The Chronicle 2023

Volume 59, 2023

A JOURNEY OF MELODIC BRILLIANCE Lucy Crowe OBE, A Celestial Soprano Soaring in the World of Music: From Denstone College to Global Stages.

DENSTONE’S 150TH CELEBRATIONS! Celebrating 150 Glorious Years, A Day of Joy and Giving at Denstone College: Embracing Heritage, Inspiring the Future.

Denstone College, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, ST14 5HN Tel: 01889590484 Email: Charlotte Horan, Alumni Co-ordinator & VP OD Club – choran@denstonecollege.net Jess Smith – Director of Development & Alumni Relations – jsmith@denstonecollege.net Richard Lewis, Hon. Sec OD Club - rhldata1@gmail.com

Executive Committee

President: Jonathan Ward Vice President: Charlotte Horan Chairman: John Cameron Hon. Sec.: Richard Lewis, rhldata1@gmail.com Hon. Treasurer: Andrew Heath Co-Editors of the Chronicle: Jack Sampson and Ray Lowry, jcsampson4@gmail.com Registrar: William Stanier Head, Denstone: Lotte Tulloch Director of Development, Denstone: Jess Smith

London OD Club

President: Michael Profit Hon. Sec.: (Tony) J.A.Norris, norrisja@gmail.com

Riffle Club

Hon. Sec.: Richard Hemmingway

Cross Country and Athletic Clubs Contact: Jonathan Ward Via Alumni Office

Masonic Lodge

Contact: John Cameron, john@zodex.ca Via Alumni Office

Golf Society

Captain: Tim Venner

Old Denstonian Cricket Contact: Jack Moran Via Alumni Office

The Chronicle 2024 – Please can all submissions for the next edition of the Chronicle be sent to alumni@denstonecollege.net by 31st August 2024.

If you would like to include photos, please send a high resolution photo, suitable for print. Please limit Obituaries to 500 words. The editorial team reserve the right to edit or omit any submissions to The Chronicle.

CONTENTS WELCOME Editors’ Letter 4 OD Club President’s letter 5 Chair’s Report 6 - 7 Head’s Letters – College & Prep 10 - 11

FEATURES Denstone’s 150th Celebrations 12 - 15 Events 16 - 17 The Chapel Address 18 - 19 Canon Nathaniel Woodard 20 - 21 Denstone in Flintoff ’s Field of Dreams 22 - 23 From Denstone College to Global Stages 24 - 33 Book Review: Calais, A History of England’s First Colony by Julian Whitehead, OD 34 - 35 Coll Connections 36 Update from 2022: CD Project, Choir Organ and Congregation” 37 - 39 A Trip to That Famous Neighbour 40 - 41

CLUB NEWS AND REPORTS South West OD Club Dinner 42 London Club Lunch 43 Rifle Club Report 44 Cricket Club Report 45 Hare and Hounds Report 46 - 47 The OD Lodge 48 - 49 Announcements: Obituaries 50 - 57 Past Presidents

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EDITORS’ LETTER Dear Old Denstonians, Welcome back to an exciting edition of The Chronicle, your revamped and revitalised alumni magazine! As editors, it brings us immense pleasure to extend a warm and unreserved greeting to each one of you. Whether you are a fresh-faced leaver or a seasoned alumnus, this magazine is dedicated to celebrating the journey of the Denstone community.

With the support of the school’s Development and Alumni relations offices, important decisions have been taken that have positively shaped the future of The Chronicle. In addition, a digital only publication has been curated exclusively for Old Denstonians. Behold the OD Digital Newsletter, released each term, hosted online and distributed via email, with the aim of bringing you the latest news on OD events, club and school updates, and opportunities for engagement with your club committee (including us editors).

As we embark on this new chapter, we found ourselves reflecting on the past year’s accomplishments and milestones between the OD Club and the school. It has indeed been a busy year for club and school relations, four initiatives reflective of which are described by our club Chair in his letter. The club has renewed its support for the school across these four areas and we suspect that this will only continue in the coming years. The initiatives described in later pages are ones that we can be very proud of as an alumni group, not least because our donations to the club at the end of our school life have funded the investments that are now bearing fruit for present and future generations of Denstonians.

As we turn each page of this issue, we invite you to rediscover the cherished memories of your time at Denstone College. Embrace the nostalgia, relish the accomplishments past and present, and connect with the remarkable journey of our school and fellow alumni. The Chronicle is not just a magazine; it is a celebration of an experience that unites us all.

Thank you for being a part of this community, and we hope this magazine resonates with you. Your support and engagement are what fuel our passion to craft each edition with care and dedication.

With warm regards, Ray Lowry (Shrewsbury 64 - 68) and Jack Sampson (Woodard 06 - 11) Co-Editors

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WELCOME: EDITORS’ & PRESIDENT’S LETTERS

OD CLUB PRESIDENT’S LETTER It is a great honour to be writing to you as President of the Old Denstonian Club during the 150th anniversary of the first pupils arriving at Coll.

The summer sees a number of activities taking place at Coll; with the Spring Party, plus OD cricket & tennis.

The OD Club AGM will also take place at Coll– all are welcome.

Those hardy souls faced a rather more daunting experience, one would imagine, than the one enjoyed by the many of you who attended the marvellous ‘Big Birthday’ event last summer marking this occasion. I thoroughly enjoyed the day and found the college vastly different even to my time in the 1980s, with incredible sports, learning and drama facilities and an extremely happy and positive feeling around the place. And I was delighted to see that as pupil numbers have increased, Lowe, and my old house Lonsdale, have risen from the ashes!

September brings for me what is the highlight of the OD calendar, the annual Hare & Hounds CrossCountry race on Wimbledon Common. Denstone have been fielding a team at this wonderful event since the 1960s and we still get runners young and old tackling the challenging 5-mile course each year.

The college is clearly flourishing, and the OD Club similarly goes from strength to strength. Offering opportunities for alumni of all generations to meet with friends old and new, reminisce, network and most importantly have fun!

To round off the year the OD Club will be represented at the Remembrance service at the College in November and the Christmas Carol service in December. ODs are welcome at both events.

The fantastic London OD Club annual dinner will take place, as it does every year, in October. I can thoroughly recommend this to anyone that has not attended in the past.

I am very proud to be the president of the OD Club at such an exciting time. We very much want to ensure that we are providing useful, engaging and relevant opportunities for ODs, and I would encourage ODs to consider joining the club committee if you would like to input into the future of the club. We are always looking for new faces to ensure the club represents the interests of all ODs.

We have revamped our events calendar over the last year, and a new edition to the programme are the very successful drinks receptions. These are a great informal opportunity to catch up with friends old and new.

We have a London event coming up on the 2nd Feb at The Happenstance near St Paul’s Cathedral, followed by a Stoke meeting later in the year.

As we look back on a successful 150th anniversary for college, and another great year for the OD Club, it can safely be said that both are in great shape and can look forward to the future with some real optimism. Here’s to another 150 years of happy, fulfilled pupils ‘up on the hill’ being encouraged and supported in whatever path they choose to take in life.

As a club, we are very keen to provide career support to recent leavers, and indeed all ODs, as such industry and careers-based events will be happening throughout the year. One such event will be a women in business networking event in May. The 50th anniversary of the first girls attending Coll will take place in 2026, and as we gear up for that important milestone I am absolutely delighted that the club are organising this event.

Yours Jonathan (Bert) Ward (Lonsdale 79 - 85)

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CHAIR’S REPORT Dear Old Denstonians.

It is with utmost enthusiasm that I write to recap on what has been a most positive year for the Club.

The Prep and the Heritage Centre, both projects we supported, are now complete. I hope that many of you had the chance to visit these in person at the 150th Birthday Party. The Heritage Centre at the 1868 Cafe (AKA, Tuck shop), is open most days for your perusal to an ever-changing collection of our memorabilia. You can also grab a very decent latte in the process!

With involvement from ODs and support of the College, we had two successful OD Drinks events, the first in London and the second in Birmingham. The feedback has only been positive from the impressive numbers that attended these events. As such, we plan to continue these casual gatherings in the forth coming year. I hope you manage to join us and not only renew old friendships but create new ones. Come along and stay as long or as little as you wish.

Many of us enjoyed a formidable day at the 150th. I would expect it was the largest OD meeting ever! The College very graciously hosted us with exclusive use of Lonsdale Quad, refreshments, and, more importantly, a dedicated beer van! The big announcement on the day, that made many present very happy, was the official reopening of Lonsdale and Lowe houses. As much as dwindling pupil numbers in 1987 caused their closure, the current booming success of the College calls for them to be back as fully functioning houses again.

As our history is celebrated with the dedicated Heritage Centre and the recommissioning of Lowe and Lonsdale, many of you will also smile at the reintroduction of tweed. With a nod to the past, the College has launched a new uniform. Tweed is indeed back, and the very smartly styled daily wear blazers are donning the halls again.

It has been a year of much progress up on the hill. I look forward to seeing many of you at the upcoming events!

Very best wishes.

John Cameron (Philips 82 - 84)

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WELCOME: CHAIR’S REPORT

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WELCOME: LETTER FROM THE HEAD

LETTER FROM THE HEAD Welcome to the Old Denstonian Chronicle 2023. I am delighted you are here with us, celebrating the news of Denstone College past and present and thereby securing your place within our heritage. I trust you agree that the new-look magazine allows us to capture the spirit of this community so vibrantly, so thoroughly and with a refreshing image. Denstone College really is an exciting place and we hope that this magazine comes some way to bringing our news alive.

This year has been a big one for us as we have looked to celebrate all that is wonderful about the College and our wider community. Seeing the College at it’s very best on the 24th June is a memory that we will hold dear, thank you to all that made the journey to come and visit us.

We are incredibly grateful to the OD Club for their continued support in helping shape the future of the College and this year have been delighted to see The Heritage Centre project come to life, providing a home for our archives. The OD Club continue to be key supporters and ambassadors for our transformational bursary programme, The Denstone Gateway, widening access to a Denstone education for those that need it the most.

I am most grateful to the Editorial team for their tireless work, endless enthusiasm and passion for this project in allowing you to be reading this today.

Please do come back to visit; the doors to Denstone College are always open.

Lotte Tulloch

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LETTER FROM THE PREP HEAD Throughout the year at The Prep, the essence of Denstonacity, the courage to explore every possible version of yourself, embrace challenges, and discover true potential, has been palpable in every aspect of our remarkable pupils’ lives. From Reception to Prep 6, they have exemplified this spirit, leaving an indelible mark on our school community.

Starting with the youngest pupils in Reception under the guidance of Mrs. Eaton, essential skills like communication and social interaction have been nurtured. As they progressed into Pre-Prep with Mrs. Clews in Prep 1 and Prep 2 with Mr. Eley, reading and writing skills expanded, laying a solid foundation for their academic journey.

As they entered Prep 3 with Ms. Hart and Prep 4 with Mrs. Emmerson Friend and Mrs. Moriarty, our pupils delved deeper into various subjects, exploring science, history, geography, ICT, languages, and outdoor learning. In Prep 5 with Mr. Parker and Mrs. Mckenzie, critical thinking skills blossomed, and finally, in Prep 6 with Mrs. Lea and Mr. Bettaney, pupils evolved into independent learners, ready to face the world with confidence.

Denstonacity is all about breaking barriers and exceeding expectations, and this year’s pupils have truly embraced new experiences. Whether it’s trying a new sport, reciting a poem in front of everyone, facing challenges in outdoor activities, participating in a school production, or joining a new club, our Prep pupils have shown incredible talent and determination.

Notably, our pupils have also showcased their creativity in art, music, and drama, leaving us in awe of their talents. Their dedication on the sports field has represented the school with pride, emphasising the importance of teamwork and resilience.

Beyond individual achievements, Denstonacity fosters a sense of community and mutual support. Our pupils have been exceptional role models for their younger peers, displaying kindness, empathy, and a willingness to help others. Together, they have demonstrated that greatness can be achieved in a caring and supportive environment where everyone thrives.

As the year comes to a close, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the pupils, staff, and parents for their unwavering dedication and hard work. Their collective spirit and commitment have made us immensely proud, and we are confident that The Prep will continue to shine brightly in the years to come.

Tracey Davies

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WELCOME: LETTER FROM THE PREP HEAD

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DENSTONE’S 150TH CELEBRATIONS! As the afternoon sun fought off the rain clouds, afternoon tea boxes were brought out, to everyone’s delight, providing a moment of relaxation amidst the joyous celebrations.

Celebrating 150 Glorious Years, A Day of Joy and Giving at Denstone College: Embracing Heritage, Inspiring the Future As the sun dawned on a momentous day, Denstone College’s grounds came alive with the spirit of celebration and camaraderie. The occasion marked the 150th year of operations for our school and Old Denstonians, students, and friends gathered to honour the past, revel in the present, and lay the foundation for a bright future.

A Symphony of Music and Dance The festival stage came alive with a celebration of music, showcasing the incredible talent of Denstone’s students. From soulful melodies to energizing beats, the performances enthralled the audience and filled the air with a sense of unity.

A Day Filled with Joy and Togetherness

A particular highlight of the music extravaganza was undoubtedly the show-stopping set from the JCB dancing diggers. The performance left everyone in awe, and thunderous applause echoed around the groups following the spectacular display.

The festivities commenced with a heart-warming breakfast at the OD Marquee, setting the tone for the day ahead. Attendees, eager to reconnect with old friends and make new memories, were brimming with excitement.

