FOCuS Edition 9: 2010

FOCuS

75 Years in the Park

For former pupils, friends and staff

Commemorative Edition 9: 2010

Culford Celebrates 75 Years in the Park

Class of 2000

The past and present came together to celebrate a milestone in Culford School’s history on 17 September 2010 – 75 years since the East Anglian School for Boys moved from Bury St Edmunds in 1935 to its present site in Culford Park.

Former Headmasters John Richardson (1992-2004) and Derek Robson (19711992) joined guests, pupils and staff on the South Front where a re-enactment of the original opening ceremony from October 1935 was led by Headmaster, Julian Johnson-Munday. After the service a mulberry tree was planted on the South Front lawns to mark the occasion.

Attending the event were five former pupils who were at the school in 1935: Dr Jack Bungard (1935-1939); Peter Steel (19301936); Revd Henry Butler (1935-1942); Derrick Fenning (1935-1939); George Burt (1935-1939); together with Mary Willis, one of the daughters of the then Headmaster, Dr John Skinner (1924-1951).

Mr Johnson-Munday said: “It was a true delight and privilege to be able to welcome back so many of the original members of Culford, who moved with the school to this site in 1935.

FOCuS - Foundation Office Culford School

“The day was a reflection of not only our heritage but our continuing passion to educate children for life and to equip them with sound moral principles in an everchanging world.”

Culford was joined by its sister school, the East Anglian School for Girls, in 1972.

Prior to becoming a school, Culford was the home of the Cadogan, Cornwallis and Bacon families; the School was delighted to welcome a representative from the Cornwallis family at the event. The Cadogan family maintains links with the school; Viscount Chelsea is a Governor and Earl Cadogan recently opened the refurbished Music School.

The Hall, estate and parkland were put up for sale by the Cadogan family in 1934 and the Methodist Board of Education bought the site to establish a school for boys which was originally founded in Bury in 1881.

Culford today has more than 650 boys and girls aged 3 to 18 with some 200 boarders at the Senior School.

For more photographs of this event, please go to page 23. Further events are planned as part of this Jubilee year; please see the events page for more information (page 24).

Culford School Bury St Edmunds Suffolk IP28 6TX Tel: 01284 385310 Email: foundation@culford.co.uk

There was a rallying call from Paul Jolly and Amber McConville to attend a reunion at Culford of those former pupils who started the new millennium by leaving school. See page 20 for more reunion news.

Paul Jolly (1989–2000)

Workman Glory To coincide with the 75 Years in the Park Celebrations, it is planned to restore the Workman Library and return it to its former glory. The Beech Room and The Billiard Room are indications of how sensitive restorations in the Hall can give new dimensions.

The Billiard Room is now used for musical recitals, debates and presentations, whilst The Beech Room provides modern conference facilities within a splendid setting. To discover how you can be part of this latest development at the School, please contact the Foundation Office.

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News

From the Editor My wife and I first came across Culford Park on Thursday 28 December 1967.

It was a chance encounter because our host realised that it was early closing day in Bury St Edmunds and he needed to take us somewhere!

Standing on the North Front I instantly realised that, despite the prevailing bleak conditions, this was a special place. Nine weeks to the day, Thursday 29 February 1968, found me posting my application for the position of Second English Master.

Appointments as Head of English, Housemaster of Cornwallis, Registrar and Editor of FOCuS have followed; residing as well as working in the Park has been a privilege as 42 years have passed.

A New Generation of Governors There have been several changes to the Board of Governors, many of whom have had previous connections with the School.

Recent appointments have included: Jo Broadbridge (1981-1988), a former Culford Head Girl, was until recently the Senior Legal Officer of the Methodist Church Trustees with responsibilities for over 6,000 churches, manses, colleges and day schools.

Jo Broadbridge

Tony Crane (1969-1978), a former Head Boy, was with Nokia until setting up his own telecommunications company. He is married to Louise (née Partridge), also a former pupil, and they continue the Culford tradition with two daughters now at the Senior School.

So my connections with the School have been for 56% of its existence. I first served on the staff with colleagues who had moved here on that first day of the Autumn Term 1935. The most comforting aspect is that I don’t, in any way, feel that old; perhaps connections with a landscape such as this can actually keep us young!

John Humphries OC Liaison Officer john.humphries@culford.co.uk

Message from the OCA Chairman

Arthur Diaper & Simon Kiddy

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Tony & Louise Crane

The Old Culfordians’ Association goes back to 1936 when the first group of boys completed their education at Culford. It has evolved to meet different demands, become co-educational and now is about to reach the end of its existence. For some time the twelve members of the Council have been aware that the work of the Foundation Office covers virtually all of the OCA’s activities and they voted unanimously for the organisation to be wound up at the end of 2010.

I would like to express my appreciation to those who for over ten generations have guided and encouraged people to maintain memories of and keep links with their place

Other former pupils on the Governing body are Susanne Kohl (EASG 19491957) and Martin Freeman (1969-1979).

Steven Abbott, an RAF Air Commodore, became a Governor in 2009 and has a son and a daughter who are both recent former pupils. Sally Anne Blackmore, a barrister, joined later that year. They have recently been joined by Tim Matthews, an authority on building conservation, and Kevin Willimott, who has run his own business in the electronics/telecoms sector.

Clare Whight also becomes a Governor and runs her own Human Resources business; her daughter, Victoria (20072009), is an OC. In 2009, former pupils, Robert Black (1941-1951), Colin Hilder (1952-1962) and former parent Stephen Taylor, stepped down as Governors, while Rosy Black (EASG 1953-1964) did so in 2010.

Rowland Beaney (1964-1973) has relinquished office as a Governor and Chairman of the Foundation Board but remains a member. He is succeeded by the Revd Canon Graham Thompson, Rowland & Rosy Chair of the East Anglia District of the Methodist Church – a role that includes oversight for Methodism in Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire and, in particular, care for the ministers.

of education and their former colleagues.

Their work has given pleasure and laid foundations while their advice and expertise will continue to be used and valued.

It is intended to create a position of Honorary President. The holder of this office will be entitled to wear the badge designed and created by Asprey, currently held by OCA President Arthur Diaper (1962-1970).

We hope the role will evolve to be one that supports the work of the Foundation in maintaining links with alumni and supporting the School in moving forward with distinction.

Simon Kiddy (1974–1978) OCA Chairman

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Six of the Best There have been six Headmasters at Culford during 75 Years in the Park, all making their individual mark on the School and its Estate.

They have used their experience and guile to guide the School through a global depression and a World War, austerity and prosperity, advances in technology unimagined in 1935, as well as significant social changes.

Derek Robson (1971-1992) followed in his predecessor’s footsteps in being born and bred a Methodist, for his father was a minister. During the Robson era, there were profound social changes nationally.

Culford became co-educational and saw significantly improved standards for residence, teaching, sport, drama and activities. He sometimes spoke about his admiration for ‘Renaissance Man’ and Culford reflected that new creativity.

