Flecker 2023

he

ee (S

) ge pa ck ba

t’

r en ne om in le M W rab A em o FTst ‘M BAmo

rt fo

r e k c e l f

NEWS

DECANIAN

OLD

WINTER 2023 ~ EDITION 9

WELCOME WELCOME Old Old Decanian Decanian Society Society Committee Committee 2023~24 2023~24 President President Lord Lord Bernard Bernard Ribeiro Ribeiro CBE CBE (Tower (Tower 1962) 1962) Chairman Chairman Andrew Andrew Troughton Troughton (Field (Field 1991) 1991) - Trustee - Trustee Treasurer Treasurer TimTim Lawrence Lawrence (Field (Field 1976) 1976) - Trustee - Trustee ODOD Secretary Secretary Alex Alex Hume Hume (Dale (Dale 2002) 2002) - Trustee - Trustee Robin Robin Bayliss Bayliss (Tower (Tower 1983) 1983) Lucy Lucy Eden Eden (Hatherley (Hatherley 2015) 2015) Rhianna Rhianna Evans Evans (Fawley (Fawley 2014) 2014) Claire Claire Harding Harding (née(née Bayley) Bayley) (Mead (Mead 1972) 1972) Rupert Rupert Lane Lane (Gate (Gate 1962) 1962) Andrew Andrew Marquand Marquand (Field (Field 1971) 1971) - Trustee - Trustee Jeremy Jeremy Winter Winter (Court (Court 1961) 1961) Honorary Honorary Members: Members: David David Evans Evans Former Former Staff Staff Representative Representative Julie Julie Kent Kent Former Former Staff Staff Representative Representative Charlie Charlie Montgomery Montgomery (Mead (Mead 1984) 1984) Common Common Room Room Representative Representative Natalie Natalie Norman Norman Development Development Manager Manager Emma Emma Taylor Taylor Dean Dean Close Close Foundation Foundation Warden Warden

Contact Contact details details If you If you would would likelike to contact to contact someone someone on the on the committee, committee, please please liaise liaise withwith Alex Alex Hume: Hume: ods@deanclose.org.uk ods@deanclose.org.uk 01242 01242 258258 048048 OldOld Decanian Decanian Society, Society, Dean Dean Close Close House, House, 67 Lansdown 67 Lansdown Road, Road, Cheltenham, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire, GL51 GL51 6QD. 6QD.

Contents Contents Welcome Welcome

2 2

PODS PODS 2022/23 2022/23

5 5

International International Representatives Representatives

5 5

News News from from thethe Decades Decades

6 6

News News from from thethe Archives Archives

32 32

News News from from thethe School School

34 34

OldOld Decanian Decanian Events Events

48 48

Development Development

58 58

Obituaries Obituaries

64 64

Dates Dates for for thethe Diary Diary

77 77

2 FLECKER 2 FLECKER I WINTER I WINTER 2023 2023

Dean Dean Close Close Community Community ~ Emma ~ Emma Taylor Taylor

Connecting, Connecting,celebrating celebrating and andbuilding buildingfor forthe thefuture future atatDean DeanClose CloseSchool School It gives It gives meme great great pleasure pleasure to take to take thethe opportunity, opportunity, withwith thethe publication publication of this of this year’s year’s Flecker Flecker magazine, magazine, to share to share some some exciting exciting updates updates from from Dean Dean Close.

Close.

One One of the of the most most heartening heartening aspects aspects of our of our TheThe annual annual release release of this of this important important publication publication community’s spirit spirit is the is the rekindling rekindling of connections of connections continues continues to serve to serve as as a testament a testament to the to the enduring enduring community’s through through class class reunions. reunions.

These These gatherings gatherings serve serve as as connections connections within within thethe OldOld Decanian Decanian community, community, reminders of the of the lifelong lifelong friendships friendships forged forged at school, at school, providing providing a snapshot a snapshot of the of the extraordinary extraordinary range range andand reminders provide provide a great a great dealdeal of joy, of joy, reflection reflection andand variety variety of experiences of experiences andand accomplishments accomplishments thatthat areare andand warmth. warmth.

ThisThis year year wewe welcomed welcomed back back thethe Class Class of of represented represented among among Dean Dean Close Close alumni. alumni.

1973 1973 andand thethe Class Class of 1986 of 1986 to Speech to Speech Day, Day, andand it it As As youyou know, know, ourour commitment commitment to excellence to excellence in our in our waswas a privilege a privilege to witness to witness thethe rekindling rekindling of so of so many many educational educational offering offering is unwavering. is unwavering. connections connections andand thethe retelling retelling of so of so many many stories. stories.

We We look look forward forward to many to many more more reunions reunions in the in the years years Foundation Foundation Awards Awards to come; to come; youyou cancan findfind thethe upcoming upcoming reunions reunions for for WeWe areare dedicated dedicated to nurturing to nurturing talent talent through through ourour 2024 2024 in our in our ‘Save ‘Save thethe Date’ Date’ section. section.

Foundation Foundation Awards Awards programme, programme, andand since since 2018 2018 wewe have have been been ableable to fund to fund 10 10 Foundationers, Foundationers, OurOur Dean Dean Close Close community community hashas demonstrated demonstrated enabling enabling them them to have to have an an educational educational experience experience remarkable remarkable generosity generosity in various in various ways ways thisthis year, year, at Dean at Dean Close Close which which wewe believe believe willwill transform transform their their including including thethe legacies legacies wewe have have received. received.

These These future future life life chances. chances.

To To findfind outout more more about about thethe legacies legacies strengthen strengthen ourour Foundation Foundation andand enable enable us us Foundation Foundation Awards, Awards, including including viewing viewing ourour new new to expand to expand thethe horizons horizons of what of what is possible is possible in in brochure brochure andand hearing hearing from from twotwo recent recent OldOld education. education.

WeWe areare deeply deeply grateful grateful for for thethe trust trust andand Decanian Decanian Foundationers, Foundationers, Cherissa Cherissa andand Grace, Grace, support support of those of those who who choose choose to make to make Dean Dean Close Close a a turnturn to page to page 60.60. beneficiary beneficiary of their of their will,will, thus thus giving giving future future generations generations of Decanians of Decanians an an experience experience of education of education thatthat willwill Denys Denys Carnill Carnill Award Award profoundly profoundly affect affect them them throughout throughout their their lives. lives.

I am I am so so thrilled thrilled thatthat thethe Denys Denys Carnill Carnill Foundation Foundation Award Award willwill continue continue for for a further a further fivefive years. years.

WeWe areare To To staystay up up to date to date on on ourour latest latest initiatives, initiatives, andand to to extremely extremely grateful grateful to the to the many many friends friends andand explore explore opportunities opportunities to contribute to contribute to them, to them, I I supporters supporters who who generously generously supported supported thethe firstfirst encourage encourage youyou to visit to visit ourour Futures Futures Campaign Campaign pages pages award, award, founded founded in memory in memory of the of the much-loved much-loved andand on on thethe Foundation Foundation website. website. inspirational inspirational Denys Denys Carnill.

Carnill.

Your Your kindness kindness hashas made made a significant a significant difference difference in the in the life life of the of the firstfirst award award YouYou cancan scan scan thethe QRQR code code herehere holder, holder, Cherissa, Cherissa, who who benefited benefited from from thethe award award from from withwith youryour camera camera to take to take youyou straight straight to the to the website website or visit or visit 2018-2023.

2018-2023.

Here Here is aismessage a message from from Denys Denys Carnill’s Carnill’s deanclosefoundation.org.uk deanclosefoundation.org.uk family: family: ‘Dad ‘Dad would would be be veryvery honoured honoured to know to know thatthat /support-us/futures-campaign /support-us/futures-campaign thisthis Foundation Foundation Award Award is helping is helping to provide to provide thethe education education andand opportunities opportunities he he so so valued, valued, at aat a school school thatthat he he loved loved andand waswas proud proud to be to be a part a part of.’of.’ In closing, In closing, I would I would likelike to thank to thank youyou personally personally for for your your support support for for ourour work. work.

What What makes makes Dean Dean Humanities Humanities Centre Centre Close Close special, special, in my in my view, view, is the is the strong strong sense sense of of TheThe next next phase phase of the of the redevelopment redevelopment of the of the Quad Quad engagement engagement andand commitment, commitment, notnot onlyonly from from area area is the is the new new Humanities Humanities Centre, Centre, for for which which wewe areare current current pupils, pupils, parents parents andand staff, staff, butbut from from those those currently currently raising raising funds, funds, andand which which wewe hope hope to see to see who who looklook back back withwith affection affection on on their their time time here here andand realised realised in September in September 2025.

2025.

TheThe Centre Centre willwill addadd to to remain remain interested interested andand involved involved long long after after they they have have thethe academic academic heart heart of Dean of Dean Close, Close, enriching enriching thethe leftleft thethe school. school.

I feel I feel veryvery lucky lucky to be to be partpart of such of such a a educational educational experience experience of our of our pupils pupils andand fostering fostering community, community, andand looklook forward forward to continuing to continuing ourour their their intellectual intellectual curiosity. curiosity.

To To learn learn more, more, watch watch a a remarkable remarkable journey journey together. together. virtual virtual walkthrough, walkthrough, view view ourour Humanities Humanities brochure, brochure, With With warmest warmest wishes wishes or explore or explore opportunities opportunities to give to give to the to the Centre, Centre, seesee Emma Emma Taylor Taylor - Warden/CEO - Warden/CEO page page 59.59.

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Old Decanian Society Secretary ~ Alex Hume (Dale 2002) I am thrilled to echo Emma’s inspiring message. Your support continues to shape the future of Dean Close School.

Together, we celebrate our alumni, nurture young talent, and embark on exciting new projects. Enjoy exploring this year’s edition, where you can also discover the most recent updates regarding our Dean Close Community.

President ~ Lord Ribeiro CBE (Tower 1962)

Chairman Andrew Troughton (Field 1991) I am delighted to take over as Chairman of the Old Decanian Society for the next three years and look forward to meeting many of you during this time. I was at Dean Close from 1980 – 1991. Mrs Carnell was my first form teacher and Mr Rooke my Housemaster. Moving into the Sixth Form I have fond memories of Chris Kenyon who was my Housemaster.

elcome to this year’s edition of the Flecker. As President of both the Old Decanian Society and the Dean Close Foundation, I am proud to report that both are flourishing. Within the pages of this delightful magazine, you will gain a true insight into the positive paths that both the Society and Foundation are taking. Adding to these achievements, we are thrilled to announce a record-breaking number of pupils, with 520 in the Senior School - marking a historic high. This accomplishment is a testament to the contributions and ethos of our vibrant community.

W

As we celebrate these successes, we also realise that there will be a number of threats over the coming years. With polling at the moment suggesting that the Labour Party may gain power at the next general election, there may be significant political headwinds for independent schools. As recent headlines have indicated, Sir Kier Starmer has moved away from a

policy of removing charitable status but has indicated an intention for VAT (at 20%) to be applied to school fees.

There is no guarantee that this will happen, but the Executive Leadership Team and Trustees, along with the advice of lawyers and accountants, are looking at ways of reducing the impact on the School and, in particular, fee-paying parents. The intention is not to pass the tax on in full but to share the additional cost, absorbing a proportion of it as a Foundation.

We want to do this because we believe strongly in the education that Dean Close provides and we know that if we add VAT to school fees, it would put a Dean Close education out of the reach of a number of prospective parents, not to mention those parents currently educating their children within Dean Close. The Foundation teams are working hard to ensure that Dean Close remains an inclusive educational institution for many more generations to come.

Following the recent OD survey, we have updated the Society Strategy Document and taken a fresh look at both OD events and how to improve wider communication to those who cannot easily return to the School. We hope to livestream more OD and Dean Close Community events which will hopefully be of interest. Amongst other new things we are trialling is an OD ski trip to take place in January 2024. This has proved popular and should be a fun and memorable adventure.

Returning to the School as an OD can be a strange and slightly surreal experience, but I would urge as many of you as possible to come back via an event or just for a private tour. My return was made easier as I was returning as a parent. Our three children have attended Dean Close since 2016, our eldest left for university in 2021 and our other two are currently still at the School. This experience has prompted many happy memories of my own time at Dean Close. Whether you just want to have a look at your old school to see what has changed or are thinking of it as a place for your children, Alex Hume or Leah Barton (both ODs and in the OD Office) would be pleased to arrange a visit.

WINTER 2023 I FLECKER 3

Pre-Prep, Prep & Senior...

#DeanCloseFun ...come and join in!

www.deanclose.org.uk

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

PODS 2022/23 Pupil Old Decanians, or PODS, are a key link between the OD Office and the pupil body at Dean Close. Thank you to all this year’s PODs, your help has been greatly appreciated.

Brook Court

Alex Hill

Dale

Jacob Smith

Fawley

Jess Faux

Field

Barney Mason

Gate

Tom Elwes

Hatherley

Louise Sharp

Mead

Eve Wheaton

Shelburne

Lucy Webber

Tower

Lev Fawzi

Turner

Africa Hernandez

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

USA - San Diego Caroline Harwood (Shelburne 1981)

CANADA - Alberta Sara Lynn Burrough (Shelburne 1976)

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

CANADA - Ottawa Chuck Kennedy (Gate 1986)

USA - Seattle David Richardson (Tower 1954)

HONG KONG David Ho (Gate 1985)

Washington DC Farrokh Jahandari (Tower 1981)

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

Japan - Tokyo Kona Masui (Fawley 2016)

USA - Los Angeles Ian Bishop (Court 1981)

New Zealand Nadia Hardie (née Stradling) (Fawley 1989)

International Representative Role: • • • • •

A point of contact in their country for other ODs, both residents and visitors (on business or for leisure).

To relay information to the OD Office about ODs in their country and to enable increased cultural understanding for the DCF representatives.

To suggest ideas to be incorporated into OD Committee thinking and strategy.

To have an annual video call with the OD Office to be apprised of DCF plans to disseminate to OD residents within your designated area.

To consider hosting reunions both with Senior Leaders visiting from DCF but also for local ODs and to keep the School informed with a write-up, photos and other news.

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

We are actively trying to increase the number of International Representatives. If you think you could be a country representative, we would love to hear from you.

WINTER 2023 I FLECKER 5

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

NEWS FROM THE

DECADES 1950s A recollection from Ewen Bird (Walton Court 1956) have spent many evenings discussing the woes of the world and putting them right; the only problem being that nobody ever seemed to listen to us! In particular we shared a delight in long hikes over spectacular countryside. We have walked in the Pyrénées, the Cévennes, the ‘Massif Central’ and, of course, the Alps, carrying on our backs a tent and rucksacks, loaded far too heavily because we felt the need at the start of each trip to carry, each, two or three litre bottles of red wine! At least our packs got lighter as the hike wore on.

The efforts of good teachers have lifelong influence on us and had it not been for the patience of Messrs. Ridler and Morgenthal to drum the basics of French and German into me, I would not have gone on to university to read Modern Languages. However, their extreme diligence paid off and, together with the opportunities provided by TCD, led me into an interesting and fruitful life. Here is just a small example ….

In those far-gone days when bones and joints still served well, I did a lot of vigorous walking.

When I worked in Germany in 1968, I was in Bavaria, right in the foothills of the Alps and I often undertook long walks up the surrounding mountains. This even included the ‘Zugspitze’, the highest mountain in Germany (9,700ft), where to my surprise, I discovered close to the summit, a border post, as the German/Austrian frontier passes there and I had to show my passport to complete my upward passage! My love of mountains was born during that time.

I also completed many long walks in France, with my close friend, Michel. I have known Michel for more than 50 years and we have experienced many events together, from being at each other’s weddings, through our careers to the creaking bones of present day, and

6 FLECKER I WINTER 2023

Some 40-odd years ago, we were all on holiday together in Chamonix when the thought occurred to Michel and me to attempt the ‘Tour du Mont Blanc’. Thoughts sometimes inflate our sense of ability, but nevertheless we decided to give it a go.

However, to complete the whole Tour usually takes 11 days or more, so we decided to cut it short and finish the hike on the Italian side in Courmayeur from where we could take three linked cable-cars back to Chamonix. This also meant we had the added attraction of the smallest télécabine transporting us over the ‘Vallée Blanche’ and the beginnings of the longest glacier in France, the ‘Mer de glace’.

There was an additional temptation to stop in Courmayeur. Another friend had expressed a strong liking for a particular pear brandy made from Williams pears, which was very expensive in France but much cheaper in Italy, so we thought we would bring him back a present.

Off we set very early one morning, no red wine in our rucksacks, but a tent, a small stove and some food. This was many years ago and facilities have greatly improved on the route since then to cope with the tourists, but nevertheless, there were some refuges on the way where we could sleep, buy drink and easily cook our food. But 4-star they were certainly not! The first one offered us straw palliasses in an adjoining shed raised by planks a foot off the ground. We dropped off our backpacks and went in search of a drink, but I had forgotten something and shortly afterwards returned to the shed to see a family of rats playing with the various backpacks left around! That night, I suppose there were maybe ten of us sleeping there and one of our number had a habit of grinding his teeth in his sleep – I assure you, a sound far worse than snoring! On the second night we experienced our second refuge, this time 2- instead of 1star, but in the morning, another mistake – I asked where the toilets were and the stream gushing past us at some speed was pointed out to me where there were two planks placed over the water from bank to bank with an appropriate sized gap between them – ‘Voilà m’sieur, mais ne vous inquiétez pas, on ne vous regarde pas!!’ was the comment. So, we then decided that we had to be authentic and use our tent the next two nights. By this time we were well above the snow line, but we found a suitable flat space, pitched the tent, warmed some food and melted snow for water, felt smugly pleased with ourselves and

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

turned in …. but some hours later we discovered that at 6,000 or more feet in the middle of the night, in a tent, it is very, very cold! We put up with this for one more night and then descended towards Courmayeur where at least it was a good deal warmer.

A good breakfast the next morning, some strong coffee, a quick and successful search for a large bottle of Williams Poire eau-de-vie and we went in search of the cable car which whisked us back up to the high mountains. We then transferred to the smaller télécabine to take us across the Vallée Blanche to the cable car at the Aiguille du Midi – and what an experience that was! The scenery was stunning. It looked like a rough sea with huge waves, all frozen in the act of crashing down! A white wilderness of strange shapes of ice and crevasses, a frozen chaos, exciting to gaze on, but frightening in its immensity. We reached the platform of the Aiguille du Midi with the sun shining brightly and again a splendid view of all the mountains in the Mont Blanc massif. We sat down in a sunny corner to admire this and, being pleased with ourselves, felt the need to mark this with some kind of celebration – what better then, than a sip of the Poire Williams we had bought, as, of course no one would notice a small sip gone! It was delightful and naturally worth a second sip which quickly led on to a third! After a contented half-hour interspersed by numerous sips, we gathered our rucksacks, made our way to the cable car and were lowered back down to Chamonix. By this time, the sun was setting and we walked to our lodgings, two tired, happy and slightly inebriated pseudo-mountaineers!

Oh – did he notice the sips gone from his halfempty bottle? Well, he did, but understood the need and quickly forgave us!

Robin Austen – reminisced in his father’s footsteps – Anthony Austen (Tower 1954). His son (Robin) thoroughly enjoyed seeing where his father grew up as a young boy.

Peter Knight (Court 1957) This year (2023) marks the 25th anniversary of the untimely death, at the age of 60, of my Decanian friend and contemporary. Richard was Head of School in 1956–57. He was then an Exhibitioner at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, where he read English.

I suspect everyone who has enjoyed a successful career has benefited from a slice of luck somewhere along the way and Richard was no exception. In his case I was witness to a particularly serendipitous moment that set him on his path to success.

One evening in the early 1960s, we were having a drink (alright, a few) in a crowded pub in Hampstead. At one point, as we struggled to get the bar to attract the attention of the barman, Richard accidentally nudged somebody’s glass, spilling some of the contents. Apologising profusely, he insisted on replenishing this man’s pint, though the chap was perfectly happy to let it pass as a mere mishap. When we had been served, our new acquaintance, probably in his late forties or early fifties and smartly dressed, asked Richard what he did for a living. Richard replied, selfmockingly, that he worked for The Metal Box Company, where he was a leading authority on the bulk packaging of wet fish, and, by the way, he hated

it. ‘Oh dear, that’s a pity’ said the man, ‘so what would you really like to be doing?’ ‘I want to write,’ said Richard, ‘so the answer is journalism’. Where upon our friend took a business card from his top pocket and, as he handed it over, invited Richard to ring him the following week. A month or so later Richard started work on the South Wales Echo (or was it the Argus?). The chance meeting in the pub had been with a senior manager in the Thompson Group of newspapers, which owned the Cardiff-based regional paper.

After a few years in Cardiff, Richard landed a job on the Financial Times, where he spent the rest of his career, working first on the Middle East desk before, in due course, becoming the paper’s Middle East Editor. He took early retirement in summer 1998.

As his principal project in retirement, Richard decided to indulge his love of opera by attending a performance at each of the great opera houses of Europe. Unfortunately, this venture was not to last long. At Bologna, Richard suffered a fatal heart attack on the very steps of the theatre. I do not remember which opera he had gone to see, but it is tempting to think of his end as characteristically Wagnerian. Fitting but sadly premature.

