.

Every player gave it their all, and we’re so grateful for their energy, sportsmanship, and dedication.

Beyond the boundary, the fun didn’t stop. Guests zipped through the air, scaled the climbing wall, conquered the crazy golf course, bounced skyhigh on the bungee trampolines, and rolled around in the zorbs: a true playground of summer adventure!

We were especially delighted to team up for the first time with The Friends of Bishop’s Stortford College. Their buzzing bar was a lifesaver in the heat, and their arts and crafts marquee was a haven of creativity for younger guests.

And who could forget the grand finale? The Friends’ technicolour Colour Run was a joyful, paintsplattered celebration we’re sure will be a lasting memory for every-one who took part.

Log in to your portal account or register to view the glorious photograph gallery: www.stortfordiancommunity.org

We are hugely grateful to both cricket teams for an enthralling match, and especially to OS James Pickup (PP,WH,HH,10–24) for captaining the victorious OS team.

A FOND FAREWELL TO GRIMWADE HOUSE

Under the blazing summer sun, generations of Old Stortfordians and staff gathered to bid a heartfelt farewell to Grimwade House, the beloved Prep School boarding house that has stood as a cornerstone of Bishop’s Stortford College for 113 years. During our celebration of what has been a ‘home from home’ for generations of young boarders, laughter echoed through the familiar halls and stories flowed as freely as the refreshments.

Grimwade House opened its doors in the spring of 1912, the same year Captain Scott reached the South Pole and the Titanic embarked on its ill-fated voyage. Named after Edward William Grimwade—philanthropist, pharmaceutical magnate, and long-serving Chairman of the College Governing Council—the house was purpose-built to accommodate 28 boys aged 7 to 13, complete with classrooms, a dining room, a sick bay, and staff quarters.

Over the decades, Grimwade House evolved with the times. From wartime bunking in the common room to the arrival of continental quilts in 1978, the house adapted to the needs of its growing community. At its peak, in 1978, it housed 78 boys, and in 1995 it warmly welcomed its first girls.

The house was a hub of hobbies and creativity, reflecting the changing interests of its residents—from model aeroplanes and kite flying to the 1980s invasion of Rubik’s cubes and Space Invaders. The Railway Club, Radio Grimwade, and the Grimwade Gazette fostered curiosity and camaraderie, while the house pond and garden offered moments of peace and reflection.

The farewell event welcomed back OS and staff spanning eight decades. Many brought their families to walk the halls, revisit dormitories, and share stories of midnight feasts, ping pong tournaments, and the infamous ‘rhino chute’—a once-secret escape route for unwanted stew, cleverly hidden beneath a loose tile in the dining room—not to mention the legendary fire drills using sheets from top-floor dorms.

Touching tributes were paid to the cherished pastoral staff who shaped the house’s nurturing environment and to Charles Abram (Grimwade Housemaster,74–83; Prep School Staff,68–83) and treasured Houseparents Adrian and Mandy Hathaway (GH,08–21).

Though the building may close as a boarding house, its legacy lives on in the hearts of those who called it home and through the students who will benefit from the new Sixth Form Centre.

Please log in to your portal account to enjoy more event photographs: www.stortfordiancommunity.org

A NEW CHAPTER AT THE HEART OF OUR CAMPUS

A much loved building is about to begin an exciting new chapter. From September 2026, the former Grimwade House boarding facility will reopen as a purpose-built Sixth Form Centre, an inspiring, contemporary hub designed to elevate the experience of every student preparing for life beyond school.

After careful reflection, the College recognised that Prep School boarding was no longer sustainable. Nationally, boarding for 11–13 year olds has fallen by 20% since 2018, and despite significant effort, Grimwade House continued to see low numbers, with only eight boarders, most of whom moved to the Senior School in 2025. The building also required major investment to meet modern standards. Rather than commit over £750,000 on a facility with declining demand, the Governing Council chose to repurpose Grimwade House to fulfil a long-held ambition for the College’s future.

DESIGNED FOR THE FUTURE

The new Sixth Form Centre will sit proudly at the heart of the campus, spread across two beautifully renovated floors with university-style study zones. Thoughtfully designed to be both calm and energising, the space will offer:

• Quiet research areas

• Social and collaborative spaces

• Small lecture rooms

• Conference rooms

• Dedicated 1-to-1 meeting spaces

• A garden room

• A new home for the Futures Department, which offers further education and careers guidance to all students. Every element has been crafted to support independent, curious, and ambitious learners. The Centre will act as a bridge between school and university, mirroring the academic, social, and professional environments students will soon enter.

HONOURING THE PAST

Although the decision to close Prep School boarding marks the end of an era, it also unlocks a remarkable opportunity. By redeveloping Grimwade House rather than building anew, the College can deliver a state of the art facility at a fraction of the cost, all while preserving the building’s heritage and avoiding disruption to current Sixth Form provision. Repurposing the existing building also makes use of its embodied carbon, reducing environmentally damaging emissions released through construction.

Architects have blended tradition with modernity, creating a space that reflects the College’s ethos: a forward-thinking education rooted in a prestigious history.

A BITTERSWEET MOMENT AND A BRIGHT HORIZON

There is no denying the poignancy of this transition. Grimwade House has been a home-from-home for generations of young boarders. Yet the College remains committed to evolving in ways that best serve its pupils, staff, and families.

As the educational landscape changes, so too must the spaces that support it. The new Sixth Form Centre represents a reinvestment—one that places students’ futures at the centre of campus life.

FESTIVE DRINKS

The Stortfordian Community came together in true festive spirit for our festive drinks event in Bishop’s Stortford, held in the convivial and sparkling surroundings of the beautiful Paisa Bar. The evening was hosted by our Headmaster, John Maguire, and we were delighted to welcome OS President Nick Reynolds (HH,08–12) alongside many special guests.

It was wonderful to see familiar faces reconnect and new relationships emerge in such a warm, vibrant atmosphere, and the mingling of Old Stortfordians, parents, and staff created a positive buzz that truly reflected the breadth and strength of our community.

OS SPORTS ROUNDUP

HAILEYBURY SIXES 2025

The OS Men’s Hockey team put in a strong and consistent performance to win the National Alumni Sixes Tournament at Haileybury on Sunday 14 September.

With an impressive 16 goals scored across the tournament, the team played fast and were on the offensive from the first to the final game. The standard of play was high from other alumni teams, but the OS remained focused and organised, demonstrating their standout skills and talent.

The final saw them up against Haileybury, the defending champions and tournament hosts. It was a competitive match, but the OS handled the pressure well and took the trophy home as deserved winners.

A huge thank you to all the players who gave up their time to take part and represent the team so well on and off the pitch. Congratulations on an outstanding result and a successful day of hockey!

CAPTAIN’S MATCH REPORT:

We started the day with convincing wins in our pool games against Aldenham (3-0), Caterham (5-2), and Cheltenham (31). Fine individual goals from Ross Butler and Jamie Brooks accompanied lots of fine team goals, normally finished off by Freddie Colclough.

After enjoying the usual high standard of lunch, we played in the semi-final against Haberdashers’, which was a close 2-1 win, with Ryan Cruwys making a number of fine saves.

The final saw a rematch of last year’s final against a strong Haileybury team. We took an early lead from a goal from

Andy Round before Haileybury grabbed an equaliser. This saw us step up a gear, and Keir Ansell ran the length of the pitch to regain the lead. Haileybury came back again, and only a superb stop on the line by Jack Wheaton from a PC flick kept the lead intact until Jamie Brooks went on another impressive dribble—rounding almost the entire team, including the keeper—to put the game beyond doubt, with us winning 3-1.

