Issuu

R AV E N the

No. 302

The Raven 2021

CONTENTS

3 RESULTS & ACCOLADES Downside School 2020/21 School Prefects 2020/21 Heads of School Speech Head’s Speech Douai Prize The Gregorian Medal Chair of Governors’ Speech Prizes Head Masters Benedictine Values Awards Exam Results Summary University Entrants

2021

80 FROM THE DEVELOPMENT OFFICE 84 CHAPLAINCY REPORT 2021 98 SOCIETIES 104 REVIEWS & REPORTS Drama Music Art CCF Library Sport

38 COMMUNITY NEWS 42 SALVETE & VALETE 50 NEWS FROM THE HOUSES Barlow Caverel Isabella Powell Roberts Smythe

THE EDITORIAL TEAM Editor – Jessica Newman & Paige Owen Design – www.mercerdesign.co.uk Photography – B eck Ward Murphy, Paige Owen & Rooster

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RESULTS ACCOLADES

DOWNSIDE SCHOOL 2020/21 SCHOOL PREFECTS 2020/21 HEADS OF SCHOOL SPEECH HEAD’S SPEECH THE GREGORIAN MEDAL CHAIR OF GOVERNORS’ SPEECH PRIZES AND HEAD MASTERS BENEDICTINE VALUES AWARDS EXAM RESULTS SUMMARY UNIVERSITY ENTRANTS

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DOWNSIDE SCHOOL The Board of Governors Chairman Dr Giles Mercer Governors Mr James Scott-Gatty Mrs Anne Barrett Mr Michael Bernard Mr Hugh Dickinson Mr Charles Griffin Ms Catherine Hughes Mr John Ludlow Mrs Alison Martin Dr Jessica Ogilvy-Stuart Dom Nicholas Wetz Mrs Terri Wilcox Head Mr A.R. Hobbs, BA Deputy Head Mr M.P. Randall, BSc Senior Leadership Team Director of Studies Mr D.M. Gibbons, BA Director of Pastoral Care Mrs C.J. Murphy, BSc Director of Operations Mrs C. Brawley, MCIPD Director of Admissions and Marketing Mrs I. Hartnell Director of Finance Mr A. Cray, FCCA Development Manager Mrs J. Newman, MInstf (Cert), DipHE Senior School Chaplain Dom James Hood Director of Sport Mr R.A. Jones, BA Director of Music Mr J.P.B. McNamara, MA (Oxon), FRCO, PGDipPerf

2020/21

House Master of Barlow Mr S.J. Potter, BA House Mistress of Caverel Ms A.L.T. McGarry, BA, MSc, PGDipPsych House Mistress of Isabella Mrs K. Westlake, BA House Master of Powell Mr J.D. Dolman, BSc House Master of Roberts Mr D.J. McLean, BA, MA House Master of Smythe Revd J.R. Storey, BA Assistant House Master of Barlow Mr J.P.B. McNamara, MA, FRCO, PGDipPerf Assistant House Mistress of Caverel Miss J.C. Price, BA Assistant House Mistress of Isabella Miss A.J. Ball Assistant House Master of Powell Mr D. Pollard Assistant House Master of Roberts Dr J. Tapia Amador, BSc, Ph.D. Assistant House Master of Smythe Mr R.F. Worsman, BSc, MInstP House Parents of Barlow Mrs R. Moran (to January 2021), Mrs J. Lewis House Parents of Caverel Mrs T. Jones, Mrs R. Buckland House Parents of Isabella Miss B. Ford, Ms A. Ball House Parents of Powell Mrs M. Pollard, Mrs J. Chapman, Miss E. Miller-Hunt House Parents of Roberts Mrs C. Muse, Mrs H. Scott House Parents of Smythe Ms L. Nash, Mrs K. Kernutt (to April 2021)

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Senior School Chaplain Dom James Hood Assistant Chaplain Dom Boniface Hill Lay Chaplain Mr P. Andrewartha, BA Examinations Officer Mrs C.A. Dietrich, BA Head of University Admissions Mr R.C. Rawlins, MA Head of Careers Mr R.C. Rawlins, MA Librarian Mrs J. Craig, MCILIP, BA Library Assistant Mrs M. Barnes, BA Head of Initial Teacher Training Mrs M.B. Iglesias Graña, BA Religious Studies/Theology Mr H.F. Walters, MA Dom Anselm Brumwell, BA, STB, STL Mr D.J. McLean, BA, MA Miss J.C. Price, BA English Mrs J.S. Rainey, BA, MA Miss A.S. Anglim, BA, PgDip, MEd Dr H.J. Kelsh, BA, Ph.D. Ms A.L.T. McGarry, BA, MSc, PGDipPsych Mrs H.W. Wilson, BA

Mathematics Dr J. Tapia Amador, BSc, Ph.D. Mr D.H.J. Bryson, BSc, NPQH Miss F.C. O’Neill, BSc Mr M.B. Patey, BSc, STL Miss S.M. Moody, BSc Mr W.T. Vaughan, BEng, MEd Physics Mr P. Rigby, BSc Mr D. Hicks, BEd Mr R.F. Worsman, BSc, MInstP Chemistry Mr D.H.J. Bryson, BSc, NPQH Mr P.A. Hunt, BSc Mr D. Hicks, BEd Dr M.M. Leatherbarrow, D Phil Biology Mrs H.L. Alcántara, MA Mr S.M. Barrett, BSc Mrs C.J. Murphy, BSc Mr M.P. Randall, BSc History Mr H.F. Walters, MA Dr R.J. Sanders, Ph.D. Mrs K. Westlake, BA Geography Mr O.G. Simper, BSc Mr J.D. Dolman, BSc Mr D.M. Gibbons, BA Economics and Business Mr D. Nichols, BSc Mr D.M. Gibbons, BA Mr I. Rhodes, BA Classics Revd J.R. Storey, BA Dr G.M. Tahin, Ph.D.

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Modern Languages Mr R.C. Rawlins, MA Dom Anselm Brumwell, BA, STB, STL Mrs C.A. Dietrich, BA Mrs C.E. Dolman, BA Mrs M.B. Iglesias Graña, BA Dr H.J. Kelsh, BA, Ph.D. Mrs E.J. Spurling, BA Design and Technology Mr N.J. Barrett, BEd Mr S.J. Potter, BA Art Mrs E.C. Williams, BA Mr J.H.N. Clark, BA, MA History of Art Dr R.J. Sanders, Ph.D. Music Mr J.P.B. McNamara, MA (Oxon), FRCO, PGDipPerf Mr J.E. Bridges, BMus Mr A.R. Bevan, MA Mrs R.M.M. Bevan Mrs J.C. Costley-White, LRAM, DipRaM Mrs A.M. Hawthorne, BMus Mr J.R. Hughes, BMus, PGDip. Mr S.P. Jobbins Mr T.V. Jones, BA Mr S.D.H. Jones, BMus Mr R.R. Kerr, MA Mrs J.C. Mills, Dip. Royal Conservatory of The Hague Mrs E.J. Mullins, BMus Mr M.H. Packman, BMus, LTCL Miss K.M. Robey, BA Mr C.M. Sheldrake, BMus, ARCM, Dip.RCM Mr R.C. Stubbings, BA Mrs G.A. Cleverley, BA Music, LRSM, DipLCM Mr S.R. Crockatt, BMus

Drama Mrs P.A. Schofield, BA Ms A.L.T. McGarry, BA, MSc, PGDipPsych Psychology Mrs A.J. Willoughby, BSc Sport Mr R.A. Jones, BA Mr J.A. Burns, BSc Mrs E.J. Chapman, BA Mr B.W. Edge, BSc Miss F.C. O’Neill, BSc Mr G.E. Setterfield, BSc Physical Education Mr R.A. Jones, BA Mrs E.J. Chapman, BA Mr B.W. Edge, BSc Miss F.C. O’Neill, BSc Learning Support Mrs C.L. Storey, BA, PG Dip. SpLD, AMBDA Mrs R.T.H. Burke, Cert.Ed, Dip.SLD Miss F.C. O’Neill, BSc Mrs A.C. Sherrard, BA, PDip in Dyslexia and Literacy Mrs P.J. Witt, BA, AMBDA English as an Additional Language Mrs A.E. Maistrello, BA, Cambridge DELTA, PGDE Mrs L. Williams, BA, MA, Cambridge CELTA Computing and E-Safety Mr I.J. Ramsden, BSc Graduate Assistants Mr H. Brooking Miss E. Hadfield Miss R. Ibbotson Mr H. Jones Mr C. O’Rourke

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Mr C. Marshall - ICT Apprentice Mr F. Pugsley - Deputy Clerk of Works Mrs M. Heywood, BA, Assoc CIPD - Human Resources Advisor Miss F. Parry, BA, Assoc CIPD - Human Technicians Resources Assistant Mr D.J. Denham, MVTech (Design Technology) Mrs K. Walker, BMus - Head’s PA Ms S. Essex, BSc (Science) Mrs L. Cray, BA - Deputy Head’s PA Mr A. Millard (Physics) Mrs L. Fry to February 2021 - Deputy Head’s Mrs M. Ryder, BSc (Science - Senior) Secretary Ms P. Rees-Jones, BMus, MA - Music Department Medical Staff Administrator Doctors Miss R. Nunns, BSc - Music Administrator Dr. N. Solman Timetabling Dr. B. Delvin Mrs E. Gardiner - Maintenance Administrator Mrs H. Brady, BA - Health Centre Administrator Nurses and Health Centre Practitioners Mrs T. Coles - Shop Supervisor Miss M. Pye (Head of Nursing) BSc, RMN, Mrs S. Hazelton - Seamstress SCPHN CASH Mrs A. Pickering - Senior Accounts Clerk Mrs L. Gray, B.Sc. Nursing, RGN, RSCN Mrs E. Parker - Accounts Clerk Mrs J. Kinnear, RGN Mrs S. Carter - Receptionist Mr S. Henderson, FDSC Paramedic Mrs H. Grant - Receptionist Bank Nurses and Health Centre Practitioners Mrs S. Hockey - Receptionist Ms V. Locke - Clerk to the Governors Mrs A. Aherne, RGN Head of Outdoor Education and School Staff Instructor WO1 D. Pollard (CCF)

Counselling Mrs P. Woodford Administration Mr M. Holden, BSc, CIWFM - Head of Building and Engineering Mrs S. Faloon, B.Com - Head of Facilities Management (Soft FM) Mrs R. Ward Murphy - Marketing Manager Mrs S. Kieck - Catering Manager Mrs A. Hurle - Domestic Services Manager Mrs J. Ormerod to December 2020, Mrs R. Moran Admissions Officer Mrs S. Carter - Admissions Assistant Miss P. Owen, BA, M.Sc. - Development Assistant Mr S. Tighe - ICT Network Manager Mr R. Thomas - ICT Technician and Helpdesk Supervisor

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St Scholastica Community Mr C. Valdes Raczynski Mr M. Emmet Mr C. Laczko-Schroeder Mr N. Meneghello Matte Mr V. Tagle Cox Building, Engineering and Grounds Team Mr S. Eade, Head Grounds Person Mr F. Puglsey, Deputy Clerk of Works and Plumber Mr A. Colebrook, Grounds Person Mr M. Cooper, Compliance Technician Mr J. Dowling, Senior Electrician Mr I. Holder, Senior Builder Mr G. Holder, Carpenter Mr J. Langley, Electrician Mr P. Mairs, Painter & Decorator

Domestic Services Team Mr M. Coles, Supervisor Mrs L. Beale Miss C. Carter Mrs S. French Mrs T. Gould Mrs C. Gregory Mr M. Hill Mr R. Holder Miss C. Horler Mrs S. Horler Mrs S. Martin Mrs C. Matthews

Miss C. Milsom Mr L. Parfitt Mrs J. Purnell Mr B. Reynolds Mr P. Rogers Mrs M. Simmonds Mrs C. Simpson Mrs S. Stenner Mrs H. Stephens Mrs L. Warriner Mrs A. Hartland Mrs C. O’Neill Mrs J. Stevenson

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SCHOOL PREFECTS 2020/21 Heads of School: Nicholas Hobbs and Katharina Lützenkirchen

Academic Prefects: Judetta Whyte, Joseph Rowell

Head of Barlow: Alexander Harwood Head of Caverel: Rosie Pugh-Morgan Head of Isabella: Hanna Kedzior Head of Powell: Owain Daley Head of Roberts: Teddy Isola Head of Smythe: Sebastian Hall Head of Third Form & Junior Girls: Matilde Melodia

Barlow House Prefects: Joseph Rowell, Louis Lesault, Alvin Mak, Charlie Sheehan, Juan Orbaneja, Rory Begg

Deputy Head of Barlow: Kofi Barton-Byfield Deputy Head of Caverel: Rosie Pattison Deputy Head of Isabella: Victoria Mercadal de Villalonga Deputy Head of Roberts: Fran Duve Deputy Head of Smythe: Sascha Wickham Deputy Head of Third Form & Junior Girls: Wiktoria Lassak

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Caverel House Prefects: Harriet Crowe, Lydia Whitaker, Chloe Leung, Isabelle O Neill, Rosemary Capewell Isabella House Prefects: Betty Li, Daisy Marsh, Molly White, Judetta Whyte, Yuhan Yang Roberts House Prefects: Thomas Green, Jedrzej Nielpolski, Arndy Jackson, Freddy Dalgliesh, Giovanni Lunetti, William Bowman, Marcus Wong, Lucas Phelan Smythe House Prefects: Sam Webb, Oliver Cattermole, Caspar Clothier, Michael Yuen

HEADS OF SCHOOL SPEECH Good morning and welcome to this year’s Prize Day, Unfortunately Katharina, Head Girl, cannot be here today due to being in isolation, so I will be speaking on her behalf. This is my first speech in front of an audience and my last speech for Downside. Thankfully, however, I cannot be muted. I would like to start by talking about sports. As restrictions have been easing up, both tennis and cricket have been a great success with some proper competitive fixtures. We would especially like to congratulate the Girls’ Tennis teams for being so proactive within their training and matches this term. Thank you to Mr O’Rourke who has shown unwavering commitment to the girls’ tennis, organising the first pre-season ever. The boys’ cricket had a significant number of sign-ups this year, with

Mr Setterfield heading the charge. I can truly say the effort put in by the sports staff this term was much appreciated by the whole school and especially the Sixth Form. The inclusive nature of sport in Downside has improved since Third Form massively and we both hope it continues to flourish in years to come. I think we can all agree Sports Day was incredibly fun and exciting. It was brilliant to see how many pupils were actually taking part in the 1500 metre run in order to support their House. Despite Mr Simper’s and Mr Bryson’s great commentary, the catch phrase of the day was: “On your marks… set… oh it’s done it again.” If you don’t understand, ask the person next to you. Congratulations to Isabella House and Barlow House who won the girls’ and boys’ competitions respectively.

I would like to congratulate Kofi Barton-Byfield for moving up in the Senior Bath Academy for this summer. We wish you the best of luck in the future but wait behind so I can get your autograph at the end, please. Well done to all those involved in Little Shop of Horrors. It was astounding how in four weeks a full show was created and performed. It was great to have parents able to come to Downside to watch the live event. We would like to congratulate Alex Harwood as the main character of Seymour who once again did a fabulous act. You were a true asset to Downside drama and we hope that you will give us some free tickets for your West End performances. The Sleep-Out organised by the St Teresa’s community for The Help for Homeless charity, which is run by Iona White, was

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special to all its members. The community imitated the night of a homeless person by sleeping out in the theatre quad. During this time Mr O’Rourke set up the St Teresa’s podcast, inviting several of their members to explain what it means to them to sleep out. If you have not yet listened to the podcast, we thoroughly recommend it. The evening was lit up by the sound of music and in that was a 25-string “large Chilean guitar” played by Vicente. The night-time lectio was truly moving. St Teresa has taught us to be humble and appreciative of the good life that we have been granted. By focusing on service and taking care of those who suffer, personally I believe it has shaped our views of the world and manifested love for one’s neighbour in our community and ourselves. St John’s has been an amazing experience for its members. Lectio is a great part of the School and shapes its culture enormously. Coming together every Thursday for some Cheese and Lectio has been very meditative especially during exams. Thank you to the members of St Scholastica for creating this great opportunity for those involved and allowing them to explore their faith as a community. Debating this year saw the winning team of Barlow House. The competitive final debate was done under the motion “The greatest threat to humanity is a) Artificial Intelligence,

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b) a pandemic or c) Climate Change.” The eloquence of this year’s speakers was once again extraordinary. Well done to Joe Rowell who can be identified as the debating star of the Upper Sixth and also to Katharina as his co-president of the Abingdon Society. After nearly a year of planning, the Conference on Addiction finally happened on Friday, 18th June. Lockdown unfortunately postponed our initial date in January, but this definitely did not hinder the Conference from being fantastic. The three speakers spoke with passion of their own addictions and gave us an enlightening insight into its effects. Michael Rawlinson (C74) opened the Conference by telling the audience about his former alcoholism that led him to quit drinking completely nearly 30 years ago. Following this, Patrick Foster shared his experiences of his previous gambling addiction which was truly eye opening. Finally, Catriona Payne and Michael Rawlinson held a conversation about addiction in the family. We hope that this event might have helped to open the conversation about an often silenced topic and might even have given some people hope. A special thanks has to be given to Mr Bryson who did all the hard work of ensuring everything ran smoothly on the day. We would like to congratulate everyone who will receive prizes today. You have greatly contributed

to the School and we are sure it is much deserved. To represent Downside as Heads of School has been, to both Katharina and I, a true privilege and honour and we wish Stephanie and Joseph the best of luck next year. Katharina and I would like to thank Mr Hobbs for entrusting us with this role. It has been a pleasure to work so closely with you this year. You truly have the best for this school in your heart. Downside has been an amazing place to study and to grow up. It has shaped our personalities and views for the better by teaching us what really matters as students which I can gladly say will be passed on into our futures. Like the rest of our year, we are deeply saddened that our last year was so incomplete and spent away from school. We would have loved everyone to be here for Prize Day and to finish this year properly. But on the other hand, lockdowns have made each and every one of us appreciate Downside much more. You could tell on our return in April that the Upper Sixth wanted to make the most of their time left as the majority of students stayed after finishing exams. Consequently, our year group has grown together much closer and we have formed much stronger friendships. Knowing this makes it easier for us to leave but nonetheless not without a few tears. We hope to stay connected to this great and kind community that has given us so much. We would like to thank all

the teachers that have taught us and allowed us to flourish academically. Thank you for being patient with us when we did not grasp everything immediately and making us strive for the best. It has been a pleasure to be taught by you and to be your students. Thank you to all the House staff that took care of us when we needed it most, we really would not be who we are without you. Overall, we would like to say on behalf of the Upper Sixth thank you for everything. Downside will never be forgotten and we will move through life as products of its kind, communal nature. Nick Hobbs Head of School

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HEAD’S PRIZE DAY SPEECH I recently saw a birthday card which read, ‘It’s your birthday, you’re NOT a year older, 2020 didn’t count!’ There can be no denying there is a temptation to want to press the reset button and erase the last year. It is a sentiment, with which, I think we can all identify and sympathise. It would certainly be hard to find anyone who has actively enjoyed the disruption and uncertainty we have been experiencing. But were you to be offered a vaccination, not to protect you against catching the virus, but to turn back the clocks and delete the virus from history, would you be rushing to book your jab? It’s a question I cannot answer on anyone else’s behalf. We have each travelled our own journey and been affected in different ways, but it’s definitely a question worth asking and taking a little time to answer. As we reach the end of the academic year, I challenge anyone to find an aspect of our daily lives here at school which has not been in some way impacted, not least our definition of the word ‘bubble’. But then there’s the arrangements for meals, the arrival of furniture in the main hall, wearing masks, the need to walk on the left, teacher assessed grades, the absence of sports fixtures, the absence of choir and orchestra practices, online assemblies, Hymn Practice and Sunday prayer services, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

I was interested recently to read an email I wrote to all the pupils in the School on 24th March last year, a week after the first lockdown had been announced and we had been instructed to send everyone home. I hope you won’t mind if I read an extract from it: ‘Dear All We are running out of superlatives to describe the scale of what is happening to all our lives and the global effect of the Coronavirus. Yesterday, I sent out an update from the School to your parents, giving further details of our Remote Learning Programme and how we are working to support your learning at this time of upheaval. Later in the evening the Prime Minister announced that he was scaling up the measures to tackle the spread of the virus and that it was time to stop all but essential activities and travel. Whilst obviously I want you to spend time on your academic development and to keep up your studies through the remote lessons and work your teachers are providing, please don’t miss the opportunity to reflect on what is happening and its momentousness. Retaining normality is important and comforting, but let’s not pretend that what we are experiencing is normal! I would venture that none of us would have chosen to be in our current situation but now that we are, let’s make sure we learn the lessons it is so clearly offering us.These are not remote or in any way

virtual, they are very real and immediate! I say with confidence that this will pass, but let’s ensure that, when it does, we emerge into a world more sensitive and with a deeper understanding of our fragility, one which values humility, where we think more about the needs of others and about sharing what we have generously and sustainably rather than stockpiling and hoarding far beyond what we need.’ Well, more than a year on, I remain confident that this will pass. There is no doubting that it’s been tough and I can say without any hesitation that I’m pleased to be double vaccinated but I can also say emphatically that I wouldn’t be queuing for a memory erasing, clock rewinding, third vaccination! I’m certainly a year older (at the moment it feels a lot more than that!), but I think as a community we have kept our focus on what’s really important and been galvanised and enriched by the lessons we have learned. As we look back, we can honestly say that we have worked together to meet the challenges with which we have been presented and we are emerging more sensitive and generous to the needs of one another, with a deeper sense of humility as individuals and collectively. In March of last year, as we entered our first lockdown, I think we would have to admit that supporting remote learning was an

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aspiration rather than a reality we could claim to have mastered as a school with any real confidence. We, like many other schools, had ventured into the world of the VLE (Virtual Learning Environment for those who have forgotten what the letters stand for), and, whilst it had caught the imagination of some, it fizzled rather than blazed! Snow days or a prolonged pupil absence meant lessons missed and invariably led to disrupted progress. A year on, we can confidently assert that the snow day is a thing of the past, being physically absent is no bar to learning, which can continue whether we are in the same room or in different hemispheres. That is not just the result of mastering the technology, but is built on a year’s collaboration and the development of trust between teachers and learners and this year has also brought into even sharper focus how ambiguous the dividing line is between who is teaching and who is learning. I am sure my colleagues here will have had the same experience as me and would join me when I say that many of the most valuable lessons I have learned this year, I have learned from our pupils. But it has been a genuine team effort, teachers, pupils and parents, working together to find solutions. We have all become better at working independently but we know where and when to go to get help. We’ve banished embarrassment at showing ignorance and no longer waste valuable time assigning blame when things go wrong. It is an empowering combination. I

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am unable to say anything about the outcome of the Teacher Assessed Grades at this point but I can very definitely vouch for the commitment and effort of everyone involved and I thank you all, those being assessed and those doing the assessing. It is fair to say that the absence of the public exams has certainly not eased the pressure or made it less stressful but the manner in which you have handled yourselves has been exemplary. Nick and Katharina gave a good account of the importance sport plays in our lives here. This year has been no exception, and though the quantities of the ingredients have had to be changed a bit, with more practising and conditioned games, less heavy on the fixtures and only a sprinkling of supporters, the flavour of the sport on offer has been different but nevertheless the taste has been just as appealing and the approach to competition when it has returned has been genuinely one of enjoying the opportunity presented and playing to the best of your ability. As the title of one of my favourite books (nearly) states: Let the score take care of itself! Year group bubbles work ok for sport, but one of the great joys of our Music and Drama is the mix of age groups it brings together. It has undoubtedly been a tough year to keep the normal choirs, groups, bands and orchestras going but our musicians have kept productive and it is always a privilege to hear them in whatever format they perform. Likewise drama which, despite the multiple challenges involved, has

continued to flourish. Those of you who saw the production of Little Shop of Horrors will, I’m sure, like me, not be able to suppress the smile it inevitably brings to your face when you recall the performance. It was magnificent and I congratulate every one of those involved. The pleasure derived from belonging to the CCF, which now proudly bears the cap badge of the Irish Guards, or taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme, even though forecasting rain this year seems to have been simplified to ‘when’s the next Downside DofE expedition planned?’, is clear for all to see. Having witnessed the House Debating final on this stage two nights ago, I can assure you that the Abingdon remains fit and healthy and it is wonderful to see the confidence with which our pupils speak and test their arguments in public. Being able to speak and debate freely is fundamental to our society and is a right which we should never take for granted. But this year has highlighted that sadly inequality is also fundamental within our society and coinciding with the pandemic we have all been challenged to think deeply particularly about racial and gender equality. The murders of George Floyd and Sarah Everard have brought these issues to prominence, along with the Black Lives Matter and Everyone’s Invited movements. I am not a politician and I make no pretence to have a political

solution to the issues raised by these important movements but as the Head of a Catholic and Benedictine school, as a husband and father, I feel it is my duty to try to play whatever part I can to place empathy and respect at the heart of relationships. Richard Rohr is someone I really recommend to you, along with his book, The Universal Christ, in which he coins the wonderful phrase ‘a Christ soaked world’. If we view the world as soaked in Christ, then rather than objectifying and seeking to dominate others, we will see them as essential and unique parts of creation, through whom we are made whole and find our true humanity. We must seek first to understand them, to reveal Christ in them. We must not be scared when come across difference, we must not feel threatened by disagreement. Instead, we should view it positively and see it as an opportunity to listen and engage in dialogue. There is much work to be done in our school and in society at large and we will not shy away from playing our part. As Dr Mercer said earlier, we have decided this is a good moment to change the title Head Master to Head, a small but significant change to move away from the role having a connection with gender. It is my feeling that this is a reflection of the School’s culture rather than a signal of intention to change, though, as I have just said, we are certainly not complacent and will continue to work to ensure we are mindful of issues of equality and diversity in every aspect of how we operate. As Head, saying farewell to

staff and pupils brings a mixture of emotions. I am sad at their departure but delighted to see them move on to fresh challenges and new chapters. Graduate Assistants have become central to our community. It is hard to believe that the role was only created in 2013 and back then we had just two. This year we say farewell to the two Harrys (Harry Brooking and Harry Jones) and Ella Hadfield who have been central to the sports programme. Rosie Ibbotson, who has been magnificent in all things theatre as well as a wonderful tutor in Caverel, also departs, and Isaac Rhodes who has helped in the Economics department and tutoring in Roberts. Marcus Emmet, St. Scholastica Community. We wish them all well. Cobie Mills and Sherralyne Mortimer have both given wonderful service in the creative arts, Cobie teaching the classical guitar and Sherralyne teaching dance to generations of Downside pupils with huge dedication, for over 40 years between them. They have my sincere thanks. We thank also Elisabeth Parry, who has fulfilled the vital role of independent listener for the last seven years. Her presence behind the scenes has given us all greater security and confidence as she has been available as and when required. Jamie Clarke has been with us for only two years but it is hard to think of someone who has embraced with more alacrity the culture of the School. He exudes warmth

and generosity in everything he does, whether that is in the Art Department, singing in the choir, leading the junior explorers’ activity or playing his guitar. We will miss you Jamie but, as Chafyn Grove is not a million miles away, we very much hope to keep in touch. Someone else who has been with us only two years but leaves a large impression is Dan McLean. His move is a bit further than Jamie’s and involves a hop across the channel, but he remains in Catholic education at Chavagnes in France. It’s an exciting opportunity and a step up to Senior Leadership, at which I am sure he will excel. Dan has certainly been a highly energetic and committed House Master and has invigorated many aspects of Downside life through his enthusiasm and extensive talents, particularly amidst the many challenges of the last year. We wish him well. Daniel Gibbons departs after ten years as Director of Studies at Downside. A lot of positive change has occurred during that time for which we have much to thank him. He was central to the development of the Academic Curriculum Group and the role of the Heads of Faculty, giving them the opportunity to drive academic progress and raise standards. He deserves his opportunity to lead his own school and we wish him the very best of luck for the future, as he moves on to be the Head of Our Lady’s Abingdon. I am grateful to him for his loyal and committed service to our community and I look forward

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to meeting up and sharing ideas in the future. Rachel Bevan has been a singing teacher here for 27 years, but, as we all know, she has been so much more! It is hard (in fact impossible) to think of anyone who has contributed more generously across just about every aspect of life at Downside or had a greater impact on our pupils or, indeed, our whole community. It was my privilege to find myself in the congregation next to Rachel at the opening Mass of the year when I arrived as Deputy Head in 2008 and, having no idea of her singing credentials, I can still remember my shock as the first hymn began and looking round to see that I was in the right place, and hadn’t wandered into the choir stalls by mistake. There is no one who sees the world through more youthful and optimistic eyes than Rachel, she cannot fail to brighten your day. In the manner of Bruce Forsyth I say ‘Rachel, you’re my favourite!’ Dom Anselm’s relationship with Downside is not only a long one, but a deep one too as a member of the Monastic Community. His departure from our school’s academic staff, as the last of the teaching monks, marks a poignant moment in Downside’s history. As a school, founded by monks and whose teachers were drawn for most of its history almost exclusively from the Monastic Community, this certainly does mark a significant moment. Dom Anselm has been a mainstay of the Theology Faculty since 1998 but he has also taught

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German, Italian, Latin, Greek and Hebrew, all with the consummate professionalism and rigour which is his hall mark. He was also House Master of Barlow between 2009 and 2012. I personally have a great deal to thank him for as he taught A level RS to all four of my children, three of whom he undoubtedly had a part in inspiring to go on to study theology at university. He has been an excellent colleague who will be greatly missed but we will enjoy his singing in the Abbey Church at least for a short while longer. Derek Denham has worked at Downside for the last 27 years. Perhaps I should rephrase that, Derek Denham has served the Downside school community for the last 27 years. Professionally and technically he has never fallen short of outstanding, and I know that Neill Barrett and Simon Potter have felt privileged to work alongside him. But it is not just his skill as a technician for which they and we have been grateful, it is the generosity and love with which he has carried out his role. Derek is not just an exceptional craftsman and technician, he is an exceptional human being. Whilst the arrangements for meals this year have certainly had a positive effect on my waistline, it has denied us as staff the opportunity to sit down and share our meals together in the refectory. I have missed those occasions when I found a spot opposite Derek. Those were always days when I felt better about life. Now to our departing Upper Sixth Form pupils, whom I wish to

thank.You’ve set a tremendously positive tone this year in the most difficult circumstances and can be extremely proud of your legacy.You have had a wonderfully constructive influence on the School without ever imposing it, but rather by encouraging those around you, pupils and staff alike. From the moment you returned in September, you have worked with us to find solutions, amidst the uncertain landscape and constantly changing regulations. We are extremely sad to see you go but wish you the very best of luck as you do.You have led by making the most of your gifts and not being afraid to take risks and be open about who you are. We will miss your presence in the School but can enjoy the fruits of your influence which will certainly remain. We hope very much you will stay in touch in the coming years. I would like to express my thanks to our Heads of School, Katharina and Nick. It has been my privilege to work with them as we have journeyed through the challenging landscape of the past twelve months. Their boundlessly positive outlook and good humour amidst all the disruption and uncertainty has provided a very welcome metaphorical shot in the arm, injecting optimism and goodwill when and where it has been most needed. They’ve worked fantastically well together and with great humility, always listening, speaking up to raise issues when required and providing solutions where they can. I have really

appreciated their input which has been sensible, considered and most importantly, at all times, honest. They leave the School the richer for their contribution. I look forward to watching their progress beyond Downside. To say thank you, I have some gifts for them today, as a token of thanks from me and the School. There has been extensive talk about the negative impact of the past year on education and the need for catchup, which I do understand. But, whilst there may be a deficit in the acquisition of information and skills in some aspects of your education, I would urge a longer term view and actually that you make use of our Christian and Benedictine lens. I am not an avid motor racing fan, but I do occasionally follow what’s happening in Formula 1. For many it has become a bit boring, as it seems almost impossible nowadays for drivers to overtake one another on the circuit. Races are now won or lost on the basis of the driver’s race strategy and the speed and efficiency of their pit stops. It is no good just keeping going without refuelling and changing your tyres. Those who do, end up well down the field. So visiting the pits at the right moment is critical, as is trust in your team mates on whom you rely when you do come in. A missed pit stop ends up costing you. So what’s my point? Well, this year I hope you can see that we have been called in for an essential pit stop. The pandemic is flagging us in and, whilst it might not have

been part of our original strategy, it is offering us an extensive refuel and fresh slick tyres. Anyone who ignores the need to stop and keeps driving regardless, may feel in the short term they are gaining a few positions on the track, but those who make sensible use of their pit stops, ultimately end up laps ahead rather than behind. Now obviously life is not a race or a competition so perhaps I should use a more suitable illustration of the well-known parable about the two men, one of whom built his house on sand in quick time and one who chose rock and took a while longer. We are building on rock and will continue to do so, and this is a moment for me to say thank you to our exceptional and highly committed Governing Body, who have provided the bedrock into which our foundations are laid. The support of the Governors, through their expertise and wisdom and led so ably by Dr Mercer, has been a source of vital encouragement and stability so that whatever the wind and rain throws at us we can look to the future with confidence. I would also like to thank all those from amongst the Old Gregorian and the wider Downside community who have been so generous in their support. It is most fitting that we are gathered today in the Fleischner Theatre named after Hans Fleischner (C45) who has continued to show such extraordinary generosity towards us in recent years. I want to thank everyone who makes up the Downside community,

pupils, colleagues, governors and parents for the support you have shown the School and one another. Education is the product of working in partnership and with trust. I am especially grateful to my colleagues for their incredible dedication and commitment over the course of this year and to you, the parents, for the trust you have shown in us and for working with us. As and when normality returns, we can be confident that, whilst we may be older, far from being diminished or stunted, we are fitter and stronger from our shared experience and united response and far from needing to catch up, we will find ourselves laps ahead of where we would have been had we timidly decided on a triple dose!

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20 The Raven 2021

DOUAI PRIZE In 2019 the Douai Society (the former pupils’ association of Douai School which closed in 1999) decided to target its resources to supporting Benedictine education across the world. Later that year, the Foundation was created. Their mission is to promote Benedictine values in schools, principally through funding cultural, pastoral, and outreach programmes. They have very generously funded an award which they have invited us to give annually to a pupil who demonstrates the Benedictine values central to the culture of our school. This is the first time this award has been made and the recipient could not be more fitting as he is the son of an Old Douegian who attended Douai between 1979 and 1984. It is also fitting because this person embodies the Benedictine values for which it is awarded. Before I ask him to come up, I will tell you a few words about him. His House Master writes: ‘Alex is an enthusiastic, generous person who is never afraid to take on a challenging task. He is selfdirected and self-motivated in his approach to all that he undertakes. Alex has been committed to the development of lectio over the years and has given freely and generously of his time in this

respect. He is a very talented musician, leading and representing the School at the highest level. He has thrived in the boarding environment; not only has he enjoyed community life and embraced every opportunity he has been afforded but he has also willingly given of his time and experience for the benefit of others. He has been ever present in the community throughout the week and at weekends. He demonstrates empathy and sensitivity in his relationships with his peers and younger pupils and is serious about his responsibilities as Head of House. He is humble and very appreciative of the opportunities he has been afforded at Downside. Secure in his talents and aspirations for the theatre, he is an exceptional performer as an actor and singer. He is also competitive in the sports arena, whether on the rugby field, hockey pitch, tennis or squash court for both School and House. In the past six years I have seen him develop into a generous, positive and confident young man who gives well of himself and is willing to learn from experience.’ Without ever imposing himself on those around him, his openness and honesty give him a natural authority which makes

him universally respected by both pupils and staff. Alex is an extraordinary young man whose influence on the community has been nothing but positive and he provides a wonderful example to us all. We will miss him hugely as he moves on from Downside, but his legacy will be lasting, and we look forward to hearing from him and seeing him in the future. Douai Prize awarded to Alex Harwood, Barlow.

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THE GREGORIAN MEDAL can always be found leading prayers, making toast, or helping the House staff. She used her creative talent to particularly good effect in response to Covid by producing individualised masks for her fellow pupils to wear and her creations could be seen around the School, worn by many members of the School community. She also ran a Monday afternoon activity creating designs for hoodies, The first recipient of the T-shirts, and socks. Gregorian medal has been a She has also made a significant constant source of positivity contribution to the spiritual life to all around her. Her default of the School. She has led lectio facial expression is a warm and groups and been a key member contagious smile, and her calm and positive manner has provided of the team of servers in the Abbey Church throughout her endless encouragement to those time. It was a great sadness in her house and the wider that, having been made head of School community, as she has the sacristy team, we have not supported others to cope with been able to be in the Church the challenges of the past year. We can all take a lesson from her on Sundays until recently. Not even that has dampened her ‘Today is a great day’ approach enthusiasm and I am delighted to life. she has been able to end her time She is always involved in leading the team in the church organising activities and events during the last few weeks of and is particularly good with term. In typical fashion she has the younger pupils. As an art been keen to allow the lower scholar she has been exemplary, years to take a lead part as they supporting and inspiring will be the ones who will have others. She has assisted with to train the servers next term. the departmental activities with I thought it might be fitting enormous enthusiasm and with to quote Father James: all age groups. In her house she

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‘In my role as chaplain, I visit all the Houses regularly and have been impressed by her joyful and caring manner with the younger girls, spending time making toast for them in the evenings; she brings her good humour and cheerfulness to all situations.’ The first winner of the Gregorian medal is Matilde Melodia. If you were searching for someone who fulfils Downside’s wish for each pupil to make the most of their unique gifts, then you would not have to look any further than the second recipient of the Gregorian Medal. I’ve heard some say that he is unrecognisable from the boy who arrived here in the Second Form, but actually I don’t think that’s true. He remains that same thoughtful, sensitive, hardworking, determined, generous, honest person he was then but he has grown and developed tremendously during the last six years, and it would certainly be fair to say that a transformation has taken place. As his confidence has grown so has his authority. When he speaks, people listen and his actions, born of conviction and humility, inspire others to follow. He knows the value of commitment and never gives less

than his best in whatever he does. He consistently puts others before himself and is always the first to volunteer to help and go the extra mile. In the final weeks of term, he has been teaching the chanter to the First and Second Forms and cooking for those in House, including teaching his House Master how to make sausages from scratch. He exemplifies the fact that true leadership arises out of

service and his positive impact has been evident in Powell, where he has been an outstanding Head of House, but it extends well beyond that to Roberts, to his contribution as a musician, or when he’s out with the cross-country runners. He has been a stalwart of the St. John’s Community, and an outstanding lectio leader. His address on prayer at Hymn Practice during the second period of lockdown was

spellbinding and he is the first pupil of whom I know to have provided CPD to the School’s Senior Leadership team, speaking to us about the essential importance of lectio to him, providing us with powerful and compelling evidence of its centrality to the culture of the School. It will come as no surprise that the second recipient of the Gregorian Medal is Owain Daley.