WINTER 2023 I FLECKER 7

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Richard St. Barbe-Baker, OBE, PhD. (1889 – 1992) Dean Close School – 1902 – 1907 You will not find many Decanians featured in oils or sculpture at the National Portrait Gallery in London, recently refurbished to considerable effect. In fact, Barbe-Baker is the only one. On the first floor of the gallery are some well-known faces of the 20th and 21st centuries either in paintings or sculpture. Among them is a wooden head and neck sculpture of Barbe-Baker. The head was commissioned by Cedric Dover, editor of Trees, who supplied the West African wood from which it is carved. The sculptor was Ronald Moody (1900 to 1984) a Jamaican by birth, who became a dentist in the UK and later practised as a full-time sculptor. There is a YouTube film of his work as a pioneer black sculptor. His brother was the anti-racist campaigner, Harold Moody.

Why is Barbe-Baker in the National Portrait Gallery? Belatedly, he has now been recognised as a biologist and botanist, environmental activist and author who contributed greatly to worldwide reforestation efforts. As a leader, he founded an organisation, Men of the Trees, still active today as the International Tree Foundation, whose many chapters carry out reforestation internationally. He was educated at Dean Close School, joining as a 13-year-old in 1902 and was further educated at the University of Saskatchewan and Caius College Cambridge. At Dean Close, he became interested in the sciences of botany and forestry. He worked in Canada after school and became convinced that the wanton waste of timber and agricultural practices by European settlers were leading to deplorable soil degradation and potential aridity on Canada's prairies.

When World War I intervened, he served in France with the Royal Horse Artillery units and was wounded on three occasions. He then studied at Cambridge. He subsequently worked in Kenya, United States and latterly in the Sahara Desert between 1950 to 1953 working on the strategic planting of trees. By some estimates, organisations he founded or assisted have been responsible for planting at least 26 trillion trees. He was a vegetarian; the International Tree Foundation described him as a leading advocate for a plant-based diet.

I remember him speaking to the boys at Dean Close Senior School in 1957, possibly the most eccentric and interesting speaker some of us could ever remember from our school days, as he talked with huge enthusiasm about replanting the Sahara Desert.

He published an article for the Decanian in the summer of 1958 called, ‘On the hoof prints of William Cobbett’, being some notes of his 300-mile horse ride in Hampshire, Surrey and Sussex. It is an extraordinary piece anticipating, even then, the exploitation of our environment and the perils of war and climate change.

John Harding CBE (Tower 1958)

Hans White (Brook 1953) I am still here and the MOD continues to fund my extravagant lifestyle, which in turn means I can keep my dentist and garage from the need to use the foodbank! I still cannot understand why no one ever tells you that with the passing of the years the floor gets further and further away, which is a problem as most of the things I want seem to live down there. With the passing of the years, it is comforting to note that I have the answers to many of the nation’s problems although our leaders fail to grasp the value of my knowledge. I was recently a little shaken when talking to a very retired ex-Warrant Officer Royal Navy about my experience of visiting Leningrad [as it then was] in 1955 only be told that he was one year old then! How time flies. My son is an IT consultant and I have little idea what he is talking about and my daughter runs a sailing charity and raises more gift money than I ever got paid for defending the empire. However, my wife and I creep along ever so slowly and keep the NHS on its toes. Life did not turn out the way A.N. Gilkes had planned for me – classics at Oxford. Never mind.

8 FLECKER I WINTER 2023

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

David Foster (Gate 1954) Roger Sutton (Court 1952) I scrutinised with interest the photo of the staff of 1952. I can confirm that the 'unknown gentleman' was indeed Mr Taylor – an enthusiastic teacher of physics who had some responsibility for my love of science, which led to a degree in Mech Eng at UCL. The name 'Hayes' didn't seem quite right and led me to dig out my CCF Record of Service booklet. The man who taught me Chemistry was 'Jock' Hay – I have his signature many times in the Record of Service. He was responsible for forming the air cadets section of the CCF, of which I was a founder member in, I guess, 1951 – a date I assume from the fact that the first airfield Day was at Rissington on 7 March 1952. Field Days were so much more pleasant than in the Army air section, with lunch in the officers' mess, rather than lurking in a muddy ditch

with a handful of blank rounds for one's 303 and a cold pork pie.

Time in the air section led to my earning a Flying Scholarship and on to involvement in aviation for 50 years. The Royal Aeronautical Society recently sent me a sweet little gold lapel pin to celebrate 50 years of membership. I was pleased, too, to see the photo of Mr Brian – a lovely man. He would sometimes conduct lessons with the small IVth Form Maths group in his study so that he could have a cigarette to aid concentration. We were both keen birdwatchers and I recall my astonishment when he accosted me in a corridor one day and asked if I would give an opinion about a nest he had found in the kitchen garden. I felt very proud that he should treat me as an equal in that way.

'Spotted Flycatcher,' I said when shown the nest – and so it proved.

Jane Edwards and her husband Brett visited the School on Friday 28 July, whilst in the UK on holiday from Sydney, Australia.

Jane wanted to visit the school that her dad, John Stanley-Smith (Brook 1951), attended and spoke of so highly. John sadly passed away in 2016, but his name is still proudly sported on the honours boards at Dean Close School. John certainly was very much involved in all aspects of School. He was Captain of Cricket, Hockey, Football and Rugby, CSM CCF, Treasurer of the Gramophone Club,

Member of the Literacy Club and Acton Club. He had two brothers, who also attended Dean Close, Michael StanleySmith (Brook 1958) and Martin StanleySmith (Brook 1953). The brothers settled all over the world, David in Australia, Michael in Canada, and Martin in South Africa.

John was Head Boy when this photo was taken on Friday 16 March 1951. Princess

Elizabeth was inspecting a School CCF guard of honour on Shelburne Road. John is pictured over her left shoulder, and two further along, the master in robes is E.J.B. Langhorne (Headmaster DCJS).

A very special tour, especially because it would have been John’s 91st birthday on the day of the visit.

WINTER 2023 I FLECKER 9

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

1960s Piers Chapman (Tower 1968). After almost 35 years studying Oceanography in the US at Texas A&M University and Louisiana State University, I have moved back to the UK. The photo shows me on the Great Wall of China just outside Beijing, some years ago.

Peter Holland (Field 1960) held the record for the youngest player ever to have played for the Rugby 1XI. He was a very nimble scrum half.

Martin Bishop was his stand-off in the Colts.

Nigel Griffin (Walton Court 1961) When I was 80, as a present, my wife bought me a series of gliding lessons to keep me alert. They turned out to be a lovely surprise among great people. The Devon and Somerset Gliding Club has an airfield perched 900 feet up on the Blackdown Hills near Taunton and is an organisation wholly run by volunteers, although everything they do is highly professional. Skilful instructors winched my plane up in the air at 55 knots and taught me to soar among the thermals flying every which way. Landing, however, was another matter as they said they wanted to get down in one piece. There is not much room for excitement when you get into the eighties, but this experience is certainly one of them.

In March, we welcomed back Stephen Sharples (Gate 1962) with his wife, to take a nostalgic tour of the School. Stephen had not been back to Dean Close since he was 18; he really enjoyed reminiscing over all his memories.

10 FLECKER I WINTER 2023

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

HOCKEY IN 1963 Written by Mike Bawden (Gate 1965) – In the winter of 1962/63, I was fortunate to be at school at Dean Close, the only school in the country to have its own redgra pitch. Denys Carnill was the Master In Charge of Hockey, having captained the Great Britain Hockey team in three successive Olympics in 1952, 1956 and 1960. He had been instrumental in persuading the governors to invest in a redgra pitch, which was opened in 1961.

When term started, the whole School was covered with an enormous amount of snow. The weather was glorious, with clear skies but very low temperatures. For the first week of term, the time set aside for games was taken up with the whole School on the hard pitch cutting the snow into blocks and then removing them on homemade sledges. Eventually the snow was cleared, but that night the weather changed again and more snow fell. Luckily it was now possible for the groundsmen to sweep the snow off using tractors.

Gerry Brackenbury (Field 1963) was fortunate to be invited to the home of the British High Commissioner, HE Ms Iona Thomas OBE. It was to celebrate the centenary of the Shetland Society of New Zealand. Her Excellency kindly offered her official home for the celebrations recently, that saw up to 40 descendants of Shetland emigrants to New Zealand, some going back to the mid-1800s.

I am not of that ilk, but was a partner to one who was. My only connection to these northern Isles was back in 1968, when I went there to primarily see the recent arrival of a Snowy Owl (Nyctea scvandiaca), that had caused a lot of excitement in the ornithological world. I made a point of wearing a, rather tatty, OD tie!

There was still a problem as the ‘All Weather Pitch’ could be used when frozen (no Health & Safety in those days) but on the sunny days, by lunchtime it was like a skating rink and it was not possible to use it. Luckily, we had a Headmaster who was prepared to be flexible, and on these days the timetable changed, allowing us to play on the frozen pitch in the morning and have lessons in the afternoon. This situation continued for six weeks and the first 1st XI match was played on 9 March. Three ‘A’ XI matches were played, but none of our usual opponents had played any hockey at all, and were not happy to come and play on our surface.

It was not just schools who were affected. Oxford University had nowhere to play and were keen to get some time on a pitch before the Varsity Match. They travelled to Cheltenham twice a week to join in our training sessions and play practice matches against the 1st XI. This was a fantastic experience for our players as Oxford was one of the best sides in the country at that time (also including an Old Decanian, Richard Padfield, who went on to play in the highly successful Wiltshire team and for England U23).

No wonder that once we were able to play interschool matches again, we only lost one match and managed to beat Marlborough, who had not been beaten in a School match for four years. We also managed to defeat D.J. Carnill’s XI, which included six former internationals and two current Oxford Blues.

Stefan Urbanowski (Field 1968) I have worked part-time for the National Trust at Chedworth Roman Villa since 2012 and as part of my remit, I teach the children who come here on school trips.

I have taught Year 4s from Dean Close Junior School for many years now, the last time being just a few days ago. It has always been an absolute pleasure to show them around the villa and tell them about the Romans who once lived here and the history of this remarkable place.

WINTER 2023 I FLECKER 11

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Graeme Whiting (Former Staff 1969)

‘LIVING EXAMPLES OF OLD DECANIANS AND THEIR CAREERS’ LOOKING BACK OVER HALF A CENTURY AGO, TO AN ICONIC PERIOD IN MY LIFE AS A TEACHER AT DEAN CLOSE SCHOOL, AND THE ACTIVITY PERFORMED BY THOSE WHO WERE STUDENTS THEN.

From left to right in the photo below: Foster Maughan (Gate 1971) Richard Mason (Gate 1976) Nick Gardner (Tower 1974) William Lucas (Tower 1974) Mike Motum (Court 1972) – Captain of Shooting Richard Tisdall (Tower 1972) Dave Short (Brook 1971) Stephen Oxlade (Court 1972) Gordon Kerr (Tower 1971) Tony Ayres (Tower 1975) (Unknown)

DEAN CLOSE SHOOTING TEAM In 1969, I was privileged to have support from the Headmaster, Christopher Turner (Former Staff 1968–79), who never failed to surprise me with the support he offered to the shooting team, without being asked by me. I was then ‘The Master in Charge of Shooting’.

During the cold months, I offered several afternoons each week for the those who were not keen to play rugby, the main winter sport.

Ben Chapman (Former Staff 1960–77), who was Director of Physical Education then, and my boss, suggested that I encourage those students who were not keen rugby players, who might be interested in target rifle shooting (not air rifles) using Small Bore Lee Enfield No.8 target rifles, shooting real .22 bullets, to take up shooting!

I dangled a ‘carrot’ and that was it!

When I assembled my chaps in that amazing facility, the School’s ‘small-bore’ shooting range, which was more than any prospective team could wish for. I began to engage them in training to become able to respect and commit to the art of rifle shooting, using very old but superbly accurate rifles.

The regular afternoons, centred on the main elements of target shooting and was essentially a team who wanted to become

12 FLECKER I WINTER 2023

ready to take on all-comers, nationwide. We performed postal matches every week in the hope that we might rise up from being near the bottom of public-school shooting teams and work hard to earn some accolades for the ‘continued improvement category’. The team stepped up and took shooting seriously and were a great group to teach, and for the next few months they managed to perform extremely well, with many perfect scores, of 101 out of 100. (If a shooter hit the bullseye, they scored a 10, but if they hit the tiny dot in the middle of the bull, they achieved an extra .1.)

It was in Easter 1972 that I noticed a large parcel, propped up outside the Headmaster’s study.

I wondered what it was as I passed by on the way to the Master’s Common Room, and at the end of school that day I was summoned to the Headmaster’s office to be presented with ‘The Country Life Shield’ for .22 shooting.

The team had achieved the shield for the most improved public school. They were most deserving and extremely proud, for the School!

The Shooting Captain then, Mike Motum (Court 1972), was delighted and notably proud. Mike was a great captain.

By the summer, I was chomping at the bit to begin the summer season on the outdoor ranges; at Pilning, Tyddesley Wood, and many other ranges, in readiness for the National Rifle Association’s target shooting competition at Bisley. It was necessary for the team to be coached to shoot from 100yds. to 1,000yds.

Twice a week we trained on the open ranges and the team from the Country Life win were set on becoming part of the summer shooting team.

Over 50 years ago, Christopher presented me with the most amazing vehicle for the outdoor shooting team, a Forward Control Land Rover, capable of taking the entire team and all the rifles and equipment to wherever we went, so the team could confidently train for the National Full-Bore (.303) Championships at the end of the summer. That was the main focus of the team’s training.

To read more please scan the QR code.

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

60 YEARS 0N Mike Bawden (Gate 1965) In July, five of us, who had arrived at DCS in 1959 or 1960, met at The Golden Heart at Nettleton for lunch. Some of these had not met up for nearly 60 years. There was a spy, a Headmaster, a composer, a Cambridge lecturer and a journalist: John Alpass (Court 1964), who had been deputy director general of MI5; Mike Bawden (Gate 1965), who had been Rector of Peterhouse in Zimbabwe; John Metcalf (Tower 1964), who has composed music for the National Orchestra of Wales; Tim Kidd (Court 1964), a lecturer in English at Trinity College, Cambridge and in Drama at the American University, London; Richard Synge (Tower 1964), a freelance writer and journalist who travelled widely in Africa.

There were fond memories of Duke of Edinburgh Silver and Gold expeditions, trips to the Lake District, meetings of The Decanian Editorial Staff, the choir singing in the new Coventry Cathedral and Choral Society concerts with The Ladies’ College.

We remembered the occasion when DLG announced in chapel, one fine May morning, that lessons were cancelled and everyone should walk to the top of Leckhampton Hill, where prefects would check them in.

This was before the days of Risk Assessments! We thought it would be appropriate to walk after lunch to the top of Leckhampton Hill, via The Devil’s Chimney, to get a view of the School (of course it rained).

Then 1960 – D of E expedition (From left to right): Peter Harry (Court 1963), (unknown), David Johnson (Court 1964), John Alpass (Court 1964)

Then 1963 – On top of Scafell Pike (From left to right): Mike Bawden (Gate 1965), Richard Synge (Tower 1964), John Metcalf (Tower 1964)

Now 2023 – Leckhampton Hill (From left to right): Richard Synge (Tower 1964), Tim Kidd (Court 1964), John Alpass (Court 1964)

Now 2023 – The Golden Heart – (From left to right): Tim Kidd (Court 1964), John Metcalf (Tower 1964), Richard Synge (Tower 1964), John Alpass (Court 1964), Mike Bawden (Gate 1965)

WINTER 2023 I FLECKER 13

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

James Bown (Gate 1967) With true trepidation I enclose a recent photo of myself taken at a pub in glorious Penzance. I do realise that the majority of contributors to the School magazine tell tales of high achievement and perhaps even illustrious careers; they have a good tale to tell which reflects well on their old School. Mine, however, I’m sorry to say doesn’t fall into this category yet, as John Milton famously wrote: “they also serve who stand and wait”!

Well, I waited a long time unable to stand for most of the 10 years on leaving the School. My last term found me in considerable discomfort with restrictive movement of both my hips and a pronounced click sound as I rode my bicycle (sometimes to a nearby off-licence for a bottle of Chelt Ale which I took towards the River Chelt finding an isolated spot for a little ‘pain relief’). My last experience of the School was taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award tramp across wild yet beautiful Dartmoor. My walking never recovered after that and I was admitted to St Thomas’s Hospital in September ’67 and thereafter remained in and out of various hospitals for the next 10 years, with each successive procedure making matters worse, and since those days I walk without the benefit of hip joints, both natural and replacements! I finally started to walk again ignoring advice that I wouldn’t be able to walk without hip joints, and in due course commenced a career in the Civil Service and gained the MBE in 2000. I married a wonderful woman, Christine, with whom we travelled all over the world from Canada to SE Asia and lived in a delightful Dorset village with a beautiful garden, and then, as is the pattern of my life, disaster struck and Christine was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and sadly died in 2016. I always bounce back and, in due course, now a pensioner, I continue to travel, particularly to poor benighted Burma where we fell in love with those brave, uncomplaining people and the despicable regimes who torture the heart out of this beautiful country. I’m sure in the Dean Close Chapel I recall a memorial to ODs who died in the wars and one who had joined the Burma Police Service. Perhaps my only previous connection to Burma.

Dean Close? Well, I guess a little tenacity and stoicism were fashioned from some unhappy days whilst at DCJS under the stewardship of E.J.B. Langhorne, a man better suited to the RAF than running a Prep School and rather happier days under the remarkable Rev’d Douglas Graham, whose cauliflower ears gained from boxing demanded respect and a degree of admiration at the same time. I recall standing

14 FLECKER I WINTER 2023

outside the School saying goodbye to my parents when a banging sound approached; we looked up to find Douglas Graham driving up towards the School with a completely shredded rear near-side tyre.

“I had a puncture between Oxford and Cheltenham and thought I could probably make it back to school, ” he said with an embarrassed smile. I liked him more for that.

My scholastic career was indifferent to say the least. I was far keener on the philosophy of happiness at that time and found school was something to endure rather than enjoy, yet the groundwork was enormous and subsequently I passed my A Levels at the age of 28 actually enjoying education by then.

We, as a family, lived on the Isle of Wight and a more delightful place for a spirited teenager couldn’t be imagined. Life there was very good and when I bought a Vespa GS scooter my independence was achieved, yet within a few months all this lifestyle has completely vanished. I went to Dean Close as my late father, W.B.G. Bown, was there in the 1920s and enjoyed his school days, remembered with affection recalling ‘Moke’ Hoar and Tuckwell amongst others. I’m sure he felt that I would follow in his happy footsteps, yet life is never predictable.

And now, aged 73, I have a little nostalgia for the School and sometimes dream about the place. I drove past once around 35 years ago whilst staying in the Cotswolds and found my initials carved into the brick work under the Headmaster’s study. Pride on finding it mingled with a degree of embarrassment! What was I thinking, well obviously not a great deal! Finally, recollections of Dean Close in the ‘swinging ’60s’, appalling food, great music, some good teachers, the passing of the last steam engines always bought smoky pleasure and an interest in church architecture, which I still maintain. I also learned tolerance and an acceptance of the travails of all our lives.

Life is full of experiences, some good and some quite awful, yet we take ownership for our lives and the decisions that we make, be they for better or for worse. I still now recall myself as a happy-go-lucky schoolboy and whilst not achieving a great deal from the educational advantages of my education, it made me the person I became. I look back at some happy days at Dean Close; were they the best days of my life?

Certainly not yet, I’m so glad my parents gave me the opportunity of a good education and the strength of character I gained from the experience.

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

1970s Rhona Donaldson (Current Staff Member) and her family were out in Bansko, Bulgaria, and visited a coffee shop they like to visit, called The Snug. I had a Dean Close backpack on and the owner, Andy, told me that he had got an old friend from St Paul's College in Cheltenham, who had previously been at Dean Close, to do some artwork for him and his coffee shop. The OD was Tim Spencer (Tower 1977); it is great to see that Old Decanian artwork has been spotted in Bulgaria.

Edward Speed (Brook 1975) hooked up with my old Headmaster (Rev’d Christopher Turner) at his home near Hook Norton. He was in good spirits, although missing his wife, Lucy (who died last year), and is living on his own. We had lunch together and chatted about old times (1970–75 ). Marvellous man with great kindness and spirituality. I am sure he would welcome other Decanian visits. He is on LinkedIn and happy to be contacted that way.

Robin Robertson (Gate 1973) Fifty years after leaving DCS, I drove onto the Big Field on a perfect sunny day and made my way to the OD marquee. It's great to know that the friendships forged then are still very much alive!

Captain Alan Price (Gate 1971) has been appointed ‘Marine Superintendent’ for Deliveroo Thames Division. It is a newly started-up branch, with an extremely eco-friendly service.

Photos are taken from the unit’s Maiden Voyage. This service delivers all over the reaches of the Thames, ranging from Wapping all the way up to Richmond.

It was lovely to welcome back Gail Sibley (Shelburne 1978) and Keith Davis (Former Staff 1967–2003) to Dean Close for a tour; it was great for them to reminisce over so many memories together. Gail was a phenomenal artist at School and has continued as a professional artist, living in Victoria, on the Canadian West Coast.

WINTER 2023 I FLECKER 15

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Clive Brookes (Dale 1976)

Clive Handy (Tower 1971) The Handy family have been farming arable and livestock at Lower Hampen Farm for over 220 years. We are Clive (Tower 1971) and Lydia Handy, the 7th generation custodians of this magical 330 acre farm high up in the Cotswold AONB. Caring for the environment and creating a haven for wildlife is integral to our mixed farming system. We farm under a Higher-Level Stewardship scheme following regenerative principles and always looking to increase our biodiversity and improve our soil health for future generations to enjoy.

