OS News April 2019

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE OLD STORTFORDIAN SOCIETY

ISSUE 139 • APR 2019

O•S•NEWS

In this Issue: Meet The New President 150th Anniversary Celebrations A Trip Down Memory Lane!

CELEBRATING 150 YEARS • 1868 - 2018

CELEBRATING 150 YEARS • 1868 - 2018

OS NEWS - Issue 139 April 2019

Contact Us

Welcome

Consultant Editor: John Rycroft John.rycroft50@gmail.com Tel: (01424) 552104

Following the completion of the Autumn 2018 edition, John Rycroft (RPH, 64‑69) has decided to retire as editor of OS News.

OS President: Alastair Lukies CBE Alastair@apidae‑partners.com

John became editor in 2009 and under his guidance, the publication has gone from strength to strength. We would like to thank John for all his enthusiasm and dedication to this very important task over the years.

OS Administrator: Julie Pridmore Julie.pridmore@bishopsstortfordcollege.org Tel: (01279) 838618 Alumni Relations Officer: Jennifer Law Jennifer.law@bishopsstortfordcollege.org Tel: (01279) 838348 Development Office Administrator: Gail Edgar Gail.edgar@bishopsstortfordcollege.org Tel: (01279) 838677 OS Benevolent Fund: Richard Price richard@price‑central.com Tel: (01279) 657675

John will continue as Consultant Editor for OS News being our ‘critical friend’ before each edition goes to print.

We hope you enjoy the features in this issue; highlights include an insight into the life of our new OS President, Alastair Lukies CBE (GH,AH, 80‑90) and an update on the 150th anniversary celebrations.

The Development Office Team

OS Golf Society: James Greenall (Hon. Secretary/Treasurer) james@codap.co.uk Tel: 07836 714917 OS Lodge No. 5721: Stephen Appelman (Hon. Secretary) scatali@aol.com Tel: (01279) 506785 OS Swimming Club: Nick Reynolds (Hon. Secretary) nickdreynolds@me.com Tel: 07961 048913 OS Staff Liaison Officer: Simon Lipscombe Simon.lipscombe@bishopsstortfordcollege.org Back issues of OS News can be viewed online at the College website https://www.bishopsstortfordcollege.org Submission of articles: 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. The copy deadline for the next edition is 31 July 2019. All copy and photographs should be sent to Julie.pridmore@bishopsstortfordcollege.org, 10 Maze Green Road, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 2PJ Cover Photo By Ian Taylor: Three College Headmasters, Jeremy Gladwin (11‑), Steve Benson (82‑97) and John Trotman (97‑11) Other photographic contributions from: Steve Beetson, Jennifer Law, Ian Taylor and Kevin Webb www.facebook.com/The.Old.Stortfordian.Society/ @OldStortfordian The Old Stortfordian Society

Building Confidence for life

Stortfordians Connect – Your access to the Old Stortfordian network.

Job hunting? Willing to mentor? Looking for other OS? Stortfordians Connect is our alumni social network and allows you to get in direct contact with other OS. It may be used to gain: • careers insight from experienced OS to assist job applications and potential new business connections • opportunities to advertise vacancies free of charge • opportunities to mentor other OS • opportunities to re‑connect with lost OS friends Sign up in a few minutes at www.stortfordiansconnect.org, by using your Facebook or LinkedIn profile or email address.

OS NEWS - Issue 139 April 2019

From The Headmaster Our 150th Anniversary Year has got off to a great start. The Founders’ Day Service, time capsule burial, visit by the LordLieutenant of Hertfordshire, OS Service of Remembrance, Festival of Literature and Memorial Hall Art Exhibition were all events that will live long in the memory.

This year, of all years, is a great time to get more involved with the College. If you are able to volunteer in any of the following areas, we would love to hear from you: • Help pupils with university mock interviews • Speak to pupils about your career or university experience • Offer pupils and young OS work experience/internship placements • Provide career mentoring for young OS who want to enter your profession • Assist with scanning materials for the College library archive digitisation project If you are interested in helping in any of these ways, please get in touch with the

Development Office on 01279 838677, alumni@bishopsstortfordcollege.org.

Also, do remember that whatever your stage of life or career, Stortfordians Connect is here to help you. It is free to join and if you have not already signed up, you can do so at https://stortfordiansconnect.org.

Our 150 Fundraising Appeal is going very well, with just over £19,000 having already been donated by parents and OS. Every gift, regardless of size, makes a real difference. By joining forces, we can help offer life changing opportunities to pupils on a bursary or a gift to the School House redevelopment would help all our pupils.

Work continues apace on School House but as is often the case with this kind of large‑scale project, delays are inevitable.

We hope to occupy the building once again in September 2020.

I fully recognise that not everyone is in a position to support the College with a donation. However, we think it is very important to keep you informed about our plans for the future, and to invite you to

participate in our fundraising efforts, if you wish to do so. If now is the right time for you to consider a donation to the College, that would be most welcome.

Some of you are already donors and legators and I am immensely grateful for your philanthropic contribution. If you wish to do even more, that is wonderful, but it would certainly not be expected.

This continues to be a very exciting time to be the Headmaster of this wonderful College. However, in case you have not already heard, my time here is drawing to a close, I have announced my intention to retire in the summer of 2020. The process of recruiting my successor has already begun and an appointment will be made in the second half of the 2019 Summer Term.

