The Old Waconian | Edition 43 | Keeping you connected | 2015

The Old

WACONIAN 43

Edition

10

Strengthening Our Connections

14

Old Waconian Events

A year of high profile academic, artistic and sporting connections

Regaining, continuing and making connections

Strictly CHS Katie Derham, Class of 1988

Introducing our new President Paul Atherley, Class of 1974

Such Stuff As Dreams Are Made On Fleur Yearsley, Class of 2009

16 20

Keeping you connected 2015

OLD WACONIAN noun (ould wa-kau-ni-an) The term ‘Old Waconian’ stems from the original name given to the School in 1855: THE WAREHOUSEMEN AND CLERKS’ ORPHAN SCHOOL Every former student and member of staff becomes an Old Waconian when they leave Cheadle Hulme School.

Contents 4 / Welcome 5 / School News 8/W hatever Happened To...?

The Class of 2012 10 / S trengthening our Connections 13 / Old Waconian Awards 14 / Old Waconian Events 16 / F ocus on...

Katie Derham, Class of 1988

10 / Strengthening our Connections

16 / Focus On: Katie Derham

18 / Family Ties: The Fluck Family 20 / F ocus On...

Paul Atherley, Class of 1974 22 / Connected to Our History 14 / OW Events

18 / Family Ties: The Fluck Family

24 / F ocus on...

Terry Allsop, Class of 1959 26 / F undraising at CHS 28 / T he Old Waconians’ Association 31 / A n Eye for Business in the Big Apple

20 / Focus On: Paul Atherley

31 / Business in the Big Apple

Contact us Cheadle Hulme School Claremont Road, Cheadle Hulme, Cheadle SK8 6EF

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Photography by Jason Lock Artists’ Cover: Fleur Yearsley Class of 2009 Old Waconians

0161 488 3341 Frances Kennedy

Katie Lees

Petra van den Houten

‘Cheadle Hulme School’

Director of Development and External Relations

Alumni Relations and Events Manager

Donor Relations and Database Manager

@CheadleHulmeSch

0161 488 3338

0161 488 3341

0161 488 3330 ext. 3264

franceskennedy@chschool.co.uk

katielees@chschool.co.uk

petravandenhouten@chschool.co.uk

er@chschool.co.uk

Welcome.

From the Head...

Welcome to the 2015 edition of The Old Waconian.

Firstly, I would like to thank all Old Waconians who have been involved in School life in the last year, whether that’s attending OW events and reunions, fundraising for our key projects or sharing your experience with our current students. Your support is truly appreciated by everyone.

It’s an exciting time to be connected to CHS. Our School community now includes more than 12,000 Old Waconians, and the depth and power of that network is enabling us to do more to connect people and build relationships. Thanks to you, we can provide more career networking events, organise more reunions and help more people find lost friends – all of which further strengthens

the connections between CHS, its alumni and current students.

The changes made this year to the Old Waconians’ Association see the School entering a new era for alumni relations. The new arrangement, and the election of Paul Atherley as President marks a formalised union between the two bodies, with the opportunity for OWs and the School to work even more closely together on the issues that matter to us all. Paul’s influence is already taking us in new directions, and I am looking forward to seeing many positive changes in the future. As always, I hope to see many of you in the coming year.

Lucy Pearson Head

From the Editor...

Our theme for this issue is ‘connectivity’ so we are focusing on the many ways in which Old Waconians connect with the School, with our current students, with each other and with the wider world.

We have interviews with three very different Old Waconians who maintain strong connections with CHS: international education specialist Terry Allsop, whose opening speech inspired students at the recent Model United Nations conference; broadcaster Katie Derham, who has connected with millions of viewers as presenter of the BBC Proms and contestant on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing; and Paul Atherley, who is hoping to bring together former students from across the world as the President of the Old Waconians’ Association (OWA).

We also speak to the Fluck family, who can trace their CHS

The Old WACONIAN 04 / Welcome

connections back to Commander Fluck, School Bursar in the 1970s, and who still have children at the School today. As always, this issue includes lots of School news, events, reunions and fundraising information to keep you up-to-date with what’s happening at CHS and ensure you stay connected.

Thanks to those of you who have already completed our alumni questionnaire. The information you provide is vital for finding out what you want from us and how you can help the School. We have listened to, and acted on, many of your suggestions, including the introduction of networking and industry events for young Old Waconians to give them a great start to their careers.

The questionnaire is very short, so please do complete and return it to us. It really helps us understand how we can best support you.

Finally, we are very pleased to be returning to the House of Lords on Thursday 10th March 2016 for an event hosted by Lord Dubs and the new President of the OWA, Paul Atherley.

All OWs are welcome to join us for a drinks reception overlooking the Thames in the Cholmondeley Room, followed by tours of the House.

Tickets are available now – please ring 0161 488 3341 for more information or to book.

Fran Kennedy Director of Development and External Relations

School News

Another Successful Year at CHS Congratulations to the Class of 2015 who accomplished excellent A Level results this summer with nearly 80% of all grades at A*-B. Maya Siriwardena secured her place at St John’s College, Oxford to read Experimental Psychology. Joining her at Oxford is Joe Murphy who secured his place to read Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Lady Margaret Hall. A number of students achieved a full set of A*s, including Lizzy Wasson who now studies Medicine at Bristol University. Lizzy commented: “I’m so thrilled. It’s such a big relief after the long wait - I’m ecstatic.”

All Go for Student Strategists Students were seeing things in black and white when they became the first team to represent the School in a competitive Go tournament.

Head Lucy Pearson commented: “It is always a pleasure to see our students do so well. A Level success is the result of a blend of exceptional teaching and learning and I congratulate all our students and staff for their hard work and dedication.”

Year 9 Jack Nolan applied his chess skills to the 2,500 year-old Chinese game of strategy to win the most games in the 13 side-event.

Wacs on the Web

The Go Club, which is one of the latest co-curricular activities introduced at CHS, sees boys and girls pitting their strategic wits against each other in this ancient board game.

September saw the launch of our new, easy to navigate School website featuring up-to-the-minute information and a fresh new design that really captures the feel of CHS. If you haven’t seen it yet, do have a look. We think it looks great, and we hope you like it too. Old Waconian pages are accessible by selecting ‘Your CHS’ at the top of the homepage. www.cheadlehulmeschool.co.uk www.cheadlehulmeschool.co.uk/your-chs/old-waconians

PS. Don’t forget to tweet us your photos and show us where you read your OW Magazine.

#HowDoYou ReadYours

The Old WACONIAN 05 / School News

School News Talent in the Spotlight The CHS community has been treated to some incredible productions from our Drama and Musical Theatre students over the last academic year.

Highlights included romantic epic A Brief Encounter, which not only showcased the incredible acting talent CHS has to offer, but was also a true technical extravaganza with flying actors just one of the many amazing elements involved in this memorable show.

Cries of “More!” could be heard from Holden Hall, accompanied by rapturous applause from appreciative audiences, at the Senior School Musical Theatre production of Oliver!. Featuring a company of more than 70 actors, singers and dancers from Year 7 to the Upper Sixth, the show was an energetic romp through the musical’s popular songs and featured skilled performances from the cast, many of whom had never taken part in a drama production before.

A Week of Wonder Interstellar exploration, microscopic investigation and skyward propulsion were all in a day’s lessons for Infants and Juniors during the inaugural Junior School Science Week.

As part of Britain’s celebration of science during the British Science Association’s British Science Week, pupils took part in a packed programme of experiments, workshops and visits from medical experts.