The Chapel service, a cherished tradition at Denstone College, resonated with gratitude and reflection. It reminded everyone in attendance of the school’s and Founder’s values, and the timeless lessons that have shaped generations of students.

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FEATURES: DENSTONE’S 150TH CELEBRATIONS!

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FEATURES: DENSTONE’S 150TH CELEBRATIONS!

The Spirit of Giving: Denstone College Giving Week

Embracing Tradition, Embracing the Future

The celebrations also marked the official start of the 2023 Denstone College Giving Week. Overflowing with gratitude for support from the entire Denstone community, the school set a bold target of £100,000, the first stage of a larger ambition to raise over £3,000,000 by 2030.

The spirit of the day beautifully embodied Denstone’s rich heritage and vision for the future. Guests were encouraged to participate in a fun run, retracing memories of the cross-country route, and enjoy thrilling rides at the funfair.

As the day drew to a close, we are certain that many were filled with gratitude for the memories made and the renewed sense of community that defines Denstone. The celebrations resonated with the profound impact the institution has had on countless lives: instilling values and fostering lifelong friendships.

Each generous gift to The Denstone Foundation holds the power to make a profound impact on the lives of young people. The four funds, namely Bursaries, The Organ Fund, Denstone Green, and Greatest Need, represent the college’s commitment to educational access, music, sustainability, and versatile support for the entire institution.

Looking Ahead: An Unwavering Legacy

If you are reading this online, you can access more information on these funds by following the hyperlinks underlining each in the previous paragraph.

As Denstone looks ahead to the next 150 years, the legacy of togetherness and dedication to educational excellence remains unwavering. The spirit of giving will continue to empower young minds, fostering a community that inspires and embraces change.

A Tapestry of Fun and Merriment From captivating musical performances to classic car displays, the campus was alive with a diverse range of activities. The food village tantalized taste buds with delicious street food, while vendors like Project D Donuts added a sweet touch to the celebrations.

The day of celebration reaffirmed that Denstone’s legacy is not just confined to its storied past, but extends to the countless possibilities that lie ahead. As Old Denstonians and friends depart, they carry with them a sense of pride and gratitude for being a part of an institution that has shaped lives and continues to shape the future.

The students showcased their sporting prowess, leaving the audience enthralled with their talent and dedication.

The campus reverberated with laughter and excitement as the “Big Denstone Draw” – an art & literary exhibition – allowed imaginations to soar, envisioning the future of the College 150 years from now.

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EVENTS LONDON CITY DRINKS, THE HAPPENSTANCE (ST PAUL’S CATHEDRAL)

STOKE CITY DRINKS, THE POTTERS CLUB (NR STAFFS UNI)

FRIDAY 2ND FEB 2024

MARCH 2024

COLLEGE CONNECTIONS, DENSTONE COLLEGE – “ENTERPRISING WOMEN”

SPRING PARTY & LIVE BAND, DENSTONE COLLEGE

MARCH 2024

SATURDAY 6TH APRIL 2024

OD CLUB AGM, DENSTONE COLLEGE

LONDON OD CLUB LUNCH

JULY (DATE TBC)

JULY (DATE TBC)

Denstone College Luncheons – If you would like to join us for lunch or tour of the College, either alone, or with friends and family, please arrange a date with the development office. Our door is always open and we would be delighted to host you in the dining hall. We are also able to facilitate lunches between groups of contemporaries, either in the dining hall, the Pavillion, or the new Heritage Centre which is open Mon-Friday 9am – 3pm, or outside of these hours by appointment.

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FEATURES: EVENTS

1868 LEGACY SOCIETY LUNCH & XI CRICKET VS OD’S

80’S REUNION AFTERNOON TEA, DENSTONE COLLEGE

THURSDAY 4TH JULY 2024

SEPT 2024 (DATE TBC)

HARE & HOUNDS CROSS COUNTRY, WIMBLEDON COMMON

LONDON OD CLUB ANNUAL DINNER

14TH SEPT 2024

FRIDAY 4TH OCT 2024

BIRMINGHAM CITY DRINKS

REMEMBRANCE SERVICE

OCT 2024 (DATE TBC)

8TH NOV 2024

To find out more, or to book tickets to any events, please contact choran@denstonecollege.net. 01889 590484

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THE CHAPEL ADDRESS a girl’s boarding house, and the highlight of 1983 was a five-month expedition to Inaccessible Island headed up

by Mike Swales.

As part of the 150th year celebrations, Kevin Threlfall (OD and Former Chair of Governors) (Shrewsbury 62 - 67), delivered an address in the Chapel that took the congregation on a 150-year journey through time, from austere beginnings to a renaissance of excellence!

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the school struggled.

By 1997, pupil numbers had dwindled to 294, of which only 170 were fee paying. When David Derbyshire was appointed Head, there was a closure notice hanging over the school and he was given a term to turn things round. Between Stephen Roper- the Custos- and David, a bold plan to reduce school fees by 25% was initiated and numbers grew substantially. A huge debt is owed to both for the visionary work that saved the school from closure.

“I want to take you back in time 150 years to a cold autumnal day in September in 1873 when Denstone first opened its doors to 46 new pupils. In those days, the village of Denstone was only serviced by trains on the Churnet valley line running from Macclesfield to Uttoxeter, which had opened in 1849. It must have been extremely difficult getting the school trunks from the station up the school’s hill with only horse and cart as a means of transport! As the pupils arrived at the school entrance, you can only imagine how austere a place it must have seemed. No electricity, coal fires for heating, and a façade of monastic appearance.

From the turn of the twenty first century to now, the school has gone through a dramatic renaissance.

With the addition of a new sports hall, a new music school, a new library, two new classroom blocks, and, finally, the return of the prep school to Denstone! Pupil numbers have exploded in 25-years from 297 to 773.

The success of the school, however, has not been due solely to the addition of better facilities. The dedication of all the teachers, support staff, and governors over the years have all added to the unique ethos of a Denstone education. Rounded and grounded is hopefully how our alumni leave the school.

Life expectancy in those days was around 40 years, and by 1895 there were still only 15 cars on the roads in Britain. It is hard for us to imagine what a different world it was back then.

The school’s wonderful chapel was completed in 1887, just 14 years after the school had opened. Pupil numbers remained low at the turn of the century but swelled to just over 300 by the start of the First World War. Then, in 1925, the St George war memorial was unveiled in chapel, and in the following year the first classroom block was opened. The diamond Jubilee was celebrated in 1933 with a generous donation of the school clock from the O.D. Club, and a visit from the Archbishop of Canterbury. In 1937 the prep school was moved to Smallwood Manor.

Throughout the 150-year history there have been far too many teachers to be named here. We all had our favourites, and we all had those that terrified us! It would be wrong, though, not to mention the famous triumvirate that joined us in the early 1930s: Adamson, Brear and Fisher. These are three names that go down in any worthwhile history of Denstone. From the 1930s to the 1970s they had a profound influence on the school, not only for their teaching but also for the quality of what they taught on the playing fields. Sport has always been a major part of life at Denstone, with pupils excelling in rugby, cricket, athletics, fives, hockey and swimming. The 1966/67 rugby team for example, after winning all its 14 matches, was voted the best school side in Britain. Quite an accolade for a relatively small school. It is therefore unsurprising that over the years Denstone has attained a reputation for producing some great sportsmen and sportswomen. That tradition will hopefully continue for the next 150 years!

The school remained open throughout the Second World War, but the playing fields were ploughed to allow the growth of vegetables. The school continued to prosper following the second world war, and by the end of the 1960s a new science block, the Adamson field, an indoor swimming pool, an athletics track and a tuck shop had all been added.

Pupil numbers remained at around 350 throughout the 1970s. 1976 heralded exciting change: girls were introduced for the first time, and a choice of meals was made available in the dining room! It was at this time that bedsits were introduced, which marked the death knell of dormitory boarding that had been the norm for over 100 years. In 1981, Moss Moor was converted to

For so many of us, our memories of Denstone tend to centre around sport, the school play, music, and, of course, friendship. Standing on top of a cabo and having to sing a song whilst pillows were thrown at

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FEATURES: DENSTONE’S 150TH CELEBRATIONS!

to re-invest any surplus we make in the continued development of the school. When Woodard told us that Smallwood was closing down, the governing council was concerned that bringing Smallwood back to Denstone might not work. Fortunately, Miles Norris convinced the council that it could not afford to lose Denstone’s feeder school and development began.

Special thanks must also be given to Andrew Coley and Malcom Coffin, two ODs who are members of the governing council and have been heavily involved in making sure that the prep school turned out as well as it has. Thanks also go to Nigel Ratcliffe, who took over the reins from Kevin as Custos during the hectic Covid years. He continues to do a fantastic job of leading the council who all volunteer their time so selflessly.

you would definitely not have passed any modern-day health and safety rules. But dorm singing after winning a sports trophy, or better still a flag, were unique memories that will live with us forever. The inter house rivalry and school matches that existed was a brilliant way of building team spirit, ambition and passion. All characteristics that would help us in later life. Those of you who were in Lowe and Lonsdale will be pleased to know that the houses are returning this coming September!

However, any history is incomplete without a balanced scorecard. Whilst we had a fantastic turnout at the 150th celebrations, there are many ODs who have never chosen to return. Denstone life was not everyone’s cup of tea. Too much power was in the hands of a youthful, sometimes vindictive, minority that could lead to quite unnecessary punishment. At the time we all accepted it. but looking back it scarred the lives of some. I am glad to say that under Lotte Tulloch there are no such undertones within the school today.

There was, for many years, also the issue of food, or should I say the lack of it! For five years at Denstone, I was pretty much permanently hungry. What food there was bordered on terrible, and whatever measly pocket money I received was all spent on food at the Tuck Shop. Can you believe that, today, the pupils even get a choice in what they can eat!

Not many of us will have met our Head, Lotte Tulloch.

Be assured, she is a formidable leader, highly intelligent, and highly regarded by staff and pupils alike. Our school is in great hands and we wish her and her team all the best going forward.

In closing, as we left on the day of the 150th celebrations, we will have reflected in different ways on our time at Denstone. The wonderful Chapel gave us the framework for our faith, the Christian values of which that ran through the body of the school no doubt imbued us with a moral compass we could rely on for the rest of our lives. Hopefully, despite some of the hardships, we left Denstone with a bit more steel in our backbone than when we arrived.”

Nathaniel Woodard must be mentioned, without whom we would not be here today. His achievements were to education what Brunel was to engineering. Today, Woodard is one of the largest charities in Britain and has always exhibited a light touch on what we do here at Denstone. Although we are a wholly owned subsidiary, apart from an annual levy, we are allowed

Address kindly delivered by Kevin Threlfall during the Chapel service commemorating Denstone’s 150th year of operations

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CANON NATHANIEL WOODARD An article in the Sussex Express in November 2009 stated that ‘as curate of Shoreham in Sussex, Woodard saw the poverty and hardship of the agricultural and seafaring workforce and the “ignorance and ungodliness” of the middle classes who could not afford a public school education’. He decided to build his first school at Lancing in 1848. It was 25 years later the first pupils arrived in the new, but bleak, buildings of Denstone College in rural Staffordshire. This period was a time of Revival of the Church of England in Victorian England, and Anglo-Catholicism was on the rise amongst middle-class Victorians. Canon Woodard had been raised an evangelical by his mother and his impoverished nobleman father, but took on the AngloCatholic mantle at Oxford through the Tractarian movement, which emphasised a return to the traditional high ritual and liturgy of Church of England services, based on the old Roman Catholic Mass. At the same time, Hymns A&M was compiled by the Tractarian movement, from which the 150th service’s three hymns come. They brought more traditional Catholic worship back into the Church of England, which had become very evangelical under the influence of John Wesley. The Church of England was very middle-class at the time with a poor understanding of the rural and working classes. Woodard is quoted by Leonard and Evelyn Cowie in That One Idea as saying that ‘the Church of England can never effectually educate the poor until it educates and trains up the middle classes…’

A second expert from the 150th celebration’s Chapel service, during which Revd. Bob Short (OD) (Shrewsburry 61 - 67) described Canon Nathaniel Woodard’s mission in founding the school. A clear visionary founder of faith-based education for a changing world.

“3 years ago, a 3rd Form Denstonian wrote a short article in the Woodard Voice: ‘Being at Denstone is simply marvellous for anyone finding their vocation (he wants to become an ordained vicar). We come to the Lord, as a community, asking forgiveness for our sins, then we hear the scriptures (imagining the events it speaks of unfolding in our minds), and we try to apply what it asks of us in our daily lives.’ This would have been music to the ears of Revd. Canon Nathaniel Woodard. This young Denstonian wants to build his life on the solid foundation of the teachings of Jesus, described in the parable of Jesus which was read during the service, which simply explains how to have a solid basis to your life.

“Lignum Crucis Arbor Scientiae”. The Wood of the Cross is the Tree of Knowledge. This motto, known to all Denstonians, summarises the philosophy and theology of Canon Nathaniel Woodard. Interestingly, this motto became more widely famous when, with the St Chad’s Cross, it became the illustration for one of a set of cigarette cards on the theme of schools and their arms and mottos, published by no less than Wills’s Cigarettes, early in the 20th century.

And so, Denstone was founded in 1873, at a time of controversy for the Church, with the Eucharist and vestments and bells and incense becoming the central service of the week at school and into favour with much of the Church of England. Even Disraeli denounced it as creeping Romanism and the ‘Mass in masquerade’, and parliament passed the Public Worship Regulation Act 1874 prohibiting it, and under which five ritualist clergymen were convicted and sent to jail!