This will allow for a successful period of handover in the following twelve months.

My departure is still some way off, so I look forward to meeting many of you at the remaining 150th anniversary events and in the year ahead.

The Headmaster with Heads of School, Ollie and Heather, inside School House.

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A Life In The Day Of Our New President: Alastair Lukies CBE (GH,AH, 80‑90, OS President, 19‑21) Where is home? Mainly on an aircraft at the moment but, when in the UK, split between Shad Thames in London and the wonderful Maze Green Road.

Biggest lesson learnt at the College?

That being able to communicate, debate, hear other opinions and be diplomatic are hugely important life skills.

Your best quality? Building teams.

Your worst quality? Setting expectations too high.

Guilty pleasure? White Burgundy and Red Bordeaux.

Who would play you in a movie of your life? Matt Damon.

Career? Various entrepreneurial endeavours which led me to the Fintech industry about 18 years ago which is where I now ‘ply my trade’.

Career plan B? Would probably have to be in and around rugby and the business of sport in general.

Earliest memory? Picking everything from strawberries to daffodils on the family farm.

Earliest memory of the College?

‘Clink’ outside Grimwade boarding house.

Strongest memory of the College?

Jon Glen’s (Staff, 82‑89) guitar and Maggie Hatchett’s (Staff, 80‑07) care for us all.

Dream dinner party guests? I am super fortunate to have broken bread with many of my aspirational list that are alive today but historically would have been Winston Churchill, Karen Carpenter, Socrates and Rudyard Kipling.

Starstruck moment? Receiving an award from the late, great Kofi Annan.

Top of your bucket list?

Swimming with manatees.

Biggest inspiration? Prince Charles.

Philosophy? We as the human race, all beings, the planet and the universe, are all part of a connected consciousness, and should behave that way.

Where would you time travel to?

Ancient Egypt.

First record you bought?

Simon and Garfunkel, ‘The Sound of Silence’.

Biggest regret?

Not fulfilling my rugby career to its full potential.

What advice would you give to a 2019 College Leaver? There’s not only one route to your dreams so stay nimble and, always remember, two ears and one mouth.

Building Confidence for life

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College News Heath Family Donate Benches Roger HEATH (RPH, 46‑50) and his son, Stuart (GH,RPH, 71‑79) paid a visit to Robert Pearce House last term. They came to inspect the three garden benches that the whole Heath family have generously donated to RPH. The benches have been engraved with the initials and dates of attendance (spanning 1946 to 2021!) of all eight members of the Heath family who have lived in RPH over the years. During their visit, house parent Sharon Honey showed Roger and Stuart around the rebuilt house. This was particularly poignant for Roger. The last time he visited was shortly after the devastating fire in September 2015, when he and his brother, Duncan (RPH, 49‑56) had a hard hat tour of the sad remains of the building. We would like to thank all members of the Heath family who attend or have attended the College: David, Duncan, Madeline, Mark, Matthew, Oliver, Richard, Roger and Stuart, for making such a thoughtful donation.

150th Anniversary Celebrations Founders’ Day Service On Sunday, 23 September, Bishop’s Stortford College celebrated its 150th birthday. A special Founders’ Day service for pupils, staff, parents, governors and alumni was held in the Memorial Hall which over 300 people attended. This was followed by a celebratory birthday tea in the adjacent marquee. This event was the first of many to be held in this special anniversary year.

VIP Visit In October, we welcomed Robert Voss CBE, the Lord‑Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, who represents Her Majesty the Queen. He was greeted by the Headmaster, Chair of Governors (Guy BAKER, MJH,AH, 76‑83), the Bursar and the joint Heads of School, Ollie and Heather. Morning tours included the Pre‑Prep, Prep and Trotman House. After lunch, the Lord‑Lieutenant planted a beautiful handkerchief tree on Masters’ Green. Tours resumed after lunch to the Design Technology, Physics and Art Departments.

Left to right: Guy Baker, Mayor of Bishop’s Stortford (Cllr George Cutting), Robert Voss CBE, the Lord‑Lieutenant of Hertfordshire and Jeremy Gladwin.

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150th Anniversary Celebrations Time Capsule Burial October also saw the burial of the time capsule, a wonderful initiative suggested well over a year ago by Michael BAIM (SHb,58‑62). The capsule was buried by 1968 Head Boy, John PERRY (RPH, 63‑68), the Headmaster and the current Heads of School. Mr Perry did us the honour of addressing the congregation at a short service of celebration in the Memorial Hall before the capsule was lowered into the ground, vividly recalling his very important role escorting Her Majesty the Queen Mother during her visit to the College during our Centenary Celebrations in 1968.

It is planned that the capsule will be opened on the 200th Anniversary of the College in September 2068 and the Heads of School today are already looking forward to receiving their invitation to the event!

College Remembrance Service The College were honoured to welcome Keith QUILTER DSC RN (SH, 36‑39) to deliver the address during the Senior School Service of Remembrance on 10 November 2018. Mr Quilter flew in the Fleet Air Arm during WW2, surviving two kamikaze Japanese attacks on HMS Formidable, one destroying the fighter he was sitting in just seconds before the attack. Keith was shot down at the end of July 1945 but was relieved to be rescued swiftly by an American submarine.

