Flecker 2022 (Old Decanian News)

He left the country the following month, crossing over the Polish border by foot with hundreds of refugees in the snow, and returned in May to produce an hour-long documentary for the BBC, this time on the southern front around Kherson and Mykolaiv.

His coverage of the war was shortlisted in the print category for Europe's top war reporting prize, the Bayeux Calvados-Normandy Award for War Correspondents. The British Journalism Awards also shortlisted one of his pictures in the photojournalism category, taken during a front-line body exchange of fallen soldiers during the earlier Nagorno-Karabakh war.

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Editors: Alex Hume (Dale 2002) and Leah Barton (Hatherley 2022) Thank you to all those ODs who contributed to the magazine this year. www.deanclosefoundation.org.uk

FLECKER 2022

Jack Losh (Dale 2006) was in Kharkiv, north-eastern Ukraine, on the day that Russia launched its full-scale invasion, and went on to cover the unfolding war for the BBC, The Times, Foreign Policy, GQ magazine and other British and American news outlets. By day, he would report from front-line positions and besieged residential neighbourhoods; by night, he would shelter from Russian attacks in an underground car park alongside fellow journalists and Ukrainian civilians.

r e k c e l f OLD

DECANIAN

NEWS

WINTER 2022 ~ EDITION 8

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

WELCOME The Dean Close Foundation Warden ~ Emma Taylor

Old Decanian Society Committee 2022~23 President Lord Bernard Ribeiro CBE (Tower 1962) Chairman Robin Bayliss (Tower 1983) - Trustee Vice-Chairman Andrew Troughton (Field 1991) Treasurer Tim Lawrence (Field 1976) - Trustee OD Secretary Alex Hume (Dale 2002) - Trustee Bella Acland (Fawley 2016) Samantha Armstrong (Shelburne 1985) Lucy Eden (Hatherley 2015) Rhianna Evans (Fawley 2014) Claire Harding (née Bayley) (Mead 1972) Rupert Lane (Gate 1962) Andrew Marquand (Field 1971) - Trustee Jeremy Winter (Court 1961) Honorary Members: David Evans Former Staff Representative Julie Kent Former Staff Representative James Mears (Brook 1997) Common Room Representative Natalie Norman Development Manager

The conflict in Ukraine which began early in 2022 has sent shockwaves through the world for several reasons. The global economic impact has included significant increases in the prices of oil, gas and coal, as well as grain and metals, for example. Dean Close, like all organisations and families, has experienced its share of these impacts, with utility bills more than trebling over the course of the last year.

However, at its heart this conflict is not about commodities but about communities, and the terrible and lasting impact of war on Ukrainians, with over 16 million people fleeing for other countries since February. Here at Dean Close the war has affected our Ukrainian boarders, who have been naturally anxious about their families, as have those staff who originated in Ukraine.

One silver lining, though, has been the arrival in our schools of several children whose families have been welcomed by Dean Close parents as part of the ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme. These children, arriving with very little English language and with all the distress of having to leave their homes, family members and pets with little or no notice, have settled brilliantly in our schools and it has been a joy to have them with us.

One Dean Close parent, hosting a Ukrainian family, said this: “I really can’t stress enough what

Emma Taylor Dean Close Foundation Warden

a positive impact Dean Close is making every single day to the girls. This really will be a positive gift of experiences and learning that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. And some good amongst all the fear, worry and pain they have had to cope with since the day they arrived back from their Ukrainian school on the 23rd February and weren’t able to go in again.

“The Old Decanian Society has kindly supported these children with a fund to help with the purchase of uniform and other equipment, for which we are all hugely grateful.”

Pictured with me here are Ukrainian sisters Diana and Sofia, with their elder sister Annette and their mother, along with Mrs Ridsdale, Sofia’s form teacher.

Old Decanian Society Secretary ~ Alex Hume (Dale 2002)

Contact details

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If you would like to contact someone on the committee, please liaise with Alex Hume: ods@deanclose.org.uk 01242 258 048 Old Decanian Society, Dean Close House, 67 Lansdown Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL51 6QD.

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Contents Welcome

2

PODS 2021/22

4

International Representatives

4

News from the Decades

5

News from the Archives

26

News from the School

28

Old Decanian Events

36

Development

48

Obituaries

50

Dates for the Diary

70

2 FLECKER I WINTER 2021

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Another year, another Flecker.

A warm welcome to our newest members, the Class of 2022 (pictured here on Speech Day) who join the 7,400 ODs in the Society. We look forward to seeing what this cohort go on to achieve in future ‘News from the Decades’ sections within the Flecker.

As Robin Bayliss, Chairman, touched on in his welcome, we are looking at our strategy for the next five years; we welcome any suggestions or thoughts you may have.

One of the key areas within this strategy will be to support the School with its plans to create an Academic Quad which is now in its third phase.

This phase focuses on the relocation of the Humanities department into the heart of the School. Alongside this, we will also look to promote the Foundation Awards, which is now in its sixth year, these are transformational bursaries.

You can read about the Academic Quad and the Foundation Awards on pages 48 and 49.

I hope you enjoy this edition.

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OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

President ~ Lord Ribeiro CBE (Tower 1962)

We were deeply saddened at the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who was a shining example to us all. The Queen carried out her duties tirelessly, up to her Platinum Jubilee and beyond.

Chairman Robin Bayliss (Tower 1983) Welcome to this year’s Flecker. This is now my fifth year as Chairman and, with my tenure almost complete, I look back at many challenges faced over recent years. I am proud that, as a Society, we supported the School and where we could we continued to organise events to allow ODs to remain in contact with one another and the School. This, fundamentally, is the reason why we are part of this Society.

The OD Masquerade Ball (which features on pages 42 and 43) was just one of those occasions which allowed Old Decanians to meet up, reminisce and enjoy one another’s company.

As you can see from this year’s content, there is a genuine feeling of normality in 2022.

As Dean Close School remembers the Queen, we look back to a time before her coronation on Friday 16 March 1951 when, as HRH Princess Elizabeth (pictured here in discussion with A.N.Gilkes, Headmaster at the time), she visited Cheltenham and inspected the Dean Close School CCF Guard of Honour, on Shelburne Road. A visit treasured by many ODs of that time.

Looking ahead … this year, the Committee are reviewing the Society’s strategy, with a new Chair being appointed in the summer who will be tasked to oversee the delivery of this. I am pleased to say that at the recent AGM we appointed four new members to the Committee, who will all play a part in shaping this strategy: •

Rihanna Evans (Fawley 2014)

In the period of mourning that followed Her Majesty’s death on September 8 2022, the Year 2s, at the younger end of our School, discussed their memories of the Queen and celebrated all she had achieved in her life. They made a wonderful display of their thoughts and thanks - here are some of their comments:

•

Lucy Eden (Hatherley 2015)

•

James Mears (Brook 1997) who will also represent the Staff Common Room

“I am very sad that she died. She ruled for a very long time.

She loved corgis and Prince Philip. I loved all she did.”

•

Natalie Norman as Development Manager (who you can read more about on page 49).

“Wow – she met 13 Presidents.”

“I was sad that the Queen died but she made good choices at everything.

She also had tea with Paddington Bear and kept the secret from everyone!”

We look forward to another exciting year, you can see all the upcoming dates for the diary on page 70. I hope to see as many of you as possible throughout the year.

These are just a few examples of the many lives that the Queen touched and she will remain in our memories, as we now pledge our allegiance to King Charles III.

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OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

PODS 2021/22 The PODS are a key link between the OD office and the pupil body at Dean Close. Thank you to all of this year’s PODS, all your help has been really appreciated.

Brook Court

Hyman Tang

Dale

Charlie Mckinnes

Fawley

Cherissa Samoutou

Field

Theo Purkis

Gate

Josh Collenette

Hatherley

Leah Barton

Mead

Grace Billington

Shelburne

Clova Logan

Tower

Conor Brockie

Turner

Grace Rutere

International OD Representatives AUSTRALIA - Perth Stefanie Jones (née Brooking) (Shelburne 1990)

USA - Los Angeles Ian Bishop (Court 1981)

CANADA - Ottawa Chuck Kennedy (Gate 1986)

USA - San Diego Caroline Harwood (Shelburne 1981)

CANADA - Alberta Sara Lynn Burrough (Shelburne 1976)

USA - San Diego Charmaine Haworth (née Lamb) (Shelburne 1991)

HONG KONG David Ho (Gate 1985)

USA - Seattle David Richardson (Tower 1954)

USA - Pennsylvania Kirsten McTernan (née Spalholz) (Shelburne 1997)

Washington DC Farrokh Jahandari (Tower 1981)

If you would like to make contact with any of the representatives, please liaise with the OD Office.

If you think you could be a country representative, we would love to hear from you.

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OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

NEWS FROM THE

DECADES James Elroy Flecker (Houses didn’t exist in 1900), one of the very first Old Decanians. It’s 100 years in 2023 since the premiere performances at London’s Haymarket Theatre of Flecker’s play, Hassan. Meurig Bowen (Member of DCF Council) runs an orchestra, the Britten Sinfonia, and they are doing two concerts in February 2023 of the complete incidental music that Frederick Delius wrote for this production. They will also record this concert for a CD. So, the Flecker name will be alive in London and Saffron Hall next spring.

For more information, visit: www.brittensinfonia.com/event/delius-hassan-2/ Friday 10 February – Milton Court, Silk St (Barbican Centre) Saturday 11 February – Saffron Hall, Saffron Walden

1950s Philip Harris (Court 1952) Having left school, I went into the Army, serving three years in REME, leaving in 1955. The next nine years I worked as a salesman in the car industry selling firstly Fords and then Ferraris working for Maranello when it was first started by Col Ronnie Hoare in Bournemouth. In 1964, I joined my father-in-law in the printing industry as a works director producing Record Sleeves for the music industry. Due to problems obtaining raw materials in the UK at this time, I set up an international transport company with an office in Frankfurt to bring in the raw materials from Europe. This escalated until I had 20 articulated trucks travelling in Europe as far as Istanbul, carrying all types of goods. During this time, I learnt to fly and used flying to travel to customers in Europe. My company was bought out by Everard Shipping in 1976.

During this time, we also had an aviation company which manufactured aircraft interiors and aircraft parts and components. In 1980, I started in conjunction with the manufacturing company an aircraft brokering company, buying and selling commercial aircraft, which I still operate today.

I am also involved as a director in organising an annual military show, known as the Capel Military Show at Capel in Surrey, which is between Dorking and Horsham, and this coming year is on 1st and 2nd July 2023. We have a website, last year’s show videos can be seen by looking up the ‘Capel 2022 Military Show’. We set the show up to help with donations to military charities and it is now one of the largest military shows in the south of England.

I have to mention another OD who was in Court House two years after me. We have met through the aircraft industry and are business associates in brokering aircraft.

His name is Laurence Nicholls and he is the CEO of Jet Freighters Ltd in South Africa.

Referring to page 25 from last year’s Flecker (2021), it is great to hear that Roger Ellis (Gate 1953), Ian Cooke (Tower 1952) and Martin Ridler (Tower 1955) were able to name the unknown lady in the photo as Miss Schneider, who used to come specially to teach German. Along with the unknown gentleman, not as certain but they think it is probably ‘Pop’ Taylor who taught Science and who lived in a flat in Caldecote House. He also studied an MA at Cambridge University, working in the Rutherford Lab, which involved being part of the splitting of the atom.

Dean Close School Masters, 1952 Back row L–R: David Lepine, G. V. ‘man’ Harries, Rev’d Tidmarsh, Denys Carnill, Major Parker, D. A. Barker, Neill, Hayes and Ridler.

Front row L–R: Bursar, Kennedy, ‘Moke’ Hoare, Miss Schneider, Horsley, Gilkes (Headmaster), Tuckwell, Brian, Moore, ‘Pop’ Taylor, Girling.

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Nigel Griffin (Court 1956). After being nowhere near the School for 60 years, I was invited to this year’s Speech Day with my wife, Marilyn, and we were given a fine welcome by Alex and by wonderfully blazered Jeremy Winter, who was in my house and a superb cricketer. We had a very good lunch and attended the speeches. There were so many prizes given out I was half expecting my own name to be called. It would have been a first!

The School seems to have thrived over time but Cheltenham has changed in 60 years and lost the cinemas that I used to escape to. The grand Gaumont and Odeon are no more and the Essoldo and Coliseum which used to specialise in X-rated horror films have vanished. And my bolt holes, Tiffin (found in the ground) and Gymicks that both used to serve delicious espresso coffee, are just a passing memory. The Jolly Brewmaster, where I kept my scooter, is still doing business and so is the House in the Tree, where I tasted my first lager and lime after a mouthwatering cycle ride. I now live in nostalgia time.

After leaving DCS in 1957, Mike Howells (Tower 1957), read Law at University College London and after serving Articles, qualified as a solicitor in 1996. He also married his wife, Pam, that year and they are now approaching their 56th anniversary. They have two sons: Luke, who teaches maths at Surbiton High School for Girls, and Toby who is a Team Leader with UCAS in Cheltenham.

After early years in private practice in his home county of Pembrokeshire, he was elected to the Council of The Law Society in 1983, having been appointed HM Coroner for Pembrokeshire in 1980. His work at The Law Society led him to be appointed as a member of the Supreme Court Rules Committee in 1985. He served on several different committees of the Society, mainly in connection with his practice of litigation, rising to be Treasurer of the Society in 1995. Between 1988 and 2003, he sat regularly in the High Court with a Judge hearing appeals relating to solicitors’ charges.

Concurrently, his duties as coroner led him to be elected in 1986 to the Council of The Coroners’ Society of England & Wales and he became President of that Society in 1999. His coronial duties caused him to conduct several high-profile inquests including into the Tregwynt Hoard, the last Treasure Trove Inquest in Wales before the law changed and the finding abolished. Probably the best known are the inquests into the Pembrokeshire Murders, earning him the unenviable record of being the only coroner to have conducted inquests into two double murders in three years.

Since retirement, he has continued to live in Pembrokeshire. He keeps an active mind though, being a volunteer adviser with Citizens’ Advice and with writing, watercolour painting and giving talks.

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Douglas Fish (Walton Court 1959) I remained with Cable & Wireless (later in their UK ‘Mercury’ Company) throughout my career, my first tour starting in October 1961 with a journey from Tilbury to Lagos (Nigeria) in a Fyffes banana-boat! After 18 months or so as a Watchkeeper at the radio station, I was transferred to Nairobi (Kenya) to work at the Ngong Receiving Station till leave in summer 1964, I think. I went back to Porthcurno for the Advanced Course, then went by boat (through the Suez Canal) to Aden, as an Engineer in the Transmitting Station, Hiswa, remaining after the British Army had left Aden.

I eventually left in summer ’67, and returned home for leave, followed by courses on Marconi satellite stations. I went briefly to Ascension Island for six months at the Transmitting Station, soon followed by four years helping to construct, then maintain equipment at the satellite station in Trinidad – again went out by boat! This was followed by postings to Fiji, Maldive Islands, and Belize (all new satellite stations), then to Diego Garcia (Chagos Islands) to manage the satellite station. I requested a period in our London offices (to spend some time with my ageing father), but after a couple of years was required to fly to Riyadh to look after the microwave system there. On return, I was seconded to Mercury, mainly to look after ‘Quality of Service’ issues with our commercial customers. I finally retired at the end of 1997, after 38 years – reduced from the normal 40, due to overseas service for most of the time.

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

1960s The history of Ukraine is a hot topic for those keen to understand current affairs right now and our History and Politics students were very fortunate that Robert Evans (Field 1962), who is Regius Professor of History Emeritus, Oxford University, came to Dean Close to deliver a fascinating lecture on the history of Ukraine. This gave the pupils a historical and cultural awareness and provided a valuable insight and understanding to much of what is at the forefront of discussions today. This was a very special evening, appreciated by all.

Old Decanian London Gathering

‘The Douglas Graham Era Lunch’ Ben Millington-Buck (Gate 1963) On 27 October 2022, 15 Old Decanians got together at the Caledonian Club in London to attend a special lunch arranged by Peter Smallwood in honour of the late Rev’d Douglas Graham (Headmaster of Dean Close Senior School 1954‒1968).

All the attendees had been pupils at the School when Douglas Graham was Headmaster. His nickname was ‘Jag’ on account of his Jaguar motor car.

He was an Irishman, educated at Trinity College Dublin, where he boxed for the university, as evidenced by his broken nose.

Rev (Retd) Martin M’Caw (Gate 1963) had been chaplain to the Mold squadron of the RAF cadets for 12 years, and for the last five of those years he was also Wing Chaplain to No. 2 Welsh Wing covering 21 squadrons from Mid-Wales to Anglesey and across the top of North Wales to just south of Wrexham.

At the ceremony, which recognised high achievers from the reserves and cadet communities, three adults were recognised for their outstanding service and devotion to duty and awarded the Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate of Merit. They were Staff Sergeant Instructor Owen Peters of Clwyd & Gwynedd ACF; Warrant Officer Anthony Rutter of No 2 Welsh Wing RAF Air Cadets; and Rev (Retd) Martin M’Caw of No 2 Welsh Wing RAF Air Cadets.

He was later ordained as a Church of Ireland Minister and following service as a chaplain in the Royal Navy during the Second World War became a teacher, initially at Eton College and subsequently taking over as Headmaster at Dean Close. As well as being a talented and admired Headmaster, who was instrumental in advancing the quality and reputation of Dean Close, he was immensely popular with the pupils, especially as his love of horse racing usually resulted in his announcing a school holiday whenever the Cheltenham Gold Cup was held.

Martin is the last on the right of the back row.

Those attending were: Robin de Wilde (Field 1963) has transmogrified into being a ‘K.C.’ rather than a ‘Q.C.’ as a result of the change of Sovereign and it is highly likely, because there are at least two males in the present line of succession, that it is now unlikely that Robin will never revert to being a ‘Q.C.’ again in his lifetime.

Seated L-R: Michael Bawden (Gate 1965), Richard Pearse (Brook 1962), Bernard Ribeiro (Tower 1962), Ian Dimmer (Tower 1960) and Bill Andrade (Tower 1962).

Standing L-R: David Long (Gate 1961), Graham Milne (Tower 1960), Tim Stokes (Court 1964), Peter Smallwood (Field 1963), Ian Hutchison (Court 1963), Tim Lomas (Tower 1965), Jeremy Winter (Walton Court 1961), Robert Reed (Brook 1962), Robert Farnes (Brook 1963) and Ben Millington-Buck (Gate 1963).

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Clive Holland (1966 Field) and his wife, Heather, are enjoying their retirement years in New Zealand. They live in the Art Deco city of Napier, in the Hawkes Bay region on the east of the North Island.

The climate there is similar to Bordeaux, which explains a vibrant wine industry (white and red varieties) and the couple's interest in all things wine related.

With COVID travel restrictions relaxed, they can resume their interest in travel, including many parts of New Zealand to be visited or re-visited, Australia and the Pacific Islands.

This year they also squeezed in a trip to Europe, primarily to see family, but also catching up with Stuart Barnes (1966 Field).

Clive would be happy to assist any ODs who would like a resident's viewpoint on New Zealand from either the tourism or business perspectives.

Brian Helsdon (Field 1967) After leaving school and then college in Birmingham, my career as a civil servant took me ever further north and I have lived in Sheffield for the past 35 years. When I retired in 2008, I decided I didn’t want to ‘retire, retire’ and immediately trained as a teacher of English as a Foreign Language (EFL). I gained the CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching for Adults) on a five-week full-time course at Gloucestershire University, so temporarily going back to my roots in Cheltenham. Since then, I have been a volunteer teacher in Sheffield. I have the world’s trouble spots in my classes from Iran and Iraq to Myanmar and most recently Ukraine. My students are mainly asylum seekers and refugees and they have given me a very different perspective from my safe and privileged life in the UK as a civil servant.

Prompted by them, I have visited countries I might never otherwise have seen such as Iran, the Kurdish region of Iraq and Myanmar.

After Piers Chapman (Tower 1968) spent 12 years as a research scientist in South Africa and 33 years in the United States at Texas A&M University and Louisiana State University, he is finally retiring from academic life and plans to return to the UK sometime during 2023 (unless the pound sinks any further!). His recent activities have been as professor, department head, and research professor (now emeritus) in the Department of Oceanography at Texas A&M. At the moment, he is not sure where his wife, Lesley, wants to live, but hopefully he should be able to find some orienteering to take part in and cricket to watch. Piers left DCS from Tower House in 1968, just after Brian Wilson took over from Mike Girling as Housemaster.

Bruce Palmer (Brook 1968) has been living in California near San Francisco since 1989. Retired from a career in software. Married to Olga from St Petersburg, Russia, who is also in software.

Bruce has two daughters and four grandchildren.

Steve Heaton (Field 1968) Having visited DCS on a few occasions after leaving in the late 1960s, I was pleasantly surprised to find in my Cheltenham Canoe Club events calendar an opportunity for members to use the DCS pool to practise kayak skills in winter in clean, warm water – something not to be missed.

I’m old enough to remember swimming in the old pool with its sturdy red brick exterior and smell of chlorine before it closed as a pool. The ‘new’ pool and gym being a total revelation to pupils and staff when it opened.

As expected, a few changes awaited me on my return.

Access with a kayak was through the fire exit, much simpler than carrying a 20kg/2-metre object through the doors by what was Major Chapman’s office. The open glass sides of the building gone, replaced with solid walls, probably in the interests of heat retention and assimilation into adjacent buildings. Water temperature was well above anything we as pupils ever experienced.

The wall tiling patterns and water depth numerals were exactly as I remember them. No sign of the swimming starting blocks constructed in the School woodwork shop. Probably long consigned to history and replaced by something safer.

As for my training session on the water, a few badly executed rolls, helping with junior members’ paddling skills and acting as safety boat, it was a real pleasure to be back.

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OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

AN INSIGHT INTO PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND ADVENTUROUS OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES AT DEAN CLOSE BETWEEN 1969 AND 1974.

By Graeme Whiting (Former Staff, 1969 – 1973) with contribution from ODs from the time.

Excitement, challenges, fun, camaraderie and a lot more from days gone by …

I joined the staff at Dean Close in September 1969 after seven years in the Army as a Physical Training Instructor.

The day of my interview with Christopher Turner, the then Headmaster, and Major Ben Chapman DSO, was a real eye-opener. We walked around the School, met many of the staff, and I felt very much at home. It was immediately clear that here was a boss I could, and would, look up to for guidance, a man who clearly inspired all the children at Dean Close, who had trodden the ground I had only recently trodden, and who was keen to show me the School’s physical education programme in action. It was nothing less than inspirational!

MAJOR BEN CHAPMAN DSO DIRECTOR OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION Ben Chapman, my boss who became my surrogate father, the Director of Physical Education, was a legend. Ben greatly inspired me, was the archetypal mentor who cared for me and taught me an immense amount about teaching children, and life.

An insight into Ben …

Ben was the world’s most talented showman and a unique leader!

