Old Decanian News Summer 2012

FEATURED IN THIS ISSUE : PAGE 8

OD Travel Scholarship to South Africa

PAGE 12

Interview with Denys Carnill

Dean Close School | Old Decanian Society Newsletter

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Ian Bassett-Smith remembers Kenneth Hollington

Old Decanian Summer 2012 News No~ 88

Blue plaque unveiled Full story on page 15

Website | www.olddecanians.co.uk

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Old Decanian News

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N~o 88 | Summer 2012

Dean Close School | Old Decanian Society

Welcome to the Old Decanian Newsletter 2012 Another Year full of news and updates with reports and plans comes to you about the past year from Easter 2011 up to the end of Lent term 2012.

The Society currently has a LinkedIn group and a Facebook page, Old Decanian Society, which is still being worked on with help from current scholars. There are many other Facebook pages for different years but we do not have access to those pages. If there are any volunteers who can assist with keeping these points of contact available it would be gratefully received. Just contact the OD office on 01242 258048 to discuss the details.

Please let the OD office know if you would like something included each

year to allow more time to prepare for Reunions and Gatherings for ODs. This means if you have an interesting item you would like to share, it will be incumbent for you to tell the OD Office. We will always try to get to hear about school activities and changes occurring that might affect you.

Are you involved in a life-challenging occupation? Have you any helpful suggestions for our younger ODs? Did something amazing happen to you this past year? Did you meet up with an OD from your past? Are you willing to come and speak to our 6th formers about your work and interests?

Finally, we are endeavouring to ask you all to sign a declaration saying that you agree to allow us to hold your name, address and contact details on our database. At present we do not give out people’s personal information without contacting them for permission, but there are times when it would be easier if we

knew whether you would be happy for us to give your details to other Old Decanians, if they request them, without contacting you first. Please email us to that effect so that we have a record of this. Most people already have the understanding that we have your details, but not that we can pass them on without our contacting you first.

Richard Padfield, the Society’s Chairman sends his warmest greetings to all ODs and regrets that this year he has not written his usual Chairman’s Report of the past year. He also encourages all ODs or those who you might know to keep us updated on your news and activities.

With all good wishes, Ian Bassett-Smith, OD Registrar and Lucy Smith, OD Secretary.

London Lunch in March 2012

House of Lords Luncheon

Kevin Shaw organised a reunion which happens on an annual basis and this year the lunch took took place at Signor Sassi, a great Italian restaurant in Knightsbridge on Thursday 22nd March 2012.

To Celebrate Sir Bernard Ribeiro FRCS FRCP OD (T 62) being elevated to the House of Lords he asked Peter Smallwood (F 63) to invite a gathering of his peers from Dean Close for a tour of the House of Lords followed by lunch in the Atlee Room on 9th September 2011. Peter with the assistance of others tracked down a few ODs who were ‘lost’ from our records all of which resulted in a great reunion. Bernie guided the party round the House and entertained all with his early experiences - his Maiden Speech etc.

Attendees were – Kevin Shaw (D 79), Craig Scott (T 79), Lawrence Grove (G 78), Bill Wickham (C 79), Stuart Gillies (C 79), Rod Leefe (G 79) and Andrew Middleton (F 77).

Lots of catching up and reminiscing.

A superb time was had by all!

From left: Ian Dimmer; Richard Rose; Dave Young; Rupert Lane (just behind) Mike Bawden; Derek Lewis; Richard Pearce; Sir Bernard Ribeiro; Peter Smallwood; Robert Reed; Robert Farnes; Tim Lomas; Richard Kirby; Ian Hutchinson; Jeremy Winter; Bill Andrade.

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Welcome to our new members and to those who have renewed their contact with the society. For new members the rules of the Society are on the website for those who like to know.

Our aims are to keep Old Decanians in touch with each other and the school.

It also aims to support the school in its current activities.

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Old Decanian News

N~o 88 | Summer 2012

OD CRICKET WEEK 2011 The Old Decanian cricket week is always packed full of excitement and high drama, and 2011 was no exception. It is an occasion that brings back together cricketers from all generations, and it was particularly special to welcome back members of the undefeated side of 1961, including coach Mike Girling, who returned to the school for their 50-year reunion. They were as follows: Back Row: Chris Rigby, Robert Stevens, Dave Young, Jeremy Winter, Douglas Henderson, Robin Scott-Nelson and Mike Girling.

Front Row: Terry Moore, Richard Rose, Richard Padfield (Capt), Mike Jones, Rupert Lane.

In addition to the above the following great players/supporters of DCS cricket of that era attended the occasion: Denys Carnill, Mike Bawden, Bob Burton, Chris Kenyon, Brian Wilson.

Chris Shapland and Richard Kirby.

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Back Row: Richard Kirby, Chris Shapland, Robert Stevens, Dave Young, Jeremy Winter, Brian Wilson, Douglas Henderson, Richard Padfield, Robin Scott-Nelson, Bob Burton, Mike Bawden.

Front row: Terry Moore, Richard Rose, Mike Girling, Denys Carnill, Rupert Lane.

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Monday - 20/20 challenge The action started on Monday 11th July with the annual 20/20 challenge, which in recent years has gone the way of the over 25 side. Anthony Thompson and Duncan Gilroy formed

a formidable opening partnership back in the mid 90s, so it was encouraging from the senior team’s perspective to see these two reunited at the top of the order. The U25 side however made early inroads through paceman Dan Jones and

the steady seam-up of James Astley, who both claimed two wickets. With the batting side in trouble at 48-5, it fell to Mark Whitney (37) and John Nicholson (27) to recover the situation, and some lusty hits towards the end of the innings

Dean Close School | Old Decanian Society

Tuesday – Kings School Gloucester Old Boys Having yet to win this fixture in five attempts, a determined OD X1 won the toss and elected to take to the field, in the hope of utilizing the slightly overcast conditions.

former president of the Gypsies club) for the 5th consecutive year – it was retained in 2010 as a result of poor weather interrupting the game. Losing early wickets, the ODs decided to go on the offensive through Noaz Macadum who made 30 runs and J. Nicholson (40), who continued the good form that he had shown earlier in the week.

The undoubted star of the show however was Simon Slabbert, who went on to make a magnificent unbeaten hundred with some cultured stroke-play, and the ODs declared at 9 down for 237. A strong looking Gypsies’ batting order set about accumulating runs at a quick rate, and despite a couple of breakthroughs for J.Nicholson and Macadum, the ODs struggled to stem the flow.

The Gypsies won by a comfortable 5 wicket margin, and the trophy was handed over reluctantly!

Events did not go to plan, and at 190-0 at lunch a somewhat dejected OD side trudged off with much to ponder. A. Bressinton pushed on to 138 after the interval, and a declaration of 273-4 was a formidable target. However, despite losing opener Ford early, Townsend (67) and James Mears (43) formed a stylish partnership of 90 for the second wicket, and DCS opening bat Alex Porter (36) came to the crease and began to stroke the ball about with confidence, the target looked imminently gettable.

Friday – Bourton Vale Following a rest-day on the Thursday, a refreshed OD side assembled at Bourton and elected to bat first.

A long debate look place among our middle order (Brad Mears, Ben Davies and Tom Gower) as to who should go in and capitalise on our position and bat at number 6; with all three going for their shots and falling for ducks in quick succession, we found ourselves in the precarious position of trying to save the game. Thankfully our tail wagged, and Astley and Dan Jones managed to hold their nerve and “shut up shop”, to earn us a pleasing draw.

The game ebbed and flowed in Bourton’s innings with Ben Davies, Ben Hunt and most notably 16-year old Charlie Wheatley, who was the pick of the bowlers with his fine spell of off-break bowling, all picking up two wickets.

With 5 overs remaining a draw looked the most likely result. However, skipper J. Nicholson’s attempts to keep the game open and lure the batsmen into some false strokes with some tempting slow leg-breaks backfired, and ODs went down fighting with 3 balls to spare.

Wednesday – Gloucester Gypsies In this fixture at the school, the OD side were attempting to hang on to the “Doctor’s Trophy” (in memory of Dr John Andrews,

Wickets fell at regular intervals, though veteran Matt Nicholson (59) showed his class with the bat with a superb knock in the middle order, which included a couple for trade-mark cover-drives. He was well supported by Tom Warren (33) who is still at the school, and 255 all-out felt like a competitive score at the half-way stage.

Saturday – Exeter Casuals This fixture has been keenly contested since 2003 and with the Decanian’s leading the way 7-3 overall, a less casual than usual Exeter side took to the field

in determined mode. A disastrous start to the innings saw the ODs in disarray at 65-7 thanks to some hostile bowling from the Exeter side.

It was left to Captain Rob Kinder (43) and Ben Dowty (15) to repair some of the damage, though 133 was always going to be tough to defend in 40 overs. Early breakthroughs for Nick Ball and Wheatley gave ODs a glimmer of hope, though it was the Casuals who had the final say on this occasion, knocking off the runs comfortably with 10 overs to spare.

A big thank-you to all captains (Chris Townsend, Sam Tasker-Grindley, George Lane, Bradley Mears, John Nicholson and Rob Kinder) for their raising of sides, to Jeremy Winter for all that he does behind the scenes for OD cricket, and also to Margaret and her team for their terrific catering.

Another excellent evening was had by OD cricketers and golfers at the Suffolk Arms on the Wednesday evening, and many thanks to Tim Lawrence for organising what is always a happy occasion.

BBQs took place after the games on the Monday and Saturday, and so our utmost thanks go to Dorothy Odell, Sarah Kenyon, Judy Lane and Sue Marchand for providing such wonderful spreads.

And so, despite that illusive win this year, this was another great week of entertaining OD cricket.

As always however, it would be great to see more ODs available for selection, as well as supporters to enjoy one of the most successful OD traditions. (Please get in touch with Jeremy Winter jeremy.winterdar@ blueyonder.co.uk)

By George Lane (T 98)

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saw the over 25s to a competitive total of 146 in their 20 overs. When Nicholson made a couple of early breakthroughs at the start of the second innings, another victory looked on the cards for the +25s.

However, nobody had reckoned on an incredible partnership between Jack Ford (49) and Chris Davies (71), who launched a ferocious assault on the experienced attack. Davies in particular treated the bowling with distain, smashing the ball to all parts, and one particular delivery off Chris Townsend which sticks in the mind, actually landed on the Junior school square! The U25s deservedly ran out comfortable victors by 8 wickets.