Question Time During our 150th year, the College was very privileged to host the BBC’s ‘Question Time’ on campus. Not only were a few lucky staff and pupils selected to be amongst the audience on 6 December, but a group of Prep and Senior School pupils enjoyed a fascinating behind‑the‑scenes technical tour of the BBC Question Time set, before the show aired, while a number of Economics and Politics students had the opportunity of chatting to David Dimbleby as ‘members’ of the panel.

Building Confidence for life

Michael Baim (SHb, 58‑62), John Perry (RPH, 63‑68) and Heather Baim.

OS NEWS - Issue 139 April 2019

Home News Kindertransport Evacuee Professor Otto HUTTER (SHb, 39‑42), who featured on the front cover of the last edition of OS News, met HRH Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, at St James’s Palace on 20 November during a tea and cake reception. The event was for the Association of Jewish Refugees to mark the 80th anniversary of the Kindertransport.

Otto can be seen proudly wearing his Bishop’s Stortford College 150th anniversary tie.

Networking In Action The Development Office have been instrumental in putting former Marathon des Sables participant, Jonathan JENKINS (MJH,HH 81‑88) in touch with Dan BRAYSHAW (MJH,HH, 83‑93) who is currently training for this gruelling event. Jonathan, who is CEO of London Air Ambulance, invited Dan for a tour of their operations at HQ. Jonathan and a group of his colleagues, who also completed the ultra marathon, shared their experiences and gave Dan some invaluable advice. We wish Dan well with his training and the race. We are also grateful to Jonathan for taking the time to support Dan.

Golden Wedding On 14 September 2018, Peter COTTEE (SHa, 52‑55) and his wife, Ann (Prep School Secretary, 68‑70), celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary with a day out in Southwold, where they had spent their wedding night. The following day saw twenty eight family and friends join them for a party at their home in Gislingham. Among the guests were six OS, who had been present at their wedding, and in all there were eight with a College connection. As well as Ann and Peter, daughter Caroline (YH, 87‑89, Staff, 07‑), son Simon (MJH,HH, 81‑90) and grandson, Callum H (MJH,HH, 15‑) were present, as were Ed INGLIS (GH,AH, 51‑59), Tony HARMER (GH,AH, 52‑60) and Emma Richardson (née WAYMAN, YH, 81‑83), daughter of Peter’s best man, Bill WAYMAN (GH,SHb, 51‑57), sadly no longer with us. The celebrations continued into Sunday, with a family lunch and an ‘At Home’ in the village pub for locals in the evening. It was a weekend to remember.

In the photo of the College contingent are – left to right – Ed Inglis, Simon, Ann, Peter, Emma Richardson, Callum H, Caroline and Tony Harmer.

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Home News Branklyn Garden, Perth On a visit to Scotland last Summer, Nigel MORRIS (SHb, 66‑71) and his wife Sue, met up with Jim JERMYN (GH,SH, 64‑70) and his wife, Alison.

with inevitable consequences: unsuspecting parents and visitors were faced with the sight of the snake devouring mice right in front of them! The fate of the vivarium is unknown.

Jim is a world‑renowned expert, author and lecturer on alpine plants and was recently appointed Property Manager/Head Gardener for the National Trust for Scotland’s Branklyn Garden in Perth.

Jim would be pleased to welcome any Old Stortfordians who are visiting the Perth area.

He can offer a tour of the two‑acre hillside garden, plus delicious homemade scones and cakes prepared by Alison in the tearoom!

Jim and Nigel have been friends since they co‑managed the vivarium in the former biology labs under the watchful eye of John SIMPSON (Staff, 65‑74). They recall the occasion one Speech Day when, in a bid to enhance the ‘visitor experience’ in the science labs, they innocently introduced a live snake and some mice into the vivarium,

Although Jim and Nigel followed separate paths after leaving the College, their shared interest in flora remains. Nigel, now retired from a career in international banking, keeps busy with voluntary work for the Royal Horticultural Society and other charitable organisations.

An Update From Suffolk John Campbell (Staff, 63-93) has written to us from his home in Suffolk. Just after Christmas, he received a visit from David MANSFIELD (MJH,HH, 68‑77) who dropped in from China where he is Headmaster of a Dulwich College offshoot, his fourth Headship. John had also attended the funeral, in Radwinter, on 9 January of a former colleague, Hazel SMITH (Staff, 72‑88), see obituaries. He has also been visiting Maurice ELLIOTT (GH,DBH, 43‑48) who is now, alas, in a nursing home.

There he also met Mark ELLIOTT (MJH,SuH, 69‑76), who has retired and is now doing occasional work for friends. John congratulated us on the quality of OS News.

Haileybury Sixes Alumni Hockey Tournament Our OS hockey team achieved an outstanding third place result in their debut at this tournament on 23 September 2018. The team braved torrential rain against other alumni teams including Sherborne, Haileybury, Framlingham and Haberdashers’. Our team members were Samuel BAMPTON (NH,HH, 97‑10), Elliot HATHAWAY (WH,HH, 96‑10), Matthew HEATH‑CLARKE (HH, 05‑10), Alex HOWARD‑SMITH, Captain, (WH,SuH, 97‑11), Gregg PETTIT (MJH,HH, 88‑98), Jonny PILCHER (NH,CH, 02‑12), Andy ROUND (WH,CH, 98‑12), Paul ROUND (WH,SH, 98‑08), Mark TAYLOR (MJH,HH, 97‑10) and Jack WHEATON (MJH,SH, 01‑08).