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CHAIR OF GOVERNORS’ SPEECH What a great school song and how well sung by Charlotte and Alex! It was called the greatest of school songs by Elgar. It brought tears to my eyes, and I wasn’t even a pupil here! Good morning to you all, whether physically present in this splendid and gorgeously decorated theatre or following our PrizeGiving in your homes round the world. I want to say at the outset that

24 The Raven 2021

my fellow governors and I have been hugely impressed by the way every member of Downside has coped with the last 18 months of the pandemic. The lockdowns have been very demanding for you the teachers. I know that you have had to re-think much of the way you teach.You have had to keep your pupils constantly motivated through the remote learning programme, by

no means easy over long periods of time.You listened to feedback from pupils, parents, and colleagues, and then revised things.You showed yourselves to be utterly professional and pupil-centred. The lockdowns, I guess, were even more demanding for you, the learners. Focusing on screen for hours, day after day, became perhaps very hard. Covid-19 has made everyone long for and appreciate normal classroom interaction. The governors heard regularly how you, the pupils, engaged with, contributed to, and helped shape the whole online virtual school experience.You have wanted to make things work as well as possible. That surely is the mark of a really good school. Lockdowns have been very tough for support staff. Many of you have been furloughed, with all the worries that have gone with that. For you, the parents, lockdowns must have brought many pressures, constantly juggling your family and work commitments.Yet you constantly gave your children and their teachers unstinting support. Through the pandemic, Downside has summoned up its inner strengths and communal spirit in the most productive ways. The School strove to overcome or minimise problems, such as that of isolation, and to bring the School community as closely together as possible. In academic lessons the highest quality was maintained. Enormous work went into teacher-assessed grades at

GCSE and A Level. House Masters and House Mistresses and Tutors played a key role. Livestreamed prayers, hymn practices, house assemblies, Masses, Lectio Divina have kept faith at the living centre of the School. Music and sport and other activities have been taught in different ways. The fundamental purpose of everything has been the education of the whole person. Spirit, heart, mind, attitude, soul: these were seen as being of the greatest importance. Livestreaming, remote learning and meetings on Teams have now become part of everyday life and will have lasting effects on how we teach, how we learn, how we meet, how we do business. You have embraced technology at Downside, as a result of Covid-19, in ways that otherwise might have taken some years. From this lasting benefits will follow. Seeing teachers and fellow pupils – and, for that matter, governors – in their homes via Teams has made us all even more aware that Downside is a national school, a Europe-wide school and a global school. On screen we’ve caught glimpses of fellow pupils – or one of our governors in Hong Kong, for example – with views of their gardens or the sea behind or living-rooms, be it in Africa, Chile, or in numerous other places, even Bath! Virtual tours of Downside proved a great success with prospective families. Led by Mr Hobbs and Mrs Hartnell, virtual tours – and now real tours – have been a team effort. More and

more families, from near and far, are choosing your school for their children. The number of pupils in the School will be significantly larger in September, an important achievement at any time, but especially during a pandemic. All of you should take pride in that great success, as you have all played a part in it. Adversity and challenge have brought good and lasting responses. This has been a total-team effort, but the team is led by a captain. In the Head we have someone utterly focused on the best interests of all of you and someone who has worked during Covid-19 harder than ever. I say ‘Head’ not ‘Head Master’, because Mr Hobbs and the governors think that the gender-neutral title ‘Head’ better reflects the School’s culture. The title ‘Deputy Head’ will also come into force. This is a small, but significant change, although hardly radical. For instance, there have been Heads of Oxford and Cambridge colleges for 800 years! In our Head we have someone of vision, compassion, and resilience – and you’d need to be resilient as a supporter of Southampton Football Club! – and, as you know, a drummer extraordinaire. He is a modest person, and doesn’t know I’m doing this, but could I ask you please to give Mr Hobbs a very warm round of applause for the outstanding lead and service he has given over the past exceptionally hard 18 months. With Teams, the governors have been able to have more frequent

meetings, all sharply focused on key items. As governors we must take the long view, look ahead not just to next year, but to five, ten, 20 years or beyond. We have been working hard with the Head and his team on refreshing and developing our vision, mission, strategy and action plans. The benefit of this exercise, which needs involvement by all the staff, will be apparent in the year ahead. We have been working hard this year to identify priorities for improving where needed the infrastructure of the School, work which will start shortly after the end of this term. We have worked hard on supporting the financial systems of the School, which have been especially challenged during Covid-19. The Director of Finance and the governors have been very grateful for the support shown to the School by you, the parents, during these testing times.You have been deeply loyal to us, as we will always be to you. The governors are charged to be custodians of the core mission of Downside School, which is to provide Roman Catholic education in the Benedictine tradition. All of us on the board take this duty extremely seriously. I must speak about one important aspect of this core mission. As you all know, last summer the monks announced their decision to leave the Downside site. This has been a major decision for us all to digest and think about. While it is sad and momentous, I do not believe it to be as great a

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break as some might think. As a historian, I think that continuity is generally a stronger force than change. The debt we all owe the monks is centuries-old, profound and immense. It will, I hope, always be a living debt, an inspiration, a guide, a wellspring. This decision by the monks is something which, in a good way, should challenge all of us. We all of us, however young, have to think more often and more deeply about what it means to be a Catholic, Christian, Benedictine school. Then, dare I say, we have to step up, each in our own ways, to try to embody these ideals and these calls to action. Perhaps for too long we have asked too much of the monks and asked too little of ourselves

26 The Raven 2021

in these fundamental areas. Now we must all take ownership of the mission of the School and live it out responsibly and creatively. The School enjoys an excellent relationship with the monastery. Fr James and the chaplaincy workinggroups have been preparing to very good effect for the next stage. Of course, we’ll miss the monks when they go, although Covid-19 restrictions have got in the way of a decision regarding when they will go and to where that might be. I want to assure you – and I know the Abbot agrees wholeheartedly – that we’ll be as much a living, dynamic Benedictine school as ever, although not exactly as now. We all have to think and pray about the essentials of Downside and

interpret them in fresh ways for the needs of all in the School. We need to think more about how we can help our leavers to serve best our world. I want to assure you that our links with the monks and the English Benedictine Congregation, on and off site, will certainly remain, and vitally so in terms of Benedictine chaplaincy, ethos, and support. The Abbot, Fr Nicholas, whose wisdom we greatly value on the governing body, will continue to be a governor of the School, in which he takes a constant interest. While the monks are continuing their discernment, they are keen for me to assure you that they are very committed to the future of the School. It is with joy that I tell you

progress, the future of every boy and girl at Downside. I want to say a word to the leavers. This must be a time of very mixed feelings for you, a poignant time.Your Sixth Form years have been knocked around through Covid-19. We feel for you that the Leavers’ Ball has been kyboshed by Covid-19, but perhaps that disappointment might make you even more determined to keep in touch as a year group, more determined to meet and celebrate when times allow. We hope that the School has given you stable and lasting principles on which to build your lives further. We hope you take with you a fund of joyful memories. We hope that Downside has given you a genuine inner confidence to develop your convictions and a quiet determination to see what that the international Manquehue Governors are volunteers. Why paths in life God might be calling you to follow, and to have the do we volunteer? It is because Apostolic Movement and courage to respond generously. we all believe Downside offers Downside School have renewed The world very badly needs the the most worthwhile education their commitment to each rich talents of every one of you. that can be found, an all-round other. The contribution of the education, a global school, forward Use them to the full. We wish you St Scholastica Community to every possible success and true in its thinking yet rooted in the Downside is of the deepest possible importance; the presence timeless wisdom of St Benedict and happiness. We want you, please, to stay in touch with Downside the ever-pressing and liberating of lay men and women living throughout your lives. invitations of the Gospel. We the Gospel, like all the most Those of you returning in volunteer for the same reasons important things in life, cannot September will be exceptionally that the teaching and support be measured. Through the well cared for and can feel a staff devote themselves to their influence of St Benedict, lectio sense of genuine excitement. In vocation. We do it for you, the divina and prayerful friendship pupils and staff grow in their faith. pupils, and for those who teach and the meantime, I wish you all the happiest of summer holidays with support you. All that ultimately We are spiritual beings, and the your families and friends. Manquehue Movement helps us at matters for the governors is the Thank you. the deepest levels for now, for our same as what ultimately matters for Mr Hobbs and the staff and for lives ahead, and for our eternal Dr Giles Mercer K.S.G., lives. Downside is truly blessed in you, the parents and grandparents: Chair Governors the wellbeing, the all-round this respect.

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PRIZES FIRST FORM Head’s Achievement Prize Head’s Progress Prize

Boudica Healy Ryan Tong

SECOND FORM Head Achievement Prize Head Progress Prize Head Essay Prize

Eloise Pickett Henry Gogh Eva Errington

THIRD FORM Head’s Prize Religious Studies English Drama Classics French Spanish German Mathematics Computer Science Biology Chemistry Physics History History Geography Music Art Design Physical Education

Cosima Melotte Alessandria Majendie Kara Campbell Meehan Harvey Hayhurst Charles Pike Isabelle Macmillan Maria Kedzior Siu Hei Wong Charles Pike Alexander Henson Maria Kedzior Charles Pike Siu Hei Wong Charles Pike Cosima Melotte Charles Pike Kara Campbell Meehan Kara Campbell Meehan Cosima Melotte Kara Campbell Meehan

FOURTH FORM Head’s Prize Head’s Essay Prize

Edith Jenkins Rupert Sharifi Maya Krishan

Religious Studies English Language English Literature Classics Latin Classical Greek

Jessica Von der Schulenburg Oliver Westlake Beatrice Garrett Jessica Von der Schulenburg Rupert Sharifi Beatrice Garrett

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French Spanish German German Mathematics Computer Science Biology Chemistry Physics Physics Physics History History Geography Geography Music Art Design Physical Education

Aubrey Melotte Elisabeth-Rose Hall Jessica von der Schulenburg Geoffroy Bedouelle Beatrice Garrett Leonora Van Laar Jessica Von der Schulenburg Jessica Von der Schulenburg Tsz King Cham Jessica Von der Schulenburg Beatrice Garrett Beatrice Garrett Oliver Westlake Jessica Von der Schulenburg Edith Jenkins Sebastian Mitton Tsz King Cham Sebastian Mitton Oscar Smellie

FIFTH FORM Head’s Prize Head’s Essay Prize

Matthew Stanislas Maya Strauss Arianwen Ramruttun

Religious Studies English Language English Language English Literature Classics French Spanish German German Mathematics Computer Science Biology Chemistry Physics History Geography Economics

Maya Strauss Scarlett Ridge Sofia Siemens Maya Strauss Scarlett Ridge Scarlett Ridge Laila Akenzua Al-Kareem Arianwen Ramruttun Vincent Long-Yin Chan Yi Chak Tang Artem Loparev Artem Loparev Pui Yin Huang Scarlett Ridge Maya Strauss Maya Strauss Arthur Kebbel

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Music Art Design Physical Education

Ayrton Rose Sofia Siemens Caspar Shaw Joseph Last-Sutton

LOWER SIXTH FORM Head’s Prize Head’s Essay Prize

Barnaby Sharifi Beth Mitton Magdelena Pienkowska

Religious Studies Religious Studies English English Drama Classics French German Spanish Mathematics Computer Science Biology Chemistry Physics History History of Art Geography Music Art Design Psychology Business Economics Physical Education

Barnaby Sharifi William Dewhurst Beth Mitton Maria Dolman Gioia Achammer Joseph Day Camilla Roth Joseph Day Ahwobiwom Jedy Agba Shotaro Ida Brian Makaza Jakub Milczarek Marianna Ceglarek Jakub Milczarek Celestine Healy Maria Dolman Agustin Healey Beth Mitton Amelia Evans Jacob Gould Agustin Healey Samuel Bellord Henry Clark Benedict Hart

UPPER SIXTH FORM Head’s Prize Head’s Essay Prize

Jedrzej Niepolski Judetta Whyte

Religious Studies English Classics French French

Joseph Rowell Joseph Rowell Katharina Lützenkirchen Louis Lesault Judetta Whyte

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Spanish German Mathematics Computer Science Biology Chemistry Physics History History of Art Geography Economics Business Music Drama Art Design Psychology Physical Education

Charlotte Walker Wiktoria Lassak William Bowman Ciaran Murphy Hannah Kedzior Wiktoria Lassak Caspar Clothier William Bowman Matilde Melodia Frederick Dalgliesh William Bowman Francisco Duve Alexander Harwood Rosie Pughe-Morgan Matilde Melodia Edward Isola Francisco Duve Isabelle O’Neill

SCHOOL PRIZES AND AWARDS The James Lewis Prize The Marcus Atkinson Award The Timothy Fogg Poetry Prize The Squire Mathematics Prize The Matthews Organ Cup The Schola Cantorum Prize The Byrne Brass Trophy The Tambling Cup The Debating Prize The Tighe Medal for Artistic Endeavour The Barran Drama Prize The CCF Prize The Regimental Sergeant Major Cup The British Legion Prize The RSM WO1 R. Nicholas Prize Junior Cup for Art Junior Cup for Music Junior Cup for Boys’ Sport Junior Cup for Girls’ Sport Gold Fencing Award Sportsmanship in Fencing The Mackenzie Cup The Brendan Lavery Mathematics Prize The Bruniges Épée Fencing Cup

Eva Perkins Judetta Whyte Joseph Burns John Wang and Jedrzej Niepolski Owain Daley Eva Perkins Joseph Day Owain Daley Joseph Rowell Alexander Harwood Alexander Harwood Michael Kealey Thomas Green Oliver Cattermole Daisy Marsh Natasza Wyganowska Henry Gogh Finlay Baker Molly Jenkins Gaby Lesault Ella Chow Eloise Pickett and Harry Garrett Marianna Ceglarek Yvo Melotte and Paul Mauritz

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The Best Junior Cadet The Augustine Baker Prize The Library Prize The Inter-House Chess Cup The Hugh Watts Cup for the Most Improved Rugby Player The Turnbull Cup for Outstanding Sport Achievement The Cave Cup for Sportsman of the Year The James Turnbull Cup for Sportswoman of the Year The Boves Prize for Outstanding Academic Achievement The R.R. Stokes Memorial Prize The Sweats Cup The Douai Prize The Gregorian Medal The Gregorian Medal

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Lucia McNally Owain Daley Caverel House Barlow House Robert Keeley Kofi Barton-Byfield Nicholas Hobbs Isabelle O’Neill Marta Resiak Wiktoria Lassak Smythe House Alexander Harwood Matilde Melodia Owain Daley

HEAD’S BENEDICTINE VALUES AWARDS Benedictine awards recognise individual pupils who actively demonstrate Benedictine values through action and service. Whilst it is recognised that all members of the community live out the Benedictine values, the award is given to pupils who go beyond what is expected or asked of them in order to serve others, both inside and outside school.

HEAD’S ESSAY PRIZE This year’s Head’s Essay was also extended to our Old Gregorian Community. We would like to congratulate Patrick Magee (R71), with his essay under the title of ‘The world would be a better place if everyone spoke the same language’. 1. “The US election result was fair and democratic.” Discuss. 2. “Vaccines produced in the EU should be prioritised for EU citizens.” To what extent do you agree with this statement. 3. “If you owe the bank £100, you have a problem. If you owe them £100 million, they do.” Discuss the applicability of this statement in light of the current spending by the UK government to tackle the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. 4. “Classical languages foster harmful elitism and snobbery, and should not be taught in schools.” Discuss. 5. “We should allow autonomous (self-driving) vehicles on our roads.” Discuss. 6. “Would the world be a better place if everyone spoke one language?” 7. “If you were asked to assemble an eight-person team to tackle climate change, who would you choose and why?” Once you have selected your team, please clarify whether you have chosen on the basis that they are the best eight individuals or because you have made the need for diversity a priority? 8. “Which political leader in the world do you most admire and why?”

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6 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 16 75

6 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 20 90

7 5 1 0 0 0 0 0 19 68

3 4 0 1 1 0 0 0 11 45

100 100 100 91

1 3 1 1 1 0 0 0 11 45 91

1 2 1 2 0 1 0 0 8 25 88

3 2 2 0 2 0 0 0 10 40

10 13 4 3 0 0 0 0 39 49

1 3 3 0 0 0 0 0 9 33

9 11 6 0 0 0 0 0 34 50

4 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 19 84

1 1 3 1 1 0 0 0 16 63

0 2 2 1 0 0 0 0 9 44

7 4 7 1 1 0 0 0 28

2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5

11 9 8 7 0 0 0 0 54 54 100 56

2 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 10 70

88 100 89 100 100 94 100 100 100 100 90

2 2 2 2 1 0 0 0 10

4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 19

11 5 6 8 1 6 0 0 48 30 100 46

90 100 85 100 100 100

106

457 100

100

7 6 5 4 3 2 1 U TOTAL %9-7 %9-4

100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100

CUMULATIVE %

TOTAL

Spanish

Science 6

Science 5

Religious Studies 0

Physics 2

PE 10

Music 1

Mathematics 4

Latin 1

History 0

German

Geography

French

English Literature

E2L

English

Economics

Design

Com

Chinese

Chemistry

Biology

Art

%9-1

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Subject

GCSE RESULTS ANALYSIS 2021 (All Fifth Form results including subjects sat prior to June 2021)

EXAM RESULTS SUMMARY GCSE

B C D E U TOTAL %A*-A %A*-B %A-C %A-E

3 0 0 0 0 4 25

3 4 1 0 0 14 43

100 64 100 93

3 2 0 1 1 10 30 60 80

1 1 2 1 0 15

0 0 0 0 0 7

1 0 0 0 0 4

67 100 75

3 2 1 0 0 10 40

73 100 100 70 80 100 100 90

2 1 0 0 0 8 63

1 0 0 0 0 6 83

1 1 0 0 0 6 67 88 100 83

0 1 0 0 0 3 67

1 0 0 0 0 1 0

0 0 0 0 0 4

2 1 0 0 0 11

0 0 0 0 0 1

6 3 3 0 0 32 100 73 100 63 67 100 100 91 100 81

3 4 0 0 0 20 65 80

5 2 1 0 0 12 33

4 0 0 0 0 6

0 0 0 0 0 6

33 100 80

205

67 100 62

75 100 100 100 100 100 84

92 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 91 100 92 100 100 100 100 100 95

100 100 90 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100

100

CUMULATIVE %

TOTAL

Sport

Music

EPQ 5

Spanish 0

Religious Studies 1

Psychology 3

Physics 9

Mathematics 0

Latin 5

History 3

German 0

Greek 1

Geography

French

Further Mathematics

English

Economics

Design

Chinese

Chemistry

Business Studies

Biology

Art

Subject

A LEVEL RESULTS ANALYSIS 2021 (All Upper Sixth results including prior to June 2021)

A Level

(EPQ counted as 1 grade)

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UNIVERSITY ENTRANTS Nikodem Baehr

Tilburg University

Kofi Barton-Byfield

University of Exeter

Mathematics with a Year in Industry

Robert Begg

Newcastle University

Agriculture

Georgia Elise Bolton

University of Exeter

Economics and Politics

William John Henry Bowman

London School of Economics and

Management

Political Science, University of London

Rosemary Rowan Capewell

Swansea University

English Literature with Gender

Emma Marie Castle

University of Stirling

Paramedic Science

Samuel Hei Ching Chan

University of Bristol

International Business Management

Caspar Jack Clothier

University of St Andrews

Chemistry

Harriet Jaye Crowe

University of Plymouth

Occupational Therapy

Owain Fredrick Daley

University of Bristol

Veterinary Science

Frederick Dalgliesh

Durham University

General Engineering

Tianhua Du

University of Surrey

Economics and Mathematics

Francisco Duve

Navarra University

Management as a Bilingual Degree,

in Spanish and English

William Fisher

University of York

Business and Management

Eva Gould

Hull York Medical School

Medicine

Thomas Green

Swansea University

Marine Biology with a Year in Industry

Sebastian Alfred Morris Hall

University of Bath

Integrated Mechanical and

Electrical Engineering

Nicholas Hobbs

University of Plymouth

Medicine

Edward Isola

University of Bath

Integrated Design Engineering

(with Placement)

Alexander Jackson

University of Exeter

History

Hanna Kedzior

King’s College London, University of London

Molecular Genetics International Business Management

Dominik Kurz-Jurek

London Metropolitan University

Wiktoria Lassak

Andrzej Frycz-Modrzewski Krakow University

Bik Yee Chloe Lau

University of Birmingham

Chun Kiu Leung

Cambridge School of Visual and Performing Arts Graphics and Illustration

Chun Kiu Leung

Oxford Brookes University

Graphic Design

Weiyi Li

Imperial College London

Biomedical Engineering

Katharina Christiane Maria Luetzenkirchen The University of Edinburgh

Psychology

Theology

“THE SIX YEARS I HAVE SPENT AT DOWNSIDE WILL BE ONES THAT I WILL REMEMBER FOR EVER. THE SCHOOL HAS TAUGHT ME HOW VALUABLE FRIENDSHIP IS IN A COMMUNITY”

Upper Sixth Former, 2020-21

36 The Raven 2021

Yuen Wah Luk

University of Warwick

Psychology

Laurence Lundy

University of Kent

Economics with a Year Abroad

Chun Hei Mak

University of Manchester

Psychology

Daisy Marsh

University of Exeter

Geology

Matilde Maria Melodia

The University of Edinburgh

Fine Art

Victoria Mercadal

University of Pamplona

Louis Morrogh-Bernard

University of Liverpool

Medicine

Ciaran Murphy

University of Portsmouth

Computer Games Technology

Jedrzej Niepolski

UCL (University College London)

Economics with a Placement Year

Isabelle O’Neill

University of Worcester

Paramedic Science

Rosemary Pattison

University of Reading

Biological Sciences

Eva Jo Perkins

University of Plymouth

Biomedical Science

Rosie Pughe-Morgan

UCL (University College London)

History and Politics of the Americas

Jack William Antony Quantock Shuldham London School of Economics and

Political Science, University of London

Marta Karolina Resiak

University of St Andrews

Environment and Development Theoretical Physics

Thecla Stella Mair Ueberhorst Richardson Durham University

Liberal Arts

Charlotte Walker

University of Bristol

Modern Languages

Junpeng Wang

University of Warwick

Mathematics

Samuel Webb

University of Surrey

Business Management

Lydia Whitaker

Cardiff University

Social Science

Molly White

Cardiff Metropolitan University

Sport and Exercise Science

Judetta Whyte

Durham University

Law

Saoirse Wiberg

University of Sheffield

Medicine (Phase One)

Alexander Wickham

Durham University

History

Michael Marcus Wong

Cardiff University

Electrical and Electronic Engineering

(Year in Industry)

Shun Nok Wong

Cardiff University

Accounting and Finance

Cheung Fung Wong

University of Nottingham

Pharmacology

Hou Man Yam

University of Exeter

Biochemistry

Yuhan Yang

University of Bristol

Pharmacology

Chee Chung Michael Yuen

University of Kent

Electronic and Computer Engineering

“FOR ME, THE BEST PART ABOUT DOWNSIDE IS THE STRONG FRIENDSHIPS I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO BUILD AND THE GREAT ENVIRONMENT THAT ENCOURAGES YOU TO BECOME THE BEST VERSION OF YOURSELF.”

Lower Sixth Former, 2020-21

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COMMUNITY NEWS

The Covid-19 pandemic has continued to change the way we live in society and monastic life has been no exception to this. Whilst we monks are used to working from home, since our main work is the celebration of the Divine Office and Mass, nonetheless Downside monks are used to working with other people and to seeing people around. The last report noted that a large stretch of time had been spent celebrating Mass without a congregation of people from the locality. We are glad that people have continued to come to Mass and it has been good to see our small congregation of masked parishioners in attendance each day. The summer of 2020 was a significant landmark in our history. Following some months of intensive discussions, we made the decision to leave Stratton-on-the-Fosse and to seek a new home. Benedictines take a vow of stability, which means that we (normally) remain members of the same community until death and this usually means that we live in the same place, but throughout history monks have often moved, and our own community moved from France in 1793 (admittedly owing to the French Revolution) and from Acton Burnell in 1814 in order to live out our monastic life. This was inevitably not an easy decision, but our forefathers thought big, and these buildings are no longer fit for purpose for our community in a society where the number of men coming forward with a religious vocation has shrunk, and yet the number of monasteries has remained the same. We have not yet decided where to move to (despite many rumours to the contrary), but are visiting various places in order to consider the options. In order to lead and guide the community through this process, we elected Dom Nicholas Wetz, monk of Belmont Abbey and hitherto Prior Administrator, as Abbot at the end of July 2020. Normally the Abbatial Blessing takes place within about two months, but the different lockdowns meant that it had to be postponed three times, eventually taking place in March 2021, when

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we were pleased to welcome Bishop Declan to administer the Blessing and to give Abbot Nicholas the pontificalia (mitre, crozier, ring) that go with his office. The Blessing was a smaller affair than would otherwise have been the case, but was nonetheless a joyful and prayerful occasion, attended by a number of parishioners. Parish work has long been a feature of Downside monastic life, although not without its controversies. Historians will remember the debates between different members of the community in the early twentieth century about the value (or not) of Benedictines running parishes, which at Downside saw the relinquishing of many parishes in the first half of the last century. In more recent years parishes have been handed to another community or the appropriate Diocese not so much due to ideology, but rather owing to a lack of monks to run the parishes. The past year has seen us relinquish the care of our last three external parishes: St Wulstan’s, Little Malvern is now cared for by Belmont Abbey, which is situated only 30 minutes’ drive from the church; St Edmund’s, Bungay and St Benet’s in Beccles will now be parishes of the Diocese of East Anglia. This in turn means that Dom Charles and Dom Edward have been able to retire, although Dom Martin will continue to look after St Benet’s, Beccles, where his presence as a Benedictine is much appreciated by the Bishop and parishioners alike. St Benedict’s Parish, Stratton-on-the-Fosse, has continued to use the Abbey Church for Sunday Mass, since the Church can fit more people, even with the required social distancing, and we were delighted that so many people came to join us for the Easter Triduum, especially on Good Friday and for the Easter Vigil. We were very grateful (as every Christmas and Easter) to Rachel Bevan, who was able to organise a small choir to sing for the liturgies and to Matthew Walters, who played the organ. It was the first time for a few years that we had sung the plainchant Reproaches on Good Friday with two choirs, which was very effective.

We continue to be grateful to Peter Beaven and the parish stewards, without whom it would not be possible to open the Church for public services. Dom John has spent the last year in Rome, continuing his studies at the international Benedictine college of Sant’Anselmo on the Aventine hill. He took part in what seemed to be the only face-to-face course to learn Italian, and then moved to a Rome that went in and out of lockdowns. It has been a unique experience and he has had the advantage of being able to visit the sights without the long queues that are usually a part of the experience. He was instituted as an acolyte by the Abbot Primate, the final step before ordination to the diaconate. The monastic community has not stagnated! We had a number of talks via Zoom last year and this year we took part in a workshop with Dr Benjamin Pohl of Bristol University and the launch of the on-line exhibition historyandcommunity.com,

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“As always, we are grateful for the support and friendship of so many people in prayer, letters and emails.” which shows a number of items from the collections, which exemplify the nature of monastic life and the role of history in the monastic community. The items were chosen by members of the community as well as Dr Pohl and his assistants from Bristol. The website has been visited by many more people than would have been able to make their way to Downside in person. We were also pleased to see Dr Stella Fletcher on Zoom, who has been working on Abbot Edmund Ford’s archive, and has suggested that he worked for the Foreign Office during the

First World War as an emissary/spy. You can watch this lecture on our YouTube channel. Our annual Community Retreat also took place via Zoom in August 2020. It was, perhaps, unusual, but nonetheless effective and we are grateful to Fr John Harris OP, who managed the technology at his end with great humour. We bade farewell to Helena Graham, who had worked full-time as the Chief Executive’s secretary and then part-time in the Bursary, overseeing our rental properties and other aspects of administration. We are grateful for the care she gave to her role, and wish her well in retirement. Shortly afterwards Robert Blincow joined the bursary team as Estates and Facilities Manager. He comes with a wealth of hands-on experience in this role and already seems very much at home. As always, we are grateful for the support and friendship of so many people in prayer, letters and emails. All charities have suffered financially during recent years, and Downside Abbey is no exception. We pray regularly for our friends and benefactors, and you can find out the different ways in which you can support us by visiting our website (www.downsideabbey.co.uk) or by offering Mass stipends. Don’t forget to follow us on all our social media channels as well! Dom Anselm Brumwell

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SALVETE VALETE

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SALVETE We welcomed new members of staff in 2021 Mrs Jill Eckford – Teacher of Economics and Business Mrs Siobhan Allen – Teacher of Computer Science Mr Joshua Freeman – HsM and Teacher of Religious Studies Mr Chris Stowell – Teacher of Religious Studies Ms Alicia Carroll – Teacher of Music (Singing) Mr Denian Arcoleo – Teacher of Music (Classical Guitar) Miss Sarah Jane Sigley – Dance / RAD Ballet Teacher Miss Kate Ellis – Teacher of Art Miss Olivia Johnson – Resident Graduate Assistant (Sports) Mr Jack Knight – Resident Graduate Assistant (Sports) Mr George Maddams – Resident Graduate Assistant (Sports) Miss Rebecca Culverwell – Resident Graduate Assistant (Sports) Miss Bethany Ackerley – Resident Graduate Assistant (Performing Arts)

Miss Jessica Doherty – Artist in Residence Mrs Nicola Mossman – House Parent Mrs Stephanie Filer – House Parent Mr Conor O’Rourke – Head of Tennis Development and Lead Coach

VALETE ALICE MADDALENA Alice has been clerk to the governors since March 2014. In that time she has served us, and guided us, with great skill and great hard work. Nothing has been too much trouble and she has been of immense help to all the governors, especially to Fr Leo, Adrian, and me, and to the chairs of the committees. Fr Leo, once described her skills behind the scenes as worthy of a courtier in an Italian Renaissance court. As a student and admirer of both Castiglione’s The Courtier and Machiavelli’s The Prince (a much misunderstood and maligned book), and having spent many years immersed in Italian Renaissance history, I can think of no greater praise for a clerk to the governors! Most people think of the clerk to the governors as the person who takes the minutes. That is true,

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and it is a much harder task than people realise, unless you’ve tried, requiring intellectual stamina and concentration, and accuracy of written English. Alice has been simply outstanding in these respects. I share with her a horror of misused, unclear, and infelicitous English! Alice and I also share the fact that our families came from northern Italy. We also share passionately the same outlook on national and international politics! I had the joy and privilege of being the Head Master of Alice’s daughter, Eleanor, as Downside did for her son, Henry. Alice had more or less to create the job description of the Downside clerk. She did this with her high intelligence, diligence, and customary drive. Added to her natural gifts was her invaluable and broad experience in the legal world. When her successor was appointed in October the job description was a great tribute to Alice’s own legacy. The headline tasks of the job description go far beyond minute-taking. It is, I quote, • to provide advice to the governing body on governance, constitutional and procedural matters. • to provide effective administrative support to the governing body and its committees. • to ensure the governing body is properly constituted. • to manage information effectively in accordance with legal requirements. • The clerk is the ‘constitutional conscience’ of the governing body.

has always been Alice’s fundamental motivation. Alice has always been devoted to all that Downside stands for. Downside has not only been greatly fortunate in Alice, Fr Leo’s approach to her to be clerk was a stroke of genius, but Downside has been truly blessed. Alice generously stayed on during the separation and beyond. I can’t thank her enough for the guidance she has given me and to Vanessa during the hand-over. On behalf of all the governors, present and past. It comes with our warmest thanks and very best wishes for every future happiness and blessing. Giles Mercer Chair of Governors

DAN McLEAN Dan McLean joined Downside in September 2019 as the House Master of Roberts House and Teacher of Religious Studies. Dan brought enthusiasm and energy to both roles, embracing the quirks and joys of a fully active life living and working in a busy boarding school. Dan worked with the Roberts staff team and the boys to create a homely environment. Recognising the importance of fine food and dining experiences in enhancing the School experience, Dan commissioned a beautiful oak table and transformed the dining space in the House. He then cultivated some fine cooks among the boys and Roberts The job description then went on to list no fewer enjoyed a range of foods from all around the world. Dan instilled a sense of pride in the Roberts than 45 detailed responsibilities! I can’t think the boys, actively encouraging them to participate in Secretary General of the United Nations has as House events and competitions and celebrating many. And each one – such as record-keeping successes. He spoke knowledgeably about – is not as simple as it might seem. I suggest the Downside architecture and history, always with respect that ‘nothing is as simple as it might seem’ could be a secondary motto for Downside! fascinated by the School traditions and eager to maintain a sense of stewardship in the House, After Apud Bonos Jura Pietatis one might put our from encouraging the ball game to installing a new secondary motto into Latin. How about nihil est stained glass window, made by Mr Jamie Clark. Dan tam simplex, ut videatur? was instrumental in establishing the Corps of Drums But Alice’s help has gone well beyond the governors. In serving the governors so well she has for the CCF with new drums emblazoned with our affiliated regiment, The Irish Guards. served the whole Downside community, and that

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Downside’s pupils benefited not just from Daniel’s leadership of the academic life of the School, but also from his teaching of Geography and Economics, both of which he taught to the highest standard and depending on the School’s needs at the time. He was very much a team player, prepared to give of his time wherever he could and enjoyed contributing to the broader life of the School, supporting the cross-country and athletics programmes in particular. Daniel also played an important part in collaborating with the other EBC (English Benedictine Congregation) Schools in sharing ideas and developing the Catholic and Benedictine culture of our schools. The retreats we took part in at Douai, Ampleforth, St. Benedict’s and Worth (he never made it to Glenstal unfortunately!) were the breeding ground for exciting growth and change at our schools whilst also providing an opportunity for the development of some enduring and positive Claire Murphy relationships. I am delighted that he has moved Director of Pastoral Care on to a headship of his own. I have no doubt that Daniel will continue to demonstrate the courage, commitment, and determination he showed at Downside over the last ten years, and I hope that DANIEL GIBBONS his experience here will stand him in good stead. Daniel Gibbons arrived at Downside as Director of Studies in September 2011, at a time when Andrew Hobbs the School was facing a number of challenges. Head He hit the ground running, as might be expected of an athlete of his considerable calibre, and set a demanding pace from the outset. Academic DEREK DENHAM standards needed addressing and Daniel did not Derek joined the School in August 1994, following shy away from tackling the issues. His impact the retirement on health grounds of Jim Harwood. was immediate. As a member of the leadership Derek had been involved in the motor trade most team, he played a significant role in delivering of his working life, up to this point, managing large the necessary change. The middle leadership dealership workshops, as well as teaching Motor structure was strengthened, and Daniel worked Vehicle Technology at Radstock Technical College. with the Heads of Faculty to develop a culture of high expectation and accountability in the delivery He also worked for the Probationary Service supervising Community Service programmes on of the academic curriculum. He was pivotal in Sunday afternoons, until I managed to persuade the introducing a purposeful quality assurance and then Head Master, that his talents would be much meaningful feedback cycle which provided stable foundations for substantial improvement during his better utilised at Downside, allowing the Workshops to be opened to GCSE and A level students during time at the School. Dan has had to adapt to many changes throughout his two years at Downside due to the pandemic, including the School closure in his first year. Dan stepped up, volunteering to care for the sons of key workers who had to board in a very quiet school, making their stay as enjoyable as possible. Dan is not one to shy away from a challenge and enjoyed embracing technology to keep the Roberts community connected, producing weekly assemblies online and a newsletter which touched on everything from saints to poultry. Dan also kept parents and boys in touch via social media, posting photographs and updates regularly, often showing us the latest culinary creations. Although Dan leaves us after a relatively short time, he has made an enormous contribution to the community. We wish him well as he moves onto his new role as Deputy Head at Chavagnes International College in France.

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the Lent Term, and to any non-design students for the remainder of the academic year. Derek’s workshop talents and organisation skills shone through from day one. He reorganised the Department, significantly improved the fabric of the building, and was a fantastic professional and approachable member of the design team. His workshop skills were truly outstanding, and both myself, and Simon Potter, are indebted to him for all the help and advice he gave us over the years working out exactly how to realise the many complex projects examination students often seemed to come up with. He taught Year 5 and Year 6 Plunkett/ St Olivers students for several years and proved to be a fantastic support during academic lessons, particularly with all things computer, CAD/CAM, and workshop related. Derek gave freely of his time and was never one to clock watch. His official working hours were 8.30am to 5.30pm, yet he was always in school for 8.00am, and often did not leave till 6.00pm, and even later when the workshops were exceptionally busy. Derek, until very recently was never ill, and his constant presence in the Department allowed me to get fully involved with both Games and more especially the CCF, for which I owe him a great debt of thanks. Nothing was too much trouble to Derek. He was available to make running repairs to students’ electrical devices and shoes, Mr Field and Mr Hicks were regular visitors, and Father Michael would often ask him to manufacture three-dimensional wooden Downside crosses to adorn the pieces of furniture he made for the School. Derek has served the Downside community for 27 years, and during that time has done much to shape and develop the Design Department. He has proven to be a great work colleague, and a very dear friend, and I wish him well in his retirement. I am sure he will keep in touch with the School, from time to time; after all you never ever really leave Downside! As you may already know myself and Simon Potter will be running the Bath Half Marathon

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to raise funds for Parkinsons in March 2021, to indirectly support Derek and his family, and I would like to think that we can significantly add to the £1570 already raised. If you would like to donate, please do visit my Just Giving page. Neill Barrett Head of Art and Design

DOM ANSELM BRUMWELL OSB In his remarkable novel A Whispered Name, the author William Brodrick, an ex-monk turned lawyer, writes about Anselm, an ex-lawyer turned monk. One of the key moments as Anselm is seeking his vocation is an apparently chance encounter with an aged monk, a veteran of the First World War, whose green Cortina is stuck in a ditch. Anselm asks him what the monastic community does, and the monk replies enigmatically, ‘We tend a fire that won’t go out’. Anselm helps him to get back on the road, and then says ‘I came across you by accident; what would you have done if I hadn’t turned up?’ The monk thought for a moment and said, ‘Nothing happens by accident’. I first met our Fr Anselm in December 1994 at a carol service for a non-denominational comprehensive school then called Ravenscroft in Barnet, North London, which just happened to be my PGCE placement. Anselm just happened to have been a pupil of the RS teacher who was supervising me. Anselm was then called Marc, and was just finishing Modern Languages at Durham University just as I was finishing my training as a teacher. Who would have thought then that I would spend 18 years teaching in the same department in the same school with Anselm as a monk? Occasionally, what appears mere coincidence does indeed seem to touch a wider pattern of providence. To begin with, in 2003, Fr Anselm taught the Old Testament at A Level, a subject that has now disappeared from all syllabuses of Religious

Studies. Since then, Anselm has been teaching the New Testament at A level, mostly John’s Gospel, latterly a combination of Luke and John, now in the only New Testament syllabus remaining. An exact and exacting teacher, Anselm imported a precision to the exegesis of Scripture from his linguistic background as a French and German student; he also has a mastery of Hebrew and Greek that has led to his students being exposed to a depth of linguistic background that must be increasingly rare at this level, but adds a real depth to the experience of Religious Studies in the School. For many years, pupils from Downside have gone on to study Theology at the best universities, aided by the unusual depth of background in the texts of the New Testament that Anselm was able to provide. At one point there were 30 pupils studying the subject at A Level. Anselm was also a thorough teacher at GCSE level and below, with a love of old-fashioned chalk, writing in a flowing script that has not really been improved upon by the advent of new technology. But there are also a surprising number of other roles that Anselm has undertaken during his time in the School: a chaplain on the SLT from 2004-5; Barlow House Master 2009-12; Italian A Level with Julianna Secchi, Latin, Greek and German; Hebrew classes as a co-curricular activity at one point with the Third Form (he was once a member of three departments at one time). He played the 2nd Violin faithfully in the orchestra from 2004-2019 and was a tutor in Smythe, Roberts and Barlow at different points. He also contributed for four years to the governing body of St Gregory’s school and at various points was both a Trustee, Secretary of the Trustees and a Governor of Downside. For five years he compiled the Raven magazine, at one point apparently constructing a cross country report ex nihilo when it was not turned in. I have always thought Anselm more a teacher than a pastoral figure, yet it should not be forgotten that he has been hearing confessions before Mass in

the Abbey Church for many years. Beyond the School, Anselm loves travelling to Germany and for many years attended the International Jewish Christian Bible week in the summer where he was able to indulge his love of both Hebrew and German in the study of the Old Testament. For many years it was a standing joke as to whether, if he did not become Pope, he might actually become an orthodox rabbi instead. It goes without saying that I am personally deeply indebted to Anselm for 18 years of unpaid labour in the Religious Studies Department: he has always been utterly reliable and I know that whatever he undertakes will be done with careful preparation and engagement. I am also personally indebted to him for bailing me out on two different trips to Rome of the eight we have been on together; once getting a pupil out of Italy when a visa had gone into the hold of the aircraft, and once getting a pupil into Italy without a passport; he also took over a couple of times from the guides in explaining the sights of Rome from the coach, being in some cases far more knowledgeable about the sights of the city. Anselm is of course the last teaching Downside monk, which is surely some kind of historical marker, given that monks have been teaching since 1606. It has to be said that the shadow of the IICSA enquiry hangs over these last few years. After having worked on an updated trust deed for the combined Abbey and School, Anselm was also required to help oversee two new Trust deeds for the separated entities, as the Abbey relinquished control of the School in the light of the IICSA report. Although I have never discussed this in any detail, I have no doubt that this was galling work, at the same time that it must have been a very difficult period in the monastic community, or what became left of it. It seems to me that Anselm clearly wished to be gone, something that only accelerated as the decision by the community to leave Downside reached a conclusion, so that all that remained was to hand in his notice for a job for which he had only been paid for a year.

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This is an unsatisfactory end to so many years of devoted service. In a previous age it may well have been that Anselm would have ended up as a Head Master, for this was the route of monk House Masters traditionally. As a trustee and an ordinary teacher Anselm saw things both from the top and the bottom of the hierarchy, certainly an unusual position to be in. There can be few people who have suffered so much from the recent history of the place due largely to the errors and sins of others. So it is with a great deal of sadness, both at the manner and fact of his ceasing teaching, that I say these words about the leaving of Fr Anselm from Downside. But it should be said finally that the work of Dom Anselm in the School was not in the end his main work during the years he was here. For many years now he has been carrying the bulk of the monastic office, leading the singing of the Opus Dei (which he always, perhaps rightly, regarded as the key to the monastic life). Hearing him sing perhaps the last Exsultet of the Downside community in the Abbey Church at Easter was a salutary reminder of this essential focus of the life of a monk. For those of us who are married, teaching can only be a part of a vocational life. For a monk, teaching can only be a part of the monastic life. ‘Accept this Easter candle, a flame divided but undimmed, a pillar of fire that glows to the honor of God. Let it mingle with the lights of heaven and continue bravely burning to dispel the darkness of this night! May the morning Star which never sets find this flame still burning: Christ that Morning Star who came back from the dead, and shed his peaceful light on all mankind, your Son who lives and reigns for ever and ever.’ As the fictional old monk said, Anselm helps tend a fire that won’t go out, not here, not anywhere he and the Downside community may finally end up.