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Old Decanian News

N~o 88 | Summer 2012

OD HOCKEY 2012 OD 1st XI Liam Brignull who recently won his first full Welsh International cap captained the OD 1st XI to a thrilling 4-3 victory v The School on 19th March 2012.

Like many previous OD’s boys hockey matches, the school started with the more quality and purpose, with most of the possession and a very aggressive press. The school managed to gain themselves a 2-0 lead by half time, with a very fine first goal by Wes Howell. However, with the ability to regroup at half time, the OD team started to show more promise in the second half. With a more attacking manner, the ODs began to flood players further up the pitch and cause the school’s defense and midfield some real problems. With the ODs scoring their first goal half way into the second half, a comeback became far more realistic.

By Liam Brignull

Monday 19 march 2012

of very good chances to score and get themselves back into the game. However, due to some excellent shot stopping from Tom Pinnegar (G 2010), their efforts were squandered. A final goal by James Astley (G 2005) sealed the win for the ODs late in the game.

Overall, it was a very open game which allowed for a much more attacking and exciting performance. Both teams played well and dominated at certain points.

However, I believe the OD’s light touch of experience, allowed them to take

advantage of the times when they were in control.

A big thank you must go to Mr Hamill and Mr Stott for very commendably umpiring the game, and also to Mr Gwilliam for organising the day.

Let’s hope we have another close game next year!

The 1st XI OD team players were; Liam Brignull (Capt.), Will Pearce, Tom Pinnegar, Ben Miller, Ali Parker, James Astley, Martin Dick, Cyrus Fateh, Tom Harris, James Moos, Nick Hume & Felix Tang.

The second and third goals came in quick succession and the school suddenly found themselves behind in the game. Although the ODs had dominated the possession in the second half, the school had a number

OD 2nd XI

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Tim Postlethwaite captained the OD 2nd side v the school 2nd X1 & assembled a fine & enthusiastic squad of 14. Like the 1st X1 game v The School, they too had a fast & well contested contest with the ODs also winning 4-3.

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Back row: Pete Holdaway, Chris Billington, Dave Holdaway, Adrian Barrett, Martin Fowke, Phil Sidey, George Hunt, Dave Postlethwaite, John Postlethwaite Front row: Elliot Foweraker, Dave Jones, Chris Hooper, James Mears, Tim Postlethwaite (Capt.).

Jonathan Blair (goalie), Brad Mears (absent in photo.)

Dean Close School | Old Decanian Society

OD GOLF 2011

By Jeremy Winter & Robert Reed

ODs Triumph over Old Cheltonians The magnificent Berkshire GC was the venue for the Spa Trophy this year in the annual contest v Old Cheltonians and yet again the match proved triumphant for the ODs 2 ½ - 1 ½.

In the 3rd match skipper Rob Reed partnered Ian Bevan-Jones who travelled from the Gower Peninsular and promptly birdied the 1st hole, v Miller and Harris. The OD pairing had a 2 hole lead after 9 holes, but this was quickly lost and the pair fell away to be 2 down with 3 to play. Ian then won the 16th with a 3 net 2: the 17th was halved and in a tense finish Ian spectacularly birdied the 18th with a 2 for a vital half in the match.

No joy for the ODs in Grafton Morrish Unfamiliarity with the course, high winds and very dry conditions proved a few too many hurdles for OD golfers at Denham GC in the qualifying round for the Grafton Morrish Competition. They finished just below the qualification cut off point, but well into the top half of the extensive field. Foursomes, off scratch, is tough and although the ODs put out a pretty good side it is clear that to qualify in this fine competition we do need to field our very best performers. Better luck next time would also assist - our time will come.

Players at Denham were: John Barker, Tim Lawrence, Huw Davies-Thomas, Cod Carroll, Nigel Newport-Black & Chris Dyer.

Berkshire member, Mike Bawden was a late replacement for Martin Lamb in the last match and with partner Huw Davies-Thomas had a tight contest throughout v John Watts and

Angus Baillie. Bawden in receipt of 14 shots was the key player in the end, halving the 16th and winning the 17th with a 5 net 4, for a 2 & 1 win. A most enjoyable day.

Back row: John Barker (C 56);Nigel Timson (T 65); Peter Smallwood (F 63); Ian Bevan-Jones (T 72); Front row: Huw Davies-Thomas (G84); Robert Reed (B 62); Mike Bawden (G 65); Mike Wigley (C 67)

ODs RETAIN CUP AGAIN The third annual golf match, ODs v The School took place for the second year running at Cotswold Hills G.C. on a mild still day and resulted in a comfortable win three & a half to a half for the OD’s.

‘Home’ advantage for half of the holders and greater experience of matchplay were decisive factors despite being out driven off most tees!

However all the boys showed great promise and were a real pleasure to play with in a most enjoyable match.

O.D. Golf President Brian Wilson led the field with David Carpenter and proved too strong a combination for J. Chaplin & C. Graham; similarly Rupert Lane and Richard Rose came home safely v B. Whitford & M. Dawson.

It was a great pleasure to welcome two new OD players James Ford (Ross G.C.) and last year’s school golf captain Martin Dick... up against his younger brother Ewan and sporting all rounder Charlie Wheatley (who had played two games for the O.D’s in their cricket week)… match halved.

Joe Lane, off his new handicap of 7, with John Nicholson brought up the rear v L. Cowan & S. Wood and in a most exciting match the lads just failed to get a win on the last green for a half in their match.

All retired to The Hungry Horse where the ODs had pleasure in treating the boys to double burger and chips!

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Mike Wigley and Peter Smallwood led the field and were 4 up after 4 holes v Elliott and Marsh and eased to a 6 & 5 win. By contrast in the second match John Barker and Nigel Timson were blown away by 6 handicapper Duncan Thomas partnered by Bomber Griffith-Jones.

The former was 2 under par for his first 8 holes and the match ended early in the second 9!

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Old Decanian News

N~o 88 | Summer 2012

The Treasurer’s Report I am pleased to present the Financial Statements of the Old Decanian Society for the year ending 31st December 2010.

producing an up-dated Old Decanian Newsletter. This is, of course, in addition to our normal commitments such as the Dean Close School Hardship Fund, Travel Scholarships etc.

There are no major issues to report and the Society is still in a strong financial position.

We have also made investments during the year of £6,000. In spite of all this, I am pleased to report that our accounts still show a small surplus for the year of £383.

We have had considerable expenditure during 2010 including hosting the AROPS Conference at Dean Close School in May, purchasing new rugby/hockey shirts and

Looking ahead, it appears that our income for this year is standing up well

Presented at the 2011 AGM

by Ian Bassett-Smith

and we have already made £4,000 of new investments and committed a further £3,000 to purchase honour boards for the New Sports Pavilion.

I would like to make a special mention this year of Henry Hodgkins. In spite of heavy business commitments Henry always finds time to assist me with our financial affairs and I would like to thank him for his continued valued contributions to the Society.

OD Travel Scholarships

by Olivia Abbott (OD Bursary Beneficiary)

Thanks to the generosity of the Old Decanians Society, I was privileged to go on the tour South Africa, where we visited Cape Town, Durban, Pietermaritzburg, and finally Hluhluwe Game Reserve. I was given the opportunity to improve my hockey whilst experiencing the buzz and culture of another country.

I have many fond memories of the tour, including my first Safari which was an amazing experience, and to have that experience with my friends made it even more special. Billeting provided the chance to experience South African life at its best as our hosts showed us their food and way of life.

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We went on many excursions whilst on tour including visiting Table

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Mountain, Cape of Good Hope, Karkloof Canopy Tours, Ushaka Marine World where many of the tour party went cage diving with sharks. We were also given the chance to visit the Sports Science Institute of South Africa where our fitness was put to the test using state of the art scientific tests.

The style of hockey played by South African sides was quite different from what we face in the UK. The matches

were played with a greater intensity and a degree of physicality that we were not used to. Despite this the girls left South Africa undefeated. The boys had a more challenging time winning 2 and drawing 3 of the 10 matches played. I am immensely grateful to the Old Decanian Society for enabling me to be a part of this sporting and cultural tour to South Africa.

Dean Close School | Old Decanian Society

School Hockey Tour South Africa 2011

by John Talbot – Tour Leader

The trip itself was made possible by the scholars and their parents but also by generous donations from organisations and individuals with links to Dean Close.

We were particularly grateful to the Society for providing financial assistance for four of the tourists. In every case, I know that it is unlikely that the individual would have been able to be part of the tour without this help.

In addition to the bursary, the Society provided a gift to be used to enhance our experiences in South Africa. As a result we were able to visit the Natal Sharks Board, where we were introduced to the day to day work done by the KZNSB

as well as on the important role sharks and other animals play in the marine ecosystem. This was followed by a 20 minute dissection of a Great White Shark which provided the unique opportunity to see (and smell!!) the internal machinery of one of the ocean’s most awesome predators. Some of the scholars then managed to convince KZNSB to do a further 30 minute dissection of the internal organs.

The 12 months leading up to the trip were characterised by various fund raising events. Whilst a good proportion of this was used for the tour itself a sizeable amount of money was given as a charitable donation to a Township project, in Soweto, Buskaid, where an OD, is presently working.

South Africa, post World Cup was always going to be an exciting prospect and it lived up to expectations. The plaintive cry of the Vuvuzela was soon part of the regulation hockey supporter’s and army of fans uniform. As a tour party

we played 15 matches, scored 24 goals and won 6 matches. The girls were undefeated in their 5 games and whilst the boys results were less positive, the quality of their hockey was very promising, especially since they were playing against U18 sides rather than U17 sides. Both boy’s teams finished the tour with strong performances against good hockey sides.

I am delighted to say that the spirit of sports touring is alive and well at Dean Close. The template for coeducational tours has been established by this young and enthusiastic group of people. I hope others will be inspired to follow in their footsteps in years to come with adventures of their own that will rival ours. We remain grateful to Old Decanians for their support both practical and financial and I hope that the Society in general and in particular those who have had the privilege of touring with Dean Close in the past, will continue to provide generous support for future adventures.

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The Hockey Tour to South Africa was a once in a lifetime opportunity and it provided a range of experiences both sporting and cultural that have lasted for much longer than the 16 days of the trip.

