The Rose & Portcullis 2023-24

ROSE & THE PORTCULLIS

EMANUEL SCHOOL’S ALUMNI MAGAZINE | ISSUE 9

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

What an honour to have taken on the role of editor of The Rose & Portcullis magazine.

It has meant I have had the incredible opportunity of speaking with some of our wonderfully talented alumni for feature interviews: BAFTA and Oscar winner Johnnie Burn, Atlantic rower Ana Žigić, entrepreneur Joe Gordon and magician Will Houstoun (pages 20, 26, 40 and 50).

Work has begun on our new STEM and refectory building (pages 8-11). Read how it will further enhance the teaching and learning of STEM subjects whilst benefitting all areas of school life.

Take a trip down memory lane with our informative archive pages which include archive matters (pages 24-25) and an article on chess throughout the years (pages 46-49).

As always, if you have any stories, updates or information to share, then please email oe@emanuel.org.uk

Happy reading!

Anna

Cuthbertson

Editor, Development and Alumni Manager

Save the Date

Saturday 28 June - 1pm

Dacre Day

Emanuel School

Friday 26 September - 7pm

OE London event

Full details to follow

Thursday 20 November - 7pm

Popular Musician of the Year

Hampden Hall, Emanuel School

Saturday 22 November - 10.30am

Class of 1975 reunion

Emanuel School

Thursday 11 December - 7pm

Carol service

St Luke’s Church

Friday 27 February, 2026 - 6.30pm

Gala concert

Sinfonia Smith Square

With thanks to all contributing staff and OEs

Editor Anna Cuthbertson

WELCOME FROM THE HEADMASTER

This school year coincided with our 150th year in Wandsworth. Before moving to Henry Saxon Snell’s Royal Patriotic Building beside the Common, the school was in Westminster, close to Buckingham Palace. There are maps in the library and in the entrance to the Hampden Hall showing the original floor plan of the main building and the grounds.

There have been significant changes since we arrived. The pupil population has grown and so have the buildings. Science labs were created at the back of the school, the old canteen became a thriving library, and the gym a dining hall. The old swimming pool is now the Design and Art classrooms. And, instead of the long walk from the old Battersea Rise entrance to the main school, there is a bridge across the railway line. The coal room, pigs and rifle range have gone!

The rear of the school already co-locates our creative subjects: Art, Design, Music, Drama and Film. Put simply, this new building and the space created, through new rooms and repurposing old ones, will benefit everyone. It will also mean that the current portacabins will go and we can continue our plans to maximise sport and recreational green space on the site.

None of these plans would have been possible without the school’s on-going success and popularity. Our pupils and families have helped transform Emanuel over the last two decades, working in partnership with our teachers and support staff. Such plans would also not have been achieved without the incredible support of the school’s governing body, led by Mr Markus Jaigirder (OE1975-82) and the United Westminster and Grey Coat Foundation, led by Mr Toby Mullins.

“It is the biggest site development we have seen in the school’s history.”

It feels fitting that our 150th year saw the final decision to build a vitally needed new building. It will be located on the left of the main building and have four floors. This will provide a large refectory and hall, all our Science labs and Maths classrooms. It is the biggest site development we have seen in the school’s history, and it will transform the view of our school from the main entrance.

By creating this new building, we will be able to repurpose current Science and Maths classrooms. This allows us to co-locate subject rooms and faculty spaces, allowing all to thrive.

By summer 2027, the new building should be finished, and pupils will be benefiting from the space from September of that year. Of course, buildings do not make a school - the people do - but it is hard to underestimate the positive impact of this building and need we have for it. Beyond all the practical problems it solves and the values it brings, for our pupils and those living locally, I would like to think it is a symbol of the school’s ambition and reputation 150 years after we first arrived in SW1.

Robert Milne, Headmaster

OE SOCIAL MEDIA STORIES

We always enjoy hearing news and stories from the Emanuel alumni Facebook community. Below are just a few highlights from the 2023-24 academic year. If you have an update you’d like to share, we’d be delighted to hear from you, please email oe@emanuel.org.uk and join the alumni Facebook group here

Greetings from Hong Kong!

We love it when OEs send photos of meet-ups, especially from far-flung locations.

Ivan Goh (OE1995-02) Kong for a number of years and over the weekend met up with (OE1999-2005) about their glory years on the school chess team in the early/mid noughties.

(November 2023)

We always enjoy hearing of Emanuel related catch ups, but particularly love those in places as far away as San Francisco! Here’s our former Second Master John Hardy (Staff 2000-18) sharing a fantastic looking pizza with Hiroo Kato, who taught Mathematics between 2001 and 2004. He managed a successful basketball club and was very popular with those he taught. Hiroo now lives on the west coast of the USA and is the CEO of Crane Wellness, a Japanese Beauty and Wellness company.

It is always a treat to see Mr Hardy who has turned into an international globetrotter in the years since he retired, bouncing from one holiday to the next!

(August 2024)

HUGE congratulations to Lily Miyazaki (OE2006 - 2008) who beat her opponent, Tamara Korpatsch, in the first round at Wimbledon 2024! She will now play 14th seed Daria Kasatkina on Wednesday 3 July, possibly on one of the show courts. Wishing Lily the very best of luck for her match!

The Physics department were delighted to host (OE1999-2006) to talk to our A level students. Robbie is a lecturer in Photonics at Imperial College London, developing next-generation midinfrared light sources for a range of applications.

(September 2023)

Image courtesy of (Aaron Chown/PA) (PA Wire)

20 24 CLASS OF

Each year, the Old Emanuel community welcomes the incoming class. Laura Holden, Head of Upper Sixth (2023-24) recalls our newest OEs with fondness and pride:

The class of 2024 will be a beacon in Emanuel history, securing the highest A level results on record in a normal year. It wasn’t just their hard work in the classroom that has prepared them so well for the future, but more their investment in all aspects of school life. With boys and girls 1st VIIIs both qualifying for Henley Royal Regatta; the 1st XV cricket securing a draw against the MCC; stunning productions of Beauty and the Beast, alongside the thought-provoking Oedipus and Antigone; having the top point-scorer in the Surrey School chess league; and many volunteering hundreds of hours to the charity Let Me Know, they really were a class apart. How fitting that they should be the inaugural recipients of the Emanuel Award – which encompasses ambition, well-roundedness, and a readiness to contribute to the wider world. We are sad to see them go but will always have the memories of the leavers’ ball at Thames Rowing club – a magical evening, with everyone dressed to the nines.

Laura Holden Head of Upper

Sixth (2023-24)

CRITICAL BUILD PLAN

Giant Strides, the school’s fundraising campaign, aims to create inspiring spaces for teaching and learning across the curriculum, as well as making more funded places available in the years ahead.

STEM and refectory building

In April, we celebrated a major milestone in the school’s history with an event marking the start of work on the new STEM and refectory building on the main school site.

Stepping forward

The new building is central to unlocking the school site’s full potential. It will not only deliver huge benefits for STEM teaching and learning, but also enable us to repurpose vacated spaces, creating dedicated areas for the arts and humanities and enhancing our facilities for sport and recreation.

It will also expand access to our specialist facilities for over 1,000 local school pupils through our award-winning community partnership programme.

Sciences and maths

The sciences and maths have become increasingly popular, with a growing number of our pupils taking them at A level and beyond at top universities. Last year, over 30% of pupils went on to study STEM subjects at university.

Our new facilities will have a direct impact on the way current and future generations of pupils study:

• Modern, purpose-built spaces designed to foster innovation and discovery through collaboration across disciplines.

• Larger laboratories and expanded teaching spaces, allowing more practical work, experiments, and demonstrations across all year groups.

Refectory

The new refectory, with its larger, better-equipped kitchen and contemporary, light-filled dining space, will significantly enhance the dining experience for pupils and staff. The improved facilities will allow us to offer a broader, more diverse menu, featuring global cuisines such as Vietnamese and Korean street food served in a food court-style setting.

Meeting our fundraising targets

Philanthropy has been at the heart of Emanuel School since its foundation, and it continues to play a vital role in enabling us to provide outstanding spaces and education for our pupils.

Thanks to the generosity of our lead donors, we have already raised over £300,000, giving the campaign strong early momentum.

We are now asking for parent and alumni support to help us to reach our fundraising targets. Our ambition is to raise £2 million by the time the new building opens in 2027 — a goal that will require the collective efforts of the school community.

Leave a lasting record

Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference. Collectively, parents and Old Emanuels can play a crucial role in shaping our future.

Donations of £5,000 and above will be recognised with a personalised, engraved hexagon tile on our impressive donor wall in the new building.

The tile will be a lasting record of your child’s time at Emanuel. You can choose to include your family’s name or your child’s name and school dates on the tile.

Over the coming months, we will be sharing a variety of ways in which you can support the building project.

Where your gift goes

Donations go to the Emanuel School General Charitable Trust (charity number 296273).

Gift Aid

We reclaim Gift Aid at 25p in every £1 on all eligible gifts.

Restricted giving

Your gifts will be restricted to our capital campaign. Make a donation

If you would like to support our fundraising for the STEM and refectory building, please scan the QR code.

Funded places

We are committed to providing an exceptional education to talented children regardless of background or financial circumstances. At present, 20% of our pupils receive financial assistance and nearly 20% of those children are on a fully funded place.

We know that an Emanuel School experience truly transforms their future, has a significant impact on their wider family and benefits every Emanuel pupil.

Please visit the Support us section of the school website to find out more.

“The experiences unlocked by my bursary, not just in terms of academics, but also all the co-curricular activities beyond the classroom, have widened my perspectives, and the encouragement and support here has shaped me into a more confident and optimistic person.”

Atitiya (OE)

At Emanuel, community partnerships are integral to our school life. From staff volunteering to support local schools and community organisations to students and parents engaging in enriching outreach activities, we foster strong relationships that enrich both our school and the wider community.

Primary Ambitions

Year 6 enrichment

“I love that the older students teach us, and we get to try so many new things.”

Year 6 pupil, partner school

Now in its sixth year, Primary Ambitions is one of our flagship outreach programmes, led by Emanuel's lower sixth students. Every Friday, we welcome year 6 pupils from our local primary schools to participate in a wide range of enrichment activities, from gymnastics and filmmaking to drama, science, politics and debating. Our students plan and deliver their own sessions, learning valuable leadership, teamwork and communication skills, whilst also helping to build confidence, resilience and friendships among our partner primary school pupils.

We regularly run enrichment sessions for year 6 pupils from partner schools along with both of our year 6 classes, providing engaging activities that promote teamwork and personal development.

These sessions offer a unique opportunity for pupils to work collaboratively across schools, break down barriers and build new friendships.

Students have visited Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, and High Ashurst Outdoor Education Centre, where they participated in problem-solving exercises and team challenges.

Our students plan and deliver their own sessions, learning valuable leadership, teamwork and communication skills.

Partner school sports

Emanuel is proud to host sports tournaments for local partner schools, including a popular series of 7-a-side football competitions for year 4 pupils. Fulham FC Foundation collaborates with us to run these events,

providing referees, prizes and rewards for teamwork and sportsmanship. Additionally, we offer over 2,000 hours of swimming lessons each year, ensuring that children from partner primary schools develop vital swimming and water safety skills.

2,000+ pupil hours of swimming for partner schools annually

96% of participants reach the 15m swimming target, compared with 15% at the start of the programme

100% improvement in swimming safety skills, with all students able to perform a safe self-rescue in the pool environment

Get involved

Key

contact

If you are interested in learning more or would like to contribute your time, skills, or experience to our community outreach activities, please email community@emanuel.org.uk

We’d love to hear from you and explore how you can help strengthen our connection to the wider community.

Mr K Gwynne Community Partnerships and Outreach Coordinator Kyle.Gwynne@emanuel.org.uk

Kyle coordinates Emanuel’s community partnerships and outreach programmes, overseeing initiatives such as Primary Ambitions and Ascent, as well as other projects connecting our school to the local community.

SPOTLIGHT ON STEM

Science teaching at Emanuel has inspired many OEs to study and work in STEM.

You can read their full interviews in the Spotlight on STEM section of our website.

I think that science is exciting; not just because it is interesting, but it’s applicable. I love the problem-solving nature of science, facing challenges with a toolbox of approaches.

Izzy (OE2016-24) graduated from Cambridge with an MSci in Material Science

Science is essential because it helps us understand the world around us and drives progress in nearly every aspect of society

Teddy (OE2014-22) studying Physics MSci course at Imperial College London

Science influences everyone’s everyday lives. Whether it is the beauty products that you use, the medicines you take, or the technology you use, science has allowed us to develop as a society.

Scarlett (OE2016-24) studying Biomedical Sciences at Newcastle University

Science supports and enables both our individual existences and almost any practical action we do.

Jack (OE2016-23) studying Computer Science at the University of St Andrews

Studying maths and physics allowed me to develop my analytical ability, problem-solving and pragmatic approaches, and my technical understanding.

Lauren (OE2016-21) studying Business Management with Marketing at The University of Leeds

I always enjoyed studying STEM subjects at school because I liked the way they made me think and the problem-solving skills I was able to apply to many situations.

Phoebe (OE2014-22) studying Natural Sciences at University of Bath

Science helps the world’s irrational parts make sense by providing reason and logic through research and theory.

Gemma (OE2017-24) studying Veterinary Medicine at the University of Nottingham

One thing I really love about chemistry is how as you study it further, your understanding constantly deepens.

Freya (OE2015-23) studying Biomedical Sciences at Newcastle University

GET INVOLVED

There are numerous ways for alumni to remain engaged with our school community. We warmly invite former students to contribute their time, experience, and expertise - whether by offering guidance and support to current pupils, returning to school to share their professional journeys, or participating in school events. Alumni are also encouraged to get involved in the wide variety of clubs, societies, and networks that continue to thrive beyond graduation. Your stories, achievements, and presence enrich our community and serve as a valuable source of inspiration for the next generation. Join the alumni Facebook group, here.

OE Events

Our OE events page on the website outlines what is coming up.

All OEs are welcome to attend - it is lovely to celebrate our community. We hope you will be able to join for as many as you can to continue that special link with Emanuel School.

Careers networking events

We would be delighted to welcome back those of you who are happy to share your career path and inspire future generations of Emanuel students.

If you think you might like to help, email oe@ emanuel.org.uk

Stay in contact

We would love to hear your latest news and would be happy to share it with the wider OE community.

Join our alumni Facebook group to keep in touch with OE friends.

Are you signed up to receive our e-newsletters? Do you have any OE friends who are not registered? Sign up here www.emanuel.org.uk/alumni/sign-up/ to receive the latest school updates and news.

QUICKFIRE Q&A WITH: RAVI KOTHAKOTA, INCOMING HEADMASTER, 2025

Q When did you join Emanuel School?

I joined in January 2019.

Q What were your first impressions when you started?

I remember coming for interview in the summer term of 2018 and being struck by the beauty of the main building and this calm and tranquil environment. It really was a little oasis over the bridge.

Q What have you enjoyed most about your role in the last 6 years?

I think making a good school even better for all those involved – pupils, staff and parents. My two areas of oversight – pastoral care and sport – have evolved hugely over the last 6 years, as has each part of the school. Playing a small part in that transition has been hugely rewarding. Every September I look around with enormous pride at what we continue to achieve.

Q In your spare time, do you get to do any drama or rugby?

I’d love to tread the boards, but perhaps being a member of the audience is a little more achievable these days. Despite several fairly serious injuries over the last few years, I’ve found myself back on the rugby pitch for the Richmond Heavies this season and have not been quite able to let go! I love being active and competitive: I find it’s incredibly helpful for me in my role and great for my own wellbeing.

Q In a recent Emanuel Echo podcast, you mentioned you entered the teaching profession by accident – how does it feel knowing that now you are going to be at the top of your profession as head of a prestigious school?

The accidental teacher is certainly going to be the title of my memoire! I planned to be an actor after I left university and I had no intention of deviating from this. A few years in, I became a little frustrated about the sporadic nature of the work and started to investigate different options. As it happens, I fell into a teaching role after doing some observation and covering for a teacher who was absent. I have to say, prior to this I would never have considered teaching. I think I must have done a reasonable job as they asked me to stay for another year, before then agreeing to support me through my teacher training.

I never looked back after that and had found a career where no two days were ever the same. It meant I was surrounded by lots of people and could really throw myself into the job. I was fortunate to have some excellent mentors and role models who really believed in me and encouraged me to set my sights high – even if I didn’t quite believe in myself at times!

