The OC Mitre 2025

THE OC MITRE

Forthcoming Events

School Community Carol Service

Sunday 7th December 2025

University visits with Mr Gower and Mr Morris Several throughout 2026

London Concert at Cadogan Hall

Tuesday 10th February 2026

Shrove Tuesday Supper

Tuesday 24th February 2026

Chigwell Ball

Saturday 4th July 2026

Friends of Chigwell Summer Fayre Summer 2026

Old Chigwellian Association AGM

September 2026

Class of 2016 – 10 Year Reunion Autumn 2026

Friends of Chigwell Fireworks Night November 2026

For more information about events, please scan the QR code or visit connect.chigwell-school.org/events

The OC Mitre

Please

BY ANUSHA BALASINGAM (OC 2006-2013)

Welcome from the OCA President

Now in my third year as OCA President, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has given their time and financial support to Chigwell School over the past year. Your contributions are truly appreciated and have a meaningful impact on the school community.

Over the past year, the OCA and the school have continued working together to reconnect and engage with former pupils. Our calendar has been filled with memorable events. The ever-popular Shrove Tuesday Supper remains a highlight, and reunions have successfully welcomed younger OCs back to school.

Beyond these events, we were proud to launch Chigwell Connect, a dedicated online platform for OCs. This community hub allows you to reconnect with old friends, grow your professional network, explore our digital archives, and stay updated on news, events, and clubs. I encourage you to help us grow this network by inviting your fellow OCs to join.

Anusha Balasingam OCA President

As a community, we have the power to create lasting change and support initiatives that leave a meaningful legacy for the generations to come. The more OCs who join, the stronger our outreach and impact will be.

As Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Together, let’s continue to strengthen the bonds within our OC community and support the bright futures being shaped at Chigwell School.

I look forward to welcoming many more of you on Chigwell Connect, and to seeing our community thrive at connect.chigwell-school.org

Elected OCA Officers

Anusha Balasingam (OC 2006-2013) President

Catherine Xu (OC 2004-2006) General Secretary

Miles Taylor (OC 1971-1978) Vice President

Clive Garfield (OC 1985-1995) Honorary Treasurer

Aegean Simpson (OC 1985-1987) Ex Officio President

OC Club Representatives

Paul Garfield (OC 1983-1990) Football

Ross Berndes (OC 1969-1974) Tennis

James Houghton (OC 1996-2002) Golf

Pat Ward (OC 1952-1959) Wednesday Lunch Club

Anusha Balasingam (OC 2006-2013) Women’s Sport

BY DAMIAN KING (HEAD)

The Ripple Effect

Every day, somewhere in the world, an Old Chigwellian is making a difference. In boardrooms and laboratories, in hospitals and courtrooms, in classrooms and communities - the values forged on Top Field and in our corridors are creating ripples of positive change that extend far beyond anything we could have imagined when you first walked through our doors.

At the Shrove Tuesday Supper earlier this year, I spoke about how Chigwell School is a place where we are made, shaped, and quickened. But here’s what excites me most: that shaping doesn’t stop when you leave. It multiplies. Each of you carries forward not just your own potential, but the power to ignite it in others. That’s the Chigwell ripple effect - and it’s transforming our world.

Walk around our school today and you’ll witness this effect in action. The traditional and modern fuse together seamlessly, taking the best elements from each era and propelling them forward. Yes, the walk across Top Field remains, the Chapel stands strong, cricket still echoes on summer afternoons - but these aren’t just nostalgic touchstones. They’re the bedrock from which we launch ambitious new ventures, bold thinking, and groundbreaking achievements.

Our alumni community is becoming a powerhouse of connection and impact. Through our expanding OC calendar of sporting and social events, we’re not just reuniting old friends - we’re creating new partnerships, mentorships, and collaborations that span industries and continents. Football, cricket, and hockey unite alumni across generations, while the OC Lunch Club and university visits enable exciting conversations and opportunities.

Last year’s launch of our new alumni website has already begun to unlock extraordinary possibilities. Old Chigwellians are finding each other across the globe, discovering shared passions and complementary expertise. Our living archive - filled with rediscovered photographs, interesting artefacts, and reflections - isn’t just preserving history; it’s inspiring future chapters. Every contribution adds another layer to the story we’re writing together.

The momentum is building towards something truly special. Our 2029 celebrations will mark not just Chigwell’s 400th anniversary, but four centuries of minds unleashed upon the world. This won’t simply be a celebration - it will be a declaration of intent, a showcase of impact, and a launching pad for the next era of Chigwell excellence. We want every alumnus to help shape this vision, because this milestone belongs to all of us.

The OC network has evolved into something remarkable - a global community of changemakers united by shared values and unlimited potential. Whether you’re pioneering new technologies, leading organisations, creating art, or shaping policy, you are part of a movement that began in these halls and now spans continents.

“I think the success of any school can be measured by the contribution that the alumni make to our national life” J.F. Kennedy

None of this would be possible without you. Your generosity - of time, expertise, and spirit - has been extraordinary. To those who have mentored pupils, opened doors for fellow alumni, contributed to our events, or simply stayed connected and shared your stories: thank you. Your involvement doesn’t just support the school; it strengthens the entire network, creating opportunities and inspiration that ripple outward in ways you may never fully know.

This is your invitation to amplify the ripple effect. Connect through our new platform. Attend our events. Share your expertise. Mentor a current student. Open a door for a fellow OC. Tell us how you’re changing your corner of the world - and how we can support you in doing it even better.

The ripples you create today will reach shores you’ve never imagined. The Chigwell story isn’t just our pastit’s our future, and it’s being written by you, right now.

Mr Damian King Head

BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PHILANTHROPY

Connecting our community

Philanthropy, at heart, means “love of humankind” - a concept rooted in its Greek origins and central to everything we do in the Department of Philanthropy. Our mission is simple: to help people help people. Through connection, reunion, networking, and giving - whether of time, expertise, or donations - we strive to support Old Chigwellians (OCs) in staying engaged with one another and with the wider Chigwell community.

Our team is committed to creating inclusive opportunities that reflect the diversity of our alumni and encourage meaningful involvement. We value your input and strive to offer activities that resonate with you. Whether it’s a reunion, networking event, or sports fixture, your ideas help shape what we do. We encourage you to share your suggestions so we can build momentum together.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PAST YEAR

Celebrating 50 years of female boarders: While the first female pupil joined in 1973, it was in 1975 that a concerted effort expanded boarding opportunities for girls. To commemorate this milestone, current pupils from the Equality Ambassadors’ group invited OCs to share their experiences of how life changed with the admission of female pupils.

MVI Leavers’ Assembly: We hosted an assembly for MVI leavers to support their transition into becoming OCs. Anusha Balasingham, OCA President, spoke about the importance of staying connected for future networking opportunities and careers, as well as the growth of OC women’s sport. OC Rory Taylor highlighted additional sports clubs including football, tennis and golf.

Launch of connect.chigwell-school.org: We introduced a new website designed to connect OCs with one another, promote OC clubs, share photos, and notify users of special events. The Archive section has proven especially popular, offering digitised records, photos, and documents from various eras.

Shrove Tuesday Supper: The 157th Shrove Tuesday Supper marked the exciting return of the pupils vs OCs football match and saw a notable rise in younger attendees. This encouraging trend reflects our efforts to adapt and grow with the next generation of OCs. Due to half-term scheduling the 2026 event will take place on Tuesday 24th February 2026. We aim to continue expanding youth participation, repeat the football match, and introduce a women’s sport fixture.

Careers Networking Breakfasts: These events continue to grow, offering pupils exposure to a wide range of career paths. Organised by Ms Roxanne Darkin (Head of Careers), the breakfasts follow a ‘speed networking’ format, allowing Sixth Form pupils to engage with OCs and ask questions that can help them in their future endeavours.

As we look ahead to Chigwell School’s 400th anniversary in 2029, the Department of Philanthropy is preparing to celebrate this historic milestone with you. We invite you to stay connected and get involved as we continue our mission of helping people help people and keeping the spirit of Chigwell School alive for generations to come.

Please do get in touch with us if we can be of any assistance in your connection with Chigwell School.

Our email address is philanthropy@chigwell-school.org

We are always delighted to hear from you.

Philanthropy

Mr Scott Franssen Director of

Mrs Lisa Mina

Ms Maya Frampton

BY MAYA FRAMPTON (ARCHIVIST)

Archives Update

Ayear on since I last wrote an ‘Archives Update’ for The OC Mitre, our collection has grown in a number of ways – not only in terms of the records we hold onsite, but also in the ways we have been sharing them with our communities.

DIGITAL ARCHIVE

Firstly, our collection has gone digital! When we launched our new Connect website last year, the Digital Archive was just beginning. Now, users can browse over 20 galleries of archival material, and look forward to many more.

Not only this, but all our Archives Newsletters are available online, too. Read about the history of the Chapel, Shrove Tuesday, Speech Day, and much more in ‘Archives Publications’. There, you can also see the Chigwell School Archives featured in The National Archives and ARC Magazine, thanks to its contribution to last year’s Chapel Centenary Celebration.

DONATIONS

Secondly, the presence of the Archives on our new Connect website is thanks in large part to the contributions of our Chigwell community.

I have received a variety of donations both physical and digital from Old Chigwellians, former staff, and many others who enjoy a connection to Chigwell School. There are too many to mention, but they may be found in our online gallery here: connect.chigwell-school.org/pages/archives-gallery

Chess donations from David Soanes (see page 41)

1960s photos donated by Old Chigwellians

Exam Results Days 2025

HARD WORK PAYS OFF FOR GCSE PUPILS

We were delighted to celebrate the achievements of our Year 11 pupils, who received their GCSE results in August. Their hard work, perseverance, and commitment paid off, and we are extremely proud of what they have accomplished.

This year’s cohort achieved remarkable academic success. Nearly half of all grades awarded - 46% - were at the top levels of 9 and 8, and the average grade across the year group was a strong 7. Among the standout achievements, 10% of pupils secured straight 8s and 9s, while one in five pupils earned eight or more grades at 8 or above, reflecting both depth and consistency of excellence across subjects.

Our Head, Mr Damian King said:

“These results are a testament to the effort, resilience, and determination shown by our pupils over the past two years. They have approached their studies with maturity and focus, while continuing to contribute to so many other aspects of school life. We are proud of every individual success story, whether measured by top grades or by personal progress.”

This summer has also seen inspiring examples of pupils overcoming challenges and achieving outcomes that reflect their determination and character. These stories remind us that academic success comes in many forms, and we are delighted to celebrate them all.

Exam Results Days 2025

CELEBRATING A LEVEL RESULTS

It was another successful year for our A Level pupils. Overall, 27% of the year group achieved 3 straight A*s or As. Individually, we also saw an increase in those achieving 3 A* grades, with our top pupil achieving 3 A*s and 2 As.

Some pupils chose to undertake an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) in addition to their A Level subjects, with 75% of them achieving an outstanding A*/A.

The vast majority of our pupils headed to their first-choice university, with the most popular being UCL, King’s, Durham, and Nottingham. Other universities included Oxford, LSE, Imperial, St Andrews, and Conservatoires. Some pupils accepted offers to study overseas, with one pupil going to Williams College, Massachusetts, the top Liberal Arts College in the USA.

We were thrilled to see so many happy faces, due to the hard work of the pupils, the support of their teachers, the pastoral team, parents, and our Chigwell community. Our pupils are now successfully moving on to their next adventure.

Our Head, Mr Damian King, said, “We are very proud of all our A Level pupils, their achievements, and their contribution to the school community during their time with us. Amongst these excellent grades, there are also stories of those pupils who have overcome their own challenges to achieve their personal goals. We look forward to hearing of their many successes in the future.”

Head of Sixth Form, Mr Coppell, highlighted, “This year’s Middle Sixth have been a delight to work with and their results are a testament to their efforts: congratulations to all of them. We are excited to see what the future holds for them. We wish them the best of luck and hope to see them back at Chigwell School in the coming years.”

Chigwell School On Film

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE CHIGWELL SCHOOL?