I remember once supervising the School swimming team for training and performing some dives from the three-metre springboard, to inspire our up-andcoming senior divers. I had performed a few dives and was walking up the steps towards the three-metre springboard to get ready for another dive, hoping Ben would have seen my first dive, with which I was pleased.

I glimpsed out of the corner of my eye, 50-year-old Ben Chapman, in a brief swimming costume parading his muscular, tanned body, with a towel draped across his left shoulder as he walked along the poolside through the office door.

When I surfaced from the dive, hoping that Ben would have seen it and might give me a thumbs-up, I could see him standing on the balcony rail, high above the pool, like ‘David glancing at Goliath’. Ben’s Goliath was his treasured swimming pool! His eyes scanned the gazing young divers who were focused on him and he performed the most perfect swallow-dive from the pool-balcony I have ever seen.

Once, in the summer of 1970, Ben and I were walking along the pebbled beach in Selsey, when a group of seemingly arrogant young men sniggered at him. Ben was smoking his pipe, rather nonchalantly, and rose to their ridicule. He asked me, within their earshot, to hold his pipe as he stood stock-still on the pebbly beach in front of them, glanced knowingly at them with a discernible slight, sideways movement of his eyeballs, and threw a hollow back somersault on the pebbles, and took his pipe, still smouldering, from me.

The silence was golden. That was the man I learned from!

The Headmaster at that time, Christopher Turner, an inspirational leader, was greatly appreciated by the School’s amazing staff. Christopher was an upright, towering figure of a man, with Christian values which he demonstrated every day of his leadership of the School. Christopher greatly inspired me to become a Headmaster after I left the School.

Favourite memory of Ben...

By David Lawson (Brook 1976) My favourite memory of Ben is from 1965 when my parents took my sister and me to visit DCJS before I entered the School in Wilton in September ’66. As part of the tour of School, Edward Langhorne, the HM, took us to the gym complex and then up to the viewing balcony to see the pool. I was aged 7 and my sister 8.

Ben was taking a swimming lesson for some boys from DCJS. As was still the custom at boys-only prep schools, swimming naked was still the norm. As we topped the stairs to be met by a view of 20 or so naked behinds lined up along the length of the pool.

Ben was on the opposite side. He glanced up, recognised that there were ladies present and clearly concluded that ‘decisive action’ was necessary. “On the word go”, he barked, “you are all to jump into the water and commence treading water until I tell you to stop … GO!” Decency and order restored, we continued our viewing and went on our way.

We continued to swim naked until the end of the term before Sian Harper joined the School in ’68 when I remember Ben instructing us to tell our parents that at the start of the next term we would require swimming trunks. Somewhere in the attic I still have the relevant school report containing the same advisory!

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DCS Sport in the late ‘60s & ‘70s SWIMMING The School swimming team was outstanding, and there is no doubt we were in the top half of the public schools’ ladder, both for swimming and diving, and there were many trophies to be won. Ben coached the team to a very high level, and we even did well alongside Millfield and many other formidable and excellent wellknown swimming teams. Ben’s leadership of the team was outstanding, and he brought the School into the public eye when we had great success at the ‘Bath Cup and Otter Medley’ in London, at Marylebone swimming pool.

SHOOTING The School’s success at both small and full-bore shooting, was very impressive. I was extremely grateful to the Headmaster when I walked into school one morning and saw a huge, grey, four-wheel drive, Forward Control Land Rover, big enough for the entire shooting team and the many .303 rifles and Bren machine-guns, with a number of very heavy wooden boxes that were neatly stencilled on the side, as we loaded the kit into the back ready for shoot off to the ranges, labelled ‘AMMUNITION. HANDLE WITH CARE’!

We certainly did take care, and no school ever shot as many rounds of .303 ammunition in a range day.

There was plenty of it and throughout the summer months I took the team to a number of outdoor ranges, and all members of the shooting team gave an outstanding commitment to acquiring the necessary skills and ability to do well at The Bisley Public School Full-Bore Shooting Championships.

During training at ranges up to 1,000 yards, we used up thousands of rounds and, on one occasion, I was asked to give a demonstration shooting a Bren gun, Mike Motum, the team captain, and other shooters, delighted in loading a dozen magazines which I quickly shot at a target at the maximum distance. I had to stop because the barrel was hot enough to give severe burns if you touched it!

Rumour had it that when ten magazines were shot off quickly, one could easily light a cigarette on the barrel. (Of course, that was never tried, because no pupil at Dean Close would ever smoke a cigarette, let alone light it off a Bren gun barrel.)

In the winter months, the shooting team were to be found a couple of afternoons a week, in the School’s miniature range, for training. We won many shoulder-toshoulder and postal competitions, which culminated in the School receiving the prestigious ‘Country Life Shield for Small-Bore Target Shooting’ as the most improved public school. When Christopher Turner handed me the shield, it made me very proud of my team. Their commitment to outstanding shooting did it!

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ANGLING The School had a few very keen pupils who were interested in fishing, so I created a club to honour their enthusiasm. Jeremy Wade, today a very well-known international celebrity and TV star, who is undoubtedly among the most successful anglers in the world, was the founding pupil. I took the club on many fishing trips, and once we went for a week in Norfolk fishing for carp. We caught eels and bream, but no carp. I have many stories of times I fished with Jeremy Wade and his angling cohorts.

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

COMBINED CADET FORCE I loved my five years with the CCF and many of the cadets entered Sandhurst and became regular soldiers, some very senior, especially joining the Gloucestershire Regiment, known then as 1 Glosters.

Under John Moore and David Gibson’s leadership, Dean Close Combined Cadet Force was an incredible organisation and on summer inspection days it was a team David and I were very proud of. David was known for many things, throwing the discus, riding his treasured motorcycle, his collection of ephemera and his famous expletive, ‘Goats and monkeys!’ and ‘It’s enough to make a monkey bite its mother’.

It was a great moment for the School CCF, when Sir General Anthony Farrar-Hockley GBE, KCB, DSO and BAR, MC, who wrote the outstanding book on the Korean War called ‘The Edge of the Sword, inspected the CCF.’ He gave me my first beret when I badged Glosters.

The General was most impressed, and during lunch at The Queen’s Hotel in Cheltenham, he expressed his enthusiasm for some members of the CCF Sandhurst Platoon who had declared they would join his regiment. Many did. Many of the other cadets joined the RAF, Royal Navy, and alternative regiments, such as The Green Jackets.

So, those days at Dean Close, up until I left in 1974, were memorable and life-changing, and although there were many other successes and individuals to thank and honour for their achievements in a variety of sports and clubs, and especially music under the leadership of

Joe Polglase, it was the enthusiasm from Ben Chapman that I remember so well.

I am pleased that he was honoured this summer with a plaque on the entrance to the School’s sports hall, which leads to the same gymnasium in which I worked daily with Ben, more than 50 years ago.

I learned so much from Dean Close and was inspired, not only by the Headmaster at the time and the very skillful and popular staff, but by the many pupils who engaged in the successes the School was known for.

I was inspired, so I continued in independent education from 1975, and have been a

Headmaster for over 40 years, and founded of my own independent school, which Ben helped me to do, and four others. That would not have been possible without the amazing years I served at Dean Close, and it is little wonder that it still ranks very highly, not only in public school education, but in all-round education, at a time when such daring exploits Ben and I engaged the pupils in would never be possible today with the H & S Executive.

Imagine, driving across England with my shooting team, in a Forward Control Land Rover, with enough weapons to start a war and more than a couple of hundredweight of live .303 ammunition! Those were the days!

NB. This is an example of the respect for the School’s physical education programme, by Nigel Williams, who was a pupil in the early 1970s.

‘This was a wonderful time before the Health and Safety Executive at Work act. If you were a part of the Gym 8 as it was known, you had the freedom to go into the gym, unsupervised, put up the trampoline and play, learning new tricks or jumping off the old gym, balcony, or the window sills and rebounding. It would never be allowed today!

Ben Chapman, a gymnast of the 1940s, was so versatile and imaginative, and the team included a wider group of boys and girls across the years for the annual display at Commemoration. Ben would always come up with something different, from building human pyramids to self-defence displays, club swinging or a really impressive vaulting display lining up a trampette to vault a high horse landing onto a sideways trampoline to take off over another horse to the waiting crash mats.

P.S. I didn’t know until Ben passed away that he was the British Army diving champion during the Second World War, had won a raft of international swimming and diving medals, and was an Olympian!

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DEAN CLOSE – THE SANDHURST PLATOON

By Peter Marks (Gate 1972) One phenomenon that emerged at the turn of the decade was the Sandhurst Platoon. It was so-called because all its members had aspirations to attend Sandhurst, or at least had aligned interests. It wasn’t a platoon, only about half a section really but that didn’t matter.

It grew from activities in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Scheme, with all of its members obtaining Silver or Gold. It was started in 1970 and led by pupil Peter Marks with strong encouragement and guidance from Graeme Whiting. The enthusiastic troopers were some two years younger and eager to learn and experience extraordinary standards of fieldcraft at a young age.

The core members were: Peter Marks (Gate 1972) Tony Ayers (Tower 1975) Nigel Hemming (Brook 1975) Nigel Williams (Brook 1976) Richard Mason (Gate 1976) Guest members: Richard Tongue (Gate 1975) Martin Smith (Tower 1975) The exploits of the team were legendary and ventured far beyond any safety or security boundaries that could be contemplated today. Having established skills in map reading, wild camping, canoeing, first aid, fishing, trapping, skinning and cooking on open fires, they were always looking forward to the next expedition. These started as short walks and camps in the Cotswolds and progressed to major expeditions on Dartmoor and elsewhere in summer and winter.

One such tab started West of the Severn Valley at dawn. As the sun rose over Cleeve Hill, they walked the length of the Beacons before crossing east to the River Severn. Then they paddled south down the river, where they encountered a weir. Peter instructed the boat team to head for the shore, disembark and carry the boat around the weir. While pulling out his kayak, Peter was horrified to see that the youngsters had decided that they could shoot the weir. They failed and Peter had to drag each out by canoe and retrieve the inflatable. Tony Ayres, standing in the water, trying to revive the aged 88 VHF radio set strapped to his waist, is an image Peter will never forget.

It was somewhat eye-opening, working as a 16/17-year-old in Cheltenham Hospital Casualty, as part of his Gold D of E Service to the Community, but Peter Marks learned skills and understandings that lasted a lifetime. Having been taught by the nurses to suture by reassembling an orange skin, he was able to use this skill in the army and later in the hills and jungles of Africa.

The team taught themselves to abseil using the classic alpine technique with no equipment, other than hawser laid ropes, thick WW2 battledress trousers and gloves from the hardware store to stop burns. It was ages later that they discovered the descender. They perfected the art of

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abseiling in synchronised pairs, in a single bound, without touching the wall of the science block, on ropes reaching just short of the ground, so they could roll out of the system, allowing the next pair to follow within seconds. They demonstrated this to somewhat alarmed parents on Chapel Close at Commemoration weekend, before rapidly changing into their whites for the gym display. When a wheelbarrow mysteriously appeared, roped to the roof of the School Chapel, the platoon came under suspicion.

After the team had all got their Silver D of E and were well on their way to the Gold, they were used by the School directing staff to assist teaching and checking of younger pupils on their Silver. They often ran, crisscrossing the Dartmoor expedition routes to observe the safety of groups covertly from a distance before closing to pre-set rendezvous, set by Graeme Whiting, David Gibson and Rod Pentecost. On one occasion, Tony Ayers intercepted an exhausted young diabetic lad who had collapsed in the middle of Dartmoor. Tony performed the CASEVAC by carrying him on his back for many miles off the moor. Tony was very disappointed, but he understood when instructed by Peter to put him down and allow him the dignity of walking the last half mile back into camp on his own two legs.

During that time, another unfortunate lad, who had not had the fieldcraft experience of the others, was seconded into the group to balance numbers on Dartmoor. He learned fast and enthusiastically but, while gathering firewood, he became disoriented and lost. A frantic search ensued but Johnny People had found his way off the moor and was collected from the local police station.

Their tents, with cotton fabric and metal poles, were heavy, especially when wet. They developed a technique to lighten their expedition loads.

Instead of taking three tents for a six-man patrol, they took only one.

They would sleep in bivy bags, radially distributed around the tent, with only their head and shoulders inside for communal cooking and writing up logs. This was fine for summer expeditions but the bivy bags were polythene and condensation soon degraded insulation of the feather sleeping bags. Some uncomfortable nights were experienced. The technique would be more viable now with breathable Gore-Tex bivy bags and sleeping bag fibres that keep their loft when damp. The team soon learnt to respect the hypothermia danger zone of +5 deg C to -5 deg C. After Peter left and went to Sandhurst to be commissioned into the Glosters, the ‘platoon’ continued to flourish and hone its skills, particularly into rock climbing, under professional guidance from John Nash.

Inspiration was started by Hugh Cocksedge who sent Peter on Ten Tors when only 14 and then tasked him to teach fieldcraft to six youngsters for their Bronze D of E. Peter still recalls that this was a significant milestone and a junction from tearaway to instructor. He remembers the names of the group: Agg, Barton, Blanchard, Collins, Corrie, Gardener; the first six in the alphabetic list of Dean Close entry of 1969.

The Sandhurst Platoon was encouraged and developed by Graeme and supported by David Gibson.

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

The first four members all went to Sandhurst and were commissioned into the Glosters, except Nigel Williams who chose the Royal Hampshire Regiment.

The team members continued to meet. Once, Peter had his leg in plaster, Norfolk and the others joined him. Peter fell out of a fishing boat but was ably rescued by the others, albeit with a somewhat soggy

Peter Marks left the Army as a Major with a couple of engineering degrees and a few years of research behind him.

The next 20 years was in defence and security.

Then, with a few colleagues they established their own business and now build hospitals across Africa.

When not abroad, he is also a town councillor.

He has metal replacement joints in one ankle and both hips but still runs and climbs the highest mountain in each country in which he works, the most recent, Mount Cameroun and Jebel Toubkal, over 4,000m.

Nigel Williams also left as a Major and pursued his passion for adventure training. He has climbed on some of the world’s highest mountains and secured the highest UK professional mountaineering qualifications. He became Head of Training at Glenmore Lodge, the Scottish National Outdoor Training Centre in the Cairngorms.

plaster. Later, after a couple of beers, Tony shot the wing mirror off Peter’s Land Rover, mistaking it for a rabbit in the dark. They all agreed that it was time to turn in. The next day, they tried to winch a Land Rover up a small cliff but the cable snapped showering the team with rocks as they laughed and dodged the descending vehicle. More experience gained from adversity!

Nigel Hemming did a degree before joining the Glosters. Judged by his colleagues as far too bright for the Infantry, he had a shorter spell in the Services. He entered the financial sector and quickly established his own business in Exeter.

He is now retired but not before playing hockey up to national standards for many years.

Tony Ayres spent his early years as a subaltern in the Glosters before transferring to specialise in IT. Extensive training and experience prepared him well for his next step.

Tony quickly assimilated into commerce and industry and, after working for some large enterprises, he established his own consultancy providing widespread services, even working with Peter in Africa for a while.

Richard Mason trained in Physical Education and qualified as a Personal Trainer and Sports Therapist, later to become a Lecturer and specialist in military resettlement. After a course in survival, he stayed on and rose to senior instructor, where he has been happily engaged for the last 20 years. He is also a Unit Medic within the British film industry.

All agree, without any doubt that the formative years of Dean Close, the Sandhurst Platoon with its teamwork and especially Graeme Whiting’s enthusiasm, all helped forge the people they are today.

Martin Penney (Former Physics Teacher 1963-73), Joe Polglase (Former Director of Music 1967-74) and Trevor Snow (Former Head of Modern Languages, Head of Hockey and Housemaster of Field) visited Dean Close whilst spending some time with Sarah Kenyon in Cheltenham. We spent the morning reminiscing and seeing the changes to their respective departments. A pleasure to welcome them back after so many years.

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1970s

Charles Kennedy (Tower 1971) is happily retired from his estate agency business in Bridport, West Dorset. He is shown here on the right-hand side in light blue shirt at a yurt family get-together in Somerset. His family live near Axminster in a rural idyll.

Twin brother Richard Kennedy (Tower 1972) continues as a professional artist in West Dorset and can be seen on richardkennedyart.com. He now sells his new range of original abstract paintings.

John Toon (Gate 1974)

Alan Price (Gate 1971) After a recent knee operation, Alan has just mastered riding his Pennyfarthing with crutches bungeed to his back. Alan hit a couple of wing mirrors initially, but he said he is improving, riding about seven or eight miles in Central London one day with no hits.

After 22 years operating as Operations Manager for Gulf Helicopters Company, Qatar, John with wife, Julia, and their two Jack Russells, Twister and Queenie, have finally repatriated to the UK to enjoy a somewhat less-surreal lifestyle in the bosom of Devon, based in the delightful seaside town of Dartmouth. No particular plans as yet other than to enjoy whatever the next chapter throws at us, but certainly hopeful of catching up with fellow Old Decanians as opportunities allow.

Andrew Jessopp (Dale 1978) After an agonising six-month delay, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a shortage of building materials and tradesmen, the local authority I chair finally managed to officially open our new, flagship social housing development in August 2022 in the presence of the Lt Governor of the Isle of Man, Lt General, Sir John Lorimer and his wife, Philippa. The development of 30 new apartments has been built to exceed current IOM building control insulation standards and, with heat recovery systems built into all units, should make them some of the most energy-efficient homes on the island. PV panels and electric vehicle charging points are other features to help reduce the carbon footprint of the development and the tenants who live on the site.

Progress on the authority's new multi-million-pound community hub, The Round House, has also been affected by COVID delays, and now by hold-ups with supplies of materials due to disruption in gas supplies to Germany among others. Hopefully the eagerly awaited development will be completed

by July next year.

Andrew pictured far left.

On a personal note, in June, after two years of, yes you guessed it, COVID-19-related interruptions, I finally made it to a round of the European Endurance Legends Cup races held at one of the iconic endurance race circuits, Paul Ricard in the south of France. Despite all kinds of hurdles on the journey to the circuit, including a broken-down van necessitating a switch to a hire van, near 40 degrees heat at the circuit, and then an irregularly misfiring bike in practice, qualifying and warm-up – cured at the last minute by the swapping of the PCB on the electronic ignition system – the bike ran more-or-less faultlessly for the four-hour race. It was certainly a memorable experience, with the race starting at 8pm, just before the sun set, thus riding into the sun for half the lap for the first hour or so and then into darkness for the final two hours. 32nd out of 40 starters, and 6th in class, was not a bad reward for first timers on a bike that was much heavier and slower steering than most of the opposition. However, I was disappointed not to get a ride in the slimmed-down Manx Grand Prix in August, but I shall try again next year, the Centenary of the famous event held on the IOM mountain course.

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OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

1980s David Jacobs (Dale 1980) and his son came to have a tour of Dean Close in September whilst in the UK for a friend’s wedding (David and family reside in North Carolina). After the visit David said “Even after so many years away the School resonated so strongly with him”.

Bill Wickham (Court 1979) In the season that I turned 60 (Sept 2020 – June 2021), I was invited to join the ranks of the O60s Masters Hockey Players. Due to the residual effects of COVID, that first season was badly affected and not much representative hockey was played. However, last season a full roster of events were completed. My local club is Sudbury in Suffolk so I was selected to Represent Suffolk, this led to trials for East of England to represent the region at the National Finals in Woking. I got selected for that Team and we came joint second with England HA Silver Medals awarded. I also got invited to join the England LX Club which represents England (in association with England Hockey) at Major Masters tournaments both nationally and internationally. The photographs are of me playing with England LX at a Tournament at Tilburg in the Netherlands last May. We played in a Round Robin Group featuring England A, Germany A, Netherlands A & B Teams and Scotland. We came a creditable third behind England A winners and Germany A runners up (who incidentally we beat famously 1–0!). With LX I also represented England against Jersey and Scotland in Jersey in September at a tournament to celebrate Jersey’s Liberation from German Occupation in the Second World War.

1990s Alexander Fitzgerald (Brook 1992) continues to work in the media in Ireland where he is the editor of Irish Tatler Man and Menswear in Ireland. He is also the menswear correspondent on Ireland AM, Ireland’s daily breakfast television show. His sister Rebekah (Fawley, 1989) lives in London with her husband and two children. A former director at Siemens and the NHS, she is now enjoying motherhood and working on specialist freelance projects.

Alan Gignoux (Gate 1982) – Monuments (which includes Alan’s photography of abandoned houses) documents and commemorates communities in North-Rhine Westphalia earmarked for demolition.

Opencast coal mining has led to the destruction of hundreds of German villages over the last century.

For more information, visit gignouxphotos.com/product/monuments/

Hans von Dietze (Gate 1983 left Remove 1980) It was wonderful to be able to welcome back Hans and his children, Nick and Amy. We spent a chilly morning touring the School, including Hans' old boarding houses, Caldecot in the Preparatory School and Gate in the Senior School. Hans and family are living in Cairns, Australia, where he Teaches Japanese.

Charlie Leonard (Fawley 1996) was selected for the England Masters Women’s O45s hockey squad to represent England at the Home Nations Tournament in Nottingham in June, where they secured wins against Wales, Scotland and Ireland to retain the Home Nations title.

Charlie was also selected for the England Women's Masters World Cup Squad in Cape Town in October this year. The team battled a tough pool to secure a place in the semi-finals where they celebrated a victory over Germany, facing Argentina in the finals. Having drawn 2-2 with Argentina in the pool games, it was all to play for, but Argentina was the better team on the day and Charlie and the England team returned to the UK proud owners of a World Cup Silver Medal and memories of an experience of a lifetime!

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2000s Alastair Reid (Staff 1995–2000) and Alix Stockwell (nee Reid) (Mead, left 2000, Class of 2002), father and daughter (pictured here on a recent visit to Fettes College in Edinburgh), work with TISCA (The Independent Schools Christian Alliance). Dean Close is a long-term foundation member of TISCA and, in October 2022, kindly hosted a regional event in Dean Close House at which staff member James Mears spoke on the topic of 'courage – today'. James, an OD himself, has a further link with Alastair as he taught at Hebron School in India, linked to Dean Close, when Alastair was the Principal there. The TISCA regional meeting was an occasion for the renewal of links and for James to encourage us to value teamwork and to have the courage to say, 'I can't do this – but you can!

How can we work together in this task?'

Visit my blog at www.ajreidwrites.home.blog Frankie Knight (Shelburne 2005) and her husband, Joel, have recently moved to Wokingham where Joel is the minister of Christ Church.

Dr Christopher Couzens (Brook Court 2005) Plans to move to New Zealand in 2020 for a fellowship in Paediatric Intensive Care were sadly derailed due to COVID-19.

However, despite earlier lockdowns, he was thankfully still able to get married in late 2020 to Sarah (who works as a specialist dentist) with an intimate family wedding in Dorset.