Q How are you feeling about taking over the reins in September?

A mixture of excitement and nerves! It’s a huge and humbling responsibility and I hope I can do it justice, following in the steps of Rob Milne. I know I will work hard and strive to make the school the very best it can be for the Emanuel community.

Q In the development and alumni team, we are looking forward to working with you on our Giant Strides fundraising campaign. What will the completion of the STEM and refectory building mean for the school?

It is a huge step forward (no pun intended!) for the school. To give our pupils and the local community access to a state-of-the-art facility will create a legacy for years to come. It’s exciting to think about the number of pupils who will be inspired in their learning by being taught in this building and go on to do incredible things.

“I know the warmth and affection with which our Old Emanuels remember the school and I will do my best to ensure you continue to feel proud.”

I suppose if an army marches on its stomach, then a school certainly does! So, ensuring the school has a dining facility to manage the demands of a busy and energetic day-school is incredibly important.

Beyond this, the new build will allow us to continue to develop the school site in the vacated areas, improving the experience in many more subjects and not just STEM.

Q Why do you feel STEM teaching is important?

I think all subjects are important in their own way. If we look at STEM specifically, this is an area of almost limitless potential. It’s exciting that we don’t truly know which discoveries or new technologies will impact our lives in the future. Therefore, ensuring we have young people who have gained foundations in these subjects and who are able to enter that professional field with the passion to make an impact, is essential at school.

Q In the past you have shared you were a bursary recipient yourself. Would you be happy to elaborate on what this meant to you and your family?

I was fortunate enough to be the recipient of an assisted place at an independent school. Without this opportunity, my parents would

never have had the means to provide for my education in this way. Firstly, it tacitly demonstrated to me the value my parents attached to education. This is something that has remained with me through my professional and personal life. Secondly, it allowed me to reflect on how incredibly privileged I was to be able to access these opportunities. I have little doubt that this part of my story has led to me becoming head today.

Q Why do you think funded places are so important at Emanuel?

On a personal level, ensuring access to the school for pupils who would not otherwise be able to attend will always remain important to me. The school needs to remain a transformative opportunity for all pupils.

Q Are you able to share some of your plans for the school when you become headmaster?

I think sustaining the momentum it has already gathered under Rob Milne. Whether it be through our extensive outreach programme, excellence in music, drama and sport, the quality of the pastoral care or the academic outcomes, we want to ensure each area progresses over the coming years, alongside the development of the school site.

Q Is there any message you would like to give our Old Emanuels?

I am extremely humbled to be given the opportunity to lead Emanuel. I know the warmth and affection with which our Old Emanuels remember the school and I will do my best to ensure you continue to feel proud. We very much hope you will stay connected and engaged with the school and supportive of our efforts over the years ahead.

HEADS OF SCHOOL PERSPECTIVES 2023-24

As I look back on my time at Emanuel and reflect on the memories, I am filled with gratitude, nostalgia and hope for the future. This school and my experiences have allowed me to grow, from the nervous eleven-yearold I was 7 years ago, to the person I am today, ready to take the leap into the next chapter.

This would not have been possible without the wonderful staff at Emanuel, who are so supportive, only wanting the best for their students. As one of the rare pupils who studies both Latin and Classics at A level, I spent a lot of time with the classics department. It is astonishing how they can make a subject about long-dead people, and a dead language, so alive. So much so, that I am going to read the subject at university.

When I joined the school in year 7, despite my father’s hopes and dreams of me becoming a professional rugby player, I strongly disliked the sport and hung up my boots after just

six weeks. I then rotated through a series of alternative sports, such as fives and boxing. It was not until I found rowing and committed myself to it in year 11 that I began to enjoy a sport properly. Joining the senior squad was daunting, but I have never felt so supported and welcomed by those rowers in the years above, and I have never laughed as hard as I have with the friends I made through rowing. The highlight of my time at Emanuel was undoubtedly competing at Henley Royal Regatta for two years in a row, something which the school had not done for a number of years. I am incredibly proud of everyone in the crew who worked so hard to get there.

Becoming Head of School was a formative experience for me, as it was a position for which I never thought I would even be in the running. In fact, there was a time when I considered not even applying to be a prefect. It has been an absolute privilege this year to work with my fellow heads of school, the prefect team, and of course Mr Milne. From giving school tours to discerning prep school parents and dancing the ceilidh at Ms Fitz’s year 11 dance, it has all been such a wonderful experience. Throughout this year, I have given speeches at various school events, welcomed new parents on open days, and enjoyed Mr Milne’s headmaster’s assemblies.

Being Head of School at Emanuel has been a fantastic experience on which I know I will always look back fondly.

Freddie

Scarlett and Freddie on A level results day, 2024

Freddie delivering a speech at St John’s Smith Square gala concert (below)

At the end of my time at Emanuel, I reflected upon what made this journey so special. The sense of community that students, parents and teachers create is my favourite aspect of the school. Everyone shares this feeling, whether it is expressed through academics, sports, music, drama or art. I am sure that my peers would agree that as we have grown, the school has too, and Emanuel’s sense of community has continued to remain the same.

Personal highlights this year have included leading Evensong with the choir at St Paul’s Cathedral. Added to that, a unique experience was performing There Are Worse Things I Could Do as a solo at the Clapham Grand in front of nearly five hundred people.

It was an honour to be a member of the first Emanuel girls’ crew to qualify for the Henley Royal Regatta. We raced against Shiplake College in the Girls’ first 8+ division. I consider myself very fortunate to have been given these opportunities, and I feel proud of both my team and myself for creating history.

Whilst these moments made my time at Emanuel memorable, it was the teachers’ hard work, the many visits to Joyce’s café, and the available co-curricular activities that helped shape me as a person. Having seen my peers grow and develop, overcome lockdowns and exam stress, I am so proud of how far we’ve come, and am grateful to be a part of such a fantastic group.

Though it was intimidating at first, becoming Head of School has been the highlight of my time here. It was a great experience to attend the interviews and be told that I had been given the position. Among my responsibilities were attending parents’ evenings and participating in the Remembrance Day service by laying a wreath in Chapel and reading aloud some of the names of Old Emanuels who died during both World Wars.

One of the benefits of my last year was Mr Milne’s insightful conversations and all-round mentoring over weekly hot chocolate meetings. There will be new opportunities ahead as I hand over the badge to the incoming Heads of School and depart Emanuel, but I feel well prepared for what comes next.

Scarlett Dundas, Head of School 2023-24

Q&A

Johnnie Burn (OE1981-88) won both a BAFTA and Oscar for Best Sound in The Zone of Interest in 2024. Anna Cuthbertson, Development and Alumni Manager, caught up with Johnnie to ask him about his career path, huge achievements to date and memories of his time at Emanuel.

Johnnie Burn (OE1981-88)

Q I read that your career in sound started with an exploding plastic bottleis that correct?

It did! As a teenager, I spent all my money on trying to make music and sounds. I always had a bedroom full of sound equipment – that was the beginning of digital music technology.

When I left Emanuel, I went to City University to do a Business degree. In the first term, I wedged a plastic bottle under a tap to fill it up before going out for a run and completely forgot about it. When I got back an hour later, the bottle was only half full so I touched it to see why and it exploded in my face, covering me in plastic and water. I ended up going profoundly deaf.

I quickly realised I couldn’t hear a thing, not even my footsteps. I went up to my bedroom and played music really loudly through the speakers. I could feel them wobbling but I couldn’t hear anything. It led me to realise how important sound is.

OE Matthew Kitchin, who was in the year above me and sadly died of cancer a couple of years ago, told me about a job in a recording studio in Soho that he thought I’d really love. So, I dropped out of university and started work.

Q What is the most bizarre sound that you've ever had to create?

I was asked to create the sound of a large flying monster sucking up people for a children’s programme. I tried using lots of things including a Hoover, but it turned out that the best way to do it was for me to make a sucking noise into a microphone then slow it down, so it sounded big and monstrous.

Q What inspires you to be creative?

Whenever I am asked to make soundscapes that fit a story, I try to go and do whatever it is that is closest to being in that story. So, if the story was set on a beach, I'd go for a walk on a beach and find a way of understanding

I always had a bedroom full of sound equipment –that was the beginning of digital music technology.

more about the soundscape that I'm trying to create. I just imagine that I'm part of, and project into, whatever story is being told.

Q Let’s talk about The Zone of Interest How did putting together the sound for a film with such a harrowing topic affect you and how did you come up with the ideas?

I've known the director, Jonathan Glazer, for many years and have enjoyed working with him. When he first proposed the project to me, I was pretty apprehensive, to be honest, for exactly that reason.

I spent a year trying to gain an understanding of what happened at Auschwitz by going through research documents and the archives in the Memorial Museum. The two and a half years I spent making the film was a real immersion into understanding what the sound of the worst mass murder in history was like and figuring out a way of trying to reproduce that, because obviously there were no recordings at the time.

I think I was getting depressed, as there were times when I thought: ‘I can't believe I'm at the beginning of this long process. How am I going to get through it?’ This story needed telling and the camaraderie of the team meant I'm glad we went there, but I wouldn't want to do it again.

Q An upbeat question now: what music do you listen to?

I'm a sucker for the ‘80s: I love ‘80s hip hop. That decade was an enormous move from

acoustic music into electronic. With that came enormous production processes and manipulation of sound in a way that had never happened before. I found it fascinating listening to music at that time and trying to figure out how it was made.

I'm still fascinated by anything well made with integrity. There's such a zeitgeist around how we hear things, so I think including the production techniques of a Taylor Swift album in how I mix a film makes things sound more relevant.

Q What did it feel like when you received the nominations for two of the most amazing accolades in the film industry?

I really didn't think it was going to happen. I was in Ireland meeting film director, Yorgos Lanthimos’ wife, Ariane, when the Oscar nominations came out. She was making a film with the production company who made Poor Things and many other fantastic films.

I knew there was a really slim chance that I would be on the nomination list; I really hoped, though. I had planned to be at Dublin airport on my own when I heard the news so that I didn't have to be disappointed in front of everybody. However, Ariane persuaded me to go to the Element office to watch it; she said there would only be a couple of people there.

I arrived to find Irish National TV, RTE, recording live and about fifty other people. My heart was beating so hard it could have fallen out of my chest as they made the announcement. And then they said my name.

I walked past Steven Spielberg, Billie Eilish, Martin Scorsese and many others who were all standing up and applauding. I remember thinking, ‘This is really, really weird.’

It is really life changing and it's enormous: to be recognised by your peers is incredible.

Q Who is the most interesting celebrity you have met and why?

That is hard. At 4am, after the BAFTAs, my wife finally dragged me off the dance floor, having danced with Paul Mescal for the last half hour of the evening. But I think the answer has to be Emma Stone. I've hung out with her a fair bit on the press tour for Poor Things and The Zone of Interest and when I was walking off stage after winning my Oscar, she texted me: “Uh, that's what I'm talking about, baby!” There was an article in The New York Times about how she had started a standing ovation for my win because she was such a fan of it.

Q What is your favourite memory of the Oscars?

My favourite memory is the actual moment of the announcement and being literally stunned. I just sat there like a rabbit in the headlights. My wife nudged me in the leg

saying, “Get up - it's you!” My son and daughter were there too, and my daughter had made me agree that if I won, I would hug her first because all the television cameras were there. So, I sprang into action, got up and did exactly that.

It was really wonderful too when Tom (the Production Sound Mixer), and I walked down to receive the award. I walked past Steven Spielberg, Billie Eilish, Martin Scorsese and many others who were all standing up and applauding. I remember thinking, ‘This is really, really weird.’

Q Did you go to any of the after-show parties?

We went to Vanity Fair and to the Governors Ball straight after, which is where they engrave your Oscar.

I've got fantastic pictures of my kids with LeBron James, Billie Eilish, Florence Pugh and Anya Taylor-Joy at the Vanity Fair party. It was really fun and they got to go back to their schools with all these amazing experiences. I've even got a video of me with Olivia Rodrigo giving a shout out to my daughter.

The engraving takes place at a big party at the Governors Ball - a thousand people in a massive room and a stage at the front with about six engravers and a queue of winners. And there's a big ‘Engrave cam’ on the wall that is linked to a massive screen on the other side of the venue, where everyone gives a cheer and holds up their Oscar having had it engraved.

Q What happens after you receive the Oscar on stage?

You win and then you walk through this line of dancers backstage; they’re all there just for you. And then there’s a ‘Thank you cam’ on which I gave a shout out to my Old Emanuel class of ’88! Then I was congratulated by the head of the Oscars and offered a glass of champagne. Afterwards, Emma Stone, who had just won Best Actress, came off stage and we ‘cheers-ed’ our Oscars before Billie Eilish and Robert Downey Jr. joined us after winning their awards. I had a weird twenty minutes where I just stood in this surreal landscape of extreme celebrities, and I was a winner too. It was great. Robert Downey Jr. had lots of questions; he was really knowledgeable about how sound works and very keen to learn more.

Q Where do you keep Oscar and BAFTA?

Oscar hasn’t been home for long because he’s been on a tour of London visiting the people who helped to win him. He literally got back yesterday and I think he’s going in the downstairs loo. I’m going to build a space with a mirror, a mini podium and a microphone where people can do their own little speech in private.

Q Do you have any advice for any budding sound professionals who might be reading this?

Follow your heart. I think you need to be sure that you’ve got passion for it because it is hard work. If you’re going to do something, do it properly and go for it with as much gusto as you can.

Just try and remember more than anything that it’s about having the technical aptitude so well accomplished that it becomes second nature. Then you can concentrate on the other two important things, which are: one, telling a story and two: it’s a people business, so you need to understand how to be nice. It’s important because when a director is choosing someone, one of the main things they’re thinking is: ‘I’ve got to spend an awful lot of time with this person. Do I like them?’

QWhat is your favourite memory of Emanuel?

I used to really love rowing. I was such a keen rower that I was down at the Boat Club five or six days a week. So, rowing under Kew Bridge on a Wednesday afternoon at 4pm or 5pm, seeing all the traffic jams on the bridge and just being really free on a boat underneath is a really pleasurable memory.

The other one was a science lesson with Mr Pennell in 1986 or ’87 which really made me think about sound. He said to us: “I’m going to record this lesson and I want you to all just have a think about when you notice background sounds, so anything that isn’t to do with this room. Keep a note, write down anything that you hear.”

When we finished, no one had written down anything much at all because children don’t do that. But when we played back the recording, we realised there had been perhaps ten trains which had gone past, and many aeroplanes. There was screaming outside, doors banging and all sorts of other noises. It was to do with how you tune out sound, as well as how what you hear is guarded by the brain more than the ears. Having an inspirational teacher makes such a difference.

QHave you got any favourite teachers or anyone that sticks in your mind from Emanuel?

Mr Dufour, who was my economics teacher and my form teacher in 1987/88, in the sixth form. He was such a lovely man and really helped me out. I was going through a lot of personal stress, and he couldn’t have been nicer, more helpful or more generous with his time and so morally supportive. I even managed to pass my economics A level as well, which is amazing. So, I’m eternally grateful.

Q Did you remember Ben Wilkins in the year above you, who has also won an Oscar for sound?

He was round here for dinner last Sunday! The weird thing is that Ben and I worked together in 1990 - we weren’t friends at school, but Matthew Kitchin, who I mentioned earlier, was one of Ben’s best friends. I worked with Ben for about a year and a half until he moved to America and started his career, but we didn’t really stay in touch. We laugh now because we’re good friends. He became incredibly successful, and he is a very popular sound mixer in America. He’s in the process of moving back down the road from me now, weirdly, splitting his time between here and the U.S.

You can watch The Zone of Interest on Prime Video and Apple TV+.

If you’re going to do something, do it properly and go for it with as much gusto as you can.

ARCHIVE MATTERS

Every year, our Archivist, Tony Jones, selects a number of items from the school archive to share with you.

(OE1956-62)

Raglan House trophy

The diminutive Raglan House trophy has an obscure history, originally being awarded in the Emanuel Prep School, where boys as young as 8 were in attendance. It had its own tie, House captain and sporting events. After closure in the late forties, Ms Bedford, who ran the department for decades, then presented it as a class trophy to first year pupils. The original reason for awarding it remains a mystery, as the names inscribed on the trophy do not match the Raglan House captains for that period. One assumes that when Emanuel was evacuated to Petersfield, the trophy remained in Battersea and so no fresh names were added over this period, perhaps indicating it was connected to sport. The final winner was Stephen Dix (OE1956-62), who was in possession of the trophy when Ms Bedford retired. Stephen was never asked to return the trophy and held onto it for the next sixty odd years! He donated it back to the school in 2015 and we were delighted to welcome it home.