JAMIE CLARK Jamie has worked at Downside for two years teaching in both the Art and Design departments. In this time he has involved himself in many aspects of the life of the School. Jamie has assisted in the delivery of the APC programme to Third Form cadets and he has also demonstrated bush craft techniques to Second and Third Form students, and has recently qualified as a Level Three Outdoor First Aider. Creatively Jamie has assisted Sixth Form Art students in the decoration of the Pascal candle and created two stained glass windows for Roberts House. Jamie is leaving Downside to take up a post as Head of Art at Chaffyn Grove Preparatory School and we wish him every success in his new role. Erica Williams Head of Art

JESSICA ORMEROD After nearly ten years of service to the School, we sadly said goodbye to Jessica Ormerod at Christmas. Her unfailing dedication to the School was apparent in everything she undertook in the Admissions Office and in all areas of the School. Her “can do” attitude, professionalism and knowledge of the School was greatly valued by colleagues and prospective parents over the years. Having been a parent at the School with William (S10), Charlie (S12) and Thomas (S14), Jessica would often describe herself as part of the furniture. Jessica was not just part of the furniture! When Jessica joined the School, she worked under Gordon Pearce who was then the Director of Marketing and gave her time to marketing the School as well as handling the admissions enquiries. In the following years, the Admissions Office was beautifully looked after by Anastasia Hatvany who joined the School in 2012. Together they recruited pupils from all over the world and built relationships that continue today. Jessica and Hugh Walters Anastasia then welcomed Dave Bryson into the Head of Theology & Head of History department as Director of Admissions in 2015

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was here that Kirstie loved to spend time with the boys, discussing everything from politics to festivals, football to childbirth – she was unflappable, even when their questions or views were at times surprising. Her willingness to bake – sometimes with, but more often simply for, the boys – on Saturday mornings was very much appreciated too, bringing a homeliness to the House, and filling the gaping stomachs of teenagers. Kirstie was an excellent colleague working closely with Lisa, the other Houseparent in Smythe: they became very close friends during Kirstie’s time with us. Her input into the pastoral care and development of the House was also very much valued by me, as House Master: insight, wisdom, and attention to detail often ensured that we could react to our pupils’ needs that bit quicker thanks to Kirstie’s involvement. Kirstie was always willing to go the extra mile for the boys, attending Issy Hartnell all House events – whether to endure their singing, Director of Admissions and Marketing cheer on their rugby, or just enjoy a glass of wine with them at the Leavers’ Ball. She was also happy to be deployed elsewhere in the School as need arose, at various times working in Reception, KIRSTIE KERNUTT the Health Centre, and as an Invigilator – her Kirstie joined Smythe as a Houseparent in contributions will be missed beyond the House. November 2017, quickly establishing herself as Nevertheless, it is her work in Smythe that is to be a key part of the pastoral team. The role of the celebrated, and it was a great pleasure to award Houseparent is often defined by the character her House Cap on her final day with us at the end of the individual, and Kirstie – or Miss K as the of the Lent Term. boys knew her – brought a motherly affection to Kirstie leaves us to take up a more senior her work, cherishing each of our pupils for their pastoral role – entirely befitting her talents and individual strengths, but never afraid to challenge expertise – as Parent and Family Support Advisor them over their individual idiosyncrasies… always at Stanchester Academy and for its nine feeder with good humour. Usually working afternoons, primary schools. We wish her every success in but in the House all day every Saturday, Kirstie this… but very much regret her departure from saw the boys at their most relaxed; they valued the House. It has been at Downside that Kirstie her company both for casual conversation, and, has met the man whom she describes as her when need arose, for advice. One describes her ‘forever after’, and we all wish her and Daniel as a ‘fantastic listening post’: she listened without judgement and steered these young men along the every happiness for the future. journeys they were on. The difference that she has John Storey made to many of their lives cannot be understated. House Master of Smythe The Study is the heart of Smythe House, where Bakery is distributed and community happens: it

and shortly thereafter, Anastasia made the decision to move to pastures new. Jessica handled the changes with a smile, always helpful and willing to adapt. In the last few years, Jessica accepted more change, when I joined the School. With the School adapting to the separation between the Downside Abbey General Trust and the School, again Jessica was supportive, professional, and determined not to let change get in the way of pupil recruitment. Her kindness and determination mean that the high pupil numbers being seen in 2021 were very much due to her efforts over the years, and we need to thank her for this. She will be greatly missed by all, and I would like to express my gratitude for her hard work and welcoming me to the School in a truly Benedictine way. Jessica leaves the School to build her consultancy services business.

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NEWS FROM THE

HOUSES

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BARLOW Head of House: Alexander Harwood Deputy Head of House: Kofi Barton-Byfield House Prefects: Joseph Rowell, Louis Lesault, Alvin Mak, Charlie Sheehan, Juan Orbaneja Back in September 2020, we were delighted to return to Downside’s corner of Somerset and escape many of the troubles of the wider world. For this, we were incredibly lucky. In a spirit of camaraderie we strived for that sense of community both in person and remotely during lockdowns. Our House’s crown jewel of a kitchen was where we regularly invited friends from other Houses for drinks, cooking and meals throughout the week – all in strict bubbles, of course! Without fail, the dynamic duo of Mr Potter and our Head of House, Alex Harwood, ensured every Barlow member had either a hefty bowl of nachos or American-style hotdogs on a Saturday night. Food was often coupled with rolling chess games. It was no coincidence that regulars like our Deputy Head of House, Kofi Barton-Byfield, and Louis Tang took home the Inter-House chess trophy this year, with Kofi alone taking down a two-man Roberts team in the Sixth Form final.

The Barlow cinema remains a place of relaxation as well as jubilation, particularly during the European Football Championships where as many as 30 were tightly packed together. Highlight games include the penalty shootout missed by Kylian Mbappe, thereby knocking out France, much to the dismay of Frenchman, Louis Lesault. 24 hours later came England’s dreamlike victory over Germany, where the cinema’s scenes rivalled that of Wembley’s. Mr Potter would often pop his head in, keeping tabs on those increasingly in debt to Barlow’s swear jar. We were very sad when Ms Moran, our House Mother, left us for the ‘Dark Side’ – The Old House, albeit the Admissions Team. She has been in Barlow since the Upper Sixth were in the Fourth Form, a constant source of goodwill and advice. In her place, we welcomed Ms Mullins into the House, the School’s Harp Teacher, who seamlessly took on the role. We have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know her, and her phenomenal baking. Ms Lewis has continued to be a mainstay of the House, constantly getting the boys to challenge their own views and broaden their perspectives. all the while listening and being respectful of our experiences. Her past career in youth work has been invaluable to us all.

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“The leavers, whilst sad to be saying goodbye to each other, all move on with renewed hope, a secure moral compass and a wonderful grounding in humanity thanks to the community that is Downside.” Mr Potter, as always, has been leading the House from the front in his quintessential manner, mainly consisting of eternally poor Dad jokes. In all seriousness, Mr Potter has been a role model for all of us in the Upper Sixth with his unrelenting words of encouragement, wisdom and his determination and focus on being ‘present’ in all that we do ‘Turning up is only half the job’, something the new Upper Sixth can embody with their attendance at morning assembly next year! Ever since our wayward Fourth Form, our year has been repaying the debt for his persistent patience, understanding and belief in us. Mr McNamara was promoted from Barlow tutor to Assistant Housemaster for the year, as Mr Walters took on further academic departmental roles but remained as a Barlow tutor. Mr McNamara’s jolly character and efficient organisation meant Barlow remained in good hands. Mr O’Rourke joined us at the beginning of the year as Barlow’s Resident Tutor. He has been an excellent addition to the House, always ready to listen and guide. Outside of Barlow, Mr O’Rourke has been a pillar of the Lectio Community and a more than popular figure turbocharging the Girls’ Tennis programme, which saw it become the main sporting attraction of the Summer Term. We thank all the tutors: Mr Walters, Mr McNamara, Mr Nichols, Mr Hicks, Mr Patey, Mr Vaughan for their dedication and care for us up and down the House. Alexander Harwood has effortlessly taken on Head of House and its bountiful responsibilities: marshalling the kitchen and the dorm, organising Barlow efforts in all Inter-House competitions and acting as a role model of service to the boys. Alex’s legendary singing in Mass, theatre productions and, of course, for the House will be missed. He led Barlow in the House Music singing and offered a

lovely and fitting finale on Prize Day with ‘So In Love’ by Cole Porter. Deputy Head of House and Captain of the 1st XV Rugby team, Kofi Barton-Byfield, has been an excellent role model to the House, always present and involving himself in various events to represent Barlow. These include captaining the Barlow Inter-House Chess team, as well as playing an important role in the infamous Christmas Dash as the Upper Sixth eater. Kofi has graduated into the Bath Senior Academy Team via a Rugby Scholarship to Bath University. Joseph Rowell, Captain of Barlow’s debating team, and Fourth Former Aristo Cham were the mainstay of the debating team, on occasions assisted by Oliver Flynn and Kofi Barton-Byfield. Aristo deployed his heavy artillery of concrete logic and mathematical critical thinking to ensure Barlow became the only House to remain undefeated in the round robin stage of Inter-House Debating. This set up the final against Roberts and Isabella, as Joseph and Aristo argued that artificial intelligence was a greater threat to humanity than climate change or a pandemic. Excerpts from Mr Walters’ Abingdon Debating Society 2020-21 report below. ‘The final itself was a fine event to watch, with all three teams making strong speeches and asking the more limited number of points of information allowed in the three-way debate. All were also able to argue well against the other positions as well as answering questions from the floor. Sofia Siemens and Chloe Blackmore for Isabella argued for the devastating effects to health and economy as well as human life itself from a pandemic; Joseph Rowell and Aristo Cham argued that a “threat to humanity” was ultimately about the extinction of the human race, through the complete unpredictability of desire for freedom and power if the mimicking of the human mind were to become conscious, or indeed the complete lack of any morality whatsoever – “killer robots” – as Roberts rather pointedly put it. Joseph Day and Barney Sharifi argued that the data for climate change was far better than the other two hypothetical threats in the future and that it was clearly the greatest threat now.

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Rowell and Charlie Sheehan. The Fourth Form fivea-side team, comprising Vincent Tickell, CJ Rapoo, Teo Ulriksen, Nicolas Viljoen, Sebastian Mitton and Yvo Melotte, also won the weekly Saturday night 5-a-side football tournament with astonishing regularity. Barlow also won the Inter House Basketball during Three Days in June. Monty Matthew and Teddy Preston were our regular clay pigeon shooters and Sebastian Norris Barlow prevailed in both the debate final, Inter-House and Zak Dinning were our BGA golfers. Sports day in Rugby and many other activities - showing the talents the penultimate week of the academic year confirmed that this was Barlow’s year for Sport. Success was of Barlow are both sporting and intellectual. made possible by the participation of everyone across Special thanks go to all the other prefects who have the events, organised by the boys themselves who been a tremendous help this year in the running of were driven by a desire to represent the House. the House: Rory Begg, Nikodem Baehr, Louis Lesault, The day saw many victories ranging from the field Juan Orbaneja, Charlie Sheehan and Alvin Mak. – Sebastian Norris in javelin – to the track – Nick Despite Covid-19 restrictions CCF continued to Viljoen & Kofi Barton-Byfield in the 100 metres. Mr be supported by many from the House and Barlow O’Rourke took on the role of first aider chaperoning had a storming year in sport. Tennis and cricket injured athletes to the Health Centre whilst our very matches resumed in the Summer term. Tennis has own Mr Potter took part in the Boys’ all years 1500m, been great fun especially during the good weather, at his knee’s peril, managing to hoover up some points when matches finally resumed. The 1st and 2nd School tennis teams were predominantly Barlow boys, for Barlow. The sea of Barlow stripes in that race was an ode to the commitment of Barlow boys whether Joseph Rowell, Alexander Harwood, Juan Orbaneja, they swiftly strolled it or went full pelt. Honours Nikodem Baehr, Rory Begg, Benjamin Harwood, were relatively even at this stage of the competition Oliver Flynn, Ivan Boas,Yvo Melotte, Teo Ulriksen between the boys’ Houses. The day concluded with a and Konrad von Nesselrode. The 1st XI Cricket Black and Whitewash of the 4x100m relays, as Barlow team saw appearances from Sebastian Norris, Sam teams won every race from First Form to Sixth Form. Bellord, Joe Last-Sutton and Nicolas Viljoen while Not dropping a baton between all 20 of us – for the Zak Dinning and Shotaro Ida represented the 2nd first time in living memory! Thus, the trophy came XI. The Michaelmas Term was barren in terms of School fixtures, a real shame for Kofi Barton-Byfield, Louis Lasault, Joseph Powell, Sebastian Norris, Zak Dinning, Roy Manso Duffy and Shotaro Ida. They all missed out on 1st XV representation. Nevertheless the rugby season was one to cherish with Barlow winning Inter-House Rugby for the Sixth Form while many of the aforementioned boys valiantly played in the closely fought game against King Edward’s School Bath in the Summer Term. The Christmas Dash was a huge success considering it had to be Covid-19 friendly. Barlow has a range of runners representing the House from the First Form up to the Upper Sixth, including Nicolas Viljoen,Yvo Melotte, Ivan Boas, Jo Last Sutton, Sebastian Norris, Sam Bellord, Joseph ‘The best debater of the term and the final as an individual was Aristo Cham; calm under pressure, full of clear and well-informed phrases with apparently utterly logical, compelling and authoritative arguments, he appears wise beyond his years. Quite extraordinary, and a great partner to Joseph Rowell in Barlow in Joseph’s final year.’

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home to Barlow with a more than comfortable lead over Roberts and Smythe. Despite the trophy ‘disappearing’ – we have a creeping suspicion Mr Storey has it locked away in Smythe. Barlow’s success and participation was not lacking in the Arts and our own Head of House, Alexander Harwood, led from the front. The Inter-House Music Competition was an enjoyable occasion for all. This year it had to be split up into different year groups, each performing their own songs. The Fourth Form came second place for their year with their rendition of I want it that way. Along with the Lower Sixth with Gimme Gimme Gimme and the comical performance of the Upper Sixth with Does your mother know by ABBA. The Fourth Form continued to sing their competition song every night for the rest of the year. Next, the School’s successful performance of Little Shop of Horrors with Alexander Harwood brilliantly taking the leading role of Seymour, the shy botanist in the dumps of Skid Row. Dominic Kwan was behind the scenes with the amazing lighting and sound. Ivan Boas represented the House in the jazz busking concert earlier in the year which was great entertainment as was the outdoor Music for a Summer’s evening at the end of the year. Although the full Schola Cantorum has not been able to assemble in its full size this year, our Sixth Form members, Alexander Harwood and Domnic Kwan, both sang during Mass towards the end of the term and in the Virtual Carol Service. Alexander Harwood completed his Grade 8 singing passing with a distinction, obtaining an outstanding 139/150. He also gained a distinction in his Grade 8 LAMDA, and Jan Petersen passed Grade 6 clarinet and piano, both with distinction. George Moorehouse was prominent as a performer in the pop video project for Three Days in June, and he also featured in the Fourth Form Performance Showcase alongside fellow Barlow boys Sebastian Mitton and CJ Rapoo. The spiritual life of Barlow has continued to thrive within and without the House. Alex Harwood often sang in Mass and also led St Teresa’s community where efforts to provide

charity thrived under the preventing circumstances of Covid-19. A charity sleep-out was successful in June on a Saturday night, and St Johns enabled Lectio to continue in new and different ways, even if it meant being two metres apart! Alexander di Pietrantonio, Nayan Dahanwoor and Ivan Boas joined Alex to help with the First and Second Form retreat at the end of term. Sebastian Strachwitz Hamilton, Joe Last Sutton, Yvo Melotte and Vincent Tickell were also regular servers in Sunday Mass while Jan Petersen, Sebastian Strachwitz Hamilton and Kofi Barton-Byfield all read confidently in Mass. The Summer Term also saw all the Fourth Form complete their Silver Duke of Edinburgh award scheme expedition on the Mendips and most of the Lower Sixth completed their Gold expedition on Dartmoor – both in unseasonably wet weather! The Upper Sixth and the Fifth Form completed all their Academic Assessments just prior to half term and many stayed until the end of term to participate in the variety of opportunities available. Testament to how grateful we were to be with each other after significant periods of lockdowns! The leavers, whilst sad to be saying goodbye to each other, all move on with renewed hope, a secure moral compass and a wonderful grounding in humanity thanks to the community that is Downside. Joseph Rowell Upper Sixth Form

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CAVEREL Head of House: Rosie Pughe-Morgan Deputy Head of House: Rosie Pattison Prefects: Izzy O’Neill, Harriet Crowe and Lydia Whitaker No doubt everybody’s Raven entry begins with ‘it has been an extraordinary year’ and there isn’t quite enough space to summarise why and how we tackled it. Instead, the girls and staff have put together a collage of photos and words to celebrate all that we did accomplish in Caverel this year! The House spirit remained strong despite being divided by year group and we even had our First Form and Second Form making new bonds as they represented the House in competitions (whilst retaining their loyalty and friendships in their alma mater, Isabella!). Caps were awarded to Head of House, Rosie Pughe-Morgan, and Deputy Head of House, Rosie Pattison, who teamed up to lead Caverel both online and in person through a turbulent year. Colours were also awarded to Charlotte Walker for her service and assistance to our Juniors, and to all of our Debate Team: Rosemary Capewell, Sophie Worrell, Stephanie Jedy Agba, Sophia

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Burton, Maya Strauss and Anna Hayhurst. Our Prefects, Izzy O’Neill, Harriet Crowe and Lydia Whitaker, received Colours for their service to the House and support of the girls. Anna McGarry House Mistress of Caverel Rosie Pughe-Morgan Prefect summary My experience as Head of House for Caverel has without a doubt taught me so much in terms of patience, working in a team, and appreciating others around me. Although our prefect team were unable to achieve the majority of our rather fantastical ideas put forward in September (largely due to not actually being present for a large part of the School year), we still felt full to the brim with Caverel spirit, running to the defence of any Caverel girl who may have been snubbed and who we felt needed our backing! A highlight for me this year has definitely been the House Music. Although Caverel rather surprisingly only won in the Lower Sixth, from our

little buttercups in the Third Form to our Gwen Stefani tribute act in Upper Sixth, the immense amount of dedication and Caverel pride was evident on everyone’s faces, and the hard work paid off in the end. I think I can speak for all the Caverel prefects when I say that this rather chaotic but rewarding year would not have been the same if it had not been for the constant positivity and help from Miss Price and Ms McGarry. Whether the problem was big or small, they were always right there ready to help! Miss Jones and Mrs Buckland also deserve a special mention for their wonderful support this past year, brightening up our days with their smiles and very rarely questioning our suspiciously long tea and biscuit breaks in the common room! Lastly, we wish the new prefect team the very best of luck and hope they carry on the Caverel spirit and are hopefully able to achieve a bit more than us! They were an amazingly helpful and enthusiastic Lower Sixth and we all have full faith that they will be brilliant. Thank you, Caverel for everything, you will always have a special place in our hearts. The Caverel Prefect Team 2020-2021 Baptism and Confirmation It was an absolute privilege to attend the Baptism of Lydia Whittaker and her following Confirmation Ceremony where she was joined by other Caverel Confirmants, Alessandra Majendie, Lucia McNally and Camilla Francis-Jones. Christmas party and Christmas Dash The House got creative in their determination to have a Christmas party and a socially distanced and bubbled affair was put together by the Prefect team in and around the Theatre, complete with a giant game of Hide and Seek! CCF and D of E A huge number of girls took part in Duke of Edinburgh in the last term. Third Form and Fourth Form explored the local area and the Mendips

“Our efforts in the Christmas Dash were second to none, with both staff and pupils competing to show the greatest levels of vocal support and encouragement towards the runners and eaters.” whilst the Lower Sixth had a wash-out in both practice and the real event on Dartmoor, timed perfectly for three days of downpours! We won’t talk about the corridors upon their return! All things sport Sport in Caverel has not stopped this year with all year groups attending extra hockey sessions in preparation for the start of the season next term, when hopefully matches can resume again after the year we have had.  House Netball, House Hockey and House Tennis were all undertaken with great levels of enthusiasm, assisted by large amounts of face paint to help increase the ever-present Caverel spirit.  Caverel were very successful in House Netball with the majority of year groups securing wins. Hockey, although less successful according to the final score, was very enjoyable to both watch and play. House Tennis was a great way to round off the year and several Caverel pairs were victorious! Our efforts in the Christmas Dash were second to none, with both staff and pupils competing to show the greatest levels of vocal support and encouragement towards the runners and eaters. The image of the Caverel flag being carried over the line by Ottilie (First Form) cheered on by the whole House is one that will be etched in all our memories.  Izzy O’Neill This Academic year has been somewhat of a ‘blank canvas’ for girls’ sport at Downside. The Tennis Team received a brand-new kit and had the opportunity to attend the very first girls’ preseason tennis camp to help improve their skills and

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prepare themselves for the tennis term ahead. It is safe to say, this definitely did the job. Caverel girls have shown nothing but passion and enthusiasm throughout the recent tennis term and have embraced new ideas and pushed themselves to develop new skills. The Girls’ Tennis Team had a very successful season, bringing home multiple victories from almost every fixture. A mixed doubles fixture was arranged by popular demand and was thoroughly enjoyed by all. A sunny Saturday saw a group of more than 60 girls and boys travel to Clifton College for a day full of mixed doubles matches. Girls’ Hockey has also had a triumphant year with Third Former Phoebe Bowman trialling for Avon Junior Academy County Hockey and Fifth Former Anna Hayhurst competing for the Bath Buccaneers U16A team. Lower Sixth Former Magda Pienkowska was also awarded the first ‘noggin’ hat, for showing outstanding improvement in her first hockey term at the School. Although no hockey fixtures could be arranged due to the pandemic, the Caverel girls never lost their spirit and kept enthusiastic both on and off the pitch. Hockey and tennis are not the only sports worth mentioning. Third Former Zara Bellord is a passionate horse rider who competes in one-day events for the School on a regular basis. Whilst also competing for Downside, Zara takes part in external tetrathlons for England. This involves riding, swimming, running, and shooting! Overall, despite the challenges of participating in sport during the pandemic, the Caverel girls have continued to be true team players. This was evidenced so clearly during Inter-House Sports Day in June when every member of the House (who was physically able!) represented Caverel in a plethora of events.

Abingdon Debating Society This academic year many girls in Caverel have demonstrated significant team spirit, enthusiasm and vigour when participating in the Abingdon Debating Society. We took part in several debates throughout the year, beginning with ‘This house is right to be afraid’ which Maya Strauss and Anna Hayhurst opposed, making a passionate case against Barlow. Eva Perkins and Rosemary Capewell achieved the first Caverel victory of the year, successfully proposing the motion ‘This house believes the economy is as important as people’s health’. Sophie Worrall, Stephanie Jedy Agba and Sophia Burton upheld our winning streak, with the motions ‘This house would rather learn to live with suffering than live to seek pleasure’ (Caverel v Smythe) and ‘This house believes social media are destroying society’ (Caverel v Roberts). Despite winning all but one debate this year, Caverel did not reach the final, but we were humble in defeat and finished the year with a very respectable 86 points. This is most impressive given the intensity and amount of preparation it takes to compete in such a tough event. The Abingdon Society requires demonstration of both communication and confidence whether you are proposing or opposing the motion and the ability to adapt, understand and express a particular side of an argument, even if it is contrary to your personal opinion. This experience has given me and the rest of the Caverel Debating Team the opportunity to help enhance our self-esteem, push our comfort zone and given us a place to develop a more perceptive and empathising version of ourselves. At times it was challenging to develop counter-arguments during speeches, but it has enhanced our ability to extend our thinking and deliver an effective analysis. All girls worked really hard, both on and off the debating stand, with great energy, chutzpah and Madeleine Jones dedication, and were excellent ambassadors for Caverel, making us all very proud. Sophia Burton

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Not to be outdone, our wonderful Housemothers surpassed themselves this year when it came to providing hot and cold snacks for the girls afters games on a Saturday afternoon. From warm and comforting cheesy pastries in the winter to dishing out ice lollies in the summer – there was always something to satisfy that postexercise tummy grumble. Saturday sport was not the only physical activity the girls took part in at the weekend. Whether it be swimming, archery, football or rugby, Caverel weekends this year have been incredibly active. The Caverel girls were particularly excited to be involved in rugby training this year when the sports department introduced a new Girls’ Rugby initiative in the Michaelmas Term. There have also been regular Saturday night football matches throughout the year, with the Fourth Form often taking to the Magda Pienkowska pitch to show us some skills. The Summer Term saw three external weekend trips take place: the Lower Sixth walked the famous Weekend Activities Bath Skyline; the Fifth Form conquered their fears This year called for lots of imagination and whilst climbing at Burrington Combe; and the enthusiasm when it came to devising and Fourth Form made a splash canoeing on the River participating in weekend activities. We were Avon. The Third Form were fortunate enough to go often limited to staying on site over the weekend to Skern Lodge at the end of the Summer Term. A and the traditional ‘Bath Bus’ run on a Sunday became a fond memory for a little while. However, whole weekend of outdoor activities was enjoyed, resulting in a group of very tired, very happy girls pupils and staff alike stepped up to the challenge, returning to Caverel for the final week of term. finding fun closer to home. This year we laughed, As the assessments approached for the First played, baked and sang our way through the Form and Upper Sixth Form, their weekends weekends. became more academically focused. The girls made The weekend activity programme was kickstarted this year with a BBQ and outdoor cinema good use of the library and enjoyed working collaboratively with others outside when the experience for all the girls. Movie nights became weather allowed. a common feature throughout the year – The recent addition of a karaoke machine has although the weather did not always allow for been a huge hit in Caverel – strongly encouraged by the outdoor option! the promoters-of-all-things-performance-related Ms The Caverel Third Form were regularly heard McGarry and Miss Price. One particular Saturday on Saturday mornings relaying their plans for the evening endures in the memory: a steady stream of weekend to Ms Jones and Mrs Buckland – and these plans almost always consisted of baking (and girls across the year groups gathered and sang their hearts out to hits including Valerie, Dancing Queen eating) cakes. The Third Form clearly inspired the Lower Sixth who competed in a friendly Bake Off and Best Song Ever. The Lower Sixth girls even persuaded Father James to feature in their group with Isabella House during the Michaelmas Term. Chess The newly formed Caverel Chess Team took part in a new Inter-House Competition run by Dr Tapia. Gioia Ackhammer, Camilla Francis-Jones and Magda Pienkowska were happy to represent Caverel in matches between other Houses. All of them do Mathematics, and found it really helpful when playing in calculating risks and enhancing strategies. It has further increased our confidence in taking risks and planning ahead. It was a great opportunity for the girls to develop different ways of thinking and conquer challenges! Through this experience, it was a great occasion to help bond year groups and create connection both in and outside Caverel life. We are now working towards further developing our Chess skills with help from the life-size Chess pieces that the Maths department offers.

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because we could physically stand next to each other and understand the use of the space.  When everybody finally came back after Easter, the party really started. With rehearsals every Thursday and Sunday we got a lot of practice. But without even realising it, the show week came closer and closer. In between rehearsals, we had multiple costume fittings with Ms. Ibbotson and I believe that for many of us dancing in costumes gave us more insight into our characters and it set the mood. Besides our acting and dancing we had to practise our singing as well. Luckily, Mr. Bridges was very patient with us so that we could effectively learn our parts and songs, including harmonies. Thursday was our first night and it was very exciting to finally go out on stage and perform! We were all exhausted by our final performance on Saturday night, but elated to have had the Jennifer Price experience of doing a live show during a pandemic. Assistant House Mistress All in all, it was an amazing experience which no one would have wanted to miss. Little Shop of Horrors in Caverel  Gioia Achammer One activity that consumed the weekends for the Lower Sixth was Little Shop of Horrors. A level Drama student, Gioia Achammer wrote about the experience from a Caverel perspective: The adventure of the new musical Little Shop of Horrors began in January. After having heard of it, all of the Lower Sixth Caverel girls wanted to join, whether by contributing on stage, backstage or with the design and artworks; everybody was excited. For those of us who were performing on stage, the journey began with online rehearsals. Tristan Carter was doing script rehearsals with us and Maisy Carter taught us the dances. Every Thursday evening everybody was dancing in their living-rooms to songs like Skid Row and Closed for Renovation. This went on for the two months all of us were stuck in lockdown, but then when most of us could finally return, the rehearsals could take part in person. It was a very exciting moment when we got to dance in the Theatre together. This was the first time all of us could finally picture the musical

piece – and the crowd went wild. The Upper Sixth played a supporting role in making sure weekends ran smoothly this year. Although not always at the forefront of the action, their unassuming and valuable assistance was ever-present and much appreciated. Our older Caverel girls always stepped up when called upon last minute at the weekend to do anything from support a House Match to choose a new Woman of the Week. As ever, there are no justifiable words to explain both the plethora of activities available at the weekend and the tangible atmosphere of genuine joy. The variety offered at weekends is one of the greatest benefits of life at Downside and it has been a pleasure to see the Caverel girls take all opportunities offered to them during this unprecedented year.

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ISABELLA Head of House: Hanna Kedzior Deputy Head of House: Victoria Mercadal House Prefects: Betty Li, Daisy Marsh, Molly White, Judetta Whyte and Yuhan Yang As this academic year comes to its end, despite all of the challenges that the year has brought us, the memories of our time in Isabella will remain in all of our hearts. The many restrictions posed by the pandemic have not made it easy to keep the community together with the House being divided into seven separate bubbles. However, every member of Isabella has worked hard to continue to support the House and we are extremely proud of every one of them for showing the willingness to engage with different events throughout the year, even when, at times, they were not as they would have hoped. Remaining together as a community was a bit more challenging throughout the Lent term owing to lockdown. The weekly videos, filmed by the girls and created by Mr. Westlake, gave us an opportunity to see what the Isabella girls had been up to during that time. We were able to get together and remember that we are still a

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community, regardless of the distance. What has shone through this year is how important Isabella is to all of us, who are a part of the House, and the wider House family, wherever we are. In Isabella, we love the weekend! There is always plenty to do and of course Miss Ball makes the best Saturday feast in school! As we returned to school in September, we had to embrace the practical day to day realities of living with Covid19 and looked to reimagine how we could keep Covid-safe whilst enjoying our time together. We began the year with an outdoor cinema night, in which the girls had a chance to watch Aladdin whilst eating hot dogs and popcorn. It was a very successful evening and one in which all members of our community could join. As the year progressed we had opportunities to participate in various activities, such as Laser Tag, which bring out the most competitive nature in everyone! We held multiple baking competitions… the Christmas Bake off showed the Sixth Form girls completing the technical challenge of a Swiss roll… the event saw some memorable bakes with the Upper Sixth Isabella team taking the Star Baker prize. The Easter Bake Off saw a hotly contested Show

Stopper Challenge, with some remarkable entries. The Star Baker this time went to the Fifth Form Easter extravaganza cake, closely followed by the Third Form and their chocolate bunny cake. Always looking for an excuse for a party, the Eurovision party was by far everyone’s favourite event of the year. It gave all of us an opportunity to appreciate and celebrate the diversity within the House. We all prepared food from our native countries and it was all delicious. Sadly our trips have been limited, but we have enjoyed visiting Bath, a very hot afternoon of Crazy Golf and ice cream, not to forget Mrs Westlake’s particular favourite… Breen Leisure Park which was a wet, yet funpacked afternoon. The Arts have continued to be something that Isabella does well. Even though the opportunities for the year have been limited, it has not stopped us participating in what we were able to, and to the best of our ability. Isabella girls joined in remote choir performances and we were delighted to see so many Isabella girls participate in the Virtual Carol Service this year. We embraced House Music’s new format, with each year group having a colour allocated to them and performing in their bubble. Every year group put a lot of time and effort into performing to the best of their ability. The First and Second Forms led the way by winning their heat, their colour was Blue; and they performed an uplifting song from Moana. They were followed by the Third Form (Yellow) singing a smiley version of Here comes the Sun. The Fourth Form (White) sang Wings of a Dove with some impressive stunt moves! The Fifth Form (Red) brought rap and reggae with their unique version of Red, Red Wine. Then the Lower Sixth (Black) presented a slick version of Black or White to the stage. Next the Upper Sixth presented the

“Isabella girls will always step up to represent the House where needed and can always be relied upon to do the best of their ability.”

final performance, an impressively choreographed version of Goldfinger. We were delighted to be crowned overall winners of the competition, which was made possible by the hard work of every single girl. It was a great reward to see the year groups working together and supporting one another. We also have to acknowledge the joy that has been brought to the House by the two performances that were finally able to take place. Firstly Little Shop of Horrors, with remote rehearsals taking place during lockdown; it was amazing to see finally the production come together. Lily Garrett gave an assured performance as Audrey. Beth, Conchi, Celi, Marianna, Flo, Maria and Lara all gave fantastic performances and enjoyed the opportunity to be able to perform with their friends. We were also delighted that the younger girls had the opportunity during the final week of term to prepare and present a version of Singing

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in the Rain, and it was a joy to see their enjoyment at being able to perform. Whilst we have enjoyed finding ways to work around Covid-19 restrictions, we look forward to next year! Something of which we are incredibly proud in Isabella is the commitment of the girls to making a difference, be it on a small scale making a cup of tea for a visitor or working as part of a wider team serving the House, School or wider community. Isabella was again well represented in the St Teresa’s Community by Katharina, Judetta, Victoria, Wiktoria, Lily, Conchi, Celi and Marianna, who recently participated in a sleep-out to raise money for a local charity, Help for Homeless. This is a charity that we feel very strongly about, as it is run by Iona White (an Isabella mum) and a cause that we as a House are keen to continue to support, even when Molly has moved on next year. It was a cold and rainy night, and was difficult for the girls, but knowing it was for a greater purpose kept everyone motivated. Many Isabella girls have continued to be involved in leading Lectio groups and worked hard to continue to do so during our periods of remote learning. Katharina, in her role as Head of School, had worked hard putting together a conference on addiction. However, due to the lockdown in January, it was postponed until the Summer Term. However, all would agree that it was worth the wait. All who attended were moved by the speakers and the organisation of the day by Nick and Kathi. The welcome provided by the catering team of Sixth Form girls was a demonstration the support that Isabella girls provide to each other and the wider community. As a final farewell to the School and to say thank you to those who have supported them throughout their time at the School, the Upper Sixth hosted a tea party to give thanks to their teachers. The event was greatly appreciated by all, with the scones definitely being the highlight of the afternoon: jam first and then cream, of course… the debate continues! Isabella girls will always step up to represent the House where needed and can always be

relied upon to do the best of their ability. This was seen in our participation in events such as the Christmas Dash, a unique experience where runners and eaters combine to compete for the House. Katharina was an outstanding eater, whilst our team of runners braved the mud to win the girls’ competition. Another place where team spirit shone this year was in the Abingdon Society. After some challenging debates, Isabella made it through to the final of the Inter-House Debating Competition where the motion was “This House believes that the greatest threat to humanity is…” Isabella argued that the pandemic was the greatest threat. Sofia Siemens and Chloe Blackmore stepped up to represent the House and, despite being new to debating, did the House proud, and we look forward to what they can achieve next year. Isabella House has continued to thrive in terms of our sporting achievement. Throughout the year, the girls have shown incredible commitment on the sports field. Despite the fact that external fixtures were unable to take place for most of the year, the girls have made the most of every opportunity that the sports department offered, from Inter-House matches to ADP training sessions. Many girls took the opportunity to try new things, including running, yoga and peloton during the remote learning period of the Spring Term. We were delighted that Sports Day was able to take place this year and it proved to be an excellent opportunity to get together as a whole school. Seeing the girls supporting each other made us incredibly proud as a House. Thanks to everyone’s commitment and teamwork Isabella won (beating even the boys’ houses); this was a great way to end the year. This year Isabella has been well served by a dedicated Prefect Team. Despite their role in the House having to be adapted, they have continued to lead and play a key role in keeping the House together. Hanna Kedzior has worked hard in her role as Head of House and was supported by Victoria Mercadal as Deputy Head of House,

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alongside a dedicated Prefect team of Betty Li, Daisy Marsh, Molly White, Judetta Whyte and Yuhan Yang. They have all worked hard to contribute to the smooth running of the House. Their support this year has been invaluable, and appreciated by both the staff and girls alike. The Head of First, Second and Third Form girls this year was Matilde Melodia, who was supported by Wiktoria Lassak as Deputy. They have both worked hard to support the younger members of the House, and made vast amounts of toast and noodles over the course of the year! Special thanks must go to Katharina Luetzenkirchen, who despite her role as Head of School, continued to serve the House as well as fulfilling her additional role. All of the Prefect team have proven themselves to be excellent role models to all around them with their dedication to their academic studies, whilst at the same time serving the House and wider school community. We are incredibly fortunate as a House to have an incredible House team to support the girls, which has made such a difference over the past year. Their constant presence either on the screen or in real life has meant that we have managed to remain together. Our Housemothers have worked incredibly hard this year and shown endless patience. Miss Ford and Miss Ball have done so much to keep the household running, and we would not function without them. This year we were joined by Louise, who has kept the house clean, tidy and Covid-safe. The work of the Isabella tutors, Miss Ball, Miss Anglim, Mrs Alcantara, Mrs Rainey, Dr Leatherbarrow, Mrs Williams and Mrs Spurling has been greatly appreciated this year. Their support for all that we have done over the year, and in particular their support of the girls, whether in school or during remote learning, is something, for which we are all incredibly grateful. They have continued to go above and beyond to support the girls academically and pastorally. We are incredibly sad at the end of this year to have to say farewell to Miss Hadfield, who has been a fantastic resident tutor over the past two

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years. Without ever complaining, she has gone paintballing, shopping, made Christmas decorations and countless pots of noodles as well as always being prepared to run around at bedtime to “do her ticks” on the register. Her dedication to Isabella could not be questioned and her presence in the house will be greatly missed by us all. We are sure that she will come back to visit us and we look forward to hearing about her PGCE and hope that her time in Isabella will come in useful as she embarks on her teaching career. Isabella again this year has proven itself to be so much more than just a boarding house. We have had to try harder than ever to maintain our togetherness and keep the House spirit alive. However, I am so proud of every member of the Isabella community for her loyalty and commitment to the House that I can confidently say that the Isabella spirit continues to shine through in every girl in the House and that we look forward to a new academic year with a renewed enthusiasm for what we can achieve when we work together. Karen Westlake House Mistress of Isabella

POWELL Head of House: Owain Daley Deputy Head of House: Michael Keeley After the previous Summer Term of ‘lockdown’, remote teaching and then a long summer holiday I know that pupils, staff and parents were delighted that the gates to Downside School were once again finally open back in September. Whilst there were many new procedures, ‘bubbles’ and restrictions on aspects concerning trips and activities, this did not dampen the Powell boys’ infectious enthusiasm to be back amongst their peers. We welcomed Mr Setterfield and Dr Tahin as tutors who joined the already experienced Mr Pollard, Mr Clark and Ms Moody and the House Mothers, Mrs Pollard and Mrs Julie Chapman. In addition, Miss Miller-Hunt was appointed as the Sunday Houseparent. She has been a fantastic addition given her enthusiasm for Sunday activities. Owain Daley was appointed Head of House and Michael Keeley Deputy Head of Powell. Early on in the Michaelmas Term the boys took part in their annual retreat, which is now wellestablished and involves an introduction to Morning Prayer, and to some passages from the New

Testament, the making of a charter for Community Life, a Mass where the Charters are presented and an afternoon pilgrimage. Unfortunately as in previous years we were unable to walk to the Holcombe Plague Church but the walk around the Downside grounds was very special. It is a day when the whole year group of Third Form are together, praying and listening to one another, with each pupil introduced to the Rule of St Benedict and given a signed copy by the Head Master. Although sporting fixtures were unable to go ahead, the early part of the Michaelmas Term involved cricket training. I doubt cricket has been played so early on in the academic year in Downside’s history?! The weather in September was warm and dry and this helped the First to Third Form boys hone their cricketing skills. In October, Rugby began in earnest and several players, namely Charlie Pike, George Buhagiar, Daniel Flynn, Casper Hayhurst, Edward Howlett and Freddie Podesta being the crop of the players. Unfortunately, InterHouse Sevens was postponed. The term ended with the traditional Christmas Dash (about a 400m sprint around Barlow and the Worth Lawn) and a number of boys ran extremely

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School were notable matches. Henry Clark and Casper Hayhurst were the pick of the bowlers and there was strong batting performances from Boris Priscott and Jonah McGarry. Charlie Pike captained the side extremely well. The Inter-House Athletics proved very popular. Kaosi Kema ran very well and won both the 100 and 200 metres. There were strong performances well for their respective senior Houses; Freddie from Joshua Gathunga who won the Junior 100m Podesta and Charlie Pike in Smythe, Johnny Rowell and to Hugh Jones who came first in the U12 javelin. and George Buhagiar in Barlow and finally Kaosi The boys thoroughly enjoyed the CCF night Kema and Alberto Wong in Roberts. Roberts exercise at Yoxter where there were escape and were the overall winners. Finally, the long awaited traditional House Christmas Party took place on the capture drills. They had a lot more fun than the House Mothers who spent hours cleaning cam last night of term which involved many challenging cream from the sinks in Powell! games ranging from the Iron Man competition to On the last weekend of term we took all of the chocolate digestive eating races and horse racing! It is with sadness that I am unable to write about Third Form to Skern Adventure Centre in Bideford, the Lent Term as I usually do as the nation entered North Devon, where they spent a long weekend participating in activities such as surfing, raft building, the second lockdown. Through the medium of online ‘Teams’, there were weekly assemblies led by power boating and kayaking. Great fun was had by all and the pupils had a chance to develop their Mr Dolman and I am very grateful to Owain and teamwork and leadership skills as well as enjoy each Michael who regularly entertained the boys with a other’s company as a year group before the end variety of online Kahoot quizzes. of term. Many thanks to Mr Dolman, Ms Ball, Miss Fortunately, pupils arrived part way through Miller Hunt and Mr Harry Jones for all their hard the Lent Term. There were opportunities during work on the trip. the week and at weekends for the boys to Finally, I would like to thank all the Prefects discover new activities such as sailing, mountain and House staff for all of their hard work and biking, climbing, cooking, debating, fencing, archery, support over the course of the year. Owain Daley crazy golf, canoeing as well as the ever popular and Michael Keeley have been excellent role paintballing. The boys also had the chance to models for the boys. They have shown genuine experience Somerset culture with a visit to Bath and Brean Leisure Park. My thanks go to Mr Pollard, commitment in their responsibility to the House and have supported the boys very well in their first Mrs Pollard and Miss Miller-Hunt for all their work in helping organise the Sunday activities. In addition, year in the School. They performed their duties reliably and with good humour and I hope they Mrs Pollard and Owain Daley were at the cutting have learned much from the experience as they edge in the Powell Kitchen on Saturday afternoons go on to university next year. The boys and I owe preparing fairy cakes, meringue and biscuits which much to Mr Pollard, Assistant House Master, who all the boys participated in and then devoured the gives the House a great deal of his time, support finished products! and encouragement, and to the House Mothers, The Summer Term was pretty good weatherMrs Julie Chapman, Mrs Michelle Pollard and Miss wise, and we managed to field two cricket teams. The U14AXI played well throughout the season and Ennea Miller-Hunt who work so hard for the House, making for a warmer, friendlier, and more whilst they had narrow defeats, their performances cheerful House. The boys and I are also indebted against Bristol Grammar School and Warminster

“Great fun was had by all and the pupils had a chance to develop their teamwork and leadership skills as well as enjoy each other’s company as a year group before the end of term. ”

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to the Tutors, Ms Moody, Dr Tahin, Mr Clark and Mr Setterfield. We sadly say a fond farewell to Mr Jamie Clark who moves on to pastures new at the end of this academic year. Owain Daley and Michael Keeley, as Head and Deputy Head respectively, deserve a special mention for their loyalty and commitment to the job and the running of the Prefect team. I can say without hesitation that they were perfect role models for the Powell students in every respect and we all wish them the very best in their future endeavours. In addition, I was delighted that Owain Daley was awarded the Gregorian Medal, following in the footsteps of Harry MacGinnis, Felix Rusby, Tom McGinnis and Freddie Wright Morris (all previous Heads of Powell). This is a significant achievement. The aim of Powell is to establish a strong sense of community and help settle the boys into expectations of the School. This year group integrated quite quickly and proved overall to be a very supportive and enjoyable group to be with. There were obviously difficulties to overcome at times, and mistakes were made, which is good in terms of a pupil’s individual development and that of the community as a whole. Goethe says “By seeking and blundering we learn” and so I hope that this intake have learned from their experiences in Powell and I look forward with interest to seeing them progress through the School. Jonathan Dolman House Master of Powell Owain Daley, Head of House, writes: Looking back at my Upper Sixth year, I can certainly say that it has been my most enjoyable at Downside. This is despite most of the events I always look forward to being cancelled, year group bubbling and a host of other Covid-19 restrictions. I think a huge part of my enjoyment of this year, therefore, has been due to the opportunity to take up leadership positions in the School, for me the opportunity to take up the role as Head of

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Powell. Working in Powell is a unique experience and also an amazing opportunity. Working with the youngest and newest boys in the School can of course be challenging at times, but is also hugely enjoyable and rewarding. It’s a huge privilege to watch as the boys settle in to the School and start to develop and grow as members of the Downside Community. It’s wonderful to see how many very different individuals come together to make one strong cohesive group, each contributing their own unique aspect. The past year has seen us acquire a delightful group of boys who are friendly, willing and on the whole very polite. I have very fond memories of cooking in the Powell kitchen, perhaps most notable was helping the Third Form make brownies, and finding that at least half of the mixture ended up adorning the kitchen, rather than in the oven! I’ve also massively enjoyed helping out with various other weekend activities such as the annual tug of war, the scavenger hunt and Mr. Dolman’s favourite, the ping pong tournaments. Being in Powell every half and 3-4 nights a week allows you to get to know the boys very well, and I will certainly miss all of them as I move on to university. I am especially grateful to Mr Dolman for giving me this unique experience and for his continual support throughout a challenging year. This has undoubtedly allowed me to develop massively and provided me with very many happy memories!

