ODYSSEY Spring 24

Mark Lascelles, Head Master

SCHOOL UPDATES

SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS

Marcus Olsen, Director of Sports

CELEBRATING THE 2023

STAFF VALETE 2023 A

Philip Nokes, Archivist (OD 70)

CHANGING

The first woman to captain JolieBrise , RYA Yachtmaster of the Year, winner of numerous awards, and all at just 23 years old. Harriet Steptoe (OD 18) is determined to spark a change in sailing.

Gerry Lawrence (OD 59) 40

Since 1984 the DSPA has given more than £40,000 to supporting Dauntsey’s pupils in their quest for ‘purposeful travel’ and the programme is still going strong.

Hair-raising aerial stunts to piloting jets and protecting our airspace, these ODs are enjoying successful careers in the aviation industry.

Four of our ODs share stories of their continuing thirst for adventure, whilst raising money and awareness for good causes.

Welcome

It has been a real pleasure to put my first edition of ODyssey together. In doing so, it got me wondering where the name came from.

I had a chat with Mark Neve, a name so many of you will be familiar with, (and who despite his retirement I see in school regularly as he leads the Table Tennis Club) and he confirmed that in fact the name was chosen simply because it began with OD! So, there is no deep-rooted origin to the name ODyssey, but its reference to “a long journey full of adventures” is very fitting for Dauntsey’s and so it remains!

I hope that you will enjoy reading through the magazine, with various features on our adventurous ODs. A particular highlight is the interview with Harriet Steptoe (OD 18), the first female skipper of the JolieBrise , and the feature TheSky’s theLimit , following the journey of ODs who have pursued jobs within the aviation industry. I’d like to take a moment to thank Gerry Lawrence (OD 59) for offering his LifeLessons onLeadership . I hope you all enjoy reading his advice and encouragement.

You will find updates from ODs and news of those that have left us recently. Also included are dates for future events, but do keep an eye on the website, newsletters and the OD Facebook page for further details.

I have really enjoyed receiving your updates, so please continue to let me know if you have news that you’d like to share with the OD Community. I’m looking forward to the events that we are planning this year and meeting as many of you as possible.

Best wishes, Stephanie

Cadwgan s.cadwgan@dauntseys.org

This year’s spectacular Chicago showcased the amazing talent we have at Dauntsey’s

SCHOOL NEWS from the Head Master

The saying goes, ‘Once a Dauntseian, always a Dauntseian’. The names and the faces in and around the school may become less familiar, but the connection that a Dauntseian feels towards the place where they spent many a year, is ever present. With this in mind, I hope that you will enjoy reading about just a few of our highlights from the past 18 months. For those of you who do not recognise any faces, I hope that you will identify with the Dauntsey’s spirit which remains as strong as ever.

With close to 860 pupils, life in school is busy. We continue to offer over 80 different clubs and activities for pupils, we play over a thousand sports fixtures across the year and almost every week there is some sort of production or performance from the Music, Drama or Dance departments. The December musical has become a rite of passage for so many Dauntseians and this year the spectacular Chicagomade a welcome return to the Memorial Hall, showcasing the incredible talent in the school on and off stage. Our Adventure Education Department continues to thrive, and last year we introduced the Second Form Challenge Week with great success. The JolieBriseonce again took part in the Tall Ships race last summer, coming first in class and first overall, winning the trophies for both the youngest crew and youngest captain. She also retained the Aurora Trophy at the annual ASTO Tall Small Ships Race. On top of all of this, we are continuing to ensure that each and every pupil is receiving the best academic education possible.

The summer of 2023 saw 138 Upper Sixth sit their A Level examinations. We achieved strong results across the board, with almost three quarters of the grades awarded at A*-B. These were very well-deserved results for a talented and dedicated year group and I hope that all our 2023 Leavers are enjoying the next phases of their lives.

The Mercers’ Lectures continue to be a highlight, and recent years have been no exception with an incredible line up of speakers, including Clare Balding, Lord Robert Winston, Tomasz Schafernaker, David Olusoga, the Reverend Richard Coles and Richard Browning. These lectures are open to all in the community and ODs will always receive a warm welcome.

As with most years, we have said some fond farewells to staff over the past 18 months. There are more details about our leavers later in the magazine and I hope that seeing their familiar faces will bring back fond memories for many of you.

On that note, for those of you who have not yet heard, this year will mark my last at Dauntsey’s and I will be taking on the role of Head of Epsom College in September. When Amber and I arrived in 2012, with three children aged 6, 3 and 1, we had little idea of what we were

taking on, or what the next few years would bring. Now, nearly twelve years later, we know that it was the best move that we could have made. We have all loved working, living, and growing up here, and while I am obviously excited for the challenge that lies ahead, I feel phenomenally lucky to have spent so many happy years at Dauntsey’s.

I know that I am leaving the school in capable hands, with an exemplary Board of Governors, a superb Senior Leadership Team, and a dedicated and talented staff. I am delighted to share the news that John Davies from Kingswood, Bath will be joining Dauntsey’s in September as Head. I have no doubt that John will be welcomed into the community with the same warmth and generosity of spirit that I was afforded. Dauntsey’s has an exciting future ahead and I look forward to watching from afar. And it is with that thought that I come full circle back to the phrase ‘Once a Dauntseian, always a Dauntseian’ and look forward to joining the Old Dauntseian community myself, if you will have me!

Mark Lascelles, HeadMaster

Left: Last year’s winners (the SMTeam) being knocked out by First Formers (The Amazing Boule Handlers) at the annual Farmer Boules competition

Below: Fitz House waving the flag in support of their House runners at the Inter-House Cross Country

SPORT

Marcus Olsen, Director of Sport Round-up

The spirit of sportsmanship at Dauntsey’s continues to thrive and we remain very much committed to delivering ‘Sport for all’ to each and every pupil. Whilst our achievements on the field have been impressive this year, we focus equally on the uptake and enjoyment of all sport, and I am very proud to say that we have achieved success across the board this year.

Over the course of 2023 we played over 1000 fixtures, across 15 different sports. It was an excellent year for girls’ hockey with the 1st XI reaching the regional semi-final of the England Hockey U18 Tier 2 Competition. We played six senior teams, who won or drew 47 out of the 57 matches on the circuit, every member of the First and Second Form represented the school and one of our U16 players had an England trial. Not to be overshadowed, boys’ hockey was equally as impressive and had its best season since records began in 2005 with a 77%-win/draw ratio. The 1st XI boys

were the most successful team since 2007 and showed fantastic teamwork and talent. We are once again on the scene for competitive swimming and a squad of ten swimmers took part in the annual Bath Cup Competition at the London Aquatics Centre this year. The Netball teams played 240 games and had 24 teams representing the school and had a number of successes, including the U14A team coming 3rd in the South West Regional Competition and the senior teams achieving a 73% win ratio.

The 1st XV boys’ rugby team once again reached the South West Final of the National Vase Competition and we have a strong team rising through the ranks for next year. And, history was again made as our girls took to the rugby pitch for their first ever competitive fixture. 27 runners competed in the County Schools’ Cross Country Championships, with one runner making it to the National Schools Cross Country Championships. Sticking with running, our Athletics track continues to be a great asset to the school and we competed against 104

schools (beating all 104!) and three of our athletes were crowned Country MultiEvent Champions. Football is now very much on the map at Dauntsey’s, and, the variety of sports available to all pupils go far beyond what I have mentioned above. We have 22 riders representing the school, with three teams qualifying for the NSEA Hickstead Championships; we have held our first competitive Badminton fixture in several years, the Rifle Shooting Club has enjoyed matches against Marlborough College and Wellington College, we have sent eight pupils to the Public Schools’ Fencing Championships to compete in both epee and sabre and we have run an internal Biathlon competition.

The Sports Department remains exceptionally proud of not only the level of sport that we play at Dauntsey’s, but also the way in which our teams and individuals conduct themselves on and off the pitch. They continue to be wonderful ambassadors for the school and play with determination, passion and pride.

CELEBRATING Leavers 2023

Last summer saw 138 Upper Sixth Formers bid farewell to their school days. They will now be well into the next stage of their lives, but we would like to take a moment to reflect on their achievements and welcome them to the Old Dauntseian community.

Of the 138 applications to higher education, 94% were offered places at their preferred institutions. 125 of these applications were to universities through UCAS, while three pupils headed to Conservatoires, two to Drama Schools and eight pupils achieved places on Art Foundation courses, including at the Charles Cecil Studios in Florence. In addition, one pupil was offered an Engineering degree apprenticeship with the MOD, and two pupils have gone abroad for their degree studies, one to Harvard University, and one to EHL Hospitality Business School, Switzerland.

Whatever, their chosen route, we hope their first year is going well and wish them the best for the future. Please do stay in touch!

RHYS PONTING

After leaving Dauntsey’s in 2023, I headed straight to university, taking up a place at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama in Cardiff. I am currently in my first year of a 4-year BMus (Hons) degree in Jazz. Cardiff is a fantastic place to be a student, I am loving my course and the opportunity to be taught by some amazing jazz musicians. It’s hard work at times, lots of practice is required but I am enjoying being able to focus on playing the saxophone. I have already performed publicly at the college several times and have even had a professional gig at one of the main jazz venues in the city! I am really looking forward to more performances and gigs over the next few years.

After uni? I would love to become a full-time professional jazz musician, playing nationwide (and internationally?!) and possibly look at working within theatre, professional big bands, and maybe as a session musician to help pay the bills!

OPHELIA PYE

Moving to Boston with a completely different university system has certainly required readjustment; training for three to four hours a day and frequently working until the early hours of the morning is pretty much the norm here. That said, though challenging, it has been an incredible experience and an opportunity to learn in a truly diverse, eclectic and international environment. Unlike the UK system you do not specialise until your second year - during the Freshman year at Harvard you are encouraged to study completely new subjects (the aim being to explore your interests and to find an area of study that you are passionate about). As a result, many students major in a completely different subject than they originally intended.

Since I am used to training quite a lot on my own, it’s really great to be part of a big team. The pride and energy associated with American sports teams is phenomenal; the rivalry between colleges (particularly amongst the Ivy League) is a lot of fun. Frustratingly I am still just watching competitions from the sidelines as I managed to break my ankle within days of arriving - definitely not the best start! Despite this, I have been training hard doing a lot of gym work, cycling and using an antigravity running machine so hopefully I have managed to maintain my fitness level despite the injury.

WILL WRENCH

After leaving school and working over the summer, I headed off to the Alps for a ski season. I have been enjoying meeting guests every week and skiing with some great snow (probably the best in the last five years in the Alps). The locals say they are really seeing the effects of global warming with snow in late April and a lack of snow sometimes in peak times. It does make me wonder if timing of the traditional ski season will change in the future.

WW photography has been going well and I have been working with local businesses in La Rosière and focusing on boosting their social media with videos, to help generate interest when guests arrive in resort. More and more people seem to be heading to social media to search out things to do whilst on holiday. Future plans are to work on some exciting projects when I return at the end of April and then I will be heading to University of the Arts, London in September to study Commercial Photography and hope to get into Documentary Filmmaking.

Bidding farewell to staff

Bidding farewell to staff that have contributed so much to the Dauntsey’s community is always hard, but in doing so it allows us to pause and think back on their time at the school and remember some of their key highlights. The past 18 months has seen us say goodbye to a number of staff, all of whom are listed below. Included below are write-ups for a number of our longer serving staff.

Valete

Liz Gardiner

Liz leaves Dauntsey’s after a remarkable thirty year career here. That means that she has, more than once in recent years, taught the children of some of her earliest pupils here.

She arrived in 1993, as Liz Aspinall, with a degree from Durham and a valiant twoyear attempt at an accountancy career under her belt. She started teaching English in the department of Peter Charters and tutoring in Jeanne.

Liz fell in love with the school in spite of its eccentricities. She was asked at an early point in her career, for example, as one of few female teachers, to wear skirts, not trousers, to work. Well, you can ask...

Liz produced wonderful resources for the department on a huge range of texts. This even survived the accidental binning, by a previous Head of English, of a shelf

full of files of Liz’s teaching notes. On this occasion, as always, Liz kept her cool.

From Jeanne, she moved to Evans, providing invaluable support to Nigel Yates as he moved the house into its new building in 2006. She was working parttime at this time, following the birth of James, then Ben. She stayed in Evans for a year after her return to full-time work in 2008, before Stewart Roberts asked her to become House Mistress of Forbes in 2009. She made this house her own, and several generations of Dauntseian families have benefitted from her gentle, gracious and kind welcome to the school. Not for nothing was her nickname among the pupils, ‘Guru Gardiner’.

In 2019 she made the move back to a senior house, Lambert, which she ran beautifully for four years. When told of her departure, and of her new career as a counsellor, a senior member of the house said, “Oh no, that’s terrible; but that’s the perfect job for her. She’ll be amazing.”

She leaves a great gap in the school, that we shall need to strive to fill. Her new career is perfect for her, and we wish her every success in her life without Dauntsey’s.

Andrew Brown, HeadofEnglish

Caroline Hambly

Caroline was recruited by Emma Crozier from Bishop Wordsworth’s School in a daring raid into enemy territory in the summer of 2014. Emma and Caroline were delegates on the same training course at the school and Emma managed to convince Caroline to apply for the Maths post here despite Caroline being a Physics teacher!

Not only has Caroline transitioned successfully from Physics to Maths, but she has also transitioned from Miss Waddell to Mrs Hambly, with her marriage to Mark in 2018.

Since she has been in the Maths Department, Caroline has taken multiplication quite literally, with the birth of her daughter Annabelle in autumn 2019 and the birth of Maia in summer 2022. And as only a Maths teacher can achieve, and indeed be interested enough to calculate, Annabelle and Maia are exactly 1000 days apart.

Caroline has taken on many roles here – maths teacher, physics teacher, tutor in Hemens, athletics coach, union rep and treasurer of the common room, which all reflects her can-do attitude and willingness to get stuck in. She is also the one responsible for the introduction of that most culturally enriching of events, the Lip Sync battle, to the school calendar!

We are all so grateful for what she has given the school in so many different ways over the last nine years. She has been a great asset in the Maths department – she is a great problemsolver and her positive attitude and energy has really rubbed off on to her students.

She leaves us to go and teach at The Trafalgar School at Downton. She will be remembered here with great fondness and of course we wish her all the very best for the future.