We asked our pupils to describe Chigwell in three words. Several pupils mentioned a strong feeling of being part of our Chigwell School community.

Watch the full video by scanning the QR code below or visiting youtube.com/ChigwellSchool1629 and selecting the video called ‘Describe Chigwell School in 3 words’ to see their other answers.

WHAT WOULD YOU ASK THE HEAD?

Six pupils from our Prep School had the opportunity to interview the Head, Mr King. Some of the questions they asked were ‘Who is your ultimate hero?’ and ‘What do you want your legacy at Chigwell School to be?’. To that last question, he responded with his hope of seeing them as Old Chigwellians, thriving in their lives after school, at a Shrove Tuesday Supper.

Find out all 10 questions and answers by scanning the QR code below or visit youtube.com/ChigwellSchool1629 and selecting the video called ‘10 questions with the Head Mr King’.

Pupil news and achievements

NATIONAL SCHOOL THEATRE AWARDS

On 23rd June, the Drama Department attended the National School Theatre Awards, also referred to as the ‘Oscars for schools’. Our 2024 Senior School production of ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ was highly praised for its intensity and professionalism. Four of our pupils, Beth, Zach, Harry and Olivia were nominated in Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor categories. It was a glamorous evening celebrating young talent and we look forward to returning next year.

GIRLS IN PHYSICS TOURNAMENT WINNERS

Sumaya, Emaan, Ada, and Alex in Year 10 competed in the Girls in Physics Tournament at St Helen’s School, facing twenty schools in challenges like a Physics escape room and calculation relay. They excelled in the experimental skills challenge, winning first place for their scientific accuracy and data presentation. The event also featured a talk by bridge engineer Ciara Norris, offering inspiring insights into civil engineering.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

In October 2024, Chigwell School launched Black History Month with an all-school assembly led by Tristan in Year 12 on the theme of ‘Reclaiming Narratives’. Activities included a treasure hunt, dance workshops, themed lunches, and library displays. Equality Ambassadors engaged younger pupils through storytimes, assemblies, and an Afrobeats dance session. Isabella in Year 11 shared hopes that these events help pupils appreciate and celebrate diverse cultures and backgrounds.

YOUNG MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR 2025

Daniel was awarded Young Musician of the Year 2025, winning in a fiercely competitive showcase of talent, with a powerful marimba and bongo performance blended with spoken word. Mr Bluff, Director of Music, commented: “This year’s Young Musician of the Year competition was an excellent display of the breadth of musical output at Chigwell School. There was strong competition in all categories, with several instrumentalists and singers.”

THE PURPLE PANTHER

Several years ago, a generous parent, Jeanie Goodey, donated the Purple Panther from a Mulberry ad campaign. Once proudly displayed outside the Art and DT block, it had weathered over time. Mrs Tilbrook and Mrs Collins, with help from Art Club, Mrs Panesar, and Mrs Brown, restored it. Eight talented Year 6 pupils then transformed it with vibrant Indianstyle designs, making it sparkle once more. It was a joyful, creative journey for everyone involved.

Pupil news and achievements

THE PILOT 2024/25 EDITIONS

The Pilot is a termly showcase of the best work from our pupils and includes the Howard and Mitchell prize winners and runners up. These prizes are gifted by OC families with the Howard prize celebrating the arts and humanities and the Mitchell prize being awarded to outstanding pupils in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

Trinity 2025: issuu.com/chigwell/docs/the_pilot_trinity_25

Lent 2025: issuu.com/chigwell/docs/the_pilot_lent_25

Michaelmas 2024: issuu.com/chigwell/docs/the_pilot_michaelmas_2024

Graduations

Amani Rashid (OC 2013-2020) attained a 2:1 degree in Sociology from the University of Kent. Since graduating she has been working as a Delegated Underwriting Authority Analyst within the Lloyd’s of London market.

Clementine Carr (OC 2010-2021) completed a foundation year in Art and Design at Loughborough University, followed by three years studying Graphic Design. She is now working as a freelance graphic designer and has launched her own company, Clementine Agency, specialising in branding and illustration.

Farewells

Faye Johnson (OC 2010-2021) graduated from the University of Birmingham with a Geography MSci with an International Year with Honours (Class I). She is hoping to go into travel journalism and media in the future.

Sarah Hodgson (OC 1982–1984 and former staff) was honoured with her initials engraved in the former Praefects’ Room, in recognition of her 24 years of dedicated service to Chigwell School. Sarah left in April 2025, but she will always remain a cherished part of our community.

Graduations

Aleksandra Lopuszko (OC 2016-2018) graduated in Medicine MBBS from Queen Mary University of London, with Honours in an intercalated Masters in Laparoscopic Surgery and Surgical Skills. She then began her first job as a doctor in the Academic Foundation Programme at the Bristol Royal Infirmary.

Dhru Solanki (OC 2013-2022) studied Psychology with Education at the University of Warwick and received a 2:1 grade BSc with Honours. He plans to enter the field of organisational psychology, which is what his dissertation was based on.

Sam Templeman (OC 2015-2022) graduated from the University of Leeds with a BA in International Relations. He achieved a 2:1 classification overall, including a FirstClass grade in his dissertation.

Sasha Bondarenko (OC 2019-2021) completed a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS). She is now working as a Site Research Lead Associate at Thermo Fisher Scientific, supporting early-phase clinical research.

Graduations

Ella Fox (OC 2015-2020) graduated from the University of East Anglia with a 2:1 BA (Hons) in Sociology and is exploring job opportunities in people-focused and analytical roles, including areas such as HR, communications, finance, and insurance.

Engagements

Aleksandra Lopuszko (OC 2016-2018) and Bartosz Szyszka are pleased to announce their engagement and look forward to celebrating their wedding in the summer of 2027.

Yasmin Antoniou (OC 2011-2018) graduated with a degree in Medicine from Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry. She began working as a doctor at Princess Alexandra Hospital in August.

Weddings

Alice Beagley (OC 2005-2012) and Stuart Innes (OC 2002-2013) were married at The Compasses at Pattiswick in Essex on 14th June 2025. They had a lovely day surrounded by family, friends and many OCs. A particular highlight was the surprise OC choir organised by Stuart and Mr Howard Ebden.

Weddings

Anusha Balasingam (OC 2008-2013) and Arun Kallaivannan (Old Whitgiftian) got married on Sunday 30th March 2025 in Potters Bar. A number of OCs attended including Anusha’s brother, Achuthan Balasingam (OC 2002-2009), who was the Best Man.

Gabriella Erratt (OC 2003-2013 and Chigwell Prep School teacher) married Ellis Jordan in the Chigwell School Chapel during an intimate ceremony on 25th July 2025. School Governor and Vicar of St Mary’s Church, Rev Charlie Kosla, married the happy couple on a sunny summer afternoon.

OC guests included Gabriella Erratt, Jason Driver, Annalise Armitage, Anna Horn, Will Cooper-Rendu and Katie Maxwell

David Gower, former Deputy Head, performed a blessing for the couple in the second half of their celebrations

Annabel Dalby (OC 1999-2010) married James Buckley (from Bristol) in August 2024 at Gosfield Hall, Essex. Annabel and James met in their first year at the University of Nottingham. Many Old Chigwellians attended the wedding, including Best Man, Alex Titmarsh (OC 2003-2010) and Maid of Honour, Afroza Shamsudin (OC 1999-2010).

Captain Oliver Tilbrook (OC 2000-2011) and Harriet Davis were married on a beautiful summer day on 31st August 2024. The wedding took place at Plas Dinas Country House in North-West Wales. They then honeymooned in Uganda and Rwanda, seeing mountain gorillas at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Edward Sibley (OC 2001-2012) and Francesca Smith (OC 2003-2012) were married on Saturday 26th April 2025. They had an incredible day with their families and friends at Limekiln Wedding Venue. Many Old Chigwellians were in attendance!

Emma Tilbrook (OC 2005-2016) married Theo Gheorghiu (OC 2010-2015) on 10th July 2024 at Leez priory in Essex, after they met at Chigwell School. After maintaining a long-distance relationship through university, and then moving in together in Oxfordshire, they jointly proposed on 10th July 2023.

Sport & Wellness Centre OC Membership

Our new Sport & Wellness Centre at Chigwell School opened to the public in January 2024 and we are thrilled to inform Old Chigwellians of a fantastic joining offer, just for you. Our competitive membership pricing for Old Chigwellians is £52.50 per month, with a reduced one-off £35 joining fee, which entitles you to an induction session and a workout programme, including reviews and a welcome pack.

FACILITY HIGHLIGHTS

Largest building on campus ~ 2,700 sq metres

25-metre 6-lane pool

1,000-person capacity multipurpose sports hall & auditorium

Climbing wall

Community café

Spacious studio

Fully equipped strength training gym

Sauna

TOUR

To learn more, book your free tour, or sign up to the new Sport & Wellness Centre, visit chigwellswc.org

School Visits

It has been fantastic to see so many Old Chigwellians revisit the school this year. If you would like to visit Chigwell School, we would be delighted to give you a tour. Please email us first so that we are prepared for your arrival and can show you around properly. Contact us on philanthropy@chigwell-school.org

Tim Southon (OC 1970-1977)

Change of details?

Moved house, new job, changed your email address? Please let us know so that we can keep in touch. Update your details by completing a short online form. Visit connect.chigwell-school.org/surveys/updatedetails

Or scan the QR code using the camera on your mobile. This will give you direct access to our online form to complete your details.

For any queries, or should you wish to contact us, please use the following:

Email: Philanthropy@chigwell-school.org

Phone: 020 8501 5748

Cayley Cochrane (OC 2012-2019)

Adam Goldstein (OC 1991-1998)

Chris Itsueli (OC 1978-1980)

Leigh Macrae née Clark (OC 1986-1988)

John Nicholls (OC 1972-1979)

Chris Sydenham (OC 1976-1981)

Catherine Xu (OC 2004-2006)

John Miles (OC 1960-1968) with his wife, Alison

Leslie Southon née Curnock (OC 1975-1977) with her husband

Oz Watanabe (OC 1991-1996) with his wife Miki, and daughters Lisa and Sarah

BY ASHLEY GOLD (OC 1974-1979)

Faith and a Global Career

On Wednesday 26th February 2025 I was kindly invited by Mrs Lisa Mina, Philanthropy Officer, to speak with the Jewish Society at Chigwell School.

I was warmly welcomed by Mrs Mina and the twenty or so pupils who had spared time from their lunch break to attend the Jewish Society and listen to a former pupil. It was an online, informal discussion set up in one of the school classrooms.

As a former Jewish pupil at the school in the 1970s I wanted to share how Chigwell School and its progressive ethos had prepared me for an international career, living and working in countries across Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Furthermore, how I addressed the topic of religion as a Jewish person in these countries.

Firstly, Chigwell School is uniquely positioned to the east of London which is in itself a melting pot of different cultures, backgrounds, the rich and not-so-rich, and religions. The addition of international pupils and boarders enhances perspectives in this amalgam.

We discussed how in a close-knit community there is a tendency to live, mix and seek work within your own cohort. My parents were progressive and made the decision to send me to Chigwell School at age 11 and this is where my world opened up to a kaleidoscope that I had not experienced before. New friends were made and these relationships continue to this day.

Chigwell School provides a top flight education, much higher than I had experienced before and gave me the social skills – together with independence of thought and expression – to look at the world differently and not to be fearful of stepping outside of my comfort zone.

There followed a university degree, a masters and an entry into the working world of technology and telecommunications.

With the arrival of mobile communication networks and mobile phones there was a need to deliver this technology in many countries around the world and this is where my global journey began – with each technology from 1G (analogue mobile phone networks) to the present day 5G mobile technology.

In our discussions at the society we talked about working hard in everything you do - the recognition, opportunities, money and lifestyle that will come from this approach and positive mindset. Future employers need and want business results and that in itself transcends who you are or where you come from. The same principle applies for your own business.