Building Confidence for life

OS NEWS - Issue 139 April 2019

Campus Tours Below are just a few of our alumni we have recently welcomed back for a trip down memory lane. If you have not been back in a while and wish to witness, at first hand, developments at the College, then please get in touch. We will endeavour to accommodate you during term time.

In January, Paul (GH,RPH, 60‑67) and Anne VINGOE were delighted to be shown round RPH since it has been rebuilt. Anne is the daughter of the late Leslie SOADY

who was Housemaster in RPH (57‑70) and his wife, Bet, who lives close to Paul and Anne in Wiltshire.

In October, we had a visit from Nigel BAYLEM (GH,SHb, 64‑73) and Edward SHARPE (SH, 69‑73) who were lucky enough to go inside School House shortly after it was stripped out.

In November, we welcomed back siblings Andrew MILLARD (AH, 84‑89) and his daughter, Olivia, together with Caroline Athey (née MILLARD YH, 90‑92) and her husband, Richard. Andrew was in the UK for a week visiting from his home in the US, and Caroline was visiting from her home in Sheffield.

Nigel Baylem and Edward Sharpe

Richard and Sharon Honey with Anne and Paul Vingoe

The Millard Family

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Overseas News Race To The Wreck In a bid to raise £10,000 for Children with Cancer UK, two fitness fanatics are taking part in a long‑distance foot and fat‑bike race across Africa's Namib Desert to the Skeleton Coast, where they will tackle towering sand dunes and spurt past the shipwrecks littering the shoreline. Luke HUMPHREY (MJH,SuH, 89‑99) and fellow College Parent, Graham Roberts, are taking on the biggest challenge of their lives by

tackling Race to the Wreck ‑ please support their fundraising efforts if you can! https://tinyurl.com/y8hnc2md

‘The Hairy Handlebars’ George CULLEN (WH,SuH, 00‑11) together with his friend Ben, have dubbed themselves ‘The Hairy Handlebars’ for their epic cycle challenge to Tokyo. To read all about the challenge and the reasons behind it, or if you would like to support George’s fundraising efforts for the Movember Foundation and the Ian Williams Foundation please use this link https://tinyurl.com/ycsosvtr. The two intrepid explorers will spend eight months cycling 6,000 miles across 21 Eurasian countries in a bid to raise £30,000 for charity.

‘The Hairy Handlebars’ will be pedalling across the globe unsupported; taking tents and all their equipment on their bikes as they ride from England to France, then Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, China and finally into Japan.

Television Writing At Its Finest We recently read that Dick CLEMENT’s (SH, 50‑55) drive to write is still as strong as ever. He has a career spanning over fifty years and a writing partnership with Ian La Frenais which has produced some of Britain’s best-loved television programmes including Auf Wiedersehen, Pet; Porridge; The Likely Lads and Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads?

We wish Dick continued success in his outstanding career and look forward to seeing the outcome of his seven ongoing projects in the future!

Building Confidence for life

OS NEWS - Issue 139 April 2019

Dr Angus Rae We were delighted to hear from Dr Angus RAE (AH, 42‑47) who sent in an extremely interesting article recently published in the British Columbia Medical Journal on his 50+ years in North America and Canada. It is too long to print but you can go to https://www.bcmj.org/ good‑doctor/dr‑angus‑rae if you wish to read it. Angus was a pioneer in the care of patients with kidney disease in British Columbia, establishing the Renal Unit at St. Paul’s Hospital, initiating the home hemodialysis programme, and travelling the province (and beyond) to treat patients. He has spent his long career fighting for recognition of the importance of the clinician’s role in teaching medicine. Angus is now happily retired in Victoria. His wife also appears in the article. She is a medical graduate from Birmingham University, and recently retired after a career in Medical Microbiology.

Marriages Stephanie HOWARD‑SMITH (WH,AH,TH, 97‑09) married James Male at the Church of St Martin within Ludgate, City of London, on Saturday 8 September 2018. The reception was held at Stationers’ Hall.

OS in attendance were: Tim Howard‑Smith (GH,HH, 66‑75), father of the bride; Alexander Howard‑Smith (WH,SuH, 98‑11), brother of the bride and man of honour; Olivia Martin (NH,AH,TH, 96‑09), bridesmaid; Victoria Crabb (GH,YH,TH, 02‑09); and Martin Swanzy (GH,SuH, 63‑71).

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In Memoriam Since our last publication we have been notified of the following deaths: David Banks (Staff, 67‑96)

Richard M. Read (AH, 56‑59)

C. David Boothroyd (SHa, 56‑61)

Kenneth D. Reckhouse (SH, 44‑47)

David T. Briggs (GH,DBHy, 43‑51)

John R.H. Sell (DBH, 40‑47)

David Dennis (RPH, 37‑42)

Hazel Smith (Staff, 72‑88) See Obituaries

Margaret Dimond (Staff, 99‑18) A. John H. Griffiths (DBH, 27‑34) Warner K. Hall (GH,AH, 48‑56)

Ian T. Tickell (GH,RPH, 44‑49) Alan F. Waterston (RPH, 42‑46) Paul E. Wellings (GH,DBH, 44‑51)

David H. King (SHb, 33‑36) David S. Linsell (GH,HH,SuH, 59‑67) See Obituaries Simon J. Pothen (SH, 74‑75)

May they rest in peace.