Students were visited by academics from the University of Manchester’s Faculty of Life Sciences and some of CHS’s own parent experts, learning about the work of a GP and looking at the science behind polymers.

The Old WACONIAN 06 / School News

School News CHS in The Gambia Sixth Form Geographers gained a unique insight into life in less developed countries during a visit to West Africa to study the human and physical geography of The Gambia.

As well as studying the country’s forests, rice plantations, towns and villages, the students also had the opportunity to visit the schools and women’s cooperative group supported by CHS. The group delivered much-needed stationery and sports equipment and joined in with classroom activities before laying the four foundation stones of a new skills-centre, which CHS has helped to fund through charitable donations.

Students Play Part in Vital Research Two CHS Sixth Formers have contributed to vital research in experimental medicine as part of a new public and patient involvement and engagement group at the Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Tom Semple and Lizzy Wasson were selected by the NIHR/Wellcome Trust Manchester Clinical Research Facility (CRF) to add a young person’s perspective to the group, helping the CRF improve the experience of taking part in clinical research.

The CRF is a purpose-built facility, located on the hospital campus, supporting worldclass experimental medicine for adults and children. Tom said: “I’d never appreciated how big and important an area clinical research is and just how many people are involved in its improvement.”

Hockey Champions of the North Our U13 Hockey squad are champions of the North, securing a place in the England Hockey National IN2Hockey Finals. The Year 8 girls topped the podium at the North Finals where they were put to the test against the best hockey-playing schools in the North of England.

The U13s’ success adds to the School’s growing number of sporting accolades. The U15 Hockey squad recently picked up the Stockport County Championship shield, while First XI team member Jenni Park was selected for the England Hockey U16 National Age Group Squad and represented her country against Holland in April.

The Old WACONIAN 07 / School News

Whatever happened to...?

The Class of 2012 It only seems like yesterday that we began our inaugural ‘50 Days to Graduation’ campaign with the Class of 2012. Three years on, many have now graduated from university and are beginning the next chapter in their lives. We proudly look at where their CHS education has taken them so far.

James Bezer After an extensive selection process, James was chosen to captain the Imperial College, London, University Challenge team this year, one of 28 university teams to take part in the televised finals.

Kate Vartan

Jack Smith

Kate has recently moved to New York and is now working for the Fashion House Marc Jacobs, assisting in the fabric department.

Kate will be moving to Paris in March to work for the French Fashion House Dior, where she will be working in the couture department.

Since leaving in 2012, former Head Boy Jack Smith has certainly not been a stranger to the School. Jack has attended numerous events, worked with us on our Bursary Fund Telephone Campaign and helped with our Lost OW project.

Jack has now graduated from Newcastle University with a 2:1 in Maths and has begun a new role as a Trainee Auditor.

Vanessa Garsden Vanessa graduated from the University of York with a 2:1 in Writing, Directing and Performance this summer. She is now working as a Production Management Assistant in Current Affairs at the BBC in Salford.

Harriet Tapply Harriet graduated from the University of Exeter with a 2:1 in Psychology this summer, and has now started her PGCE at Homerton College, University of Cambridge.

Aimee Wood After four rounds of auditions, last year Aimee became one of just 28 people to be accepted by RADA. We recently spoke to Aimee about her hopes for the future…

Duncan Watmore It’s certainly been a busy year for Duncan. In the space of a few months, Duncan was awarded the Barclays Under-21 Premier League Player of the Year 2014/15, scored his first Premier League goal for Sunderland AFC, received a First Class Honours degree in Economics and Business Management from Newcastle University and received an England U21s call up!

Rebecca Jackson Congratulations to Rebecca who gained a First Class Honours degree in Biochemistry from Sheffield University this summer. Rebecca is now applying for graduate schemes in Accountancy and Logistics.

The Old WACONIAN 08 / Whatever happened to...? - The Class of 2012

“I love being silly and playing around and it looks as though I might be able to make some money and have a career out of doing that! I want to do the thing that gives me all my zest and fizz for life! I’ll probably want / need to live in London for the rest of my life which makes me sad because I want to send my children (when I have them in years to come) to CHS so I’m going to have to figure that one out!”

Shaun McSorley Shaun is a fourth year apprentice at Aston Martin and is currently studying for a Business Management and Maths degree. Shaun has been nominated for a ‘Rising Star Award’ with Aston Martin and was recently interviewed

by Radio 4, alongside CEO, Andy Palmer, who began his own career as an apprentice.

“My ambition is to inspire others into manufacturing, and as a former CHS Arkwright Scholar, I would also like to mentor someone through the scheme, which I found invaluable.”

Matt Winter Having recently gained a First in History and Politics from Oxford, we caught up with Matt to talk about his time at university…

“I was incredibly fortunate to play cricket alongside my degree, earning myself a blue for the university in my first year, and eventually going on to captain the university team in my final year. During that time, we went on two unforgettable overseas tours, first to South Africa and then Sri Lanka. I have also been involved in the Oxford MCCU academy, giving me the opportunity to play against the professional counties. It’s been a privilege to do all this while studying at Oxford.”

Class of 2015 The Class of 2015 boarded Old Waconian Airways in June to become the newest members of our OW community. They enjoyed ‘50 Days until Take Off’ ahead of Flight 2015 leaving at Graduation!

Throughout their 50 Days to Take Off, the year group collectively contributed to a leavers’ gift which was split between the charity 1000 Hearts for Harry, in memory of Harry Dubois, and the Leavers’ Bursary, which was established by the Class of 2012 who wanted to leave a legacy to the School.

We look forward to seeing the Class of 2015 at their first year group reunion at the Alumni Weekend in June – see page 15.

Matt has now started a Masters in Comparative Social Policy at St Antony’s College, Oxford.

Aaron Hewitt Aaron graduated from the University of Bristol with a degree in Physiological Science this summer and has secured himself a place on the Graduate Entry Medicine course, which enrols just 16 students each year.

I’d really like to thank again all of my teachers at CHS as they were invaluable to my success at university.

For more news and updates on all Old Wacs, check out our Old Waconian webpage on the CHS website and follow us on Twitter: @CheadleHulmeSch

The Old WACONIAN 09 / Whatever happened to...? - The Class of 2012

Strengthening Our Connections The School has enjoyed a long and proud history of academic, artistic and sporting connections, both locally and nationally. Over the last year we have been delighted to be a part of, and host, a number of events and initiatives which have created opportunities for our current students and Old Waconians to develop and create important connections both at the School and in the wider world.

Spotlight on: Fleur Yearsley, Class of 2009 CHS and Manchester International Festival The School’s artistic talents went under the international spotlight recently with an Art Sale and Exhibition of current student and Old Waconian artwork at the Manchester International Festival in June.

The Exhibition, which took place at The Glass House on Festival Square – the home of this year’s festival – was attended by students, Old Waconians, families and friends, who enjoyed viewing the diverse range of work on display, some of which was commissioned especially for the Festival. All proceeds from the Art Sale went to the Bursary Fund. Our thanks go to those Old Waconian artists who supported us at MIF15 and the Bursary Fund by donating artwork.

Christine Cort, Managing Director Manchester International Festival said: “We were thrilled to welcome Cheadle Hulme School as Corporate Members for MIF15. As the first school to support the Festival, we hope that this is just the beginning of a relationship that will inspire creativity and engage students of all ages. As an artist-led commissioning Festival, it was fantastic to offer The Glass House on Festival Square as a venue for The Art Sale, we were proud to have offered the next generation of artists a platform to showcase their creativity, artistic vision and talent.”