Tony Jones, Archivist

The Grundy chalice

The Grundy chalice is a silver covered cup which bears the school arms and inscription: “This cup was bequeathed to his school by Ronald Grundy (sometime a Prefect of the school) and Lieutenant in the Middlesex Regiment, who fell near Ovillers, July 1st 1916.” Around the rim is also written: “Drink ye all of this; for this is my Blood of the New Testament, which is shed for you and for many for the remission of sins.” Many letters survive between Ronald and his brother Cecil, who also lost his life in the war. It is likely that his family bequeathed the chalice because Ronald had left money to the school in his will.

There was also a Grundy cup shooting trophy which became a hotly contested House competition. We believe this trophy also had connections to Ronald’s donation, although they are two distinct pieces of silverware. Sadly, this Grundy cup trophy disappeared some years ago and is now presumed lost. It was awarded until the eighties, when the popularity of the CCF began to wane, and most certainly met Ronald’s original intention of “fostering the Inter House spirit”. Interestingly, Ronald’s brother, Jack, who was too young to serve in the First World War, later became the Emanuel School headmaster in 1953.

Tony Jones, Archivist

Raglan Trophy with its donor Stephen Dix

Academic medals awarded in Autumn 2024

Tie collection

Emanuel is blessed with a superb range of House and other ties which link in with sport (who remembers winning their ‘Ten Games’ tie?), CCF, choir and other activities. The rarest tie in our collection was donated by Keith Sansom (OE194147) and is potentially the only Raglan House tie in existence. When Keith donated his prep school tie, he recalled: “We conspired to promote the idea of a Raglan tie as all the other Houses had ties to be awarded and we thought it right that our House had something similar to wear as an alternative to the normal school one. When we joined the main school, the tie would show that they had risen from the prep.” As well as a full range of House half and full colours, there are a wide variety of Old Emanuel Association (OEA), half and full colours. The most highly sought-after tie is undoubtedly the Boat Club colours one with many members proudly wearing these at reunions and Henley events. Some of the rarest ties are connected to the long-gone associations for alumni of the various Houses, including the Blenheim Club (Marlborough), Leone Society (Lyons) and Waterloo Club (Wellington). Please do contact us if you think you have a particularly rare tie at home.

Tony Jones, Archivist

The CCF teaspoon

In 1968, The Portcullis reported, “M. C. Rickman, A. J. Phillips and M. B. I. Browne proved a formidable team in winning the House shooting competition, amassing an unprecedented score of 248 points out of a possible total of 250. In recognition of this and other services to the House, Messrs. Phillips and Browne have been awarded senior House colours”. Our House was Marlborough, and as captain of the team I was presented with a teaspoon at the next full school assembly, which I recently donated to the Archive.

The Combined Cadet Force was a big part of the Emanuel experience in the 1960s. In the days after National Service, it acted as a recruiting vehicle for the UK armed forces, and we all joined the army section for basic training in the third year. Some boys moved to the RAF or RN in their fourth year. I did six years in the CCF, and went on free camps and courses to Plymouth, Edinburgh, Portsmouth and Malta, plus our arduous training camp on the Isle of Jura. We all learned to use guns – I fired the Lee Enfield, the SLR, Bren gun, Stirling, and Lanchester machine guns, and the .45 pistol.

Martin Rickman (OE1961-69)

Academic medals

With the arrival of Mr Milne in September 2017 came formal recognition of academic achievement in addition to rewarding excellence in sport and the arts.

It was at an evening to recognise some of the most impressive Extended Projects, a core part of our sixth form curriculum, that the first academic medals were presented.

The medal itself, a colourful and suitably weighty enamel design of the school crest, comes in a presentation box whose lining contains the school crest in gold above the words “For Academic Achievement.”

Academic medals have become particularly soughtafter commodities amongst the pupils, and each term they are presented to the top pupils in each year group in recognition of different, but equally commendable, qualities. In the autumn term we use academic medals to reward those with the highest engagement (effort) in their subjects; in the spring term we recognise where the most progress has been made relative to the autumn term; and in the summer term we base academic medals on performance in the end of year internal examinations.

Recognising academic endeavour in this way contributes to the academic tranche of Emanuel’s holistic education.

Richard Evans (Staff 2016–present)

Ties with Yann Maidment (OE1971-78) at the 2024 reunion

Grundy chalice (left) and Academic medal (right)

3000 MILES

Ana Žigić (OE2006-13) rowed 3000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean in a team of four women,  There She Rows, to inspire girls to take up sport. The team broke the British record and Ana herself became the first woman from Slovenia or Serbia to row across any ocean. She is an advocate of women’s sport and health, in particular raising awareness of endometriosis.

Ana has been featured in Vogue Adria and was named as one of the  Women of the Year 2024 in Harper’s Bazaar Serbia. In addition, Myoovi named her  Changemaker of the Year 2024. Ana currently lives in London and works at Wasserman, as a strategic marketing consultant across sports and entertainment.

QWhat gave you the idea to do this row?

I was inspired by the fact that our crew goal was centred around advocating for women’s sport and on encouraging girls to get involved.The main reason I quit sport was that I had undiagnosed endometriosis. I was an avid rower at Emanuel but there were days when I really struggled.

When students don’t show up for training, the assumption is that they don’t want to be there. I didn’t know how to communicate that I was in a lot of pain. Some days, I was super strong but on other days I would feel weak and didn’t understand why.

I had surgery and found out I had endometriosis; a huge reason I wanted to do the row was to raise awareness and money to support Endometriosis UK as it affects one in ten women. It’s one of the most painful and debilitating conditions you can have; if you don’t get treatment, it can completely ruin your quality of life.

I used the row and social media around it as a platform to talk about the impact of endometriosis on both my life, but also my ability to engage with sport. Even though the row is finished, it’s something I want to continue talking about publicly as diagnosis rates won’t improve until more people are educated about the condition.

Q When you left the Canary Islands, how did you feel knowing that you were going to have a stretch of at least thirtyfive days ahead of you?

Emotional! I always deluded myself that the land was just over the horizon; I just couldn’t see it and we were not that far away.

You can withstand more than you think, both physically and mentally. Your mind will give up before your body.

QHow did you feel when you finally made it to Antigua - 39 days, 12 hours and 25 minutes later?

Again, emotional. I don’t think I cried when we first landed - I was just too excited. My strongest memory is an awareness of my senses: seeing individual leaves on trees, noticing the smell of the land and the sound of the waves crashing against it.

Q What about ‘scary’ sea creatures?!

At one point, we got so excited when we noticed something circling the boat, I even stuck my hand under with the GoPro. When I watched back the footage later, it showed a blue marlin hunting a fish under our boat –rather chilling considering that they are known to strike a few crews each year and cause a lot of damage!

Q How did you manage food rations?

Each person needs to consume sixty calories per kilo of weight per day. We had to take fiftyfive days’ worth of food meaning hundreds of thousands of calories between us all. I did half of my calories with ration packs and half with snacks - I think my snacks kept me alive! My family put some handwritten notes and

my favourite home snack hidden in my food packs which was a huge morale boost.

Q How did you celebrate Christmas and New Year?

It was a very different experience to what you might enjoy on land! We shared Christmasthemed chocolates whilst rowing because we never stopped; we were so excited to reach land and see the family we were missing.

We also read notes from our family as our Captain, Viki, had organised them as a surprise. I read mine on 6 and 7 of January because I’m from Serbia.

New year brought some ocean humour; with midnight approaching, Ellie guessed the ten second countdown and just as she hit zero, Abbey threw her head over the side of the boat with sudden sea sickness. This illustrates that when rowing an ocean, every time something good happens, something else humbles you immediately.

Q Have you got other examples where something good was counterbalanced?

The opposite, actually; one night, it hammered with rain for twelve hours - we were all in horrible moods. Then came the sunrise shift; Ellie and I were rowing and the rain suddenly stopped. We had this stunning, pink sunrise and it was silent. Dolphins started jumping in between the oars - it was like the universe knew we needed the morale boost.

Another time, I noticed water spray and heard whistling under the boat: a group of pilot whales swam around us for about thirty minutes. Wildlife encounters are so magical because the creatures are actively choosing to do that; you are the novelty and it’s very humbling and such an honour.

Q What did you learn about both yourself and the team?

You can withstand more than you think, both physically and mentally. Your mind will give up before your body.

We each sacrificed two hours of rest a day to row a total of fourteen hours daily, meaning a third rower on the oars to keep the boat moving in strong headwinds. We always had our goal in mind: to inspire and show you can overcome any obstacle.

The main thing I learned is that you can only control the controllables. When tough decisions were made, we agreed as a team. For example, tying a knot: you would

announce you were doing it, then ask someone to check it and only then would you use it. This trust and collaboration eliminated mistakes. I am so independent that it was a big learning curve for me to rely on others. I honestly think that this is one of the most life changing things I could have ever done.

Q You are working for Wasserman now. Did you know you would switch jobs when you left for the row?

No, but it was a wonderful turn of events. I heard about the role whilst still in Antigua, only a few days after reaching land and immediately realised it would be a dream job! My skipper, Viki, already worked there and I was excited to continue working with her to progress women’s sport, now from the office rather than the ocean.

Q Do many people go on to do this row again?

From what I’ve heard, some go on to row the Atlantic multiple times. Others go on to different oceans. I remember when we crossed the line, I said, ‘That’s it. I’m never taking another stroke again.’ But you miss the simplicity of it and the challenge. It’s so hard, but so incredible.

Q Do you feel that training prepared you for what was to come?

Perhaps physically, yes, but mentally you don’t know until you’re out there. We had a plan for every conceivable situation: if someone severely injured themselves, if marlins struck or if we

went into total power failure. We worked with our coach so that if it came up, we never really had to think too hard about it.

Q How did you motivate each other?

We would remind ourselves of why we were there and that we were lucky. When you’re feeling negative, you have to put a positive spin on it. How many people get to experience this? It’s absolutely incredible. Also, we had a goal, and being a competitive crew, that was really helpful.

We fed off each other’s energy and remembered our purpose. When I was struggling with endometriosis pain and feeling negative, my captain would say, ‘This is exactly why you’re out here: to make a point and inspire.’

A lot of people internalise things. However, when you are only four people in the middle of the ocean, it’s important to chat to get through it.

I learned most things are possible if you build the right support network around you.

QDid you get a lot of coverage promoting your messaging about women in sport?

We spent a lot of time ahead of the row promoting our story on our socials and through PR. For example, the year before, we did a hundred mile walk which was the length of the South Downs Way for around 4 days carrying a sculling boat. Someone working for BBC’s The One Show saw our story and we ended up being interviewed live during the walk. It snowballed and people started taking an interest.

The day after we arrived, Sky Sports interviewed us which was a great opportunity: once one person starts writing about you, it takes off. Following the row, I had the opportunity to speak on a few news shows and podcasts back home in Serbia. I discussed the row, women’s health and women’s sport issues. I also wrote an essay for Vogue Adria and was honoured as one of Harper’s Bazaar Serbia’s Women of the Year. It has been an incredible platform to keep important conversations going both in the UK and abroad.

Q What did you learn from all of this?

We learned so much that can apply to our lives and careers; more than some people experience in a decade. We ran our own sponsorship campaign, became marketing and sales managers, charity fundraisers, logistics and operational managers, as well as social managers.

It’s an amazing growth experience and the row is like the cherry on top.

Arriving in Antigua

SCHOOL NEWS

The 2023–24 academic year has been marked by a host of exciting events showcasing the talent and enthusiasm of our students. From outstanding musical and dramatic performances to impressive sporting achievements and inspiring art exhibitions, it has been a vibrant and memorable year across all areas of school life.

MUSIC

Rock Bands at the Half Moon Pub, Putney

In November 2023 the Music department took the pupils to the famous Half Moon pub in Putney for another external Rock and Pop gig. Our three school rock bands performed two songs each as the packed crowd cheered and clapped each performance.

Evensong at St Paul's Cathedral

On Monday 6 November 2023, the Emanuel School Choir enjoyed the honour of singing Evensong at St Paul’s Cathedral. The choir sang responses by Richard Ayleward, a setting of the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in D minor by Thomas Walmisley, and S.S. Wesley’s anthem Blessed be the God and Father. The choir sang with great panache and, as ever, we were supported by a considerable number of parents, staff and tourists.

St John's Smith Square (St Cecilia's Concert)

This year's St Cecilia's Concert was held at St John's Smith Square, one of London's great concert venues, to mark the 430th anniversary of the foundation of the school. We welcomed over four hundred guests, many of whom were OEs, to enjoy a celebration of the superb musical talent within our pupil body. One of the highlights was a fully orchestrated version of the Emanuel School Song during which some of the OEs in the audience joined in!

Emanuel Rave Night at Fabric

In February 2024, the Emanuel DJ pupils took over one of London’s top nightclubs: Fabric. The afternoon started with pupils from our Primary Ambitions programme and in the evening, we welcomed three hundred people who raved the night away to our Emanuel DJs.

A Night at the Musicals

We were thrilled to welcome over five hundred people to the Clapham Grand to our A Night at the Musicals concert at the end of the academic year. The concert represented several things that are so important to the department: involvement in the community, working closely with our partnership schools, and, of course, the excitement of collective music making.

Charles Janz, Director of Music

DRAMA

Following the success of the school musical Beauty and the Beast in the Spring term, a selection of the cast and crew were invited to perform at the National School’s Theatre Awards in late June. The school were nominated in a number of categories and Vanessa (year 13) won the best solo performance award.

Year 7 and 8 performed a double bill of sci-fi plays in May. Tuesday by Alison Carr and Mam, There’s A Spaceship in Our Backyard by Sarah Cowan were greatly enjoyed by two sell-out audiences.

Performing Arts Fortnight included a stunning year 6 performance of Matilda from the whole of the year group, a performing art showcase that included a variety of dance, comedy and musical theatre acts and the lower sixth A level devised pieces.

Two companies went to the Edinburgh Fringe for two weeks in August with their two shows: Hamlet Hears a Who and The Picture of Dorian Gray. Whilst at the festival, as well as performing, they marketed and sold tickets for the shows on the streets of the capital.

Lee Burgess, Director of Drama

ART

In September, at Open Day, Senior Award holders took part in a monotype printing workshop run by practising artist Rosa Roberts (OE2000-02), while Junior Award holders took part in a pewtercasting workshop run by sculptor Briony Marshall. Pupils enjoyed successful trips to galleries in London and the sixth form residential trip to Cornwall was a real highlight.

In November 2023, Poppy Sendell (OE2012-20) and Ethan Bailey-Smith (OE2014-21) visited the Art department to give a talk on their Art Foundation courses. Both are studying at Central Saint Martins.

Meanwhile, Primary Ambitions continues to be enjoyed by pupils from our visiting primary schools; pupils had the opportunity to experiment with clay, creating a range of weird and wonderful crabs.

As ever, the academic year ended with two fantastic exhibitions to celebrate our GCSE and A level artists.

SPORT

Football

The football season kicked off in early October with the reintroduction of 1st XI football for the first time in twenty years at Emanuel.

Year 8 achieved the dizzy heights of semifinal football against Parkside at Chelsea‘s training ground. Year 9 took on Lingfield College in Round 4 of the National ESFA competition. Year 10 started their cup campaign with an impressive 11-3 win at home.

The 2023-24 season saw Emanuel score 70 goals and play 50 games. Participation rose to see an incredible six hundred pupils representing the school over the course of the season.

Cameron Leigh, Head of Football Hockey

Year 6 pupils got their first taste of hockey and enjoyed a very strong season, which culminated in them qualifying for the London finals, a first for an Emanuel year 6 team.

Charlie Reed, Head of Art

A level art exhibition above)

1st XI football fixture

The regular season kicked off at our off-site hockey pitch at Raynes Park. The opening of the pitch saw Olympic gold medallist and team GB hockey player Giselle Ansley give our players a masterclass.

Emanuel once again entered the London Hockey Schools Competitions; the U14s went on to win at the London finals, securing Emanuel’s first ever place at national finals.

The team played extremely well, ending up with a ranking of seventh in the country at the Tier 2 level. The U16s were entered into the London Hockey Championship, making it to the fourth round of the tournament.