Since then, over a decade of additional training and professional exams came to an

end with Christopher successfully completing postgraduate medical training in February 2022. Having now relocated to the New Forest with his wife, Sarah, Christopher was thrilled to be appointed as a Consultant in Anaesthetics and Intensive Care Medicine at Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust.

Now in post since the spring, Christopher is enjoying the challenges (and the rewards) of his Consultant post, as well as enjoying much-needed downtime out in the New Forest with Sarah.

Nick Hume (Dale 2006) and Liam Brignull (Dale 2011) As of 2021, go2mortgages are official mortgage partners with Hume Homes in London.

Hume Homes is a Fulham-based Sales, Lettings & Property Management company built on experience and a desire to be better. Whether you have a home to sell or rent, you’re looking for your new home in and around London, Hume can help. go2mortgages is a well-established, family-run business based in the heart of Cheltenham.

They regularly operate in Gloucestershire, London and South Wales; however, their client bank spans right across the United Kingdom. The go2 team are finalists for the 2022 national Scale Up Business Awards: Family Business of the Year.

The go2mortgages team have strong links with London as Phil and Dawn Brignull (OD parents) grew up in the East End. With an established group of clients already based in London, the go2 team have been on the lookout for a cutting-edge Sales and Lettings company to link up with in the City. Nick is a family friend having gone to school with Liam and we were delighted to hear he was setting up shop to combat the challenges many buyers, sellers, landlords and renters face when dealing with an estate agent.

So, for our OD friends; if you're looking for a no-fuss process, handled by friendly experts, be sure to reach out to Nick at Hume Homes or Liam at go2mortgages.

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Matt Dowler (Dale 2008) and Tom Dowler (Dale 2009), both of whom were in the Dean Close School golf team, decided to take on a golf marathon challenge, playing 72 holes of golf in one day, raising money for Prostate Cancer UK. They played on (Tuesday 25th May 2021) at Puckrup Hall in Tewkesbury, which is where they played when they were younger and where their grandfather played many years ago.

The reason behind them doing this is their grandfather was sadly diagnosed with Prostate Cancer and undertook chemotherapy treatment for a while. So, they raised money for an incredible charity that has supported their family and so many others in the UK. The challenge was quite tough as expected, walking approximately 18 miles, playing an estimated 360 shots each and trying to get in 72 holes before the sunsets. It was a 6am start with an estimated finish of 9pm. What amazing perseverance, well done Matt and Tom!

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Written by Sandra Muhwezi (Fawley 2009) “This year, 2022, marks five years since I was hospitalised, in the aftermath of an attack by thieves on Easter weekend.”

Having traversed the wilderness somewhat fearfully and silently in the past, Sandra now feels compelled to write about it. “To confront the fears that have silenced me and give voice to the torment in order to better understand it and, ultimately, heal from it. “‘Heal’ is a word I have had ample time to ruminate on. Here’s what most people don’t tell you: healing is the worst trauma. Healing is a process more painful and arduous than the attack itself, adding its own lesions, leaving its own scars. Healing is a journey you embark upon with no known destination in mind. Healing is not even a journey with a single direction. I wrote this in stops and starts, jumping forward to a point of recognition, backpedalling to apply my more dependable hindsight, fluctuating between my past, present and future to explore an instant of epiphany, to unpack a moment of uncertainty or hold on to a whisper of hope.

My writing perfectly parallels my healing: nonlinear, haphazard, subject to revision.

“After several surgeries to repair traumatic injuries to my face and body, I was left to contemplate the recovery that lay ahead. As I lay in the hospital bed, time measured by breaks in rounds of medications, visits by wellwishers and endless examinations, I attempted to break down the process methodically. First, determine what I had to heal from: according to my doctors, the surgeries had been successful and I would inevitably recover, albeit with a scar or two.

With emergency surgery successfully completed, I would travel to the UK for followups. Once the physical healing was out of the way I could begin to focus on ‘returning to normal’ another mantra which, for me, meant returning home and resuming my life as it was prior to the attack.”

Sandra is an extraordinary person with such bravery and determination to push through.

She showed resilience and remained with her head held high sustaining a positive attitude even in the toughest days. A true inspiration to us all!

Fascinating article in the thetimes.co.uk about ‘Why we left the UK – and what we miss about it’ featured Hannah Garner (Mead 2010)

‘I came to Paris for the cheese and wine, I stayed for the socialism’ I was sent to Paris every year for a week from the age of 12 to learn French. Brexit really hit me. I feel European, so I decided to move to Paris in 2017. It was hard to find a place to stay.

Rental protection in France is stronger than in the UK, as a result it’s a lot harder to be taken on as a tenant. You need to earn three times your rent and have a French guarantor. The first flat I lived in was a nightmare: it was very damp, mouldy and had no heating — plus, it was infested with bed bugs.

Now I feel at home and I haven’t regretted it once. I’m working as a translator/reporter for a medical news agency. I’ve applied for French citizenship and I’m about to buy a flat. There’s no way I’d been able to afford it in the UK. The French government is giving me a €60,000 no-interest loan for my deposit. I came to France for the cheese and wine and I

stayed for the socialism. You pay higher taxes in France but I see where they go and I feel the government here is working for its people.

Tips for moving abroad: Meetup.com is made for expats and is full of good tips. I also met my boyfriend there.

ConnexionFrance is a very good English language website with details about moving to France. Beware of French bureaucracy. Don’t be put off by French people, who can be a bit cold at the beginning — they can be incredibly nice and open once you get to know them.

What I miss most: The little things: a good cup of tea; 5 November; and the British sense of humour and way of dealing with problems: “Everything has gone tits up, let’s go to the pub.”

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2010s Hannah Viney (Shelburne 2012) I started Hannah Amelia Interiors in July 2020 which most people would think a little mad given we were in COVID at that point in time. However, there was a real surge in Home Offices on the horizon and with lots of people now working from home with nowhere to go; home making suddenly became quite popular. I completed my first project in May which was a full interior design refurb of a thatched cottage in Oxfordshire and featured in 'The World of Interiors' magazine. I took on the second project within the same month. With Project K and Project S well on the way, I also had Project V starting and by that time I had enough understanding of the market to see an opportunity to launch an online service for the wider public. 'H-Design' was launched in May 2022 and is a real passion project for me.

During my time in industry, I have always come across the same confusion surrounding interior design and that is, people think you need lots of money. ‘H-Design’ enables everyone to create their own sanctuary, which is of course what your home should be. With a little bit of autonomy in managing your own project, this innovative and online future of design is going to enable everyone to achieve their goals, desired looks and keep within a budget. It is a solution service with an online approach to interior design that allows you to work room by room, at your own pace creating a more affordable approach to interior design.

Rhiannon Evans (Mead/Shelburne 2012) married Chris Stratta on 13th August 2022, at St Matthew's Church, Cheltenham. The reception was held at Glenfall House, where their wedding planner was Anna Gay, who is married to Ollie Gay (Field 2013). Sarah Coles (Fawley 2013) was one of the bridesmaids, and her sister, Lydia (Mead 2014), was the Maid of Honour. Rhiannon works in the medical centre at The Dragon Prep School in Oxford and they have bought a house together in Headington.

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Issy Bailey (Fawley 2012) was the sole representative in pistol shooting in the GB Paralympics squad for Tokyo 2020, this being her second Paralympic Games. Issy competed in the women’s 10m air pistol SH1 and mixed 25m pistol SH1, and achieved her international PB at the games.

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Hugo McNeill Love (Tower 2012)

Ultra X Jordan 2021 - Coldstream Guards Ultra X Marathon In October 2021, a team of 15 Coldstream Guardsmen (10 serving, and 5 veterans) came together to tackle the Ultra X Jordan Marathon across the Wadi Rum Desert. The team was made up of 2 Officers, 3 LSgts, 2 LCpls, 3 Guardsmen and 5 Veterans. It consisted of 5 days averaging around 50km a day. We were doing the marathon for ex-Coldstream Guardsmen who were injured in Afghanistan.

We finally arrived into Amman airport where the whole team could meet for the first time. The next day was a free day so we could explore some of the city, eat some amazing food and do any last-minute admin, which for some of the team involved gluing on their sand gaiters. Good preparation!

Before leaving for the desert, we had a full kit check, bag weigh and onto the bus. Final messages on the Wi-Fi before six nights with no communications or social media. The buses pull up at the gates to the Wadi Rum and we all jumped on the back of load of pick-up trucks that bombed across the sand to our camp for the night, the adventure had now begun and everyone was full of excitement or at least hiding their dread. I know I was the latter!

Day 1 - 46km At 5am we could hear the Bedouin tribe lighting fires to get our hot water ready for breakfast. By 6am we are all up and eating our 1,000kcal breakfasts (salmon and broccoli is not the easiest to get down at this time!). There are a lot of nerves around the tents with jokes being cracked to try and cover this long day ahead.

embrace the place you are in, and have a serious sense of humour. On returning to camp at the end of Day 1, I turned to my friend and said, “How on earth are we going to get through the next 4 days?”

Day 2 - 47km

The first day was all about getting used to our surroundings, the sand, the temperature and the atmosphere. After about 10km, we really knew this was going to be a slog. Day 1 consisted of a lot of loose sand, which was in many ways the most challenging part of the race. One step forward, one step back springs to mind. The key to keep moving forward is to

This was the morning where reality really set in.

We were actually running this ultra-marathon and there was no way I was not going to finish!

Today was slower and I took my time to get round the course. There was a checkpoint at each 10km; I used the osteopaths/physios and refreshments at each stop – it has to be done!

Day 2 was a positive day; however, the dreaded ‘long day’ was hanging over us …

Day 4 - 50 km

Day 5 - 42 km

Day 4 started with a refreshing beef goulash ration pack at 5am. However, there was a sense of optimism around camp because the ‘long day’ was behind us; it’s all relative in the desert! The end was in sight … 100km left. The goal for the day was to take your time to generate enough momentum to be able to finish the final day. By chance, we managed to stick as a team (around 11 of us left) and pull each across the line. The team environment/cohesion was crucial in keeping everyone motivated. Just one more day to go … a cold beer was much at the forefront of everyone’s minds.

We made it – the final day. What is another 42km? That is how mad this week was. Just another marathon – who did we think we were?

Anyway, morale was extremely high. We knew it was one final push. Again, we rested/recuperated for a few minutes at each checkpoint. Mainly, I think this was because we were soaking everything in before the return to normality. The final 5km was the quickest we had run all week – the excitement/reality of finishing had really taken over. Apart from a few front runners, we managed to have around six of our Coldstream Guards team finish together with our Household Division flag. It was an extremely emotional moment for us when we finished. Of course, it was incredibly physically

Day 3 - 72km This was arguably the longest day of my life, and without a doubt, a serious mental battle.

We started at 4am, and my tactic (whatever that is at this point!), was to beat the sun. I managed to get to 40km by 10am, and I was cruising. I then developed tendonitis in both ankles. I spent the following 9 hours hobbling the final 30km, on my own. I had a serious sense of humour failure, and I am sure I was having conversations with myself. However, I was doing this run for individuals who cannot walk and that was the driving force behind me to get me to the end. I finished Day 3 at 9pm, and attentions to the following day had already begun. Just two more days to go …

challenging; however, our mental strength was the main reason why we crossed the line. Team work, drive, leadership, sense of humour and humility were all part of the reason why it was such a rewarding and successful trip.

It was an incredible challenge, raising money for unique, brave and humble individuals. It was all completely worth it and I would do it again for the same cause. It was a privilege to be able to do my little bit to help. I have now left the British Army and the Coldstream Guards but would very much do an event like this again. Once a Coldstreamer, always a Coldstreamer.

As a team, we managed to raise just over £50,000, which is an epic achievement, and I cannot wait to see what comes next.

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Christina Ryan (Shelburne 2012) BookBar is all about emphasising the social side of reading, and everything we do is about bringing people together through books. I have worked in publishing and bookselling since I graduated, travelling the world selling books to bookshops, so I saw first-hand the way that bookshops are social spaces. My vision to create a bookshop with socialising at its centre was a way to expand the appeal of bookshops by bringing customers who may otherwise buy their books online into a physical shop and expand the idea of reading to people who didn't read regularly. By functioning not only as a bookshop, but as a wine and coffee bar and events space that opens late, we find that people linger for longer: customers initiate conversations with one another, my friends and I host our own book clubs.

‘Opening’ during lockdown, BookBar had to be innovative from the beginning. Every setback became an opportunity to grow in a new direction. To communicate the social aspect of BookBar, started a subscription-style book club, which has hosted authors from supermodel Emily Ratajkowski to Brit Bennett, Meg Mason, Ann Patchett, and sold books via Instagram. In just 18 months since opening, we’ve gone from a one-woman operation to a team of five passionate booksellers, created a bookish social space attracting a young demographic of readers and been featured in national newspapers, magazines, radio and TV, including the Observer, Red, Stylist, BBC Radio Four, Sunday Times, New Statesman, iNews and Sky News. We’ve hosted sell-out in-person events with authors including Monica Ali, Hanya Yanagihara and Bonnie Garmus, built a strong social media following and, best of all, created a community of aspiring and avid readers to meet and socialise in a welcoming, inclusive space.

Berian Williams-Jones (Former Staff) was contacted by James Melville (Field & Tower 2009) a few weeks before he landed in Australia to watch the final two games of the rugby series against the Wallabies. We had connected via LinkedIn some years ago but as ever it is a privilege to be contacted by your former students.

George Thomas (Field 2013) on returning from Brazil earlier this year has a solo exhibition entitled 'Viva Brazil' at the Embassy of Brazil in July. The painting, which is oil on linen, below is called ‘Guarani’. You can see all his paintings from the Viva Brazil Exhibition at www.georgefrederickthomas.com

Journalist Charlotte Ivers (Hatherley 2013) features on the panel for BBC Question Time, most recently (November 2022) she featured on the panel with Richard Holden, Andy Burnham, Ben Habib and Darren McGarvey.

Charlotte is the Times Radio Political Correspondent, a Sunday Times Columnist and worked in Number 10 under Theresa May.

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We were able to schedule an evening (which is always a challenge in Boarding) whilst James was in Brisbane, and the gap of the past decade soon faded away. It was a delight to hear of his time at Harrow and his role there leading the rugby programme, classics and working in Boarding, and indeed to catch up with news of the family who lived in Denver whilst James was a boarder. We fondly remember our respective times in Tower, of individuals, events and friendships strengthened over the years and sadly those with whom we now have little contact.

Over the years we have had various Tower boys call by as they navigate the eastern seaboard and as ever there is an open invitation to any OD to reach out if they happen to have time whilst in what we now call home, the capital of Queensland.

Guy Toye (Brook Court 2016) an on-call firefighter from Broadway station, achieved third place in the 18-29s category of the prestigious British Firefighters Challenge 2021, which took place at the Fire Service College in Moreton-in-Marsh. He also raised £1,000 for Muscular Dystrophy Research in the process.

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

We are extremely proud that two Old Decanians; Laurence Kilsby (Brook Court 2017) and Stephen Whitford (Field 2015) competed in the 2022 Bollinger International Song Competition in September 2022, which celebrates the art of the song recital. Both reached the Semi-Finals, with Laurence making it through to the final at Wigmore Hall, where he went on to win! A phenomenal achievement for both the Alumni.

What 2022 looked like for Laurence Kilsby (Brook Court 2017) January – I participated in the Carnegie Hall SongStudio, led by soprano Renée Fleming.

This was essentially a week of masterclasses and coachings with Renée and leading classical pianists and singers, culminating in two performances in two of the three venues at the Carnegie.

February/March – I toured Bach’s Johannes Passion with both Ensemble Pygmalion (conducted by Raphaël Pichon) and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment (led by British tenor, Mark Padmore). I made consecutive debuts at various renowned concert halls in Europe, including the Paris Philharmonie, Chapelle du château Versailles, Amsterdam Concertgebouw and the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées. I was mentioned in The

Times as a ‘young singer to watch’ and remarked in Bachtrack as having ‘one of the most ingratiating voices of [my] generation’.

April – I was accepted into the young artists studio of Opéra National de Paris, starting in September. This is essentially a two-year ‘apprenticeship’ with the opera company, working at the Bastille and the Palais Garnier.

May – I stepped in last minute for renowned tenor Christoph Prégardien and gave a solo recital of lieder by Brahms, Mendelssohn, Schubert and Schumann at the International Lieder Festival Zeist.

May/June/July – I made my company debut with the Festival d’Aix-en-Provence in the opera, ‘L’incoronazione di Poppea’ by Monteverdi. Our production had glowing

Linus Holmes (Field 2017) On 12th January, I set off from my home in the small village of Cranham, Gloucestershire, to walk to Canterbury, via Salisbury and the ‘Pilgrim’s Way’, for a pilgrimage of my own. While a small journey in my mind, the hardest battle was trying to calm my parents and convince them I wasn’t going to die in the Southeast of England.

Little did I know that the morning after my departure would make me feel far less immortal than I had 24 hours before.

So why had I embarked on an age-old route from England’s ancient capital of Winchester to Canterbury? And why had I decided to do it in the middle of winter?

To put it simply, after 21 years of agnosticism/atheism, my 22nd year had electrocuted me with a faith and longing for a God that up until that point I had not thought existed. The reasons for this conversion are too long and complicated to explain here but I will state that the firing pistol were two things: love and my foolishness. As a result, I now constantly desire to understand more of the nature of the divine and the Catholic church (sorry Rev’d Ash for joining the Roman team …).

On top of this, I was growing more and more aware of the difficulties that the homeless face and particularly in winter. During the pilgrimage, I spent time vlogging in an attempt to raise money for the charity Shelter (almost

reviews in various notable publications, including The New York Times.

August – I joined the Ravinia Steans Music Institute in Chicago for a few weeks, where, similarly to the Carnegie SongStudio, participated in various coachings and masterclasses, notably working with renowned conductor James Conlon.

August/September – I had the fortune of receiving the first prize in both the 2022 Cesti Competition for Baroque Opera at the Innsbrucker Festwochen and the 2022 Wigmore Hall/Bollinger International Song Competition. Both competitions were live streamed globally and were panelled by leading conductors, singers, pianists, classical music agents and artistic directors.

£2,500 raised so far) but more importantly to raise awareness of how genuinely uncomfortable sleeping rough in the dead of winter can be.

The pilgrimage was certainly an experience of small miracles. After the first night, where I failed to light a fire, had nothing to eat, realised that a summer sleeping bag was WILDLY inappropriate for the season so spent the whole night without sleep and shivering, broke my tent bag and (worst of all) discovered my pen had exploded, I was very close to turning back home despite all humiliation. I had almost convinced myself, but the smallest ray of hope presented itself in the rays of the sun and, as if in answer to my prayers, I managed to get the zip fixed on my tent bag and so I continued south to Salisbury.

Needless to say, I made it to my final destination, but a word-count prevents me going into much detail. However, I must mention the charity and kindness that the good people of this country showed me and the support of all those who donated to our fundraiser for Shelter. Without them, I would not have had the will to go on, so I say a hearty cheers to them. God bless you all!

At time of writing, it has only been a week since I got back from Canterbury. However, I’m already developing itchy feet. Perhaps I might plan another pilgrimage to Rome … or Jerusalem?

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Izzy Fairthorne (Hatherley 2017) Experience on ‘Too Hot to Handle’ In the midst of lockdown ’20/’21, I was given the opportunity to go to the Turk and Caicos Islands in the Caribbean for the reality show ‘Too Hot to Handle’. Apart from the stunning views and the obviously hot contestants (excuse the pun), it was amazing to meet people from all around the world from countries such as Australia, South Africa and America. I must say there was definitely a difference in ‘banter’ between us; however, we all got past that and became a dysfunctional family… for the most part.

I won’t dive into too much detail about what went on in the villa. Let’s just say I definitely made an entrance! However, doing the workshops that were taught by professionals that delved into deep emotions and how we view relationships was something I will never forget and has stuck with me to this day. To finish, all I will say was that it was fun, frisky and an experience that I am so grateful for!

Lana would be so proud (if you know you know!).

Lovely to see our Myranda Campanella (Mead 2018) graduating from Texas A&M University (also editor in chief of The Battalion) and about to head to D.C. to pursue a Master’s in Global Communications at George Washington University. Amazing achievement, congratulations Myranda!

Tethered Wits Theatre Company, set up by Amy Porter (Hatherley 2016) and Gabriella Sills (Shelburne 2018), wowed audiences with their open-air production of Blithe Spirit this summer.

With Amy co-directing/playing Elvira and Gabriella producing the show, they were also joined by Emma Hodgkinson (Former Staff) as co-director/Madame Arcati, Sydney Davies (Shelburne 2021) as Mrs Bradman/Edith, Ethan Bareham (Dale 2021) as Mr Bradman and Eleanor Dickens as stage manager (staff).

With Gabriella having been awarded a prestigious Stage One Bursary, which includes mentoring from West End producers, the company will be expanding to a six-week open-air tour of two shows in 2023! Join their mailing list at tetheredwits.com to keep up with their latest news.

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Eddie Jones called up uncapped London Irish back-row forward Tom Pearson (Tower 2018) to England rugby 2022 Six Nations and Autumn Internationals Squads.

Very well deserved after his star performances in the Gallagher Premiership.

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Louis Morford (Field 2018) Has been awarded a First-class degree in Music from the University of Oxford. Alongside performing violin works by Louis Spohr, he wrote a dissertation analysing the relationship between nature and modernity in Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony, for which he was awarded a distinction. After four years at Merton College, Louis is leaving university life behind in favour of the kitchen; having gained experience as a chef in Cheltenham in-between his studies, Louis has now begun a role as a Chef de Partie at the Michelin-Starred ‘Chez Bruce’ in Wandsworth.

The Merton College, Oxford/Dean Close relationship …

Merton College Choir’s summer tour of New England was attended by no fewer than five Old Decanians this year — Director of Music, Benjamin Nicholas (former Choral Director at DCS and former Director of Tewkesbury Abbey School Cantorum) was joined by choral scholars Hugo Till (Field 2018), who is in the first year of his MPhil in Political Theory at Hertford College, Ben Crossley (Dale, Class of 2020, left Fifth Form), who is in his second year reading English at Merton College, Joe Morford (Dale 2016), who is in the third year of his DPhil in Biology at St Anne’s College, and Louis Morford (Field 2018), who has just graduated from Merton College with a degree in Music.

L-R: Ben Crossley, Louis Morford, Benjamin Nicholas, Joe Morford and Hugo Till.

Max Thomas (Dale 2019) I had always liked reading but my interest in English as an academic subject was really kindled in Mrs Ledlie’s GCSE English Literature lessons in Remove and Fifth Form. It grew and took on a definite shape at A level with the guidance and encouragement of Mrs Gillett and Mr Hole; I also benefited from many conversations and great advice during this period from Ms Vines and Mr Allington of the Drama department. I remember with particular fondness several witty and well-read lunches on top table shared with Mr Hole and Mr Allington, in which we chatted about everything from the mystery of the death of Marlowe to the mimetic fallacy in poetry criticism and, as I recall, Martin Amis’s verbal inventiveness.