The Old WACONIAN 10 / Strengthening Our Connections

Fleur studied at the Manchester School of Art for a Foundation Diploma in Art & Design before graduating with a BA (Hons) in Fine Art from the University of Manchester in 2013.

Fleur has been a featured artist twice on Saatchi Art, the world’s leading online art gallery, by Chief Curator and Director of Artist Development, Rebecca Wilson.

Fleur returned to CHS as an Artist-in-Residence before joining Worcestershire independent girls’ school, Malvern St James, as its very first Artist-inResidence. She is now studying for a two-year Masters in Fine Art Painting from UCL’s Slade School of Fine Art, having been awarded the Gwen John Scholarship.

We are proud to feature one of Fleur’s pieces Such Stuff As Dreams Are Made On on the cover of The Old Waconian 2015.

CHS, Katie Derham and the Royal Northern College of Music Old Waconian, BBC Proms Queen and current star of Strictly Come Dancing, Katie Derham, took to the stage at the Royal Northern College of Music to present an evening of musical performances by CHS students in October this year.

The melodic extravaganza, which included pieces as diverse as Coldplay’s Clocks and Shostakovich’s Waltz No. 2, featured talented students from Senior Strings as well at the Studio, Concert and Big Bands.

Katie introduced the musicians and spoke about how her time at the school had played a big part in her passion for music, leading to her being asked to present the BBC Proms.

We should all be encouraging children to follow any passion in music.

In addition to showcasing the School’s musical mastery, the event raised money for the Bursary Fund and Music in Hospitals, two causes very close to Katie’s heart.

Turn to p.16 to read about Katie’s love of music and her passion for the School.

CHS and Buy Art Fair CHS students and Old Waconians displayed their artwork at Buy Art Fair 2015 held at Manchester’s Old Granada Studios in September. CHS was the only school among more than 100 exhibiting galleries and artists to be included in the annual exhibition.

The most prestigious and long established art fair in the North, the Buy Art Fair showcases the finest artwork from the UK and abroad, representing both up-and-coming new talent and the biggest established names in the art world.

Along with our CHS stand displaying student and Old Wac artwork, two CHS students took part in ‘live painting’ – a truly fantastic opportunity for our budding artists!

Current U6 student Eve ‘live painting’ at Buy Art Fair 2015

The Old WACONIAN 11 / Strengthening Our Connections

CHS and Manchester: European City of Science Manchester is celebrating its status as European City of Science 2016, a year-long celebration of scientific heritage and discovery. The highlight will be the EuroScience Open Forum (ESOF) 2016, Europe’s largest multi-disciplinary science meeting.

CHS is thrilled to be featured in the ESOF promotional film which will be shown throughout 2016.

Manchester has a long association with scientific breakthrough and discovery, including the publication of John Dalton’s atomic theory, Ernest Rutherford’s discovery of how to split the atom and, more recently, the performance of the first bionic eye implant in a patient with dry age-related macular degeneration.

CHS is proud to have had eminent scientists begin their academic journeys at the School, including Alec Stokes (Class of 1937), Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine recipient in 1962 for his work on the molecular structure of DNA, and Stuart Warren (Class of 1957), Distinguished Old Waconian Award recipient 2015 (see page 13).

The School is delighted to feature in the film and looks forward to getting involved in upcoming projects and initiatives.

Find out more: http://manchestersciencecity.com/

The Old WACONIAN 12 / Strengthening Our Connections

Head’s Lecture The CHS community has been privileged to welcome two outstanding speakers for the Head’s Lecture this year.

Matthew Syed In May, we heard from Olympic table tennis player, three-time Commonwealth champion, journalist and broadcaster, Matthew Syed, who discussed the science of success. Picking up themes from his award-winning book, Bounce, Matthew challenged the packed audience of students, parents and staff on the relative importance of talent versus practice, exploring the lessons learnt from the most successful athletes and drawing from his own sporting success.

Lewis Pugh In November, the Head welcomed ocean advocate Lewis Pugh to the School.

Described as the “Sir Edmund Hillary of swimming” by the New York Times, Lewis has pioneered swims in the most challenging environments on Earth.

Lewis shared his insights on the preparation, teamwork and leadership skills necessary for any major undertaking. The most crucial success factor, he said, is to have a driving purpose, which for him is to protect our planet’s threatened oceans.

In the Spotlight John Beswick, Class of 1960

John recently co-wrote a paper on radioactive waste disposal for which he has been awarded a medal. John began his interest in the topic in the 1980s after the Swedish Radioactive Agency asked his team to look at the possibility of deep disposal having drilled a deep well to almost 7000m in Central Sweden.

The work they did then, and more recently for the UK government, has been noticed by the US Department of Energy and now they are progressing rapidly with the planning and engineering of a demonstration programme, probably in South Carolina where John and his team are advising on the project.

Old Waconian Awards 2015 Our Old Wacs go on to excel in a range of fascinating careers, with some making major contributions to their chosen field. Each year, we honour two former students who embody the CHS spirit and showcase the rich diversity of talent we have at the School.

Distinguished Old Waconian Award

Dr Stuart Warren Class of 1957

Stuart is one of the leading organic chemists in the world.

His research group (The Warren Group) is renowned for having produced some of the most successful organic chemistry academics in the United Kingdom.

Dr Olayinka Koso-Thomas, Class of 1954

Olayinka has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the National Autonomous University of Mexico for her pioneering work on the practice of Female Genital Mutilation, having spent over 40 years working in the fields of family planning, general medical practice, birth control and public health. It is the second time Olayinka has been honoured for her work; in 1998 the King of Spain presented her with the ‘Prince of Asturia’ award in recognition of her work on the risks to health by the practice of FGM.

Young Alumni Award

Jack Sheen Class of 2011

A recent graduate from the Royal Northern College of Music & University of Manchester Joint Course with a First-class Honours, specialising in composition, conducting and aesthetics, Jack is now undertaking a Masters degree in composition at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama.

Jack has conducted at internationally renowned festival academies in Lucerne (Switzerland) and Dartington and received a commission from the London Symphony Orchestra to be premiered as part of their 201617 Season at the Barbican.

Nick Maltby, Class of 1981

Featured in The Lawyer’s Top 100 2015, Nick is General Counsel and Company Secretary at Genomics England. Former commercial and projects partner at Bircham Dyson Bell, Nick arrived at the Department of Health as Legal Consultant in February 2013, charged with setting up Genomics England. He is helping to guide the company through the minefield of sequencing 100,000 peoples’ entire genomes by the end of 2017.

The Old WACONIAN 13 / Old Waconian Awards

Old Waconian Events London Drinks

January 2015 Exclusive drinks reception More than 60 Old Waconians joined us in the exclusive setting of the Lansdowne Club in London.

We welcomed alumni from across the UK, Germany, China and the United States with guests ranging from the Class of 1950 to the Class of 2014.

Sports Reunions In a jam-packed year of sporting success at the School, we were thrilled to welcome OWs back for Netball, Cricket and Rugby reunions this year.

Class of ’79 Reunion November 2015 Drinks and dinner

It was lovely to see over 30 members of the Class of 1979 back at the School for drinks and tours in an event organised by Linda Owen (née Chatterton).

The reunion was vibrant with tales from the past and old friendships rekindled.

The Old WACONIAN 14 / Old Waconian Events

Class of ’95 Reunion

Class of ’88 Reunion

We were delighted to welcome more than 50 members of the Class of 1995 back to the School in May for a drinks reception and tours of the School to mark their 20-year anniversary. Organised

by Galina Morrell (née Cheng), it was a fantastic afternoon full of reminiscing and catching up with old friends.