Fran Low, Deputy Director of Sport

This has been another fantastic year for Emanuel netball, with a 63% success rate across all of our fixtures. The U12As and U13As qualified for the Surrey finals, with the U13As getting as far as the semi-finals. Elsewhere, the U13As won the annual Priorsfield Tournament, while our U15As were the championship winners in the Sisters n Sport National Plate competition. It was great to see our senior 1st team placing third in the Surrey Qualifiers; they also made it to the quarter-finals of the Sisters in Sport Plate competition in Loughborough.

Ellie Bird, Head of Netball

Netball

Hockey masterclass with Giselle Ansley

Netball at Emanuel

Rowing

The 2023-24 rowing season culminated at Henley Royal Regatta where, in the school’s 430th year, the girls’ 1st VIII rowed for the very first time at this world-famous event. They joined the boys’ VIII who qualified for the second year in a row. To have both the boys and girls racing at Henley was a massive achievement for Emanuel’s Boat Club. Dr Iain Reid (OE1959-67) and Luke Dillon (OE2002-08) presented them with their Boat Club blazers on the floating grandstand and even Sir Steve Redgrave came to congratulate them on this momentous occasion.

The girls’ 1st VIII qualified for Henley Women’s Regatta.The boys finished 5th in their final at Marlow.

Tim Liversage, Former Director of Rowing

Rugby

Our1st XV had their most successful season in almost a decade, which saw victories against Tiffin School, Claires Court, Reigate Grammar School and Caterham School. These victories placed us in the NextGen XV Top 100 Rugby Schools in the country for this year, a very positive step forward for Emanuel rugby.

Elsewhere, the U14As had another incredible season, and our U15s squad made an impressive cup run in the Continental Tyres Schools U15 National Bowl competition, reaching the semi-finals.

This season also sparked the inaugural Touch Festivals, pitching those who choose the non-contact version of the game to represent the school against the likes of KCS Wimbledon, St James Senior Boys and St George’s Weybridge.

In the Spring term, our 1st VII, U14 and U13 sides finished second in their respective groups at the Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens.

George Ross, Director of Rugby

Henley Women’s Regatta

Rugby at Emanuel

OTHER NEWS

Exam results

Our Year 11s were rewarded with some outstanding results at (I)GCSE. Over twothirds of results (69%) were graded at 8 or 9, our highest level in a normal examination year, continuing our year-on-year growth at GCSE. The school also achieved its highest 9-7% (A*-A) in examined years.

Once again, our upper sixth earned an excellent set of A level results. With almost two thirds of entries graded at A* or A, they have continued the trend of year-on-year improvement at Emanuel. To do so alongside the pupils’ impressive and wide-ranging co-curricular and outreach involvement is testament to the hard work of the students and the quality of support and guidance from their teachers and families.

Award winners

We are delighted to announce that Emanuel School has won the Talk Education Award 2024 for ‘Innovation in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.’

Teddy Wolstenholme, Editorial Director of Talk Education, commented in the award letter: “We are really impressed by the work of the Archer Group, PRISM and the Athena Society and their efforts to break down barriers and forge connections with both the local community and other schools. We are thrilled to be able to help you celebrate this.”

Wellbeing dog

We are very excited that Emanuel now has a new member of the pastoral team, Boadi!

Boadi is Reverend Bailey-Smith’s Cavapoo accompanies our chaplain on her daily Friday duties.

If pupils wish to interact with Boadi, they can at break and lunch times in a safe and ordered environment under the watchful eye of Reverend Bailey-Smith and the pastoral staff. This decision was carefully made to harness the proven benefits that animals bring to mental health and emotional wellbeing.

Wellbeing dog, Boadi

A level results day

OLD & NEW

1907 saw the original first floor library added to the main school building. It featured an impressive panelled oak floor, as well as bespoke furniture. In its earliest days, boys were not allowed to enter unless they wore rubber shoes or hobnails covered with galoshes.

The library remained largely unchanged in design for exactly one hundred years until its relocation in 2007 to the old Senior Dining Hall and Buttery. The change was overdue, as the building and decor reflected a grammar school of yesteryear, rather than a modern independent school.

The gradual conversion was completed in 2013; the Fiennes Theatre is an ambitious conversion of the original library into a modern state-of-the-art theatre with retractable seating. The project involved raising the roof of the building and expanding the far wall by more than twenty feet. This was a complex build which created a larger theatre with an adjoining teaching room, formerly known as Computer Room 1.

As part of this project, the Magazine Room of the library – now M9 - was also expanded and room 11 was demolished. This was situated above the foundations of the original swimming bath which had been unused for decades.

Tony Jones, Archivist

The ‘Old’ Library and the Fiennes Theatre

Anywhere but a club

Speaking with Joe Gordon (OE2011-18) was an enlightening experience as his entrepreneurial nature highlights that anything is possible. From Emanuel to world class DJs and clubs, Joe has got it going on.

A graduate of biochemistry from the University of Bristol, Joe Gordon started DJing when he was thirteen years old and did this for various friends’ birthday parties as well as leavers’ balls at Emanuel.

DJing for his own company, Lab54, initially providing entertainment for student parties, emphasised his determination. Joe saved up for DJ equipment and even bought a van which enabled him to travel to Leeds where his brother was studying. He threw a house party there which happened to be filmed for social media and ended up going completely viral. It was this experience that quickly moved him into the house party stratosphere as Atlantic Records offered to pay him to put on house parties featuring their DJs.

Joe knows how lucky he is as it wasn’t always like that. He used to have to reach out to artists and only did one or two gigs a month. Nowadays, it is two or three gigs a week and Joe is unable to plan more than three months in advance for fear of overpromising. Due to the popularity of what they offer, he has been approached by huge brands wishing to partner with him to throw the best parties.

Joe already had experience of working private, corporate gigs with large companies including Revolut and Billionaire’s Island. As a result of his success, he hired his first employee in March 2023 and at the time of writing this, now has a team of twenty six. Frequent worldwide travel is now something with which Joe is hugely familiar: from Austria to Australia for a party on a super yacht with Rudimental and everywhere in between, Joe has experienced some of the most interesting venues on offer.

Joe and his team are the people the record labels go to in order to come up with a party to rival all others. The word unusual doesn’t even begin to sum up the venues where they have already thrown parties, let alone the ones which are yet to come: Gregg’s bakery in Newcastle, a taco shop in Melbourne, the back of ambulances in New York and L.A., more super yachts and a multitude of Ibiza hotel rooms. This is not to mention partnerships with huge corporates like Bacardi, IKEA and Amazon Prime to name only a few.

When asked which is his favourite club, Joe says he loves Pikes in Ibiza where they filmed Wham!’s Club Tropicana video and Freddie Mercury’s bed is in pride of place on the dancefloor. For his most recent visit, Joe’s name was on the guest list, in stark contrast to how he gained entrance the first time a year before. Instead of going over the fence, he went in through the front door to meet a record label owner for a business meeting. This proved to Joe how far he had come professionally in a relatively short time.

In a coffee shop

Joe Gordon (OE2011-18) left

Joe maintains that his absolute favourite party type is without doubt a house party. He has DJed in clubs and at festivals, each time coming off stage with the feeling that it was simply not a house party. The concept of simplicity, having decks on a kitchen island with the sink behind you and a sole goal to get everyone dancing, is something which appeals greatly to Joe. This type of party has really caught on recently with Lab54 possibly setting the trend for the best night available.

Joe realises that by throwing the best parties, his business will grow and indeed, it has. He will go to any lengths necessary to make a house party location work, even in a cave under a glacier.

Unusual contract requests, ‘riders’, are commonplace in Joe’s industry; chief amongst them are scratch cards – the logic being it could be your last gig before becoming a millionaire. These type of house parties bring it all back down to earth – there is no pretentiousness or glamour: the green room

In a library

Bringing house parties to a festival near you.

We have banned the word can’t in the office.

is often a student bedroom. Naturally, safety is paramount - Joe has staff wandering around within the party itself not only to make sure everything is running smoothly but also to act as a steady presence to make everyone feel safe. His view is that it is better to have these regulated than run by someone with zero experience of putting on a house party.

Joe has a lot on the horizon: starting a record label, building a pop-up house with IKEA in which to tour, trying to get the record for the world’s largest house party in the Guinness Book of World Records. He has even suggested a house party at school in one of the classrooms, so watch this space.

We wish Joe the best of luck with Lab54.

Joe has mentioned if any OE is looking to start a career in the music industry, he’d be happy to help if he can. Please email oe@emanuel. org.uk and we’ll pass on your message.

You can listen to Joe on Spotify as BL3SS signed with Atlantic Records.

Follow him on Instagram: @lab54_uk

As for Emanuel, Joe recalls his love for the music department – Mr and Mrs Holmes and Mr House, as well as keyboard composition for GCSE. Chemistry was also a keen interest and Joe even set up an all-year-group journal club for students to record all strands of science in one place, showing his love for the subject. Joe credits Emanuel for his hard work ethic –in particular, studying for GCSEs and then A levels. Joe's determination was evident in his decision to attend Wilson Lai’s Further Maths lessons, not because he was taking the subject for A level, but to strengthen his Oxbridge application.

In the loos

THE LIFE AND WORKS OF SURREALIST ARTIST, JOHN BANTING (OE1913-20)

Born in Chelsea in 1902, John Banting joined his brother George at Emanuel School in 1913. He was somewhat overshadowed by George who enjoyed a remarkable sporting career at school, followed by an extraordinary military one. On leaving school in 1915, George entered the Royal Military College at Sandhurst and then became attached to the Royal Flying Corps from where he graduated on 20 March 1917. He was immediately posted to France where he carried out dangerous reconnaissance flights, at a time when flight was in its infancy. After the war, he obtained a commission in the newly formed Royal Air Force, served again in the Second World War and rose to the rank of Air Vice-Marshall in the post-war years. By contrast, academic and sporting success eluded John and he left in 1920 without matriculating, going on to have a very different career to his brother.

On leaving Emanuel School, John took a job with Lloyds Bank but, determined to become an artist, took night classes at the Westminster School of Art where he was taught by the figurative painter Bernard Meninsky and the sculptor Frank Dobson. Here he met Stephen Tomlin who introduced him to Lytton Strachey and other members of the Bloomsbury Group.

In 1923, he went to Paris where he took afternoon drawing classes at the Académie de la Grande Chaumière. While in Paris he met Peggy Guggenheim, the eccentric American art collector, Nina Hamnett, the English painter, Constantin Brâncuși, the sculptor, and Man Ray, the American surrealist photographer who would all gather on the pavement cafés of Montparnasse to drink and gossip.

On his return to London, he took a studio in Fitzroy Street where Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell also had a studio. He started to make his mark on the art world and his paintings were bought by some of the influencers of the day. His unconventional private and personal life provided raw material for Henry Green and other chroniclers of the time and reflected the vigour and experimentation of this period.

Hailed as a man to watch - in 1936 the Daily Telegraph described him as, ‘a young artist of rare talent’ after seeing his work at the International Surrealist Exhibition - by the 1950s John Banting had fallen into obscurity, where he pretty much remains to this day. With the current growing interest in the British surrealists, the work of Banting deserves reassessment.

Portrait of Stephen Tomlin by John Banting, 1927 (commissioned by Lytton Strachey)

Examples of his work are held in the Tate, the National Portrait Gallery, the British Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum and many regional galleries and prominent private collections. His murals—including a large mural of fig leaves and rope, two of his painting tropes, for the entrance to Fortnum and Mason’s Decoration Department in 1932— have, unfortunately, been destroyed.

Constantly looking for new ways to express his ideas, in addition to his painting, Banting designed the sets and costumes for several ballets including Pomona, choreographed by Frederick Ashton in 1930, and Prometheus at the Sadler’s Wells Theatre in 1936. Thanks to his friendship with John Lehmann, he designed book jackets for the Woolfs’ Hogarth Press and commissions from other publishing houses followed. His illustrated book of satirical verse, A Blue Book of Conversation, was published in 1946. Ever the innovator, the illustrations took the form of blueprints using the cyanotype method, a slow-reacting photographic process sensitive to a limited near-ultraviolet and blue light spectrum, frequently used in the fields of architecture and engineering but rarely in the world of the arts.

In the 1930s, Banting was known as much for being a professional party animal as an artist as shown by his role in the Bruno Hat Hoax in July 1929, later parodied by Evelyn Waugh in his novel, Vile Bodies. He designed several of the extravagant parties given by the Bright Young People, including the infamous White Party given by Sandy Baird in July 1931, which made the next day’s headlines for all the wrong reasons.

Gregarious, Banting enthusiastically embraced a wide range of friendships and acquaintances. Close to the shipping heiress Nancy Cunard, whom he regarded as his muse, he would accompany her to New York in 1932 to gather material for her book and to Spain in 1937 to report on the Spanish Civil War.

Other friends and allies included prominent figures in the world of arts during the inter-war years: the writer, Lytton Strachey, the sculptor, Stephen Tomlin, the artist, Edward Burra, the photographers, Barbara Ker-Seymer and Humphrey Spender, Eddy Sackville-West, the music critic, Brian Howard, the poet, E.L.T. Mesens, who ran the London Gallery, and Roland Penrose, who owned it.

The story of Banting’s life showcases the artistic world of the mid-twentieth century and its denizens, and while the standard of his work is undeniably variable, it is often fresh and exciting, and at his best this Old Emanuel was undoubtedly a leading figure of the British surrealist movement.

Joanna Ward, author of John Banting and His Circle

Banting’s mural for Fortnum & Mason’s Decoration Department, 1932

Frontispiece of A Blue Book of Conversation, Editions Poetry London, 1946

CHESS AT EMANUEL

When I was interviewed by headmistress Anne-Marie Sutcliffe in the spring of 1999 for the school librarian job, her eyes lit up when I mentioned I had run chess clubs in other schools. Anne-Marie was keen to develop chess at Emanuel and once appointed, I immediately took over the club. The team had been coached by International Master Miroslav Houska, and he had nurtured a strong team for me to mould.

If anybody had suggested after we lost our first game that I would still be in charge almost a quarter of a century later, I would have said they were dreaming. When a colleague occasionally raises an eyebrow at my longevity, I reference long-serving former head of maths, Francis Grundy, ,who ran the very same club for more than thirty years!

The early years included some terrific players, the strongest being Peter Brewer, Jonathan Poon, Ivan Goh, Edmond Goh, and captain Sam Bilson. Commitment was incredibly high, and we even attended the chess world championship at the Barbican. We were fortunate enough to be at the match in 2000 when Garry Kasparov surrendered his world title to Vladimir Kramnik. In some recent correspondence, Peter Brewer, who often played on the top board, mentioned trying to win his games as quickly as possible to get to the famous Emanuel chess tea – the iced sponge was a highlight!

Over the next three years Sam, Peter and their teammates set the bar high with Emanuel briefly fielding two teams in the

Briant Poulter (Surrey Schools) League, divisions 2 and 3. They finished an impressive second in both, with Andrew Burton, Chris Zarafa, Chin Wong and Shahbaz Khan creating a strong squad. Although we had played many multi-player matches, this was the only occasion where we officially entered two teams in the Surrey league.

Even before I arrived, we competed in the Briant Poulter (Surrey Schools) League every season and usually found ourselves just behind the boys’ grammar and independent schools. Our regular opponents included Wilson’s, RGS Guildford, Hampton, Sutton Grammar, Whitgift, Trinity, KCS Wimbledon, and occasionally Reigate Grammar and Tiffin. Sadly, many of the schools against which we had strong records have all since dropped out of the league.

When my original squad headed to university, with several obtaining PhDs along the way, the next generation stepped up. Key players included Tom Rowson, Martin Bennie, Naveed Ijaz, Harry Docherty White, Thamim Ahmed, Ramsey Ipe, Richard Vuong, and Ed Roach. Some of these boys showed incredible commitment and loyalty, with the likes of Bennie, Ijaz, Roach and Rowson all accumulating seventy to eighty matches for the school. Ijaz and Rowson rank amongst our strongest ever players, with the latter moving from the lowest board of six, to number one over a single season.

Ed reflected on his top two memories; “how honoured and proud I was to be made captain for the year 2003/04 and then winning the league”. Ramsey added; “I enjoyed wandering around the empty school getting up to mischief when my game had finished early because I had inevitably rushed.”

