The OF Magazine - The 'Giving Back' Issue 2024

Giving Back The Issue

FROM THE COURTROOM TO CUTTING KNIFE CRIME CHAMPIONING MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH

Bruce Houlder tells us why he’s swapped the gavel for giving new hope to young Londoners.

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

A look at OFs transforming lives through education.

THE CALL OF THE CARING PROFESSION

Two OF nurses reveal their motivators for career reinvention.

Rob Lloyd shares his powerful journey to mental health advocacy.

Felsted Welcomes You…

WELCOME, OFS, TO YOUR NEW LOOK MAGAZINE, ‘THE OF’, PROVIDING YOUR ANNUAL UPDATE FOR 2023-2024.

In Felsted’s 460th year, we are proud to present a whole new look for the magazine, now entitled ‘The OF’ - as a nod to the well-worn abbreviation for our Old Felstedian family.

We have doubled the size of the magazine to bring you more news about your fellow OFs, whilst giving you a comprehensive view of school life at Felsted today.

Continuing the tradition of theming the magazine, this year we focus on giving back, on altruistic vocations, and philanthropy, both in and beyond school. We’ve included some fantastic features, including an interview with an animator-cum-nurse; a look at one OF’s ambition to fight inner-city knife crime; a long-view look at the Felsted Mission, whose links to the community of Custom House in the East End go back over 140 years; plus an inspirational message from Head of Prep, Miranda Norris, about instilling a charitable mindset from a young age.

Wherever you’re reading this, we hope you enjoy flicking through the following pages, with familiar and new faces, some inspiring Felsted stories, and some of the highlights of the last year in the lives of OFs and the school.

A big thank you to all our OF contributors who have shared their remarkable stories with us. You have demonstrated the very definition of what it means to ‘Garde Ta Foy’.

We invite everyone to feed back on the new-look magazine, and if you have any news you would like to share with the Felsted community, do please let us know. You can email us via ofs@felsted.org or call +44 (0)1371 822 645

You can also share your thoughts online using the hashtag #THEOFMAG

With best wishes,

Verity Stone and The Felsted Development Team

Iam delighted that you are reading this year’s OF magazine, the first of the new editorial team. I am very grateful to the fantastic work of James Garner, who worked on the magazine for 20 years, and hope that you will enjoy the changes in this edition.

At a time when many face significant challenges locally, nationally and globally, it has never been more important for us to remain strong, and benefit from the extensive range of skills and experiences that are shared across the Felstedian community.

This year, our focus is the theme of ‘Giving Back’. This plays an important part in school life and it is not surprising that this is reflected in the contributions of many Felstedians. We recognise that education at Felsted is a privilege, and it is important to understand that with privilege comes the responsibility of making a difference to the lives of others.

As we celebrate 460 years of education at Felsted, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the OF Society for the work that they do to enrich the life of the school. Throughout those 460 years, philanthropy has been at the heart of Felsted, going back to our founder, Richard Lord Riche, who established the local almshouses, alongside the school itself.

In this magazine, you will see a feature on the Felsted Mission, a relationship of more than one hundred years that continues to thrive, with Garnetts and Windsor’s having a particular link to the charity, and the Felsted community supporting the Night Shelter for the past five years.

I hope that you will enjoy reading about the many ways the school, and our Old Felstedians, are giving back - and that you will feel proud being a part of the Felsted Community.

Chris Townsend

Head Chris Townsend

WELCOME FROM THE EDITOR

WELCOME FROM THE HEAD

Iwould like to join the Head and say how delighted we are to see the magazine take on its new and expanded incarnation. Hopefully you will all enjoy the contents, which make for a really heartening read. It is a tangible reflection of time spent over these last few years thinking about the OF Society, its aims and how best to be of service.

As we approach the Society’s 125th year in 2025, the committee members have been reflecting on the role of the Society, and how we can meet the needs of its members - yourselves - in alignment with the school, to work creatively in this fast paced, ever-changing landscape. When I first sat on the committee in my 20s, we did not have the tools now at our fingertips, thanks to technological advances.

After much consultation, the conclusion is that the structure of the committee is going to change with a strong emphasis on increasing the number and variety of opportunities for socialising, networking and collaborating. This will be co-ordinated and communicated by the school, ensuring that there is an annual timetable embracing the ever-increasing diversity of OFs. We are proud to be launching an LGBTQIA+ Group, so watch this space.

Before our May AGM, you’ll have more detail about our plans - and we’d love to hear from any OFs who may be interested in getting involved with the Society.

Enjoy the magazine. Hopefully see you at an OF gathering soon.

All the best,

Sarah Macdiarmid

Sarah Macdiarmid (née Rowledge, m85-87), President of The Old Felstedian Society

WELCOME FROM THE OF SOCIETY PRESIDENT

& NOTED

THOMAS FLEMING (FAC14-21)

In his first year of car racing, Thomas achieved the prestigious “World Championship” title of Ferrari Challenge at the Mugello Circuit in Tuscany in October. “It’s an incredible feeling that words can’t describe to be world champion with no prior experience ahead of this championship,” Thomas told us.

We wish Thomas the best of luck this year as he takes on the Fanatec GT World Challenge in a series of sprint and endurance events.

Naisha, who is Director of the Harlow and Gilston Garden Town, was named a Women of Influence in 2023 by The Planner (The Royal Town Planning Institute).

ELSA ÅKESSON (T11-13)

Elsa was recognised as one of Forbes’ ‘30 Under 30’ in 2023 for her sustainable art packaging startup, Spongy Bags. This follows her 2022 win at the Sotheby’s Institute of Art’s Gavel Prize start-up competition. The eco-friendly totes are now officially recommended by the Gallery Climate Coalition.

PETER PANTLIN (H64-69)

Peter sits on the Board of Trustees for The British School of Brussels, which won a ‘School of the Year’ award in 2023. The Belgian school was founded by Peter’s father, the late Sir Dick Pantlin CBE (fa31-36). The Headmaster of Felsted, Tony Egglestone OBE (68-82), consulted on educational matters and assisted with the selection of the first principal. Here is a photo of Peter’s father with the late Duke of Edinburgh, HRH Prince Philip, at the school’s grand opening.

Jeremy was the arranger, orchestrator and conductor for the BAFTA-nominated blockbuster, ‘Wonka’, released in December 2023. This follows his musical success with Netflix’s ‘Scrooge: A Christmas Carol’, and ‘Sing 2’, in 2022.

Izzy, who is studying Neuroscience, was elected by Columbia University to be a member of the national honours society, Junior Phi Beta Kappa. Only 10% of students in the US are chosen each year.

Sana performed with the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain at the Royal Albert Hall for BBC Proms in 2023. Sana was Felsted’s ‘Young Musician of the Year’ in 2022.

NAISHA POLAINE (M84-86)

JEREMY HOLLANDSMITH (D90-95)

IZZY HENDRICKS (TN18-20)

SANA ABU-JABIR (FMN08-22)

& QUOTED

In 2023 Max was part of the Saracens Premiership winning team in the summer and made his Rugby World Cup debut in the England v Chile match in France in September, where England took the victory, 71-0. Max, who now plays for Bristol Bears, returned to Felsted as Guest of Honour for the Prep School Speech Day to share his journey from school to professional sports.

Simon Frankel was appointed to the San Francisco County Superior Court in October 2023.

Simon, who is originally from the US, joined Felsted for a year on an English-Speaking Union exchange programme. “That year ignited my interest in British history, which contributed to my going to law school. I remain very grateful for the experience at Felsted,” Simon told us.

Here is Simon with his wife, Courtney, and daughter, Juliette, at his ceremonial investiture.

John was nominated by England Golf for their Lifetime Achievement Award. He told us it all started with him organising a 9-hole ‘Team Golf’ competition back in the summer of 2000. Here’s John beaming with his certificate.

Lucilla was ranked as one of the top female scientists in the world in 2023 thanks to her scholarly contributions in the field of maternal and fetal health. With citations in more than 700 publications, Lucilla made the top 1,000 out of nearly 167,000 scientists, and achieved a national ranking of 63. We were delighted to welcome her back to Felsted in October, where she inspired young MedSoc students to explore a career in medical research.

NICHOLAS

Nick represented Australia in the 16th International Dragon Boat World Championships in Pattaya, Thailand, in August 2023. He won two silver and three bronze medals for his team in the ‘Over 50’ category, and is gearing up for the next championship races to be held in Germany in 2025!

REBECCA

In August 2023, Rebecca came runnerup in the English Women’s Amateur Championship. Later that month, she announced she was taking her golfing career professional. In 2024, Rebecca will be playing in the Justin Rose Ladies Series and the Ladies European Access Tour. She is seeking business sponsorships, so do get in touch if you’re interested!

JOHN WHITE (FG45-51)

BARKER-PENDREE (E80-85)

SIMON FRANKEL (D81-82)

EARL (FBN09-18)

LUCILLA POSTON CBE (M70-72)

MAX MALINS (FHC02-15)

GIVING

CHRIS

Chris has been fundraising for Breast Cancer Now and Keeping Abreast since 1998 after his sister was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 35 - the age his mother died from the disease.

He has recently surpassed the £100,000 mark for his fundraising efforts, which includes his annual variety night, ‘An Evening of Jazz & Cabaret’, held at the Norwich Playhouse. Well done to Chris, who you can see here sporting one of his staple multicoloured suits.

James tragically lost his best friend, Grace, in a knife attack in Nottingham last year. He will be running multiple duathlons and triathlons across the UK in 2024 to raise money for a charity set up in her name: the Grace O’Malley Kumar Foundation - Prism the Gift Fund.

We wish James the best of luck and encourage all to support him on this extraordinary feat.

Mike was a member of the CCF at Felsted where he discovered his love of climbing and the outdoors. In June 2024, he will be completing the UK High Pointer Challenge, where he will climb the highest point in each English county - non-stop! He is calling for OF volunteers across the country who can help drive him between destinations. This adventure will be in aid of Mountain Rescue and Air Ambulance charities.

BAILEY (D74-78)

MIKE BOSWELL (FG73-82)

JAMES KNIGHT (FDEC12-22)

BACK

Paul and his wife, Lorna, are trustees of the charity Wakisa Ministries (UK), which supports disadvantaged girls in Uganda. They visited the Remnant Generation home in Kampala in January 2024, and observed heartwarming care and compassion, providing these young women (many of whom were pregnant or with infants, and abandoned) with a homely refuge and job training.

In September 2024, Nigel will be trekking over the Pyrenees mountains as part of the Frontline Walk, which follows the escape route used by Jewish refugees and allied servicemen during World War II. He’ll be doing this in aid of the Army Benevolent Fund, the British Army’s national charity; a cause close to his heart as an ex-Army officer. He is hoping to raise £5,000 and appreciates the donations of anyone who can give. Good luck, Nigel!

HUGO CAREY (FEC14-21), ANNABEL CROSSMAN (G13-16), ALICE MARSDEN (FBN04-11), CHARLIE MARSDEN (AC0510), AND JESTON NA NAKHORN (E85-90)

Hugo, Annabel and Jeston ran the TCS London Marathon 2023 and raised thousands of pounds for the Armed Forces charity, SSAFA; Mind; and, the Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC), respectively. Brother and sister, Charlie and Alice, also raised money for SSAFA. Head Chris Townsend ran the marathon for The Lord’s Taverners, whilst Biology teacher Joshua Entwistle fundraised for Magic Bus. Amanda Little, a tutor in Thorne House, ran in memory of her son, James, for The Lullaby Trust.

Congratulations to Matthew who received the Mother Teresa Award in 2023 for his life-changing charity work with Magic Bus. Head to page 20 to learn more about Matthew’s story.

With her husband, Mital, Pooja has launched her business, Visiting Angels, which provides homecare support for people in and around North Hertfordshire. Pooja was a carer for her grandmother, who sadly passed away in 2017. She told us, “I was always taught the importance of caring for and appreciating your family while you have the chance. I really hope Visiting Angels will be a testament to multigenerational care”. Pooja hopes to change the narrative around social care and also to be an employer of choice, celebrating the incredible work carers do.

NIGEL CAIRNS (FC80-87)

MATTHEW SPACIE MBE (D83-85)

PAUL BEAUFR È RE (C55-60)

POOJA PATEL (FBM05-10)

FACES

A SURPRISE VISIT DOWN MEMORY LANE

A Christmas gift of a surprise visit to the UK from her wife, Emma, had Crichelle Brice (g0611) take a trip down memory lane to Felsted. The couple, who live in the US, were particularly delighted to tour the Chapel, where Crichelle’s

father, Reverend Jonathan Brice (06-11) was the chaplain, and where she frequently sang in the choir. “Felsted is still home in so many ways,” she told us.