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Old Decanian News

N~o 88 | Summer 2012

Headmaster’s Notes I am pleased to be able to tell the OD Society that the School is in good shape.

Despite tough economic times we are doing well; our extra-curricular achievements continue to be outstanding and we are progressing with our development plans.

Hatherley House, the new day girls’ house, opened in September with 43 girls under the care of Kate Miller. The house has begun with a strong spirit and has competed well from House Singing to tug-of-war. The motto is ex ingeniis propriis familia floreat; I’ll put the translation at the bottom of this article to let you have a go at it first.

The Michaelmas Term saw our inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate.

This process takes place every six years and is the equivalent of OFSTED for us.

All three schools came out very strongly, DCPS receiving no fewer than 11 grades of excellent. In the Senior School we were graded excellent in many areas including our extra-curricular activities, personal and spiritual development and pastoral care.

Many ODs will remember Brian Wilson, who is still on the staff teaching Greek and Latin to some of our top scholars.

Gratifyingly the Inspectors tracked him down and he had his first lesson observation since joining Dean Close in 1958.

In hockey, the boys reached regional finals at all levels from U18 to U13 and the girls in U14, U16 and U18 age groups. The U16 netballers have secured a place at the national finals which have not taken place at the time of writing.

We also have some notable representative honours. Lloyd Evans (Dale) has been selected for the England cricket U18 development squad and has just returned from India where he topped the batting averages. Tess Harwood (Mead) has reached the equivalent level in dressage and Tuesday Birmingham (Mead) and Flo Edwards (Shelburne) are England level in water polo and netball respectively.

Musically we aim high. The Carducci Quartet has been with us for just over a year and has delighted many people with their playing and teaching. It is sad to have to record that Ben Nicholas, our Director of Choral Music, is moving on to become Director of Music at Merton College, Oxford. This is a great achievement for Ben and reflects well on our choral standards. We continue to sing at the highest level: both Schola Cantorum and the Chamber Choir have completed recordings this year and the Choral Society sung Bach’s Mass in B-Minor, one of the more challenging works in the repertoire, to critical acclaim early in the year. Several ODs sang with us and all are welcome: Thursdays at 7pm starting in September.

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We are making good progress in designing a replacement to the DCPS Langhorne Hall, and it is hoped that construction will begin in the next twelve months, with a major academic development in the Senior School the next project.

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There is plenty of good news on the sporting front. Paul Hull, ex England and Bristol, has joined us as Director of Rugby Coaching and has been working effectively to raise our profile and to attract good players to the School.

1st XV fly-half Tiff Eden has recently been promoted to the West of England U18 squad. Plans are well advanced for a tour to Singapore and Australia in summer 2012.

Hatherley House

by Jonathan Lancashire After last year’s exceptional drama we have done well to maintain the standard with a strong performance of Romeo and Juliet as the main School play, a lively junior musical, Calamity Jane and some challenging contemporary plays, directed by pupils in the Studio Theatre, including Art and The Long Road.

It has been good to see so many ODs in touch with the School. The advent of Twitter and Facebook has made a real difference to younger ODs and the attendance at the Rugby and Hockey Day in December was excellent. On a recent visit to Dubai I met Dr Omar Shams (T 77) and Mr Jim Ward (T 69) and hope to increase the number of occasions in 2012/13; we have a double-OD wedding taking place in Chapel this summer - Lucie McHardie-Jones (M 2006) to Joe Hill (BC 2007). At the last count there were 12 ODs on the School’s Governing Council.

I am delighted that we stay on such good terms with so many ODs and would like to personally thank the OD Committee and Officers for all the time and effort they give to this most important relationship.

Translation of Hatherley House Motto: By the gifts of each, let the family flourish.

Dean Close School | Old Decanian Society

DRAMA & THE EDINBURGH FESTIVAL 2011

by Lloyd Allington, Director of Drama

DRAMA AT DCS: TRINITY TERM 2011 TO LENT 2012

Ellie Williams as Juliet and Charlie Coombs as Romeo

The Drama department had another outstanding and exciting year, culminating with a tour of the Drama Scholars’ Play, Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller at the Edinburgh Fringe, where yet again we played to capacity houses at Greenside.

Patrick Fleming was outstanding as the Salesman, and he was particularly wellsupported by Serena Jennings OD as his wife Linda (Serena has just been awarded a place, justifiably, at Central School of Speech and Drama – Laurence Olivier’s alma mater). Will Merrick OD, of SKINS fame, played Charlie, and is currently applying to RADA, LAMDA, and has just been auditioned for a Richard Curtis film and a TV sitcom. Wesley Lineham OD played Happy, and has just completed a year at RADA. It was good to see so many dramatic ODs in Edinburgh – around 12 – and we met at The Dome on George street – a memorable evening of cocktails.

It is very exciting that 8 recent ODs have formed their own Theatre Company (No Prophet Theatre Company) and they will be performing Punk Rock by Simon Stephens at the Edinburgh Fringe at Spaces on the Mile from 3-18 August daily. All support welcome.

Serena Jennings in Death of a Salesman

The Michaelmas Term main production was Romeo and Juliet, with Charles Coombs and Ellie Williams in the title roles. This was followed in the Lent Term by two major productions: Calamity Jane, with the extraordinary talent of Vth former Lydia Maxwell in the title role, and then The Crucible (The Drama Scholars’ Play) by Arthur Miller, with Charles Coombs taking on the mammoth role as John Proctor. The Crucible will be going to Edinburgh from 20-25 August at Greenside, and we welcome all support as ever.

Studio productions included: The Long Road by Shelagh Stevenson; An Inspector Calls by JB Priestley; Abigail’s Party by Mike Leigh; and Art by Yasmena Reza.

We are proud that all these productions were directed by VIth Formers. Any queries regarding anything dramatic at the school: please email the Director of Drama, lsallington@deanclose.org.uk We are always delighted to see how many ODs come and support – indeed, there were a significant number of ODs performing at the Fringe in their own right in the last two or three years, which is direct result of Close Up’s involvement over the last 8 years. Any ODs are always welcome to come and support any productions at School or in Edinburgh – but please book the Fringe tickets well in advance this year, since we are expecting to sell out quickly.

STOP PRESS

The Crucible

STOP PRESS

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Serena Jennings (Fa 2011) awarded a place to study acting at Central School of Speech and Drama, London (which is where Olivier and Judi Dench trained, amongst others)

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Old Decanian News

N~o 88 | Summer 2012

Interview with DENYS CARNILL Memories from a past Olympic GB Hockey Captain; Denys Carnill (Hon. OD) In many ways hockey nowadays is a very different game from the hockey I played in the 1950s to 1960 period. The rules have changed, the sticks are different, and the modern pitches are very, very different. All this has led to fast and furious games and to a general level of skill vastly superior to times gone by.

I find it exhausting to watch let alone play!

My own hockey I learnt during wartime at Hitchin Grammar School. As well as school games my brother also organised matches against the troops billeted in the local town.

First we had the Liverpool/Irish and they were followed by the Border Regiment.

What a wonderful opportunity for the young Carnill to toughen up his game!

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At eighteen I won an RAF Scholarship to Oxford, a 6th month scheme for potential aircrew. I got a wartime hockey Blue before becoming a full time airman. Happily the war ended and my flying in the Tiger Moth was as far as I got. Then 3 ½ years later, I went to up to Worcester College, Oxford for the three unforgettable years, studying History and playing hockey for the University, captaining the side in 1950.

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From Oxford I came to Dean Close School, intending to stay for two years.

My stay was actually longer, the whole of my working life except for an exchange year at Gealong Grammar School co-inciding with the Melbourne Olympics.

My first Olympic Games were in 1952 at Helsinki. The Cold War was still on, so Russia and the Eastern Bloc Countries had their own Olympic Village some few miles away. The Opening Ceremony I still vividly remember, marching round the handsome, largely wooden Olympic Stadium in persistent drizzle and distant thunder. We wore blue felt hats and the dye ran down our faces. Doves were released into the sky and the hats proved to be extremely useful.

England lost 3-1 to India in the semi-final but we beat Pakistan in the play-off for the bronze medal. I felt very sorry for the Pakistan manager as I walked back with him to the Olympic villages. He opened his heart to me: “I have lost my job, my friends and my house. I have lost everything.” I felt almost guilty for winning.

My next Olympics was in 1956 in Melbourne.

We were a good side but, compared with the high standard of fitness and skills demanded nowadays, we were just reasonably fit, enthusiastic amateurs. We didn’t even have a track suit among us!

What a totally different world it is now!

Fate did not help us in Melbourne. We lost our right winger with a broken ankle after 12 minutes of the opening game, and in those days substitutes were not allowed. In our last game our key inside left, John Conroy, was badly injured in a tackle and he more or less retired to the wing. By beating Australia twice we did manage to get in the semi-finals but were beaten by Pakistan in the play-offs.

(They had a different manager from the previous occasion).

Rome, 1960, was my last Olympic Games. I shall never forget our game against Kenya. We were playing for a semi-final place. The temperature was well over 80°F. At full time we were all square, 1-1,and the game went on, and on, and on, until belatedly , 127 minutes after the start of the match, our left wing scored. It was the only time in my hockey life when I felt like embracing any teammate. We were beaten 1-0 by India and 2-1 by Spain to end our unsuccessful effort to bring back a medal.

I was very lucky to have all these experiences, and I have always been grateful to Dean Close for allowing me time off to compete. What fun we had!

And what friendships we formed! I hope to meet some of my former teammates at the London 2012 Olympics. The remnants of the Helsinki team meet annually, and this year we might have other things than our human ailments to talk about!

Dean Close School | Old Decanian Society

Engaging with the

younger generation

by Andrew Marquand

In last Summer’s Old Decanian News I reported on our activity involving 6th Form Scholars in the Society and with this in mind we organised a Wine and Cheese evening in the new Pavilion to which we invited the Head of School her Deputies and Prefects for a social evening but also a short history lesson about the Old Decanian Society!

Wanting to bring the ODS into the 21st century we introduced the concept of having 9 Old Decanian Society Scholar House Representatives, (a bit of a mouthful!!) who would become actively involved in the ODS while in their last year at School, part of their responsibility would be to keep their contemporaries informed of what’s going on within the Society.