Tom recalls his many successful years in the team: “I felt so supported and welcome in the team as a young player, and I hope we created the same atmosphere for youngsters as we got older. There was always a tremendous mix of competition and camaraderie, and I cannot think of many other types of school competition where Hill Formers can battle it out with 6th Formers with a chance of winning. People outside the team were often surprised to hear just how much fun we had at matches in empty schools on Friday evenings, and I think a lot of this was down to the atmosphere Mr Jones created.”

2004 (above), 2005 (below)

2003

Chess at Emanuel: 1999-2025

Dr Naveed Ijaz played alongside Tom Rowson and combined they made a formidable top two boards. Naveed recalls:

“I still think about my time playing chess at Emanuel regularly and I regret not playing competitively beyond school, but hope my young daughter eventually takes up the game. I have many wonderful memories, from the epic sandwiches to slowly climbing up the board order to compete at the top with Tom Rowson.”

Chess always takes place after school on Friday night and it takes a special type of teenager to regularly give up their Friday evening to brave south London traffic, inclement weather, or a tricky-looking away fixture. As a result, the students must want to be there, meaning we have always fielded a full team and never cancelled a fixture.

For many years, Dr Malcolm Dancy provided great support, both as a very strong player and as a driver to away fixtures. In recent years, he has been replaced by current staff member Wilson Lai, who is another strong player. Before arriving at Emanuel, Malcolm ran chess at Tiffin and once brought his ‘B’ team to play Emanuel, expecting an easy win. In reality, Emanuel humbled his Tiffin boys 6-0!

As the years passed by, other strong and committed players included Fanuel Getachew, Ben Rimerici, Matthew Dunford, James Harvey, Alex Boitier, Ed Charlesworth, Tom Harrison, Ed Hill, and brothers Eash and Manik Anadkat. The trio of close friends Tom McCahon, Jamie Davis and James Rowson discovered chess whilst in the middle school. Over their final three years in the school, they developed into exceptionally strong players and even performed a hilarious ‘chess dance’ at a sixth form revue.

Over the years we experimented with many different in-house competitions; the House events have run every year since 1999 as have sporadic chess championships and some highly successful ‘blitz chess’ events. Tom McCahon was undoubtedly ‘the king of speed’, winning every blitz competition he entered over several years. In a funny memoir, Tom recalled his best chess memory from his first blitz chess final: “I was down by two pieces and almost in a mating net. My opponent, Joel Stallion, announced checkmate which I assumed was accurate. Dr Dancy and Mr Jones looked at the board and were not convinced. I eventually

2012

2012 (above), 2016 after a rare win against Wilson’s (below)

spotted the legal move and then proceeded to turn the game around.” Tom, who returned to coach Fives, still occasionally visits for a game on Dacre Day.

In 2010 there was a rules shift; the longer twohour games were abandoned, except for the top division, and replaced with two one-hour games. This was a welcome change, as if a pupil lost their first game, there was always the chance to redeem themselves in the second round.

In more recent developments

development is seeing much younger players compete, with both years 6 and 7 representing the school and us entering U13 competitions. As the 2024/5 season began, we had two girls in our twelve-player team, which was another first.

“Tom McCahon was undoubtedly ‘the king of speed’, winning every blitz competition he entered over several years.”

Solo Le Gouellec de Schwarz became the first girl to play for Emanuel and Luke Northwood achieved the amazing feat of sixteen victories in a row, across an undefeated season. Accompanying Sophie and Luke, the next wave of players featured Pietro Fassina, Zeeshan Islam, Enzo Ojeda, and Mackenzie Sopocko. In 2018, I wrote Charlie Robb “was the best prospect for some years”. That prophecy came true, with this incredible flair-player dominating the top of our rankings for the next six years, playing multiple matches for the school.

Covid led to a chess renaissance. I ran a year 7 chess ‘bubble’, online gaming flourished, and once we came out the other side, we had a particularly strong group of year 11 players. Accompanying Charlie were Will Mann, Lucien Abbott, and current pupils Fred, and Karan. All played a key role in winning ten matches in a row in the 2023/4 season, narrowly pipped by Wilson’s at the death for the second division title. Another positive

In researching this article, I received a lot of correspondence from chess alumni and was overwhelmed by the positivity and good humour in responses. Thamim Ahmed’s comments nicely sum up what many others had to say: “I loved the friendships and everything in between! The excitement of running up the old library stairs during breaks and lunches to meet friends and play chess, not having enough time to finish a game, and hearing from Mr Jones to ‘Sling your hooks to class!’. We all enjoyed the respite with tea and scones during intense games, travelling to chess matches during winters and getting home late after losing! Being in decisive games, then looking up to see Mr Jones’ face signalling not to mess up with a stupid move, losing focus, and making an error! Priceless! Being in Lower School, and all your chess friends were prefects was also incredibly inspiring.”

Do I have many more years braving ever worsening south London traffic? Probably. My involvement in chess has enriched my time at Emanuel greatly and I remain in touch with many of my older ‘pupils’ who are now in their forties with children of their own. There are few things as consistent and reliable as the Briant Poulter (Surrey Schools) League. Where do the years go?

Tony Jones, Archivist

Coming back for the reunion

Chess in the fives courts

IN CONVERSATION WITH WILL HOUSTOUN, WHO USES MAGIC

TO TELL STORIES, TEACH SKILLS, AND CHANGE LIVES.

Magician Will Houstoun (OE1996-2003) has a PhD in the history of magical education and is a winner of both the European Magic Championships (2006) and The Magic Circle Close-up Magician of the Year (2015). He holds a Literary Fellowship from the Academy of Magical Arts in Los Angeles, is an Honorary Research Associate in the Department of Surgery and Cancer at Imperial College, London, and is a member of The Art Workers’ Guild.

Q Is there a story behind the idea of using magic to tell stories, teach skills and change lives?

My early years at Emanuel generated my hobby of magic tricks. Whilst studying for my Masters degree in mechanical engineering, I continued with my magic. I actually finished university liking magic more than engineering. Later, I discovered the possibility of studying magic at university. Having emailed several academics, I received a reply from Marina Warner which led to me completing a PhD based on Professor Hoffman’s book Modern Magic, published in 1876. It taught readers how to do magic rather than how tricks were done.

My work has driven my interest in using magic to aid story telling in the theatre and to help the movements of, for example, young stroke victims.

Q Your current career is very niche; are there many people who use their magic skills to the same degree that you do?

A conventional magic career embraces shows,

corporate hospitality and weddings; a smaller group of people devise theatrical effects; a few people tinker with magic in academia. My niche lies at the intersection of those three worlds.

Q Was there someone who sparked your interest in magic?

Claude Perry, a professional magician and friend of my grandmother, who became my mentor and friend until his death. It was a friendship that changed the direction of my life.

Q What is your favourite magic trick?

It changes constantly! Within sleight of hand, it’s the grey area between what I can do and what I’ve yet to master. To my delight, I recently made a ghost appear on a stage completely surrounded by an audience before dissolving into the air.

Q Is there a trick where you’ve received a big audience ‘wow’?

A couple: one with coins and one with cards both of which feature enough novelty to

hold the interest of an audience knowing a little about magic. Both can be found on the ITV programme The Next Great Magician, presently streaming on You Tube.

On returning to school, they still thought themselves different, but in a positive way –they were the only ones who could do magic – resulting in additional psychosocial benefits.

Watch Will wowing the audience on The Next Great Magician here

Watch the Breathe Magic Intensive Therapy Programme before and after short clip here. Film credit: Breathe Arts Health Research.

Q How has your magic practice changed over the years?

Fortunately, my practice has been shaped by interest rather than by money. It has included technical sleight of hand (the precise technical manipulation of objects), broader performance (work on body language, attitude and voice), the history and teaching of magic, and developing theatrical effects. Currently, it lies in settings where, with people whose expertise is in a different area, I can bring magic into play. However, I still spend hours trying to manipulate a coin or playing card in a different way.

Q Where do you think your magic has had the most influence?

In my work for Breathe Arts Health Research, a non-profit making organisation. Every summer we run a magic programme for young people with hemiplegia, a condition often leading to difficulties with the fine motor skills on one side of the body.

Around ten years ago, a couple of friends, David Owen and Richard McDougall, met with some occupational therapists and health organisations. The therapists explained what movements these young people needed to practise. The magicians looked at a repertoire of magic involving pertinent skills that could be taught.

A two-week intensive therapy camp followed in which sixteen young people, who often felt themselves to be different in a negative way, took part in sixty hours of therapy disguised as magic. At the end of this period, these youngsters were able to do lots of things for the first time ever – tying their shoelaces, for example.

Fundamentally, every magic trick seemed impossible, but they learnt to internalise the idea that you can make anything happen by using the right approach.

Q Has there been a very unusual project on which you have worked?

Yes. A stage show called Dead Girls Rising in which three characters drag a man on to the stage, open his shirt, put their hands through his stomach and pull out his intestines, the challenge being to put him back together again. A request to make someone disappear or float is fairly run-of-the-mill in my world, but it is a peculiar world!

Q Did you find that your mechanical engineering background helped with the logical thought process behind how things work?

Definitely, because my work has a logical problem-solving aspect to it, in addition to a prototype- level of making things.

Q Can you offer any advice to budding magicians at Emanuel?

Join The Young Magicians Club, the youth initiative of The Magic Circle. You will receive a magazine describing how magic tricks are done along with interviews with well-known magicians. There are monthly meetings at The Magic Circle’s headquarters involving short lectures and the opportunity to perform for your peers.

Finally, I would suggest not focussing on what other people want you to do, but on doing what you feel is fun and interesting: an important aspect of a happy and fulfilling life.

LEGACY PLEDGER STORIES

With as little as one sentence of bequest language in your will, you can help us provide a life-changing education to young people who would not be able to attend the school without financial assistance.

Legacies also help us to develop and preserve our school buildings, providing the very best facilities and learning opportunities for our pupils – both now and in the years to come.

A legacy gift of just 1% of your estate will allow your family to be cared for and make a huge difference to a young person’s education.

Providing us with a written pledge will ensure your wishes are met.

The 1594 Club is for any OE who has pledged a legacy gift ‘to honour the charitable aims of the school’s founders.’ Members will receive invitations to events along with special member communications. Letting us know your plans will also allow us to ensure your wishes are met, and appropriate thanks and recognition can be made to you and your family.

If you would like to receive more information, please email development@emanuel.org.uk, or scan the QR code.

Andy Hayward (OE1961-68)

I very much enjoyed my time at Emanuel and am grateful for the rigorous and often inspiring teaching. It gave me a solid foundation and helped me get through six years of university. School should not be just about academic work, however. It should be about value added and a good school should help mould the character of its pupils. Emanuel opened my mind to a lot of new opportunities and experiences.

My old tutor at Warwick University commented that Emanuel pupils were “free thinkers with open minds”. What a wonderful reference for the school from a prominent academic. In a fast-changing world those two qualities will be sorely needed. As the government makes it increasingly expensive to take up the option of schooling in the independent sector, I am happy to leave a bequest

in my will so that someone else will have the chance of enjoying the benefit of an Emanuel education, just as I did.

Claude

Scott

(OE1945-55) Governor

We were taught the value of a lifelong appetite for knowledge, learning and understanding; how to be good citizens and serve our communities. But it’s also about friendships. To have done things together in the past and to want to go on doing so now and in the future is what makes a community and it is what makes Emanuel such a wonderful, positive life-long and life-changing example of a great community. Teachers gain great satisfaction and sense of self-fulfilment from seeing their students flourish, growing in skill, learning, judgement and confidence. Helping a student financially enables a donor to share in that exhilarating feeling of satisfaction, of simple duty done.

D-DAY 80 AND THE STORY OF JACK ‘JO’ LEE (OE1924-30)

June 6, 2024, marked the 80th anniversary of D-Day, a day like no other for thousands of young men from across the free world. The Allied advance in Europe had been underway since summer 1943, with many Old Emanuels fighting in the Italian campaign. Emanuel School at War, published in 2014, told the D-Day stories of many OEs and detailed their experiences of the wider northwest European campaign.

The story of Jack ‘Jo’ Lee

From his school record, we know Jo attended Emanuel between 1924 and 1930. He was school prefect, captain of Clyde house, and sub editor of The Portcullis magazine. In 1929 he was awarded 1st XV and 1st VIII colours; as well as the public schools’ athletics team halfcolours in 1930. He was a sergeant in the OTC, achieved War Office Certificate A in March 1929 and left Emanuel with a General Schools Certificate; Modern Sixth.

In a letter of commendation dated 2 May 1930, the Headmaster, Cyril Broom, wrote of Jo: ‘‘As Captain of his House, he has shown distinct capacity and powers of leadership. I am confident that his high character, ability and personality will make him a valuable member of the staff of a large business house and will ensure his rapid promotion.’

After leaving Emanuel, Jo became a travelling representative for Chef Products Ltd in London, selling Crosse & Blackwell mayonnaise. Jo met the love of his life, Olive Humphries through his Emanuel School friend Ken Hobbs, whose sister was best friends with her.

Jo and Olive married in August 1935 and lived in Gloucestershire until the outbreak of war in 1939, when Jo enlisted and the couple moved to the Bedfordshire village of Ravensden. Here, Jo and Olive had two children, Malcolm, born in 1939 and Adrian, born in 1941.

(Below) Years later, their son Adrian discovered 3 bundles of love letters that his parents wrote to each other from the 1930s up to 1944. In 1982, Olive wrote to Adrian about his father, ‘He was intelligent, a born leader of men.Very sociable and popular with an eye for attractive women. We were both very young and innocent when we married in 1935 and continued so until 1940 when he went away into the Army and never came home again except on short leaves.’

Like many of his generation and those OEs who had been members of the OTC, he was somewhat prepared for officer training. In fact, Jo was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire Regiment and then made 2nd Lieutenant on 15 March 1941.

On 22 June 1943, Jo received an Emergency Commission as War Substantive Lieutenant, serving in 14 Medium Regiment, Royal Artillery. He spent time at various establishments training with them, first at Dundonald Camp in Troon, Ayrshire and then at HMS Excellent, on Whale Island in Portsmouth. Before D-Day, Jo was given command of No. 81 Forward Observer Bombardment (FOB).

On 4 June, Jo wrote a letter to Olive, ‘Darling Olive, If you read this letter I’ve been reported killed. I asked Reg to send it to you as there are just a few things that I couldn’t put into an ordinary letter.

Firstly, thank you for everything - you’ve been the most wonderful wife any man could ever have had... A love like ours doesn’t just stop - there isn’t a single thing in the world that does and I can only believe that we

shall be together again one day. God bless you dearest one until we meet again. Always, your Jo.’

On 6 June 1944, Jo, now with the rank of Captain of B Troop, was the officer in FOB (Forward Observer Bombardment) No. 81 and attached to 2nd Battalion of The Royal Warwickshire Regiment, landing on Sword Beach as part of the British 3rd Division. A strategic Allied objective soon after the 6 June landings was taking the town of Caen. The terrain to the south was ideal tank country but the road in was not as easy as some, especially General Montgomery, had believed.

Sadly, Jo was killed on 7 June 1944 during the attack on Lebisey Wood. With Jo in his final moments was a male nurse from the 2nd Warwicks, Private Graham Rogers, Royal Army Military Corps (RAMC) who wrote to Olive at the end of August 1944.

‘Dear Mrs Lee …I don’t know if you have received other information from the war office since the notification of missing believed killed but under great stress and with every sympathy I have to inform you that the captain died in my arms on June 7 about 6 in the evening. Everything that could be done was done and he passed away very peacefully, any pain that he may have had was relieved by morphine injection. I can assure you it was a great shock to me. I had only been talking to him on D-day in a French farm and saying how well our advance was going and exchanging cigarettes and sweets together. I did not know him very well only having seen him on our training in Scotland but had got to know who he was and what his job was with the battalion. I was medical orderly for the battalion. If you would like me to come over and see you while I am on leave at my people’s place in Bedfordshire I would be only too pleased. I feel so helpless as to what to write. I did not know he was married when I was with him but I was hoping and praying all the time in case he was because I am a married man myself and have a boy 2 years and 4 months. I know what it meant to you. I was of course a P.O.W. 12 weeks having returned 2 weeks ago. I have a fortnight left before I go back again..... yours very sincerely G.P. Rogers 223 Field Ambulance, RAMC.’