Nigel Williams (Brook 1976)

Having lived, been educated and worked in Cheltenham for 65 years, I finally retired this year 2023. My wife, Maggie, and I moved to Dartmouth in the South Hams where we now enjoy walking our dog, Bella, along the coast path whenever possible. We have taken a holiday in this area at least once most years, including our honeymoon in 1986. Retiring here is a dream come true. Still, I will miss my long-suffering colleagues and the challenging but enjoyable job, having worked for the government for 41 years with a five-year break working in the flight deck displays section of Smiths Industries. Now it’s time to kick back and relax a little, maybe ...

in at Dean Close but never believed could ever have been a possible career back in 1970/80s.

That was followed by further adventure training postings, helping to develop potential and existing military leaders in the UK. It also developed my growing collection of civilian outdoor qualifications.

In 1982, I went on my first Himalayan climbing expedition (unsuccessful) to Nepal on a 7,750m peak, and at the end of that year a little after the end of the Falkland War, I went down to the sub-Antarctic Island of South Georgia as the base commander for a few months.

I’ve not had a particularly normal career and certainly not one based on any academic basis, getting my Gold DofE was the nearest thing I got to some sort of achievement at DC. But I loved the opportunities and freedom the School offered, “best years of my life” is quite close to reality – adventure, fun and no responsibility! In 1976, I left DC and joined the Army, went through Officer Training at Sandhurst like many others from DC at that time. Whilst there, I got a chance to learn to cross-country skiing, little did I realise at the time that this would shape the rest of my working life.

I Joined the Royal Hampshire regiment and found myself at the Army cross-country skiing and biathlon championships. I was a very average XC skier but a chance meeting led to a year in Norway at the Joint Services Mountain Training Centre and gaining qualifications in hill walking, rock climbing and kayaking. All things I had been able to dabble

16 FLECKER I WINTER 2023

Then to Berlin for a year where I once found myself for a few seconds face to face with Rudolf Hess among other rather absurd things that the Cold War threw up before the wall came down. Despite being in a walled city, I still managed to escape for a few more climbing expeditions. Then back to Norway for three years and more civilian outdoor qualifications that cemented my likely future career beyond the military.

Through the 1980s were more Himalayan climbing expeditions in India, Tibet and Nepal including two to Everest on one of the hardest climbing routes, both unsuccessful in terms of the main summit but rewarding in many other ways and prior to the mass guiding that goes on today on the easier routes.

I retired from the military in 1993 and began working in outdoor education. Overnight, almost, I went from teaching military personnel ice climbing on Ben Nevis to teaching primary school children the simplest outdoor skills. Five years later I was appointed the Chief Instructor

at sportscotland’s National Mountain Training Centre, Glenmore Lodge in the Cairngorms, where I remained for 20 years ending up as the Deputy Principal.

By this time my attention had turned to Greenland and in 2008 I was part of a small team that made a 27-day sledge-hauling trip across the ice cap following in the footsteps of the first crossing in 1888 by the Norwegian Fridtjof Nansen. I have now participated in 15 expeditions to Greenland – a mix of summer and winter. I retired from Glenmore Lodge in 2017 to become a freelance outdoor instructor.

Other aspects of my current work revolve around volunteering and charities involved with outdoor learning.

From 2015, I have been a trustee and head guide of a Scottish youth charity, The Polar Academy, which takes Scottish teenagers to the Arctic in winter on multi-day sledging expeditions. The charity supports teenagers who have often had traumatic experiences in their young lives, been the victims of bullying and are generally the invisible kids in the education system who have lost all confidence.

In addition, I have a special interest in the teaching of navigation skills, which I now lecture on around the country and have authored a book on the subject based on my experiences from school, the military, mountain training and orienteering.

I have been immensely fortunate, the desire for adventure and the outdoors instead of a more cerebral or academic-based career was kindled at Dean Close for which I have to be ever thankful to the School and my parents for committing to my education there.

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

1980s

Tom Foster (Field 1988) attended the University of Plymouth and completed a BA Business Administration degree, where he achieved an outstanding 1st Class Honours. He started working at Hazlewoods, an accountancy firm. Tom started this job as a Trainee ACA Accountant – Corporate Services and Tax. He has now become the Finance Director at Kohler Mira.

Kohler was one of the main sponsors of Manchester United Football Club until the end of 2022, their name appeared on the team shirt sleeve! Kohler is a Global Partner of Manchester United.

Exciting news for our two former OD brothers who have worked so hard to restore an iconic Cheltenham pub to its former glory. Darren (Brook 1985) and Lee (Brook 1984) Hiscox have big plans for the Montpellier Wine Bar. Darren and Lee’s family firm has taken on the lease for the building and begun a refurbishment of it. Their Hatton Collection group consists of nine pubs and hotels, including The Beehive in Montpellier. The wine bar is their latest addition.

On 26 April 2023, we had the pleasure of hosting a nostalgic visit with David Chin (Tower 1986) and his wife, Irma. They revisited our School, which was a heartwarming experience. We captured a photo of them standing outside the room they generously sponsored in the Mathematics, Business and Economics building.

Suzanne Villiers (Former Staff) The person in the middle is Debbie Harris (née Mogg) who taught Maths at DC senior School in the late 1980s. The person (on the right) next to Debbie is Gillian Sauter (Former Staff) (née MacGill ) who started in the MFL dept at the same time as me in 1985. She was House Mistress of Mead when she took over from Sue Vaus (Former Housemistress). This photo was taken in Scarborough outside my house.

Marcus Forster (Gate 1983) recently spent February to August 2023 on a work sabbatical.

Time looking after pigmy hippos in southern Indonesia for breeding on conservation purposes was the most amazing thing I have done and now back at my job selling soft furnishings in Southend-on-Sea.

Tamsyn Barton (Shelburne 1980) has just extended in her role as Chief Commissioner at the Independent Commission for Aid Impact (the watchdog for the UK’s foreign aid) for another year. She keeps in touch with various ODs in London.

WINTER 2023 I FLECKER 17

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Cathy Travis – (née Bygrave) (Fawley 1984) In my early fifties, I decided to change career and started training to qualify as an osteopath. I embarked on a five-year degree via the College of Osteopaths at Staffordshire University. The COVID pandemic disrupted my studies significantly too, but I was delighted to pass my final exam in August 2022. I now work in a multi-disciplinary clinic not far from my home in Derby and I am enjoying my new career very much.

Graduation day was a much more informal affair second time round, 34 years after the first.

My interest in osteopathy was first piqued at Dean Close. After suffering a lower back injury in a tennis match in the run up to A Levels, one of the School nurses suggested I went to an osteopath in Cheltenham for treatment. I had never heard of an osteopath before but was very keen to get some relief from my symptoms. I received weekly treatment and my pain slowly subsided, though I still had to do my A Levels lying down on the treatment couch in the School health centre as I couldn’t sit for any length of time.

When I joined Dean Close in January 1983 from my home in Lima, Peru, my parents decided to pay into the private medical insurance scheme Dean Close offered at the time. This helped to cover the cost of my weekly treatments, scans and a stay in hospital. My father said it was the best investment he ever made!

18 FLECKER I WINTER 2023

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Dean Close Revisited:

Nostalgia and Progress John V Denley (Court 1988) Nicolai was visiting for a couple of days from Munich, Germany, and we were very pleased that the Old Decanian office was able to organise for us to spend an utterly fabulous two hours touring the School in the company of Natalie and Leah, who showed us all the new parts of the School. I wasn't sure how long it had been since I had been back to the School, but it was certainly at least five years, and I was surprised at how much was new. Nicolai was here for the first time since 1989, so for him there were a significant number of exciting changes for us to explore. Also, the virtual tour of the proposed future changes (Humanities Centre) that Natalie showed us peaked both our techy backgrounds into thinking how nice it would be to have a virtual tour of the whole school where you could select different years, so anyone could see how things have changed throughout the generations.

Nicolai was in Brook House, and I was in Court House, which in our day, were separate houses away from the School. This is why the photo shown is of us both pointing at our own House names at the new combined Brook Court House! Nicolai was diagnosed with Leukaemia during the spring term of our final year (something I was completely unaware of until recently) and he was away for eight months, but heroically came back the following year and completed his A Level exams. He did tell us, however, of a very interesting story where he was at a chess competition in Bristol and had a photograph taken and published in the local paper, where a local resident recognised the unusual surname and wrote to the School to see if she was perhaps related to the boy in the photo, and it turns out that she was!

It was stories like those that I found most fascinating throughout the tour, sharing our differing experiences at the School prompted by the physical buildings and piecing together our overlapping memories. It even turned out that Leah is also an Old Decanian and, like me, our fathers were ODs (although her father is a little younger than me!), and as it turned out her great grandparents and my grandparents also knew each other. With all these connected stories and the experiences of Nicolai, it really brought home to me the strong sense of family that we ALL share as members of the Dean Close School community.

Nicolai Czempin (Brook 1989) I did indeed finally get the opportunity to pay Dean Close a visit after 34 years: I had some business in the British Isles (tech conference in Dublin) and I did indeed visit the family living in Bristol (and Birmingham) who had shared my surname at birth. In a way, Dean Close School was responsible for connecting two branches of a small family that hadn't been aware of each other for decades.

In February 1988, I was diagnosed with Leukaemia after experiencing symptoms of anaemia during a visit to my potential first choice, Edinburgh University. This unexpected turn of events led to my rapid hospitalisation in Gloucester, where I bid farewell to familiar faces like the Headmaster Christopher Bacon, the Brook House master Timothy Odell, and the Chaplain.

The news of my illness spread across Brook and the School community, resulting in an outpouring of well-wishes and support from both peers and strangers.

managed to secure a place at my chosen university.

The transformation of the School, with numerous new buildings, was striking.

The progress made is tremendous, and while I thoroughly enjoyed my visit, I can't help but appreciate the improved facilities available to current pupils.

For me, being back among the familiar buildings (and one familiar face; thanks, John!) was a particularly heartwarming experience. It left me wanting to connect also in person (many of us are connected on various forms of social media) to my former classmates. So, I feel encouraged to return soon; I hear there's a (Miami Vice themed?) eighties reunion planned for next year?

My return to Dean Close School brought back memories of a past filled with challenges and the warmth of a newfound family connection. The School's transformation impressed me, and I look forward to revisiting soon.

My journey to recovery took me back to Germany, where I was fortunate to live near a children's hospital with a renowned oncology department. I had a ‘children's’ form of Leukaemia, which boasted an 80% survival rate. However, I had a rare hybrid form, which reduced my odds to 50%, a sobering statistic for a 17-year-old.

Eventually, I stabilised and was deemed safe enough to return to complete my A Levels. A year had passed since I had been in school, and while my performance wasn't at its peak, I still

WINTER 2023 I FLECKER 19

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

1990s Felsted’s Director of Sport, Charlie Knightley (Dale 1990)

England won all but one of the eight fixtures they played over the course of the World Cup, which was the largest ever international over-50s cricket tournament, consisting of 14 teams in total, becoming only the second country after Australia to win the Over 50s World Cup. The final was a tense but thrilling day for all involved. After a morning of heavy showers, the game was delayed and reduced to 40 overs; South Africa won the toss and

elected to bowl. In the group stages seven days previously, the two sides had almost been stride for stride but, when it came down to the final, England dominated proceedings almost from the off.

The hosts were unable to get an early breakthrough, as South Africa’s Dawson and Albanie went wicketless in their opening spell for the first time during the tournament.

Giles Ecclestone’s ‘player of the match’ performance of 120 runs

from 103 balls, steered England towards their score of 267 for 8.

England powered to victory after their impressive total proved to be too much for the hosts, who succumbed to a 65-run loss at the iconic Newlands Cricket Stadium.

Charlie Knightley taking two catches and a stumping in the final behind the stumps.

a test of fitness for the 18-man squad with 10 games in a short period of time.

Sydney 2018 was the last time the two teams faced each other for the ‘Platinum’ Ashes, when the Aussies won 2-0. This year, however, still riding on their World Cup high, England continued their winning streak, turning the tables to beat Australia 2-0 in Cape Town, Immediately after the World Cup, England had two fixtures v Australia with Charlie Knightley opening the in an Ashes battle before returning batting scoring 30 and 60 not out in the two matches. back to the UK. This was certainly

New King’s College Cambridge Christmas Eve Carol by Matthew Martin (Gate 1994) The commissioned carol for the 2022 edition of A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols will be a setting of the text Angelus ad Virginem by Matthew Martin, Precentor and Director of College Music at Gonville & Caius College, Cambridge. The new carol will be premiered by the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge, conducted by Daniel Hyde, during the live broadcast of the Festival on Christmas Eve. "I was delighted to be asked by Daniel Hyde and King’s College, Cambridge to write this year’s commission for the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. I have chosen to set a familiar text and tune – Angelus ad Virginem – and for it to serve as a tribute to the late great Simon Preston CBE (chorister and later organ scholar at King’s). The text suggests something descriptive and exuberant, and this arrangement makes use of the original 13th century carol throughout. A colourful organ part is designed to propel the music forward, sometimes twisting and distorting the melody in unexpected ways, hopefully reflecting something of Simon’s wit, vitality and stylish energy.” – Matthew Martin This year’s commission continues a tradition begun in 1983 by Sir Stephen Cleobury, with a new carol written for the popular Christmas Eve service every year since, except for 2020. The music will be available to purchase from Novello & Co Ltd, part of Wise Music Group. Martin, winner of the Liturgical category in the 2013 British Composer Awards, his first disc of choral music (Jubilate Deo) was recorded by Daniel Hyde and the Choir of Magdalen College, Oxford, in 2014, and his more recent work includes a festival anthem (In the midst of thy Temple) for the choir of Westminster Abbey, marking the 750th anniversary of the Abbey’s refounding.

20 FLECKER I WINTER 2023

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Giles Barton (Dale 1995) In the late 1800s, my great grandfather (Horace Fletcher Barton) bought from new one of the 12 Regency properties that had been permitted to be built in Regent Street, Cheltenham. It became his family home, where he started a very small tailoring business for the gentleman of Cheltenham and the surrounding areas. My grandfather (Jack) was born on the premises in 1916 and when he was old enough continued the family’s tailoring business. My grandfather became a bespoke tailor, making suits from scratch, cutting his own patterns and finishing them through.

Many years later the building ceased being a home, as it had now become a small menswear shop called Horace Barton & Son under the leadership of my grandfather. In 1948, my father, Richard Barton, was born and became next in line to eventually take over the family business. At the age of 16 my father started working in the shop under the watchful eye of his father, Jack. The business evolved and grew into three floors of men’s retail wear, formal hire and a line of ski wear which my father introduced back in 1965.

Andy Grant (Tower 1996) and family visited for a tour on Saturday 29 April 2023, whilst they were in Cheltenham. He absolutely loved reminiscing back to the old times and it certainly brought back a lot of memories.

As a family we still operate out of that same very building, myself (fourth generation), my father who is now 75 and my mother who is 77.

For the first time since our inception (1901), Horace Barton & Son now have an online presence! We are proud to present our online store which can be found at www.horace barton.co.uk where we offer a full array of items, which are all available in store.

Congratulations to Colonel Richard Ball, AAC (Dale 1995) who received an OBE in this year’s Birthday Honours.

James Colquhoun (Court 1996) In April, I visited Dean Close 27 years after leaving the School. I was a boarder at the School (including the Prep School) for 10 years between 1986 and 1996. I live in Chicago now so it was wonderful to see the School again after such a long time. I toured the School with my wife and kids and saw all the amazing facilities while reminiscing about all the achievements and opportunities I was fortunate to experience – being part of an unbeaten hockey team, going to Zimbabwe on a cricket tour, and acting in a play at the Bacon Theatre are some of the most memorable. While many new classrooms and facilities have been developed in the time since I left Dean Close, some things are just the same, like the dining room, the Chapel and the Quad! The tour was one of the highlights during my holiday in the UK and a reminder of how lucky I was to attend such a great school.

Charlie Leonard (Fawley 1996) 10 days, 7 games, 7 wins and 2023 European Champions following a 4-0-win vs Spain in the final. This is a very special team, on and off the pitch, it's been an absolute blast, memories made for life and an honour every single game to wear the England shirt, surrounded by this talented and genuine bunch.

WINTER 2023 I FLECKER 21

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Alan Tsang (Gate 1999) had the pleasure of working with Timothy Brown (Brook 1965) (Ex Clare College Cambridge) at a concert organised by the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui (Anglican Church). Not often one gets two OD musicians making music together in Hong Kong!

Lt Col Ben Hall (Gate 1999) was appointed MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours, for services to military medicine.

Zoe Schoning – (née Griffiths) (Fawley 1993). My business Mullion Glass Studio and Workshop (Cornwall) was awarded the Prestige Award of Best Studio in the South West 2023. Well worth a visit!

Odell Family Update Tim and Dorothy (Brook House 1979–88, Dale House 1988–2000) are still enjoying their retirement and continue to live in Cheltenham. Tim missed out on an 80th birthday party in 2020 due to COVID, but Dorothy was able to celebrate hers this year in Ireland, surrounded by over 60 members of her immediate family.

Sadly, Tim can no longer be seen playing golf, but still enjoys driving the buggy and offering 'advice'! However, he still continues to teach the violin. They are still active within their local church, and like nothing more than supporting the exploits of their five grandchildren.

Steven (Field 1991) qualified as a vet from Glasgow University and is a partner in a large mixed veterinary practice in Droitwich, Worcestershire, with a particular interest in orthopaedic surgery.

Vusi Vokwana (Shelburne 1998) is the winner of the Voices of the Year Award in the Economics category.

Vusi is a businesswoman with a unique insight into the needs and perspectives of the Kasi economy.

“Representation matters. Women are the majority in South Africa and yet most voices are male. This needs to change” – states Vusi.

22 FLECKER I WINTER 2023

Andrew (Field 1992) graduated from St Andrew’s University with a degree in Geoscience. He spent over 20 years in the oil and gas industry, rising to become managing director of an oil exploration company in Nigeria. However, he has now retrained as a teacher and is currently teaching Geography at Tettenhall College in Wolverhampton.

William (Field 1994) also graduated from St Andrew’s University. A PGCE soon followed his degree in History and Art History as he became a teacher. Proving that the apple seldom falls far from the tree, he has been a boarding housemaster at Repton School for 11 years.

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Sam Marshall-Keith Sam Marshall-Keith has dedicated over 25 years to a successful career in the childcare and education sector.

Beginning in September 1998 as a Nursery Assistant at Tree Tops Cheltenham, she swiftly climbed the professional ladder, earning promotions to Room Leader and Deputy Manager in 1999, and ultimately reaching the role of Nursery Manager by January 2000. Sam's commitment to continuous improvement led her to enrol in a two-year Advanced Diploma in Childcare & Education at the University of Gloucestershire, commencing in September 2001. In March 2005, Sam assumed the position of General Manager, overseeing Tree Tops nurseries in Cheltenham and Gloucester. Following a brief maternity break in 2013-14, a career pivot occurred in September 2017, with Sam becoming the Training Development & Recruitment Manager for Dean Close Nursery Limited (DCNL) following the Dean Close acquisition. Her career continued to evolve in October 2019 when she embraced a new role focusing on Learning & Development for the Foundation. Sam's dedication to growth persists as she embarks on a Learning & Development Apprenticeship in October 2023.

Great to welcome Old Decanian Mead girl Lizzie Nesbitt – (née Wenham) (Mead 1997), Head of Emmanuel Christian School, Oxford, who came to Dean Close School with a timely message from Matthew 7 on not judging others.

DeanClose LittleTrees

Providing a nurturing environment where children aged 3 months- 4 years old can learn and grow together.

• Full and Part Time Nursery places available • Ofsted Registered • Designated baby department in each nursery • Highly qualified and experienced staff offering quality childcare

Mark PhilipSorensen (Field 1991) is now Chair of Cheltenham Festivals, which includes the Literature Festival (which is the oldest in the world), Jazz Festival, Music Festival and Science Festival.

WINTER 2023 I FLECKER 23

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

2000s

RAF Squadronaires Big Band The famous RAF Squadronaires Big Band came to Dean Close School on Wednesday 25 January for an afternoon of musical workshops themed around ‘the Big Band through the ages’ followed by a fabulous public concert in the evening.

The RAF Squadronaires were given the enormous honour of performing as military musicians at the head of the Queen’s funeral procession. Our very own OD, Air Specialist (Class 1) Jonny Faull (Field 2008), was part of the Queen's funeral procession. He joined the RAF Squadronaires in 2019, and came back to Dean Close for this very special workshop: “...I joined the Royal Air Force as a full-time musician in January 2019 and am currently serving my first posting as a saxophonist in the Band of the RAF Regiment based at RAF Northolt, London. We perform all over the UK and internationally, ranging from marching displays and state ceremonial work with the parade band, to performing at large concert halls with the full wind band, to entertaining at events with the jazz ensemble. I also have the privilege of directing the RAF ‘Shades of Blue’ Big Band.

On 19 September, it was a huge honour to be part of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral procession, playing in the Combined Band of the Royal Air Force, made up of 84 musicians. It was an unforgettable experience to play those evocative funeral marches as we slowly marched past the crowds and cameras lining The Mall and Constitution Hill, leading Her Majesty’s coffin up to Wellington Arch. There were extensive rehearsals in the week leading up to the event, including an overnight dress rehearsal where we marched the route in the dark at 4am in full ceremonial dress, a very surreal experience! It was such a privilege to be part of this historic event for our Commander-in-Chief, something I’ll never forget...”

Richard Baker (Field 2009) has taken over as Managing Director at Trefurn (who design and make bespoke furniture), as well as playing hockey for Cheltenham. I have got the privilege this season to sponsor the Men’s 1st team, as we are back in the National League.