Pete Mobbs, HeadofMathematics

Nick Leach

Nick ‘Leachy’ Leach joined Dauntsey’s in September 2016 as a Graduate Assistant Teacher of Sport from Hardenhuish School in Chippenham. Nick impressed in everything he did, leading to him being offered a full-time position as a teacher of PE and Games. As well as taking on the role of Sports Co-Ordinator, Nick had been a non-resident tutor in Fitzmaurice House in his first year and he moved into the Boarding House in 2017 and remained a tutor in Fitzmaurice until 2021.

Nick was well liked and respected by the pupils in the boarding house, as well as all those he taught and worked with. His main passion was for coaching rugby and after a year with the U13A team, he then coached the U14A team for four years, before his final two seasons coaching the

2nd XV and being also responsible for developing the 1st XV forwards.

One of Nick’s greatest strengths was that he was able to coach any sport at any level, he has supported the Hockey programme, and in the summer, he coached cricket; a sport he continues to enjoy playing. A hard hitter of the ball and a competent bowler, although his speed between the wickets could be found lacking!

When Nick announced he was leaving, everyone was sad to see him go. Nick is a big loss to the teaching profession and maybe one day he will return to it. In the meantime, we wish him all the very best as he re-trains as an electrician.

Marcus Olsen, DirectorofSport Jimmy Devney, HeadofALevelPE

Pat Morrison

Pat Morrison joined Dauntsey’s in 1995 and started off by teaching Lower School Drama as well as EAL to International pupils. As part of the Drama Department, she was involved in productions of Cabaret, Jesus Christ Superstar and Les Misérables and greatly enjoyed working with colleagues such as Sam Pullen and Rikki Jackson. However, as the international contingent began to grow at Dauntsey’s, so Pat had to focus her attention on teaching EAL and enhancing the provision for our overseas pupils and was instrumental in the setting up of the inaugural Chinese New Year Dinner.

In 2007, Pat made the decision to retire (for the first time) from teaching. However, in 2011 she was asked to return to provide cover ‘for a few weeks’ and wound up staying for a further 12 years!

Towards the end of the last academic year, Pat decided that she would hang up her board pen and has now retired from teaching and left Dauntsey’s School, a place that has meant so much to her.

Pat’s children attended the school and she has been involved in a great deal over the years and has a particular fondness for the choirs she has been part of.

Her colleagues value and appreciate her enthusiasm, her warmth, her genuine interest in her pupils’ welfare and progress, her caring nature and her stimulating discussions on current affairs. She has always been there to provide a calm reassurance and voice of wisdom when needed and is a colleague whose knowledge of the school and its history is unsurpassed.

Outside school, she is a church warden, a school governor, a book club member, a loyal and generous friend to so many, an active grandmother and she and her husband, Ken, can often be found sailing off the coast of Scotland.

Thank you, Pat, for all the wonderful contributions you have made to Dauntsey’sover the years.

David Benedict, HeadofEAL

Patrick joined Dauntsey’s in 2016, having previously taught at Kingdown School. He quickly made a name for himself as an accomplished English teacher and a witty and charming colleague with a unique sense of humour.

His charisma was such that he could afford to teach without ever raising his voice above his standard conversational tone, controlling the pupils with his eyes. He was often seen teaching from a largely horizontal position at the front of the class, usually wearing something resembling pyjamas. Of course, his laid-back nature did not extend to the work behind the scenes. A lot of his time went into preparing lessons that ran so smoothly and naturally.

Patrick Ost

Beyond the classroom, he reached the dizzy heights of coaching the U15A boys’ hockey team. He also ran the equally important (albeit somewhat less polished) Summer Puddings (staff) cricket team. In the summer terms, Patrick’s persistent wearing of cricket (off-)whites (irrespective of his involvement in training or fixtures) signalled his enthusiasm and ardour for the sport. Under his tutelage, the U15Bs, renowned more for their sense of fun and desire for excitement, rather than for their cover drives or well-flighted googlies, were introduced to and encouraged to maintain a sense of ‘proper cricket’. Patrick’s energy, enthusiasm and good humour infused all aspects of the sport, helping him to achieve the much coveted ‘manager of the week’ accolade on no fewer than four separate occasions.

Patrick would frequently jest about his pastoral impact being ‘patchy at best’ but to those who were lucky enough to fall under his care, or work with him in house, he was always compassionate and fair, good-humoured regardless of situation, and a willing champion when circumstances required.

Patrick will be remembered for his charisma, jokes and unique sense of style. We know that he will be an asset to King’s College School Wimbledon, and we wish him all the best as he takes on the role of Deputy Head of English. We hope that his new school is flexible on staff dress.

Estelle Braby-Leman, ModernLanguages &EPQ

Dan Fraser, HeadofComputing

Ade Poole

Adrian Poole (Ade) arrived from St Mary’s Calne in September 2011, taking over as Head of Economics & Business Studies, from Carole Wakefield.

As HOD, Ade has been hugely supportive of his departmental colleagues, showing great patience and empathy, achieving just the right balance between ensuring that the academic and organisational demands of the department are met, while keeping his team feeling cared for, appreciated and fully informed.

As a classroom teacher his lessons were always well-planned and delivered, in a style that treated Sixth Formers as young adults, while recognising their tendency to revert to more childlike versions of themselves, at any time – and dealing with those situations with the humour, sternness, or understanding, that his excellent judgement deemed appropriate. I think it is fair to say that those he taught came away with not just a great understanding of Economics or Business but also an excellent grasp of the workings of sarcasm.

His time in the Games Department may have been limited to a short cameo of recreational football management, but clearly, those in charge simply failed to recognise the latent talent within the Nottingham Forest supporter.

As a tutor in King-Reynolds for 10 years – the last three as Assistant House Master – he was both diligent and caring in his support for the girls in his charge. It was no surprise when he was headhunted by Farmer, for his final two years at the school.

The loudest contribution Ade made to the life of the school over the years, however, has surely been as the drummer, in the staff band, The Paul Gordon Experience.

Outside of school, Ade has a little DJing side-hustle, which I am sure that he will continue with (particularly as he says goodbye to Saturday teaching).

Ade’s stature and the regard with which he is held amongst his colleagues, was reflected in them voting him in as Co-Chair of the Staff Common Room. Alongside Sharon Wells, Ade has quietly given his time, offered wise counsel and has always, always, been a great listener to many of us.

As Ade returns to St Mary’s Calne, to take up the Head of Economics position, he and Marnie can look forward to normal weekends together, as well as slightly less rushed visits to Manchester, where their children (and ODs) Louie and Gemma reside.

Adrian Lewis, BusinessStudies& Economics

Emma Slade

Emma arrived at Dauntsey’s in September 2011 from Taunton School to join the Biology department. Her super organised and efficient approach to teaching, along with her kind, calm, no fuss personality has made her a favourite among pupils of all ages. Always generous with her time, pupils beat a well-trodden path to the Biology office to ask for Emma’s support. She has been a truly safe pair of hands for any class timetabled to her care.

Emma’s sense of humour has been a real boon in the Department over the years. She loves a good natter and is interested in other people (that’s polite for entertaining gossip)! She’s very funny, a bit naughty, down to earth and says it like it is. Always a fan of word games, she introduced “pun o’clock” where anything said in the office had to be associated with a chosen theme. Other Emmainspired department competitions include ruler tennis and “poo pong!” (it’s not quite as unsanitary as you think).

Biology teachers need a wide skill set and Emma made an immediate impression as a, quote, “blonde bombshell” by a former member of department; but quickly proved that this was only her second-best characteristic after her brilliant and innovative experiments and teaching methods. She pioneered the use of respirometers with 3-way taps (we all still defer to her to when trying it ourselves), and her brine shrimp ecosystems always fascinate any group coming into the classroom where they are kept. Scientific rigour notwithstanding, Emma has a highly creative side as evidenced by the models and displays on several classroom walls and shelves which have been produced by her classes. As well as being an extremely effective teacher, Emma was also an excellent tutor in King Reynolds for many years. Emma Crozier fondly remembers her as part of the King-Reynolds ‘All time Greats’ tutor team, along with Linda Scrace, Norma Wingham and Ade Poole.

Her calm, cheerful and common-sense approach meant Emma was a natural tutor and a safe and effective pair of hands to guide her tutees through A level choices and UCAS.

Despite Emma’s real strength and passion being in the classroom, she kindly supported the PE Department in the Spring Term where she braved the wind, rain and cold conditions helping with the First Form netball teams. Emma would be the first to admit that this really wasn’t her niche – that said, she always arrived with a positive and smiley demeanour and got stuck into the drills. Juggling all her commitments so admirably sums up just how amazing Emma is!

In the Common Room Emma will be most fondly remembered for her catchphrases. with one for every occasion – ‘coolio’, ‘laters-taters’, ‘interesting, Mr Bond’ and ‘in a swish, jellyfish’ to mention but a few.

We wish Emma well as she leaves us for sunnier climes, following her husband who is taking up a post as an ENT consultant surgeon in Adelaide, Australia.

Bonnie Gordon, Biology

Nick Barnes

Nick Barnes retired in July 2023 after 12 years as our indefatigable Estates Bursar. Nick joined the school after a very successful career in the RAF and transformed this vital area of school life. He served under three Bursars and was renowned for his straight talking, his love of whole school evacuations, where he always took a starring role on the school

In addition, 2023 saw us say farewell to...

Lynda Barnes (Nurse)

Aggie Barron (Catering)

Amy Bergstrom (Mathematics)

Carey Blackburn (Business and Economics)

Tanya Cannon (Catering)

Amy Channing (Classics)

Will Ethelston (Bursar)

Caroline Haywood (OD 92) (Careers)

Greg James (Learning Support)

Melissa Lecamp (French)

Jo Leeming (Learning Support)

Lydi Lees (Mathematics)

Berenice Lowe (Catering)

Chris McBride (Chef)

Grace McPherson (Spanish, History & Politics)

Claire Mullord (Facilities)

Hannah Nisbeck (Facilities)

Jasmin Oberwimmer (German)

Claire Parr (Head of HR)

tannoy, and for his willingness to don his high viz jacket and guide passing helicopters in to land. He had a fine eye for detail, the ability to produce truly excellent papers for governors’ meetings, and an encyclopaedic knowledge of the school site. The quality of his paperwork around risk, compliance, and health and safety, was outstanding and he led us through every ISI inspection superbly as well as through the misery of the Covid years. In terms of projects, Nick oversaw the overhaul of the sports centre, the building of the Olive Building and the Pavilion, while he also managed the construction of the athletics track (this last project might have run more smoothly if we had checked that we did have planning permission first!). Kind, thoughtful, dedicated and generous, we will miss Nick, his linen summer suit and his Panama hat.

Mark Lascelles, HeadMaster

Raquel Peracaula (Spanish)

Kirsten Price (Librarian)

Richard Rogers (Stores)

Toni-Ann Ross (Facilities)

Maureen Rowe (Facilities)

Diane Sleigh (Receptionist)

Harriet Starkey (Music)

Kirsty Stickley (Facilities)

Robin Tearle (Chef)

Alice Wilson (Classics)

A new life for the Farmer Hall Organ

If they reflect at all on their distant schooldays, the thousand or so Old Dauntseians who passed through the school’s portals between 1957 and 1974 may recall not only the Farmer Hall itself but also the handsome chamber organ on the music stage at the Hall’s east end. Ably played by Philippe Oboussier, John Weeks, Nick Hale and others, it would accompany both our hymn singing at assemblies (most memorably ending the term with Alington’s Lord, Thouhastbroughtus toourjourney’send ) and a variety of other musical activities.

The chamber organ had been built by Joseph Davis of London in 1813 and its first home was Farleigh Hungerford House on the Somerset-Wiltshire border. In the 1870s it was transferred to the newly built Blounts Court at Potterne. In 1957 at a drinks party held there the new Head Master Donald Forbes spoke of the School’s need for an organ. The owner, a Mr Sword, duly made a present of the instrument, it was dismantled, transported and reassembled. It then served as the main school organ for services until the much-needed Memorial Hall was opened in 1974. The Farmer Hall’s life as an all-school assembly hall was now at an end. It was handed over to the Music Department and divided into a series of smaller rooms but retaining a considerable space at the east end, known now as the Old Hall.

There the organ remained, but little used and by the turn of the century it was in a parlous state. For quite some time it had not been in full working order, resources were not available for costly repairs, and even if in working order the argument for retention was not an obvious one.

There matters rested until last year when a proposal was made to give it a new lease of life, by transferring it to Pipe Up for Pipe Organs, a charity committed to celebrating and preserving the nation’s pipe organs. Their Martin Renshaw was enthusiastic, describing the instrument as “a magnificent piece of work that really deserves a fine home. It would cost an enormous amount to restore but even in just a cleaned version of its present state it could be put on public view and hopefully made to perform.” In September 2023 he came down to the school and over a week expertly dismantled the organ for the first time in almost 70 years. Its parts lovingly encased in bubble wrap, it was gently transported to London. The school was thus relieved of what had sadly become a burden and the charity is now the possessor of a fine historic instrument which it is hoped will eventually be appreciated once more.

The photo to the left shows an item discovered behind the organ. Would anyone care to own up?

Philip Nokes (OD 70) Dauntsey’sArchivist

Changing tides: THE RISE OF WOMEN IN SAILING

She’s the first woman to captain the Jolie Brise, and Harriet Steptoe (OD 18) is on a mission to inspire the next generation of sailors…

She has sailed 3,000 miles across the Atlantic, faced 30foot waves and treacherous winds, but Harriet Steptoe says her most terrifying experience happened on dry land.

“Last year I won the youngest captain award for the 2023 Tall Ships race series, and I was asked to make a speech at the captain’s dinner in Arundel,” recalls the Old Dauntseian. “It was an incredible event, packed with naval officers wearing full uniform, but I was the youngest person in the room and the only female skipper. Just stepping on stage was terrifying – there were some pretty surprised faces and the room went very quiet.”

Of course, Harriet is well-versed in holding her own, and she delivered her speech with aplomb. “It was wellreceived, but that speech is definitely the toughest challenge I’ve faced,” she says. “I’m so glad I did it though, I hope I can spark a bit of a change.”

Harriet is naturally self-effacing, but change is precisely what she has created in a traditionally male-dominated sport. She is the first woman to captain the JolieBrisein its 100-year history, and she captained an all-female crew in this year’s Tall Ships series. She has also won numerous awards, and recently garnered the RYA Yachtmaster of the Year accolade. As far as sailing goes, these are some pretty impressive credentials, let alone by the age of 23.

So, where did her sailing career begin?