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Obituaries LINSELL – David S. Linsell (GH,HH,SuH, 59‑67) died on 17 December 2018. David was born in Bishop’s Stortford on 12 October 1948 and, following in the footsteps of his father, Stewart Edward Linsell (DBH, 32‑40), was educated at the College. David was in the 1st XI cricket team as the opening bowler, along with his younger brother, Michael (GH,HH,SuH, 60‑67), when they bowled out Felsted, between them taking all 10 wickets. This made their father, Stewart, a very proud man, and earned them a mention in the ‘Wisden Cricketers’ Almanac’ that year.

After the College, David went on to St. Luke’s College, Exeter where he stayed for two years, leaving in 1969. He had several different jobs in and around London. It was here he met Liz, his future wife, who came from South Africa. They went to Salisbury, Rhodesia for their honeymoon and David was offered a job on the Salisbury Herald newspaper. He stayed long after his honeymoon was over, eventually becoming Business Editor and well respected in the world of journalism. His wife returned to London to pack up and sell their flat before returning to Salisbury.

During their life there, two children were born, Emma and Ian, both of whom work abroad; the UK and Shanghai respectively.

Unfortunately, due to the deteriorating political situation in the country, they had to relocate to Cape Town, where David joined Cape Media and was promoted to Managing Editor in 2003. Poor health took David too soon. His diabetes led to a major operation in mid‑December 2018 from which he never recovered, passing away on 17 December with his family at his bedside.

He will be sadly missed by all the family to whom we send our sincere condolences.

SMITH – Hazel Smith (Staff, 72‑88) died on 12 December 2018 after a four year battle with illness. Hazel was known to many Old Stortfordians, having taught in the Prep School for many years.

She was appointed by former Headmaster, John Dawson (Staff, 48‑82) and later served under David Defoe (Staff, 82‑99). She will be remembered, not only for her teaching, but for the number of excellent drama productions she produced during her career. Hazel was also the Housemistress for Shell for a good number of years.

There was an excellent turnout of former staff at her funeral in Radwinter on 9 January including; Charles Abram (Staff, 68‑83), John Campbell (Staff, 63‑93), Adrian (Staff, 87‑) and Mandy (Staff, 08‑) Hathaway, Beverley (Staff, 86‑96) and Garry (Staff, 73‑13) Hudson, Bob Kisby (Staff, 73‑11), Bob McKean (Staff, 66‑87), Audrey Rodgers (Staff, 70‑92) and Chris Stafford (Staff, 77‑86), some of whom travelled long distances to pay their respects. We send our sincere condolences to the family.

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A Trip Down Memory Lane!

In September 2017, Bill Bourne (SHa, 53‑58) got in touch to say he had some very interesting colour slides of the College he thought I should see. Always keen to get out of the office to visit OS, I took Bill up on his kind offer. On my arrival, he had his screen and slide projector set up and ready to start!

In 1958, Bill had become the proud owner of a Voigtlander 35mm camera. He explained to me that he gained access (without permission!) to the top of the Mem Hall bell tower, by way of the walkway between the ceiling and roof. From there, he shot a roll of colour film, taking as many images as he could to form a panorama.

Bill very kindly let me take the slides away to be scanned. As well as appearing here in the pages of OS News, a couple of his images also take pride of place in the History of Bishop’s Stortford College book, published to coincide with the 150th anniversary celebrations of the College. It is full of wonderful photos, including Bill’s, and is a limited edition of 800 copies.

If you would like your own copy of the book, you will need to be quick! You can order online at https://www.bishopsstortfordcollege. org/10462/150th-anniversary-merchandise.

Kevin Webb

Building Confidence for life

OS NEWS - Issue 139 April 2019

The OS Digital Library Archive Don’t forget that all Old Stortfordians have exclusive access to the College online digital library archive. There you can view past copies of The Stortfordian, Lest We Forget sections from World War One and Two, and whole school photographs.

Just visit:

http://bishopsstortford‑heritage.daisy.websds.net

Username: OS Password: OS1868BSC

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John Rycroft Stands Down As Editor Of OS News We would like to thank John Rycroft (RPH, 64‑69) for ten years’ sterling service as Editor of OS News. During this time, OS News has seen many changes and I am sure you will agree it is a high-quality publication.

Thankfully, we are not losing John altogether. He has kindly agreed to become Consultant Editor, still giving us the benefit of his expertise after nearly 50 years’ association with the Old Stortfordian Society. We are extremely grateful to John for agreeing to take on this role.

John’s involvement with the Society began during his final year at the College, with an invitation to join a Summer Party at Hasbro’, meeting past generations of OS. Immediately after leaving the College, John joined the OS Committee as an Age Group Secretary, which led to him becoming a Committee Member. He then witnessed at first hand the transition of the OS Club to the OS Society and, in fact, was a member of the Committee when the first edition of OS News was published in January 1972. He also played for the OS Rugby Club in the early 70s.

He was Honorary Secretary of the Old Stortfordian Society from 1975 to 1980 and again from 1993 to 1995.