Some 12 ODs were part of the epic celebrations for John Lee's 40th in North Devon in September, including: James Petrie – Tower, 1999 Lucy Petrie (née Johnson) – Mead, 2001 Max Pieters - Tower, 2001 Jo Pieters (née Safe) – Fawley, 2002 Guy Perkins – Brook Court, Class of 2001 – left 1998 Greg Harper – Dale, 2000 Amy Harper (née Verey) – Fawley, 2001 Georgina Petrie – Fawley, 2001 James Mullan – Field, 2001 Nick Ball – Gate, 2004 Claire Ball (née Lee) – Fawley, 2004 John Lee – Brook Court, 2001.

24 FLECKER I WINTER 2023

Dr Laura Mackenzie (Fawley 2009) – A talented bassoonist, she graduated from the Royal Northern College of Music, then studied Medicine at Sheffield University and is doing her GP training.

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Jack Losh (Dale 2006) Jack continued to cover the war in Ukraine through 2022 and 2023. He shot a short documentary for Channel 4 News while embedded with firefighters in a front-line town in the Donetsk region as they evacuated wounded civilians from surrounding communities under shelling from Russian forces.

He returned a few months later, filming with bereaved military families and soldiers on leave in western Ukraine's remote Carpathian Mountains before heading east to film inside the besieged town of Avdiivka for BBC Newsnight.

There, Jack embedded with two men who risk death every day by running in aid via the only road under Ukrainian control into the bombed-out town to keep the dwindling population alive.

Jack's work from Ukraine was twice shortlisted for the Bayeux CalvadosNormandy Award for War Correspondents in the Grand Format Television and Written Press categories, and nominated as a finalist at the Amnesty Media Awards in the Broadcast category. Another film that he produced about two young footballers playing the beautiful game amid shrapnel and rubble in battle-scarred Kyiv was selected for the Tribeca Film Festival 2023.

Ben Powell (Dale 2005) is based in Los Angeles and combines a career as a violinist, classical, jazz and film, with being a commercial pilot. His latest album, New Jazz Standards, vol 6, was released in April 2023.

After Dean Close, he attended Berklee College of Music (NY) and then followed a career as a composer and performer. He is well-known as a string improviser and has worked with many of the leading jazz and cinematic musicians on the American scene – Neil Young, Barbara Streisand, Aretha Franklin, Herbie Hancock, Gloria Estafan, Celina Dion, Andrea Bocelli and Michael Bublé among them. He works alongside celebrated film composers such as Hans Zimmer, Alan Silvestri and Bill Ross.

Ben was the featured violin soloist in The Lion King (2019), the blockbuster, Dunkirk (2018), and Batman vs Superman (2017).

He also made cameo appearances on screen with his fiddle in tv sitcoms such as The Mindy Project, New Girl, and Two and a Half Men.

Lily Lam (Fawley 2009) In 2009, after bidding farewell to Dean Close School, I embarked on a new chapter in my life by pursuing an LLB Law degree at the University of Nottingham. Little did I know that this journey would not only shape my legal career but also lead me to meet the love of my life, my husband.

After years of hard work and dedication, we took a leap of faith and established our own law firm, CPH Legal, in Hong Kong in 2020. Little did we know that the pandemic was just around the corner, presenting unforeseen challenges. Nevertheless, we remained resilient and committed to our vision of providing exceptional legal services to our valued customers.

Throughout the years, we have strived to grow our business while maintaining a strong focus on customer satisfaction. It fills us with immense honour and gratitude to receive high praise and appreciation from our clients.

In addition to our journey of growth and dedication, I am thrilled to share that CPH Legal has recently been recognised for our expertise in the field. We had the honour of being interviewed to provide a legal perspective on a potential leading case of crypto fraud in Hong Kong.

This recognition further validates our commitment to staying at the forefront of legal developments and offering valuable insights to the community. As we continue to expand our areas of practice, this opportunity to provide legal expertise on a significant case underscores our dedication to staying abreast of emerging trends, especially in the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrencies.

As we move forward, we are determined to explore new horizons, embrace emerging legal trends, and adapt to the evolving needs of our clients. Our commitment to excellence remains unwavering, and we look forward to serving our clients with utmost dedication and professionalism.

WINTER 2023 I FLECKER 25

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

2010s Erin Hughes (Shelburne 2010) I have released my debut single, Safe and Sound. While at Dean Close, I was a very active part of the Music department and it's so lovely to have finally reached this musical milestone. The song was written by me, and was recorded by friends that I met whilst at the Royal Northern College of Music, at their studio.

Ruth and Berian Williams-Jones (Former Staff) met up with Charlie Waddington (Tower 2016) a couple of weeks back when he was in Brisbane.

I remembered Charlie and of course his brother, Dom Waddington (Tower 2014), was in the year above, and his mother, Victoria, worked at DCS for a while.

The years faded away, as they do. He was making the most of a belated ‘gap yah’ but we soon covered the important stuff – his love for Chelsea, mine for Burnley, and his pathological inability to attend breakfast with any punctuality! Oh, the joy of boarding.

I have just moved to Anglican Church Grammar here in Brisbane to be the Deputy Head of Senior. Missing boarding after 15 years but discovering so many places and having time to walk the dog.

Will Merrick (Tower 2011) is an English screen and stage actor. In 2023, he made his debut in the new Barbie movie as Young Mattel Employee.

Geraint Downing (Gate 2016) is on BBC in the excellent series World on Fire – he is in series 2, episode 1 – spotted 12 minutes in, and then much more substantially c 46 minutes onwards to the end, give or take. What an excellent achievement in the Drama world.

26 FLECKER I WINTER 2023

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Linus Holmes (Field 2017) On 15 December, Linus journeyed from Canterbury to Rome on the Via Francigena.

Linus took the whole trip on foot (minus crossing the channel) and started the pilgrimage with £0 in his pocket, relying on personal endeavours and the goodwill of others for his continued sustenance.

Linus said, “Other than for my personal religious development, I did this to raise money for ‘Shelter’ the homelessness charity. I wanted to raise awareness around the issues of social housing, with the help of daily vlogs on social media and via publication through all the journalistic avenues that are available to me”.

Max Thomas (Dale 2019) having left Cambridge with his double starred degree, and working in Cirencester to earn some cash, he has now been accepted on a fast-track undergraduate degree at University College, Oxford, to read for a BA in Law – a two-year course (instead of three) offered to 15 people in the university.

John (Former Parent) and Julia Abbott (Former Staff) ran the Cheltenham Half Marathon in September. We supported the charity Inspire because of Issy Bailey (Fawley 2012) whom we knew at Dean Close School – here is her story:

Tim Yue (Tower 2012) was selected for the Hong Kong touch rugby team; he is also working out in Hong Kong as a Physio. Tim’s happiest moment is seeing tremendous growth of the Hong Kong tag community over the past two years and the honour to represent Hong Kong in TWC2023, whilst spreading the joy and fun of the sport. His most challenging moments have been his injuries and worrying about how it will hinder his performance.

"After I sustained a spinal cord injury in 2013, my family and I needed all the support we could get from charities like Inspire. Adjusting to life with SCI means living with permanent paralysis, so it’s much more than simply learning how to use a wheelchair – every part of daily life changes. The body functions very differently, aids and adaptations are needed in the home, in the car, in the gym, and there’s a lot more planning ahead to ensure trips and journeys are safe and suitable for the individual’s needs. Much of the world is placed out of reach.

I was injured at 19, in a car accident, coming home from the cinema with friends. I had just finished my first year of university, had a job I really enjoyed and played hockey to a high level. After injury, a lot of my old life was unworkable.

Thankfully, I had a fantastic network of support during rehabilitation and was able to return to university the following year, pick up where I left off in my job and try sports suited to my new abilities.

Without the advice and expertise of charities such as Inspire, the transition would have been overwhelming and my family and I will be forever grateful for the help we received.

I’ve been lucky enough to go on and represent Great Britain in target shooting at countless world cups, three World Championships and two Paralympic Games. I finished my undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and am applying for my PhD. I’ve had the opportunity to travel widely and challenge perceptions of what’s achievable with SCI. I’ve learnt (and am still learning!) how to manage my condition in a world that’s not designed for the disabled. Change is painfully slow but, with increasing awareness and understanding of disabilities, improvements are being made and I’m proud to be part of the global movement championing equality of opportunity.”

WINTER 2023 I FLECKER 27

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Laurence Kilsby (Brook Court 2017) has had an incredible year, appearing in the Salzburg Festival under the baton of Dinis Sousa in the mammoth opera Les Troyens by Berlioz.

This festival is one of the most prestigious in the world.

Laurence (and 7,000 others) – plus a few groupies afterwards – at a packed Prom. Mozart Requiem – with a difference. It was an exceptional evening. His career is hugely taking off – especially now he has sung for Sir John Eliot Gardiner (punches or no punches….). Pygmalion is also the flavour of the month internationally in baroque ensembles.

Laurence won jointly the Heidelburg Das Lied competition for young singers. It comes with a first prize of €25,000, which was split with Laurence and the other winner. It’s the third major singing prize he has won in eight months (the others being the Wigmore Hall and the Cesti Competitions), which is incredible and probably unprecedented.

Dani Gibson (Hatherley 2019) The 22-year-old all-rounder made her Gloucestershire debut in 2014 and is vicecaptain of the regional Western Storm, for whom she is joint highest run scorer this summer as well as the leading wicket-taker in the Charlotte Edwards Cup. This was Gibson's first England senior call-up after being a travelling reserve for the T20 World Cup earlier this year. She progressed all the way from the county under-13s girls’ team and has now earned her first cap.

And her selection will have caused a particularly loud cheer from the Gloucestershire Girls Under-11s squad ... whom she coaches!

We were lucky enough to welcome back Katie Colbert Smith (Hatherley 2017), for a tour of the new Hatherley House in the day village. Katie was Head of House in 2017, when Hatherley was a portacabin in the Quad. The transformation between the old and new Hatherley is unbelievable.

Laura Charles Price, the head of women’s and girls’ cricket at the Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation, said: "This is absolutely fantastic news and we’re all so pleased for Dani, who has worked incredibly hard over such a long period of time to make her England dream come true.

"Dani is the first player to have come all the way through our pathway to the England squad, and we are certain that she will not be the last. It’s fantastic for the girls in her under-11 squad – they can all say, ‘our coach plays for England!’ – and will inspire everyone involved with women’s and girls’ cricket in the county.”

Gibson, who attended Dean Close School in Cheltenham and Hartpury College, began her club career aged nine with Dumbleton who formed their first under-13 girls’ team in 2014. A powerful striker of the ball, she is also an accurate bowler with the ability to take wickets at important times.

Bea Bennett (Mead 2019) It was a privilege to represent Durham University in the last series of University Challenge to be hosted by Jeremy Paxman, and even more thrilling to be part of the 2022/23 winning team!

This year, I am continuing to study for a Master in Victorian and Romantic Literature, working for New Writing North at the Durham Book Festival and aiming to secure experience in the media sector with a special interest in broadcasting and literary agencies.

28 FLECKER I WINTER 2023

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Charlotte Ivers (Hatherley 2013) is The Sunday Times’s restaurant critic. She also writes for other sections of the paper, covering anything and everything, from the story of Europe’s biggest company to the hunt for the Loch Ness monster.

Previously, Charlotte was a columnist for The Sunday Times, and political correspondent for Times Radio, where she was named one of the Radio Academy’s 30 under 30 in the industry.

Congratulations to Old Decanian Tom Pearson (Tower 2018) on being named Breakthrough Player of the Season at the Premiership Rugby Awards.

Tom joined us from Moor Park, and we are proud to have played a part in his educational journey.

His success is a testament to his hard work and dedication.

The Great Gatsby has been awarded an OffComm, Offies Commendation. Which is a 'Off West End' London Theatre award.

Amy Porter (Hatherley 2016) and Gabbie Sills (Shelburne 2018) OD Theatre Company, Tethered Wits, founded by Gabbie Sills and Amy Porter in 2019, has been awarded an OffComm Award Commendation for their 2023 UK touring production of The Great Gatsby.

You can also support the Old Decanian Theatre Company by: - following us on Facebook and Instagram @tetheredwits - coming to watch our 2024 Summer Touring Production and bringing friends and family (and of course a picnic!)

- becoming a Trustee of the company (more information at tetheredwits.com)

WINTER 2023 I FLECKER 29

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

2020s

Amaal Fawzi (Turner 2022) had the incredible honour of carrying the Mace at the Commonwealth Day Service in Westminster Abbey yesterday, leading the King and Queen Consort out of the Abbey. Her achievement as senior runner-up in the Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition last year earned her this well-deserved recognition.

Jacob Payton (Field 2020), Nick Nurse (Field 2020) and Ellis Robson (Dale 2021) played for GB U21s in the Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia. They lost a very close match vs Germany 4-3, so just missed out on the Semi Final. The boys played Malaysia in the cross over match and won 7-4, Jacob Payton got man of the match.

Ben Price (Current Staff) Teacher and Housemaster Ben Price took part in the Elite World Duathlon Champs (run 5k, bike 20k, run 2.5k) in Ibiza.

55 elite athletes took part in a separate race with each nation putting forward their best five seniors and three best U23 athletes. Ben was delighted to have been selected!

Ioan Jones (Gate 2023) has been selected for England Men’s U20 2023/2024 Elite Playing Squad. Ioan has been in the Gloucester Rugby Academy since he was 14 years old.

He trained and played up with England U18s as an U17, making the team of the Six Nations tournament a year young. He represented England U18s for two years and recently played in an U19 development fixture against Italy.

The full back made his Gloucester Rugby debut in the away win at Saracens, scoring a try on his first Kingsholm appearance a week later against the Barbarians.

30 FLECKER I WINTER 2023

Ben explained, “The elite race is mainly made up of pro and full-time triathletes and duathletes (duathlon is big in Belgium, Netherlands, Spain and France (with competitive leagues in the latter two, which include teams funded by rich backers!). Mario Mola (three-time World Triathlon Champ) won the race. It was an honour (and slightly scary) to stand side by side with this Spanish legend on the start line and chat to him afterwards - a very lovely and inspirational guy!

The elite race is the main event of the weekend with a course well contained mainly within the town – the crowd was big and raucous. It started at 1.30pm in the heat. Quite a shock to the system! I pushed like I've never pushed before and came away with 19th! Which is an awesome result for me. 3rd out of the five British seniors and behind only one of the Brit U23s. It was an incredible experience, made more special because Rach, Barney, Kiki, Mum and Dad were here to be a part of it. I’m very chuffed to be able to do this at my age whilst enjoying a fantastic job and all the rest of it!”

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

NEWS FROM THE

ARCHIVES

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

ORAL HISTORY INTERVIEW We were lucky enough to have former Headmaster Mr Christopher Turner back to the School in March for an oral history interview about his Headship. Having arrived in 1968, the year the first girl entered the School, the interview proved to be as fascinating as we had hoped, covering the introduction and development of co-education here at Dean Close.

Sue Vaus, a former colleague, was able to join us afterwards to reminisce over lunch.

CHAPEL CENTENARY 1 November 2023 marks 100 years since our School Chapel was formally dedicated by the Bishop of Gloucester.

When the School first opened there was no Chapel on site and boys had to go over to the local Parish Church of St Mark’s to attend services taken by the then Vicar and School Governor, the Reverend Griffiths. It wasn’t until 1909 that the School finally built the temporary Chapel which stood where the Laboratory block is today. On 31 October 1923, the day before the dedication, Dr Flecker held the last service in the temporary Chapel in which he talked of the memories from the past 15 years during which the old Chapel had been used. The funeral of his own son, James Elroy Flecker, for whom there is a blue plaque on the front of the main School, would undoubtedly have been one such memory.

The day of the dedication began in the morning with the Past and Present Football match, followed by a luncheon in the old gymnasium before the service of dedication began. On that day the new Chapel was ‘set apart’ by the Bishop of Gloucester "from all profane and common uses and dedicated, in the faith of Christ, as a Memorial to the Glory of God, and in

32 FLECKER I WINTER 2023

the memory of those who from this School went forth to lay down their lives for their Country." [The Decanian, Dec 1923] The terrible losses of the First World War provided the final momentum to build the Chapel. A list of the boys who fell was sealed beneath the Dedication Stone when it was laid the year before and their names read out during the Dedication Service by the Second Master, Edward Ellam, followed by ‘The Last Post’. Initially, the Chapel was of a grander design, but finances and the austerity of post-war Britain necessitated a more frugal approach, hence the use of brick rather than stone.

Nevertheless, it has continued to serve our community, hosting School Services, Confirmation Services, Remembrance Day Services, Leavers’ Services, Memorial Services, even weddings, the Chapel has seen them all. Very often, when Old Decanians come back to visit the School, it is the first place they want to see and long may it last as more pupils continue to form their own memories of the building as it enters its second centenary.

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

POSTCARD Something we have accumulated a lot of this year via eBay is postcards. This one came all the way from Missouri, USA, but was originally sent by Claire Flecker, daughter of the Headmaster, to a friend in Ipswich. Posted in 1923, the same year the Chapel was blessed, Claire wrote in late December to wish her friend a happy New Year and to thank her for the ‘delightful lunch’. It also extended an invite to return the favour referring to the photograph ‘This will show you the east south sides of this place including our own house – I hope it won’t be long before you and your husband visit us here.’ Note the two ladies in their bonnets striding up a quiet, carless Shelburne Road.

Two other postcards were purchased on separate occasions, yet the writer for both was the same pupil from Dean Close.

Sydney Ernest Alford was 12 when he arrived here in Michaelmas 1904 and left at the age of 19. The first postcard was written the year after he arrived and thanks his brother, Allan, who was two years younger, for a model that he had got him.

The second postcard was written in 1910, this time to his brother, Arthur, in which Sydney referred to how cold and draughty the school was which had resulted in him catching a ‘beastly cold’.

Neither Arthur nor Allan came to Dean Close. Allan attended Bristol Grammar School and went on to serve in the Gloucestershire Regiment during WW1. He is commemorated on the Thiepval memorial, having been killed in 1916, aged just 22 years old. Sydney also served in the armed forces. He was awarded the Military Cross and was mentioned in despatches three times. In 1919, he was given an OBE for services in France.

He went on to work for Unilever and died in Suffolk in 1977. Who would have thought that his postcards written home as a young boy would, over one hundred years later, return to the place from which they had been sent?

Our thanks go to Mr John Deighton (Brook 1970), who regularly sends us gifts or gives us warning about items appearing on eBay. His help is greatly appreciated.

WINTER 2023 I FLECKER 33

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

NEWS FROM THE

SCHOOL

On A Level results day, we celebrated the achievements of the class of 2023, acknowledging their accomplishments, diverse paths and unwavering commitment. Amidst challenges, their resilience shines through, showcasing their readiness to embrace the future with confidence and determination.

GCSE results Head, Bradley Salisbury, said: “With the vast majority of our pupils taking 10 qualifications, the challenge of GCSEs is one of both height and breadth. It’s not enough to be good at one subject, candidates are tested across the curriculum. This year, the statistics show just what bright futures this year group have as they pass through one gateway and onto the next.

To add a little more colour to this broad picture, 90% of the pupils achieved at least one grade 7 with 30% achieving at least eight grade 7s. More than 65% of the year group scored a total of 50 points in their best eight subjects, the entry point for some of the most competitive schools in the county.

Head, Bradley Salisbury, said: “Amidst fine margins, 21 out of 89 pupils secured a remarkable three A grades or more, providing access to almost any university course in the UK. Alongside the traditional applications through UCAS, it has been great to see students taking up places in the US, Hong Kong, on aircraft pilot courses, with contracts in professional sport and degree apprenticeships. By 8am this morning, over 90% of applicants had received or accepted firm offers from universities, standing as a testament to their meticulous planning and unwavering commitment.

“As a school that values every individual's journey, our results may vary slightly from year to year due to the unique composition of each

34 FLECKER I WINTER 2023

cohort. While acknowledging the challenges faced by this year's group – a cohort that did not sit GCSE exams in 2021 and thus missed out on that vital exam experience – we also recognise their determination and resilience in overcoming these hurdles. We had been told to expect a 20% swing back from the COVID years, which saw us with around 80% of grades from A* to B. This year’s cohort are currently sitting with 63% of this year’s grades from A* to B, before any adjustments.

“On results day, the focus is on exams, but all of us who know these individuals well can take a step back and see the battles they have won through a highly unusual secondary school experience and how well they are equipped for all that it is to come."

In addition to the whole year group scores there were eight pupils who gained at least eight grade 9s and three of our pupils are ‘centurions’, securing more than 100 points across all of their exams. We should not be ashamed of excellence when we see it and this is it, in GCSE form.”

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Equestrianism The Equestrian Team has had a number of successful events this year including winning performances in the Foundation Jumping event, County Dressage and Hickstead Jumping Show continuing Dean Close’s winning streak.

Hockey Our Hockey successes have carried into this year with the U18 girls gaining Bronze at this year’s National Finals beating Epsom College in the 3rd Place Playoff (3-2). Such a great achievement for these hockey girls.

An absolutely amazing time spent with our generous friends at SC80, Frankfurt. A joy to see five Old Decanians and lots of parents, and to be supported by the Dean Close Head and Mrs Salisbury.

WINTER 2023 I FLECKER 35

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Rosslyn Park The pupils of Dean Close School travelled down to Rosslyn Park to participate in the annual rugby 7s tournament. The students had been preparing for a while, honing their skills in the hopes of taking home the coveted championship.

The U18s team started their campaign with confidence, winning all their pool games with ease. The team was in high spirits, and the players showed their class and skill throughout the tournament.

However, they faced a setback in the playoffs when they came up against King Edward’s, Oxford. Despite their best efforts, the U18s were knocked out of the tournament, but they held their heads high, knowing that they had given it their all.