I graduated this summer from St John’s College, Cambridge with a First with Distinction – sometimes called a ‘starred First’ – in English. In recognition of my performance in examinations and my dissertation on the nature of historicism in 1930s poetry, I was re-elected a scholar of the College and awarded three College prizes. I was also awarded two prizes by the English Faculty, including the prize for the most distinguished

Maddie Pendle (Fawley 2018) was part of the Beeston Hockey Club team that beat Buckingham Hockey Club 3–1 in the final to win the England Hockey Women’s Championship.

In August 2022, Bea Bennett (Mead 2019) was on ‘University Challenge’ representing Durham University. Bea and the Durham team beat Bristol University, 195 to 185. The teams were quizzed on various topics including video games by Polish developers, Neolithic sites in Scotland and languages of India.

performance in English in the University that year. My strongest performance was in the compulsory ‘Tragedy’ paper, which was first introduced in 1918 and has been a staple of the Cambridge English syllabus ever since. I wrote a single essay of 3,500 words about tragic literature’s strained and revealing relationship with war, ranging from Aeschylus to Othello, Thomas Heywood to Simone Weil, and from Coriolanus to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. It took plenty of late nights and headaches to get to the end of my degree. Like everyone else, I also had to make it through some difficult times: a whole year of my degree was significantly disrupted by the COVID pandemic and two terms were spent in my bedroom on Zoom. Above all, I owe immense thanks to the people who have helped me with English over the years. This includes, crucially, those mentioned above. Looking forward, I have decided to take a gap year. After that, I will convert to Law with the ultimate goal of becoming a barrister.

I would be very grateful to hear from any Old Decanian lawyers who may be able to offer me advice or experience on 07943 250581 or at maxdthomas18@gmail.com.

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OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

2020s

Congratulations to Freddie Thomas (Field 2020) and James Humphreys (Field 2020) who both played in the U20 international rugby team in the Six Nations opener. Freddie for England Rugby and James for Ireland Rugby.

Hockey players Nick Nurse (Gate 2020), Jacob Payton (Field 2020), Ellis Robson (Dale 2021) & Alex Chihota (Field 2022) were all selected to represent England U21s in the European Championships held in Ghent in Belgium, England finished sixth.

Theo Bancroft (Field 2021) also played hockey for Wales U21s in the Euro Hockey Junior Championship where they won the bronze medal. The championship was played in Prague, Czech Republic.

Whilst in her U6th year at Dean Close School, Amaal Fawzi (Turner 2022) took part in The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition, which is the world's oldest international schools' writing contest, established by the Royal Commonwealth Society in 1883. Amaal submitted a poem called ‘Nursing Homes’.

It has been announced with huge excitement that Amaal has been awarded the Senior Runner-up out of 26,322 entries from across the Commonwealth region, which is an extraordinary achievement. Amaal’s prize for her outstanding poem is a paid week at a hotel in Westminster with many cultural trips planned and an award ceremony where she will meet the Queen Consort.

You can read her poem at www.royalcwsociety.org/meet-the-winners

Marian Venn (DCS Swimming Coach 1973 to 2000) had the privilege of carrying the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton from the Prince of Wales Stadium into Pittville Park on 5th July 2022.

What has Caroline Evans (DCS Head of Art 2003-2022) been up to since leaving Dean Close?

Caroline Evans was an amazing asset to the Dean Close Art department but has gone on to pursue wonderful ideas. Forever Bouquet Fine Art offers bespoke oil paintings of special occasion flowers with a particular focus on wedding bouquets. The paintings act as timeless keepsakes, preserving the beauty of the flowers and their associated memories fresh forever.For further information, and to commission a painting, please visit Caroline's website www.foreverbouquet.co.uk.

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The celebrations took place in Cheltenham on Pittville Park lawn, where it was amazing to see so many people gathered together.

Cheltenham welcomed the Queen’s Baton as part of the 16th official Queen’s Baton Relay – an exciting journey which brought together and celebrated communities across the Commonwealth during the build up to 11 days of show-stopping sport at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

David Chen (Tower 2016) has been selected to join the Schwarzman Scholar Program, one of the world’s most prestigious graduate fellowships. Selected from 36 countries and 121 universities around the world, Chen is one of 151 scholars who will receive the opportunity to study in a one-year, fully-funded Master’s degree program in Global Affairs at Schwarzman College on the campus of Tsinghua University in Beijing, China. Chen is the sixth Columbia GS student to receive a Schwarzman Scholarship.

As a Schwarzman Scholar, Chen will focus on international affairs, with the long-term goal of using public diplomacy to contribute to peace and stability in the most vulnerable regions of the world. “I genuinely believe that if channelled correctly, human to human engagement can wield the magic to achieve this goal,” he said.

Gloucester Rugby has been strengthened by some of our Old Decanians including Lloyd Evans (Dale 2014), Tom Seabrook (Gate 2015), George Barton (Dale 2019), Freddie Thomas (Field 2020), Matty Jones (Tower 2020), James Pollard (Tower 2021) and Bertie Taylor (Gate 2021).

Besides these Old Decanians Archie Benson (Dale 2019) and Josh Gray (Tower 2019) also got a contract with Gloucester Rugby. Tom Pearson (Tower 2018) has had a cracking year playing for London Irish, alongside being selected for England Men’s Rugby. Lastly, Tiff Eden (Dale & Gate 2013) is playing for Worcester Warriors, Bristol Bears and now Zebra Parma in Italy.

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NEWS FROM THE

ARCHIVES

This year in the Archive Department | Grace Pritchard-Woods (Dean Close School Archivist)

ESCAPE FROM SCHOOL What happened to the boys after school has proved interesting, if a bit sketchy.

Rochfort was born in Ireland to a fairly well-to-do family. His grandfather lived at Clogrenane Castle, County Carlow, and held the office of High Sheriff of the County in 1840, Justice of the Peace, Deputy Lieutenant and was made Queen’s Council in 1845.

During Field Day this year, we were lucky enough to have a group of Lower Sixth who helped research some past pupils that featured in a document we received from the family of Thomas Howard (OD 1896 – 1898).

Amongst Thomas’ belongings was an account written by fellow pupil Horace Rochfort, entitled ‘My Adventures’, which details Rochfort’s escape from Dean Close on 13 February 1898 with a friend, Willcox, whose family also lived in Weston-Super-Mare. They were to be accompanied by Humphrey William Phillips, but having failed to obtain any money to fund his escape, it seems Phillips may not have participated.

In short, Willcox and Rochfort escaped across Chapel Close, over the railings and up the Gloucester Road to the railway station.

With limited money to buy train tickets to Weston they ended up walking from Wickwar, just beyond Wotton-Under-Edge, to Bristol about 18 miles in total, arriving home at Weston at 11.15 that night.

The next day Rochfort was escorted back to School with his father, a retired Captain in the Royal Navy, for an interview with Dr Flecker, whereupon he was told to stay away for a few days and write a letter of apology. Rochfort left the following term, but the account states that Willcox … ‘has left for good, the main reason being because he had a pistol etc’. The mind boggles as to what the ‘etc’ refers to.

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Rochfort later turned up in Canada as part of the Canadian Expeditionary Force, and it’s those military documents which have enabled us to fill in some of the gaps. It seems he remained a colourful character throughout his life. He had been working as an assayer and mining engineer before the war and joined up quite early on. He was just over 6ft tall with fair complexion and hair, blue eyes and a Chinese dragon tattoo on his right arm.

Rochfort sent the account of his escape, had lived in Baginton, just outside Coventry, with his family. He lost his father at the age of 8 and then, in 1894, both his sister and his mother died. Orphaned at 13, he went to live with a farmer in the village, Henry Hulme, who was also executor of his parents will, before he was sent to Dean Close during the Michaelmas term, 1896. In 1900, he joined the London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company as an Apprentice Mechanical Engineer. He remained in the railway industry, eventually becoming a shed foreman, where he remained until his death in 1930 at just 49 years. As for Phillips, after school he went on to become a rancher in Canada, where he died in 1958.

He saw active service in France and was in trouble with authority a number of times.

During one particular escapade, he was sentenced to 14 days for drunkenness while on duty in Paris. Throughout his service he was in and out of hospital with malaria, influenza and various injuries to his legs, which resulted with him being discharged as medically unfit due to a flat foot (right) which caused partial loss of function and prevented him walking any distance or standing for any length of time.

That is as much as we have found out so far, although it is thought he remained in Canada.

Charles Lewis Dring Willcox was equally hard to track after he left Dean Close. There is a link to the University of London, as he appears on their war list, but it is unclear in what capacity.

During the early years of the war, Willcox was married and working as a technical manager with Ernest Syon Ltd in London, a car retailer.

His military papers record his expert knowledge of motor cars and mathematical training. He appears to have been based at Wormwood Scrubs repair depot during the war. He died in 1959 in Westcliff-on-Sea, leaving behind a widow.

Thomas P.L. Howard, to whom we believe

Our thanks go to Gregor McLennan, Eve Wheaton, Ella Taylor, Venisha Nembang, Kasper J.E. Philip-Sorensen and Jamie Richardson for carrying out some of the research, and to the family of Thomas Howard who so kindly donated the document to the Archive and supplied the photograph.

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

THE CHAPEL CENTENARY 1923–2023

November 2022 marks 100 years since the Foundation Stone for the Chapel was laid by Sir James Agg-Gardner, MP, over a copy on vellum of the Names of the Fallen to whom the chapel was dedicated. Next November will mark the Centenary of the Dedication by the Bishop of Gloucester.

A FIND IN THE ARCHIVE THE SILVER SHIELD In 2018, we reported the completion of conservation work on a sports award dating from 1906, which was found in a cupboard by the swimming pool. It was the first national award the school was given and was awarded to the Lidderdale brothers for winning the Public Schools’ Gymnastics competition held at Aldershot. They beat 40 other schools including Harrow, Cheltenham College and St Paul’s to bring home The Silver Shield. It is now mounted in all its glory at Dean Close House.

In November 1922, Tutankhamen's tomb was discovered in the Valley of the Kings by archaeologist Howard Carter and his patron, Lord Carnarvon.

Carter first discovered a stairway leading down to a sealed entrance and immediately cabled Lord Carnarvon back in England with the news.

On 26 November, following Carnarvon’s arrival, Carter opened the interior chambers of the tomb and the rest is history.

Today, in November 2022, 100 years after this marvellous discovery, the Dean Close Archive can report a find of its own; three albums charting the discovery in 1922 and following the excavation's progress through to 1929. Who created the albums remains unknown, but most likely it was a pupil or staff member. The albums include numerous pictures from magazines of the time showing the items found within the tomb and articles discussing the project. It has recently been theorised that Nefertiti’s lost tomb may lie behind the walls of Tutankhamen’s tomb. Perhaps, if so, a willing student may feel compelled to create a similar album to chart the progress of what might be the most important moment for Egyptology since Tutankhamen.

If you have any questions for our Archives team, would like to donate to the archives or if you want access to The Decanian Online, please contact Grace Pritchard-Woods at: pritchardwoodsg@deanclose.org.uk

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NEWS FROM THE

SCHOOL

2022 saw the return of written A-Level exams, and Dean Close School pupils were celebrating after achieving great success. Every other grade was an A* or A and 79% of all grades are A*-B – an increase on the last written A-Level exams before the pandemic in 2019, and equal with the Centre Assessed Grades in 2020.

THE RETURN OF WRITTEN EXAMS A-level results Head Bradley Salisbury, said: “This is an excellent outcome for this group of sixth formers and all of the pupils and teachers are to be congratulated. Looking at this year’s outcomes provides evidence that our collective efforts are bearing fruit and this year’s cohort have earned their places and are ready to take them up.

It is important to remember that this year group did not have the chance to sit their GCSE exams, which is a key preparation point. They also had an entire term of remote learning as well as disruption from periods of isolation for them and their teachers.

There were 16 students who were awarded at least two A*s alongside moments of triumph right across the ability range. For all of our leavers, the exam grades are only one measure of their achievements in school.

Sportspeople, musicians, artists and actors, both elite and casual, have enjoyed some great times and many of this group have had a profound impact on their local and wider community through their example as people and as leaders. For many, the friends that they have made will be the thing that lasts the longest. Today, the focus is A-Levels and there are some superb results, but this is only one part of their school story.”

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GCSE results Dean Close School fifth form pupils are celebrating after surpassing School targets and achieving the best set of GCSE results in over 10 years. An outstanding 61% of all grades were 7 or above (A*/A), with 90% of pupils achieving at least one grade 7.

Mr Salisbury, commented: “This year’s GCSE candidates have been opening their ISAMS app to discover the results of their summer exams. They had to endure the longest exam season on record but their perseverance has been rewarded with some superb results.

Not only has this year passed our school target, but these are the best results we have seen at Dean Close School in over 10 years. This is an excellent outcome and a great way to finish this particular stage of their education. Well done to you all!”

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

SNIPPITS OF SPORTING SUCCESSES Skiing In February, Harry (U6th) raced under the Dean Close School banner and secured 1st place in the County Schools Race League (U18s male category) at Gloucester ski slope, with a best time of 22 seconds exactly, in very icy and foggy conditions.

Equestrianism National Schools Equestrian Association, Team and Individual National 2022 Dressage Champions The Foundation Dressage Team of Sophie (L6th) (pictured), Maddie (4th form) and DCPS Ella-Grace (Year 8) and Amelia (Year 4) rode incredibly to become the NSEA National Dressage Team Champions, 2022.

Fleur Cradock, Director of Equestrianism, said: “Our top team test score went to DCPS Amelia who, at eight years old, rode a fluent and well-executed test from memory, on her little 12hh pony. A bright future for her, I am sure.”

Hockey Congratulations to our U18 Girls' Hockey Team for winning silver medals in the National Tier 1 Finals. After winning the semi-final against Cranleigh (3-2), the girls were up against Repton in the final, losing 2-0 to a very strong Repton side.

Sophie (L6th) also claimed the individual National Prelim title with an impressive 76.35% on her young home-bred stallion, Nadal.

Sophie is one of our equestrian scholars who also rode for Great Britain on her International horse Rosalie B. She helped the team secure a European Bronze Medal in July; she is a real talisman for Dean Close Equestrian.

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Athletics There were many outstanding performances on Sports day 2022, and two 1500m record breakers deserve a mention.

Luke Davis (Gate 2022) who broke the Senior record which was set by Richard Hildick-Smith (Brook Court 2005) in 2005 with a time of 4:10:08 and Jac (Tower 4th Form) who beat the Junior record set by Toby Pallister (Field 2019) in 2016 with a time of 4:59:56.

Elinor (Hatherley – 4th form) beat both the 100m record set by Anna Glover (Fawley 2009) in 2006 and the 200m record set by Victoria Chatfield (nee) Youde (Mead 1996) in 1993. Her time for the 100m was 12:38 and a 200m time of 24:65.

Netball The netball 1st VII had a very successful season, only losing one game all term.

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Swimming Eleven DCS swimmers travelled to London to swim in the Bath and Otter Cup Schools Swimming Relay Championships 2022 at the London Aquatics Centre at the Olympic Park.

This event was last held back in 2020 pre-COVID and this was an exciting return for some, and a whole new experience for others! The Girls' Medley team won their heat, knocking nine seconds off our School record for this event. The Boys' Freestyle team beat their own School record by three hundredths of a second in the 4 x 100m and were just fractions of a second outside the School record for the 4 x 50m Medley Relay, narrowly missing reaching the Final of this event.

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OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Disguised Decanian

Music

There was a fabulous Disguised Decanian fundraiser (the DCS version of ‘The Masked Singer’) which took place in December for Blue Skye Thinking and The Brain Tumour Charity. It was a wonderful, funny and capturing event. Everyone performed extremely well and the costumes were hilarious!

Dean Close Foundation Concert

House Music Competition 2022 This year’s House Music Competition, which was adjudicated by the former Director of the Cheltenham Music Festival, Meurig Bowen featured over 50 performances from pupils of all year groups. The contest revealed the sheer depth and range of talent here at DCS. Ten post-Grade 8 performers also competed for the coveted Sherratt Cup; the standard was exceptionally high, with all musicians being of Conservatoire-level repertoire.

In March, 130+ singers and instrumentalists took part in the Dean Close Foundation Concert at Tewkesbury Abbey. A joyful evening of Africaninspired song coupled with performances of Bizet, Faure and Mozart by the Senior Orchestra.

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Commemoration of Benefactors at Tewkesbury Abbey he service was led by the Chaplain, the Reverend John Ash, after a welcome from the Vicar of Tewkesbury Abbey, the Reverend Dr Paul Williams. The atmosphere was one of celebration, with the congregation ranging in age from Year 2 at Dean Close Squirrels to Old Decanians whose schooldays were many decades behind them. Dean Close’s well-deserved reputation for outstanding choral music was exemplified by the combined voices of Dean Close School Chapel Choir, the DCPS Jubilate Choir and the choristers of Tewkesbury Abbey Schola Cantorum of Dean Close Preparatory School, a particular highlight being the anthem by Samuel Wesley ‘Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ’ directed by Simon Bell.

T

The Chaplain interviewed pupils at different stages of their school lives, who shared with a packed Abbey what they were learning at school, from subtraction to the Fosbury Flop and from the joys of boarding to the mastery of Maths.

Our preacher was the Reverend Richard Coombs, Dean Close Trustee and Rector of Cheltenham, who reminded us, via the words of the Parable of the Talents, that each of us has gifts which we are called on to use to the very best of our ability, and that when we make the most of these gifts we receive a ‘Well done’ from Jesus himself. The message was poignantly underlined by a beautiful rendition of the Dean Close Squirrels School song ‘Special’.

A Service for the Commemoration of Benefactors at Tewkesbury Abbey was a joyful gathering of pupils from across the Dean Close Foundation, as the five schools in the group joined together for this special occasion.

With performances from pupils from each of the Foundation schools, the service showed our gratitude for the foundation of Dean Close in 1886 and for the many generous benefactors who have enabled so many pupils to gain an excellent education. Above all, it was a chance, in the words of our Warden, Mrs Emma Taylor ‘for us to enjoy being us’, celebrating all that each part of the Foundation contributes to the whole.

DEBATING AND CURRENT AFFAIRS

Dean Close School had four teams debating in French and Spanish at the Modern Foreign Languages Debate for sixth form students against Cheltenham College, Cheltenham Ladies Collage, Balcarras, Pates Grammar School, Malvern College and Bradfield College.

Throughout the initial stage, all teams began to establish the best ways to approach open-ended motions, in particular, ‘Il vaut mieux être une abeille qu’un panda’, and in Spanish ‘El femenismo está causando más problemas que soluciones’.

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Cheltenham Education Partnership hosted the first Cheltenham 4 Change event in March. Pupils from the Equality Society and Current Affairs Group attended, sharing different viewpoints on inequality and its impact on today's society in front of a panel of experts including Dame Janet Trotter DBE CVO and Alex Chalk MP for Cheltenham.

DCS Sixth Formers Nacho (L6th 2023), Peter-Philip Cotter (Brook Court 2022) and Phoebe Channing (Fawley 2022) gave speeches on their own experience of inequality and, following their performances, were delighted to be invited by Dame Janet to speak at the Coalition for the Wellbeing of Children and Young People.

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LEITHS FUNDRAISING A few examples of fundraising that took place to raise funds for the British Red Cross Humanitarian Appeal in aid of Ukraine.

Beyond the classroom, The Leith’s Introductory Certificate in Food & Wine is a very popular Enrichment option with our Sixth Formers, developing valuable skills for life.

AWARDS

•

Sixth Form Boarders in Turner House got up at 5.50am and ran 2km every morning for a week, raising over £1,100.

•

Lower 6 pupil, Apple, led a second-hand clothes sale.

•

Mead and Shelburne both held bake sales.

Fantastic to see that pupils James (L6th), Ben (L6th) and friend Sam were awarded a bravery award from Gloucestershire Police for helping to save a man in trouble last July in Cheltenham town.

In July, Dean Close School was awarded the recognition of ‘Highly Commended’ for International Student Experience at the Independent Schools Awards 2022.

The Awards, which are hosted by the Independent School Parent magazine, consist of 22 categories celebrating the Independent School sector, with the award for International Student Experience being judged on which school offers both the best and most holistic school-life experience to the international students in their school community.

Mrs Rachel Vest, Assistant Head of International Students, attended the ceremony to accept the commendation with Mrs Jacquie Davis, the Foundation Lead for Safeguarding and Health.

Rachel said: 'This recognises the teamwork at Dean Close School, involving colleagues and pupil leaders over the years, who have worked hard to create shared cultural experiences, celebrating diversity and developing a more global perspective for the benefit of all. I am so proud of our wonderful international pupils who contribute so much to our School community!'

Dean Close School has received recognition from the National Cyber Security Centre as a Cyber First Gold School by ‘Delivering excellence in cyber security education'.

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Chinese New Year To celebrate the Year of the Tiger, the Pupil International Committee treated the School to themed House Assemblies and Fai Chun Workshops, as well as a delicious celebratory lunch thanks to our Catering team. Celebrations went into the evening with a Lunar New Year Feast and Fireworks!

Earth Day 2022 Talks, experiments, artwork, bunting, sustainable fashion, second-hand stalls and a colour run even involving the staff concluding with pledges in Chapel. A great Earth Day at Dean Close School led by the Pupil Sustainability Group. A day that highlighted many changes that we need to make as a society.

In June, Caldecote’s Matron Ellen retired after 17 years at Dean Close Preparatory School.

There was an open invite to any ex-Caldecote boy or member of duty staff that knew Matron Ellen to reminisce about their best memories of her whilst potentially enjoying one of her 'world-famous' toasties!

Thank you, Ellen.

We Will Remember Them This year saw a return to a service in Chapel and on Armistice Day. As ever, the service was solemn and pupils appropriately respectful.

The flag party consisted of Heads of School, Charlie and Madelane, Cpls Henry and Charlie, Sgt Alex, 3* Sessy Mulvaney, as well as Head of Corps Benedict, Sgt Legge and Sub Lt Donaldson.

Poppy wreaths were laid as the names of the fallen ODs were read

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out. The last post and reveille bookended a two-minute silence.

The Choir sang ‘Crossing the Bar’ by Hubert Parry and ‘Greater Love hath no man’ by John Ireland, both filling Chapel with a rich sound. The Head, Mr Salisbury, led the service and the visiting speaker, Major General Robby Potter MBE FCMI, spoke of the people he thinks of at times of remembrance.

Capt. DD Evans Oi/c Army Section,

Fireworks Evening We were delighted to welcome back our biannual Fireworks Display, despite the heavy downpour of rain! The evening started off rather soggy, but spirits were lifted by the smell of homemade pizza coming from the CPA, made by our fabulous Dean Close School Pupils, supporting the School’s Uganda Group. There were music and food stands available before the display, including the famous 'HungryHun' serving the most delicious hotdogs. Everyone gathered in the CPA and Dining Room to keep out of the rain, and a lovely atmosphere of warmth and cheer filled the grounds despite the weather.