John Richardson (1992-2004) saw Culford’s potential and wanted all aspects of it to excel. He also wanted to restore the estate to its previous glory.

Work on the lake and the iron bridge was symbolic of the desire to improve and promote what is in the Park.

John Richardson

Dr John Skinner

Dr John Skinner (1924-1951) was a man of enormous drive, keen for his school to flourish and for his pupils to respond. He took the East Anglian School for Boys from being a private school in a country market town to becoming a public school within the prestigious Headmasters’ Conference situated on a parkland estate.

Derek Robson

Monica Tuck (1949-1974), who had devotedly served the East Anglian School for Girls, became joint-head in 1972. She was not the first female to have a leading role at Culford for, during the war years,

The Skinner years saw a global depression and a World War have devastating effects. The post-war period was austere and building work was slow. His successor, Christopher Storey (19511971) had to wait eight years before the opening of the Skinner Building in 1958 and a further seven before the Hastings building was in use.

The restoration theme has been continued by the present Headmaster, Julian Johnson-Munday (2004present). He has overseen crucial changes and renovations to Culford Hall as well as the provision of new standards in residence and sport. New developments include the Studio Theatre, modernised teaching facilities for Music and Religious Studies, as well as extensive advancement in ICT and the opening of the Indoor Tennis Centre.

Culford has grown by 100 pupils in the last five years, and boarding has grown too. With its vision of providing an education that is ‘challenging, enriching and fun’, Culford seems set to flourish in the future.

Dr Storey was a quiet man with an unassuming manner but a steely resolve.

He was a man with a prodigious memory, who made few errors.

Monica Tuck

Dr Christopher Storey

Myra Johnson (1940-1949) had presided in a personable way over the evacuated East Anglian School for Girls based in the Junior School.

Julian Johnson-Munday

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Memories from the Park

Turning Point

Choice Confirmed

“Culford represented far more to me than a source of education,” says William Miller (1940-1946), who believes that winning a scholarship to the School was a significant turning point in his life. “The natural beauty and spacious dimensions of the Culford campus contributed greatly to the breadth of thinking encouraged by the School.”

The father of Sir Robert Crawford (1954-1963) selected Culford for his son, partly on the grounds that the 450 boys at the school had more than an acre each. His choice was inspired, for his son’s love of the countryside stems from school days. He still sees the Park as a fine setting for sport, particularly cricket and cross-country; an area for adventure, through the air-scouts; a place for privacy, such as the boundary close to the brick works; a playground for escapades, such as swimming in the water-tower or building a raft to reach the island in the lake, late at night; a site for the remarkable, such as thousands of rabbits that emerged in the early morning from the old quarry to the north of the Junior School’s playing-fields.

From Course to Charts

Bill Miller and Culford friends

Forces on Site The daughter of Dr John Skinner, Mary Willis, recalls part of the Park being requisitioned by the Army and the Air Observer Corps during World War Two. Troops in training were stationed on the land adjoining the Lake. Her father liaised with the officers and helped maintain a peaceful co-existence between the school and the military. His wife, Marjorie, was on one occasion infuriated by the behaviour of the family’s fox-terrier which appeared after a visit to the camp, bringing back a long string of sausages. She considered that war-time rationing for soldiers was bad enough, without their being deprived by a dog!

Mary Willis

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The young Robert Crawford was impressed by those pupils who could run the full cross-country course in foul weather, yet still finish looking spotlessly clean. Phil Thornalley (1968-1978) recalls not just finishing the course in the Junior School Cross Country Championship, but winning it in a close finish from Tim

McCormick (1971-1978). That competitive edge was aroused and remains with him. He is now a writer of songs and lyrics and has had, thanks to the performances of Pop Chart toppers such as Pixie Lott, a successful projection of his notes and words.

The New School on the Old Site Diana Veale née Sayce (EASG 1935-1938) recalls being a pioneer pupil at the Girls’ School under its new headmistress, Miss Kathleen Baron-Hay. The members of staff had just been appointed, the text books were new, there were places to explore and the atmosphere was a happy one. She lived almost next-door, at 17 Northgate Avenue, but there were occasions when she was known to be late! Her friends, Barbara and Wendy Skinner, were fellow–pupils and she was a frequent visitor to the Park to play and enjoy their company.

Explorations took place there - including visiting the so-called ‘Equatorial Forest’.

Diana Veale née Sayce

Memories from the Park

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A Grand Design – Water Tower makeover The Water Tower, beyond the North Woods, is in the process of being sold to a local builder who has been looking to buy a similar structure for the past 20 years.

The Tower was built in 1889 by Youngs of Pimlico and is above two bore holes, one of 87 feet and the other of 150 feet which were sunk in the 1880s. At one time it served the village as well as the Hall and Estate.

The purchaser will breathe new life into the Tower by converting it to residential use. The plan is to make it a unique home which will certainly boast some remarkable views.

The proceeds from the sale will more than cover the cost of installing a new pump house and water tank situated adjacent to the School, providing a more reliable water supply.

An iconic landmark in the Park, former pupil Alan Atkinson (1960-1970) recalls it being used as a garage, or more particularly as a hideaway for a car. Nocturnal adventures on the roads of Suffolk started here, beneath the robust red-brick pillars.

Maj. Gen. Christopher Last

Successful scoring

Twin Interests When Chris and Robin Hunter (19811986) first visited Culford they were, naturally, impressed. Chris recalls how their interests were on-going during and after school days. ‘When I studied at Sparsholt College, Hampshire, and particularly enjoyed the woodland management course, I knew what I wanted to do in life. After three years in

the Army, I left to train as a tree surgeon, worked for Urban Forestry in the UK and Sweden and set up my own company Chris Hunter Tree Services.’ Robin has undertaken a variety of work in gardening, landscaping, tree surgery and fence construction as well as in catering. ‘We consider that the Culford environment set us on specific career paths.’

The memories of Major-General Christopher Last (1945–1953) include: 'The keenness with which we auditioned for Tom Wigley or Wom Tigley as he was affectionately known. He had come up with the wonderful idea that we would combine with the EASG to perform Mendelssohn’s Elijah. The enthusiasm was boundless especially among the lawless Lower Sixth who sang their hearts out to gain a coveted place in the choir and thus legally mingle with the girls. I still have the score to hand today with my pencilled reminders. We were considered to be good enough and were recorded.'

Four Adventurers On occasions Ben Knighton (1966-1973) remembers joining John Ford (19661973), Rowland Beaney (1964-1973) and David Williams (1966-1973) for what was supposed to be a sunny week’s camping in the Lake District in 1971. They had had plenty of practice in the Culford camp-site in the North Woods, but of course it didn’t turn out that way in the North West of England: “Never did it seem so impossible to dry socks.”