The U14s team started their matches a day after the U18s and had a tough start to their campaign in arguably the toughest

pool of the competition. They won the same number of games as the pool winners, but didn't progress to playoffs on a points difference, which was a disappointment to the team. However, they continued to put up a good fight and showed excellent sportsmanship. They lost the pools to a formidable Eton team, who eventually won the tournament. Although the U14s were knocked out of the tournament, they learned valuable lessons from their experience and emerged stronger as a team.

The U16s team arrived at Rosslyn Park on the final day of the tournament, ready to take on the competition. The team started strong, winning all their pool games and showing great teamwork and skill on the field. However, their playoff match against RJS High Wycombe proved to be a challenging one. With time running out, the

U16s were in the lead, but in the last play of the game, RJS High Wycombe managed to score a last-gasp try, knocking the U16s out of the competition.

Despite the setbacks and disappointments faced by the teams, they remained resilient, determined and showed great sportsmanship throughout the tournament. The players from Dean Close School demonstrated their love for rugby and played their hearts out, leaving everything on the field. The memories and lessons learned from the tournament will stay with the players for a long time to come, and they will continue to work hard to achieve their goals in the future.

Netball Our U18s travelled down to Collegiate School for their annual 7s Tournament, welcoming netball teams from across the region. The sun shone and spectators enjoyed some excellent matches throughout the day.

Well done to Nuala (Hatherley L6th) who was awarded player of the tournament, with Team Bath and Team Wales Bethan Dyke presenting her with the prize.

Basketball

It was the inaugural season for the Basketball team with a close fought match against Wycliffe.

36 FLECKER I WINTER 2023

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Athletics The School's annual Sports Day took place on a sunny Tuesday afternoon. School records tumbled and reputations enhanced, but it was the contribution and commitment of the pupils that really shone through.

The winners were Hatherley and Dale, with the following records being broken this year: Henry (Field Remove) - (JB) 1500m replaced Jac (Tower Fifth Form) Henry (Field Remove) - (JB) 300m replaced Thomas (Tower Fifth Form) Elinor (Hatherley Fifth Form) - (JG) 100m replaced Anna Glover (Fawley 2009) Ellie (Shelburne Fifth Form) - (JG) 300m replaced Rebecca (Hatherley Fifth Form) Dale House - (JB) 4 x 100m replaced Dale (2010)

Rugby

Chapel Centenary The U14As won their first EDF Cup final against Sir Thomas Rich's School, who had won the trophy in the previous four years. Dean Close remained unbeaten and emerged as champions in a fiercely contested final, defeating Tommy's with a score of 22-12 at Kingsholm. The atmosphere was electric as the match kicked off, with a large number of both schools' supporters drumming up huge encouragement for their teams.

Members of each House supported One Hundred Hours of Prayer to celebrate the centenary of our School Chapel. The Dean Close Chapel team have done a fantastic job engaging so many of the community in the different forms prayerfulness might take.

WINTER 2023 I FLECKER 37

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Disguised Decanian

We were thrilled to host this year's 'Disguised Decanian' in aid of Cancer Research UK, raising almost £2,000 in donations and ticket sales on the night.

Presenters for the evening were Charlie Harris (Brook Court 2023) and Jamie Treatman-Clark (Brook Court 2023), labelled as the new ‘Ant and Dec’. The final votes were counted whilst we were treated to a beautiful interval duet from Sixth Formers Alastair Klemz (Field 2023) and Chloe Murphy (Fawley 2023) who performed a spine-tingling version of Lovely by Billie Eilish. The winners of the night were announced as 'The Kung Fu Fighters', with their playful yet vocally great rendition of the Girls Aloud song, Something Kinda Ooooh!

Coronation Lunch A lunch was held in the Senior School Dining Hall to celebrate the accession of King Charles III to the throne.

The catering team did the fantastic job they always do, decorating the dining hall with Union Jack bunting and napkins, to create a memorable day for all staff and pupils.

38 FLECKER I WINTER 2023

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Music Tour to Italy Celebration of Music Music scholars took to the Centenary Hall in a brilliant display of Dean Close’s musical excellence. The celebration included pupils from Year 3 to Upper Sixth displaying the incredible breadth of musical talent from across the Foundation.

Under the radiant Italian sun, a group of 38 students and staff embarked on a meticulously planned Easter Music tour to the enchanting region of Tuscany, Italy. The action-packed, five-day itinerary saw students perform choral and instrumental concerts in Siena and Montecatini, as well as visiting a school in Lucca to perform to an enthusiastic audience of secondary music students.

RocSoc returned with a bang!

Advent Concert The Dean Close School Advent Concert was an evening of beautiful musical song, dance and performance, in the wonderful setting of The Bacon Theatre, leaving everyone that enjoyed the show with a spring in their steps and parting ways full of festive spirit. The concert’s theme, 'Music for Theatre', showcased the dramatic and musical talents of our students with massed choirs, orchestra, big band, dancers and some stand out soloists performing pieces drawn from Musical Theatre and opera.

The Dean Close School annual RocSoc Music Concert provided the School community with an opportunity to play alternative music covering a wide and diverse range of styles.

This year there were pupils singing and playing music from the Foo Fighters, Van Halen, Taylor Swift, Harry Styles songs and even a disco arrangement of Beethoven 5, to name but a few. We were even treated to a taste of Mandarin rock music, with popular Chinese songs Goodbye and Countdown performed by some of our International Boarding pupils.

WINTER 2023 I FLECKER 39

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Commemoration of Benefactors at Tewkesbury Abbey

This year, our service was introduced by Charles Whitney, School Historian and self-supporting Minister at Tewkesbury Abbey, and we were blessed to have Hugh Palmer, Rector of All Souls, give our address. Overall, the atmosphere in the Abbey was one of jubilance and the choir were particularly spectacular, with the combined voices of Dean Close Chapel Choir, the DCPS Jubilate Choir and the Schola Cantorum.

40 FLECKER I WINTER 2023

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Speech Day 2023 Speech Day is always a major highlight in the Dean Close calendar, and this year was especially special. We began the day with our annual Leaver’s Service, an opportunity to say our farewells to the Class of 2023 in the All Saints Memorial Chapel. Instead of an outside speaker, this year we heard from Chloe Murphy (Fawley 2023) on the topic of mental health, whose story and openness were truly inspirational.

The Quad Run was won by Alistair Klemz (Field 2023) in a close fought race with Toby Pendle (Gate 2023). There were also fairground rides outside the marquee, adding huge

amounts of fun to the day for those of all ages. On the whole, the day was the perfect example of the strength of the Dean Close Community.

WINTER 2023 I FLECKER 41

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Our Country’s Good Lloyd Allington's last production, Our Country's Good, was a thought-provoking work that examined the transformative power of theatre in the face of adversity. The performances in this production were outstanding, particularly from Iris (Shelburne U6th) and Will (Tower U6th), who played the leading roles of Liz Morden and Ralph Clark, respectively.

Allington's direction was masterful, creating a sense of intimacy and immediacy that drew the audience into the world of the play. It was a powerful and moving production, which showcased the talents of the cast and crew: a testament to the enduring power of theatre to inspire, uplift and transform.

42 FLECKER I WINTER 2023

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Cycle to Uganda Pupils raised money for Uganda in the Senior School by cycling the distance from the UK to Uganda on a static exercise bike.

Over £2,000 was raised in sponsorship to help with Nyakatukura Memorial Secondary School in Uganda, a School that Dean Close has sponsored, fundraised and visited over the last 12 years.

Thank you so much for the huge effort by the pupils and the kind donations by parents, friends and family.

It is 30 years since the Pre-Preparatory School opened its doors to 12 young children, aged 4 to 7 years, and we are delighted to celebrate just how much we have grown and developed since then! When the School started there were only three members of staff teaching three classes and the original Pre-Preparatory School buildings were at the back of the Prep School. We are now so fortunate to have a wonderful purpose-built building that gives us bespoke space and facilities and a school of 150 pupils!

DCPPS turns 30!

To celebrate our birthday, pupils and staff at the Squirrels decided to celebrate their 30th birthday with 30 different activities or events during the year, beginning with a day of party activities.

WINTER 2023 I FLECKER 43

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Flash Mob

other side of the room. Pupils did not know where to look, as dancers sprung up all around them! In total, some 30 staff members took part in a well-kept secret, flash mob dance.

Teachers surprised pupils with an impromptu dance number to Bruno Mars' Uptown Funk!

Organiser, Music teacher and Housemistress, Ciara Allen, said: “We just wanted to inject a bit of fun into school during the dark and cold days of winter. It was great fun to organise and our pupils were stunned to see their teachers show some moves! A big thank you goes to Amy, our choreographer, and all the staff involved who really gave it their all.”

Just another lunchtime at Dean Close School? Not really ... as pupils were tucking into their Italian-styled lunch, they were alerted to the sound of bashing trays and then the booming beat of Uptown Funk.

Suddenly teachers on the top table jumped to their feet, facing the diners, and broke into synchronised dance routine. Shortly after, more staff jumped up and joined in the routine across the

If you would like to see the Flash Mob in action, please scan the QR Code:

DCS Hockey Nationals Dean Close U16 Girls beat Repton to win the Indoor National Hockey Finals.

Dean Close U16 Girls’ Indoor squad travelled to Repton for the National Indoor Finals. After an overnight stay in Burton and an early morning run, the girls were ready and excited for the first match.

The first game for Dean Close was against the home side, Repton. In a cagey match, where both sides had good chances, and Goalkeeper Sophie (Mead L6th) was outstanding, with three minutes to go the score was 0.0.

Unfortunately, a couple of mistakes were capitalised on by Repton, and Repton won the match 2.0. This meant that Dean Close needed to win their next two matches to have a chance of a semi-final place.

The first of these matches was against Scarborough College.

Dean Close started to knit their play together and Fluff (Mead L6th) scored a good goal, with Caitlin (Hatherley L6th) securing the win with an excellent short corner. Flo (Hatherley L6th) and Olivia (Hatherley L6th) were superb throughout in defence.

Dean Close then played KES Southampton in the last group match. In a very tight game, both defences and goalkeepers were outstanding. However, Dean Close scored from a short corner from Tessa Schultze-Enden (Former Pupil) three minutes from the end to secure a semi-final place, coming second on goal difference to Repton in the group.

Dean Close played Ipswich in the semi-final and it was an excellent end-to-end match. Dean Close scored first, from Tessa, only for Ipswich to go ahead 2.1 at half time. Dean Close then scored two goals, one from Fluff and one from Tessa to go 3.2 up, only for Ipswich to equalise and send the match to penalty shuffles! Sophie saved the first of Ipswich's shuffles but after three shuffles each the score was 2.2, so we went on to sudden death! Sophie saved the Ipswich attempt and Tessa scored the winner to take Dean Close to the final.

44 FLECKER I WINTER 2023

Dean Close’s opponents in the final were the home side, Repton. As in the first match, a very controlled first half saw Repton go ahead after only two minutes, only for Fluff to equalise with a superb goal after four minutes. Tessa then put Dean Close 2.1 ahead after eight minutes and the score was 2.1 at half time. The second half was a controlled display from the Dean Close players, with all the girls performing outstandingly in defence, keeping the score to 2.1. The final whistle and a National Indoor Title for the first time for Dean Close brought mass celebrations.

What an achievement from an amazingly talented bunch of girls!

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Audition success for Marceau Congratulations to Marceau (Dale Fifth Form), who has successfully passed an audition to attend the jazz stream of the Junior Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. Playing alto and sometimes tenor sax, he will continue to study jazz theory, combo playing and improvisation.

Marceau is a music scholar at Dean Close School, studying saxophone with Mr Hooley, and he also takes piano lessons and has recently started to learn flute. Marceau enjoys playing with the Jazz Band, Concert Band and jazz combo, and outside of school, he plays with the Gloucestershire Youth Jazz Orchestra, where he's performed at the Cheltenham and Upton jazz festivals and other regional events.

Marceau said, "I'm really excited to start playing at the Conservatoire and I've already met some great musicians."

Spring Concert 156 musicians packed into the beautiful Pittville Pump Room for a musical extravaganza.

Trio were followed by Mozart's darkly dazzling Great Mass in C Minor.

Over 100 singers and 56 orchestral players raised the roof in the Pittville Pump Room for the Dean Close Music Department's Spring Concert.

The evening was a beautiful display of exceptional vocal and instrumental talent in the beautiful surroundings of the Grade I listed building standing at the northern end of Pittville Lawn – the last and largest of the spa buildings to be built in Cheltenham.

Strauss, Puccini, Tellemann's viola concerto and Brahms' Horn

WINTER 2023 I FLECKER 45

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

MFL Lecture

As part of the weekly Language Hub lecture series, the MFL/Classics departments hosted Bath University MFL and Politics lecturers to talk to Sixth Form and Fifth Form pupils.

Expanding our Chaplaincy Team

Dr Milena Romano, International Politics Professor, gave a very pertinent and interesting mini lecture on ‘Europe Today: Society, Challenges and Questions’.

Enrico Cecconi, Italian Professor and Head of Admissions for Bath University MFL, gave his customary engaging Italian taster lesson: "Un giorno in Italia. Piacere, mi presento." He concluded with an explanation of language course options at Bath.

Chris Hooper, organiser, commented: "As a Bath University French and Italian graduate myself, it was great to see Enrico and Milena enthusing our students about languages and politics and to welcome Enrico and Bath University back to Dean Close. This is a university link that we have fostered for several years, and we look forward to our students working on other projects with the Bath University Modern Languages department."

Lydia Coniam (Mead 2023) MFL pupil, said: "It was brilliant to have to opportunity to hear about a language and culture very few of us in the group had studied before.

Milena’s talking was engaging and encouraged us all to think about the constantly evolving political situation in Europe whilst reminding us of our own role in making changes. Enrico’s enthusiasm was infectious, and I greatly enjoyed the chance to learn even a small taster of Italian. Thank you to both for a great talk!"

46 FLECKER I WINTER 2023

After the departure of our Chaplain, John Ash (Former Staff), who moved on to serve in the New Forest, we re evaluated our Chaplaincy programme at Dean Close. The community's desire for deeper spiritual support led us to expand our Chaplaincy team. We welcomed the Rev’d Ian Gulland as the new Senior Chaplain and the Rev’d Alice Monaghan as the Associate Chaplain. Ian, formerly the Rector of Padstow in Cornwall, brings a diverse background with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and a passion for sports and adventure. He and his family have integrated well into the Dean Close Community. Alice joins us with 10 years' experience as School Chaplain at Westonbirt. She originally trained as an Architect before following God's call to ordination. She now lives in Churchdown where her husband is a Vicar.

Ian oversees Chaplaincy at Dean Close School, while Alice focuses on DCPS and DCPPS, both providing support for Christian worship and activities across the Foundation.

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Hatherley Soirée In the Michaelmas Term, Hatherley hosted their traditional celebration of The Arts, in the form of an evening Soirée. The House was filled with paintings and sculptures by the talented girls, and those doing Food Preparation and Nutrition and Leiths laid on a delicious spread of sweet and savoury canapes. Later in the evening, we enjoyed a series of performances from the pupils, including an instrumental medley of music from the film La La Land, some Close Harmony singing, Irish dancing, popular and classical songs and a drama performance. The evening came to a close with a short video from the House Upper Sixth, as the Soirée traditionally marks the beginning of their farewell to us all. It was a delightful evening and remains Mrs Milne's favourite day of the year!

WINTER 2023 I FLECKER 47

OLD DECANIAN

EVENTS SPEECH DAY MATCH VS THE SCHOOL 1ST XI – 24 JUNE 2023

By James Humphreys (Field 2020)

2022~23

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

The ODs returned to School on a warm summer’s day ready to catch up with old friends and share stories about times together at Dean Close, on and off the sports field.

finished unbeaten on 32 N.O. Throughout the pair’s partnership, the ODs began to show fatigue and the run rate began to accelerate at a worrying rate. This allowed the School XI to finish on an impressive 199-7.

As always, the ground staff had prepared a pitch which looked true as ever and after winning the toss, the School XI elected to bat first. The ODs got off to a good start with ball in hand and were rewarded with Oscar Newcombe (Dale 2019) picking up an early wicket thanks to a great catch from Jack Hamilton (Field 2020) at mid-off. After an energetic and entertaining spell of bowling from Oliver Smart (Dale 2020) and Jake Melville-Smith (Field 2019), the ODs picked up a couple more quick wickets which piled the pressure on the School XI. Further wickets from James Schubach (Field 2020), Leo England (Dale 2020) and Paddy Benson (Dale 2021) alongside some acrobatic fielding from Freddie Thomas (Field 2020) and Matty Jones (Tower 2020) provided the ODs with some stability throughout the middle overs.

However, it was evident that the School XI had been working hard at their fitness, as Jack Thorn (Gate 2023) cruised to a fine 96 and was neatly supported by Charlie Watkins (Field 2023) at the other end who

After a lovely lunch provided by the Dean Close catering staff and a few photographs, the School XI carried on their fine form into their opening overs with the ball in hand. After a very tight opening spell of bowling the ODs were held to 17-0 after 5 overs. This led to the wickets of James Hunt (Dale 2019) and Jack Hamilton looking for a big shot to try and break the infield. A quick 19 and 20 from James Humphreys (Field 2020) and Archie Benson (Dale 2019) brought the ODs back into the game and when Nick Schubach (Field 2022) came to the crease and confidently struck an elegant 34 runs, the game was in the balance.

However, another impressive spell of bowling from the School XI and some clever wicket-keeping from Charlie McKinnes (Dale 2023) meant the ODs fell short of the total and finished with a respectable 153-9.

48 FLECKER I WINTER 2023

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!

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

OD CRICKET WEEK 2023

By Anthony Thompson (Dale House 1996) On Wednesday 5 July, the ODs played the Gloucestershire Gipsies CC competing for the Dr John Andrews Trophy in a fixture that has regularly been played since the 1940s. The Gypsies hit a 4 off the penultimate ball to win the Cup for the first time since 2017, after close draws in the last 2 years.

Captained for the first time by Anthony Thompson, the ODs were asked to bat first by the Gypsies on a grey yet dry morning and made 69 for the first wicket, despite some challenging swing bowling, but were then restricted to 165-7 (Jack Thorn 41, Keith Hemshall 44) before some excellent hitting by Charlie Watkins (61) and a 4 by Giles Barton in his first game since leaving school 25+ years ago, which allowed a competitive OD declaration of 232-9 from 51 overs.

A steady opening partnership took the Gypsies to 62-1 at tea. Freddie Thomas playing for the Gypsies crafted 35 runs, before Gypsie Man of the Match Benny Ellis then made 75. At 144-4 came a match-winning partnership of 80 between Joe Stevens (71no) and Matt Aldridge (18) leaving 7 needed from the last over and 2 off 2 balls and the Gypsies finally nudged home in 52.5 overs with a 4 off the penultimate ball to win.

The pick of the OD bowlers were Alex Oliver with 3-56 off 15 overs alongside Jack Thorn 1-69, who also bowled 15 overs and it was thanks to their efforts that the match remained so close right to the end.

Thanks go to Ian Mchardie-Jones (Umpire) and Geoffrey Trett (Scorer) as well as the Dean Close Ground staff and the School caterers who as always provided a marvellous lunch, tea and BBQ that was 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 Trophy to Gypsies Captain Dr Paul Craig.

On to Friday 7 July and The OD President's Day was blessed for the third year running with beaming sunshine and 22 players excited to ideally bat first on a used pitch. With the veterans of the team Charlie Knightley and Chris Townsend stuck in traffic (most likely talking about Charlie amazingly winning the over 50s World Cup), the ODs won the

toss and elected to bat to ensure the breakfast spread was available to any latecomers!

Jack Thorn took to attacking the 45 overs with some lovely shots, scoring 21 in the first 5 overs with Nawaz Mucadam scoring a quick-fire 18. Opener Keith Hemshall continued to rotate the strike for new bat Mike Abbley to push the run rate along. Their 140 partnership was broken in the 35th over after Abbley hitting an incredible 107! Hemshall followed shortly after for 48 and a 30* from Knightley ensured the ODs ended with a respectable 272-6 off 45 overs. Daryl Williams was the pick of the bowlers with 4-25.

On to the second innings and Jack Thorn and Rob Kinder led the attack bowling quickly and accurately, removing the two opening batsmen both for 0 and Chris Townsend bowled 9 overs, taking 3-29 off 9 to ensure the visitors were only on 120-4 at the 25 over stage. The nemesis from 2022, Wade Risdale, went about increasing the rate supported by the Dumbleton overseas Ted Bachelor. With the game slipping away with a 100 partnership, Wade was trapped LBW leaving the President's XI needing 30 off 4 overs with 4 wickets left. With some strong support from the lower order, Ted managed to see the team home with a few balls to spare and 101* to his name and ensuring the Presidents XI won by 4 wickets. A fabulous knock which led to a lovely BBQ with both teams sharing memories of previous years and seeing friends after many years. A true testament to what OD Cricket Week is all about.

Special thanks to the catering team, the two umpires and two scorers who did a great job. A huge congratulations to Charlie Knightley for leading England Over 50s to a World Cup win in South Africa. What an achievement…

Those who played in the week for the Old Decanians: J.Thorn (Gate 2023), K.Hemshall (Gate 1985), A.Powell (Tower 2023), A.Thompson (Dale 1996), G.Barton (Dale 1995), A.Hume (Dale 2002), C.McKinnes (Dale 2023), A.Oliver (Dale 2022), G.Lane (Tower 1998), C.Watkins (Field 2023), N.Mucadam (Field 2001), M.Abbley (Field 2013), C.Knightley (Dale 1990), G.Curry (Tower 2001), R.Kinder (Dale 2001), C.Townsend (Dale 1990), N.Anderson (Dale 2001) and M.Shayle (Dale 2000).