We also discussed religion in different global contexts and how attitudes and perceptions will differ from country to country and region. I have lived and worked for many years in countries such as India, Pakistan and Iran and have always focused on what was best for my employer, colleagues, their families and communities. I have lost count the number of times I have been invited as a guest of honour to Hindu, Muslim and Zoroastrian weddings, as well as their family and religious festivals.

There will be times for everyone where religious intolerance and, in our case, antisemitism does surface in our personal and work environments. I gave examples of coping strategies to address and move on from such situations.

In conclusion, religion will not be a barrier to your future success. It’s about hard work, in particular working harder than your peers and caring passionately about the people around you both inside and outside of your community.

BY LEIGH MACRAE NÉE CLARK (OC

1986-1988)

Fifty Years of Women at Chigwell: A Personal Reflection

This year marks a remarkable milestone, as Chigwell School celebrates fifty years since welcoming its first female boarders. It is a moment to reflect on progress, legacy, and the strength of the women who have helped shape the school’s evolving story. For me, this anniversary is deeply personal—a chance to remember and honour the individuals, the lessons, and values that began in those formative years and have carried me through a lifelong journey of growth and leadership.

I joined Chigwell in the mid-1980s, when girls were still a relatively new presence. We were few in number, but strong in spirit. The school was steeped in tradition, and while the environment was supportive, it was also quietly challenging. We had to find our voices, assert our place, and navigate a landscape that was still adjusting to the idea of co-education. But we did so with grace, humour, and a fierce sense of camaraderie. The memories of Chapel, Monday scheme (which confirmed I neither had a future in car mechanics nor cookery) and the house rooms (which, in March 2025, looked remarkably unchanged) will live fondly with me forever.

Chigwell gave me more than an education—it gave me confidence. It taught me to think critically, speak with conviction, and lead with empathy. It was there that I discovered my love for the world of Finance, initiated by the inspiring teaching of Economics by Mr Knapman. His passion for the subject was infectious, and he taught us how to see the world through an analytical lens, to question assumptions, and to understand the forces that shape society. That spark ignited in his classroom set me on a path that has guided my entire career.

After university, I trained with KPMG and qualified as a Chartered Accountant, gaining a rigorous grounding in financial principles, governance, and professional integrity. That experience laid the foundation for a career that has taken me across industries, continents, and leadership roles. From the early days of my career at Ford Motor Company, through multiple roles at General Electric and Pitney Bowes, I’ve led teams through complex transformations, acquisitions and divestments, and the formation of global operating structures. Today,

as Vice President of Global Financial Shared Services at Synthomer (a speciality chemical company), I oversee finance operations across Europe, the Americas, South East Asia, and China. I’ve had the privilege of driving awardwinning performance, mentoring future leaders, and delivering meaningful change at scale.

Throughout this journey, the values instilled at Chigwell— discipline, resilience, and integrity—have remained my compass. The friendships formed there remind me of the power of solidarity. And the legacy of those early female students reminds me that progress is never inevitable—it’s earned, step by step, voice by voice.

Fifty years of women at Chigwell is more than a celebration—it’s a testament to growth, resilience and courage. To the women who navigated through a predominantly male environment when it wasn’t easy. To the teachers who believed in us, challenged us, and pushed us out of our comfort zone. To the classmates who stood beside us, laughed with us, and supported us. And to the generations who have followed, building on that foundation with brilliance and boldness.

To the young women at Chigwell today: know that you are part of something extraordinary. You carry the legacy of those who came before you, and you have the power to shape what comes next. Be curious. Be fearless. Be kind. And never underestimate the impact of your voice.

Here’s to over fifty years of women at Chigwell—and to the next fifty, where the possibilities are limitless.

Dedicated with admiration and affection to my fellow female pupils from 1986 to 1988—Nicola, Hima, Beatrice, Liz, Julie, Kirsten and Vicky (whose bright flame expired too soon) — and the young men who welcomed us into their world, whose friendship, strength and laughter made those years unforgettable.

BY ROBERT GUNN (OC 1966-1972)

My days at Chigwell School

It was summer 1966: England had just won the World Cup, and everywhere was football crazy. I was enjoying my summer holiday having just left St Aubyn’s school in Woodford. As September loomed ever closer the prospect of becoming a boarder became a reality, and I became somewhat apprehensive about boarding. I joined Harsnett’s House where Parry “George” Davenport was the housemaster with his wife Ann. They were both kind and caring to newbie boarders.

It was a very different environment without home comforts. I clearly remember the two initiating ceremonies for newbies, the first being picked up by several others and being thrown unceremoniously into the bushes prior to evening chapel. The second involved your brand new boater – which was only worn on Sundays at St Mary’s morning service – having a fist put through it to give it an air vent! I was a weekly boarder which enabled me to go home after the morning church service with a return at 5.00pm for supper followed by a film show in New Hall.

At the age of fourteen I moved across the road to School House where Colin Horton was the housemaster. As

boarders we always felt more superior to day boys, this was our home and we knew every inch of it.

As a keen sportsman the benefit of having friends always around to make up a team was a great advantage. We got up to a lot of tricks and pranks getting caught many times, throwing fireworks over the wall of Grange Court and latterly being caught having a drink at the King Willie down the High Road. I – together with two other collaborators who shall remain anonymous – managed to uncover the infamous tunnel which apparently led to the King’s Head across front quad. The purpose of the tunnel remains a mystery, however I can confirm that after unbricking a section we found that after only a few yards it had collapsed.

In 1971, Donald Thompson retired and Brian Wilson took the helm. At that time I held the position of a praefect and head boarder and subsequently became Head Boy (they were obviously very short of candidates!). Apart from basically doing what we wanted there were quite a few advantages: as praefect boarders we had an upgraded supper on a Saturday night and (subject to obtaining approval from Colin Horton) we could go out

Back Row (L-R): R Dixon, P Measures, J Fuller, T Claridge, C Williams, I Hardie, Front Row (L-R): H Berndes, R Gunn, G Johnson, K Steinherr, D Dutchman

any evening but were meant to be back by midnight, although many times we checked in and then went out again. I was fortunate that I had a key to the main door in chapel quad. I think we were fortunate that it was Brian Wilson’s first year at the school and he did not want to change anything immediately.

I really did not know what profession I wished to go into. I had an opportunity to go to Bradford University with my mediocre A level results but it did not seem very attractive. I made the decision to stay in the area and go into banking in the City which enabled me to play for the OCs Football Club. After one year, I realised that banking was not for me and I spent the next 50 years in the property business.

I have always had associations with the school and the OCs through football and tennis and now have a granddaughter in the Pre Prep. Regretfully, our son did not go to Chigwell as he was awarded a full scholarship at Forest. Having been to the school several times recently it is gratifying to see that despite the incredible growth and development, it still has that special feeling. It was quite emotional returning to the Pre Prep sports

day where our granddaughter was running on exactly the same track that I had run on 53 years ago.

Recently, I have also been attending the OC Lunch Club, which has further cemented my affection for Chigwell School and the Old Chigwellians.

Back Row (L-R): Smith, Gosling, Johnson, Winter, Robinson, Warner, Bone Front Row (L-R): Davies, Steinherr, Malyon, Gunn, McKenna, Bird

BY NICK BRETLAND (OC

1968-1975)

OCs Rowing in Australia

Iwas not a great sportsman at school. I was awarded colours for swimming, along with the title of “the worst swimming secretary ever” from the swimming master. When it came to soccer and cricket, I was always strategically positioned where I could cause least damage to the sporting stars of my year, alongside my similarly ungifted friends! At University, I undertook squash and judo, which left me with knees which aged three times as fast as the rest of me!

After the heady days of university, there was a prolonged sporting hiatus during which time I emigrated to the magnificent state of Western Australia. While at school here, my eldest daughter learned to row on the beautiful Swan River. (My youngest daughter was not keen on getting up at 4:45am, and consequently missed out.) I would join her sometimes and learned to row with other parents before moving to join the ANA Rowing Club, where I was welcomed by other “master” rowers (anyone over 28 is a master in rowing!). Included amongst this number, was Nick Suess (OC 1959-1965), improbably met on the other side of the world!

I found myself in a likeminded group of people, rising early to enjoy the fabulous pinks and golds of the sunrise in Perth, and the occasional dolphins and frequent pelicans in the river, as we strove to master the astonishingly technical skill of rowing. The seamless elegance of Olympic rowers takes many years of very detailed work and commitment: learning lots of counterintuitive movements for that elusive “perfect stroke”!

Needless to say, the path to improvement is littered with blistered hands, capsized boats, and soggy rowers, always encouraged by the laughter and derisory applause from your rowing mates!

Nick Suess has outlined in The OC Mitre 2012 edition our “Old Chigwellians” doubles race at the WA Masters games, in which we emerged (miraculously) both triumphant and dry!

I moved to the West Australian Rowing Club and raced with them for some years before realising that the youngsters were getting faster, while I was getting slower, so I started coaching some of the newer rowers. This is made much easier by my already marginally obsessive character, watching with an eagle eye for the errors of the newer rowers, and trying to find new metaphors to get them to improve their technique.

When coaching, I get up at 4.20am and marshal my crew in the dark, following the rowing shell in the club’s coaching dinghy, while trying to get the individuals to improve their own technique and getting the crew to row together, so that all parts of the rowing stroke are performed simultaneously by all crew members. We would probably cover 10 to 16km on the river, and watch the sun rise into a typically cloudless blue Perth sky. After training, time for a coffee and chat, then I shower at the club, and go to work. Saturdays involve a longer row, with timed racing pieces over 3 km or 5 km, followed by a more leisurely breakfast: a magnificent start to the weekend! During the time off the water, I spend a few hours selecting crew members for the different boat classes.

I have been coaching for about five years now, passing the tests required to be an accredited level 2 coach by Rowing Australia. In 2023, the West Australian Rowing Club chose me as Coach of the Year, and in 2024 I was astonished to be selected as Club Coach of the Year by Rowing WA, the state organisation for rowing. It is very satisfying to be recognised for my work in this area, but in all honesty, I have got so much more out of the friendships I have made while rowing, than I feel I have given in coaching.

Nick Bretland (right) with award

OC Highlights

Chigwell School pupils go on to pursue a wide variety of passions and career paths.

We are thrilled to share that Bradley Rains (OC 20072014) has been named on the Forbes 30 under 30 list. He is Head of Women’s Football at CMG Sports and has worked with over 50 female players, including the England National Team.

To find out more visit:

Forbes: forbes.com/profile/bradley-rains/?list=30under30europe-sports-games

Connect with Bradley: connect.chigwell-school.org/profile/bradley-rains

Old Chigwellians have long valued the importance of giving back to the community, and a brilliant recent example is Johnny Gallagher (OC 2002–2013). Johnny raised an incredible £250,000 to support WWII veterans through the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans.

Reflecting on his motivation, Johnny said:

“I want my generation to understand and respect what these incredible men and women did for us.”

The funds raised have enabled the delivery of unforgettable experiences, the fulfilment of last wishes, and the reassurance that these veterans are never forgotten.

Read the full story here: taxicharity.org/post/a-100year-old-veteran-and-a-young-entrepreneur-raiseover-250-000-for-the-taxi-charity

We hope to continue sharing fantastic alumni news like this. Please do share your success stories by emailing us philanthropy@chigwell-school.org

OC Johnny Gallagher with 100-year-old World War II veteran Dorothea Barron

OC Bradley Rains named on Forbes 30 under 30 list

BY SCOTT WHITEHEAD (OC 1955-1964)

An Inspirational Teacher: Mr Fellows

Last year, I contributed an article for The OC Mitre about my own recollections of life as a boarder at Chigwell in the 1950s and 60s. In the course of this article, I mentioned the influence of Arnold Fellows on my early years at the school and how important he was in enthusing me with a lasting interest in history and a love of literature. It seemed logical therefore, that when asked to write a further article for the current edition relating to inspirational teachers at Chigwell School, I should choose Fellows. There are other teachers that I could have opted to write about but I decided to select some of my earliest memories of Arnold Fellows, whose last four years at Chigwell coincided with my first four at the school.