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Join us for our

OPEN MORNING on Saturday 4th March

Why choose us?

Dean Close is a flourishing, co-educated school set on a beautiful 50 acre site on the outskirts of Cheltenham.

The School has a strong Christian Foundation and offers exceptional oppoprtunities for all of its pupils.

Ages 2 - 18 Boarding and Day Scholarships and Bursaries

www.deanclose.org.uk

OLD DECANIAN

EVENTS SHEILA’S WING WALK DIARY

By SHEILA CHARANIA, Tower House Matron … and how it came to be.

2021~22

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The background …

SEPTEMBER 2019 Discussing what I might do to raise funds for charity? – boys in Tower full of ideas. What could I possibly do that would not cause too much injury to life and limb? But also be exciting and fun? Wing walk?

MARCH 2020 Then: COVID hit. We all know what happened. Wing walk put on hold …

Well – by now retirement was definitely on the agenda. What could I do to make it a memorable occasion?

SEPTEMBER 2020 WING WALK. The idea surfaced again.

During lockdown, I lost two close and dear friends to Parkinson’s disease: it seemed a good idea to choose PD for my charity. I had the full support of my wonderful family, who did all the booking for the Wing Walk Event and set up my Go Fund Me page – I was happy to do the Wing Walk but technical things defeat me.

We were lucky to find a nearby airfield which staged Wing Walking – RFC Rendcomb Airfield, an ex-RAF airbase, with some wonderful left-over buildings from WW2 and a grass air-strip.

9.32am: Sweep into the ‘Officers’ Mess’ for a briefing by two smart female wing walkers (looking very professional all done-up in lycra outfits) 10.00am: Out onto the viewing field. I am no. 2 out of 4 wing walkers that cloudy morning. No time at all for second thoughts. More deep breaths … My time slot arrives ….

So, the planning commenced …

30 JULY 2022

10.15am: I am being steered towards the rather smart red-white-andblue 1960s Boeing Stearman bi-plane. Oh my goodness. Point of no return.

The day had arrived. Deep breaths. Here goes.

9.00am: Weather cloudy, dry and warm – so here goes: no looking back and no chance of postponing. Fourteen hardy and loyal friends and family turn out to cheer me on, and I had been busy organising flasks of coffee and mid-morning snacks, which thankfully left little time to dwell on what lay ahead, or get pre-show nerves.

9.30am: Arrival at the airfield.

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10.16am: Instructions given: where I place feet, where to climb up to the wing (had been dreading this – in the end I manage it with surprising ease) 10.20am: Clipped in / Gloves on / Earplugs in / Goggles on / Thumbs up / Roar of engines – and we are off. No time to think. Bumping along over grass airstrip, and clinging on to chair support wires for dear life. HERE GOES.

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10.22am: AIR-BORNE ... Marvelling at Cotswold countryside.

Stunning.

10.23am: No time to relax! Now had to work out how to raise arms and wave, ready for the first fly-past to family and friends below – no mean feat, travelling at 90mph in mid-air. Crucial to SMILE too. Bit tricky when my face is frozen to my skull.

DEAN CLOSE SIXES

10.25am: Finally work out how to do the smile. By the third flypast feel rather like a total pro. GLORIOUS. Fantastic feeling.

And then – sadly – it’s over all too soon.

10.30am: Back to earth – literally. I climb down successfully from the bi-plane – and check – yes, all limbs functioning normally.

Phew.

10.35am: Big hearty welcome from family and friends.

10.40am: A very welcome hot coffee – though struggle to swallow the chocolate croissant – apparently, adrenalin-activated adventures can cause this, the experts tell me.

10.45am: Heartbeat starts to return to normal.

11.00am: All wing walkers have returned to earth safely and our pilot goes off for a well-earned break.

11.30am: A big moment: get presented with a Certificate stating ‘You have passed Level 1 of the Wing Walk Experience’ – and I am now apparently free to book a second flight and – wait for it ‘entitled to do a loop-the-loop’ should I wish to.

Will I? Should I? Watch this space.

A huge and massive thank you to all those who sponsored me.

The Parkinson’s Charity will receive a smashing total of £1,550.

A good job well done. I hope.

Congratulations to Malvern College, who now have their name engraved on the Denys Carnill Cup. The Dean Close Sixes is an invitational girls’ alumni hockey tournament. This year the teams were Cheltenham College, Malvern St James, Malvern College, King Henry VIII and Dean Close and once again, a great standard of hockey played in the right spirit … and the sun was shining!

The Old Decanian lost to the eventual winners, Malvern College, in the semi-final on flicks.

OLD DECANIANS IN NEW YORK Dean Close Schools Deputy Head, Andrew Hall hosted a drinks reception for Old Decanians in Manhattan on Friday 3 December at 6pm at the Intercontinental New York (Barclay, 111 East, 48th Street).

This was a great opportunity to meet other ODs based in New York and the surrounding areas. Andrew Hall was also able to proudly bring the ODs up to speed on life at Dean Close School and all the fantastic projects in progress.

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FRANCIS BACON EXHIBITION AT THE ROYAL ACADEMY AND LONDON SOCIAL

Thank you to all those who came to the Francis Bacon exhibition and the London social in April. What a great event this was and so lovely seeing so many ODs and friends! The Royal Academy of Arts was available to explore the Francis Bacon: Man and Beast exhibition. Francis Bacon was a pupil at Dean Close, leaving in 1926.

Happy birthday Oaksey!

Class of 2010 Reunion The sun was shining for an enjoyable day in May, as ODs reconnected and reminisced about their time at Dean Close School. The ODs had a wonderful meal all together and there were smiles all round.

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Oaksey celebrated being 50 years young in 2022!

To mark this milestone, Oaksey had an informal get-together. It was wonderful to see so many ODs gathered together to celebrate and have some fun. Thank you to all those who turned up and made it such a special celebration.

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CLOSE COMMUNITY CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING This year, as always, we held a Close Community Clay Pigeon Shooting morning at Ian Coley Sporting.

Great fun as usual!

We have already booked for next year (Friday 19 May 2023), if anyone is interested just contact the OD office. It is a lovely day out and a fantastic social occasion.

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REMEMBERING MAJOR BEN CHAPMAN DSO

In July, Dean Close School honoured former Director of Physical Education (1960 to 1975), Major Ben Chapman DSO, with a plaque dedication. The plaque was unveiled by former parent General Sir John McColl with speeches from Christopher Turner (Headmaster 1968– 1979) (pictured here), Guy Woodcock (on behalf of Graeme Whiting), Nigel Williams and David Lawson (including notes from Lynn Burrough). The major was known to be an inspiring figure, with a remarkable sense of humour.

Remembered by many former pupils as the man who taught them to swim, Major Ben Chapman left an indelible mark on the Dean Close community during his 17 years of service. His Speech Day gymnastic displays

were legendary and for those who knew him he was a valued colleague, friend and teacher.

Previously, he had enjoyed a successful military career having enlisted in 1936 with the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, later transferring to the Royal Army Physical Training Corps during World War 2. He went on to serve with the Royal Norfolk Regiment in Korea where he earned his DSO. “... a patrol unwittingly entered a minefield, the markings of which had been destroyed by shell and mortar fire. One of the patrols set off a mine which killed five men outright and wounded three others. Major Chapman immediately volunteered to take out a rescue party. On arrival at the scene ... he went forward alone ... located the

NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS

Our annual Nine Lessons and Carols was once again well attended with ODs, former parents, former staff and friends of the School. A lovely evening with everyone enjoying a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie afterwards in the crisp winter’s evening.

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casualties in the minefield ... established a path clear of mines ... called forward singly his stretcher parties and then he personally carried out the dead and wounded one by one to the waiting stretcher party. Throughout the operation the courage, leadership and coolness displayed by Major Chapman was of the highest order. For his consistent example of untiring energy and devotion to duty, for his great personal bravery, for his outstanding qualities as a leader, which, at all times, have been a source of inspiration to those whom he commands, Major Chapman richly deserves recognition.”

History of the Royal Norfolk Regiment vol IV 1951–1969

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

CELEBRATION OF THE LIFE OF ARTHUR BLYTH

It was an absolute honour to hold Arthur Blyth’s ‘Celebration of Life’ Service at Dean Close. The music in particular was a standout with pieces played/sung by staff, pupils, Old Decanians and members of Arthur’s family. In particular, the anthem ‘Greater love hath no man’ by John Ireland was sung beautifully by the Blyth Family Choir, alongside Old Decanians and the Dean Close School Chamber Choir

and the Tribute read by Paddy House (Gate 1948) was captivating.

ODs that performed included Jason Richards (Dale 2017), Stephen Whitford (Field 2015), Louis Morford (Field 2018), Joe Morford (Dale 2016), Geraint Downing (Gate 2016), Jonny Woods (Tower 2018) and Linus Holmes (Field 2017).

HATHERLEY REUNION 2022

Former staff, Julie Kent (pictured here with Jason Richards) and Director of Choral Music and Organist Simon Bell played flawlessly.

Many photos were shown including Arthur pictured (front) in the Chapel in 1940 with his brothers John and Robert. Also, Arthur pictured here as Drum Major in the OTC in 1942.

Kate Milne, Hatherley Housemistress wrote: “It was a joy to welcome a great number of Old Decanians to our Hatherley Reunion, in celebration of the House's 10th birthday, recently. Representatives from seven of the past ten years came along to view the new Day House Village, and enjoy afternoon tea and birthday cake. There was much excitement at the unveiling of the new Honours Board, kindly donated by the Old Decanian Society, which features the names of past Heads of House, and the girls also enjoyed viewing a photo wall, displaying past House and UVIth photographs, marking the history of Hatherley.

I was deeply touched by how many girls made the journey back to school to celebrate with us. It was absolutely wonderful to hear about their studies and careers, in areas as diverse as law, business, charities, research, town planning, veterinary science, social care and teaching. As afternoon moved into evening, we shared a bottle or two of fizz, along with many happy anecdotes about school plays, hockey matches, House Shouts and more. It was truly inspiring to see these Old Decanians living the lives that their school experiences equipped them to access, whilst looking back with such warmth on their time in Hath.

I would like to thank the OD Society for making Hatherley's 10th birthday such a happy and memorable experience; and I look forward to seeing everyone again in 2032!”

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OD MASQUERADE BALL Our summer Masquerade Ball in July welcomed over 100 guests, some from as far away as Ghana and the Caribbean. What a joy to see a room full of people wearing masks that weren’t surgical! A delicious dinner was rounded off with a ‘Dean Close Mess’; we danced away to the Chip Shop Boys and a game of ‘heads and tails’ raised over £500 for our link school in Uganda.

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OLD DECANIAN CRICKET CLUB 2022 REPORTS

Team Squad: J. Humphreys (Captain), S. Norwood, K. Hemshall, J. Hunt, J. Schubach, J. Payton, O. Smart, O. Newcombe, M. Court, N. P-Sorensen, L. England, O. Cahill, L. Cappuccini, J. Meville-Smith and F. P-Sorensen.

ODCC vs DCS on Speech Day (Saturday 25 June 2022)

By James Humphreys (Field 2020) Team Captain It is always a pleasure coming back to school and this year was no different. It was great to catch up with old friends, share stories about the times we shared at Dean Close, on and off the sports field and welcome Keith Hemshall, regular club player and DCS 1st XI captain in 1985 to play today on Big Field for the first time for many years. His daughter, Elena, is a school leaver this term.

At the toss, the pitch looked as true as ever and after calling correctly, the School XI chose to bat first. Nick Schubach showed his class with a quick-fire 17 before falling to a great delivery by Luca Cappuccini, from the infamous ‘Cappuccini end’. A composed spell of bowling from Luca and James Schubach led to a couple of quick wickets falling, which halted the School XI’s progress. Further

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impressive bowling from Oscar Newcombe, Matt Court and Jake Melville-Smith provided some stability for the ODs throughout the middle overs. However, it was clear that the School XI had been working hard all season on their fitness as Alex Oliver cruised to a total of 60, and he was well supported by Freddie Philip-Sorensen at the other end with 26.

Throughout the innings, some acrobatic, and often erratic fielding from Jacob Payton, Olly Smart and Nils Philip-Sorensen kept the ODs spirits high. However, fatigue soon kicked in and a loose final couple of overs by the ODs allowed the School XI to finish with an impressive target of 181.

After a great lunch provided by the wonderful Dean Close catering staff and plenty more stories, Sam Norwood and Keith Hemshall

came out to open the batting and got the ODs off to a great start. All of a sudden, we were 45-0 but the favourites tag started to weigh heavily on the ODs. Some fantastic bowling from the School XI led by Jack Logan proved too much for the OD batsmen and none of us were able to provide any backup to the opening stand. All ten wickets fell for a grand total of 99, giving the School XI a very comfortable win in this year’s fixture.

A big thank you to Jeremy Winter, Alex Hume and Mike Powell for arranging a fantastic day of cricket for both teams. We are already looking forward to returning next year.

F. P-Sorensen.

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

OD CRICKET WEEK 2022

By Jeremy Winter (Walton Court 1961)

Glos. Gipsies Centenary – ODs retain The Doctor’s Trophy In the summer of 1922 Glos. Gipsies C.C was formed and over the years the club has flourished and expanded playing many schools and clubs in the County (and some beyond) and therefore in 2022 it became their Centenary year.

It was the late 1940s before the Old Decanians arrived on the fixture list and has been a regular fixture ever since and always a highlight of the OD’s Cricket Week.

Interestingly, it was in 1924 that Dean Close School was first invited to play them and therefore, in 2024 it will be the Centenary of this fixture and it is sincerely hoped that the occasion can be celebrated accordingly.

In 2007, Dr John Andrews, a long-serving Gipsy member, left an antique solid silver cup to be played for annually between the Gipsies and the ODs as the School was one of his favourite grounds. The ODs are the current holders of the Trophy.

For 2022, the ODs, skippered by Alex Hume, were keen to make it a memorable day for all. Winning the toss and batting first was a good start and Anthony Thompson and Keith Hemshall, keen to make a mark after unfortunately being run out on Speech Day, had a memorable morning batting through the first session of play until lunch when the score had reached 144-0. It was Keith who fell soon afterwards for a super-stylish 65. Anthony continued in fine form although losing a number of partners cheaply until he was finally 5th out for an outstanding 90 with the score at 208. Matt Shepherd’s clean hitting took the score to 253 before the declaration was made with Shepherd left at 45 not out.

Nick Schubach of 51 (then having to retire) and 20s from Alex Hume and Matt Nicholson.

The following day back at Dean Close, Nick Anderson came into his own in organising both sides for the 45 over a side contest between The President’s XI and the ODs and although Hemshall had to pull out with a leg injury from Wednesday it was a pleasure to welcome so many familiar faces back on Big Field supporting the day.

Nick Anderson won the toss in the 45 over a side game for the ODs and Liam Brignull led the way for the home side with his excellent innings of 41; however, it was Matt Shepherd’s fine striking of the ball that laid the foundation for a substantial total in due course with a stand of 63 with

Those who played in ‘the week’: A. Hume, A. Thompson, G. Lane, J. Lane, N. Anderson, K. Hemshall, C. Townsend, C. Knightley, J. Nicholson, M. Shepherd, N. Schubach, M. Nicholson, R. Brignull, G. Curry, T. Chamberlain, B. Dodds, T. Bowen, J. Thorn, C. McKinnes and T. Elwes.

In reply, the Gipsies lost an early wicket and progress was slow thanks to the fine spells of bowling from the School’s 1st XI Jack Thorn and M. Shepherd. The Watkins brothers then added 97 valuable runs before young Tom Bowen bowled C. Watkins for a great knock of 82 and George Lane skittled J. Watkins for 29. Charlie McKinnes, the School’s 1st XI keeper took a fine catch to dismiss Webb off Bowen with the score at 159-5. The visitors then needed 113 to win in the last 20 overs and in a tense and exciting last over with 7 wickets down failed by just 9 runs to get home, the match finishing in a draw.

The School caterers provided a marvellous BBQ enjoyed by players, supporters and senior members of both clubs. The OD cricket President Rupert Lane thanked all involved in organising such a good day and presented the Dr’s. Trophy to Alex Hume as the ODs were existing holders of the cup.

The following July evening at Dumbleton, the writer would like to think that the OD side had some influence in helping our hosts in their famous victory at Lord’s Cricket Ground later in September 2022 when they won The National Village Final. On reflection, perhaps not hugely but it is worth mentioning that two ODs, Ollie Horne and Will Sharp (DCPS), played in that Lord’s Final, both taking a valuable wicket.

At the ODs July match at Dumbleton, our hosts scored 154-4 in their 25 overs; however, the ODs fell 15 short in reply despite a super innings by

Jack Thorn 45, followed by Shepherd’s stands totalling 81 involving Nick Anderson and Chris Townsend, Anderson finishing 31 not out and a magnificent 121 not out for Shepherd boosting the final score to 284-7 in their 45 overs.

The OD bowlers found it difficult to stem the run rate to less than six per over with the experienced Wade Ridsdale leading the President’s XI to a strong reply and it was not long before the score mounted to 110-1 with Vlaemick 21, and O’Brien 32 supporting Ridsdale well. Wade retired after a very fine unbeaten innings of 73 when the score had reached 181 whereupon Matt Shepherd struck back with four middle order successes. Runs flowed still though from Hickman 19, Lockey 21 and Diamond 36, but wickets were lost steadily also and when Nick Anderson took a fine catch off Tim Chamberlain’s bowling to dismiss the President’s XI ninth wicket 25 runs were still needed, but skipper Tom Arkell successfully saw the visitors home for a one-wicket victory.

Nine OD bowlers we used but Shepherd’s 5-64 was certainly the pick performance. A fine, well-fought game was enjoyed by all as was another superb BBQ provided by the School catering staff and great credit and thanks are due to Nick Anderson for masterminding such an enjoyable day.

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OD GOLF SOCIETY ODs Golf vs The School 2022 – Result all Square

By Jeremy Winter (Walton Court, 1961) It was brilliant news for this event to take place after a gap of a few years, with the excellent new arrangement of the School having twice weekly use of Cotswold Hills G.C, where there are so many Decanian connections.

The six-a-side contest in September was a great success, the match finishing all square.

The format was three fourball matches, in the first match the club Senior’s Captain for the year, Rupert Lane (Gate 1962) partnered by Steve Brown (Field 2000) had a little more experience than the fine long-striking school pair of Toby Macleod and Will Waltham, especially as the latter were having to give shots to their seniors.

This match was followed by Ross Haines (Tower 2016) and singlefigure Lilley Brook member Giles Barton (Dale 1995) having to give shots to two more talented lads, Paddy and Caelen; the school pair coming home with a well-deserved two-hole win.

The final pairing of Nick May (Brook 1962) and Former DCS Staff member Paul Harvey took on the youngsters Barney and Joel in a tight match that went all the way. Current Master in charge Jonathan Hardaker took over the final nine holes from a tiring Nick May. The resulting all square result left the contest tied, a very fair result in the event and a repeat match is something to savour for 2023.

Close Community Golf Day 48 golfers (ODs, parents, former parents, grandparents, former staff, current staff and pupils!) signed up. It was a lovely, hot day in August at Cotswold Hills Golf Club but very enjoyable with the greens in excellent conditions. It was a competitive day as always with the D’Ambrioso family winning overall.

Congratulations to you all and to everyone that participated, making it such an enjoyable day.

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Other fixtures across the year…

Old Cheltonians vs ODGS at West Hill Golf Club Unfortunately, the OCs retained the trophy for the second year in a row. Once again it went down to the final green with an OD putt just sliding by for the win.

The side consisted of: Nick Edwards, Matt Yemm, Jack Ford, James Ford, Nigel Newport-Black, Robert Hornby (who broke down on the M40 and spent the afternoon at Warwick Services rather than on the golf course), Harry Brookes and Ian Leopold.

Presidents Trophy at Cotswold Hills Golf Club – Which coincided with the Close Community Golf Day was won in style by Greg D’Ambrosio. Another very competitive fixture with many ODs fighting for the coveted trophy.

Autumn Meeting playing for the Hardy Trophy at The Berkshire Golf Club

Edward Harris Cup at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club On a very wet and windy day in Porthcawl, the team of Alex Hume, Chris Dyer, Harry Brookes, Robert Hornby, Jack Ford, James Ford, Ian Bevan-Jones and Alasdair Carroll ended up in second place behind the winners the Old Cliftonians, who were playing in their first Edward Harris Cup. The competition this year also welcomed back the Old Tauntonians who last played in the inaugural EHC in 1938.

Ian Leopold retained the trophy for a recordbreaking third year, this time on the Red Course, winning with 40 points, just one point ahead of Jack Ford. Ali Smith won both the longest drive and closest to the pin.

The results: *Placed on countback 1.

2.

3.

4.

Old Cliftonians Old Decanians Old Breconians* Old Malvernians

107 101 97 97

5.

6.

7.

8.

Old Wycliffians* Old Bromsgrovians Old Tauntonians* Old Cheltonians

93 93 91 91

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DEVELOPMENT

FUTURES CAMPAIGN

21st Century Campus 21st Century Campus is a key element of our enduring Futures Campaign. Since 2018, our focus has been on the Academic Quad Redevelopment, a five-phase programme of new building work and refurbishment to transform our teaching and learning in the heart of Dean Close School.

Phase 1 – The creation of the Day House Village (opened 2019) – to transform the day pupil experience and free-up space for development at the centre of the School.

Phase 2 – 1886 Centre for Maths, Business and Economics (opened 2021) – the redevelopment of the front corridor to create a modern teaching and business environment.

The state-of-the-art learning space was opened for September 2021 with the official opening by Alex Chalk MP taking place in the December, guests included the centre’s donors, Trustees and members of the Old Decanian Society. Mathematician Ben Sparks led the guest lecture in the Bacon Theatre, with his talk, ‘The Creation of Numbers’, wowing guests and pupils.

A Level Further Maths student Jiyoon from South Korea, who has been at Dean Close since Year 5 and hopes to go on to study Physics in the world of nuclear fusion, commented: “The new Centre is quite astonishing! The modern and chic architecture and design suit the subjects very well. I particularly value the Maths Hub, which is a small space where we can work with friends. I like how we can support each other and share our passion outside the classroom.”

1886 Centre for Humanities

After the success of the first two phases, and with the support of our community, our focus now turns to Phase 3 – 1886 Centre for Humanities, due to be open in 2024, an integral piece of the Academic Quad. The transformation of the second floor (the old Dale and Mead houses) of the main front of school building.

•

11 lighter, more spacious dual-aspect classrooms for Geography, History and Religious Studies, with all the Humanities subjects including Sociology and Politics accessing the space.

•

High-tech facilities including promethean boards, strong Wi-Fi coverage, multiple charging ports to support 21st-century teaching and learning.

•

Connections with the library enhancing the experience of teaching and learning with greater access to immensely resources.

We are grateful for all the

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Professor Andrew Goudie (Field 1963) Emeritus Professor in Geography at SoGE, University of Oxford.