It was supported by Queen Victoria and Disraeli but opposed by Gladstone and others, and presumably Canon Woodard. Fortunately, he was not persecuted for his beliefs. Little could he have imagined, in 1891 when he died, that 23 years later the trenches of the 1st World War would take a terrible toll on these

Canon Woodard was clearly a great visionary and a true activist. He accomplished an incredible dream, which I believe God had given him, for the Christian education of middle-class young men and, later, women.

He hoped they, children of parents that could not afford the fees of the big public schools, would later become influential in Victorian Society and in the Church of England. His aim was to provide education based on “sound principle and sound knowledge, firmly grounded in the Christian faith”. He would have wanted these young students to be like the wise builders of Jesus’ parable: building their lives on the solid foundations of Jesus’ life and teachings, death, and resurrection.

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FEATURES: DENSTONE’S 150TH CELEBRATIONS!

educated young students, the future hope of the Church, repeated again during the 2nd World War. This must have been an incredibly challenging time for Denstonian pupils being taught the fundamentals of the Christian faith as part of their education. Some would have found solace in their faith and in Jesus’ promise of eternal life as they saw their heroes fighting bravely and sometimes dying. Others, though, would have turned cynical, feeling their faith was in vain as Christian fought Christian. It must have been a time of real testing of the fundamentals of Woodard’s faith, belief, and principles that established his schools.

of Knowledge on which he hoped his pupils would base their lives is still alive. We are sons and daughters of doctors, potters, clergy, men’s outfitters, grocers, bookies, military personnel. As Kevin Threlfall said, we all reflect in different ways on our time at Denstone.

Our schooling, though, gave us the framework for our faith and lives, providing us with a moral compass we could rely on. While very few of us who have gone the whole hog and joined the Church of England as priests, I suspect there are those who reflect the Christian ethic in their work and lives every day. I think Canon Woodard would be happy with us.

But the light has not gone out. As secularism invades every aspect of our society, Woodard’s vision of the Cross of Jesus Christ being the foundation of that Tree

Address kindly delivered by Revd. Bob Short during the Chapel service commemorating Denstone’s 150th year of operations.

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FEATURES: FIELD OF DREAMS

DENSTONE IN FLINTOFF’S FIELD OF DREAMS Embracing the Spirit of Inclusivity, Freddie Flintoff’s Field of Dreams Comes to Denstone College: Celebrating the Power of Cricket to Unite and Inspire, Irrespective of Background

experience, scoring an impressive total of 171 runs in one innings. The camaraderie between the teams, however, was palpable, and the College side acknowledged their opponents’ dedication to the game.

In July 2022, TV cameras were brought to Denstone College as Freddie Flintoff ’s Field of Dreams team descended upon the school’s idyllic grounds. The ground-breaking BBC One show, Field of Dreams, featured cricket legend Freddie Flintoff on a mission to break barriers and demonstrate that cricket is a sport for all, regardless of background. Among the stops on his team’s tour was Denstone College, where the power of inclusivity and the joy of cricket took centre stage.

Despite facing a formidable challenge, Flintoff ’s team displayed unwavering determination. They fought bravely, notching up a commendable score, although victory eluded them on this occasion. However, the true essence of the day went beyond the scoreline.

Cricket: A Catalyst for Unity and Inspiration As Flintoff remarked, “I genuinely believe that today has shown what cricket can do.” The game transcended the boundaries of wins and losses, revealing the transformative power of sport to unite and inspire.

Uniting Through Cricket: Flintoff’s Vision With a determination to prove that competitive cricket can be accessible to anyone, Flintoff embarked on a transformative journey, taking a group of unlikely players from his hometown of Preston and turning them into a team of cricketers. In episode 3 of Field of Dreams, he visited Denstone College, engaging with pupils, leading them in a match, and taking in the school’s surroundings.

Flintoff ’s team, with only 10 months of cricket experience, held their own against the more seasoned players from Denstone.The match exemplified that cricket indeed knows no barriers and has the ability to bridge gaps, shatter stereotypes, and create lasting memories.

Embracing the Denstone Ethos

Our Head, Lotte Tulloch, hailed the show as “brilliant, heartwarming, and humbling TV,” capturing the essence of Flintoff ’s mission to inspire and uplift young hearts through the game of cricket.

At Denstone College and The Prep at Denstone College, the ethos revolves around nurturing young minds to make a difference in the world. Flintoff ’s visit reinforced this ethos, demonstrating that cricket is not just a sport but a vehicle for positive change.

An Enriching Experience at Denstone College

As the echoes of Flintoff ’s Field of Dreams continue to resonate, Denstone can be proud of its role in a nationwide broadcast discussing inclusivity and inspiration. The result may not have been what Flintoff ’s side had hoped for, but the spirit of unity and determination shone through for all who followed this bingeable series.

Flintoff ’s visit was a testament to the school’s commitment to fostering a spirit of inclusivity and instilling values that transcend backgrounds. The day saw Flintoff ’s team, made up of underprivileged teenagers, go head-to-head with one of the school’s teams.

Before the big game, Flintoff had sought the expertise of ex-special forces operative Jason Fox for his team, who led the lads in a challenge of teamwork and perseverance, including team building exercises that many of us may have encountered on a pre-season rugby tour/ CCF camps! The exercise brought them closer together, setting the tone for the cricket match that followed.

Catch the Magic on BBC One and BBC iPlayer For those who missed Flintoff ’s Field of Dreams, fear not. The show is available to watch on BBC iPlayer, where the captivating journey unfolds, celebrating cricket’s ability to bring people together and empower the dreams of aspiring players from all walks of life.

Episode three features the match against Denstone.

A Match of Skill and Spirit The match began, and the energy on the field was excitable. The College team showcased their

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FROM DENSTONE COLLEGE TO GLOBAL STAGES Lucy Crowe OBE, A Celestial Soprano Soaring in the World of Music: From Denstone College to Global Stages, A Journey of Melodic Brilliance Lucy Crowe, OD (Meynell 95 - 97) and luminary soprano, has graced the most prestigious opera houses and concert halls, captivating audiences worldwide and leaving an indelible mark on the world of music. As we celebrate the achievements of our fellow and remarkable alumni, Lucy Crowe shines as a beacon of inspiration and talent.

An Unforgettable Journey from Staffordshire to Global Acclaim Born and bred in Staffordshire, Crowe’s journey to musical stardom began in the very heart of the county. Having completed her education at Denstone College in 1996, she nurtured her passion for music and went on to study voice at the esteemed Royal Academy of Music.

With her celestial voice and undeniable talent, Lucy embarked on a musical odyssey that has taken her to international opera houses and esteemed music festivals.

From Glyndebourne Festival to Rheingau Musik Festival, she has graced stages with performances that have left audiences in awe.

A Master of Historical Performance In the realm of historically informed performance, Crowe has collaborated with acclaimed orchestras such as the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, The Sixteen, The King’s Consort, and Les Musiciens du Louvre. Her versatile and emotive performances have illuminated works by renowned composers like Mozart and Haydn. Under the baton of eminent conductors, including Yannick Nézet-Séguin and John Eliot Gardiner, she has breathed life into cherished compositions, such as Mozart’s Requiem and Haydn’s oratorios, leaving audiences spellbound.

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FEATURES: FROM DENSTONE TO GLOBAL STAGES

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FEATURES: FROM DENSTONE TO GLOBAL STAGES

A Pristine and Diverse Repertoire From the Baroque splendour of Handel’s arias to the sublime charm of Verdi’s Gilda, Crowe’s repertoire knows no bounds. Her artistry has graced opera companies and orchestras across the globe, including the Royal Opera, Covent Garden, Teatro Real Madrid, Metropolitan Opera New York, and Bavarian State Opera, among others.

In recital, she has enraptured audiences at the Concertgebouw, Carnegie Hall, and the BBC Proms, showcasing her extraordinary vocal range and expressive prowess.

Honoured with Prestigious Awards and Recognitions Crowe’s musical prowess has not gone unnoticed, as she has been the recipient of numerous accolades. In 2002, she was awarded the prestigious Royal Overseas Gold Medal, a testament to her exceptional artistry. Her talent was further recognized when she won the second prize in the Kathleen Ferrier Award in 2005.

A Resonant Philanthropic Spirit Beyond her melodic achievements, Crowe remains deeply committed to nurturing the world of music. As a Trustee of the Royal Academy of Music, she actively contributes to the development of aspiring musicians, passing on the legacy of her own musical journey.

An Honorable OBE: Recognition of Musical Excellence In the illustrious year of Denstone College’s 150th anniversary, Crowe’s accomplishments have once again shone brightly. Her unparalleled contributions to the world of music earned her the esteemed title of Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2023 Birthday Honours.

“Overwhelmed and overjoyed” by this recognition, Crowe continues to enthrall audiences with her mellifluous renditions. As summer beckons, she will grace the BBC Proms with two enchanting concerts, alongside luminaries like Sir Simon Rattle and the London Symphony Orchestra and Chorus.

An Everlasting Legacy Crowe, OBE, has firmly established herself as one of the leading lyric sopranos of her generation. Her musical journey from Staffordshire to global acclaim serves as a testament to the transformative power of education and the pursuit of passion.

As Denstone College celebrates its 150th year, Crowe’s achievements stand tall as an embodiment of the school’s commitment to excellence and the nurturing of extraordinary talent. Her celestial voice will undoubtedly continue to resonate with audiences for generations to come, reminding all that dreams are meant to be pursued and melodies are meant to be shared.

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INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT The role plunged me back into a very male dominated World and I would often find myself the only woman in the room but, maybe because of my early experience at Denstone, I never really felt uncomfortable, and always expected to be heard and have a place at the table.

I joined Denstone in first form soon after girls were first invited to attend. There was a mere handful of girls peppered across the school years and hundreds of boys! You might think it would feel strange or uncomfortable to be in such a male dominated environment. I don’t know what the teaching staff and management team did in the background but I have to say I always felt completely comfortable and treated with equal expectations and fairness – OK, we didn’t play the same sports but everything else was a very level playing field. I think that set me up really well for my future as well as fantastic cheerleader teachers such as Mr Stocks for English, Mr Ryder for Latin and Mr Higginson for French.

Over the years I have seen the gender balance shift and I have had the honour to work with many amazing men and women in business. Many of the women I have worked with are Chief Executives, Chief Finance Officers and Chief Operating Officers in every industry including Retail, Finance, Technology, Construction and Professional Services so there is no shortage of role models. At Oracle I am particularly lucky as there are female role models front and centre throughout the company. Our CEO, Safra Catz was named as CEO of the year by Accelerationeconomy.com, Siobhan Wilson is our UK Country Leader and Debbie Green is our Chief Operations Officer, to name a few.

I was never a prize-winner but I was a good all-rounder, loved languages and coped well with everything else except physics (poor Mr Pritchard).

Ambition wise I wanted to travel the World as a translator but this was ever so slightly limited by the fact I really didn’t want to leave home so the traditional university path was not for me. Instead I put my travel ambitions on hold and took a degree apprenticeship route into accountancy with Staffs County Council. I had a successful early year’s career and moved quickly through the ranks until a chance meeting with a software company gave me an opportunity to change career and really move out of my comfort zone.

What is clear is that there is no standard career path or any standard measure of success, a CEO role might be heaven for some people but hell for others. What is also clear is that anyone can achieve their goals, not always by following traditional paths, but often by using every skill in the kit bag and being prepared to get out of that comfort zone and try something different. For me, I have to be good with numbers, creative, able to engage an audience, able to explain complex concepts and constantly learning about new technology. Being a good all-rounder has been absolutely key and I confess I spend most of my time out of my comfort zone.

I became a solution engineer, (my Dad would be proud I have engineer in my title, Mr Pritchard as head of Physics would have been horrified!) working with huge organisations to help them transform with back office and operational systems, a job I could never have imagined existed when I was at school. For the past 25 years I have worked mainly for Oracle, a huge technology company who provide technology and applications to the World’s biggest organisations. This gave me the perfect opportunity to travel the World but always come home - from Dubai to Doncaster, San Francisco to Sussex, India to Ipswich and Tel Aviv to Telford all while still living in Staffordshire near my family.

It has also meant I am constantly learning and I need to be able to talk confidently about generative AI and machine learning as much as traditional debits and credits.

I hadn’t come across any Old Denstonians at Oracle or in the wider technology World in the past but recently we have taken on an intern at Oracle who is an OD. If there is anyone else out there in the technology World I’d love to connect.

Tracy Bishop (nee Bryan) (Woodard 78-83)

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FEATURES: INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT

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FEATURES: LIVES WELL LIVED

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY STARDOM Ben White, From Denstone College to International Rugby Stardom: Celebrating the Rise of a Rugby Wizz-Kid and Scotland International (Denstone c.

Heywood 09 - 14)

International Recognition: England and Scotland White’s prowess on the rugby field did not go unnoticed and international recognition has followed. Representing England at various levels, he featured prominently in the England U18s and U20s squads, captaining the latter in the 2018 U20s Six Nations Championship.

However, fate had a unique twist in store for this talented scrum-half. Ben White’s Scottish heritage through his grandfather provided him with the opportunity to represent Scotland at the international level. In January 2022, he received a call-up to the Scotland squad for the 2022 6 Nations Championship, marking a significant turning point in his career.