John is also heavily involved with the OS Lodge, being initiated in 1984. This has given him the opportunity to meet generations of OS. He has been Master of the Lodge on three occasions.

He became OS Society President in 2005 and took over as Editor of OS News in 2009. Now freed of the day to day editorial responsibility of OS News, he will have a little more time to pursue his love of gardening and choral and operatic singing. He is currently Chairman of Hastings Philharmonic Choir and Opera South East.

John was presented with a beautiful engraved fountain pen by President, Kate Coysten (YH, 91‑93) at the OS Committee meeting held on Tuesday, 5 February.

Julie Pridmore

Kevin Webb Kevin Webb (Staff, 13-19) has decided to leave his role as Development Director at Bishop’s Stortford College. Kevin intends to take some time out and then start making plans for his future.

His long term aim is to follow his great interest in classic cars and set up his own business in that area. Kevin would like to thank all the wonderful colleagues it has been his great privilege to work alongside, and he wishes Bishop’s Stortford College continuing success. In turn, the College would like to wish Kevin all the best in the future.

Building Confidence for life

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Old Stortfordian Society Sponsorship Grants The OS Society has a limited number of £250 sponsorship grants available, for which all OS aged 18 and over, are invited to apply.

The sponsorship grants are primarily (though not exclusively) available to OS who are participating in projects that benefit a community in the UK or abroad. Examples of projects meeting the criteria for funding include Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) and conservation work. In certain circumstances, individual projects may be considered, such as a university expedition.

Sponsorship grants will not be awarded for participation in charity fundraising challenge events.

All successful applicants are expected to submit a report of 250 words (and where possible, a suitable photo) on conclusion of their project. This report will then appear as an article in a subsequent edition of OS News.

There is no application form, but you should document clearly what benefit you think a grant of £250 will make to the project in which you intend to participate.

In the first instance, requests for sponsorship grants can be made by contacting: Julie Pridmore, OS Administrator 10 Maze Green Road Bishop’s Stortford CM23 2PJ 01279 838618 julie.pridmore@bishopsstortfordcollege.org Following submission, all suitable applications will be considered by the OS Society Committee.

Limited Edition Print As part of our 150th celebrations, the College has commissioned artist and former member of staff, Simon Bailey (Staff, 89-15), to paint a watercolour montage of prominent buildings on the College estate.

These buildings are: •

Memorial Hall

•

Doggart Pavilion

•

School House

•

Dining Hall

•

Swimming Pool

•

Prep School

•

The Pre‑Prep

Individually signed and numbered by Simon Bailey, this montage shows the development of the College through its history and is printed on very high quality textured 310gsm paper. Measuring 500mm x 400mm and suitable for framing, it is a limited edition of 150.

To order online please go to https://www.bishopsstortfordcollege.org/10462/150th‑anniversary‑merchandise or alternatively email us at alumni@bishopsstortfordcollege.org if you wish to collect in person from the Development Office.

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OS NEWS - Issue 139 April 2019

OS Remembrance Service The Centenary of the end of the First World War and 150th Anniversary of the College, brought special poignancy to our Remembrance commemorations this year. Old Stortfordians, Staff and College families gathered in the Memorial Hall on Sunday 11 November to honour those lost in conflict since WW1. We were privileged to host this special service and it was our great honour to welcome former Headmaster, Steve Benson (82‑97), to deliver the address. The service included moving performances by the College choir which includes pupils and staff, accompanied on this occasion by several OS. The address by Mr Benson was followed by the reading of the Roll of Honour by four Old Stortfordians before the President spoke the words of Remembrance. Wreaths were laid underneath both the Rolls of Honour at the entrance to the Memorial Hall as the last post was expertly played by pupil, Laura H. We were privileged to welcome descendants of OS commemorated on our Roll of Honour to the service. These included the great niece of the three Stephenson brothers lost in WW1, at the ages of 19, 23 and 33. The Stephenson family had great ties to the College with all 9 sons attending and their father, a Governor of the School after WW1, laying the foundation stone for the Memorial Hall itself.

Richard Joscelyne (SHb, 60‑66) read part of the Roll of Honour including the dedication to his grandfather, Clement Percy Joscelyne (DBH, 1895‑01) and Mrs Carole Paternoster, daughter and niece of George (DBH, 28‑37) and Thomas Ecclestone (DBH, 33‑39) both lost in WW2, who joined incumbent OS President, Kate Coysten (YH, 91‑93), in laying the wreaths.

Readers during the service included: Kate Coysten, OS President (YH, 91‑93), Alastair Lukies CBE, President Elect, (GH,AH, 80‑90), Steve Ross (GH,SH, 65‑72), Bob Kisby (Staff, 73‑11), Irene Pearman (YH, 78‑80), Richard Joscelyne (SHb, 60‑66), Michael Baim (SHb, 58‑62) and Alison Sloman (Staff, 92‑16).

Mr Benson spoke emotively about the human toll the First World War took on the nation through the loss and injury of so many, often very young men. A loss that lay especially heavily within independent schools which lost 20% of former pupils and many Officers who often led assaults

Building Confidence for life

from the front and bore the brunt of enemy fire. He went on to reiterate the importance today of the words spoken

by Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch as he opened the Memorial Hall in 1923: that men who had gone through the horrors and dangers of war were already beginning to forget it: so be it. But it was not for those who were too old or too young to share the experience to forget it; it was for such to look at the war clearly, face to face, and estimate their sacrifice. ‘We must always think of these our elder brothers as ever dwelling in this place’.