FELSTEDIAN BROTHERS-IN-LAW REUNITE IN AFRICA

Steve Nicholls (b60-64, photographed on the right) and his wife, Jane, visited Richard Beck (b61-65, photographed on the left) in Africa last year. Jane is Richard’s twin sister and met Steve on a blind date at a party at Felsted when they were 17. Here they all are on their tour around Cape Town, where they also fished on the Zambezi River.

BEST FRIENDS OF 66 YEARS RETURN TO FELSTED

John Chaston (fb56-65) and John Darvill (fc57-66), who remain best friends since they met in Felsted Prep, visited their first home away from home in December. They toured Stocks's House, where John C boarded, and reminisced inside Grignon Hall, their old dining room. It was wonderful for them to see all that's changed (and all that's not), and for us to learn of their enduring friendship.

PLACES &

FOOTBALL: KING CUP

VICTORY FOR THE OFS!

The Old Felstedian Football Club (OFFC) retained the King Cup against the Common Room in March 2023. A hat-trick in the first-half by Callum Parradine (dc12-14) was enough to see the OFs win 3-0. Head to page 41 for more OF football news.

CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES OF FRIENDSHIP IN MARRAKECH

Friends from the Class of ‘81 enjoyed a girls’ reunion trip to Marrakech. Here they are right before setting off to camp in the Sahara. (From left to right (all m79-81): Rosemary Chilton (née Golding), Rachel Fielding, Sally Smith (née Myers), and Claire Rowan. Rosie said, “I just love the way we can still laugh our heads off…our friendship is stronger, if anything!”

FELSTEDIANS GATHER IN GERMANY

In May, Head Chris Townsend travelled to Zurich and Munich to host reunions with some of our German OFs. It was great to see so many familiar faces with former students, as well as current and former parents; many of whom travelled long distances to be there!

OFs returned to Felsted in June to take on this year’s 1st VI team. After a very competitive match, a final score of 5-4 saw the Felsted boys take the win against the OFs. Thank you to Richard Morley-Jacob (b8186), Freddie Godfrey (fdac10-22), Kit Morley-Jacob (fac15-22) and Jacob Smith (fac15-22) for bringing such incredible spirit to the game.

OFS V 1ST VI BOYS TENNIS

The Class of 2013 met in London for their 10 Year Reunion in May. Thank you to Ruby Osborne (bn09-13) and Jamie Baker (dc11-13) who helped to arrange the event.

OLD FELSTEDIAN SUMMER DRINKS

The OF Summer Drinks Party in June was held at The In & Out Naval and Military Club, with more than 80 OFs in attendance. Thank you to everyone who attended and we look forward to sharing pictures of the OF Society Dinner 2024 in the next magazine issue!

FELSTED FAMILY DAY

In June, we hosted our very first Felsted Family Day, which brought the entire Felstedian community together to enjoy sports, music, food and games in the summer sunshine. The event was an absolute hit and we’ll be hosting another Family Day on Sunday 1 September 2024 - we look forward to seeing you there!

THE CAMBRIDGE NETWORK

Members of the Cambridge Network enjoyed three fantastic events in 2023. Here is a snapshot from the Winter Lunch held in November at the Upper Hall of Jesus College, Cambridge.

Thank you to Emeritus Fellow Nicholas Ray (g60-65), who helped to arrange the occasion and a behind-the-scenes tour.

GOLF CELEBRATION: HALFORD HEWITT CENTENERY DRAW DINNER

In January 2024, members of the Old Felstedian Golf Society (OFGS) dined at The Grosvenor House Hotel for the Halford Hewitt Centenary Draw Dinner.

Our OF golfers were among nearly 800 golf enthusiasts, representing 64 independent schools, celebrating one of the game's oldest and most competitive tournaments.

In July, the Felsted Robins 163/6 beat the Refreshers 159 all out by 4 wickets. Jack Brooke (fhc94-09) was the ‘Man of the Match’ with 5 overs, 4 wickets and 15 runs!

NETBALL MATCH: OFS

TEAM

It was wonderful to welcome back some of our 2021 and 2022 leavers for a netball match against the Felsted Senior Team in January 2023. A great game was had by all, ending with a final score of 34-24 to the OFs!

CRICKET: FELSTED ROBINS V REFRESHERS

V FELSTED SENIOR

Positive Social Impact

WRITTEN BY: HEAD CHRIS TOWNSEND

WE

ALL RECOGNISE

THAT THIS ENVIRONMENT IS NOT TYPICAL AND THAT THOSE WHO ARE LUCKY ENOUGH TO COME TO FELSTED ENJOY A PRIVILEGED EXPERIENCE.

Felsted provides an amazing opportunity to all of our pupils, both in terms of the education that it offers, but also with the values that are developed.

We all recognise that this environment is not typical and that those who are lucky enough to come to Felsted enjoy a privileged experience. Because of this, it is crucial that everyone learns the importance of giving something back as well. When we talk about Felsted developing character and making a difference, a large part of this is about wanting our students to go out into the world and make a positive difference.

In this magazine, you will have plenty of examples of people who have done and are doing just that already. Much of this is building upon the values that they encounter during their time at Felsted, whether starting out with the Fun for Funds Fete at FPS, or leading on house and school charity projects in the senior school.

The Felsted Charity Team has consciously decided to focus on charities that are local, national and international in their reach, with pupil input being

“Our longest standing international commitment is with Magic Bus, a charity founded by former Mont’s pupil Matthew Spacie (d83-85).”

used to establish some of these links. For example, many of us have noticed an increasing issue over rough sleeping in Chelmsford in recent years, so Gepp’s House is supporting Chess Homeless, with students having been able to visit to see their work, and Chess sending representatives into the school to meet the students.

Our two Upper Sixth houses have been working closely with the Felsted Mission. The link to the mission church (Ascension Church, in Newham) goes back to the 19th century, and recent projects have included the Night Shelter, which Felsted has supported financially for more than five years. Students also visit to see the work that is being done in the local community, and a partnership has been established with the Royal Docks Academy, the neighbouring school. Each year, a Royal Docks Scholar joins Felsted for the Sixth Form.

Globally, the school is proud to support Teach Uganda, with fundraising and visits out to Great Lakes High School, now producing some outstanding A Level results for their students. We also work closely with the Sparkle Foundation, founded by

OF Sarah Brook (gn06-08), and continuing to have ever greater impact on children in Malawi and beyond, who benefit from nutrition, education and medical care.

Our longest standing international commitment is with Magic Bus, a charity founded by former Mont’s pupil Matthew Spacie (d83-85). Although the travel restrictions of the Covid period put on hold our ability to visit their centre near Mumbai, we are now in the final stages of planning a return to India for a number of our Sixth Form students. Matthew also kindly came back to Felsted for the official opening of the Marshall Centre, at a time when we were able to recognise the incredible achievements of Magic Bus in transforming the life chances of over one million children, and its focused work on keeping girls in India in education.

“Felsted’s other charities are Young Minds, the Herts and Essex Air Ambulance and Farleigh Hospice. Each house supports one of these charities, and pupils are encouraged to lead on fundraising initiatives.”

Felsted’s other charities are Young Minds, the Herts and Essex Air Ambulance and Farleigh Hospice. Each house supports one of these charities, and pupils are encouraged to lead on fundraising initiatives. This has been particularly important in the last few years, as charities have struggled with funding and the need for their work has increased. Recently, we have seen the Charity Team lead the Pancake Race, while Heads of House, Tawana C and Julia Z (Gepp’s and Follyfield) have challenged themselves to run the Wokingham Half Marathon in support of their house charities. This has led to a wave of ‘enthusiasm’ resulting in Martha L (Garnetts) joining the team, and a group of staff who are supporting the other school charities as part of this event.

While supporting the school charities, I also took on my own challenge last year, running the London Marathon at 50 (midlife crisis anyone?!). While this was not something that I thought I would ever do, during the first lockdown, I ran most days, and was inspired to take on the challenge hearing how great the experience had been for others doing the marathon. I ran for the Lord’s Taverners, a charity that the school has done some work with, but one that is close to my heart, as it supports young people to overcome inequality through cricket.

The experience was incredible, with the crowds in London being so positive, and while it is a ‘race’, you are not competing with those around you, so the other runners feel like one big team. The first half was a pleasure, the last part was pretty painful, but I was driven on by the thought of all those who had sponsored me, and was determined not to let them down. It did bring a huge sense of personal achievement, but it was made real for me, when I was able to attend a Table Cricket session, run by the Taverners. Table Cricket is one of their projects, designed to give young people with a disability the chance to play and compete in the game of cricket.

I did think, after last year’s run that would be it. However, as the year has gone on, I have felt increasingly drawn to having another go, and so this year I have signed up for Paris and London (7 and 21 April), and will again be running in support of the Taverners.

It is incredibly rewarding to support others, and this really is the value that we want all Felstedians to learn to appreciate. Community is developed by the way that we are able to support one another, and it is definitely something that we would like to see at the heart of the Felsted approach. This is all about developing as a person, and making a difference.

Of course, Felsted itself is a charity, and I am sure that we can all appreciate that attending a school like Felsted provides a huge range of opportunities for our students. One of the key things that I would like to develop further at the school is our ability to work with places like the Royal Docks Academy, and with charities like the Royal Springboard Foundation to provide additional transformational bursary places for those who otherwise would be unable to access a Felsted education.

“Community is developed by the way that we are able to support one another, and it is definitely something that we would like to see at the heart of the Felsted approach.”

These bursaries provide incredible opportunities for the young people who benefit. They also provide a sense of aspiration that can go through their community, and help Felsted’s students to remain grounded, even in a privileged environment. Those who have been able to support our campaign have often said that it is one of the most fulfilling things that they could imagine supporting and I very much hope that we will continue to be able to build the number of places that we can support here at Felsted.

Chris running in the London Marathon in 2023 for the Lord’s Taverners

The Call of the Caring Profession

JUST FIVE YEARS APART AT FELSTED, PASCIA AND JESSICA’S STORIES OF REINVENTION, AND DISCOVERING THEIR VOCATION FOR NURSING, BEAR A REMARKABLE RESEMBLANCE.

Changing career can be a tough decision - and tougher still when contemplating a move into one of the caring professions, such as nursing.

Talking candidly about the pressure of working in healthcare, Pascia Birchweaver (b03-08) said, “it’s no secret that nursing is undervalued and underpaid. You have to do a lot of unforgiving work, but even on those tough days, I still feel like I’ve genuinely helped someone.”

Fluent in French, Spanish and Italian, Pascia's love of languages flourished at school. After Southampton University, “I wasn’t on a specific career path, that’s why I ended up travelling and working in property management.”

Having met her Canadian husband in Italy while studying on the Eramus scheme, the pair travelled extensively, living and working in other countries. They even started a YouTube channel, documenting their journeys across New Zealand and Indonesia on touring bikes. After moving to Canada and finding a job in property management, “Everything just came down to me feeling really fulfilled when I was taking care of people,” Pascia explained. “I realised I should make a career out of this and, as soon as I decided it was what I wanted to do, it all just fell into place.” She decided to return to Southampton to do a postgraduate nursing diploma, before moving back to Canada to apply for her permanent residency and a nursing licence.

It was within the first four months of starting work as a registered nurse that Covid changed everything. As soon as she could, Pascia returned to the UK to be closer to friends and family. That’s when she found gynaecology and her career started to take off. “I love gynaecology. Having that connection with women, and focusing on an area that could really benefit from more research and funding,” she said.

Covid also proved to be the catalyst for Jessica (Jess) Galvin (bn08-13), seeing her move from a career in animation to a degree apprenticeship in nursing. Jess’ first exposure to healthcare was pre-pandemic, whilst studying her masters in animation. She worked at the Wolfson Institute of Preventative Medicine, where she would help explain procedures to patients. “I got to watch cardiac surgeries and I just loved it,” Jess told us.

After graduating, she went to work for an animation company whose primary client, in a stroke of serendipity, was a pharmaceutical company.

Pascia Birchweaver (b03-08)

“If I can hold a woman’s hand through a painful procedure, or calm her down in the middle of a scary moment, I think that is so valuable.”

Working on animations explaining the application of new drugs fuelled Jess’s interest even more.

Having volunteered for St John Ambulance, she became a vaccinator during the pandemic. “Before Covid, I was a lot more risk-averse,” Jess explained.

being afraid to change course, and for embracing the caring professions. When reflecting on her time at Felsted, Pascia felt boarding school made it easier for her to get up and move across the world, and to have the resilience to embark on a whole new career path. She was also in the first cohort of students at Felsted to take the IB, which she felt gave her a wider range of subjects to showcase when applying for the postgraduate diploma in nursing. Her advice to anyone considering a career change is, “There’s nothing wrong with pivoting. It’s never too late to go down a different route.”

Likewise for Jess, boarding at Felsted meant, “becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable.

“‘Grit’ is how I would describe it. Felsted gave me grit - and a sense of duty.”

“You start to get excited about challenges, rather than being scared of them. So, while it’s hard to break away from what you’re skilled at, you still think: ‘I’ve done that, now what else can I do?’”

