Odyssey Summer 2022

ODyssey The Newsletter for Old Dauntseians Summer 2022

Head Master A very successful and largely uninterrupted academic year is drawing to a close with just three weeks to go. Dauntsey’s is in very good heart, with a record number of 867 pupils in the School and for the moment Covid feels happily behind us. For the first time in three years, the examination hall is a hive of activity with our GCSE and A level candidates tackling public examinations. Elsewhere, the Second Form are out of their classes for a week taking on adventure and challenge in and around Wiltshire, as well as on the Hamble with Jolie Brise. Next week, it is the Third Form’s turn as they travel up to Aberdovey for their Moonrakers outward bound camp, while next year’s Prefects have just been announced and they are preparing to take over from this year’s leavers. On a personal note, I am about to complete a decade as Head Master and I could not be more proud of our School. It is a very special place, full of kindness, happiness and ambition, and long may that continue.

I wish our Sixth Form leavers every success with their examinations and future plans, and it is with a degree of sadness that we say goodbye to two special colleagues. The ever present Mark Neve is finally retiring and Gillian Ward leaves us after 18 years of inspirational mathematics teaching and pastoral care. I would also like to send thanks and best wishes to Lucy Walsh Waring who is retiring as Chair of Governors and to thank our excellent Head of Admissions, Jo Sagers, who retires after just over 14 years here.

As always, it has been good to see many ODs returning to Dauntsey’s for various events and I am really grateful for your continuing support for the School. I wish you all a very happy summer.

Mark Lascelles

Head of Foundation It’s time to say farewell after 44 years at Dauntsey’s. A lot has happened since I walked up the School drive for the first time in September 1978. My first lesson was with 3A Mathematics and pupils Ian Parker (now a School governor), Sandra Lippiatt, Kate Gould and Richard Dibble (Dibs) – a frightening introduction! I’ve had a fabulous career and I am really grateful to the four headmasters who have given me so many opportunities. The best part was in the classroom; I have truly happy memories of my classes and many wonderful pupils. I thoroughly enjoyed six years as Manor Housemaster and my role as Director of Studies was a special time – thank you Christopher Evans for those two appointments.

Julie and I have been working together in the Foundation Office for the past seven years and what a pleasure it has been. Julie has been such a good friend and colleague. She started at Dauntsey’s in 1995 in the Reprographics Department and along with Fran Reid managed the Foundation Office at its inception in 1999. Julie retires in July on a high note with our grateful thanks.

Former pupils are a most important part of the School community and your backing is highly valued. It has been cheering to see many of you at various events and reunions and the financial donations from ODs, including two gifts of £100,000, are so much appreciated.

Thank you for your kindness and support.

My granddaughter is in Year 11 doing her GCSEs, so it must be time to go. I leave this summer with such happy memories of my time at Dauntsey’s.

So, it’s goodbye from me and it’s goodbye from her!

Mark Neve

Euterpe Revisited Can you cast your mind back a quarter of a century and recall Dauntsey’s on Saturday 5 July 1997? The editor of The Dauntseian, waxing lyrical, tells us that the day “was extraordinarily clement, the air warm with eager anticipation, and light clouds drifting across the sky inquisitive of events below”. It was the end of the twelve year reign as Head Master of Christopher Evans, not to be forgotten for his great humanity and high good humour.

This was his last Speech Day, but before that hallowed ritual the morning saw his unveiling of an almost life-size bronze statue in the area overlooking the cricket pitch and lying between the Memorial Hall and the extended dining hall below the music department, now in the Farmer Hall of blessed memory. This was Euterpe, whom Hesiod tells us was the ancient Greek muse of music, shown here playing an oboe.

The front cover of The Dauntseian has two photographs of the memorable event. In the first the Head Master is to be seen tentatively tugging at the green shroud veiling the muse; in the second he has successfully accomplished his task, stands back and joins in the general applause.