Organised by OW and current parent Vicki Entwistle (née Johnson), we welcomed more than 35 members of the Class of 1988 back to CHS for a glorious afternoon in Pentagon Yard, followed by tours of the School. It was great to see ten members of staff join us too, including Sarah Davies (née Hughes) and Lisa Barfoot (née Derbyshire), both Class of 1988 who now teach at the School.

May 2015 Celebrating 20 years since graduation

June 2015 Back to school for teachers

Year Group Reunions Have you been thinking about getting your year group together for a reunion? Get in touch and let us help you organise a get-together, either at the School or elsewhere!

Email: er@chschool.co.uk Phone: 0161 488 3341

Old Waconian Networking Events Retired Staff Reunion

Eighties Reunion

More than 25 former members of CHS staff gathered for afternoon tea at an event organised by Peter Chapman and Maggie Evans. It was an afternoon full of stories from the past followed by a Heritage presentation and tours of the School.

OWs who left School in the eighties met up in a Central London bar for a special event as we went back to the eighties... It was great to see some familiar faces attending London events and some new ones – we look forward to seeing you again soon!

October 2015 Tea, Tales and Tours

October 2015 Remembering the Eighties

In the next year, we will have a real focus on delivering industry networking events and opportunities. If you think you would be able to host an industry specific networking event for fellow Old Wacs, please get in touch with Katie Lees, Alumni Relations and Events Manager, by emailing katielees@chschool.co.uk or call 0161 488 3341.

Annual Inter-Old Boys Golf Competition This annual event is held in early July each year at Bramhall Golf Club with teams entering from CHS, Stockport GS, Kings School, Macclesfield, Altrincham GS, William Hulme’s GS, and Stockport School. Next year’s event takes place on Wed 6th July 2016 and we are looking for recruits for the OW Team!

This is a great afternoon of golf followed by dinner. The format is individual Stableford of full handicap over 18 holes with the best six scores from each school forming their team score... essentially, the more players we have, the better the chances of a good team score! The cost is very reasonable at approx. £40.00 inclusive of golf and dinner.

CHS have only won this competition once and that was quite a few years ago. Stockport GS and Kings School, Macclesfield seem to share the spoils most years and that’s because they each manage to get at least 12 players.

We would love to see at least another six new players join us next year. Please contact Peter McCulloch (email: petermcculloch@virginmedia.com / 07831487263) or David Shipley (email: shipleydc@gmail.com / 07711194545) for further details.

Dates for your Diary…

House of Lords Old Waconian Reception

Old Waconian Alumni Weekend 2016

Following the success of our inaugural alumni reception at the House of Lords in 2013, we are thrilled to return to Westminster on Thursday 10th March 2016 for an event hosted by Lord Dubs and the new President of the OWA, Paul Atherley. All OWs are welcomed to join us for a drinks reception overlooking the Thames in the Cholmondeley Room followed by tours of the House.

The School will welcome back all Old Waconians for our Alumni Weekend, featuring a packed programme of events including the Old Waconians’ Association Annual Dinner, a Boarders’ Reunion, multiple year group reunions and sports reunions (including lacrosse!).

Thursday 10th March 2016

Tickets are limited and selling out fast.

Please ring 0161 488 3341 for more information or to book.

Friday 17th - Sunday 19th June 2016

Make sure you keep this weekend free to catch up with old friends! The full programme of events for the weekend will be released in early 2016.

If you do not have an email address and would like to receive information about the Alumni Weekend, please get in touch on 0161 488 3341 and we will make sure to send you details in the post.

The Old WACONIAN 15 / Old Waconian Events

Focus On

Katie Derham Class of 1988

She has connected with millions of viewers and listeners as a newsreader, radio broadcaster and presenter, and her breathtaking ballroom skills wowed audiences on the latest series of Strictly Come Dancing. Now, BBC Proms star, Katie Derham, has rekindled her CHS connections by hosting a concert to showcase the School’s musical talent at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.

What was it like to be involved with the School again?

Music was such a big part of my life at CHS so it was lovely to see that it’s still flourishing. The concert raised money for the CHS Bursary Fund and Music in Hospitals, a charity that does amazing work to transform the lives of people with illness and disabilities through live music. As Patron, I’d wanted to put on a concert in the North West and also wanted to reconnect with the School, so this concert brought both those things together.

What was your favourite thing about School?

Definitely music. I played the piano and had auditioned for Chetham’s School of Music, but you had to board so my parents decided against it. They heard about this other school that had a really strong music department and that’s how Cheadle Hulme School turned up in my life. I started learning violin and I was in every School orchestra, ensemble and choir.

Were you involved in any other co-curricular activities? Were you sporty?

No, I was useless at sport and blind as a bat so I couldn’t catch or throw.

The only concession to sport was synchronised swimming, which I loved. It was tremendously exciting to be in the synchro team and performing at Fete Day. Although I think one of the main allures of synchro was the chance to wear nail varnish and lipstick at School!

The Old WACONIAN 16 / Focus On - Katie Derham

What do you think your CHS experience gave you, apart from qualifications?

In those days – and still now I think – the School gave you confidence without a sense of entitlement or snobbishness. CHS created an environment where you felt you could achieve anything. It was very meritocratic. You came out feeling confident to go into the world and do your thing, whatever that might be. I never had a sense of “that’s not for me”; I felt I could have a go at anything. That’s probably why I accepted Strictly!

Did you always want to work in the media?

I studied Economics at Cambridge because I really loved the A Level I’d done at CHS. I was interested in journalism, and I knew being an accountant wasn’t for me, but I didn’t have any experience. Eventually, I did some work experience at the BBC, on the drivetime show on the old Radio 5. At that time, I didn’t know much about broadcast journalism so that experience was an eye opener.

Everyone was so interesting and the job was such fun, I decided then that I wanted to be a radio producer and began applying for jobs at the BBC. I started as secretary, taking every opportunity to go on courses and learn on the job, and worked my way up.

How did you get your first big break in broadcasting?

My route in was through business journalism. With my Economics background I got a job working as a researcher on a money programme on Radio 4. I feel lucky that I was around

when BBC5Live was launched because our department suddenly had to make three more programmes a day, so I was fastracked from researcher to producer to presenter very quickly. As part of your development you could do attachments to other departments and I did an attachment to television, where I worked on Business Breakfast, and eventually I became the BBC’s consumer affairs correspondent.

What was it like making the transition from behind the scenes to in front of the camera?

It was daunting but I’m lucky because I have a very supportive husband.

Before I did a presenting job he would give me a pep talk – “you’re going to be great, they’re lucky to have you” – which helped. But, mostly, I was motivated by not wanting to look like an idiot on TV. I didn’t want to let myself down so I just did the best possible job I could. It wasn’t always perfect but I did my best. And I’m good under pressure so it suits me pretty well.

How does presenting compare to performing live every week on Strictly?

I’m not completely out of my comfort zone, but it is scary. It’s also such fun; you get completely sucked in to this wonderful world of spangly dresses and spray tans. I’m lucky I’ve got Anton Du Beke as my dance partner – he’s hugely good company, which is important when you spend so much time together. Fitting the training in each week is tricky – I’d say I’m training roughly 16-20 hours a week – but it’s amazing how much you can do when you’re terrified. Fear is a great motivator!

What’s the best, and worst, thing about doing Strictly?

The best thing is the amazing privilege of learning a new skill, one to one, from a top professional.