“My parents and grandparents sail, and the sea was part of my life from the year dot,” Harriet explains. “As a toddler I’d be strapped into the cockpit in my car seat, while we explored the Channel Islands and south coast. As soon as I was old enough, I had an active role on the boat – I wasn’t just a passenger.”

Harriet’s passion was then nurtured at Dauntsey’s, where pupils have enviable access to the JolieBrise , the school’s 24 metre pilot cutter. An icon on the water, she is the only ship to have won three Fastnet races. She also possesses two coveted Blue Water Medals and has an impressive haul of Tall Ships trophies. Acquired by the school in 1977 and

berthed in Hamble, the JolieBriseis now 110. Proving that age is just a number, she remains just as fast as ever, and is busy inspiring a new generation of young people to take the helm. While she is sailed and maintained by pupils, she is skippered by Dauntsey’s Head of Sailing Toby Marris and co skipper Adam Seager, alongside Harriet, who is currently teaching at the school.

“When I joined Dauntsey’s 30 years ago, the boat was used by about 20 children,” says Toby. “Now around 250 pupils belong to the sailing club and, partly thanks to Harriet, we’re seeing more girls wanting to take qualifications. She’s been an inspiration to them.

“Twenty years ago, there were very few female sail training skippers, but the landscape is changing rapidly. Now, around half the boats are skippered by women. It’s partly thanks to other inspirational figures like Ellen MacArthur and Pip Hare, but the industry has become more professional too. There is a distinct career path, which means young men and women can set their sights on becoming a captain in five years.”

For Hampshire-born Harriet, sailing went from being a hobby to something more serious when she was 16. Alongside a crew of 11 pupils, she entered the Atlantic Tall Ships circuit, which involved racing from Canada to Le Havre in France. “It took 20 days,” she recalls. “We saw dolphins and whales, and took on 30 foot waves. It was tough at times, especially when it was cold, wet and we were sharing a confined space the size of a single bedroom. Nevertheless,

we came third out of 30 boats. In port, you’re surrounded by huge Tall Ships, meeting people from different countries and taking part in parades. It’s a great spectacle, and it was incredible to be involved.”

Of course, Toby wasn’t surprised that the trip proved so life changing for the team – over the last 30 years he has witnessed first-hand the incredible benefits of sailing.

“It does so much for a young person’s confidence,” he explains. “Parents often tell me their son or daughter has returned from a trip a changed person. We mix up the year groups on board, but as soon as they set foot on the boat they are all equals. You have to learn to get along with each other, and you are also trusting people with your life. Everyone finds somewhere they can excel – you might not be brilliant at trimming the sail, but you could be great at cooking or navigation.”

Harriet followed school with a degree at Portsmouth University, which placed her conveniently close to the JolieBrise While there she powered ahead with her sailing qualifications, taking her RYA Yachtmaster exams and undertaking her skipper training with the support of Toby and Adam. It is testament to her remarkable talent that she even won the coveted RYA Yachtmaster of the Year award, beating over 3,000 hopefuls from across the globe.

“I was travelling in Thailand when I got a call to say that I’d won,” recalls Harriet. “I was in complete shock, but I came back a week early to collect the award

from The Princess Royal, in London. It was an incredible moment, and she was interested to hear my story. I saw her again this summer, she is such a great female role model.”

As, of course, is Harriet, who is continuing her remarkable trajectory. “I’ve just finished my Yachtmaster® Ocean, which is the highest RYA qualification,” she adds. “It enables me to take boats anywhere in the world. That makes me quite a rarity in the industry, partly because I’m female but also because of my age. In the past, sailing has been hugely male-dominated, largely because it’s such a physical job, and it hasn’t always been easy to break through as a girl. Even now, when I’m out on the water I get asked if they can speak to the skipper, or my dad.

“But I was lucky enough to spend my teenage years getting in all those sea miles on the JolieBrise . She has no winches or buttons to push – instead she uses the core sailing principles, which makes her great to have on your CV. Of course, I’ve also had incredible support from Toby and Adam, who have done so much to develop me. Without them I wouldn’t be where I am.”

For now, Harriet has come a full circle and is teaching Games at Dauntsey’s, in addition to working alongside Toby and Adam to manage the JolieBrise . So, what’s next for sailing’s bright young star?

“I hope I can spark change”

“I’d like to stay with the JolieBriseand be a role model for our pupils,” she says. “At the end of every trip, I watch children step off the boat that little bit taller and prouder. I hope to encourage the next generation of sailors, and pass on the opportunities I had.

“Whether you’re a seasoned skipper or a student on a ship, when you’re on board you are all part of the same team. Sailing the JolieBriseisn’t something you can do by yourself – I need ten people on the ropes alone, just to get the sails up. Everyone feels valued, whether they are cooking, navigating or taking watch overnight. We all chip in, and that creates an incredible atmosphere. If the weather is rough, sailing can be pretty dramatic and it can test your nerves, but I’ve always loved it. I still do.”

Left: Harriet recieves her RYA Yachtmaster of the Year award award from Princess Anne in London 2022

Far left: Harriet on the Jolie Brise giving a saftey briefing to Dauntsey’s pupils

Below: Jolie Brise out on the Solent

Bottom: Harriet talking to pupils on the Jolie Brise

Degrees with a DIFFERENCE

By the time they graduate, degree apprentices are thousands of pounds better off and primed for a head start in the world of work. We speak to two ODs who are reaping the rewards of this alternative path...

With tuition fees and the rapidly escalating cost of living to contend with, it’s perhaps no surprise that today’s school leavers are exploring alternative future pathways. Since degree apprenticeships stepped into the frame in 2015, student interest has soared – so much so that last year, UCAS launched its own dedicated apprenticeship service to cope with the unprecedented demand.

“It’s a win-win,” says Old Dauntseian Wilf Fitzgibbon, who is in his final year of a degree apprenticeship with Dyson. “I’m able to get an engineering degree (BEng), while I work and gain hands-on industry experience.”

Sam Arnold agrees. She is currently completing an automotive engineering degree apprenticeship with Jaguar Land Rover. “Career pathways are rapidly changing,” says Sam, who left Dauntsey’s in 2018. “There’s a definite trend towards apprenticeship, and numbers are on the increase. People are starting to realise it’s a great option.”

Historically thought of as a path for those keen to enter the building trade, today’s apprenticeships span wide-ranging industries, including engineering, law, healthcare and education. While the businesses that run schemes benefit from financial incentives and the opportunity to harness fresh talent, apprentices are extremely employable when they emerge. If you’re in any doubt, consider the fact that they hold around 30% of the senior management roles at Rolls Royce.

“Research suggests that if employers are choosing between a graduate and a degree apprentice with the same qualification, they are more likely to pick apprentices,” says Sam, who was offered places with BAE Systems, Airbus and Jaguar Land Rover.

Of course, with today’s tuition fees notching up to as much as £27,750 for a three-year course, the chance to ‘learn while you earn’ is incredibly alluring. While salaries vary, degree apprentices can expect to earn a starting salary around £20,000 and their tuition is paid for too.

Previous page: Class room, Dyson campus

Right and below: Sam Arnold is completing an automotive engineering degree apprenticeship with Jaguar Land Rover.

“My decision to do a degree apprenticeship was partly finance-driven,” Wilf readily admits. “Why spend so much money on university, when I could get paid for it and emerge with no student loans? I’m gaining life experience too, and when I get my degree this year, I’ll hit the ground running. I’ll already have four years’ experience working in a company that’s a market leader in its field.”

Sam, 23, concurs that the financial incentive is huge. “I was very tempted

by the prospect of not emerging from university deep in debt,” she says. “And starting salaried work at a younger age brings the potential to get on the property ladder. I also felt fidgety to start my working life – I didn’t want to do pure academia.”

So, what do degree apprenticeships involve? Essentially, employees work for their employer and gain invaluable realworld experience, while also studying towards a degree. While the formula

varies, larger companies often forge partnerships with a university to create an applied course. Jaguar Land Rover, for example, collaborates with WMG, a branch of Warwick University.

“Students split their weeks between study and work,” explains Sam, who has lectures on site at Warwick and works at two JLR sites nearby. “There are hundreds of JLR degree apprentices at Warwick but also apprentices from the likes of Aston Martin, Network Rail and Caterpillar. The set-up varies between courses, but typically you rotate through departments and learn on the job. You have access to role-specific training too – I did intensive computer-aided design courses, to provide me with the skills to become a CAD engineer.”

Sam has now settled into product development, specialising in electrified propulsion, and later this year she will graduate with a BEng (Hons) in Applied Engineering. “Alongside my degree I’ve developed soft skills, like working in teams, communication and management,” she says. “From a job perspective, an apprenticeship is a close reflection of what it’s like in the real world.”

Over at Dyson, Wilf’s degree apprenticeship involves a similar formula. He spends three days working with engineers, on a rotation system designed to expose him to different areas of the business. The other two days are spent attending lectures at the Malmesbury campus and studying for his degree, which is affiliated to Warwick University.

However, as of September this formula is set to shift, and Wilf’s cohort is the last year to be partnered with Warwick. Instead of a degree apprenticeship, the Dyson Institute will now be offering its own Masters (MEng) employer sponsored degree. Nevertheless, the balance of work and study remains similar and students – like Wilf – ultimately pick an area they want to specialise in.

“I chose mechanical engineering,” he says. “There’s also a travel aspect to my course. I spent two months at Dyson Singapore last summer, and hope to do what they call a ‘mission year’ at one of their offices abroad when I graduate. Dyson is naturally keen to keep hold of the engineers they’ve spent four years creating, so provided I meet the conditions for continued employment, I get a suite of offers to choose from.”

With employer funded tuition, salaries of circa £20,000 and industry experience on offer, all this could sound too good to be true. Surely there must be a downside?

Left: Wilf Fitzgibbon

Below: Students at work, Dyson campus

“I do miss the long summer holidays and sport that would come with traditional university,” acknowledges Wilf, 22. “I’ve joined a local rugby club near my flat in Bristol, but you need to be self-driven when it comes to seeking out those opportunities. It doesn’t bother me, but the social side is different too – you’re working, so you won’t be partying until 6am. You do benefit from the campus experience in your first year though - I lived in an incredible purpose-designed modular pod in Dyson Village.”

Inevitably, both degree apprenticeships and sponsored degrees are competitive too - Rolls Royce was recently reported to have had over 8,000 applicants for just 40 places on its coveted engineering degree apprenticeship. But prospective employers prize experience and leadership skills just as highly as grades.

“Work experience is crucial,” says Wilf. “I did lifeguarding, as well as placements at a naval architecture firm and the British Council. It’s about showing you’re a rounded person, who can shoulder responsibility.”

“They want evidence you have the potential to be a good employee,” adds Sam. “I also had lifeguarding experience

and I qualified as a gliding instructor when I was 16, which demonstrated my leadership skills and passion for hands-on learning. Both worked wonders on my application.”

So, what would be Sam’s advice for anyone considering following in her footsteps? “Give yourself time to scope out what apprenticeships are available, and what industry you might want to go into,” she says. “Weigh up how you feel about the social aspect of traditional university life, and your finances too. On your application, promote your extracurricular experiences and really analyse how they’ve developed your skills.

“When I first started looking for apprenticeships I had to dig around for information, but there’s so much awareness now. People are realising that straightforward university isn’t right for everyone - this makes a great alternative.”

LIFE LESSONS ON LEADERSHIP

Gerry Lawrence OD 1954-1959

Leadership is defined as the act of motivating a group of people to act individually or as a team, toward achieving a common goal. In any organisation, whether business, military, academic or whatever, employees or members look up to the leader of an enterprise to understand how they should feel about the organisation and the people in it. They are more likely to follow a leader who is passionate about their vision and wants to see projects brought to completion no matter what. Having enthusiasm also means being energetic and positive around those you lead to inspire others to care as much as you do.

Here we focus on self-leadership! Self-leadership begins with defining values for your life. Since every organisation adopts values, individuals can also define their personal values which will give them greater joy in life and direct them to what they desire to accomplish.

Here are “life-values” which can guide us in our journey of self-leadership and self-fulfilment.

INTEGRITY

Be honest with yourself and in all your dealings.

This is the top value in life. None of us is perfect and we will all make mistakes.

COMPASSION

Everyone has the potential to be a Compassionate Leader. This means the practice of using your head and heart to inspire and positively influence others.

GENEROSITY

Happiness comes when you do something for someone who cannot repay you.

ACCOUNTABILITY

A Leader assumes ultimate responsibility for honest and ethical actions and conduct towards others, including endorsing and displaying the attributes of trust others place in you.

AMBITION

There is nothing wrong with ambition as long as it doesn’t lead to greed.

If you have big goals for your life then this is a fine attribute.

COMMUNICATING

Strive to achieve an effective open-line of communicating ideas and instructions between all levels of an enterprise. People like to discover that their ideas are valued enough to play a useful part in an enterprise.

FORGIVENESS

Do not carry a burden of guilt, neither for yourself nor for others. First forgive yourself for anything serious that has gone wrong in your life since you cannot improve the past; but you can learn from it.

BOLDNESS

To achieve ambition you need to be bold in your actions. Boldness can help you progress further in your life than any other value.

Taking action is the key to boldness. It means taking calculated risks to achieve what you want.

LEARNING

The key to learning is to keep your mind active throughout your life. Read, listen, document and learn all you can. Don’t die wondering! Identify experts in your field and connect with them; learn from them; and be willing to offer and share your knowledge and expertise.

LOVE

Life can be enjoyed only through love. Love your life, love yourself and love your family.

HARD WORK

You cannot achieve big success unless you are committed to work hard. Display a strong work ethic. Adopt an opendoor to ideas. Encourage others to follow your example and to work with you.

HUMILITY

Leadership is about serving others, consistently observing and listening, and remaining humble in efforts to improve. Leaders don’t assume that they know the way better than others. A Leader is one who listens to and encourages others in every respect.

RESPONSIBILITY

Assume personal responsibility for your life. You may not be able to change an event but you can change yourself.

AND FINALLY...

Never fear failure: rather, learn from it!

40 years of the DSPA

TRAVEL SCHOLARSHIP

What links the Khmer Rouge, Kakapo parrots, batik, and glacial landforms in Iceland? It might feel like you have stumbled into a Radio 4 quiz, but the answer is much more Dauntsey’s related!

Since 1984 the Dauntsey’s School Parents’ Association has put aside a sum of money to be awarded as a scholarship for “purposeful travel”.