Arnold Fellows taught at Chigwell throughout virtually his whole career. He was appointed to teach history in 1924 after two years teaching in the Midlands. During his time at Chigwell, he acted as Housemaster in a number of houses and rapidly advanced to become Second Master in the school, a position which he retained until his retirement in 1959. Although a significant academic, his sporting prowess was undoubtedly a key reason for his appointment by the then Headmaster, Ernest Walde. During his four years at New College, Oxford in the early 1920s, he won sporting blues in soccer, cricket and rowing. It is no surprise, therefore, that he rapidly took charge of sporting activities at Chigwell School and through the 1930s was Head of Games. His impact on sport at Chigwell cannot be underestimated and there is no doubt that he inspired generations of pupils with a love of team sports.

Furthermore, he awakened in many pupils a fascination for history which he always maintained was built into the geography of the British Isles. He would encourage everyone to look around and see at a glance how the landscape of Britain has influenced the country’s development, right up to the present day. In 1937, he wrote ‘The Wayfarer’s Companion’, one of the first travelogues on the British Isles. Travelling around the country in his old Morris car, he visited nearly every existing cathedral, church, monastery, castle and ancient ruin in England and Wales, taking numerous black and white photographs wherever he went. Many of these are to be found in the revised version of the book published

in 1964. Fellows was a mediaevalist at heart and an expert in the development of mediaeval architecture. ‘The Wayfarer’s Companion’ is still an essential guide for anyone interested in the architectural styles of the Middle Ages and motoring the byways of England to view them.

Arnold Fellows is buried in the family grave in Wednesbury, Staffordshire. On his tombstone, he is identified as a “Historian”. Amongst his friends and associates, he included some of the most eminent historians of his generation. In the inter-war years, he regularly attended reunion events at Oxford where he is known to have frequently parked his rusting old banger in the area designated ‘Reserved for Fellows’.

But it is as a teacher that he will be best remembered by us Old Chigwellians and there are many surviving testaments to the quality of his teaching throughout his whole time at Chigwell. My own recollections relate to my years in the Junior School at Grange Court which he was in charge of for twelve years from 1947 until his retirement in 1959.

Although officially appointed as Second Master at Chigwell School, his primary duties were in the administration of Grange Court and the teaching of the youngsters in his charge, both boarders and dayboys. He taught almost everything and anything, ranging from the three Rs, to History, Latin, and R.E. He must have had some support with this and did indeed have an assistant. I also vaguely remember the Headmaster, Donald Thompson, occasionally teaching in the Junior School in order to get to know some of the youngsters at the start of their progression through the school. All the boys in Grange Court had to go up to the main school for cricket in the summer and soccer in the winter when Fellows would sometimes referee.

Fellows himself was a commanding presence. He was a man who had seen service in the First World War and survived the bloody Battle of Passchendaele in 1917, albeit with war wounds that he carried through life. Nobody who met him ever forgot him and his wit and conversational ability on more or less any subject were proverbial. In the book,’The Buds of Virtue’, written by David Ballance, he says of Fellows “that his mannerisms and originalities still echo down the years”. In my main article which can be accessed online, I have much more to say about life at Grange Court, Mr Fellows, and his relationship with the boys in his house. Suffice it to say that he treated us all as gentlemen and first and foremost he expected all boys to behave as such. We were instructed as to how to behave both at school and in public. His favourite maxim was that ‘gentlemen do not take advantage’. His philosophy, cultural values and fatherly advice impacted greatly on the boys in his care, even if at times his manner could be intimidating.

Notably, he also inspired us all with a lifelong love of literature. Grange Court had a wealth of books to excite young readers and to alert them to the prospects of a world beyond Chigwell School. There were also original artworks, mainly water colours, on all the walls of the Junior School intended to foster an appreciation of real art. Arnold Fellows was himself an avid collector of pictures and actually amassed a sizeable and valuable collection. After retirement, this collection graced the

walls of his London home in Barnes. On his death, it was bequeathed to Queen Mary’s Grammar School in Walsall where he had been a pupil and also started his teaching career. Many of his other papers went to Chigwell School Archives.

Despite remaining a confirmed bachelor throughout his teaching years, soon after retirement Arnold Fellows finally met the love of his life, a French/American music teacher called Marguerite-Anne Sharon. They were married in Paris in June 1965 and spent their married life partly in France and partly in England. This shows that there is clearly a life to be found after retirement and, as he always reminded his pupils, a life beyond Chigwell school.

You can read the full article by scanning the QR code or visiting the link below connect.chigwell-school.org/news/ supplements

BY SCOTT WHITEHEAD (OC 1955-1964)

A Call on Mr Fellows –Introduction

In 1993, twenty years after the death of Arnold Fellows, the then Senior History Master at Chigwell School, Joe Fyles, was invited by Gerald Harriss (OC 1937-1943) and Fellow of Magdalen College, Oxford, to visit the home of Arnold Fellows in Barnes in order to sift through the masses of books surviving and possibly identify anything that might be of interest to the school. Harriss, as a close friend of the family, had taken responsibility for sorting out the contents of the house whilst Marguerite Fellows was away in America.

The contents of the home included a veritable library of historical material. Many of these books were out of date, but amongst them was a small treasure trove of writings and volumes by some of the most eminent historians of the twentieth century. Many of them were first editions and some inscribed by their respective authors. Joe Fyles documented his visit in an article, published the following year, in the March 1994 edition of The Chigwellian, entitled ‘A Call on Mr Fellows’.

In this article Fyles is so overawed by the presence of Arnold Fellows in this musty atmosphere of learning that he almost expects him to walk into the room at any moment, although he recognises sadly that Fellows is long gone.

“ Of course he was not there and I really knew it, for he died twenty years ago. Yet, if someone from the past keeps crossing your path, you begin to think that next time you might run into him, maybe just around the next corner. ”

Alongside his teaching commitments, Joe Fyles was also Swallow’s Librarian, and he points out that evidence of the hand of Arnold Fellows keeps recurring in volumes in the school library, in hand-written notes, in markers, in history books that keep falling out, and in commentaries in the books themselves. Even though at the time of writing, Fellows had left Chigwell thirty-four years earlier, his presence was everywhere.

The article is a literary gem in itself and deserves a re-reading. Scan the QR code below or visit connect.chigwellschool.org/news/supplements to view the complete article published in The Chigwellian in March 1994 by Joe Fyles (Former Teacher).

BY DAVID BALLANCE (FORMER TEACHER)

Greek Trips

As promised in The OC Mitre 2024, David Ballance has written a reflection on Chigwell School’s Greek Trips between the 1950s and 1980s which can be found on our Connect website. Scan the QR code below or visit connect.chigwell-school.org/news/ supplements to read the full article.

This piece looks back at Ballance’s own experiences and photos, as well as collating the memories and records of Old Chigwellians Chris Ellingham, John Birchall, and Jon Marks who attended the 1974 trip to Greece, in a moment of particular political tension:

“ Potential war and international conflict may have loomed over us, but the good spirit engendered by our travels around Greece continued… ” Jon Marks OC 1968-1975

BY TIM SOUTHON (OC 1970-1977) AND LESLIE SOUTHON NÉE CURNOCK (OC 1975-1977)

Our School Love Story

Sometime in 1973, Tim Southon came home from school and gave his mother the terrible news. He was not worried about the Miners’ Strike; the National State of Emergency; the Cod War with Iceland; the death of JRR Tolkien; inflation at 9% (and rising); telephones being attached to walls by cables; or that petrol was sold in gallons. No, far worse than all of this –Chigwell was going to let “gurls” into the Sixth Form!

Two years later, when Leslie’s father, Peter Curnock (OC 1930-1936), enquired about her attending Chigwell, he mistakenly assumed there were already girl boarders. However, the headteacher, Brian Wilson, clearly saw a business opportunity and soon Leslie became the first girl boarder, living at Sandon Lodge.

Peter and his brothers Henry and David had all attended Chigwell in the 1930s, when New Hall was actually new! Henry’s boys, David, Robert and Geoff, were also pupils in the 1960s and 70s.

Leslie Curnock had spent 7 years in an all-girls boarding school before arriving in 1975 in a school with 500 boys and 5 girls. Nothing prepared her for the sheer power and volume of 200+ boys singing a hymn in unison in chapel.

There was one other girl in the Lower Sixth and four girls in the year above. This was the third year of girls at Chigwell, but still there was only one girls’ toilet, and only one key between the six girls! Why did the toilet have to be locked when empty? And if it did, why wasn’t each girl given her own key? The system was clearly designed by a man.

There was no school uniform for girls – so, on the plus side, you couldn’t get into trouble for coming to school in the wrong clothes. But on the negative, there were all the pressures to look good, smart, and fashionable that girls and women face today – admittedly without the social media.

Leslie met “Southon” in the Caswalls’ common room on her first day, and it took a fortnight to find out his other name was Tim. It was surnames only for the boys in the 1970s.

We were practical partners in A Level Chemistry – Leslie was skilled and careful in the experiments, while Tim was skilled and careful in the calculations. We also studied A Level Biology together; but Tim did Maths whereas Leslie took Physics.

Our relationship began relatively quickly, with Tim featuring favourably in one of Leslie’s earliest diary entries from her first few weeks at Chigwell. Tim, however, took until Michaelmas half-term before the penny finally dropped. Boys can be so slow at times!

We tried to be as discreet as possible about our relationship. We never discussed it, held hands or kissed in school. We’ve had 48 years since leaving for all that sort of thing! If Tim wanted to visit Leslie in Sandon Lodge after school, he would cycle down Roding Lane a few hundred yards and then cut across the playing fields, leaving his bike hidden in the trees. He was eventually spotted, of course, but by the time it became clear that we were an item, it was such old news that nobody made a fuss.

There was no organised sport for girls, but Leslie was allowed to walk across cold, wet, muddy fields after school to operate the stopwatches for cross-country running matches. And if the weather was fine in the summer there was always tennis if she could find a partner.

Of course, there were occasional issues at school with girls and boys forming relationships, but apparently it was once commented in a staff meeting that, “If they were all like Curnock and Southon, there wouldn’t be a problem.”

So despite Tim’s initial misgivings about “gurls”, we left Chigwell in 1977 as a couple; were married in 1980; had careers in Physiotherapy (Leslie) and in scientific research and university management (Tim); lived in Dereham, Stirling, Oxford, Trondheim, Oslo and Norwich; had two children (Hannah is an ecologist and Nicholas is a Research Engineer); and currently live a retired life in Norwich with four cats.

BY ANDREW PEARSON (OC 1969-1975)

OC Cricket 1970s-1990s

In 1975, the news that Buckhurst Cricket Club would not be renewing the agreement that the Old Chigs football club could use the outfield and clubhouse was devastating. However, good news came in the discovery and subsequent purchase of land backing onto Chigwell School.

The main focus was to provide football pitches where Old Chigs could play, meet, and entertain in their own clubhouse. The new facility also included a cricket square and many Old Chigwellians of certain era were excited at the prospect of the Old Chigs having a regular Saturday fixture list, and within five years entering the recently-formed Essex League. The Old Chigs played in the Brewers’ Cup which had been running since the early 70s, a competition for schools with a maximum of 450 students, superbly run by Michael Hetherington from Aldenham School.

John Smith – who captained the Brewers’ Cup team along with Steve Redrup (Treasurer) – Tommy Farr, and myself (as Secretary) formed a committee with Alan Brooker (Chair of the Governors at the time) as President. Our aim was to develop a Sunday fixture list alongside the Brewers’ Cup and the long-standing annual match on the last Saturday of term against Chigwell School.

We rarely lost on the first round and in 1977 and 1978 reached the final on both occasions, succumbing to a very strong Denstone team, but we were not disgraced. The cup team had players coming from far and wide: Tim Davenport from Wales, Howard Sherman (who had played for Essex in the 60s) from Malvern, Tracy Claridge from Sevenoaks; Norman Armitage, Bernie Sutton, Rod Dowle and the Manning brothers, Julian and David, and Philip George all had long journeys for home games and even further if playing in Kent, Sussex, or (on more than one occasion) an 11.00 am start in the West Country to play Dean Close or Taunton. One famous victory was against a very strong Bishops Stortford XI on the 15th June 1980: we had three Old Chigwellians all celebrating their birthday on that day, so my car was still at the school on the Monday!