WINTER 2023 I FLECKER 49

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING 2023 A wonderful day of clay pigeon shooting was enjoyed by our Dean Close Community at Ian Coley’s new sporting facilities, in June 2023. There was a range of abilities from people who had never shot before, to experienced marksmen who didn’t miss any clays. It was a great day, finishing with a lovely lunch and presentation.

MEAD HOUSE REUNION A spectacular day for the Mead House Reunion 2023, it was an honour to welcome former Heads, former pupils, current staff and current pupils to reminisce altogether – and unveil a very special Heads of House board. Thank you to all those who attended, making it such a special, memorable day.

50 FLECKER I WINTER 2023

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

IAN FERGUSON'S SERVICE OF THANKSGIVING On Friday 26 May, the service of thanksgiving for Ian Ferguson was held. Ian served as DCPS Headmaster from 1981–97 and began first as a member of staff at the School in 1970. The Dean Close Community joined together to celebrate and share their memorable occasions whilst reflecting on what a wonderful Headmaster Ian was. Thank you to our amazing catering team for all their hard work and service.

SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE On Saturday 3 December 2022, the Dean Close Community enjoyed drinks and canapes together before enjoying the School production of Shakespeare in Love. The performance ran for two nights, and it was absolutely brilliant – the feedback received was phenomenal. A big thank you to Lloyd Allington, the Drama department, the Bacon Theatre Team, and all involved in making it such a successful event.

WINTER 2023 I FLECKER 51

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

GREAT GATSBY PERFORMANCE IN LONDON

Well done to the amazing team behind this remarkable performance! Thank you to all Old Decanians who came to watch and support The Great Gatsby in Covent Garden. What an incredible performance and it was so lovely to see so many of you there.

Congratulations to our ODs Amy Porter (Hatherley 2016) and Gabbie Sills (Shelburne 2018) for all their hard work and organisation.

Trevor Snow (former Head of Languages and Head of Hockey at Dean Close School between 1965-75) invited his fellow 1st Xl hockey players to a Hockey Reunion last Thursday 16 February here in the School. Twenty guests had a wonderful time reuniting and reminiscing with a tour of the School. This was followed by a Warwick vs Dean Close boys’ match – a 3-0 win to Dean Close!

As per Trevor’s wish, there was an emphasis on The Denys Carnill Award.

52 FLECKER I WINTER 2023

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

FUTURES EVENING We welcomed nine Old Decanians back to Hatherley to give an insight into their futures.

The ladies spoke about their pathways and careers since leaving School and gave their advice to current Hatherley pupils. It was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended.

Thank you to those girls who gave their time and effort.

BRILLANT MINDS

with Chemmy Alcott and Danny Mullins

We had the honour of welcoming Chemmy Alcott (Former World Cup Alpine Ski Racer) and Danny Mullins (National Champion Hunt Jockey) to Dean Close to speak about the power of sport addressing courage and fears. It was the start of our Brilliant Minds series, which involved the whole Dean Close Community.

Our guests were interviewed by our Head (Bradley Salisbury) in the Bacon Theatre, followed by a lovely drinks reception and amazing bowl food in Dean Close House, where everyone had the chance to speak with our guests one on one.

WINTER 2023 I FLECKER 53

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

DEAN CLOSE SIXES

A superb day of hockey for DCS Sixes tournament, winning all pool matches, losing to Malvern College on penalty flicks in the final.

Congratulations to Malvern College on retaining the trophy for the second consecutive year.

TOP SECRET On Tuesday 10 October, the Development Team took members of our Dean Close Community with their passports and MI6 passes to a top-secret brunch of thanks at The Nook in Cheltenham, followed by attending The Life of a Spy event at the Literature Festival. It was enjoyed by all.

HONG KONG VISIT In October, Emma Taylor (The Warden/CEO) and Rebecca Chaplin (Director of Admissions) met with the Dean Close Community in Hong Kong.

Over 40 guests reunited with each other, including Old Decanians, current, former and prospect parents. It was lovely to have the Dean Close Community all together. A heartfelt thank you to David and Irma Chin for hosting the evening.

We look forward to our next visit to Hong Kong.

Feedback from the Dean Close Community included: “Thank you for coming to Hong Kong this time, giving us the opportunity to get together and feel the warmth of the Dean Close family again.”

“We had a wonderful evening meeting with Emma and Rebecca. It was lovely to connect with some Old Decanians as well.”

54 FLECKER I WINTER 2023

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

CAPTURING PURE JOY AS THE CLASSES OF 1973 AND 1986 REUNITE On Speech Day, we welcomed back the classes of 1973 and 1986. Witnessing everyone coming together was truly heartening. The photo collections for both reunions speak volumes. We look forward to many more reunions like these.

Feedback: “There were people I was very close to who I hadn’t seen for 50 years and yet within minutes it was like old times … magical.”

“I must confess that I was slightly apprehensive about the prospect of meeting people whom I haven't seen for 50 years. But I needn't have been, as everyone was clearly so enthusiastic about the day and keen to make it work. The catering was excellent and the whole management of the day could not be faulted.”

“Thank you so much for everything you did to make Saturday so special. It was a fabulous event, everything was so good – the table, the food, the sweets, the pictures and press cuttings etc. I could go on and on. It was so nice to see the others and to catch up. As we all said, we haven't changed that much ... (although we have)!”

The Headmaster from 1973, Christopher Turner (Former Staff 1979), flanked by several leavers from that year, L to R, Nick Coe (Field 1972), Juliet Bailey (1973), Chris Pomfret (Field 1973), Phil Leopold (Field 1973) and Richard Launchbury (Field 1973)

√

Chris Pomfret (Field 1973) It was a perfect British summer's day as over 30 ODs from the class of ’73 gathered on Big Field over Commemoration weekend to celebrate 50 years since leaving Dean Close School. It was poignant, and reflective of students’ good memories of their time at Dean Close, that some 40% of leavers from 1973 returned for this special occasion. Some of the attendees had not seen each other since leaving the School but conversations were vibrant. It was also wonderful to see the Headmaster from the time, Christoper Turner, make the journey from Wiltshire to be with the group. The OD Office, namely Alex Hume and Natalie Norman, did a super job to make everyone feel welcome and provided an excellent champagne lunch.

Following some walks around the School reminiscing of how things were back in the’70s, while seeing the progress and many changes that have occurred, strawberries and cream were served with Pimms back on Big Field as the 1st XI vs ODs cricket match drew to a close. The group were adamant that a repeat reunion should be planned for 2033 but the timescale was quickly amended to 5 years, given that, already, we are all approaching 70.

WINTER 2023 I FLECKER 55

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

OD GOLF VS THE SCHOOL 2023 The ODGS played the School in September … ending in a dramatic draw.

CLOSE COMMUNITY GOLF DAY We held our annual Close Community Golf Day at Cotswold Hills Golf Club in August 2023. We were joined by current and former pupils, parents and staff in teams of four.

Overall winner, and winner of the President’s Trophy, was Jago Keyter with 42 points, closely followed by Deidre Thomson (Current Parent) with 41 points.

Overall team winners were Greg D’Ambrosio, Dan D’Ambrosio (Dale 2013), Don D’Ambrosio (Former Parent) and Josh Chaplin (Dale 2013) for the second consecutive year.

Closest to the Pin (9th) – Alex Hume (Dale 2002).

Longest drive (16th) winners were James Foster (Current Staff) and Teresa Donohue.

56 FLECKER I WINTER 2023

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

THE SPA TROPHY OLD CHELTONIANS VS ODGS AT WEST HILL GOLF CLUB Unfortunately, another loss against the old enemy at the beautiful West Hill Golf Club in July. Alex Hume (Dale 2002) and Andy Whitford (Dale 2018) were the first Dean Close pairing to tee off, with Andy in great form, pretty much hitting every fairway and green in regulation, which brought about a 3&1 win. The second group of Dale Mullins (Court 1977) and Alastair Carroll (Court 1984) in a tight match just got edged 2&1. Harry Brook (Field 2019) and Tim Lawrence (Field 1976) were beaten 5&2. A great day out with fantastic company. Looking forward to next year.

EDWARD HARRIS CUP AT ROYAL PORTHCAWL GOLF CLUB A WIN FOR THE OLD DECANIAN SOCIETY IN 2023!

The ODGS beat seven other alumni golf societies, the weather and Brecon by a single point to claim the prestigious Edward Harris Cup. The side, made up of Alastair Smith (Field 2003), Jack Ford (Dale 2010), James Ford (Dale 1980), Alastair Carroll (Court 1984), Harry Brookes (Field 2019), Tim Lawrence (Field 1976), Ian Bevan-Jones (Tower 1972) (Captain) and Robert Hornby (Field 1967), played very well in breezy conditions. This is the 5th time that the ODGS have won the trophy, having won it in 2006, 2008, 2015 and 2021. The competition has been running since 1938. We look forward to heading to South Wales next October to try and retain the cup!

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th

Dean Close Brecon Cheltenham Clifton Bromsgrove Malvern Harrow

(123 Points) (122 Points) (119 Points) (115 Points) (114 Points) (113 Points) (109 Points)

WINTER 2023 I FLECKER 57

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

DEVELOPMENT

FUTURES CA M PA I G N

Graham Prime's Legacy BA, BSc It is a great privilege to share with you the news of a generous legacy left by Graham Prime (Field 1963). Graham, who described his time at Dean Close as 'the happiest memories of his formative years' left a legacy of £127,000, which will support the Foundation Awards here at Dean Close School. We are truly grateful.

To read more about this legacy, the Foundation Awards and the Cornerstone Society, visit deanclosefoundation.org.uk/support-us/grahamprime

Your Legacy, Their Future

From one GENERATION to the next

Cornerstone Society Those who pledge a legacy gift to Dean Close School are invited to become a member of the Cornerstone Society.

Member recognition: Invited each year, with their guests, to an annual Cornerstone Society luncheon.

Legacies enable us to provide life-changing educational opportunities to generations of pupils.

Recognised in the Annual Report (if you so wish).

Unlike many other fee-paying schools, we do not have a large endowment from which we can draw, and all improvements and future developments are funded from surpluses and from the support of our community.

Thanked with a small token of appreciation, along with a Cornerstone Society Pin.

Tax efficiency

If you would like to leave a meaningful and enduring legacy for the next generation, please email development@deanclose.org.uk or call 01242 267446. You can also complete the legacy pledge form by scanning here:

All legacies left to Dean Close School are exempt from Inheritance and Capital Gains Tax and your legacy can be directed towards a specific area of interest or left without restriction to allocate to the area with the highest need.

The gift of opportunity A legacy to Dean Close School will create opportunities, inspire minds and shape futures. It's a gift that keeps on giving, providing education and nurturing young talents for generations to come.

If you would like to leave a meaningful and enduring legacy for the next generation, we would be truly grateful. Please call the Development Team to find out more or to discuss this in further detail: 01242 267446.

We are immensely grateful for all the support this year and move into next year with increasing confidence and ambition.

58 FLECKER I WINTER 2023

Join us in leaving a lasting legacy and ensure that Dean Close School remains a beacon of excellence for future generations.

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

A visit to St Paul’s

On Tuesday 14 February, the Development Team took 24 guests to a special lunch of thanks in London, followed by Choral Evensong (sung by our Dean Close Choir) in St Paul’s Cathedral. The sun shone and the choir sang beautifully. Here’s a snippet of the wonderful feedback received...

“A really lovely day enjoyed by both of us, as we met up with a number of other ODs and members of the DCS Community.”

“A most enjoyable day in London for a delicious lunch followed by a beautifully sung Evensong by the Dean Close Choir in St Paul's. A lovely gathering through the age range and thanks for looking after us so well.”

Shaping the ACADEMIC HEART of the School, our 21st Century Campus

The development of a 21st Century Campus is a key element of the Futures Campaign at Dean Close, which is our vision to ensure the School is equipped to provide outstanding education in the decades to come. We are proud to have achieved Phase 1 and Phase 2 of our academic quad redevelopment project and are profoundly grateful to the generous donors who have supported us in this significant enhancement in facilities for our pupils.

We are now focusing on Phase 3 of this vital redevelopment project – to create a wonderful and inspiring centre for the Humanities, providing a lighter, more spacious and creative environment for learning.

The total cost of the Humanities Centre is £2 million – we have identified £1.6 million of internal resources towards this target and have currently secured £70,000 in pledges.

The plans and designs for this work are complete, and to ‘press go’ and schedule the work, we must raise an additional £330,000

by December 2024. Sadly, if we are unable to raise the funds by then, we will have to delay the work. Our ability to raise the required funds hinges on the kindness and active participation of the Dean Close Community, either through donations or by spreading the word as ambassadors.

To find out more, watch a virtual walk-through and view our Humanities brochure by scanning this QR code:

WINTER 2023 I FLECKER 59

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Foundation Awards Creating life-changing opportunities

VR experience On 26 September, we had the pleasure of hosting 65 guests, including ODs, pupils, staff and current parents, all of whom were excited to discover more about our forthcoming Humanities Centre. This new facility promises to bring substantial benefits to the entire Dean Close Community.

Our guests were particularly thrilled by the virtual reality experience, which allowed them to gain an immersive preview of the upcoming Centre. Scan the QR code for your own VR experience!

The aim of the Foundation Awards is to transform the lives of talented young people, giving them the chance to flourish with a Dean Close education.

Particularly intended to support those pupils who can really contribute to School life, take part, and inspire those around them. These awards are means-tested.

n Awards Foundatio

Creating NGING LIFE-CHA ies t i n u t r o p op Create a future educational mefull of mories for a young perso n, today!

RES FUTU IGN CAMPA

DONATIONS WELCOME DONATE TO OU FOUNDATIO R N AWARDS

If you would like to The Foundatio donate to n and transform Awards the world of a youn educational g person, simply scan the QR code:

8

I am grateful for the opportu nities this expe Boarding at rience has give Dean Close has n me. helped me to me for uni. I’ve further mature, been immerse preparing d in a new cultu more indepen re and have beco dent. I have immersed mys me as well as eng elf in my academic aging with the studies school Sustaina speech-giving bilit y group and opportunitie various s. Having this close to my hear platform to talk t has further about issues impassioned carrying this me, and I look skill into futu forward to re careers and Grace ~ Julie interaction.

Kent Foundatione r 20212023

9

SPEAKING FROM THE HEART: Find out more about our Foundation Awards, view the new brochure and listen to two of our recent Foundation pupils, Cherissa and Grace, who speak with Bradley Salisbury and their classmates, about just what a difference the opportunity to attend Dean Close has made to their lives and the whole of the Dean Close Community.

Since 2018, we have funded 10 Foundationers.

60 FLECKER I WINTER 2023

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

An interview with Eve Wheaton (Mead 2023) current Foundationer.

1. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

3. What does the award mean to you?

I am currently in my final year at Dean Close doing History, Politics and Latin A Levels and hoping to go and read History at university. At the end of last year I was chosen to be Head of Mead House, Head of Athletics and part of the HUB committee. All these responsibilities I was chosen for mean so much to me and I am very grateful that Dean Close provided me with the opportunity to do them. I am a keen runner and particularly love doing the athletics sport sessions in Trinity term (I would say they were the highlight of my Lower Sixth).

The award means a significant amount to me, without it I would not be at Dean Close and therefore would not have been able to be part of the caring and supportive community at Dean Close. The award means I have been able to take advantage of all the possible opportunities thrown my way, whether that has been representing Dean Close on the hockey pitch, looking after the juniors as Head of House, speaking in Chapel or entering essay competitions as well as being a member of the Dean Close Senior Bowden Society.

2. Can you share with us how you felt when you first learned that you were selected as a Dean Close Foundationer?

My parents had discussed with me that they had applied for a Foundation Award. I was excited at the prospect of attending Dean Close, but knew it would not be possible without the award. Therefore, hearing I had been selected was both exciting and a relief. It gave me great optimism for the future.

4. How do you believe this Foundation Award has impacted you?

Being at Dean Close makes me really happy.

Through the Foundation Award my confidence has grown, I have discovered new abilities and enjoyed the personalities of different classroom teachings.

5. In what ways has this experience helped you to grow?

I was really pleased with my GCSE results and encouraged to be seen as a potential Oxbridge candidate. Dean Close has grown my academic confidence. In addition, the Christian environment of Chapel and HUB has helped to deepen my Christian faith and express it publicly.

6. What do you believe makes Dean Close’s approach to supporting Foundationers, like yourself, unique or effective?

I really appreciate and enjoy the spirit of Dean Close. I know there are many children receiving bursaries and scholarships, but knowing that previous pupils and even some parents of my own peers, are making my own place at the school possible, makes me feel even more part of the community.

7. What are your future plans and aspirations?

I do not really know what I want to happen in my future, at the moment I am prioritising the present in order to get the best A Level grades I can and excel in all my extra-curricular activities.

8. Is there a message you would like to convey to those who have made the Foundation Awards possible?

Thank you very much for making the chance for me to go to Dean Close possible. I understand that I am only here because of you.

WINTER 2023 I FLECKER 61

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Continuing the remarkable journey of the Denys Carnill Award Our heartfelt gratitude goes to those who generously supported the Denys Carnill Award. The kindness has been greatly appreciated and made a significant difference to the life of recent Foundationer, Cherissa, who benefitted from the award (2018–23).

“Dad would be very honoured to know that this Foundation Award is helping to provide the education and opportunities he so valued, at a school that he loved and was proud to be a part of. We know he would be absolutely delighted!” The Denys Carnill Family It comes with delight to share with you that the prestigious Denys Carnill Award is set to continue its impactful journey for another five years, thanks to the gracious permission granted by Denys’ family.

Skills for the future Back for the future – OD support for Dean Close’s Future Programme Every year, our Futures Department is immensely grateful for the support of our Old Decanian community in sharing their knowledge and experience with our young people. A few weeks ago, we held our now annual Speed Interview Challenge, which saw a number of ODs join DCS parents and partner organisations in a morning of high-intensity speed interviews for all our Upper Sixth, and just before the summer, a number of returning pupils, representing many decades of Dean Close’s alumni and a multiplicity of industries and journeys, took part in a series of OD panels for pupils, contributing a fantastic range of voices to assist in pupils’ decision-making. ODs have helped with work experience in local companies, delivered insight talks across the career sector, and made themselves available for advice from university spring weeks to launching a first start-up.

Join us in making a difference The School is hugely grateful for the benefit this brings our pupils and is always on the lookout for how we can connect your experience to each generation of new Decanian, whether that be through a workshop, a talk, insight event, participating in a careers fair, or just some bespoke advice.

While we are not always able to seize on every opportunity, and may have to find the right moment in what is always a busy school year, we would love to hear if you can support these endeavours via our email futures@deanclose.org.uk.

Upcoming opportunities Please also look out through our communication channels for regular opportunities regarding joining our annual Speed Interviewing Challenge in September, employability workshops in January, Careers Week in March, and our Futures Summer Programme and Remove Work Experience Days in June, to welcome you back for the future once more.

62 FLECKER I WINTER 2023

The 5 Cs – enabling pupils to flourish There are five key skills that run through the heart of all our Dean Close Foundation Schools – collaboration, compassion, critical thinking, communication and creativity, and these are very deeply woven into life within our Schools.

We chose these skills because we believe they will help our pupils to flourish in the widest sense of the word; careers and future employability are vital, but we also want to enable them to be those who continue to show courage and love, and to contribute to their communities long after they have moved on from Dean Close.

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Honouring James Trickey's legacy Pinnacle of innovation:

Dean Close receives prestigious award We are super proud that Dean Close has won the ´Thinking Beyond the Curriculum’ Award (How do schools inspire pupils to think beyond the core and challenge themselves to take their interest in a subject further?) in the 2023 Talk Education Awards for Innovation in Education.

Talk Education said: "We were really keen to make our awards different, and instead of replicating the same old categories you've seen time and time again, we wanted to give space and a platform to schools who are really forging ahead with innovative ideas and initiatives. We were really impressed by your Skills Lab initiative, as well as your new Saturday curriculum in the Prep School, and we are thrilled to be able to help celebrate this."

Dean Close School is proud to announce the establishment of the 'James Trickey Prize' in A Level Music, a heartfelt tribute to a beloved member of the Class of 2010 (Field). This prestigious award will be presented annually on Speech Day, a momentous occasion in the School's calendar. Sue and Paul Trickey, James' parents, said: "We are so pleased that there will be this new award set up in memory of James. It means a lot to us all."

James was more than just a pupil; he was a beacon of inspiration within the School community. With an unwavering passion for music, he left an indelible mark during his time at the School.

The prize seeks to honour James' memory by recognising and celebrating pupils who share his passion and dedication to music.

Each year, this award will acknowledge outstanding achievement in A Level Music, encouraging future generations of musicians to pursue excellence and creativity, just as James did.

Through the 'James Trickey Prize', his legacy will continue to inspire and uplift others, ensuring that his love for music and dedication to the arts remain an integral part of the School tradition.

Hockey scoreboard

Commemoration of Benefactors On Thursday 4 May, we hosted our annual Commemoration of Benefactors Service at Tewkesbury Abbey. Prior to the service, we held a special lunch in Dean Close House to say thank you to those who have so kindly supported the Denys Carnill Award and Julie Kent Foundation Award over the years. Emma Taylor provided an update with regards to the Foundation Awards and interviewed Cherissa about her time at Dean Close as a Foundationer.