Announced early in each academic year, the Sixth Form are invited to submit written bids of no more than one page. They are encouraged to think hard about the reasons they are travelling; the Scholarship is not intended for holidays! However, it is not necessary for the aims and destinations to be too extreme; candidates are not expected to solve the problems of the world, undertake ground-breaking science, or to travel great distances.

The written bids are reviewed and a shortlist created, and those selected are invited to present to a panel comprising members of the DSPA and teachers. The panel consider aspects including the overall feasibility of the project, the degree of planning carried out, the worth of the proposal and the extent it involves assisting and supporting others.

The evening of the presentations is always a lively, exciting one, as plans for travels to far flung places with ambitious objectives are discussed and the adventurous spirit, so prevalent in Dauntsey’s pupils, comes to the fore.

The panel deliberate on the night and the winner is announced, to their obvious delight.

The winners from 2023, Ben Carter and Lotti Litherland, who spent three months rock climbing across Europe, said of their Scholarship;

“The DSPA scholarship gave us both the confidence in our ideas for our travels and that we were both going to be capable of such a big adventure. Having

the monetary support from the DSPA meant our travel was a little easier and overcoming setbacks was a little less stressful!”

Even for those that don’t win, the act of preparing their bid often spurs them into action and more than half of those that submit bids eventually head off on some version of their travels.

Since 1984 the DPSA has given more than £40k to the Travel Scholarship supporting candidates who have looked at famine relief, globalisation, climate change, horse racing, and education, as well as those who have travelled the length of the Silk Road and cycled from Kilimanjaro to Cape Town.

Sam Moore, Head of Adventure Education at Dauntsey’s, who administers the Scholarship on behalf of the DSPA, explains;

“For a school that prides itself on adventure, we are so grateful to work with the DSPA on the Travel Scholarship, it provides a great springboard for pupils to head off on their own, self-generated adventures where they can challenge themselves and use all the skills and resources they have developed while at Dauntsey’s”.

The DSPA has a sub-committee to manage the Scholarship, Kate Glyn-Owen who chairs the committee sums it up nicely:

“Dauntsey’s pupils are encouraged to be adventurous from the moment they arrive at the School. It is a privilege for the DSPA to be able to provide assistance to those that want to take their adventures to the next level, and they never fail to impress and delight us with their ideas, hard work and enthusiasm for travel.”

Scholarships from the past 15 years...

2009 The effects of the Khmer Rouge in modern day Cambodia

2010 (joint) The influences of the road on the literature of the ‘Beat Generation’

2010 (joint) Volunteer work in the poor island communities in Fiji

2011 (joint) Japan: An exploration of the traditional and modern

2011 (joint) A study of geographical landforms in Australia

2012 (joint) Ascension Island - a treasure worth preserving

2012 (joint) Research Trip to Greece for Classics Textbook

2013 Restoration and Travel of the Colorado Trail

2014 (joint) Cycling the borders of Western Europe to discover their history

2014 (joint) The exploration of Bolivia’s diverse geography and its relationship with the mixed communities

2015 The role of technology in African development

2016 Exploring the factors that have shaped Nepalese culture

2017 Exploring Scandinavia’s culture through 18 challenges

2018 Exploring the history and culture of Sri Lanka through its natural beauty

2019 Exploring the political and natural landscapes of Eurasia

2020 (joint) The difference between UK and US thoroughbred racing

2020 (joint) African Cycle Challenge

2021 [Not awarded due to Coronavirus]

2022 Bike packing South America - ‘Investigating how climate change is impacting individuals in South America’

2023 (joint) Explore European culture through climbing

2023 (joint) Landscapes and sustainability in farming - the Irish way

2024: Investigating the impacts of sea level rise on the Norwegian landscape

The 2024 DSPA Travel Scholarship was awarded to Georgie and Inés. They plan to traverse the coast of Norway looking at the effects of climate change on the communities there. They say, “In our current world, climate change and sea level are arguably the most pressing topic of debate. Our goal is to study the Norwegian coastline, how the past climate has shaped it and how sea level rise has and could continue to influence the coastal communities today.” On their travels, they hope to visit Trondheim, Bodo, the Lofoten Island, Reine, Leknes, Henningsvaer, Svolvaer, Harstad, Tromso, Bergen and Flam, whilst also setting aside time for hiking, kayaking and whale watching.

We wish Georgie and Inés the best of luck and look forward to hearing how they get on.

Can you help?

Middle:

Bottom:

The school has on record the titles of all the winning DSPA travel scholarships since 1984 but not full details of those who won. Did you, or a friend in your year win? If so, please could you let Sam Moore, Head of Adventure Education know (s.moore@dauntseys.org) so he can update the records.

Our hope is to eventually create a winners’ board for the wall in the Adventure Education Department.

Top: Luke Hatch as he headed off to traverse the Silk Road.

Jonty Smith on his cycle adventure

Zoe Palmer investigating farming in Ireland

THE SKY’S THE LIMIT

Old Dauntseians take to the air

From hair-raising aerial stunts to piloting jets and protecting our airspace, these ODs are enjoying successful careers in the aviation industry. Ready for take-off? Read on to hear their stories...

“Acrobatics are exhilarating”

Tom Milsom and his Tiger Moth

His day job involves flying around Europe as a captain for Jet2, but during the summer months Tom Milsom is often spotted swooping through the skies in his 1940s biplane. He bought a share in the aircraft eight years ago, and has been doing aerobatics displays as part of the Tiger Nine formation team ever since.

“There are no mod cons in a Tiger Moth,” says Tom, who left Dauntsey’s in 2008. “The cockpit is open to the elements, so while you have little windscreens to stop the oil splattering in your face, it’s loud, windy and cold. And if you turn upside down during aerobatics, anything loose flies out the top. It’s very romantic though – when you’re flying, you can even smell the grassy fields below.”

Tom, 34, is a ‘second generation’ Tiger Nine member. His father Jeff - also an airline pilot - leads the formation team. “I caught the bug from dad,” he explains. “I flew with him in his plane as a teenager, and learnt the ropes watching him in action.”

After leaving Dauntsey’s, Tom trained for his commercial pilot’s licence, then did his aerobatic training in 2015. “A Tiger Moth isn’t an easy machine to fly, but it’s incredibly exhilarating,” he says. “You start it by hand-turning the propeller, but you need to be careful, because at some point it’ll fire and burst into life. There are no brakes either, so you’re solely reliant on friction to slow you down when you land – that and a long enough runway. If your engine stops mid-flight, there’s no way to get it started again, you have to glide down and land in the first field you can find.”

Tom – who is married to Lucy, a fellow OD – adds that it’s very different to piloting an airliner. “You’re flying 600 kilos of wood and fabric, instead of 60 tonnes of metal,” he explains. “You’re also navigating with a compass and map, but that’s part of the fun. The Tiger Nine do around 10 displays over the summer months, and we once even flew at a friend’s wedding. The venue was close to our training airfield, so I stayed for the canapes, then hopped into the plane. We performed a nine-aircraft display, then I returned to the celebrations.”

So, has Tom had any hairy moments? “I once pushed it a little hard and

Right: Tom and his wife, Lucy, after flying back to the UK from Switzerland

Below: The Tiger Nine Display Team

accidentally turned the plane upside down at a lower level than I would have liked,” he admits. “But my aerobatic training came to the fore. When you’re flying an 80-year-old plane you have to be aware of the risks, but that’s why we do it.”

“I chase the sunset”

Most 16-year-olds haven’t driven a car, let alone flown a plane, but Charlie Hinton made his first solo flight on his 16th birthday. He’s now clocked up over 150,000 miles as an easyJet pilot.

“I discovered flying when I was at Dauntsey’s,” Charlie, 24, tells us. “Two of our teachers flew at an airfield near Marlborough, and the experience inspired them to set up a school club. I flew microlights when I was 14, and on my 16th birthday I took the morning off school and did my first solo flight. I knew by then that I wanted a career in aviation.”

In 2019, a year after leaving Dauntsey’s, Charlie started flight school. At that time none of the commercial airlines were offering sponsored training schemes,

so he enrolled on a private course in Southampton.

The first six months involved theory, including meteorology and air law, which culminated in 14 exams. Flight training followed, firstly in Portugal, then in Cork. “We did night flights and navigation drills in single and twin-engine planes, alongside plenty of practice take offs and landings,” he says. “You then train to fly a passenger aircraft using a simulator.”

After a COVID-induced delay, Charlie earned his pilot’s licence in April 2022. At the time, the industry was still recovering from the pandemic and jobs were scarce, so he kept his eye in by working as cabin crew. “It was great fun,” he says. “It also gave me a different perspective on flying.”

In April 2023, celebrations were finally in order when Charlie secured a job as a pilot with easyJet. After a six-week training course, culminating with flying an empty passenger plane, he now flies alongside a captain.

“It’s pretty daunting the first time you land a 60 tonne jet at 150 miles per hour,” he admits. “Now, I do up to

four flights a day, travelling anywhere from Iceland to Turkey. I’ve notched up over 150,000 air miles and my aim is to become a captain, which takes around five years. Being a pilot certainly isn’t a nine-to-five job, but you’re always working with different people on different routes, and that’s exciting. We see some beautiful sights too, especially when flying back from Greece. You chase the sunset for two hours, it’s incredible.”

“I

keep an eye on the skies”

No doubt you’ve read headlines about Russian aircraft being intercepted by RAF Typhoon jets, but protecting the skies wouldn’t be possible without a dedicated crew on the ground. RAF Officer Connor is part of that team.

“When people think of the RAF they tend to think of pilots and fighter planes, but a lot of the work is actually ground based,” explains Connor. “That’s what enables the air operations – it takes all aspects to make the whole come together.”

Connor graduated from RAF Cranwell and is now working in Air and Space Operations. It’s the culmination of seven months of intense officer training, and a five-year stint in the Army Reserves.

“I’m pinching myself every day that I’m here,” he admits. “Joining the RAF has been such a long-held ambition. I’ve learnt some amazing life skills already, and I feel like I’ve gained a second family, just like I did at Dauntsey’s. You build amazing bonds with amazing people.”

Connor’s officer training involved four six-week terms, focusing on personal development, people management and militarisation. “There was plenty of weapon-handling and being shouted

at on muddy runs, as well as ironing and polishing shoes,” he laughs. “Now, my role involves tracking who is in the skies with us, what they are doing and where they are going. If something looks suspicious, that’s when the Typhoons could be scrambled.”

Top and inset: Charlie standing next to his current ‘ride’

Above: A Eurofighter Typhoon

Continuing the ADVENTURE

At Dauntsey’s the fusion of adventure and purpose is something that lies at the heart of our educational ethos. From day one we work to nurture and develop the spirit of adventure in all pupils, instilling in them the courage to explore the unknown and the resilience to overcome challenges. Whether it is getting involved in fundraising initiatives lower down the school, or taking part in the Sixth Form visit to Romania, where pupils work to support the Nightingales Children’s Project, there are countless opportunities to challenge yourself to make a real difference to others. It is fantastic to see that this spirit of purposeful adventure continues to live on past Dauntsey’s and we are delighted to share just a few of the adventures that ODs have recently undertaken, or are currently undertaking.

World’s Toughest Row

Old Dauntseian, Charlie Newman (OD 14) is taking on the challenge of being in the first military trio to row across any ocean, when he takes part in the ‘World’s Toughest Row – Atlantic Edition’ later this year, with Team V3nture. After leaving Dauntsey’s in 2014, Charlie went to Oxford Brookes University, studying Business Management and graduating in 2018. He then attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, successfully commissioning into the Royal Artillery in the summer of 2020. He now serves at 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery.

TEAM V3NTURE comprises three friends, Rob Cross (Welsh Guards), Rob Treasure (Rifles) and Charlie Newman (Royal Artillery). They are aiming to become the first official military trio to row any ocean when they take part in the ‘World’s Toughest Row’- Atlantic edition, in 2024. Previously known as the ‘Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge,’ the annual race departs every December from La Gomera in the Canary Islands. Around forty boats will attempt the 3,000 nautical mile crossing, battling twenty feet waves and 40-degree heat with one common goal. To reach Antigua.

The trio came together during their training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst where they were all placed in the same platoon. A firm friendship was formed and the trio were selected to represent the academy at the ‘Sandhurst Cup’, a military skills competition at West Point in the United States. COVID-19 had the final say however, and rather than West Point they instead found themselves at home during lockdown. Never ones to sit still, they ended up running marathons in their gardens whilst wearing cricket kit, an act that raised over £10,000 for NHS Charities Together and saw England Test Cricket Captain Ben Stokes become involved.

After commissioning from Sandhurst, the trio went their separate ways until Rob Cross asked if either of them had ever considered rowing an ocean. Despite having minimal rowing experience between them, they all jumped at the idea. In the summer of 2022, the trio did a 24-hour row on a Concept II ergo in Waterloo station. This signified the official

launch of ‘TEAM V3NTURE’ and helped raise over £4,000 for Macmillan. More recently, they held a dinner at the Cavalry and Guards club, which saw ocean rowing legend and former Royal Marine Mick Dawson, attend as a guest speaker. Again, the evening proved to be a huge success with more funds raised for a very worthwhile cause.

With less than a year left until the team push off from La Gomera, emphasis is now focused on time on the water. The trio picked up their brand new RX45 Ocean Rowing Boat in May, a new design by boat manufacturers, Rannoch.

The current record for a trio stands at 35 days, 1 hour and 33 minutes, a target the team is training to beat. “External factors will have the final say, but we would love to beat the record for the trio and will be doing everything we can to achieve that! The RX45 is the Ferrari of ocean rowing boats and will certainly give us a big boost. It is a very exciting time for us!” said Charlie.

As part of their prep, the team are working closely with Duncan Roy, a former Commando Engineer who has three Guinness World Records and over 100 days racing on the ocean. The team is covering everything from navigation to marine voice procedure as they try to milk the wealth of experience from Duncan. Their first camp, which was down in Weymouth, saw their boat, Stephen , take to the ocean for the first time as they completed an eighteen-mile training row under the watchful eye of their coach. Later that summer, the team completed a five-day summer camp including a 48 hour round trip from Weymouth to the Isle of Wight. This exposed the trio to the rigorous two hours on, one hour off shift

pattern which will be most commonly used, as well as a little exposure to the inevitable sea sickness which particularly caught Charlie off guard. Between now and December 2024, they will look to rack up between 200-250 hours on the water, recognising the need to trial everything from cooking on board, deploying their ‘para anchor’ and using the water maker.