The cup team continued to play until 1995. They acquitted themselves well, and although never reached the final again had many fine games and great comradery.

In 1995 we played our last Brewers’ Cup match, somehow beating a very strong Hurstpierpoint team, but sadly we were unable to raise a side for the second round and had to concede and – after much discussion and soul searching – decided to resign. The competition continued for a few more years but like much Sunday cricket sadly came to an end.

The locals: Mike and Steve Dand, Graham Burbidge, Chris Chilton, Howard Berndes, Mark Chalkley, Tim Coleman, Paul Quain, Andrew and Don Leiper, Martin Pluck, John Conolly, Danny Goddard, Dave Pugson and myself.

Cricket Brewers’ Cup Final in 1978/79

BY ELENA GROUT (OC 2003-2014)

Equine Dentistry: Beyond the Stable

When I left Chigwell School in 2014, I could never have imagined that a decade later I would be standing beside a zebra, rasp in hand, carrying out a routine dental procedure. Yet that is exactly where my journey into veterinary medicine has taken me, and it is one that I am both proud of and excited to continue.

My interest in animals was there from an early age, but it really began to take shape during my time at Chigwell. Science lessons sparked a curiosity about how living things work, and I was lucky to have teachers who encouraged that curiosity. My Chemistry teacher, Andy Long, was a constant source of support. His enthusiasm and encouragement gave me the confidence to push myself academically, and he has never stopped supporting me — even now, years after leaving school. I also would not be where I am today without the neverending support of my parents, who have encouraged me every step of the way, through all the challenges and eight long years of university study.

After leaving Chigwell, I studied Zoology at Queen Mary University of London, graduating in 2017. Zoology gave me a broad understanding of the Animal Kingdom and confirmed for me that I wanted to focus my career on veterinary medicine rather than research alone.

Later that year, I began the long road to becoming a vet at the University of Surrey, graduating in 2022 after five years of challenging but hugely rewarding training. Like most veterinary students, I experienced the full breadth of the profession — from farm practice to small animal hospitals — but it was always working with horses that captured my imagination most.

Since qualifying, I’ve been working in a busy first-opinion equine practice with a mix of ambulatory work, and time in the clinic. No two days are the same; one day might involve lameness investigations or emergency colic cases, and the next might be routine check-ups, vaccinations, dentistry or even horse rescue with the large animal rescue unit section of the fire brigade. The variety keeps me on my toes, but over time I’ve discovered my professional niche in equine dentistry.

Good oral health is essential to a horse’s wellbeing, yet it is sometimes overlooked. I find real satisfaction

in diagnosing and treating dental problems, from sharp enamel points to more complex cases such as fractured teeth. I’m now working towards two further qualifications: membership of the British Association of Equine Dental Technicians and a Certificate of Advanced Veterinary Practice in Equine Dentistry. Both will allow me to deepen my expertise and provide the best possible care for my patients.

One of the most memorable moments in my career so far came when I was asked to carry out routine dental procedures on two zebras. Needless to say, zebras do not tend to stroll quietly into the examination stocks like most horses. A specialist exotics vet darted each animal with a dart gun from a safe distance to induce general anaesthesia before we could approach. Once they were safely anaesthetised, I carried out the oral examinations, rasping and balancing their teeth just as I would with a horse. The difference, of course, was the stripes. It was a surreal and unforgettable reminder of how varied this profession can be.

Looking back, I feel very fortunate that my time at Chigwell set me on this path. The encouragement I received there, especially from Mr Long, and the constant support of my parents, gave me both curiosity and confidence — qualities that have carried me through university and into practice. Ten years on, I’m still learning every day, and I hope to continue developing my skills in equine dentistry while also embracing the unexpected opportunities — whether in a stable yard or a zoo — that veterinary medicine brings.

BY JERRY MORRIS (FORMER TEACHER AND PENN’S HOUSEMASTER)

Walking in Penn’s Footsteps

As the former Housemaster of Penn’s House at Chigwell School, I’ve long held a personal fascination with William Penn—the most distinguished Old Chigwellian and founder of Pennsylvania. This spring, I finally fulfilled a long-standing wish: to visit Philadelphia, the city Penn envisioned and helped shape.

One of the most striking landmarks is the statue of William Penn perched atop the City Hall—a proud and towering tribute to the man who championed liberty and tolerance.

My itinerary was packed with iconic sites. I stood in Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed, and gazed upon the Liberty Bell, a symbol of American freedom. I wandered along Penn’s Landing, a scenic stretch along the Delaware River named in his honour, and visited Benjamin Franklin’s house, another cornerstone of Philadelphia’s rich historical tapestry.

To see the city that William Penn once walked, and to reflect on his enduring influence, was both moving and inspiring. Philadelphia offered not just a glimpse into the past, but a deeper connection to the values Penn stood for—values that continue to resonate in the ethos of Penn’s House today.

Penn’s House, Chigwell School

Jerry Morris with the Liberty Bell

Independence Hall

William Penn’s ‘Prayer for Philadelphia’ plaque at City Hall

City Hall Tower with bronze statue of William Penn at the top

BY MAYA FRAMPTON (ARCHIVIST)

50 Years of Girls’ Boarding

This year (2025) marked the 50th anniversary of girls’ boarding at Chigwell School. In 1975, Mrs Pam Coventry became the first boarding housemistress when two girl boarders moved into Sandon Lodge.

Two years prior, in 1973, her daughter had been admitted to the Sixth Form, and in 1974 three more girls joined Chigwell. So, it was that the nature of Chigwell’s pupil population slowly began to shift, until in 1983 a Sandon Lodge boarder became the first Head Girl.

Sandon Lodge, with photographs of boarders (2024)

Girls in the Sixth Form (1985)

Nearly 15 years later, in 1997, Chigwell School became fully co-educational. Headmaster Tony Little and Governors’ had made the decision in 1995, and his successor, Headmaster David Gibbs, oversaw the first intake into the Junior School two years later. Interestingly, the plan was in fact for girls to be introduced in 1998, but such was the demand that the date was brought forward to September 1997.

These new pupils were introduced gradually, but increasing numbers led to Hainault House being re-opened as a girls’ boarding house in 1999. Initially, it only housed younger pupils, but opened up to Sixth Form pupils in 2001.

Former Head Pupils, Speech Day (2017)

Hockey Lesson (1990s)

50 Years of Girls’ Boarding

By 2010, girls were fully established throughout the school. However, it could be said that the history of women at Chigwell begins much earlier.

Women have been involved in school life since Chigwell’s foundation in 1629 as relatives of staff, and in medical and pastoral positions. Additionally, in 1873, a fund was created by the school to sponsor girls’ education at local schools.

Chigwell Pupils outside St. Mary’s (1990s)

Hainault House (2018)

In the decades following, the role of women amongst the staff increased further. From 1910-1920 onward, women held positions in Junior, Art, English, History, Classics, French, Geography, and Maths teaching.

So, since the increase in the number of women teachers, the introduction of girls into Sixth Form and boarding in the 1970s, and especially once the school became co-educational in 1997, the presence and role of women and girls amongst the staff and pupil bodies at Chigwell School has only grown.

Mrs Walde, the Headmaster’s Wife (1925)

School Photograph (1920)

50 Years of Girls’ Boarding

Today, the school enjoys gender diversity across both its staff and pupil communities.

In order to celebrate this anniversary, pupils from Chigwell School conducted interviews with Old Chigwellians, as well as staff, about their experience of girls’ joining. We would like to thank Leslie Southon, Tim Southon, Leigh Macrae, Claire Palmer, Sally Haird, and Kevin Farrant, among others, for their contributions.

Chigwell Pupils, Speech Day (2023)

The Matron at the Sanatorium (1925)

BY DAVID SOANES (SON OF VICTOR SOANES,

OC 1918-1926)

An OC Chess Champion’s Collection

On the 31st May 2025, I visited Chigwell School to commemorate the achievements of my father, Victor Soanes (OC 1918-1926). There, I gave a talk to the Chess Society about the importance of chess to the war effort, and donated my father’s 1925 Staunton chess set, a leather-bound chess board, individually inscribed chess clock, his press cuttings book, and two chess books.

In 1926, Victor Soanes had a year of chess fame when representing Chigwell School in the British Boys’ Final held in Hastings.

In that year, he was a member of the Imperial Chess Club, where he defeated Aron Nimzowitsch in a simultaneous display in 38 moves. He was the only person out of the fourteen participants to defeat the renowned LatvianDanish master that day. Then, in April, he was invited by Selfridges to play Capablanca in another simultaneous display. Victor took him to 53 moves before having to resign.

In the 1926 British Boys’ Championship, he won his section and qualified for the Final Group of four. He lost to the eventual winner Hugh Alexander, who went on to become the most successful chess player in Britain up to the start of World War II, where he also performed with distinction.

After school, Victor continued playing chess at club level with Leyton Chess Club in the London League and became Essex Minor Champion in 1931. This is the last date mentioned in his chess cuttings book until 1947. Working for the family business, which built commercial greenhouses and conservatories in Barking, limited his chess aspirations. After the war, he played chess for Lancashire and Liverpool Chess Club, becoming its captain. He was nominated captain of English teams in various tournaments and in 1961 he became President of the British Chess Federation (BCF), while also representing England at the International Chess Federation FIDE meetings.

When he retired, he moved to Norwich and continued as the BCF’s Permanent Fund Administrator until he retired in 1978, handing over to his friend Harry Golombek, whose Penguin handbook, The Game of Chess, he proofread. Nowadays he is remembered at the British Chess Championships with the “Soanes” section of the weekender.

At the outbreak of World War II in 1939, three notable British chess players were taking part at the Olympiad in Buenos Aires. They immediately left the tournament, returned to Britain and went straight to Bletchley Park. This secret establishment was the main centre for decoding throughout the World War II. Its purpose was not officially announced to the general public until around 1984, after a book had been published about its exploits. At Bletchley Park, Hugh Alexander led a team, which included Stuart Milner-Barry and Harry Golombek, as well as Alan Turing and Bill Tutt. This team’s achievement in code breaking, not least cracking the Enigma and Lorenz codes, is said to have shortened the war by as much as two years by allowing the Allies to learn the movement of enemy troops and submarines.

When I met up with my father in 1956, he said several of his chess friends and acquaintances had worked on special secret projects, but did not say what they had done or where they had carried out their duties. By 1964, when I was working in industry myself, a fellow director was using shorthand and when I asked why he was so proficient, he said that he had learnt it during the war. It turned out that he and his wife had met at a special wartime establishment during this period. This special establishment would have been Bletchley Park, where many of my father’s former chess opponents made history.

David Soanes visit to the Chess Society at Chigwell School

Archives Digitisation Project

We have successfully digitised much of our collection of whole school photographs, dating from the 1940s to the 2010s. All of these images can be viewed online in high resolutionsee if you can spot yourself, family, or friends!

connect.chigwell-school.org/galleries/view/41

BY RORY TAYLOR (OC

2003-2014)

Shrove Tuesday Supper

The 157th annual Shrove Tuesday Supper was a welcome return of a much-loved tradition, bringing together Old Chigwellians, staff and pupils for an evening that combines sport, reflection and reunion.

The event began with the historic football fixture between the school’s 1st XI and the Old Chigwellians side, played this year for the first time since Covid. The match gives Old Chigs and current pupils the chance to meet and mingle, with the latter getting an introduction to alumni life and community following leaving school and the opportunity for them to continue playing amongst friends.

The match itself proved to be a lively contest, watched by a large crowd of fellow pupils, alumni, family and friends, with both sides showing real quality. In the end age and experience proved to be on the side of the Old Chigwellians, who claimed victory over the school 1st XI. There is more to this event than just the match result though, with the whole day underlining the enduring connection between the school and its leavers while offering players past and present the chance to share the pitch once again.