“Through the explorations of Humanities subjects, pupils will learn how to think creatively and critically. These skills are increasingly important in a rapidly changing world. This investment will firmly place Dean Close as a school that equips its pupils with the skills for the future. This is an investment in the belief that understanding what it means to be human is as critical today as it ever was.”

Dean Close Foundation is committed to this redevelopment to the extent that it will shoulder most of the costs. However, we cannot deliver this phase without raising a significant amount in donations; with the loyalty and commitment shown from our community of ODs, parents and friends over the previous phases, we do so with confidence and optimism.

One step closer to the development of the Academic Quad, where the quad pond is no more!

Looking further ahead…

Phase 4 – Science Centre, scheduled for 2027, a complete transformation of the current science spaces.

Phase 5 – The Hub, scheduled for 2029, the creation of shared social and informal study space.

Foundation Awards Dean Close currently has five Foundationers within the School, and with thanks to a generous donor and the ‘Class of 2020 parents’, two more award holders are starting in September 2023. Excitingly, one of our first Foundationers, Will Kennedy, has now left Dean Close for Magdalene College, Cambridge, studying Veterinary Medicine.

Will Kennedy says, “I would like to thank Dean Close School for the last two years; all of the time and effort that the teachers invested into me was amazing. Please pass on my thanks to those who supported my time at Dean Close through the Foundation Award. Without this opportunity, I don’t believe I would be where I am today.”

Will’s success is a clear demonstration of the transformational impact a Foundation Award at Dean Close School can have. We are extremely grateful to those that supported him, and indeed all those that support the Foundation Awards programme.

In September we said a heart-felt goodbye to Frankie Burgess after an incredible year of her working with us - thank you so very much to Frankie for all that she achieved in the time that she was here and we wish her so much success in her next chapter.

We are now delighted to welcome Natalie Norman to the team as Development Manager. Natalie has a background in fundraising, having worked for Winston’s Wish, the charity for bereaved children, for many years and she also ran two successful trust and grant campaigns for Gloucestershire Churches who were in need of vital repair works to secure their historic buildings for future generations to come. Natalie is delighted to be a part of the team and is excited about the future of the Dean Close Foundation. She very much looks forward to meeting everyone over the weeks and months ahead.

What is a Foundationer?

A Foundationer is someone in receipt of a Foundation Award. The Foundation Awards were launched in 2018 and offer meanstested transformational bursaries (70–100% fee reduction) to bright, talented and deserving pupils who would not otherwise have the financial means to benefit from our unique style of education.

Our focus now is to create enduring Foundation Awards. To support this, the Development Office, which who is responsible for driving fundraising, held a Telephone Campaign, run by recent Old Decanians, over two weeks in the summer of 2022. Its aim was to bring our community up to speed with our development plans and, in particular, our Foundation Awards. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we raised over £50,000, which will all go towards supporting the Foundation Awards.

Support us If you would like to support the Dean Close Foundation and help us to enable a wider group of pupils to participate in a Dean Close education or contribute to the development of our educational provision, there are a number of ways of doing this.

Visit: deanclosefoundation.org.uk/supportus Or contact: Natalie Norman, Head of Development nnorman@deanclose.org.uk | 01242 267 446 We are grateful for the donation we receive and would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your interest in supporting the Dean Close Foundation.

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OLD DECANIAN

OBITUARIES Roll of Remembrance 2021 -22

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Forename

Last Name

House

Class of

Tony

Austen

Tower

1954

John

Bastow

Field

1960

Christopher

Bell

Brook

1949

Michael

Blatchford

Walton Court

1956

Tony

Dawe

Gate

1944

Richard

Drury

Court

1968

Wes

Duggan

Staff

1997 - 2021

Norman

Faulkes

Gate

1948

John

Forster

Tower

1958

Ian

Gayward

Gate

1971

Owain

Gibby

Brook

1967

Mike

Hart

Staff

1984 - 2009

Douglas

Henderson

Gate

1962

Richard

Hogben

Gate

1965

Bill

Kemm

Tower

1958

Richard

Killick

Brook

1954

Charles

Letchworth

Tower

1953

Bill

Liddiard

Tower

1964

Bob

Locke

Staff

1976 - 2021

John

Mitchinson

Staff

2000

David

Mossman

Court

1958

Kate

Norris

Fawley

1994

Mike

O'Grady

Tower

1949

Derrick

Renfrew

Brook

1951

Sara

Serpell

Staff

1972 - 1979

John

Titterington

Staff DCJS

1965 - 1973

Lucia

Turner

Staff

1968 - 1979

Jimmy

Walters

Brook

1958

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Anthony Vernon Durrant AUSTEN (Tower 1954) Died 2 July 2022, aged 85.

Tony was born in Shurdington, Gloucestershire, the junior brother of two boys to parents Vernon and Janet. Like his brother, Tony started at Dean Close (Junior School) in 1945 and entered the Senior School in 1950 as a member of Tower boarding house. Tony, who was always a lover of sport, gained his colours in rugby, athletics and hockey. Upon completion of schooling and his National Service in the Royal Artillery, Tony went to Canada for a holiday and liked it so much he stayed and articled with Winspear Hamilton Anderson. Later on, he had his own successful accounting business which he continued to run to the present day. Tony began dating Bonnie in 1958. They married in 1962 and Tony’s parents treated them to a holiday travelling across Canada to Montreal on the CPR railway. From there they boarded the Cunard Iveria to Southampton, to join Tony’s parents in England.

They started their family a few years later, with three sons – Robert, David and Robin. Tony took an active role in his children’s lives, coaching football (or soccer in Canada), coaching ice hockey even though he never learnt to skate, and helping with all of the Young Life events. Over the years, Tony spent many days on the links with his sons until they either outplayed him or he retired from the game because of old football and rugby injuries. He and Bonnie were very involved with Dayspring Presbyterian Church and the University of Alberta Dance Club. They also travelled extensively in their trailer throughout North America and enjoyed many cruises around the globe. Tony was an active member of the Old

Decanian Society, maintaining friendships with his fellow members and attending reunions. He was very fond of his school, and his pride always showed when he wore his Old Decanian tie. He and Bonnie celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary a few days before his sudden passing on 2 July 2022.

Tony always lived life to the fullest. Tony leaves behind his loving wife of 60 years, Bonnie; sons Robert (Susan), David (Traci) and Robin (Melanie); grandkids Roger, Kaitlyn, Brooke and Julia; as well as his brother John (Jenny) and his nephews Richard (Brooks) and Peter (Rachel) in Gloucestershire, England. He will be missed by his family and the many, many people whose lives he touched.

John Michael Butterworth BASTOW (Field 1960) Died 11 January 2022, aged 79.

John attended Dean Close from 1949 to 1960. As a dayboy, he would make the short journey across Cheltenham from the family home at Elborough Cottage, Cudnall St, Charlton Kings. He looked fondly on his Dean Close days. He took part in the Combined Cadet Force, reaching the rank of Sergeant by the time he left.

He was also a member of the 1st VIII for shooting.

In the summer of 1960, headmaster Reverend Douglas Graham wrote in John’s final school report, “developed into a delightfully reliable, competent, polite and conscientious prefect and young man, with more potentiality in him than I had previously thought…” He continued, “wherever John goes, I feel confident that his character and personality ensure him a successful career”.

His career in civil aviation and engineering would be shaped by a talented father and sociable family life in Cheltenham. When John was born, his father Frank was employed as an aeronautical engineer at the Cheltenham firm Dowty, designing hydraulic units for war-time aircraft, including the ‘Lancaster’. Frank would become General Manager of Dowty Seals in the mid-50s, one of the big employers in Cheltenham.

After some talk of joining the Navy, John’s path led instead to Manchester University to study mechanical engineering. He must have felt a strong ‘wanderlust’ on finishing his degree because he then left for Mannheim in southern Germany for an apprenticeship with the diesel engine manufacturer Motoren Werke. These were formative times, making friends for life and developing an enduring connection with Germany. (continued on following page)

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On return to the UK he landed a job with Bristol Siddeley Engines in Coventry. Keen for a more ‘challenging’ role, he moved to British Airways Engineering at the start of 1968. This turned out to be a life-shaping year. As an usher at the wedding of a Dean Close friend, he met a young trainee physiotherapist, Mary Harrison, from Kendal. They were married in 1971 and settled in Windsor soon thereafter.

If Cheltenham had been John’s family home for his first 30 years (Frank and Ena sold Elborough Cottage in 1971), Windsor would become his home for the next 50 – with Mary and children Simon and Nicola.

From there he spent most of his career with British Airways Engineering (with a stint at British Caledonian). He started out as ‘pure engineering’, as he put it, but gravitated into planning, financial control and accounting, as these functions became more prominent on the engineering side through the 1970s and 1980s. He could relate to the ‘engineers’, speak their language, just as he could relate to the ‘financial controllers’ and ‘accountants’.

He felt tremendously proud to work for the national airline.

And this was amplified by the family aviation connection. On his 70th birthday we bought him a ride in a taxying Lancaster – “you cannot imagine,” he wrote, “the thrill I felt climbing into an aircraft of which my dad had so much to do with the design”.

people in general. Dean Close and Cheltenham were never far away from his thoughts. After retirement he enjoyed being a member of the Old Decanian golf society. In March 2020 he was proud to return to the School to help run ‘speed interviewing’ sessions for the 6th form leavers (a photo topright on p39 of the 2020 Flecker shows him in action!). And in the early summer of 2021 he wrote an obituary for a lifelong friend from Dean Close days, Mike Gorton (Tower and Field, 1961) – see p51 of the Winter 2021 Flecker. One feels that they might be enjoying a beer together somewhere, reflecting on their respective write-ups in the School magazine.

He was a friend of the RNLI. If you happen to be in the vicinity of Wells-next-the-Sea and you catch a glimpse of the lifeboat ‘13-46 Duke of Edinburgh’, look carefully at the many thousands of names inscribed into the number ‘3’ on the roof.

Amongst them you will find the name John Michael Butterworth Bastow. For a kind and intelligent man who once thought of joining the Navy, what better way to remember him, out on the waves, still ‘in his element’ in service of others.

(Thanks to the RNLI scheme to ‘dedicate a boat to your loved one’.)

Submitted by John’s family (in loving memory).

As a Windsorian he gave time and great commitment to his town over the years, as Chair of West Windsor Residents’ Association, Treasurer of Windsor Parish, and from 2016 he was co-Chair of the Windsor Neighbourhood Plan, working with colleagues to develop a sustainable vision for residential Windsor. The Plan passed referendum in the summer before he died and was formally adopted by Royal Borough. This was a poignant legacy.

His enthusiastic involvement in community and professional groups continued through retirement: the Probus club, the Aviation Group, U3A German language group, amongst others.

As a family man, John gave everything. He gave time and endless support. Sitting for hours overseeing homework. Many hundreds of letters written – marking milestones, offering advice, sharing reflective moments, perhaps enclosing graph paper with a technical diagram of something or other. All given selflessly and without condition.

John had a knack for just talking to people in a kind and interested way. For those he talked to, it was not difficult to recognise a man with many passions and interests. He read widely – a love of history and thrillers mainly. He enjoyed films, particularly those with a ‘twist’. The allotment. A good party...

He saw family holidays as an opportunity to explore the history of the place. A stock image is one of John in shorts, rucksack on, striding out ahead in search of some historical landmark.

In later life he developed a passion for family history. He was well known for turning up at a family party and rolling out the relevant genealogy across the kitchen table for distant cousins to work out how (on earth) they were related.

John cared deeply about his roots, his family, his friends, and

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Christopher Henry Robinson BELL (Brook 1949) Died 30 November 2021, aged 90.

Christopher Bell gained his School and Higher Certificate whilst at Dean Close, having been at the School for 10 years since 1939. He was a House Prefect in Brook House and ended up being the Senior Prefect (Head of School). Whilst at School he enjoyed his English, Debating and Drama. This is reflected when in his senior year he was The Literary Society Secretary, Principle Speaker in the Debating Society and was in many performances including, the comedy ‘The Barretts of Wimpole Street’ where the Headmaster kindly acted as the narrator. His performance was described as ‘excellent’.

Unfortunately, at this time we do not know about Christopher’s time after school. We know that he had connections to Scotland and lived in Chorleywood, Hertfordshire. We will endeavour to find out more for the next edition of the Flecker.

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Michael Ian BLATCHFORD (Walton Court 1956) Died 4 August 2022, aged 83.

Michael was a proud engineer, inventor, father and grandfather. He was born on 10th August 1938 in Bristol, he lived, initially, locally, in High Littleton with his elder brother, John Blatchford (Court 1955), parents (Ralph and Vivian) and grandmother.

Michael remembered the War and spoke of the German bombers overhead on their way to bomb Bristol and Bath.

After the War, his parents moved a little way from here to North Road, where Michael attended St. George’s Primary School.

Michael maintained some contact with Dean Close, and continued as a recipient of the Decanian Magazine. He left school and went to Loughborough Collage to study practical engineering. Here Michael gained lifelong friendships which also provided some contacts to the world at large.

Away from engineering, Michael frequented continental Europe for holidays and sports. He was particularly fond of skiing.

Alongside, and after study, Michael went to work in the family businesses, Ralph Blatchford & Company Limited and Blatcon Limited; close by in Welton and on Radstock Road. It soon became apparent that the scarcity of mobile cranes was impeding the company’s ability to make, transport and install steel sections. In the post-War era, ex-military trucks were aplenty; and Michael experimented mounting cranes onto these trucks.

In the early 1970s, the recently standardised ISO shipping container was starting a small revolution in global trade and Michael set on the idea for their cross-shipment, mainly between road and rail. His first generation of specialised container handling equipment was the Stag crane, notable for

its deep orange colour. Michael combined folding outriggers for stability, with the gantry crane concept, to allow containers to be moved to and from the trailer on either side. He successfully sold this model to various places, including to Ford Motor Company in South Africa; and they were used as far away as Tahiti, as well as closer to home in Cumbria trusted to handle nuclear waste.

Michael retired to Kilmersdon, famous for the Jack & Jill Hill!

Michael will certainly be missed by all of his friends and family.

Thank you to his son, Alex, and brother, John, for supporting with the above obituary.

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Anthony Frederick DAWE (Gate 1944) Died 28 October 2021, aged 95. was one of 22 candidates presented to the Lord Bishop of the Diocese for confirmation. During Lent 1943 he passed his War Certificate A and the following Michaelmas was promoted to L/Col in the JTC and gained his School Certificate. The following year, the March Decanian 1944 reports his highest promotion in the JTC before he leaves school when he became a L/Sjts.

The late Anthony Frederick Dawe was born in Gloucester in 1926, the son of a manufacturer of collars and cuffs for military uniforms. Tony arrived at Dean Close, in the Trinity Term, in 1938 as a member of the Junior School (pre the official school and existed as a department within the Senior School, but essentially a small Junior school). In Michaelmas 1940 he was promoted to the Senior School. On 21 March 1942 he

The JTC was very important to Tony, and he even wrote a poem with a friend (R.M.H) entitled ‘The Sergeant-Major’ that was published in the Decanian. The last verse reads:

But when the Sarge had finished And the sentence had been made, The lad found he was entered for “An extra parade.”

So now he schemes and plots revenge And mutters curses dark, For he has found the Sergeant’s bite Was far worse than his bark.

In June 1944, the Decanian reports on the Debating Society debate on whether ‘The BBC has raised the standard of public taste’. During the open session of the house, Dawe spoke and the motion was eventually defeated 52 votes to 25.

Tony thoroughly enjoyed his time at Dean Close and kept in touch with the School and attended Old Decanian events with Jenny, his wife, from time to time.

He was called up for National Service at 18 and joined the Royal Artillery spending some of his time in Malaysia.

A large part of his working life was spent as a director of a large multinational agricultural machinery company, which he thoroughly enjoyed and made many friends.

Tony was a very experienced sailor and enjoyed sailing over many years in the UK and Europe, with close friends acting as crew, along with his wife Jenny, when they married in 1978.

Richard James DRURY (Court 1968) Died 22 July 2022, aged 71.

Richard Drury, who worked for Wansbroughs for the whole of his career, quietly provided generous support for the local communities of All Cannings and Devizes. This week his wife, Sue, and children Emma and William sat in the All Cannings home he loved and remembered a man who was kind, patient and incredibly fair in both his working and family life. These attributes were put to good use in his roles at Devizes Tennis Club and Devizes Sports Club. He was part of a committee that battled to win Lottery funding for a new sports pavilion in London Road and for the regeneration of the tennis club.

Sue, who had known Richard since they were teenagers, said: “I’m still getting my head around the prospect of Richard not being here. He was a wonderful father and grandfather.” Richard grew up in Gloucester and went first to Park pre-prep school before moving as a boarder to Dean Close aged seven. He was a member of Wootton Tennis Club in Gloucester and it was here that he first met Sue. Their friendship turned into a romance on New Year’s Eve in 1969 and they married in August 1975.

Richard studied law at Bristol University and then moved to Guildford law college before doing his articles at the

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Bristol office of Wansbroughs. In 1976 he moved to the Devizes branch and set up home in All Cannings. He rose to become a partner at Wansbroughs and took on legal work for many of the town’s biggest businesses, who could count on his honest counsel and consummate professionalism. He retired in 2018. Richard and Sue joined Devizes Tennis Club soon after they moved to the area and it became a second home for the couple and their children. Richard was also a keen member of Marlborough Hockey Club. Gloucester Rugby Club was another passion and he was also a keen golfer and member of North Wilts and Upavon.

Richard was able to spend his final days at home with his family, thanks to the support of Dorothy House and the Devizes community nursing team. Richard died at home on Friday (July 22) with his wife and children at his side. He also leaves grandchildren Alfie, Matty, Cici and Elise and sister Barb.

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Wes DUGGAN (Former Staff – Music School) Died 24 November 2021, aged 51.

Wes Duggan passed away suddenly on 24 November 2021. Wes was an integral part of music making at Dean Close, having started in 1997, a man whom everyone admired. As well as teaching at Dean Close he taught at Gloucestershire Academy of Music, Cheltenham Ladies’ College and Malvern College.

Wes specialised in teaching the Clarinet and Saxophone.

Gloucestershire Academy of Music wrote:

“Gloucestershire has lost an inspirational musician and teacher. He was always kind, always supportive of students and the many schools and organisations he worked with over the years. His legacy lies with the thousands of young musicians who started their music making under his gentle and expert tuition.

Taken far too soon and never forgotten.”

Dr Cyril Norman FAULKES (Gate 1948) Died January 2022, aged 90.

Tributes have been paid to former Letchworth GP Dr Norman Faulkes who lived and worked in the town for 40 years. Dr Faulkes sadly died in January, aged 90, from lung cancer. The dedicated, gentle and caring health practitioner moved to Letchworth with his wife, Sheila, who he met as a young trainee doctor in Reading. The pair were attracted by a love of crosswords and dancing, and married on 10 September 1956, before moving to the garden city where Norman joined the practice of Dr Jaffey. He spent most of his career as part of the Drs Faulkes, Adams and Wheatcroft practice in Nevells Road. He also worked at a surgery in the Jackman’s Estate and for a time was the regional police’s on-call doctor. Norman was born on 4 February 1931, in Hinckley, to Alfred and Gladys Faulkes. His first name was Cyril but he went by his middle name – and he had an older sister Margaret, a younger sister Veronica and brother Anthony.

He attended Dean Close Boarding School and later graduated from Birmingham Medical School, qualifying with his MB ChB in 1954. Dr Faulkes was dedicated to his profession, known for

regularly checking in on his elderly patients, whether they were ill or not. He was also keen to support midwives in person at the births of his patients whenever possible. He and Sheila raised four sons in Letchworth – Richard, David, Alister and Nigel – who attended Highfield School. The family lived in Howard Drive before moving to Pasture Road – to a home Norman and Sheila had a hand in designing. The couple’s eldest son Richard tragically passed away in 1989 after an accident while walking around Lake Annecy in France. David told the Comet: “All four of us looked up to him. He worked very hard – we were at home with mum and used to look forward to him coming home and reading to us when we were younger. We all had our different pathways that we followed and have been successful in what we do. Our parents brought up four good boys and we had their love and support to get to where we wanted to be.”

Outside of work, Norman had a passion for house renovation.

In addition to the Pasture Road house, he redesigned houses in Baldock, Royston and Honiton – to where he made his final move in 2011. He also enjoyed gardening, dog walking and making jams – especially orange marmalade. During his last few years he started losing his memories of his time in North Herts. David said: “In an attempt to jog his memory I travelled to Letchworth last summer and took some photos of the major landmarks. One image I wanted to capture was of the paddling pool in Howard Park. The view I wanted was coincidently being photographed by a woman set up with a tripod. I waited and when she was done, we chatted briefly and discovered we had both returned to Letchworth for the same purpose.

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(continued from previous page)

I mentioned I was taking images for my dad who used to be a GP. ‘What was his name?’ she asked. When I told her it was Dr Faulkes, she was delighted and said, ‘He was my doctor! He helped deliver me. He was so nice’. This just shows how much of an impact a 40-year, one-town doctor will leave in a community. He was justifiably proud of his career.”

Norman was cared for by David in his final days, and died at home with his son close to him. In messages of support after his loss, colleagues have reached out to the family, recognising him as “an excellent practitioner and a superb diagnostician”. They have reflected on his dry sense of humour and sense of community. David continued: “An example of the latter, was when a local man once got into the national papers under the title ‘A Hooligan and Proud of it’. My dad wrote to him and told him he was a disgrace and needed to find another doctor. He often had frustrations with the local Health Authority bureaucrats and once wrote a letter to them that simply said, ‘Is there anybody there?’”

John Henry Knight FORSTER (Tower 1958) Died 21 February 2022, aged 81.

John died on 21 February 2022, just one week after his 81st birthday, after suffering from an inoperable brain tumour.

The first of four Forster brothers at Dean Close and the nephew of four Metcalf uncles it is not surprising that he was always referred to by Mr Tuckwell as “Metcalf”. He was followed by his three brothers – Robert, Graeme and Andrew – and four Metcalf cousins.

John qualified as a chartered accountant in the Cardiff office of Deloitte Plender and Griffiths before becoming the finance director of the Cardiff department store James Howells, followed by a spell at Copigraph. From there he went on to become finance director of Henley Forklift in Pontllanfraith.

With the acquisition of Henley Forklift by Lansing Bagnall, a company in the Kaye Organisation, John joined the multifaceted Kaye Organisation in Hartley Wintney, where he spent the remainder of his career well into retirement.

John was a keen horseman and in his earlier years also enjoyed unusual, though hardly classic, cars.

At school John became involved in many diverse aspects of school life, but being a younger brother, I was not privy to all his activities.

It came as a surprise therefore when I had clambered into the roof space above the School (was that Flecker?) Hall to find his name in chalk on one of the rafters.

What better way to see life than John and two others being driven round Northern France by Mr Tuckwell in his Volkswagen Beetle?

For John, life at Dean Close was to be enjoyed.