Haileybury Sixes Team 2025:

Keir Ansell (NH,SH,RH,11–18)

Samuel Bampton (PP,NH,HH,97–10)

Harry Bannister (PP,MJH,HH,10–24)

Jamie Brooks (PP,GH,CH,05–19)

Ross Butler (NH,RPH,08–16)

Freddie Colclough (RPH,17–19)

Ryan Cruwys (MJH,HH,05–12) Goalie

Andy Round (PP,WH,CH,98–12)

Paul Round (WH,SH,98–08)

Jack Wheaton (MJH,SH,01–08) Captain

OS VS COLLEGE LADIES’ HOCKEY

On Saturday 6 September, the much-anticipated ladies’ hockey match between the OS and College XI teams took place, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of supporters. The OS team comprised a strong mix of players, with leaving years spanning from 2020 to 2025.

The match was fast-paced and played in quarters, keeping both teams on their toes throughout. The College made a strong start, dominating the first half and taking a 2-0 lead by halftime. Despite the OS team’s resilience and spirited attempts to break through, the College’s defence stood strong, and the second half saw them extend their advantage, with the final whistle confirming a 5-0 victory for the College.

The turnout was brilliant, and cheering OS and parents created a buzzing atmosphere that energised the players on both sides.

Congratulations to the College team on a well-deserved win. The game highlighted exceptional talent and sportsmanship, and we look forward to seeing many of the brilliant College players continue to develop—and eventually join the OS team! We also have huge admiration for the OS team’s experience and determination, without

which these sporting fixtures could not take place. We greatly appreciate all who gave up their spare time to both take part and support the match, with a special shoutout to Thea Came (PP,MJH,AH,12–24), who joined us on her twentieth birthday!

OS President Nick Reynolds (HH,08–12) presented Esha Singh (PP,GH,YH,09–23) with OS player of the match pictured below right and congratulated OS Captain Izzie Earle (TRH,20-25) pictured below left.

Umpires: Richard Temple and John Maguire

OS Captain: Izzie Earle (TRH,20–25)

College Captain: Mali C

2025 OS Hockey Team:

Olivia Brierley (MJH,AH,18–25)

Thea Came (PP,MJH,AH,12–24)

Izzie Earle (TRH,20–25) Captain

Issy Good (PP,WH,TRH,09–23)

Annie Mcgloin (GH,TH,TRH,12–20)

Georgie Parsons (AH,21–25)

Esha Singh (PP,GH,YH,09–23)

Francesca Young (GH,YH,14–20)

NETBALL FEVER RETURNS AS OS FACE THE COLLEGE IN

EPIC ENCOUNTER

The sports hall court crackled with energy as the long-awaited OS vs College fixture made its triumphant return, delivering a match packed with speed, skill, and sheer determination from both sides. From the very first centre pass, it was clear that this was going to be a contest to remember.

The College 1st Team girls put on a dazzling display, securing a well-earned 39-28 victory over the OS squad in a match that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. With end-to -end, lightning-fast play and goal-for-goal exchanges, the score narrowed to just two points at several nail-biting moments. The OS team, playing together for the first time and with many travelling significant distances to take part, rose to the challenge brilliantly, showcasing teamwork, talent, and tenacity throughout.

A huge round of applause goes to our Players of the Match, who delivered standout performances that lifted their teams and thrilled the crowd:

• OS Player of the Match: Yuki Cheng (GH,YH,12–20)

• College Player of the Match: Jaanvi B

Special recognition also goes to our Captains, who led with passion and composure:

• OS Captain: Olivia Brierley (MJH,AH,18–25)

• College Captain: Jaanvi B

We were delighted to welcome the OS Committee Treasurer Chris Forster (MJH,SUH,82–90), who presented the prizes and added to the evening’s celebratory spirit.

The OS squad deserves enormous credit for their commitment and competitive spirit. The team demonstrated the enduring strength of OS sport and the joy of returning to play together.

OS Team Captain, Olivia Brierley (MJH,AH,18–25)

Rosie Baker (MJH,AH,16–23)

Yuki Cheng (GH,YH,12–20)

Sara Joiner-Jarrett née Joiner (YH,85–87)

Chloe Jones (GH,YH,08–19)

Ellie Lewis (PP,GH,AH,07–21)

Verity Poulter (PP,WH,BH,06–20)

Alex Povey (NH,AH,14–21)

Lucie Sudworth (WH,YH,09–16)

To the staff who supported the fixture, the players who gave it everything, and the spectators who filled the sidelines with cheers—thank you. Your support made the event a true celebration of our community’s sporting talent. Here’s to many more matches filled with spirit, skill, and College pride.

For those who want to relive the action, the OS photo gallery is available on the digital portal: www.stortfordiancommunity.org/galleries

OLD STORTFORDIAN GOLF SOCIETY

As usual, our golfing year started in early April with the Halford Hewitt scratch competition for teams of 10 players. The combined handicap of our teams has steadily improved over the years, and for the first time we fielded a team composed of players with a 5 handicap or better (and a combined handicap of 23). After winning against Wrekin, we reached the second round for the second year in a row and only the seventh time in 75 years!

THE HALFORD HEWITT TEAM:

James Bakelmun (WH,RPH,00–10)

James Daniels (GH,CH,03–17)

Charlie Evans (WH,HH,15–22)

Matthew Precious (NH,HH,12–20)

Michael Precious (HH,13–17)

James Sandford (RPH,05–10)

Johnnie Smith (WH,SUH,98–06)

Stewart Smith (RPH,96–01)

Ed Terre (GH,SH,87–95)

Christian Wall (WH,SUH,12–23)

In May we scraped together 12 players for our Society Day at Knebworth Golf Club. Actual attendance on the day was disappointing, but we had good weather, great food, and some sparkling golf, with Robert Baker taking the main prize and Nearest the Pin while Ian Clark won the guest prize and Longest Drive. Knebworth was closely followed by the Grafton Morrish qualifying round at Gog Magog golf club. Led by a terrific 33-point score

by Matthew and Michael Precious, our total score was 81 points, meaning we qualified for the second year running (in seventh place—one better than last year), having never previously done so.

THE GRAFTON MORRISH QUALIFYING TEAM:

Charlie Evans (WH,HH,15–22)

Hugo Lennie (RPH,13–18)

Matthew Precious (NH,HH,12–20)

Michael Precious (HH,13–17)

Johnnie Smith (WH,SUH,98–06)

Christian Wall (WH,SUH,12–23)

At the end of June, our over 50s scratch team visited Worplesdon for the Cyril Gray, which turned into a comedy of errors. Our first opponents—Trent (normally a strong team)—were forced to withdraw as one of their number had a medical issue. This meant we were given a bye into the second round on the second day. However, in anticipation of being beaten, we did not have six players available that day and also had to withdraw! We did play a friendly against Trent, though, and had a wonderfully relaxed game on a golf course in peak condition.

The year concluded in October with the aforementioned Grafton Morrish finals.

Playing during the height of Storm Amy, our team battled Merchant Taylors at Hunstanton (one of the strongest teams) and the elements manfully to a ½-2½ loss.

THE GRAFTON MORRISH FINALS TEAM:

Peter Berendt (GH,AH,67–74)

Ollie Lennie (RPH,15–20)

Hugo Lennie (RPH,13–18) Captain

Matthew Precious (NH,HH,12–20)

Michael Precious (HH,13–17)

Louis Winfield (NH,RPH,12–20)

DATES FOR 2026:

Grafton Morrish finals: 16–18 October at Hunstanton and Royal West Norfolk

We welcome golfers of all ages and abilities, and we desperately need to expand our mailing list, so if you are an Old Stortfordian and a golfer please email me at osgolfsociety@gmail.com with your handicap index (if any) and College houses and years. There is no commitment by doing this, and you may find there is something that appeals to you.