The Prefects were asked to consider who they thought would be proactive candidates for this newly created role.

the group and all agreed that ‘PODS’ (Pupils’ ODS) was perfect (although there was a suggestion from a most senior member of the Common Room that Scholar ODS could be considered, but the abbreviated name may have been the cause of some concern!!)

During the first year of the PODS, they have had involvement in events such as: The recital given by Ashok Gupta in November 2011, which was first class and raised funds for Nyakatura Memorial School in Uganda.

On Saturday 10th December the ODs and the School played some hard fought matches. Amidst the mud of the winter season the rugby matches produced some heart rendering action. Charlie Redman and Will McAleer were stalwarts in gathering the troops and their efforts were much appreciated.

The girls played some splendid hockey and recent leavers played as ODs against the School resulting in the School winning 4-1.

A pig roast was enjoyed by the many spectators who came. The new PODS had helped in organising and contacting recent leavers and this resulted in a very memorable day.

Shelburne House 10 year reunion on January 29th 2012. Reported by those in attendance as being a resounding success.

OD Hockey, March 19th 2012.

The PODS will also be present in the ODS marquee at Commemoration on Saturday 2nd June.

Although very early days for the newly created PODS all have reported their enthusiasm for this new initiative and how they have had the support of both Scholars and Staff in this new venture.

Since our original meeting we have seen the appointment of a new Head of School, Wesley Howell and two Deputies – Crissy Ryan and Phoebe Dawson all three have been most supportive. We have appointed a Chairman – Sam Prance, Head of Accounts – Hugh Porter and have in the group Frank Fu, Bebe Lawrence, Sam Metcalfe, Louis Knight-Adams, Helen Gregory, Lucy Ralph and Livi Abbott. We are supported by Mr David Evans, Mrs Julie Kent, Mr Ian Bassett-Smith, Mrs Lucy Smith and myself. We quickly acknowledged that we needed a suitable name for

Back row: Becky Smith, Olivia Duffin, Tilly Fateh, Phoebe Brown, Harriet Sampson, Issy Fateh, Tamara Fateh In Front: Ellie Riding, Livvi Weightman, Beth Jeffcoat

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In next to no time we had the names of our 9 new recruits, each representing one of the School Houses.

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Old Decanian News

N~o 88 | Summer 2012

Did You Know…?

Memories of Kenneth Hollington Ian Bassett-Smith (F 60) writes to say, “I remember well in the mid 1950’s, when I was at Dean Close Junior School, a visit to May Hill organised by Kenneth Hollington who ran ‘The Argonauts’- a band of jolly adventurers who enjoyed a challenge.

Kenneth was an arts and science master and had heard the rumour that May Hill had 100 trees at the summit. This, of course, had to be verified.

A group of about 10 of the Argonauts, dressed in appropriate attire and with packed lunches, set off with Mr. Hollington in command. On reaching the summit

we, in various scientific and ultimately random methods, proceeded to count the trees. After many attempts, with varying results, we failed to obtain a definitive answer!

Recently I decided to re-visit May Hill, with my wife and daughter, to relive old memories and again count the trees. However, several new groups of trees had appeared since my last visit, and again our attempts were in vain.

However, the views were fantastic, we met a group of wild ponies roaming on the lower slopes of the hill and a good day was had by all”.

Writer gets a Bafta for children’s stories It was a double whammy for Cheltenham screenwriter Jon Foster, pictured, who was honoured at this week’s Children’s Bafta Awards.

cast of characters, including Gumball’s school friends, a tyrannosaurus rex, a cheerleading peanut and a banana. The show was described in the Daily Telegraph online as “a groundbreaking series which cleverly employs several different styles of animation, often simultaneously.”

The 30-year-old, from Charlton Kings, was named joint best children’s writer at an awards ceremony at London’s Hilton Hotel for his work penning The Amazing World of Gumball. The offbeat Cartoon Network sitcom, which has won critical acclaim in the UK and the US, was also named best animation.

It is the latest in a string of successes for Jon, who has taken the small screen world by storm since starting out as a writer in the industry. His online film Bryony Makes a Zombie Movie was nominated for Best Interactive Production at the 2009 Baftas.

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Jon, a former pupil at Dean Close School, said he was delighted to get his hands on the famous golden mask. “I was really pleased,” he said. “It’s a big team of people who work very hard on the programme so the award is for everyone who has been a part of it. It’s a real honour to receive the joint best writer award alongside my colleague James Lamont. You have to work really hard in this industry and enjoy what you do to be successful. Hopefully this award will spur me on to bigger and better things in the future.”

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A quirky animated sitcom for children, the Amazing World of Gumball follows the misadventures of 12-year old Gumball and his family. It features a colourful

He has also written sketches for the BBC’s The Armstrong and Miller Show and is setting his sights on a second series of Gumball, to be released next year. “We’re already writing the second series and we think it’s funnier than the first,” he added. “It has been seen more in the US than in Britain so it would be great if people over here check it out.”

The show is currently screening on the Cartoon Network in the UK. Jon’s parents Steve and Gay Foster, of Branch Hill Rise, Cheltenham said they were “hugely proud” of their son’s achievements. And there was a special mention from his former director of drama at Dean Close, Lloyd Allington, who spotted his ability at an early age. “Jon was a wonderfully

talented actor at school,” he said.

“I remember with great affection a stunning performance of Ferdinand in the Duchess of Malfi as well as a marvellous revue he wrote and took part in Edinburgh. “We are, of course, delighted with his success.”

Courtesy of Joe Lane (T 98) Gloucestershire Echo

Did You Know…?

Old Decanians live all over the world: 41 in Australia; 40 in Canada; 22 in China; 27 in France; 29 in Germany; 87 in Hong Kong; 18 in Ireland; 28 in Japan; 17 in Kenya; 18 in Malaysia; 15 in New Zealand; 12 in Russia; 11 in Singapore; 13 in South Africa; 16 in Spain; 13 in UAE; 16 in Uganda; 123 in USA. Of course most live in the UK.

Dean Close School | Old Decanian Society

Blue Plaque Unveiled

by Lucy Smith

Left to right: John Denley, Roger Wood, Ian Bassett-Smith, Lucy Smith, John Postlethwaite, Henry Hodgkins

On Friday 7th October 2011 a Commemorative Blue Plaque was unveiled by the Mayor of Cheltenham, Councillor, Barbara Driver. This was a

culmination of many months preparation with the Cheltenham Civic Society and the Old Decanian Society office. The Old Decanian Society shared the costs of the Blue Plaque with The Cheltenham Civic Society. The request had come from an OD, Roger Brown, a member of the Civic Society to have this placed on the school wall in memory of James Elroy Flecker who had lived and studied at Dean Close Memorial School, as it was called then.

James Elroy Flecker’s father had been the first Headmaster. He was a well known poet in his time. One poem known to many was ‘Hussan’. The guests to this occasion were the Mayor - Councillor Barbara Driver, our local MP - Mr Martin

Horwood, James Flecker - nephew of the first headmaster and the granddaughter, Mary Flecker.

Mary Flecker, James Flecker, and Martin Horwood gave short renditions from James Elroy Flecker’s poems.

The Headmaster welcomed everyone present. There were several ODs attending including Ian Bassett-Smith, John V Denley, John Postlethwaite, Sue Padfield, Roger Brown and Henry Hodgkins.

The Headmaster invited the guests and ODs to a top table lunch in the School dining room following the unveiling of the Blue Plaque.

1949 Colts Rugby Reunion 16th Oct 2011

Shelburne House

The annual reunion lunch was held again at Burford, organised by John Boswell (W 50).

Charles Whitney, the school archivist attended and brought a collection of archive school photographs, and the ODs present were able to identify a number of their contemporaries from these. A very enjoyable gathering was able to reminisce about the glory days of their youth when their unbeaten team had carried all before them so long ago.

Left to right: Jess Burns (2005), Claire Mans (2002), Charlotte Brooks (2006), Mrs Julie Kent, Crissy Smith (2007), Claudia Stebbings (2012), Crissy Ryan (2012), Olivia Brooks-McLaughlin (current Vth former)

10 year reunion

The following, together with some of their ladies attended – John Boswell (W 50), Geoff Saunders (C 50), John Deakin (B 49), Richard Huck (C 49), Malcom Wright (B 51), Anne Cooke (widow of Bob Cooke ), John Postlethwaite, Rev Charles Whitney.

John Boswell is still in touch with 13 of the original 1949 squad, some of whom attend from time to time.

by Jeremy Winter Paul Tipper organised this event. Those who managed to attend were Paul Tipper, Martin Ellis-Jones, John Harding, Alan Bailey, Simon Bailey, Martin Lamb, Ross Cole, Tim Kidd, John Eaden, Jeremy Winter, Peter Tipper and Quentin Seymour-Smith.

The gathering enjoyed a good menu of dishes for all tastes and ample fine wine!

Girls that were in Upper Sixth and had spent years sharing up to 8 in a room in the Old Shelburne came to reminisce about the big move and the wonderful single rooms and en suite bathrooms that they enjoyed in their final year.

There were also girls who were in fourth form when we moved across and had never seen the House in all its

glory before coming to Dean Close.

Many travelled from London and kept delaying their train time to catch up on their days and tell even more stories.

Sue Padfield the first Shelburne Housemistress attended and Richard Taylor who did some duties in Shelburne over the last 10 years also told some tales and presented a toast to past and present. The present Shelburne Girls entertained everyone with some winning House songs.

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OD Luncheon at Sydney Arms, Sydney Street, Chelsea, London on 19th November 2011.

On the 21st of January over 35 girls returned to New Shelburne to celebrate 10 years of the building.

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Old Decanian News

N~o 88 | Summer 2012

News

from the s 0 5 9 1 Randolph Melville (B 52) writes Here is a brief resume of the last 10 years. My wife and I have celebrated over 50 years of marriage — quite something these days! Most years we have been on short visits to Africa, the majority of them to Lusaka, Zambia where we have been working with Action Zambia. My wife has been especially been involved in working in the church schools with the poor in the compounds while I have been teaching the pastors of the churches from the compounds, many of whom have no Bibles or others aids which are so common place for us in the West. It was a privilege to teach them and they were so appreciative. I am still amazed that some of them walked over 2 hours through the heat of the midday sun to listen to a retired UK teacher!