Gathered around and watching this ceremony are many figures from the past to be recognised: Maurice Osborn, Leslie and Amelia Rendell, Dick Riseley-Prichard, Guy King-Reynolds, Barbara Davidson, Julian Wathen, Margaret Newsom. Also present was Euterpe’s creator, Dauntsey parent and sculptor David Backhouse, then living at Lullington just over the Somerset border. He is still at work and his Pilgrim in the grounds of the Bishop’s Palace at Wells is worth a visit, along with his more recent Atonement in the Camery immediately south of the Cathedral.

Euterpe stands on a limestone plinth, the lettering the work of Andrew Whittle. Now somewhat weathered, the inscriptions run as follows: East Face: The School’s arms (or shield, but not crest, a solecism to be eradicated) and below its motto HONOR DEO (Honour to God).

North Face: GAUDEAMUS IGITUR IUVENES DUM SUMUS (Let us rejoice while we are young), the opening lines of a song with medieval roots long used in schools and colleges across Europe.

West Face: DAUNTSEY’S SCHOOL WAS FOUNDED BY WILLIAM DAUNTESEY MERCER 10th MARCH 1542 / THIS STATUE BY DAVID BACKHOUSE REPRESENTS EUTERPE MUSE OF MUSIC / JULY 1997 South Face: EXEGIT MONUMENTUM AERE PERENNIUS GULIELMUS DAUNTESEY (William Dauntsey established a monument more lasting than bronze). Latin again, adapting a line by the poet Horace.

The Dauntseian reports that “to conclude the ceremony a specially commissioned composition is played from the balcony above by a dozen UVI musicians. The piece begins and ends with solo oboe and incorporates the Mercers’ Company grace and Gaudeamus igitur.” Is the hand of Nick Hale to be detected in that use of the historic present? Finally, yet more Latin.

Jon Hunt, whom some may recall as a Classics teacher (1996-2001), composed some elegant Latin verses appearing in The Dauntseian, complete with translation.

Few would deny that Euterpe has stood the test of time, a thing of beauty in the midst of the School, gracing the campus and raising our spirits. When next visiting the School do spare a moment to glance at her.

OD News

Congratulations to Dr Alan Mistlin (77-84) who was awarded the CBE in the New Year’s Honours List 2022 for Services to Defence as part of Strategic Command Personnel.

Alex Fetherstone-Godley (02-09) I recently completed The Marathon des Sables - an endurance ultra marathon event in the Sahara desert. He was raising money for The Defence and Medical Rehabilitation Centre Benevolent Fund. He hopes to visit Dauntsey’s to talk to pupils about his experiences.

Gerry Lawrence (54-59) has recently reengaged with his friend John Vessey (5459). Living overseas, Gerry did not have the opportunity to see Jim Hodges before he died.

He had a way of inspiring, without knowing it, so Gerry has prepared a brief booklet for his friends as a token of remembrance of Jim. The message is to search beyond the obvious.

Here is the link: https://www.dauntseys.org/our-community/ old-dauntseians/old-dauntseiansnews/~board/obituaries/post/a-service-tocelebrate-the-life-of-jim-hodges

Stuart Kerley (84-92), far right, is pictured celebrating his birthday with his brother Phil (79-86) and Giles Snedker (79-86).

Steve Amor (66-70), now living in Newfoundland, visited the School for the first time in 42 years with classmates Roland Salmon and Philip Nokes.

Canon Claude Rutter (42-47) is still going strong at age 93. He has recently moved to a village near Sherborne to be close to his son Timothy who farms locally. He would love to hear from any of his contemporaries and send them a copy of his book “A Proper Rural Dean” which has a chapter on Dauntsey’s. His address is: The Old House, Sandford Orcas, DT9 4SB.

Christopher Evans (Head Master 1985-97) is seen here a few years ago standing beside the walnut tree outside Jeanne House. Shortly before leaving he planted it as an 18 inch tall sapling. The original seed nut, from a tree growing in the grounds of Rushden Hall in Northamptonshire, had been nurtured on a window sill in the Head Master’s house by his wife Kate until ready for planting.