We will remember them…

OS NEWS - Issue 139 April 2019

Old Stortfordian Golf Society OSGS Autumn Meeting Held At Braintree Golf Club, 19 September 2018 This was another fantastic event for the OSGS despite a very dry course, and further complicated by a 60mph wind, which made conditions particularly testing.

We were also joined by six pupils from the College for the Singles competition.

The morning format (a Greensome) was played by other OS members with some good scores in tricky conditions.

3rd Place

Stuart Findlay and Peter Smith 16 points

2nd Place

James Greenall and Keith Turner 18 points

Winners

Matthew Reed and Peter Lennie 20 points

In the afternoon, the wind really picked up. Everybody found the front nine very difficult but the second nine was more in focus and, although it was nearly 7.30pm when we finished, some great scores were recorded.

Second place was a tie between Keith Turner and James Greenall, both with 34

points, but the winner of the Stableford competition with 37 points was Ollie L, a really good day for the Lennies!

This event has become very popular as it mixes OS with current pupils. With all 6 College players finishing in the top 10, we clearly have some great golfers developing for the future.

It is essential to feed new younger players into the College teams competing in the Halford Hewitt and Cyril Gray competitions. These national events are becoming increasingly popular. Our role as founder members is regarded highly by other independent schools, as well as attracting international interest throughout the world of amateur golf.

Other winners on the day included Robert Baker (GH,SH, 82‑89) with Closest to the Pin on the 10th hole, and the Captain’s prize went to Simon Lipscombe (HH, 90‑95, Staff, 11‑) for promoting the link between College pupils, staff and the OSGS. Our grateful thanks to all those who helped with event arrangements and to the participants.

Elections have taken place and the new OSGS Committee is as follows: President: John Hickling (GH,SHa, 47‑56) Chairman: Stuart Findlay (GH,SHa, 55‑61) Secretary/Treasurer: James Greenall (GH,AH, 65‑74) Captain: Mike Claridge (GH,SHb, 61‑69) Cyril Gray Representative: Keith Turner (GH,HH, 59‑66) Development Officer: Miles Vartan (SH, 76‑81) Committee Members: Peter Lennie (SH, 72‑75) and Peter Smith (AH, 64‑68) Please see golf fixture dates on the Calendar (back page). All golf enquiries to James Greenall (Hon. Secretary/Treasurer): james@codap.co.uk 07836 714917.

Peter Lennie

College Pupil Competitors. From left to right ‑ Adam B, Ben B, Ollie L, Alex W, Jamie B, Louis W.

Peter Lennie presents prize to his son, Ollie

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OS NEWS - Issue 139 April 2019

OS Rugby Day An outstanding OS v 1st XV rugby match was hosted on Sunday, 9 December at a chilly but sunny Doggart. An exemplary spirit of sportsmanship was shown by all players from both teams, which made it a real honour to watch such a fine fixture.

Great talent was on display from both teams from start to finish but the OS went on to forge a narrow 26‑22 victory.

Huge thanks to all players, staff and spectators who made the match such a success. Special mention to OS Captains Zac Conley (SuH, 15‑17) and Will Civil (CH, 13‑17) who displayed outstanding leadership to the team both on and off the pitch, OS Team Coach, Didi Vidal‑Adegun (SH,RH, 15‑18) and to all the OS who made a special effort to play in the match.

OS Player of the Match: Zac Conley (SuH, 15‑17) College Players of the Match: James B. and Gregory I.

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OS Player of the Match, Zac Conley with College Head of Rugby, Andre Beukes.

OS Captains Zac Conley and Will Civil and OS Coach, Didi Vidal‑Adegun with College Head of Rugby, Andre Beukes.

OS NEWS - Issue 139 April 2019

OS Carol Service On Sunday, 16 December we welcomed OS, staff, former staff and parents to our annual Carol Service. This beautiful occasion was enhanced by a magnificent OS choir, consisting of 27 members, who had come together for the first time on the day to rehearse and perform, all within a few hours. Special thanks to acting Head of Music, Helen Pervez (Staff, 05‑), for selecting some wonderful carols, also for her expert direction of the choir. Mulled wine and mince pies were served afterwards in the Ferguson Lecture Theatre.

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OS NEWS - Issue 139 April 2019

Old Stortfordian Swimming Society Water Polo Tournament – Saturday, 20 October 2018 The autumn half term gave the OS Swimming Club another opportunity to invite teams from the locality and beyond to the annual water polo tournament at the College pool. It was particularly pleasing to have three College pupils as part of our team, as well as Master in Charge of water polo, John Bauer.

Competing with the four visiting teams in a single league, the OS gained a very creditable 3‑3 draw with Enfield in our first match, daring us to think that this might just be our year! Sadly, we didn't trouble the scorer too much after that, as Newquay, Colchester and Cambridge University ably demonstrated the benefits of playing more than one match a year together.

They were strong sides, and although hard work to play against, the main aim was to provide spectators, hopefully including some pupils from the College, a good standard of water polo to see and aspire to. Certainly, those pupils playing for us acquitted themselves well and we hope the experience will benefit them as they contribute to the improving standard of water polo played at the College.