Campsite woes for Culford friends

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Memories from the Park

Staff Influence

Open Air

Various experiences have been cited – including listening to Alan Stokes singing Frère Jacques unaccompanied; acknowledging Fred Watson who ‘taught me how to think’; and Ray Knight telling his A-set that “Up and down the country, boys and girls are praying for an easy exam paper. We are not! We are hoping for an absolute snorter – to sort out the sheep from the goats.”

The Sixth Dimension production of Shakespeare’s Henry IV Part 1 was the brainchild of its director, the late Colin White (1963-1970) who played the King, and of the producer, Colin Archer (1961 -1970) who supplied this information and was Prince Hal. The slender Adrian Minchin (1963-1970) was Falstaff, Andrew Norman (1965-1970) was

Hotspur and among the Earls were Andrew Roe (1961-1970), Gary Rynsard (1963-1970) and Michael Douglas (1966-1970) playing the Earl of … Douglas. A former EASG pupil recalls the event a little hazily, but the impact of many young men acting in tights on the South Front does stick in her mind.

Ray Knight

Discoveries The young Derek Reffell (19381942) was warned about a ‘dragon’ – the Matron, Miss Corbyn – by his older brother, Anthony (1936-1941).

Understandable fears proved unfounded when she calmed and comforted him during a bout of homesickness. His memories of school days are vivid – including being allowed to walk a designated Sunday route along paths in the company of girls from the EASG. A further introduction to future activities was seeing flickering television pictures transmitted from Alexandra Palace.

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Among the Culfordians attending the Memorial Service for Dr Colin White, the Director of the Royal Naval Museum, Portsmouth, were Adam Marshall, Sir Robert Crawford (former Director General of the Imperial War Museum), Gary Rynsard, Arthur Diaper, John Humphries, and Colin Archer (Secretary-General of the International Peace Bureau).

A Smashing Storm The recollections of Michael Taylor (1944-1950) include that of a freak hailstorm – with hailstones as big as golf balls. They smashed many panes of the then glass-roofed swimming pool and did similar damage to the dome situated over the Well, near the Headmaster’s Study.

“I suppose we boys thought it was an exciting event, but it was ages before the swimming pool was back in operation.”

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Girls in the Park

Myra Johnson

During the past 75 years, the East Anglian School for Girls has twice taken up residency in the Park – as evacuees during the Second World War and with the School’s permanent move in 1974.

The East Anglian School (EASG) was founded in 1935 on the site of the boys’ school in Northgate Avenue, Bury St Edmunds. Five years later, following night warnings of raids which resulted in the Anderson shelters being in constant use over long periods, the School Governors decided, in June 1940, on evacuation to Cadogan House. The girls stayed for the next five years.

The EASG School buildings were initially taken over by the Ministry of Health and later by the American Army which made it the headquarters of their ‘Radiolocation’.

The enforced move coincided with the appointment of a new Headmistress. Miss Myra Johnson joined in September 1940

and rose to the combined challenge of guiding the School through the war years and settling her charges into Culford. She became Principal of Southlands College, Wimbledon, in 1949. Miss Monica Tuck was then appointed and became one of the youngest head teachers in the country.

From 1972, Miss Tuck played a key role in the more significant development in the history of both Schools. Phased in over three years, the girls were bussed in daily from their EASG houses for lessons, before the final move in 1974 when the building of new boarding houses had been completed.

There is no doubt that pupils and staff from both organisations faced a steep learning curve and there had to be compromise on both sides to ensure that the, at the time ambitious, move to co-education for both Schools was smooth and successful. In fact, Culford was the first Direct Grant school in the country to become co-educational.

Anne Hutchinson

Anne Hutchinson (née Sewell) (19421954) was an EASG pupil and teacher.

She remembers well starting school as a Form 1 day girl at Cadogan House in 1945, working as a PE teacher in Northgate Avenue and the period of change which led to the permanent move to Culford.

“Personally, I was looking forward to working in the beautiful park as well as to being a colleague of Bill Murray, who was head of boys’ sport,” Anne said.

“I can honestly say that most of the teachers were looking forward to the move and believed that academically it was essential. However, we were all very keen that the girls should not lose their identity due to the move.”

Their concerns ensured that from 1974, the girls have played a significant role to ensure the progress and success of Culford School.

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Families Follow On: When Cecil Frederick Bennett came as a pupil at the East Anglian School for Boys, he really started something. Three generations later and his great-grandchildren are here. The then Headmaster, Samuel Leigh, appealed to parents with Methodist connections. Many, of course, came from an agricultural tradition.

The Bennetts were staunch Methodists who ran an agricultural engineering company in Downham Market. Cecil’s son, John (1936-1939), left Culford to train with Cornish & Lloyd in Bury St Edmunds and returned to work in the family business. He married Mary Newton (1942-1945) who had been at the EASG in Culford during the war years, and their children are Michael (1969-1976) and Jane (1971-1979).

Michael has maintained the family’s link with agriculture while Jane is a GP, with specialist interests at the Norfolk & Norwich Hospital. She married Ken Ewing, a local auctioneer, and their children, Katie and William, are Culfordians. In fact, Katie, who left this year, followed in her mother’s footsteps and was Head Girl.

Louise Partridge (1971-1979) followed her father, Ronald (1937-1945), to Culford, married Tony Crane (19691978) and their children, Kathryn and Alice, are current pupils. Her uncle, John Partridge (1937-1941) and aunt, Naomi, had seven children who – all bar one – were either at the EAS or Culford. Kati, the youngest, who was the exception, is now a frequent visitor to the School, as a member of the club based at the Tennis Centre.

The Partridges are families with long farming associations. Tom Black was also farming, at Bacton, and in the early 1940s was faced with the decision as to where his three sons should be educated. He probably spoke to Frank J Nunn, who then ran his agricultural engineering firm at Stowmarket, who was pleased how his son, Bill (19311937) had turned out at Culford. So the first of three generations of the Black family, David (1941-1949) Robert (19411951) and Thomas (1954-1964) came.

Sons and daughters of the three Black brothers have attended Culford and their life and times will be featured in the next issue, together with those of other

Back row left to right: Jane Ewing née Bennett, Katie Ewing and Ken Ewing Front row left to right: Heather Bennett (sister of John Bennett) , Ivan Sneezum (cousin of John Bennett) Mary Bennett and John Bennett (parents of Jane Ewing)

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members of the Bennett, Partridge, Nunn and long-connected families. There will be a focus on the changes to the School’s ethos – from the days of the all-male preserves and the lingering institutional regimes.

There was quite a change of style for parents visiting the Park in those early years. Apparently there was at first considerable interest about the model of car in which they appeared. The War changed that. Mary Bennett recalls her parents coming to see her on a one-day half-term holiday. They cycled to Downham Market, put their bikes on the train and then pedalled out to Culford from Bury St Edmunds. Robert Black recounts how his parents came via Elmswell by the same method, arriving for Sports Day with the required picnic!

One thing did not change – the perceptions of the Park. Whether from country or town, remote farm or city flat, those who saw the parkland surrounding the Hall were impressed. This was not only on the first occasion, but on subsequent visits. It’s a feature that still has a future … for successive generations.