In 2004, Jo’s son Adrian, along with his children, Amanda and Andrew, embarked on a pilgrimage to the Normandy battlefields on which Jo had fought. Adrian describes the visit to the Bayeux Memorial where Jo’s name is inscribed:

‘As we took each other’s photographs, standing together proudly in front of the inscription, we all started to experience an overwhelming emotion. I stood there with Jo’s medals, that had travelled with me from Sydney and which he never saw, and held them up next to his name. A proud son who never knew his father: The 1939-45 Star, The France & Germany Star, the defence Medal and the War Medal 1939-45. …He was my father. He was their grandfather and so we realised that this was going to be a very special two days that brought us closer together than we had ever been.’

Returning from Normandy in July 2004, Adrian did a Google search for the Sword Beach landing images on 6 June, 1944. In doing so, he found information on the same Graham Rogers who had written to his mother regarding Jo’s final moments. Wonderfully, Amanda and Andrew went to meet with him, and Graham was able to tell them first-hand about how he tended to their grandfather on 7 June 1944.

Fast forward to November 2017 and Adrian, whilst doing more research for his own memoir, joined the WW2 Talk forum. He was directed to the thread I started in the summer of 2014 asking for more information about his father and shortly afterwards we spoke on the ‘phone. At last, a full picture of the life of Jack ‘Jo’ Lee could be told through the information about Jo’s school days, the information Adrian had about his father, including the letters his mother had kept, and the members of the WW2 Talk forum.

Jo’s last letter to his wife Olive was read out by actor Jonny Weldon during the D-Day 80 national service held in Portsmouth in 2024. Present that day were Jo’s granddaughter Amanda and her daughter. Today there is also a memorial to the brave men of the 2nd Warwicks at Lebisey Wood.

As we reflect on D-Day 80, we give thanks to all those Old Emanuels who played their part in the liberation of Europe and the freedoms we have enjoyed in the eighty years since. We shall always remember them.

Daniel Kirmatzis (OE1994-2001

)

Rowing first VIII 1927, Jo is front row, first right.

Captain J. Lee

VALETE

Gary Dibden (OE1974-81 and Staff 1990-2024)

At the end of the academic year, we said farewell to Gary Dibden, who had worked at Emanuel since 1990 and attended the school as a boy. Arriving in 1974, Gary was a pupil in the grammar school days, leaving in 1981. As a member of Wellington House, Gary’s main school pursuits were rugby and cricket, during a period in which Emanuel fielded incredibly strong rugby and cricket teams. He was made a Sub-Prefect in the sixth form.

After leaving school, Gary worked in public libraries for several years. His love of sport continued beyond school, with Gary playing cricket and rugby for the Old Emanuels. He eventually turned his hand to rugby refereeing, a lifelong passion which took him all over the world to referee at prestigious fixtures and famous stadiums.

Parents’ Shield on more than one occasion, usually doubling up with Cliff Lynn, long-serving head of DT and head of Nelson.

For many years he was also the ‘voice’ of the annual parents’ quiz and was well known for giving former history teacher, Andrew Keddie, a ‘run for his money’ as he often led the triumphant staff team.

In 1990, Gary returned to Emanuel under the headship of Peter Thomson and joined the sports department. In those early years he coached various sports squads including some superb cricket teams, one of which won a rare double: both the Surrey and London Cups. He also travelled extensively, including round-the-world rugby tours.

When not working in the sports department, Gary was on the rugby field refereeing. As the years went by, he took over the schedules for organising referees across Surrey and eventually assessing other referees. He regularly attended international Sevens’ competitions in far flung places such as Hong Kong and Dubai. Whilst most people would be content to specialise in one sport, Gary was also a skilled cricket umpire.

Gary was a successful and highly organised housemaster of Drake and won the coveted

In Easter 2007, Gary moved to the brand new library where he remained until retirement. Whilst in the library, he continued to work in the sports department and as a part-time drama technician. In those days, the director of drama was a ‘one-man band’ who was supported by a few English teachers and Gary. Even though the staffing was small, the productions were not. Over the years, the department grew and eventually full-time drama technicians were employed, with Gary continuing to provide support until relatively recently. A fond memory for Gary must be building the magnificent barricades set with James Arnott for Les Misérables. He skillfully balanced several jobs and used his extensive knowledge of organising rugby and cricket fixtures to administer the internal House fixtures, which was no mean feat when Emanuel moved to a split lunch during the Covid era.

Keen to keep Emanuel in the family, Gary’s daughter also attended the school from Hill Form, with winning a medal at the National Schools’ Regatta being a very proud moment. Always willing to try something new, he even appeared on stage with his daughter at a performance raising money for an Edinburgh Fringe performance and made the odd cameo in productions like Play in a Week. Gary loved the stage and often attended the Edinburgh Fringe when the school was performing.

Over the years, he provided reliable support to the library, archive and with alumni matters. OE visitors were always keen to chat with Gary at Dacre Day and other functions he supported. His knowledge of the school was encyclopaedic, his historical tours of the school were highly amusing, and if he were ever to appear on  Mastermind, Gary’s chosen subject would surely be ‘Emanuel School ties’. Without Gary, the school archive would be a shadow of what it currently is, as his anecdotal knowledge and incredible ability to remember faces and names will be irreplaceable. He also kindly donated many photos from the early nineties era, which were fine additions to the permanent archive.

A mainstay of school life for many years, Gary will be missed by his colleagues and pupils alike. We would like to wish him all the very best with his retirement and whatever comes next, both on and off the sports field.

Gary and his daughter

OBITUARIES

This publication includes obituaries noted in the OE e-news from December 2023 to December 2024. Every effort has been made to ensure that our obituaries are complete and accurate. We apologise for any omissions or mistakes and ask you to please notify us at oe@emanuel.org.uk.

Richard Hugh Acraman (OE1956-60)

William ‘Bill’ Acraman (OE1945-56)

Peter Betts (OE1970-77)

Carlo Bongarzoni (OE1948-54)

Tony Boycott (OE1962-69)

Conor Boyd (OE1990-97)

Conor attended Emanuel School from 19901997. He went to Newcastle University where he studied Politics and Economics.Whilst there, he was an active member of the Swimming and Water Polo Club, which included being their treasurer.

After graduation, Conor did a variety of jobs before deciding to train as a lawyer, qualifying in 2005. In 2006, he and 5 friends swam the English Channel as a relay, raising money for St Oswald’s Hospice in Newcastle. In 2015 he took part in an organised swim across the Solent.

Conor specialised in immigration law and, after working in various firms, found his home in Kingsley Napley where he was extremely happy for a number of years. Tragically, his career was cut short by an aggressive brain tumour and he died in April 2023.

Conor leaves his parents, 3 older siblings and a huge number of close friends.

Juliet Boyd, mother

David Clarke (OE1962-70)

Maureen Collison (Staff1987-2003)

Maureen Jean Collison, 4 July 1942 – 21 February 2024, was catering manager at Emanuel School from 1987 until 2003. Longer-standing members of staff will recall Maureen’s formidable and loving character. She is remembered as someone who with whom it was pleasant to work with and simply ‘got on’ with things.

Joyce Acan, a much-treasured member of staff, remembers Maureen fondly. She recalls that when she joined Emanuel as a young lady, Maureen looked after her, affectionately referring to her as ‘Joycey baby’. Joyce pays tribute to Maureen’s influence as a mentor and manager and gives her credit for the fact she is still working at Emanuel over 20 years later.

Another former colleague, Jenny Bonner, also mentions the fact that Maureen trained her from being a kitchen assistant, to assistant

cook and then manager. A firm but fair boss, Maureen always had time to listen and would sit in her office with her team to talk through anything that was troubling them. Back then, the kitchen staff referred to themselves as ‘family’ and it is very easy to see why. Money collections were made for birthdays, as well as social trips which included visits to the seaside, Christmas drinks and a boat trip.

Both Joyce and Jenny remember when all the food was prepared on site. Maureen’s recipes for treacle tart and jam roly poly were outstanding and custard was available every day. Sausage rolls were made and left to rest in the refrigerator overnight before being cooked to perfection the following day. Even mince pies and Christmas puddings were made on site by the catering team.

Maureen will be missed by friends, family and colleagues alike, but her hardworking legacy continues in the kitchen of Emanuel School.

Anna Cuthbertson, Development and Alumni Manager

John (Joe) Cozens (OE1957-62)

It is with sadness that I announce the passing of my husband, John Arthur Cozens of Howe House.

As John’s second wife, I do not know that much about his time at Emanuel School, but he proudly took me to the annual ‘Flannels Day’ a couple of times which was a very enlightening experience and was lovely to meet up with some of his old school friends. He showed me around and recalled many happy times he had there as well as a few of the ‘scrapes’ that he got into. The one that always comes to mind is when he and a friend nearly blew up the science laboratory (unintentionally of course), but it understandably caused quite a stir!

John was very proud to follow in the footsteps of his father, John Dennis Cozens (OE193742) and his uncle, Albert Edward Cahill, whose name is memorialised on the World War I plaque in the school chapel.

John did not leave school with many qualifications and went straight into employment. His first job was with an advertising agency in London. Much of his work there involved advertising plays and musicals for up-and-coming theatres. He was lucky enough to go to many of the shows, but

Conor Boyd (OE1990-97)

Maureen Collison (Staff1987-2003)

John (Joe) Cozens (OE1957-62)

sadly for me, this put him off going to them in later life.

He had numerous jobs but found his niche eventually as a sales representative which he thoroughly enjoyed. He loved the challenge of getting his products into establishments where no one else could and he proved a great asset to the companies for which he worked. Unfortunately, he was made redundant several times due to the companies going into liquidation, which was a stressful period for our family.

However not to be defeated, we decided to go into business together owning a convenience store in Bursledon, Southampton. We both thoroughly enjoyed this new venture and of course John thrived as it was selling-something he was very good at, given his outstanding customer service.

In the final years of his life John was plagued by one illness after another: COPD, cancer and heart problems, to name but a few. In April 2024, after being nursed at home for as long as possible, he passed away peacefully, aged 78, in the Countess Mountbatten Hospice, Southampton.

John is survived by Sue, his wife of forty six years, his sons Ashley and Nicholas, six grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Sue Cozens, wife

Paul Dillsworth (OE1990-96)

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Paul John Pierre Dillsworth of Lyons house, a beloved former student at Emanuel, who passed away at his home in Lisbon, Portugal on 11 May 2024. Paul was known for his warmth and generosity and had many friends spanning multiple year groups at the school.

Paul joined Hill Form in 1990 and quickly demonstrated his sporting abilities. As well as being an accomplished full-back on the rugby field, he quickly demonstrated his cricketing prowess through his powerful middle order batting and excellent off-spin bowling. It was a regular occurrence to see the opposition’s bowling disappearing out of the school grounds as Paul settled into batting stride. Paul also represented the Old Emanuels in both sports, becoming a highly popular member of the club and a regular on the club’s cricket tours.

Paul leaves behind his elder brother, Simon, and his elder sister, Donna.

We will miss him. May he rest in peace.

Simon Dillsworth (OE1988-95), brother

Howard Dobson (OE1967-74)

Selina Douglas-Home (OE2018-23)

Aidan Emmanuel (OE2012-20)

29 August 2002- 12 January 2024

It is with great sadness that the family of Aidan Emmanuel announces his sudden and unexpected death, on 12 January 2024, at the age of 21.Aidan passed away at home peacefully in his sleep. He will be lovingly remembered by his family and friends.

Aidan was at Emanuel from Sept 2012 (year 6) until June 2020 (year 13). After a gap year he joined Tel Aviv University, Israel. He was in his final year studying for a liberal arts degree majoring in philosophy, psychology and history of the Middle East.

Aidan’s life, though brief, was marked by an unwavering spirit of kindness and a passion to make the world right. He had an ability to connect and get on with everyone regardless of background. His greatest accomplishment is in the number of friends he had and the people whose lives he touched.

Aidan will continue to live in the hearts of those who knew him. His life, though short, was a testament to the impact one individual can have on so many.

Rest in peace, dear Aidan. Your memory will forever be a source of inspiration and joy to all who knew you.

If I Should Go Tomorrow – Unknown

If I should go tomorrow It would never be goodbye, For I have left my heart with you, So don’t you ever cry.

The love that’s deep within me, Shall reach you from the stars, You’ll feel it from the heavens, And it will heal the scars.

Debbie Emmanuel, mother

Aidan Emmanuel (OE2012-20)

Paul Dillsworth (OE1990-96)

Clive Galyer (OE1955-62)

Clive Galyer (OE1955-62)

Clive was born on 7 March, 1944 in Waltonon-Thames but grew up in Battersea attending Highfield Junior school in Wandsworth before joining Emanuel in 1955. He was placed in Clyde House and developed a passion for all things sporting, taking part in rugby and rowing. He was apparently a tall number 8 in his early years at school but stopped growing by the time he got to play for the 1st XV and so switched to flanker. He was also a Sergeant in the CCF although trying to command some of his contemporaries – the likes of Messrs Alan Butler and John Evans – must have proven something of a challenge.

Clive did well academically, particularly in the sciences and went on to study chemistry at university. In 1970 he became an associate at the Royal Institute of Chemistry and started a career as a chemical consultant. This role took him all round the world working on research projects and producing significant publications in his field.

He continued playing rugby for the Old Emanuel team and, whilst it would be fair to say he was not renowned for his handling skills, he was a strong and destructive back row player. He was also a keen golfer and was Secretary of the OE Golf Society for 25 years, only giving it up when his health began to decline. Tennis and skiing were also passions, and he became very involved at Sutton Tennis Club both playing tennis and arranging ski trips.

His love of food was legendary as indeed was his love of good beer and wine. He undertook the Harry Ramsden Fish and Chip Challenge in Yorkshire and inevitably passed with flying colours, gaining the certificate as proof. On more than one occasion, I picked him up to go to rugby – not from his home but from a local hostelry where he was enjoying a full pub lunch and a beer as his pre-match warm up.

Sadly, Clive’s last few years were blighted by a rare and very unpleasant neurological condition which impacted mental and physical functions. He was, however, very well cared for by his daughter, Laura, and by the staff in the nursing home where he passed away peacefully on 26 August.

Peter Lippiatt (OE1964-71), friend

Roger Haycock (1946-57)

Adrian Hinton (OE1960-67)

Adrian won a direct grant scholarship to Emanuel School. He also won a scholarship to Dulwich College but chose instead to go to Emanuel.

His great loves were English, history and the classics. Whilst at school, he was a keen member of the RAF cadets. In fact, all pupils at the time had to belong either to the army, navy or air force cadets. He used to tell the story of the school glider which was propelled by an elastic band and which used to fly over Clapham Junction station. Adrian even remembered travelling to school on the train from his home in Streatham with his rifle tucked under his arm ready for shooting practice at Bisley. Rowing practice was on a Saturday and along with some others, he once rowed to Henley in preparation for the Royal Regatta whilst negotiating the locks.

Several of the masters had a military background such as Colonel Charles Hill and were keen that their pupils should benefit from a similar training. Adrian mentioned time spent with the army cadet corps in the school holidays on the Isle of Barra in Scotland.

He also took part in a train trip to Athens and recalled being mesmerised by the beauty Delphi.

Other highlights for Adrian were organising a sixth form dance to which girls from the Bluecoats School were invited and writing a school play entitled The Other Building. Before he left Emanuel, Adrian recalled taking tea on the lawn at the house which the headmaster shared with his sister.

Adrian decided to try for an English scholarship to Cambridge but as the time approached for his interview, he became less enthusiastic and opted for economics at the LSE instead.

A few years later, Adrian worked at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) where he prepared a report on the results of a survey by its members which received headlines in the Press: “Britain booms”.

Subsequent years were spent in the investment departments of life assurance companies in the City of London until at the time of “Big Bang” he found himself a director of Hill Samuel Wood Mackenzie Sterling Debt Limited.

Roger Haycock (1946-57)

Adrian Hinton (OE1960-67)

Adrian later retired to Norfolk with his family and took a keen interest in researching history, art and the classics. He never forgot his time at Emanuel and felt that he had been extremely fortunate to attend such a good school.

Elizabeth Hinton, wife

Peter John Kennedy (OE1957-60)

Henrik Langelüddecke (Staff2001-06)

Former Head of History, Dr Henrik Langelüddecke (Staff 2001-06), was a very popular and highly respected colleague during his time at the school.