Afterwards, attention turned to the school Chapel for the traditional Shrove Tuesday service, which provided a thoughtful pause before the evening’s social gathering. The reception that followed saw Old Chigwellians from across a wide range of year groups catching up with old friends, meeting new acquaintances and sharing stories with past and present teachers. The atmosphere was relaxed and engaging, reminding all who attended of the friendships and shared experiences that continue to bind the Chigwell community together.

The evening drew to a close with a three-course dinner in the Dining Hall, where speeches gave thanks to those who had supported the event, including Scott Franssen (Director of Philanthropy), Andy Bruce (Head of School Football), Damian King (Headmaster), Anusha Balasingam (OCA President), and Rory Taylor (Captain of the OC Football Club). With good food, lively conversation and a sense of continuity, the 157th Shrove Tuesday Supper was an occasion that celebrated both the school’s traditions and its enduring spirit of fellowship.

This is an event that has been going on for 157 years, so we invite all to attend next year’s and to keep this important and historic tradition going!

View the full gallery of photos from the day on the Connect website by visiting connect. chigwell-school.org/ galleries

BY LISA MINA (PHILANTHROPY OFFICER)

Class of 2015 – 10 Year Reunion

On Thursday 25th September 2025, Chigwell School joyfully welcomed back the Class of 2015 for their 10-year reunion — and what a heartwarming evening it was!

Old friendships were rekindled as alumni gathered to reconnect, share stories, and laugh over a nostalgic slideshow of school-day photos from Chigwell School Archives. Familiar faces among the teaching staff sparked fond memories, while tours of the Day Houses and the impressive Sport & Wellness Centre brought back countless “remember when?” moments.

Guests enjoyed browsing and taking home popular keepsakes including the 2015 yearbook, OC ties, notebooks, and other treasured Chigwell memorabilia, adding a personal touch to the celebration.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us and helped make the evening so special.

A selection of photos from the evening are featured above, with more available on our website: connect.chigwell-school.org/ galleries/view/42

BY PATRICK WARD (OC 1952-1959)

Old Chigwellians’ Lunch Club

After more than 10 years as Secretary to the OC Lunch Club, Richard Rosser (OC 1955-1962) has stepped down but will still attend lunches with his wife Pat.

I have stepped in as Secretary with Malcolm Rogers (OC 1950-1959) leading on OC recruitment and liaison.

To show our appreciation for Richard’s diligent work over many years, the members of the club presented him with a framed picture of the school’s front quad buildings and his wife with a bouquet of flowers.

This presentation took place at the Woodman Pub, Stanford Rivers where the club held a very successful afternoon cream tea, with Pimms, as the ‘rebirth’ of our Summer Away Day. By popular demand, we will continue this event into the future.

In addition to this recently revived event, the club lunches at the Old Chigwellians’ Clubhouse at 12pm on the first Wednesday of each month. Exceptions to this are in July when the Head invites us to dine at school, and in December, when we have our very popular Christmas lunch in the Dining Hall due to our numbers exceeding the current capacity of the Clubhouse.

Several new Old Chigwellian faces have joined us in recent years, but as ‘anno domini’ marches on we are still actively seeking new members with their partners.

While the OC Lunch Club is open to all OCs of whatever age, our main age profile is ‘over 60s’. Anyone interested in joining us for a very good lunch by the school’s caterers and willing to pay only £15, please contact me on 07889 874848 or Malcolm Rogers on 01371 873 451

BY PAUL GARFIELD (OC 1983-1990 AND OCFC PRESIDENT)

OCFC Centenary

The Old Chigwellians Football Club celebrated 100 years with an evening at the Clubhouse in November 2024. The event was well attended by footballers past and present, supporters, the Headmaster and Bursar, as well as Will Hoyle, Chairman of the Arthurian League. Three people, in particular, made the event the success it was –Rory Taylor, Pat Ward and the doggedly persistent Cole Crossman.

We celebrated the vision of Stanley Reed, John Turner, Keith Mitchell, and Ian Kennard who in the early 1980s secured funding to buy 25 acres of land and then build a clubhouse, football pitches and tennis courts. We gave thanks to OCC Committee Members and to all volunteers associated with the club, both on and off the field.

Finally, we toasted two legends of the club, who sadly are no longer with us but who did so much for this Football Club –Keith Mitchell and Nigel Davies. Thanks again to our sponsors Woodford Dental and Auluk Investments.

BY LISA MINA (PHILANTHROPY OFFICER)

University Visits

This year, Mr Gower and Mr Morris continued their UK university tour, connecting with our most recent Old Chigwellians as they settle into life beyond Chigwell. In 2024/25, they visited Durham and Nottingham, offering students the chance to reconnect over dinner, share updates, and seek advice and support. These gatherings have been warmly welcomed and have helped strengthen the Chigwell community across the country. We look forward to expanding this initiative to more universities in 2026.

If you would like Mr Gower and Mr Morris to visit your university, contact us on philanthropy@chigwell-school.org.

BY ROXANNE DARKIN (HEAD OF CAREERS)

Networking Breakfasts

Our regular Networking Breakfasts offer Year 12 pupils the chance to engage with Old Chigwellians and explore university options and career pathways. These events are a key part of a wider careers programme, designed to help our pupils build confidence and develop essential skills for life beyond school.

We have been thrilled to welcome back alumni for more inspiring breakfast sessions with our Sixth Formers this year. From sustainability consultancy and senior tax management to degree apprenticeships at Ford, our OCs shared a wide range of experiences, offering pupils valuable insights into both academic and professional life.

These breakfasts are more than just informative—they’re interactive. Pupils are encouraged to ask questions, seek advice, and practise their networking skills in a supportive environment. The conversations often touch on university choices, career challenges, and the realities of working in fields such as finance, law, and environmental science.

A huge thank you must go to our alumni for generously giving their time and wisdom. Their contributions help shape the aspirations of our pupils and strengthen the Chigwell community across generations.

If you’re an OC interested in taking part in future networking breakfasts, I’d love to hear from you. Please contact me: rdarkin@chigwell-school.org

Old Chigwellians Louise Russ, Esther Barratt, Aaran Vijayakumaran, Matt McDonnell, Tan Kugathasan and Jusden Halabi at our Networking Breakfast in June 2025

BY GRAHAM RICHARDSON (OC 1969-1975)

Old Chigwellian Lodge

The Old Chigwellian Lodge was delighted to install the former Chigwell School pupil, Amerdeep Singh Johal (OC 1990-1996), as their Worshipful Master at the meeting held on 13th February 2025. Amerdeep has been a proactive and progressive member of the lodge and is an enthusiastic role model for the path that is open to all school alumni that would like to explore or wish to enter the world of masonry.

During the year, the lodge held four regular meetings, three at St James’ in London and the May meeting was held at the school. The school meeting is always a major highlight in the lodge calendar and this year the brethren of the lodge were honored to be joined in the evening for a very enjoyable dinner by the Head, Damian King and the Director of Philanthropy, Scott Franssen.

Charity fundraising is a core virtue of the lodge. For a fourth year we continued to provide funds towards a bursary place for a pupil at the school. In addition, the Worshipful Master chose to support Diabetes UK and in June, a fun walk covering 10km through the Chigwell area, including the school grounds, raised in excess of £1,000 for the charity.

Whilst many school lodges are struggling to maintain membership, the OCL is going from strength to strength and it continues to have an enthusiastic pipeline of new members drawn from school alumni and parents of pupils past and present. The steady increase in candidates necessitated an extra meeting in March to accommodate the initiation process for new members.

The lodge meets in the evening four times a year in February, May (at Chigwell School), September and November at Mark Masons Hall in St James’s Street, London SW1.

New members are our life-blood and if you would like to learn more about the school lodge and masonry, please contact: oldchigslodge@hotmail.com or visit oclodge.co.uk

The Worshipful Master and his Wardens at the Installation Meeting in February 2025

Some participants preparing for the Charity Fun Walk in June 2025

Ways to get involved

JOIN OUR ONLINE COMMUNITY

Connect is a vibrant online platform that keeps Old Chigwellians connected to one another and to the wider school community.

By joining, you’ll gain access to exclusive networking opportunities, invitations to alumni events, together with the latest OC updates. Members can browse through photo galleries from recent events, explore the school archives, and join OC sports clubs.

Register today at connect.chigwell-school.org

VOLUNTEER

Our annual Careers Convention is a highlight of the school calendar, offering pupils valuable insights into university choices, apprenticeships, and career paths.

We welcome alumni and professionals from a wide range of industries to share their experiences, showcase their organisations, and connect with students. Whether you’ve completed an apprenticeship, work in a specialist field, or simply want to offer advice to your younger self, we’d love to hear from you.

Contact Roxanne Darkin, Head of Careers at rdarkin@chigwell-school.org

LEAVE A LEGACY

Legacies are vital to the lives of our young people and the generations to come. As Chigwell School approaches its quadricentennial in 2029, please consider leaving the school a gift in your Will.

Legacy bequests are free from inheritance tax, and gifts of shares and property are exempt from capital gains tax. Making a Will is an important step and it is recommended that you seek independent professional legacy advice. In order that we can recognise the kindness of those who have remembered Chigwell School in their Will we have created the 1629 Society, marking the year our School was founded.

Everybody who has made us aware of their intention to include the school in their Will automatically becomes a member. For further information please contact Scott Franssen on 020 8501 5769 or email sfranssen@chigwell-school.org

SUPPORT BURSARIES

Chigwell School’s mission to support those children who possess talent, ability and dedication, but who lack the financial means to benefit from the educational experience that we offer, remains as true today as it did for Samuel Harsnett nearly 400 years ago.

Our Bursary Fund campaign offers life-changing opportunities for young people whose parents would not otherwise be able to afford our fees.

To find out more about it and how you can help to support such an important cause please contact the Department of Philanthropy on 020 8501 5748, philanthropy@chigwell-school.org or visit connect.chigwell-school.org/ pages/bursary-fund

OC Reflections

“

Having attended Chigwell from ages 7 to 18, I’m incredibly grateful for the wide range of curricular and extracurricular opportunities it offered. More than anything, Chigwell was a strong, supportive community that taught me initiative and fostered lifelong friendships.

Though my time as a student has ended, the network continues; with retired staff, former Deputy Headmaster, David Gower, and Geography teacher and Housemaster, Jerry Morris, still meeting Old Chigwellians at universities across the UK to check in and offer advice. We’re all deeply thankful for their continued support. ”

CLASS OF 2023

“

My journey through school has been a highly memorable and enjoyable experience. Beyond my academic pursuits, I discovered a deep passion for music and sports, which equipped me with invaluable skills and insights that I continue to apply daily. Reflecting on this journey, I am grateful for every moment and lesson that has brought me to where I am today. ”

CLASS OF 2023

“

I couldn’t be happier with the memories I have made and the friends I have made for life at Chigwell School. ”

CLASS OF 2025

“

My subject teachers have been amazing at helping me in any situation. ”

CLASS OF 2025

BY RAYN ISMAIL-AHLUWALIA (OC 2012-2023)

With great desire to show Frank Griffith (Chigwell School’s Head of Cricket) that we ‘still had it’, it was quickly realised that either: we definitely did not ‘still have it’, or the current first team have got a lot more talent on show than we have had in the last three years!

It was a pleasure to lead the team of Old Chigwellians out to play what we thought was going to be a tight contest between bat and ball - against, for some of us, our former teammates. But, as eluded to prior, it was most definitely not a close game of cricket, whatsoever. The Old Chigs turned out with a total of two players who still played regular cricket, one being the 2022 school captain, Haaris Usman (OC 2011-2022) who has also been the Essex League Premier Division’s highest run scorer this season. Haaris started by making things look tremendously effortless - smashing 26 runs off of not many. But, with the potentially misplaced trust in the remainder of the old Chigs batting lineup, he thought he may as well go big or go home and, as a result, smashed it to the cover boundary - only to be caught by Sahib in LVI. Whilst Haaris saw this as an opportunity for others to have a bat and kick on, the rest of the team very much knew what was to come; bowled out for 90 odd runs.

The Old Chigs still had the hope (in hindsight delusion) that we could win this contest. The thought process our team shared was that, if we could get a couple of early wickets then we might be able to start a ‘classic Chigwell collapse’.