With Stephensafely stowed away for the winter months, there is still plenty of background activity going on. From continuing to promote their brand over social media as well as reaching out to potential sponsors, to accumulating the extensive kit list, the team is certainly being kept busy and has kindly been hosted by Radley College to hone technique on the amazing indoor rowing tank facility, as well as test their VO2 Max at Solent University.

As previously alluded to, all of the above is being done for a number of incredibly worthwhile causes. In June 2021 Rob’s dad, Stephen Treasure, lost his life to cancer. This has become the core reason for the team’s desire to help support those fighting against the disease today and has driven them on to set the ambitious fundraising target of £200,000. Of this, 70% will go to Macmillan Cancer Support, ring fenced specifically to help Macmillan nurses. Each Regimental Charity will also receive 10% of the overall amount raised. This will see The Royal Artillery Charitable Fund, Care for Casualties and The Welsh Guards Charity all receive £20,000. The donation will support wounded service personnel from the respective regiments, as well as veterans and their families, and can be seen as small gesture of appreciation for

the support each regiment has shown to TEAM V3NTURE throughout the journey. With a busy and exciting 2024 on the horizon, there is much to look forward to. If you would like to follow the team as they build up to their departure date of 12 December 2024, they are on social media as @TeamV3nture. Alternatively, you can reach out to them over email on, TeamV3nture@gmail.com or donate on their JustGiving page, https://www. justgiving.com/fundraising/macmillanv3

Charlie Newman (OD 14)

Top

Bottom:

Right: 24 hr row at Waterloo station.

left: Charlie and the Robs hanging out with Stephen

The boat Stephen

Dig Deep Africa

Since July last year Daisy has been on the other side of the world in Aotearoa (New Zealand) undertaking a year of study in Auckland. Daisy has continued to grow her love of adventure since leaving Dauntsey’s and is taking every opportunity she can whilst away.

Iam usually at the University of Birmingham, studying a Liberal Arts and Natural Sciences degree. I focus my studies on Sustainability and explore the outdoors through sailing and hiking.

I jumped at the opportunity to study in New Zealand as part of my degree, as I find its extensive nature fascinating, with awesome hikes and a unique ecology. The three islands have evolved to be dominated by bird and plant life, with its native land mammals comprising of only two bats! To protect this rare environment, concerted efforts are being made on a national level to eradicate all mammalian predators by 2050.

Mãori and Pasifika cultures are also very different to what we experience in Europe, with histories of seafaring and establishing the first societies on Aotearoa, before contending with European settlers for land and rights.

Hiking (or ‘tramping’ as it is known in Kiwi) is very popular here, with many beautiful tracks and huts to spend the night. This has given me amazing experiences of the native bush, mountains, and coastline, especially through joining the university tramping club. I always love tramping when I travel, owing some of my enthusiasm to my Duke of Edinburgh expeditions whilst at Dauntsey’s!

I have also been using this experience to train for my expected expedition up Mt Kilimanjaro in the (northern hemisphere) summer. I am hoping to reach the summit to raise money and awareness for a water and sanitation charity called Dig Deep in Kenya, where I spent my gap year working on a conservancy. Dig Deep Africa has already helped change lives in the area by working with government, local businesses, and communities to provide clean water, toilets and a ‘sanitation and hygiene roadmap’.

While at Dauntsey’s, I was always on some adventure or other, hiking mountains and sailing the seas, and I am so excited to continue my adventures whilst supporting such a fantastic cause.

Spending a year abroad at a different university in a new country has also given me the opportunity to meet people from all over the world and to explore new subjects such as Pacific Studies and Wine Science! During my initial university search in the lower sixth, I had no idea I could find such amazing opportunities and would recommend this life changing adventure to anyone.

Donations to Daisy’s fundraiser can be made at https://dig-deep.enthuse.com/ pf/daisy-maunder

Daisy Maunder (OD 20)

Ride of their lives

Pippa Harvey will join 11 other amateur jockeys racing in the Macmillan Ride of their Lives at the 53rd Macmillan Charity Raceday on Saturday 15 June 2024.

Pippa is hoping to raise £10,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support as she prepares to ride a thoroughbred horse around the iconic Knavesmire course in front of thousands of spectators.

Pippa said: “I quite like a challenge, and I was desperate to raise funds for Macmillan because my grandfather and my aunt passed away from cancer and my father was diagnosed last year.

“I do ride horses and have been riding for Alex Hales Racing but have never raced before, so this event seems like a good challenge and a great way to raise awareness and as much money as possible.

“I’m absolutely terrified; I’m hoping I stay on, and the horse I ride is going to behave. It will be scary, but I feel so honoured to have been selected to do it.”

You can donate to Pippa by visiting her Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving. com/page/pippa-harvey-1702635407974

Pippa Harvey (OD 07)

Above: ‘Tramping’ in NewZealand

Ace of Blades

Liz Watson (OD 06) - Rowed the Atlantic, starting in December 2023, as part of the four-women team Ace of Blades aiming to raise £60,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support, The Outward Bound Trust and Prostate Cymru.

Liz Watson and her three teammates, made up Ace of Blades, who have just completed the World’s Toughest Row, a 3,000 mile unassisted row, across the Atlantic Ocean.

After several changes in start date due to the weather, the team set off from La Gomera, in the Canary Islands, on 13 December 2023 and arrived in Antigua on 29 January 2024 having taken just 47 days, 7 hours and 27 minutes to complete the challenge.

Having assistance from a personal trainer who compiled a physical training plan for the team and allowed them use of his gym and working with Liz’s cousin, an ex naval officer, on their mental resilience, the team became closer and stronger and ready to take on the gruelling challenge.

Despite the physical toll on their bodies the team successfully completed the journey, experiencing flying fish, dolphins, sharks and amazing sunsets along with boat malfunctions and homesickness!

Liz was full of admiration for the team and how well they worked together and says the biggest thing she has learnt from this experience is the ability to stand up for her beliefs and to be honest about feelings. She was also quick to talk about the next challenge she’d like to undertake, albeit one that doesn’t take three years to train for!

Congratulations, Liz, we can’t wait to hear the news of your next adventure!

Ace of Blades are fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support, Prostate Cymru, The Outward Bound Trust and The Charlie Waller Trust and you can donate at https://gofund.me/ e8642b75

More information at teamaceofblades.com

Liz Watson (OD 06)

Photos courtesy of World’s Toughest Row

Humans of Dauntsey’s

Humans of Dauntsey’s is a project that has been percolating for some time now. We have always felt that our school is unique, one that is more about the people than just the place. Humans of Dauntsey’s is a window into the many varied people who make up or community. It’s a little glimpse into the lives of those who make our environment such a happy and inclusive place.

My thanks all who have shared their stories, and I do hope that many more will be part of it going forward. It has been nothing short of a privilege to interview our ‘humans’. They have shared personal stories, wisdom and advice and I am hugely grateful to everyone who has allowed us a glimpse into their lives. Will Wrench has been inspirational to work with, and I thank him for his dedication, his proactiveness and his ability to understand his subjects in such a wholly empathetic way.

I look forward to sharing many more stories in the years to come.

Justine Wall TeacherofEnglishandEDIlead

Nicole Ogunlaja

Former Sixth Form Pupil

Well, I asked my mum for four words to describe me and she said bubbly, friendly, smiley and chatty; in fact she says I am a bit too smiley! I wouldn’t really agree with bubbly, but I do see the other qualities. I am also far too critical of myself though. I am an overthinker and a worrier – although I feel I am getting better at managing the worrying as I get older. I think the thing is, I care too much. When not many people share that – the idea of really caring about an issue, or politics, or society – that’s hard. My friend Mina and I share common interests. We both care deeply about issues but we also disagree about certain things – political issues and veganism particularly!

Young people today are not as aware of the world as they should be. The news is everything – you’re missing a great deal by not keeping in touch with what’s going on. I think it’s important to want to know more: how, why, and who. You need to have questions about the decisions that are being made for you. We’ve just had our local elections in London and it looks like Labour have gained some

ground, although I still don’t think Keir is strong enough to carry his party through to the top. But I’m interested, and that’s the main thing.

I’m hopefully going to Bath but I’m also planning a placement year. I have worked for Lord Bird in Westminster, on a placement for ten days and that completely inspired me to see if I could return and work for an MP, maybe someone like Kemi Badenoch. Although I don’t agree with some of her policies, I think it would be an interesting experience. I’m interested in Foreign Policy and those ten days with Lord Bird made me realise I really want to gain more knowledge about working in parliament.

I have always had this drive inside me since I arrived at Dauntsey’s. I suppose because I come from such a different environment – London to the countryside was a big change. Big. I had always been, like my mum said, ‘bubbly’ but I felt I lost touch with myself a little bit. Then I asked myself, ‘Why should you need your environment to be a certain way to be yourself? It doesn’t matter where you are – just be true to yourself’, and that

helped. I learned at a young age that life can be uncomfortable. Mum kept saying that she knew it was hard (she arrived in England from Lagos when she was 17) so she knows the challenges. She always says these challenges build you, they make you and they will help you later in life and I really am seeing that now. I’ve got friends who have lost their parents, and it’s moulded them, it’s affected them in a huge way. I still feel it can be a challenge fitting in. I am a different person when I leave Paddington to when I arrive at Pewsey – it’s the idea of countryside again, I suppose. I am so used to London and the buzz of my life there – and the anonymity too.

I love sport: running, the gym, netball – they all keep me going. I listen to a lot of music too, mostly Afrobeat, Dancehall and Jamaican music, and some old reggae too from my dad. I also like UK rap though – Dave is incredible, and if you really listen to something like Black, you really read and understand those words, they are just so powerful. There’s a story he’s telling there; a beautiful story of what it’s like to be black.

I know this may sound like an utter cliché, but it’s true: I just think we should all be nice to one another. You never know what house someone has come from, or the house they’re going to, or what’s going on in that house, so be nice. You don’t know what has led someone to that point – don’t throw questions around too much either.

I have loved being part of The Listening Service at Dauntsey’s, and the trust that people place in you is rewarding and valuable. You learn a lot about yourself – just listen, and don’t give too much advice. Listen.

I do think Dauntsey’s is a special place. The people here are just very nice. I love the fact that the Headmaster knows every pupil in the school. What other Head can say that? He does his lunch duties, he’s on the Astro, he’s in the quad and he emails everyone to say happy birthday. Even throughout Covid he emailed people! For me, I feel I can talk to him about anything. Any concerns, I’m straight to him. When he emailed me after BLM about the History Curriculum, that was a powerful moment. He kept us in the loop about changes and ideas, and I felt really included.

My advice to my twelve year old self would be – don’t work so hard, Nicole! Just chill. Enjoy your friends and don’t run out of steam. Why on earth did I think Third Form exams were the most important thing ever? Enjoy being young. Enjoy school. Enjoy sleepovers. Life moves so fast – enjoy those friendships along the way.

Gerry Marsh

Manor Housekeeper

I think, and I have asked my husband and friends about this, that if you were to describe me it would be reliable, honest, independent and bubbly. I think I am all these things, both as a friend and at work. I don’t beat around the bush, and although I am independent, it can come across as stubborn but really, I just like things done in certain ways.

So many things have been happy moments in my life, but I think one of my happiest was giving birth to my son. You see, I had married very young, but we had 11 years of trying and I just hadn’t been able to fall pregnant, so when I was told I would be having a baby, I just couldn’t believe it. I was over the moon. I was very happy being a stepmother to my husband’s children, but I felt there was something missing. I was 28 when I had my son Kyle, and it was a textbook pregnancy. I’m not one of these people to make a fuss about things, and I really have to say that there wasn’t a day that I didn’t enjoy being pregnant. I remember though, after Kyle was born, looking at him and thinking, ‘Why is his head such a funny shape?!’ but of course it was just part of giving birth and it all settled down after a few days. Even being on

the ward with all those other mothers, all just like me having had a baby – I thought I was the luckiest person in the world. I felt I was the only one!

Things did get a bit challenging after that. I fell pregnant with my daughter, and my mum, who I was extremely close to, was diagnosed with cancer. She was only 56. Even though she did live to see my daughter, I remember visiting her and not really knowing what I would find, or if she’d be ok – suddenly breathing that sigh of relief when she was. But because the cancer was terminal, she didn’t live long, and died when my daughter was only little. So yes, that was hugely challenging; having a small child, working, looking after my stepchildren and my mum’s death was hard. But you have to get up in the morning; and I had to do that – and although I felt lonely and full of grief, there were lots of people who needed me, so I just had to carry on.

Kendra, my daughter, is on the autistic spectrum (Asperger Syndrome) and we had the diagnosis when she was four years old. Recently it has been very hard trying to get the right help we needed. We don’t talk enough about mental health in our society, and we really need to. Everything is ok now, but we really did have a hugely challenging

time and I think if there was more support around, people wouldn’t have to go through such hard times. But, as I said, you just can’t dwell on things. You have to let it go.

I remember when I celebrated my 56th birthday- I thought, ‘Yes! I’ve done it!’. You never really know what’s going to happen, or if it’s going to happen to you, but now I truly believe I’m going to live till I’m a hundred! I remember watching a programme on paramedics, and they arrived to see to a little old lady who was 102. I thought to myself, ‘She looks good. I bet I can do that!’ and I do think I will. Our brains are the most powerful things, and I always think of the positives. Why wouldn’t you? My mum was such a strong person, and I think I am too. Although I’m not a conventionally religious person, I do think there’s more to life than just here, and I’d like to meet up with everyone once I’m gone. I think they’d be pleased with me up there.

If I had any advice for my 12-year-old self, it would be to try a little harder at school. But I grew up in the 60s, and life was difficult then. This may sound odd, but I was badly bullied at school because of the colour of my skin.

I was a lot darker skinned than I am now, and I

was called all sorts of terrible names. I avoided my lessons to avoid the hate from my peers, and even some of the teachers. One of the clearest memories ever, and I will remember everything this man wore for the rest of my life, was a visit from what they then called the Welfare Officer. I was seven years old. He came to check up on me for not going to school, and I remember him saying, ‘Geraldine, I pay a lot of money to go on holiday to places to get the same colour skin as you’. Can you imagine that? When I moved on to secondary school, things changed a bit, but a lot of the name-calling continued. I did find friends who accepted me, and that helped. I remember one friend in particular, Linda (I still talk to her today) and I remember so clearly how she stuck up for me to the parent of a bully who had been calling me names. I will never forget how she stood up for me, and I still remind her of it. I did hit a boy once, though! He had called me terrible racist names, and I remember I just exploded and hit him, but then I ran home, through the door and up the stairs to my room. Next minute there was a knock on the door and there was the boy and his dad. I heard my mum explain to the dad what had happened – next thing I knew the father had ‘clipped’ his son round the ear. I was watching all this from the upstairs window!