ROBERTS Head of House: Edward Isola Deputy Head of House: Francisco Duve House Prefects: William Bowman, Frederick Dalgleish, Thomas Green, Alexander Jackson, Giovanni Lunetti, Jedrzej Niepolski, Marcus Wong Guestmaster: Lucas Phelan The second extraordinary year of the Covid19 pandemic has been one of much change in Roberts, as much as the School at large; we began the year with strict social distancing regulations, new social spaces for individual year group ‘bubbles’, surgical masks throughout the School, and one-way systems directing our every move through the corridors. The Roberts spirit was not to be dampened, however, and the boys soldiered on with characteristic enthusiasm. It appears that over the past couple of years Roberts has become rather well-known for its food, not least the Saturday night kitchen, with favourites such as bratwurst, shawarma, conchinita pibil, and Cornish pasties all making regular appearances (and all home-made). We even invented our own sausage recipe, based on the life of St John Roberts, with leeks (representing his Welsh upbringing), pears

(representing his last meal in prison) and garlic (representing his monastic profession in Spain), mixed into the sausagemeat. We made four dozen, using Owain Daley’s sausage-maker, and they disappeared in seconds later that evening. As the end of the Michaelmas Term approached, so too did the annual challenge of the Christmas Dash, with all its attendant rivalries. It was our last chance to make use of the extraordinary eating talents of Will Bowman (Upper Sixth) and he certainly didn’t let us down. Despite a (literal) slipup in one of the early relay rounds, Will’s ability to seemingly inhale mince pies and chocolate-covered sprouts brought us back into contention, and a glorious final dash by Harry Garrett (Second Form) brought victory back to the House, accompanied by much waving of the huge House flag. The arrival of the second lockdown brought with it new challenges; all remaining male boarders in the School (all 13 of them) were concentrated in Roberts, and we had a great deal of fun engaging in many different activities that are usually rather harder to provide for a full house of 60. Our lockdown newsletter, ‘The Roberts Reporter’, also returned and grew to an astonishing 35+ pages

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end of year Mass for the Sodality of Our Lady, in the Lady Chapel of the Abbey Church. The inspiring and entertaining sermon preached by Fr Rupert Allen, Chaplain to the University of Bristol, will be remembered by all! The Sodality was founded by 1640 at the latest, when the School and Monastic Community lived in exile in France, and the rules and lists of members have existed continually since 1680. The members, who gather for a weekly Rosary on Wednesday lunchtimes, each week, with a vast array of articles, essays, poems and pictures provided not only by the boys, are predominantly drawn from Roberts, though membership is open to all Sixth Form members but also by parents, OGs, and clergy friends of of the School. It is quite possibly the oldest extant the House including the Bishop of Aberdeen and school society in the country (if not the world), and the Abbot President of the EBC (himself an old it is wonderful to be a part of such an important Roberts boy). In total we published an astonishing part of Downside history. 180,000 words across 19 issues and it was sad to see the end of the publication when the reopening The 14th June was an important day in the history of Downside CCF, as the contingent of the School meant that I could no longer changed its affiliation from The Rifles to the Irish devote a whole afternoon each week to editing Guards, with whom many OGs have served in the the articles. I’m sure we will all miss the weekly delight of ‘Chicken of the Week’! The lockdown also past. Roberts played a key role in the proceedings as 60% of the members of the CCF Corps of allowed us time to renovate the House vegetable garden before the new growing season began, and Drums are members of our House, including Drum Major Joseph Day, resplendent in his new by the end of the Summer Term it has already gold-embroidered sash. Irish military marches on begun to produce lots of potatoes, cucumbers, courgettes, cabbages and carrots, with plenty more flutes and drums echoed around the Quad as the old rifle green berets were gathered in and the on the way as the summer progresses. The office, too, is filled with the scent of a never-ending supply khaki of the Household Division donned in their place. The relationship between the regiment and of sweet peas. the School is a long and an old one (27 OGs House Masses and retreats have inevitably served in the Irish Guards during the First World been affected by the restrictions placed on public gatherings and movements; the Fourth Form had a War alone), so we hope that this will cement that link even more firmly. great day early in the year walking to St Aldhelm’s When the pandemic began the Weld Café Well, at Doulting outside Shepton Mallet, where was closed for the duration so that its location Mass was celebrated at the Holy Well by Dom Boniface. Upon returning to school they took part could be used for socially distanced meals, and as a result we were able to open a small House in the now-traditional meeting of new boys of Tuck Shop, providing items to the boys of the the House with our patron, as they were shown the relic of St John Roberts in the Old Chapel. House. While profit was not the intention, we did want any surplus to be used to fund a project The activities of the Roberts Schola, begun last to commemorate such an extraordinary and year, were similarly limited, but the year finished unusual time in the life of the House. We are very in great style when they sang William Byrd’s Mass lucky that Mr Clark in the Art Department is an for Four Voices (certainly not a simple setting!) and experienced stained glass artist, and so I discussed Tomas Luis de Victoria’s Ave Maria for a beautiful

“Our lockdown newsletter, ‘The Roberts Reporter’, also returned and grew to an astonishing 35+ pages each week, with a vast array of articles, essays, poems and pictures provided not only by the boys, but also by parents, OGs, and clergy friends of the house…”

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Christie); they are both outstanding Gregorians and excellent role models to their peers and juniors alike. I have no doubt that they will both fulfil their duties in a truly Benedictine manner, and wish them the very best for the coming year. As I leave for foreign shores I have a great deal for which to thank Roberts; the boys are kind, considerate of others and always keen to help; I am indebted to Teddy Isola and Fran Duve for their leadership under such strange circumstances this year. The staff are a wonderfully energetic and cohesive team with the good of the House always at heart. The combination is a wonderful one, and one from which I have learned a great deal over the past two years. I can honestly say that I will sincerely miss them all. Dan McLean House Master of Roberts ideas with him and he came up with a beautiful design for our common room. The two narrow lights of the window are full of imagery and allusions to St John Roberts’ life. The left-hand panel shows him celebrating mass (immediately after which he was arrested on Advent Sunday 1610), with a scallop shell reminding us of his noviciate in Santiago de Compostela, and the silhouette of the present Downside Abbey Church high on the hill behind him. In the right-hand panel is the figure of Dona Luisa de Carvajal, the Spanish woman who looked after St John in his prison cell. Over her head hang the branches of a pear tree (she provided pear tarts for his last meal), and in those branches sits a dove, recalling her mystical poetry. The beautiful window stands behind the reader during House assemblies and, as it is south facing, its many colours sparkle wonderfully in the sunlight. We really are very lucky indeed to have such a great craftsman in the School. Finally, we are delighted that once again Roberts will be contributing a great deal to the leadership of the School next year, providing both the Head Boy (Joseph Day) and Deputy Head Boy (Angus

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New House Awards 2020-2021 Piers Trevelyan Cup: Owain Daley St Cecilia Prize: William Dewhurst House Caps: Owain Daley, Francisco Duve, Edward Isola House Colours: William Bowman, Angus Christie, Joseph Day, William Dewhurst, Barnaby Sharifi House Half Colours: Caspar Shaw, Frederick Whitaker

SMYTHE Head of House: Sebastian Hall Deputy Head of House: Sascha Wickham House Prefects: Oliver Catermole, Caspar Clothier, Sam Webb, Michael Yuen Deputy Head of Powell: Michael Kealey

shown themselves cheerful in adversity. They have, as far as has been possible at any given time, remained a community with common purpose and common values. It has been a pleasure to be the House Master of each and every one of them. We welcomed a small Fourth Form year in The House Raven Report stands as a document of September, together with three new starters in record not just for those who have been members the Lower Sixth. All have adapted well to life in of Smythe House this academic year, but also for Smythe, but as we hopefully move beyond these their predecessors and for those who will follow strange times next academic year I trust that them for generations to come. For each of these they will gain a better sense of how the House constituencies, I pay tribute here to the character normally functions: House Assemblies and the that the boys of this House have continued to social hub that is the Study have both largely been show in what has been a second year disrupted in abeyance, as have traditional whole-community by the global pandemic; it has been a credit to social events such as Sixth Form Dinners and them, it will be of satisfaction to their forebears, House at Home. The Upper Sixth returned to and I hope it will stand as a model to those who Polding after a year’s exile, and have benefitted succeed them. They have shown themselves from the independence that this has allowed them adaptable to ever-changing arrangements within as a ‘bubble’; as Prefects they have had relatively the House and the School intended to keep little work to do, but all have been willing to them safe, but which have limited their cherished contribute when called upon to do so. In particular, freedoms; they have shown themselves resilient Nicholas Hobbs has worked hard as Head of when asked to achieve just as much and more School, Michael Kealey as Deputy Head of Powell, despite the uncertainties of examinations which and, of course, Sebastian Hall, as Head of Smythe. were ultimately cancelled once again; they have Their support has made the daily work of the

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House that much easier, even during the pandemic. There have been two further lockdowns in the UK this year: one in the autumn, a ‘circuitbreaker’, and a much longer one during much of the Lent Term. House life continued on-line particularly in Tutor Groups, but also with weekly House Assemblies even when there were only a very small number of boys physically in School: the engagement of the Smythe boys has been creditable throughout. Inevitably, however, we have missed many of the normal events that punctuate a typical year in the life of the School. Some of our overseas pupils have spent most of the year at home, and some will not be returning next year, having reached the end of their time at Downside. To them and to all our leavers I wish every success for the future, and very much hope that they will stay in touch with the House. I record my thanks here to all of the House Staff: Tutors, House Parents, Domestic staff. Mr Ian Ramsden joined the House team this year as Resident Tutor, and Miss Frankie O’Neill as a Tutor. At Easter Ms Kirstie Kernutt – a much-loved House Parent – moved on to pastures new; she will be replaced in September by Mrs Stephanie Filer. Congratulations are offered both to Mr Rory Worsman, Assistant Housemaster, and to Miss O’Neill whose weddings are to take place over the summer months. As I write this in the closing days of the Summer Term, I am delighted to be able to report that Smythe has won the Inter-House Cricket, and – perhaps remarkably – the Sweats Cup. (We shan’t mention Sports Day.) The sporting and academic success of the boys as we emerge blinking into the light from what we must all hope will be our last period of national restrictions augurs well for the future. I look forward to continuing to accompany the boys of Smythe on their journeys at School next year which we hope will be a joyful and successful one.

“They have, as far as has been possible at any given time, remained a community with common purpose and common values. It has been a pleasure to be the Housemaster of each and every one of them.”

Sebastian Hall, Head of House, writes: Last year, Mr Storey began by saying how difficult it would be to avoid the topic of Covid-19 dominating the House report, and while the same is unfortunately true for this report too, I’m sure he’d agree that everyone in the House has done an amazing job at making the most of a very unusual year. We all now look forward to a welldeserved summer holiday and, hopefully, a lifting of restrictions in time for the new academic year. As Head of House, I have been in a unique and fortunate position of seeing the incredible way everyone in the House has kept a strong sense of community and belonging. This was especially noticeable and admirable in the Lent Term, a term which was spent almost exclusively online, but one in which the sense of the community of Smythe was as strong as ever. This school year began in quite a different way to normal as we had many members of the House quarantining around the start of term, arriving from all around the world. There were also quite a few changes to life in the rest of the School, from one-way systems to masks in classrooms. Although these were annoying at times, the fact that they allowed us all to return made it worth it. The 11 new Fourth Formers unusually didn’t move into the Dorm; instead they moved into Tailor’s Row and Old Top rooms, granting them the luxury of having their own individual rooms. The Upper Sixth all moved into Polding, and the Fifth and Lower Sixth Forms were located around the rest of the House. The Inter-House Competition scene has been quite a successful one for Smythe this John Storey year, winning in several categories. Most of the House Master of Smythe Inter-House competitions were divided up into

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day-to-day life of the House, and I know everyone else in Smythe will join me in wishing Ms Kernutt all the best in her new job. As this year draws to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone in my year group all the best as we move on to University or Gap Years. Smythe has been the perfect home for us all over the last four years, and I am sure that we will keep in touch and return to Downside in the years to come. For everyone else, I hope that you all continue to enjoy your time here, and that things will be much more ‘normal’ next year, as overused as that phrase may be. separate competitions for different years, the most prominent being Inter-House Singing. The Fourth Form sang Let it Go from Frozen, the Fifth Form sang Bella Ciao and came first in their competition. The Lower Sixth sang Black Magic and came second in their year. The Upper Sixth won ours with a rendition of Johnny B Goode, played by Caspar Clothier on Guitar, Sascha Wickham on Bass, Sam Webb on Drums, and with Boris Wong in the Smythe Ali G suit. The Sixth Form InterHouse Hockey was won by our team, captained by Nicholas Hobbs, as was the Sixth Form InterHouse Cricket, captained by Louis Hansom. Earlier in the year, the inaugural Inter-House Croquet was also won by Smythe, with the team consisting of Michael Kealey and I. Smythe also remains the reigning champion of Inter-House Laser Tag, having won every year the competition has been held to date. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the House staff on behalf of all the boys – to Mr Storey and Mr Worsman, who have both devoted huge amounts of their time to ensure everyone has been able to enjoy as much of a Covid-free year as we have done. The tutors – Mr Simper, Mr Hunt, Mr Rawlins, Miss O’Neill and Mr Ramsden (who I must also thank on behalf of all the Upper Sixth boys for looking after us in Polding over the last year). Ms Nash, Ms Kernutt and Jackie have all played an absolutely invaluable part in the

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New House Awards 2020-2021 House Caps: Sebastian Hall, Nicholas Hobbs, Michael Kealey, Ms K. Kernutt. House Colours: Oliver Cattermole, Caspar Clothier, Samuel Webb, Sascha Wickham, Michael Yuen.

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FROM THE DEVELOPMENT OFFICE Like most reports within this year’s edition of The OG Newsletter and through the OG social Raven, it is difficult not to mention the continued media platforms. Following on from “Where am I impact that Covid-19 has had on the world and how Wednesday” posts on the OG Official Facebook we have become so accustomed to virtual meetings, Group, “Memory Lane Monday” has focused on gatherings and events to ensure archive photos, which many we stay connected to one of you have interacted with. another in some way. Yet, it “Please would you pass on my thanks Following another year that and gratitude to all who participated and has required a vast amount has also been a time to reflect made the event happen. Seeing so many and offer support to others of flexibility and imagination, vignettes of the School brought back many I would like to thank her for in need, from handwritten memories. It was delightful to see the cards, phone calls to those her positive input and editing isolating and volunteers offering music and choral strengths have persisted the content for this year’s and grown since I left in the mid-60s.” their career experience and edition of The Raven and The Old Gregorian expertise through the Careers Old Gregorian section. In the on Demand programme. coming months, there will be The Development Office many occasions to meet Paige welcomed Paige Owen, Development Assistant, in in person as events begin to resume. September 2020 and despite being unable to meet Whilst we were unable to gather at the annual Old Gregorians and our wider community faceSt Gregory’s Society London Dinner, several virtual to-face, she has fully immersed herself in getting to gatherings took place including the Virtual Carol know the School and how the community works. Service, which became a highlight of the year at a Many of you will hear from her in the monthly poignant moment where distance between us felt

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It is 76 years since I left Downside in 1945, with just one other survivor from my Downside “gang” remaining, Christopher Jones-Parry (B46). After travelling the world to over 70 countries and all seven continents, I am now largely confined to our home base in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but enjoy a week or two on Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, a few weeks in the Philadelphia area with relatives, and five months in Southern Florida. Following an accident in 2009 my tennis, squash, skiing, and annual European ski holidays ended; however, I still enjoy the symphony and hockey games, family, and friends and lots of books. I await the arrival of every Raven, looking for rugby and cricket results, and staying informed and connected to Downside. I am extremely happy to contribute annually to the bursary fund, enabling current pupils to benefit from the education and benefits I had growing up at Downside. Hans Fleischner

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profound and many were shielding. Ingenious green Petre Society Member Donors and OGs in screen technology and artistic direction from Zeyus isolation were sent personalised handwritten Media resulted in an outstanding service which Christmas cards by pupils, who reflected on brought the whole school and wider community returning to school after experiencing remote together through online live streaming with a truly learning and what their highlight of the Term has global connection. been, whilst OGs who do not receive the monthly Locations within the Abbey newsletter were invited to Church and School, which are update their details, to which “I am delighted that I can watch the not often seen by the wider we had a fantastic response, Carol Service again as I thought it truly community were included as with the majority wanting to be excellent, such high standard of singing the unique situation allowed kept up-to-date with news and and I loved the aerial views of the school. event information. us to become creative and I found the finale with the CCF Band so really appreciate the beauty The Careers on Demand appropriate and moving.” of our surroundings, from the programme was launched in Petre Society Member Old Chapel, bagpipes on top the Michaelmas Term within the Roberts Tower to the the OG LinkedIn Group, Crypt by candlelight and the showcasing various business Lady Chapel. The feedback was humbling and the industries, top tips, and advice from OGs and support from so many through online donations to the wider community. The past 18 months have the Bursary Fund and Abbey Church meant that proved challenging with unexpected circumstances just under £2,000 was raised. Thank you to all who surrounding work environments, allowing for a joined us. moment of contemplation or perhaps a change

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in career path or focus. Hearing from like-minded professionals and their experiences provides a means for virtual learning and the opportunity to network. Thank you to all who have volunteered their time and participated in the programme so far. If you would like to get involved, please email Paige at powen@downside.co.uk. Finally, Downside has always been blessed with a loyal and supportive community of parents, current and past, alumni and wider friends, who over many years have donated to various projects from the restoration of the Allen Bath, sailing boats for CCF to the Compton Organ and many more, enhancing the Downside experience for all who attend the School. The Father Lawrence Bursary Fund has also received a significant level of support since its establishment in 2009, equating to over £3 million, enabling more than 700 pupils from deserving families the opportunity to access a Downside education, irrespective of their financial circumstances or backgrounds. The impact our donors make to the lives of pupils and their families is substantial and difficult to put into words alone and whilst it could have been anticipated that this year’s financial support from our kind donors would be limited due to the implications of Covid-19 and the global pandemic, this has been far from the truth. The immense and unfailing generosity from seasoned donors alongside 26 new, first-time donors, resulted in £1,086,968 raised for the Bursary Fund this year, which has been the area of greatest need for the School. One donor, who should be mentioned is Hans Fleischner (C45), whose vision to ‘pay-forward’ the generosity he himself received as a pupil and support future generations has been visible in numerous projects over many years including the refurbishment of the Fleischner Theatre, which reopened in 2017 and this year specifically, with an extraordinarily generous donation of $1 million for the Bursary Fund. This is an extremely humbling donation amongst many others which demonstrates the confidence and faith our community has in the School and its future.

I would like to thank all our donors as without your kindness we would be unable to facilitate so many talented and ambitious pupils the opportunity of receiving a Downside education and becoming part of the Gregorian community. Having seen firsthand the impact of pupils returning to Downside following various lockdowns and being reunited with their friends within the life of a boarding school, it reaffirmed that Downside is truly more than just a place of education. I look forward to meeting many more of you as our events programme reignites and please do contact me at jnewman@downside.co.uk should you have any questions or wish to visit the School for a tour. Jessica Newman Development Manager

Jessica Newman

Paige Owen

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CHAPLAINCY REPORT 2021

The Communities of Saints John, Luke and Teresa of Calcutta The three quotes at the start of this report are You did not choose me, no, I chose you; from the gospels of St John and St Luke, and and I commissioned you to go out from St Teresa of Calcutta. These three saints and to bear fruit, fruit that will last. are the patrons of the three communities at the St John 15: 16. heart of the spiritual life of the School. The three Then he took bread, and when he had given thanks, communities have continued functioning and have adapted in the way they have had to meet regularly he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my and reach out to others. body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ The members of the Community of St John’s are St Luke 22: 19 all lectio leaders in the School. The community is led “The greatest disease in the West today is not TB or by the St Scholastica Community, the members of leprosy; it is being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for. the Manquehue Apostolic Movement, who do so We can cure physical diseases with medicine, but the much to encourage, support and listen to all pupils in their spiritual journeys. only cure for loneliness, despair, and hopelessness is love. There are many in the world who are dying for a The many lectio groups across the School meet piece of bread but there are many more dying for a on a weekly basis to reflect and pray the scriptures. During the meetings all listen with the ear of their little love. The poverty in the West is a different kind of poverty -- it is not only a poverty of loneliness but heart to God’s word and often share with the others a verse that has resonated with them. Over also of spirituality. There’s a hunger for love, time the members of the Lectio group grow in as there is a hunger for God.” friendship with each other as they learn to listen to St Teresa of Calcutta one another and share what the Word of God is saying to them. This year’s report, September 2020 to July 2021, What is Lectio Divina? Lectio Divina is an ancient covers the period of lockdowns with the many monastic way of praying and opening oneself to be restrictions in the way we have had to function. challenged by the Word of God. It is about stepping Much of the Lent term took place with no out of time and shutting out the noise, bustle and pupils at Downside, all classes and activities being the hundred and one cares of the world so that conducted online. The Sunday online service, as God can reach me, God can rest in my heart, and I well as the Friday afternoon online hymn practice can then listen to him. Lectio Divina is about looking and assembly, became part of school life. It was for the living Christ, having contact with the living good that we were able to return to the Abbey word, and when one has found and made contact Church for the Sunday Mass towards the end of with the living word, enjoying and savouring it. the academic year. We had to adapt the way we delivered retreats and the way the House prayers Enzio Bianchi in a little book – Lectio Divina – Scripture and Community Life – writes, ‘as we read were conducted. the Bible, our listening should turn into prayer: Amidst all the changes in order to meet the prayer should accompany the reading of Sacred requirements of Covid-19, the life of prayer and Scripture, so that God and man may walk together’. service, the love of God and neighbour, have continued, and pupils have adapted to the changing Listening is how this dialogue begins. Then, as we expose ourselves to the text and apply it to our circumstances with goodwill and humour. lives, new life is breathed into the Bible and the result is genuine theology: not so much speaking

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about God as speaking to God, answering his word. Augustine tells students of the Bible that they need to ‘recognize the various kinds of expression in holy Scripture…notice and memorize the ways in which it tends to say things.’ During the Lent Term one of the high points was the moving Open Lectio for staff and pupils organised and put together by the St John’s Community. It was a true ‘Celebration of the Word’ with music, readings, each presided by a pupil with a motivation and other special prayers. This event was entirely pupil led and provided the members of the St John’s Community with valuable work to take part in. Comments from staff Please pass on my thanks to everyone involved. It was wonderful to be part of the event and very uplifting. The faith and conviction of those in St John’s is inspiring and provides powerful encouragement to all of us at this time. God is very definitely speaking to us and giving us strength and confidence. Thanks again. Best wishes, In Christ, Andrew Hobbs

I thought the whole event was put together so thoughtfully. It was so encouraging to hear our students express such wisdom and confidence in their faith. Thank you to all of you for providing us with spiritual food. Best wishes, Jamie Clark I really enjoyed participating in the Light Your Lockdown event yesterday. It was a wonderful opportunity for everyone in the community to come together at the end of this challenging half term. It was so well organised by the pupils, and I loved the artwork! I would be very pleased if you could share this with the pupils in your next meeting. Best wishes, Catherine Dietrich The St Luke’s Community has a Lower Sixth Form representative from each House, two members from the Upper Sixth Form who lead the Community with the Head Server. The community is responsible for the organisation of the Sunday mass in the Abbey Church, as well as House masses, House reconciliation services and the House prayers. This help involves organising the readers, welcome

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ministers, and the tidying up of the Abbey Church at the end of mass. All meetings start with a few minutes of prayer and lectio. The selected passage for the lectio is always from St Luke’s gospel or the Acts of the Apostles. As restrictions ease, it is hoped that the St Luke’s Community will be able to take a more active role in the organisation of the Sunday Mass in the next academic year. It was good to have a limited number of servers at the masses at the end of the Summer Term and at the Confirmation. The St Teresa of Calcutta Community also meets every week, and it begins with a few moments of prayer and lectio. The members of the community are drawn from the Upper and Lower Sixth Forms. The community have been active in a number of projects, following an initial motivation at the start of the academic year of ‘Washing each other’s Feet’ as Christ did in the Gospel. Money has been raised for Mary’s Meals with a ‘Silly Sock Day’ and the School took part in the CAFOD – Harvest Day. Two pupils, Judetta Whyte and Marta Resiak, both in the Upper Sixth Form, have taken part in the CAFOD Young Leaders Leadership Skills Course. The School, spearheaded by the St Teresa’s Community, is strengthening its links with St Nicholas Tolentino Church in Bristol and the Community of the Sisters of the Church also in Bristol. With the assistance of the St Scholastica Community, links are being forged with San Lorenzo School in Santiago, Chile, and it is hoped to raise money for the School in this poor district in Santiago. The community have reached out to others with a weekly podcast, with the themes of Hope, Joy, Courage, Service and Love; they have also sponsored and led the Month of Service. Just before the summer half term the Three Communities shared a barbecue in order to recognise their spiritual leadership in the School. Four members, two boys and two girls, of the Upper Sixth Form gave powerful and moving testimonies about their faith and time at Downside: how Downside had helped them in their journeys of faith. It was a privilege and a truly humbling experience to listen to them.

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As I come to the end of my time at Downside, I have been reflecting on how my time here has allowed me to grow. What particularly stands out is how it has allowed me to grow in my faith. I have come to understand how faith, rather than being blind, lets us see fully. Without the Catholic faith we are not able to see reality fully as Christ is not in the equation. This is something I say because I have discovered for myself in prayer, particularly in Lectio. Each time I encounter Christ in Lectio, I see the world in a new light and with greater clarity, coming to see more clearly the truest need of the world and how I am called, as every Christian is, to help fulfil it. One passage that has really stood out to me throughout my time at Downside is Luke 4:16-21, where Jesus reads from the Prophet Isaiah, ‘’The spirit of the Lord is upon me’’. It has helped me to understand that the greatest need of our world is Christ. Without Christ we are poor, we are blind, we are captives. It reminds me that I am called to action, the spirit of the Lord is upon me, he has sent me. But it is not just me, it is each one of us who is called in their own unique way to bring Christ to a world that desperately needs him. One of the most powerful ways in which we can fulfil that need is by speaking of our knowledge and experience of Christ in the Sacraments, the scriptures and in the service of others. Owain Daley Upper Sixth Form – Roberts Raise your hand if you know how to pray. Well, I have to be honest, and it may make me look like an intruder, but I haven’t the faintest idea of how to pray. No clue. I have prayed! And I’ve said the Our Father and the Hail Mary, I’ve prayed for things and people that I care about, prayed for God’s help when I have needed it and given thanks to him. So yes, I have prayed in a way, and I know a basic layout. But no idea HOW to pray. On Tuesday in St Teresa Community, we reflected on a reading from the Letter of St Paul to the Romans 8:26 – 30, and I was particularly struck by the verse, “we do not know how to pray as we ought” and for a second,

I related so much to it as I have no idea how to pray. Do I then start by saying, Dear Father thank you for the day you have given me; I’d like pray for....; Or casual, hey Father how you are you doing? Cheers for the day, I’m so grateful. I have no clue, I know nothing about God, I haven’t seen him I don’t know what he’s like; it’s a big step into the darkness. Lectio, however, is a great alternative to prayer, and it has helped me learn how to pray with other people in a community, which is a really important part of Christianity. Alexander Harwood Upper Sixth Form – Barlow During Lent three pupils gave impressive talks to the School at the Friday hymn practice: Judetta Whyte from Isabella – Upper Sixth Form – spoke movingly from the heart about service: the importance of reaching out to others, especially to those in need of help. Owain Daley from Roberts – Upper Sixth Form and Wiktoria Lassak from Isabella – Upper Sixth Form, both joint leaders of the St Luke’s Community, challenged the School about praying, fasting and almsgiving during the sacred season of Lent. Owain spoke right from the heart, without notes, about prayer and how Lectio Divina was at the centre of his life and how this form of prayer had deepened his relationship with God. Wiktoria gave us a well thought out exposition of fasting and almsgiving. I quote a few paragraphs from her talk. Fasting should be understood by us as giving up a good thing for the sake of a better thing, or actually what Mr McNamara said really wisely, taking something on, most preferably something important to us. Why would we do that?… As Christians we should focus on another meaning of fasting. Fasting for us is sacrifice. And sacrifice is oriented towards worship. Pope Benedict XVI said, ‘The heart of all worship is sacrifice.’ We shall sacrifice the legitimate pleasure of ours to give something to God. To show Him our love. The day we fast, becomes

the entire day of worship, when we sacrifice the short moments of pleasure for God’s love… Some people fast to show repentance or to identify with those who don’t have anything, which are decent reasons. But it has very much inspired me when I heard once that through fasting each one of us can become a co-redeemer with Jesus. I couldn’t believe someone would actually jump to this kind of a bold statement, but let me explain to you, how it is understood and why would anyone say such a thing. In St Paul’s letter to the Colossians, chapter 1, he says ‘I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake and in my body, I am making up for what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ for the sake of His body, the Church.’ Then, John Paul II, the Pope from Poland asked once a question: What could possibly be lacking in the sufferings of Christ? The answer is nothing. The suffering of Christ is full and complete. But he also says, that so we all could experience the ability to redeem the world with Jesus, Jesus extends us a small particle of His cross. It means, we as Christians, in all kinds of suffering, so also in fasting, we have an ability to unite that suffering to the cross of Jesus Christ for the actual salvation of the world. We are not doing it for ourselves only, but for others as well. That’s why we fast. But that’s also why we give alms… Another element of Lent is almsgiving, giving others and not leaving it to ourselves. I find it an incredibly powerful weapon that can do so much good but that is also very often forgotten as most of us focus on fasting and prayer as the main points we think we should tick on the list of the things to do over this special time of the year. Well, it is not that simple. There are so many reasons, why almsgiving is as important as fasting and prayer and I would like to present you how they can be understood… The last reason I want to mention that inspires us to give alms not just over Lent time, but throughout the whole year, is simply the model that we have in Christ. In the second letter to the Corinthians, chapter eight from St Paul we read “He, who was rich, made himself poor for your sake.” Isn’t that beautiful? He, who was rich, decided to give up all He had, for us, for his children, as we are the children of God. Having such an example, we should want to be conformed to Jesus

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Christ, not just in our prayer, not just in our fasting, but in a sense of impoverishing ourselves for others… I hope you will feel empowered to make the right decisions this Lent, that you feel inspired to look into yourselves and find the power to help others, by giving something up. This time can change something in our lives and I believe it is a perfect opportunity for all of us to think of what is in front of us. We shall focus on God’s love and show Him our love by praying, fasting and almsgiving. Thank you very much. Katharina Lützenkirchen, Upper Sixth Form – Isabella, and Head Girl summarises her experience of being a member of the three communities. The communities – St John, St Teresa and St Luke - shape Downside and its culture in so many ways. Each group focuses on a really important part of being a Christian. St John’s helps you understand God’s message through his holy scripture, St Teresa’s teaches to focus on the needs of others, and St Luke’s highlights the importance of prayer and communal worship. Having been part of all three communities, my views and character have been shaped by the communities’ messages and activities. I have learned to listen, to pray and to help the neediest of society. In addition, I have gained confidence in my faith and found calm by being part of groups. Outside school, I have often struggled to open up about my faith, but each community has given a space to do so freely and without fear of judgement. St John, St Teresa and St Luke are each a brilliant opportunity to find yourself in your faith and have a great impact on the spiritual life at Downside. Hanna Kedzior – Upper Sixth Form – Isabella summarises her experience of being a member of the St John’s Community. Coming to Downside for Sixth Form was a real blessing. I made friendships that I believe will stay with me for ever. The most important friendships are the ones I made with the members of the St Scholastica Community. I remember my friends going to the St. John’s meetings on Thursday evenings in the

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Lower Sixth Form and each one of them coming back looking so happy and different. I decided to join them, and it fully changed my experience of Downside. The kindness of those people was something that I have never experienced before. After every meeting I felt something inside me was changing: it was my faith; I was getting closer to God every week. However, this was possible because faith shone out in everything they did. It wasn’t just about our St. John’s meeting and participation in Lectio, but it was about living in community, serving others, helping others and giving of your best to others. Thanks to them I learnt what was important in life, what values I want to have and the kind of person I want to be, and all of that was completely different to what I believed in when I lived in Warsaw. At that time, I was lost but the St John’s Community helped me find my way in life and taught always to give of my best. RETREATS The Upper Sixth Form, Fourth Form and the Third Form retreats took place in the Michaelmas Term. In recent years, during the Michaelmas Term we’ve also had part of a morning for a Whole School Retreat and last year we had a Community Leaders’ Retreat. Given the current restrictions, we cancelled the Community Leaders’ Retreat and the Whole School Retreat morning and concentrated on the year group retreats. The Upper Sixth Form The Upper Sixth Form Retreat took place in early October at the Ammerdown Retreat Centre and was led by Fr Toby Lees OP. He was an illuminating speaker with a great gift of communication, who in a very short space of time had managed to win round the pupils who in turn engaged and responded in a very positive way. The retreat focused on Becoming and the Virtue of Courage and Jesus, Man, of Courage. The Lower Sixth Form The Lower Sixth Form retreat took place in the Summer Term and its focus was on Addiction and

Homelessness. For several years we have based ourselves in the Catholic churches of St Nicholas Tolentino and St James. After an introductory session at Downside, reflecting briefly on two powerful passages: St Matthew’s Last Judgement and St Gregory of Nyssa on poverty in cities, we set off to Bristol and visit in small groups a few charities to see at first hand their wonderful work: the Salvation Army, the Wild Goose Café, the Sisters of the Church, Emmaus House, St Mungo’s and St Nicholas Tolentino Parish. The afternoon is spent listening to talks about Addiction and The Twelve Steps, as well as listening to testimonies from those in recovery. Given the Covid-19 restrictions, it wasn’t possible to go into Bristol but we managed to have a meaningful morning at Downside reflecting on these big issues. We were privileged to be able to invite Fr Richard McKay from St Nicholas Tolentino who spoke on Borderlands, the charity that helps and reaches out to those who need asylum, and Iona and Jack White who spoke movingly about the small charity they run – Help for the Homeless. We also listened to recorded messages from Martyn

Watson of the Salvation Army, Three who are in Recovery, and we saw a moving video COVID19 and Poverty - in life on a Parish during Covid-19. During the Lower Sixth Form retreat we learnt about the extent of poverty in the United Kingdom. I found the BBC documentary shocking as it showed some of the financial issues faced in the North of England. However, what I found more surprising was the scale of poverty in our local area; this was shown and explained to us by Iona and Jack White from the Help the Homeless charity and Father Richard McKay from Bristol. Furthermore, I found the talks from recovering addicts eye opening and insightful. The day made me understand how fortunate I am as an individual and how more needs to be done to help those in need. Robert Keeley Lower Sixth Form – Smythe During the Lower Sixth Form Retreat, we were fortunate enough to meet with and listen to some inspiring

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people whose lives are focused around addiction and homelessness. We heard from Fr Richard McKay who runs the charity Borderlands, which supports refugees and asylum seekers Bristol-based, and Martyn Watson who runs Logos House which can house up to 93 underprivileged men. It was most interesting to hear from these two speakers as they have dedicated their lives to helping those less privileged than ourselves, which I find to be very inspirational. Fr James spoke about The Twelve Steps programme, which helped to inform me of the way recovery is carried out with the assistance of faith. The most interesting part of the retreat was listening to the three testimonies from those in recovery. This was very moving as one of the speakers mentioned it was her first time she had told her story. I felt privileged to be able to listen to these people’s stories as it was so personal. The Retreat helped me open my eyes to two big issues that are current in our society. The speakers showed that it is possible to help those in vulnerable positions even though sometimes it seems impossible, but what will stick with me after the retreat is the line, “You can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.”

In the second session we listened to two testimonies from Old Gregorians who left in 2013, George Rawlins (R13) and Elena McFarlane (I13). They shared their faith journeys and the challenges they have had to face. Both are members of the Weave of Manquehue Prayer. George Rawlins (R13) has contributed to the little book, I have Seen the Lord. In the third session there was a lectio session from the passage from St Luke’s Gospel 4: 16-20 – Christ’s opening speech in his ministry. Pupils were encouraged to reflect in a prayerful way on Christ’s characteristics. The different themes of the three sessions were brought together in the final session. Pupils were encouraged to write a letter to themselves, thinking about where they might be in 20 years’ time, their mission in life, and what had been the challenges they had had to face, keeping in mind how their faith had strengthened them.