In the world of rugby, there are stories of triumph, dedication, and talent that inspire and captivate fans worldwide. Among these stories is that of Ben White, a professional rugby union player, and a testament to the calibre of individuals produced by Denstone College.

Making his Scotland debut during the 2022 Guinness Six Nations against England, White’s journey to the pinnacle of international rugby was just beginning. His performances caught the eye of rugby enthusiasts, and he earned a starting spot in Scotland’s team that secured a historic third consecutive Calcutta Cup and a memorable away win at Twickenham in the 2023 Guinness Six Nations during which he scored a critical try, which left this particular editor feeling conflicted!

Despite his current, and hopefully many more, Scotland caps and exploits in the Scottish jersey, he remains true to his routes as a Stoke City FC supporter!

A Rising Star: Early Club Career White’s journey to the pinnacle of Scottish rugby began at a remarkably young age. At just 17 years old, he made his senior debut for Leicester Tigers in a testimonial fixture against Argentina at Welford Road, in preparation for the 2015 Rugby World Cup. White’s potential was evident and he quickly made his mark on the Premiership.

The record books were rewritten when, on 25th October 2015, White took the field against Harlequins, becoming the youngest player ever to represent Leicester in the Premiership, aged just 17 years and 151 days. It was a moment that not only etched his name into rugby history but also foreshadowed the remarkable career that lay ahead.

Ben now plies his trade in the red and black jersey of former European champions, Toulon, in the South of France. We all wish him well in this next stage of his club career.

Inspiring the Next Generation

As part of the Tigers Academy, White captained various teams, displaying leadership skills that belied his age. His progression through the ranks was steady, and he led the Tigers 1st XV out in the Premiership at the age of just 21.

As an alumnus of Denstone College, Ben White’s achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring rugby players within the school’s community. From his debut at Welford Road to the international stage, his journey embodies the values of dedication, determination, and passion that Denstonians hold dear.

Expanding Horizons: A Move to London Irish

We proudly celebrate our fellow alumni, and Ben White’s rise to prominence exemplifies the excellence nurtured within Denstone’s walls. As he continues to make his mark in the rugby world, we, as a community, cheer him on and look forward to witnessing more incredible moments in his illustrious career.

In 2021, the next chapter of White’s career saw him don the green jersey of London Irish, joining the Premiership Rugby side ahead of the 2021-22 season.

The move marked a new challenge and an opportunity to shine on the Premiership stage once more.

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ADVENTUROUS SPIRIT Celebrating the Adventurous Spirit of Denstone College Alumnus, Frederick George Jackson (Denstone, c. Shrewsbury 1873 - 1878): Remembering the Legacy of an Arctic Explorer, Military Officer, and World Traveler

Into the Frozen Frontier: Arctic Exploration and the JacksonHarmsworth Expedition Jackson’s Arctic ambitions took shape after he sailed on a whaling ship to Greenland in 1887. Inspired by the Arctic’s raw beauty and allure, he set his sights on the North Pole. This ambition found a patron in Alfred Harmsworth, later Lord Northcliffe, who supported Jackson’s Jackson-Harmsworth Expedition in 1894.

During the two-year expedition to Franz Josef Land, Jackson’s team conducted extensive exploration and surveying, charting over 1,140 miles of the archipelago.

But the expedition’s significance transcended geographical discoveries. On 17th June 1896, fate intervened when they encountered the missing Norwegian Arctic explorer, Fridtjof Nansen, and his companion Hjalmar Johansen. The reunion marked a pivotal moment in Arctic exploration, and with Jackson’s help, the Norwegian explorers returned home safely.

As Denstone College alumni, we take pride in the achievements of our fellow ODs. There is one name that stands out in the annals of adventure and exploration, Major Frederick George Jackson. Born on 6th March 1860, this intrepid soul left an indelible mark on history through his Arctic expeditions, military service, and extensive travels across the globe. Here, we celebrate the life and accomplishments of this extraordinary Old Denstonian.

From Arctic to Africa: Military Service and Beyond

A Spirit of Adventure Begins: Early Life and Explorations

Jackson’s adventurous spirit wasn’t limited to the Arctic.

When the South African War erupted in 1899, he seized the opportunity to serve his country. Joining the 5th (Militia) Battalion The Manchester Regiment, he demonstrated his expertise with horses from his time in Australia. He was later transferred to the 4th (Special Reserves) Battalion The East Surrey Regiment, where he was promoted to Major.

Frederick George Jackson’s journey began at Denstone College in Staffordshire where he, like us, received his education before venturing further afield. After leaving Coll., he embarked on a life-changing experience by traveling to Australia, where he worked on a cattle station and learned the art of horse handling and breaking. The seeds of wanderlust were sown, and he set out on a trip across the Australian Desert.

World War I brought new challenges, as Major Jackson, now 54, found himself on the frontlines in France.

Despite his age, his dedication to active service and bravery in the face of adversity were unparalleled.

Returning home, Jackson pursued his medical studies at Edinburgh University. However, destiny had different plans for him. In 1885, while still a medical student, he displayed extraordinary bravery by rescuing a 17-yearold girl from drowning in icy waters, earning him the Royal Humane Society’s Bronze Medal.

A Life of Exploration Continues: Africa and Beyond As if the Arctic and military service weren’t enough, Jackson’s insatiable thirst for discovery led him to Africa in the 1920s. He crossed the continent from east to west, exploring the wonders of Mashonaland, Matabeleland, and Northern Rhodesia. Following the Congo River, he traced its course to the sea, and from Lake Kivu, he ventured into the Congo Forest.

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FEATURES: ADVENTUROUS SPIRIT

Denstone College history, reminding us that the pursuit of knowledge, bravery, and a spirit of adventure knows no bounds.

Notably, Jackson was a member of a League of Nations Commission tasked with investigating slavery practices in Liberia, a testament to his commitment to justice and humanity.

Today, Denstone College stands as a proud custodian of his memory, with a sledge from the JacksonHarmsworth expedition donated to the school as a reminder of his incredible journey. Let us celebrate his life, his indomitable spirit, and his contributions to the world of exploration and beyond. May Major Frederick George Jackson continue to inspire generations of Denstone College students to embrace the unknown and reach for greatness. Oh, and his portrait, published in Vanity Fair on 16th December 1897, hangs in the National Portrait Gallery…!

Leaving a Lasting Legacy In 1938, at the age of 78, Major Frederick George Jackson passed away, leaving behind a legacy of courage, exploration, and contribution to the world. His remarkable life is a testament to the spirit of adventure that thrives within the hearts of Denstone College alumni.

As we reflect on the achievements of our fellow Old Denstonians, let us draw inspiration from Major Frederick George Jackson’s audacious pursuit of the unknown. His name shall forever grace the annals of

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BOOK REVIEW: CALAIS

A HISTORY OF ENGLAND’S FIRST COLONY

BY JULIAN WHITEHEAD (LONSDALE 58 - 63) ‘Calais was part of England for 200 years with its own MP at Westminster, the scene of two royal marriages and one royal murder, the base for the Hundred Years War and the Wars of the Roses, the location for the failed invasions by Philip II, Louis XIV, Napoleon, and Hitler.

It took an important part in the Dunkirk evacuation, was a V1 launch site, and a major player in D Day Deception.

Today, its port and Channel Tunnel provide the main connection to Europe and concern over illegal immigrants bolstered the vote for Brexit.

Calais, a History of England’s First Colony, describes how the destinies of England and Calais have been entwined particularly for invasions of France, then after its loss, for invasions of England. Julian Whitehead guides the reader through potentially complicated periods such as the Hundred Years War and the Wars of the Roses in his customary clear and engaging fashion. This readable book provides a fascinating overview of Anglo/French relations during the last six hundred years while bringing to life the individuals who helped to create this remarkable history’. (A quote from the Pen and Sword (the book’s publisher) press release publicising its publication) Julian Whitehead must be Denstone’s most prolific published author/historian. This is his fourth book published in the last 5 years! It is, however, the first I have read which attempts to cover such a wide timescale… and succeeds in doing so. His introduction tells us of Julius Caesar’s invasion of Britain from what is now Calais in 55 B.C. His final chapter refers to the increasing number of refugees attempting the dangerous crossing from Calais to the English coast and to the post-Brexit fishing disputes between Calais fishermen and the British government!

Calais, as the title implies, is the joining thread which ties the whole book together, telling of its hugely important role in the history of British relations with Europe throughout all those centuries.

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FEATURES: BOOK REVIEW

It is a masterly and highly readable summary of the continuing intertwining and interdependence of British and European history. As the above quote says, it deals clearly and engagingly with the extraordinarily complicated inter-relationships between Britain, France, Spain, and many other smaller but equally important European nations, especially among their royal and aristocratic families, and their impact on the Hundred Years War and the Wars of the Roses. This continues through the European wars of the 19th and 20th centuries.

It also spells out the ruthlessness and cruelty of these and other wars between these countries in which thousands of innocent citizens were slaughtered, often to further the selfish ambitions of their ruling families.

Calais was only an ‘overseas possession’ of England (I do wonder whether the people of Calais today will accept the concept of it having been ‘Britain’s first colony’) for just over 200 years, from 1347 to 1558, but, as Julian so persuasively argues, its importance in British history started long before it ‘belonged to’ Britain and lasted long after that ‘ownership’ lapsed. It persists to the present day whatever Brexiteers might want to believe!

For much of that era, the dominion of large tracts of territory changed based on intermarriage between the ruling families of both countries and the resulting inheritance settlements and, at least during much of the first half of the period, the ‘nationality’ of the members of those ruling families, French or British, was quite hard to distinguish!

Julian states that ‘the loss of Calais was not as negative as it appeared…(and could be seen as having)… a positive outcome: it helped England turn away from its obsession with Europe and begin to look overseas for trade and commercial exploitation’. He then goes on to discuss, briefly and almost in passing, the development of Britain’s colonial and imperial expansion in the Americas, India, and Africa. This gives rise to my only real quibble with this book: however brief, can such a discussion fail to mention that a major result of that expansion was Britain’s heavy involvement in the slave trade? During the 16th and 17th centuries, the two centuries after the ‘loss’ of Calais, it is estimated that well over 11 million slaves were exported from West Africa, with Britain being the major exporter, starting with those two Armada heroes, Drake and Hawkins, pioneering the trade in what Julian calls their ‘piracy…of gold, silver, sugar, tobacco and other high value items’ (i.e, slaves!). Perhaps our ancestors, rather than following imperial ambitions, should have continued with their European obsession, and sought to develop more peaceful relations with our European neighbours with the possible avoidance of some of our later differences!

I strongly recommend you read this fascinating, enlightening history and, when you next pass through Calais as I’m sure many of you will, you will recall some of what he tells us and perhaps even visit some of its historic sites, with greater insight than you would otherwise have had. I certainly will try to do so. Thank you, Julian!

Article kindly submitted

by Tony Dodds

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COLL CONNECTIONS I’ve invented a new pastime: Coll Connections.

It came to me as I sat in a Park-And-Ride coach at the June 2023 150th Big Birthday Party at Denstone. It was a top-of-the range coach and it took me back to the coaches we used to have when I was at Coll (the mid-sixties). A big improvement. But what struck me was how something as trivial as the coaches we used to use were connected to some of the things that happened to me once I left the school.

And the delay in setting off gave me time to see other connections with Denstone. Hence Coll Connections.

They were primitive, not very comfortable and a distinctive yellow colour. But this Coll connection was established from the first day I rode in one of their double decker busses; I wanted to drive one. So, when I went to university, I took my Public Service Vehicle commercial licence and did coach-driving in my spare time. The Connection drew me back to Coll when one of the first jobs I did was a day trip to Alton Towers. Shortly after that my fist Coll connection was terminated: I crashed a brand-new coach and retired soon after.

I realise these interconnecting webs of things and events will be highly personal, and of course won’t mean anything to current pupils. But once Coll is left behind, it is easy to think its influences die the more distance you put between you and your schooldays.

And these connections don’t mean anything; they are serendipity. But for the Old Denstonian they give some structure to reminisces and help us give meaning to it all, though spurious. I suppose the idea might give the new generation the beginnings of a train of thought to entertain them as they graduate and move on: what did they get involved in at Denstone that will last postgraduate? Anyway, here are my Coll Connections.

The next connection starts with the Combined Cadet Force (CCF). In the 1960s we all had to join one of the armed forces as a cadet and engage in activities at Coll in uniform. I joined the RAF. One of the fun things we did was to fly our own glider over the playing fields, a primitive craft powered by a huge rubber band that we stretched, tug-or-war like to get it airborne. That sparked an interest in flying and I went on to get a flying scholarship with the RAF to learn to fly planes not powered by rubber band. The connection then spread to my days as a career public health doctor when I used my experiences flying to import near-miss reporting into the NHS. My flying connections came to a simultaneous climax and end when I crashed a glider into a coach at glider school.

By the way, the idea for Coll collections came from a TV series of the same ilk: Comedy Connections. In that series, links were made between iconic comedy productions of the past and the shows they spawned, usually through the common performers or writers.

So, Monty Pythons Flying Circus (a ground-breaking comedy show) begat Fawlty Towers (a moult-breaking situation comedy) through John Cleese (a worldfamous comedy writer and performer).

My last Coll Connection started on the stage. One of the many pass-times I indulged in at Coll was drama, especially acting in Shakespeare plays. I don’t know about now, but Coll was big into Shakespeare; it even had an annual formal supper celebrating the latest production (see photograph).