Nowadays we are taught to be proud of who we are, and that’s how it should be. So, I’d say to young Gerry to be proud of who she was, and to try not to listen to the hateful words. I don’t ever want people to feel ashamed of where they have come from, or for the colour of their skin. I can relate to pupils who may feel like outsiders, and although the bullying was awful, it made me who I am today. I’m a survivor.

I do watch films and television, but not a lot of the news, as I feel it is all too dreadful. I have so many people to take care of in the House, and if I can help them, then I feel I’ve done a good job. Because I’m here most of the time, I pick up on things that others may not notice. I always tell pupils to try anything and everything. Give it a go, and if it doesn’t work – try something else. We’re relaxed here, and I never want people to think they can’t ask about anything. They share things with me, and I always tell our students, ‘Don’t worry, if I don’t have the answer, I’ll find someone else who will’. No question is a silly question in Gerry’s world.

I love getting up in the mornings – because it means I’m alive and I have a job that I love to go to! I’ve been at the Manor since the 28th of September 1998 and I don’t see my feelings for my job changing for quite a while. When they do, it’ll be time to stop, but it’s not now.

My perfect day would be spent with family and friends. I’d wake up, the sun would be shining. I’d take my two dogs out for a long walk and then we’d go out with friends and family for lunch.

Then, I’d have dinner at home with my husband later and put the world to rights. I enjoy watching BLM films and series currently, so I would probably get comfy in bed and watch something like that. I like the simple things in life.

The world would be better without hate or judgement, and we need to remember to be kind to one another. We are all humans. Live and let live, and remember, always be that person to go and stand with someone who is on their own.

Dan Darwall

Teacher of Physics

I think people would describe me as enthusiastic, energetic, I hope friendly, and also that I’m always interested in people. I have to do things I believe in. I feel very strongly that there are lots of things in life that are overcomplicated and miscommunicated. Most people are generally nice. If communication was right, if we all understood each other’s point of view, things would be so much better. Fundamentally I’d like to think that I can sit down with people who are completely different from me and listen, and get them to listen too. I’m not a political person at all. We just need to communicate better.

I love this place and what it stands for. It’s interesting how little has changed – and I mean that positively. There’s an interesting story behind why I came here. I was going to go to Bassett Comp, but my mum had started doing a Navigation course in Chippenham, and on the course she met a few Dauntsey’s students who were there too. Mum and dad came to have a look around and then said to me – there is an entrance exam in ten days, why don’t you sit it and see what happens? They were really very easy and relaxed about it all. I did the exam and got

in, and they let me into The Manor in 1989, with Mr Neve as my Housemaster. My sister and brother followed, and interestingly, much later on, they both met their spouses on the JolieBrise . I left Dauntsey’s in 1996, went to uni and I started to work for Ford as a sponsored student, marketing the Grand Prixs; basically anything and everything to do with engineering. Later, they offered me a job, but it was in Essex and we decided that wasn’t for us so when a job in Plymouth came up, we decided to move there. I spent a fair few years working on the dockyards, everything from submarines to superyachts, including working on the Samar superyacht which was amazing. We lived in Torpoint; the coastline is beautiful. We loved it there and it was really good on so many levels.

Rhianon and I got married later, and when Martin was born I retired from the dockyard. I’d always wanted to teach, but I also knew that all the best teachers I had ever had, always had backgrounds – they had done stuff before teaching, and I wanted to do that. At that time, the government was throwing money at people to train to teach, particularly the Sciences, so I thought I’d give it a try. I thought, well, if it doesn’t work out, I’ll just go back to the dockyards. I was going to do my PGCE in Exeter, but some friends who ran a fish processing plant in Norway suggested we go there. They lived in Karhamn. The closest airport is

Hammerfest, and the total population of Karhamn when we moved there was 24. We made it 27! There was a school, which had two pupils (who were brothers). The oldest inhabitant was 100 and the one vehicle was a tractor. In addition, we had a morning ferry, which in fact doubled as the ambulance. A ferry cross an ambulance is basically an RNLI lifeboat that’s been stretched, with paramedics as sailors. They would get you anywhere even in gales up to force 11. You’d probably have got to hospital faster from Karhamn than you would here! One of the many lovely things about Norway is that they keep putting money into fishing – so there are so many of these little settlements that still thrive.

When we came back from Norway, I’d decided to go to Cardiff rather than Exeter to do my teacher training. In the middle of training I had to go up to London to sort out some issues with one of the yachts I’d worked on, so I had a really surreal experience of studying and teaching then in holidays going up to London to sit in a glass office in Victoria for one of London’s biggest law firms. I still wanted to teach though!

After my PGCE I got a job at a huge comprehensive in Wales; over 2000 students, on the edge of Cardiff. After the Head of Physics retired, I was offered the job which I took. Sofia was born in 2008.

In 2013 I took a pause from teaching, and began a funded PhD looking into head and brain trauma in very little children; basically separating the abuse from the accidental. It was fascinating, and when you look deeper into something than anyone has ever done, it really is amazing. I’d always liked the idea of being a Dr DR Darwall, I thought was quite funny, but when the university decided to pull the funding, I decided that I wouldn’t continue, even if it meant not getting the extra Dr!

And then a job here popped up. I remember coming for the interviews and thinking, ‘I know here from before…’ It was an odd, but good feeling. I taught Physics for a year and then the Head of Fitz job came up, and being an old Fitz boy myself, it made sense. I love teaching, and it still baffles me that so many teachers don’t like public speaking and so many like to be in control. I like the idea of not knowing the answer. I’d much rather work on a question that I don’t know the answer to with the children. ‘What do we think? Let’s do it together – let’s do it live!’ I love a project, and I like anything that’s a bit different and challenging.

I’ve had lots of happiest memories but a recent one was safely lifting our boat onto a low loader and transporting her from Gore Cross to Emsworth. I think a release of nervousness can actually be a form of happiness!

I just think that something that would change the world, and I really believe this, is if we were more kind to each other and communicated more. So many problems, as I said before, come down to miscommunication. See someone else’s perspective and listen. I really think things would be better if we did that.

More Humans of Dauntsey’s can be found on our website www.dauntseys.org/humans-of-dauntseys

Looking back at a SOCIAL YEAR

OD

Rugby Day

We were delighted to host the annual rugby day for a small group of 1977 and 1978 ODs on a freezing cold Saturday in December. This event has been held for the last few years, with the exception of Covid times. The group met for coffee then had lunch in the Dining Hall followed by a tour of the school and a look at the tree that was planted by the year groups in 2019.

There was much reminiscing whilst watching the match against Bristol Grammar and desperately trying to keep warm. The lasting friendships and camaraderie that exists between this group is such a pleasure to see. They had great stories of their time at school and are obviously still friends to this day. We look forward to welcoming you back this December!

5Years On Reunion Dinner

In September 2023, we were delighted to welcome back about 100 ODs for the 5 Years On Reunion Dinner. The group, made up of both 2017 and 2018 leavers because of the cancellation of the previous year due to the passing of HM Queen Elzabeth II, was lively and enthusiastic. There was much excitement as ODs began to arrive and see old friends that they hadn’t seen for quite sometime. The drinks were flowing, and the curry buffet went down a treat.

If there were any initial nerves, they soon made way for chatter and laughter as ODs and teachers caught up on all that has happened since leaving Dauntsey’s.

The evening came to a close with the Head Master turning off the lights as a subtle cue that it was time for the ‘after party’ to commence!

London Carol Service

In September 2023 an old school friend of mine messaged our OD Group, “Dauntsey’s is doing a Carol Service in London on 11 December, if anyone cares to join me? It’s about 5 minutes from my office.” Sounds interesting, I thought, so I signed up to go and I’m so glad I did.

The event was held at St Lawrence Jewry, in the shadow of The Guildhall in the City of London. It’s a beautiful, baroque-style church; when it was rebuilt after the Great Fire of London in 1666, the architect was one Sir Christopher Wren.

The pupils and accompanying staff travelled up from Wiltshire earlier in the day. After some initial nerves, as they got used to their new surroundings being rather grander and more ornate than the Mem Hall, they started to enjoy the glorious acoustics of the church as they rehearsed their pieces. One or two recent leavers arrived to swell the ranks of the choir and I was honoured to join too.

The Service started promptly at 6.30pm with OnceinRoyalDavid’sCity and there followed a beautifully-chosen programme of choir and solo pieces, interwoven with short lessons, reflections and congregational hymns. I particularly enjoyed the Chamber Choir’s interpretation of A SpotlessRoseby Bob Chilcott, Charlie Lui’s viola solo of ChristmasDance by Vaughan Williams and the Female Voices Choir’s poignant rendition of MaryDidYouKnow?by Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene. We finished with Hark!TheHeraldAngelsSingcomplete with descant in the final verse.

As a singer myself, it was wonderful to see the pupils having the opportunity to experience performing in such a magnificent venue. The event is set to be repeated in December 2024 so do come along if you can and enjoy the talents of the next generation of Dauntseys musicians.

Lisa Walker (OD 88)

Dates For Your Diary

JOIN US IN 2024

MAY 30 Year Reunion

18

The Pavilion, Dauntsey’s - open to all 1993, 1994 and 1995 leavers.

An informal evening of drinks, a buffet supper and catching up with old school pals!

JUNE Old Dauntseian Day

16

Dauntsey’s - 13:00

All OD’s and Staff are invited to return to Dauntsey’s for OD Day.

The OD cricket team will be playing the 1st XI along with an OD Tennis Tournament against the current girls and boys. Cream tea available from 15.00 followed by a BBQ supper at 17.30.

The climbing wall, swimming pool, inflatable activities and sport facilities will be available for families to enjoy.

SEPT 40 Year Reunion

21

Central London - Location and timings to be confirmed.

An informal evening of drinks and reminiscing! Philippa Robertshaw (née Leary) and Ruth Wilson (née Underwood) are organising this gathering, please contact pip.robertshaw@gmail.com directly for further details and do pass onto any friends who may be interested.

OCT 5 Year Reunion Dinner

12

The Pavilion, Dauntsey’s - open to all 2019 leavers.

An informal evening of drinks, a buffet supper and catching up with old school pals and members of staff.

DEC London Carol Service

9

Monday 9 December - open to anyone with an association to Dauntsey’s.

St Lawrence Jewry, Guildhall 18.30

The service of lessons and carols, featuring Dauntsey’s Senior Choir, followed by a drink’s reception.

Further details will be sent via email as the event nears and bookings can be made online at www.dauntseys.org/od-events or contact Stephanie Cadwgan.

In addition, all ODs are welcome to join us at many of our school events and productions details can be found at www.dauntseys.org/events

Thank you everyone for responding to our recent mail-out, we had an incredible response. Please keep them coming, we would love to include them in future magazines. Updates can be emailed to Stephanie at s.cadwgan@dauntseys.org or fill out the form on our website www.dauntseys.org/our-community/old-dauntseians

1940’s

W here are they now?

1950’s

Richard Winn (1948) - Enjoyed school a lot under George Olive. Good music (Nightingale) teaching, and sport. Did two BBC reports with FNC Creek who wrote for BBC Children’s Hour Sport at BBC Bristol.

Jonathan Stockland (1952) - Having worked with the Commonwealth Secretariat and UN as a consultant on the development of crafts, I ran a company for disadvantaged persons in Oxford for 10 years. On retirement I served as a volunteer for a charity in Oxford providing for local disadvantaged children and adults to practice in the arts and music. I am now in my 90th year and much enjoying my family and church here in Oxford.

Christopher Boston (1953) - Awarded OBE eight years ago which in Australia we get once over eighty. Still farming --- in the mornings. Happy to be on the family farm with three generations, albeit in probably the most remote town, in the most remote state, in the most remote continent, but far from the madding crowd. Regards to any others who proudly received the cane from the Great Olive.

Vernon Godden (1953) - Recent heart surgery has enabled me to resume an active life within my local church and community. Maintain close contact with John Nettelton OD ‘48-52’ and Ashley Down OD. Richard Lawman (1954) - Now 86 and still practicing as a Consulting Engineer, however leukaemia slowing me down. I had an office in Salisbury for 25 years, sold it to my partner last year and have not been back this year. I would welcome contact with anyone who was at the school between 1950 and 54. Have not been to the school for the last six or so years.

(Anthony) George Lisle (1955) - Now fully retired architect. Still active, and making lots of apple juice.

Richard Morley (1956) - I travel up to Oban, which is my wife’s family home and where our son lives, for part of the year. Our daughter lives in Brighton and has two girls. We look forward to their visits. At 86, I am no longer as active as I used to be, ie. canoeing and rambling plus cycling, but try to keep fit by regular short walks!

John Humphries (1957) - Enjoying a long retirement with my wife. Served on the Town Council for the last ten years and am currently Deputy Mayor of Alnwick. Keeping reasonably fit and still play the occasional round of golf.

David Weston Laycock (1958) - Happily living in retirement in nearby Warminster with wife Pat. Family of four, 14 grandchildren & 7 great grandchildren all keeping us quite busy!

Peter RC Jones (1959) - Retired after 41 years flying - 19 in the Royal Air Force and the rest in Civil Aviation. Still living in North Devon.

Roger Webber (1959) - Worked as a doctor in Solomon Islands, Tanzania and then many countries while on the staff of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Did research into filariasis showing it could be controlled, subsequently taken up by WHO with a programme to eliminate the disease, such that millions are now free of infection and many countries have declared it eradicated. Assisted China to eliminate malaria and helped develop a University of Public Health in Vietnam. Wrote six editions of a textbook on communicable diseases as well as two other medical books and four on travel.

Christopher Bridgett (1960) - Now several years retired from medical practice - psychiatry and dermatology - and remain in nostalgic touch with OD friends of 1950s (UK, US, Brazil, Bermuda, and Australia). Now renewed interest in music - happily encouraged at Dauntsey’s by Philippe Oboussier.

1960’s

David Gregory Taylor (1963) - OD Robert James Midmer 1957-1964, lives quite close to me in Ontario and we see each other quite frequently. We have both retired and enjoy life and exchange stories about our respective experiences at Dauntsey’s.

Tony Hill (1964) - I continue to make films and to hire out special film equipment that I have developed. You can find some of my work on my website www.tonyhillfilms.com. In 2008 I built an eco house in Cornwall.