At the time of his 2001 appointment, Emanuel School was trying to improve its academic results. The then headmistress, Anne-Marie Sutcliffe, sought out teachers of the highest academic calibre, with Henrik being one of her strongest appointments. As well as teaching history, Henrik was tasked with re-establishing the Scholar’s Society, which had been dormant for 75 years. In fact, his successor, Sophia MacMillan, noted: “He was a hard act to follow, being one of the most organised men you could ever hope to meet.”

Henrik was born in Frankfurt-am-Main in 1962, and his early education was in Stuttgart. Before attending university, where he flourished in the academic environment, he spent three years serving in the German Army, reaching the rank of Captain.

into history and politics despite themselves. Longer serving colleagues in the history department spoke warmly of Henrik’s good nature, academic curiosity, and his ability to socialise after work.

After leaving Emanuel, Heather and Henrik returned to Germany. Henrik worked in an international school in Frankfurt, where their family grew. He is survived by three children, aged between fourteen and twenty-two. Many of the scholarly articles he published were about Charles 1 but he always maintained a special interest in both World Wars. In his time at Emanuel, Henrik led trips to both Berlin and the First World War battlefields. In 2014, he renewed his old connection with Emanuel School by contributing a fascinating article about his father’s war experiences entitled A View from the Other Side of the Hill: the experiences of a German Artillery Officer from Dunkirk to Monte Cassino for the book Emanuel School at War.

Henrik will be greatly missed by his family, friends and the many former pupils he taught, encouraged and helped in his long career.

Tony Jones, Archivist

Jeff Lea (Staff pre-2000-2024)

Professor David Marquand (OE1945-52)

Henrik was a distinguished academic who studied at Heidelberg University, Munich, and Oxford, gaining a Master of Arts (history, politics and geography) and a Doctor of Philosophy in modern history. After his doctorate, he remained in England and worked as a history tutor at Oxford for three years, followed by two years at Alleyn’s School and then three years as Head of Department at St Mary’s School, Colchester. Along the way he married Heather, a Canadian who was an expert in business law, and they settled in the Docklands area of London.

Perhaps Henrik’s greatest strength was his relationship with his students and the way he encouraged them to think for themselves. He joined a very strong and lively history department that included Andrew Keddie and the late Jonathan Driver. His character and teaching style engaged with and interested pupils to such a degree that many were drawn

Professor David Marquand was a highly distinguished academic, centre-left politician and MP. The Marquand Room of the school library, which is jointly named after David and his brother, Richard, features a portrait of David and is a popular location for private pupil study. David appreciated this gesture greatly as he was a library prefect in his school days. He was delighted to be a guest of honour when the library relocated and expanded in 2007.

As a member of Howe House and later a prefect, David had an outstanding school career and was awarded academic prizes for almost every school year. As a youngster he gained proficiency prizes and, as he matured, David specialised in English and history. He won prizes in both subjects an unprecedented three years in a row. It came as no surprise when he won a Demyship to Magdalen College, Oxford, as well as a State Scholarship to read history. On another memorable occasion, he triumphed in a national essay writing competition with a remarkable prize; two weeks’ holiday in Denmark.

Professor David Marquand (OE1945-52)

Henrik Langelüddecke (Staff2001-06)

David threw himself into every aspect of school life; he was a competitive swimmer and rowed for the Second VIII. However, there were many early signs he was destined to follow in his distinguished father’s footsteps, Hilary Marquand, who was a member of the Attlee government. In some amusing vintage correspondence, a contemporary recalled a chauffeur driven car whizzing down the drive to collect David or his brother Richard!

In David’s time, societies such as the Dacre Club ran mock elections. On three occasions, the keen budding politician played a prominent role, always as a Labour or Socialist candidate. There were numerous references in Portcullis magazines from David’s era which made it clear his politics were left wing, and he was not afraid to voice them publicly.This became a trademark of his adult political career, where he was not afraid to rebel against the party line. On one famous occasion in 1971, he was sacked from Labour’s opposition front bench for defying the party whip.

On one of the school occasions his marginal Socialist candidate ran the Conservative favourite a close second;The Portcullis magazine notes “hearing Mr. Marquand’s somewhat radical opinions”. If one reads between the lines, it is clear David’s contemporaries were fully aware of his political convictions. He was also a member of the Emanuel Combined Cadet Force (CCF) which undoubtedly influenced him to do his military service in the RAF. This also involved intensive Russian courses, in an era where the secret service was a potential career path.

It should be no surprise that David was destined for a successful career in politics. During his time at Emanuel, he sat on many committees, including the Sackville Club, the Council for Education in World Citizenship, the Historical Society, the Dacre Club, and the Dramatic Society Committee. He enjoyed the stage and had a few support roles, including playing God in one production! However, it was David’s younger brother who was to become a true dramatic star, later directing a host of top films, including the international blockbuster Star Wars: the Return of the Jedi (1983). Richard passed away at the tragically young age of 49 in 1987.

On leaving Emanuel, David was awarded a first in Modern History at Magdalen College, Oxford.After some years as a journalist, in 1964 he unsuccessfully contested the parliamentary

seat for Barry but was later elected Labour MP for Ashfield in 1966, holding the seat until 1977. David then followed Roy Jenkins to Europe to work for the European Commission as a political adviser. After a couple of years, he returned to academic life in this country after unsuccessfully contesting the High Peak parliamentary seat for the Social Democratic Party in 1983. In many of the following years, he was involved in political think tanks and policy groups after returning to academia as Professor of Politics at the University of Salford and the University of Sheffield.

From the seventies until well past retirement age, he authored many notable history and politics books. His biography on Ramsay MacDonald remains the definitive work on that prime minister, and his Britain Since 1918: the Strange Case of British Democracy is also highly regarded, being widely used in modern history courses. He remained active as a political commentator and regularly wrote for newspapers such as The Guardian and weekly politics magazines. David always maintained close ties with The Guardian, a newspaper for which he first wrote in the late fifties. In his final major academic post, between 1996 and 2002, David was Principal of Mansfield College, Oxford.

David returned to Emanuel on more than one occasion. In 2009 he addressed a packed house, including members of the History Society, Senior Scholars, the Headmaster, Governors, and staff. He gave a fascinating talk entitled The rise, fall and rise of Blatcherism in which he discussed the contrasting leadership styles of Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair. We were all held captive by the stories and theories from the corridors of power and the differences in leadership styles between Thatcher, Blair and Brown. In later years he was awarded many Honorary Fellowships, including Cardiff University, the British Academy, the Royal Historical Society, the Royal Society of Arts, the Learned Society of Wales and St. Antony’s College, Oxford. David left and re-joined the Labour Party on several occasions.After Brexit, he eventually joined Plaid Cymru, after a brief flirtation with the Green Party, and said jokingly he had been “in more parties than the Prince of Wales”.

David’s passing is a great loss to the wider school community, however his incredible career is an inspiration to us all.

Tony Jones, Archivist

Connor McDermott (OE1960-67) (Staff1974-85)

Connor McDermott was one of those very rare people whom it was impossible not to like and not to admire. His death in February this year, less than three weeks before his 75th birthday, brought forth a remarkable number of tributes from a broad cross-section of the pupils he had inspired and influenced as a chemistry teacher, rugby and cricket coach, housemaster of Rodney, and a person of great integrity and decency.

His cheerful enthusiasm and positive commitment to every activity he undertook, coupled with the wisdom, kindness and empathy he showed to those in his care, ensured that he left a life-long impression on so many.

As an outstanding teacher he combined his demand for high standards with a warmth and humanity that enabled innumerable pupils to attain levels of self-confidence and achievement far beyond their own expectations.They in turn accorded him enormous affection and respect.

Connor had a distinguished career as a pupil at Emanuel from 1960 to 1967 before leaving to read chemistry at Royal Holloway College. He also managed to do three years’ work for a PhD. The fact that this was never written up is hardly surprising given his intense involvement in so many aspects of what I shall simply call “life”. Equally unsurprising are the many exploits, some wisely unpublished, in which any full-blooded student was likely to be engaged. Royal Holloway was followed by teacher training at Chelsea College for Science Education where he met his future wife, Catherine. He then returned to Emanuel in 1974 to embark on the career which evoked so many of the grateful memories referred to above. Apart from achieving excellent academic results for his pupils, his sports teams had huge success, most notably the star-studded U14 and U15 rugby teams of 1975-76-77.

Beyond the school he held significant positions in the South London Chemistry Teachers’ Centre (ultimately as vice-chairman), Surrey County Rugby squads from U15 to U19 and, memorably, OE rugby and cricket sides, often as an astute and very engaging captain.

From Emanuel he went in 1985 to become deputy head at Taunton Manor School, Old Coulsdon, and in January 1992 to the headship

at Castledown School in Andover, Wiltshire. Here he coped remarkably well with a range of very challenging situations before taking early retirement in 2001.

He continued teaching chemistry and physics at Leehurst Swan School, Salisbury, ultimately as Head of Science but initially under the direction of the Deputy Head, his wife Catherine.

Connor’s diagnosis of intestinal cancer came in early 2020 but was already widespread. As one would expect, he fought the illness with enormous determination and good humour. Support from Catherine and the children, Clare and Christopher, now parents themselves, was immeasurable throughout, but in the end the odds were just too great. Those whose lives he had touched so profoundly attended the funeral in such numbers that a supplementary venue was needed for the farewell commemorations. His legacy remains beyond doubt.

Catherine McDermott, Connor’s wife, and Michael Stewart (OE1955-63) and staff (1968-83), friend and colleague

John Miell (OE1941-45)

John Miell attended Emanuel during the Second World War. Initially John was evacuated to Brighton in 1939 and had a spell staying with family in Torquay whilst the Blitz raged. In a previous reminiscence, John recalled “roaming the streets looking for shrapnel”.

Emanuel reopened in 1943 and whilst the rest of the school remained evacuated in Petersfield, John was one of the first intake of one hundred and forty boys and a member of Marlborough House. Due to the war, John missed some education but believed the Tutorial Classes led by Lt. Col. Charles Hill helped get him “back on track”. Even though John had a relatively short spell at Emanuel, it was a happy one and by December 1944 he was ready to join the workforce.

John was recruited by a private bank as a junior clerk, whilst bombs were still dropping on London. He joined the Royal Navy a few years later, enlisting as an electrical apprentice attending Royal Navy Electrical School. He met his wife in 1949 and from 1950-52 was drafted to HMS Belfast, a cruiser which saw action in the Korean War where John served. He left the Navy in 1955 and obtained a government scholarship to study engineering,

Connor McDermott

(OE1960-67 and staff 1974-85)

John Miell (OE1941-45)

whilst remaining a Navy reservist for many more years.

Starting out as an engineering draughtsman, he was quickly promoted to Design Engineer and in the late sixties was elected a Chartered Mechanical Engineer whilst working on the Concorde project. John returned to the Royal Navy with the rank of Lt. Cdr until 1982 and served with a young Prince Charles, now King Charles III. In the final spell of a fascinating career, John worked for a firm of consulting engineers as a draftsman before his retirement.

John was a life member of the Old Emanuel Association (OEA) with many friends and loved spending time at Blagdons, either watching or playing cricket. His widow also has fond memories of afternoons knitting and meeting friends at the ground. John enjoyed keeping in touch with OE friends and was always happy to make new ones.When stationed abroad he was keen to meet up with alumni. In 1970, a letter of his appeared in an early OEA magazine: “I am now back in the Royal Navy as an Engineer Officer and styled as: – Lieut. J.R. Miell, RN In a few months’ time I am due to leave for a spell of duty in the Far East so if there are any OEs out that way – Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan and possibly Australia – I will endeavour to make contact. I shall be serving aboard HMS Intrepid and should be in the Orient for about twelve months from July. I hope people living in those parts may read this and contact me”.

In 1991, John’s wife died of cancer. After five years as a widower, he met an ex-music teacher, Kay, who was also connected to the military services, and they remained happily married for many years until his death. Kay informed us that John was buried with full military honours, with the last post being played and flags at half-mast on HMS Belfast in recognition of his Naval service.

John leaves behind family and many friends, to whom we send our sympathies.

Tony Jones, Archivist

Stephen Oakey (OE1957-62)

Alec Parley (OE1955-63)

Born in London on 16 February 1944, Alec Parley grew up in a post-war councilmaintained flat in Chelsea. He attended Marlborough Primary School before winning a place at Emanuel in 1955, having only narrowly

missed a place at Christ’s Hospital.

At school he was known to everyone as Spud, a nickname he was keen to shake off once moving on and which was preserved only by a few contemporaries. Passing through the EX and Upper Arts streams, he went on to study geography at Durham where in his final year he was elected Deputy Senior Man at University College and captain of the university cricket team.

In the summer of 1963, he took sixth six wickets for the school’s 1st XI which, according to Wisden, was the highest number achieved by any schoolboy bowler in the country that season. He was the star bowler in the renowned 1st XI captained by Vic Dodds which carried all before them. Alec’s achievement marked the end of a successful school sporting and academic career which also included 1st XV rugby triumphs and finally a place at Durham University that autumn.

At Emanuel, he was one of a close friendship group which included, among others, Michael Stewart, Peter Barker, Mike Ford, Laurie Robinson and Malcolm Appleby, a group which has kept in touch to the present day. They shared sporting and academic interests including hitch-hiking to the south of France and beyond in the summers of 1962 and 1963. He was one of a similar group of close friends at Durham which has had reunions every year (bar Covid) for over thirty years. Alec’s immense popularity made him a pivotal figure in such groups. He had a great sense of humour and was quite simply the best teller of jokes I have ever encountered.

He met his future wife, Kate, on a plane bound for the Costa Brava in 1964. She too was at Durham but this was a coincidental as well as a highly romantic encounter. They married in the University College Chapel with a reception in the Castle in 1967.

On leaving Durham, Alec took a teaching post at Wallasey Grammar School in Cheshire, but he and Kate, now a primary school teacher, were soon tempted by an extremely lucrative offer from the City of Toronto Education Board where they went in 1969 for a trial year or so but where they remained. Alec liaised with local schools, notably York Mills, when they hosted Emanuel’s 1981 rugby tour. He was an inspirational and extremely popular teacher both in the classroom and on the sports field.

Alec Parley (OE1955-63)

He became a co-founder of York Cricket Club and played until he was 52, sometimes alongside former West Indian international players.

He continued with other sporting pursuits, most notably golf where he judged his success by the number of balls he found in the long grass. He ran two marathons and completed the Trans-Pennine Walk when in his fifties.

While teaching he developed an interest in antique maps and prints. Discovering that many others shared this interest, he set up his own business in 1984 with premises at the Toronto Harbourfront Antique Market and in the late nineties created his own website using eBay before most other people had even heard of it. It became a family business involving Kate and daughter Jane and was a huge success. Never let it be said that Alec ever missed out on a bargain or a good deal whenever he saw one. This success, together with a generous redundancy offer (bargains again!) enabled him to retire at only 54 years of age.

His interests in reading, theatre and travel expanded considerably. He developed a serious taste for fine wine and, perhaps surprisingly, a love of opera, but his eye for a bargain sometimes lead him to make bizarre sartorial choices. He also wrote and had published an autobiography which he dedicated to his beloved grandchildren.

Love of family was an absolute constant in his life. He enjoyed an affectionate relationship with his parents and retained a lifelong bond with his two brothers, Ian and Graham, both OEs and both very successful in their professional lives. Ian’s son Simon has, of course, breathed life into the OE Rugby Club. Alec remained steadfastly loyal to that girl he met on a plane and, for all his bluster, depended on her utterly in so many ways. His son, Andrew, and daughter, Jane, together with Kate, Ian, Graham and their families gave Alec unstinting care and attention during the final extremely distressing days of his life.

Alec died at home in Toronto, Canada, on 13 October 2024 after a relatively short battle with a very aggressive cancer. His devotion to his family was more than reciprocated. To his friends he was invariably generous, loyal, warm and honest, utterly devoid of any mean-spiritedness or any sense of ego. He laughed a lot, was full of fun and delightfully mischievous. The company he provided was

always invigorating. It’s hard to accept that such a joyous and life-affirming man is no longer with us.

Michael Stewart, friend (OE1955-63)

John Penn (OE1952-60)

Tony Phillips (Staff1964-74)

Raymond Pierce (OE1956-63)

Raymond John Walton Pierce, a cherished member of the Old Emanuel Association, passed away in August 2024. He leaves behind a legacy of love, humour, and lifelong friendships.