Also, it’s a privilege to see skilled craftsmen and women at work – costumes, make up, props and, of course, the orchestra. They are really top notch. The worst thing is probably discovering muscles I never knew I had and having the most extraordinary technicolour collection of bruises.

(At the time of writing Katie has made it through to Week 9 of the flagship BBC show.)

What’s next for you professionally?

I’m making a documentary about Brazilian music in the New Year for BBC4. I’m always up for new challenges – I can never predict how the year is going to pan out! This time last year I couldn’t have imagined I’d be dressed as Pretty Woman doing the cha cha on live TV! The Old WACONIAN 17 / Focus On - Katie Derham

Family Ties

The Fluck Family The Fluck family has been connected with the School since the early 1970s, as staff, pupils, parents and now grandparents. Old Waconians Andy Fluck and his sister Susan joined CHS when their father, Commander Robert Fluck, was appointed School Bursar.

Having survived the possibility of bumping into their dad at School every day, both Andy and Susan have very fond memories of their time as pupils.

Now, Andy’s children, Edward and Emma, are the next generation of Flucks to study at CHS, further strengthening the family’s bond with the School.

Commander Robert Fluck OBE, MBCS Following a naval career spanning more than two decades, Commander Fluck joined CHS as Bursar in January 1973, aged 47.

The family moved up to Cheadle Hulme from Hampshire and the Commander’s two children started at the School; Andy aged five in the Infants and his eight-year-old sister, Susan, in the Junior School.

In his CV, which is preserved in the School archives, Commander Fluck lists his hobbies as gardening, cricket and golf.

Andy Fluck, Class of 1985 Andy studied Surveying at Salford University after leaving CHS, and went on to work in the construction industry. He later became a property developer and now runs his own property consultancy and development company, Morgan Stewart Developments Ltd in Alderley Edge.

My dad was obviously well known at School – people called him The Commander –but I didn’t see him around that much so it wasn’t as bad as it could have been as we were mostly quite separate. There were the standard jokes about favouritism (which we didn’t ever experience) and I think I had the usual teenage embarrassment about it, but it would have been worse if dad had been a teacher!

I wasn’t the brightest child academically but I loved sports. I played everything but I excelled at cricket and was in the first team at School and went on to play for Cheshire. I still come back to CHS for the Old Boys cricket matches.

I have some really good memories of School: playing table tennis with the boarders after school; taking turns to be the look-out in the smoking

The Old WACONIAN 18 / Family Ties - The Fluck Family

room; braving the cold showers in the changing rooms in winter. I also remember some great teachers: Mr Ray, who was so strict but a really good teacher; Mr Thompson who taught sports and took us on school trips; and Mr Hurst the Latin teacher who was a legend. I always remember in one school report he wrote: “For Andy, Latin will remain the dead language of the Romans”!

I think CHS gives you a very balanced education. You leave well rounded and with the ability to deal with people from all walks of life. It’s definitely helped me in my career and I’m still able to call on those experiences today.

When our son, Ed, was going into Year 7, we looked at a lot of schools but the history of the family was here and I think my heart was here too, so it seemed natural that my children would follow their granddad, dad and aunt to CHS.

Susan Henderson (née Fluck), Class of 1983 Sue had various roles in financial management, traveling across Europe and America, before emigrating to New Zealand in 1999. There, she found a new love for sailing, winning the Women’s Small Keelboat Nationals in 2001. Sue now lives in Fremantle, Australia and works part-time as an accountant for Tourism Western Australia in Perth. She is married with one daughter.

I started at CHS as a junior school pupil when Dad was first employed as the Bursar. We rarely bumped into Dad during school hours but would occasionally see him checking out the grounds.

on to get a Business Studies degree and a Chartered Management Accounting qualification, and I certainly have an enduring resilient and tenacious side that loves a challenge!

My time at CHS undoubtedly had an impact on my career – and my life in general. One of my lasting memories as a teenager was being told by the Head that maybe I was better suited to secretarial work rather than going to university. I’m still not sure if this was a smart motivational technique, but I went

We are currently looking for a secondary school for our 7-year-old daughter, Keisha, and this has made me think more about CHS and the importance of getting the right mix in the curriculum and school culture to provide the foundations to thrive. CHS is a benchmark against which I find myself assessing potential schools.

Edward Fluck, current Year 11

Emma Fluck, current Year 9

I’ve always known about our family links, but I don’t know much about my granddad. Some teachers still come up to us now and say they taught my dad or knew my granddad; it’s a bit weird but you get used to it and it’s nice to have that connection.

I think it’s quite good that we’re carrying on the family connection; if we have children it’s nice to think they might come here too.

I think being the Bursar involved dealing with money, so maybe I get my maths ability from my granddad. I definitely followed in my dad’s footsteps with cricket. As well as being in the School’s first team, I was the North of England team captain and was also selected for the Lancashire Academy.

My favourite thing about CHS is that it’s really friendly. I thought it would be intimidating coming here from a small school but, although it is big, it’s got quite a family feel to it. I’m quite sporty; I play hockey, netball and rounders. The best thing about sport at CHS is that everyone gets a chance to take part. If you’re not picked for the team one week you will get another chance to impress everyone another week.

In 1973, Commander Fluck wrote his first piece for the School magazine, The Waconian, in which he drew parallels between his old naval career and his new role as Bursar. The article is entitled, Thoughts on Swallowing the Anchor, a reference to the sailor’s eventual need to stop travelling and adapt to a new life ashore.

“If we consider some of the duties of the School Bursar, we can see certain broad similarities with the duties of his counterpart in a ship at sea, or in a large shore establishment.

The Bursar certainly has no one counterpart in the industrial or commercial world; he may on occasions be any of the following: Chief Accountant, Company Secretary, Clerk to the Governors, Estates Manager, Catering Supervisor, Chief Maintenance Engineer, Chief Administrative Assistant, Investment Manager, Personnel Officer and Planning Officer, to name only the major roles…

In shore establishments particularly, the naval Supply Officer is in the same relationship to his Captain as is the Bursar to his Headmaster. A wide variety of services to men or material

must be provided if the prime function of the establishment, or school, is to be performed…

A final link between Naval and school administration can be drawn. Every Naval shore establishment carries out, to a greater or lesser extent, teaching and training… So your new Bursar feels that he has exercised the discrimination already recommended, in selecting and being accepted into a vocation with many parallels to his previous life. Sadly, it is going to be difficult to fly to Hong Kong for a meeting, or to California for a briefing, as has happened in the past. Horizons have shrunk, and the “lure of the Orient” is now to be found nearer home, perhaps in a take-away Chinese food emporium in Stockport.

Ah well, that anchor has to be swallowed some day.”

The Old WACONIAN 19 / Family Ties - The Fluck Family

Focus On

Paul Atherley Class of 1974

Old Waconian and international businessman Paul Atherley was recently named as the President of the new-look, integrated Old Waconians’ Association, which aims to bring former students and the School even closer together.

Paul was chosen for his extensive international experience, both personal and professional, which has seen him undertake fascinating projects from running his own global mining companies and founding the Inspiring Women initiative in China, to riding a classic motorbike over the highest road in the world and scoring a hole-in-one against Tiger Woods in the 2000 German Open.

However, Paul believes the seeds of his passion for travel and adventure were sown during his time at CHS. “I remember Mrs Davies, a teacher in Junior 3, reading aloud from the Daily Telegraph reports of Sir Francis Chichester as he attempted the world’s first solo circumnavigation of the globe in his tiny boat, Gypsy Moth IV,” says Paul. “She inspired much of my subsequent international exploits.”