Mike Duthoit (60-63) was delighted to see Jolie Brise moored up at Weymouth Quay on his morning walk. Mike reported that she looked in absolute pristine condition, in fact could have just been built.

John Freeland (56-61) lives in Sweden and he has sent a few fond memories of his time at School. John declares that he was decidedly unacademic and spent much time getting into trouble. Incidents he recalls include when as a joke he asked the School barber to give a visiting French boy a ‘Yul Brynner’. This was duly delivered much to the shock of the youngster. Also, John and several other boys left School at 2am to cycle to Stonehenge for the summer solstice. They climbed up one of the stones to get a good view of the sunrise, but unfortunately a tabloid printed a clear picture of their misdemeanour. DDB wasn’t happy!

Sir James Holman (60-65), the longest serving High Court judge in England and Wales, has stepped down after 27 years on the bench.

Commodore of the Royal Yacht Squadron on the Isle of Wight, in retirement he can now spend more time on other pursuits.

OD News

The Waggett brothers, former Mercers House boys, have been in touch with their news. Eldest Tim (75-79) after eight years in Singapore is returning to Australia. Tim works for Citigroup and is looking forward to the Aussie way of life and being close to his family and friends. Middle of the three, Chris (76-81) has been married to Samantha for 30 years. They have three children.

With Chris’s career in Commercial Real Estate, the family has travelled extensively and are now settled in Denver, USA. Youngest of the clan, James (78-83), has just celebrated 10 years in New Zealand’s south island. He runs his own wealth management business. He and his family enjoy outdoor activities in the stunning mountains and forests.

David Arathoon (71-78) has generously donated two beautiful silver cups to our athletics department for javelin. David was a talented sportsman at School, playing both first team Rugby and Hockey. He was part of a most successful athletics team led by Richard Dunn. His javelin throwing was inspired by the legendary Jan Zelezny.

Paul Carter (73-78) and a few of his school pals enjoyed a visit to Dauntsey’s for the annual Match Day Entertainment. Paul writes: “It's a great way to catch up with fellow alumni whilst checking out the prowess of the School's sporting teams (I don't think we would last long with the physicality and speed of the Rugby team). We extended our weekend by organising a Hillfort walk along the Ridgeway led by Gary Lock, Emeritus Professor of Archaeology at Oxford University. A fascinating insight into life on the Ridgeway, one of the oldest known roads in Britain.” Pictured are Neil Redman, Phil Carr, Peter Whent, Dave Arathoon and Toby Marriott.

Harriet Steptoe (11-18) skippered Jolie Brise on the second Easter cruise. Harriet is the first female skipper in the boat’s 109 year history.

She is an inspiration to our young sailors.

Holly Gaiger (14-21) our 2021 netball Captain is pictured with our Head of Netball, Kerri Bradley. Holly, warmly described as a star player, is a key member of the Birmingham University WASPS team.

'Nino and the Red Mullet', is a recent oil painting by OD Josie Goddard (09-16). Her work was exhibited at The White Horse Gallery in March. Josie studied at the Charles H. Cecil Studios in Florence where she learnt old master techniques through 19th Century studio practices. She then went on to complete her Masters degree at City and Guilds Art School, London where she juxtaposed her classical training with contemporary imagery.

OD pals from the class of 1994, Chris Mills, James Gaiger, Adam Darbyshire, Tim Hitchens and Richard Simpson, were clearly enjoying their day out at Twickenham for the England v Wales six nations match.

It was a good game too: England 23 Wales 19.

Celebrating the 70th birthday of Ant Johnson (63-70) are, left to right, Wayne Moran (6370), John Gregson (64-71), George Macklin (64-71), Ant himself, and in the foreground Ant Sandham (64-71).

OD Events Class of 2002 Reunion

OD Football Match

It was a pleasant, breezy afternoon when the School’s 1st XI and a team of ODs took to the pitch for the annual soccer match. Ably led by Joey Barnwell, the ODs, with the School’s 2nd XI goalkeeper between the posts, looked impressive and determined as they went through their warm up drills. But they were up against a strong School side, with four wins in the season and a fine 2-2 draw against Canford in their last match. Head coach Rob Lewis was quietly confident as he delivered final instructions to his players.