“Thank you, it was a lovely occasion and a pleasure to meet Cherissa. Dad would be very happy to have helped someone so deserving.” Sally Kenward “I think the whole day showed what a good community we/you are.”

Thanks to the incredible funds we received, we were able to enhance the hockey sporting facilities, with our new electronic scoreboard. The generosity of our donors really allowed for an overall improvement and experience for both our players and supporters – the scoreboard is set to bring a new level of excitement and engagement to all our matches.

WINTER 2023 I FLECKER 63

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

OLD DECANIAN

OBITUARIES Roll of Remembrance 2022 -23

64 FLECKER I WINTER 2023

Forename

Last Name

House

Class of

John

Avery

Gate

1944

Thornton

Blyth

Gate

1962

Christopher

Bullingham

Brook

1968

Ross

Cole

Tower

1958

Bridget

Crawshaw

Staff DCJS

1974-1991

Michael

Davey

Brook

1954

Ian

Ferguson

Staff DCJS

1972-1981; Headmaster 1981-1997

Gordon

Heaton-Jones

Field

1977

John

Herbert

Tower

1958

Jeremy

Hicks

Field

1970

Patrick

House

Gate

1948

Michael

Howells

Tower

1957

John

Lewis

Brook

1942

Simon

Newman

Walton Court

1955

David

Padfield

Field

1987

John

Postlethwaite

Brook

1951

David

Renfrew

Brook

1956

Derek

Reynolds

Gate

1946

Peter

Russell-Sienesi

Brook

1950

John

Siddall

Brook

1946

Michael

Stock

Brook

1952

Norman

Tricks

Brook

1945

Diana

Walkley

Staff DCJS

1995-1999

Karen

Whitton

Staff DCPPS

2006-2023

David

Yorke

Tower

1948

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

John Charles Mark AVERY (Gate 1944) Died 3 January 2023, aged 94.

John Charles Mark Avery was born on 26 November 1928 in Stroud, Gloucester.

He attended Dean Close from 1942 to 1944 during the War years. At the time he was in Gate House, overseen

by Mr Tuckwell. He could remember being taken up Leckhampton Hill with the other boys from the School for safety one day as they watched a handful of German bombers target the town in broad daylight. When the War ended, John’s family moved to Oxfordshire and his father became a hotelier and garage owner.

John, being smitten by motor bikes from an early age, became an apprentice mechanic for his father until he was conscripted into the Army in 1946. He was stationed at Bordon in Hampshire, where he became a Sergeant Motor Cycle Instructor.

After finishing his National Service, John’s father set him up in a small garage in Oxford selling motor cycles, where he started to develop an enthusiasm for competition.

At that time in the early 1950s, BSA was Europe’s leading motor cycle manufacturer and they recognised John’s capabilities and took him on as one of their main riders in Motorcross or, as it was to become known, Scrambling. John went on to win all the events of national importance and was the first British rider to win a Grand Prix abroad: the Swedish GP and then the British GP in 1952.

The British motor cycle industry was at its peak at this time and John had become a well-known name and well respected in his sport. In 1955, he married Janet (his wife for 64 years) and he continued to travel abroad to compete until 1956 when his son was born, who also attended Dean Close in the 1970s.

He eventually retired from Motorcross after having a bad accident at the Berkshire Grand National but

continued to run his motor cycle business, which he loved and diversified into cars when the British motor cycle industry all but collapsed in the mid-to-late 1960s. He had two daughters in the late 1950s and mid-1960s and settled as a family man, but developed a new enthusiasm for competition when, in the late 1960s, he discovered water skiing and went on to win the British Senior Salom Skiing Championships in 1970.

He also loved Freemasonry and was presented with Grand Rank for his devotion and ability by Prince Michael of Kent. John had a great sense of humour and from the mid-1980s to 2004 hosted the Victory Reunion dinner in Meriden which was a reunion dinner for all the old greats from motor cycling.

It was held near the old Triumph Factory and through his popularity and organisation skills built the attendance from 18 to just over 110 people including the likes of Jeff Duke OBE Grand Prix road racing World Champion.

Charity would always be in his mind and he would encourage the guests to donate to the spinal unit for injured motor cyclists at the Stoke Manderville Hospital. John moved to Long Hanborough from North Oxford in 1992 and retired. He enjoyed time with the grandchildren especially teaching them to ride a small motor cycle in the field next door.

Although he liked to do his own thing, he was a loyal family man, a practical man who loved the challenges that life brought him which he tackled and overcame right up to the end. He would often mention his time at Dean Close and his life in Cheltenham with his parents at their house in Pittville Circus in the 1930s and 1940s.

Written by Mark Avery, John’s son.

WINTER 2023 I FLECKER 65

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Thornton William BLYTH (Gate 1962) Died 4 October 2022, aged 77.

Thornton Blyth passed away peacefully on 4 October 2022 aged 77, suffering from Parkinson’s and vascular dementia.

After leaving Dean Close School, he went back to work and later managed the family farm in Devizes and oversaw changes in what was farmed and also recognising the need to develop parts of the farm which would allow him to retire just before turning 60.

Away from the family farm, in his early years he was an active member of the Young Farmers’ Club; he jointly set up a pig group to support buying feed and selling their pigs. He was a member of Devizes Lion's Club for over 30 years, where he became President as well as keeping active through playing golf and badminton. He also had a love of music and enjoyed singing in a local choir which ensured he was always busy, even in retirement.

He leaves behind his wife of over 50 years, Heather, who he met in the Young Farmers’ Club, his son, Adrian, and two grandchildren, Milly and Poppy, who all live on the family farm.

Written by Adrian Blyth, son of Thornton William Blyth.

Edward Christopher BULLINGHAM (Brook 1968) Died 22 April 2023, aged 71.

We will be including an obituary for Chris in the next edition of the Flecker magazine.

Ross Noden COLE (Tower 1958) Died 16 July 2023, aged 82.

Ross was born on 12 November 1940 in Gloucester to Jack and Peggy Cole. He joined Dean Close Prep School aged 9 in 1950. EJ Langhorne, his Headmaster reported in Ross’ first year at Dean Close Prep that “Ross continues to give his very best in all that he does. He has a charming and friendly disposition”. This aptly summed up Ross for the rest of his life.

Ross was happily married to his wife, Rosanne ,for over 50 years and they had two children, Claire (Mead 1990) and Quentin (Dale 1994), and four grandchildren including Barnaby (currently in Dale).

Ross suffered with poor health from his fifties onwards and received tremendous

66 FLECKER I WINTER 2023

support and care from the NHS over many years. Ross received a kidney donation and transplant from his sister Margaret Cole in 2008. Ross was hugely grateful to Margaret, as were the whole family, as he was able to enjoy many more years of life, see his grandchildren develop and perhaps best of all his family and friends had more time to enjoy his company, wisdom, kindness and generosity.

Ross lived an active, successful and diverse life as a businessman. He learned the menswear trade by spending time in a variety of leading menswear retailers in Europe including Crome & Goldschmidt (a major Department Store in Copenhagen), Simpson’s of Piccadilly,

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

and Dingles of Plymouth. After completing this training he joined the family business; The Famous (Cheltenham) Limited (the business was established by his paternal grandfather A.N. Cole in 1886). Ross spent 53 years at The Famous; 40 of those years as Managing Director.

After leaving Dean Close, Ross maintained his love of learning and continued to be incredibly well read and knowledgeable about geography, history and politics. He spoke both French and Danish almost fluently and loved to travel. He greatly valued and nurtured his friends including those he had made on his travels in Belgium, France, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland and his Old Decanian friends.

Ross provided a wonderful and loving family life - full of big family gatherings, holidays, cooking and time with grandchildren. Ross welcomed people into his family and loved hosting family and friends’ events whether it be

Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve parties or traditional English breakfasts at home. He was proud of his wide repertoire of dishes including his fabulous turkey at Christmas, meticulously prepared gravadlax, wonderful Danish suppers, amazing paellas, and dressed crab; not to mention his special mulled wine and punches.

As a family we would like to say a big thank you to Dean Close for hosting Ross’ Celebration of Life Service. It is a testament to Ross that so many people attended, and it was wonderful to see so many Old Decanians in attendance.

Thank you also for the hundreds of messages of condolence that the family have received. We will leave it to Paddy Edwards (Court 1958) Ross’s best friend to sum up Ross - “The Decanian of Cheltenham - the kindest, most modest, thoughtful and caring person I have ever known - what a privilege to have been a friend”.

.

“The Decanian of Cheltenham - the kindest, most modest, thoughtful and caring person I have ever known - what a privilege to have been a friend”

Bridget CRAWSHAW (Staff DCJS 1974–1991) Died 5 March 2023, aged 91.

Bridget Crawshaw was born in Truro, Cornwall, on 30 March 1931 and passed away on 5 March 2023 after suffering with dementia for a number of years.

In 1952, Bridget got a place in a newly formed physical education college for girls. Lady Mabel College was located in the huge 18thcentury mansion, Wentworth Woodhouse, near Rotherham.

Bridget taught at Colyton Grammar School and High Wych Preparatory School, both in Devon, and then in 1970 moved to Cheltenham and joined DCJS where she taught girls’ games and then with Derek (DCJS staff 1970–1988) took on the running of Fortfield House following a crisis and continuing until their retirement in 1988.

Bridget moved to a small village in Yorkshire in 2000 and, as well as being a talented artist and keen gardener, sang in Ripon Cathedral a few times as part of a local group and painted in the village art club.

She enjoyed village life and was active in the WI and History group, took part in keep fit and learnt to play bowls.

Michael James DAVEY (Brook 1954) Died 24 February 2023, aged 86.

We will be including an obituary for Michael in the next edition of the Flecker magazine.

WINTER 2023 I FLECKER 67

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Ian Frederick Middleton FERGUSON (DCJS Former staff 1972–1981; Headmaster 1981–1997) Died 1 February 2023, aged 86.

There were constants that ran through Ian’s life; the importance of education to inspire confidence in every generation, commitment to those whose lives touched his, a deep desire to serve others, and a Christian faith that was the bedrock of his whole being. His life, however, was not without unexpected surprises along the way, the most significant being the move from Second Master to Acting Headmaster to Headmaster in 1981 in the space of six months, at a difficult time for the School.

the staff in January 1982. Within two years, Ian and Margaret were married in the School Chapel on 24 October, 1983.

The DCJS choir sang Parry’s ‘I was glad’ and the School was given an extra day’s half term. They moved into Bayley House, newly built for the Headmaster in the centre of the School, and in Ian’s words, discovered after he died, had ‘16 wonderful years running the School together’.

During his time as Headmaster, Ian built up a strong DCJS community, where every individual, whatever their age or role, mattered, and all were valued. He steered an ambitious building programme resulting in a new classroom block, purpose-built day houses, CDT area and library, and administrative centre. This enabled Wilton to join the other three boarding houses on the main site at the front of the School.

The next 16 years laid the foundation for the School’s ongoing success into the future. Ian’s leadership was firm and decisive; he set high standards, encouraged a breadth of education, and fostered interest in every aspect of School life, always putting the young people first. He was an independent Head, working alongside Christopher Bacon, Headmaster of Dean Close School. In 1992, Ian added the Squirrels, Pre-Prep Department, later to become a School in its own right, with Sue Bennett as the Head.

Under Ian’s leadership, all areas of school life were developed and encouraged. The National Curriculum was adopted as a sound basis for academic success, together with the sensitive provision of Special Needs support. Alongside this, the young people were able to grow in confidence through music, choral and instrumental, drama, art and CDT, a wide range of major and minor sports, outward-bound activities and a well-attended Christian Union. He also welcomed the introduction of the highly successful and exciting Leavers’ Course for the Year 8 pupils towards the end of their final year.

Ian was appointed to DCJS in 1970, as Head of Geography and House Tutor in Fortfield. He became Housemaster of Oaksey in 1973 and Second Master in 1978. He lived on site, in the flat above the Tuck Shop (later demolished). As a bachelor Head, an early decision was made to appoint a Senior Mistress with responsibility for the girls. Margaret Buchanan applied for the job and joined

As far as it was possible, Ian and Margaret would support all School events, on and off site, such as concerts, plays, sporting fixtures, the end-of-year cricket tour, three foreign tours with the four-part choir, the Stow putter, the IAPS music courses at Snape, and the IAPS Netball tournament, to mention a few. They also took the whole School, twice, to Alton Towers: the first time in

68 FLECKER I WINTER 2023

the Centenary Year, and then again in their final year.

Ian played an active role in IAPS, No.10 District; at different times as Secretary, District Representative, and Chairman, all of which was beneficial to DCJS. In retirement, he maintained the link through the IAPS Golf Society. His involvement with the School’s cricket was constant during his whole career, and he was elected a full schoolmaster member of the MCC in 1980. (Over the next 40 years, he amassed no less than 24 MCC ties!)

Also notable during his time as Headmaster was a comment from his secretary, Mary Emm, which caused him to attend a Fear of Flying Course in the early 1990s. Not long after that he and Margaret went on a recruitment trip on behalf of both DCS and DCJS to Hong Kong, Taiwan and Malaysia. This included a visit to Cheefoo School in the Cameron Highlands, where so many of the OMF missionary pupils started their education.

There is no doubt that the Dean Close years were the pinnacle of Ian’s life, but to place that in context, Ian was born in Stockingford, Nuneaton on 31 December 1936, the only child of Fred and Freda Ferguson. His father was the Headmaster of the Church Primary School and they lived in School House.

War broke out and Ian remembered sleeping in the Morrison Shelter in the kitchen. Close to Coventry, they were looking to return to their roots in the north east. In 1944, Ian’s father was appointed Director of Music at Barnard Castle School. Ian attended the Prep School before moving on to the Main School, where alongside his academic studies, he played cricket and squash, and took on many minor roles in his father’s operatic productions in the school and the town. Ian had all his father’s appreciation and knowledge of

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

music but always regretted giving up playing the piano and other instruments. In 1956, he was offered a place at Keble College, Oxford, to read Geography, followed by a Diploma in Education, which included a term’s teaching at Christ’s Hospital. They were significant and memorable years that determined his future career. The following 10 years he was an Assistant Resident Master at the Royal Masonic Junior School in Bushey, until its closure in 1970. It was here that he first took up golf, made many lifelong friends, and enjoyed the proximity to London for live sporting events, and musical productions.

Ian retired from DCJS in 1997 to relocate in Wensleydale. It was a return to roots, in a tenuous way, for both Ian and Margaret. Ian continued his involvement with education as an Ofsted Inspector of Independent Schools, and the Northern Representative of the Joint Educational Trust, a charitable organisation that helped children at risk who had suffered tragedy or trauma, to attend a caring Independent School. Ian had been licensed as a lay reader in the Church of England in Gloucester Cathedral in 1986, and was able to develop this ministry throughout his retirement in the mid-Wensleydale parishes, with a number of different mid-week initiatives, such as the Prayer Fellowship and the Men’s Breakfast, as well as leading Sunday services and preaching. Together with Margaret, he led two trips from the Dale to the passion play in Oberammagau, in 2000 and 2010.

On another occasion they joined a group of readers from the Diocese on a trip to the Holy Land. Golf was an important pastime, but not without commitment as Ian was Chairman of Catterick Golf Club for four years.

The wonder of the natural beauty of the Dale throughout the seasons were a real joy for Ian to the end of his days and he left this life with a thankful heart for God’s goodness and faithfulness.

Gordon Nicholas HEATON-JONES (Field 1997) Died 9 December 2022, aged 63.

Gordon was born on 9 August 1959 in Farnham, Surrey. When he was six years old, the family moved to Cheltenham, where he eventually attended Dean Close.

Gordon could turn his hand to most sports – he was particularly accomplished at hockey and cricket. He also acted in the occasional School play.

After School, Gordon went to Sheffield University and studied French. He had a gift for education and it was hardly surprising that, following university, teaching was his chosen career. He taught a variety of subjects and coached sport at schools in South Gloucestershire, Cheltenham and Bristol.

Eventually, in the late 1980s, Gordon took up a teaching role at Pembroke House School in Gilgil, Kenya, a country he grew to love.

After several years in Kenya, Gordon turned to private tutoring, first in Thailand and then in the Cayman Islands. In Cayman, he enthusiastically took up diving and became an accomplished diver himself.

In 1998, Gordon returned to the UK for a final brief spell of teaching in Cheltenham. Thereafter he suffered from increasingly poor health for the rest of his life.

With his wife and young son, Gordon moved to Lincolnshire, and in 2012 he arrived in Stamford where he remained until the end.

After a somewhat peripatetic life, it was in Stamford that he had the time to forge firm friendships in the local community while remaining in intermittent touch with old friends via social media.

At his memorial service he was remembered by all for his kindness, keen interest in everything and everybody, his love of literature, and above all else his sense of humour.

Gordon is survived by his son, Nicholas.

Written by his brother, Phil Heaton-Jones (Field 1974).

WINTER 2023 I FLECKER 69

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

John Anthony HERBERT (Tower 1958) Died 8 January 2023, aged 83.

John died of kidney failure on 8 January 2023. He was a member of Tower House under the Housemaster, MA Girling, affectionately known by the boys as ‘Scruff’. John had a younger brother called Nick who was also in Tower House.

John spent two years at the Junior School when Edward Langhorne was the Headmaster.

John was a talented, witty, highly intelligent friend with a gift for writing and acting with great aplomb, particularly in satirical end of term sketches. He was also a good crosscountry runner. After we completed A Level exams, eight of us were invited by a Franciscan, Brother Peter, who had preached in Dean Close Chapel in our last term, to spend a week with him and his brother monks at Cerne Abbas Monastery in Dorset. The Abbey lay sheltered in the valley below the hill with a giant of Cerne Abbas, a standing nearnude male with a prominent erection and wielding a large club in his right hand.

Like many other hill figures, it is outlined by shallow trenches cut in the turf and

backfilled with chalk rubble. We partook in the Office services of the day and joined the monks in working the vegetable patches and, indeed, the tobacco plants. We also helped a group of about 20 'social misfits' as described

by Peter, who were given shelter, food and a chance to rebuild their lives and come to terms with various types of addiction. It was the last time that the eight of us would be together as a group of friends and the experience of Cerne Abbas was something we never forgot.

Working in documentaries for television and specialised audiences for more than 25 years, John started his career with Rediffusion Television in London and moved on to Random film productions, making corporate and sponsored films for Shell and BP on a wide range of subjects. Later, he specialised in historical and architectural as well as technical subjects also making films and videos about (and for) the Armed Forces, the petrochemical industry and documentaries on the Arabian Peninsula (particularly archaeological and historical stories). He also scripted and directed several hundred corporate videos, television documentaries and films.

Still photography, particularly in the Middle East, led to the writing and illustrating of many newspaper and magazine articles and the editing of two books on archaeology for which John supplied the photographs. He was assigned in 2000 to take the stills for publisher Stacey International's book on Qatar. John had his own production company, Tabard Productions, which has made a considerable number of films and videos in the Arabian Peninsula, Europe, the Far East and the United States. His clients included Qatar Petroleum, King Faisal Foundation, British Aerospace,

Jeremy William HICKS (Field 1970) Died 13 February 2023, aged 70.

Jeremy William Hicks (Field 1970) died on 13 February 2023. Much loved husband of Joanna, wonderful father to Will and Els, loving father-in-law to Aly and Matt, proud PopPops to Jaks, Freya, Thea and Freddie and a great friend to many.

70 FLECKER I WINTER 2023

Computer Science Corporation and the Ministry of Defence. He also linked up with another OD contemporary Jimmy Walters, whose obituary featured in Flecker in 2022. Jimmy died in October of last year. He was a partner in a knitwear design company whose products and training films became popular in the USA, Australasia and Europe. John made a film of Jimmy's pioneering work in 1985 called Knitting Kaleidoscope. The film was edited by Jimmy.

John received numerous awards for his film work with Tabard Productions. He was a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, London, since 1984.

John had a long and happy marriage to Michie, who achieved eminence herself as a member of the Royal Society of Sculptors. You can see her formidable talents online. Michie was the daughter of Nigel Dennis, an author and critic and co-editor of the Encounter magazine. He wrote a well-known novel in the early 1960s called ‘Cards of Identity’. John and Michie lived in Oxfordshire and had two daughters, Rebecca and Tamsin.

The last time I saw John was in the autumn of 2018 at a memorial event in the Athaneum Club for Dr Alan Bailey, ex Head Boy of DCS, Tower House (1954 to 1959), and a wonderfully entertaining wit. The two of us stood chortling as Sir Michael Palin told scurrilous stories of Alan, who was, for a time, a BBC doctor, following his Barts medical school training, who looked after the Monty Python actors and crew.

I would like to think that John's brilliant networking skills as an imaginative and enterprising film director might have had a kickstart in some of his latter days at Dean Close.

Written by John Harding (Tower 1958)

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Patrick Dennis HOUSE (Gate 1948) Died 7 July 2023, aged 93.

Patrick was a West Country boy. He was born in Somerset in 1930, moved away in his early years but then returned to Bristol. He went to school at Dean Close in Cheltenham, finishing in 1948 and always maintained a close interest in the School and with the lifelong friends he made there. He was in Gate House and held many positions of responsibility during his time at the School: • Head of School.

• Head of House. Gate House where he boarded.

• School Certificate '45. Higher Certificate '47, '48.

Form VI Science.

• School Colours for Rugby, Hockey and Shooting.

• Captain of Shooting for three years (1946–48).

• School pupil Librarian.

• Member of the debating society.

• Cadet Sergeant Major in the Junior Training Corps.