James Greenall (GH,AH,65–74) Secretary

Old Stortfordian Golf Society

As

CALLING ALL OS RUGBY ENTHUSIASTS!

OS Rugby is back in 2026!

We’re excited to bring back the OS Rugby match in 2026, but we need your help to make it happen.

Whether you’re keen to join the Under 23 or Over 23 team, we’d love to hear from you. Express your interest now and be part of a fantastic sporting tradition.

After polling past players and to avoid frozen pitches and university term date clashes the match will take place at 11am on Sunday 6 September.

To make this event a success, we also need volunteer team organisers to help rally players and build momentum—your support would be hugely appreciated!

Please complete this form to express your interest in joining the 2026 teams, providing playing position, kit size, and dietary requirements.

We’d love to see you at the Doggart. Scan the QR code to express your interest.

part of the Halford Hewitt Centenary celebrations, the OSGS donated a history of the competition to the College archive, which was gratefully accepted by Sam Davis, Head of College Golf (pictured left).

OS VS COLLEGE STAFF GOLF TOURNAMENT 2025

In the true Stortfordian spirit of camaraderie, competition, and belonging, OS and College Staff (past and present) came together for an unforgettable golf tournament on Thursday 29 May. This year we were hosted at the Links Golf Club in Newmarket at the generous invitation of James Greenall (GH,AH,65–74), OSGS Secretary and Newmarket Club Captain 2025.

This attractive and mature 18-hole (par 72) course of some 6,643 yards was established in 1902 and later redesigned by the great golf course architect Colonel S V Hotchkin, whose courses at Woodhall Spa, Ashridge, and elsewhere are among the finest in the country. Hotchkin was renowned for crafting holes into the natural terrain, and the Links is no exception. Clever bunkering, fast running fairways, and an inland links feel ensure the course lives up to its name.

OS and College Staff enjoyed tea, coffee, and bacon sandwiches on arrival before playing a competitive but good-natured individual Stapleford tournament. Despite very blustery conditions, OS rose to the challenge, taking home the team trophy with a score of 210 and nearly sweeping the board with individual prizes! College Staff Team

Sandy Barnard (Staff,89—)

Peter Dodd (Governor,18—)

Gary Law (Staff,03–20;23—)

John Maguire (Headmaster,24—)

Trevor Novell (Staff,66–18)

Rod Reed (Staff,72–18)

Stephen Sabey (Staff,13—)

David Thomson( Governor,17—)

Nigel Witherden (Staff,76–19)

OS Team

Robert Baker (GH,SH,82–89)

Peter Berendt (GH,AH,66–74)

James Greenall (GH,AH,65–74)

Paddy Ireland (HH,69–78)

Simon Lipscombe (HH,90–95; Staff,11—)

Trevor Price (MJH,HH,70–76)

Peter Smith (AH,64–68)

Darren Winstone (MJH,SUH,83–90)

Prize Winners 2025

Nearest the Pin: Nigel Witherden (Staff,76–19)

Longest Drive: Trevor Price (MJH,HH,70–76)

Runner-Up Best Golfer: Darren Winstone (MJH,SUH,83–90)

Best Golfer 2025: Robert Baker (GH,SH,82–89)

CAMPBELL—MICHAEL JONATHAN (RPH,56–57)

Born 23 November 1939 in Chester, Michael (known as Jonathan by his early friends) was the son of Major Richard Michael Campbell and Beatrice Elliott Campbell. His father served in The Black Watch regiment in Scotland in World War II. As a baby, Michael and his mother survived the bombing of London during the Blitz, after which his family moved to a farm in Newport, Fife, where he enjoyed growing up in the Scottish countryside. Unfortunately his father was killed in action in Italy, and eventually Michael and his mother emigrated to her family house in Laconia, New Hampshire, USA.

Michael attended Bishop’s Stortford College in England and Laconia High School. He continued his studies at University New Hampshire, where he achieved a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. He proceeded to work for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, Cabot Corporation, and Nashua Corporation. He eventually returned to

graduate school and earned a Master’s of Science in Management from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. From there, he started a business that developed noninvasive technology for personal care companies and research hospitals used to measure product efficacy, moving the process away from animal testing during the late 1970s.

A devoted husband and innovator, Michael enjoyed his time with his beloved wife, Rita Kay, and his doggies. He was an avid reader and was involved in local and regional politics. He leaves a son, Michael Patrick Campbell (RPH, 78-83), and a daughterin-law, Yasmine Mahdavi; a daughter, Sarah Katharine Campbell, and a son-in-law, James Goundrey; and his grandchildren, Ian Campbell, Charlotte Campbell, Adelaide Goundrey, and Alastair Goundrey.

COLLETT—ANTHONY HUGH (AH,52–55)

Anthony, better known as Tony, was born 12 December 1936 in Birmingham, where he spent his early years (aside from the inevitable evacuations during World War II). His father, David Collett (SHa,21–26), moved the family to Liverpool and then Toronto, where Tony attended Upper Canada College and took up ice skating, which was part of the curriculum! On returning to the UK in the summer of 1952, Tony joined Alliott House. It took him a while to settle in, but Housemaster Teddy Wall did eventually make him a prefect, possibly against his better judgement given Tony’s fondness for fun and the odd practical joke. He enjoyed school, playing rugby (as Captain of the 2nd XV in his final year), hockey, and cricket, and he was one of more than 30 family members to have attended the College so far, including his three daughters: Gail (YH,80–82), Clare (YH,82–84), and June (YH,85–87).

In 1956, following a year’s apprenticeship with De Havilland, Tony went up to Emmanuel College, Cambridge to study Civil Engineering, graduating in 1959 with a Master’s degree. He played rugby for Emmanuel College, mainly for the 2nd XV, and was secretary of the club in his final year. At university he was known as the ‘Archdeacon of Organisation’, recognising his penchant for organising ad hoc, fun events for his friends. Later, he became a Fellow of the Institute of Civil Engineers.

In 1959 Tony started work at WS Atkins and Partners and stayed with them for over 37 years. One of his early jobs was in Sheffield, where he met his Christine, whom he married in 1962 before moving with her to Bangladesh to project manage the building of a factory for Glaxo. Subsequent projects included rolling mills for British Steel in Scunthorpe, blast furnaces in Redcar,

schools in Trinidad, and roads in Kuwait, while he rose through the ranks from graduate employee to Technical Director. He had an amazing gift for remembering the names and characters of those he worked with; there was always a story to be told, and he and Christine made many lifelong friends. After retiring in 1994, he often enjoyed meeting up with colleagues, particularly at the Atkins Old Boys events.

Being an all-round sportsman and an incredible organiser, Tony actively participated in many clubs and societies, even playing rugby for East Pakistan in an (unofficial) international match—more organised fun. As a dedicated member of Clandon Regis Golf Club for nearly 40 years, Tony enjoyed golf and socialising in equal measure. He played in the Seniors’ matches, was Chairman of the Seniors Section, and spent 10 years on the Club’s Greens Committee. Tony and Christine were both good tennis players and enjoyed being members of their local tennis club, whether in Stokesley, Trinidad, or Fetcham. Tony was Chairman of Stokesley Tennis Club and later of Leatherhead Tennis Club too, where he oversaw the building of two new tennis courts. He was a contributing member of his local Probus group, becoming Chairman for a period and continuing to support the organising committee until shortly before he died.