“‘Grit’ is how I would describe it. Felsted gave me grit.”

“Grit - and a sense of duty. And in the NHS, there’s a huge sense of duty there. Those values of teamwork from school just become embedded in you, so when you progress and go out into the real world, that’s still in you. That’s probably why I took up volunteeringand why I’m where I am now.

“It feels like you’ve witnessed a miracle.”

With potentially years of economic uncertainty ahead, post-pandemic, Jess decided to take the plunge. “I thought, in that time I could be fully qualified, so I’ve got this period of uncertainty ahead of me already, I might as well try.”

Now settled back in the UK, Pascia works for the East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, helping to run women’s health clinics and assisting with investigative procedures, everything from the recurrence of miscarriages to cervical cancer. “If I can hold a woman’s hand through a painful procedure, or calm her down in the middle of a scary moment, I think that is so valuable.”

Both are passionate advocates for upskilling, not

“There was a lot that I saw that I wasn’t really prepared for,” Jess admits, “but when you see someone, who could have died, progress to start walking and talking again, and come back to who they were before - that’s the best thing, because it feels like you’ve witnessed a miracle.”

While Pascia is excited to continue her work in gynaecology and improve the culture and attitudes towards women’s health, Jess is due to finish her studies in 2025 and, until then, will rotate around different departments before deciding where she would like to specialise, but her sights are already set on being a theatre nurse. “Perhaps it’s down to my artistic background, I like being hands-on!”

Neither Pascia nor Jess would underestimate the challenge that comes with changing careers, especially retraining for nursing, but ultimately both have found that, for them, fulfilment comes from caring for others.

We wish them well.

Jessica Galvin (bn08-13)

Championing Men’s Mental Health

CHAIR OF WELLBEING CHARITY UK MEN’S SHEDS ASSOCIATION, OF ROB LLOYD (FC74-82) DISCUSSES HIS LIVED EXPERIENCE OF A MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS AND WHY IT IS SO IMPORTANT TO DE-STIGMATISE AND SPEAK OPENLY.

Rob Lloyd’s frankness talking about suicide can leave others disconcerted. “I think people still have a real difficulty in talking about it. I did a Mental Health First Aid course recently and I could see people seemed a little uncomfortable about my openness. I think that stems from not knowing how to respond. And that dialogue is such an important thing to have.”

While he’d acknowledge that the stigma around mental health has reduced in recent years, it’s far from gone. On average, more women than men in the UK are diagnosed with the most common of mental health issues, but suicide rates among British males are at least three times higher than those for women. Around 75% of men who take their lives have never been formally diagnosed with a mental health issue.

As well as addressing the stigma, there is something about stereotypes here. On paper, Rob’s journey from Felsted, to UMIST, to the Civil Service reads like a brilliant resume.

“What right did I have, with all the privileges life has offered me, to feel this way, when so many others have it so much worse?”

“I’ve been fortunate to have had some fantastic opportunities, from looking after the Home Affairs brief at the embassy in Washington, to working in a number of different departments in Whitehall. In my last 15 years, I was a senior member in board level positions, most of it in the people space. I absolutely loved it.”

So when in 2016 he began to experience worrying symptoms, he says he was, “plagued with guilt about the way I felt. What right did I have, with all the privileges life has offered me, to feel this way, when so many others have it so much worse?

“My every instinct was to play down how I was feeling, and I donned a mask, even with family members, to hide what was really going on. I came very close to taking my own life. With perfect hindsight, I can track changes to my behaviour over several years, but at the time I just didn’t want to accept it.”

Working ridiculously long hours, and experiencing random dizzy spells, Rob was tested for a range of potential neurological issues, but there seemed to be no physical cause. It began to look like PTSD. “I was signed off, initially for two weeks. The two weeks turned into 14 months.”

Typically, on his return to work, Rob found a way to turn his painful experiences to the good. “One of the first things I did when I returned to work was to write a blog post about my experience. I thought that if somebody at my level of seniority within

“I felt a responsibility to be open and honest from the beginning.”

the organisation can put their hand up publicly and explain what I went through, then it’s going to encourage other people to feel safe to do so too.”

“I felt a responsibility to be open and honest from the beginning. When I was initially asked what I wanted to say publicly about why I was off work, I said, “just tell them the truth”.

“I had to push myself hard to bypass a lot of negative emotions to be able to talk about my experience. I am so glad I told those unhelpful voices in my head precisely where they could go - because honesty with yourself and others is a major step in recovery.”

Rob’s advocacy talking about mental health and suicide ideation moved to the next level when he hit upon a trustee opening at UK Men’s Sheds Association (UKMSA), while browsing on LinkedIn.

Since then, Rob has stepped back from Whitehall. His life looks very different. He runs his own leadership consultancy while working with a number of charities both at a strategic level and at the grassroots - and he makes a point of maintaining his mental health by reconnecting with the natural world.

“I love being out in the woods, and one of the first things I did when finding my way back was to get a dog. Remembering the Churchillian symbol of depression, ‘the black dog’, I thought I would get myself an actual black dog. And since then Essie has been a source of great joy in my life.”

For artistic expression, Rob drew on his early woodwork lessons with Mr Impey in the workshop at Felsted. “It started to come back to me. I taught myself how to carve by hand and it became a key part of my mental ‘good health’ strategy.

I continue to find real joy in it and it’s incredibly mindful. Too mindful, sometimes, as some of my sliced digits will attest!”

Other memories of Felsted continue to chime: “I remember Mr Lawrence, who was my Housemaster in Windsor’s. He had some remarkable views about the importance of feeling fulfilled in life, as opposed to treading a hamster wheel.”

“Mr Osborne was also a memorable character and an incredible history teacher. He encouraged us to recognise the fallibility of people; to not only see the black and white, but the many shades of grey inbetween. So, I learned a lot about tolerance.”

Turning a traumatic lived experience into a passion for moving the dial on mental health, Rob’s impressive list of charitable commitments, on top of his consultancy, keep him busy and fulfilled. As well as now Chairing UK MSA, he’s a trustee of Oakleaf Enterprise, a local mental health charity. He’s a Youth Mentor with Surrey Care Trust, and is closely involved with Thrive, coaching women into senior leadership roles. He also finds time for mental health advocacy and public speaking around suicide prevention.

Learn more about the charities Rob is involved with: UK Men’s Shed’s Association (UKMSA) https://menssheds.org.uk

Zero Suicide Alliance https://zerosuicidealliance.com

Oakleaf Enterprise https://www.oakleaf-enterprise.org

Surrey Care Trust https://www.surreycaretrust.org.uk

Thrive https://www.thrivefuture.org

Transforming Lives

Global Perspectives Through Education

5,000 MILES APART, THREE OFS SHARE THE SAME GOAL. TO HELP CHILDREN BREAK FREE FROM POVERTY THROUGH EDUCATION - AND COMMUNITY.

Shortly before flying to Bombay to receive the Mother Teresa Award, Matthew Spacie MBE (d83-85) caught up with us from his London home.

This award was particularly apt because his humanitarian work started with Mother Teresa and the Sisters of Charity at a tuberculosis hospital in Calcutta. “She was passionate about small acts of kindness,” Matthew told us. Back in 1999, with the start of Magic Bus (Matthew’s charity, which supports young people from ‘childhood to livelihood’), he wasn’t thinking about transforming hundreds of thousands of lives. It was born out of a game of rugby.

Matthew was then playing rugby for India, and whilst training in a club in downtown Mumbai, he noticed a group of children. He encouraged them to come and play. It was a simple, yet transformative act. “In India, there are welldefined social boundaries. A poor child would never walk across the street into an elite rugby club. So, to be invited through the doors to play on the pitch as equals, really broke down those proverbial walls,” Matthew told us. He went on to organise weekend trips, picking up children in what became known as the ‘magic bus’. For a few hours, they would forget their lives in the slums and spend time up in the mountains or on the beaches having fun, playing rugby, and just being kids.

Before long, rugby games evolved into a curriculum of critical life skills: from conflict management to self-esteem. Older children would mentor their juniors, with sport as the catalyst. “We wanted to hold those children’s hands, both physically and metaphorically: to make sure they got to school, didn’t fall into underage marriage, and secured a job at the end of it,” Matthew explained.

“We wanted to hold those children’s hands, both physically and metaphorically: to make sure they got to school, didn’t fall into underage marriage, and secured a job at the end of it.”

In a similar vein, Sarah-Jane (S-J) Heany (m8587), emphasises the importance of mentoring and the role it has played for the charity she works for, Madrinha Trust, which aims to ‘develop future leaders in the developing world’ by financially supporting students at university. The name ‘Madrinha’ means

‘Godmother’ in Portuguese, and the students are given wrap-around support, including an assigned matched mentor from the UK taking on a Godparent-like role, supporting them on their educational journeys. She was exceptionally proud to have welcomed the first Old Felstedian, Nigel Cairns (fc80-87), onto the mentorship team in 2023.

Thinking back to Felsted, S-J appreciates what it means to be believed in. She was a talented music scholar and received a full bursary. “I didn’t come from money at all, but I never once felt poor,” she told us. “Felsted was a truly inclusive environment, and that resonates even more with me now. I understand how important it is to have those values.

“All of the kids we support at Madrinha are the first in their family to be educated. We’re so grateful for the time and energy our volunteer mentors give, which, cumulatively, is transforming so many lives.”

5,000 miles west, in Seattle, Paul Stephenson (fa71-80) has over thirty years experience in NGOs, including Tearfund and World Vision. From his early days helping on the front-line working in the aftermath of genocide and hurricanes, Paul now focuses on consulting around children’s rights, protection and wellbeing in humanitarian or long-term community development programmes.

Paul described himself as having ‘slipped through the cracks’, leaving Felsted with only one A Level.

He spent 4 ‘gap’ years working and travelling in South America and Australia searching for an epiphany. He found it, not in the depths of the Australian bush, but back at Felsted, where he returned as a teaching assistant. Paul discovered his passion for teaching which led him to Kenya and the realisation that education was the key to escaping poverty.

On his return to the UK, Paul talked his way into University and graduated with a BEd. He then spent five years working in bilingual education with the indigenous population on the Mosquito Coast of Honduras. Paul recalls he arrived a stranger, but soon began spending time with locals, going to church with them, singing with them and swapping stories like he had always known them.

“It reminded me of the days at school when we’d go on Felsted Mission visits to Custom House. It was a real eye-opener. It was the first time I saw first-hand what poverty looked like.”

Despite his experience of delivering humanitarian aid in some of the worst conflicts of recent years, Paul believes kindness and strength can reemerge, even in the darkest times. He spoke of a Rwandan man who, in the aftermath of the Tutsi genocide had spent months sitting in his tent. He finally emerged to work with Paul to support his stricken community in the refugee camps in Tanzania and later back in Rwanda.

“I know the legacy of my work continues in what others are doing for their communities.”

“I needed him to walk alongside me, because he understood his people and their needs. These moments give me great satisfaction because I know the legacy of my work continues in what others are doing for their communities.”

Like Paul, S-J took time to find her vocation. “In the 90s, I was a successful music producer/singer on the club scene,” she recalled, explaining how her ‘day jobs’ were used to fund her music career. It wasn’t until her son Archie arrived that she took on a role at the Madrinha Trust (which sits very well next to her London jazz singing gigs!).

As the COO, S-J helped scale the charity from working with just a few, to supporting hundreds of students and mentors. In 2023, they hit their 100th alumni milestone (all now in full-time employment), having seen students through university and into work, as the charity doesn’t let them go until they’re in a job.

“It gives us huge joy to see them through that journey, which lasts, for some, around seven years,” said S-J. The charity currently has a cohort of around 60 students across Africa, and in a number of countries including Nepal and Vietnam.

“I didn’t come from money at all, but I never once felt poor.”

Like Paul, Matthew stresses the role of the whole community in effecting change. “A big part of our work is with adults,” Matthew says. “Parents, sometimes for very good reasons, don’t send their kids to school. Many need to work, and without it, their families wouldn’t survive. It’s important to take in that context. It’s not about parachuting kids out of their communities. It’s about cooperation. That’s how you achieve evolution.”

Talking about the challenges of running a charity, Matthew believes that, “as a world, we’re yet to really understand the concept of ‘worth’. If you look at the balance sheet of a for-profit and a not-forprofit, you’ll see millions of dollars on one, and a big fat zero on the other. But, if you look at how much Magic Bus graduates earn and put into the economy, that’s exponential.”

Matthew has calculated that all it takes to move a child out of poverty is around $25 per year. “Our aim is to ensure that the two million children on the programme stay in school - but our stake in the ground is that once they graduate our programme, we will place them in jobs that will take them out of poverty,” Matthew told us. To date, around 90% of Magic Bus children finish school, with around 150,000 now in the workplace. Matthew aims to have at least seven million children in the programme within three years, with further expansion across Asia.