However, with 50s from pupils George and Owen, we realised that this ‘Chigwell Collapse’ wasn’t supposed to be normalised during our 1st Team cricketing seasons. With the runs being chased in less than 8 overs, we at least had some more time to catch up in the pub after.

Whilst the cricket on display was rusty, to say the least, it was a great afternoon to kick off Chigwell’s cricket week and a day that we hope to do annually. We are all so thankful to Frank Griffith for his continued passion and enthusiasm as Head of Cricket and for teaching all of us more than cricket - whilst the cricketing skills may not have been retained, it’s great to see that all our former peers are doing well and a huge part of this is all because of Frank.

Also thank you to the match officials, scorers - Terry & Lawrence, catering staff and grounds staff who are the reason why we were able to take part in such a great afternoon. Our wicketkeeper, Jude Bristow (OC 2016-2023), would like me to finish by pointing out that it must’ve been Mr Griffith’s tactics to treat the Old Chigs with a great spread before the game but something makes me think that the spread was only partly to blame!

BY MATTHEW RUTHERFORD (OC 2008-2015)

1st XI Football

The 2023/24 season had ended in disappointment with both Old Chigwellian sides suffering relegation, and it was clear that rebuilding was required. Over the summer, the captains met to set out a plan: for the 1st XI, the target was simple – secure promotion back to the Premier Division, ideally with a strong cup run along the way. For the 2nd XI, the focus was on strengthening the squad and building a team spirit that would carry them forward.

The campaign began in dramatic fashion with a 6–5 defeat away to Rugbeians, a match that saw us surrender a commanding lead despite some excellent early play. Injuries quickly became a theme of the season. I rolled my ankle in September and was sidelined until January, while key performers such as Dan Whitehead, Jamie Parman, and goalkeeper Will Sibley all faced lengthy absences. The most significant blow came with Jack Nolan’s second serious ACL injury in three years, cutting short what had been an excellent start to his season. The list of setbacks was long, and availability throughout the year remained one of our greatest challenges.

Cup competitions offered little respite. A disappointing 1–0 defeat to Aldenham in the first round of the Dunn Cup was compounded by Forest going on to lift the trophy. Our OBC campaign ended in the second round, and with inconsistency in the league, progress was hard-earned. However, a bright spot emerged in the contributions of the 2nd XI, whose players regularly

stepped up to strengthen the 1st team when needed. The partnership of Joe Ahern and Nikhil Deol in central defence was particularly impressive, providing stability in a season otherwise disrupted by absences. The efforts of many others from across the club helped ensure that the 1st XI remained competitive throughout.

Despite the difficulties, the team rallied and found itself in contention for promotion heading into the final game of the season. We needed three points to secure a return to the Premier Division, and in a tense match against the league leaders, the squad produced when it mattered most. After conceding early, we fought back to level the score before a decisive late header secured a 2–1 victory and, with it, promotion. It was a fitting reward for the hard work, perseverance, and commitment shown by the group over the course of a testing year.

Looking ahead, we know the Premier Division will present new challenges and a higher standard of opposition. However, there is a real sense of belief that, with a strong squad and the depth we have begun to build, Old Chigwellians 1st XI can compete at this level. On behalf of the captains, I want to thank everyone who contributed this season, whether on the pitch or in support of the teams. The promotion is a collective achievement, and we look forward to representing the club at the highest level again next year.

Back Row (L-R): Joe Klein, Joffe Bradley, Samraj Gill, Rory Taylor, Joseph Ahern, Akash Sinha, Ben Alexander Front Row (L-R): Max Salador, Matt Kozcan, Josh Hart, Jack Nolan, Jordan Erratt

BY TOM STANDEN (OC 2013-2020)

2nd XI Football

Going into my third season as captain of the Old Chigs 2s, and following a tough previous year, we set three clear goals for 2024/2025: improve weekly availability, perform well in both league and cup competitions, and restore the feel-good factor that made the team so enjoyable when I first joined in 2020. Looking back now, I can confidently say this was our best season yet. We hit all our targets and had a blast doing it. Huge credit to all the lads involved.

As pre-season wrapped up and our first league fixture approached, I had a great feeling. With solid core players from last year, a few more committing to the cause, and some exciting new faces, we looked ready for a something season. Fit (sort of), sharp, and raring to go, we kicked off away to Old Alleynians. A tough opponent and a long drive to Twickenham saw us start slowly, trailing 1-0 at half-time, but this wasn’t the same old Chigs. Two second-half goals turned it around, and we brought home all 3 points.

Riding high on that win and maybe getting a bit ahead of ourselves with shouts of “Invincibles” and “best in the world”, we hit a rough patch, going four games without a win. We lost three and threw away a two-goal lead against Haberdashers, who snatched a draw at the death. But we got our revenge in style, smashing them 7-1 away, with five goals in the first half. That result reignited the squad and reminded us what we were capable of.

From there, our league campaign picked up. We finished with 11 wins, 1 draw, and 7 losses, securing 5th place and, for the first time in ages, a positive goal difference of +6!

An incredible turnaround from last year’s -49.

Though the real magic happened in the cup competitions. We entered both the JLC and OBC Cups, and it’s fair to say the runs we went on were phenomenal. The OBC was new territory for us, and we weren’t sure what to expect. We started strong with a 4-1 win away, followed by a 3-0 victory that took us to the semi-finals. Belief was building. In a tense semi, Arwin stepped up with a 25-yard screamer and a goal directly from a corner to send us to the final. The final itself was a fierce battle, ending 2-2 after extra time. Sadly, we fell short in the shootout. It was a brutal way to lose, but the pride and confidence we took from that performance were immense.

Determined to bounce back, we turned our focus to the JLC. A 2-1 win at home kicked things off, followed by a 2-0 victory that sent us to the quarter-finals. With league standings mostly settled, we threw everything into the cup. A dramatic 3-2 win booked our semi-final spot. In another tight game, we led 1-0 with five minutes to go. Where to look at a moment of crisis? No further than the legend that is Nad Kala, a thunderous strike from the edge of the box booked our place in our second final. This time, we faced the champions of the division above. Despite a valiant effort, we finished runners-up again.

Yes, the cup final defeats stung, and we could’ve finished higher in the league, but compared to last season, the progress was huge. The atmosphere around the team was electric, and I couldn’t be prouder heading into the new season.

A special shoutout to our player of the season and top goal scorer Arwin, cult-hero Jack Kelly who has moved to Australia after being an integral part of the squad for many years now, and new-boy Louis King, who was so impressive both on and off the pitch in his debut season, that he has taken on the co-vice-captain role, along with Ben Chillingworth, who will continue to help me this year.

We now look toward another strong year, a push for promotion back to Division 2, and hopefully the chance to break the curse and bring silverware back to the Old Chigwellians.

U.T.C

Back Row (L-R): Louis King, Amo Pawar, Akash Sinha, Tom Standen, Thomas Johnson, Chris Kay, Jack Kelly, George Stroud Front Row (L-R): Scott Davidson, Josh Hart, Tom Parsons, Joseph Ahern, Joe Williams, Arwin Rhys-Zamoum

BY MILES TAYLOR (OC 1971-1978)

Golf

This year has seemed another quiet year for the OCGS. But rather successful again in the big scratch competitions, one in particular.

The other schools in the Essex Public School Golf Society (Bancrofts, Brentwood, Felsted, Forest & Chigwell) have again struggled to get teams out for our regular inter-school old boys (and girls) fixtures and so not all have been played. Of the two played with reduced pairings, we had a win and a loss.

The 101st Halford Hewitt Competition was held at Royal St Georges and Royal Cinque Ports in April. Our team, again organised and captained by James Houghton (OC 1996-2002), narrowly lost in the first round at Royal Cinque Ports GC against Berkhamsted who went on to reach the semi-finals. We were lucky to have Charlie Croker join the team this year, having just left school.

The Grafton Morrish Cup team again qualified brilliantly at the west area qualifying day at Denham GC for the finals in Hunstanton in early October at Hunstanton GC.

Our star team of the year again has been the Over 50s Cyril Gray team, playing at Worplesdon GC, captained by Mark Flack (OC 1980-1989). They had a great run and got to the final again, narrowly losing 2-1 to Glenalmond. They only lost the deciding match on the 18th hole.

The Team was:

Mark Flack (OC 1980-1989)

Nick Taylor (OC 1984-1991)

Dan Goddard (OC 1984-1991)

Alan Carpenter (OC 1972-1979)

Mike Partridge (OC 1970-1977)

Sean Carter (OC 1978-1985)

Our annual Past Captains and Spring Meetings were again combined this year and held at Royal Worlington and Newmarket GC (the home of Cambridge University golf) organised by Simon Hutchin (OC 1976-1981) and a good day was enjoyed by all.

We have also enjoyed our fantastic Autumn Weekend meeting at Deal, Kent. It was superbly run by John Conolly (OC 1968-1976) for the first time this year, as Antony Robson (OC 1958-1968) took a year off due to his very busy commitments as this year’s Master of the Fanmakers Livery Company. John had big shoes to fill and did so admirably.

Our Grafton Morrish team then played the Committee Bowl at Brancaster (Royal West Norfolk GC), winning in biblical conditions, beating Malvern in the morning and then Christ’s Hospital in the final in the afternoon. We think it’s the first time we have won anything in Public School Scratch Competitions since 1967.

We are now looking forward to our Yuletide Meeting at Chigwell GC on Sunday 30th Nov at Chigwell GC.

We really would love to have some new members, male, female, young or old, join the Society. The Yuletide Meeting on 30th Nov at Chigwell GC is a great day to join us and see what great fun and camaraderie can be had playing with the Society. Get a couple of OC friends from your same year at school to join you. ALL standards are welcome. If you just like to be added to the Society’s email list so you get the year’s info, golf days and fixtures just email me at milestaylor@btinternet.com and there will be no pressure to join but you will know what’s available if you so wish.

Cyril Gray team with their runners up tankards. L-R: Mike Partridge, Sean Carter, Daniel Goddard, Mark Flack, Alan Carpenter and Nick Taylor

Grafton Morrish team with the winners’ cup. L-R Nick Taylor, James Houghton, Mike Partridge, Sean Carter, Mark Flack & Richard Gull

BY HELEN CHAPMAN (HEAD OF GIRLS HOCKEY)

On the first weekend of the school term in September the 1st XI hockey team had a friendly fixture against the Old Chigwellians. It was lovely to see so many recent 1st team players coming back to create a competitive game for the current Chigwell pupils. We didn’t have any sibling rivalry this year, just old teammates from the previous year.

The game was very end-to-end with both teams entering each other’s Ds and having shots on goal that were saved well by both keepers. Chigwell were successful in a short corner in the circle which resulted in the first goal. Going into half time the score was 1-0 to the current 1st XI team.

The OCs came back fighting in the second half and after a great first few saves from our goalkeeper, they unfortunately outnumbered her and were able to score an equaliser. The game continued to be competitive throughout and both teams thoroughly enjoyed themselves, with the game ending in a 1-1 draw.

BY VANESSA JAMES NÉE BARNES (OC 1989-1991 AND TEACHER)

Hockey Netball

In January 2025 we were due to have a netball match with the OCs playing against the Chigwell pupils, but the weather had other plans. With freezing temperatures, making it unsafe to play, the match was cancelled. We will be hosting a match for Old Chigwellians on Saturday 10th January 2026 and if you are interested in joining us, please contact me on vjames@chigwell-school.org.

BY HOWARD BERNDES (OC 1967-1974)

Tennis

After the winter break we started the season with a strong win over Buckhurst Hill at Roding Lane, the home of Essex tennis, in our pursuit of promotion from the South West Essex Men’s Doubles League Division 3. This comprised of only 7 teams after Woodford Wells sadly pulled out after the season had started.

This followed with a win over Friary with only two pairs as the other pairing were off to watch Leyton Orient play instead! However, we then lost to our rivals Connaught in a close-fought match that included two level 3 coaches in their team.