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Four Crucial Years The East Anglian School for Boys started the Autumn Term of 1934 with record numbers, including 138 boarders. In fact, there were only two boarding places unfilled. However, the future was uncertain. Dr John Skinner had calculated that 300 pupils would be needed to make the place pay. That would involve an investment of around £10,000 for increased facilities and accommodation.

Earlier in the year John Skinner had joked with staff at the lunch table about moving to Culford Hall, then on the property market and able to provide that much needed space. The possibilities of this venture began to grow on him. However, the Revd Dr H B Workman, the Secretary to the Methodist Education Committee, was initially opposed, indicating that this was actually a sporting estate, “all pheasants and rabbits.”

When, however, he saw the estate for himself, he immediately recognised its potential. The Culford Estate had been sold, but without its Hall and adjacent grounds.

Things moved quickly and soon the Board of Management and Governors were telegraphed to meet within 48 hours. They did not oppose a move and subsequently, in February 1935, approved the purchase price of £21,500.

Completion of the purchase was one thing; creating a school and moving there within the next 20 weeks were demands of an altogether different dimension. The renowned energies of John Skinner and Steve Edwards planned the provision of dormitories, classrooms, laboratories, a kitchen and dining hall, together with attendant requirements of heating, water supplies and drainage.

Members of staff came back a week before the term started and assisted in what one senior colleague described as “cheerful chaos.” John Skinner had his priorities and insisted that “Everything swings on the dining hall.” New boys came on Wednesday 18 September, boarders the following day and day boys on the Friday.

For the first full day, fine weather was prayed for. It poured with rain.

Three years later, in 1938, John Skinner’s outstanding qualities as a leader were recognised when he was elected as a member of the prestigious Headmasters’ Conference. First he moved his school three miles from Bury St Edmunds; now he was seen to have taken Culford places.

The South Front

Fred Watson in his book, Culford School: The First Hundred Years imagines the responses of the boys who ‘undertook this great adventure in 1935.’ The impact of the buildings and their décor with the park and its vistas, together with the beauty and peace of the environment, created memories which lasted throughout their lives. This has been true of successive generations.

Revd Dr H B Workman

Guests and staff leave the Hall following the opening ceremony in 1935

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Hidden but not Forgotten Towards the end of the 19th Century when the Cadogan family purchased the Culford Estate, it extended to 11,500 acres. Its hub was the Hall surrounded by parklands, part of which had been designed by Humphry Repton and featured in one of his renowned Red Books.

In 1935 this 500-acre Park became one of the central aspects of Culford School and generations of pupils have been aware that it is special. Indeed, in 1975 Culford Park was declared an Area of Conservation by Suffolk County Council.

However, with the passage of time, many of its distinctive elements have become absorbed into the landscape.

When the Cadogan family rode out from their stables – now the classrooms in the Prep School Quadrangle – they could see and be seen from afar. The lower limbs of the trees were lopped to provide visibility and safety on the rides in the Park.

Unimpeded views were a requirement from the Hall and the gardens of the South Front incorporated a ha-ha. Here the outside is an obstacle for prospective livestock intruders, but invisible from within the formal gardens.

The ‘King of the Park’ remains as a legacy of very distant eras for this oak tree, planted by Sir Nicholas Bacon in 1591, has weathered the centuries. It took a hundred years to grow, 300 years to flourish and is, with the normal lifeexpectancy of this variety of tree, in the final hundred years of its life-span.

King of the Park

The Iron Bridge

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This oak will probably outlast the railings around it – for man-made objects can deteriorate quickly. The Icehouse, in the North Woods, was where winter supplies of ice from the Lake were stored. The Game Larder, appropriately off Butchers Lane, is another underground feature that is evident … just.

Above and Below: the restored cupola

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Moorings for boats were near the Main Drive and the remains of a boat-house can be seen by the Iron Bridge. This famous construction was the cause of some mirth when The Times claimed that the School had ‘mislaid a bridge’. Their reporter was confused by English Heritage mislaying its original plans.

A fine series of trees was protected in the Arboretum to the south-east of the Gardens; productive fruit trees and extensive greenhouses were discreetly arranged in the Walled Gardens; while the Piggeries were quite evidently situated near the first junction, on the right, on the road.

A member of the ground staff would purchase piglets in Bury Market on the first Wednesday of a term and these would be fattened by kitchen waste ready for selling by the last Wednesday. This ‘green approach’ would appeal to many today, but like many of the Park’s features belongs to a bygone era.

The Icehouse remains Statue of Hercules on the South Front

The Original Swimming Pool

The fish-pond adjacent to the Headmaster’s Lodge was originally the swimming pool for the school. Pupils occasionally used it before the construction of the Leigh Memorial Pool and Gym. The demolition of these buildings provided the rubble for the Sports Centre car-park.

The River Cul, a spur of the River Lark, runs through the Park to the Lake. It passes, on the south side, an area largely unvisited, that was known to some young, intrepid explorers as ‘Manhattan Island’. A real island, occasionally visited, is at the west end of the Lake.

This was the scene of a fine sight during the colder winters of the 1940s and beyond. The Headmaster would request the Head of Biology, Maurice ‘Buzzy’ Thompson, to test the ice as safe for skating. He did so by driving his large Wolseley car onto the surface. Neither human nor vehicle was ever lost!

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Culford and the Surrounding Parkland 1 This aerial view, taken in 2009, shows the latest developments and the main features in Culford Park.

1 Island in the Lake 2 Iron Bridge 3 Cricket Pavilion and Square (new electronic scoreboard 2007, crown re-thatched 2010) 4 Culford Hall • New Studio Theatre (2006) Restoration of the north-east wing (2008/09): Billiard Room, Beech Room, Music department and RS classrooms • Refurbishment of the glass dome cupola (2007/08) • Restoration of the balustrade and stonework on the North Front (2008 – ongoing) 5 Headmaster’s Lodge 6 St Mary’s Church 7 William Miller and Bristol Myers Science Building (2000) 8 Skinner Building (1958) 9 Hastings Building (1965) 10 Pringle Building (1984) 11 Sports Centre & 25m heated Swimming Pool (1991) 12 Championship-standard 4 court Indoor Tennis Centre (2009) 13 All Weather Astroturf Pitch (2001) 14 The Estate Yard (1911) 15 Culford Nursery (2008) (formerly the Sanatorium) 16 Pre-Prep School at Fieldgate House (1984) 17 Senior Boarding Houses (refurbished 2003 and ongoing) 18 Prep School & Jubilee Library (1995) 19 Cadogan House (1937) Prep boarding 20 Medical Centre (1984) 21 The ‘King of the Park’, this is the oldest tree in the Park and was planted in 1591.

22 Water Tower (1899)

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Gardens and Grounds A tradition of the great country estates was to employ and retain a large long-serving work-force.