As well as acting, I was active back-stage, building sets and being a stage-hand. This theatrical Coll Connection saw me through university where I worked in the campus television studio as well as performing and writing. The Connection eventually played out via a oneman-show at the Edinburgh Fringe and a retirement peppered with comedy performances for Rotary and Women’s Institutes. Of all the Coll Connections, this one has been the most consistent and has paid off very satisfactorily.

But back to the luxury coach in JCB’s carpark on that June morning. That in itself stirred a constant reminder I have experienced throughout my post-Coll days: the ubiquitous presence of JCB contraptions. I’m sure you have seen them from time to time over the years. I wonder if, like me, every distinctive yellow back-hoe machine with the distinctive transports you see takes you back to the Rocester factory, as much part of the landscape of our schooldays as the Tavern pub in the village or the wooden shop opposite. Anyway, Stevensons Coaches were the company that supplied transport for Denstone. Stevensons of Uttoxeter was a bus company that operated in Staffordshire from 1926 to 1997 and in the 1960s when I was at Coll, it seemed they were still using the busses from the 1920s.

So my Coll Connections show that, apart from the formal benefits (exam results etc), the Coll legacy stays with you in unexpected and sometimes long-acting ways. It would be interesting to hear of other OD Coll Connections.

Ray Lowry (Shrewsbury 64 - 68)

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FEATURES: COLL CONNECTIONS & ORGAN APPEAL

THE ORGAN RESTORATION APPEAL Thanks to a generous lead donor, every pound you donate up to £10,000 will be matched, effectively doubling your impact. Bronze, silver, and gold levels of sponsorship are available, each offering unique benefits like certificates, plaques, and exclusive recital invitations.

The magnificent chapel holds countless memories for Old Denstonians and current students.

However, the cherished chapel organ, which has been an integral part of the college’s musical heritage, has fallen silent due to irreparable electronic failures.

Join us in this meaningful campaign and be recognized as a valued supporter, sponsor, benefactor, patron, or member of the Heads Circle. Let’s revive the soulstirring sounds of this majestic organ and preserve its legacy for generations to come!

To preserve this beautiful instrument, the College is embarking on a restoration project with a leading company. They are seeking our support in raising over £80,000 for the vital repair work. You can contribute by sponsoring a stop, from the delicate “Piccolo” to the deep “Contra Bombarde.”

For more information, please contact Jess Smith jsmith@denstonecollege.net

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CD PROJECT: “CHOIR ORGAN AND CONGREGATION” There are still some copies available of the CD which Stephen Curry (Meynell 52 - 57) made of music recorded in Denstone Chapel in 1957. They can now be purchased at a cost of £10.00 from The Denstone Association office by contacting either Charlotte Horan CHoran@denstonecollege.net or Jess Smith JSmith@denstonecollege.net.

More details can be found in the OD Chronicle for 2022.

Since the original article, several readers have been in touch to provide feed-back on the project, and interesting information has emerged. Here are some highlights: It has been confirmed that the Choir photograph published with the CD was taken no later than the summer of 1956, and almost certainly in that year. One 1956 leaver, Mike Whittaker, has identified himself in the picture. He and Stephen Curry are both certain of the identification of one other 1956 leaver in this picture, certain of the identification a third, who is also to be found in an orchestra picture from 1955, recognition being aided by his instrument, of course. Thus, there is enough certain identifications, and also some other semi-confident identifications, to be confident of the “no later than in 1956” conclusion (there still being a very remote possibility that the photograph was taken in 1955).

Keith Biggin has informed of a CD of (to him) unknown origin, incorporating some files of music compiled and/or recorded in the Chapel in 1959 and in the 1960s, including the same two Te Deums (by Vaughan Williams and by LL), mentioned in 2022’s article, and the plainsong Psalm from the Ascentiontide broadcast of 1959, but also a collection of exquisitely sung choir pieces. As well as in the form of Keith’s CD, this collection exists as MP3 files, and if there is sufficient interest it could be distributed/ reprinted in a new CD pressing. If anyone else has one of these CDs we would be delighted to hear from you.

Peter Lomas has informed of a press cutting discovered, dating from the Liverpool Echo of March 10th, 1936, documenting the announcement of the award of the Heberden Organ Scholarship to the then 17-year-old LL, supporting his appointment as the Organ Scholar at Brasenose College, with a photograph. This press cutting tells us that LL had been Organist at the Parish Church in Woodchurch (Cheshire) on the Wirral Peninsular since the age of fourteen. Nearby, his friend Caleb Jarvis, while Organist to the City and University of Liverpool, was also Organist and Choirmaster at St. Andrew’s, West Kirby.

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FEATURES: UPDATE FROM 2022

Stephen Curry has been able to search through OD Chronicle issues from the 1956 organ reconstruction era for documentation of some of the original recorded writings by LL, as well as searching for chapel photographs from various eras, and have unearthed some apparently new facts, including: 1 - the original recording cost 22 shillings in 1957, at a time when tuition charges were 100 pounds per term; 2 - the text and photographs indicate that the organ (originally hand-blown) was electrically blown from the time of the Brindley and Foster reconstruction, at a time when the Chapel itself was still lit by oil lamps; and 3 – confirming notes of last year, LL wished that the organ could have been installed with pipes cascading through the arches in the front of the organ loft. In this context, and as implied last year in my essay, we should not be misled by a somewhat whimsical picture used by colleagues of Adrian Partington, John York Skinner, and the Denstone Schola Cantorum in the 1990s for the packaging of the CD (produced by Foxglove Records) of a recital recorded in the Chapel using the Ahlborn electronic organ installed in 1989, replacing the pipe organ, and already, now, in 2023, over 30 years old. Reality is not necessarily what it seems to be.

Copies of Stephen Curry’s essay (mentioned above) on the organ, more extensive than that in the Chronicle of last year, and originally supplied as paper copy with purchased copies of the CD, are expected to be available in PDF format on request in late 2023, by then incorporating 2023 updates, in keeping with the original educational objectives of this project.

Article kindly submitted by Stephen H Curry and Tony Dodds (Philips 52 - 57).

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FEATURES: A TRIP TO THAT FAMOUS NEIGHBOUR

A TRIP TO THAT FAMOUS NEIGHBOUR The headline in the Uttoxeter Echo in September 2022 was: “Towers trip for students”. It reported that “the youngsters from Denstone College have visited Alton Towers Resort to check out the latest thrills and spills on the site”. Recent graduates from Coll would no doubt see this trip as the latest example of pupils making the most of the amenities on their doorstep, with the full approval of the powers that be.

But it wasn’t always like that. For example, back in the 1960s, the amenities on offer were meagre; Coll wouldn’t think of letting us visit on a school trip; and usually only a brave few would venture there and in the capacity of a commando raid, not an organised party.

After I had left Coll and had gone to university, I learnt to drive a bus and got my PSV licence. One of the first runs I did was to take a coach-load of pensioners on a day trip to Alton Towers. It was a sedate outing. There were none of the big rides then; the staid swan boats about summed up the extent of the thrills to be had.

Mainly the old folks were interested in the gardens.

But I remember my time at Coll when a few adventurous raiding parties would make clandestine incursions into what was then not called a resort. The way in was across a railway line but it was all a bit of an anti-climax as there was precious little there to see for thrill-seeking school pupils. I suppose because we got in illegally made it a bit more glamorous, but few went more than once.

Now it is all done with postings on social media, no doubt paying full admission fees and risking life and limb not to get in but to survive some of the more extreme rides. The happy faces in the recent Echo photos don’t bear the scars of their adventurist heritage. Nowadays, you pay to get your thrills; then the thrills were to get in without paying.

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SOUTH WEST OD CLUB DINNER The South West OD Club Dinner of 2022 was held at Lilleybrook Golf Club, Cheltenham on 20th May 2022. The dinner was preceded by the Annual Spring Meeting of the Golf Society a report of which appears elsewhere in the Chronicle.

The OD Council meeting was held and the dinner followed immediately afterwards.

The dinner was attended by 19 Guests who included the new Head, Lotte Tulloch and the current Chair of the OD Executive committee John Cameron both of whom gave very illuminating addresses to the dinner guests about current developments at Denstone and the role of the Executive Committee in those developments.

A vote of thanks was proposed to Tony Dodds, the outgoing Editor of The Chronicle for the excellent work that he has done over the past six years editing and producing the magazine.

Post Meeting Update It has been decided by Charlie Wheatman and Chris Evans, the Organisers of The South West OD Club, that the 2022 dinner will be the last meeting of the Club.

Times have changed drastically since the Club first met in The Bell Inn during the summer of 1997. The costs of running and attending such events are rising and the advent of the social media platforms mean the people do not now need to attend such gatherings to keep in touch or be kept abreast of developments taking place at Coll.

We would like to thank all those who have attended the South West gatherings over the years particularly those who have travelled considerable distances to visit Cheltenham. Our thanks also must go to the OD Club Council who have supported us by holding the Council meetings to coincide with the dinner and the OD golf Society for always organising their Spring Meeting Competition to also coincide with the annual dinner.

Charlie Wheatman and Christopher Evans

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CLUB NEWS AND REPORTS

LONDON CLUB LUNCH As the rain of July hammered down on the historic Middle Temple Hall in London, the Old Denstonian London Club welcomed 17 ODs and friends to an enjoyable and warming lunch. The event served as a joyous occasion to reminisce, bond, and celebrate the cherished memories of Denstone College.

As the chatter echoed within the hall, hearts were filled with the warmth of nostalgia, and friendships were rekindled, bridging the years that had passed since their time at the beloved school. The Old Denstonian London Club continues to be a pillar of strength for the extended Denstone College family. It serves as a conduit to stay connected, renew friendships, and forge new bonds beyond the school’s cherished walls.

The recent Annual Dinner at the esteemed RAF Club was a celebratory occasion.

With 2023 marking the school’s 150th year of operations, the club enjoyed fine wines and a fantastic three course meal. The event was testament to the enduring legacy of Denstone College, and an opportunity to embrace the spirit of camaraderie that unites all ODs. The LODC extend a warm welcome to all Old Denstonians to this annual event, the next one taking place in October 2024.

J.A. Norris, Secretary of the London OD Club

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RIFLE CLUB REPORT In April 2023, Antony Coates kindly arranged a morning of skeet and rifle shooting at Garlands Shooting Ground near Tamworth. The site is run by Old Denstonian Jamie Garland. Despite the seasonal weather, a great time was had by all. Antony had the best of the skeet with 16/25, followed by James Thacker on 14.

The OD Rifle Club has found its way back to activity post-COVID, resuming our meetings for the Ashburton Veterans Match at the Bisley National Shooting Centre, along with clay pigeon and rifle shooting at Garlands Shooting Ground near Tamworth.

We deeply regret that Coll. have not been able to accommodate us for a match against the pupils since February 2020 – an event both we and the pupil shooting team look forward to. Omicron at the school put paid to a match in early 2022, and range issues have held us off this year. We very much hope matches can resume in future years. Query.

July 2023 saw us meet at Bisley again – this time with 100% less fire. Kathryn Snow retained the OD Running Deer title at the Sporting Rifle ranges, and won a tiebreak with Richard Hemingway on the Standing Boar.

On the clays, Kathryn took the triple, winning the skeet as well with 15/25. James Johnson was runner-up with 12.

Doug Gass again kindly loaned rifles and provided wind coaching in the Ashburton Veterans, which saw the club improve significantly on 2022.

The 2022 Ashburton Veterans match took place on July 14th. Readers will remember that period being exceptionally hot. Indeed, parts of Surrey were literally on fire. The heathland which serves as a safety area for both the military ranges at Pirbright and civilian ranges at Bisley experienced a number of wildfires through July and August, which at one point forced the closure of Bisley for a week as flames crossed the range boundary, damaging the target frames. Fortunately, ranges reopened in time for the Veteran’s match, although we enjoyed periodic stoppages social opportunities(!) throughout the day as fire marshals went downrange to check new sightings of smoke beyond the backstops.

Ultimately, we enjoyed a day of (mostly!) successful shooting. The British Sporting Rifle Club generously accommodated us, allowing us to compete in their club championships using their club rifles. From the ODs, Kathryn Snow won the Running Deer, and Richard Hemingway the Standing Boar. On the clay layouts, James Thacker won the Skeet.

J. Johnson – 49.4v D. Gass – 48.3v K. Snow – 47.5v J. McCosh – 46.4v R. Hemingway – 43.1v 233.17v – Placed 33 of 46

Outside of the OD Club, James Thacker has continued to perform well in competition shooting muzzle-loading pistol. In July, Richard Hemingway became the 2023 Welsh Prone Champion shooting smallbore rifle and retained his title as Staffordshire County Smallbore Champion. Richard was promoted to X-Class at the NSRA National Smallbore Meeting in 2022.

In the Ashburton Veterans match (shot at 500yards), several shooters struggled with tricky winds, but all managed a sound performance.

A-Team J. McCosh – 46.3v J. Johnson – 46.1v K. Snow – 40.3v R. Hemingway – 40.0v R. Parsons – 39.1v 211.8v – Placed 38 of 42

M. Reeves – 47.6v A. Spencer – 43.3v C. Storey – 41.2v R. Parsons – 37.2v 168.13v – Placed 24 of 27

B-Team M. Reeves – 43.0 J. Thacker – 39.2 J. Abrahams – 36.2 A. Spencer – 31.1 149.5v – Placed 25 of 27

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CLUB NEWS AND REPORTS

OD CRICKET CLUB REPORT The 2023 Old Denstonian XI contained an array of talented leavers from the early 2000s all the way through to last summer’s U6th cohort. As is customary the ODs elected to bat first in tricky conditions. Openers Chris Beech and Amer Siddique raised a 50 partnership with the latter passing his half century, before Ben Burrows and Harvey Hosein hit the accelerator with dashing cameos.