John Nevett (1964) - Retired from engineering, but now volunteering with REMAP, an organisation where volunteers make or modify equipment for people who are disabled, and where no suitable product is commercially available.

Peter Challans (1964) - Having never really enjoyed the CCF when I was at school, once I had my engineering degree I looked around for something different, and, somewhat surprisingly, decided to go into the RAF as an Engineering Officer, where I spent 26 enjoyable and rewarding years before moving to an associated Government department, finally retiring (during Covid when I was still travelling up to London) as a part-time consultant when I reached 75 years old.

Charles Berry (1967) - I’m still ‘above ground’ and enjoying playing golf, gardening and watching sport.

Peter Bentley (1968) - I am now retired after a career as a planning engineer in power generation. I have spent many years on contracts in India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Malaysia and finally Ireland.

Norman Brent (1968) - Having retired in 2016, I have continued to be active in the Institution of Civil Engineers, completing the maximum nine years on Council in 2022, and on the Professional Conduct Panel. I have also been a Trustee of the ICE Benevolent Fund, and will commence a new three-year term in January 2024, after a statutory year off after my last term. I have been a member of a local choir, and now sing in Botley Choral Society. I remain fit and active and walk over six miles most days.

(Alastair) Robin Bryer (1962) - Still working as an independent chartered town planner. Still sailing.

John Turner (1962) - I remain Music Director of The Wimborne Orchestra. Apart from that my main activities are playing in a couple of other orchestras and riding my motorcycle.

William (Bill) Bourlet (1966) - Not always at home as I may be away sailing in the South Pacific. Yacht is currently in Fiji, having spent the last three years in New Zealand. Any old boys sailing in the South Pacific please get in touch. I will be leaving Fiji next April / May to sail to Australia.

Terry Barnes (1966) - Chairman of the Avro Heritage Museum at Woodford. The Woodford site produced over 4000 Lancaster bombers and 136 Vulcan bombers as well as many other world leading aircraft. In its eighth year the museum is planning a major expansion to accommodate more Avro aircraft. Any ODs in the Manchester/Cheshire area very welcome.

Stuart Cawthorne (1966) - Enjoying retirement after a career in sales. VP sales for Citizen Watch Canada. Left to open up own agency distributing Canadian diamonds and gold jewellery. Enjoy seven grandchildren and attending their various sporting events, and time at the cottage in Muskoka. Married to my Geology lab partner and love of my life for 51 years. Travel, mainly cruises in the winter. Would love to hear from any school chums from 1964-1966.

(Alexander) Michael Pettigrew (1966) - Retired solicitor and sadly now a widower. Trying not very successfully to downsize and keeping busy with various interests including Rotary International.

Simon Smith (1969) - Retired as Second Master from Brighton College in 2011. Since then educational consultancy work, setting up Sixth Form Free Schools, notably London Academy of Excellence. Trustee of Philip Larkin Society, Kemp Town Society etc.

Paul Fraser (1969) - Retired after a career as a Chartered Civil Engineer spent in various parts of the globe managing such diverse projects as highways and bridges, ports and harbours, housing developments and oil and gas installations, mostly in developing countries. Married with two daughters and one grandson. Enjoy playing tennis, eating out and performing in a local rock band.

Mark Clenshaw (1969) - Living in comfortable retirement in Surrey after a career in banking. Just recovering from a second hip replacement. Hoping to resume travels in Europe this year.

James Ambrose (1970) - Enjoying retirement, with a severe bout of grandparenting in Cheshire, Norfolk and Scotland added to the delights of life. Part of the week is spent as assistant archivist and librarian at the Avro Heritage Museum, Woodford where the Chair of Trustees, Terry Barnes, also happens to be an Old Dauntseian so reminiscing is often part of the fun. It also means staying in touch with the beloved RAF community as well aviation specialists young and old. Sadly, it seems my canoeing days are numbered but I keep an interested watch on the DW race each year, so all the best to the current crews.

Cynthia Poole (1973) - I retired last year after a career in archaeology but continue to undertake archaeological projects on a voluntary basis, mainly based around Cholderton as well as working on earlier excavations and fieldwork in the local area to bring them to publication.

Kay Gretton née Barcham (1975) - Now an artist www.kaygretton.art

Stephen Haskins (1979) - RAF Pilot 1979-98. Lightning, Hawk, Sea Harrier, Hunter, Harrier GR7. Virgin Atlantic 747 pilot 1998- 2021, 747 freighter pilot 2021 until retirement aged 60. Love flying recreationally, becoming a flying instructor and building a light aircraft from kit. Married with two grown up daughters. Living on Cranborne Chase between Salisbury, Shaftesbury and Blandford Forum.

Duncan Eves (1971) - Retired music teacher. Masters in Musicology (Soton) 2017. Member of the Elgar, Finzi and Gurney Societies. Member of Baroque trio playing in National Trust houses.

1970’s

Charles Wallis (1979) - Attended Berkshire College of Agriculture. Travelled and worked in New Zealand and Canada in early 80`s. Married to Stacey in 1986. Emigrated from UK in 1995 to Idaho, USA having bought a dairy farm there. In 2001 moved to Mount Gambier, South Australia once again to buy a dairy farm. Built the herd up to 650 cows and sold farm in 2019 to downsize to a smaller farm close by at Kongorong, South Australia. Enjoy spending time with our son and daughter and two grandsons. Clay shooting for recreation. Spent six weeks in Europe this last summer.

Ruth Mann née. Francis (1980) - Would love to hear updates from anyone that she went to school with.

Paul Tilley MBE (1983) - I am now living in the UAE running a successful research, media and communication business focused on creating positive change around issues such as climate change, migration, conflict and countering disinformation and extremism.

Marcus Shepherd (1985) - An RICS surveyor, Managing Director/owner of Whites property agents in Salisbury. Married to Jo (also an MRICS) with three children. Our oldest daughter Jemima is an OD, Head of Evans House at the time and went to Exeter Uni. We live in a village near Shaftesbury enjoying the countryside with our two fox red labradors and holiday as often as we can in Cornwall or sailing in Greece.

Lisa Bradbury née Cannon (1986) - I am Lead Nurse at Julia’s House Children’s Hospice in Devizes. I have been working for the charity since 2017.

Vanessa Kidby (1989) - Working in publishing and illustration. Company Director for Paul Kidby Art Ltd.

Christopher Walwin (1972) - After spending 20 years farming in Canada we have resettled in Scotland, and are now semi-retired with 45 acres and a small herd of pedigree Shorthorn cattle.

Andy Shaw (1974) - Semi-retired after 45 years in the Automotive Industry.

Michael (Mike) Oliver (1977) - After Dauntsey’s I went to Cardiff University to read Astrophysics and then on to the University of Oxford for research and subsequently completed my PGCE. I then taught in two schools in Oxford followed by a long and thoroughly happy teaching/housemaster/assistant Headmaster stay at Epsom College in Surrey. En route, I gained my MBA through the marvellous Open University and NPQH. I was appointed to the founding Headship of Epsom College in Malaysia, a magnificent £40 million state-of-the-art campus in 2010, moving out to the country in 2011. I returned to England some time later to care for my father prior to taking up the Headship of Brooke House College in Leicestershire in 2016. I retired in 2021 and now spend my time performing various roles at my leisure. These include school inspecting, acting as a member of a school advisory board, acting as a school governor and as the Chair of Compliance for the Council for Independent Education (CIFE). I am still in touch with a few ODs and had the absolute pleasure and delight to attend the weddings of two ODs last year; Eleanor and Richard Whitney (Children of Andrew Whitney - staff) I am godfather to Ellie and godfather to Ben Townsend OD, with whom I am also in touch and whose wedding I also attended a year or so ago. All in all, I am content with my lot!

Toby Arnold (1981) - Since ending paid work at the end of March 2021, I have been very busy with a variety of local charity and community-based organisations, mostly focused on improving biodiversity and local amenities. So, I spend much of my time outdoors, which is a pleasure after c.35 years working in offices, cars, planes and hotels. Not only loving being in nature, but also creating and developing new skills and friendships. Also finding some time to visit parts of the UK that we’ve never stayed in, as part of a challenge to visit and stay in every UK county over the coming years. As part of that challenge, I have promised to meet up with a couple of ODs based in Cornwall.

Robert Oram (1987) - Married with two children, working in shipping, living overseas for almost twenty years, the last fourteen of which in Ghana. Apart from work I’m heavily involved with Rugby (thanks to Dauntsey’s for starting me down the rugby road!) with Accra Rugby Club and also recently joined Ghana Rugby League as a member of their board.

Rachel Cannon (1987) - Working at Dauntsey’s in the Maths Department!

Pippa Jones née. Scholes (1991) - I left Dauntsey’s after my GCSEs and was invited back 12 years later, as an OD on the last day of term in July 1998. It was Sports’ Day and I was roped in to run in the 4 x 100m staff/OD relay team by an OD who was teaching art there; Kirsten Evans, (now Orenshaw.) I also met Rob Jones who was leaving that day as Economics teacher. We have been together ever since! We got married in 2002 and had our reception at the Manor, where I had previously boarded for three years! Since then, our two wonderful children have grown up, one off to Uni next year and the youngest in two years time. Suffice to say, my brother Justin and I have a lot to thank Dauntsey’s for, but I wouldn’t be exaggerating if I said I owe my happiness to meeting my future husband at Dauntsey’s!

Jamie Bearman (1992) - Director of environmental consultancy EHS Management Consultancy Ltd and run a B&B with my wife on the NW coast.

Charlotte Knight née Wightman (1993) - Osteopath and Acupuncturist in Bath.

Matthew MacLeod (1995) - Recently left a career in IT to take over the Red Squirrel Campsite in Glencoe.

Katharine Joy Newby Grant (1995) - I am married to Angus with two children, William age 15 (Year 11) and Ella age 13 (Year 8). I continue to be a keen sports enthusiast - surfing, skiing, trail running as well as getting my kids into sports - hockey, rugby, sailing, athletics, gymnastics. I worked for Procter & Gamble for 23 years upon leaving University and started with Estee Lauder in November 2023 in London. I have followed my passions for business combined with marketing and people. What is wonderful is how my passions for chemistry - maths - economics (my A-Level subjects) combined with a love of creativity have been of such great use throughout my career.

Michael Sutton (1996) - I left the RAF in 2018 as a Wing Commander having run 1 (Fighter) Squadron. I had a book published by Penguin in 2021 about my experiences flying the Typhoon.

Harry Holgate (1998) - Currently working as Creative Lead at the disability charity Scope and live on the coast in Kent.

Frances Hemingway née Tomalin (1999) - My husband and I moved to Bristol in 2021 and welcomed a son, Sebastian, the following year. I started a new job as the CFO for an organisation called One Tech in 2023, after my maternity leave came to an end.

2000’s

Amy West (2001) - I moved to Bath five years ago and am now making baskets with locally grown willow and rush. You can find me at the Frome Independent and other markets/events. Details can be found on my website www.amy-west.co.uk where you’ll see images of some of my designs. I also welcome commissions and repair cane, rush and willow chair seats.

James Croucher (2002) – I am a vicar and board game creator - captivade.com.

Katherine Wilson née Burbeck (2004) - Broke DW senior women’s record in 2016, coming 2nd overall in the Open Competition. Have total of nine completions. Married with two children and working for PepsiCo for the last 10 years.

Laurence Barnard (2005) - Life is ticking over nicely. Just got engaged, wedding set for October ‘25.

Hannah Hunter-Kelm née Dickinson (2005) - For the last ten years Hannah has been working at Leeds Arts University teaching printmaking and bookbinding, and working as a freelance illustrator. This year she illustrated the ‘JolieBrise’ for the Northern Illustration Prize, in conjunction with the Tall Ships Festival held in Hartlepool. Copies of the print are available at www.hannahhunterkelm.co.uk.

Sophia Olver (2009) - I co-founded an arts organisation in April 2021 called OHSH Projects: https:// www.ohshprojects.com/. We now have two gallery spaces in Peckham and Central London, and since our foundation we have curated and produced 33 exhibitions and worked with over 300 artists. We’re proud to have been able to build a community for contemporary artists in a difficult climate. The hard work and determination I learnt at Dauntsey’s has helped me to be able to do this whilst also having a full-time job. I am also the Programme Manager at Cromwell Place in South Kensington, responsible for overseeing and activating a year-round public programme for 15 gallery spaces in converted townhouses close-by to the Natural History Museum and the Victoria & Albert Museum.

Kerry Law née Talmage (2009) - I am married to Patrick Law, OD, and we have a one year old daughter. I work at Warwick University and have done so for the past 5 years.

In Memory

Giles Dixon (1945)

Gordon Bowyer (1946)

Roger Cox (1947)

Christopher Jones (1947)

David Alexander (1949)

Anthony (Tony) Canham (1949)

Barnaby Hannan (1950)

James Mitchell (1950)

Maurice Leighfield (C.1950)

Michael Haspel (1952)

Bryan Porteous (1952)

David Davies (1953)

Peter Davis (1953)

Philip Mayhew (1953)

Richard Vernon (1953)

David Yates (1953)

William H George (1954)

Patrick Prescott (1954)

Anthony Trowbridge (1954)

Richard Beeny (1958)

John Hooper (1958)

Bruce Wigmore (1959)

John Evans (1959)

Michael Pottow (1960)

Tim Yates (1960)

Crispin (Peter) Cobb (1962)

Robert (Robin) Hollis (1962)

Reuben Lamont (1962)

Michael Roberts (1964)

Michael Wright (1967)

Peter Bates (1968)

Robin Cooper (1969)

Christopher Percy (1969)

Timothy Hall (1971)

With sadness, Dauntsey’s reports on the passing of the following Old Dauntseians, staff and parents. This list details all those we have been notified about.

Benjamin Bather (1973)

Mike Harley (1973)

James Anthony (Tony) Gordon Weir (1973)

Martin Childs (1976)

Neil Redman (1978)

Kieth Tadhunter (1988)

James Hughes (1995)

Helen Bolter (2000)

Andrew Buchanan (2003)

Roger Buckland (staff)

John Henderson Gray (staff)

David Newby (staff)

John Winders (staff)

Beatrice Creek (parent)

Neil Redman (OD 78) 1960 – 2023

There were a number of ODs that attended Neil’s Memorial event, from afar afield as Switzerland and Aberdeen and Mike Ritchley (former teacher) made the drive up from Salisbury and his attendance was much appreciated by Neil’s wife Jilly and the rest of the Redman family.