There were fourteen gardeners and eight gamekeepers on the Cadogan Estate, for instance. However, the need for man power in the armed services during the Wars, the dynamic growth of industries and radical social changes meant an end to this way of life.

Spen Arbon, for example, was born on the Culford Estate in 1904 and came, as a 12-year-old, to work with his father on the South Front. He returned to work for the School in a variety of roles in 1939 and stayed until retirement 37 years later. The father of Gerald Wright, who eventually succeeded Ernie Bream as Head Groundsman, was also a gardener on the South Front.

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It was Peter Grieve, back in the time of the Benyon family’s ownership, who left his mark as Head Gardener by breeding zonal pelargoniums, of the geranium family, that still carry his name, those of his family and that of Culford. He is commemorated at Grieves End, the house built near the churchyard and first lived in

by David Anderson, the Senior Master and Deputy Head, and his family.

After David’s death in 1984 a landscaped walk was created in his memory by the then Head Gardener, Gordon Langley. It was Gordon’s job to prepare the gardens for the first Royal Visit, by the Duke of Gloucester in 1981, since King Edward VII’s stay at Culford Hall in 1904. At least there was plenty of machinery to assist.

When David Ward was appointed as Head Gardener in 1967 he counted just 20 pieces of machinery for use on the grounds. Fifteen years later this number

had tripled. It’s been the way forward as the work-force has declined, with now just five men looking after the 480 acres.

They have to combine experience with expertise in order to bring out the best in the Park.

Derek Hutchinson’s appointment as Head Groundsman in 1978 was a turning-point.

His background had been on the grounds and playing-fields of Trinity and Peterhouse Colleges, Cambridge, and then as a representative for Fisons. This involved consulting at such venues as Ascot, Epsom, Lord’s, Twickenham, Highbury and Eton. He worked wonders on the wickets and pitches at Culford.

His eventual successor, Tim Copping, arrived in 1982 and considered that “Derek was the best teacher here.”Tim is now in semi-retirement but continuing to look after cricket pitches with his characteristic enthusiasm and skill. He

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lives in the Head Groundsman’s house that is right at the heart of the recent sporting innovations at Culford – the Sports and Tennis Centres and the Allweather Pitch.

David Hayward, who joined 25 years ago, is now in charge of Gardens and Grounds. He lives within them and appreciates their historical and social contexts. He explained how a large estate was like a factory, created to serve, supply and satisfy the needs of a countryhouse, its masters and mistresses, staff and servants. Culford School has had, during the past 75 years, to accommodate some features of this heritage.

Ernie Bream – Head Groundsman

David Hayward – in charge of Gardens and Grounds

Tim Copping continues to look after the 1st X1 cricket pitch.

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The Importance of Team Work Schools have traditionally encouraged pupils to work as a team, whether it is on the sports fields, in a drama production, or as part of the orchestra and choir.

Early issues of The Culfordian were dedicated to sporting success while music and drama warranted only passing references. A quick glance through today’s school magazine shows how the success of drama and music grabs a deserved portion of the headlines.

School Choir

Hurdles

Rugby

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In 1948, a reviewer of the production of She Stoops to Conquer observed that the School’s annual productions went back to Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night in 1925 – a surprise to a lot of people at the time.

However, the joint producers, Felix White and Alan Stokes, were mentioned for the next 20 years with their productions in the gymnasium. Scenery for these was supplied by David Mathers’ Art Department.

Freddie Legg produced the Gilbert & Sullivan classic, The Mikado, with pupils from the then girls’ school at Hengrave Hall, before School productions moved to the Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds in 1968. During this period, the School was the first in the country to present the Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd-Webber musical, Joseph and his Technicolour Dreamcoat.

From 1981, the Centenary Hall provided a new facility with the production work of Geoff Harvey, Tony Fullwood, Gillian Grinham and John Byrne, alongside the musical direction of James Recknell, in demand.

The completion of the Studio Theatre in 2006 opened a new era with West End hits such as Les Misérables gaining the highest praise from packed houses.

In 1937, The Culfordian indicated that the 20-strong School Orchestra had not existed a year earlier. By December 1941, it accompanied the combined choirs of Culford and the EAS for a production of The Messiah. From then on, concerts and recitals steadily increased from being termly events to frequent dates in the School Calendar.

On the sport fields, a notable date was Saturday, 30 November 1935 when Culford 1st XV recorded their first win following a 9-5 victory against Ipswich Northgate. The Headmaster wrote, “Even the trees seemed to join in our jubilation.”

Soccer continued to be played in the Junior School, but the emphasis was on the rugby, hockey and cricket results and performances. Culford School’s rise to sporting excellence was led by the legendary Bill Murray, who coached generations of teams in the Park.

Andy Marsh continues the tradition of long-standing PE teachers as, after 22 years, he is in the position of seeing how the children of former pupils continue the tradition of taking part in team games at Culford.

Now, Culford pupils have a wide choice of sports to select from, including netball, golf, athletics, swimming or tennis with its superb indoor facilities.

Joseph and his Technicolour Dreamcoat (1994)

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A news round-up from OCs The work of Professor Harry Watson (1949-1959) in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Melbourne has focused on vital research into engine development and emissions. His development of power generation systems, alternative fuels and the building of hydrogen cars have won much acclaim including a medal presentation from FISITA, the International Federation of Automotive Engineering.

Professor Harry Watson (1949-1959)

Harry has participated in a range of educational initiatives; in introducing the world’s first Mechatronics Course for qualified engineers and computer scientists; promoting new medical and health science programmes at the university; involvement, as an Anglican, in weekly sessions for up to 250 young people at his local Uniting Church.

Ian Grenville Cross (1960-1969) has now completed 12 years as Director of Public Prosecutions in Hong Kong and later this year will be presented with the SBS (Silver Bauhina Star) at an investiture ceremony at Government House. In April he was appointed Adjunct Professor of Law at China University of Political Science and Law in Beijing.

In January this year, Robert Knight (1963-1971) was appointed Executive Director in the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union - thus confirming his family’s love for the game and the start of a new career. Following a 20-year career with Standard Life and a move to Asia in 1996, Robert settled in Hong Kong in 1999 and is now, he says, “In charge of managing the greatest tournament in the World - the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens.” Robert is married

to May and has two children, Elizabeth (9) and Andrew (7); both are huge rugby fans.

Stephen Musgrave (1964-1972) has been running big businesses for 21 years.

He was the Chief Executive of the Grosvenor Estates for eleven years and was, until last June, Managing Director of the private property group, Hines, for four years. Now he relishes the flexibility of being involved with companies, but not having to put in 13-hour working days. He enjoyed being on holiday this summer in Dorset, Spain and China as well as in the family home in west London.

Member of Parliament, Nick de Bois (1967-1977), first contested a parliamentary seat in 1997 and was 35% behind the victorious Labour candidate in the Stalybridge & Hyde constituency.