We also looked after a family of 6 children, aged from 4 to 16, all but 2 of them adopted, for a month in Malawi while the parents were on furlong to USA. Last year we were in Siyabuswa in South Africa where my wife helped in the school while I taught the students in the Bible College both of which were part of Hope for Africa Mission.

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John Selley (G 55) wrote to give us some up to date news - Shirley and I, John Selley, (Gate ‘52 to ‘55) live in Suffolk, just outside Bury St Edmunds. I served a Student Apprenticeship with Dowty and moved to Spirax - Sarco where I spent the next 35 years. I worked initially at Charlton House, Cheltenham before we were moved to Durham (‘67 - ‘71) then to Kendal (7187) and then to Bury St Edmunds. I retired in 1998.

We are very involved with our local church, a charity working in Albania, The National Trust and my modest collection of Ferguson Tractors!

Prof. Christopher Kendall (B 56) Christopher renewed contact with Dr Barry Leach (C 54) and writes ‘… now live in the USA and have done this since 1971. I have become the ultimate colonist (perish the thought) by becoming an US citizen; even married a lady from that country, have two daughters and two grandchildren!! Nuff said!!

All the best.

… I have retired from the University of South Carolina but continue a career as a geologist in the Oil industry and some connections to academe. I now consult for the oil industry and am currently in Kuwait building a surprisingly successful model of a huge oil field here, and go to Bahrain and Saudi Arabia for another trip.

Dick Rowley (G 53) Writing from his home in Canada - I am just writing to mention another anniversary going by.

Sixty years ago, Derek Gaye took the

I remember you from both the Junior and Senior Schools (an exocentric and eclectic dream now) when we were the centres of our protected fish-bowl like universe!! How great to hear from you! Believe it or not but I

So God hasn’t finished with us yet! Who knows what the next decade will bring.

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chapel choir to sing at evensong at the 1951 Festival of Britain chapel in London, at the Festival Gardens, situated on the South Bank of the Thames at Lambeth. By that time, Mr. Gaye had also conducted the first concert by the school orchestra since the war, after re-establishing and running the instrumental music programme from 1957 onwards. It is good to see how the music programme has grown and flourished in the school since those early days.

De

was thinking about you yesterday (sounds self serving but it is not for some time that I have not thought back to our past). I can fill you at length with my life and would like to hear of yours but thought I would break the ice to let you know I am pleased to hear from you and will write more when you write back!!

I have remained in contact with Jim Turnbull and Alan Culpin from Dean Close, who live in the USA, but have not written or contacted other ODs.... I still remember Gilkes and Dr. Graham; the latter was instrumental for my going to Trinity College to study Geology after my National Service in the Artillery in Cyprus (1956 Suez Crisis) and Salisbury Plain near Bulford!’

He also wrote to the office. “Thanks for putting Barry and I back in contact with each other. Now we can swop old soldier stories and catch up on our exotic lives living on the far side!”

s 0 6 9 1 Peter Knight (C 57) wrote to tell us of his latest book called ‘A Pom Down Under - Chasing the Ashes 2010-11. Here he writes of his time spent travelling for seven weeks wide-eyed round this vast country of Australia. If any OD is interested in getting a copy ISBN 978-1-906236-99-1 RRP £6.99 or £6.99 if purchased from www.silverwoodbooks.com Graham Milne (T 60) Graham is now retired from a lifetime in Financial Services and divides his time between Harrogate in the winter and Kefalonia, Greece in the summer. Here he and his wife Leonora run a Bed & Breakfast home in one of the most

Dean Close School | Old Decanian Society

ecades Gareth Noott (T 63) writes Dave Rose and I have been in touch, to reminisce as best memory and refreshment allowed! The other person I have re-connected with is Maurice Jensen who was in Tower with me.

He now lives in the Czech Republic.

Guy Pawson (G 64) It was good to hear that Guy is consistently enjoying his retirement in the sun in California!

Paul Morris (T 66) Judy and I are filled with gratitude to God for the new home he has provided for us. We returned to the UK in April to take up new ministry with CWI and to move to a new location to pursue that. It has taken a while but God’s timing is perfect.

Robert W Martin (B 67) After a long and distinguished career as a Partner in Deloitte Haskin & Sells and latterly Coopers & Lybrand, Robert became Chief Executive of the Moore Group in Harrogate, he retired several years ago. Robert has now decided to go to University and is studying for a degree in psychology at Goldsmiths College, University of London.

Bill Dwerryhouse (C 68) following a request Bill wrote, ‘I am indeed an OD: Court House 1968 – a product of Humphrey Osmond, a great man and fondly remembered housemaster. I’m on the OD mailing list: I have been teaching physics at St Georges’ College, Buenos Aires for 35 years and I receive things

now and again.’ Bill very kindly met up with Jeremy Winter whilst Jeremy was staying in Argentina in January. It’s always great to hear that the OD networks are alive and well.

Steve Heaton (F 68) and his wife, Bina celebrated the 25th anniversary of The Gloucestershire Morgan Sports Car Club at Chavenage House near Tetbury in September 2011 with 72 other members.

Simon V Martin (B 68) Having retired from the RAF as a Wing Commander Simon has worked in recent years for the Royal Air Forces’ Association and is based in Malvern. He has had various roles with the RAFA but is currently Director of Overseas Branches and Membership. He is also one of the country’s leading crossword compilers and is one of the team of compilers of The Telegraph crossword working under the nom de plume of “Enigma”.

s 0 7 19 Douglas L Davis (B 71). Doug and his wife Caron visited the school last year and writes - ‘Lucy – thanks again for a wonderful hospitality. It was fun to not only have a chance to browse the old books, records and pictures, but your willingness to reach out to Nigel Thomas and Trevor Snow was heartwarming. Caron and I had a great time touring the school and seeing what 35 years’ of change looks like. And; it felt good to wear my Old Decanian shirt today…

Best wishes to you – keep up the good work!’ Doug.

Jamie Martin (B 72) writes ‘I am still Managing Partner of Ward Hadaway, a top 100 law firm with over 60 Partners and 400 staff with offices in Newcastle, Leeds and Manchester - I believe I am one of the longest serving Managing Partners of a top 100 law firm! In addition I am Chairman of Newcastle College, the largest further education college in the country and Chairman of Newcastle Gateshead Initiative the destination marketing body responsible for promotion of Newcastle Gateshead as a place to visit, live, learn and work. Having been Regional Chair of CBI in the North East I was awarded the OBE for services to business in the North East in the New Years’ Honours List in 2008. On the charitable front I am a Director of the Community Foundation serving Tyne & Wear and Northumberland and Chairman of the Development Board of Sunderland AFC Foundation. I was commissioned as a Deputy Lieutenant of Tyne & Wear in June 2012, so all in all I am quite busy’.

All of the above would come as a great surprise to my old housemaster P E Smith and to EJB Langhorne.

Chris O’Grady (G 78) writes “I took four months off from work to make a pilgrimage from Pershore to Rome. It was the most extraordinary time of my life. My pilgrimage was very much a personal spiritual journey. I carried a tent and sleeping bag to use as needed. I also planned to knock on doors throughout the four months I was away in the hope that the kindness of strangers would allow me to sleep in their house, on the floor as an alternative to a night camping in a field. Thanks to Tim Hastie-Smith for having me to stay.

I wrote an article that was published a few months ago in the magazine This England.

I have been blessed to be able, several times (including the National Geographic Shop in Regents Street London W1 ), to share my experience by way of a talk about my journey... should anyone be interested at the school it would be my pleasure to come and tell something of what it us like to be a modern day pilgrim.

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tranquil spots - Lourdata.

The house is positioned to give the most fabulous views over the Ionian sea to Xanthe. Our website is www.thegardenhouse.gr for ODs who would like to spend some time with us. Please contact us on 01423 568174 to discuss your visit to Kefalonia. You can also email: gmilne86@hotmail.com

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N~o 88 | Summer 2012

Susie Webster nee Harlock (S 79) writes “Hello all, I wanted to bring to your attention Opera a la Carte, which is a company whose founder and artistic director is an OD, Nicholas Heath, who partook in everything Dean Close had to offer musically. I remember singing with him in the Madrigals and the Choir and various musical/dramatic performances such as The Pirates of Penzance.

Opera a la Carte is a very versatile operatic company that does all sorts of performances from large scale productions, to private functions. If anyone wants to take a look, information is on www.operaalacarte.com”.

s 0 8 9 1 Frances Howells (nee Clarke) (S 81) wrote to let us know that she had moved house and said “I had the pleasure of meeting up with the school’s double bass teacher, Lizzie Graham, and was so pleased to hear how well the school is doing. I have very happy memories of my time there”.

The Revd Simon Kirby – Chaplain of Wren Academy is now the Assistant Curate of St James, Friern Barnet, London.

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Jonathan Rooke (F 85) writes‘Following on from my interest in the CCF (RAF Section) at School, I’m currently serving as a Squadron Leader Logistics Officer with the RAF in a NATO appointment at HQ ISAF Joint Command, Kabul, Afghanistan and will be here until Feb 2012. This is my second tour of Afghanistan and comes on top of 4 tours to Iraq and 1 to Macedonia.

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2010 saw me participate in the Royal Navy Field Gun Competition at HMS Collingwood as a ‘Heavy End’ although in the RAF, the NATO Joint Force Command Headquarters at Naples where I was serving, enters a Multi-National, Multi-Service to the Field Gun Competition. There aren’t many RAF Officers who can say they have competed in this epic team challenge, somewhere in the region of 12 in the entire history of the event; this is probably one of the toughest things I have ever done.

I recently organised the Kabul 71st Anniversary Commemoration of The Battle of Britain for the combined Coalition Air Element at the HQ, this was an almost unique event as it gathered together representatives from the Air Forces of all the Nations who took part in the Battle of Britain - during this, I recited Dai Davies’ poem “Battle of Britain Day - 1956”.

Back in the UK, I live in Gloucester and am based at HQ ARRC, Imjin Barracks, Innsworth. I retired from playing Rugby in 2008 but still keep in touch with the game as a RFC Coach and Referee, I also am a Cricket Umpire. Unfortunately I missed the OD reunion in Cheltenham earlier on in the year due to pre-deployment training for Afghanistan. Last October I married to Vicki, we have no children although I have 2 sons (16 and 13) from my previous Marriage. I keep in touch with several ODs via Facebook but would be delighted to hear from any ODs, particularly those serving in the Forces.