COVE—DAVID (GH,RPH,48–55)

David joined Bishop’s Stortford College in 1948, and after two years of National Service in the Royal Army Medical Corps, he was accepted in 1957 by Trinity Hall in Cambridge to read the Natural Sciences Tripos. There he found his love for fundamental genetics, and his long research career then started when he became a PhD student in the Cambridge Department of Genetics in 1960.

Initially he worked on a fungus, Aspergillus nidulans, where he used induced mutants to study the assimilation of nitrogen. His first ever publication in 1963 went into Nature—the most prestigious journal at that time. However, what many don’t know is that he’d had an article about mistletoe accepted into Nature when he was still a schoolboy! He published more than 40

Family was extremely important to Tony, and this encompassed not only his daughters, sons-in-law, and seven grandchildren, but also the extended family. He was in his element when delivering recollections of family history, and he loved to spend time in Southwold at the family holiday home, welcoming all the wider family to the house, whether he was in residence or not. Family holidays often became big events, posing the challenge of finding accommodation for 13. His grandchildren remember him wheeling them around in a wheelbarrow, pushing them on the swings, and swimming with them in the North Sea when they were small. In later years, he enjoyed them taking him out for lunch or supper (though he aways insisted on paying)!

Tony and Christine enjoyed 55 years of marriage, making friends across different continents and workplaces, clubs, and societies. From 2004 Tony became a dedicated carer to Christine, who finally succumbed to Lewy body dementia in 2017. Shortly after her death, Tony was diagnosed with a blood disorder, which resulted in a lack of energy and required regular blood transfusions. Once these transfusions sadly became unviable, Tony died at home in Fetcham on 1 August 2024. In the final weeks of his life, Tony held court from his bed, entertaining family and friends with his stories once more before being wished a final goodbye.

articles on Aspergillus nidulans, but he was really looking to follow his botanical desires for a simple plant system that he could use as a model for studying morphogenesis.

He met his hero (David’s own words), Harold Whitehouse, at Cambridge. Harold was a famous moss researcher who introduced him to a little-known ephemeral moss, Physcomitrella patens, which grew near Cambridge. This followed a proposal from a prospective PhD student, Neil Ashton, that he work on moss. Obtaining mutants in moss proved as easy as in the fungus, and this switch altered David’s career dramatically. This was a particularly interesting time of discovery in genetics, and David was fortunate to meet and interact with very illustrious scientists, including Francis Crick, Sydney Brenner, and Roger Gautheret in Paris.

In 1962 David married Anne, and in 1963 he got his PhD and became Postdoctoral Fellow. He was appointed to a Staff

Fellowship at Trinity Hall in early 1964, and that same year he took on his first graduate student and was also appointed Director of Studies in Biological Sciences at Trinity Hall.

David was invited to become the first warden of Wychfield in 1968 after Boulton House opened to undergraduates. For the next 10 years, Anne and David were responsible for the care and well-being of students as well as the practical day-to-day running of the site. During this period, Anne and David’s family grew from two to five children and Herrick house was built, in which they often hosted the architects’ site meetings. In his spare time, David took part in various university committees. He was also a senior member of the Trinity Hall May Ball Committee and heavily involved in providing lighting for theatre productions by the Preston Society and the ADC.

In 1978 David took up the Chair in Genetics at Leeds, becoming one of the youngest professors in the country and setting up a brand new dedicated lab. Then, in the early 90s, David became a Visiting Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, in the lab of Ralph Quatrano, an already well-established international plant scientist. This collaboration extended David’s career by many years following his so-called retirement in 2002, and he went on to become visiting Professor and a Leverhulme Emeritus Research Fellow at Ralph’s new lab in Washington

University in St Louis. David and Ralph were instrumental in getting the moss genome sequenced through the US Department of Energy’s Joint Genome Institute in Berkeley. This was a landmark project because moss is 400 million years older than flowering plants, so it helped us understand the evolution of plants.

David published prolifically on moss well into his retirement. In 2016, he received the Golden Spore Award and was dubbed ‘The Godfather of moss’ for his pioneering work on Physcomitrella. His final article in 2021 was very fitting as it used all the tools he had produced by his research to find the gene responsible for one of the mutants his group had isolated more than 30 years earlier.

Some say David was loud and that his students at Cambridge loved him as they didn’t have to get out of bed to hear his lectures. He wasn’t loud, however; he was ebullient, and he was enthusiastic to the point of evangelical when it came to his research. His evangelism led to many converts to the moss cause.

David was cremated on Monday 23 September 2024 surrounded by his loving wife, Anne, his five children, and his grandchildren, great grandchild, family, and friends.

LATHAM—RICHARD (DIRECTOR OF MUSIC,76–97)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Richard Latham FRCO ARCM, former Director of Music at the College. Richard retired at the end of the Summer Term in 1997 after an extraordinary 21 years of service, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate throughout the Stortfordian community.

Richard was widely admired for his exceptional musicianship, infectious enthusiasm, and warm personality. His energy and dedication were evident in every aspect of his work, from conducting large-scale concerts in Knightsbridge with his Festival Choir at St Paul’s Knightsbridge to examining nearly 1,000 Associated Board candidates during a single summer spent in Hong Kong. His tireless commitment to music education inspired countless students and colleagues across the decades.

Those who knew Richard will remember his sharp wit and sense of humour, which brought joy to the music department and beyond. He had an uncanny ability to identify even the most obscure pieces of music from the briefest excerpt—a skill that became the basis for many light-hearted music department games. His rehearsal manner and genial nature consistently brought out the best in others, creating a welcoming and inspiring environment.

Above all, Richard was a loyal friend to many within the College. His influence extended far beyond the concert hall, and his presence enriched the lives of all who had the privilege to work with him. He will be deeply missed by former colleagues, students, and the wider College community.

MILLS—BARRY NORMAN FREDERICK (SH b ,61–65)

Barry joined the College in 1961 from Old Buckenham Hall and always spoke of his school years with great affection.

Hockey was his great love—encouraged by the College Sports Master Cim Jones— followed by cricket and rugby. He played for the England and Hertfordshire school boys, and straight after leaving school he embarked on a round-the-world hockey tour with the Swifts. He then moved to Kent and played for Beckenham Hockey Club for nearly 60 years, achieving over 100 caps while playing for Kent County. During these years, he also enjoyed tennis and golf.

His hockey career representing England spanned 50 years—an unbelievable achievement. He played for the England Under 23s and represented England indoors over many years, achieving over 56 caps and scoring an amazing 40 goals. He also played throughout the world for both England Masters and Grand Masters and took part in the 4 Nations tournaments. He concluded

his international career winning gold in Valencia 2023. After leaving school, Barry qualified as a Chartered Secretary, leading to a career which took him across the globe. In his later years, he served as a director of Moncler and Stone Island, based in London.

He married Barbara in 1971, and they had two children—Julian and Sarah Jane—and five wonderful grandchildren. They lived in Sanderstead, Surrey for more than 50 years until they moved to Topsham, Devon in 2022 with their beloved chocolate labrador.

There Barry bought his dream Mercedes sports car and thought this was to be the start of his last adventure, but sadly a skin cancer that was removed more than 20 years ago had been lying dormant in his body. After a 17-month battle with melanoma cancer, he died peacefully at home with his family, aged 77. A true sporting hero from Bishop’s Stortford who lived a good life, he will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

RYCROFT—SIMON CLAYDON (RPH,65–70)

Simon died 9 April 2025 aged 73 in Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford, where for the last few months he had battled cancer. His passing was a fitting relief for a life well spent.