While building his marketing agency, Rapiergroup, in Ware, Hertfordshire, he became the Conservative candidate for Enfield North. Here two more losing margins, 6% in 2001 and 5% in 2005, were converted into a winning position in this year’s General Election with a 4% lead.

He is married to Helen and has four grown-up children.

Nick de Bois (1967-1977) Paula Pryke (1970-1978) is closely associated with innovative floristry. Fourteen of her books have been published on the topic, television appearances made and a Flower School established in 1994. After university she became, for a short while, a history teacher in Havering before feeling sufficiently inspired and self-assured to set up her first shop as a florist in Islington. Her home is now in Suffolk and her next book will focus more on growing flowers than about arranging them.

Paula Pryke (1970-1978)

Matthew Minns (1988-1998) studied Philosophy at UCL, lived in Australia for a year and then returned to undertake International Boundary Studies at King’s. He worked for the Department for Education, for the United Nations and the OSCE (Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe) in Kosovo. Then he went to Ghana with Charity Universal before taking up an appointment at his third London university college, Imperial. Here he managed a swine flu clinical study.

Mathew is now with the Community Foundation Network in London, trying to encourage the funding of community-based organisations.

Matthew Minns (1988-1998)

Sally-Jane Friston (1992-1997) studied Law at Bristol University, spent time working in Singapore, Hong Kong, New York and Madrid, and is now a member of the law firm, Linklaters, in London.

Francis Young (1992-1999) married Rachel Hilditch on 11 April 2009, having been introduced to her by Natasha Phillips at Kentwell Hall.

Francis teaches Classics and Philosophy at King’s School, Ely, and Rachel is an admissions officer for a Cambridge College.

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News Bites Jodie Facer (1997-2004) enrolled with the graduate programme Teach First, and now teaches English in a school in London. She has previously spent six years in Dublin where she gained her degree in English followed by an MPhil in Modern Irish History at Trinity College. She has worked as an assistant to Senator Shane Ross and ran a local election campaign in Ireland. Her mother, Sheila, is Culford’s Marketing Manager, and has worked in the school’s Marketing & Foundation office since 2007.

living in Chesterfield, Derbyshire as a full time policeman.

Adam Mortlock (2000-2007) Becky Mortlock (1997-2006) Daniel Mortlock (1996-2003)

Henry Alexander Sanders (2001-2003) studied Architecture at university, finishing at Edinburgh, and is now with a Cambridge-based practice specialising in Conservation. He has worked on several large projects, including the Bishop’s House, Ely, and Ripon Cathedral.

Jodie Facer (1997- 2004)

Annalise Pask (1994-2004) has just finished a two-year stretch running an MP’s office in Westminster and will continue to sing with Parliament Choir. She has moved to a London consultancy that promotes investment in the Arts.

Samuel Hunt (1992-2007) took a foundation course in drama at CATS (Cambridge Arts and Theatre School) and has finished his second year at East 15 School of Acting in London where he is studying for an Honours degree in Acting and Contemporary Theatre. He has performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and at theatres in Cambridge and London. Sam’s mother Brenda is Culford’s Head of Art and his father is Facilities Manager.

Becky Mortlock (1997-2006) worked for a PR company in Nottingham, travelled around the world, is studying International Business and French at the University of Hertfordshire and has moved to Lille on a placement for a year.

Daniel Mortlock (1996 -2003) graduated from Aston University in Product Design and Engineering before starting work as an engineer prior to starting his PGCE at Nottingham University. He has now graduated and has just bought a house with his girlfriend in Taunton, Somerset where he is starting his first teaching job in DT. Adam Mortlock (2000-2007) after leaving school applied to Derbyshire police where he was accepted and started in January 2009. He is now

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Middlesex CCC and has appeared twice for Scotland, against Holland and England.

Josh Davey (2006- 2008)

James Perks (2003-2008) has finished working in Germany for the British Army, as a Unit Press Officer during 28 Engineer Regiment’s deployment in Afghanistan. He is now studying English at the University of Aberdeen.

James Perks (2003- 2008)

James Swanson (2000-2008) has worked as a coach at the Tennis Centre in Culford, started a tennis coaching programme at Brandon and has become an accredited tennis umpire. He spent some time working at the School’s Marketing & Foundation Office and is now studying Marketing and Spanish at Stirling University.

Samuel Hunt (1992-2007)

Talented cricketer Josh Davey (20062008) is making a mark in the professional game after debuts for both his county and his country. All-rounder Josh is claiming a regular team place for

James Swanson (2000-2008) and Katie Ewing (2005-2010)

We Remember

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Obituaries

Wedding Belles!

It is with great sadness that we record the deaths of the following members of staff: Revd Peter Morley, known affectionately to the boys as ‘Crank’, was Chaplain from 1942-1947 during which time he taught Religious Studies and other subjects, developed an enthusiasm for Scouting … and married Nora McRaith. He went on to serve in seven Methodist Circuits and died in the 69th year of his Ministry.

William Smith, known as Bill or ‘Wem’, saw war-time service in the Royal Navy, read Classics at Cambridge and came to the School on teaching practice in 1949.

Forty years on he retired, having served as Head of Classics, resident member of staff, rugby and cricket coach and a mainstay of the orchestra.

George Alston, (1933-1940) usually known as Jim, won a scholarship to the School, read Chemical Engineering at Cambridge and came to teach Physics from 1948-1952. He married a colleague, Ruth Scott, then left to join the management of the British Sugar Corporation. He and Ruth lived for many years in Stamford.

…. and of the following former pupils: Malcolm Blackburn (1936-1939) had a series of successful business careers, held prominent roles in the Chamber of Commerce and the National Chamber of Trade, and maintained a commitment to Freemasonry.

Malcolm Blackburn

Wilfred Moore (1926-1930) who ran a department for Bull Electrical Motors in Ipswich and London.

Wilfred Moore

Val Troth

Val Troth joined the Mathematics Department in 1974 and, during the next 25 years, went on to be Housemistress of Jocelyn and Senior Mistress. She was able to enjoy with her husband, Derek, several years of active retirement involving both travel and charity work before beginning her battle with cancer.

Lt Col Bill Conran served in the Royal Engineers, saw action at Dunkirk and postings to a number of countries, including Egypt. His eight-year stint as Bursar from 1961-1969 was followed by political activity and election as a councillor on the St Edmundsbury Council.

His wife, Elizabeth, pre-deceased him.

Don Jennings (1936-1943) who became Managing Partner of Ernst & Young in Bristol; George Macdonald (1940-1944) lectured in agriculture, the farm machinery industry and devoted time to the tractor preservation movement; Neil Franks (1945-1952) who would cycle home to Saxmundham from Culford on some weekends and half-terms, served 35 years in the RAF, some of which involved ferrying heads of state; Malcolm Count (1946-1957) who served for 37 years in the Australian Army; Sarah Mobbs née Spencer (1976-1983), who managed Browns Restaurant in Oxford before moving to the West Indies, was the daughter of Christopher and Wendy Spencer and grand-daughter of Dr & Mrs John Skinner.