Old Felstedians Matthew, S-J, and Paul, have between them touched thousands of lives. They all share a deep understanding that change for the better needs to be authentic, and education through community is the best route out of poverty.

It was a privilege to speak with them.

https://madrinha-trust.org

https://magicbusuk.org

From the Courtroom to Cutting Knife Crime

BRUCE HOULDER, CB KC DL (B61-65) REFLECTS ON FELSTED, LIFE AT THE CRIMINAL BAR, AND HANGING UP HIS ROBES TO TACKLE KNIFE CRIME.

Tell us about your time at Felsted.

I first went to a boarding school on the south coast, which was horrible, so I was pleased to end up at Felsted. There were societies to engage with every evening; you were never bored. I joined the choir, I did lots of drama - I loved it. Like everyone, I missed home but with so many sports and activities, you didn’t have too much time to feel sorry for yourself.

Why did you choose a career in criminal law?

It was drama at Felsted that led me to the bar. The courtroom was the sort of life I wanted, although it’s one thing having to learn lines and quite another creating your own. I liked the real life drama, seeing stories unfolding in open court; questioning witnesses and when you thought they were lying, sometimes exposing the truth. So, I spent the next 50 years defending and prosecuting in, predominantly, criminal cases. I saw the seedier side of life, there’s no doubt about it.

What are you most proud of in your career?

I served as Chairman of the Criminal Bar Association of England and Wales, which took me all over the world. I did a lot of work in Mexico. At that point their trials were held behind closed doors and most defendants never saw the judge. It was a troubling regime, but after three years, they went over to an open trial system, which was a great triumph and became an engine for social change.

After that I ran prosecutions for the Armed Forces for six years, before sitting as a parttime judge, or ‘recorder’, in the Crown Court. I frequently sat at the Old Bailey.

Where did the idea for ‘Fighting Knife Crime London’ (FKCL) come from?

Many of the murders I’ve worked on were knife crimes carried out by young people. When you end up in court, it’s a place of failure. Society has failed, the individual brought before the court has failed. And as a barrister or judge, you’re dealing with the consequences of that failure. When you're required to look at horrible pictures of brutality in a courtroom, you ask yourself: ‘What can I do to help prevent people entering the criminal justice system in the first place?’

“It’s so easy to punish but much more difficult to find a genuine solution.”

The catalyst for me was a conversation about young people and knife crime with the Chairman of the Tutu Foundation, and Sir William Harrison (a head who received a knighthood for turning around a pretty violent secondary school in West London). That night I didn’t sleep much, so I got up and put it all on paper. I sent it to them, saying, ‘Look this is what I’m thinking of doing. Do you think I’m mad?’ With their positive feedback, I decided to shape this initiative for as long as I had the energy and power to do it.

What does your charity aim to do?

There is so much information about knife crime support scattered across the internet, I thought a London-wide one-stop online resource would enable people to pinpoint the help they need. Our initial directory contained about 850 organisations, searchable by borough. What we’re trying to do is provide people with new pathways and passions so they can stay out of the criminal justice system, and find opportunities for training and self-improvement. You want to box? That’s great. Our directory can help people find a club, new friends, structured support, and role models.

What, in your opinion, are the reasons young people turn to knife crime?

Knife crime starts with social deprivation. We’re talking about people from the most challenging backgrounds, where, very often, there is domestic violence at home, as well as drug or alcohol addiction. If there is no one providing a sense of security and direction, a search for acceptance and belonging can lead vulnerable people into gangs. Foot soldiers for county lines networks are often drawn in through the kindness that they lack elsewhere.

In these environments, carrying knives is normalised and 80% will say they carry them for self-protection, not to use them. They want to defend themselves - but all too frequently it can result in a young person being stabbed or even killed.

What needs to happen to limit knife crime?

Many of the 100 or more murder trials I've worked on involved young people.

You see kids throwing away their lives in a moment of panic or misplaced bravado. People are beginning to realise you can’t carry on seeing prison as the answer. It’s so easy to punish but much more difficult to find a genuine solution.

“When you end up in court, it’s a place of failure.”

There’s a lot of work being done trying to ‘divert’ young people away from criminal activity. If you invest in that kind of scheme, rather than putting people through the courts, you could potentially save a generation of young people. Going through the criminal justice system can perpetuate the problem. Better instead to recognise that many perpetrators are victims of their circumstances, and that the rest of us are rather luckier than they are. If you have that mindset, you can initiate change, I think.

When I speak to young people in schools and colleges, it’s evident that knives blight their lived experiences. It’s the most terrifying situation. Young people are fearful at school - one of the places they should feel most safe. And they are equally fearful at home, and on the way home. If a young person is excluded from school, we’ve lost them, because so many will end up in young offender’s institutions

and later on in prisons. Exclusion from school is the worst possible thing you can do for a child, as far as I’m concerned.

What progress have you made so far?

In mid-November last year, I participated in Operation Spectre, a nationwide event taking place twice a year. The Metropolitan Police do a major clamp-down on young knife crime offences and engage with the community, working a lot with schools. This time, we became a strategic partner of the Met. We appeared in the literature given to schools, which was fantastic, so people could see and access all of the resources we publicise.

What next for ‘Fighting Knife Crime London’?

We’re now a well-established part of the work being done in London to change the lives of young Londoners for the better. We’re in the process of becoming an independent charity, and planning for our first major London conference, ‘Being Greater than Ourselves’, in May this year.

To support Bruce and learn more, please visit fightingknifecrime.london.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

The Story of the Felsted Mission

FELSTED’S TRADITION OF CHARITABLE SERVICE HAS DEEP ROOTS, AND NONE MORE CLOSELY WOVEN INTO THE DNA OF THE SCHOOL THAN THE FELSTED MISSION, WITH LINKS TO THE COMMUNITY OF CUSTOM HOUSE IN LONDON’S DOCKLANDS, AND TO THE ASCENSION CHURCH.

It was almost a century and a half ago, on the 3 March 1880 that Headmaster, Rev DH Ingram sanctioned the formation of the Felsted School Mission Association, with voluntary termly subscriptions of ‘5s for masters, 2s 6d for prefects and 1s for other boys’. The school responded so positively that, ‘almost every boy joined the Association.’

Although based at nearby St Luke’s Church in Canning Town, in 1885, priest and Old Felstedian Rev White began working with poor boys on the marshes of Custom House. He was famous for sharing the gospel and gospel stories using his ‘magic lantern’ (an early forerunner of projectors).

The selfsame lantern resides to this day at the Ascension Church, which superseded the original mission house - a small brick and iron building which was put up in 1887 in Baxter Road, Custom House. The first OF Missioner, the Rev T H Gilbert arrived in 1891, by which time, after just four years, the Mission had outgrown its first home. The Felsted Mission contributed the majority of the almost £6,000 cost of the new building, which was designed by OF architect JEK Cutts.

The construction was no mean feat as, ‘it was built on marsh land on piles sunk to the depth

of twelve feet in soft mud, with arches of brick resting on the piles. Cataracts of water gushed forth during the digging of the foundations.’ The church was dedicated on Ascension Day, 8 May 1902.

“One of the stories illustrated by Rev White’s ‘magic lantern’ could well have been that of ‘The Good Samaritan.’”

In 1896 a ‘second cleric’ joined the mission, OF Rev C W McLaughlin. He was quickly superseded by the Rev TG Steele, another OF, who was to serve the parish, now separate from St Lukes, for the next 50 years. He first visited the Docks as a Felsted school boy in 1891. He served the parish through World War II.

‘The children were evacuated, the Vicar remained. The Docks were a principal target

from the air and the parish was hard hit during the Blitz, nor did the church escapefortunately the stained glass windows were in safe custody, at Felsted.’

Rev Steele also took on the chaplaincy of the Albert Dock Hospital and also the country parish of Sandon, Essex, whose own vicar was in a Japanese Prisoner of war camp. Upon the Rev Steele’s retirement in 1947, there was no longer an OF leading the parish - but Felsted’s connections remained close, post war.

Down the decades, the school has remained committed to its connection to the Ascension parish and its work, and many generations of Felstedians have both raised much needed funds, and rolled their sleeves up to work alongside the team, nowadays at the food bank and the homeless shelter.

Today, we are proud to have several young OFs and current Felstedians from Custom House; students from the Royal Docks School close by the church, who join us, fully funded, for their Sixth Form years. Both our communities learn and are enriched by our close connections - and we look forward to our shared story, which started into the 19th century, continuing through the 21st century and beyond.

The Magic Lantern

From the Ascension Community Trust (ACT)

THE STORY CONTINUES…

One of the stories illustrated by Rev White’s ‘magic lantern’ could well have been that of ‘The Good Samaritan’ - a parable of three people equally able to help another but only one of them chose to do so.

In a sense, this story applies to all of us. There are times when we all need the help of others, and there are other times when it’s our opportunity to give back. What matters is how we respond to the needs we see in front of us.

Today, Ascension Community Trust (ACT) undertakes the community work of the Ascension Church. We seek to go the extra mile by supporting the parish and surrounding area through a range of projects - including poverty response, children and family support, the Ascension seniors, the Football Academy, the Youth Café and our work with local schools.

Over half the population of Custom House lives in the 20% most deprived neighbourhoods in the country. All of Custom House is in the top 40% most deprived. We have seen much investment in redevelopment in the areas surrounding Custom House, yet it has remained mostly untouched. Many of our residents face challenges due to the growing inequality, lack of education, poor housing, low wages and rising living costs.

With a turnover in excess of £500,000, a staff of 15 and some 30 volunteers, ACT believes in working with our community, not doing things for, or to, the people we serve. ACT believes in working with others, not just doing things for, or to, the local community.

During lockdown in 2020, we started an emergency food bank, providing relief to those isolated and in need. The need hasn’t gone away and this has now become a fully-fledged food bank with the Trussell Trust, in partnership with others in Newham.

The food bank project wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for volunteers who give their time and energy to sustain it. This has included local residents, members of churches in other parts of London, and volunteers from businesses - all opting to get involved and give something back, ranging from organising food donations, using their IT skills - or simply being with those experiencing hardship, to help them feel listened to and loved for that moment in their week.

Giving back isn’t just about being in a position to give, like the Good Samaritan in the parable. It is also about attentiveness, actively noticing the need and having the courage to respond. Whether in the wider world or on our doorstep, there is always some opportunity to play your part and there is always someone who could benefit from time and care. If we are in the position to give back then, as Gandhi said, we should aim to “be the change we wish to see in the world.”

Through the Felsted School Mission, the School, to this day, helps maintain that aspiration. Links between our two institutions remain as robust as ever, including regular visits to the Ascension Church by the Prep and Senior schools, with Ascension clergy coming to Felsted on a regular basis. The Mission’s financial assistance to the parish enables much of our youth work, which has a huge impact on our community. May Felsted’s links go on from strength to strength!

Felsted Mission is actively seeking new Council Members to support its work with Ascension Community Trust and the people of Custom House. Please contact the Development Office if you would like to consider playing a role.

https://www.facebook.com/MissionFelsted

https://www.ascensioncc.org.uk

https://www.ascensioncommunitytrust.org

Charitable Giving

A LIFETIME OF CHARITABLE GIVING STARTS AT THE YOUNGEST AGE, EXPLAINS MIRANDA NORRIS, HEAD OF FELSTED PREP.

One of the things that attracted me to Felsted was its clear commitment to making a difference to the wider community, and I was delighted to join the team in September 2022.

I could see that this was a school that already had a firm foundation of working together to raise awareness and funds for good causes. This was evident in the way the community responded to provide practical aid for Ukraine. That included every aspect of the process: the donation of items, the talent, the transport and the time to get help to the right people. Truly inspirational.

I believe that all humans want to make a difference. It’s an intrinsic part of our need to feel valued, known, and recognised. However, life sometimes gets in the way, and we can find ourselves saying, ‘I’m just too busy’.

I remind myself though that if everyone does a little, the cumulative effect can be enormous. I am in an incredibly privileged position that enables me to make a difference by developing and nurturing the philanthropic belief and agency of our school community. I am constantly heartened by the passion to help others that I see in action all around me. Pupils, families, and staff are eager to give an amount of their time, money, and experience to make someone else’s life better. There can be no better example to children than this community participation: a shared determination

and effort to work together in order to make a real difference to others.

The concept of ‘paying it forward’ is one that is relatively easy for young children to grasp. A previous head once led an assembly in which he illustrated his pupils’ privileged position and explained - in true Spiderman style - that with power and privilege comes great responsibility. These words are true.

“We have to develop agency in our childrenthis is critical for a life making a difference.”

To encourage children to pay it forward we first need to help our children understand that people have very different experiences of life – this may mean sharing the personal narratives and testimonies of those who struggle. It is not easy to ‘walk a mile in someone else’s shoes’ but we try to give evidence of the real everyday challenges that others may face.