Jonathan Wood-Freeman (B 86) writes ’I am an Old Decanian and attended Dean Close from 1981–1986.

I migrated to Australia in 96 and I was looking to write a letter to my former Brook housemaster and his wife - Tim and Dorothy O’Dell.’

(I am glad to help in reconnecting people: Editor).

The Revd Rachel Browning (FA 87) is now in her curacy at Emmanuel and St Mary in the Castle, Hastings.

Emma Brain-Gabbot (M 88) Two ODs, Emma Brain (at School) and Julie Cooper (M 92) sang with The Sixteen in a concert at Tewkesbury Abbey in September 2011.

s 0 9 9 1 Julie Cooper (M 92) and Christopher Watson (D) (son of David, formerly Head of History till 1983) were soloists in the Schola Cantorum’s Mozart concert in the Pump Room on Friday 7 October 2011.

Louise Whitney (M 93) is currently working part-time as the Senior Planning

Officer at Buckinghamshire County Council and has a year old daughter, Alice with whom she and her husband, Brendan O’Donovan are delighted.

Susie Baker nee Henley (M 94) is now qualified as a Clinical Psychologist. She is married and has a beautiful son, Benjamin.

Dr Heather Whitney (M 95) was one of four 2011 L’Oreal UNESCO Young Women Scientists of the Year. She has also been awarded the 2012 President’s Medal in Plant Sciences of the Society for Experimental Science, for her groundbreaking research on plant iridescence.

Also in 2011 she received a £1m award to research plant iridescence from the European Research Council. Heather is a Fellow of the Linnean Society and has been appointed to a Lectureship at Bristol University in the School of Biological Sciences for September 2012. She will be in Cheltenham appearing at the Science Festival in May/June 2013.

Mat Heighway (D 96) writes ‘My musical education at Dean Close could not have prepared me better for my career.

Studying double bass, singing and piano meant that I got to perform classical music, jazz, and theatre, and after studying further at the Royal Academy of Music I’ve gone on to play with major UK musical theatre tours, the Royal Shakespeare Company, professional orchestras, the West End, and with alternative folk/Americana band Pig Earth (www.pigearth.com) who recently won a British Country Music Award and played Wembley Arena.’

Hilary Jeune (Fa 97) wrote to let us know that she and her husband live in Brussels (already 6 years!). She works for the Fair Trade Movement lobbying the EU Institutions and has just (Jan 2012) had a son, Hendrik Helier. Hilary came back to DCS in 2009 and observed how it has changed - The Fawley common room is now a computer lab!!

Charles Knightley (D 90) Congratulations to Charlie. S. Knightley who was selected

by M.C.C. to tour Corfu, Greece in 2011. He hit a match winning 90 enabling the club to defeat the Corfu Pres.X1-to the delight of Joanna Lumley who was on site filming a documentary for ITV. Charlie runs the cricket at Felsted School.

Dean Close School | Old Decanian Society

s 0 0 20

Tom Foster (F 2004) gained a 1st Class Honour’s Degree in Economics and Business at Plymouth University almost 2 years ago and is working as a Trainee Financial Adviser at Endsleigh Insurance, Cheltenham.

Jake Hall (D 2004). Jake is a professional musician mostly in Europe, writing and playing his own compositions www.myspace.com/jakehallofficial and www.youtube.com/jakehallofficial.

He has been playing as a duo to date Jake guitar/singer and Sam on percussion - but is now launching a larger band to include a saxophone player and another guitarist/singer in a band called Hobo Chic.

Tom Johnson (T 2000) is nearing the end of another hard season in which he has again represented England Saxons in all back row positions! He has been ever present in the Exeter side that reached the quarter finals of the Amlin Cup, losing to Stade Francais in Paris, and is 5th in the Premier League as the last round of fixtures approaches. Exeter has qualified for next season’s Heineken Cup. Rob Kinder (D 2001) writes in anticipation of his trip “I am 28, originally from Cheltenham and currently in London working as a commercial solicitor.

Ever since I was aware that my greatgrandfather was a geologist on Scott’s Last Expedition the story of Captain Scott has been a huge passion of mine. It has also given me the itchiest of itchy feet, taking me on trips to Greenland, Nepal, the Yukon and, in a slightly different spirit of exploration, driving a Morris Minor from London to Mongolia. As the focal point for all of the Scott Centenary celebrations, I am very excited to be involved with the ISCE 2012”.

More information from www.isce2012.co.uk Catriona Rees nee Napier (Fa 2002) is now teaching at Ardingly College.

Chelsey Hall (M 2003) after graduating from the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Art in May 2009, is putting her acting and filming skills to use working in orphanages in Africa. She spent 3 months in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, filming her job as the interface between Americans, going to Addis to adopt children, and the orphanages. She has recently been working in an orphanage near Cape Town

Peter Browne (F 2006) has had a season disrupted by injury at Harlequins where competition for places is very tough. ‘Quins’ are leading the league.

Lottie (Charlotte) Elvidge (M 2006) writes to tell us that she left Dean Close in 2006 after completing her A levels and says, ‘I went to UWE in Bristol and completed a Law degree and achieved a 2:1 from there. I went on to do the BPTC (Bar Professional Training Course) and I am now a qualified Barrister. I shall be called to the Bar in July 2012, at Lincoln’s Inn in London.

She hopes that through sheer determination in becoming a barrister, currently working in Bristol specialising in Domestic Violence and family law, she can encourage those who are not perceived as particularly high achievers when at school.

Ashok Gupta (D 2006) It was good to have Ashok come back to DCS in the autumn to play the piano as the guest at the Uganda Evenings. He recently performed spectacularly at the concert in Tewkesbury Abbey as part of the School’s Gala Launch Appeal for a New School Chapel Organ.

Tom Skinner (T 2006) writes “Since finishing at Dean Close (Tower) in 2006 I travelled the world, then returned to study at Manchester Business School.

After graduating I worked for a year at the media agency Mediacom in London before starting my own company with another Old Decanian - also in the same year as me in Tower, Edward Coram-James. I live in Brixton with ANOTHER old Tower boy from the same year - Simon Ensor.

He is making waves as a headhunter for

large blue-chip organisations.

If you would like to plug the company a bit that would be great! We are called Go Up. Website is www.goup.co.uk, and we are based in Hammersmith. We specialise in inbound marketing and stunning bespoke web design, and have worked with clients as varied as luxury resorts in Kenya right through to large Londonbased events companies”.

Tom Hills (F 2008) It was good to hear from Chris Haslam that Tom completed his finals at Edinburgh University.

Kristiana Reynolds (M 2008) Just an update on my progress after university.

I am living in London and currently at BPP law school completing my Graduate Diploma in Law, in order to start my accepted training contract from Reynolds Porter Chamberlain LLP, starting in September 2013. I hope all is well!

Isabella Richards (S 2009) is about to graduate with a BA (Hons) from Birmingham School of Acting (NCDS) and has just been nominated for the Carleton Hobbs Bursary Award; an award given annually to a new actor who displays distinctive versatility and who then gets the opportunity to work as part of the next season’s BBC Radio Drama Company.

Tom Pinnegar (G 2010) It was good to hear that Tom had been selected for England U21s Hockey. He is at Nottingham Trent University studying Sport Science and Management.

Liam Brignull (D 2011) His first representative appearance for Wales was in the Indoor European Hockey Men’s Championships in Lisbon in January 2012. He was voted player of the tournament for Wales. He won his first Full Welsh International Cap in 2 games versus Malaysia (rated 12th in the world) in March 2012. The side lost their first game 3-1 but won the second 1- 0. He played for Welsh Univ.

U21s in the Elite group at the European Championships in April 2012, and is hoping for a chance of selection for the G.B. side.

Rosie Foulger (M 2011) has had her first book published and available from Amazon or from Rosemarie’s links on her website at www.rosemariecraig.com Congratulations to her on this achievement.

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and is about to move to Kenya to do more filming in similar environment in a project with a United Nations agency.

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Old Decanian News

N~o 88 | Summer 2012

Obituaries Arthur Drewitt Lewis (W 31) died on 4th February 2011 at the age of 96.

He was the brother of Edward Hilton and Edward Morgan as well as the uncle of Christopher David; all of whom attended Dean Close. Arthur came when Walton Court was both a Junior and a Senior house in September 1924 and he stayed there until he left in July 1931. He played football, hockey and cricket for school; also represented Middlesex and Wales at hockey. During Second World War Arthur was a Major in the Royal Armoured Corps. He was an Instructor at Sandhurst and served in the British Military Mission to France attending the French Army in France and Germany later returning to his previous employment as a Lloyds insurance broker. Since 1948 Arthur was a successful businessman until 1988. He was a Chartered Secretary and had his own successful business. Arthur was an OD Committee member for many years including a year as Chairman.

He is survived by a loving wife, two stepchildren and a grandchild.

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Captain Douglas Miller Harry Stobie (B 36) died on 16th August 2011 aged 92. He was born on 13 May 1919 in Durban, South Africa. His father died soon after and his mother brought him, aged four, to live in Cheltenham. He came to Dean Close in September 1933 and boarded in Brook House. He left in July 1936 having gained his Hockey Colours.

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Captain Douglas Stobie joined the Royal Navy before the war serving in destroyers on convoy duties until January 1944. He took part in the last major surface ship battle of the Second World War. In May 15/16 – Lt. Stobie was then the torpedo officer on the Saumerez the 26th Destroyer Flotilla with 4 other Destroyers in the Malacca Straits. The Japanese Cruiser Hagura focussed their guns on the Saumarez after Stobie’s Torpedoes penetrated the Hagura. His decision to launch 8 torpedoes alongside other destroyers in sinking the Hagura gained him a DSC for his outstanding courage, coolness and skill.

The Society sends it sincere condolences to the families of all Old Decanians who have died. Those we know about are listed below. Our thanks to family members for supplying the information for these obituaries.

Captain Stobie went on to serve and captain other Ships of the Line during the War including the Destroyer Hardy which he survived after it sank following a torpedo attack by a submarine. In 1951 He commanded the C-class destroyer Creole which escorted the Empress of Scotland on Princess Elizabeth’s visit to Canada.

Later he commanded HMS Vernon in Portsmouth; taught at the Torpedo and Anti-Submarine Training School from 1963 to 1965; served on the British naval staff in Washington; and was captain of the Admiralty Underwater Weapons Establishment at Portland, Dorset.

