and barbershop to name the leading lights. In addition, Gordon has organized trips to concerts and the opera, has contributed to Variety Shows and nurtured hymn singing of unparalleled magnitude. Most of all, of course, there is the legendary Friday congregational practice with shirt-coloured verses, north and south in alternatim and even the deafening ‘wrath’ of silent chariots! An entire culture then of musical achievement – and, just as important, pleasure in music – was nurtured and developed on the sustaining force of his energy, knowledge and good humour. His cheerful and approachable personality is famous and his catchphrase, ‘splendid!’ now serves not only a College mantra, but also as an apt description of his career as a great musician and a brilliant and outstanding conductor, organist and educator. It also tells you a lot about his approach, and what fun it was to be involved in music with him. Thanks to Gordon’s infectious excitement for music, and his great ability to get pupils involved, I am assured by generations of Cheltonians that going to the Music Department sometimes felt like going to the supermarket on an empty stomach: you left with far more than you intended to get and not always what you expected – instrumentalists signed up to choir, non-musicians became musicians, choristers became jazz singers. Such a comprehensive approach meant there was never an option thought uncool or exclusive – where else do rock musicians become passionate enthusiasts of choral evensong? Everyone was the better for it, and some of the strongest and most enduring friendships were built on the back of Gordon’s leadership of music. To create a culture like that and be such a positive force for so long is an achievement that is not easy to sum up. It occurs to me that would be done far better by listening to the countless anecdotes of his warmth and humour from pupils and alumni. However, in short, it will be his consummate musicianship, warm personality and influence, which are the central features of the happy memories that pupils from the last two decades cherish.
Mr Alex Ffinch
Ian Chick
Ian made an outstanding contribution to Cheltenham College in a relatively short period of time. His dedication, good humour, loyalty and passion ensured that those who worked closely with him felt inspired, motivated and valued. He brought to the Economics and Business Department fresh ideas, fresh coffee and more often than not freshly-baked cookies. At the forefront of everything Ian did was a determination that it would be of benefit to the students. That was true, irrespective of the hat Ian wore: Head of Department, tutor, or an officer in the CCF (RAF). If ever you were to find yourself in one of Ian’s lessons the students were always happy and engaged, the hallmarks of any teacher worth their salt. If it was not the smell of fresh coffee drifting through the Department, it was not uncommon to hear an eclectic range of music emanating from his classroom. Whether he was marking, planning or completing admin, it would be accompanied by music. Ian was so passionate about music that
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he included a ‘Currently listening to ...’ component as part of his email signature. At the time of writing it was Beth Hart and Joe Bonamassa. Ian’s zest for life is infectious; his love of motorbikes, technology, music, running, yoga and ‘refreshments’ made him a well-rounded, genuinely interesting and valued colleague. Cheltenham College’s loss really is Malaysia’s gain as Ian and his wife Lucy depart on an exciting new challenge, helping to establish a brand new school as Houseparents at Epsom College in Malaysia. We wish him all the success in the world and hope Malaysia proves to be a tremendous adventure.
Mr Mark Evetts
Izzie Clark
Izzie joined College in September 2013 as Post Graduate Sports Assistant, following the completion of her Master’s degree in Sociology of Sport at Loughborough University. In the Autumn Term, Izzie coached the Junior Colts’ C team in hockey, where she found a fun and spirited bunch of Under 15 girls, six of whom were soon good enough to move up a squad under her guidance. In the Spring Term, Izzie came into her own, coaching her specialism: netball. She coached across all year groups and led the Under 15s. The positive and punchy squad had a good season and Izzie is especially proud of their strong finish against Dean Close School in which they ‘smashed out some serious performances, showing how much they had grown over the season – which is all you can ask of a team’. Izzie impressed with her professionalism and the focus and determination she inspired in her players. Of course, she was also in demand over the road at Cheltenham Prep, coaching hockey, tennis and rounders – as well as Athletics in the Summer Term at College. Izzie also loved being a tutor in Westal, where she took on duties and outings to Laser Quest, where she and Jenny O’Bryan, turned out, perhaps unsurprisingly, to be ‘proper good’! Beyond the sports field and House, Izzie was happy to step in and help, joining the Third Form Geography field trip to Cadbury World and their Activities’ Week expedition to the Forest of Dean. Izzie leaves us to join Uppingham School as their Graduate Sports’ Assistant, where she will head up their netball programme and take up a Resident Tutor position in a girls’ house. We wish Izzie all the very best for the future!
Miss Jane Brodigan
Angela Cross
You could be forgiven for having a sense of déjà vu when you read this, as it is not the first time that we have said goodbye to Angela. Having joined College initially in 1998, Angela worked in the Economics and Business Studies Department until the year 2000, when family changes gave rise to her moving to teach in Worcester, before relocating and teaching in Devon. Angela and her family found themselves back in Gloucestershire recently and so it was that we managed to get her back, on a temporary basis, when Mark Evetts left for pastures new in January 2014. Angela’s professional, hard-working approach was appreciated by the students and her knowledge of Business Studies enabled students to be thoroughly prepared for their exams in the summer. As of September 2014, Angela has taken up the post as Head of Business Studies at St Edward’s School, Cheltenham, and we wish her well as she embarks on that new challenge.
Mrs Zoe La Valette-Cooper
Mark Evetts
Mark arrived at College in September 2010 to teach Economics and Politics. It quickly became apparent that he was a teacher willing to take on a multitude of tasks with incredible enthusiasm. Although he taught Politics, there was no doubt that his love was for Economics and Business. It therefore came as no surprise that he has gone on to be Head of Economics and Business Studies at RGS Worcester. He taught across the syllabus of Economics equally competently taking on the intricacies of micro and the bigger picture of macro. Mark had a keen eye and could spot potential in any student and provide the necessary encouragement to get the best out of them. His students were delighted with his approach and his enthusiasm for the subject. Maybe it was the connection that they have with him being so young! Or is he? Mark is blessed with Peter Pan syndrome. He is the only teacher I know who is in his thirties but still gets asked for ID in the local drinking establishments. The students also related to him because of his constant use of social media to inform. If it is not Facebook and Twitter, it is Google, Moodle, Doodle and Kerboodle to name a few. Equally, Mark was adept at teaching Business. Mark’s potential was quickly recognized and he was offered the post of second in the Department and took it upon himself to inject new life into the corridors of the rather tired Wilson Block. Soon the place was daubed in two-tone notice boards with student’s work and helpful teaching aids. Another skill that Mark possessed was his use of IT. All those skills Mark has picked up over his teaching career, but a quality that you cannot learn is willingness to help others and Mark was always