We must model compassion and empathy. Anyone who asserts that ‘people are just naturally kind’ has grown up in an environment in which people have had a chance to see kindness in action.

As adults, we are role models for our children to emulate, so if we consistently demonstrate fellowfeeling they are more likely to follow suit.

“These early formative experiences have a lifelong impact.”

As role models, we have to offer our children the pathways and opportunities to act on their desire to ‘pay it forward’. We have to develop agency in our children - this is critical for a life making a difference. At Felsted we are constantly coming up with new ways to make sure that our giving is not simply transactional. Paying a pound to wear home clothes for the day is an effective method of raising funds that are undoubtedly beneficial, but the true learning is in giving children agency to make their own decisions about their philanthropic priorities and how to enact them.

are close to their hearts, including a Year 9 pupil who set up a book stall and raised £1,000 for the Grace O’Malley Kumar Foundation, and two sixth-form CCF officers who tackled a grueling 24-hour fell run in the Lake District in aid of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.

Time is the other valuable commodity. Our pupils are so moved by the plight of children in disadvantaged parts of the world that they often travel there to give their energy in person. Whether caring for children in an orphanage operated by The Sparkle Foundation or improving the life chances of children in Mumbai through Magic Bus, our pupils give more than just money. They see at first-hand the difference they are able to make.

Seeing a need and making a conscious decision to take action is the cornerstone of making a difference. We do have more to do. Our leadership team, pupils, and parents have an abundance of ideas, and they also have an up-to-date knowledge of how tech can provide innovative ways to share and develop opportunities for service that will be sustainable. How can we extend our reach? How can we future-proof our school, so that every Felstedian who passes through the doors leaves with the same commitment to develop a philanthropic mindset?

According to recent research, if agency can be instilled in young people aged between four and 11, they are more likely to grow up to become civically and philanthropically engaged adult citizens. Parents I have met – from a huge range of different cultures and backgrounds - are universally supportive of schools instilling these humanitarian traits and providing character-building experiences to make a positive difference to the lives of others. They know that these early formative experiences have a lifelong impact.

The retiring collection at the Prep School’s traditional Harvest Festival service last autumn raised a sizeable sum in loose change and notes for Little Havens Hospice, and families also brought with them donations of food and clothing, ready to be transported via the school’s charity, Felsted Aid, to people in need in Ukraine. The impact of this was not lost on our young pupils. In advance, they have been helped to gain some understanding of the challenges faced by people in both places. The ‘Fun for Funds’ fete that followed was organised and run by our Year 8 pupils, with all proceeds donated to five charities they had chosen themselves with great care.

Individual pupils are encouraged to carry out their own fundraising activities in support of charities that

I am very excited to encourage young Felstedians to play a part in paying it forward. I invite you to share your experiences to help our young pupils to understand the worth of donations for a project or for building a legacy.

“Seeing a need and making a conscious decision to take action is the cornerstone of making a difference.”

I welcome your evidence that goes to show how small contributions of time, talent (and, yes, money) can accumulate to make a big impact.

We will know our vision for Felstedians to be changemakers has been realised when we no longer hear those words, ‘I’m just too busy’.

Public Benefit at Felsted

MAKING A DIFFERENCE TO THE LIVES OF OTHERS IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE FELSTED ETHOS, WHICH IS WHY WE FELT THAT THE ISSUE PUBLISHED IN THE SCHOOL’S 460TH YEAR SHOULD REVOLVE AROUND THE THEME OF ‘GIVING BACK’.

Charity Fundraising

RECENTLY DONATED TO

Here are some of the ways Felsted School continues to support the local community and beyond, whilst also teaching our pupils the importance of making meaningful contributions a part of their life’s mission.

Little Havens Hospice / Farleigh Hospice / The David Randall Foundation / The London Air Ambulance / Braintree Food Bank / CHESS (Churches Homeless Emergency Support Scheme) / Essex and & Herts Air Ambulance.

Felsted proudly supports The Sparkle Foundation, an Orphanage in Zomba, founded by OF Sarah Brook (gn06-08). The school has raised over £100,000 for the charity since 2016 and this has provided water, classrooms and transport for children.

Every year, Felsted sponsors the education of 30 students in rural Uganda through Teach Uganda to help young people escape poverty in one of the country’s most deprived regions.

Felsted is also an official partner of One Tribe Global, a conservation charity working with local communities to save rainforests and tropical ecosystems in peril around the world.

More than 200,000 rainforest trees have been protected since 2021 with Felsted’s support, and the school continues to finance the protection of 500 trees every time an admission registration is received, or a long-haul overseas trip is made.

SCHOOL OUTREACH

Felsted’s facilities are made available for local schools and clubs for music, drama and sports - including the use of swimming pools and astro turf pitches - and teaching expertise and facilities are regularly shared with local primary schools.

FELSTED MISSION

Sixth Form pupils regularly volunteer at The Mission, serving tea and coffee at the food bank, putting together food parcels and gardening in the local area.

Serving the Community

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Many students give up their free time to help in the school or local community on a regular basis, such as:

» Volunteering with a local environmental or sustainability project

» Participating in the CCF or Corps of Drums

» Mentoring and coaching younger students in a specific area, such as sport, music or drama

» Training in mental health first aid and learning about the work of the Emergency Services

COMMERCIAL AWARENESS

Pupils from Felsted and three other UK schools run Safi Coffee, a business importing coffee for sale in school cafés and online, with proceeds funding the education of the coffee farmers’ children in Uganda.

The pupils meet termly, either online or in person, and manage all aspects of the business, including shipping the coffee beans to the UK for roasting and packaging, and helping to promote the brand to local businesses and retailers.

PROMOTING DEMOCRACY, LEADERSHIP & SUSTAINABILITY

Felsted’s MUN, founded in 2009 to support pupils on their journey to becoming informed global citizens, continues to be a staple event in the student calendar. The conference theme of the 2023 Model United Nations was ‘Committing to Global Food Security’. Chief Executive Officer of CHESS Rob Saggs was the guest speaker for the event, and students raised £434 for the local homeless charity through the sale of MUN t-shirts and snacks.

The Jack Petchey Awards

The Foundation supports many programmes and encourages every young person to get involved and try something new. Their major programme is the Jack Petchey Achievement Award Scheme which is run in 1,500 youth clubs, youth organisations, and secondary schools across London and Essex.

Felsted School is extremely proud and privileged to be the only independent school to be part of the Jack Petchey Achievement Award Scheme and celebrating students who have shown outstanding commitment to a particular area of school or community life.

Each award winner can choose how to spend their £300 – to benefit their school or organisation.

Our 2023 Jack Petchey Achievement Awards were presented in October by Cllr. Petrina Lees, Leader of Uttlesford District Council. Award winners included Henry F, Ibukunoluwa F, Mansur O, Noor L, Chloe C, Toby S and OF Mary Stokely (gn21-23).

Huge congratulations to all the award winners for their outstanding efforts - and continued thanks to the Jack Petchey Foundation for their support of these remarkable young people.

THE JACK PETCHEY FOUNDATION WAS SET UP BY SIR JACK PETCHEY CBE TO INSPIRE AND CELEBRATE YOUNG PEOPLE.

EDUCATION THE GIFT OF AN

At Felsted, we live by our values. This is a school that strives to be inclusive and open-minded. We are a Felsted Family that develops character and integrity. We challenge our young people to reach their full potential; to support and respect each other –and to make a difference.

We provide a significant amount of means-tested support at varying levels, and also cover cases of unexpected hardship. In 2022, we assisted 56 pupils, with an additional 11 pupils receiving bursarial awards (financial support for school fees) of 100% or thereabouts.

We work with our partners at Royal Docks Academy (based in Newham, adjacent to the Felsted Mission) and the Royal National Children’s Springboard Foundation, to bring several young people per year to Felsted for Sixth Form on fully-funded boarding places.

As well as transforming lives through opportunity, we know diverse experiences and ideas foster new ways of thinking and aid learning.

We spoke to two bursary award holders about their experiences at Felsted School.

Jana Stredánska (tn16-18)

What is your fondest memory of Felsted School?

My favourite moment was when I found out that I had been awarded the bursary for my final years and that I would be able to finish my secondary school education at Felsted. My life changed significantly that day and I wouldn’t be where I am today had it not been for that day.

Did a particular member of staff inspire you?

Mrs Sonia Wilson was my greatest inspiration - she supported me not only in my interest in Economics, but also personally outside of the classroom. She is a big role model for me because of how she has managed to build a successful career, and a lovely family at the same time - a truly impressive combination.

How did your time at Felsted impact the path you have taken?

At Felsted, I was surrounded by inspirational and supportive people, who helped me push myself, work through obstacles, and achieve, if not exceed my goals. I learnt that when you believe in yourself and work hard, you can achieve great things in and out of the classroom.

How would you sum up your time at Felsted?

My time at Felsted was life-changing, transformative, and very enjoyable. It was a combination of learning, camaraderie and personal growth, and I would recommend this fantastic experience to anyone, whatever their career aspirations might be.

Shola Akindayini (fmn09-19)

What is your fondest memory of Felsted School?

My fondest memory was the Leaver’s Ball. It was great to have an event sum up the decade I had spent at Felsted with the people I loved the most. Did a particular member of staff inspire you?

Since I had been at the school for such a long time, there were many members of staff that played a role in inspiring me. Most particularly, Mrs Hancock was a support for me all the way from the Prep School and actually was the main reason I got the bursary in the first place! As well as her, I really enjoyed my time with the Classics department (Miss McLaren, Mr Allan, Mr Rees), who had the time to really get to know our small class and both make the content fun and push us academically.

How did your time at Felsted impact the path you have taken?

I was able to network early on and gain the pharmacy and hospital work experience I needed for my application to medical school. Beyond this, I think Felsted really helped me grow resilience to the amount of content that gets thrown at us in medicine. I also have made friends for life.

How would you sum up your time at Felsted?

It was a great period of my life that I am so happy I was lucky enough to experience. I’m completely grateful to everyone who was in my corner from the beginning and showed me nothing but kindness.

How has Felsted helped you in your life and career? Share

DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

Nurturing Strong Links with Our Felsted Community

The Development Office is responsible for nurturing strong links with our Felsted Community. We deliver an integrated and varied programme of communications, events, fundraising activities and stewardship to keep our community engaged with the life of the school.

Kate Love, Director of Development

As Director, Kate has responsibility for developing strategy and managing the team. Kate is a member of the Senior Leadership Team at Felsted School, and she also leads our major gifts programme.

Rosie Eastop, Database and Research Officer

Rosie is responsible for looking after our database of contacts, and keeping all information up-to-date, which is crucial in helping us stay in touch with you and the rest of the Felstedian community.

Zoe Lam, Development Manager

Zoe joined the team in February 2024 to support and implement our philanthropic programme, leading on regular giving, stewardship, and our legacy programme.

Verity Stone, Engagement Manager

Verity joins the team as Engagement Manager for a 12 month period, during Grace Sullivan’s maternity leave. Verity oversees our engagement programme of communications and events, and many of our OFs will have an opportunity to meet Verity at events during her 12 month tenure.

Grace Sullivan, Engagement Manager

Grace is currently on maternity leave until the Autumn Term 2024.

Elizabeth Turner, Executive Administrator

Lizzie is key to the smooth running of not just operational matters in the Development Office - but also the wider team of Directors in Admissions, Marketing and Global Education.

Felsted School Financials

HOW FELSTED SPENDS ITS MONEY –EDUCATION OF YOUNG PEOPLE

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE

Data for financial year ending 31 August 2022*

CHARITABLE EXPENDITURE

*https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/310870

FELSTED IS THE TES ‘BOARDING SCHOOL OF THE YEAR’ 2023

We are delighted to report that Felsted was awarded ‘Boarding School of the Year’ in 2023 by the Times Educational Supplement (TES). Judging was not just based on academic achievement, but on the “innovation, imagination and effort that goes into developing children in ways that go beyond the league tables” according to TES.

We are immensely proud of everyone within the Felstedian community who has contributed to this sensational accolade.

FELSTED PARTNERS WITH SARACENS

Felsted is thrilled to have been named as an official partner school of Saracens Rugby Club! Under the five-year partnership arrangement, Saracens’ training sessions and academy camps will be held at Felsted in school holidays, as will assessment festivals, at which new talent will be identified by both the club and the school. Here are some of our rugby youngsters with England international rugby player and OF Max Malins (fhc02-15).

3-2-1-COLOUR RUN!

The Colour Run and Paint Party in March 2023 raised an incredible £6,000 for Felsted's charity partners, including Farleigh Hospice, CHESS Homeless, Magic Bus and The Felsted Mission; as well as those affected by Cyclone Freddie in Malawi.

£50,000 RAISED FOR BURSARIES IN THE 2024 TELETHON!