Born to Alan and Catherine on 23 January 1952 in Aylesbury as the younger of two sons, Simon spent his early years in Thame. In the late 1950s the family moved to Thorpe Bay in Essex, where Simon and his older brother, John, attended Alleyn Court Preparatory School and subsequently Bishop’s Stortford College. He enjoyed a full and active five years, participating in hockey, rugby, and athletics, and he developed a love of the natural sciences, particularly in geography and biology.

After the College, he attended Bristol Polytechnic and then Cambridge College of Arts and Technology (CCAT) to study a degree in Geography and Geology. He then held a number of teaching posts in private prep schools in Surrey, taking exchange arrangements that gave him the opportunity to teach in Australia and Kenya, which he enjoyed immensely. In a break from academic teaching, he qualified as a driving instructor for a very short time, but the

lure of academia drew him to the role of Admissions Adviser at the University for the Creative Arts, where he found the freedom he needed to really excel.

Simon was an avid collector of art and antiques and could be found at Flog It and the Antiques Road Show events whenever he was able to attend. Singing was also a major hobby of his, and he was immensely proud to have been a member of Farnhambased Waverley Singers. He last sang with them as recently as February 2025 in a performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, together with the choir of Charterhouse School at the Cadogan Hall in London. He would have been proud that no less than 50 members of the choir sang at the service to celebrate his life, held in St Stephen’s Church, Haslemere, his hometown.

Simon was very much a team player, evident when he played sports in his early days, and in later years he was a committee man, being a member of numerous groups. He was always keen to do his best for others and for the good of the whole, regardless of any benefit to himself. He will thus be remembered as a quiet, gentle man, missed by all who knew him.

SWINSTEAD—ROBERT HILLYARD

(SH a ,45–50)

Robert, known as Bobby, was born on 29 January 1932 to Kitty and Malcolm and was a younger brother to James. During his early years, the household of 12 Sunset View also included Jack the dog and Tambo the cat. The family then extended to other households on the same street, and young Bobby was often across the road with Granny James. Meanwhile family holidays— including three generations—were spent travelling by train to Carbis Bay in Cornwall.

Aside from boarding school at Bishop’s Stortford College, undergraduate study at St Catherine’s College in Oxford, a navy commission aboard HMS Eagle, and time working at Callender’s Cables in Liverpool, 12 Sunset View was Bobby’s home for life. The opportunity of a job at Ford brought him back from Liverpool to Barnet, and he lived with his parents and supported them until they died. After that, it seemed natural for him to stay on in the house he had known since birth.

Bobby’s career as a data analyst coincided with the dawn of the modern computer age. This occupation suited his particular talents, both cerebral and manual: his instinctive enthusiasm for the possibilities of new technology, and his indefatigable readiness to do the practical stuff, installing and adjusting and making things work. Incidentally, his job also benefited his niece and nephew in their childhood, as Uncle Bobby would visit armed with reams of computer paper and card for them.

Bobby’s work with Ford—which saw him through to retirement—took him for periods to France. It’s possible it was this which prompted him to invest in shares in the Channel Tunnel; certainly he was the first family member to cross the English Channel by train. He enjoyed holidays with family further afield, too—particularly with cousins in South Africa, and with Jen and John Snodgrass at diplomatic postings, including Bulgaria and Israel.

While in Liverpool he rode a motorbike; however, following a bad accident, he acquired his first car—a Riley called ‘Annie’. It may be best not to say much about his driving, though, beyond noting that he was finally persuaded to give it up about 10 years ago. Even after that, he could be quite an ‘assertive’ navigator!

Bobby arrived at family get-togethers with toolbox in hand, greeting people with a cheery, “Right, now, what needs fixing?”

And there probably isn’t a single corner of his church that Bobby didn’t at some point attend to with that same toolbox. Beyond big projects like re-wiring and little tasks of routine maintenance, he’d often come up with ideas for adaptations and installations to harness emerging technologies or improve energy efficiency.

With a mind so active and endlessly fascinated, and with so many experiences and memories, Bobby took delight in talking and continuing conversations—a trait he and his family called ‘gabbling’—and his visits were rarely short. His belief in people’s goodness and worth drew forth in him a consistent generosity. As much as this could be a headache for those who helped him look after his finances, it was a mark of his own goodness and reflected the faith in which and by which he lived; his generosity, rooted in readiness to believe the best in people, reflected the generosity of God.

In recent times, Bobby faced the decline that comes with advanced years, which was certainly a challenge for someone convinced he didn’t need to be helped. Bobby’s family are grateful to the Wallfinch care agency, who assessed and equipped him with compassion and expertise, and to Sanju, Bobby’s principal carer for the last three years.

WAGSTAFF—DAVID EDGAR HARWOOD (SH,55–60)

A terrific person with an adventurous spirit, David died at the end of January 2025. His father, John Wagstaff (SH, 24–28) also attended the school, as did his cousins, Philip Darlow (GH,SHb,47–54) and Michael Darlow (GH,SHb,45–51).

He enjoyed his time at the College and developed into a very capable, caring, and fun person. He had a life-long friendship with John Bilton (SHa,56–60), whose daughter married his son, cementing the friendship further. He also swam for the College and might have been Captain of swimming.

After his A Levels, he went to work for the General Electric Company (GEC). He then studied Engineering at Southampton University, where he was instrumental in starting the automobile club and had many exciting times rallying. He also joined the Air Squadron, having learned to fly from a young age in the Far East, where his father taught flying as a hobby. David won several inter-university trophies, and he was an ‘unbeatable’ aerobatics champion.

After a couple of career false starts, David joined the British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) and became one of the youngest 747 Officers, starting as Navigator. He found a job that he loved and did it well, flying long haul all his career with British Airways. David was a brilliant Captain, looking after his crew and passengers. His love of flying continued in his retirement, when he flew light aircraft and joined another cousin in America every summer to fly up to Osh Kosh to the annual air show in his cousin’s homebuilt PA28. Sailing was David’s other great love, and he enjoyed both racing and cruising.

David met his partner, Kate, on a pontoon in 2003, and is missed greatly by her. He is also very much missed by his three children—Sebastian, Rebecca, and Rupert— grandchildren, and friends.

IN MEMORIAM

Stuart Ayers (AH,58–64)

Joseph Bennett (GH,SHb,42–48)

David Bennett (SHa,52–56)

Robin Betser (SHb,50–55)

Michael Campbell (RPH,56–57) See obituary

Robert Cannon (GH,HH,49–56)

Ian Carson (GH,AH,48–57)

Anthony Collett (AH,52–55) See obituary

David Cove (GH,RPH,48–55) See obituary

Brian Eves (SHb,45–50)

Peter Gavin (GH,HH,51–58) (Mathematics Master,68–95)

John Gibbins (DBH,47–53)

Antony Hazell (SHa,47–52)

Duncan Heath (GH,RPH,49–56)

Andrew Hooper (DBH,54–59)

Phil Jones (AH,51–57)

Lionel Kirby (GH,RPH,39–44)

Mark Langmead (SH,68–72)

Richard Latham (Director of Music,76–97) See obituary

Alan Lewis (GH,DBH,45–52)

Barry Mills (SHb,61–65) See obituary

Iain Munro (SH,60–62)

Stuart Norman (GH,DBH,50–56)

Cyril Pavey (SHa,47–50)

Frederick Perrin (GH,DBH,48–53)

Simon Rycroft (RPH,65–70) See obituary

Michael Schwier (GH,RPH,45–52)

Colin Stanwell-Smith (HH,59–64)

Robert Swinstead (SHa,45–50) See obituary

Charles Tucker (GH,44–48)

David Wagstaff (SH,55–60) See obituary

David Wheeler (GH,AH,71–77)

James Wilkinson (GH,DBH,53–59)

L–R. Groomsmen: Oliver Pedley (WH,HH,02–09); Ross Murphy (NH,SH,01–09); Oliver Banks; Harry Pearman (GH,RPH,00–09)

George Connor (PP,WH,RPH,95–09); Harry Gerard. Bridesmaids: Catherine Baker (BH,04–09); Jennifer McGowan (NH,BH,01–09), and Katherine Lawson.