As for the results, Cambridge University were unbeaten again this year and also picked up the fair play trophy. Colchester were second, Newquay third, and fourth equal on points, were Enfield and OS, with Enfield just shading it on goal average.

Newquay picked up top goal scorer and best goalie awards. The Wiltshire Trophy, a two‑length handicapped race for Older, Old Stortfordians, was successfully defended

by Tim Kendall with John Bauer second.

Our thanks to Nick Reynolds and Maria Kendall for arranging the tournament, to David Clare (HH, 56‑64) and Steve Ross (SH, 65‑72) for manning the table (scoring,

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Team Photo. Left to right: Steve Ross, Ross Gardiner, John Bauer, Sam Gallagher, Nick Reynolds, Kirill Stockmeier, Ben P., Sam S., David Brooks, Tim Kendall. record keeping and timekeeping) and, of course, to the College who allowed us to hold the competition on its campus.

Our Team: Tim Kendall (SH, 72‑77), Adrian Irbe (RPH, 73‑82), Ross Gardiner (CH, 04‑12), John Bauer (Staff, 16‑), Sam Gallagher (NH,SuH, 11‑18), Nick Reynolds (HH, 08‑12), Sam S. (WH,HH, 11‑), Toby B. (WH,HH, 11‑), Ben P. (GH,HH, 09‑), Dave Brooks (guest player) and Kirill Stockmeier (guest player).

All enquiries regarding the Old Stortfordian Swimming Society should be directed to Nick Reynolds (HH, 08‑12), Hon. Secretary at nickdreynolds@me.com 07961 048913.

OS NEWS - Issue 139 April 2019

The Headmaster warmly invites Old Stortfordians to celebrate the conclusion of our 150th Anniversary celebrations by joining us for a special and unique event.

OS 150th Celebration Day Saturday 29th June 2019 Celebrations will commence at 10.30am with a Service in the Memorial Hall which will be followed by tours of the Campus and Houses, including our new and rebuilt Houses.

An afternoon tea style lunch will then be served in a marquee on Middle Green before the event comes to a close.

To confirm attendance please RSVP as soon as possible at https://www.stortfordians.org/events Partners, children or grandchildren are also most welcome to attend but total event numbers are strictly limited to 150 guests.

Dress code: smart/casual

This event is part of our OS 150th Celebratory weekend with OS President’s Family day following on Sunday 30th June at the Doggart. OS are very welcome to attend either or both events, attendance for all OS events can be confirmed at https://www.stortfordians.org/events

For additional information please contact, Mrs Jennifer Law, Alumni Relations Officer, Bishop’s Stortford College, 10 Maze Green Road, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire, CM23 2PJ Email: jennifer.law@bishopsstortfordcollege.org

OS President’s Family Fun Day Whole College Community welcome.

Please bring picnic blankets or folding chairs

Sunday 30th June 2019 2-6pm at the Doggart

BSC vs OS 20/20 Cricket Match Classic and Sports Car Display Entertainment for the young and the young at heart Pre-payable wristbands for children’s entertainment Bungee Trampolines Zorbs Face Painting Crazy Golf

Pay Bar Delicious Hog Roast If you (or a friend) own a classic car, motorbike or a modern sports car you would be very welcome to bring it along. It doesn’t matter if you have a Ford or a Ferrari, a sparkling Maserati or well-loved Morris Minor, we hope to have an eclectic display of cars and motorbikes on show.

If you would like to include your vehicle in the display please get in touch at alumini@bishopsstortfordcollege.org or on 01279 838677

Booking essential www.stortfordians.org/events

For more event information please contact Jennifer Law, Alumni Relations Officer at jennifer.law@bishopsstortfordcollege.org or on 01279 838348

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OS Events Programme 2019 Sunday, 19 May

OS v Felsted Polo Match, Silver Leys Polo Club, SG11 2ED

Saturday, 8 June

OS Lodge Meeting, Masonic Hall, Vantorts Road, Sawbridgeworth, Herts, CM21 9AJ, 4pm

Wednesday, 26 June - Saturday, 29 June

OSGS – Cyril Gray Tournament, Worplesdon G.C., Surrey

Saturday, 29 June

OS 150th Celebration Day – Bishop’s Stortford College, 10.30am

Sunday, 30 June

OS President’s Family Fun Day, Doggart, 2pm

Thursday, 19 September OSGS – Autumn Meeting, Toot Hill G.C., Ongar, Essex Saturday, 19 October OSSC - Water Polo Tournament - Bishop’s Stortford College, 11am Monday, 11 November

Service of Remembrance, Memorial Hall, 10.20am

Further event details and reunion invitations will be sent out nearer to each event but, in the meantime, please save the relevant dates in your diary. OS are welcome to visit the College but owing to the safeguarding of children, must provide prior notification. Due to the nature of the College Calendar, there are a small number of days during the year when visits are not possible.

To notify us of your wish to visit or if you require any additional information please contact Jennifer Law, Alumni Relations Officer, at jennifer.law@bishopsstortfordcollege.org

Event attendance can be confirmed at https://www.stortfordians.org/events

THE OLD STORTFORDIAN SOCIETY

Bishop’s Stortford College – Registered Charity No 311057

Bishop’s Stortford College and the ‘crest’ are Registered Trade Marks of The Incorporated Bishop’s Stortford College Association.