After leaving CHS, Paul worked with his father, the UK’s first Professor of Occupational Health and Safety, carrying out research into fatality rates in coalmines, a job which he says “somewhat perversely triggered my sense of romance about becoming an underground miner!” He went on to work for the National Coal Board while studying at night school, and later graduated from Imperial College London with a First in Mining Engineering.

Paul’s career in the mining industry began in Australia where he was an underground hard rock miner, and was the first mining engineer to make the finals of the Queensland Rock Drill Championships. He worked his way up to mine manager, collecting qualifications along the way.

The Old WACONIAN 20 / Focus On - Paul Atherley

“The first time I wore a suit and tie to work was when I landed a job as an Associate Director with investment bank HSBC,” recalls

be in a position to begin to understand Chinese culture,” says Paul, “and even after a lifetime of study an ocean of knowledge will remain unexplored.

The first time I wore a suit and tie to work was when I landed a job as an Associate Director with investment bank HSBC.

Paul. “I quickly went on to become the Executive Director, managing the lawyers and accountants. I have subsequently run my own mining companies, developing projects in Africa, Australia, China and Spain.”

While working in China he developed a particular passion for Chinese culture, and until recently, was based in Beijing. As Chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce in China and Vice Chairman of the China Britain Business Council, he made many appearances on British and Chinese TV, and was also a weekly radio guest on China Radio International.

More recently, he founded a social media company, MiFan, which is based in Beijing and connects British businesses with the Chinese mCommerce market via the country’s 250 highly active social media platforms.

“It takes a well-educated person at least two years to unlearn enough to

“It was an amazing opportunity to be part of the re-emergence of one the world’s great nations after 150 years of stagnation and isolation.”

In his year as President, Paul is very much looking forward to reconnecting fellow students from the 1970s with the School as well as potentially forging business and educational connections between the North West and China that will have a positive impact on current students and alumni. He is also keen to enhance connections between the School and the British Council.

“I see the role as a great opportunity to reconnect with my contemporaries, give something back to the School and, perhaps, inspire some of today’s students with stories of my adventures from abroad.”

Paul Atherley CV 1982 Graduated with First from Imperial College London

1986 Gained an MApSc in Mining Geomechanics from the University of New South Wales, Australia

1988 Appointed Executive Director at HSBC

1991 Completed an MBA at Deakin University, Australia

1992 Managing Director, Murchison United NL

2002 Managing Director, Leyshon Resources Ltd

2014-2015 Chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce in China

2015 Chairman of Leyshon Resources Ltd and Managing Director, Leyshon Energy Ltd

The Old WACONIAN 21 / Focus On - Paul Atherley

Connected To Our History

Secret CHS There are many hidden places and forgotten spaces around the School that connect us to our fascinating history – how many do you know about?

The Original Swim Underneath the stage in Drama Studio 1 is the School’s first swimming pool.

Originally built in 1876, the pool was covered over in 1912 with the arrival of The Swim. Since the pool was covered, the building has had many uses including an air raid shelter throughout WW2, a pottery studio, a gym and, now, a drama studio.

The Old WACONIAN 22 / Connected To Our History - Secret CHS

The Barn Many of you will remember it as the place where you had to change before games (in the freezing cold!), but the Barn is actually the oldest building on the School site. Built in c1600, the listed building began life as two smallholdings before becoming Oak Farm which, along with Woodlands Farm, fed the School throughout WW1 and WW2.

Graffiti Most people are unaware that the lectern now standing in the Main Reception was once a magnet for boarders’ graffiti as they signed in and out. Can you spot the names of anyone you know?

The Foundation Stone We know that a School Foundation Stone was laid in 1868, but we have no record of where the Stone was originally laid or has since been moved to.

If any Old Wacs can help us solve this mystery, we would love to hear from you!

Artesian Well Behind the main building, next to the tennis courts, is a covered Artesian Well.

Dolls’ Graveyard

Built in 1912 to supply water to the swimming pool, the well goes as far down into the ground as the Bell Tower goes up from the main building!

In the late 1800s many of the girls were very fond of Victorian dolls.

School records go into detail about the girls holding funerals for dolls whose china faces became damaged or broken. A serious occasion, the girls would take their black lace handkerchiefs to the funerals as they buried their dolls together.

We have yet to find their graveyard…

Air Raid Shelters As a fully functioning School throughout both WW1 and WW2, CHS had to be prepared for air raids.

The air raid shelters still remain on site today… can you guess where they are?

The Old WACONIAN 23 / Connected To Our History - Secret CHS

Focus On

Terry Allsop Class of 1959

Old Waconian and international education expert, Terry Allsop, recently returned to School to provide the keynote speech at the Model United Nations (MUNCH) conference, where he shared memories from a lifetime’s experience of teaching and transforming education across the world.

During his 52-year career in education, Terry has been instrumental in researching, evaluating and advising on education in some of the world’s poorest – and most dangerous – countries.

As Senior Education Adviser for the Department for International Development (DFID), based in Harare, Terry was responsible for education programmes in Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe, and later became Director of the International Research Foundation for Open Learning, an independent research agency that studied world-wide changes to open and distance learning, with a focus on low-income countries.

He has since acted as an education consultant to DFID, and numerous other international bodies, on projects across the world, including in areas of conflict such as Somalia, Sierra Leone and Iraq, as well as championing girls’ education and HIV/AIDS awareness in Ghana.

“I don’t go deliberately looking for extreme places to work,” says Terry, “but often countries that are experiencing, or have experienced, conflict need support to restore, improve or develop their education systems. It wasn’t my original intention to go down this career path, but it is so rewarding – I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

Terry believes his own happy school days played a part in his initial decision to train as a teacher, and values his continued connection with the School.

“My memories of CHS are wholly positive,” he says. “The School’s motto, In Loco Parentis, really rang true The Old WACONIAN 24 / Focus On - Terry Allsop

for me. It was like being part of a big family. I was here for 11 years, so it really was the centre of my world.

“The School always encouraged a sense of service in the students, that you should give something back, so I was delighted to come and give the talk at MUNCH. I’ve been back before for a couple of class reunions, and the 150-year anniversary

me overly aggressive on the pitch and more determined to succeed.”

Terry left School in 1959 and went on to study Natural Sciences at Cambridge University, followed by a PGCE. He started teaching in Sussex, but was attracted to a position in Uganda in 1967 – a job that sparked a lifelong love of Africa and a desire to travel. He subsequently worked in

My memories of CHS are wholly positive.

The School’s motto, In Loco Parentis, really rang true for me. It was like being part of a big family.

celebrations, but it was lovely to be able to talk to current students this time, particularly about the School’s connection to a nursery in Uganda, which I found really interesting.”

As well as being Head Boy, Terry excelled on the sports field. Despite being born with part of his right arm missing, he played rugby, cricket and lacrosse for the School, and went on to represent his country as goalkeeper in the England Lacrosse team. He also coached the English Universities touring team to the USA in 1971.

“I’ve never considered myself disabled,” explains Terry. “I’ve never used it as an excuse and I don’t feel it has ever held me back. In fact, it made

Hong Kong, as well as in Oxford and Cambridge, and is still a Visiting Fellow at the University of East Anglia.

“My Headmaster at CHS, Douglas Whiting, came from a school in Cairo, and was a real internationalist figure”, says Terry. “He instilled in us a curiosity about the world beyond the immediate locale, and I’ve never quite escaped that influence.”