JAMES THACKER AND LETICIA

NANI SILVA

James Thacker (PP,GH,SUH,05–12) married

Leticia Nani Silva at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Bishop’s Stortford on on Saturday 9 August 2025.

The best men were James’s brothers: Thomas Thacker (PP,GH,SUH,03–15) and William Thacker (PP,GH,SUH,08–22).

James and Leticia celebrated their honeymoon in Bali.

DUDLEY CONNOR AND ELLIE HOLLOWAY

Dudley Connor (PP,WH,RPH,95–09)—one of the first to go all the way from the Maze in the year before PrePrep through to the end of Sixth Form—and Eleanor Holloway (PP,GH,BH,97–09) were married on 15 November 2025. Dudley and Ellie met at the College and remained together from the age of 16, during their GCSEs. They were voted ‘Most likely to get married’ in the 2009 Leavers Yearbook! The marriage took place at their village church in North Norfolk, followed by a reception at an historic farm barn in a nearby village (painstakingly decorated with fairy lights by Dudley manoeuvring the farm loader with Ellie and her mum in the basket to reach the very high beams!).

Dudley and Ellie bought their first home in Finchingfield, Essex in 2019 and gathered their collection of animals, including a dog, horse, and two pet sheep. They moved to Holt, North Norfolk in 2023, where Dudley manages an arable farm and Ellie is an executive assistant to the managing partners of a sustainable energy consultancy.

The groomsmen and bridesmaids were almost all Old Stortfordians, and the day was a perfect celebration of a rather long eighteen-and-a-half-year romance!

L–R: Jonny Roberts (PP,GH,RPH,00–14), Richard Forsyth (SH,06–11), Freddie Marsh (GH,RPH,03–12), Connor Doherty (PP,GH,RPH,97–11), Rob Smith (SUH,09–11), Phoebe Marsh (BH,02–11), Will Roberts (PP,GH,SUH,97–11), Saskia Williams (PP,MJH,YH,02–16), Phil Limmer (HH,09–11), Harry Pearman (GH,RPH,00–09), Thomas Pearman (GH,RPH,03–10), Lucinda Pearman (YH,12–17), Irene Pearman (YH,78–80; Governor,04—), Alice Scott-Collins (PP,GH,AH,03–16), Ben Clarke (GH,RPH,79–84), Adam Connors (SH,06–11), Ella Borthwick (PP,MJH,BH,04–18), Ed James (GH,SH,06–17), George Pearman (GH,SH,08–15), Arthur Marsh (GH,RPH,10–17), Beth Murphy (NH,YH,10–15), and Ned Smith (RPH,12–15)

THOMAS PEARMAN AND LUCINDA SIMPSON

Tom (GH,RPH,03–10) and Lulu (YH,12–17) were married on 7 June 2025 in a small, intimate family ceremony at Marylebone Town Hall, before flying to Pujols, Bordeaux to celebrate with friends and family. School feels a long way off for them now, but it played its part in shaping where they are today, and they’re pleased to share the news with the wider school community.

RORY FIRMIN AND ABIGAIL GROVES

Rory Firmin (PP,GH,RPH,96–10) married Abigail Groves at St Mary the Virgin Church in Widdington on Saturday 19 July 2025.

OS in attendance were Rory’s brother and sister, Tom Firmin (PP,GH,RPH,98–12) as best man and Charlotte Firmin (PP,GH,YH,98–12) as bridesmaid; Chris MacRae (GH,RPH,99–10) as best man; Chris Nazareth (NH,RPH,00–10) as usher; Sam Mclaren (CH,08–10) as usher; Rob Adkins (WH,CH,02–10) as usher and MC; Alex Gooch (CH,08–10) as witness; Jamie MacRae (PP,GH,99–08); Oli Roberts (MJH,CH,03–10); Joe Reardon (GH,RPH,02–10); and Lydia Nwobodo née Boardley (MJH,YH,03–08)

NATASHA RUPARELIA AND ADAM YOUNG

Tash Ruparelia (AH,08–13) married Adam Young on 13 September 2025 in the beautiful St Cecilia’s Church, Little Hadham, followed by a wonderful reception at Hadham Hall.

The celebration was filled with Old Stortfordian spirit, with an almost entirely OS bridal party. Tash was attended by bridesmaids Emilie McLaren (AH,08–13), Charlotte Hood (BH,11–13), Laura Rintoul née Howe (AH,11–13) and Kimberly Paul (PP,GH,AH,99–13). She was also supported by two OS ‘bridesmen’: Henry Foenander (PP,GH,SUH,99–13) and Jim McGran (WH,SUH,05–13), who took on the Master of Ceremonies role with enthusiasm.

Tash is the daughter of Kirit and Jocelyn Ruparelia and sister to Sam. She and Adam first met at Newcastle University and have been together for ten happy years.

CHRIS ELLIOTT

(GH,HH,48–53)

In the last issue of Old Stortfordian I spotted three obituaries of OS who served in the Royal Engineers (REs), as I did during my National Service between 1956 and 1958. Like Richard Palmer (AH,46–49), I spent 21 months on the REs’ Longmoor Military Railway—where, after basic training, I took a Movement Control Course and was then attached to the Movement Control’s school as an instructor.

Longmoor had some 75 miles of military railway, starting at Liss on the London to Portsmouth British Rail line through to Bordon with its Southern Railway connection. This railway was used not only as a training ground but also as a base for major film production: e.g. for Bhowani Junction, The Lady Vanishes, The Great St Trinian’s Train Robbery, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. One Saturday morning, when we marched onto the 53 Squadron parade ground, Staff Sergeant Hutchinson called us to attention and then shouted, “I’ve just come from the film set and there is a young lady there called Ava Gardiner who used the F word, which I did not want my young soldiers to ‘ear.”

This sergeant spoke exactly like Fulton McKay did in the TV film series Porridge by Ian La Frenais and OS Dick Clement (SH,50–55)—the latter of whom I sat next to in Lower Fifth. Another Stortfordian overlap is that 53 Squadron was formerly 52 Squadron, in which David Howe (GH,AH,45–52) spent time in the Suez Canal Zone.

The Elliott families all lived in Bishop’s Stortford—in the case of my departed brother Maurice (GH,DBH,43–48) and his family, including Mark (MJH,SUH,69–76), just a few hundred yards from the College—and my father was manager of the Bishop’s Stortford Football Club, which went on under his management to win the FA amateur cup at Wembley. My time at the College was a long time ago, but its influence on me was completely responsible for many of my achievements after leaving school.

Now retired, I live in rural France in a stunning valley around 45kms north west of Béziers. I have written some five books, one of which talked about the REs’ transport activities and told the history of Medloc (Mediterranean Lines of Communication) trains, which were used at the end of WW2 to move over two million servicemen and servicewomen back to the UK from Milan, Toulon, and Villach. I am currently working on another book to be called Adrift in Europe, which covers those early years when aeroplanes had propellors and flew up valleys with walkers waving down at them.