Ray was born in October 1944 in St Albans to Vicky and John Pierce. Tragically, his father, an RAF navigator, was killed in action when Ray was just four months old.

Ray’s early education began at the RAF-funded Christ’s College in Blackheath. When he was twelve and things were more settled at home, he was sent to Emanuel School, where he indulged his passion for sport and formed lifelong friendships.

Emanuel played a pivotal role in shaping Ray’s character and passions. He excelled in sports, particularly cricket, where he played for the 1st XI as a batsman and occasionally as a wicketkeeper. The Portcullis noted ‘his sound style, some tenacity and a healthy spirit of aggression.’

Ray also played for the 2nd XV in rugby and took part in house athletics and boxing. He was awarded Best Stylist in the fourth year and also won colours for Lyons.

In 1967, Ray married Maggie in the Emanuel School chapel, embarking on a marriage that would last 57 years. Together, they raised two daughters, Robyn and Jo.

Ray’s career in advertising began with ad sales for Autocar magazine before moving to the agency Graham and Gillies. His work took the family to South Africa from 1974 to 1977. Upon returning to the UK, Ray founded Dapson Pierce Advertising (DPA), a creative venture that showcased his talents and produced campaigns still remembered by his family.

Ray’s time at Emanuel was significant, shaping not just his school years but his entire adult life. Weekends at Blagdons, the Emanuel School Rugby Cricket Club, were a staple. He played

Raymond Pierce (OE1956-63)

Martin Ray (OE1957-64)

cricket and tennis and briefly played rugby for the Old Boys before an injury ended his participation.

Upon returning from South Africa, he renewed his association with the Old Boys and took over as editor of the OEA newsletter from Robin Needham, before passing the role to Mike Markland. He also captained the Saturday 2nd XI cricket team for several years, always leading with a smile on his face.

In his 50s, Ray left the advertising world and transitioned into a new role as secretary of Wimbledon Common Golf Club, where he thrived despite having less time for golf than he’d imagined. This was a position he held until his retirement at the age of 61.

Ray’s retirement years were rich with community involvement. He volunteered at Willen Hospice and the local Stroke Club. He joined the Northampton Male Voice Choir and later the Thame Pop Choir after moving to Thame, Oxfordshire. Encouraged by choir friends, he also took up the ukulele, sometimes playing down at his allotment for a bit of a singsong with his allotment friends.

Above all else, Ray was a family man-devoted to Maggie, his daughters Robyn and Jo, and utterly besotted with his three grandsons. His passing weighs heavily on the hearts of those who knew him, but his memory lives on in many funny stories, the laughter he inspired, and the kindness and friendship he gave so freely. The Old Emanuel Association, his family, and his friends miss him dearly.

Robyn Pierce, daughter

Dick Raine (OE1940-47)

Paul Rambali (OE1968-73)

Martin Ray (OE1957-64)

Martin Ray died on 23 July, 2024, at the age of 78, as a result of complications following several months of treatment for a brain tumour.

Born in 1945 and raised in Battersea, south London, he attended Shaftesbury Park Primary School and gained a place at Emanuel at the age of 11. While at school, Martin was active in many sports, including boxing, rugby and cross-country running.

He graduated from Liverpool University with a degree in geography. Martin inherited his

enthusiasm and determination from his father and, throughout his life, he participated in a wide range of activities, including badminton, rock climbing, skiing, squash, tennis and sailing.

His interests were wide – he owned a series of Triumph TR sports cars and built and raced a Caterham Seven both in the UK and Europe. When not racing he would take a more relaxed mode of transport in his narrow boat, Satisfaction (a Rolling Stones reference). But even then, he would always rise to a challenge –such as entering a canal lock side by side with a friend’s boat without touching the sides of the lock! Martin’s interests also extended to a love of good food; the first step in planning an excursion always entailed finding the best restaurants for lunch and dinner.

In 1967, Martin’s first job was with CAV Limited (a subsidiary of the Joseph Lucas vehicle electrical systems company) in the Organisation and Control Department. He left CAV to join a small group who launched a new IT consulting company called Butler Cox & Partners in 1977. Martin became the director of the Butler Cox Foundation, which advised major companies on the strategic application of the new science of information technology. Here he developed his skills in management consultancy and marketing.

As he came from south London, it was perhaps surprising that he became an Arsenal supporter at an early age. His father, a Chelsea supporter, once took his young son to Highbury and, from that day, Martin never wavered in his support for the club. In 1996, when Arsenal sacked its manager, Bruce Rioch, he applied for the job but was beaten by Arsène Wenger. Martin was very proud of his rejection letter.

When Martin retired from full-time work he became a very active volunteer at the Pendon Museum in Long Wittenham, Oxfordshire. The museum is renowned for developing the art of fine scale modelling and its major exhibit is a very large diorama featuring highly detailed 1/76 scale models of real buildings in the Vale of White Horse as they were c. 1930. Martin’s talents in marketing and his energy, determination and endless flow of ideas made his contributions particularly significant.

In 2015, he became a member of the first group of Pendon Trustees and took on the principal responsibility for marketing activities for the charity. Even during his recent illness, he was still working on new projects for the museum.

He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Paul Ellis (OE1957-64), friend

Paul Richmond (OE1954-62)

Paul Andre Richmond was born on 20 August 1943 and passed away on 6 February 2024, at the age of 80.

Paul went to Riverside Primary School and joined Emanuel in the autumn of 1954. He was a member of Howe and in October 1961 was its house captain. He left school in July 1962.

Paul was in the science stream and did his A levels in pure maths, applied maths, and physics. It came as no surprise that he ended up as an accountant. He was also awarded a prize for German in the first year of sixth form.

In February 1961, he was made house prefect and then school prefect in July 1962, shortly before leaving. He was initially Secretary of Tennis, winning half colours, and in his last year of school became Captain of Tennis.

He competed at a high level in a period when the school was very strong in tennis. He played for the 1st VI for 3 years, which was exceptional, and had many victories in competitions such as the Glanville Cup. He played as 1st pair for two of those years playing with two other exceptionally good players, Keith Bennett and David Wood, both of whom are sadly no longer with us. His talent at tennis was spotted as early as the fourth year. The school magazine in that year reported that there “was considerable promise in relation to the future of tennis at the school with the two finds of the season being Paul Richmond and his tennis partner Keith Bennett.”

Paul and I were in the same year at school and played tennis for the school together.We were also members of the same tennis club outside school. We joined the Gardens Lawn Tennis Club which was just down the road from the All-England Club. With a high standard of players, they encouraged the juniors to play with adults, so it was a great place to improve one’s tennis either with the adults or playing against one another.

Paul and another under-18 from the tennis club played open junior tennis tournaments together. They got to the semi-final of the London Evening News U18 doubles tennis

tournament, which would have had entries from across London and the Home Counties.

On Sunday afternoons in the winter after tennis, there was a group of members who played solo whist and occasionally, when they were short of players, we were invited to play with them. There were some very good card players there, some of whom played bridge for the county and one went on to international honours at bridge. So that’s where Paul improved his tennis and developed his skill and love of bridge at the same time.

Paul had a memorable youth which stood him in good stead for his later life.

After Paul had finished school, he trained to be an accountant and first worked for his father, Andre Richmond. He then became a corporate accountant working for Bookers, Keith and Henderson Bowling’s, and Singer. He was a BMW financial controller, ending up as Saab’s Finance Director and Deputy MD. He was involved with Paragon Housing and did finance for Perennial Gardner’s Royal Benevolent Society, helping people in horticulture. He went on to Rentstart where he helped to house the homeless.

Away from work, he was a first team tennis player for West Byfleet and St George’s Hill Tennis club for many years. In fact, he was a life member of the latter and board member for four years. Added to this, he was a member of Burhill Golf Club for thirty five years and enjoyed playing bridge at both clubs.

He was married to Angela for thirty two years and is survived by four children from his first marriage: Mark, Deborah, Sonia, and Michelle.

Paul and I had a lifelong friendship which started with our time at Emanuel School and continued thereafter with our shared interests in tennis and golf.

John Ainsworth (OE1954–61), friend

Derek Saunders (OE1948-56)

In Derek Saunder’s passing on 27 January 2024, the school has lost a true and generous friend who so embodied the motto Pour Bien Désirer.

Born in Battersea on 19 December 1937, Derek grew up in Marney Road and attended the Wix Lane Primary school. He remained at the parental home until his marriage to Valerie

Paul Richmond (OE1954-62)

in December 1960. His steadfastness and regard for permanency was also apparent in his choice of a home for himself and his bride. He lived in Salcott Road, only minutes away from Emanuel, for the rest of his life, forty two years of which he shared with Valerie until her death in 2002.

He soon marked himself as a high achiever at school, winning the end-of-year prize in Arts in 1951/52, playing in the Colts cricket team in 1952 and in the U15 rugby team.

Unfortunately, this promising career path through his early school years was brought to a temporary but lengthy halt when he was diagnosed as having tuberculosis, a condition that involved an enforced absence lasting two years. The damage to his lungs and kidneys caused by the disease put paid to an early ambition aimed at becoming a travel guide and interpreter, reinforced by his excellent command of French. Undaunted, he returned to the school, established a wide circle of lifelong friends and quickly made up for the lost time. By 1956 he had become a prefect in Lyons House and, characteristically, walked off with the Parents Association Prize for service to the school in that same year.

A successful career in banking beckoned and it was while he was serving as an assistant manager at a branch of Lloyds that his innate shrewdness – and perhaps also his judgement of character – led to an encounter which was reenacted in the television dramatisation of the disgraced Labour minister John Stonehouse’s criminal duplicity. Immediately prior to the Minister’s feigned death by drowning off a Miami beach, Stonehouse had approached the bank with the aim of transferring a large sum of money from a business account to his personal account. Derek astutely felt that there was something amiss and refused the request but was subsequently overruled by the manager, the result of which soon became evident when the very much alive Minister turned up in Australia.

Music, too, played a very important part in Derek’s life and his prowess as a pianist prompted an atypical self-indulgence in the shape of a grand piano. But his interests spilled over into a great number of other directions as well. He was an active member of several important committees including those of The Zoological Society of London and The NHS Foundation Trust. But it was first and foremost the wellbeing of Emanuel that commanded so much of his time and attention. In 2008 he made a generous donation to the school in support of the new library, facilitating the acquisition of a great number of books. That same year also saw the inauguration of a sixth form humanities award – the Derek Saunders Prize.

He was a consummate raconteur and broadcast many witty, informative and extremely wellstructured talks on the local radio station which were invariably well received. Although poor health towards the end of his life impacted on his mobility, he always maintained regular contact with his many friends, especially those from school. Meeting up at events such as Dacre Day gave these same friends further opportunities for a convivial ‘catch-up’ until even they were no longer possible. But Derek was always at the other end of a ‘phone and an hour spent in that way, primarily in a listening capacity, was always time well spent.

David Parton (OE1951-57), friend

Chrys Searle (OE1963-70)

Adrian Smith (OE1966-73)

Colin Sutherland (OE1945-53)

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the death of Colin Sutherland on Wednesday 6 November. Colin was a prominent member of Howe house, a strong supporter of the school and of the OEA. He very recently celebrated his 90th birthday.

Although he and Valerie had no children, Derek’s extended family was of paramount importance to him. The annual barbecue hosted by his cousin, Ann, was a firm fixture as were other family celebrations such as Christmas, including the last one, only weeks before he died. His characteristic generosity was greatly appreciated by all four of Ann’s grandchildren.

Colin attended many OE lunches and with his late wife, Jean, visited Carlo Bongarzoni and the Australian OEs in Sydney in October 2010. Colin, Carlo and Jimmy Skardon were great friends at school and remained so throughout their lives.

Colin was also very active in his local community and became an honorary Freeman of Reigate and Banstead earlier this year.

Colin Sutherland (OE1945-53)

Derek Saunders (OE1948-56)

Click here to read a celebration of his life on the Reigate and Banstead Borough Council website.

Click here to read the Emanuel School article about Colin’s links with the community.

Colin will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

The Old Emanuel Association

John Timbury (1950-57)

Born on 16 October 1938, John was brought up in Tooting. He learned the piano from the age of 3. He attended Fircroft Infant and Junior schools receiving an excellent academic, spiritual and musical education. At the age of 9, he gained a piano scholarship to the Royal College of Music.

At eleven, John gained a scholarship to Emanuel studying Classics to A level. He was selected to play chess for the school in his second year, and the Colts Rugby team a year later. John was a member of the CCF and, with his friend Dick Tarrant, was proud to have introduced the first silent drill for Howe House in the Grundy Cup. John fondly recalled the visit of Queen Elizabeth to the school in 1951 where he had the opportunity to meet and speak briefly with her. John joined the 16/5th The Queen’s Royal Lancers at the start of his 2 years of National Service. He was later attached to the Intelligence Corps learning Russian to become an interpreter. He gained expertise in interrogation techniques and psychological warfare both of which, he said, were useful in later life!

After National Service, John was proud to say that he’d never applied for a job or office but was always invited to take up post. He joined Smith Corona as a sales administration assistant in 1960, moving to Olympia Business Machines, part of the Daimler Benz Group, in 1963. John was quickly promoted through the ranks taking up several senior executive positions, including Managing Director for a subsidiary company turn-around and Director of Sales and Marketing.

Before retiring in 1993, he’d become a leading figure in the office technology industry, regularly sought as a trusted spokesman by the National Press. John’s television advertising won a top New York industry award for innovation, Bristol University called on his expertise in setting up their ‘Business-to-Business’ marketing course, and he was the recipient of The Royal Warrant

at Buckingham Palace.

In describing himself, John would say he was “a servant of the Church”. At Holy Trinity Tooting, John was a choir boy at 7, head chorister at 9 and played the organ for his first church service at eleven. John moved to St Michael & All Angels, Croydon, whose organ is considered one of the finest in Europe. He was appointed Assistant Director of Music at fifteen and Director of Music at twenty five.

John had a gift for leading congregations in hymns, choir training and played the church organ to recital standard – the musical repertoire and reputation of St Michael’s grew. He was instrumental in raising over £500,000 for the church. In 1997, John moved to St Olave, Mitcham to become Director of Music for 8 happy years. In this period, John took on leadership roles in Thornton Heath’s Round Table and 41 Club, raising money for charity.

John had a distinguished Synodical Governance career holding Board and Committee posts between 1971 and 2005. He was expert in church and charity law, was appointed an independent financial examiner, and ran finance courses for Southwark Diocese. John joined ‘Lambeth We Care’ as their treasurer and trustee where he pioneered a surrogate grandparent programme.

Shortly after John’s move to Devon in 2005, he was appointed Deanery Secretary and headed the Finance and Institution committee, assisted with choir practices and the recruitment of a Director of Music at St Mary Magdalene, Launceston. He later became Director of Music at St Peter and St Paul Holsworthy, additionally playing the organ for local school and town services. In 2016, John was awarded Maundy Money by the Queen for his “exemplary and unstinting service to the Church and the Community”. He held his last organ recital in 2022 aged 83.

John enjoyed golf. He was Secretary and Captain of Falconwood Golf Club setting up their ‘Vet’ section. On moving to Devon, he became a regular at Holsworthy Golf Club. John was a member of the OEA and OEGC and highly valued the friendships and camaraderie there.

John married Helen in 1968. He had two children and four grandchildren and was a much-loved man. He was a mentor, a teacher, a confidante, a friend and an inspiration to many. Described by one of his friends as “the best human being I have

John Timbury (OE1950-57)

ever met”, we know his legacy will live on through those whose lives he’s touched.

Eleanor Newman, daughter

David Weaver (OE1949-54)

Michael Wilkinson (OE1961-64)

Michael Edward Wilkinson died on 8 April, 2024.

After Emanuel School, Michael won an Exhibition to St Catharine’s College, Cambridge, and read History. He married and moved to Madrid. Then followed a career in international banking which took him all over the world – from Madrid to South America, New Zealand, parts of the former Soviet Union as well as the Bank of England covering the Asia/Pacific region.

In retirement, from a stone farmhouse in Asturias, Northern Spain, he travelled around the country and studied the cultural richness of the medieval period through religion, architecture and music. He documented the founding of the local monastery of Valdediós, by Queen Berenguela in AD 893.

Michael came back to Canterbury where he found friends and stimulating conversation.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara, and two daughters, Luisa and Emily.

Barbara Wilkinson, wife

Alan George Williams (OE1950-57)

Michael Wilkinson (OE1961-64)