It was fine, entertaining game, with both teams playing some nice football. The first half saw good chances for both sides, but the keepers were on top form and the score was goalless at half-time.

The game opened up in the second half, with one or two ODs soon looking a bit leggy. The paramedic was brought into action as two went down with cramp. The spectators could sense a goal and it came after about 60 minutes. A fairly innocuous high ball into the box caught the wind and deceived the goalkeeper: School 1 ODs 0.

The ODs rallied and put pressure on the School defence, but the back line held firm and, with gaps appearing, the School had several chances to increase the lead.

There was, however, to be some last-minute drama. As the match moved into injury time at the end of the 90 minutes, the ball was sent high into the School’s penalty box. There were screams for handball as the ball hit a defender’s arm. FA referee, Annabel, a Form 5 pupil, pointed to the spot. Captain Joey stepped forward to take the penalty and confidently stroked the ball into the net. School 1 ODs 1. There was no time for further play, so the match ended in a draw.

School News

We are delighted that Talk Education has named Dauntsey's as one of the best schools for dance in the UK. We are very proud of our Dance Department. Dance has long been an important part of life at Dauntsey's - it is a timetabled activity. Beyond just learning to dance, it provides pupils with an opportunity to develop their self-confidence, take risks, challenge themselves in new ways and importantly have fun.

There was great excitement in School earlier in the term when we welcomed All Blacks rugby legend Sean Fitzpatrick who came to deliver a Mercers’ lecture. Sean gave a captivating talk about his rugby career, highlighting his inner drive, his mentality and the importance of family to his success. He is widely regarded as one of the finest New Zealand players, having played in 92 internationals, 51 of those as Captain. He regaled the audience with many stories about his playing days as well as his time as Captain, in particular leading New Zealand to a series win over the British Lions in 1993.

Table Tennis is a thriving sport at School with many youngsters enjoying a game on the eight tables in the Sports Hall. We play competitively too. Our two teams in the Devizes & District League finished third and second in Divisions 1 and 2. Two pupils have represented Wiltshire in the County Championships and our star player is both the Wiltshire Ladies Champion and the Wiltshire U19 Girls Champion. She also reached the last 16 of the Butterfly National U19 Girls Tournament.

The avenue of lime trees on the School drive has for many years been an attractive, welcoming feature at Dauntsey’s. Planted in 1895, the trees have flourished and have a commanding presence on our attractive campus. But they look a bit different now. Tree surgeons have been in and given them a good short back and sides.

The Biology Department was the centre of attention when Billy arrived. Sadly only one of fifteen eggs hatched, so Billy has no mates.

Blue and yellow were the colours of the day as pupils and staff supported a School fundraising campaign to support Ukraine.

ODyssey Obituaries Philip Vezey Strong (6th April 1926 - 3rd June 2021)

It is with much sadness that we report the death of Roger Ellway. Roger was appointed Head of P.E. in 1969 and was a member of staff for 30 years.

He ran the 1st XV rugby team and the athletics team for several years, but he will be remembered by many as our Senior Careers Advisor and Hemens Housemaster. Roger’s wit enlivened the staffroom and many former pupils will remember with gratitude the help, advice and encouragement they received from him.

Erlend Watson (75-81) was a most loyal, staunch supporter of Dauntsey’s and a stalwart of many Lib Dem by-election campaigns. After a period of serous health issues, he passed away in May. Erlend’s was a life that shone brightly – he was warm, thoughtful, mildly eccentric and generous to a fault.

He was often here at School and we will miss him.

In Memoriam George W (Bob) Laverton John Ovenden Philip Strong Anthony Gawthrop Roger Thrupp Michael Feasey Roger Ellway (former teaching staff)

(35-39) (39-43) (40-44) (42-46) (42-47) (64-70) (69-99)

Thomas Bather Erlend Watson Sam Wheatley Theo Backhouse

(70-71) (75-81) (93-95) (96-98)

Philip Vezey Strong (Pip - youngest of three children) was born in Putney but the family soon moved to rural Kent where he and his elder sister enjoyed great fun and a huge amount of freedom. Pip was sent to Hollingbury Court prep school in Brighton in 1932 where he seems to have had a great time.