I am also the editor of the online newsletter Amis des Wagons-Lits Wagons-Lits was the name given to the Compagnie des Wagons-Lits that launched the famous Orient Express in 1883 and many other well-named trains right through to the mid 1970s. Anyone interested in reading this quarterly newsletter can contact me via the College’s Development Office.

EDWARD ROOK (SH a ,50–54)

In 1848 my great-grandfather, the Rev J C Rook, was appointed aged 27 as minister at Thaxted and remained in the role for 31 years until 1879. In 1850 he married Jane Franklin and had ten children, two of whom attended non-conformist schools: my grandfather went to Mill Hill in 1880, and one of my great uncles, W N Rook, went to Bishop’s Stortford College in 1868 and became the first president of the OS Association when the name changed from club to Association. My father, N S Rook, followed in 1917 (SHa,17–20), and I then attended the College in 1950.

School years were certainly the best time of my life; days seemed long and were regimented into sleep, school, games, and hobbies. My father and I both received basic arms training at the College, which I found useful when called to National Service. After the evening service, we had food before bed, which was usually baked beans and toast with a slice of cake sent from home. There was little or no contact with parents and no phones—only the compulsory card or letter written every Sunday and perhaps one visit from the parents.

There were also no portable wirelesses, and music listening gradually changed from 78 RPM records to 45 RPM then to 33 RPM and now to those horrid mobile phones with someone called Alexa!

On Sunday afternoon the school was empty as we all cycled around the countryside, through all the many villages—Wendens Ambo, Ugley, Stansted Mountfitchet, Maggots End, Bacon End, and Duck End—to look for interesting churches. Some had organs, and this became a lifelong hobby of mine and led to a job organ building when I retired. The last line of the school song, Heroes, has a good ending: perfection, nothing less.

KEITH ROBINSON (HH,77–82)

After leaving the College in 1982 and attaining relevant post-graduate qualifications, I progressed through various store and head office roles in retail (Sainsbury’s and Woolworths) before moving into education in South Yorkshire. Now, after more than 22 years overseeing the recruitment and training of new teachers for local schools (and having turned 60!), I’ve retired and am enjoying more time spent travelling, with my family and friends, and gardening. A life well spent. So far!

ROGER SMITH (MJH,SUH,69–77)

I enjoyed a delightful and long-overdue visit to John Campbell and his wife recently. Mr Campbell (sat on my left in the photo) had been my Form Master when I entered BSC in 1968. “JTC” was on great form—we reminisced about BSC in the late 60s and 70s and shared more recent news.

STUART WALTON (MJH,SUH,74–83)

Now that I have reached the milestone of being 60 years old, I was honoured to be invited to this year’s Diamond Lunch with other Old Stortfordians who preceded me at the College. The Henry Moore Studio was a perfect venue for this event, and it was wonderful to reconnect with Guy Baker (MJH,AH,74–83), sat on my right in the photo. As well as being the Chair of The Governors, he’s someone I went through my school years with, and it was lovely to hear his news and discover that he has stayed in touch with many of my contemporaries at the College, which I have failed to do.

The new Headmaster, John Maguire, gave us a wonderful vision for the future of the College, and I look forward to supporting him and the staff in whatever way I can now I am semi-retired from 40 years in business, industry, and latterly education. I am looking forward to the next Diamond Lunch and to welcoming newer members of the Diamond OS community. Don’t be shy; do come along; you will have fun reconnecting.

TONY BENTLEY (GH,SH,78–85)

I left the College on Open Day (also Live Aid Day) 1985. Prompted by the closure of Grimwade House to boarders and to mark 40 years of being an OS, I spent time last summer catching up on 40 years of news in online Stortfordian magazines and OS newsletters and reading other books about life in boarding schools in the 1980s and its effects.

I remember reading the Centenary Chronicle in the library in the early 1980s, and I managed to get myself a copy—which made interesting reading as the centenary in 1968 was only 10 years before I started in GH, but it all seems such a long time ago now! I hope to visit the College soon to view the remodelled School House and Grimwade House. It’s odd to think that neither of those houses have boarders in them anymore, but I like brick architecture and so will be very interested to see how those long dormitories and common rooms have been reused. I keep up with a handful of OS contemporaries, mainly by Facebook or WhatsApp.

After many years in practice, I’ve now voluntarily given up my licence to practise as a GP and am clinging on in NHS management as the Independent Clinical Advisor to the Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland (LLR) and Northamptonshire ICBs cluster. I keep active by walking my ex-wife’s border terrier for miles daily, and I do not miss having to run tracks or doing compulsory games (especially on Sunday afternoons) at all! I bumped into David Ladd in London some years ago and had good drinks and reminiscences with him, and I also visited Hugh Talbott in Wells (both photographed 10 years ago). I was pleased that Geoff Naylor got in touch from New Zealand, through David Ladd’s contact.

I was particularly struck by a comment in The Stortfordian about Malcolm Maxwell, who died shortly after missing his last Prep School term in 1980. It read: “He accepted his responsibilities, he did not court popularity, he did what he believed was right.” This seems good advice to try to live by.

ONE COMMUNITY, MANY STORIES: A BRIDGE FOR HERITAGE AND AMBITION

This year, as we introduce our new Stortfordian Community brand, we celebrate what truly sets us apart: our people. Our brand is more than a new look; it’s a renewed promise to nurture, connect, and empower everyone who calls Bishop’s Stortford College home. From Old Stortfordians and current pupils to families, staff, and friends, our community is a tapestry woven from countless stories, backgrounds, and ambitions.

Our new identity is outward-looking, welcoming new ideas and partnerships, yet deeply rooted in the values that have shaped us for generations. Belonging, Scholarship, and Character are not just words; they are lived every day in the way we support one another and strive for excellence together. The brand is a bridge which connects our heritage with our ambition, ensuring that as we grow, we remain recognisable, authentic, and true to our founding purpose.

Physical spaces shape the way we come together. This year, we are focused on creating environments that inspire, welcome, and connect. We are investing in spaces that reflect our collective spirit and invite everyone to participate.

Since 1922, the Memorial Hall has been a cornerstone of College life. It is a venue for assemblies, performances, and moments of reflection. Our current project will not only update the building but also create a welcoming, flexible space where every member of our community can feel at home. By opening up the Hall to more natural light and adaptable layouts, we’re ensuring it remains a vibrant setting for celebrations, quiet gatherings, and new traditions. Enhanced acoustics and modern furnishings will make it a place where memories are made and shared, honouring our past while embracing the future. This transformation is guided by the belief that every generation deserves an appropriate space to connect and celebrate.

The Doggart Pavilion has long been the heart of our sporting community. As our school has grown, so has the need for facilities that welcome everyone. The Pavilion’s regeneration will provide modern, accessible spaces for sports, meetings, and small community events. With improved terraces, an eco-friendly design, and a balcony for spectators, the new Doggart will be a hub for participation and excellence. It will strengthen partnerships with local clubs and serve as a gathering place for Old Stortfordians, families, and friends, reinforcing our commitment to inclusivity and shared achievement.

Our bursary programme is a living example of what we can achieve together. Each year, meanstested bursaries open doors for talented children who would not otherwise have access to a College education. This year, we are supporting 40 pupils— including several children from Ukrainian families— with 15 receiving full fee contributions. We also help children who have been identified as needing access to opportunities at the College via the Royal National Springboard Foundation.

Our goal is to fully fund two new Stortfordian bursaries annually: one for a Prep School pupil and one for a Sixth Former. More than financial support, these awards are investments in diversity, opportunity, and social mobility, enriching our community and broadening perspectives. When you contribute to our fundraising efforts, you help us go beyond fee income, enabling projects that enhance every child’s experience at the College.