Fourth Form The retreat ran on similar lines to last year and was entitled Called by Name. The year group split into House groups exploring how to create a strong Sophie Worrall and loving community in the House, following the Lower Sixth Form – Caverel example of the House’s patron, guided by the Gospel and the Rule of Saint Benedict.

Fifth Form The Fifth Form retreat took place at the end of January in four online 30-minute sessions in house groups. Each group was led by the Chaplaincy and was accompanied by a member of the House. The retreat focused on mission, each pupil reflecting that he / she has a mission in life which requires opening oneself up to God’s love, trying to understand what our mission is. The first session was about Significance: we are a person and we’re a link in a chain, as St John Henry Newman writes in his well-known prayer.

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Throughout the Barlow Fourth Form Retreat, we learned about the history behind Barlow, the values behind the Downside ethos, and about faith and community. We also went for a long walk through the area surrounding Lamyatt where we found fossils from when the area was submerged by the sea, as well as the location of a ruined Roman temple. At the end of the retreat, we made acrostic poems about Barlow. What made me think differently was learning with a group of friends, and having an understanding behind Barlow and the sense of faith and community we have

here. The retreat gave us this sense of understanding of faith and community by us all sharing our opinions and beliefs on the topic and seeing them from very different perspectives. Yvo Mellotte Fourth Form – Barlow

stories of refugees and migrants, finishing with games and other activities by the Cricket Pavilion.

The Experience of three pupils The retreat was an awesome opportunity to reflect and to build friendships together. During the day we took part in Lectio Divina in our tutor groups. Later on, we had a gentle Third Form walk up to the Pavilion whilst hearing about the work of Early in the term the Third Form had their retreat CAFOD and its sister organisations abroad, helping those to begin the academic year on a spiritual note and whose lives have been torn up by war and famine. My introduce the whole year to the Gospel in their favourite activity was the frisbee competition because it daily life, as well as some key themes in the Rule of helped build teamwork skills, but tea was just as good. St Benedict. The day was called Forming Community. From the day I think we learnt that we are all equal and Given the restrictions at the start of term, it was not of the need to reflect on ourselves and each other. possible to have our customary pilgrimage walk to the small church at Holcombe, so we stayed on site George Buhagiar and walked around the games fields, reflecting on Third Form – Powell

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I felt like I really needed a retreat. With everything going on, all the information, school, friends, etc. I just felt the need to take a step back, and focus on what’s inside of me - all the emotions. I liked that we were outside for some of the time and were able to enjoy the wonderful weather, especially the sunshine! During Lectio Divina, I learnt how to read the Bible and try to find something that speaks to me. The theme of the retreat really spoke to me too because even though I joined Downside only three weeks ago, I already feel like a part of the community and feel that I can be myself and that I belong here.

The Year Eight retreat was a magical day for all of us. We started off with some prayers and then went with a chaplain to reflect on God. This took up the majority of the morning but after lunch we went outside to start a reflective journey. We walked up to the pavilion and rested in several spots on the way to think about how lucky we are compared to so many people who are suffering around the world. In these stops we read a story about refugees and their struggles, and then read a prayer. When we reached the pavilion, we had tea and a frisbee competition. This was great fun and things became so competitive that one of the frisbees broke! Looking back on this very hot and sunny day Maria Kedzior spent reflecting, getting closer to God and being with Third Form – Isabella friends, I would have to say my favourite part was the

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frisbee game because it created bonds between new friends and allowed us to make the most of the last few sunny days left! I also enjoyed our journey on foot up to the Pavilion as it made me think about how lucky I am and how to be the best version of myself and offer support to those around me. Cosima Mellotte Third Form – Caverel First and Second Forms It was not possible to spend the day away at Withan Friary, but pupils enjoyed their time reflecting on Friendship in Christ at Downside as they engaged positively in a number of activities, games, lectio and mass. The day was led by Paul Andrewartha, the Lay Chaplain, assisted by members of the St Scholastica Community and a number of pupils. The experience of three pupils On 28th June, we had a chaplaincy retreat. We learnt about friendship, our relationship with God and about the good qualities of healthy friendships. I very much enjoyed the activities and games. Boudica Healy – First Form The retreat was an eye opener! I learnt much about friendship and how our friendship with Christ and our friendship with each other are so beneficial. Cameron Colbourne – First Form We all learnt much about friendship in a really fun way. Bishop transferred the Confirmation ceremony The activities were interesting and enjoyable and they to 25th June. Although many of the restrictions taught us about teamwork and trust. were still in place and it wasn’t possible to have Awele Obinna-Onunkwo many visitors, it was a very special occasion. The – Second Form Bishop told the candidates how in many parts of the world Christians are persecuted for their Sacraments faith in the risen Christ and how Christians are During the year we prepared pupils for the not afraid to express their faith openly despite reception of the sacraments of Baptism, First Holy the hostility they encounter. In the sacraments of Communion, Confirmation and Confession. The

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groups reflected on some of the Stations online. We were able to invite pupils in Advent and Lent to take part in Night Fever. Pupils dropped into the Old Chapel to pray in front of the Blessed Sacrament. The academic year brought several new challenges, but it’s been heartening to see how well pupils have responded and how many have continued to open their hearts to God’s love. The School has had to adapt to new and different ways of encountering the Lord. I thank the Head, the Pilgrimages Deputy Head, the Director of Pastoral Care and the Given the current situation, the OMV Lourdes Pilgrimage in July has been cancelled. It is very much Director of Studies who have continued to assist and facilitate the ways in which the chaplaincy functions. hoped that this will take place in Summer 2022 I also thank the House Masters and Mistresses for with a group of pupils and young Old Gregorians. their continued support. It has been difficult to visit However, it was possible to take part in a more the Houses and join them in prayer at evening local pilgrimage to Glastonbury at the end of term as part of the Three Days In June activities. The small assemblies. Fr Boniface has continued to assist with the sacramental life, saying the early morning Old group of pupils and staff reflected on what it is to Chapel masses and helping with the House Masses, be a pilgrim and why people go on pilgrimage. All enjoyed watching the well-known film, The Way. We reconciliation services and the visits to the Houses. I thank Mr Paul Andrewartha, the Lay Chaplain, were fortunate to have a dry and sunny day for for coping so well with the many changes and the the 17-mile walk to Glastonbury, as we stopped at increased administration this has involved. The St the churches of Ashwick, Croscombe and Dinder Scholastica Community have continued to assist and reflected on passages from St Mark’s Galilean pupils in their spiritual journeys as they guide, lead Ministry. The long road on the Somerset levels close to Glastonbury was the ideal location for the and teach them to open their hearts to God’s Word. recitation of the Rosary and the singing of the Salve I’ve been impressed with the spiritual leadership of the senior pupils. I wish the leavers the very best in Regina. The third day was spent putting together a the future and pray that they will continue to open power point talk for the small local primary school their hearts to God’s love. I can do no better than at Kilmerston. conclude with words from the Acts of the Apostles where St Luke gives us a picture of the first Christian Other Devotions Community in Jerusalem: Early on in the year Daniel McLean, the House Master of Roberts, refounded the Sodality of Our “Each day, with one heart, they regularly went to the Lady. The members gathered every week in the Temple but met in their houses for the breaking of the Old Chapel to recite the Rosary. During the year we had two masses, and it was a pleasure to invite bread; they shared their food gladly and generously; they praised God and were looked up to by everyone. Fr Rupert Allen of the Clifton Diocese to preach Day by day the Lord added to their community those to the Sodality on the Vigil of the feast of St John destined to be saved.” (Acts 2:46-47) the Baptist. During the Lent Term the First and Second Dom James Hood Form put together very moving reflections of the Chaplain Stations of the Cross in the Theatre. Other year baptism and confirmation candidates make a public declaration of their faith and reject sin. Although these sacraments are received once, all who are baptised and confirmed are called to renew that commitment on daily; this is done by prayer and the regular reception of the sacraments of confession and communion. At the mass on 29th June, the feast of Saints Peter and Paul, three pupils made their first Holy Communion.

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ST SCHOLASTICA COMMUNITY – MANQUEHUE AT DOWNSIDE St Scholastica is a community of the Manquehue Apostolic Movement that has been living and working at Downside since 2015. This Movement is a lay Benedictine community based in Chile whose life springs from Lectio Divina - the prayerful reading of Scriptures - and friendship. Manquehue runs three schools in Santiago, with a total of 4500 students, and a Formation House for young people in Patagonia. At Downside we share friendship, liturgy, and a mission with the Monastic Community. In the School we work as part of the Chaplaincy developing a program of tutoría and Lectio Divina among the students. Tutoría is a way of helping older students engage pastorally with younger students, forming friendships and sharing their own experience of prayer and service. Beyond Downside, St Scholastica is at the heart of The Weave of Manquehue Prayer, a

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network of friends who seek to help one another to pray and to share with many the Good News of the Gospel. The Weave was started among old students from Downside, Ampleforth, Worth and those having visited the Manquehue Movement in Chile. Today the Weave connects people and Lectio Groups across the UK. Cristóbal Valdés, Nicolás Meneghello and Vicente Tagle are the three permanent members of St Scholastica. They are Manquehue Oblates which means that they have a life-long commitment to Manquehue. The pandemic meant that no younger Chileans were able to join St Scholastica during this academic year, but two old Amplefordians have stayed with the community. Marcus Emmet joined the life and mission of St Scholastica from early January to the end of June. Christian Laczko-Schroeder came for six weeks beginning in early June.

During this very particular academic year, the work of St Scholastica in the School has focused on St John’s Community which is the Lectio Leaders’ lectio and formation group. We have met in the ways we can: online, in the Theatre and even outdoors by a fire. St Teresa’s, the Service Leaders’ group, has met in similar circumstances. Year groups as bubbles have challenged tutoría from older to younger pupils, but Lectio Groups have managed to continue in many creative ways. A highlight of the year was Light your Lockdown in February, when St John’s invited the whole School community to come together for an online Celebration of the Word. The Weave of Manquehue Prayer has continued its mission with online visits to Lectio groups and

retreats, marking the different liturgical times of the year such as Advent, Lent and Easter. Frequent surprises have come up with the online format, memorably the Lectio Leaders’ Workshop in January being attended by 60 people from all over the world. The Feast of Christ the King and the Holy Triduum were planned as offline retreats, with booklets posted for people to join in prayer. I have seen the Lord was published before Christmas, including testimonies of current and former students and their encounters with the Risen Christ. Towards the end of the academic year, gradual easing of Covid regulations have allowed St Scholastica to resume both receiving guests and visiting groups in person.

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SOCIETIES

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Abingdon Society The Abingdon Debating Society has been around for at least 150 years, for there is written evidence that it was responsible for setting up The Raven magazine itself, the first issue of which was in 1884. This year, due to the intermittent face to face schooling, the Abingdon Inter-House Competition was splashed across the whole three terms, with one debate online with the agreement of the two teams involved, and the rest taking place in the Theatre, with the final taking place only during the very last week of the School year. Bowed, but not beaten then, by the pandemic, I would argue. The first debate between Isabella and Smythe in the second half of the Michaelmas Term once everyone had got used to the bubbles and masks and sanitiser, was ‘This House would work from home’ and displayed a well-drilled Isabella team with plenty of statistics about the economy and commuting, up against Ambrose Mui and a last-minute second speaker from

added a surprising gravitas to the debate between the usual suspects of Joseph Day, Barney Sharifi and Joseph Rowell, and was able to bring to bear the very real problems of an intolerant progressive authoritarianism from his experiences in Hong Kong. This one just went to Barlow and was the highest scoring debate, 24-23. Back in School in the Gasquet, Roberts then took on Smythe, successfully arguing for the benefits of authoritarian rule and (not Smythe, who had a limited number entirely successfully) distinguishing this from totalitarianism suggesting of arguments that working from that there could be an authoritarian home would lead to isolation and democratic state, although this job losses, and it was patriotic to go back to work. This was followed was a much closer debate with Sebastian Hall proving a worthy by a debate between Caverel and Barlow that it was right to be afraid, opponent on Smythe’s behalf. Caverel then took on Roberts which led to a curious judging and won, with a debate about the decision that occasioned far more merits of social media and whether controversy than the debate itself. The final Covid-19 inspired title of it was destroying society, with Sophie Worrell and Stephanie Jedythe economy being as important Agba proving more plausible in as people’s health, was a finely their arguments that social media balanced battle between the girls’ led to the misuse of freedom of Houses, with Caverel just coming speech, the pressure of an ideal out on top, 23 points to 22, with of beauty and a heightened sense the argument swinging to and of inadequacy, in spite of the fro, around whether the economy attempts of Will Dewhurst and enables health to be supported Roman Majendie to argue that or whether health in its broadest it led to greater diversity and aspect was more significant than helped movements for change. the economy. Rosemary Capewell Interestingly neither side seemed to shone in this debate. criticise what for some has become In the Lent Term as the second mob culture, and neither side lockdown occurred, Roberts and seemed to wish to define society. Barlow moved online to debate Isabella and Barlow then went whether this House would be head to head over whether there progressive. The revelation here should be a male and female Head, was Aristo Cham, who, given Barlow in the end successfully he is only in the Fourth Form,

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convincing in arguing that this would not be meritocratic, but regressive and potentially conflictual, prioritising gender over merit. Moreover, what about all the other genders? Caverel Lower Sixth in the form of Stephanie Jedy-Agba and Sophia Burton overwhelmed the efforts of Smythe Fifth Formers, Artem Loparov and Matthew Stanislas, in suggesting that coping with suffering was far more meaningful than the pursuit of pleasure with some good quotations and even a little theology in this one. The ninth debate captured something of the zeitgeist, with the title ‘This House does not miss Harry and Meghan’ and included the marvellous view expressed by Joseph Day that the couple were a ‘breath of fresh air’ for the monarchy, although this was in fact part of Roberts’ wider and even less plausible argument that Harry and Meghan would in fact save the monarchy from republicanism and that was why they were desperately missed. Too subtle for this judge anyway. Isabella did make the point in passing that potentially they were a divisive influence and not a symbol of unity, which perhaps needed further development, but had something in it. The penultimate debate, and the last before the final, was ‘This House prefers live acoustic music’, and Smythe and Barlow circled round the definition of what ‘acoustic’ meant, Smythe trying to broaden it and Barlow trying to limit it. The important factual point

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that emerged seemed to be that nothing is without some electronic amplification in today’s music, but the proposition were probably attempting to broaden their definition too much. The overall points were Barlow 90, Isabella and Roberts 88, Caverel 86 and Smythe some way behind. This meant that the three-way final on the topic of which was the greatest threat to humanity- a pandemic, Artificial Intelligence or climate change, was between the first three – with Caverel a somewhat aggrieved fourth, even though they won all but one of their debates. The final itself was a fine event to watch, with all three teams making strong speeches and asking the more limited number of points of information allowed in the three-way debate. All were also able to argue well against the other positions as well as answering questions from the floor. Sofia Siemens and Chloe Blackmore for Isabella argued for the devastating effects to health and economy as well as human life itself from a pandemic; Joseph Rowell and Aristo Cham argued that a ‘threat to humanity’ was ultimately about the extinction of the human race, through the complete unpredictability of desire for freedom and power if the mimicking of the human mind were to become conscious, or indeed the complete lack of any morality whatsoever - ‘killer robots’ - as Roberts rather pointedly put it. Joseph Day and Barney Sharifi argued that the data

for climate change was far better than the other two hypothetical threats in the future and that it was clearly the greatest threat now. In the end only one point separated Barlow and Roberts in the decision of Miss Price and Ms Iglesias, but this year Barlow just claimed the trophy back again; doubtless the great Roberts double act, which still has one more year to run, will be back for revenge. The best debater of the term and the final as an individual was Aristo Cham; calm under pressure, full of clear and wellinformed phrases with apparently utterly logical, compelling and authoritative arguments, he appears wise beyond his years. Quite extraordinary, and a great partner to Joseph Rowell in Barlow in Joseph’s final year. The overall winners of the final, however, as all admitted, were the inimitable team of Joseph Day and Barney Sharifi, representing the Labour Party. This was perhaps the Cinderella of the options, and they were tireless in their speaking and points of information, with an ability to talk coherent sense without notes: no mean feat on behalf of Jeremy Corbyn. So this impressive pair from Roberts House won the long-lost Abingdon Cup which was recovered from a cellar in Smythe where it had lain untouched for a decade. I would like to thank those colleagues who have helped judge the debates, particularly Miss Price and Dr Tapia, and Ms Iglesias who stepped in at the last minute to

ensure fair judging in the final. Both Joseph Rowell and Katharina Luetzenkirchen put in solid time as joint chairs, although at the very end, the pandemic meant that we had to rely on Stephanie Jedy-Agba to fill the gap in the final. I am greatly pleased that we managed to complete the Competition, even if other aspects of debating had to bow to the inevitable this year. Hugh Walters Head of Theology and Head of History Chess Club The Chess Club has not been immune to the effects of the Covid19 pandemic. We were sadly unable to meet in person for a very long time, and the Inter-House Chess Tournament, re-established three years ago, was not able to take place in the last academic year. It is not all negative however, as the pandemic taught us to adapt and find new ways to play chess even when we found ourselves in different continents. The introduction of ChessKid.com enabled us to do just that. This platform also allowed pupils to advance their skills in the game, as many used the additional time they had during the most recent lockdown to learn some of the theory and popular strategies in chess by following the interactive lessons freely available on the site. One of the pupils who perhaps benefitted the most from this was Patryk (Fifth Form, Roberts), who did not know how to play chess before

the pandemic, and is now one of our top players in the club. He did an excellent job representing Roberts House in the Inter-House Chess Tournament which took place in the Summer Term 2021. The rise of popularity of online chess also gave Jędrzej (Upper Sixth Form, Roberts) an exciting and unexpected opportunity. At the start of February 2021, he was invited to play a game of chess against Zbigniew Pakleza, a Polish Chess Grandmaster. He was one of 24 players taking part in a simultaneous exhibition. Another way in which we adapted this year was taking chess outdoors. This was possible thanks to the generous donation from the Downside Annual Fund which allowed us to acquire a big set of chess pieces. These proved very popular from the moment they arrived at Downside, and have been put to excellent use especially on

sunny afternoons. They were also used during the Inter-House Chess Tournament, which was adapted to keep year group bubbles socially distanced. Every House sent a team of three players and played each other over the course of three weeks. Barlow and Roberts emerged victorious as the two finalists, despite stiff competition from the other three Houses. The final which took place on Wednesday 23rd June consisted of three games. In the first game Luis (Fifth Form, Barlow) and Aristo (Fourth Form, Barlow) beat Patryk (Fifth Form, Roberts) to claim the first point for Barlow. It was neck and neck after the second game, as Antoni (First Form, Roberts) and Jesse (First Form, Roberts) gained a point for Roberts. This was a tight game which Leo (First Form, Barlow) and Seth (First Form, Barlow) nearly won. It was all decided in the final game between

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Jakub (Lower Sixth Form, Roberts), Louis (Lower Sixth Form, Roberts) and Kofi (Upper Sixth Form, Barlow). Kofi played an excellent game against the other two, and claimed the trophy for Barlow, putting an end to Smythe’s winning streak. It was a delight to see so many pupils from all different ages take part in this year’s tournament. We are hoping to build on this success in the next academic year. Jesus Tapia Head of Mathematics and Assistant House Master of Roberts St Francis Science Club The newly formed St Francis Science Club started meeting in person in the Summer Term

2021. Inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, our goal is to use STEM skills to help make the School more sustainable and reduce its carbon footprint. We have been thrilled to work with the School’s business partner, ScienceScope, who brought their expertise and sensing technology to the investigations. In our first investigation we measured temperatures within classrooms across the School to assess user comfort levels and potential energy usage improvements. We used remote sensors and phone-based surveys to collect temperature data and user feedback data over the course of one week from eight classrooms. We then analysed the results to try to understand

any problem areas for classroom comfort along with energy saving/ wastage opportunities. We also interviewed the Head of Estates to deepen our understanding of how the ancient heating system works in different areas of the School. Finally, we presented the findings to the Mr Randall. We asked for his thoughts and ideas on how the School could improve its carbon footprint, and he provided some helpful insights into some of the School’s top-level strategy to reaching net zero. Next academic year we will be expanding our investigations to look into boarding house temperatures and comfort, and thinking of even more ways that Downside can be sustainable. Hannah Alcántara Teacher of Biology

DOWNSIDE’S NEW SOCIETIES FOR 2021

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REVIEWS REPORTS

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DRAMA MUSIC ART CCF LIBRARY SPORT

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“…a large cast who brought fantastic dancing and singing to bring the musical to life…”

Little Shop of Horrors Little Shop of Horrors was a hugely successful show for the School to put on, especially in the midst of a pandemic. The show was cast, we were ready to come back after Christmas and get stuck into choreography and learning the musical ready to perform in March. However, a second lockdown set in, and it was back to remote learning. Despite this, the LSOH cast stayed strong, and we started to learn all our lines, choreography and songs through the laptop screen. This could not have been done without the amazing support of Tristan Carter, Maisie Carter and Mr Bridges! It is hard to believe that we had all learnt the main dances of the show online. There were some baby steps to be made when we came back to make sure we were all on the same page, especially as some internet connections could be unstable, and knowing our lefts from our rights proved a bit more difficult than one would expect! Nonetheless, after weeks of practice when we were able to return to school we had all gathered an amazing chemistry within the cast to be able to put on a really fun and exciting show. On Thursdays we danced and acted, interspersed with Games, which meant that we were sweating a lot! On Saturdays, Mr Bridges led our singing practice and, after some time testing the opening number, specifically learning the lyrics, I think it is clear we are not going to forget them for a long time. It then

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came to show week, the amazingly well designed set by Miss Ibbotson was up, the lights were shining, Audrey II was in and we were ready to perform. I played the role of Seymour as my final appearance on the stage at Downside and enjoyed the experience very much. Supported by leading lady Lily Garrett who played Audrey. Huge congratulations to her as she had jumped into the role a month or so before performance. Stephanie Jedy-Agba’s voice-over, filled with attitude, combined with Nick Hobbs’ frantic movement, brought the man-eating plant to life and showed off the sinister intentions it was planning. We are all in such debt to Tristan Carter as the director but also as an actor who has amazed us all with his hilarious interpretation of Mushnik. I think it is fair to say that Sophia Burton’s portrayal of Dr Scrivello all gave us a new fear of dentists and she did amazingly. It was lovely to have such a large cast who brought fantastic dancing and singing to bring the musical to life which was reflected in the audience’s laughter and tunes still sung round the School from day to day. I encourage more students to get involved in the arts at the School. It is extremely rewarding and great fun at the same time! Alexander Harwood Upper Sixth Form

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LAMDA RESULTS We congratulate all those who have passed LAMDA exams this year: Garrett Harwood

Lily Alex

Acting - Solo Acting - Solo

8 8

Distinction Summer 2021 Distinction Summer 2021

Yang

Yuhan

Acting - Solo

Distinction Summer 2021

Garrett Grecian

Beatrice Lydia

Acting - Solo Acting - Solo

5 5

Distinction Summer 2021 Distinction Summer 2021

Garrett Gathungu Murphy Ridge de Pelet

Harry Joshua Amelie Alexa Alec

Acting Acting Acting Acting Acting

Duo Duo Duo Duo Solo

4 4 4 4 4

Distinction Distinction Distinction Distinction Merit

Preston

Isabella

Acting - Solo

Distinction Summer 2021

Dolman Radcliffe

Fiona Daisy

Acting - Duo Acting - Duo

2 2

Distinction Summer 2021 Distinction Summer 2021

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Summer Summer Summer Summer Summer

2021 2021 2021 2021 2021

MUSIC

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MUSIC REPORT Abbey Church. But there were some genuine shots, A lot of music, dance and drama was planned too: the Corps of Drums really was on the 1st XV for Downside’s academic year 2020-21, but the pitch, and Owain Daley really did play his bagpipes on continuing pandemic meant that a lot of it didn’t top of the Roberts’ Tower for O Holy Night. happen. Opportunities to rehearse and perform These circumstances gave us the opportunity to were greatly constrained by limitations imposed try things that would be difficult or ineffective in a both by the government guidance (much of which was, in any case, opaque, contradictory, and changed traditional live carol service in the Abbey Church. We could include Parents’ and OGs’ choirs - many at the last minute) and by the School’s best efforts thanks to them all - and we were also able to to implement that guidance. Much of our usual sing Orlando Gibbons’ This is the Record of John activity became unviable, as there were simply not enough spaces of sufficient size, nor enough times in accompanied by an authentic viol consort. Viols are the day when our bubbles and staggered mealtimes the much quieter ancestors of modern violins and could align. All this is said simply for the record, and ‘cellos, and they would have been inaudible in much of the Abbey Church. We were very fortunate to explain why this report is so much shorter than normal. Because rather than lament what we missed to work with the distinguished viol-player Jacqui we can celebrate what was achieved, especially as it Robertson-Wade, who used five different viols of various sizes to make a multi-track recording of the all happened under the most trying and frustrating accompaniment. Stephanie Jedy Agba, Beth Mitton, conditions that most performers have ever Eva Perkins, Mr Bridges and Dominic Kwan then encountered. added the vocal parts to the The Pipe Band, Concert pre-recorded accompaniment, Band and newly-formed Corps to create the final version. “Because rather than lament what we of Drums were able to start missed we should celebrate what was Singing along to a prethe year in achieved, especially as it all happened recorded accompaniment is a fine style with outdoor, sociallyunder the most trying and frustrating lot harder than it sounds, and I distanced rehearsals. Between conditions that most performers have salute our singers for the efforts them they performed, also ever encountered.” they have made to master this out of doors, at the School’s demanding skill. In turn, it has Remembrance Day Parade, given rise to another pandemic for Christmas Carols in the positive: all our singers now sing with far greater quad, and in the Virtual rhythmic discipline than they did in the pre-pandemic Carol Service. days, when they took for granted the effortless Choral singing was limited to around 20 singers flexibility of a skilled and generously sympathetic from the Sixth Form bubble, who were able to accompanist. I hope that, when we do return to spread out in the Theatre to rehearse and film a normal, this new-found rhythmic discipline will prove weekly hymn for the Sunday prayer services. They also worked tremendously hard to put together our to be a lasting legacy of the last 18 months. Virtual Carol Service, which appeared to come from The Inter-House Music Competition had to be locations in the Abbey Church and elsewhere. It can entirely re-imagined, in order to contain the yearnow be safely revealed, however, that it was all filmed groups within their own bubbles. Each year-group in the Old Chapel in front of a massive green screen. was given a colour, and each house within the year-group took that colour as the starting point The green-screen images were then superimposed for devising a short entertainment involving various onto footage taken from the various chapels of the

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elements such as singing, costume and choreography. The performances were given over several evenings and lunchtimes during October, and they showed great imagination, energy and fun. It was our first live entertainment for many months, and warmly welcomed by all. The January lockdown saw a return of our remote hymn-singing, and also the remarkable birth of online rehearsals for our musical Little Shop of Horrors, with a cast learning the dialogue, blocking, songs and choreography while separated by thousands of miles. The show itself is reviewed elsewhere within these pages, but the process by which it came about independently deserves our recognition and congratulations. There has been very little public performing this year, but there has been a lot of private practice going on in the background. Many pupils have taken advantage of the lockdowns and reductions in group activities to build their repertoire and improve their skills. Many have prepared for and taken the new-style remote assessments, as the exam results demonstrate. Zoom and Teams may be better than nothing, but they are exceptionally ill-suited to music teaching and performing. It has taken great patience, perseverance and stamina both from our pupils and from their teachers to sustain progress while working remotely, and I thank and congratulate them all for their efforts and achievements. As the restrictions started to ease in May and June, we were able to take our first tentative steps back to something resembling our normal routine. May Morning Madrigals were sung atop the Roberts Tower, soloists started to sing the psalm at Sunday Mass again, and small groups of up to six were allowed to sing a Communion motet. The music at the Confirmation was a little more ambitious. Singing was still limited to groups of six but no one said it had to be the same six, so a variety of hymns, motets and other items was sung by different combinations of six singers taken from a pool of around 20 choristers. This was the U6 choristers’ last big event, and the occasion was marked with a convivial supper across the road at the Kings Arms.

We were also able to have a few year-group Performance Showcases. These were all solo or duo performances and mostly of musical items, but they also included some spoken items and dance. These were live-streamed to the parents who couldn’t attend. It wasn’t until the very last night of the Summer Term that we saw the most ‘normal’ event of the year: Music for a Summer’s Evening. All the familiar elements were in place: barbecue and ice cream, Pipe Band, Concert Band, Function Band and Drum Line, together with more spontaneous solo/open mic items. Music videos created during Three Days in June were screened, and we also enjoyed a couple of dance routines choreographed by Maisie Carter. It was especially pleasing to see – at last – some boys participating in the dances, doing well, and clearly enjoying themselves in the process. Music for a Summer’s Evening also witnessed the debut of a new rock phenomenon, The Edukators [sic]. This newly-minted group of rock-gods is drawn entirely from members of the teaching staff, and includes both the Head on drums and the Deputy Head on lead vocals. They gave a highly entertaining performance of a set of familiar rock covers and, to their great credit, they were all completely recognisable. It’s wonderful to see such musical talent emerging from the science labs, the games fields and the maths corridor. It was a great way to end the year, and I predict – indeed, hope – they will go far. Julian McNamara Director of Music

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Downside Virtual Carol Service

Advent and Christmas are a time of great celebration and, despite the challenges posed by a worldwide pandemic, this year was no exception; all that was needed was a little creativity and this is available in abundance at Downside. Our Carol Service this year was all pre-filmed and then edited together by our extremely talented (and patient) editor, Andy Wildey. This meant all the filming had to take place well before the service would be streamed, which meant all the rehearsals had to be

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moved forwards and whilst considering carols in September isn’t unusual for the music staff, it certainly was for the students. Rehearsals were conducted in wide, open spaces where we could be socially-distanced, not involving more than a certain number of performers and were interspersed with lots of mask-wearing and sanitising of hands, folders and books. In previous years, the Carol Service would include the Schola Cantorum, Girls’ Chamber Choir, Brass Ensemble, members of the percussion section from our orchestra and

“It was nice to see the OG community come together. Chris Tambling’s ‘Ave Maria’ was a particularly special piece that reminded me of very fond memories of my early years at Downside.” Isaac Tse (R16) “I have to say that joining the virtual OG choir for the Christmas Carol Service has been very emotional for me, because not only was I able to attend the Carol Service for the first time since leaving Downside in 2011, but I also got to participate in it.” Joanna Hornik (I11)

soloists. We were determined to ensure this year would be no different. Separate audio and video recordings were made and then edited together to produce the final service which featured solos from Natasza Wyganowska in the First Form, Alex Henson in the Third Form and Charlotte Walker and Alexander Harwood in the Upper Sixth Form along with a whole host of students who performed across many different ensembles and choirs, for which special mention must go to Joseph Day (Lower Sixth) who performed in the most ensembles across the service singing bass, playing the bass trombone and leading the Corps or Drums from the bass drum! The Service featured a beautiful performance of Gibbons’ This is the record of John featuring ancient viols provided by Jacqui RobertsonWade, an epic performance of ‘O Holy Night’

arranged by Mr McNamara, featuring choirs, harps, percussion and bagpipes and a rousing rendition of Adeste Fidelis. The students and staff worked exceptionally hard and spent possibly twice the hours we usually would putting the final product together but, needless to say, we set ourselves high standards at Downside and, even facing great challenges, we continually strive to achieve these goals. With thanks to the OG Choristers and to our parent contingent who united virtually to ensure our whole community came together across the world, despite limitations. Jonathan Bridges Head of Academic Music

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“It was nostalgic to sing a piece that was familiar to me and one of my favourites from being a chorister. It was inspiring to be together in a time where we are at a distance from each other.” Antonia Wright-Morris (C21) “Seeing the recording altogether brought the Christmas joy that I was missing and seeing Caitlin Murphy and Hannah Field who were in L6 when I was in 3rd form after almost 9 years made me realise I was part of something special.” Ana del Real (I13) “Having left Downside in about 1961, participating in this virtual Carol service was a great way to reconnect, the more so during lockdown, when so many other opportunities for connecting with others have been closed! So thank you for that!” Neil Sirkett (B61)

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“Chris Tambling’s Ave Maria was always one of my favourites, (and one of the ones that I could actually sing without too much difficulty)! I felt the addition of this section in the Virtual Service was a wonderful way to bring the Downside community of both current pupils and OGs together in a time when were forced to be apart.” Hannah Field (I14) “I really welcomed the call from Downside for OG singers to perform in a virtual choir, it gave me the opportunity to rehearse and sing again, and also a strong feeling that 40 years on I am still part of the Gregorian family.” Nick Ferrar (U79)

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MUSIC EXAM RESULTS We congratulate all those who have passed music exams this year: Resiak Mitton Harwood Worrall Jedy Agba Hall Luetzenkirchen Perkins Perkins

Marta Beth Alex Sophie Stephanie Seb Katharina Eva Eva

Saxophone Singing Singing Singing Singing Saxophone Singing Violin Piano

8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8

Distinction Distinction Distinction Distinction Distinction Merit Merit Pass Pass

Spring 2021 Summer 2021 Summer 2021 Summer 2021 Summer 2021 Autumn 2020 Summer 2021 Spring 2021 Summer 2021

Healy

Celi

Singing

Merit

Summer 2021

Kealey Day

Michael Joseph

Piano Bass Trombone

6 6

Merit Merit

Summer 2021 Summer 2021

Wyganowska Preston Sturdy Hayhurst

Natasza Isabella Bella Anna

Singing Singing Singing Music Theory

5 5 5 5

Distinction Merit Merit Pass

Summer 2021 Summer 2021 Summer 2021 Autumn 2020

Michaels

Seth

Violin

Pass

Summer 2021

Preston Onunkwo de Pelet Campbell-Meehan

Isabella Awele Alec Kara

Flute Piano Trumpet Violin

3 3 3 3

Pass Pass Pass Pass

Summer 2021 Summer 2021 Summer 2021 Spring 2020

Chow Errington Mitton Sturdy

Ella Eva Leo Bella

Oboe Oboe Piano Piano

2 2 2 2

Merit Merit Pass Pass

Summer 2021 Summer 2021 Spring 2021 Summer 2021

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ART It has been a quiet year in the department due to Covid-19 as we have not been able to have any visiting artists or take trips out in the last year until the last week of the Summer Term. As part of the Three Days in June we were able to offer an Art Experience activity which included printmaking, drawing and a visit to London galleries. It was such a fantastic experience seeing live work again and being able to engage in conversation in front of a painting with students. We managed to visit Tate Modern, Tate Britain and the Victoria and Albert Museum, quite a lot to take in in one day but enjoyed by staff and students. Despite not being able to have actual life models in the studio the Lower Sixth students have still maintained a programme of life drawing although it had to be from images on the large studio screen. We are planning a weekly programme of life drawing from September with actual models present for Sixth Form but at least they have had the opportunity to practise their drawing ready to make the most of the live sessions. We launched a new initiative with the History of Art department in the Summer Term inspired by our previous work with the national competition, the Articulation Prize. This

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competition requires students to give a talk on a painting, sculpture or piece of architecture of their choice. Our new event was Junior Articulation which gave two groups, First and Second Form, and Third and Fourth Form a chance to learn skills of art history analysis and appreciation. We had an excellent standard of presentations from all year groups and we were so impressed with their passion for the artworks they were talking about. The First and Second Form competition was won by Eloise Pickett with a talk on Claude Monet’s painting ‘Madame Monet and her son’ and the Third and Fourth Form by Leonora Van Laar with a talk on a Rachel Ruysch painting ‘Roses, Convolvulus, Poppies, and Other Flowers in an Urn on a Stone Ledge’. We will be running this initiative with Dr Sanders again next year, as well as entering the national competition with the Sixth Form Art History students. The department are looking forward to the new term and welcoming two new members of the department; Kate Ellis as a part-time teacher of Art and Jessica Doherty as Artist in Residence. Erica Williams Head of Art

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CCF School and wider community can come together to recognise the Old Gregorians and all other war veterans who lost their lives in World Wars I and II. It was also the first opportunity that the School had to assemble formally since the start of September. The Service, led by Dom Boniface, was slightly different this year due to current restrictions meaning that we couldn’t invite OGs and families to the event in person. Nevertheless, we remembered ‘together but apart’, and the event didn’t lose any of its poignancy. Pupils and staff were in attendance at the School’s war memorial with the CCF Band, our Corps of Drums, and School Choir providing the music. CFAV C. Murphy (RN) Wreaths were laid by Mr Potter, on behalf of CFAV W. Vaughan the Old Gregorian Society, the Head Mr Hobbs, CFAV J. Clark the Heads of School Katharina Lützenkirchen CFAV I. Ramsden and Nicholas Hobbs, and Junior Under Officer, CFAV M. Pye and Head of the CCF Michael Kealey. This year’s Service remembered the 28 Old Gregorian This year has yet again been challenging, in the pilots who lost their lives in the Second World midst of the continuing Covid-19 pandemic, and War, and in particular, an extraordinary man and many of our usual CCF activities have either had Former Head Boy, Wing Commander Michael to be adapted, or in many cases sadly cancelled. Lister Robinson DSO, DFC, Croix De Guerre Monday afternoons, and the need to operate With Palm (B35), who sacrificed his life on behalf in year group bubbles whilst in a socially distanced of his country. His DSO citation reads as follows: manner, meant we paraded in the Quad at the “This officer has commanded the squadron (609) start of September, a practice we intend to adopt since October 1940. He has acted as leader in recent permanently. Monday afternoon activities continued operations over occupied territory and on numerous normally, largely unaffected by the restrictions, although the need to operate in well-ventilated areas occasions has led his Wing with determination, skill and courage. The success obtained reflects the led to a number of 12 x 12 tents and parachute greatest credit on the leadership and devotion to duty shelters being erected in the School grounds. of this officer. He has destroyed at least 14 enemy At the end of October, the Upper Sixth finally got the opportunity to complete their postponed aircraft and damaged others.” The Lent Term saw the School once more Duke of Edinburgh Gold Assessed Expedition, plunged into lockdown, although the CCF although the routes had to be adapted so that continued to operate as normally as possible we could operate locally. Students walked from Weston-Super-Mare to Frome, over the course of under the circumstances, albeit remotely via Teams. However, it was not possible to conduct any four days, camping out at Charterhouse outward customary night exercises or Field Day training. bound centre each night. Remembrance Day holds a special place within Easter Camp sadly fell victim to the pandemic as did the annual Ten Tors for the second year the Downside Community; it is a day when the The officers: Lieutenant Colonel N. Barrett CPO D. Pollard Major J. Storey Major D. McLean Captain O. Simper Lieutenant R. Worsman 2nd Lieutenant G. Tahin AUO E. Spurling Lieutenant S. Barrett (RN) Lieutenant C. Warren (RN) Sub-Lieutenant F. O’Neill (RN)

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running. Our Biennial Inspection, at the beginning of May, had to be postponed although we were able to get back to face-to-face training. Sailing at Cheddar Reservoir took place regularly on Saturday afternoons and cadets also got the opportunity to take part in canoeing and kayaking. The main focus of the Summer Term was to get our D of E Gold, Silver, and Bronze Assessed Expeditions completed (the Bronze and Silver based on the Mendips), whilst we were able to use the more demanding landscape (and weather) of Dartmoor for the Gold participants. The highlight of the Summer Term, however, had to be our formal rebadging ceremony in June. During my time at Downside we have been

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affiliated to the Royal Green Jackets, and more recently the Rifles. Having researched the history of the CCF some years ago it became clear that we have traditionally held very close connections with the Irish Guards. I was therefore delighted that the Regiment has very kindly agreed to sponsor and support us going forward. This is the speech I read out on Parade before we formally changed our Headdress: “Today is an historic and noteworthy day in the long history of Downside School CCF. Since the establishing of the Irish Guards in April 1900, Benedictine schools have provided them with a vast number of officers. A quick glance at the photographs in the School’s Science corridor shows that Downside’s Catholic faith

meant that a large proportion of OGs killed in the First World War were serving with Irish regiments and, after Irish independence in 1922, more and more Downside boys joined the Irish Guards in particular. Some members of our community have spent whole lifetimes with the regiment; Dom Rudesind Brookes, known as Fr Dolly, fought with the regiment in the trenches of the First World War alongside an extraordinary 26 OGs who were serving in the 1st and 2nd Battalions. He resigned his commission to become a monk at Downside in 1924. At the outbreak of the Second World War he was serving as House Master of Roberts, but he persuaded the Abbot to allow him to rejoin the Army, this time as a Chaplain, and he spent four years as Chaplain to the

1st Battalion, Irish Guards, winning a Military Cross and OBE along the way. He even buried several of his former pupils who were killed in action during that period, such as Lt Patrick Da Costa (S37) and Lt The Honourable Stephen Preston (R38). Until his death in 1984 Fr Dolly still carried an Irish Guards officer’s blackthorn stick when out for a walk in his monastic habit. Regimental Sergeant Major Thomas Cahill, Distinguished Service Medal, Croix de Guerre, was the senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the 1st Battalion throughout the majority of the First World War, including the Battles of the Somme and Passchendaele, before serving for several years as a Yeoman of the Guard at St James’s Palace. He finally retired to Downside, where he served as senior instructor to our