He is sorely missed by his surviving brothers Robert and Andrew, and sisters Jean and Jackie, his children – Heidi, Hayley and Gregory – and their families, and his wife, Carol.

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Ian Curtis GAYWARD (Gate 1971) Died 15 February 2022, aged 68.

Ian passed away on 15 February 2022 after a brave fight against cancer.

After leaving Dean Close School, Ian joined Barclays Bank in Leamington Spa, and worked in a number of branches in the Birmingham and Coventry areas, as well as spending time in the Regional Office and on the Inspection team. After leaving Barclays Bank for TSB Bank in 1988, he worked as a Relationship Manager in Birmingham for a short while before being appointed Regional Credit Manager in Manchester. In 1994, he was approached to move to The Cooperative Bank, at its Head Office in Manchester, and rose to the position of Head of Credit Underwriting by the time he took early retirement in early 2014. He then spent circa 10 months working part time for the Housing Finance Corporation in London, until fully retiring in 2015. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Debbie, his son Steve and daughter Nicki, and three grandchildren – Jack, Oliver and Darcey.

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Dr Owain GIBBY OBE FRCP (Brook 1967) Died 27th June 2022, aged 73.

My friend and contemporary at Dean Close, Owain Gibby, died on 27 June 2022. He and I arrived at the Junior School on the same day in 1960. We progressed to Brook House in the Senior School, where he eventually became senior prefect, with his own bedroom at the top of the house. He left in 1967 to study at the Royal Free School of Medicine.

After further study and medical practice in Cardiff, Cambridge, and Birmingham, Owain was appointed consultant physician at the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport at the age of 34, specialising in diabetes and endocrinology. He remained at Newport Hospital for over 30 successful and fulfilling years.

In 2001, his services to medicine were recognised with an OBE, in particular for his work with the ethnic communities of Newport, who are especially vulnerable to diabetes.

Owain enjoyed sailing and fishing, and he cultivated exquisitely beautiful bonsai trees. At his funeral in St Madoc’s Church, Usk, attended by family, friends, neighbours, colleagues and ex-patients, many found only standing room, while the service was relayed over loudspeakers to further mourners in the graveyard outside.

On that occasion I was able to describe some of our escapades at Dean Close and in later life, and to speak of the unfailing friendship Owain showed me for over 60 years.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia, four children, seven grandchildren, and his brother, Huw, also an Old Decanian.

Written by Patrick Doorly (Brook 1966).

Mike HART (Former Staff – CCF 1984-2009) Died 11 March 2022, aged 78.

RSM Hart passed away peacefully at home on the evening of Friday 11 March 2022.

After serving in the Army for 25 years, Mike Hart arrived at Dean Close in 1984 to oversee the Combined Cadet Force (CCF), which he did so until his retirement in 2009, staying closely associated with the School CCF until 2014. Mike Hart helped Dean Close in setting up D of E Expeditions in 1986 and will be remembered for his passion in helping organise the School v ODs shooting match for Centenary. People at Dean Close shared such happy memories with Mike, such as his kindness, leadership, tireless encouragement and his sense of humour, and for making all of Dean Close Community love the CCF!

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Douglas Cameron HENDERSON (Gate 1962) Died 8 February 2022, aged 77.

Douglas Cameron Henderson died in Bristol unexpectedly after a short illness on 8 February 2022. Douglas filled a very full life; he was a family man, a theatrical play producer, cricketer, schoolmaster, and TCD reunion organiser.

Douglas was educated at Dean Close School, Cheltenham, and entered Trinity to study Ancient and Modern Literature in October 1963. He was very musical, and his keyboard skills enabled him to play the organ at several of his friends’ weddings. He was in the quartet that won the Richard Cherry Cup in 1967.

He was no mean actor in Players, but his expertise lay in his many productions.

The production with the widest acclaim was ‘The Country Wife’, described in the Irish Times as “The best costume drama in Dublin in the last ten years”.

On the cricket field, as well as being a reliable mid-order batsman, his brisk medium swing and seam bowling brought him rich rewards on the Dublin pitches, and he took 9 in one innings. In the last 80 years, only two bowlers have taken 60 or more wickets for Trinity in the short Dublin season, and Douglas was one of them. He was vice-captain on Chris Anderson’s side, winning the league title in 1966 and captain in 1967.

After Trinity, he spent a year at Cambridge, obtaining a Dip Ed, producing plays and bowling unreadable off-breaks to Mike Brearley in the nets.

In 1968 he was appointed to run the cricket and teach English and Latin at Clifton College in Bristol. There he stayed until retirement, being a distinguished housemaster for 15 years, heavily involved in cricket and the College’s theatre, and a much-respected Senior Master. One highlight was when the Old Cliftonians won the Cricketer Cup in 1993.

In retirement in 2003, he was the Times Schools Cricket Correspondent, and then he took over the reporting of schools cricket for Wisden in 2006, collating results from over 200 schools. He was involved in selecting Wisden’s Schools Cricketer of the year from 2008, and he wrote the annual schools report in his own inimitable style.

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In 2010 he took over the organisation of the TCD Association Annual Lunch for the South West of England. This proved very popular despite the heavy workload, with over 100 alumni/guests attending the lunch party in September 2021. He was working on the 2022 event when he died.

He is survived by his wife, Heather (nee Lukes, TCD 1966), another Players star who was often his leading lady, and by his sons Jeremy, who is in shipping in the British Virgin Islands, and Tom, a businessman. He will be much missed by his many Trinity friends.

Obituary with thanks from Trinity College Dublin.

Below, an excerpt of memories shared by Rupert Lane (Gate 1962) at Douglas’s memorial.

“Of course, he was multitalented. By any yardstick seriously good in a variety of fields. At school together (he was just 4 days younger than me, and he enjoyed sending me BDCs saying ‘how old it must feel to be in one’s 50s, 60s’ or whatever).

So, I watched these talents take off. They were less regulated times. In our O-level year, I recall four of us hitchhiking around Europe – to Geneva and back – and Douglas and I ending up broke and sleeping back-to-back on a park bench on the banks of the Seine in Paris.

“Also, in his final year, he was allowed to keep one of those Lambretta motorscooters at school, and we popped around the town, including visiting some of the more remote pubs in the Cheltenham area on Sundays. Health and

Safety hadn’t been invented in those days!

“In his teens Douglas became a fine organist, and was just pipped for an organ-scholarship at Caius, Cambridge, so by school standards, he was topnotch. At the same time, he started acting. Initially he was often cast as a female character (a role which he was to reprise in later life as a pantomime dame!). And his first steps on the stage were in the Open-air-theatre at Dean Close – a venue where the faintest zephyr made the leaves rustle, so that there was a tremendous premium on clear diction if anything was to be heard at all: great training!

“It was quite early on that Douglas drifted towards directing rather than acting I think I was in the first play which he directed: ‘Haul for the Shore’ – a sort of Cornish version of ‘Whiskey Galore’, where a callow new vicar arrives in a village to find that the locals were in the habit of plundering the ships which came to grief on the rocks. Tremendous fun, and for Douglas, the start of a lifetime of the theatre.

“Cricket became a lifelong passion. He was a fine schoolboy bowler. If an alltime best-ever Dean Close cricket X1 were chosen, Douglas would be opening the bowling. Medium-fast with an excellent high action and rhythm, he could move the ball around, and so took loads of wickets. In his own opinion, he should have had loads more, for he was extremely competitive, but umpires didn’t always see things his way!”.

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The Revd William St. John KEMM (Tower 1958) Died 25 October 2022, aged 83.

We were advised by Richard Martin Ridler (Tower 1955) of the sad passing of Bill Kemm. Martin and the Old Decanian Society are in contact with the family and hope to have a full obituary for Bill in the next edition of the Flecker.

Richard Linden HOGBEN (Gate 1965) Died 11 June 2022, aged 76.

Rick was born in London in 1946 and at three years old moved to Switzerland before emigrating to South Africa in 1952. Rick attended primary school in Harrow, England, and St John’s College, Johannesburg, returning to England for secondary school at Dean Close in Cheltenham. He spent a year at Davidson College in North Carolina and then completed a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of the Witwatersrand. While at Wits, he met Jenniffer Kallenbach and Jenny and Rick married in 1974. They celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary just a few days before Rick’s passing.

Together they raised their three children, Samantha, Michelle and David, in Johannesburg, and in later years welcomed their grandchildren Dominic, Emma and Kirsten.

Rick spent almost three decades working for The South African Breweries while at the same time taking on increasing responsibilities through his regional, national and global leadership roles in Round Table. He would go on to have a remarkable career, leading several global businesses and listed companies; the last of his roles was as CEO of African Oxygen Limited. Under his leadership, Afrox received many accolades and achieved many milestones, including several awards for board effectiveness, corporate integrity and ethics, with its community involvement programmes being recognised by the United Nations.

Rick spent his retirement travelling the world with his wife Jenny and enjoying time at his homes in Johannesburg, Plettenberg Bay in the Western Cape and Mokaikai, a game lodge in the Waterberg region of Limpopo. At the age of 65, he completed an epic journey across the United States, driving a Harley through Route 66. In his later years, Rick dedicated significant time to the Bryanston Country Club in Johannesburg, holding various leadership roles including as Chairman and then President of the club. On the day he died the captain announced his passing at the club and everyone stood for a minute’s silence to honour Rick and his immense contribution to his community.

Rick had too many interests, too many hobbies to mention them all, a keen interest in the world around him and an understanding of his place in it and his responsibilities to his community, a curiosity about life and a truly impressive knowledge of just about everything from cricket to history to music to photography. He pursued these interests all his life, always learning and growing and sharing his knowledge with his friends and family. His memorial service was held in the chapel at St John’s College, the same chapel in which he was baptised and confirmed. Rick is deeply mourned by his wife, Jenny, his children and grandchildren, his community and his friends and leaves behind a lasting legacy of love, service and integrity.

Bill left school in 1958 and attended Birmingham University and gained an MA degree.

He was ordained in Lincoln Cathedral and was Vicar of Hanbury from 1971 to 1976, Vicar of Berrow and Bream and later at the Parish Church in Hertford.

Bill retired several years ago and lived in Nutley in East Sussex with his wife Jean.

A service to celebrate his life was held on Wednesday 30 November at the St. James the Less Church in Nutley.

Richard John KILLICK (Brook 1954) Died 24 July 2022, aged 85.

Captain Richard Killick RN died peacefully at home in Edinburgh on 24 July 2022.

He joined the Royal Navy after graduating in mechanical sciences from Clare College, Cambridge. He had a successful career as a nuclear submariner, including as the nuclear engineer on HMS Valiant, the first all British designed nuclear-powered submarine, and working on the refit and subsequent deterrent patrols on HMS Resolution. He went on to be Captain of the Clyde submarine base.

After retiring from the Navy, he was Director of Nuclear Safety at Scottish Nuclear, before establishing his own safety and engineering consultancy.

He enjoyed sailing his yacht on the Clyde, carriage driving, golf and in later years dog showing.

He is survived by his wife, Ida, and children James and Roo.

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Robert Charles LETCHWORTH (Tower 1953) Died 8 November 2022, aged 84.

We are sorry to announce the passing of Charles. We hope to have a full obituary in the next edition of the Flecker. Charles’ Service was held at the Test Valley Crematorium in Romsey, near where he lived in Lymington.

‘His biggest sporting love was hockey. He was captain of Swindon Hockey Club and played a few games for Wiltshire and Moonrakers’

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Bill LIDDIARD (Tower 1964) Died 13 January 2022, aged 74.

Bill was born on 4 July 1947 at the family farm, Church Farm, Baulking in the Vale of White Horse, to Ron and Ann Liddiard. He had a happy childhood on the farm before starting school at Southmoor, then at 10 going on to Dean Close, where he relished taking part in Core, Farming Club, Drama and all sports. He was active and sporty, rather than academic.

After O levels he returned to his real love of farming and the family farm and went to the Berkshire Farm Institute to take the General Agricultural Course, which he passed despite enjoying the good clean fun of the 1960s. When he was 19 he moved to Reading University Farm, working with Malcolm Stansfield, gaining a lot of practical knowledge.

He was a member of Faringdon Young Farmers from the age of 16 or 17 with all that that involves, including more sports, charity fundraising, competitions, inevitable committees and of course public speaking, something he continued for the rest of his life – all a lot of fun which inevitably included the odd beer. It was not all just farming, with Bill continuing his sporting endeavours, playing a bit of football in Uffington, rugby for Oxford Colts and cricket for Faringdon. His biggest sporting love was hockey. He was captain of Swindon Hockey Club and played a few games for Wiltshire and Moonrakers until a broken leg put him in plaster for 13 weeks and brought his sporting efforts to a close.

In 1968 he returned home from Sonning to the family farm to start farming with Ron, milking 100 Ayrshires. Bill and Trish were married in 1970 and had three children during the 1970s. They left Baulking and in 1986 took on the tenancy of Skyers Farm, Ramsdell, Hampshire, a 230acre dairy farm on the Manydown Estate. At Skyers they built up a new pedigree herd of Holstein Friesians and in the early 1990s Bill won a contract to supply M+S with milk and for over 20 years was involved with the M+S national milk pool group of farmers maintaining a good working relationship between farmers and retailer. During that time, he was even ‘The Farmer on the Carton’ as part of an M+S advertising campaign. In 2007 Bill and Trish decided to restructure and sold the dairy herd and started rearing dairy heifers for Lord Bearsted’s dairy unit at Farley Farms near Reading as well as keeping a small sheep flock and some arable land.

Outside interests continued apace in Ramsdell whilst they were at Skyers, with Young Farmers allegiance switching to Bradfield and of course the Basingstoke and District

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Agricultural Society where Bill was Dinner Secretary for 10 years, allowing him to continue his public speaking, as well as Chairman for three years.

Planning ahead as always, Bill and Trish retired from Skyers Farm and moved to Tisbury in Wiltshire to start the next chapter. Total retirement was not to be because as they moved to Tisbury Bill was offered a consultancy role with Muller to monitor M+S milk standards on their dairy farms all over the UK. He really loved the work which gave him the opportunity to meet and talk to farmers and legitimately be nosy in 40 or 50 farms a year! With Trish acting as his PA, organiser and travel consultant they visited farms throughout the width and breadth of the UK making new friends and discovering new places.

Busy farmers are not known to be the shy retiring type so within a blink of an eye Bill and Trish were immersed in Tisbury life, working an allotment, joining St Johns Church and local societies. Bill of course needed to keep up his public speaking and served as the chairman of the Hinton Hall management committee and was for five years a Church Warden at St Johns. Bill also reverted to his sporting youth and took up golf which he thoroughly enjoyed.

Sadly in May 2021 Bill was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and despite treatment passed away on the 13 January at home where Trish and the family had devotedly nursed him.

To sum up the essence of Bill – be it at home, golf, at Church, Agricultural Society or advising M+S farmers, always at the centre of things but never there for himself, ever enquiring, always encouraging and cajoling, nurturing his and others families and taking a delight in everyone’s achievements whilst understating his own. He was simply a straightforward man with no side, much loved by everyone and missed by so many.

Bob LOCKE (Former Staff – Peripatetic Guitar Teacher) Died 7 December 2021, aged 81.

Bob was born in 1940 and had been a member of the music staff at Dean Close since 1976, working in the Junior and Senior Schools up until his death in 2021 after a battle with cancer.

Bob was married to his wife, Alison, for over 50 years and had two children, a son Guy and a daughter Kelly. With Guy following in his father’s footsteps, he is now also a member of the Dean Close Music staff.

Although Bob started out on his career journey as an engineer, his love for music pulled him into teaching and the music industry. Bob worked at a number of schools in the local area over his lifetime and had a love of the education sector and teaching others. He was also a natural salesman, having set up his own music business with his wife Alison in the 1980s.

A keen DIY-er Bob was instrumental in not one but two house building projects over the years, being naturally good at turning his hand to anything in the trade. Bob’s funeral was held in Hereford on 14 January 2022. Bob is sadly missed by his family and friends.

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John MITCHINSON (Former Staff) Died 17 December 2021, aged 89.

John taught singing at Dean Close towards the end of his career in the early 2000s.

A familiar figure on the concert platform and a prolific broadcaster for the BBC, the tenor John Mitchinson has died at the age of 89. Many of his broadcast performances were of relatively obscure works, leading him to quip: “I think I’ve got the biggest repertoire of useless roles of anybody in the world!”

The 38 BBC Proms appearances he made between 1959 and 1994 reflected this versatility. The first two came in Beethoven’s ‘Ninth Symphony’ and ‘Missa Solemnis’, both under Malcolm Sargent (1959, 1960), and he returned to perform the ‘Ninth Symphony’ on six further occasions. In the earlier years came works by Handel (Samson, Israel in Egypt) and Purcell. He took part in the Proms premieres of Mahler’s ‘Eighth Symphony’ under Charles Groves (1964) and of Berlioz’s ‘Béatrice et Bénédict’ under Colin Davis (1969). Other notable appearances were in Mahler’s ‘Das Lied von der Erde’ (three times), Janáček’s ‘Glagolitic Mass’, and in the title roles of Liszt’s oratorio ‘Christus’ and Stravinsky’s ‘Oedipus Rex’.

His operatic debut came in 1959 with the Handel Opera Society, as Jupiter in that composer’s ‘Semele’, and he went on to sing ‘Oedipus’, Mozart’s ‘Idomeneus’, Smetana’s ‘Dalibor’ and Svatopluk Cech (Janáček’s ‘The Excursions of Mr Brouček’). Initially he was much better known as a concert artist, and when he was invited to sing Tristan in the Welsh National Opera ‘Tristan und Isolde’ under Reginald Goodall (1979), it was only his seventh major opera.

He was born in Blackrod, Manchester. His father was a train builder for the London, Midland and Scottish Railway in nearby Horwich, and his mother a confectioner. At the Royal Manchester College of Music (now the Royal Northern College of Music) he studied under Frederic Cox and Heddle Nash; later studies were with Boriska Gereb.

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In 1953, while still a student, he joined the BBC Northern Singers, becoming one of its founder members. He worked briefly for Barclays Bank, but could not leave soon enough to enter the world of music. The bank manager bore no grudge and indeed followed Mitchinson’s career with interest. When he invited him to give a recital for an internal Barclays function, Mitchinson opened the event with Roger Quilter’s ‘Fair House of Joy’, with its first line “Fain would I change that note”.

One of Mitchinson’s first professional engagements was in a Chelsea Opera Group concert performance of ‘Don Giovanni’, and he also featured in Eric Robinson’s television series ‘Music for You’. He soon established himself on the concert circuit and eventually performed all over the world under such conductors as Giulini, Horenstein, Klemperer, Ozawa, Mehta and Masur. In Britain, radio listeners heard him in often relatively unfamiliar repertoire: Busoni’s ‘Doktor Faust’, Prokofiev’s ‘Fiery Angel’, Peter Cornelius’s ‘Der Barbier von Bagdad’, Strauss’s ‘Friedenstag’ and two early operas by Wagner: ‘Die Feen’ and ‘Rienzi’. The last of these, a landmark project masterminded and conducted by Edward Downes in 1976, presented the most complete form of the opera heard in modern times.

Another major role was his Peter Grimes for WNO (1978), to which he brought his signature phrasing, consistently musical in its deployment, as well as a delivery both virile and varied in tone colour. John Copley’s production cleverly disguised Mitchinson’s notoriously untheatrical stage persona by giving him plentiful props to hold and bits of scenery to clutch.

Further concert works included Waldemar in Schoenberg’s ‘Gurrelieder’, the ‘Verdi Requiem’ and British music including Vaughan Williams’ ‘On Wenlock Edge’ and Elgar’s ‘Dream of Gerontius’. He sang his last Gerontius with the Philomusica in Tewkesbury Abbey in 2006.

Taken from his obituary in the Telegraph.

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David Osmond Russell MOSSMAN (Court 1958) Died 19 May 2022, aged 83.

David was born in Oxford, and his early life was peripatetic as the family (his parents and his older brother Michael) moved to Cheltenham and later Petworth following the progression of his father’s career as a bank manager. He attended Dean Close while they lived in Cheltenham, from 1953 to 1958.

He was greatly inspired by his English teacher, Ian Seraillier. He was a very active member of the School: apart from academic prizes for French (1954) and English (1956), he was a keen chess player who rose to become Captain of the Chess Club, Honorary Secretary of the Literary Society, Chairman of the Modern Languages Society, Chief Editor of the Decanian, a prefect and Head of Court House. He also played in the second hockey team. He held the unusual rank of Colour Sergeant in the cadets. His characteristically self-deprecating explanation of this distinction was that he was very bad at drill and so had to be kept stationary while others marched. He loved school, and his later interests closely mirrored those he developed at Dean Close.

His sojourn in Petworth led to a lifetime of the ups and downs of supporting Sussex County Cricket and an abiding affection for that county’s landscapes. He read French and German at Bristol University, where he also played hockey, as at school, and embarked on writing for an undergraduate magazine. Having just missed National Service (for which he was profoundly grateful), he followed Bristol with a diploma in Paris and a teaching qualification, then after a short stint at a school on the south coast, he came to Caterham School in 1963 and stayed until his retirement in 1995.

He found the atmosphere very congenial and he was never greatly tempted to go elsewhere. He became at one time or another Head of Modern Languages, Housemaster of Townsend, Director of General Studies and Librarian. He also edited the school magazine, coached and umpired hockey, ran the school bookshop, and wrote sketches for school

revues which were extremely successful ‘particularly when he appeared in person’, as the author of David’s retirement notice in the school magazine recorded. He directed plays by other authors, too. He was a leading light in the Debating Society (a report in the 1994 magazine described him as ‘that wise and sage doyen of the deadpan one-line’). He was a fine teacher who cared about teaching and who took great trouble over his pupils.

Much though he enjoyed teaching and society at Caterham, I think it is fair to say that David enjoyed retirement even more. He wrote several novels and enjoyed writing them (though in the end none were published). He was a great aficionado of crime novels and for a couple of years taught a course on crime novels for an American summer school in Bath; he volunteered for the National Trust at Polesden Lacey.

He and my mother travelled, both by ship and by car.

Particular favourites were the German Alps and the towns of northern Bavaria, but sailing through the Bosphorus was another highlight.

He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2011. It did not seriously incapacitate him until after an operation in 2015, but in his last years, especially after his wife, Janice, died in 2017, his activities were much circumscribed. He still, however, enjoyed films and his beloved cricket, and he bore very difficult times with exceptional cheerfulness. With much to complain about, he never complained. He spoke regularly on the phone to his beloved brother Michael, to my aunt Jennifer, and to old colleagues; and he was devotedly looked after at home by a team of carers who loved him for his sweetness of temper.

He and I were able to spend more time together during lockdown than had been possible for some time. Together we watched a variety of quiz shows (which he loved) and many of his favourite films. In short, he never stopped enjoying what could be enjoyed. We shall miss him dearly, a scholar and a gentleman.

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Michael Terence O’GRADY (Tower 1949) Died 22 June 2022, aged 90.