The school was evacuated to Dauntsey's at the beginning of WWII which is how he became a Dauntseian (40-44). Dauntsey's was still partly agricultural in those days.

Throughout these early years Pip's parents instilled a love of hard work and enterprise twinned with his 'wicked' sense of fun inherited from his beloved mother. As he grew a little older he and his sister (3 yrs his senior) could be seen cycling over the South Downs watching 'dog-fights' overhead while looking for the next adventure - when they weren't working hard in the fields that is.

By this time the family had moved back to London - Blackheath. Young Pip ( 6' 4" at 16 yrs.) joined the Home Guard and became an ARP messenger both at school and in London. He somehow managed to train at the rocket emplacement attached to Hollyhead House (Military) on Blackheath. It was only discovered that he wasn't a gunner when his excuse for not being on duty was: 'Sorry Sir but I'm back at school tomorrow.'

Pip wasn't academic - much more a sportsman earning his cap for rugby and cricket and keeping the school swimming record long after he had left. Although he had a sense of humour he was a quiet and reliable student. When in 6th Form he fell for the headmaster's daughter, Mary Olive, and following his time in the Royal Navy they were married in St. Mary's Church, Market Lavington. A marriage that lasted 67years. Their wedding present to the school was the gift of the Strong Cup and all that it means.

As with school Pip made the most of his time in the Royal Navy. He volunteered on a couple of occasions - never really knowing what for. One time he ended up plotting aircraft for the RAF. He always knew how to make sure he was well fed and when radar training on the Isle of Man - ' they didn't expect a handsome sailor to pay for his drinks'. When he eventually went to sea he was delegated to the 1st Lieutenant. Being a sportsman one captain tried to entice him to swap ships but the answer was direct, 'he was in the navy to fight not to play sport'.

Following the war Pip went into farming, his much older brother having joined the family printing business. Sadly losing both his parents death duties meant that the farm had to be sold and for a while Pip took on farm management in various parts of UK - faithfully followed by Mary and his two young children - Sally and Charles. Eventually he ended up in Cambridge at the . Cambridge Water Company where he decided to train as an engineer. This led to him working for Chemidus Plastics (water pipelines) and then to live and work in Holland for Wavin Overseas where he travelled widely in Europe and across the Middle East and Africa. He and Mary lived in both Nigeria and Egypt for a while before returning to UK with the advent of grandchildren.

Back in England he, like his father before him, tried various ventures until in 1990 he moved to Sandwich in Kent, now in his 60s, and started Sylvan Tea and Coffee which he ran until he was 94 yrs. Selling was a part of his life he enjoyed as he was a natural and genuine salesman.

First and foremost a quiet family man he loved social interaction and keeping up with politics, innovations in agriculture and engineering and local history. His relaxation throughout his life was his gardening - no-matter where he was living. He had a love of the world around him and could talk to anyone on their own level about their own interests. Much of this was due to his childhood which I believe was a mixture of discipline and hard work (he was a tally-man in the hop fields at an early age) plus a huge sense of fun and adventure instilled by his parents and the wonderful family holidays they arranged. However, much of Pip's enthusiasm and quiet selfdiscipline can be attributed to his years at Dauntsey's under G.W.Olive and his staff.

I was fortunate enough to spend the first four months of this year just chatting to him about cricket, rugby, the joys of gardening and, of course, of old times and fond memories. We had a photo of Dauntsey staff from his time in the school and he could tell me, not only their names and academic subjects but had a tale about many of them to impart. He thoroughly enjoyed his days at Dauntseys and since leaving had always kept abreast of its progress. He certainly led a very full and interesting life.

Sally McArthur (née Strong - daughter)

Dauntsey’s West Lavington Devizes Wiltshire SN10 4HE 01380 814500 info@dauntseys.org