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Sadly we say farewell to a couple of our CCF contingent for many years until his death from throat cancer in 1940. He is buried here, in the churchyard of staff members. Jamie Clark has only been assisting the Year Nine platoon for the past 12 months, but St Benedict’s, having been given a full military funeral his help has been invaluable. We wish him well in the Abbey Church by Downside cadets. Our links as he moves to Hazlegrove Prep school, where to the regiment have remained strong now for over a he will run their bushcraft skills club. Major Dan century, with several OGs currently serving in the 1st McLean has spearheaded the Battalion, and the sons of other establishment of our Corps serving or retired officers here of Drums during the two in the School. Few schools can “Having researched the History of the CCF some years ago it became clear years he has been with us, claim to have provided so many that we have traditionally held very close ably supported by Mr Bridges. officers to a single regiment over connections with the Irish Guards. I was As a previous Contingent such a long period of time, and therefore delighted that The Regiment so it is with great pride and Commander Dan has been an has very kindly agreed to sponsor and excellent CCF officer, and we affection that the Army section support us going forward. ” wish him well. I also felt that of the Downside CCF assumes the headdress of the Household you would like to know that Roger Nicholas MBE’s second Division in reflection of our new wife Irene, and Mr Norman Whale, who assisted affiliation. The Corps of Drums will wear the Roger for many years, have both sadly passed away regiment’s cap badge and drum emblazoning too, this year. Finally I would like to thank our Senior with the kind permission of the Regimental Council. NCOs, especially Michael Kealey (JUO) and Tom We hope that this will mark the beginning of a new Green (RSM), the Officers who continue to give so era of even closer co-operation, and perhaps some of our pupils who were on parade yesterday will one day much in such trying circumstances, and of course my excellent SSI David Pollard. Let’s just hope that join the battalion, as so many Downside cadets have come September we can resume normal training done before.” and the cadets can once more get involved in Following our Parade we then headed up to the School sports pitches, and a visit from Colonel the diverse and challenging activities we offer at Downside. Hayhurst in an Apache helicopter. The cadets enjoyed looking over the aircraft, in small groups, when not at the CCF BBQ. Lieutenant Colonel Neill Barrett

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LIBRARY In the past year has any word been more overused than unprecedented? I am going to do my best to avoid it in my round-up of library events over the past 12 months. Two highlights of the 2020 – 2021 academic year stand out. The first saw the beginning of a new tradition at Downside School, the Michaelmas Matilda, when the youngest pupils performed Hilaire Belloc’s cautionary tale for National Poetry Day on 4 October. We hope that this will be repeated every year, though next time without masks. Another annual event for the library team is World Book Day and in 2021 we set the whole Downside community a challenge to read 2million words for World Book Day. Readers taking part raised close to £800 for Julian House, a Bath-based charity supporting families escaping domestic abuse and refugee families settling in the area. Thank you to all who contributed to this fabulous achievement. Like everyone else across the land, we’ve been quizzing all year. Back in October we launched the Inter-House Battle of the Books with a series of general knowledge rounds. After adding up scores from a series of quizzes, this year’s trophy goes to Caverel with Barlow as runners-up. We are busy devising fiendish questions for next year’s battles and drawing up a battle list of books for specialist rounds. On a more practical level, we have been cataloguing the gorgeous collection of books held in the Art Department. Difficult not to get distracted by the images but somehow, we labelled and re-shelved nearly 700 titles. This year there have been no library prefects and they have been missed; we are looking forward to new appointees for next year and are grateful for the support of the Heads of School in

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their absence. We have also had to forego author visits for the first time in years. But we are helping to organise the Future of Food event for the First Form in June and have added some lovely new titles to the library stock of non-fiction for our younger readers in anticipation. Two new services begun during lockdown may be here to stay: click and deliver, where borrowers can reserve and receive a book without even setting foot in the library, and a book at your bedside for all new boarders as they join the School. Necessity is the mother of invention. Janet Craig Librarian

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SPORT

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The sporting programmes over the last year were perhaps not the ones we initially planned, but it will have a lasting influence on the gratitude we have to be able to play such an array of sports in such a beautiful environment as we have here at Downside. When competitive sport did finally resume, the framework surrounding it was stronger than ever. The learning, the growth, the connectedness and community spirit which was on show was uplifting and in turn inspirational. This strength of sporting culture nurtured over the last year will hopefully not harm future performance, it will only improve it. Whilst much of our lives has been disrupted, the pandemic has provided greater clarity concerning the value of sport. It has highlighted the value pupils get from taking part in physical activity. It has offered us all the opportunity to consider what we want from our

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time together and why we do the things we do. We very much hope that in the years ahead we can resume ‘normal’ – be it fixtures, travel or match teas. We can look with confidence to the future, safe in the knowledge that our newfound sense of gratitude will have positively influenced change in sporting participation for all. This is the lasting success of our sports provision this year and the values learned will develop character in our pupils. I hope that through the individual sports reports you can get a sense of how each sport tackled the challenges of the pandemic and how our pupils continue to amaze us with their resilience, confidence and positivity. Mr Richard Jones Director of Sport

SPORT AWARDS – CAPS & COLOURS

CAPS – an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the Sport as a player but who has also constantly, without exception, demonstrated themselves to be an excellent role model to their peers by living the core Downside sport values of Discipline, Honesty and Stewardship throughout the season. COLOURS – not quite done enough to be awarded a CAP, these are individuals who have still made a significant contribution to the sport as a player and/or an individual who has demonstrated significant commitment and dedication to the sport throughout the season. SUMMER TERM 2021 GIRLS’ TENNIS Caps U14

U15

L. Akenzua Al-Kareem A. Hayhurst

U18

M. Dolman

Colours F. Dolman O. Rees-Davies L. Carter

BOYS’ TENNIS Caps U18

A. Majendie J. Keyte L. Norris I. Rickards M. Krishan D. Solis Loyola F. Reed A. Hayhurst E. Howlett S. Siemens V. Aiello S. Worrall M. Jones C. Manso-Duffy G. Achammer C. Roth CRICKET U14

U15

U18

H. Clark J. Last Sutton N. Viljoen

Colours S. Novoa Caceres Y. Melotte K. Von Nesselrode R. Begg N. Baehr E. Isola

F. Baker B. Priscott J. Gathungu F. Campbell Meehan H. Clark C. Hayhurst C. Pike T. Jones M. Pownall C. Hayhurst L. Hansom L. Matthews M. Stanislas R. Keeley J. Gould

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THE TEAMS BOYS’ HOCKEY SENIOR TEAM: S. Bellord, B. Boas-Syed, I. Canellas, H. Clark, A. Christie, M. Chong, C. Chow, A. Cutbill, F. Dalgliesh, R. Dawe-Lane, J. Day, A. Dentskevich, Z. Dinning (GK), A. Farthing, J. Gould (GK), T. Green, S. Hamilton, L. Hansom, B. Hart, B. Harwood, A. Healy, N. Hobbs, S. Ida, E. Isola, A. Jackson, R. Keeley, B. Makaza, M. Mathew, J. Milczarek, O. Penny, E. Preston, C. Shie, S. Webb, A. Wickham U16 TEAM: I. Boas-Syed, S. Boas-Syed, E. Clark, N. Danhawoor, A. Di-Pietrantonio, T. Durante, O. Flynn, J. Green, Z. Healey, M. Lai, J. Last-Sutton, L. Matthews, L. Mui, F. Mulcahey, T. Pike, A. Rose, A. Smellie, M. Stanislas, G. Vigne, F. Whitaker U15 TEAM: S. Baker, G. Bedouelle, J. Burton, A. Cham, K. W. Cheng, J. Freely, C. Hayhurst, R. Ingram, B. Jackson, T. Jones, C. Joy, C. Jin, D. Makaza (GK), P. Mauritz, L. McGarry, R. Mercadal Ramon, S. Novoa Caceres, J. O’Keeffe, J-C. Petersen, M. Pownall, C. Rapoo, L. Roux, O. Smellie, C. Tari, V. Tickell, T. Ulriksen Rodriguez, N. Viljoen, M. Watts U14 TEAM: G. Buhagiar, H. Clark, A. De Pelet, D. Flynn, C. Hayhurst, H. Hayhurst, A. Henson, E. Howlett, K. Kema, A. Lam, I. Laranjeira, F. O’Kane, C. Pike, F. Podesta (GK), J. McGarry, J. Rowell, M. Su, A. Wong, J. Wu U13A&B TEAM: E. Akighbe, F. Baker, F. Campbell Meehan, C. Colbourne, J. Evans, J. Gathungu, H. Garrett, H. Gogh, N. Jenkins, H. Jones, A. Karl, A. Kedzior, S. Michaels, L. Mitton, B. Priscott, I. Quaife, T. H. Tong, B. Tsang, R. Vaughan, K. C. Wong, J. Yakubu Samaila

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GIRLS’ HOCKEY SENIOR TEAM: M. Ceglarek, H. Crowe, A. Colgan, M. Dolman, M. Evans, L. Garrett, C. Healy, S. Jedy Agba, M. Jones, C. Manso-Duffy, W. Lassak, D. Marsh, B. Mitton, I. O’Neill, M. Pienkowska, M. Resiak (GK), C. Roth, L. Standivan, L. Whitaker, M. White, S. Worrall U16A TEAM: L. Akenzua Al-Kareem, C. Bayntun-Coward, C. Blackmore, A. Hayhurst (GK), E. Howlett, R. Morling-Ritchie, O. Mossman, F. Reed, S. Siemens, M. Strauss, A. Walker U15A TEAM: E. Burrows, C. Francis-Jones, B. Garrett, E. Gibbons, L. Grecian, L-R. Hall, E. Jenkins, S. Joliffe, M. Krishan (GK), M. Martin, L. McNally, K. Pughe-Morgan, E. Raper, I. Rickards, D. Solis Loyola, L. Van Laar, J. Von der Schulenburg U14A TEAM: Z. Bellord, P. Bowman (GK), K. Campbell-Meehan, E. Chow, A. Grecian, M. Kedzior, E. Macmillan, A. Majendie, C. Melotte, L. Norris, I. Preston, N. Soo, E. Stanislas, I. Whately, J. Yakubu Samalia U13A&B: L. Carter, F. Dolman, E. Errington, I. Hathaway, B. Healy, M. Jenkins, B. Lai, H. Lam, G. Lesault, A. Murphy, L. O’Kane, A. Onunkwo, E. Pickett, Z. Potter, D. Radcliffe, O. Rees-Davies, A. Ridge, E. Stanford, B. Sturdy, N. Wyganowska

GIRLS’ TENNIS U18 1st TEAM: M. Dolman (C), S. Worrall, M. Jones, S. Siemens, F. Reed, C. Roth U18 2nd TEAM: H. Kedzior, V. Mercadal de Villalonga, B. Mitton, F. Novoa Caceres, C. Manso Duffy, A. Hayhurst U18 3rd TEAM: C. Healy, G. Achammer, L. Garrett, A. C., M. Evans, V. Aiello U15 1st TEAM: M. Krishan, I. Rickards, S. Jolliffe, D. Solis Loyola, M. Martin, L. McNally U15 2nd TEAM: E. Gibbons, E. Raper, A. Majendie, J. Keyte, C. Melotte, L. Norris U14 1st TEAM: E. Stanislas, I. Whately, Z. Bellord, E. Macmillan, K. Campbell Meehan, F. Dolman U13 1st TEAM: F. Dolman, O. Rees-Davies, E. Keyte, L. Carter, D. Radcliffe, A. Murphy U13 2nd TEAM: B. Sturdy, M. Jenkins, E. Errington, M. Munita, H. Lam, E. Stanford U12 1st TEAM: L. O’Kane, G. Lesault, B;. Healy, B. Lai, E. Pickett, A. Ridge

BOYS’ RUGBY FIRST TO THIRD FORM S. Akhigbe, F. Baker, G. Buhagiar, F. Campell Meehan, H. Clark, C. Colbourne. A. de Pelet, J. Evans, D. Flynn, H. Garrett, J. Gathungu, H. Gogh, C. Hayhurst, H. Hayhurst, A. Henson, E. Howlett, N. Jenkins, H. Jones, A. Karl, A. Kedzior, K. Kema, A. Lam, I. Lopes Laranjeira, J. McGarry, S. Michaels, L. Mittons, F. O’Kane, C. Pike, F. Podesta, B. Priscott, I. Quaife, J. Rowell, M. Su, R. Tong, B. Tsang, R. Vaughan, A. Wong, A. Wong, J. Wu FOURTH FORM S. Baker, J. Burton, A. Cham, K. Cheng, J. Freely, C. Hayhurst, R. Ingram, B. Jackson, S. Jin, C. Joy, L. McGarry, S. Mitton, J. O’Keefe, M. Pownall, L. Roux, O. Smellie, C. Tari Carderera, T. Ulriksen Rodriguez, N. Vilijoen, M. Watts. FIFTH FORM 1. Boas Syed, S. Boas Syed, S. Clark, A. Di Pietrantonio, T. Durante, O. Flynn, J. Green, Z. Healey, A. Kebbel,M. Lai, J. Last-Sutton, D. Manso Duffy, L. Matthews, A. Mui, T. Pike, P. Puente Hervella, P. Sadkowski, A. Smellie, M. Stanislas, L. Tang, G. Vigne, F. Whitaker SIXTH FORM A. K. Akenzua Al-Kareem, S. Bellord, I. Cañellas, M. Chong, A. Christie, H. Clark, A. Cutbill, R. Dawe-Lane, J. Day, A. Dentskevich, W. Dewhurst, Z. Dinning, A. Farthing, J. Gould, L. Hansom, B. Hart, B. Harwood, G. Healey, S. Ida, R. Keeley, R. Majendie, B. Makaza, R. Manso Duffy, J. Milczarek, S. Norris, J. Shie, M. Surry, K. Barton-Byfield, J. Burns, F. Dalgliesh, N. Dameto Nieto, F, Duve, T. Green, N. Hobbs, T. Isola, A. Jackson, L. Lesault, J. Rowell, S. Webb, S. Wickham

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All sports fixtures and results are published at www.downsidesport.co.uk if you would like to follow our teams.

RUGBY

the rugby staff felt demonstrated our values & The return to school sport for the Michaelmas ethos best across the four weeks. Fran’s desire to Term was going to be very much about managing perform, coupled with an incredible sense of care a “new normal”. For rugby, there were indeed and stewardship for other pupils who needed significant differences to contend with. No fixtures, support to improve, embodied what we would no scrums, no lineouts, no huddles. In fact, with want our rugby players to be. virtually no physical contact at all, the 2020 rugby As we moved into the second half of term, the season was certain to be unlike any seen before! Home Nations gave way to House Rugby, in an With the prospect of Saturday fixtures a distant unusual guise of touch rugby sevens. On the day, reality, the rugby term began with a new internal the weather was not conducive towards running ‘Home Nations’ Tournament. England, Ireland, rugby (it was more conducive to going swimming Scotland & Wales battled it out in a modified on the 1st XV pitch!). However, this in no way version of rugby for each year group ‘bubble’ for dampened spirits. In what became more a battle the first half of the term. Scotland took the spoils, of wills than of skills, Barlow emerged victorious. much to the delight of their de facto Head Coach Despite the absence of traditional fixtures, the and proud Scotsman, Mr Worsman. Max Surry internal competitions provided an incredible (Lower Sixth, Roberts) was named Player of the opportunity for pupils to demonstrate their talents Tournament after some eye-catching performances, and express themselves in ways they perhaps including a number of outstanding solo tries. wouldn’t have in the past. An important lesson to Fran Duve (Upper Sixth, Roberts) received the remember and take into the 2021 season for all. Downside Spirit award, given to a pupil whom Despite the difficulties of the last 12 months,

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Downside Rugby continues to go from strength to strength. In the 2020/21 season, Downside had four pupils involved in the U13 - U15 Developing Player Programme (DPP) with Bath Rugby Academy and have another six pupils nominated to trial when this process is permitted to resume. Further up the School, Ned Clark (Fifth Form, Roberts) trained within the Bath U16 Academy programme and Zak Dining (Lower Sixth, Barlow) has been involved in trials with Cardiff Blues. Archie Farthing (Lower Sixth, Smythe), Kofi BartonByfield (Upper Sixth, Barlow) and Max Surry, were all retained in the Bath U18s training group until the end of the season. Abdul Khalik Akenzua Al-Kareem (Lower Sixth, Smythe) was also retained in the Bath U18 academy group and was awarded a coveted place as an England Academy Player, entitling him to train with England U18 group. A significant personal achievement for Abdul Khalik and one that the School can be justifiably proud of. I am immensely proud of the hard work and leadership these players show, both on and off the pitch as they continue along their journeys. Equally important, however, is the environment created at Downside by the training standards and efforts of all pupils in the rugby programme, supporting all involved with the sport to work towards becoming the best version of themselves. Perhaps the most exciting development in Downside Rugby this year, has been the launch of girls’ rugby in the School. Harry Jones (Rugby Graduate Assistant) took responsibility for Fifth Form and Sixth Form girls’ rugby sessions on Sunday afternoons throughout the Michaelmas Term. The enthusiasm shown by all the girls in their sessions was fantastic to see. With over 25 girls involved the future for girls’ rugby at Downside is exciting. Plans to deliver sessions for the lower year groups were scuppered by lockdown 3.0, but it remains one of many things on the list of reasons to be excited about for the future. There is no denying that this season was immensely different in lots of ways. However, the things that truly matter in rugby hadn’t really changed at all. Pupils turned

up to games, week in week out, to simply enjoy being back with their friends, playing the sport and working hard to improve themselves as individuals and teams. It was inspiring to sit back with the rugby coaching staff, in awe of the resilience shown by our pupils during such a challenging time in their lives. I have nothing but thanks for the amazing efforts of staff and pupils throughout the season. And in spite of its challenges, this season no doubt was aligned to my belief in the purpose of Downside Rugby: “To create great memories and friendships that will last a lifetime”. Mr Alex Burns Head of Rugby Development

GIRLS’ HOCKEY

The last Hockey Report in the Lent Term of 2020 commenced with Mr Edge expressing his disappointment that Hockey at Downside had faced such disruption at the hands of the then emerging global pandemic. A long summer, and two terms later it appears that the sentiment and situation remain remarkably similar. However, despite a loss of competitive fixtures, the determination and motivation displayed by pupils to further their ability in hockey has quite admirably continued – long may this particular fire keep burning. Such was the desire to return to sport – prior to the Term even beginning – a healthy number of the 1st Team Girls’ Squad had volunteered their time on Wednesday evenings to travel over to the School and train under the new conditions for hockey. This meant that they could work in groups of no more than six players at a time through socially distanced practices and games to prepare for September. Mr Edge was delighted to see that almost threequarters of the squad had pleaded with their parents to be transported over to the School so they could enjoy the evening sun, see their friends in person and once again play some hockey. The determination to prepare for a new school year filled everyone with optimism. For all concerned it was a

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rare opportunity to enjoy sport in an almost normal context again. With spirits high everyone was looking forward to the new year. None more so than the Upper Sixth Form girls who would have one last chance to pull on the 1st Team shirt and represent Downside School. However, as September approached and as schools, colleges and universities returned this brought a rise in Coronavirus cases and the rather inevitable restrictions on sport. The fate of fixtures proved somewhat uncontrollable. Everyone’s work in preparation for a term bursting at the seams with competition was soon to be halted. Consequently, rather than the customary report for each team, for this year – at least – Hockey has had to be amalgamated into one report for the Term. Despite the loss of fixtures, the lasting impression of the Term will be one of gratitude. Staff and pupils alike were grateful that we could play sport in our ‘bubbles’ three times a week and once again find our own ways to be competitive again. The focus of training for every age group moved away from ‘match readiness’ and afforded the opportunity to concentrate on development alone. Lessons learnt from the first lockdown in Summer 2020 meant that pupils recognised the importance of individual practice and saw the value in developing their ability regardless of whether they would be on a pitch, a garden or indeed inside a house. Pupils appreciated every opportunity to pitch themselves against their peers. The staff decided to harness this competitiveness through creating their own Home Nations tournament for the year group bubbles inspired by the nationality of the Hockey Coaches themselves; Mr Brooking (English), Mr Blong (Irish) and Mr Edge (Welsh). In some remarkable turn of fate it appeared that the pupils representing Wales seemed to top the tables after three weekends of competition. It remains a mystery whether the umpiring, random assignment of players to national teams or pure luck prompted the end results. At the heart of school sport remains that every individual contributes to the wider team. It would be remiss if a number of pupils were not highlighted

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for a variety of reasons. A number of U13 players stood out for their desire in sessions to consistently improve. Pupils such as Natasza Wyganowska whose enthusiasm lit up sessions, to Amelie Murphy who I have no doubt will one day turn into a fine 1st Team player. Molly Jenkins deserves a special mention for ability to help her peers, an essential quality that was appreciated by all those training with her. There have been a number of players in the U15 team who consistently demonstrate a tremendous attitude – rain or shine – increasing the standard of every session. Evie Burrows, Beatrice Garrett and Camilla Francis-Jones being three names from many that deserve comment. In addition, we have no doubt that players such as Katie Pughe-Morgan will go on to become a key individual in the senior sides within the School with her pace and ability. A position that often goes unmentioned is that of a goalkeeper but not at Downside. We recognise how lucky we are to have three talented keepers in Phoebe Bowman, Maya Krishan and Anna Hayhurst who continued to hone their skills this year. For these pupils and many more, we hope their names reappear many times in future Raven articles. However, for some of our girls, this will be the last opportunity to thank them for their continued dedication to the sport. As such, all the staff would like to thank Harriet Crowe, Wiktoria Lassak, Daisy Marsh, Isabelle O’Neill, Marta Resiak, Lydia Whitaker and Molly White for their unwavering commitment to hockey. Some are newer to the School (and indeed hockey) than others. However, the impact these girls have had and the example they continually set for all the girls who succeed them as senior members will be lasting. Just as the training started early this year, it finished earlier than anticipated for Hockey. Two days after the end of the Michaelmas Term as some of the pupils trained with the Avon Junior Development Centre under strict Covid-safe conditions we later learnt this would be the last hockey for any Downside pupils in quite some time. The dedication and desire of these pupils to play epitomised our will to play competitively once more.

Congratulations to the following pupils for their nominations for the England Hockey Player Development Pathway:

would be completed in the Lent Term, there was some hope that some level of normality for school sport would be resumed as we approached Spring. Unfortunately for the boys within the School we were forced to embrace remote learning, discovering Junior Development Centre (Avon): new methods and exploring different avenues to Molly Jenkins (U14) keep on improving in our sport. However, this Kara Campbell Meehan (U14) was no longer a daunting or strange task for staff Zara Bellord (U15) or pupils alike and with the promise of return to Camilla Francis-Jones (U15) physical sport later in the Term everyone embraced Beatrice Garrett (U15) the new normal and began their work. Maya Krishan (U15) With such short notice the hockey staff quickly Katie Pughe-Morgan (U15) compiled the pupils into their year groups via Anna Hayhurst (U16) Microsoft Teams and established a series of tasks Eleanor Howlett (U16) for pupils to tackle each week in their remote Isabelle Rickards (U16) lessons. These included skill challenges, tactical Annabel Walker (U16) analysis, strength sessions and conditioning sessions Madeleine Jones (U17) that the pupils could pick from in a marvellous Beth Mitton (U17) ‘pick’n’mix’ style for their game’s sessions. All the Florence Reed (U17) pupils were encouraged to come together at the Sophie Worrall (U17) start of each lesson and discuss how they were finding their remote learning and what session they Unfortunately, these trials were discontinued but would attempt to tackle that day during the lesson. we hope those pupils listed above will have the While this could in no way fully replace the work opportunity to challenge themselves again in 2021. A special thanks must go to the hockey coaching that pupils normally completed during their games staff in the Michaelmas Term that included Mr Blong, sessions, the staff were reassured to learn just how informative and useful it was. Miss Hadfield, Mr Brooking, Miss O’Neill and Mrs Chapman. Despite the circumstances, it was obvious It was clear that pupils missed the camaraderie of team sport. As such, after a couple of weeks the to all that the staff have continued to further the Hockey staff initiated a House league. In this league, aspirations of many pupils in Hockey. We will look each pupil from each year group posted what they ahead to the remaining academic year for fixtures had been able to achieve in their games lesson and relish the opportunity to play once again. for that day. Each task -- regardless of intensity or Ben Edge difficulty – counted and would be awarded points Head of Academic PE and Hockey that contributed to their House total. While some pupils faced no barriers with access to areas to become physically active, this was not the case for every pupil. However, staff were keen to document BOYS’ HOCKEY the value of every contribution from every It appears the fate of Boys’ Hockey Season was to mirror that of the Girls’ Hockey for this school year. individual. Once again, the staff were delighted and impressed in equal measure with the resilience With only a matter of hours before the return of and determination displayed by all our pupils pupils to the School in January another lockdown throughout this period. It came to no surprise that for the UK was instigated. While there was some there were some phenomenal efforts posted by expectation that not all the planned competition

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several pupils. Notable mentions must go to our very own Head Boy, Nick Hobbs, who on an almost daily basis managed to post and mark his considerable running efforts throughout the Lent Term using the Strava app. Mr Setterfield and Mr Edge were just two of the many staff members who were genuinely impressed by not only his commitment, but the pace and distance demonstrated as part of his conditioning sessions – very well done. However, this being a different year to any that has gone before meant that not all sporting related efforts could – or indeed – should be completely physically in their nature. Equally impressive was the accuracy of tactical analysis from pupils, such as Max Su in the Third Form, when assessing a sport that was still very new to this individual. We have no doubt every individual will have had multiple opportunities to improve elements of their sporting ability during this abnormal time. The staff would sincerely like to thank all of those who entered the Remote Learning Programme with the enthusiasm and sheer excitement that are normally observed on hockey pitches in January. This really was a collaborative effort between staff and pupils. Both of the aforementioned entered into this process admirably and produced some excellent results, which both parties should be proud of. The month of March brought with it the opportunity for a vast majority of pupils to return to site and enabled the boys to finally expend some of the pent-up energy from lockdown and channel this into team sports. The energy and desire to be back on the pitch was evident to all the hockey staff. While year group bubbles meant some traditional teams would not be able to train together, training focused on giving pupils the opportunity to competitively perform again. House matches were one opportunity that the School was permitted to provide within the strict UK guidelines for school sport. It was fantastic to see the boys perform against each other, taking pride in their performances while on the pitches again. As a proportion of the pupils were still working

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remotely, not all year group bubbles could fulfil their House matches in the traditional format. However, the Sixth Form boys were able to complete their annual competition in very close to normal conditions. After two round robin stages, the final scores resulted in Smythe topping the table with three wins and one draw, Barlow coming in second with two wins, one draw and a loss to their name, while Roberts languished in last position with four straight losses this year. Mr Edge has no doubt they will bounce back next year. As customary, Mr Edge would like to pass on his personal thanks to the coaching staff involved this year with boys’ hockey, which included Mr Blong, Mr Brooking, Mr Setterfield and Mr Jones. Their enthusiasm and dedication through both remote learning and then during the return to school meant pupils in the School received every opportunity to progress their hockey development within exceptionally testing times. We also wish Mr Brooking the very best as he moves on to complete his PGCE next year. The pupils will miss your knowledge and determination in helping them improve throughout the year. Ben Edge Head of Academic PE and Hockey

CRICKET

This academic year has been an outstanding one for cricket at Downside School, kicking the Michaelmas Term off with three weeks of training and Inter-House fixtures, finishing with a T20 match against local side Midsomer Norton Cricket Club on Prize Day. September saw the return to school for our pupils after lockdown, and being able to ensure sport could continue with sanitised equipment and socially distanced bubbles for cricket was a sheer delight. The outstanding early autumnal weather played its part in remaining conducive for outdoor training, and set the pupils up nicely for their winter training programmes. Over the latter stages of the Michaelmas

term, 14 pupils took part in 1:1 coaching sessions to develop their batting, bowling, fielding and wicket-keeping skills with our Head of Cricket. The dedication of the pupils attending these sessions was outstanding, with attendance and standards never dipping below 100%. Of those pupils, Florence Reed was eventually selected for Somerset Cricket Board U17 girls – an outstanding achievement. Alongside this, Nicolas Viljoen was again selected to be part of the Somerset Emerging Player Programme for the second year running, as well as being part of the Somerset U18 squad. Nicolas’ hard work, determination and skill earned him selection to South West U15 Team as part of the prestigious Bunbury Cricket Festival – the only player from Somerset to do so. Nicolas has reached the final stages of selection before the team is selected for the Festival. We wish him the very best of luck for this, and sure he will have a fantastic summer of representative cricket.

At the end of the Easter holidays, the 1st XI team took part in a three-day residential preseason training camp. The boys who attended worked on a mixture of open-wicket scenarios as well as technical net sessions to prepare themselves for the season ahead. Day one saw the group address their aims for the season, as well as congratulating Louis Hansom on his appointment as captain of the team. After a long first day of training, the team were able to relax with teambuilding activities in the evening which included egg catching and a 70s disco fancy dress competition. The second day of the camp began with a morning of yoga and stretching to keep the players match fit, followed by an intense field session. The day finished with an open wicket session, giving all players the chance to bat and bowl in different scenarios, fully preparing them for the different situations they will experience in their matches this season. Summer Term saw the return to competitive fixtures throughout the course of the year, with

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over 80 pupils representing Downside School. Despite the poor weather during May, the School managed six full fixture blocks with local schools, offering fixtures across seven different teams. Our U14 and U16 girls’ sides were unable to take part in the indoor Lady Taverners competition this year, but managed three outdoor fixtures with all pupils representing the School exceptionally well. Downside School were lucky enough to secure another fixture against MCC – a showcase match and wonderful opportunity for the pupils. After the match, Joe Last-Sutton was presented with an MCC ‘Spirit of Cricket’ cap for his excellent spell of bowling. Despite the result, it was a fantastic experience for the Downside pupils to play against cricketers with such a wealth of talent, and we very much look forward to

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welcoming them back next year. Prize Day this year saw Harry Clark (leading wicket taker), Joe Last-Sutton and Nicolas Viljoen (leading run scorer) receive caps for their outstanding contribution to 1st XI cricket on and off the field. They have all shone with bat and ball, as well as leading standards in training sessions, making themselves integral pupils of Downside School by actively demonstrating our Benedictine values through cricket. The final week of term saw 24 pupils take part in a three-day charity cricket fundraiser for the Air Ambulance Service. The pupils covered the same distance between Downside School and the hospital in Bristol where a pupil was flown to this summer. All those who took part helped

Form who will be hoping to advance their Netball development. With a season that was heavily disrupted by a lockdown and subsequent precautionary measures, it was with great that the girls were able to make the most of their chance to get on court. With George Setterfield the absence of fixtures, it made for a complex Head of Cricket Development training block, however the School community was delighted to welcome England and Team Bath squad player, Jessica Shaw. Jessica was a brilliant addition to the programme, assisting with the First and Second NETBALL Has there ever been a better time to be a Netball Form session, as well as running clinics with the 1st and 2nd Team squads. Her presence, expertise and fan? Throwback to 2018 and one of the most high-performance background was welcomed by all. heart stopping moments in International Netball history – England win the Commonwealth Games Although fixtures weren’t permitted this season, the students’ continued effort and dedication Gold Medal, the pinnacle of International Netball, through some awful weather in February was won by a shot from Helen Housby with no time inspirational. As a group of coaches, we looked left on the clock. A moment that not only sent to create as many opportunities as we could shockwaves through the Gold Coast and the Australian Netball team, but a moment that awoke throughout the term, so the students could make the most of the term. House Netball was the Netball community in England. Since then, certainly a highlight of the term, with Isabella and Netball has become increasingly more available and prominent in the sporting calendar. Sky Sports Caverel battling it out on court. With every girl representing their House throughout the day of now dedicates a channel to the Vitality Netball competition, it was a true representation of why Superleague and with Team Bath currently top of we missed playing sport together so much during the table, it is a great opportunity to watch high performance sport locally. On our own courts, lockdown. The last match of the day was the Sixth Form battle of the Houses. With lights and walk we have a Team Bath representative of our own. out music for each House, it was quite the event Another Fifth Former, Laila Akenzua Al-Kareem and the girls’ performance did not disappoint. The has been selected to join the Team Bath Futures match was extremely tight with Caverel running Pathway at the Academy Development Centre out 18-17 winners. It was a great way for the (ADC) in Bristol. Recently, Laila has travelled to Upper Sixth to finish their time here on the courts Glastonbury and Gloucester to represent the Bristol ADC. Laila benefits from high performance at Downside and hopefully it was a memorable experience to take with them. level coaching and sport science support as a It is with great thanks to all those that have member of the squad. Laila continued her wider helped support the girl’s development in Netball, training with the support of Mrs Chapman and Mrs Hadfield at School. Also, on our home courts including Mrs Chapman, Miss Hadfield, Miss O’Neill, Jessica Shaw, Miss Miller-Hunt and Mr O’Rourke. one of our netball loving Third Formers, Zara We will look ahead to next year where we are Bellord is part of the Satellite Netball Academy, based in Yeovil. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, able to begin fixtures once again. the Satellite sessions are yet to resume. However, once they do, we are excited to support Zara Conor O’Rourke and the two trialists from the Third and Fourth Head of Tennis Development and Lead Coach raise £1,000 for the charity by covering the 29 kilometres during the cricket matches. It has been an excellent year of cricket at Downside, and we very much look forward to seeing what 2021/22 will hold in store!

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GIRLS’ TENNIS

The past year has presented challenges that we, as a community, could never have prepared for. The challenges we experienced were from the unknown, an unknown that we had to find solutions to excel within. Following a successful and popular re-introduction to the Tennis courts for our students during the Summer of 2020, I was delighted that the desire to play Tennis in the Michaelmas Term was significant, with 92 additional individual and group coaching sessions taking place between September and December. The demand for Tennis was hugely encouraging and welcomed. With no better time to develop their Tennis, the students at Downside well and truly took every opportunity to get back on court. All those who requested additional lessons throughout the year should be proud of their desire to develop; they are all crucial to the development of Tennis here at Downside. Before the commencement of the Summer Term, nine girls from the Fifth and Lower Sixth Forms were invited to attend the first tennis preseason residential camp at Downside. The standard of commitment and dedication to developing both their tactical and physical fundamentals of the game was outstanding. The residential began with a visit from Father James in the School Theatre, who referenced a letter sent from Pope Francis titled ‘Giving the Best of Yourself ’. Within the letter, Francis mentioned that “Sport is a formative vehicle”. How fitting for a weekend when the girls consistently demonstrated the values of humility, generosity and cheerfulness. Reflecting on the residential pre-season, I am reminded of the words that our Tennis Captain, Maria Dolman (Upper Sixth), shared with the team during our introduction: “We want to earn our right to build a legacy for Tennis at Downside.” The girls have a blank canvas this term and we are building the foundations together. Maria played a huge part in creating a high standard for the Tennis programme which was incredibly important in building a foundation of development

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and performance and, most important, a safe environment on the Tennis courts. The Tennis season for the girls included fixtures with King’s School Bruton, Monkton Combe School, Wells Cathedral School and Kingswood School. With many schools in the local area electing not to take part in fixtures during the Summer Term, I was delighted that we managed to host and travel to local schools safely. Our journey began by hosting King’s School Bruton on a sunny afternoon in May. Having 36 girls represent the School at the opening fixture meant we had a great start to the term. The Senior Girls laid down a marker of how they were going to attack the fixture block with a brilliant effort to implement their technical and tactical fundamentals. The Downside Tennis Team went on to host Wells Cathedral School for an U13 Doubles block fixture, where every girl in the year group took to one of our 13 courts to represent the School. The U13 Teams was a group of varying Tennis experience, with some taking to the court competitively for the first time. The fixture block with Monkton Combe School was a very competitive one, with each court battling for every point. It was certainly a delight to welcome spectators back to Downside for the first time in 14 months. The Tennis pre-season built such a strong foundation for what we achieved this year. Our Tennis Captain, Maria Dolman from the 1st Team, referenced a desire to push the limits of the programme and began the drive to create a sustainable legacy of Tennis at Downside. A marker of that drive was the weekend of 12th June 2021, when 58 students from Downside descended on 28 courts of Clifton College to compete in a Mixed Doubles block. Maria mentioned the desire to increase the range of opportunity for participation within Tennis. The block with Clifton certainly achieved that, and it was a huge success with the students thoroughly enjoying their trip. With all 28 courts full, it was a brilliant sight and I truly believe it has given an added drive to the Tennis programme for future seasons.

The demand for Tennis continues to grow, and as the school community grows wider, I can only be excited and driven to progress the development of the Tennis programme. A huge thank you should go to every student who represented the School this term; they represented themselves and Downside, both home and away, with great commitment and humility. From our Captain through to our first-time players in the First Form, they are an example to the sporting community. The girls are

also an embodiment of the Benedictine values every time they step out on to the court. I am proud to witness the role these students have played in driving up standards throughout our community. Those who step on to the court in future years will be indebted to this group of girls who have laid the foundations for a love of Tennis at Downside. Conor O’Rourke Head of Tennis Development and Lead Coach

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THE OLD GREGORIAN

Downside School, Stratton-on-the-Fosse, Radstock, Bath BA3 4RJ www.downside.co.uk Registered Charity No: 1184700

The Raven 2019

TOG THE OLD GREGORIAN Contents From the President 2 Saint Gregory’s Society 3 Downside Fisher Youth Club 4 Sports Reports 5 Announcements 8 Obituaries 12 OG News 22 OGs Far & Wide 28 Memory Lane Monday 30 Our Covid Elephants 32 A Story to Retirement 34 The Funeral of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh 36 God of Surprises 38 Ghana 2021 42 From the Archive 44 The Order of Malta Volunteers 48 Careers on Demand 50 Publications 52

Cover image: OG Society of 1888

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From the President A message from Jonathan Grew (C77)

proper post-lockdown gathering will be the London OG Dinner in November, followed by the London Carol Service in December. In the meantime, the OG sports teams continue to flourish, with football and netball being the newest clubs to be formed. I would like to thank Stephen Stokes (C78) for undertaking the co-ordination of Bruised Reeds; if you know or hear of anyone who might benefit from this support please contact him through the Development Office at Downside. The last year was a great challenge for many, but also a great time to reflect on their life values. During the pandemic, many have learnt new skills, especially new communication methods. Who would have known that Zoom, Teams and Face Time would become an everyday necessity as a result of people not being able to get together face-to-face? Rupert Orchard (R74) kindly continued as President until last September when we managed to have a socially distanced AGM at my home in Wiltshire, as we had been unable to hold the AGM at Downside on its customary date of Easter Sunday. I look forward to being able to visit more places and meet as many OGs as possible in the coming months and years. The first

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My virtual reading on Remembrance Day last November served to remind OGs of the part played by an OG in the foundation of the tradition of Remembrance that is observed annually to remember the Fallen. My thanks go to Jessica Newman for all that she did for the Society during her two years as its Executive Secretary. Following Jane Vines’ retirement, Jessica has been promoted to Development Manager and continues to play a supportive role to the OG community. A belated but nevertheless warm welcome to Paige Owen, who joined the Development Office last October and has taken over from Jessica as our Executive Secretary.

Saint Gregory’s Society President Jonathan Grew (C77) Hon. Treasurer Ben Jennings (R05) Councillors Stephen Stokes (C78) Ed Westlake (S05) Cosima Benson-Colpi (C12) Jamie Francis-Jones (B84) Michael Liddell (B84) John Ludlow (C82) Fiona Cadwallader (B78) Charlie Harbord (R12) Katy Nannestad (I09) Mel Alcock (S78) Daniel Brennan (S89) Tallulah Horton (C18)

Vice-Presidents Rupert Orchard (R74) Mary Jane Platt (Ra76) Mark Steed (C71) Geoffrey Jaques (B59) Ian Norrington (B54) John Scanlan (S54)  Simon Westlake (S81)

2020 – 2021

Honorary Vice-Presidents Mike Flynn (U75) – USA (West)   John Churchill (B84) – USA (East) Gaizka Ortuzar (S53) – Spain James Scanlan (S86) – Spain Vincent Barrett (Ra87) – Ireland Mark Lightfoot (R86) – Malta

Officer Dom Leo Maidlow Davis (B72)  (Chaplain)

Contact Us The office at Downside is run by Jess Newman and Paige Owen. Telephone 01761 235158 Email oldgregorians@downside.co.uk

2020 AGM

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The Downside Fisher Youth Club has used this time to update some of its most used facilities.

Downside Fisher Youth Group The last year has been difficult for inner city children and, despite a number of attempts to open, we were largely closed from March 2020 to April 2021. Our reserves were built for exactly this sort of crisis and while it is dispiriting to use them, it will leave us in a position to help those who need us. We have also used furlough and local government grants and they have been invaluable.

We had just finished a programme of capital expenditure that has seen us replacing flooring throughout the club, putting in LED lighting, building a new fitness gym, a new boiler and some new plant for the swimming pool, so while it was unfortunate that we were unable to build on this momentum as the pandemic struck, we are well set for growth.