In his opening speech at the Model United Nations conference in October, Terry talked about his international career and his commitment to changing lives and reducing inequality through education.

He spoke with passion about his work in African countries, particularly Uganda, where only around 10% of children complete secondary school.

“I have seen up to 180 children in one room before, with one demotivated teacher, a chalkboard and very few textbooks to go round,” says Terry.

“The Human Rights Act states that every child has the right to education, but I would also add that every child should have the right to be taught by at least one inspiring teacher.

In developing countries, teachers’ salaries, training and working conditions would dampen the enthusiasm of even the best teacher, and this is where change has to happen.

“From my own experience, I know how important good teachers are - I remember several from CHS who greatly influenced me: Leslie Ryder who taught me Geography; Arthur Ellis, my old Biology teacher; David Goodison, who taught Chemistry; and Karl Ofner, a Jewish German refugee, whose English was diabolical but whose maths teaching was inspirational.”

At 75, Terry shows no signs of slowing down and has a list of things he still wants to achieve. “I always want to keep learning,” he says. “I’ve tried to retire twice now but can’t seem to do it. I’m a failed retiree.

“I definitely want to continue travelling, particularly in Africa.

I’ve worked in 19 African countries so far but I’ve got a special soft spot for Ghana – especially as my wife is Ghanaian. One of my daughters is married to a Kenyan, my son to an Australian, so these days even our family gatherings are international events!”

1st Cricket X1 1957 - 1958 Terry pictured bottom row second from the right.

The Old WACONIAN 25 / Focus On - Terry Allsop

Fundraising at CHS Once again this year, Old Wacs, parents and friends of the School have come together to support our most important fundraising projects.

Thanks to you, more deserving families than ever can now access our Bursary Fund to improve their children’s educational chances. Your support has come in all shapes and sizes, from small first time donations from recent graduates to the Award set up this year by Old Wac Hemal Shah which recognises excellence in maths, in honour of his favourite subject at School.

Hemal Shah,

Your generous donations continue to shape and sustain our School community and make an impact on what happens every day at CHS.

Thank you.

Fitness Centre

Class of 1996

We are excited to report that following a period of significant delays, building work is due to start imminently on the new Fitness Centre which will replace the old Pavilion.

Hemal has worked as a Technology and Business Analyst with blue chip companies, including Arthur Andersen, Deloitte Consulting and JP Morgan, and now works with UBS as a Funding Analyst, managing the balance sheet utilisation and pricing for hedge fund contracts.

“CHS continues to play a part in my professional career,” says Hemal. “The values I learnt there are at the forefront of my mind every day.”

Many of you supported this appeal, the first capital fundraising appeal the School has undertaken for nearly 30 years, and also shared your memories of the famous Pavilion. Your support for this project will significantly enhance the sporting experience for our students, both today and well into the future.

We hope you will come back to School for a tour when the new building opens in 2016.

Earlier this year, Hemal established the the Nagindas T Shah Top Mathematician Award. On setting up the award he says: “I wanted to show my appreciation to the School and inspire future pupils to excel in my favourite subject.

“My personal experience at Cheadle Hulme School was one of being challenged to be the best I could be academically while picking up additional skills through participating in extracurricular activities, and also making substantial use of the excellent library facilities to further my own general knowledge.” *If you have been inspired to set up an Award at the School, please contact Frances Kennedy on 0161 488 3341 or email er@chschool.co.uk.*

Ways to Give We are grateful to every Old Waconian who continues to support Cheadle Hulme School. If you would like to join the growing number of supporters, there are several ways to give: Donation form: Complete the enclosed form and return in the envelope provided.

The Old WACONIAN 26 / Fundraising at CHS

Online: development.cheadlehulmeschool.co.uk/ CHSSupportUs

Thank You!

Contact us: Phone a member of the team on 0161 488 3341 or email er@chschool.co.uk

The Bursary Fund Appeal 2014-15 A good education has the power to transform lives and change futures. For 160 years, the Bursary Fund has been helping bright, talented, motivated children, who would not otherwise be able to attend the School, to reach their full potential. Thanks to the generosity of all the Old Waconians, parents and staff who supported last year’s appeal, we were able to increase the Bursary Fund by more than £350,000 this year and have an impact on the lives of even more young people.

Today, one in ten CHS students receive some kind of bursarial support, which means many more children are getting the opportunity to do something amazing, regardless of their financial circumstances.

We couldn’t do it without you.

“Without the generous support of the bursary fund, my daughter would not be the happy, stimulated, confident child she is today.”

At Primary School my daughter was bullied for being clever.

This experience guided our search for a senior school. I knew she needed somewhere special that would restore her confidence as well as challenge her academically, but as a single parent, a bursary was my daughter’s only chance to study at CHS. Since joining the School, my daughter is like a different person.

She has thrown herself into life at CHS. She’s meeting people from all different walks of life, being stretched intellectually and, most importantly, she feels like she fits in. She is finally allowed to be herself.

Now in Year 8, she is actively involved in a number of cocurricular activities including hockey and orienteering, things she has never done before. She has really grown in confidence.”

The Statistics Amount raised (cash & pledges)

£376,334.34 1st Sept ’14 - 31st August ’15

Donors

First Time Donors

278

137

Gifts by Country

Mother of Year 8 student

“I have been in care since I was eight years old. My bursary has opened up a world of opportunities for me.”

As a looked after child, I am among a very small minority who do well academically. Knowing that someone has invested in my education made me want to take advantage of every opportunity and kept me motivated to do well.

I’ve never met the person who funded my education.

If I did, I would tell them how pleased and proud I am to have been a CHS student, how much it has changed me, both academically and socially, and how determined I am to go on and achieve even more.

I’m now at Lancaster University studying European-Latin American Management (Mexico). I am one of only 7% of looked after children to carry on to higher education.

Without the Bursary Fund, my life could have turned out very differently.

Josh Higgins, Class of 2015

Watch out for our next appeal for the Bursary Fund in February 2016.

Brazil = 2

Canada = 2

France = 12 Hong Kong = 2

Cyprus = 1

Egypt = 1

U.K. = 792

USA = 11

Participation

59%

17%

21%

3% The Old WACONIAN 27 / Fundraising at CHS

Old Wacs Association

The Old Waconians’ Association 122ND Annual Dinner Toast to Cheadle Hulme School by OWA President, Paul Atherley, Class of 1974.

Welcome to everyone this evening. Congratulations to the OWA committee who have successfully combined our 12,000 alumni with School into a single organisation for the first time.

It is a great honour to be elected as President and I am particularly delighted that the choice is a boarder and of course from my 1974 year group.

It was great privilege to be able to make the first Remembrance Day reading on the steps in front of school in front of 1500 pupils and staff.

With the playing fields bursting with energy, a wide ranging and challenging academic agenda and a myriad of extra-curricular activities the under your leadership the school is great shape.

However School faces challenges of competition, rising fees and the balancing its funding between bricks and bursaries to maintain its wonderful philanthropic heritage.

The Old WACONIAN 28 / The Old Waconians’ Association

If education is what is left when everything else has been forgotten then School has undoubtedly been a major influence on our later life and during my term I am hoping to engage with as many alumni as possible and to engage you with school and to draw from your experiences and so that we may inspire future generations.

The Old Waconians’ Association Prize Thank you for attending

The Old Waconians’ Association 122nd Annual Dinner Saturday 14th November 2015

111

Class of

Attendees

5

1943 - 1992

are former Head Boy or Girl / Deputy Head Boy or Girl & current Head Boy and Girl

were Boarders

At the OWA AGM in June, it was decided that the OWA Sports prize should be replaced with a new prize which reflects the School’s aims.