James Parker added some solidity to the middle of the innings with the real damage done by Greg Cork as he plundered 82 in the second half of the innings dispatching a volley of short pitched bowling. The innings concluded at 315 for the loss of 7 wickets and lunch was taken with an opportunity for team members to take a trip down memory lane in the pavilion.

The 1st XI began their chase in the face of tight bowling from the veteran opening pair of Jon Walmsley and Adam Johnson. Early wickets were shared between the double act, backed up by some excellent fielding. Will Rhodes then bowled with flight and guile in partnership with Alex Blake who finished with 4 wickets despite being a little expensive in the process, following some excellent lower order batting from the 1st XI. Amer Siddique claimed the final wicket, with the 1st XI all out for 165. One OD remarked that it had been his most enjoyable day on a cricket field for a long time and the whole team are already looking forward to 2024.

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HARE AND HOUNDS REPORT On a glorious early autumn afternoon, very different conditions were experienced to the usual muddy deluge for the annual Thames Hare and Hounds 70th Alumni Race on Wimbledon Common. The date having been moved to mid-September for the first time since the event’s inception.

An enthusiastic and varied field of 160 set off for a tour of this classic demanding 5 mile cross country course. A team of seven from Denstone, boasting a good mix of male and female; young and old, continued the proud tradition of Denstone being represented at this wonderful event for well over 50 years.

The race included some exceptional Cross Country runners, as well as those very much hoping just to get round in one piece! Hugo Donovan of Bradfield won the Norman Berry Cup for the first finisher in 26:01, a second ahead of Thomas Holliday of Eton, and James Hoad of Winchester third in 26:47.

Olivia Papaioannou of Shrewsbury took the Old Coventrian Cup for first lady in 32:58, having won in 2021, followed by Alice Bradshaw-Smith of Denstone in 36:56 and Jessica Davies of Marlborough third in 37:11.

Denstone finishers were as follows: Henry Lloyd, now becoming a veteran of this event, finished in position 72 in a very credible time of 36.34, closely followed by second lady Alice Bradshaw-Smith, 74th overall in 36.55. The evergreen Peter Harris, competing in the V65 category, which he won in a time of 37.09, came in 77th overall. 2nd Denstone Lady Florence Barletta finished 114th in 41.23, and James Yianni, representing the Yianni family who have been great supporters of this event over recent years, posted a time of 43.18 in position 125, followed by Matt Fletcher 137th in a time of 45.11. Bringing up the rear, and carrying a bit of a knock, was yours truly Jonathan Ward in 45.54 position 142, so at least there were 18 runners behind me!

Overall the Denstone team performed credibly in several categories: winning the Old Johnian Cup for Ladies and coming second in the V65 categories for the Jane Bubear Trophy, and third in the V60 category for the Old Denstonian Cup, Peter Harris having a rather large say in both, winning the V65 and coming 3rd in the V60.

Denstone were 11th in the V50s for the Chataway Cup, and 18th in V40 competition for the Old Brentwood Trophy. Overall Denstone finished a credible 17th out of 33 teams competing.

While there was some reticence about the change from mid-winter to early autumn the overall feeling among the Denstone team was it actually made the run more enjoyable, and the lack of mud does offer the opportunity for quicker times.

This year’s event will take place on Saturday 14th September 2024. Please do get in touch if interested, we are always looking for new runners, whatever your standard, all are welcome.

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CLUB NEWS AND REPORTS

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THE OD LODGE

AN INTERVIEW WITH CURRENT MASTER OF THE LODGE, JOHN CAMERON. 1. Can you tell us a bit about your time at Denstone College and some of your fondest memories from those years?

the different offices and working your way towards becoming Master of the Lodge. It’s a very clear and structured progression but can take up to 6 years or more – you are learning more about Freemasonry all the way through.

That was a long time ago! Memories become fuzzy over time and I always like to keep and embellish the best ones. Whether that be the weekly walks to Alton Towers or trying to get into “Hadies” via a Philips Horse box floor. The one thing that remains constant from those years is the friendship that were formed and are strong to this day! The College has evolved and developed into a fully modern and progressive school, a place that many ODs would recognise. I always try to encourage ODs to swing by for a visit.

Some people join just for the social side and choose not to take any official office in the Lodge. That is perfectly acceptable and everyone is extremely friendly and supportive. The OD Lodge is a member of the United Grand Lodge of England and is highly respected in the Masonic Provinces of Staffordshire and Derbyshire. We are special in that our membership is comprised only of former pupils (Old Denstonians) or those with a close relationship to the College i.e. fathers of pupils, sons of pupils or members of staff. In saying that, our meetings are always very well attended by Freemasons from Lodges all over the country.

2. Could you share with us your journey from being aware of the Lodge to becoming the head of the Lodge? What motivated you to take on this role?

3. The club’s alumni bodies play a crucial role in connecting former pupils. How does the Lodge strive to foster this connection and create a sense of community among former students?

I’d been aware of Freemasonry since I was 12. I never really gave much thought about joining, as I was too busy developing my business and was travelling all over the world. Some years ago I attended the 80’s reunion up at Coll. The OD Lodge had a table with some leaflets about Freemasonry and the OD Lodge in particular. I picked them up, read them a few times and then gave the Lodge Secretary a call. That was the start to what has proven to be a very enriching and enjoyable experience. Initially you meet some of the Past Masters of the Lodge, in part to let you know what you’re getting into and to check you’re comfortable with it. It is a very sociable organisation.

The Lodge is a very active branch of The OD Club.

We meet three times a year at the College and dine in the dining hall after the meeting. We have a very healthy age range of active members from 21year olds to those in their 80’s. Irrespective of age, we are all Freemasons, more importantly so, we are all Old Denstonian Freemasons. The OD Lodge keeps that bond with the College at its heart as we are all very closely connected with and passionate about Denstone.

4. What kind of activities and events does the Lodge organise throughout the year? Are there any standout events that you’re particularly proud of?

Once accepted you progress through various very enjoyable and different ceremonies and eventually become a Master Mason. It can take a year or even two to complete this journey. It is a bit like a play of three acts . After that you start becoming much more involved in the running of the Lodge by taking

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CLUB NEWS AND REPORTS: THE OD LODGE

everyone is equal. Because of the varied nature of the occupations within the OD Lodge, we can give advice and assistance if necessary. You are never too old to learn and we support each other and each other’s dependants. The University Lodges are doing very well and their memberships numbers are high. However, once you’ve become a Freemason by joining the Old Denstone Lodge, you can visit or join Lodges anywhere in the world, in the certain knowledge you started off your journey in the very best! Not that I’m biased of course!

Our main event is our Installation meeting. It’s an annual event where we can show off the College to all visiting Freemasons. A highlight of that meeting is having Even Song in the Chapel. It’s on 4th November this year.

We always have visitors from other old school Lodges - Repton, Trent, Worksop, Ellesmere – and the rivalry is still there although in a much gentler way now. This always makes for great entertainment. We recently had the first tripart meeting between the old school Lodges of Worksop, Trent and Denstone – long standing foes at just about everything except Freemasonry. It was a fabulously enjoyable and exciting meeting.

7. Looking ahead, what are some of the Lodge’s aspirations and plans for the coming years? Are there any exciting developments or projects in the pipeline?

5. Building a strong network is often one of the goals of an alumni club.

How do you encourage networking and collaboration within the Lodge?

There is a lot of development within Freemasonry now.

For instance, the age at which you can join has just lowered to 18. This, of course, opens up membership to OD’s as soon as they complete their secondary education.

A major development in Freemasonry generally is the growing number of Women’s Lodges!

We held an event at the college 10 years or so ago and invited interested pupils, parents and staff to come along and meet with us if they were at all curious .

Several 6th form girls did attend and were directed to the two Grand Lodges of Women’s Freemasonry. We cannot visit the women’s Lodges and they cannot visit ours but we do recognise and actively support each other. Imagine, we’re soon going to be celebrating 50 years of girls at the College. Wouldn’t it be brilliant if there was enough interest to start an OD Women’s Lodge at the same time? I think Denstone would be making headlines in having the first Old Girls School Lodge as well as an Old Boys Lodge. So, Ladies, if any of you are interested, we would be happy to assist. As an aside, the first Master of the OD lodge was the then Headmaster…..! All ODs are eligible and very welcome to join the OD Lodge, you’ll receive a very warm welcome I can assure you.

Freemasonry first and foremost has charity at its heart – both in terms of financial support to and serving the local community. Many professions and callings are represented within the OD Lodge membership and the friendships formed within the Lodge often spill over into everyday life. When you are made a Freemason at the College, the O.D.Lodge will always be your Mother Lodge. However, you also join the global family of Freemasonry! I have visited Lodges in several countries and that common interest means you will never be lonely, no matter where you are.

6. With the ever-evolving landscape of education and careers, how does the Lodge envision its role in supporting former pupils as they navigate their chosen career paths?

As the OD Club, we have various speakers who give talks to the senior pupils and help and encourage them in their chosen paths. The Lodge continues this support. No matter what your age, occupation or position in society, once you become a Freemason,

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ANNOUNCEMENTS Share the joy of life’s milestones with us! We invite our readers to submit their heart-warming news of engagements, marriages, and births to be featured in our expanded announcements section in future editions.

BIRTHS

Joseph Paul Old Denstonian and current Head of Marketing, Andy Tattersall (Shrewsbury 03 - 10) has in the past year announced the birth of his first child, Joseph Paul.

Joseph arrived on the scene with a full head of hair, which is not ginger, much to Andy’s disappointment, but other than that the baby is doing great, he has found his voice but luckily keeps it quiet through the night. If he could speak yet, he would probably be saying how much he loves the new uniform and can’t wait to wear it in a few years hopefully.

Zachary Oliver Parker Zachary Oliver Parker born 15th May 2023 to Harriet and OD, James Parker. Congratulations to James Parker (Heywood 98 - 05)

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CLUB NEWS AND REPORTS: ANNOUNCEMENTS

MARRIAGES

Dani Alexander, reé Brosnan (Selwyn 08 - 15) & George My time since leaving Denstone has been filled with adventure, exploration and learning. I completed my degree in Classical Music up in Yorkshire, and decided my path was to become a teacher. On my journey I met the love of my life, George; We got married during the covid era, 27th July 2021 with close family and friends including two OD bridesmaids, Saffy Wright and Meg Fairclough, and some OD guests. Life has brought me home and back to Denstone Music Department to continue my adventure.

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OBITUARIES returned to the College and was past President of the OD Club and member of the OD Masonic Lodge.

Over the years , he enjoyed the friendship of various teaching staff in particular Michael Swales, Ken Ryder and John Fisher and advised many Old Denstonians and staff members. He had a reputation for giving wise and considered counsel and was always generous with his time and energy in supporting the College. One of Mike’s passions was a love of travel with Fiona and the family. A particular highlight was a” gap year” in Australia travelling in their camper van for seven months at the age of 65. In addition to this ,he had a lifelong love of fine wine and he liked nothing better than sharing a glass with friends and family and discussing it’s merits!

Mike will be remembered as a true Denstonian , loyal, compassionate, determined , and he was never afraid to step up and do what he believed was right. He leaves Fiona , Clare and Liddy and five grandchildren – three of whom attend Denstone today (Anna and Max - Shrewsbury). His youngest grandson, William (First Form) opted to join the newly reformed Lowe House in Mike’s memory to continue the proud family tradition.

For now, we have received announcements of the passing of ODs. In the future we will look to host full obituaries online, so that you may spend more time reading the stories of old friends. If you do not see an obituary you have submitted, please alert the alumni relations office. For now, we have included a selection of obituaries, of varying lengths, chosen at random.

Mr Gilbert H Walker

(Talbot 58 - 63) He died on 1st January 2022

Mr Arthur Seddon

(Philips 49 - 53) d. 16.6.2021

Malcolm Hailwood

(Lonsdale 54 - 58) Died 29th December 2022. He was a pupil at Denstone in the 1950s.

Michael (Mike) Frank Reginald Clive Collis

Born to HCC Clive Collis (Lowe 1910-1917 ) and Dorothy on 5.10.1933.

From an early age, he was destined for Denstone as he was to follow in the footsteps of his father Clive (Lowe 1910 – 1917) and his uncle Reginald (Lowe 1907 – 1912). Sadly his Uncle Reginald was unable to witness this as he was killed in action in WW1 aged just 23.

Mike had many stories to tell about his Denstone days, he was a full boarder and delighted in telling us of the cold early morning runs, newspapers on the beds to insulate from the cold and woeful post war rationing school food. However, in spite of the above he still enjoyed his time there and in particular excelled at rifle shooting. At the age of 17 he represented Denstone as a member of the England School Boys shooting team, travelling across the Atlantic on a liner to Canada, which was both an impressive achievement and a great thrill. In 1952, he left the College and joined the Law. In 1958, he qualified as a solicitor working at the family firm Blagg, Son & Masefield in Cheadle , Staffordshire and was in practice there for 43 years of which 17 were spent sitting as a Deputy District Judge on the Midland and Oxford Circuit. He completed, and thoroughly enjoyed, his National Service in the Royal Artillery Regiment in 1958 and was promoted to Lieutenant in 1960 and then he returned to the family practice. In 1962, he married Fiona and together they had Clare (1964) and Liddy (1969). Both were educated in the Woodard tradition and were educated at Abbots Bromley School of S Mary & S Ann. Throughout his life , Mike regularly

Mr Michael Gray

(Selywn 52 - 56) died 24th December 2021 A keen cricketer and fine oboe player. Michael spent his life as a marketeer, between his home in Leicestershire and Germany. He leaves behind his wife, Josephine, and his two sons, Gerrard and James.