Attention has now refocused on the work we do, however, as Government is acutely aware of the number of young people that have been left behind in this pandemic. There are funds to access, and we plan to use the opportunity to steadily increase what we offer. We have decided to add a new senior member of staff to allow us to open more on weekdays and to run a daily summer programme.

“we plan to use the opportunity to steadily increase what we offer...”

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OGs continue to be the mainstay of our financial support and have helped us survive many downturns over the years and we remain grateful.

We are always on the lookout for help from those who feel they can help us as trustees, as volunteers in the club and, of course, financially. Please do get in touch at chairman@downside-fisher.org Robert Coke (S90) Chairman

Sports Reports DOWNSIDE WANDERERS RAVEN REPORT 2021 Played: 6 Won: 2 Rained off: 4 Still to play: 1

behind us as we took the field for our first, and newest, fixture vs the Invalids in Battersea Park. Lost: 4

A young side with lots of new Wanderers eager to please their older counterparts got the season off As the country navigated its way out of the Covid-19 to a flying start, as we notched up our first “W” on the opening day of the season. A toss won by the pandemic it coincided nicely with the beginning of the cricket season. After a strange summer in 2020, opposition and the Wanderers found themselves that was littered with restrictions, cancellations and fielding. Wary of what would be a par score to be chasing, Ben Tatham (S09) ripped through the first the normal British weather, the 2021 Wanderers 5 batsmen’s wickets claiming figures of 5 – 17 cricket season was met with healthy anticipation. off 5 overs. The Wanderers were set what could have been deemed as a concerning target of 183 With plenty of Wanderers taking pre-season incredibly seriously, we geared up for our first game runs to win, but with James Hobbs (R14) looking determined and Ed Westlake (S05) twirling his bat with the majority of the Club having felt leather on willow and had turned the relevant arms over in the like it was 2005, the Wanderers supporters were put at ease from the get-go with a solid opening nets. So much so that the first game stiffness that stand. But it was the partnership of Hobbs and is often felt after the first cricket outing was safely

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Tom Orchard (S09) that was the match winner with Orchard finishing on 48 no, and Hobbs being retired on 97, agonisingly short of what would have been a maiden Wanderers hundred. Hobbs knew exactly how Graeme Hick felt in 1994 when his Michael Atherton called him in so close to a landmark. Although this was more of a scorebook error as the skip on the day thought he had got to his 100 already…! DWCC won the game convincingly by 8 wickets. The School weekend double header with the 1st XI and South Wales Hunt was the next two games the Wanderers were targeting, but sadly the British summer got in the way and the games were called off on the Friday due to waterlogged pitches. The second year that the School fixture has had bad weather, and we pray for sunshine next year as it’s always great to be back playing at Downside.

(3 for 3 off 4), Tom Doe (S10) (3 for 26 off 6) and the pick of the bowlers, Harry Ross (B16), spinning his way through the lower order with 4 for 14 off 5.2 overs. A very well-rounded performance. OGGS The period coinciding with the academic year 2020/21 was a mixture of joy and frustration for the Society. There was little action in the first half of 2021, but it was preceded by six fixtures between August and October. The 2020 Spring Meeting, postponed to late September, was a delightful day, enhanced by good weather and good scoring. The Russell Bowl was won emphatically by St George’s, Weybridge. And in the four matches we beat the School (with the last putt of the day), halved with Stowe and lost to Worth and Sherborne.

Early 2021 resembled the spring of 2020, with the golf courses being closed for several weeks. This forced the cancellation of the Halford Hewitt; fortunately the various Clubs managed to clear As the sunshine returned to the month of May, their diaries sufficiently for the tournament to go the Wanderers travelled to Warnford, Hants, for ahead in September. And two other matches, against the Hampshire Hogs fixture. A toss won and with Ampleforth and Worth, also fell by the wayside. As a pitch that looked like a flat drop in pitch at the MCG, it was an easy decision to bat for the DWCC if to make up for the lengthy wait, we had a large turnout for the Spring Meeting. There was a clear skipper. What followed was a top order batting sense of joy with many seeing their close friends for display that would have been highly envied by the the first time in many months, only slightly reduced England cricket team, setting a target of 292 for by the dismal weather. A few days later we returned the home side to chase. Will Orr (R99), who bats at Warnford as if it’s his home ground, scored 81 at to Denham but failed to qualify for the finals of the top of the order only to be trapped in front by Grafton Morrish. the opening bowler returning for a second spell just In The Mellin we had a rather disappointing three 19 short of another hundred. He was supported well by his opening partner Lawrie Graham (R16) days. The principal team (55-years-old and over) who scored 42. But the match winning innings and lost to a Felsted side which was rather stronger than we expected. In the plate the players bounced back man of the match on the day came from Marcus with a 3-0 win against Hurstpierpoint. The following Marland (S04) with a sublime 102 no. Marcus morning we lost the semi-final to Oundle. The 65s rolled back the years and found the rhythm and also lost to Felsted, who went on to reach the final. timing as if he was playing corridor cricket in the In the plate we received a walk-over from Bedford Smythe dormitories. A solid bowling display saw but the next day a weakened team lost to Forest. And the Hogs bowled out for just 75, in what was the the 75s failed to qualify for the semi-finals of their most convincing Wanderers win in a long time. tournament. Notable bowling displays from Dom Walker (B03)

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Membership of the Society is open to all Old Gregorians. The members’ ages range from 18 to 80 plus and handicaps from scratch to 24 or more, so anyone wishing to join will fit in. The results of the main Meetings were: Spring Meeting, Denham, 29 September 2020 Foursomes Mathewson Salvers: Simon Stephens (S89, handicap 6) & Andrew Kennedy (S61, h’cap 23) - 39 pts 2nd: Gavin Bruce-Smythe (S83, h’cap 8) & Dominic Hennessy (R90, h’cap 18) - 36 pts Singles, Division I Raven Tankard: Gavin Bruce-Smythe - 39 pts 2nd: Christopher Grievson (Ra62, h’cap 12) - 36 pts

OLD GREGORIAN FOOTBALL CLUB Since its establishment in 2018, the OGFC have played a number of fixtures and friendly matches. They play in the 5th tier of the Arthurian League, as well as other tournaments, meaning there is a spot to be filled by everyone.

As well as tournaments, training sessions are organised with current and potential squad Singles, Division II Raven Tankard: David Lumley (R75, h’cap 18) - 35 pts members. Jorge Baltazar (R15) coordinates fixtures and members and is always looking for more OGs to 2nd: Peter Crawford (C68, h’cap 15) - 32 pts get involved. Spring Meeting, Denham, 13 May 2021 OLD GREGORIAN NETBALL SOCIETY Foursomes Mathewson Salvers: Richard Kenyon (S90, h’cap 11) The Netball Society is the newest OG Sporting Society established just before the pandemic & Simon McCall (B73, h’cap 19) - 34 pts began, meaning they have not been able to play a 2nd: David Sheridan (C81, h’cap 19) competitive fixture due to Covid-19. The team is & Damian Keeling (B98, h’cap 20) - 32 pts currently coordinated by Tash Soodeen (I18) and Jamie Francis Jones (B84), who look forward to Singles, Division I welcoming the OG Community to fixtures in the Raven Tankard: Ben Davis (S80, h’cap 14 ) - 36 pts coming months. There has already been a great 2nd: Jeremy Kenyon (S95, h’cap 14) - 36 pts amount of interest in players from groups of all ages which has been a delight to see. Singles, Division II Raven Tankard: Andrew Kennedy (S61) - 32 pts The team is based in London and is designed to be 2nd: Antony Tyndale (S72, h’cap 20) - 31 pts a flexible, social team with spaces still available. Michael Liddell (B84) Honorary Secretary If you are interested in getting involved with mhl@oggs.org.uk any of our OG Sporting Societies, or would like to start a new one, please email: oldgregorians@downside.co.uk.

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Announcements BIRTHS Alex Archibald (R06), a daughter, Iona Julia Lindsey, on 9th December 2020 Rob Buchan-Heelas (B03), a daughter, Georgina Baie Buchan-Heelas, on 8th September 2020 James Grew (R06), a son, Rupert Grew, on 26th November 2019 James Grew (R06), a son, Arthur Grew, in March 2021 William Hatton (S08), a son, Francis Peter Graham Hatton, on 12th December 2020 Rosanna Magee (C07), a boy, William Narayan Félix Agach-Magee, on 23rd June 2021 Felix Prinz zu Salm-Salm (C00), a daughter, Laya zu Salm-Salm, on 13th May 2021 Blair Elliott Sasada (B08), a daughter, Beatrice Isabella Sasada, on 5th October 2020 Tom Shorland Ball (R05), a son, Bertram Frederick James Shorland Ball, 29th May 2021 Dominic Walker (B03), a daughter, Bluebell Elizabeth Walker, on 6th October 2020 Edward Westlake (S05), a daughter, Matilda Westlake, on 10th March 2021

Blair Elliott Sasada (B08)

William Hatton (S08)

Ed Westlake (S05)

ENGAGEMENTS Richard Grew (R13) to Amy Shearer William Magee (R08) to Hannah Mason Andrés Armida Moreno Lacalle (St Oliver’s 06) to Adriana Riveria Padilla Caitlin Murphy (C14) to Jasper Elwes Thomas Orchard (S09) to Annabel Staib MARRIAGES Rory Campbell-Lamerton (B07) to Lucy Colacicchi Alexander Graham-Watson (S07) to Lauren Nevitt Peter Hammond (B11) to Portia Vanderplank-Jones Francesca Levey (C09) to Thomas van Kampen Fred Mahon (B07) to Alexandra Hellyer Oliver Wells (S07) to Harriet Nelham-Clark (C09) Hugo Whyte (R12) to Imogen Graham

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Sibella Levey (C13), Peter Levey (S10), George Hunter (B09), Francesca Levey (C09), Harriet Wells née Nelham Clark (C09), Oliver Wells (S07), James Hogan (S09)

Oliver Wells (S07) to Harriet Nelham-Clark (C09)

Alexander Graham-Watson (S07) to Lauren Nevitt

Andrés Armida Moreno Lacalle (St Oliver’s 2006) to Adriana Riveria Padilla

Fred Mahon (B07) to Alexandra Hellyer

Tom Orchard (S09) to Annabel Staib

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DEATHS L. R. B. Addington (B41) on 6th August 2021 aged 97 T. Bethell (B52) on 12th February 2021 aged 84 F. C. Blackie (C55) on 24th May 2021 aged 83 D. F. Brown (S49) on 6th April 2021 aged 89 J. K. Buckenham (S48) on 22nd December 2019 aged 90 S. R. Clifford (R75) on 7th February 2021 aged 63 W. S. Compton (U62) in October 2020 aged 77 B. de Salis (R53) on 14th February 2021 aged 84 P. Doyle (B56) on 13th December 2020 aged 82 T. C. G. T. Elwes (R53) in March 2021 aged 85 W. Fielding (C58) in September 2020 aged 81 A. J. J. Gaggero (B47) on 7th January 2021 aged 61 C. S. R. Gibbons (B85) in June 2021 aged 54 A R Girault (Ra60) on 19th April 2019 aged 75 M. G. Gisborne (R51) on 7th May 2021 aged 87 C. R. C. Harding (B60) on 4th November 2020 aged 78 R. C. M. D. Heggs (U83) on 14th January 2021 aged 55 N. Hodge (B79) on 12th December 2020 aged 60 A. B. S. Jackson (R60) on 20th October 2020 aged 77 R. J. Jackson (S50) on 1st December 2020 aged 88 S. J. Keay (U72) on 7th April 2021 aged 66 P. J. Langan (S70) on 16th June 2021 aged 69 M. Lomax (C60) on March 21st 2020 aged 77 P. Mackenzie-Smith (S64) on 20th August 2020 aged 74 J. C. A. A. Mandeville (S53) on 1st September 2020 aged 84 C. C. Martin (R51) on 31st August 2021 aged 88 A. R. M. McDonnell (R52) on 21st July 2021 aged 86 D. B. McHugh (B55) on 1st June 2021 aged 84 S. P. H. Milmo (B60) in April 2021 aged 77 D. J. Monico (S56) on 4th May 2021 aged 83 D. R. P. Morgan (R60) on 5th May 2021 aged 79 M. T. Murphy (R58) in July 2021 aged 80 T. J. R. Nesbitt (C84) on 9th May 2021 aged 55 J. W. Oakes (B50) on 23rd May 2021 aged 88

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M. Ogilvie-Davis (B50) on 6th January 2021 aged 89 R.A. Plummer (R48) on 1st January 2020 aged 90 M. P. Poland (B80) on 30th March 2021 aged 58 P. H. Quincey Carter (B42) in March 2021 aged 97 M. Reeve-Tucker (R67) on 30th September 2020 aged 71 J. A. Richardson (R47) in May 2021 aged 91 R. T. Riordan (S82) on 24th November 2020 aged 56 A. G. Smeed (R45) in October 2020 aged 93 J. F. M. Von Pflugl (C57) on 16th January 2021 aged 80 B. M. Whitlock Blundell (C41) on 19th August 2020 aged 97 A. Whittlesea on 27th March 2021 aged 78

Requiescant in pace

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OBITUARIES JAMES BERNARD BOURKE (S58) 1938 - 2018 James Bourke and I were contemporaries in Smythe. As he was older than me we were not in the Junior House together but we became close friends in Smythe as time went by. It became obvious that James would accomplish good things: natural ability, wide and varied interests, and a gift for companionship are promising attributes at a young age. James was a member of Smythe who, for so many reasons, no one could ignore. Today, he might have been diagnosed as being mildly autistic. He could often be encountered humming to himself the opening bars of the Ninth or something less well known, conducting himself as he went by. Not only that! James also had an encyclopaedic knowledge of classical music and could cite from memory every Opus number of any classical piece broadcast on the Third Programme. The BBC had designed this to be “of artistic and cultural importance … for persons of taste, of intelligence, and of education”. In other words, for James. The rest of us listened to pop music on Family Favourites before lunch on Sundays! To my knowledge, James did not then play an instrument but he was a tireless collector of classical recordings, all made of shellac in those days, which he played regularly on a large radiogram at his parents’ home. At home we were close neighbours, he in Southampton

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and I near Portsmouth. He kindly invited me to visit him and his parents, in about 1957. The Bourkes lived in the centre of the city, in a handsome Georgian terrace house. His father was a GP and, in retrospect, it’s obvious that James would follow his father, and become such a respected surgeon. That weekend, he had arranged to attend a lecture by Frederick Ashton so, in bright sunshine, we walked along the famous docks to the auditorium, with one of the Queens towering above everything in sight. Frederick (later Sir Frederick) Ashton is credited with being the founder of British ballet and was a celebrated dancer and choreographer. I recall being amazed by the complexity of what I had considered to be, well, dancing. About ballet, I shamefully knew and understood nothing. James was a good if not outstanding athlete in rugger and cricket. What little he may have lacked in ability, he more than made up with his enthusiasm for any sport or game. He was also almost as knowledgeable about his favourite sports as he was about music. If you wanted to know the test match score, you asked James. Later, he put his knowledge of, and interest in, sport to excellent purpose for the benefit of others. In 1958 he took his ability and enthusiasms to Christ’s College, Cambridge. There, he read medicine in Part I but in Part II he switched to anthropology and archaeology, which were then, apparently, an enthusiasm and

which would certainly become one later, in the public domain. Going down from Christ’s, he went back to medicine and completed his training at the London Hospital where he met his wife, Anne. They were married in 1965 and had three children. In 1972 Jim, as he became known, went up to Nottingham where he was appointed consultant surgeon and reader in surgery. He spent the next 30 years at the General Hospital and the University. There, he helped establish the Queen’s Medical Centre, where he became Medical Director. During his distinguished professional career, Jim still couldn’t leave sport alone. When his days playing cricket came to an end, he became a major figure of Nottingham Rugby Club, acting as the Club’s doctor and Chairman. The Club became a force in British rugby, and many members played international rugby. His 2006 article in the BMJ drew attention to the dangers posed by scrums, which he believed should be uncontested. In this, they are still some way short, but they pose less risk now of serious injury than they did. Jim applied his knowledge of anthropology and archaeology to Pete Marsh, a mysterious body found in a peat bog near Wilmslow in 1984. In 1986 Jim co-authored a book entitled Lindow Man: the body in the bog. Pete Marsh is now on display in the British Museum. As a fellow pupil at Downside James was a man of many

Jesuit school, before moving to Britain to complete high school at the Benedictine Downside Abbey. Evidently the Benedictines impressed him enough to enter their novitiate after school. He discerned, however, that monasticism was not his way of serving God. He left the Order before taking vows and proceeded to read Law at University College, Oxford. He returned to Salisbury where he completed his articles as an attorney in 1963. Three years later he completed the pupillage necessary to become an advocate. He also married Adrienne Mary FERGUS BLACKIE (C55) Appleby in January 1966. They had 1937 - 2021 five children – Alexandra, Victoria, Fergus Craig Blackie was born William, Caroline and Margaret. on 18 July 1937 in Salisbury, He was appointed a Senior Southern Rhodesia (now Harare, Counsel, in 1980, the same Zimbabwe). The son of Scottish Catholic immigrants who came to year that Zimbabwe became Africa not just to create a new life independent. His career in the High Court had taken a different for themselves but, in the case of turn in 1978, when he was invited William, his father, to study and to serve as an acting judge in the practise Tropical Medicine. Fergus began his schooling at St Administrative Court, focusing George’s College, the distinguished on settling disputes over water. Blackie was appointed a judge of the Zimbabwe High Court in 1986, a post he held until retirement in 2002. Fergus Blackie moved with his wife Adrienne to South Africa. Settling in Johannesburg, he started a new career in mediation and arbitration, drawing on what he’d learnt with the ‘water court’ in the late 1970s. In this regard he helped to set up DiSAC, the Dispute Settlements Advisory Council, and worked with Conflict Dynamics. promising parts in the making. With his wide interests, he was always a stimulating companion, and he was as kind and generous to me at school as he would be to so many people throughout his caring and varied career. Naturally, Jim never lost his passion for music, especially for opera. He was a regular visitor to Glyndebourne and to Buxton Opera House, where, I feel sure, he would hum an aria in faint earshot of his fellow patrons. Guy AB Knapton (S58)

Behind this public persona, Fergus Blackie was a committed family man, warm-hearted and filled with a sense of humour. Committed to his faith, he took a considerable interest in Church affairs. Above all he believed in fairness and had little time for posturing or posing behind technical jargon. In this, at very least, Fergus Blackie’s life should be an encouragement to South African judges, and all citizens who value the rule of law, to stand for that all too rare thing today, public integrity. He is survived by his wife, two brothers, five children and six grandchildren. Spotlight Africa ATHELSTAN GURNEY SMEED (R54) 1927 - 2021 Athelstan Smeed, better known by his friends and family as Lattie, was in Roberts House at Downside. He was a winner at cross country and performed a solo on the BBC Radio Broadcast one Christmas. He was very proud of his school and spoke fondly of his time boarding throughout the war. He was one of the survivors after the tragic aircraft disaster in 1943, owing his life to a sting from a bee which meant he was rolling around on the ground when the wing of the aircraft passed over his head missing him by inches but wiping out his classmates. This left him devastated. He would pray silently for his lost brothers and

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used his faith to continue to live life to the full where theirs had been cut short so quickly. On leaving Downside his passion was to join the Guards but unfortunately his eyesight meant this was not possible. He undertook hotel management at Westminster School of Catering which meant training in London at the finest hotels including Grosvenor House and the Dorchester. His culinary skills were taught in Berne, Switzerland. He went on to become the youngest assistant general manager at one the best hotels of his time. It was on the Isle of Guernsey at The Royal where he met Madeleine, his wife to be. He married Madeleine, his wife of same age, and went on to have five children, 14 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. They became a formidable partnership in the hospitality industry and our parents went on to own their own hotels. He loved horse racing, the sport of kings, and became a popular member at various courses in the South of England, and had a passion for cars. He put all his children through private school and with his wife loved each and every one of us unconditionally. He was an extremely well liked individual and was liked by everyone no matter where you were from. Our father passed away peacefully and with great dignity and now rests alongside his

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to undertake the first large-scale geophysical survey of Portus the following year. Simon’s Italian work had followed on from 20 years of influential research on Roman Spain. He was among the first nonSpanish archaeologists to work in Spain after the death of Franco (from 1978) and was held in very high regard there. His doctoral work on the late Roman economy established his profile, after which he went on to publish the first modern synthesis of Roman Spain, in 1988. However, his most pioneering work came in the series of SIMON KEAY (U72) large-scale surveys. Having met 1954 - 2021 as students, and periodically Simon was one of the first archaeologists to apply pioneering worked together, in 1985 we were invited to conduct a survey geophysical surveys on a large scale in the Mediterranean world, of the hinterland of the Roman first in Spain, and then jointly with provincial capital at Tarraco (now me in Italy, at Falerii Novi, Lazio, Tarragona), where the Catalonian government was leading major in 1997. It was this work that led new excavations. the Italian authorities to invite us

father, brother and his dear, cherished wife of 65 years, Madeleine. Respected and loved by all, he is missed on a daily basis but never forgotten. I pray that one day I might visit Downside, possibly with my children to walk the passages and relive where he called home for so many years. I wish to thank all those that took the time to write the kind words of sympathy. God bless you all! Christopher Smeed

Recognising the potential of geophysical surveys for examining large sites, Simon co-directed, from 1991 to 1993, a project that mapped the city of Italica, the birthplace of the emperor Trajan, near Seville, revealing a variety of previously unknown buildings. This was later followed with an innovative study using Geographical Information Systems (a computer-based system for analysing maps) to better understand the networking of the dense concentration of Roman urban centres in southern Spain (2000-08). Born in London, to Lorelei (née Shiel) and Anthony Keay, a company director, Simon attended Downside, before going to the University of London in 1974 to study archaeology. He stayed there to do his PhD, completed in 1983. In 1985 he was appointed lecturer in archaeology at the University of Southampton, rising to become professor by 1997. He stayed at the university until retirement in 2020, while also serving as director of archaeology at the British School at Rome for a decade from 2006. During this time, alongside the Portus excavations, Simon led a major EU-funded research project gathering comparative evidence from Roman ports across the whole of the Mediterranean. His publications of this research, along with the final report of his excavations, which he was completing at the time of his death, will be central to all future

months travelling. Friends joked that in another life he should have been a travel agent such was his passion for exploring the world, including Japan, Vietnam, the US, India, Turkey, Syria, Georgia, South Africa, South America, New Zealand and Australia. He loved opera, particularly Mozart, and travelled to Italy for performances as well as to Berlin, Nice, Marseilles and, in Britain, Glyndebourne and Holland Park. He spoke German and Italian, and was fluent in French with an accent assumed to be Walloon or Swiss. Mike was born in 1943 in Fulmer, a village in Buckinghamshire, the first son of Peter, a lawyer, and Mary, a successful portrait painter. His Victorian great-grandparents had made money in Chile in the MICHAEL LOMAX (C60) nitrate business and Mike enjoyed 1943 - 2021 When the Vatican XI, a cricket a comfortable upbringing in Chelsea. He was sent to Downside, team comprising largely Sri Lankan and Irish priests, asked for the Catholic boarding school in Somerset. Mike had two younger a match against the small French village of Entrecasteaux, its English siblings, Rosamund and Rod, and inhabitant and former advertising an elder sister, Geraldine, who was killed in a road accident in her executive Mike Lomax leapt at early twenties. the proposal. Tall, clever and a After school, where he excelled good cricket player — he was as a southpaw boxer, he won a the village umpire and a leading scholarship to Pembroke College, international umpire in France Cambridge, to read English, and — Mike had always taken a bigwas involved in drama alongside hearted approach to life. Since Eric Idle and Tim Brooke-Taylor. 2000 he had followed a pattern He toured Europe as a member of whereby he spent five months the Pembroke Players. The world of the year in the picture-perfect of advertising beckoned, and he village with its own château and started out at McCann Erickson, Le Nôtre maze, five months in a following a stellar trajectory fisherman’s cottage by the sea in Deal, Kent, and the remaining two through the financial advertising

accounts of the Roman world. Throughout his work, Simon ensured that the everyday objects found were the subject of careful and systematic study, so his project publications remain as key works of reference. He was also a generous promoter of younger colleagues, always involving them as co-authors. This gave energy to his fieldwork projects, which, combined with his sharp – and often irreverent – sense of humour, ensured that field archaeology with him was always enormous fun. In 1986 he married Nina Inzani, a homeopath. She and their two sons, James and Leo, survive him. The Guardian

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and public relations world at a time when the industry was in its heyday. He was director and head of media at Streets Financial, joined Charles Barker, one of the oldest of the public relations companies, as joint managing director, and became the chief executive of First Financial. At the latter his main client was Jupiter Asset Management and when he left First Financial he continued to work for Jupiter. When new regulatory boards were introduced in the 1980s he was on the Securities and Investment Board, the forerunner of the Financial Conduct Authority. He was also at the forefront of the marketing for the Cancer Research campaign and, nearer to home, a governor of Newington Community Primary School in Thanet. In 1967 Mike married Rachel (née Salmon), a senior civil servant who became a deputy governor at the Bank of England, and they had two sons: Tom, who is a doctor in Tokyo, and Dan, a lecturer. The marriage broke down in the late 1980s and in 1992 Mike married Margaret Stone, a financial journalist who had set up The Times’ money section in the late 60s, and whom he had known in financial circles for many years. Between them they had six grandchildren: Alisa, Mia, Sasha, Evie, Ned and Bertie. Mike and Margaret moved from Maida Vale to the Barbican but on realising the number of traffic lights separating them from the other side of the river decided to move out of

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London and to divide their time between France and Deal, where Mike played golf. At 6ft 5in he was a big hitter, although sometimes on a different course from that on which they were meant to be playing. To many, however, it was his encyclopaedic mind — he could recall the date of an event in history at random — and allembracing interest in the world that made him entertaining company, not least in his fascination with Turkish carpets: he had 13 in Deal and ten in France. The Times THOMAS MICHAEL REEVE-TUCKER (R68) 1949 - 2019 Most of my brothers were born in Jamaica (the rest of them in Carlisle (our sisters were born in Herefordshire)); had the Windies selectors been on the qui vive, Mike was the most likely to have had a call-up. His fast bowling for the 1st XI in 1967 and 1968 reached heights of unplayable menace, especially at Lord’s, where he was cruelly deprived of a hat-trick in the morning session by an umpire who turned down the plumbest of plumb LBWs. The sorry umpire explained that, had he raised his finger, he feared the match would have been over by lunch. His was an idyllic childhood, spent in a village in Herefordshire, on the family farm in Cumberland, and on various army patches around the world – Catterick, Jamaica, Germany, Hong Kong (where

not surprisingly he did a stint as a model) – usually in the happy band of the four outlaw brothers. A talented sportsman, he was a bruising centre in the excellent 1967 XV and a stalwart of the Hockey XI; and, latterly, an accomplished golfer. On leaving Downside he went straight to Sandhurst to start a distinguished 27-year army career. He was the embodiment of Downside’s Benedictine ethos and values, which were instrumental in his rising to become the last Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion, the Royal Hampshire Regiment, the very same regiment that his father (TSW Reeve-Tucker (R38), Head Boy and Captain of the unbeaten 1st XV) had commanded in the 60s. Curiously, he was the third Roberts boy in a direct line of succession to command it, after Tim Glass (R63) and Paul Davis (R67). Following its amalgamation with the Queen’s Regiment in 1992, he became the first C.O. of the 1st Battalion, the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment. He took the new battalion to Armagh, an interesting challenge for a Catholic, and regularly attended at Kensington Palace to report on regimental affairs. The army sent him all over the world, including two long spells in Germany, in Bavaria where he was sent to learn the language and, it is surmised, to teach the German army how to play cricket (wie ist das?!), and also in West Berlin.

On retiring from the army in the rank of LieutenantColonel he had a spell as Clerk to the Worshipful Company of Pewterers, before moving to Zambia in 2012. There he built a house and created a garden which he filled with flowers and fruit trees, on his eldest son’s, Piers’ (R94), land, where all were welcome, and all came. He gradually became grandfather to seven and was adoring of and adored by them. He would organise fun parties and trips on his boat on the Zambezi. In recent years he taught cricket at his grandchildren’s school. As Council Member for Zambia for the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League he worked passionately to ensure many families got their life-saving grants. He also headed up the annual Poppy Appeal, something he did with huge pride. A fine leader, his was an ebullient and adventurous spirit. He was a loving, dedicated and kind father of six – Piers, Poppy, Dominic (B97), Alexander, Olivia and Imogen - son, brother and friend, sustaining many wonderful friendships around the world. Stephen Reeve-Tucker (R69) SEAN MILMO (B60) 1943 - 2021 Sean Peter Heywood Milmo was born in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, on May 30, 1943. He was the fourth of six children born to Sir Helenus

Milmo, later a High Court judge, and his wife Joan. Educated at Downside School and Trinity College, Cambridge, Sean worked for more than 50 years as a journalist, starting on local newspapers in Shropshire and Teesside before later joining Reuters in London. He spent much of his career as a freelance writer specialising in business journalism. Sean was a nature lover, voracious reader, political activist, energetic dancer and avid football fan. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marion, and his two sons, Cahal and Dan, who have followed him into journalism. Coatings World

Of course, he always had an enquiring mind. In 1941, aged three and a half, he is being pushed in his pram by his aunt Margot up Wippersnapper Lane in Westbury. Wippersnapper Lane is a horrible, cobbled, steep DAVID MONICO (S56) shortcut and the pram is heavy, 1938 - 2021 unwieldy and old-fashioned. It was quite unreasonable for The pram hits a thoroughly David to leave us when he did. uncompromising pothole. ‘Jesus’ It was not his turn. Typical, of says aunt Margot. ‘Where, course, upstaging me to the last. Auntie Margot, where?’ says But now that I come to reflect on our life together as brothers it David, popping up in the pram does seem to me that I must have all keen and bright eyed. ‘Oh, everywhere,’ says Margot who been an awful cross for David hadn’t done time at St Mary’s to have to bear throughout our formative years. All the things that Ascot for nothing. David became part of the I did and liked doing he hated. Most of the ideas I had he probably Stoneyard Set at Downside. Auberon Waugh, David Mlinaric, disapproved of. It wasn’t until he Rob Stuart and D were was about 15 when Pasmore, the permanently ‘excused boots’ as the Headmaster of Downside, put military might say. ‘Off games’. him into a special History Set, While the rest of us covered the aim of which was to capture ourselves in mud come rain or major scholarships to Oxbridge shine the Set would repair to the that it dawned on me that he was Stoneyard and place themselves probably cleverer than I was.

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under the protection of saintly Hubert van Zeller who would seek to beautify their minds. Whilst I was off doing National Service and learning how to defend my little brother should the Tartars and the Cossacks of the great Asian Plain take it into their heads to sweep over Western Europe, David duly won his Exhibition to Corpus Christi, Cambridge. It didn’t cross his mind that it was now his turn to defend me. Up we went to Cambridge, then, together, David an Exhibitioner and me, a humble commoner. We read History together and shared an elegant set of rooms in College throughout our stay. In cases of extreme emergencies we might borrow each other’s essays and I was very conscious of the fact that my essays were always rather better received when presented by David than when I showed up with them myself. More than anything David wanted to be cast in the 1959 Footlights Revue. All he had ever wanted was to have a life in the theatre. When he played the King in The King and I at Cheltenham two old dears sat in the fourth row of the stalls. ‘They say the King is much better than that Yul Brunner’ says one to the other – and then they both go to sleep. Mother died in 2002 and David was 64. At last he was able to fulfil his other ambition which was to make a life in Italy. At the Villa Prosperini, David and Neil were able to achieve all their

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aspirations, a gentle country life, love of friends, letter writing, books, good food (it should have been better wine), glorious summer weather. D complained bitterly about his first winter though. I was able to observe smugly that if he knew anything about the battle of Monte Cassino he would know how awful Italian winters could be. Wherever you are, brother dear, keep a place for me. Martin Monico (S54) JOHN KEVIN NEWMAN 1928 - 2020 Since Kevin died on 26 July 2020, I have received letters of condolence from a number of you. Your kind words mean more to me than you could ever imagine, especially since you are drawing from memories that go back more than fifty years. Kevin’s memories of Downside also stretched back—specifically to 1955 when Dom Wilfrid offered him a position teaching Group One. To the Headmaster’s pointed question: “Can you make [the boys] work?” Kevin gave, without hesitation, the reply, “Yes, if you support me.” At that time Kevin was unemployed, as penniless as Chaucer’s Clerk of Oxenford. But he was confident that he could teach. If he had taught himself Greek so well that Rector Barber offered him a place at Exeter College before

his interview concluded (“I’m surprised that your Greek is better than your Latin!”) he was convinced that he could assist in preparing the boys in Group One for the future if they were willing to trust him and work hard. The years he spent at Downside were filled with a sense of purpose and of accomplishment. He sometimes said that he learned Greek and Latin by attempting to answer the questions asked by the boys in Group One. Again, like the Clerk of Oxenford, “Gladly would he learn and gladly teach.” But after 14 years it was time to move on. When he was offered a position at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with one of the finest Classics Libraries in the US, he realised that to continue with his research he had no choice but to accept. The terms were generous: he could borrow as many books as he wished for as long as he wished. The Classics Librarian eventually automatically renewed the volumes when they came due and would sometimes even drop books off at the house. And during his 31 years as a faculty member, he was excused from teaching for five years so that he could get on with his research. However, Kevin never forgot Downside, he never forgot Group One, he never forgot the excitement of watching the intellectual growth of intelligent boys who were working toward a well-defined goal. Over the years he often heard from old

pupils. But the affirmation that he had spent his life pursuing a worthwhile career came at the splendid celebratory dinner in 2012 at Brooks’ Club, when so many former members of Group One spoke of the lessons they had learned, …was it in Room 6? Sadly, Kevin’s heart never recovered from the damage inflicted on it in January 2019. During the subsequent eighteen months his health, both physical and mental, gradually deteriorated. Not long before he died, when his dementia was quite advanced, he asked me if I thought he might be able to go back to Downside to teach the boys. What answer could I give? I don’t think his heart had ever really left. Frances Newman

Merseyside, died 19 August 2020. He was 97. He was born in 1922, at Battle, Sussex, as second son of Mark Kingsley Whitlock, of Braziers Farm, Chipperfield, Hertfordshire, and married 26 January, 1950, Hester Mary Blundell, daughter of Francis Nicholas Blundell ROBERT ANTONY of Crosby Hall, by his wife the PLUMMER (R48) former Theresa Victoria Ward. 1929 - 2020 His wife succeeded as head Robert Antony (Tony), Brigadier of the landed gentry family of late Irish Guards, peacefully on January 1st 2020, aged 90. Beloved Blundell, of Crosby Hall, and in consequence of this Mr Whitlock husband of Anne, adored father assumed the surname of Whitlockof Lucy and John, proud fatherin-law and grandfather. Funeral at Blundell by deed poll. 11.00 am, Thursday 23rd January Mr Whitlock-Blundell was the 2020, at St Peter’s Church, Foston, father of eight children, Mark, Richard, Joseph, Thomas and Lincolnshire. Telegraph Christopher, and daughters, Mary, Emma and Monica. Telegraph BRIAN WHITLOCKBLUNDELL (C41) ANNE WHITTLESEA 1922 – 2020 I first met Adrian and Anne in Brian Mark Whitlock-Blundell, 1977 when they arrived in Stratton of Crosby Hall, Little Crosby,

with three young children, Alex, Alison and Amy, as Adrian took up his post as Art Master in the School. A year later Annalise was born at the Manor House in Stratton where they lived. At the time I was a young monk in the monastery with several others studying philosophy, theology, scripture, church history and canon law. The arrival of a young family, full of life and joy, could hardly pass unnoticed by us young monks living on the top floor of the monastery. We’re in the liturgical season of Easter when we sing alleluia at the end of the antiphons and the choir of the Abbey Church at Downside has in pride of place the Easter candle. Over the years the candle has been decorated and painted by art masters and pupils from the school; I’m sure Adrian painted and encouraged his pupils to assist with this work. I mention the Abbey Church because when Anne became the House Mother

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in Plunkett, she encouraged the boys to take part in the different services. As the master of ceremonies, I used to meet Anne and two or three boys after breakfast on Sunday mornings in the Abbey Church to run through the bringing up of the gifts for the Offertory Procession at the mass. She also encouraged the boys to act as torch bearers at the Sunday evening Benediction. In the 1980s the Manor House in Stratton was full of activity and life as Anne and Adrian organised many activities: music and dancing lessons, art exhibitions, birthday parties and camping in the garden for the boys. Anne had her family of four children, but the house was filled with an overflow of Plunkett boys who loved being there and having Mrs Whitt, as Anne was affectionately known, as their House Mother. Being House Mother to young boys was very much a ‘hands on job’ and the success, the joy and spirit of friendship that was so much part of Plunkett House at that time was due to Anne’s care and love. She was the ideal person to be the House Mother, bringing her nursing and motherly skills to her work as she looked after all the needs of the students, being the link-person and bridging the gap that exists between home and school and supplying the softer, feminine touch that’s often missing in an all boys’ school. She was the able assistant to the House Master in administration and counselling, and as the discerning

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Christian person in the spiritual needs of the boys. Anne took an active and leading role in the Wessex Walks for Save the Children. When the charity celebrated their silver jubilee Anne was invited to a reception at Buckingham Palace. When she retired from Plunkett House in 2000 the School organised a farewell party. I still remember Martin Fisher, the Deputy Head Master’s words: ‘all the boys who have passed through Plunkett loved Anne and as we can see many of her old boys are here today. One boy told me, we loved Mrs Whitt and we all fell in love with her.’ Damian Ettinger, the House Master of Plunkett at the time of her retirement, remarked in a letter to parents: ‘She has made her quiet influence felt throughout the House, has been involved in all areas of house activity, and displayed the love and compassion of an exceptionally dedicated woman.’ Anne, as a trained nurse, took an active part in the OMV Lourdes Pilgrimage for ten pilgrimages. Here she was a valuable member of the medical team and she also managed to squeeze in time to sing in the choir. I quote from the obituary that appeared on OMV Facebook. ‘Anne was known to scores of OMV helpers as Mrs Whitt....She epitomised selfsacrifice and self-giving and the quiet tenderness of care for her family, her ‘boys’ and for our HPs (Hospital Pilgrims) knew no bounds. Truly, nothing ever

appeared too much trouble as she drew from a seemingly endless reserve of energy and kindness.’ I thank Joanna Whitaker for those beautiful words that I think sum up the love and friendship Anne extended to so many. She brought the comfort and peace of God’s love to many. Let us pray for Anne that she may enjoy the peace and comfort of God’s love. In the words of today’s scripture reading from the Book of Revelation, ‘See, I am making all things new.’ In our sadness and loss, let us comfort one another, with those words, ‘I am making all things new.’ Saints of God, come to her aid! Hasten to meet her, angels of the Lord! Receive her soul and present her to God the Most High. May Christ, who called you, take you to himself; May angels lead you to the bosom of Abraham. Receive her soul and present her to God the Most High. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. Receive her soul and present her to God the Most High. Dom James Hood (B72)

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OG News 1959 Dom Charles Fitzgerald-Lombard (S) has been Parish Priest of Downside’s oldest Parish, Bungay in Suffolk, founded in Cromwellian times for the last 15 years. Following a mild stroke in October 2020 and reaching his 80th birthday in January this year, it seems prudent to accept the Abbot’s offer of retirement. He proposes returning to the Abbey and subsequently following their 1953 Michael Abbott (C) has concluded exciting new adventure on the principle that ‘where you go, I will his 44 years voluntary service go’. Will he be bored? Probably to the Church as a Trustee of not as he has been offered to the Diocese of Nottingham. He resume a historical research was appointed in 2007 following project which he laid down some his resignation as the founding Chairman of St. Edward’s School 30 years ago on the publication Cheltenham where he had served of English and Whelsh Priests Vol 3 in varying capacities back to 1977. and will commence work on Vol 4 with the aid of a research grant from the Institute of Historical Michael Abbott (C) has recently been offered a permanent record Research which is sponsored by the Scouloudi Foundation in the with the name of a new ‘Abbott’ University of London. building, at St Edwards, where he remained as a Chairman of Alan Morgan (S) became a Trustees until his retirement in grandfather on 3rd November 2007. The building was blessed 2020 to Alicia, daughter of by a visit from the Bishop of Georgiana Wasilwska Morgan and Clifton. her husband Luiz Ros. 1955 1961 Tim Ambler’s (B) anthem The Johnny Harrison (C) has now Fifieth Day was premiered at the London Festival of Contemporary retired from his position with Church Music on Pentecost Sunday. HSBC and has taken on the role of 1950 Bernardo Vega (C) was awarded the International History Award by the Assocation of Caribbean studies. This award is given for having written the best history book on the Caribbean in 20192020. Bernardo has recently ended his term as President of the Dominican Academy of History

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Marketing Manager for www.samsriverside.co.uk 1962 Dorian Lovell-Pank (C) has recently retired from Chambers in London after being called to the Bar in 1971, taking Silk in 1993 and half a century as a Criminal Practitioner. He now is a sole practitioner working from his home in Gloucestershire and continues to be a visiting Professor of Law at Loyola University Chicago and a consultant for Charles Gomez and Co Solicitors in Gibraltar. 1965 Tim Coghlan (U) has now been at the helm of Braunston Marina - on the Grand Union Canal near Rugby - for 33 years. He acquired the site, with its historic wharf in a state of semi-dereliction, in 1988. This resulted in a career change after 20 years working in the City of London, latterly as a stockbroker. To Tim’s great pleasure, the revived and restored marina is now one of the most well-known in the country, and has attracted great media attention over the years. Recently in August 2020, an episode of BBC Radio 4’s programme Open County was made there, presented by the legendary song writer and music producer

Pete Waterman. This was followed up in March 2021 when the BBC television programme Countryfile filmed the new hybrid electricdiesel powered narrowboat that had been developed and built by Wharf House Narrowboats, one of several marine businesses now based at the marina. That programme, in which Tim featured, was presented by Tom Heap. Actor and canal enthusiasts Timothy West and Prunella Scales have moored at the marina for some years now, and the marina appeared in three episodes of their television series Great Canal Journeys. Aged 73, Tim has no plans for retirement: ‘It’s just too much fun here.’ Before coming to Downside, Tim was educated at Elston Hall Prep School in Nottinghamshire, which he very much enjoyed, but where he did very little work. The School only ran from 1952 to 1972, but is still held in affection by many of its small pool of alumni. Since 1995, Tim has been the self-appointed Chairman of the Old Elstonians, and has organised reunions from time to time. These are now based at London’s Cavalry and Guards Club, which was the club of the late headmaster Michael Philips. The last reunion in 2019 attracted 28 old boys, including five who went on to Downside. Possibly the most illustrious of these was Rupert Allason - the former MP for Torquay and spy writer under the nom de plume of Nigel West. A reunion lunch will be held on 26th November this year. The

guest of honour will be retired Judge John Milmo QC (U61), who after leaving Downside, taught English at Elston for the Summer Term of 1961, before going on to Trinity College, Dublin, and then an illustrious career at the Bar. If you were also at Elston, and would like more information, please email tim@braunstonmarina.co.uk

Panel upon which he still serves. More recently he was made a Fellow of the Civil Mediation Council. Away from his workplace environment, following his six years of being Chairman of Worth School’s Board of Governors, he continues to be an Abbey Trustee Board Advisor. Additionally, since March 2008 he has served as Under Sheriff for the Bailiwick of Sussex.