Captain Stobie retired from the navy in 1971 and for the next 10 years was the Director of the National Environment Research Council’s Base in Barry. He and his wife, Mavis settled in Cheltenham raising funds for the Outward Bound Trust and for the King George’s Fund for Sailors. He is survived by his son and two daughters; - his wife, Mavis, died in 2006.

Raymond Heskell (G 36) died in December 2011 at the age of 92.

His brother, John wrote to tell the ODS that after Raymond had served in the Middle East during the war he joined the family business and then spent many happy years at his home in Southgate, London.

John Wilford Barratt (T 41) died in September 2011. He entered Dean Close having previously attended a small Welsh Preparatory School in September 1939.

earthwards, he managed to get a side door open, and bale out knocking him unconscious. When he came round some Dutch workmen gave him a pair of overalls to cover his uniform and, with them, he was able to pass through German patrols and eventually reach Arnhem – thanks to the efforts of members of the Dutch resistance movement. After three days of fighting shrapnel from a mortar bomb hit him in his right arm and he was unable to use it. Most of it was removed at a ‘field’ hospital although some pieces remained with him for the rest of his life.

After the war he was offered a place at Bristol University but declined the invitation because he did not want to study for three years, although he did later complete an Open University degree course. Instead, he completed a teacher training course at Trinity College, Carmarthen, and he went on to hold several teaching posts in the south, including one at Luton where he met the woman who became his wife. His first headship was at a school in Staffordshire and then, in 1966, he came to Carlisle as headmaster at Caldewgate School and there he remained for 20 years.

A lifelong practising Christian, he and his family worshipped at Carlisle Cathedral and he became a sidesman and a guide. He also became a lay reader in the Church of England, assisting at many parishes in the Carlisle Deanery. In addition, he helped with worship at the Cumberland Infirmary. He was also active in other areas, with the Schools’ Music and Youth Orchestra, as treasurer of the Carlisle and District Music Festival and as a member of the Carlisle Choral Society.

He was one of the paratroopers sent out to fight in the operation to capture the bridge across the River Rhine in the Dutch town of Arnhem in 1944. British intelligence work had failed to locate a complete German panzer division in the town and the resultant conflict was a disaster for the Allied forces.

In retirement he and his wife spent many holidays in Britain, especially in the north of Scotland, as well as in Europe and, once, in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

Paratrooper Barratt and his comrades were sent to assist and were shot down 10 miles short of the town and, as the blazing aircraft plunged

His funeral service took place in Carlisle Cathedral and he was buried in a private ceremony at Stanwix.

John Wilfred Barratt leaves his wife of 58 years, two daughters and two sons, 10 grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

Dean Close School | Old Decanian Society

by C. E. Whitney

Tim Clutterbuck (T 47) died on the 27th September 2011 aged 75.

Apart from 2 years National Service, Tim spent his career in Banking, finishing as Senior Manager of The Northwood branch of NatWest.

He was a very accomplished golfer winning many accolades and trophies.

He is survived by 3 sons, their wives and 5 grandchildren.

Henry John Drury (C 80) died on 26th February 2012 aged 49. In our school records it is noted that he was a cricket player and following DCS he went to Bath University gaining a BSc (Cl 1.). Then he achieved his MBA. His career included being a Design Engineer at Dowty Ltd.

Mike taught at the former Junior School from 1988 – 1998, having just returned from Zimbabwe. During those ten years he made innumerable friends among colleagues, children and their parents as he was genial, caring and, being hard-working himself, expected the same of others. His interest in sport, especially cricket, led to him running the third cricket XI and later the second XI as well as the third rugby XV, while his musicality and humour were both evident when he played the Sergeant of Police in a Junior School production of ‘Pirates of Penzance’.

Val was a stalwart supporter of her husband’s work and for a while was on the staff herself as the Estates Department Secretary.

A measure of the respect and affection in which Mike and Val were held by colleagues was that a number of former members of staff from the Junior School attended the Service of Thanksgiving, held at Holy Trinity Church, Eckington on 8th March 2012.

Mrs Patricia Scott-Langley, wife of the School doctor – Dr Tony Scott-Langley, died on 19th February 2012. He had been the School doctor between 1968 until 1983. In retirement they had supported the School in attending the concerts and events.

David Thomas Banbury (G 55) died peacefully on June 25 at the University Hospital of Wales with his two daughters present, after an illness fought with great courage and dignity; David, aged 73 years, cherished husband of the late Annie, loving and devoted father of Sarah and Wendy, beloved father-in-law of Rob and John, adored Poppa to Kieran, Ceri and Elliott, dear brother of Clive and Carol. He will be greatly missed by all his family and many friends.

Peter Derek Wild (G 51) We were very sad to hear of the death of Peter on 14th December 2011. Peter had a full life and Judy his wife spoke to me about her loss.

The funeral took place at St Michael’s Church, Rossington and a Eulogy was given of his life from Dean Close days through to retirement by his brother.

We sent our condolences to Judy from the Old Decanian Society.

Mike and Val Herring (1988-1998) The School, especially the Preparatory School, was shocked to learn of the death of Mike Herring, sometime Housemaster of Oaksey and Head of French, together with that of his wife Val, as a result of a fire at their house in Eckington, Worcestershire in February 2012.

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Former Staff:

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Old Decanian News

N~o 88 | Summer 2012

Common Room News Plus Extra etary) OD Secr r e m r o Y (F ed CLEAR has join PIPPA at Pippa h outh t m d s e t ic r t o I had no ospital from P H e was Christ’s chool where sh tsmouth S r P a the or Gramm ager for y & Events n a m l a r Gene ast Publicit ies and or the p Festivit r the School f h it w fo site Manager ippa is living on ector of .P Dir 6 years drew, the new son n A al, their d it n p a s b o H hus ’s t . cky t Chris hter Be ost.

Music a ger daug n wp u e o n y d r n e Tom a well in h r e h h We wis

Tony Marchand (left), former Deputy Head Academic and Viv Boroughs - HSM Fawley (right ), visiting Peter Cairns, at his home in the South of Franc e. Richard Taylor, former Deputy Head and his wife Anne Eline, enjoyed their holiday seeing friends.

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TEWKESBURY SCHOLA CANTORUM (TSC.) Richard Taylor (Former Housemaster & Second Master till 2009 ) writes on behalf of TSC. ‘We are very gratef ul to the ODs for their support. I expect that you are well aware of the two new and very exciting CDs that are just on the ma rket. Reviews are very favourable and ma ybe we will hear quite a lot of the Schola on the radio over the next few months. Their live broadcast was on R3 on Jan 11 2011.’

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THE REID FAMILY WRITE:from Hebron School, ALIX SAYS “I went to UEA after graduating and, Tom. South India where I met and married my husb National Trust the for s We live in West Sussex where Tom work in Billingshurst ve and I teach adults English. We are both acti Family Church.” duated from the NAOMI SAYs “In 2009 I gra a first class University of St Andrews with History. ern degree in Geography and Mod passion for a into me led Studying Geography MSC at the a did I ch whi in h, social researc year with wing follo University of Edinburgh the tember Sep In . hts Rig a specialism in Children’s Adam ry mar to don Lon for 2011 I left Scotland church E at a C of Maynard, a children’s worker a as king wor er whom I met at university. Aft en tak have I , ths mon freelance researcher for 6 icer Off cy Poli and h earc up a position as a Res association in for Family Mosaic, a housing South London.

ty I have remained Throughout my time at universi ing 1st XI hockey heavily involved in sport, play as a goalie aged 9 at St Andrews after beginning have also played I at Dean Close Junior School. sport similar er gend ed mix a lot of korfball, a Scotland I in rs yea my ing Dur to basketball. ral years, seve for represented the national team Europe nd arou el trav getting the opportunity to ent in nam Tour lth wea mon Com and to the Korfball club cal play for a lo South Africa. I continue to the all for l tefu in London and remain very gra d at DSC”. eive rec I s itie rtun oppo ting spor uated from Exeter JONATHAN SAYS “I have just grad le Eastern Studies Midd and bic Ara University with a BA in in the South-West, with after a great four years spent loved playing a variety a year spent in Egypt too. I have well as getting involved as of sport whilst I’ve been here l church. I am heading loca the and n with the Christian Unio work for Christians in off to Bicester near Oxford to done the Senior School Sport next year, people who have I think. I’m looking s Lent Addresses for a few year stuck in, especially in ing gett and forward to learning lots the lead up to the Olympics!”

Dean Close School | Old Decanian Society

OD Authors & CDs

Still available…

AT CLOSE QUARTERS Dean Close School 1884-2009

by Charles Whitney, School Archivist

Absorb yourself in 19 rich chapters, interspersed with nearly 300 photographs, tracing the history of Dean Close School from the laying of the cornerstone (foundation) on 11th November 1884 through to the present day.

Available from:- The School Shop, Dean Close School, Shelburne Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL51 3NY. Tel: 01242 258016 Cost: £27 Hardback p&p £5

£19 Paperback p&p £5

Album from Dean Close Chapel Choir.

For Sale

Peter Knight (C 57) Latest book ‘A Pom Down Under - Chasing the Ashes 2010-11. If any OD is interested in getting a copy ISBN 978-1-906236-99-1 RRP £6.99

We have quite a selection of goods for sale: Ties, scarves, sweaters, polo shirts, cricket shirts, cuff links and tie pins.

These are available at the AGM and Summer Lunch.

Or £6.99 if purchased from www.silverwoodbooks.com

£3 8

Also…

Cost £15 each. Available from the Music Department, Dean Close School, Shelburne Road, Cheltenham. GL51 3NY Please make cheques payable to Dean Close School.

Prospero’s Trilby. A book in which a volume of verse by Sam Gilbert (D 97) has been published. Its ISBN number is 978-0-9567053-1-0. Copies cost £9.99 each plus postage.

Also available are blazers in dashing school stripes.

They can be tailored for men or women at the same cost for either.

£1 65

Forgotten Voices (see article about Lt Col Montague Cleeve OD) is published by the Ebury Press and edited

by Max Arthur in conjunction with the Imperial War Museum. The ISBN is 9780091888879.

This year we have purchased some Henleys casual sweatshirt suitable for ladies and gentlemen.

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O Be Joyful – Music by Elgar, Howells, Walton and Britten.