The new Old Waconians’ Association Award, consisting of a Trophy for one year, and a badge for the individual to keep, is presented to a Lower School student for their contribution to life at CHS, demonstrating the core values and strengths of a Waconian.

These are: Integrity, Endeavour, Resilience, Compassion and Contribution.

The Old Waconians’ Association Award is to be presented to a Lower School student at the Bridgewater Hall Ceremony in the Autumn Term.

In September 2015 the inaugural Award was presented and the new Honours Board unveiled.

were Foundationers

TEN

sent their own children to CHS

5

were Prefects

2

former Staff & Old Wac

5

former Staff

Attendees travelled from: Canada

USA

Belgium

France

California, Illinois and New York

Past President, Sheila Kenyon Sheila Kenyon retired as President of the OWA at the AGM in June. Cathy Beavis presented Sheila with a cut glass fruit bowl engraved with the School crest. She paid tribute to Sheila, who has been a member of the Committee since she left School in 1950 and President since 1992.

Sheila responded by saying: “It has been a privilege to serve on the Committee over the years. The Committee has instigated many friendships over a number of school eras with whom I have shared many memories and much laughter.”

Sheila wished the new Committee every success in what promises to be an exciting new era, particularly in widening the scope of the Committee’s reach.

The Old WACONIAN 29 / The Old Waconians’ Association

Old Waconians’ Association Annual General Meeting June 2015

Fondly Remembered CHS is sad to report the deaths of the following Old Waconians: Anthony Marlow Class of 1942 Arthur Blears Class of 1953

Please find below a brief résumé of the decisions taken at OWA AGM on Saturday 27th June 2015. The full unapproved minutes, together with the accounts and notes of the OWA, the Educational Fund report, the amended Constitution and 2015 Memorandum of Agreement can be found on the School website: www.cheadlehulmeschool.co.uk /your-chs/old-waconians You can also request a hard copy from Katie Lees, Alumni Relations and Events Manager & Secretary to the Committee: 0161 488 3341 / katielees@chschool.co.uk.

• The Old Waconians’ Association is now fully integrated into Cheadle Hulme School - the Association will be facilitated by the External Relations Department.

• Many former ‘paid up’ members of the OWA have continued to support the OW Educational Fund and/or the CHS Bursary Fund instead of paying a subscription to the OWA amounting to £2,125 pa being donated to the Bursary Fund and £858 pa being donated to the Educational Fund. These figures will be increased by gift-aid where applicable, and donations are still being received.

• The OWA and CHS have signed a new Memorandum of Agreement. The OWA Constitution has been amended to reflect the changes which have been gradually introduced over the past five years.

• The Chair, Cathy Beavis (Class of 1972), paid tribute to all former committee members and thanked them for the work that they have done and the time that they have given to the Association over many years.

Chair: Cathy Beavis (née Simpson), Class of 1972 & former member of staff 1978 - 1987 Vice-Chair: Paula Rayson, Class of 1992 Head: Lucy Pearson Director of Development and External Relations: Fran Kennedy

The Old WACONIAN 30 / Old Waconians’ Association

Audrey Rockman (née Lees) Class of 1937 Brenda Rowlands Class of 1948 Conrad Knowles Class of 1947

•S heila Kenyon retired after serving the OWA for over 65 years, the past 23 of which have been as President (see p.29).

David Anderson Class of 1973

•A new award, ‘The Old Waconians’ Association Award’ has been inaugurated, and badges and an Honours’ Board have been funded by the Association (see p.29).

Gerald Cole MBE Former Staff

•T he residual funds held by the OWA have been distributed between the CHS Bursary Fund and the Educational Fund leaving c£1,500 in the OWA bank account to pay outstanding bills for the OWA Cup and Badges, the Honours Board and a small balance to cover contingencies.

•P aul Atherley (Class of 1974) was elected as the new President and Cathy Beavis (OW), Carol Leather (OW) and Paula Rayson (OW) continue to serve on the newly formed committee (please see full list of the committee below).

Desmond Goodier Class of 1947

Harry Taylor Class of 2010 Hazel Ellison Former Staff Helen Bull Former Staff John Esplin Class of 1940 John (Martin) Langman Class of 1970 Kathleen Bowring (née Jones) Class of 1948 Michael Bannister Class of 1955 Patricia Currall Class of 1949 Patricia Tyler (née Sampson) Former Staff Peter Aldous Class of 1942 Peter Tenger Class of 1942

A New Era President: Paul Atherley, Class of 1974

Ashley Hughes Class of 2014

Educational Fund Representative: Carol Leather (née Scott), Class of 1964 School Librarian and Archivist: Kay Moore Alumni Relations and Events Manager & Secretary of the Committee: Katie Lees katielees@chschool.co.uk 0161 488 3341

Sylvia Martin Class of 1944 Squire Eastwood Class of 1974 Stuart Connolly Class of 1964 William (Bill) Tippett Class of 1961 Winifred Smart Former Staff

An Eye for Business in the

Big Apple

Y

ou’d expect any son of a fashion designer to wear the CHS blazer well but now, over 3000 transatlantic miles away, co-owner and Creative Director of New York’s high-end, English tailored clothing brand and store for gentlemen, Lord Willy’s, Alex Wilcox, runs “the best store for dandies” (New York Magazine). Previously one of our ‘Lost’ Old Waconians, we reconnected with Alex to discuss business in the world of high-end fashion and his journey from CHS to the heart of Manhattan.

Do you have fond memories of your time at CHS? Of course! I had a great time.

It was a very sociable school.

Although the school lunches left little to be desired in those days.

Apart from academic qualifications, what’s the most important thing you gained from CHS? Actually academia was not really my strong point, but my art teacher, Mr. Hutchinson, really saw my potential for a field that I had no idea existed, Graphic Design. He was a great inspiration to me. I’ll always be grateful for that advice.

In 2005, my wife and I decided we’d had enough of our corporate lives and set up Lord Willy’s. We are celebrating ten years this year.

What’s the best thing about living in New York? Is there anything you miss from the UK? It’s a great town and ever evolving.

We’ve lived all over it, Upper East, Upper West and now Downtown.

We escape to the Catskills (the mountains) every weekend, so we get a great mix of city and country life. The food available here is incredible, but like any Englishman abroad, I miss a good fish and chips.

Tell us about your career since leaving CHS. When I left CHS I trained as a Graphic Design Artist at Stockport College before going on to work in established design studios and small advertising agencies in Manchester and London. In 1991, I left the UK and I got a job as an Art Director in Singapore working for the advertising agency Saatchi & Saatchi.

Four years later I relocated to Hong Kong, where I worked as a Creative Director for Ogilvy and Mather.

Did School prepare you for working life at all?

I remember taking my Dad for a drink when I was in my late twenties and thanking him for sending me to CHS. It gave me an inner confidence that I could walk into any boardroom, in any country, and be an equal.

In 2000 I was transferred within the WPP Group to New York to work as an Executive Creative Director at the Global headquarters of J. Walter Thompson.

It makes me feel like I’m a posh Northerner... I like the juxtaposition.

What does being an Old Waconian mean to you?

It’s great to have recently reconnected with the School as an Old Waconian.

The Old WACONIAN 31 / Alex Wilcox - An Eye for Business in the Big Apple

ALUMNI noun (pl. alumni/ ; fem. alumna/, pl. alumnae) Former pupils or students of a particular school, college or university.

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