Dan Robinson gave an amusing tribute on Neil’s time at Dauntsey’s with tales of his sporting prowess especially on the rugby field and, the enduring memory that we all took away from the day was that in all walks of life whether at school or in his professional career in sports medical insurance Neil always had time to listen and offer his assistance wherever it might prove of use. His early loss will be deeply felt not just by his family but the wider circle of friends, work colleagues and the local Cotswold community.

Paul Carter (OD 78)

John Christian Randall Evans (OD 59)

1942 – 2023

It is with sadness that I inform you of the death of Old Dauntseian John CR Evans on 24 August 2023 in Cairns, Queensland, Australia.

John studied Architecture in London (University of Westminster). his first housing scheme received an Architectural Award.

In 1970 John and his wife Pamela, moved to Chicago to work with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM). John worked on the design of the Sears Tower (at the time the world’s tallest building) and the headquarters buildings for Baxter Laboratories.

They relocated to Sydney, Australia and John worked with McConnel, Smith & Johnson Architects (MSJ); and renowned Lawrence Nield, specialising in hospital design and health planning. This experience led to a project for a 1400 Bed Teaching Hospital in Hong Kong (1977) with Stephenson and Turner.

In 1979 John was asked to relocate to Cairns, Australia to work as the Project Architect for Calvary Hospital. Following the completion of the project, John set up his own Architectural Practice in Cairns.

John CR Evans + Associates became an international and national award-winning Architectural Practice which specialised in governmental, commercial, and environmental design buildings, remote health and housing.

John requested that his coffin be draped with the Union Jack and Australian Flags, with his childhood sailing boat and his Dauntsey’s School scarf placed on top.

Pamela Evans (wife)

Tim Hall (OD 71)

1953 – 2024

In so many ways, Tim made an unlikely public schoolboy of the epoch. He had little enthusiasm for those staples of the curriculum, Maths and Latin, and although always ready to enjoy watching sport, he was more than happy to leave the exertion of actually playing it to others. I still remember one afternoon, at the Manor, where he devoted his time in the cricket outfield to the manufacture of daisy chains. What Tim did have was considerable imaginative intelligence and a passion for literature (especially poetry) and history, enough to win him a place at Trinity Hall, Cambridge to study the latter.

A career in publishing and local journalism followed, largely in Devon, his adopted county, a place for which his affection never waned. In local journalism, he had perhaps found his métier and it is unfortunate that his time in it coincided with that industry’s decline. His journalism benefited from his natural sociability and his enormous and enduring capacity for friendship. Throughout his life he acquired and, more importantly, kept friends, just one of the many reasons that so many of us among his school contemporaries mourn his passing.

He died on 25 January 2024, aged 70, peacefully at home, in his beloved Devon, after a short and cruel illness that he bore with a humour and philosophical fortitude, worthy of those ancient classical texts and stories that, having sidestepped Latin in Form 3, he knew so much better than the rest of us.

Roland Salmon (OD 70)

David Yates (OD 53)

1935 - 2023

& Tim Yates (OD 60)

1943 - 2023

David Yates, died on the 30th June 2023. He was born on 8 June 1935 and was at Dauntsey’s from age 13 to 17. He did a year’s apprenticeship before studying at QMC, London, gaining his degree in Mechanical Engineering. He had a very successful career in engineering, specialising in gearing. Upon retirement he started a local Junior Engineering Club teaching 8-11 year olds basic technical skills, which later merged with Imagineering (a charitable foundation), for which he received the MBE.

David’s younger brother, Timothy Yates, died four days before David. He joined the family seed business. He was at Dauntsey’s from age 13 to 17.

Carol Yates (David’s wife)

John Patrick Cullerne Hooper (OD 58)

1940 – 2023

In John’s school days John participated in all sports, excelling in swimming.

After schooling John received a Commission in the British Army, serving overseas, including in Hong Kong where he met his wife, Caroline. They married in the UK where John worked in Sales for IBM and Rank Xerox then migrated to Australia in 1970. Married for 59 years, they have two sons, grandchildren and a great grandson. The family grew up In Australia. In later years John had a Façade business in compressed sheeting in Perth, which he ran until retiring.

John will be sadly missed by his family and his mates.

Gerry Lawrence (OD 59)

Helen Bolter (OD 00) 1982 – 2023

Old Dauntseians will be deeply saddened to hear of the death of Helen Elizabeth Bolter on 28th March 2023, aged only 41. A Service to Celebrate her Life was held in the Dauntsey’s Pavilion on June 18th. It was a very large gathering, with many of her year group and the staff who taught her present, alongside her family and friends.

Helen is remembered by her teachers as a dedicated, spirited, meticulous and proactive student, full of determination to conquer every aspect of her subjects. She was much in demand at A-Level, with members of staff from the Sciences, Languages, Art, Drama and the Humanities all insistent that she could shine with the highest possible grades in their field. She was driven, determined and ambitious, but this did not overshadow her calm and caring nature towards other, less talented, students.

James Hughes (OD 95)

1977 – 2023

This “polymath” attribute was something of a handicap when it came to choosing her path at University – I remember writing three different references for her UCAS form – one for Psychology, one for Medicine and – the final one – for Veterinary Science. She went to Bristol University and subsequently followed a varied career. In between working as a vet, she chose to direct short films, involve herself fully in the FND Hope UK charity, complete two full years of an online Master’s degree in Clinical Management of Pain in Humans at Edinburgh University, and set up a small business selling top market clothes from India. It seemed that she could set her mind to anything.

Her contemporaries at Dauntsey’s remember, above all, her sense of fun and humour, her naughtiness – the laughs and pranks (even when supposedly responsible sixth formers), her wonderfully creative poems and limericks. They describe her as the most loyal of friends with a massive heart. There was huge admiration for her big ambitions – her stated desire to make the world a better place for all, whether it be animals or people.

And this is indeed what she achieved in her short life. She touched everyone she encountered, including making a huge impression on the staff at Dorothy House where she died, because of her humour, her strength, and her compassion for those she was leaving behind. She is greatly missed.

Kate Phipps - Housemistress, Lambert House, 1992 – 2007

Our dear son James Edward Hughes sadly passed away on 2 August 2023, at the age of 46. James was born in Washington DC and became a boarder at Dauntsey’s at the age of ten where he joined his sister Catherine. After his GCSEs, he then had a year in a German school before returning to Dauntsey’s to complete A levels. He completed the Devizes to Westminster canoe race, participated in a successful Young Enterprise Team creating recipe books and sailed on the JolieBrise . James enjoyed Dauntsey’s and was a keen supporter of the school. Through the Mercer’s Company he became a freeman of the City of London and regularly attended their functions.

James was a wonderful son, a devoted father and was always there when needed. He had many friends and was well-liked in his family’s hometown of Worthing. In 2019 James, Una and two of the children were on holiday in Italy when James received the results of a brain scan. The family returned immediately to the UK and James went into Brighton hospital to have a brain tumour removed. The operation was not a success and James was paralysed on the left side. Over the next four years James fought valiantly to recover but having avoided it during the pandemic sadly caught covid and died from pneumonia. James is survived by Una who he married in 2014 and their three children Ava age 8, JP age 6 and Jessie age 3. In his short life James had many successes, he was a senior fund manager with AXA and he managed a property business with his brother Marcus. James was a keen sportsman he skied, rode, and sailed. In his last few years, he took up marathon running and competed regularly raising funds for many charities including men’s mental health. He is greatly missed. Pat and John Hughes.

Barnaby Hannam (OD 50) 1932 - 2024

Barnaby Hannam, former farmer and Chairman of the Wiltshire NFU, died peacefully at home on 16th January 2024 aged 91.

Barnaby was a tenant farmer on a Wiltshire farm of just under 300 acres but he made a tremendous success of this modest spread by becoming an extraordinarily efficient farmer of corn and dairy. Starting with a herd of Shorthorns he soon moved into higher yield Friesians and developed the farm from the old-fashioned 1930s buildings to a thoroughly modern 1980s business by the time he retired in the late 1990s.

He was both active and vocal in farm politics; from the 1960s he was a member of the MAFF liaison committee and he became Chairman of Wiltshire NFU in 1983. He became one of the first tenants successfully to go to arbitration under the (then) new Rent Act and he was also successful in helping ensure that milk quotas – after their introduction in 1984 –were not simply owned as assets by landowners.

As a farmer he was notable enough that when President Gorbachev of Russia was on an official visit and wanting to be shown round a “typical” English tenant farm, Barnaby was chosen to host him. Sadly, the very morning of the proposed visit, the Chernobyl disaster happened and Gorbachev had to cancel.

Barnaby Hannam was born on 17th March 1932, the youngest of three children, into a happy childhood on his father’s farm at West Sevington in Wiltshire. He won a scholarship to Dauntsey’s, thanks in part to coaching from eldest sister Connie. He loved school, excelling at both study and sport – especially 1st XV Rugby and 1st XI Cricket – and often spoke fondly of his time there. After leaving Dauntsey’s, he played Rugby for Chippenham RFU and in cricket he successfully trialled for Somerset; he had to turn this opportunity down however, as his father was struggling with the farm and so he was needed at home.

John Gray 1928-2024

Away from farming, Barnaby’s interests were many – not least travel – but locally in Bath he and his wife Ann became well-known as very long-standing members of the Bath Choral Society, boasting over a hundred performances of Handel’s Messiah from the time that they joined in 1968. His love of music stemmed in part from his father, who was a noted local singer, but also from his time at Dauntsey’s where he learnt the violin and became leader of the orchestra.

Barnaby married Ann Buist in 1958 and they had three children – all of them musical. His family – and family holidays to France, Spain and the Lake District – were very important to him. In retirement he and Ann kept on adventuring both abroad and in the UK including various cruises to such places as Norway and the North Cape.

Barnaby is survived by Ann and their three children, along with five grandchildren and four great grandchildren. His great niece and great nephews all attended Dauntsey’s in the 1980s and 1990s.

Stephen Jones (son-in-law)

With the recent death of John Gray at the age of 95 there has come to an end probably the last link with George Olive’s Common Room. John Henderson Gray was born in 1928, the son of Donald Gray, Headmaster of the Quaker Bootham School in York from 1927 until his early death in 1943. The Grays were a strong Quaker family with links to York’s Rowntrees. John himself was educated at Bootham School (1940-46) before going up to Clare College, Cambridge (1949-52) to read Natural Sciences - the same college and the same subject as George Olive almost half a century before.

After time at Bristol University’s Department of Education he was appointed in September 1953 to his first teaching post, zoology master at Dauntsey’s in succession to his fellow Clare alumnus Donald Mackean. Others joining the school that term were Philippe Oboussier as Director of Music and W H Percival to teach Classics. It was during his time at Dauntsey’s that John married Janet Wilson, who died in 2013. He was to remain at Dauntsey’s for only six years, moving in 1959 to Manchester Grammar School as senior Biology master. Thirteen years later he followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming Headmaster of Bootham School and retiring in 1988. John had a lifelong love for nature and the countryside, particularly butterflies and enjoying walking in the Lake District and Yorkshire Moors. He leaves three surviving children, Adrian, Patrick and Bridget.

Philip Nokes (OD 70)

John Winders 1935-2024

John Winders, who has died recently, was one of a trio of long serving masters who arrived with the new Headmaster Guy King-Reynolds in September 1969 – although they had actually been appointed by his departing predecessor Donald Forbes. Those others joining were Roger Ellway and David Bethell. Between them they gave 86 years of service to Dauntsey’s and witnessed a period of enormous change. In 1969 the school had comprised 426 boys and a common room of 31 men. When John Winders retired a quarter of a century later there were 641 pupils of whom 280 were girls; the common room had doubled in size, more than a third were women, and only one person had witnessed the arrival of that trio. New buildings, converted buildings and refurbished buildings abounded.

John Keith Winders had been educated at Sedbergh and Clare College, Cambridge. His first teaching post in 1958 was at Christ’s College, Brecon and it was from there that he came to Dauntsey’s as Head of Physics in succession to Leslie Taylor. In 1975 he became Head of Science. His first headmaster at Brecon had spoken of him as having “taught most capably and obtained very good results – often with not very promising material.” An enviable achievement. And when he retired in 1994 Christopher Evans spoke of John’s experience and distinction, of his having valued John enormously for his wisdom and guidance: the reputation of Dauntsey’s in Science owed him a great deal. The new science block opened in 2012 has a laboratory named after him.

Lord Robert (Robin) A. Hollis (OD 1962)

1944 – 2022

Robin’s nickname was ‘ Happy Hollis’ at school as he was always whistling and singing. Also, before his voice broke, he had a beautiful soprano voice and was in the school choir and also in a few of the musical plays they performed for the parents at the end of the year. He loved being in the cubs and then scouts when older, anything to do with nature, birds and flowers and going camping with all these

Former colleagues and pupils were no less fulsome in their comments on learning of his recent death: A wonderful, understated sense of humour. A greatly respected colleague and teacher, who radiated calm authority at all times. Enthusiasm for Physics, with a real sense of playfulness alongside a scholarly depth of knowledge, which he always wore lightly and with great modesty. A good man and a good teacher. These are plaudits in which any might feel pride.

On retirement John and his wife, Elizabeth, continued to live in the Salisbury area making good friends in the active village community of Stratford-Sub-Castle and enjoyed the company of fellow lifelong learners in the various U3A groups they joined. After a long career teaching physics, his love of poetry, classical music and the natural world were John’s main interests in his nearly 30 years postretirement. John led study groups in the U3A where his teaching style continued and was greatly appreciated. He also became well known for his knowledge of the wild flowers, butterflies and trees found in the meadows around Salisbury.

Dauntsey’s is very much part of the Winders’ family history with children Andrew, living in Essex, now retired, and a proud grandpa himself, Kathryn, living in Sydney, Australia since the late 1980s and Caroline, married to fellow OD Simon Leary and living in Surrey, all attending the school in the 1970s and Elizabeth working in the Bursar’s office for several years. John is survived by Elizabeth, their 3 children, 6 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Philip Nokes (OD 70)

activities, he also liked athletics, especially running. He went to ‘The Manor’ part of Dauntsey’s and then he went to the senior part probably until he was 18. He was a boarder there and 3 times a term they were let out for the day to see their parents and it was called an Exeat!

Robin had very happy memories of his years at Dauntsey’s - each time we went back to the U.K., we went to visit Dauntsey’s, and he was so proud to give us the tour of the school and it’s beautiful grounds.

Corrie Winter (wife)