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CLUB NEWS AND REPORTS: OBITUARIES

one of their lovely cars – perhaps a Rover or a Jaguar – to take us out for lunch; and likewise we would look forward to when my parents would do the same.

Mr Ted Norrish

(Selwyn 48 - 53) Died 14th March 2022 He was the stalwart of the The Hares & Hounds team from the start of the competition in 1965. At times, he would arrive at the start straight out of a taxi! End of an era as all our original team have hung up their spikes.

The rigours of school life were also lessened when our respective fathers gave us the latest copies of car magazines such as The Motor and The Autocar.

We would read these for hours on end – particularly around the time of the annual London Motor Show, when all the new models would be presented. Both of us also loved collecting model cars. Dinky Toys were all the rage when we were at school, and both William and I retained our enthusiasm – for years sending each other new models on each other’s birthdays and at Christmastime.

Mr William Standerwick

(Selwyn 62 - 67) died 20th February 2023 (From Mark Ebery, based on a eulogy delivered at William’s funeral) William and I first met when we found ourselves as new boys at Denstone College at the start of the Michaelmas term in September 1962. Our friendship quickly developed: we rapidly found that we shared many things in common... for example, a total inability to learn Latin grammar; our complete incomprehensibility of anything to do with algebra, geometry or maths; and our shared recoil from the sight and smell in the sciences classrooms of test tubes bubbling away with noxious chemicals. On the other hand, we quickly learned to love the beautiful countryside that surrounded the school; we found that we had a shared passion in talking non-stop about all the latest cars; and we shared a sense of humour that was frequently based on imitating the mannerisms of our school masters, who often seemed wildly eccentric to us boys.

Amongst all the ups and downs of school life, William had to endure a heartbreaking event at the young age of about 16 – the death of his greatly loved Mother.

I can only guess at the anguish that this caused him; outwardly he bore this with the very greatest courage and fortitude.

Leaving school, we remained in regular contact and after I emigrated to Australia, we commenced writing to each other regularly. William joined the Bowaters paper and packaging business and after the company was renamed as Rexam, became responsible for its European operations.

I remember that William was totally brilliant at mimicking how our house master, ‘Bod’ Nash, tried to instil in us the rudiments of dreaded Latin. William deftly managed to perfectly copy Bod’s way of looking at one of us in the eye, quivering in complete and utter disbelief as the poor unfortunate in front of him stuttered through the first parts of a Latin verb declension (amo, amas, amat…) before coming to a fumbling halt. Bod would just stand there, shaking his head, before coming out with some withering remark.

A minute or so after the end of a tortuous class, William’s ability to imitate and capture every one of Bod’s gestures and words would bring tears of mirth to us both.

Over the years, William and I managed to meet on several occasions; these were always such memorable and treasured times, when William and his wife, Jackie, extended their great hospitality to me at their home in Northamptonshire.

The last occasion when William and I met in England – late December 2016 – a very good mutual friend, from Selwyn, Charles Morris, drove all the way down from Cumbria to be with us for an evening of catching up. What a wonderful thing to have done. It was an occasion for shared memories, jokes and the inevitable and very funny take-offs of masters by William. Charles and myself, my wife Trish, and Jackie were soon all laughing away!

As has been frequently noted, “the past is another country” and by today’s standards, Denstone was a somewhat austere place which had its own set of rituals and customs that had to be quickly adhered to by new boys (or “sprogs” as we were called). Coming from a family closely associated with Denstone (his father had been at the school in the 1930s, whilst his two older brothers had preceded him there), William was much more familiar with school etiquette than I was, and I often relied on his advice and guidance to keep myself out of various troubles and scrapes.

But that evening turned out to be not the last time William and I would meet. For, comparing holiday plans for the coming year, we were astonished to find that we were both scheduled to be in Kotor, Montenegro, on exactly the same day in October, 2017. And thus it was that Trish and I, backpacking round the Balkans, met up for the day with William and Jackie who were on an Adriatic cruise. And so the first (and only) meeting of what we dubbed the Old Denstonian Club (Montenegro Chapter) was held over a splendid meal of Mediterranean food and wine!

During term-time at school, boys’ parents were occasionally allowed to take their sons out on a Sunday, together with a friend if they wished, after the school chapel service. I remember several very enjoyable occasions when William’s parents collected us both in

It was with great sadness that it became evident over a number of years that William’s health was in decline. We continued to communicate regularly (I always looked

53

bricklaying, photography, cricket, and tennis. He enjoyed flying model aeroplanes in his youth and had a lifelong penchant for cars, often taking his beloved poodle Dorcas, out in his Austin Seven.

forward so much to seeing a new email bob up in my in-tray). Not once was there even a hint from him of “poor me”. Instead, William was always, always full of gratitude for Jackie’s loving support and for the care provided by the National Health Service.

Andrew came from an inspiring family. His father Dr Euan Keat was a distinguished medical practitioner in Sussex, and his mother Dorothy had been a casualty sister at Charing Cross Hospital during the Second World War. His uncle Tom Kemp was a consultant physician at St Mary’s Hospital, London, as well as playing rugby for England. He was educated at Denstone, and became a Denstone governor and President of the O.D. Club. Andrew’s elder brother Ian was also at Philips (1960-65).

Before I close, I should say that there were many aspects of William that I admired greatly, besides his sense of humour: his abilities in cross-country running, about which he was always typically modest but which included being school champion; his strong Christian faith; all his work for his parish church and local community. Above all, he was a perfect gentleman.

Farewell, William, and rest in peace.

Mr Allan Rex Bartles-Smith

Andrew was loved and respected by friends, colleagues, and patients alike and is dearly missed by all who knew him.

(Owe 52 - 57) died 13th May 2023

Andrew Keat

It was with sadness that we heard that Andrew Keat (Philips 62 - 66) had died on 12 January 2022 after a long and dignified battle with motor neurone disease.

Charles Bryant

(Philips 62 - 67) May 2022

Andrew Keat - Andrew had a very active time at Denstone pursuing scientific studies with a view to achieving his burning ambition to enter the medical profession; he had many other interests: sport, CCF and shooting, rambling in nature, music, and a strong Christian faith, in fact a genuine all-rounder with qualities of persistence and always kind and personable.

Andrew had a long and distinguished medical career as a consultant rheumatologist, starting with an undergraduate scholarship at the University of London.

One of his tributes in the medical profession speaks of Andrew’s caring deeply about other people. ‘He would become embarrassed when patients referred to him as the perfect doctor, but we all saw his exceptional ability to connect, understand and support. He was always generous with his time, offering insights and gentle counsel. He sprinkled gold dust in his wake and warmed us all with his sunny disposition and gentle good humour.’

He was the co-founder and inaugural chair of the British Society for Rheumatology, a long-term trustee and medical advisor of the National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society (NASS), and former president of the Medical Society of London. Andrew received many accolades and recognition during his career, which spanned four decades, including the Michael Mason Award in 1987, and Heberden Round Oration in 2008. He was an internationally renowned lecturer who published extensively throughout his life and authored several book chapters.

Michael Colin James Neill

(Heywood 44 - 50) died 10th May 2023

Richard Scott

(Lonsdale c. 60 - 65) died 21st June 2017 Richard went to Hallfield Preparatory School which not far from where his parents lived in Edgbaston, B’ham, before starting at Denstone in September 1960. It was quite a culture shock from being a day boy to a boarder in an unheated 40 bed dormitory and with no half terms and exeats perhaps twice a term. Very few

Above all Andrew considered his loving and longlasting marriage to Caroline, their three children and grandchildren as his greatest achievement. He lived life to the full and continued with many activities throughout his life, including rowing, gardening,

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CLUB NEWS AND REPORTS: OBITUARIES

Richard was a very amiable and good friend with a wicked dry sense of humour and he will be very much missed by his many friends and family including his wife Val, son Andrew and daughter in law, Bonny, grandson Archie, second son Robert and sister Heather.

boys went from Hallfield to Denstone at that time and there was one other that year, James Thacker [Phillips 1960-64]. Although they were not particularly close at Hallfield, their friendship grew during the initial couple of years at Denstone while they were both finding their feet and was retained thereafter.

Michael Woodliff

Richard enjoyed the Royal Naval section of the CCF and shot in the College shooting team at Bisley for three or four years together with James Thacker.

Richard and John Scudamore represented Denstone in the under 16 Cadet Pair competition at Bisley in 1962 against a field of around 125 other schools. Until the very last few shots, Scott and Scudamore were in the lead and Richard, decades later always blamed a particular Coll master [who was there on a one-off basis assisting Fred Hunt, the RSM, to be with us at Bisley]. This master rather impatiently hurried the boys up at the crucial last stages of the match. As a result their incredible long string of bulls [ each scoring 5 ] was punctuated by an errant “Magpie” [scoring just 3].

Nevertheless, the pair finished in the top few schools which at the time was a record for Coll.

(Woodard 45 - 50) died Q4 2022

On leaving Denstone Richard followed his Father’s profession by going to work at the Midland Bank at Bennetts Hill, B’ham and it was there that he met his wife, Val [ a vivacious and pretty typist with fair hair and short skirt] and they married in 1974 and had two sons, Andrew and Robert and lived in Cheswick Green and later Hockley Heath, Solihull.

At the age of 40 he decided to have a change of career and went into teaching taking roles at schools in Tring and Market Harborough before moving to Smallwood where he was Head of sport as well as teaching English. Not long after he was appointed Deputy Head of School. Jonnie enjoyed his time at Smallwood particularly helping coaching pupils with his sporting experience in such idyllic settings

Jonathan Salmon

OD (Lonsdale 70 - 74) and former Smallwood teacher, sadly passed away in September 2022. Jonnie started at Denstone having come from Stancliffe Prep and soon immersed himself into sport eventually playing 1st XV rugby and 1st X1 cricket during his time at College .He was also a good swimmer and talented hockey player and was a School Prefect.

A short while after leaving Denstone Jonnie was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and was seriously ill for a period of time undergoing intense chemotherapy but did make a full recovery.

Richard very much enjoyed tennis and golf belonging to the Ullenhall Tennis Club and Edgbaston Golf Club.

Through meeting fellow parents at his boys’ school, Richard, and a small group of others, formed an ad hoc golf society which they aptly named “The Sultans of Swing”. The numbers grew to about 30 and they had many matches throughout each year at a variety of courses in the UK and an annual trip to Portugal. From his profession, naturally, Richard acted as the treasurer.

Also in later life, Richard played a few rounds of golf at various Midlands courses with fellow OD’s James Thacker and Bob Whitehouse [ Phillips 1961-65, see 2009 OD Chronicle for Bob’s obituary].

After leaving Smallwood lung cancer was diagnosed resulting in having part of a lung removed but with Chemo (again) he made a good recovery for a number of years until cancer problems returned. After a brave fight against this condition Jonnie passed away 11th Sept 2022.

A Remembrance service was held in the College Chapel 26th November 2022 attended by around 90 friends, former pupils, parents and colleagues Jonnie is sadly missed by many.

Clive Kent

(Heywood 48 - 53) died 2nd January 2020

The Midland Bank was taken over by HSBC and Richard decided to retire in 2004 as he did not see himself as a life insurance salesman as opposed to the role he knew as a professional “old school” banker.

Clive, the son of a builder, lived his first few years in Chalfont St Peter Bucks, spending the war years from the age of about six often in an air raid shelter built under the dining room. He went to Thorpe House Prep school where he enjoyed rugby and cricket and was head boy before moving to Denstone in 1948.

Like his fellow Hallfield prep school friend and Coll contemporary, James, Richard had an interest in cars owning a Mk 1 Sprite in his 20’s and returning to owning a well restored round wheel arch 1275cc Midget about five years ago.

Post war Denstone in 1948 was quite austere with food and fuel shortages and this is where he became a good rifle shot both with a .22 at the college range and .303” at the outdoor college range and various military ranges and Bisley. Clive became the youngest president of both the Old Denstonian Club [aged 36] in 1970/71 and also the Old Denstonian Rifle Club. He held the latter position from 1962 to 2014.

Richard had muscle and balance problems with his legs in the last few years which prevented him playing golf and then, very sadly and suddenly, he passed away from an ongoing respiratory disease in June 2017.

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Clive very much welcomed a further generation or so of younger OD’s, Richard Hemingway and Kathryn Snow to gradually take over the reins from us too. I believe that as result, the ODRC stands up pretty well as one of the healthier OD sporting groups.

On leaving Denstone, Clive was articled to a firm of Quantity Surveyors, Gardiner and Theobald, and then soon was called up for National Service in the Royal Artillery becoming a Lance Bombardier and he enjoyed this experience. He often said that after 5 years boarding in Heywood, National Service was a doddle!

He then started his own QS firm in partnership with Jim Welton and this was successful for 40 years.

Even though Clive was at Coll 12 years before me, I very much enjoyed his company immensely for well over 50 years meeting annually at ODRC events. We had an interwoven bond of friendship from a shared interest in so many things apart from both being OD’s.