A huge thank you to so many in our Felsted community who felt able to give to our 2023 telethon in April 2023. An incredible £50,000 was raised to fund transformative bursaries for young people who could not otherwise benefit from all Felsted has to offer. Coupled with this success, a number of fantastic opportunities were created in the form of work experience and internships for our young OF callers, who created lasting relationships with many of our senior OFs and parents who phoned in to donate.

FELSTED’S FIRST PRE-LOVED SKI-WEAR FASHION SHOW

Prep children, families and Felsted staff worked together to put on Felsted’s first skiwear fashion show in November 2023, which raised more than £1,300 for the Rainbow Trust, which supports families with children with lifethreatening illnesses.

BRUCE MUNRO'S 'FIREFLY' COLLABORATION WITH FELSTED ARTISTS

OF Bruce Munro (fh68-77) gave Felsted's budding artists the opportunity to collaborate with him in an extension of his 'Fireflies' installation at the Dorothy House Hospice in Bath. The purpose of the installation was to provide a magical way of celebrating the life of a loved one, by "dedicating the light of a firefly". One of the first people to receive one of the new lights in September 2023 was the Princess Royal, who dedicated it to her late parents.

FELSTED NAMED ‘TOP 25 UK SCHOOL’ IN COUNTRY LIFE MAGAZINE

Felsted was featured in the August 2023 issue of Country Life as one of the 25 long-established pillars of learning that is said to "have stood the test of time" and "adapted quite remarkably to provide 21st century-style education".

FELSTED PRAISED AS ONE OF THE COUNTRY’S BEST CRICKET SCHOOLS

The Cricketer's Schools Guide 2024, which is known for its competitive list of the country's top schools for the revered sport, has placed Felsted in its top 100. Since the first cricket pitch was played on, in 1805, Felsted's commitment to cricket has known no bounds, offering elite pathways for talented athletes; many of whom have gone on to become professional cricketers and exemplary role models to Felstedians.

FELSTED PARTNERS WITH REMAP CHARITY FOR DEMENTIA SUPPORT

In December 2023, Felsted School proudly announced its collaboration with Remap, a renowned charity dedicated to creating bespoke devices that enhance the lives of those living with disabilities. Students from Felsted’s STEM team enthusiastically took on the challenge of developing memory light-up devices, designed to support individuals with dementia.

FELSTED APPOINTS NEW HEAD OF SUSTAINABILITY

Nia Thompson has been appointed as the first ever Head of Sustainability at Felsted School. As Head of Sustainability, Nia is working with pupils of all ages to implement the ‘Felsted for a Sustainable Future’ plan,

TEAM FELSTED'S

HALF-MARATHON CHALLENGE FOR CHARITY

On Sunday 25 February 2024, L6 pupils ran with teachers and Head Chris Townsend in Wokingham. They raised more than £3,000 for various charities, including Teach Uganda, Essex & Herts Air Ambulance, Chess Homeless and - particularly close to Felsted's heart - the Felsted Mission.

FELSTED WINS U18 VASE FINAL OF THE CONTINENTAL TYRES SCHOOLS CUP

On 14 March 2024, the whole school descended upon Twickenham Stadium to support the 1st XV Rugby Team as they played a sensational game against Ivybridge Community College, winning 42-19. It was a day that will be remembered for many years to come.

Go Felsted!

RICHARD FELDMAN RETIRES AFTER 42 YEARS AT FELSTED

In July 2023, Richard Feldman retired after 42 years of service at Felsted. Richard’s many roles over the years included being the Housemaster of Manor House. Throughout his tenure at the school, Richard has been at the heart of the school’s golfing endeavours. The Golf Day on 22 May 2024 will be a tribute to Richard, who has inspired many to either pursue golf/sport professionally or as a cherished hobby.

launched in January 2023: a raft of initiatives in addition to those already in action throughout the school to reduce waste, promote sustainability, and encourage the ecosystem to flourish.

Leavers’ Destinations 2023

*Number

of students who went to this university

SUBJECTS

Accounting and Business

Accounting and Finance

Accounting and Finance with Placement

Acting

Acting and Performance

Acting and Theatre Arts

Actuarial Mathematics

Ancient and Modern History

Applied Sport Science

Architecture

Architecture and Environmental Design

Arts Management

Biological Sciences

Business

Business Administration

Business Analytics

Business and Management

Business Economics

Business, Economics and Finance

Business Management (Digital Business)

Business Management and Entrepreneurship

Business Management with Marketing

Business with Marketing

Classical Civilisation

Classical Studies

Classics

Computer Science (Software Engineering)

Creative Writing and Film

Criminology

Early Childhood

Economic History

Economics

Economics and Finance

English Literature

English with Business Studies

Environment, Economics and Ecology

Fashion Marketing and Management

Film and Television Studies

Filmmaking

Geography and Environmental Science

History

History of Art

International Development with Economics

International Relations and Politics

Law

Law with French Law

2023 EXAM RESULT CELEBRATIONS

Our 2023 leavers achieved an 100% pass rate at IB and one third of all A Level grades were an A or A* - we wish them all the best in their next steps in their educational and career pathways.

For GCSE, 40% of all grades were 9-7 (the old A-A*) with many pupils celebrating their excellent achievements.

FELSTED WAS RECENTLY LISTED AS ONE OF THE TOP 20 IB SCHOOLS IN THE UK

Linguistics and Phonetics

Mathematics

Marketing Communications with Digital Media

Marketing Management

Mechanical Engineering

Modern and Medieval Languages

Natural Sciences

Philosophy

Philosophy and Politics

Policing and Criminal Justice

Politics

Politics and International Relations

Product Design

Product Design Engineering

Psychology

Real Estate

Sociology

Sociology and Politics

Sociology and Social Anthropology

Sport and Exercise Science

Sport Science and Management

Veterinary Medicine and Surgery

OF Events 2024

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS YEAR

THE OF SOCIETY DINNER

Friday 12 April

Lord Riche Hall, Felsted School

OF V OS POLO MATCH (SCHOOLS & GILBEY TROPHY)

Sunday 19 May

Silver Leys Polo Club

THE CAMBRIDGE NETWORK SUMMER DRINKS

Wednesday 10 July

Fellows’ Garden, Jesus College, University of Cambridge

THE CAMBRIDGE NETWORK SPRING LUNCH

Thursday 18 April

Seasons Restaurant at Cambridge Regional College

CLASS OF 2014 ‘10 YEARS OUT’ REUNION

Friday 26 April

GOLF DAY IN HONOUR OF RICHARD FELDMAN

Wednesday 22 May

Colne Valley Golf Club

FELSTED FAMILY DAY

Sunday 1 September

Felsted School

OF REUNIONS IN GERMANY (MUNICH & HAMBURG)

Thursday 20 & Friday 21 June

THE CAMBRIDGE NETWORK WINTER LUNCH

Thursday 14 November

Jesus College, University of Cambridge

OF REUNION CHRISTMAS CHOIR

Date TBC

Holy Cross Church, Felsted

For further information, to book on to any of the above events, and to learn of any newly listed events, please visit https://www.felsted.org/ofs/events, email ofs@felsted.org or call +44(0) 1371 822 645

We look forward to reporting these reunions and events in the 2025 issue, but to keep up-to-date in real time, please head to our social media channels:

@Felstedians

@felstedians

The Felsted Network

@felstedians

@Felstedians

OF Sports Reports & Fixtures

CRICKET REPORT: 2023 UPDATE

Felsted Robins 331-9 (50 overs) lost to Stowe Templars 134-2 (22.4 overs) on DLS

Despite exceptional efforts, the Felsted Robins were knocked out in the first round of the Cricketer Cup by Stowe Templars in June, losing on Duckworth Lewis in a high-scoring match.

The Robins were involved with eight other fixtures against a range of opposition and played valiantly throughout the 2023 season.

In 2024, the Robins will play the winner of Stowe Templars v Old Hamptonians in the Cricketer Cup.

A big thank you for everyone’s continued support!

Nigel Gadsby (h74-79), President of the Felsted Robins Ed Hutley (fd97-06), Secretary of the Felsted Robins

Please note that this fixture list may be subject to change.

The most up-to-date fixtures will always be published online at https://www.felsted.org/ofs/clubs INTERESTED

The

FELSTED ROBINS CRICKET CLUB FIXTURES 2024

Felsted Robins Cricket Club

OF Sports Reports & Fixtures

Saturday 24 Spring Meeting at Aldeburgh Golf Club

April

Thursday 11 –Sunday 14 Halford Hewitt at Royal St. Georges and Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club

May

Thursday 9 Extra Spring Meeting at The Essex Golf and C.C

Sunday 12 Grafton Morrish Qualifier at Gog Magog Golf Club

Sunday 12 Old Felstedians Triangular Match V The Common Room and The Felsted pupils

Wednesday 22 Richard Feldman Golf Celebration at Colne Valley G.C

Tuesday 28 3.30 – 4.00 pm OFGS against The Old Brentwoods at Thorndon Park G.C

June

Wednesday 5 Summer Meeting at West Sussex Golf Club

Thursday 4 Putting Competition at Royal Wimbledon Golf Club

Thursday, 13 Putting Competition Finals at Royal Wimbledon Golf Club

Friday 14 & Saturday 15 Match against Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club

Wednesday 26 – Friday 28

The Mellin, Burles and Millard trophies at West Hill G.C

Autumn Meeting TBC

– –

September

Friday 27 –

Sunday 29 Grafton Morrish Finals at Royal West Norfolk and Hunstanton Golf Club

Tim Hedin

Phil Graham and Charlie Wilcox

Dudley Simpson

Phil Graham

Tim Platts

Phil Graham

Chris Olley

Oliver Stocken

Mike Rath

Mike Rath

William Doe

Tim Chetwood

Dudley Simpson

Phil Graham

It has been another highly enjoyable year for the OF Golf Society. We have an excellent fixture list that gives us access to some great courses. We are also extremely fortunate to be able to participate in some wonderful events. If you are a golfer, have a registered handicap, and are not currently a member of our Society, please consider getting in touch. Our fixture list offers opportunities for golfers at all handicap levels.

The Halford Hewitt took place in late March at Royal St Georges. The Felsted side, superbly led by Charlie Wilcox (fa95-02), took on St Bees in the first round and emerged victorious by a margin of 3 ½ to 1 ½. We then found ourselves up against a strong Dulwich side, who defeated us by an identical margin. Our top pair, Charlie Duke (fec08-15) and Will Dunn (fc01-08), are to be congratulated on winning both of their matches.

In the senior events, Tim Chetwood (a66-70), as ever, put in a sterling effort to organise our teams for the Mellin and Burles Salvers. We have enjoyed much success in the Burles in recent years, but sadly we were defeated by Sherborne in the second round of both events.

In June, Will Doe (fd77-86) kindly put a side together for our delightful annual trip to Deal Golf Club. We were delighted to welcome Gordon Buchanan (h83-88) to our side. Charlie Duke and Mike Rath (fh92-99) did well to win both of their matches. However, this did not prevent the overall contest ending in a victory for Deal.

The Mathews Cup foursomes took place at the end of September. Our side, led by Jon Regan (a88-93), finished in third place.

Following our qualification for the Grafton Morrish Finals back in May, we took our place at Brancaster in late September. Tom Copnell (fc05-10) led a six man team that included 18-year-old Leo Bonser (fac15-23) who had only just left Felsted School. In partnership with Tom Copnell, he got off to a winning start against the strongly fancied Loughborough side. Bradfield were our next opponents, but they were a strong opponent and squeaked home in a close contest.

In the Society golf days, there were victories for Mike Rath (scratch) and Stuart Mott (handicap) at Aldeburgh, whilst Ken McCrea (fe57-67) won the annual meeting at Pulborough. Dudley Simpson (b57-60) organised two meetings at East Herts and won both of them! Our thanks go to Dudley, Tim Hedin (d75-80) and Oliver Stocken CBE (e54-60) for their great efforts in making these days happen. A special mention goes to Phil Graham (fb79-89), who does so much for our Society, both on and off the course.

We look forward to seeing what success the 2024 season brings!

Stuart Mott (h69-74), President of the OFGS

Please note that this fixture list may be subject to change.

The most up-to-date fixtures will always be published online at https://www.felsted.org/ofs/clubs

HOW’S YOUR HANDICAP?

Whether golf is a cherished hobby of yours or it’s been some time since you’ve picked up a club, you are very welcome to join the OFGS. Please contact ofs@felsted.org for more information.

The Old Felstedian Football Club (OFFC) has recently returned to Arthurian League competition in the form of the Junior League Cup and David Woolcott Trophy for the 2023/24 season. The Arthurian League consists of other Old Boys’ teams which are played in and around London. It has been a long wait for the OFFC, which formed in 1893 at the Sports Club in St. James’ Square. The club enjoyed matches against Ipswich Town and Chelmsford in addition to other Old Boys’ outfits.