For further details of those friends and colleagues who have sadly passed away please go to: www.culfordreunited.co.uk\news

Jeremy Sallis (1984-1994) married Jude Faulkner near her family home in Ordsall, Nottinghamshire, in March.

They honeymooned in Canada and returned to Cambridge where he works for the BBC and she for the Fitzwilliam Museum.

Andrew Abel (1995-2005), son of OC Guy Abel, was married in Auckland in March this year.

Andrew finished School after A levels in 2005. Soon after he moved to New Zealand and attended Victoria University, Wellington. He married Amanda, also a student at Victoria, and they live and work in Wellington. George Bullock (19922005) was Best Man – “a true friend to travel such a distance”.

Sam Birrell (1996-2003), daughter of OCs Nigel and Sue, married New Zealander Jonathan Farmer on June 19 – the same date as her parents’ 28th wedding anniversary. The ceremony took place in Owera on the North Island and was also attended by her brother Charlie (1995-2005).

New Arrivals During 2010 baby daughters have been born to Eleanor Ross née Hughes (1991-1996), Kirsten, wife of George Ornbo (1985-1995) and to Bethan, wife of Simon Hancock (1983-1995).

If you have news that we can include in the next issue of FOCuS, or on the Culford Reunited website, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Samantha Salisbury Email: foundation@culford.co.uk or telephone 01284 385310.

We look forward to hearing from you!

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OC Events 2009/2010

Culford Reunited The purpose of the website – www.culfordreunited.co.uk – is to keep people in touch with the Culford community.

10 Years On...

Paul Jolly was responsible for 57 former pupils and members of staff attending the class of 2000 Reunion. The Reception was held in the Old Hall and a tour of the School included the boarding Houses and the Indoor Tennis Centre.

The online Who’s Who directory locates old school friends and the search facility enables direct networking, keeping up to date with the latest news and events, contacting to help with careers.

The value and success of this exciting new website depends on you. Do update your contact information on the database (in ‘My Profile’) and do ‘Save’ after making amendments. At present too many details – email and mailing addresses – are out of date or inaccurate. This unfortunately results in some people not receiving either magazines or messages.

To receive a helpful ‘User Guide’ please contact Samantha Salisbury in the Foundation Office on 01284 385310 or email foundation@culford.co.uk We are happy to help anyone wishing to contribute, but who may not feel confident about adding the information themselves.

Simply email us, exactly as you would like to see it displayed, and we will do the rest!

Year 2000 Reunion

Classes of 1978, 1979 & 1980 Reunion Over thirty former pupils from 1978, 1979 and 1980 came back to Culford with their partners in October to enjoy a drinks reception followed by supper in the Common Room. The evening was championed by Louise Crane with support from the Foundation Office; if you would like to organise a similar event for your year group, please contact Samantha Salisbury.

Rugby

Samantha Salisbury

If you have any memories to share or memorabilia for the Culford Archive please contact Lesley Robinson on 01284 385435 or email lsrobinson@culford.co.uk 20

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The Headmaster’s XV (current 1st XV players and those who have left within two years) defeated the Old Culfordians (those who left three years or more ago) 19-12. The OCs showed spirit in defence to ensure their 12 - 0 lead was not overhauled until late into the second half.

OC Events 2009/2010

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Game, Set and Match

Cricket

This OC tennis event, which the School won by eight matches, was the best attended in our short history. Twenty enthusiastic players battled in the sunshine, and one OC came from the USA to compete.

The OCs batted first and reached 165 from their allotted 35 overs. In reply, the School’s batsmen were in fine form to claim an eight-wicket victory.

Golf John Yuill again won the Robins Shield and Peter Kincaid took home the Stokes Tankard and the Edwards Cup in the Stableford at the Spring Meeting. John took the Gould Salver with a 68; Aaron Fletcher lifted the Rose Cup; Sarah Fulcher was awarded the Edwards Jiggar at the Summer Meeting.

Netball

Front row from left: Suzy Stennett, Louise Crane, Susie Glasswell, Melanie Lesser, Jane Ewing Back row: Josh Harpur, James Swanson, Michael Day, Patrick Moran.

Both the 1st VII and the OCs looked strong in the first quarter with the shooters matching each other. However, the School dominated the second quarter and never looked back to win 30-24.

Remembrance Day 2009

London Drinks Reception

Tea for Two Decades

Culford marked the annual Act of Remembrance by inviting Ken Steward (1936-1940) to lay a wreath at the Service, attended by the whole School, on the North Front.

The annual drinks reception held in March 2010 at the East India Club in St James’s Square was attended by over 100 guests in the Club’s grand Smoking Room, with its no smoking policy! The 2011 event is scheduled for 10 March, and further details will be available soon.

60 guests were treated to a November afternoon musical performance by 6th Form pupils followed by afternoon tea. Professor Harry Watson (1949-1959) joined us from Australia. This year’s event is on November 25, for further details please contact Samantha Salisbury on 01284 385310.

OC Ken Steward with the Headmaster

Tea for Two

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How you can help

Why make a donation?

Culford would not be where it is today without the generosity of former pupils and staff. The current restoration works to the Hall, the Beech Centre for Performing Arts and the William Miller Science facilities have only been achieved through the enormous contributions received from OCs. Our fundraising efforts focus on three key areas: • The Bursaries Fund to enable children who could not otherwise afford it to take up a place at Culford • The Heritage Fund for the preservation and restoration of Culford Hall and Estate • The General Fund for development of school facilities including performing arts and sport.

For more detailed information on specific projects or to explore the School’s current ambitions for development, please contact the Headmaster on +44 (0)1284 385302 or email: headmaster@culford.co.uk If you would like to make a one-off donation or set up a standing order to make regular donations to one of the Funds named above, please contact Samantha Salisbury in the Foundation Office on +44 (0)1284 385310 or visit our website at www.culford.co.uk/foundation

Studio Theatre Seats If you would like to help raise funds for further restoration within Culford Hall, you might like to sponsor one of the seats inside the Studio Theatre. For £250 a plaque with your choice of words inscribed will be fixed on the back of one of the seats within the Studio Theatre.

Please contact Samantha Salisbury in the Foundation Office on +44 (0)1284 385310 or email foundation@culford.co.uk for more information.

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Bursaries Book

Careers Advice

To be able to offer more bursary awards to children in the future, Culford has set up a Bursaries Fund. Income generated from this fund pays to help children attend Culford who might otherwise not be able to afford to come; our vision is to build this fund to several million pounds to enable more bursaries to be awarded each year.

Culford has always prided itself on being a community with which ties are never broken and former pupils are always welcome to arrange to come back to the School. In particular, some OCs come back to give current pupils the benefit of their life and work experiences. These include providing careers advice, taking part in our annual careers fair, sharing experiences of military service and speaking at our scholars’ evenings.

By donating £5,000 or more through the Culford Bursaries Book you will be helping to leave a legacy for future generations.