As the season developed it became apparent that there were three teams fighting for promotion: us, Walthamstow and Connaught. We headed to our last game against promotion contenders Walthamstow, knowing that a win would secure our promotion. However, even with the incentive of a summer game in La Manga, if we won, courtesy of the Taylor Family, despite some close fought games we lost 10.5 to 1.15. This proved decisive in a quest for promotion along with our defeat to Connaught, as a set won gains 2 points to the league table plus an additional two for the team that wins the overall match.

We were then told that Connaught had points deducted due to irregularities as they played players who were from their Second Team who are in the division above and we are now going to be promoted!

Thanks again to Ross Berndes, affectionately known as El Captain, who is now more of a non-playing captain for all his endeavour, organising the team and his match reports including the award of the match’s champagne moment.

As always, I cannot finish the report by not appealing to younger OCs to offer their services to play. Please contact Ross Berndes (Ross@rossmotors.co.uk), as it would be lovely to strengthen our squad particularly with some younger members and to get finally promoted next year to Division 2.

Thanks to all the endeavours of our existing squad including Richard Potter, Rory and Will Taylor, Abrie Botha, Felix Rosen, Neil Robbie, Ali Hai, Nathan Sugar, Conor Caplan, Mike Bond, James and Max Berndes and Shak Chaudhary.

L-R: Nathan Sugar, Ali Hai, Felix Rosen, Shak Chaudhary, Rory Taylor, Abrie Botha

OC Cricket Club - Rayn Ismail-Ahluwalia (OC 2012-2023) philanthropy@chigwell-school.org

OC Football Club - Paul Garfield (OC 1983-1990) p.garfield@elsevier.com

OC Golf Club - Miles Taylor (OC 1971-1978) milestaylor@btinternet.com

OC Hockey Club – Lisa Mina (Staff) philanthropy@chigwell-school.org

OC Netball Club – Vanessa James (OC 1989-1991) vjames@chigwell-school.org

OC Tennis Club – Ross Berndes (OC 1967-1974) ross@rossmotors.co.uk

Are you interested in joining other like-minded OCs? Then come and join our OC sports clubs. Membership is available to all Old Chigwellians at any skill level. It would be fantastic to see you come and play in some of our fixtures this year. We also encourage you to bring along your OC friends to the sports clubs. We look forward to welcoming lots of new members.

connect.chigwell-school.org/clubs

BY VERONICA BAYNE (WIFE)

Alan John Bayne (OC 1952-1959)

Alan passed away in Puglia, Italy, on April 30th this year.

Born in Ilford, but by school age living in Hornchurch, he became a boarder at Chigwell School. Like the rest of them, he became known by his surname, saw his family only on selected Sunday afternoons, and survived the meals then on offer – famously on one occasion precipitating a visit to the school kitchens by his father, when Alan refused to eat a meal masquerading as kedgeree. His father suggested that the school found his son something palatable instead of repeatedly serving what he couldn’t eat. The fact that his father paid the fees settled the matter. Like all of them, Alan survived because of his trusty tuck-box – something still in his possession in Italy in his eighties and a source of wonder to his granddaughter and her Italian friends who thought it must have been full of sweets rather than containing essentials like tins of soup and baked beans.

Alan enjoyed Chigwell, benefitting from Charlie Lister’s instructions, helping backstage with drama and going on to a very successful career. He was part of Claude Salmon’s Summer Term Cycling Club for those not gifted at or especially interested in cricket, which led to a lifetime’s love of old buildings.

He left Chigwell in 1959, thinking of a career in the Navy, but on advice instead became a chartered surveyor, taking a post as a junior surveyor with Peters & Barham in Romford. Later, he joined a similar company in Harlow, and while he was working for them he met Veronica Tingey. They married out in the countryside, at Leaden Roding, in 1966 and lived in that village at the idyllic Porter’s Cottage (now a Grade II listed building) before buying their first house in Felsted. Alan went freelance, becoming a Project Manager for various companies, including Debenhams, Whitbread and Delta Airlines, helping friends start up businesses, alongside working for himself with wood and furniture. He designed and built a timber-framed barn in East Sussex, which was interesting enough to feature in Build magazine.

In 2009, Alan and Veronica responded to a suggestion from their son Graham to live in Italy where he was living. Two left-hand drive cars purchased, and daughter, cat, and rabbit loaded, they drove there and renovated an old property. Italy more than suited them all – the people, the sunshine, the mountains, wild flowers, beaches, and delightful old towns. Riding his 600cc Suzuki along the Adriatic coast, the easy access to the Imola and Misano Circuits was a bonus for Alan, and he and Graham also made an annual trip to nearby Le Mans.

The possessor of a fascinating archive of black and white Chigwellian photos, some of which clearly show smoking and drinking going on at after-production cast parties(!), the ever-practical Alan organised the Puglia property’s heating system and renovated vintage bikes. He was busy renovating a wooden sailing boat when he passed away – a project which his younger brother Gordon, who lives in the USA, promises to finish. Husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and a true friend –unsurprisingly, the celebration of Alan’s life at Martina Franca in May was very well attended. We handed out packets of wild-flower seeds to those who were there with the request to plant them in Alan’s memory. Alan was much loved and will be greatly missed.

BY BRIAN CRAIG (FRIEND)

Stephen Fenwick (OC 1954-1961)

Steve, born Stephen Charles Fenwick to Charles and Gladys Fenwick, later changed his name to Steven Tracey. Known affectionately as “Count Dracula” due to his nocturnal habits, Steve’s life was a vibrant blend of music, travel, science, and friendship.

His musical journey began while working at Barclays Bank by day and performing with Monk & Co. by night. In 1965, he moved to Zambia for a banking role but soon left to join The Crescendos, Zambia’s top Beat Band. As a rhythm guitarist, vocalist, and composer, Steve gained fame, even recording an album in South Africa. He later joined ‘Page 55’ playing organ, piano and harmonica as well as supporting vocals.

Steve’s passion for collecting shells began in youth and flourished during his time in Africa. He amassed a vast collection of land, freshwater, and marine shells, often traveling to remote areas in search of rare species. Back in the UK, he collaborated with Tony Radcliff, writing songs for artists like Dana, The Tremeloes, and The Yardbirds. He mingled with music legends, including Paul Simon and The Beatles, and once offered Simon a quiet retreat in Essex to write music.

In 1978, Steve sought new adventures in Hong Kong and the Philippines, continuing his shell collecting. On returning to the UK, he shifted focus to fossil shells and began selling jewellery along the South Coast, timing visits with tidal exposures. In Swanage, he met Jenny, his lifelong partner, and they married in 2008 after nearly 30 years together.

Then in 1991 I met Steve for the first time on a shell dredging trip off Weymouth. Despite his seasickness, we bonded over our shared interest in South African shells. Our families became close, enjoying weekly meals and competitive quiz nights, where Steve’s strategic use of crib sheets often secured us bottles of wine.

We travelled together to Gambia, Kenya, and Florida, each trip filled with laughter and mishaps—from customs inspections of smelly shells to beach encounters with

unexpected characters. Steve’s sense of humour and curiosity made every moment memorable.

Steve earned a geology degree from Greenwich University and was working on his PhD when he joined me at a solicitors firm in 2001. Initially handling archiving, he quickly rose to manage support staff, impressing solicitors with his uncanny ability to locate lost files—often within 15 feet of their left elbow, as he famously quipped.

Later, Steve became Secretary and Assistant Editor at the ICZN at the Natural History Museum, a role he loved. Sadly, during this time, Jenny fell ill and passed away in 2009. Our bond with Steve deepened, and he became part of our daily lives, joining us on family holidays to New Caledonia, Sumatra, and the Philippines. In New Caledonia, we were tasked with collecting beetles and cockroaches for the museum—an unexpected adventure that saw us crawling around in pursuit of insects we’d previously avoided.

Steve remained active in geology, joining the Geologists Association and serving the Tertiary Research Group for nearly 40 years in various roles. His research on Eocene Mollusca evolved into a focus on French fossils and I joined him on fossil trips to France. Even as his health declined, Steve’s mind stayed sharp, and he relished debates on taxonomy, often playing devil’s advocate.

After leaving the ICZN, Steve became an Associate at the museum, cherishing conversations with colleagues in the common room and canteen.

Christmas 2024 marked the first in 16 years without Steve. His humour and love of games made every gathering memorable—especially the time we tricked him during Charades with a risqué movie title. Despite the prank, he laughed heartily once he caught on. He remained serious about music, often correcting my karaoke pitch.

Steve was more than a friend—he was family. To my children, he was “Uncle Steve”, and to my wife and me, an irreplaceable companion. He was also cherished by Jenny’s family and his own, including his brother Jon and Debbie in South Africa.

Steve lived an extraordinary life, full of creativity, curiosity, and kindness. He touched many lives profoundly and left us all wishing for more—just like the best performers do.

BY ALICE ROGERS (WIFE)

Chris Rogers (OC 1941-1947)

Chris was born in Ilford in August 1930 and attended Cranbrook College before starting at Chigwell in 1941. He thoroughly enjoyed his years at the school, particularly cricket and football. So much so that he and his wife, Alice, fulfilled a strong desire to send both of their sons, Michael (OC 1972-1977) and David (OC 1974-1983) to Chigwell School.

After leaving school, Chris completed his National Service with the 7th Queens Own Hussars, being stationed first in Durham then in Luneberg, Germany.

Chris was employed by Reed International for over 40 years, working in advertising for a prestige boating magazine ‘Motor Boat and Yachting’. This afforded him the opportunity to travel frequently - to Europe, the US and Asia.

Chris met Alice by chance, whilst he was on holiday in Switzerland with Colin Tait (OC 1939-1946). They then married in 1960. Switzerland and the mountains always remained special to him.

In retirement Chris kept active through pursuing new interests such as golf, the National Trust and the West Essex Ramblers. He also regularly attended the OC Lunch Club which he thoroughly enjoyed.

Chris died peacefully on 18th January aged 94 and is survived by his wife, two sons and three grandchildren.

Established in 1629, Chigwell is a top co-educational day and boarding school for 4-18 year olds situated on an extensive 100-acre campus, close to London. For more information about our lovely school go to chigwell-school.org or contact us at admissions@chigwell-school.org

Job Opportunities

WORK AT CHIGWELL SCHOOL

Our staff are crucial in supporting pupils to fulfil their full potential. We have a diverse range of teaching staff and support staff, including some Old Chigwellians, which creates a strong sense of community.

BENEFITS

Some benefits of working with us include:

• Competitive salaries and pension scheme membership

• A supportive community of highly motivated pupils and staff

• Commitment to professional development

• Free lunch and refreshments during term time

• Use of our Medical Centre, Sport & Wellness Centre and Library

• Employee Assistance Support Programme

• Free parking, cycle racks and good public transport links

CONTACT US

For more information, or to discuss available roles, please visit our website or contact us using the details below or scan the QR code.

Website: chigwell-school.org/vacancies

Email: hr@chigwell-school.org

Phone: 0208 501 5700

Weddings at Chigwell School

When not in use during term-time, the School is proud to share its excellent facilities and private rooms with Old Chigwellians and the community.

Set in the heart of Chigwell Village, only seven miles from central London and close to Epping and Hainault forests, the School enjoys its own beautiful grounds of 100 acres and offers a private, unique and historical venue, which can be tailored to specific individual requirements for celebrating important events.

DINING HALL

The Dining Hall can cater for sit-down luncheons for up to 150 guests. The School in-house caterers offer bespoke menus and our highly experienced staff will discuss your requirements and advise on options for your special day. The Chapel Quad provides an attractive setting for a drinks reception and a beautiful backdrop for photographs.

The Swallow Room is also available for hire.

NEW HALL

A stunning wood panelled hall with a stage area for your band or DJ, again with a stunning vista over the School playing fields.

THE OLD CHIGWELLIANS’ CLUB

The Old Chigwellians’ Club boasts magnificent private grounds and a fully licenced bar which is ideal for a variety of events and available for hire.

For further details and booking information, please contact us on Phone: 020 8501 5700

Email: reception@chigwell-school.org

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