We have been extremely lucky this year to work with school archivists to examine Felstedian magazines during this club’s early history. The First World War made it difficult for OFs to fulfil regular fixtures, which led to the eventual dissolution of the club in 1919. Star players included H.J. Farquharson (b05-08) and A.C Hayhoe (a02-06), who represented the club over 100 times. A.G Thurlow (b05-11), E.F Gillett (fb05-12), and H.F Silverwood (d07-10) are only a handful of OFFC players who died during active service. It had, therefore, been over 100 years since Old Felstedians entered any form of football competition. Having reformed in 2017, the club has seen over forty OFs turn out in annual fixtures against the School and Common Room. The next step was, of course, to apply for regular external fixtures with teams alike. The team this season met the Old Brentwoods, unfortunately losing out 4-2; however, there is a promising future ahead for further matches in the League.

The Old Felstedians have taken to their new fixtures with usual underdog spirit. London-based matches have made the club more accessible to London-based OFs, so please get in touch with us if you are interested in playing.

The OFFC has, very kindly, been supported by the OF Society, with the funding of brand new kits for the forthcoming season. The club has published a new crest to mark its formation, spearheaded by Lieutenant General Sir Bertram Kirwan (1883-1886), which also matches those worn by the Old Felstedians in the 1890s as a tribute to the club’s first footballers.

The Old Felstedian Football Club players this season ranged from 19 to 35 years old, which made for great social and networking occasions in even some pretty poor playing conditions!

Please keep an eye out on our social media channels for fixture dates and match results.

@Felsted OFFC

@oldfelstedianfc

@FelstedOFFC

Joe King (fhc08-15), Organiser of the OFFC

INTERESTED IN JOINING THE TEAM?

We’re looking for more players, particularly within and around the London area. Please contact Joe via info@offc.uk to find out more and sign up.

Photographer: Andy Nunn

Memories to Last a Lifetime

OBITUARIES

Paul, who finished fourth in the 220 yards All England Championships as a 16-year old Felsted schoolboy sprinter, sadly died on 4 March 2023.

Born in Bishop’s Stortford in 1941, Paul became a successful racehorse trainer. Perhaps because of his knowledge and love of speed, he was best known for his exploits with smart sprinters such as Gemini Fire, Jonacris and Shuttlecock Corner at the peak of his career in the 1980s and 1990s.

Paul had an amazing knack with his horses and was quite the

introvert; preferring horses to people! He retired in 2008 after training for 36 years; following this, he helped judge at local point-to-points, and enjoyed life with his dogs and cattle.

His daughter, Sally, described him as “a natural sportsman who loved wildlife and the countryside…racing was his life”.

He lived near Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire and is survived by his two daughters, Sally Steed and Bunty Felgate.

Paul Felgate, 17 March 1941 - 4 March 2023

The son of a farmer, David first took an interest in running whilst at Felsted School. On leaving school, he won three Amateur Athletic Association 220-yard titles between 1959 and 1961, and was runner-up the following year before regaining his title in 1963. He also shone over 100 yards, finishing runner-up in the AAAs in 1960. That same year he went to the Rome Olympics. He reached the semi-finals and also made the 200m quarter-finals, and joined the quartet that secured the bronze medal in the 4x100m relay behind the United Team of Germany and the USSR.

David’s exploits brought wider fame: in 1961 The Victor comic described him as “one of Britain’s fastest men on two feet” in a double-page spread about his rise in world athletics. That year he was the fastest in the country over 100m (10.3sec) and 220yd (21.0sec).

In 1962, at the Empire and Commonwealth Games in Perth, Australia, David won 4x110yd relay gold for England with his teammates, as well as bronze in the 220yd. He won another bronze at that year’s European Championships in Belgrade in the sprint relay. In 1963, in Gibraltar, he set the world record for 150 yards – 13.9sec.

David was also a talented hockey player for Surbiton, and became secretary and president of the touring Ghost Hockey Club, who would take on visiting veterans’ sides. After suffering a recurring Achilles tendon problem, he bowed out of international competition in 1966.

At the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, David worked as an adviser to the Sunday Mirror and Daily Express, and as one of the BBC commentary team. That same year, David married Maggie Guild. To celebrate the birth of their daughter in 1974, David was featured in the Daily Mirror streaking in a London park: the headline accorded him the honour of “world’s fastest streaker”. They divorced in 1976, and in 1981 he married Liz Earnshaw, whom he had first met at the 1966 Commonwealth Games in Jamaica, where she was coaching.

In 2005 they retired to Mallorca, where he had holidayed with his family for years in the town of San Telmo. David is survived by his wife and daughter.

David Jones, 11 March 1940 - 1 June 2023

Adapted from © Telegraph Media Group Limited 2023.

RACEHORSE TRAINER, PAUL FELGATE (FB50-57), DIES AGED 81

OLYMPIC MEDALLIST, DAVID JONES (G54-57), DIES AT AGE 83

Oliver Everett was Private Secretary to the Prince and Princess of Wales during the 1980s, and later a distinguished Royal Librarian and archivist.

Oliver visited the school in June and was pleased to learn of Felsted’s recent cricket and rugby successes, having previously been in the Cricket Colt XI and 1st XV Cricket teams, as well as captain of the 1st XV Rugby team.

Oliver kept in touch with Felsted over the years, having returned in 2014 to present a Butler Lecture to students. In 2019, he also hosted an OF event for a private viewing of the ‘Leonardo da Vinci: A Life in Drawing’ exhibition at The Queen’s Gallery in Buckingham Palace.

Remarkably, in a letter from Oliver following his 2023 visit to Felsted, he shared a memory of a school skiing trip to Austria, led by Johnny Cockett, where Oliver and his friends prompted Mr Cockett to “go over and meet for the first time, a beautiful girl, Heather - his future wife”.

Oliver was a prefect and a member of the CCF during his years as a boarder, and went on to study at Christ’s College Cambridge, the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, and the London School of Economics and Political Science.

His earlier career in diplomacy, working abroad in India and

Madrid, served him well as he later became Assistant Private Secretary to the Prince of Wales between 1978 and 1980, where he attended several overseas engagements. In between his secretarial duties, Oliver is said to have been a keen polo player and even played in the Air India team under the patronage of the Prince of Wales.

Oliver went on to be the Princess of Wales’ Private Secretary before entering the next phase of his career as a Royal Librarian. He oversaw exhibitions and the loan of royal treasures, and was known to have encyclopedic knowledge about Windsor Castle, having assisted with the artist Alexander Creswell’s illustrations of the damaged castle following the fire of 1992.

Oliver garnered such a reputation for his dedication to preserving royal history that he was appointed Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order (LVO) in 1980, and later Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO) in 1991. He spent a later portion of his career lecturing around the world, and was awarded with a Librarian Emeritus status upon his retirement in 2002.

Oliver Everett is survived by his partner, Diana Jervis-Read, and four children from his marriage to Theffania Vesey Stoney.

Oliver Everett CVO, 28 February 1943 - 22 December 2023

OBITUARY LIST

ARCHER, Peter Bryan (b41-44)

ASHFORD, Neil Gordon Manning (b66-70)

BARLOW, Peter John, MBE TD (a58-62)

BASS, Richard (d47-51)

BOYS, Cecil William Gordon (Preferred Name: William) (fh62-71)

BROOKS, David Anthony (d47-52)

CAIN, Michael Hugh Douglas (g42-45)

CATCHPOLE, Guy (e56-61)

CLOAD, Marcus James Donald (c81-86)

COCKS, Leonard Robert Morrison, OBE TD (Preferred Name: Robin) (b52-57)

DUDGEON, Gerald Heath (fh60-69)

EVERETT, Oliver William, CVO (b56-61)

FELGATE, Paul Stanley (fb50-57)

GRAY, Christopher Mark (h81-86)

GRIGSBY, Joseph Stapleton (fb45-53)

HADDOCK, Colin Rudyerd Gemmell (a65-70)

HEAD, Leslie Edwin, (a43-47)

HOWLISTON, Luke Antony (fc87-97)

JOHN, Michael Phillip (a52-56)

JONES, David Henry (g54-57)

KENT, Paul Reginald (d67-72)

KENYON, Joshua Ross (a85-86)

LEAVER, Robin Henry (fe45-51)

LEEMING, David Roger (fg56-65)

LUCKIN, Peter Samuel (Preferred Name: Sam) (a51-55)

MATTHEWS, Anthony James (b45-49)

MOORE, James Robert York (b64-67)

MOORE, John York (b36-40)

PEAL, Simon Martin Newcomb (d70-75)

PIGGOT, John Scott (c54-59)

RODGER-BROWN, Donald (g53-58)

SAUNDERS, David Fellgate (c51-55)

SCANTLEBURY, Hugh (fd46-54)

THORNE, Barry Stanley (d52-56)

THORNE, Henry Francis (c46-49)

WARNER, George William Moule (fa38-44)

WORMAN, Neil Martin Kenion (g57-62)

WEBB, Peter Frederick (fd62-71)

WILLOUGHBY, Brian Howard Kelway (a40-43)

FORMER STAFF

MILLS, Roger Edwin Stuart (60-61)

FELSTED COMMUNITY

COCKETT, Heather

FORMER PRIVATE SECRETARY TO THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES, OLIVER EVERETT CVO (B56-61), DIES AGED 80

Heather loved and served Felsted, and its community, for more than 60 years. Her late husband, John, who died in 2020 at age 92, joined Felsted School as a Mathematics teacher and Housemaster of Deacon’s, and later as Master in Charge of Cricket - a post which he held for three decades, with Heather by his side.

Heather is survived by her children, Robin, Gill and Anthony, and her nine grandchildren. Donations are welcome to the Alzheimers Society in memory of Heather.

Heather Julinne Cockett (née Pearson), 4 July 1933 - 7 December 2023

Marcus came from a family of Felstedians, including his sister, stepfather and step siblings. It was at Felsted he met his wife, Caroline (née Hynard, n84-86), of 32 years.

His daughters, Katie (fbn09-16) and Annabel (fbn10-19), were also pupils.

Marcus grew up in Rome where he first developed his love of art and food. Felsted gave him every opportunity to develop his artistic talents under the inspirational guidance of Trevor Goodman. He went on to gain a degree in History of Art from the University of East Anglia.

After University, he diversified his creative flair and became a chef. Having found his passion in culinary arts and the restaurant business, Marcus went on to become a co-founder of two well-known restaurant chains - Strada and Côte.

He was also instrumental in rolling out the Bill’s brand, before enjoying an early retirement in leafy Hertfordshire at the age of 47.

Marcus had a real love for music, art, cooking, carpentry, gardening and spending time with his close network of friends and family; many of whom are also Old Felstedians. He loved to travel, particularly to Italy, and ski in winter; any trip that involved good food and fine wine was a bonus.

Sadly, Marcus was cut down in his prime. Having been airlifted to hospital, following a skiing accident two years ago, an MRI revealed a brain tumour. Marcus fought this valiantly and never lost his positive outlook on life.

Sadly, he passed away in September 2023 at the age of 55.

Marcus James Donald Cload, 14 February 1968 - 4 September 2023

DEVOTED WIFE OF JOHN COCKETT, HEATHER, DIES PEACEFULLY AT AGE 90

RAISING A GLASS TO RESTAURATEUR, MARCUS CLOAD (C81-86)

Lieutenant Peter Samuel Luckin, known to all as ‘Sam’, was commissioned into the Essex Regiment as a National Service officer in 1957, and posted to the 1st Battalion in Moore Barracks, Dortmund, where he was a platoon commander in A Company. After completing his full-time service he spent three years with the newly-formed Army Emergency Reserve, known as the ‘Ever-Readies’.

After his service, Sam was involved in the running of the family farming business and became a public relations consultant, writing extensively on agricultural matters for

many years. Despite serving only two years, Sam became a stalwart member of the Essex Regiment Association, serving on committees including that responsible for the Royal Anglian and Essex Regiment Chapel at Warley. He was also a member of the Pompadour Officers’ Dinner Club.

For many years he arranged hospitality at the Farmers’ Club for regimental representatives attending the opening of the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey each November.

Peter Samuel Luckin, 9 March 1938 - 12 March 2023

BRIAN

(A40-43) DIES AT 97 AFTER A CAREER OF SERVICE

Brian died at Faithful House Care Home in Cheltenham with his daughter, Victoria, at his side. Victoria shared the following with us:

“His school days, recalled with fond memories, were at Goodrich Court. He told me that he won many prizes and was Head Boy and remembered the Physics Master, Henry Reekie, who helped him on his way to Cambridge where he studied Mechanical Engineering at Clare College.”

Brian moved on to the Admiralty and did research at the National Physical Laboratory in Teddington, before moving onto Portland Bill, and then to The Hague, working for

NATO with the American and Canadian Navies on safeguarding communications.

His career moved to Government Communication Headquarters in Cheltenham in the 1960s, where his research in communications continued until he retired at 69.