These included rifle shooting, both being Surveyors, golf, taking part in club motor sport and being involved with our respective local churches.

Clive’s interest included tennis, squash, cricket, golf, travelling, sailing and cars.The latter included an Austin 7, A/H Sprite, MGB and a single seater Cooper JAP racing car [similar to those raced by Stirling Moss and Bernie Ecclestone] in which Clive took part in speed hill climb events.

Clive’s life was an example of one that was well lived in so many aspects, particular helping others and being a much-liked and caring person. He will be very missed by his family and many friends and I offer my very belated condolences to all of them

He was very much involved with the cricket club, residents’ association and St John the Baptist Church.

On account of his professional and personal skills, he was able to very much contribute to the restoration and maintenance of the church as well as being a sidesman and church warden.

Gerry Bunn

Clive was married in 1965 to [Freddie] Frederica Burton, a professional photographer and they lived in Little Marlow and had a boy and a girl, Duncan and Rowena. Rowena married Tony and they moved to California and Clive enjoyed spending time there with his two grandchildren.

Duncan married Anne-Marie and after 26 years working for John Lewis Partnership, moved to the Nottingham area to start his own business.

(Meynell 54 - 59, and Dave Shears Meynell 55 - 60)

In 2016 when he was 82, Clive had a minor stroke which he very much took this in his stride with rehabilitation and returned to driving again. He was very much helped by his younger brother, Trevor Kent [Heyward 1960 -64] which enabled him to stay in his own home when more problems followed a few years later.

When we left in 1960 Dave went off to Africa on VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas) which I suspect was the start of his long association with Africa. I on the other hand lived in Scotland for a number of years but fortunately my work enabled me to stay with him near Blantyre in May 1966 but after that our contact was intermittent.

You could not have had a more kind, generous and thoughtful man than Clive. He would have probably not have re-acted very well to the very thought of a eulogy at his funeral. His son Duncan imagined him saying the words “ridiculous boy, fancy telling everybody “. But secretly being very chuffed.

Once the internet became an easy method of communication we were able to renew and continue our friendships which had been forged whilst at Coll which sadly is over but certainly not forgotten.

When Dave and I joined Meynell in January 1955 I already knew of Gerry as he had been at school in Matlock with my sister as indeed had Keith Martin.

Gerry went on to have a distinguished career in the RAF and for many years arranged for the London OD club to hold their AGM at the RAF club.

Additional Memories

I am indebted to Clive’s son Duncan, for letting me have sight of his fine eulogy which I have attempted to precis for the Chronicle. On a personal note, I first met Clive in about 1969 as a young OD coming to shoot for the OD rifle club at Bisley, Surrey, that year arriving in my MG Midget from the West Midlands. Clive, as President of the ODRC, could not have been more welcoming to me and as a result I have continued taking part in this annual event most years to date. Under Clive’s stewardship, the ODRC has very much continued to be very active and in recent times, having two meetings a year [one at Coll v the pupils and one at Bisley] with a steady and healthy input of younger OD’s keen on shooting. As well as encouraging me, and fellow contemporary post war “baby boomer “OD’s, James Johnson and Richard Parsons, to help run the ODRC.

I joined Coll one year after David so we moved up the Dorm in parallel for many years so were great friends.

Gerry was a few years ahead of me so I got to know him well.

One particular event stands out when Coll set a challenge to do something adventurous on a day away from Coll. I lived close to Coll so I was able to borrow my Dad’s car so David and I went to Rhyl for the day.

I’m sure we would have won the prize for the best trip but as driving a car was forbidden, we might also have been expelled!! I last met Dave at a 1960s reunion a few years ago and Gerry at the London Dinner.

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CLUB NEWS AND REPORTS: OBITUARIES

We were the last two boys to leave Coll doorstep on 28th July 1953 ; not to meet again until fifteen years later when on returning to my office one day, a secretary told me that a Mr Valentine had been enquiring after me. I knew it had to be Jim. Our friendship continued as if there were no intervening years, and broadened to include dear Barbara, Irmgard my first wife, and Carol. Jim was my Best Man when Carol and I married in May, 1973. And with seven children between us, we became truly family friends.

Thank you Jim, you have been one of the blessings of my life.

James Burnett (Jim) Windsor

(Woodard 64 - 68) 1951 – 2023 Denstone College, Hertford College, Oxford. Graduated 1973 After leaving Oxford where he graduated in Modern Languages (French and German) Jim began a successful teaching career at Pimlico School in SW London where he worked with children in compensatory education in the inner-city environment. Later he combined his interests in agriculture with his teaching activity in Devon until moving to France to pursue these joint interests eventually being appointed Inspector of schools in the Bordeaux region of France. His funeral was held in SW France where his family was joined by his many friends, ex-pupils, and colleagues in person and by many others around the world whom he had touched deeply in his two-fold career.

Just a final comment. Visiting Jim two days before his death, he was amused when I told him that to mark Coll’s 150th year, I had presented three young specimen trees of Acer campestre ‘William Caldwell’ A.G.M. (A tree with an unusual columnar habit which I had discovered in September 1976 and named after my Cousin and business partner, Bill. When I delivered my eulogy at Bill’s funeral in 2021, I was able to say that I had named an “upright” tree for an upright man. I can now say the same of Jim Valentine)

James Hamilton Valentine

August 1934 - March 2023 (Woodard 48 - 53).

Jim, an appreciation by Donovan Leaman.

Jim and I were firm friends for a mere 75 years.

Although we were, within nine days, the same age, I was his Coll senior by one year by dint of my coming from Smallwood in 1947. I was in Meynell, Jim in Woodard -both in South Wing but he on the top floor.

With tongue firmly in cheek, I suggested that the trio of trees be named, ‘DONO’, ‘ALF’ and ‘JIM’, after the ‘Big Three’ of 1952/1953. Then in a couple of hundred years time, the future Denstonians might ask, ‘Why are those three magnificent trees with a strange shape called, ‘Dono, Alf and Jim ‘ ?

We shared the same teachers until School Cert. in 1950 when he achieved two Distinctions. I also passed!

Then we spent three years until 1953 in the Science department to achieve some success at the Advanced Level of G.C.E. He and another senior prefect shared my study in our final year. His calm geniality and good sense were vital to the success of the Triumvirate known as ‘The Big Three’ in those days, particularly when A.N.Other in the Triumvirate, from the North Wing could be ‘awkward’, if not ‘volatile ‘.

James Thomas Philip Roberts, (Phil) 20 January 1935 - 02 July 2023

At age 11 he became a boarder at Denstone College.

Having been a talented Rugby player, one of the top three students in his year and Head Boy, it is safe to say Phil was an all-round talent. However, he did get on the wrong side of his Head Master for drinking at the Pub in Denstone!

‘The Big Three’ were nearly wiped out in Lent term 1953 when we went for a spin in O.D. Ray Somerville’s open-top M.G. Sports car. It was dark and icy on the road-straight back from Alton. I don’t remember who was sitting on my lap when we went into a 100 yard skid. Of course, attending a Woodard Church of England school, our Guardian Angels were on duty.

Following his departure from school, he was enlisted into the Army and did two years of National Service.

He was stationed at Lark Hill in Salisbury Plain and became a Lance Bombardier. His days consisted of shooting field guns for fun, but he achieved the distinction of leading a convoy of army vehicles, which he later got lost on the Salisbury Plain.

As regards Sport, Jim was a fine top of the order bat in the 1st XI, when the best I could do was to open the bowling against Stonyhurst, Peter de Lisle and all.

He was an excellent fly-half for the 1st XV, while I was a passable fly-half just awaiting my chance to usurp him. But Jim was never injured and was much more handsome than ‘yours truly’ whose nose was broken twice in a fortnight on two away matches in October 1952. (I can still see the stars). When allowed, he could play a good game of Tennis. Only in Rugby Fives could Jim not match me -- probably because I had a longer reach. He was a true sportsman.

Phil travelled around the country to dog shows. He became a Cairn Terrier Judge at Championship Show level, and was Secretary of Lichfield Canine Society for a few years, and also the Midland Cairn Terrier Club for about 3 years.

Phil was a well-respected Mason. He joined the Old Denstonian Lodge and became Worshipful Master in October 2006 and was exalted into Old Denstonian Chapter in May 1998. As an active member in the OD community Phil will be sadly missed.

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CLUB NEWS AND REPORTS: PAST PRESIDENTS

PAST PRESIDENTS 1941-57 Rev A.M.GAMBLE MA Staff 41-57

1991-92 G.B.MILLS Sh 41-45

1957-58 E.T.GREENWOOD M 02-10

1992-93 T.N.TOOKEY, MA Staff 63-93

1958-59 J.F.BENTLEY Ln 06-07

1993-94 Sir CHRISTOPHER FRENCH P 39-42

1959-60 Cmdr G.V.KNIGHT, OBE, RN M 08-15

1994-95 B.G.GILL H 44-49

1960-61 H.C.C.COLLIS, OBE, MC L 10-17

1995-96 Dr T.M.KEMP P 52-61

1961-62 Major C.C.R.REYNOLDS M 11-15

1996-97 T.G.PAGE H 52-56

1962-63 Lt.Col. W.V.CLARK W 10-15

1997-98 J.N.BROWN, CBE Sh 48-54

1963-64 J.J.ROSKAMS H 11-15

1998-99 T.N.WELCH H 62-67

1964-65 G.H.SLACK Sh 13-18

1999-2001 M.J.PALMER L 60-65

1965-66 W.P.C.DAVIES, MA S 42-46

2001-02 R.H.O.LEES P 56-61

1966-67 T.W.G.PLACE, FCA L 17-24

2002-03 Ms F.LAWRENSON H 85-87

1967-68 W.HEADRIDGE W 18-23

2003-04 K.C.RYDER, BA Staff 69-02

1968-69 M.SUGDEN, OBE, MA Sh 17-20

2004-05 A.R.BARRINGTON L 54-63

1969-70 R.B.SUMMERFIELD S 17-20

2005-06 H.I.PARKER MA Staff 51-86

1970-71 C.W.KENT, FASI H 48-51

2006-07 M.StJ.SMITH T 67-72

1971-72 R.GREEN, MA P 38-42

2007-08 K.THRELFALL Sh 62-67

1972-73 J.C.G.SUTTON, TD, FRICS H 23-30

2008-09 C.WHEATMAN W 58-63

1973-74 J.A.ADAMSON, MA Staff 36-69

2009-10 G.F.WHIRLEDGE H 52-60

1974-76 H.D.E.MASON, FRICS S 39-43

2010-11 D.H.MASON H 57-62

1976-77 D.RUSHWORTH, FinstF, Hon.F.Inst.M Sh 17-19

2011-12 Ms E.F.WRIGHT H 85-89

1977-78 C.H.HESS W 33-38

2012-13 M.E.D.SNOW Sh 74-78

1978-79 Dr T.A.KEMP, FRCP, MD P 24-34

2013-14 Mrs S.C.ALLEN L/M 82-89

1979-80 C.C.MURRAY Ln 38-42

2014-15 His Hon. R.T.N .ORME H 59-65

1980-81 I.L.ANDERSON,MIMechE M 36-42

2015-16 Dr C. WALKER P 61-66

1981-82 L.STOCKS, MA M 41-45

2016-17 T.M.VENNER M 79–84

1982-83 W.J.BRADBURN, JP Ln 32-37

2017-18 J.R.TROTMAN M 55–

1983-84 M.K.SWALES, MA L 45-49

2018-19 A.J.HEATH S 80-85

1984-85 J.R.FISHER, MBE, TD, MA Staff 34-67

2019-20 A.FOX W 57-62

1985-86 Col J.G.PALMER, OBE, MC Sh 31-34

2020-21 J CAMERON P 81-83

1986-87 C.G.WEBSTER Sh 39-49

2021-22 J SAMPSON W 06-11

1987-88 M.F.R.C.COLLIS L 47-52

2022-23 R YIANNI P 04-11

1988-89 P.T.I.SMITH, MA Staff 55-91 1989-90 Rear Admiral P.G. HAMMERSLEY, CB, OBE Sh 42-45 1990-91 Sir PATRICK LAWRENCE, CBE Sh 41-45

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A GIFT OF OPPORTUNITY – THE DENSTONE GATEWAY.

Philanthropy has been at the very heart of Denstone College since the laying of our founding stone 150 years ago. Thousands of pupils, from all backgrounds, are proud to have received a Denstone education. Many will remember having the opportunity due to the Assisted Places Scheme that Denstone became part of in 1981, making education affordable to those that might not otherwise have has the financial means. For the next 20 years, the number of assisted places rose from 25%, with as many as 70% of all pupils, being in receipt of a bursary in 1997. Since the abolition of the assisted places scheme, our bursary fund has continued to support pupils that require financial assistance to complete their education at Denstone College. Today, one in seven pupils receive financial assistance in the form of a means-tested bursary, made possible through donations to The Denstone Foundation. With the independent education sector facing challenges ahead, it is critical now, more than ever before, to reduce the gap, ensuring the gateway to an independent education is kept open for those that need it the most.

To find out more about our transformative bursary programme, and benefits of making a gift to The Denstone Foundation (Registered Charity No: 1102588), please contact Jess Smith, Director of Development & Alumni Relations jsmith@denstonecollege.net 14021/10/2023

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Address: Denstone College, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, ST14 5HN Telephone: 01889590484 Website: www.denstonecollege.org