Kate Joanne NORRIS (Fawley 1994) Died 20 November 2021, aged 43.

Kate was the younger sister to Paul Norris (Brook 1993) and Steven Norris (Brook, Class of 1995, left fifth form). She started her education at Dean Close Junior School in 1986 as a boarder whilst her parents were based for work in Egypt and she stayed at Dean Close through the Junior School and on into the Senior School until leaving in 1994 after GCSEs. After leaving school and attending college, Kate had a number of different jobs, where she honed and developed her organisational and people skills.

She had a sharp mind, a thirst for learning and a desire to continually further her knowledge. Kate gave herself to work like she gave herself to life, ending her career as a partner in the John Lewis and Waitrose partnership, in roles that mentally challenged and gave her great comfort and distraction in times of need. She was continually blown away by the fact a billion-pound organisation should trust her to direct them in areas under her control. Her ability to call a spade a spade and get to the nub of an issue made her a muchloved partner, as did her ability to connect with people, often leaving lasting marks on those she coached and counselled.

In her spare time, Kate enjoyed a number of hobbies. She was very creative, and liked crafts of various types but painting is something that she was very talented in, and can be seen all the way back to her school days at Dean Close where she took art GCSE. This was something that caught and kept her interest. She painted a good deal, often producing work that friends had commissioned in return for charity donations.

Kate packed an awful lot into her life, she did a lot of living, more than some do in lives that last twice as long as hers. Kate loved to have fun, she loved life and was always a glass half-full sort of person. Nothing was too good or too much for the people she loved, she was determined, opinionated, supportive and was always there with a shoulder if it was needed. She was an advocate for life, for its beauty, its enjoyment, and the importance of sharing it with those she gave so much of herself to.

Kate will never be forgotten, she serves as a constant reminder to us all never to lose hope, no matter our situation, to always try and better ourselves as human beings, to be kind, to cherish life and never forget the importance of surrounding yourself with the love of family and true friendships. Kate was one in a million, the world is a poorer place for her passing and she’ll be missed by those who loved her more than words can say.

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“One short sleep past, we wake eternally, and death shall be no more; Death, thou shalt die.” These concluding words from the sonnet ‘Death, Be Not Proud’ by John Donne 1572–1631, were spoken at the funeral of Mike O’Grady.

Born in Southport, Lancashire on 24 April 1932, Mike was the only child of Terence and Nell O’Grady. Terence O’Grady had fought in both World War I and World War II. Together with his wife they ran various public houses in the North West of England: Chorley, Alderley Edge, Formby and Liverpool.

Mike was educated locally in Eccles and Macclesfield before, with the financial support of his father’s brother Dr W.F O’Grady, he was sent away to become a boarder in Tower House at Dean Close School, Cheltenham, from 1945 to 1949.

Mike was part of the group of students who took part in the development of the space that was to become the open-air Tuckwell Theatre.

On leaving school aged 17, Mike went to London to study at Westminster Technical College with the intention of a career in the hospitality industry. It was here that he developed his skills as a waiter, chef, and hotel and restaurant manager.

Between 1951 and 1953 Mike was on National Service duties with the Army Catering Corps in Tidworth, Aldershot and Luneburg, Hamburg Germany.

Mike was married in 1955 to Pat Cairns, who he had met in London where she was

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training as a nurse and he was working at the Strand Palace Hotel.

Their first child Judith was born in 1958, followed by Christopher in 1960 when they moved to Bournemouth to buy a small private hotel, and in 1961 their third child Gail was born.

1966 saw Mike, who had been learning to speak Spanish, plan a family adventure that was to be an epic 700mile car (right-hand drive Mini clubman) journey from Bournemouth to Portsmouth and then by ferry to Bilbao, Spain and from there to drive to Malaga.

Just beyond the town of Jean the car was involved in a head-on collision with a Spanish Police car that resulted in the

Mini being written off. The accident resulted in the leg of Mike’s wife being badly broken and Gail, who had been sitting on the lap of her mother, breaking her arm. The ‘recovery’ from the chaos and various operations took some 10 days of dealing with non-English speaking people, before the family returned to the UK by plane.

1968 saw Mike and Pat expand their business, buying a large 26-bedroom hotel on the Westcliff at Bournemouth.

The following year his son, Christopher, was sent away to be educated at Dean Close School.

In the late 1980s the hotel was doubled in size with the acquisition and

amalgamation with a neighbouring hotel to result in a 52-room hotel business.

Around this time Mike’s first marriage ended; though five years after the divorce he married his second wife Julie.

Sadly, Julie died from cancer just 10 years after they had got together, even though she was 20 years his junior. Just three years later, in 2007, Mike found true love yet again and married his third wife Shelagh, with whom he was able to share their joint pleasure of theatre and travelling the world for the following 15 years.

For Mike to have lived such a full and successful life into his nineties, to be loved and to love with such abundance is a legacy that is a great gift.

Dr Sara Serpell (Former Staff 1972-1979) Charles Derrick RENFEW (Brook 1951) Died 15 April 2022, aged 88.

Derek ‘Del’ Renfrew died peacefully at home aged 88 after a long battle with Parkinsonism. He is survived by Ros Renfrew, who lives at their home near the Malvern Hills in Worcestershire.

Del was a larger than life character, who was a pupil at Dean Close 1947–1952. As a family, we often felt that Dad missed his vocation and should have been on the stage – he spent much of his life quoting Shakespeare and a variety of other lines from his performances as Widow Twanky and other am-dram plays.

Dad’s father wanted him to be a vet, but he had other ideas – and after a brief sojourn at vet college in London, he was invited to join HM Government to do National Service. He became a crack marksman and at one stage was the 4th best shot in the British Army, having won the West of England championship in 1954.

After National Service, he worked for ICI in the early days of plastics. He married Ros and had three children – Chris, Simon and Angela (also Old Decanians). He eventually ran his own plastic bottle businesses from 1968 to 1995 when he retired. He and Ros loved travelling and also playing golf together. Del made the occasional appearance at OD events with his old OD pal Hank Cownie, although it has to be said he did not manage to walk off with the silverware.

He will be missed by all that knew him.

Written by Del’s son Chris Renfrew (Tower 1977).

Died 9 November 2022, aged 87.

Dr Sara Serpell died in Kineton Manor Nursing Home, where she had been extremely well looked after for the last six years of her life. Sara taught English Literature at Dean Close during the 1970s. Although she was not a great disciplinarian, her tremendous enthusiasm and love of her subject, particularly Shakespeare, were utterly infectious. Ever since a trip to Wellesbourne in Warwickshire in 1957, Sara had wanted to live there. Her chance came at last in the early 1980s with a new job in the English Department at Myton School in Warwick.

Wellesbourne is only five miles from Stratford-on-Avon and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, where she saw every single production at least once, for as long as she was able. Sara had a wonderful sense of humour and a sharp wit. She had many interests but the driving forces of her life were her Christian faith and her passion for Shakespeare. After retirement, she trained and was licensed as a Reader in the Church of England; and she frequently led services and preached in her local church. Ten days before she died, a friend read her the transcript of a lecture given by Paul Edmondson about Shakespeare and the Bible: throughout, Sara was absorbed and animated, full of observation and comment. Less than a week later she caught the chest infection that led to her peaceful, dignified death.

Written by David Watson (Brook 1973)

John Titterington (Former Staff DCJS 1965-1973) We are sorry to report the passing of John Titterington. His funeral was held on the 11th November 2022 at St Peter's in Winchcombe. An Obituary to follow in next year’s Flecker.

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Lucia TURNER (Former Staff 1968–1979) Died 11 April 2022, aged 89.

Lucia was the younger daughter of Stephen and Ethel Glanville, born in Highgate on 27 November 1932. Lucia’s first school, Byron House, opened windows for her on the world about her which were never shut. Channing followed. There she received a firm foundation in English and Classics. Her arrival in Canning, however, coincided with the outbreak of war in 1939. The school was evacuated to Ross-on-Wye. In 1941, Stephen, being an Egyptologist and a skilled linguist, was head-hunted by the Air Ministry for service in the Middle East with his knowledge of Arabic. Fearing that he would be sent abroad the Glanville parents decided to send the girls for the duration to Canada where Stephen had links. Ethel insisted on going with the girls. They sailed, fortunately, in the Monarch of Bermuda; the next liners carrying children to North America were both sunk. Those two years (they returned in 1943) in Toronto, with riding in ‘The Ravine’ and summer camp at Lake Oconto, became precious memories.

The return to England had its hazards.

The BOAC plane they should have taken from Lisbon was shot down, carrying Leslie Howard.

Lucia continued her interrupted education at Channing, now back in Highgate. She won a scholarship to Somerville. Gaining a First, specialising in Middle English, picking up related languages as part of the course, she stayed up to take a B Litt with a treatise on Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.

She was launched on a promising academic career. Her first employment was to be a lecturer in English Literature at King’s, London. However, before 66

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taking up that post, she spent a few months in Cambridge housekeeping for Stephen who was now Provost of King’s College as well as holding the Chair in Egyptology. Tragically, that ended abruptly in April 1956, when Stephen died suddenly from a heart attack on his 56th birthday.

Two years at King’s, London, ended with Lucia’s appointment as a tutor in LMH, Oxford, and University Lecturer in Middle English. That, however, was to be the last step in her university career.

Lucia had an acute mind, an exceptionally retentive memory and a gift for clarity; but she also had a large heart, loved people, and had a strong commitment of faith as a Christian.

Endowed with a superb singing voice, she had taken advantage of being back in Oxford to rejoin the Bach Choir. In June 1960, at the end of a concert in Keble Chapel, Lucia approached a young man she had recognised among the basses and asked him if nine years before he had been vice-president of the Christian Union. Christopher and Lucia were engaged two months later and married the following summer.

Their first home was in Godalming – Christopher being newly appointed as Head of Classics at Charterhouse. In the seven years there, their three children were born. Lucia started work on a new textbook of Border ballads, but, regretfully, abandoned it in favour of being an almost full-time mother.

Brooke Hall (the masters’ common room) was a male preserve, but the enlightened Head of English gave Lucia some specialist teaching and, with that, honorary membership of Brooke Hall. In 1968, Christopher became Head of Dean Close School. The children were starting school so Lucia, with the help of au pairs, found time to teach and to sing. In 1979, the family moved to the Headmaster’s house at Stowe School.

Lucia supervised two girl boarders in the house, as she had done at Dean Close.

Her kind but firm care of them was remembered with gratitude. Her teaching commitment grew.

In December 1987, their elder daughter, Rosalie, was married to Roly Riem who was training for the ordained ministry.

In June 1989, Christopher was within weeks of retirement. Rosalie and Roly

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were setting up home in Deal for his first curacy and on an exceptionally hot afternoon Rosalie drove to Canterbury for some shopping. On her way back, the car left the road and she was killed.

The next morning, with unbelievable courage, Lucia spoke in the school Chapel and was heard in shocked, admiring silence.

In 1966 the family bought their first house, always required to live in a school house during term. They chose Gower, by the sea. It proved to be the ideal family base for holiday, usually shared with family and friends or lent to others during term. In 1984, that was replaced by Rosemullion in Great Rollright. It was to there that Christopher and Lucia ‘retired’. But between 1990 and 1999 they added a second smaller house in outer Birmingham where they spent the middle of each week as informal remedial teachers in a primary school.

Meanwhile, Christopher was training for and starting ordained ministry in Oxfordshire at the weekends. This ministry was always a team effort as, indeed, had been their work at Dean Close and Stowe. Lucia was the ideal headmaster’s wife providing rock-like support to her husband while being a most accessible, warm-hearted friend to pupils, staff and their families. Her irrepressible capacity for mirth often came to the rescue at darker moments and when those Sunday morning telephone calls came from housemasters embarrassed by some disciplinary episode. Her calm, wise advice and sympathetic understanding of adolescence were invaluable as the schools moved into full coeducation.

After retirement, the work in Birmingham was shared; in the Oxfordshire villages their ministry was a team activity. So, it continued till 2020. By then the children were married and the granddaughter was a graduate. In 2021, Lucia and Christopher celebrated their diamond wedding with a village party, gloriously released from lockdowns.

Lucia had an acute mind, an exceptionally retentive memory and a gift for clarity; but she also had a large heart, loved people, and had a strong commitment of faith as a Christian.

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Victor James Walters (Brook 1958) Died 13 October 2022, aged 82.

Jimmy died peacefully, in a hospice in Hereford on 13 October.

He was the son of an old Decanian, Jack, an Anglican priest who died when Jimmy was eight. He was raised by his mother and three loving older sisters. Jimmy will be remembered by his contemporaries in the Junior and Senior schools as a young person of polymathic brilliance. There was nothing that interested him that he did not excel in. He played rugby, cricket and hockey for the school and his prodigious skills with the stick would have earned him an Oxford hockey blue had he chosen to take up the offer of a place at Oxford. He was deeply musical and played snatches of piano concertos with the bravado of a professional master. Not surprisingly, David Lepine, the celebrated Dean Close organist and choirmaster, was his favourite teacher.

He was also a budding actor/producer/director of end of term reviews and played the doomed Captain Stanhope in the school production of RC Sheriffs,' Journey's End'. Even then, Jimmy was a free spirit who made unconventional life choices.

After he declined a place at Oxford, Jimmy joined his friend Pete Newman, a Decanian contemporary, now living in Toronto, who was studying at Heidelberg University. Jimmy was keen to improve his piano skills and paid his way by selling encyclopaedias in the town. We think he was in Heidelberg for about 18 months.

In 1963, he produced a ballet, Collages, at the Edinburgh Festival with a musical score by Dudley Moore and choreography by Gillian Lynne. The ballet received rave reviews and was transferred to the Savoy Theatre in London. Lynne made her name with this performance and subsequently choreographed Cats and the Phantom of the Opera for Lloyd Webber. Jimmy was briefly married to Judith Paris, the dancer/actor in the first performances of Collages.

After Collages, Jimmy became an assistant house manager with the National Theatre, then based at the Old Vic. Tim remembers Jimmy getting tickets for him to see the fabled production of Othello with Laurence Olivier, Maggie Smith and Frank Finlay.

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Jimmy tired of London and moved to Raglan. He lived a simple life, growing woad and cooking in a large pot into which he threw whatever came to hand and from which extracted each night enough to keep him going. It was here that Jimmy entered a Sun newspaper competition for the design and construction of a crochet evening dress. He bought himself a crochet hook and spent several weeks on the project. He won first prize and embarked on a crochet career.

Over a period of 30 years, Jimmy with his friend Sylvia Cosh designed hundreds of crochet patterns, accepted commissions for designer crochet wear, wrote articles, made films, and in the 1990s hosted crochet workshops in the United States, Australia and New Zealand. Together they did much to lift crochet from craft obscurity, and the several books they wrote together are still in print.

Sylvia died in 2000 and Jimmy's interest in crochet work waned and he moved to an old chapel near Dernol in the beautiful Elan Valley in Wales. He worked as a web designer and piano tuner. In his last two decades he was both reclusive (he hardly ever left Wales) and more inclusive, nurturing a small group of friends in the area and maintaining regular online contact with a host of long-term friends scattered in the UK and elsewhere. He spent much time exploring the mountains, the trees, the reservoirs and the rivers of his area, often with his camera. In 2020, Jimmy made a visual tribute to his great friend, another Decanian, Alan Bailey. It was a brilliant piece of film making, starting with local trees and their roots and segueing to a connecting link with Alan and his family and the spread of friendships all over the world. The piece is still available on YouTube (https//youtu.be/2ifsX-R9fKM).

Jimmy in his latter years reminds us of the 19th century American naturalist, Henry Thoreau, who could tramp miles through the deepest snow to keep an appointment with a beech tree, or a yellow birch or an old acquaintance among the pines. Jimmy would have enjoyed that.

Written by John Harding (Tower 1958) and Tim Bliss (Gate 1958)

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Dates for the Diary Friday, 20 January 2023 Quiz Night at Dean Close School Tuesday, 14 February 2023 Dean Close School Choir Sing Choral Evensong at St Paul’s Cathedral, London.

Thursday, 16 February 2023 1965-1975 1st Xl Hockey Reunion with Trevor Snow Dean Close School vs Warwick (National Tier One League Match) Saturday, 4 March 2023 – Dean Close Open Morning Open Morning for parents and prospective pupils aged 2–18 years.

Please call 01242 258044 to register or for more information.

Thursday, 9 March 2023 and Friday, 10 March 2023 DCS Drama Scholars’ Play – Our Country’s Good by Timberlake Wertenbaker, Bacon Theatre.

Tuesday, 14 March 2023 to Friday, 17 March 2023 Cheltenham Races Wednesday, 15 March 2023 Sherratt Cup Competition, Helen Porter Hall, Dean Close School.

Sunday, 2 April 2023 Dean Close Sixes – A girls’ alumni hockey tournament at Dean Close School Saturday, 22 April 2023 OD meet-up at Gloucester Rugby vs Sale Thursday, 4 May 2023 Dean Close Foundation Service of Commemoration at Tewkesbury Abbey Friday, 19 May 2023 Clay Pigeon Shooting at Ian Coley Sporting, Cheltenham Sunday, 11 June 2023 Interschools NSEA Showjumping at Rectory Farm, Duntisbourne Abbots, Cirencester

HOCKEY CLUB Regardless of whether you already play, haven’t played for a long time or have never played, everyone is welcome to join the Dean Close Hockey Club.

A mixture of Old Decanians, current and past parents take part and everyone is welcome to come along and have a go.

Coffee is served in the Dining Hall after practice every Saturday morning and there are plenty of opportunities to socialise, culminating in an endof-season event.

Matches are fun and competitive, with rivals including Common Room staff, parents from other schools and even the team’s own children.

If you would like more information, please call Sarah Hick on 07815 937 755, email dcparenthockey@gmail.com or come to the Astros on a Saturday morning.

Saturday, 24 June 2023 Dean Close School Speech Day ODCC vs The School Class of 1986 Reunion Tuesday, 4 July to Friday, 7 July 2023 Old Decanain Society Cricket Club, Cricket Week Wednesday, 9 August 2023 Close Community Golf Day at Cotswold Hills Golf Club Wednesday, 13 September to Saturday, 16 September 2023 Heritage Open Days at Dean Close School

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WELCOME The Dean Close Foundation Warden ~ Emma Taylor

Old Decanian Society Committee 2022~23 President Lord Bernard Ribeiro CBE (Tower 1962) Chairman Robin Bayliss (Tower 1983) - Trustee Vice-Chairman Andrew Troughton (Field 1991) Treasurer Tim Lawrence (Field 1976) - Trustee OD Secretary Alex Hume (Dale 2002) - Trustee Bella Acland (Fawley 2016) Samantha Armstrong (Shelburne 1985) Lucy Eden (Hatherley 2015) Rhianna Evans (Fawley 2014) Claire Harding (née Bayley) (Mead 1972) Rupert Lane (Gate 1962) Andrew Marquand (Field 1971) - Trustee Jeremy Winter (Court 1961) Honorary Members: David Evans Former Staff Representative Julie Kent Former Staff Representative James Mears (Brook 1997) Common Room Representative Natalie Norman Development Manager

The conflict in Ukraine which began early in 2022 has sent shockwaves through the world for several reasons. The global economic impact has included significant increases in the prices of oil, gas and coal, as well as grain and metals, for example. Dean Close, like all organisations and families, has experienced its share of these impacts, with utility bills more than trebling over the course of the last year.

However, at its heart this conflict is not about commodities but about communities, and the terrible and lasting impact of war on Ukrainians, with over 16 million people fleeing for other countries since February. Here at Dean Close the war has affected our Ukrainian boarders, who have been naturally anxious about their families, as have those staff who originated in Ukraine.

One silver lining, though, has been the arrival in our schools of several children whose families have been welcomed by Dean Close parents as part of the ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme. These children, arriving with very little English language and with all the distress of having to leave their homes, family members and pets with little or no notice, have settled brilliantly in our schools and it has been a joy to have them with us.

One Dean Close parent, hosting a Ukrainian family, said this: “I really can’t stress enough what

Emma Taylor Dean Close Foundation Warden

a positive impact Dean Close is making every single day to the girls. This really will be a positive gift of experiences and learning that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. And some good amongst all the fear, worry and pain they have had to cope with since the day they arrived back from their Ukrainian school on the 23rd February and weren’t able to go in again.

“The Old Decanian Society has kindly supported these children with a fund to help with the purchase of uniform and other equipment, for which we are all hugely grateful.”

Pictured with me here are Ukrainian sisters Diana and Sofia, with their elder sister Annette and their mother, along with Mrs Ridsdale, Sofia’s form teacher.

Old Decanian Society Secretary ~ Alex Hume (Dale 2002)

Contact details

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If you would like to contact someone on the committee, please liaise with Alex Hume: ods@deanclose.org.uk 01242 258 048 Old Decanian Society, Dean Close House, 67 Lansdown Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL51 6QD.

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Contents Welcome

2

PODS 2021/22

4

International Representatives

4

News from the Decades

5

News from the Archives

26

News from the School

28

Old Decanian Events

36

Development

48

Obituaries

50

Dates for the Diary

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Another year, another Flecker.

A warm welcome to our newest members, the Class of 2022 (pictured here on Speech Day) who join the 7,400 ODs in the Society. We look forward to seeing what this cohort go on to achieve in future ‘News from the Decades’ sections within the Flecker.

As Robin Bayliss, Chairman, touched on in his welcome, we are looking at our strategy for the next five years; we welcome any suggestions or thoughts you may have.

One of the key areas within this strategy will be to support the School with its plans to create an Academic Quad which is now in its third phase.

This phase focuses on the relocation of the Humanities department into the heart of the School. Alongside this, we will also look to promote the Foundation Awards, which is now in its sixth year, these are transformational bursaries.

You can read about the Academic Quad and the Foundation Awards on pages 48 and 49.

I hope you enjoy this edition.

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He left the country the following month, crossing over the Polish border by foot with hundreds of refugees in the snow, and returned in May to produce an hour-long documentary for the BBC, this time on the southern front around Kherson and Mykolaiv.

His coverage of the war was shortlisted in the print category for Europe's top war reporting prize, the Bayeux Calvados-Normandy Award for War Correspondents. The British Journalism Awards also shortlisted one of his pictures in the photojournalism category, taken during a front-line body exchange of fallen soldiers during the earlier Nagorno-Karabakh war.

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Editors: Alex Hume (Dale 2002) and Leah Barton (Hatherley 2022) Thank you to all those ODs who contributed to the magazine this year. www.deanclosefoundation.org.uk

FLECKER 2022

Jack Losh (Dale 2006) was in Kharkiv, north-eastern Ukraine, on the day that Russia launched its full-scale invasion, and went on to cover the unfolding war for the BBC, The Times, Foreign Policy, GQ magazine and other British and American news outlets. By day, he would report from front-line positions and besieged residential neighbourhoods; by night, he would shelter from Russian attacks in an underground car park alongside fellow journalists and Ukrainian civilians.

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NEWS

WINTER 2022 ~ EDITION 8