1969 Matthew Burt (U69) has this year designed and made two altars for St Thomas’s nave in Salisbury and for St John’s in Tisbury, in his workshop in Hindon, Wiltshire. Matthew explained that the concept for the St Thomas’s altar was very simple and was designed around a metaphor 1967 for a straightforward premise. Philip Fowke (B) celebrated his The altar emanates from an 70th birthday with international explosive centre, directly beneath piantist and composer, Stephen the dais that supports it. From Hough, who wrote him Sonatina Nostalgica which Philip premiered this notional centre, expanding upwards and outwards, are 1,152 online for the Chetham’s International Summer School and pieces of English ‘Tiger’ oak. The St John the Baptist altar is Festival for Pianists in 2020. He currently in the village of Tisbury will be performing the piece live where Matthew’s ancestors and giving a talk on his Life and worshipped. Matthew was Careers at this year’s Festival for grateful to be able to add his own Pianists 2021. mark to the history and narrative of a church that is very special Kevin Smyth (U) now practises to him. as a full time Civil/Commercial Mediator following his retirement as a Solicitor in 2019. Since 2000 Michael Hill (Ra) continues as he has been a member of CEDR’S Chairman of BexleyCo and a Non Panel of Recommended Mediators Executive Director of Brodway Livings and its Registered and in 2003 he was appointed to Provider subsidiary, developing the Court of Appeal’s Mediation

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affordable and market sale housing in London. Michael continues to support railway charities by donating his paintings, which are then auctioned or used as a basis for merchandise. This work provides a regular reminder of many delightful days spent in the Art Attic, initally with Maurice Percival and then with John Crockett. Michael was delighted to find recently a photograph of himself and several other pupils in a book on the Somerset and Dorset railway; they were easily spotted as the black jackets, stiff white collars and black ties contrasted strongly with the more usual 1960s railway enthusiast attire of tweed jacket or an anorak.

1972 Luke Downs (Ra) has retired from his landscaping business on Vancouver Island and moved down island to the pretty, artistic community of Cowichan Bay, where he is opening a gallery for his largely abstract photography. When not in the studio, he will be hiking the many trails in the area in search of birds, and material for new images.

1973 Chris Hennemeyer (B) is fast approaching the closing chapter of his humanitarian career, but remains quite engaged, having recently spent two months running Catholic Relief Services’ relief program in Ethiopia’s Tigray region due to the war Simon Jervis (R) has been elected that has been waged on Tigray by President of the Furniture History Ethiopian federal troops. Society in succession to Sir Nicholas Goodison. William Johnston (R) has recently become a consultant with Byrne Wallace LLP in Dublin 1971 Dr William Griffiths (S) has recently taken on the role of Librarian of the Confraternity of St James after having been the Chairman from 2003 to 2010 and a Trustee of the GK Chesterton Library. The Stephen Badger Library of Pilgrimage, London, SE1 8NY can be visited any Thursday by emailing: Bernard Trafford (C) has now office@Csj.org.uk or retired as a teacher, after a 28 w.griffiths8@gmail.com

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year-long career and Headship of three schools. He is currently living in Oxford and has more recently become a grandfather. Bernard has published two historical novels via Amazon as well as two SATB Christmas Carols, Sir Christemas and At Christmas be Merry. 1974 Dr Gerald Murphy (R) was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for services to forensic medicine in the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Awards. He was unable to receive the presentation because of ongoing COVID lockdowns. Antony Randle (U) has recently became Chairman of Street Football Club, after having retired from 36 years practising as a Family Lawyer in London and moved to Glastonbury in 2018. In 2021 Antony volunteered for The National Trust and was appointed Site Warden for Glastonbury Tor. 1975 Joseph Bevan (B) has now retired from the financial services industry and is guru to his ten children and seven grandchildren. Three of his children have entered holy orders and the youngest of them is to be ordained Deacon at the seminary in Econe (Switzerland) in June 2021. Mike Flynn (U) now lives in Pasadena, California, with his wife of three years, Laura Elizabeth

Lees. He has recently retired as a KPMG US audit partner after a 40-year career as a certified public accountant.

1986 Matt Podesta (S) and wife, Claire, have recently set up the business Huckleberry Home where they create timeless fitted and unfitted kitchens and furniture. Www. huckleberryhome.co.uk

1976 Neil Cadwallader (Ra) was appointed a Specialist Civil Circuit 1987 Judge in November 2020. Toby McLennan (R) and Justin McLennan (C) have established a 1977 specialist executive search firm, Kaae Rillos (C) has launched a Apollo Search Partners. Apollo new travel experience sharing provides bespoke executive search website with 3 family members and advisory services, specialising called Go Womple. in the Asian financial markets. Toby will be Head of Business 1979 Development out of the New York Willie Hartley Russell (S) was office and Justin will continue to appointed High Sheriff of the be based in the Hong Kong office. Royal County of Berkshire on 26th March 2021 for the ensuing Apollo complete senior-level executive search assignments and year. He has also been made build leadership teams for Asia Patron of the Berkshire Country focused asset management firms, Cricket Club. hedge fund and investment banks. They would be happy to hear from 1982 any OGs in either location: Charles Hansard (S) has spent www.apollosearchpartners.com the last 20 years living near Wellington in Somerset after a 1989 long career in the Army (16/5L Ben Robertson (U) has recently & QRL). He and his wife have graduated from Nottingham three children, all of whom Trent University with a 2:1 in his attend Wellington School and BA History. He will now begin have a passion for horse riding his Masters in History, also at and cricket. He currently Nottingham Trent University. owns a company that is the UK Distributor of Micfil supplying fuel, lubrication & hydraulic ultra 1994 Max Cencic (U) has recently fine filtration systems. In his free time, Charles often umpires games been appointed the Director of the Bayreuth Baroque Opera for Somerset Premier League Festival which takes places cricket and owns a live steam annually in the first two weeks model railway. in September. He has also been

awarded the Life Achievement Prize by the German Association of Discographic Music Critics in the category for Classical Music. This has followed two Grammy Nominations in 2014 for his Opera Productions of Artaserse by Leonardo Vinci and Ottone by George F Handel, as well as in 2015 being created Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres by the French Ministery of Culture. 1995 Ruiari O’Connell (U) was appointed as an OBE in the Birthday Honours this year for services to British Foreign Policy and also appointed as International Engagement Director in the Home Office. 1997 Thomas Norton (S) has recently taken on the role of Housemaster of F Social at Radley College, after holding the position of Head of History. 1998 Charlie Tighe (C) had the pleasure of being elected Associate of the Royal Academy of Music by the Honours Committee, awarded to alumni of the Academy who have distinguised themselves in the music and performing profession and made a significant contribution in their field. 1999 Giles Dawnay (S) has passed his exams to become a fully qualified GP.

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Piotr Manasterski (B) has received a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Bath and started working as a postdoctoral research fellow at the Institute of Genetics and Cancer in Edinburgh where he is conducting research into sarcomas using genetic engineering to generate mouse models for preclinical drug testing.

2000 Jonathan Mizzi (C), Architect at Mizzi Studio, has recently been awarded the commission for the replacement of a fleet of food kiosks across London’s Royal Parks. The comission had completed delivery in April 2021 with the brass flagship kiosk at St James’s Park sitting at the foot of Buckingham Palace. Other commissions included the Family Fleet and The Serpentine Coffee House.

environment, Lucia’s work has been ever more challenging. 2009 Alice Hind (C) has taken on the role of SENCO as well as becoming a member of the Headship Team at St Peter’s Eaton Square Primary School.

2010 Emily Hammond (C) has received her commission from the Royal Air Force as a Medical Care Cadet and will be a Medical Officer from August. Emily was trained to help 2004 Matthew Wright (C) has taken the with the vaccinations of Covid-19 in Manchester at the beginning of role of Teacher of Classics at St Mary’s Ascot after a five-year stint this year. teaching Classics at Westminster Cathedral Choir School, where he 2012 also introduced a Civics course to Jack Edward (R) graduated from the University of Roehampton the curriculum. with a distinction in MA Theology, Ecology and Ethics. 2008 Lucia Hudson-Evans (I) is now working as a Speech and Language 2013 William Kerr (B) has recently Therapist specialising in Adult Critical Care. Over the past year, started a new position as Senior Private Secretary to the due to a large number of staff being placed in critical care units Secretary of State for Wales at UK Government Wales. who are less familiar with the

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2014 Honor Addington (I) has recently set up a wallpaper company where all designs are hand illustrated by herself and then printed by an English manufacturer in Lancaster. Visit www.honoraddington.com for designs

Isabella Bartle-Jones (I) is currently training as an Occupational Therapist following the completion of her Degree in History. Caitlin Murphy (C) has taken on the role in an admin team to facilitate remote GP consultations, whilst studying Medicine at Warwick University. She also has been trained to work as a Covid-19

vaccinator in the aim of relieving now started the regular course pressure on GPs in the community. in the hope to be commissioned into the regular Army in 2015 December 2021. He has also Benedict Bingham (B) graduated graduated from the Integrated from Southampton University Masters Mechanical Engineering with a Bachelor of Medicine and programme at the University of Surgery. Bristol with First Class Honours. 2016 Marc Badman (R) graduated from the University of Exeter in 2020 with a 2:1 in BA Geography. He has now been offered a role as a Trainee Adviser/Paraplanner at an independent financial adviser firm called Kingfurness & Associates Ltd in Hereford.

Issac Tse (R) was working almost exclusively night shifts through the first month of the pandemic in 2020 providing rudimentary nursing care to patients on COVID wards, and has since received a job offer as a Junior Doctor in Poole Hospital.

Eleanor Wells (I) graduated from The University of Nottingham William Harwood (B) has passed his with a Masters in Theology in MA Law from University of Law in December 2020. Following this Bloomsbury, with a distinction. she started a new job with Reed in Partnership where she works Freddie Hobbs (S) was awarded as an Employment Advisor, the MacRoberts Sword at Royal helping people affected by job Military Academy Sandhurst in losses through Covid to up-skill December 2020, where he has and get back into work

2017 Katie Ball (I) has now qualified as a Teacher of Geography after passing her PGCE from University of Bristol, with a distinction. Emma Bingham (I) graduated from Cardiff University with a First Class Honours in BA Archaeology and is now currently studing for her Masters in Archaeology at UCL. 2018 Michal Ossowski (R) graduated from Bristol University with a First Class Honours in Economics. Honor Tremayne-Jefferson (I) will be racing in the Mongol Derby, a 1000km horse race on the Mongolian Steppe using semi-wild Mongolian horses over 10 days in August. She is taking part in the race in aid of the Halo Trust which her father was a founder of.

Matthew Burt (U69) has this year designed and made two altars for St Thomas’s in Salisbury (in the nave) and St John’s in Tisbury.

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OGs Far & Wide

Adrian Dunn (OA), Mark Price (U81), Mrs. Keane, Mrs. Price, Anthony Liddiard (OG), Patrick Keane (R88), Simon Hartog (C72), Hugh Walford (S62), Gus Mackay (R61), Mark Hamill-Stewart (U77) at the 2020 Bangkok Dinner.

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Simon Sugrue (B56), Michael Fysh (R54), Robin Clapham (R58), David Hynes (R58), Michael Hawkins (R57), Michael Hoy (S58), Michael Cane (S58), Anthony Bueno (C58) Rt Rev Dom Stephen Ortiger (S57) and Rev Francis Athill gather together to celebrate George Harby’s (R58) birthday in September 2020.

Philip Morris (R79) was joined by Jacques Cartier (Ra62), Dominic Hawkins (B83), David Pinsent (S61), and Ernesto Soria (R86) at La Madeleine for Holy Mass, followed by a delicious lunch in Paris.

‘The Bells That Nobody Can Silence: The Genocide of Christians Today’ - John Pontifex (U63) Sixth Form Lecture Series

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Memory Lane Monday MD Football First XI 1989 – Sent in by Michael Davitt (U89) from his time with the Football First XI in 1989

Rugby Mud – David Coram-James (S15), James McKechnie (R15), Callum Fitzpatrick (R13) and George Duggan (R15)

Train on Wall – A model of a train that once ran around the School grounds.

Royal Visit from Princess Anne in 1984

The Bell – Admiral of the Fleet Sir Edward Ashmore and the Abbot of Downside, the Rt Revd Dom Char les Fitzgerald-Lombard

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Downside Cricket – Sent in by Alfred Saussotte (R61) from his 1960 Raven of a Downside Cricket Team.

1965 1975 1985 – Ravens in history, how many of you have these Ravens at home?

Athletics track pictured in the Lent Term of 1953

Barlow Corridor – Taking a trip down memory lane through this Barlow Corridor

Downside 4th XV 1965 – Sent in by Tim Coghlan (U65) from his time with the Downside 4th XV in 1965, who won ever y match apar t from their very last!

1930-39 Rugby Caps – Rugby Caps awarded between 1930 and 1930, were you ever awarded a cap at your time at Downside?

Theatre Performance

Junior Colts B 1983 – Sent in by Guy Lews (B87) from his time with the Junior Colts B in 1983

Girls are coming to Downside jumper from 2005

6 torum 199 Schola Can

Caverel Fair – The Caverel Fair of 1987

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OUR COVID ELEPHANTS My family and I live in Hua Hin, a town in the Gulf of Thailand about 200km south of Bangkok. First I’d like to give you some background to the story behind our involvement in saving the elephants in our village. I have three children, two of whom are now working and the youngest, Sophia, studies at the British International School here in Hua Hin. Since as far back as I can remember, Sophia has had a love for animals very different to your average child. When she was only a few months old, she would watch movies about elephants for hours and would be fixated with them. This love for animals has only become more passionate as she’s grown into a very caring 13 year old. In our village, Hin Lek Fai, just outside of the town of Hua Hin, there is an elephant camp, home to six elephants. They live here permanently, although from time to time there may be others in transit to another part of Thailand. These camps are for tourist entertainment and riding, both of which my daughter and I

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are against and would like to see all camps closed and the elephants relocated to a managed nature park. However, that is a longdistance dream for now.

name is Nopakhun. Sophia, at nine years old, weighed about 28kg whereas Nopakhun was 19 years old and weighed about three and half tons. They seemed to have an instant bond and over the following two years I would take Sophia to meet Nopakhun every week and the relationship blossomed. Tourists were pouring into Thailand and the elephants were being well fed from the proceeds of those visitors. However, when Covid-19 hit in February 2020, Thailand shut its borders to the world and they have been shut ever since.

The owner of the elephants depended entirely on the tourist money so was now facing a About three years ago I reluctantly difficult situation. A full grown took Sophia to the elephant camp, elephant needs about 200kg of food per day, so with eight in and although I was very nervous as elephants can be unpredictable residence, at that time we needed to find 1600kg of food a day to and dangerous, I allowed Sophia, with their mahout’s permission, to ensure their wellbeing. approach this one female whose

“This love for animals has only become more passionate as she’s grown into a very caring 13 year old.”

Sophia and I decided there and then that we would find a way to feed them throughout this crisis and with the support of some friends in Hong Kong we have kept our promise and the elephants remain in good health. Our source of food is from local farmers and a typical day will start with my driving to one of those farms to collect pineapple leaf, cucumbers, bananas and corn. Sometimes I will deliver the food directly to the camp or if I’m away there are local farmers who can do the job if they’re paid up front. I then take Sophia to see the elephants after school, ensure they’re all well fed and have no health issues. One recurring problem is skin rashes which we have found heal well using pure coconut oil so we supply a lot of that too. Nopakhun has now become so close to Sophia that they are allowed to go for walks together for an hour or two. When she sees or hears Sophia, Nopakhun gets excited, trumpets and makes a very deep purring sound similar to a motorbike engine, and sniffs Sophia’s hair and generally grooms her. It’s a sight to behold even though I’ve seen it so many times. I will never take for granted how privileged we are to have this close connection with this particular gentle giant.

Our work supporting the elephants continues and Thailand looks likely to remain closed until 2022 as the virus is now breaking out all over the country. These magnificent creatures are suffering across the country, some much worse than others, and there are a few very honourable and caring foundations here in Thailand that do an incredible job looking after many rescued elephants like the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand.

This is a truly wonderful foundation started by a Dutchman, Edwin Weik, and his team and volunteers work tirelessly to give these animals a better life. We are truly blessed to be a part of this journey with them. Mark Price (U81)

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A Story to Retirement I entered Downside in 1952 from a Benedictine boarding prep school. My parents’ occupation took them overseas, so the Schools were my ‘home base’. Wilfred Passmore was Head Master and Ceolfrid O’Hara was House Master of Smythe. I owe both a deep debt of gratitude ‘in loco parentis’. The School was my home and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. I participated in all the extracurricular activities that I could – sport, music, seminars, visiting lecturers, etc. Memories of the Great Abbey and Gregorian Plain Chant have remained. Holidays were spent with friends or relatives. Infrequently I was able to visit my parents in Nigeria. My intention was to go into veterinary medicine on leaving in 1957, but due to a rumoured tacit relationship between Fr. Passmore and the dean at the London Hospital Medical College, I ended up in Medicine (as did many others!). Five years later, in 1962, I had my MB, BS and LRCP, MRCS. Thereafter there were various house jobs and a year in family practice as a locum. By 1967, it was apparent that practice in the UK was not for me, and after a brief visit that winter, I emigrated to Wynyard, Saskatchewan, Canada, to open my own family practice. There was reciprocity at that time and no other exams were needed. I was not aware of the animosity remaining from 1962 when Medicare was introduced. The doctors went on strike and English physicians were imported. However, I developed a successful rural practice, assisted by my wife (an SRN). By 1974, with two young children, we moved permanently to Edmonton, Alberta, the capital city.

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This necessitated exams to allow interprovincial transfer (LMCC). I began as an associate but eventually moved to start a new practice as a principal. This was a busy time, rearing two young children and attending to a 24/7 practice that included Obstetrics, Palliative Care (both hospice and domiciliary) and sport medicine (more exams!). However, it was very satisfying being with some patients for over 40 years. There were other interests, particularly badminton, in administration and recreational play.

“The School was my home and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there.”

With the many changes in the profession, legislation, and advances in electronic communication, I became dissatisfied. Having entered my ninth decade and after more than 60 years in the profession, I retired as of the 1st January 2021. It was a shock to reduce from a 24/7 occupation dedicated to the benefit of others, to have lots of time and no compelling focus. Most people do not plan for the end of their working life. Too few understand some of the changes resulting. The loss of the companionship of colleagues and patients is significant. We substitute family, friends, hobbies, books, travel and studies. As the young plan forward, so do I, but one looks back on life, a review which is rewarding but full of “what if’s”.

Essentially good health, sight and hearing are the parameters that guide one’s activities into the ‘happy ever after’. Restricted travel and social activity are tiresome, especially with the bulk of the family at a distance. Growing old gracefully is an art and requires much thought and some good luck. Paul Marner (S57)

One plans a limited future with the reduced activity due to age and arthuritis (sic). Travel is a challenge, but one goes anyway. Seeing to all the “when I retire” activities is satisfying and most enjoyable, as is catching up with one’s hobbies.

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A view of the funeral procession; the author on the right.

The Funeral of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh It is no exaggeration to say that the funeral of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh on Saturday 17th April 2021 was decades in the planning. The nature of BRIDGE operations, the operational name given to plans that follow the death of a member of the Royal Family, is quite unique in the spectrum of operational commitments undertaken by the UK Joint Services; a non-discretionary standing task, involving all three Single Services, which will inevitably be carried out at some point but with no guarantee of the timing or particular circumstances, all in the glare of the world’s media. As was well documented at the time, the particular circumstances of Op FORTH BRIDGE, the funeral of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, as the UK emerged from a second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic were anything but ordinary and much of the decades-worth of planning alluded to above had been adjusted and superseded to comply with the UK Government’s Covid-19 restrictions over the previous year. However, as was also highlighted at the time, the funeral proceedings were nonetheless distinctly shaped and guided by the intentions of the Duke of Edinburgh himself.

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The eight days between the death of the Duke of Edinburgh and his funeral were unsurprisingly a whirlwind of activity for all those involved in any capacity. It is easy to assume that those on parade who one sees on the television coverage represent the full military contribution to such an event but, as was ever the case, the ‘behindthe-scenes’ logistical operation was enormous and a great challenge in its own right and without it none of the ceremonial element would have been possible. The servicemen and women from across the Armed Forces who were selected to be involved came from a huge number of units and locations, each representing an association or affiliation that the Duke of Edinburgh had during his long service life. They were geographically centralised at the Army Training Regiment, Pirbright, in Surrey, at which several days of rehearsals were undertaken. This of course presented its own set of challenges in the Covid-19 era and extreme care was taken at every turn to minimise the risk of any outbreak that could have jeopardised the whole event. These rehearsals culminated in a full run-through to time, wearing ceremonial uniforms in Windsor Castle on the Thursday of that week. In my capacity as the Aide-de-Camp (generally abbreviated to ADC) to the Major General Commanding the Household Division, Major General Christopher Ghika (himself an Old Amplefordian), my remit was to ensure that the Major General was in the right place at the right time wearing the right uniform and correctly briefed; this role is of course helped no end when your Principal has as in-depth a knowledge of every detail of the plan as mine did! Along with the Brigade Major, Lieutenant Colonel Guy Stone, who was responsible for the choreography of the ceremonial elements of the event, we were also a part of the funeral procession, positioned at the rear of the Band of the Grenadier Guards and ahead of the six Service Chiefs (as indicated in the photo). When reflecting upon my personal involvement in such an event, one is struck by conflicting sentiments; while any funeral is naturally a sombre and sobering occasion, it was nonetheless a fitting tribute to a man who simply lived an extraordinary life of service and was truly the epitome of values that all members of the Armed Forces cherish and seek to live out. It was therefore a tremendous privilege and honour to be in a position to participate in such a tribute and it will be a day that lives long in my memory. Captain Tom Orchard (S09)

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God of Surprises: an encounter with Christ through Lectio Divina Introduction: something old yet ever new Although I have kept in close touch with a number of Benedictine monasteries besides Downside since leaving the School in 1991 and even given the fact that my years of seminary formation in Rome included a Benedictine monastery located opposite my room – The Abbey of St Paul Outside the Walls – and San’ Anselmo was a short distance away, Lectio Divina was not really a big part of my life at all.

Philip and the Eunuch in Acts 8:27-39 is a wonderful example of prayer, encounter and mutual accompaniment in the scriptures From an evening session with a group of young people and their families with Dom Leo and Marcus Emmet (OA) introducing Lectio over Zoom, something extraordinary happened and I found myself hooked on this way of encountering God, ever ancient, ever new.

The Manquehue Apostolic Movement I had heard of the Manquehue It took this Covid pandemic and Apostolic Movement, both from exploring ways of praying with members of the Community the Confirmation candidates in at Downside as well as several the parish where I am presently members of the Community at St assigned, to act as a catalyst to Louis Abbey, one of whom, Dom really engage with this particular Sixtus, attributes the final impetus way of reading, praying with and listening to the Scriptures, which of his discernment of a monastic is as old as Christianity itself. The vocation, to some time spent in Chile with the Manquehue early monks were simply doing Movement. Memories of these more intently what their Jewish forebears had done – and continue conversations came flooding back to do – that is to say, studying the as, helped by Dom Leo and the Weave of Manquehue Prayer, I Scriptures. The incident between

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took the plunge, attending weekly Open Lectio sessions online. I was hooked – and more than that felt a renewed energy in my own prayer life. I suspect my homilies improved as well – vital in a parish setting! It was a chance conversation with a friend who came to see me about something else: “There’s this group called the Weave and a Downside monk called Dom Leo. Do you know him? Well, yes I do and I’m really rather interested in this form of prayer”… God often works in surprising ways to take us where He thinks we should be, especially in mysterious times such as these! I bought three books – four if you include the New Jerusalem Bible Study Version, itself part of the essential kit, the other two parts of the kit being an open ear and most importantly an open heart! The first was I have seen the Lord by the Weave of Manquehue Prayer, the second was A Cloister in theWorld

by the late Abbot Patrick Barry of Ampleforth, together with his translation of the Rule. What struck me in all three was the very down to earth, yet at the same time, radical accounts of encounters with Christ. As someone wryly observed, life in the Manquehue Movement is rather like living out the Acts of the Apostles. I found this tremendously appealing on one level, whilst being slightly daunted by it. Getting to know Christ through others – St Gregory’s Lectio Group Lectio Divina has another important aspect to it – although

you may find yourself doing Lectio alone, you are never alone! Christ is always present and in that way the rest of the Church too. In these months of enforced social distancing and in some cases self-isolation, this is itself deeply reassuring and a great comfort. Following on from the example of Dom Leo with his parish Lectio group and the Lectio groups in the School, facilitated by members of the St Scholastica Community - the community of Oblates from the Manquehue Movement who are resident at Downside, working in the School and helping the Weave of Manquehue Prayer with

their projects – I got together with several OGs – among them Mary Jane Platt (Ra76), Charles Bennett (B84) and George Rawlins (R13) to see how we might put together an OG Lectio Group via Zoom. A signal advantage of doing Lectio Divina in this way was that geography was no barrier to participation. Three months later (June 2021) and we are a core group of around six who meet weekly. Listening with the ear of the heart Listening to others’ reflections on what they have heard in

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“...something extraordinary happened and I found myself hooked on this way of encountering God, ever ancient, ever new.” the Gospel readings – known as “echoes” in the Manquehue tradition – has been illuminating and inspirational. Even with English reserve, these times of prayer together have drawn us closer, not only as Gregorians, Christians and fellow pilgrims, but there has occurred a deeper, spiritual friendship of the kind described by St Aelred of Rievaulx in his treatise on “Spiritual Friendship”, which has a wholesomeness, honesty and integrity, derived from a shared goal of encountering God and seeking the good of others. It delights in growth and always has Christ in its midst. This sounds very different from the modern expression of relationships, which are so often driven by passing whim and the pressures of social media. It has been an unexpected opportunity to develop real friendships across the generations of Gregorians. This has been a real boost I think for all of us and vitally, to deepen our relationship with Christ. Surprised by Joy Were you to have asked me a year ago about my experience of Lectio Divina and the Gregorian

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family, I would have relatively little to say in my own case. I have been surprised and heartened by this encounter, ever ancient ever new, and the chance it gives me to grow in my own Christian and priestly vocation in a way that draws so many strands of my life together. It has shown the wonderful capacity that Downside has of bringing people closer to each other and ultimately to Christ in community – of shared friendship, shared prayer and loving service. Another OG perspective – Mary Jane Platt (Ra76) writes: I’d heard about Lectio Divina through Downside, and although there were opportunities to learn more about it and take part at recent Easter Retreats, I had not availed myself of them. However, finding myself unaccountably early for Mass one day, and perusing the Universalis app (developed and managed by Martin Kochanski (U72), I found the Lectio Divina section, and became interested such that I now regularly review this part of the app before mass. But doing it alone, it became clear to me that

there would be a much bigger impact with the input of others. During Lent, I briefly attended an 0nline group run by the Weave of Manquehue, and found this to be true, but the timings didn’t work for me. So I was delighted to be invited to join Fr John and his group on a Thursday evening. Just half an hour in a quiet, secure space, focusing on the word of God; a mindfulness exercise in modern parlance, but so much more than that, because it brings not only peace, but enlightenment. I’m still very much a ‘beginner’, but I would encourage others to give it a try. Fr John Tabor (C91)

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GHANA 2021. school with children full of joy and happiness when I decided that that school was exactly where I wanted to spend every day of my two months. I later learnt that following on from the three-week lockdown, this very small, very poor school could not afford to keep any teachers employed. This resulted in the children teaching themselves and then teaching the rest of the class until the volunteers could start to arrive from the beginning of March.

Thursday 13th August, I opened my A-Level results portal and my plan for the next year suddenly flipped on its head. I decided to take a year out, a year where I could sit my A-levels, reapply to university, and praying that I’d be blessed with the opportunity to travel. By the end of January my A-levels were complete and university place confirmed. Then by April I was lucky enough to go away and volunteer in the beautiful country that is Ghana. Trying to describe my time in Ghana is one of the hardest things. I do not think words can adequately express how incredible my two months were, but let me try… I signed up for the International Development Internship, but I spent not even half an hour in this

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I ended up teaching class four, in which there were six nine-yearolds, whom I quickly grew very fond of. Our lessons ranged from Maths and English to Religious Studies and Ghanaian History. While I loved every second, some lessons, like Maths, I felt more comfortable teaching than others, such as history when we were in the part of the syllabus about European impact and the Slave Trade…. Dancing and singing is how the children entertained themselves at lunch and break times, and very quickly these games became second nature to us. We thought, however, that some play equipment would be quite popular in the School. My uncle sent over some money and I was able to buy and assemble a swing set. The smiles and appreciation from the children was incredible. This was the beginning of the improvements to the Sschool. The concrete block classrooms were able to get plastered with money we raised, and then we painted the base coat ready

for the colour to be added. Since I left, the other volunteers have carried on with this, trying to make it the best environment for the children possible, and building a shelter where lunch can be eaten instead of in their classrooms. I spent every day getting to know, learning from, and being inspired by these children, and I still feel so grateful for that.

In Ghana, there is no or very little public waste disposal. This, alongside a vast lack of education on the subject, results in a huge issue of waste pollution. Kokrobite (the village where I was staying), is a small fishing village, with a beautiful beach. The amount of rubbish was heart-breaking and seeing the fishermen pulling their nets in only to find at least half of them full with plastic is even worse. For this reason, I was asked if as part of my internship I could organise something for Earth Day. We started with the idea of a beach clean, but the more this was spoken about the more I wanted to do an educational campaign alongside it, trying to get as many locals involved as possible. We felt that this was important as Kokrobite is their community, their home, and the best way we can hope for change will be from the community members themselves. Our aim was to try and help facilitate that. Earth Day arrived, and I visited two local senior schools to give a talk on the importance of keeping the community clean and the impact it has on

everyone’s lives. We then invited the students to come along to the beach clean. That Saturday morning was incredible. We volunteers were joined by 100 members of the community which allowed us to collect one metric tonne of rubbish in two hours. Following the success of this, we couldn’t let the project start and end there. This gave life to the ‘Keeping Kokrobite Beautiful (KKB) Campaign’ which aims to continue and develop the beach cleaning and educational programme, as well as kickstarting the action team. The action team consists of community members working alongside GVI to find viable solutions to the lack of waste disposal facilities for all those in the community. The weekends also offered so much. We were able to travel up and down the coast exploring the different parts of this beautiful country. My experience with GVI was remarkable and made me so grateful that the 13th August 2020 went the way it did….

Georgia Bolton

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From the Archive

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The Raven. Downside OTC in London In the 1920s and early 30s the Downside OTC (Officer Training Corps) was a prominent part of school life. In the Summer Term each year during this period the pupils used to visit Olympia in London for the Royal Tournament. Many schools used to make the same trip but Downside’s was made interesting because the boys marched through the streets of London in full OTC uniform from the train station to Olympia.

pupils at Bath Green Park Station, marching through Bath, to Bath Spa station on the other side of the city, and then marching through the streets of London. The Downside OTC was given special permission to march through the capital and the photos of the pupils marching,

by bus to Wellington Barracks where they were given a dinner before heading back on the train to Downside. Obviously, one year the trip was photographed as a lasting reminder of the special permissions given to Downside to march so easily through London.

What is also fascinating about the images is what is in the background. The photos of the OTC in Bath show streets now long changed, shops long closed, and the photos with rifles shouldered, across of London highlight how transport Westminster Bridge and past the Houses of Parliament with the OTC has evolved. Omnibuses, horses and bicycles mingle with cars and band in the fore are astonishing. lorries on the streets as well as the curious stares of members of the The Raven of the 1920s gives some public. In this respect the albums details of these annual visits to serve not just as a reminder of London, stating that after the boys had seen the tournament at Olympia the Downside OTC but also as a they either marched or were taken snapshot of urban history.

“The Downside OTC was given special permission to march through the capital and the photos of the pupils marching are astonishing.”

Within the photographic archives of Downside Abbey are photos of these incredible trips, showing the

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Above: Downside OTC led by the band march through the streets of London on their way to the Royal Tournament at Olympia, 1923. Right: The Downside OTC march away from Waterloo train station towards central London, 1923.

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The Order of Malta Volunteers The Order of Malta Volunteers (OMV) has helped shape the professional and personal lives of many Old Gregorians for nearly 50 years. How? It is because we as an organisation wholeheartedly believe that everyone, regardless of their health, deserves a truly fulfilling and enriching life. Sadly though, too many people with disabilities face many physical and attitudinal barriers that prevent their full participation in life. However, this is what we, the OMV, have made our mission to overcome. We are a Catholic charity, and through the dedication of our young volunteers aged 17 to 29, we run various holidays and pilgrimages for our disabled guests to provide opportunities for independence, cultural experience, and connecting with faith. By taking our guests outside of their usual environment, we provide them with an unforgettable experience

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where they are treated with an abundance of care and compassion. By doing this, we also expose our volunteers, many who are sixthformers, to working with those with disabilities and we teach them the importance of showing humility and understanding. The unique skills that these young volunteers pick up from these experiences help set them up for later life. The OMV’s ethos firmly complements the well-rounded Downside education. Through the OMV we create strong corporate leaders, empathetic healthcare professionals, well-informed teachers, humble lawyers and just generally well-rounded, kind individuals.

stuck into a week filled with caring for guests, kindling their faith and of course enjoying some very sociable evenings where volunteers unwind and get to know each other. Lourdes is where it starts so if your son, daughter, niece, nephew, godchild is coming of age please do keep an eye on our Facebook page or get in touch with Kate Hamilton, our Volunteer Coordinator on lourdes@omv.org.uk.

In addition to the pilgrimage to Lourdes in the summer, the OMV play a key role in a number of other activities held throughout the year. As well as connecting with the wider Order of Malta at the International Holiday Camp, which will be held in Italy in 2022, A volunteer’s journey with the OMV usually starts with the historic they also host a large fundraiser, the White Knights Ball at the pilgrimage to Lourdes each July where we welcome volunteers from Grosvenor House Hotel, in Park schools such as Downside, Harrow, Lane, of which Downside has been a proud supporter for many years. St Mary’s Ascot, Worth, London Other activities include foreign Oratory and Eton. Volunteers get

regularly reconnect during a time characterised by separation. The OMV Pilgrimage to Lourdes in July 2021 was, of course, cancelled. However, in its place the OMV organised the first largeSadly, this year we have met many scale non-virtual event for over a restrictions which have resulted in year, the OMV Festival at St Mary’s most of our usual activities being Ascot. Many thanks to St Mary’s cancelled. However the OMV for welcoming the OMV. The can still boast an active and event involved pendulum painting, successful year. live music, BBQ, petting zoo and bouncy castles as well as a beautiful At Christmas the OMV managed to hand-deliver Christmas presents Mass said by Fr James Hood and spirituality group sessions. This to our disabled guests all over the country, from Brighton to Cumbria! event was great fun but I believe its success goes deeper than that. It was a mighty effort, in terms of logistics and geography, but it was a It also symbolised the turning point that we have all been waiting wonderful thing to be a part of. for, the first step back into that much missed normality. Whilst We have held a number of it will be a long time before this virtual pilgrimages and masses is fully accomplished I am which has been a great way to aid in Lebanon, the Pilgrimage to Walsingham, the Easter Pilgrimage, the Easter Retreat and the Christmas Reunion.

absolutely confident that the OMV family will remain strong as we navigate our way through this challenging storm. Thank you to Downside for its continued support. How can you help? There are two main ways you can help us as we emerge from the restrictions and resume normality: 1. Joining us at the White Knights Ball in London this January (wkbtickets@omv.org.uk for more information) 2. Encouraging your children, nieces and nephews or godchildren to attend our Lourdes Pilgrimage in July. Thank you in advance. Hugo Whyte, Chairman of the OMV (R12)

Originally started by OGs, there is still a heavy presence of current and ex Downside pupils involved in the OMV. Here is a list of OGs in prominent positions within the OMV: Hugo Whyte (R12) Chairman Richard Grew (R13) Head of Activities and Guest Coordinator Dom James Hood (B72) OMV chaplain Alice Hind (C09) OMV Easter Retreat at Downside, and Head DBS Officer. Tom Macginnis (B17) Walsingham Pilgrimage Director, and Committee Elected Member

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CAREERS ON Careers on Demand was launched in October 2020 on the OG LinkedIn Group and includes presentations, video talks and blog posts of various career pathways and industries. The programme aims to engage OGs new and old, as well as the wider community, in career experiences with the opportunity to share expertise and top tips. From training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and interview techniques to launching your own business, Careers on Demand has already covered a diverse range of sectors, and we hope to cover so much more! Thank you to all who have participated this year. If you would be interested in sharing your story or career highlights, please contact oldgregorians@downside.co.uk so we can discuss how you can be involved.

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Anthony Hamber (R75) Writer to Published Author

Dom Luke Ben (HonOG) Writer to Published Author

Ethan Morgan (B20) Rugby at Downside and Beyond

George Thackray (S16) Life at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst

Hannah Field (I14) My Personal Assistant Journey

Hugo Morrissey (S11) Downside School to Nuisance Drinks

John Pontifex (U93) Journey to Journalism

John Tackaberry (S58) Writer to Published Author

Lucy Anderson (C11) Life after Downside

Mark Canning (U72) Life as a Diplomat

Mary Jane Platt (Ra76) Epidemiology: How does a disease spread?

Michael Legge (R56) From a swinging sixties photographer to a life in Hollywood

Michael McNaught Davis (C82) Fund Management

Molly Johnson-Jones (I11) How to make an idea into a reality

Rupert Carr (S80) The Visitor Economy

Will Leicester (S96) Digital Design: The importance of Inclusion

Eleanor Wells (I14) From University to Reed

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Publications Eusophia. A New Future for Humanity. A Novel. Author: Philip Allott (C54) Stupendous Sports: Rampaging Rugby Author: Robin Bennett (B86) The Scent of Eucalyptus Author: John Dillon (B56) The Lockdown Papers Author: John Dillon (B56) Philo of Alexandria: On the Life of Abraham Author: John Dillon (B56) Iamblichus, On the General Science of Mathematics Author: John Dillon (B56) Contributing feature in The Performing Pianist’s Guide to Fingering by Joseph Banowetz Author: Philip Fowke (B67) Child of a Bygone Era Author: John Peter Hunt (C58) Swynfen Jervis MP (1767 - 1867) Author: Simon Jervis (R60)

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Banking and Security Law in Ireland Author: William Johnston (R69) Fracture Author: David Longridge (S56) Mamean - A Sacred Place, Special Edition Author: Ken O’Sullivan (S89) English Translation of the Memoirs of General Espoz y Mina Author: Michael Perceval (B53) Medicine My Vocation, Fishing My Recreation, Memoirs of a Physician and Flyfisherman Author: Gilbert Thompson (C50) Song for a Spy Author: Bernard Trafford (C73) Ballad of Betrayal Author: Bernard Trafford (C73) Some Items May have Shifted in Flight Author: Richard Weston-Smith (C76)

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