The book is a specially made leather bound volume and each donor, or group of donors, may take a page in the book to commemorate their gift. The pages are individually scripted by a professional calligrapher with the words of your choosing. Donations may either be a single amount of a minimum of £5,000 or individuals may join together and combine their donations, for example, as a family or year group.

The Bursaries Book will soon be displayed prominently in the School in a glass case which is currently being designed by Culford’s Head of Design & Technology.

Messages contained within the Book will soon be available to see on our website.

First page of Culford’s Bursaries Book

If you could share your expertise and offer guidance to our pupils on any aspect of work and in any field please contact Samantha Salisbury in the Foundation Office on +44 (0)1284 385310 or email foundation@culford.co.uk.

Leaving a Legacy Leaving a bequest in your will is an opportunity to support the school in a way that might not have been possible during your lifetime and allows you to make a lasting difference by investing in future generations of pupils at Culford. Legacy bequests are also a very tax efficient way of donating as they are free from inheritance tax, and gifts of shares and property are exempt from capital gains tax.

To receive your free copy of our Legacy guide, please telephone the Foundation Office on 01284 385310 or email foundation@culford.co.uk.

All enquiries will be treated as confidential.

All donations make a huge difference and we continue to seek support for a number of projects, some very modest, others rather more ambitious. All, however, will make an enormous difference to Culford in some way, whether it be securing the fabric of our historic buildings and maintaining the grounds or whether it be to upgrade and develop the facilities for our pupils. We are grateful to all our donors for their support.

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75 Years In The Park – The Celebrations Begin!

17 September 2010

The Fenning brothers, left to right David, Derrick and Jim

The Planting of The Mulbery Tree The Revd. Henry Butler with front row from left: Peter Steel, George Burt and Jack Bungard.

Back row from left: Tom Hargreaves, Jo Johnson-Munday, Julian Johnson-Munday, Derrick Fenning and Florence Taylor.

Up Up and Away!

1 October 2010 Culford’s Pre-Prep and Nursery School children had their own celebration of 75 Years in Culford Park, following on from the Senior School’s commemoration service and tree-planting. To mark the occasion, over 90 Pre-Prep and Nursery School pupils released a bio-degradable balloon into the Park.

The morning began with a welcome by Mrs Sarah Preston, Headmistress of Culford PrePrep and Nursery School, after which the children sang two songs: ‘Song of Blessing’

and ‘Jesus love is very wonderful’. Mrs Susanne Kohl (EASG 1949-1957), School Governor, cut the 75 Years Anniversary cake, and then each pupil gathered a balloon, and they were all released into Culford Park amidst great excitement.

Sarah Preston, Headmistress and Susanne Kohl, Governor

Don Dorling and Neville Hibberd

Commemorative calendars We are delighted to announce that we have designed a special 2011 photographic wall calendar commemorating 75 Years in the Park. These calendars are now available to purchase at £6 each.

We feel the calendar images capture the spirit of Culford, its pupils, parkland and buildings.

If you would like to order one of these commemorative calendars, please contact the Foundation Office on 01284 385310 or email: foundation@culford.co.uk or you can download an order form from www.culford.co.uk under the News section. Alternatively you can purchase directly from the Senior School Reception.

All proceeds go to the Culford Foundation Fund which aims to preserve, restore and maintain Culford Hall.

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Dates for your Diary Act of Remembrance Culford Hall - North Front Thursday 11 November at 10.30am

OC Sport Rugby: Headmaster’s XV v Old Culfordians 13 November at 2.00pm

Tea for Two Culford Hall - Old Hall Thursday 25 November at 3.00pm

OC Sport Hockey: Girls 1st XI v Old Culfordians Saturday 11 December 2010

75 Years In the Park Fashion Show Culford Hall Tuesday 14 December at 6.00pm

London Drinks Reception Venue tbc Thursday 10 March 2011

OC Sport Boys Hockey & Girls Netball v Old Culfordians Saturday 26 March

Nostalgia Lunch Culford Hall Saturday 21 May For more information about these events and ticket details please contact: Samantha Salisbury, Foundation Manager

Stewardship of the Culford Estate Headmaster, Julian JohnsonMunday, explains some of the work which has been achieved to help secure the future of the beautiful buildings and 480 acres of parkland which make up the Culford Estate.

Culford School and the Park have, of course, changed and developed over the years. New Boarding Houses, Sports and Tennis Centres, theatres and teaching blocks may be amongst them, but these are typical in many independent schools.

Not all independent schools, however, have an 18th century mansion at its heart and 480 acres of parkland around it.

Over the past five years Culford Hall itself has seen major restoration work being undertaken. Large sections of the mathematical tiling were restored a few years ago, as were elements of the balustrade. Supported by generous donations, however, a full programme of restoration work on the roof of the Hall has now been underway for the past two years. The glass cupola outside the Headmaster’s office was restored in the first phase of works and a large portion of the balustrade on the north elevation completed last year. Most of the rest of the balustrade on the north elevation will be completed this year. Two more years of work will see the whole balustrade complete and, we hope, the roof secure for future generations.

Meanwhile, the interior of the Hall has also been transformed in a number of areas. We have increasingly found ways to use its beautiful rooms to maximum effect. The northeast wing of the Hall was completely restored two years ago to

provide a modern music department complete with a beautiful recital room in the old Billiard Room. We are proud not only that the restoration work brought a section of the Hall back to its former splendour; but also that the craftsmanship involved won an award.

Alongside this, the Estate itself is also in good hands. We now receive a number of grants to aid us with our stewardship of Culford’s 480 acres, which not only allow us to manage the Estate, but also to develop its potential. Our tree planting scheme has seen us return to the original design for the Park with a number of avenues of trees restored. We also hope to see our first Culford cricket bats emerge from our stand of willow trees.

In all of this work, we have been wonderfully supported by our alumni through the Foundation. The Studio Theatre (£500,000) and the Music School within Culford Hall (£250,000); the mathematical tiling and roof repairs (£175,000); and other smaller but no less valuable gifts have enabled the school to make swift progress over the past five years whilst continuing to focus on its key objective of educating young people.

There can be no doubt that the Hall and the Estate have been a worry to succeeding generations of Governors and Heads, even as they have also been a joy to them. I now believe, however, that, 75 years after that first leap of faith, we are on the verge of great things.

Through the help that we have received so far and with the clear plans we have for development in the future, we stand on the cusp of seeing a Hall and Estate that stands on its own merits and is a joy and inspiration to generations of Culfordians yet to come.

Tel: 01284 385310 Email: foundation@culford.co.uk The Culford Foundation makes reasonable efforts to include current and accurate information in FOCuS but makes no warranties or representations as to the accuracy of the published content. News of former pupils and colleagues is always welcome; please do keep in touch.

Photo credits: Warren Page, Roddy Paine and Wendy Turner

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The Foundation Office, Culford School, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP28 6TX Tel: 01284 385310 Email: foundation@culford.co.uk