Brian was much loved by his wife, Pamela, and his children, Matthew and Victoria. He is survived by his daughter and grandson, Montgomery.

Donations to the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) are welcomed in memory of Brian.

Brian Howard Kelway Willoughby, 11 March 1926 - 6 October 2023

WILLOUGHBY

LIEUTENANT PETER SAMUEL LUCKIN (A51-55) DIES AGED 85

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Freddie was born on 29 April 2023 to Lucy Coombs (née Hilton, fn00-07) and her husband, Stuart. Freddie has his grandfather’s middle name of Nicholas, Lucy’s father, who sadly passed away in October 2023.

Baby Thomas arrived on 12 November 2023 to delighted parents Harriet Sloan (née Rowntree-Taylor, fbn05-12) and her husband, Gareth.

MARLEY BEAU FLOYD

Congratulations to Georgiana Floyd (née Hutley, n02-07) and her husband, Tom, who welcomed their first son, Marley, on 30 September 2023.

Congratulations to Tori Menhinick (fb97-06) and her husband, Andy, who welcomed their second little girl, Phoebe, on 1 July 2023. Here they are with Phoebe’s big sister, Felicity.

FREDDIE NICHOLAS HILTON COOMBS

THOMAS HUGO GEORGE SLOAN

PHOEBE ALICE ELIZABETH MENHINICK

PENELOPE VALENTINE

Penelope was born to Jasmin King (mn08-12) and Kieron Scutt on 14 February 2023. What a gorgeous photo of the three of them!

GRADUATIONS

PETER PANTLIN (h64-69)

Congratulations to Peter Pantlin who graduated with a masters in British Naval History (15001960) from the University of Portsmouth.

FREYA JAMES (mn16-19)

We were delighted to hear that Freya graduated from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) with a degree in Drama.

CULLEN LAVERY (dc16-18)

After completing a Business Management degree from Roehampton University in 2022, Cullen decided to undertake a masters in Filmmaking at Central Film School, where he achieved a Distinction. He has now set up a production company with his friends who are hoping to redefine the British crime genre.

OTTILIE PLAYER

Jonny Player (fh00-07) and his wife, Leanne, welcomed little Ottilie on 6 July 2023.

CRICHELLE BRICE (g06-11)

Emma

Thomas Watkinson at Sandon Manor in Hertfordshire on 2 September 2023. OFs in attendance included Maid of Honour Tiffany Griggs (gn06-11), Simon Griggs (b80-85), Leanne McCallum (fmbn06-11), Amy Treliving (née Brett, mbn06-11), and Charlotte Webb (fmbn06-11).

Crichelle married Emma Wright in Connecticut on 15 April 2023. OFs in attendance included Pernilla Craig (m08-11), Jessica Galvin (bn08-13), Esme Bronwen-Smith (bn03-13), and James Wilkinson (fac06-13). Pernilla sang in the choir and Esme, who was a bridesmaid, performed a beautiful aria.

Rob Staples (a96-01)

Rob and Alicia Staples married in Edinburgh on 13 January 2023. OFs James Barry-Jackson (h96-01) and Seb Balcombe (a96-01) were in attendance.

Emma Gates (fgn06-11)

married

Mike Houlder and Robyn Doughty married on 19 May 2023 at Estoi Church, Portugal. They met in 2005 at Felsted and have been together for over 14 years. They celebrated their special day with many of their Felsted friends including Chris Wareham (fd05-08) as Mike’s best man and ushers Kyle Milford (hc06-10) and Sean Perrie (fdc05-10).

Sophie Corkhill (née Schneidau, gn05-10) was Robyn’s maid of honour and Sarah Wakeham (née Doughty, n05-07), Gabby Doughty (fb08-13), Olivia Judd (née Houlder, fg97-07) and Bella Collins (f03-06) were three of Robyn’s bridesmaids.

KATIE HEWING-POWELL (fmn07-14) AND JOSHUA WALSH (ec09-14)

Katie and Joshua married in Little Leighs on 5 August 2023 with 27 OFs in attendance, including Best Man Fergus Rogers (ec09-14), Groomsman Benjamin Thompson (ec09-14), and Bridesmaids

Jessica Stockell (fbn00-14) and Hayley Minks (fgn07-14).

GABRIELLE LOWE (mn10-12)

Gabrielle married Tom Margerison at The Ned in London on 18 November 2023. Several OFs were in attendance, including Jasmin King (mn08-12), Olivia Blyth (bn07-12), James Hardy (ec07-12), Will Tunstall-Prince (fac00-12), Catriona Deery (bn10-12) and Georgia Fernley (tmn10-12); as well as her brother, Daniel (fhc09-17), her sister, Isabelle (fmn09-15), and cousins Louis Mather (fac05-19) and Will Dickinson (d01-06).

LAURA MURPHY (mb93-95)

Laura married David Stallman in Great Tey on 3 February 2024. OF guests included Erica Callandar (née Hammond, m88-90), James Edwards (fh87-96), George Matthews (fc85-95), Georgina Mace (née Potts, mb93-95), Tim Struth (c90-95), and Ellen Young (née Nieuwenhuis, n93-95).

ROBYN DOUGHTY (gn05-10) AND MIKE HOULDER (fhc05-10)

The OF Committee…Society

WE ARE INCREDIBLY LUCKY TO HAVE DEDICATED COMMITTEE MEMBERS IN THE OF SOCIETY WHO HELP TO ORGANISE REUNIONS AND EVENTS, AND MAINTAIN AN ENGAGED OLD FELSTEDIAN COMMUNITY. HERE IS A BRIEF INTRODUCTION OF WHO THESE MEMBERS ARE AND HOW THEY ‘GIVE BACK’.

When the opportunity arose to take over as Chair from Michael Yeatts in January 2023, I couldn’t turn it down - I loved my time at school, and have always wanted to do something to support and help ensure that Felsted continues to be such a fantastic proposition for families.

I also value the power of networking and wanted to help galvanise the fantastic network that Old Felstedians are part of. Motivated by time in the army, I also like to support the veteran community. This has led me to volunteer for London Poppy Day every year and support Combat Stress, the UK’s leading veterans’ mental health charity. I was a Governor on the Seckford Foundation from 2015-2019 and also lead humanitarian relief to the Ukrainian Border in 2022.

My time at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst taught me the importance of ‘service’ and I try to keep the ‘serve to lead’ motto in the forefront of my mind. Giving back is so important as there are so many people, organisations, and causes that need support and anything that anyone can do, however small, will always make a difference.

Over 25 years ago, I was asked to be on the OF Society Committee. Initially, I organised the annual dinners, solely dependent on my landline, and relying on Royal Mail for ticket sales and processing a lot of cheques! Currently, I am honoured to be the OFS President.

Felsted had a profoundly positive impact on my life, and it was my wish to ‘give back’; to contribute to the community that had given me the confidence to hold my head up high, the insight that I had a voice, and the belief that I had potential.

I sit on the Accreditation Board, representing the Montessori nurseries and Primary schools at National Level; and, in tandem, support parents, adult students in their training, and children during crucial stages of their development. Giving your time to support the greater whole is invaluable; you feel a deep sense of contribution and, in turn, part of a larger community.

Ihave served in the OF Society Committee since 2017. At the time, I was a parent of two boys in the school and knew that they would benefit from being a part of the Old Felstedian community, and hoped that I could contribute to their experience - and that of their peersin my own way.

I am also a Trustee of the Philipps Fund, which seeks to benefit the school. With the Philipps Fund and the OF Society, I seek to support the school and wider Felstedian family; and, drawing on my experience, I hope I have been of some help! Giving back is so important for maintaining community spirit and for your own sense of wellbeing; plus you get to help others and meet new people, which is absolutely priceless.

As well as being on the OF Committee for more than eight years, I am also a Governor of St. Cedd’s Prep School, a Felsted Parish Councillor, Secretary to the Felsted United Charities, a Trustee of the Crix Mission Trust, and a member of the Felsted Community Trust.

During my time working at Felsted School, I was given many opportunities that were quite unique to working women of my age and I wanted to promote the ethos of EDI within the OF Society. Being born into a military family as a child, when asked where I lived, my response was “no fixed abode”. Felsted Village has been the home of my husband since 1955 and has become an area of importance to me, too. Therefore, both the School and the village have given me a sense of belonging to a real community, and I want to continue to give something back to these two very important parts of my life.

SARAH MACDIARMID (NÉE ROWLEDGE, M85-87), OF SOCIETY PRESIDENT

JESTON NA NAKHORN (E85-90), OF SOCIETY CHAIR

FRANCES MARSHALL, FORMER HOUSEMISTRESS OF STOCKS’ (03-14), OF SOCIETY COMMITTEE MEMBER

JULIAN SCOFIELD (D88-93), OF SOCIETY SECRETARY

One of the important aspects of the culture at Felsted is learning about the importance of giving back. I have been fortunate to visit both Uganda and Malawi, to see Felsted charities in action overseas, and as a result support a student at Great Lakes, and the medical provision in Malawi.

I have also been fortunate to get to know the Magic Bus team, and see the Mission in action, and contribute in a small way towards their ongoing work.

Recently, I have taken up running, and got the opportunity last year to participate in the London Marathon for Lord's Taverners, a cricketing charity that is close to my heart. I was part of a staff and student team that ran the Wokingham Half Marathon in February 2024 in support of all the school charities, and will complete both the Paris Marathon (on 7 April) and the London Marathon (on 21 April) in quick succession, again in support of Lord's Taverners.

Of course, I also support Felsted's bursary scheme, through regular giving, and very much hope that this is something that the school will be able to grow in the coming years.

Ichaired the OFS Committee for around seven years and have thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie of like-minded OFs, and the chance to make a positive impact for the OF community.

After passing the baton to Jeston, I now chair the Felsted School Mission Council, where I have been able to directly guide the Mission to make a real difference to people in and around Custom House in London. I believe that the time and effort I give has been dwarfed by the immense satisfaction of making a difference to so many people. It has to be one of my top recommendations in life!

Ihave served in the OF Committee for almost 20 years now, as I have had an ongoing interest in the activities of the school and keeping in touch with other OFs.

Outside of the Committee, I am also a Trustee for the arts and mental health charity, Hospital Rooms; a Director for London Gallery Weekend, a community interest company; and, a Treasurer for the Felsted Robins Cricket Club. All of these roles stem from my professional life of working at a gallery, or from happy memories of playing cricket on the Front.

I believe that giving back is so important as it gives me the opportunity to be a part of organisations outside of my regular day-to-day job, with the hope that the skills, experience, and knowledge I have accumulated may be useful to others.

My father was on the Old Felstedian Society Committee in the 1960s and helped organise the 400th year Felsted celebration dinner, which I attended back in 1964.

In 1974, the Old Felstedian Society invited me to join the OFS Committee, and I was the honorary editor of the OF Magazine for a number of years. These editions were pre-digital, and the script was prepared on my typewriter!

‘Giving back’ has been a huge part of my life, from being Branch Honorary Secretary of Save the Children, District Honorary Treasurer of Thanet Boy Scouts, and a member of Rotary International for more than 25 years, with many other posts along the way.

Schools have also been a major part of my life and career. Before retirement, I had been the Bursar at three independent schools, and I was Governor of Chatham House Grammar School, as well as Chairman of Governors of Fairfield House, Save the Children Fund School. Postretirement, I held locum Bursar posts in a further eleven independent schools. Giving back has truly been a lifelong pursuit, and I encourage everyone to make it part of their life’s mission.

Most of my “giving back” stems from contacts with Felstedian colleagues. At a longforgotten date in the 1980s, I accepted an invitation from Gyles Cooper (fc52-60), with whom Robin Lingard (c55-59) and I shared a Windsor’s study, to join the Old Felstedian Society Committee.

At a subsequent OFS meeting in 2000, the then Chairman of the Felsted School Mission Rod Hunter (d47-52) announced that FSM was looking for a successor to Fred Eaton as Treasurer. Candidates should be Christian, living in Essex, with some financial experience. As the only volunteer, I stepped into a role that I have enjoyed for 24 years. Via the Mission Church of the Ascension in Docklands, I became Company Secretary and Trustee of Ascension Community Trust, the charity that oversees the community activities of the parish.

Simultaneously, I have taken on an eclectic range of roles at our local church, St James Thorley (near Bishop’s Stortford); including welcomer, Holy Communion server, Electoral Roll Officer, Street Pastor, gardener, and even auditor!

HEAD CHRIS TOWNSEND, OF SOCIETY COMMITTEE MEMBER

PAUL BEAUFRÈRE (C55-60), OF SOCIETY COMMITTEE MEMBER

MICHAEL YEATTS (E76-81), OF SOCIETY COMMITTEE MEMBER

JAMES WILLINGTON (FB82-92), OF SOCIETY TREASURER

PAUL NORTON JP (D53-55), OF SOCIETY COMMITTEE MEMBER

Giving Back The Issue

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