Our founding donors are visionaries whose gifts have shaped not just buildings, but the very fabric of our community. Their generosity is felt in every outreach programme, partnership, and bursary awarded. Whether supporting the Doggart, Memorial Hall, or the Bursary Fund, our donors are helping to build a legacy of kindness, ambition, and community spirit that will endure for generations. We are truly grateful for your generosity.

I invite every Old Stortfordian to join us—attend an event, share your story, support a project, or simply reconnect with the College. Together, we can achieve more than any one of us could alone. Our new brand is a promise: we are a community of many stories, united by a shared beginning and a commitment to making a difference both here and far beyond our College boundaries.

With pride and gratitude,

Stefanie Giblin Director of Development

GIVING DAY

GROWING SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY FROM SMALL BEGINNINGS

Giving Day 2026 offered a wonderful snapshot of our community at its most connected. Old Stortfordians, parents, and former parents rallied behind our Stortfordians Give campaign, raising £87,720 (including matched and challenge funding) and comfortably exceeding our £50,000 goal. Gifts ranged from £5 to £50,000, arriving from across the UK and around the world, with donors united by a shared belief in the College and the young people who learn and grow here.

Gifts are being directed to two priorities: £34,768 supports Century in the Making (regenerating the Doggart Pavilion) and £52,952 supports bursaries, widening access so more talented young people can benefit from a College education, regardless of financial circumstance. A defining moment in the campaign came with a matched gift from Old Stortfordian Frank Balzebre (AH,72–73). Frank came to the College as an American exchange student and has spoken warmly of the welcome he received and the doors it opened. By matching early donations, he helped set the pace for Giving Day and encouraged others to give with confidence, knowing their support would be doubled.

What made Giving Day especially memorable was the creativity behind it. Even Habibi, the College Headmaster’s dog and our ‘Giving Day Ambassadog’,

responded to the call to action, helping to spread the message with characteristic charm.

Classroom challenges, community activities, and pupilled enterprise sat alongside bigger collective efforts that reached far beyond our campus. At every stage, the campaign reflected the College values of Belonging, Scholarship, and Character. Supported by campaign images that tell the story better than words alone, the week reminded us of something the College has known since 1868: when people commit to a shared purpose, small beginnings can grow into something enduring.

You could see the community spirit in action at every turn. In Pre-Prep, each class was given £18.68 (marking 1868) to ‘grow’, inspiring stalls and small activities for families; 90 families joined in. In the Prep School, pupils took on playful, curriculum-linked challenges, including science puzzles with ‘Captain Cranium’ and ‘Mr Bones’, designing College shields and at-home service and fitness tasks; 60 pupils took part and 18 completed three challenges. In the Senior School, house spirit brought friendly rivalry and pupil-led ideas to the fore, with inter-house and sponsored challenges, pop-up fundraising stalls, and plenty of support for friends. It was a reminder that community is built through participation as well as donations.

Alongside online giving, families and pupils backed our College-wide and house-led activities, adding time, energy, and encouragement to the total. Messages on our donor wall arrived from every corner of the globe, from Old Stortfordians, parents, and former parents.

To everyone who donated, shared our messages, encouraged a pupil, attended an activity, or helped quietly behind the scenes, thank you. Giving Day works because it is built on community spirit, and every gesture played its part.

We are equally grateful to our pupils and staff, whose energy brought the campaign to life. They set the tone with curiosity, warmth, and a determination to do something that matters.

The impact of Giving Day will be felt in bricks and mortar and, most importantly, in opportunity. It will mean better spaces for sport and community in the Doggart Pavilion, and life-changing support through bursaries. Just as importantly, it strengthened something less visible but vital: our sense of belonging to one another. One conversation, one shared post, one ticket bought at a stall, one donation—these are the small beginnings that become lasting change.

There is nothing automatic about a campaign like this. It takes planning, participation, and a willingness to believe in a future worth investing in. Giving Day succeeded because people chose to get involved, and involvement is contagious. As we look ahead, we do so with gratitude and confidence, committed to growing from small beginnings, just as the College has done since 1868. Thank you for making the difference and for reminding us of what it means, in the fullest sense, to be Stortfordian.

LUNCHTIME LUNCHTIME A

SIXTH FORMER

Tuesday 3rd February Tuesday 3rd February

LEAVING A LEGACY

YOUR LASTING IMPACT ON THE STORTFORDIAN COMMUNITY

Picture a future where your kindness opens doors for generations of students at the College. Through legacy gifts, our community has flourished—new facilities have risen, talented pupils have been supported, and countless lives have been enriched. Every legacy, large or small, is a testament to the enduring values and vision of those who care deeply about the College’s future.

Everyone connected to the College has been fortunate to benefit from the generosity of those who came before us, whose legacies have built spaces like the Ferguson Building and supported initiatives such as music scholarships. A legacy is more than a gift in a will; it’s the positive influence you have on our community, the values you pass on, and the lasting changes you inspire.

WAYS TO LEAVE A GIFT

There are several ways to leave a legacy to the College in your will:

1. RESIDUARY LEGACY

A gift of the remainder of your estate or a percentage, after all other legacies, debts, taxes, and expenses have been paid. The advantage of a residuary legacy is that it will not be eroded in value by inflation.

2. PECUNIARY LEGACY

A gift of a specific sum of money.

3. SPECIFIC LEGACY

A gift of a specific asset, rather than a monetary amount.

4. REVERSIONARY LEGACY

A gift of assets to the College while giving someone the benefit of them during their lifetime.

LASTING CHANGE

Everyday actions and thoughtful decisions—like leaving a legacy—create ripple effects that strengthen our community. All legacies are built on compassion, and each contribution accumulates over time to uplift those around us. Leaving a legacy is about making choices today that will benefit others tomorrow.

THE 1868 LEGACY SOCIETY

No matter which type of legacy you choose, your generosity becomes part of a tradition that shapes the College’s future. That’s why we established the 1868 Legacy Society, aptly named in celebration of our founding year, to honour and thank those who make this special commitment.

All those who notify us of their intention to leave a legacy to the College in their will are invited to join the society. Membership is, however, entirely optional, and we understand you may wish to keep your intentions private.

To mark the generosity of our legators, we host an annual lunch, and the 2025 event was held in the beautiful Senior School library, where our guests enjoyed harp music from a talented pupil. The lunch is always a convivial event, and this year we invited our first guest speaker, who shared a most enlightening insight into her career with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

We look forward to welcoming new members to this society, and if you would like further details or wish to let us know you have made a gift to the College in your will, please contact the Development Office on 01279 297277 or via email: development@ bishopsstortfordcollege.org.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sunday 6 September OS Rugby College

Sunday 13 September Haileybury Sixes Hockey Haileybury

Saturday 10 October OS 50th Anniversary Reunion College

Wednesday 11 November Service of Remembrance College

Friday 8 January OS vs College Netball College

Wednesday 17 March

Saturday 17 April

Diamond Lunch Audley End’s Secret War Tour & Lunch Audley End House

House Reunions: Trotman House –10th Anniversary Sutton House College

Saturday 15 May 1868 Society Lunch College

Sunday 27 June Wickets and Wonders College

Please view upcoming reunions, networking opportunities, sporting events and community gatherings on the Online Events Portal: www.stortfordiancommunity.org/events

Our Stortfordian Community is there for you no matter where life takes you; just remember to take us with you.

School House, Maze Green Road, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire

United Kingdom CM23 2PQ

T: +44 (0)1279 838575

E: development@bishopsstortfordcollege.org

Registered charity: 311057

www.bishopsstortfordcollege.org