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Old Decanian News

N~o 88 | Summer 2012

ckey 1933 Fortfield House Ho

Midsummer fair 1981

Archives 2011-2012

by C. E. Whitney

As usual, it has been a busy year in Archives, and it has been good to hear from all the ODs that have been in touch, either to present us with items, for which again many thanks, or simply to visit or to ask us questions about aspects of the School’s history.

A highlight this year was the unveiling of a Blue Plaque on the left of the black entrance door to the main School building, to James Elroy Flecker OD, author and poet, by the Mayor of Cheltenham on 7th October 2011.

J.E. Flecker, whose father was the first headmaster of the School, lived there with his family from 1886-1902. As well as the local MP and numbers of ODs, it was lovely to welcome members of the Flecker family. There was also a small display of books the Archives Department holds either by or about J. E. Flecker.

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The unveiling of the plaque was a useful reminder that at present we have no register or, indeed, information on plaques or memorials (other than gravestones and similar) that have been put up to mark the life and/or contribution of particular Old Decanians.

We would love to hear from you if you have details of any such plaques.

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Another highlight for the Archivist was meeting a number of the original members of the 1948 unbeaten U15 rugby side at their annual luncheon in Burford. John Postlethwaite OD and

John Boswell OD kindly invited and transported the Archivist there and back.

Several School photos and albums were also taken and valuable identifications made.

We are also always grateful to ODs, such as Patrick House, who give time to come in and identify some currently unknown faces on the thousands of photos we have.

In 2014 there will be the hundredth anniversary of the beginning of World War I and the seventy-fifth of the start of World War II. We are very anxious that all ODs who fell in either conflict are properly remembered and we would like to hear from anyone who may have information about ODs who have not been so recognised to contact us the earliest opportunity. Over the last ten years, six ODs who fell – three from World War 1 and two from World War 2- have come to light either through chance contact or our own researches. We would be immensely grateful for your help in this.

In the same subject area, current upper sixth former Amy Hayes is nearing the end of her research project on Lionel Halse, an OD, briefly a music teacher at the School and also engaged to Joy Flecker, who was mortally wounded in 1917. Amy’s work has brought to light one or two of Halse’s

compositions at Cambridge University, and we have been grateful for the help of the Revd Dr Jonathan Holmes OD, Dean of Chapel at Queen’s and a School Trustee.

Arguably the most important development in the department this year has been the installation of Archive Manager. This computer system will eventually allow us to be able to locate any item in our collection in a matter of seconds, under the immediate supervision of Grace Pritchard-Woods. Exciting times!

You will see on other pages our plea for you to fill up names from photos presented.

We are particularly grateful for your response as without your help many photos would otherwise be of very limited value.

We are also keen to hear from Old Decanians about their memories of the School; this is especially true of the ladies who are far too modest!

Please do get in touch with either Grace Pritchard-Woods or the OD office.

Dean Close School | Old Decanian Society

Circa 1950s

ourt 1938 Walton C

ber 1939 - March 1940 Combe School. Septem

If you recognise any of these people please contact the archives department at archivist@deanclose.org.uk or telephone Dean Close School on 01242 258000 ext 637.

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on Brook House at Monkt

Circa 1950s Circa 1980s

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N~o 88 | Summer 2012

Forthcoming dates 2012 ODs are warmly invited to come along to any of these events Reply slips need to be completed for two occasions detailed below as catering is involved; the slips can be found on a separate sheet within your magazine.

Cricket Fixtures 2012 Sat 2nd June

Commemoration ODs v DCS 1st XI 11.30 am DCS

Mon 9th July

Twenty/20 Match, U25s v O25s

5.00pm DCS BBQ Following

Tue 10th July

v Gloucester King’s School Society Old Boys

11.30am DCS

Wed 11th July v Gloucestershire Gypsies

11.30am DCS Pig Roast Following

Thu 12th July

v Old Cheltonians

11.30am DCS

Fri 13th July

v Bourton Vale

12 noon Bourton on the Water

Sat 14th July

v Exeter University Casuals

2.00pm DCS BBQ Following

Please contact Jeremy Winter at jeremy.winterdar@blueyonder.co.uk

Commemoration 2012 Saturday 2nd June 2012

OD Summer Lunch/ AGM Saturday, 16th June

OD Welsh Dinner Monday 9th July

OD Cricket & Golf Weeks start Monday 9th July

Pig Roast at the New Kenyon Pavilion 7pm Wednesday 11th July

Summer Lunch & AGM This year’s Summer Lunch will be held on Saturday 16th June at 1.30pm in the Senior School Dining Room, preceded by the AGM at 12 noon in the Sports Pavilion. Afternoon tea will be available. Tours of the school will be arranged after lunch. Cost for lunch £10.

Cheques payable to The Old Decanian Society. RSVP by 1st June 2012 at ods@deanclose.org.uk

Welsh Dinner

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This isn’t just for golfers!!

– all ODs are very warmly welcome.

Robert Reed is organising a Dinner at the Royal Porthcawl Golf Club in South Wales on Monday 9th July, 7pm for 7.15pm at a cost of £30 for a four course meal.

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Dress code: Jacket & Tie. A cash bar will be available. Contact Robert at: reed_rd@hotmail.com to book your place.

Golf Meetings 2012 Fri 11th May Black Bowl Rolls of Monmouth GC

Co-hosted with The Stroke-A-Hole GS

Sun 20th May Grafton Morrish Denham GC

Public School knockout competition

Mon 9th July

Royal Porthcawl GC

OD Golf Dinner/OD Welsh Dinner

Tue 10th July

The Manor GC

Castle Combe

Wed 11th July Minchinhampton GC OD Golf & Cricket. Pig Roast at Pavilion Thu 12th July

Cleeve Cloud GC

OD Golf & Cricket v Chelt College

Fri 13th July Broadway GC

OD Golf & Cricket at Bourton on the Water

Thu 26th July

Royal Wimbledon GC

ODGS v Old Cheltonians GS

Sun 16th Sept ODGC v The School Cotswold Hills GC Match Manager Jeremy Winter Fri 21st Sept

Watts Cup & Reed Trophy Rolls of Monmouth GC

Co-hosted with The Stroke-A-Hole GS

Tues 2nd Oct

Autumn Meeting Walton Heath GC

Old & New Courses

Fri 5th Oct

Edward Harris Cup Southerndown GC

Welsh Public School Old Boys Competition

5th-7th Oct (Fri/Sat/Sun)

Grafton Morrish - Hunstanton GC & Royal West Norfolk GC

Public School knockout competition - Finals

Please contact Robert Reed at reed_rd@hotmail.com

Notices Clothing Various clothing and other items are available from the OD Office – see the website for details of prices.

Blazers at £165, are available (made to measure) from The Famous, 208 High St, Cheltenham, GL50 3FA (Tel: 01242 260471); if you’d like one, please contact The Famous direct, and ask for Richard Grierson.

Internet Networking Sites We know that there are many networking sites on the internet and that there are groups for ODs on many of them, including LinkedIn and Facebook. There simply isn’t enough time in the day for the OD office to check all these sites to pick up OD contacts we may have lost, so if you are a member of any of these sites, please do encourage other members to make sure the OD office has their electronic contact details – we know there are many ODs in contact with each other, but no longer on our database.

Tom Graveny, 1960’s England cricketer, enjoys watching the OD cricket

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Dean Close School | Old Decanian Society

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Old Decanian News

N~o 88 | Summer 2012

Old Decanian Society OFFICERS FOR 2011-2012 President Chairman Vice Chairman Hon Treasurer OD Secretary Hon Auditor

JM Postlethwaite (48-51) (also a Trustee) RC Padfield (55-61) (also a Trustee) NA Marquand (67-71) (also a Trustee) IM Bassett-Smith (57-60) (also Registrar) Mrs Lucy Smith Eric Atherton

COMMITTEE NR Akerman (75-80) RW Bayliss (80-83) A Brown (Hon. Rep.) JV Denley (83-88) Mrs R Frett (77-82) HJ Hodgkins (73-78) AJ Judge (Hon. Rep)

RD Lane (57-62) CP Lynam (42-46) DBW Marsh (93-98) Mrs C Sorensen-Lotter (78-83) QD Seymour-Smith (56-61) RF Taylor (Hon. Rep) Mrs SLM Webster (74-79)

Jeremy Winter and John Postlethwaite

CONSULS If you are willing to become an OD Consul in any country not currently represented, please get in touch with the OD office. It isn’t an onerous task; it involves being a point of

contact and a friendly face for visiting ODs, especially Gappers, supporting touring Dean Close teams if possible, and organising the occasional reunion if you wish.

London

Hong Kong

South Africa

Miss Charlie Forbes (88-93) forbescharlie@yahoo.co.uk 07711 212842

DCC Ho (82-85) david.ho@mottmac.com.hk 10B Comfort Heights, 63 Tin Hau Temple Road, Hong Kong

Mrs Tia Lotter (78-83) christina@sponsormax.com 1 Boulters Close, The Green, Kingham, Oxon, OX7 7YD

Australia

India

USA – California

John Stanley-Smith (41-51) 18 Annesley Ave, Bowral, NSW 2576 Canada – Western

Sam Pickering-Pick (92-97) sampickeringpick@gmail.com 4145 Central Avenue, Fair Oaks, California 95628 Middle East

Lynn Burrough (72-76) slburrough@telus.net 13 Newbury Court, St Albert, Alberta, T8N 7C1 Canada – Eastern

USA – New York Kirsten Spalholz (95-97) rsvpkirsten@hotmail.com 138 Cove Road, Huntington, New York 11743

New Zealand

Charles Kennedy (81-86) charles.kennedy@mbna.com 25 Oakhurst Crescent Ottawa, Ontario, K1B 4A5

USA – Washington DAW Richardson (51-54) daver@nwlink.com 21625 NE 4th Street, Sammamish, Washington 98074-3706

CONTACT US AT

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Old Decanian Society, Dean Close School, Shelburne Road, Cheltenham, Glos. GL51 6HE Telephone 01242 258048 E-mail ods@deanclose.org.uk Website www.olddecanians.co.uk

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EDITORS OF NEWSLETTER Lucy Smith – Old Decanian Secretary Ian Bassett-Smith – Old Decanian Registrar

Designer - James Ford (OD 77-80) of James Ford Design, Cheltenham