After doing National Service in the Royal Artillery in North Africa and Germany, he went to university in Bristol, studying electrical engineering and meeting his future wife, Bryony, whom he married in 1955. He was clearly an enterprising and energetic young man, since among all of these activities he managed to fit in a solo bike ride to the Passion Play at Oberammagau, averaging about 80 miles a day through post-war Europe.

He started work as an electrical engineer in Rugby and spent most of his career working in the paper industry, consulting on major paper mill projects in places as

far-flung as New Zealand, Indonesia, Canada and Iran.

He took a short, enforced career break in the late 1970s, adapting Norman Tebbit’s advice to “get on yer bike”, by getting on his ladder and pruning fruit trees in Kent. He subsequently returned to engineering and moved to a consulting firm in High Wycombe, living for more than 20 years in Addington, near Buckingham, and eventually retiring there in order to concentrate on his duties as churchwarden.

In 2007, he and Bryony returned to the West Country, moving to Winchcombe, just a few miles from Patrick’s school-time roots at Dean Close where they lived close to family and grandchildren and built a strong relationship with the local community and church. Patrick passed away on 7 July 2023 at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. He was laid to rest in the village churchyard in Addington where he had been churchwarden for many years. He is much missed by his wife, children and grandchildren.

Above is a photo from Arthur’s 90th birthday.

Left to right: Peter Lynam, Paddy House, Arthur Blyth, John Blyth, Tim Stringer and Derek Reynolds. Among them were three successive Heads of Gate House – Peter, Tim and Paddy.

WINTER 2023 I FLECKER 71

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Michael Sandbrook HOWELLS (Tower 1957) Died 15 August 2023, aged 84.

Mike was born in Pembroke Dock, Pembrokeshire to parents Benjamin and Blodwen in May 1939. After attending Bryntirion Prep School in Bridgend, Mike started at Dean Close in 1952 as a member of Tower boarding house. He enjoyed being a member of the School CCF band as the player of the bass drum and enjoyed playing an active part in various theatrical productions. Upon completion of his schooling Mike went up to University College London to read Law. He subsequently articled with the Pembrokeshire law firm of Price & Kelway and qualified to practise as a solicitor. It was during these postuniversity years that Mike met Pam and they were married in 1966. A few years later they had two sons: Luke and Toby.

elected to the council of The Law Society and went on to become the Treasurer of the Society, a position that had not previously been held by a provincial solicitor. In 1980 Mike was appointed HM Coroner for Pembrokeshire, a post that he held for 29 years, making him the longest ever serving Coroner in Wales.

Mike built a successful career as a solicitor specialising in personal injury work with Price & Kelway, and became its senior partner. He was

In retirement, he continued to organise lunches and dinners for his friends from the Law and Coroners Societies and corresponded widely

Mike was very active in Pembrokeshire life being an active member/supporter, at various times, of Round Table and 41 Club, Rotary, Probus, Meals on Wheels, Milford Civic Society, member of Llanstadwell Community Council, Vice-President of Narberth RFC, volunteering at the Citizens Advice Bureau and, most recently, being accepted as a member of Narberth town council.

by email. He also started writing a monthly column for a local magazine ‘Pembrokeshire Life’ under the tagline of “Pembrokeshire Boy” and he had planned to collate these articles into a book. Retirement also enabled Mike to spend more time picking up his pencils and paintbrushes and investing time in his watercolours, a pastime which he had previously only enjoyed huddled under a sunshade on annual summer holidays.

He is survived by his wife, Pam, his two sons, his two grandchildren and Dylan, his pet Corgi.

John Harper LEWIS (Brook 1942) Died 20 January 2023, aged 96. as a ‘Private Pike’ type character. Many of his classmates didn’t return, so Remembrance Day held a special significance for him.

John was born on 5 April 1926, to Fred and Maud, he grew up on the farm that he would later run for his lifetime. His idyllic upbringing was interrupted by the War, which saw him first as a fire warden with his classmates at Dean Close and on leaving School, a member of the local Home Guard unit, where he saw himself 72 FLECKER I WINTER 2023

After the War, as during it, he continued working at Copse Green, feeding the nation. He became involved with the infant Young Farmers’ movement, which was to educate him formally in agriculture. The farm was moving into pigs in a bigger way, with the pedigree Large White herd doing well at shows up and down the country, as well as abroad.

He was a member of the local tennis club at Boddington. With sister Sally and cousin Diana, he went out to Austria and took up skiing, as well as visiting Sweden, which was a real eye-opener after the privations of life in Britain after the War. Young Farmers’ Club took him to Ireland

and the Channel Islands, to get a view of agriculture there, which proved great fun and highly entertaining.

Photography was a great hobby and he had his own darkroom. Moving pictures was the next step and he was very often seen at family gatherings with a cine camera to his eye. This did mean, however, that he was rarely pictured himself.

In 1962, he married Helen and in between promoting British Bacon, started a family, with David, Charles and Heidi arriving. With Helen, he crossed the English Channel with friends and discovered a love of sailing. They purchased a West Wight Potter boat and later a smaller Winsome dingy which he took out with his family in August 1979 from Devon – the day of the tragic

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Fastnet race. Conditions were a little choppy!

He also had the chance to travel to Turkey with his father, where they revisited Gallipoli with former members of the Gloucestershire Yeomanry and he never missed their annual Katia Day service of remembrance at Gloucester Cathedral.

Every Tuesday and Thursday, he would sit on the bench at Tewkesbury Magistrates Court, was a member of the Parish Council and would go to Coombe Hill Methodist Chapel every Sunday, hosting the annual circuit garden party each year. In between this, he was on the committee of the Three Counties Agricultural Society, which had its annual show at Malvern and found the time to build pig sties, barns and a large house extension, in addition to running the farm. If this was not enough, his portable typewriter used to be heard tapping away most evenings and even on holidays, where articles would be sent to the Farmer and Stockbreeder and Farmer’s Weekly magazines, amongst other titles.

Time away from the farm was rare but when he did eventually get a chance to

get away, it was on a work party to St Kilda, which tied in nicely with his lifelong love of birds. This was thoroughly enjoyed but the travel time to the far reaches of our islands was prohibitive. After his wife and children discovered Skokholm, off the West Wales coast, he found that this was a better proposition travelwise and enjoyed the time away, on this (pre mobile phone) isolated island. Needless to say, he soon became involved in the maintenance of the buildings, building hides and chasing goats, in addition to helping to organise work parties and the Friends of Skokholm and Skomer annual reunion.

In the late 1980s, the Remington portable typewriter was retired and a new word processor was to be heard and with it, his first book, Foreman of the Fields. With more time on his hands, more books started being published, including a commission to write the history of the Three Counties Show Society, and never one to shy away from learning something new, he started using a computer to formulate ideas and email friends.

On the farm, in his early seventies, he

decided that he was going to retire – from throwing small bales by hand – but then found that he could move them a lot easier whilst sitting on the tractor and letting the younger generation, children and grandchildren manhandle them.

This didn’t mean that he was doing any less. Ploughing, planting and harvesting still needed to be done and many hours were spent doing just that, alongside his sons. On top of that, there was a new barn roof to be built and concrete to be poured. When grain was being moved, he kept an eye on the temperamental augers, whilst sitting on a deck chair in the dust, reading the paper. The dust never seemed to affect him! Even in his nineties, he was putting silage to the cattle each morning and regularly walking around, inspecting the fences around the perimeter of his farm. The oak trees that he knew as a child were still the same, though grown a little. The soil, the fields, the same, growing crops to feed the nation, just as it had during the War. The voices and memories of his father and past family members were still there, just as his will for us, as we carry on at Copse Green.

But these are my words. As he would put it, “Sentimental tosh!”

Major Simon NEWMAN (Walton Court 1955) Died August 2023, aged 86.

I have sad news about my brother, Simon Newman. He passed away last month after a short fight with leukaemia.

We were both in Walton Court, but he was a year behind. So, he was 1950/1955. He went into National Service after School but then became a regular. He spent the rest of his working life in the Army and retired at the age of 55 with the rank of Major.

He loved top rallying and was a navigator in the Army team. He was in one of two boats entered by the Army in the infamous Fastnet race some years ago. Their boat was one of those that rolled over.

Among other things he had a 2 ½-year posting to Brunei as the Sultan's Transport Officer. On one occasion he wangled a flight back to Brunei on Concord.

After retirement he had various jobs and he had his own yacht.

They bought their house in Gosport where they lived for 30 years. He went back to an earlier hobby of buying and rebuilding old MGs and was Secretary of the local MG Owners Club.

WINTER 2023 I FLECKER 73

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

David Charles PADFIELD (Field 1987) Died 13 July 2023, aged 54.

Son of Richard (Tower 1961) and Sue (former members of staff) and brother of James (Field 1989) after a stoical fight with cancer. David was Head of House and a triple Colour (Captain of Hockey) and went on to read Natural Sciences, initially, and then Computer Science at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge.

After a year working in London, he returned to Caius to do a PhD and obtained a hockey Blue in 1994. Married to Clare in 1997, he had three children: Alice, Tom and Luke, and latterly lived in Marlborough, where he played and coached hockey, played badminton and performed on keyboard and guitar in a band. He most recently worked as Chief Scientist, Optimisation, for the IT firm Viavi Solutions.

John Michael POSTLETHWAITE (Brook 1951) Died 1 February 2023, aged 87.

John was born in Hendon, North London on 22nd February 1935. He had an older sister, Diane, who very sadly died in childhood, and he was then an only child. His father, Tom, was in the RAF and they spent the Second World War living in a lovely bungalow in Cornwall, overlooking the beautiful Mullion Cove, where he spent a lot of time playing in the sea.

In 1943, he went off to Dean Close School in Cheltenham, where he developed his love of sport and was there until he left at the age of 16 in 1951. Then he went back to live with his parents in Coventry and became an apprentice at Triumph, qualifying as a Mechanical Engineer.

It was here that his first lifelong passion started, becoming a supporter of Coventry City football club, and following them during their glory years in the early 1960s under Jimmy Hill. We can remember him taking us to see many games at Highfield Road, including seeing George Best play in his prime and watching Nottingham Forest win the league in the 1970s, which was followed by a pitch invasion that Dad wouldn’t let us join in with! David I can still remember carrying in our wooden box to stand on the terraces and cheer on the Sky Blues and Dad taking us to Wembley to see Coventry City win the 1987 Cup Final against Tottenham Hotspur.

He also found his second passion during his time in Coventry, golf. His father (Tom) was secretary of Coventry Golf Club, so Dad spent most of his spare time there playing golf! He soon became a very good golfer, playing off 2 handicap and winning the club championship. He was very proud that he held the amateur course record at Coventry GC and it was never beaten, because they built a by-pass through the golf course! During his golf career he also won the club championship at Cotswold Hills Golf Club in 1969 and had five holes-in-one, which either meant he was very good or very lucky (as Gary Player once said, “the more I practise, the luckier I get” and Dad certainly did practise a lot!). Dad also took us to play many courses over the years, including Wentworth and the Old Course at St Andrews.

He travelled all round the country playing golf courses, clocking up well over 300 and also went on some overseas golf trips, including a famous one to Morocco, which he loved telling stories about.

74 FLECKER I WINTER 2023

He met Mary at her brother’s wedding, love blossomed and they married a couple of years later, in 1959, and initially lived near Bedford, while he finished his two years National Service in the RAF, then they lived near Nuneaton, before moving to Gotherington in 1965.

He then developed his third passion, for hockey, joining Lansdown Hockey Club, where he was affectionately known as ‘JP’. He was very involved in the club for nearly 50 years, playing for the first team when they won the County Cup and helping set up the Veterans team, arranging fixtures for the new Vets team that is still playing mid-week hockey now. Away games nearly always involved a stop at the pub on the way home for some darts and a game of spoof (for anyone who doesn’t know what spoof is, the Lansdown hockey players can explain afterwards!) During his time with Lansdown, he served on the Committee for many years as Secretary, Chairman and eventually becoming a Life Member & President of the Club.

John was also a very active member of the Old Decanians or ‘OD’s as they are known, regularly playing in the OD golf events and playing hockey for them into his 70s. He loved playing in the annual Xmas game, especially when three family generations played, his sons and his grandson. He was an active OD committee member over many years and President of the society.

He was a devoted and thoughtful Grandpa, always on hand to look after his grandchildren, and insisted on taking them (by himself) to the pantomime at Xmas when they were young. He loved reading books to them, and the Rumpelstiltskin fairy tale was always a favourite!

[Taken from the tribute by Tim Postlewaite (Dale 1981) at John’s funeral.]

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

David RENFREW (Brook 1956) Died 21 February 2023, aged 84.

Major Derek Humphrey Fitzherbert REYNOLDS (Gate 1946) Died 4 March 2023, aged 94.

We will be including an obituary for Derek in the next edition of the Flecker magazine.

Peter John RUSSELL-SIENESI (Brook 1950) Died 10 March 2023, aged 90.

David was born on 11th February 1939 to Archie and Eleanor Renfrew. His father was a veterinary surgeon in Broadway and David had an elder brother Peter, who is here today, and who still lives in the family home. Both boys were introduced to golf and played as juniors at Broadway Golf Club.

Peter and David followed their father by being educated at Dean Close School in Cheltenham as was their cousin Del. Which is where our stories begin to become entwined as I went to Dean Close School as well. We were both in the same House – Brook - but David left in 1956 aged 17 – I had only just arrived as an eight-year-old the previous year. So, I doubt our paths ever crossed at that point.

The School archives record that David was a House Prefect.

The 1956 School magazine records that David had gym colours awarded two years running. “Renfrew is tall” says the commendation “and has an advantage on the horse. His swinging exercise on the bar is good, but he is not so happy with slow exercises and balances. He worked very well during the season and thoroughly deserved his position and his colours.”

David was confirmed in the School Chapel on Saturday 20th March 1954 by the Right Rev. R. S. M. O'Ferrall, former Anglican Bishop of Madagascar, and finally, it is recorded that he was a Sergeant in the School’s Combined Cadet Force. But all this is just words. Once said, they float away and are forgotten. It is memories that last and we each have our own.

For me, there is just one word to describe David. Quite simply, he was a GENTLEMAN. It has been a privilege to know him.

Taken from the eulogy given by his friend Richard Walford (Brook 1965).

We will be including an obituary for Peter in the next edition of the Flecker magazine.

John Alfred SIDDALL (Brook 1946) Died 11 June 2023, aged 95.

We will be including an obituary for John in the next edition of the Flecker magazine.

Michael John STOCK (Brook 1952) Died 21 September 2023, aged 88.

We will be including an obituary for Michael in the next edition of the Flecker magazine.

WINTER 2023 I FLECKER 75

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Dr Norman Charles TRICKS (Brook 1945) Died 2 April 2023, aged 95.

Norman came from a Bristol family and went to prep school at the Downs School near Wraxall. He won a scholarship to Dean Close in 1942,based on his ability in classics. In 1945 he went on to study medicine at Bristol University from where he qualified as a doctor in 1952.

Norman married Sheila Rendell in 1951 and after a period as a junior hospital doctor he joined the RAMC for his military service. He was posted to Twywn in Mid-Wales where Charles, the first of his four sons, was born.

After military service he worked as a locum GP in Cirencester before joining a GP practice in Gloucester Road Bristol for 7 years. Norman though had always wanted to be a rural GP, and in 1963 he took over the single handed practice from Dr Bell at Wrington, 10 miles south of Bristol. Over the years this merged and expanded and by the time of Norman’s retirement early in 1989 consisted of five full-time GPs. His son Charles joined the practice in 1982.

On moving to Wrington, Norman and Sheila converted an old water mill to a family home.

They kept the water wheel in situ which meant there was a constant flow of water right under the house, causing many a sleepless nights for visitors. It was a lovely location though and enabled Norman to pursue his love of gardening while still being on-call.

Norman’s greatest passion though was sailing. He learnt to sail on family holidays in Salcombe, South Devon, in the 1960s.

After a precarious start he became a very enthusiastic and adventurous sailor. He kept his 36 ft yacht, Yeo Lady, in Salcombe for over 40 years and from there frequently sailed to the Hebrides, Ireland, France and Spain. His last overnight sail was from the Isles of Scilly aged 91!

After Norman’s retirement in March 1989 both he and his second wife, Jane, moved to Halse later that year. They fell in love with an adapted 17th century thatched cottage, with a large garden overlooking a lovely valley. The garden was barren and

76 FLECKER I WINTER 2023

bare, but Norman with Jane spent many years creating and tending a cottage idyll there. He pruned the apple trees for the last time only six weeks before he died.

Norman and Jane were quickly taken to the heart of the strong vibrant village community. He returned to practice for several years as a locum on the Blackdown hills. He became a caring father-figure to the whole village. They turned to him in times of trouble, sickness and bereavement, but he also shared in their joys, their celebrations and their parties. The only activity that he never took part in was the choir. He always said he was tone deaf. He did once take a singing part in a village pantomime!

No village occasion was complete without Norman’s beaming smile and high pitched chuckle. At the street party for the late Queen’s Jubilee, he joined the village children and young people to make himself a crown, and was then pulled on a cart in the procession of crowns, graciously waving to the crowds.

During these very happy years, Norman and Jane travelled the world at every opportunity, Norman planning the adventures, and adventurous trips they were! His greatest delight was in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, following their lives with huge interest, supporting their every step.

Norman lived his life with courage and vigour right to the very end. He knew the end was coming and reflected back on his life with a clear eye. He died in his much-loved cottage with Jane by his side on 2nd April 2023.

Norman respected everyone he met, whatever their age or condition. He enjoyed people and they enjoyed him. He is very much missed by all who new him.

Written by Jane (Wife of Norman) and Norman’s eldest son Dr Charles Tricks

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

David Harry Robert YORKE (Tower 1948) Mary Diana WALKLEY (Former Staff)

Died 31 March 2023, aged 91.

Died 2 July 2019

We will be including an obituary for David in the next edition of the Flecker magazine.

Sadly passed away peacefully on 2 July 2019. Dearly loved daughter of the late Trevor and Anita Morris. She will be sadly missed by her family and friends. Requiem Mass was held at St Mary Magdalene Church, Twyning, on Friday 2 August. In September 1995, Diana Walkley was the first Peripatetic Singing teacher at Dean Close Junior School.

Karen WHITTON (Former Staff DCPPS) Died 2 September 2023, aged 56.

We will be including an obituary for Karen in the next edition of the Flecker magazine.

Dates for the Diary 2024 Saturday 20 January Old Decanian Society Ski Trip to France Friday 2 February Spring Concert: Cirencester Parish Church (7pm) Saturday 2 March 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.

Sunday 24 March Dean Close Sixes Ladies’ alumni hockey tournament at Dean Close School Tuesday 7 May (2:30pm) Commemoration of Benefactors at Dean Close School Chapel Friday 24 May Clay Pigeon Shooting at Notgrove Estate, near Cheltenham Saturday 22 June DCS Speech Day Reunions for the classes of 1980-1989 / 1 year on drinks (Class of 2023) Week commencing Monday 1 July 2024 Cricket Week 2024 Friday 16 August Close Community Golf Day 6–15 September Heritage Open Days at Dean Close School

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 end-of-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 along to the astros at 8:15am on Saturday morning.

For more information on these and other events, please call the office or visit the alumni section of our website: www.deanclosefoundation.org.uk

WINTER 2023 I FLECKER 77

Intelligent legal advice from people who take good care of you.

We can help with your personal and professional legal needs.

Wills, trusts & probate | Residential property | Agriculture & estates | Corporate & commercial | Employment law & business immigration | Litigation & dispute resolution | Charities & not-for-profit | Real estate | Divorce & family law

34 Imperial Square Cheltenham GL50 1QZ

willans.co.uk 01242 514000 law@willans.co.uk

-#" ' #% .#" % #!! ( '# &)$$#%@" -#) " -#)% )& " && "'# ' )')% 1 .= +## & $%#* & &$ = &' #)"' " -/ ) '/ ' , " )& " && * '# " * ) =& " )& " && & # == & $ & " & . &1 %#! &' %'3)$& ' %#) '# #%$#% ' &/ %#&& =#) &' %& % / " @#" ==- " "' %" @#" ==-1 $% #)%& =* & #" #)% $ %&#" = & %* / &'%#" * =) & " " + &1

678:8 >?6666 +++1 .= +## &1 #1) 2 5 .= +## & &'%#" =- % #!! " -#) ' $%# && #" = * #% ! " & #"& #" ! ( %& & )&& % 1 # % &$#"& = '- #% "- =#&& '# "- $ %&#" @" & % &)=' # ' ! ' % = " $' - )&1 .= +## & & ! ' = '- %'" %& $ % &' % " " = " " = & + ' ")! % 977?7<1 &' % # 0 ' * %'#" #)%'/ ' * %'#"/ =' " !/ =#) &' %& % / ;7 6 1 = &' # $ %'" %& & * = = #% "&$ @#" ' # 1 .= +## & & % &' % '# %%- #" ) ' +#% " ' " % )= ' #% % " # "* &'! "' )& " && @* @ & - ' "&@')' # %' % #)"' "'& " " = " 4 = &1

Congratulations to Jon Foster (Dale 2000) who, along with his co-writer James Lamont (Heyday Films), won the BAFTA for the most 'Memorable Moment' 'Platinum Jubilee: Party at the Palace - Paddington meets The Queen' (BBC One).

Both are now working on Paddington 3 in Peru, which will be released in November 2024, after having worked on the two previous movies Paddington and Paddington 2.

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Editors: Leah Barton (Hatherley 2022), Alex Hume (Dale 2002) and Amy Loveys. Design: Adam Hathaway.

Thank you to all those ODs who contributed to the magazine this year. www.deanclosefoundation.org.uk