The Gordonian - Winter 2023

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GORDONIAN Winter 2023

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FROM FRONT FIELD TO TWICKENHAM: For full story of our international sportsmen and women please see page 5.

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The Gordonian

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CONTENTS: WORD FROM THE HEAD

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GORDONIAN COMMUNITY REPORT

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ANNUAL PARADE

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WHERE ARE THEY 4 NOW?: ELLIE BOATMAN AND AIDEN THOMPSON WHERE ARE THEY NOW? HENRY HUGHES AND MC DONALD BROTHERS

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SUSAN MEIKLE

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SANDRA RADFORD

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WORD FROM THE HEAD: W

CATCH UP WITH LUKE 7 GOODGER GORDONIAN AWARDS 8 KEITH NICHOLLS

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OBITUARIES: STEVE DAVIS: A TRIBUTE FROM MIKE LOFTUS

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UPCOMING EVENTS

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WHITEHALL 2024

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elcome to the first Gordonian Magazine of the new school year!

The past six months have seen students making their mark in sport, academia, charity, the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme, Combined Cadet Force (CCF), leadership and the Creative Arts. Staff (and Gordonians!) have also excelled.

GCSE students set two new school records, outstripping the national average of 21.6 per cent at Grade 7 and above with 53 per cent, and 88 per cent of students graded 9-5 – another school record!

The Pipes and Drums have continued their prolific performance schedule, bringing their engagements to over 40 in the academic year. These ranged from the Last Post Association’s Ceremony at Menin Gate; Memorial Day at the American War Graves, Brookwood Cemetery; the World Piping Championships; National League Playoff Final of Chesterfield v Notts County, Wembley Stadium; playing alongside the Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas at Aldershot Garrison; entertaining staff and residents of the nearby Lakeview Care Home and at the Surrey Police Pass Off Parade. In a first for the school, this year they will be taking part in the Lord Mayor’s Show.

Record numbers have embarked on their Bronze, Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme and the Boat Club has recorded its best season for rowing with medals in every regatta and a silver in a national competition. Golfers have continued to turn the country’s leaderboards Gordon’s green winning a number of national titles.

The Creative Arts Department never cease to add the ‘wow factor’ to Gordon’s, staging both Mary Poppins Jnr and Made in Dagenham with students not just acting and singing, but providing the technical back up and music. Their capacity audiences are testament to the professional level of their performances and we are hoping, in the future, to provide this department with a dedicated Performing Arts Centre.

In a Gordon’s first, A Level Art student Ruby Parsons’ portrait featuring her sister scrolling on TikTok, was chosen for the Royal Academy’s Summer Collection while Zoe Legge’s video essay on Mormonism won the national Massolit competition, in association with Brasenose College, Oxford.

Gordon’s staff have also made their mark, with PE teacher Emily King running the 26 mile TCS London Marathon in memory of former Gordon’s Director of Sport Steve Monk. She raised £6,000 for the ABF The Soldiers’ Charity through the generosity of students, parents, staff and friends.

We so enjoy learning of the successes of Gordonians, many of whom return to visit the school and speak to the students about their careers. They are excellent role models and it is always a pleasure to welcome them back and hear their tales of their school days.

I hope that when looking through these pages, you agree that while Gordon’s is ever-changing and keeping up with technology and renewing facilities, the traditional values and ethos of the school that you remember when you were a student here, remains the same.

Andrew Moss Headmaster

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COMMUNITY REPORT:

W

elcome to the Winter 2023 Edition of The Gordonian.

Another academic year has begun at Gordon’s and since we last published The Gordonian we have held multiple events, from online reunions to sport matches and our big reunion at Annual Parade. It has been fantastic to welcome Gordonians back, to catch up with you all and for those who haven’t made it back to School recently it’s great to continue connecting with you via email, social media and phone calls.

The Gordonian Advisory Panel continue to be a strong team of six Gordonians; Paul Ivory 7937 (1980), Jonathan Bell 7918 (1980), Jess Kruger 11840 (2016), Bryan Allman 6943 (1964), Nigel Parnell 7495 (1972) and Josh Buckland 10751 (2009).

The panel are essential to the smooth running of Gordonian activities, building connections, overseeing the financials and supporting the Gordonian Awards. The Awards are fully funded by donations from our alumni, so thank you to all those who generously donate. Read more about the Awards on page four on how we support current students in both sport and creative arts.

Gordonian fundraising is still something to be hugely proud.

The fundraiser in memory of Steve Davis 7930 (1980) to raise money for a new treadmill at School to help current students with their athletic and running development. Gordonian, now staff member, Max Roffey 11611 (2018), together with staff and students ran the Oxford Half Marathon to raise awareness and vital funds for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity in support of a current Sixth Form student who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

Our sports teams are thriving! Our football team, ‘Gordon’s Camels’ are currently top of their league and our cricket team played their annual match against Salesian in August. Thank you to Boz Fruit and Veg, Woking, for continuing to sponsor our football team.

My role continues to sit within our Development Office, a department which has seen a few recent changes. Many of you will have met our former Bursar, Susan Meikle, who retired in August. Susan has been a huge support and advocate for everything Gordonian and will be hugely missed; thank you for all your hard work and commitment to Gordonians. We have now welcomed Jemma Moreau who has taken on the role of Development Director.

As always, stay in touch!

Harriet Turk Gordonian Officer

ANNUAL PARADE 2023:

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the bagpipes during the service. You can watch the service at www.gordonians.co.uk.

The Gordonian Memorial Service led by our School Chaplain, Reverend Graham Wright, was held before the Parade in the Chapel of St Edward the Confessor where we remembered the Gordonians who we have lost in the last year, with tributes to Steve Monk (former staff), Patrick and Pauline Quigley (former staff) and Steve Davies 7930 (1980). Thank you to Paul Ivory 7937 (1980) who carried the Gordonian Colour and Keith Nicholls 7462 (1974) who played ‘Hector the Hero’ on

In the now annual event, Gordonians played alongside the current Pipes and Drums for the Big Blaw in the Chapel Garden.

We had alumni playing their own instruments and older siblings sharing their younger siblings’ drum, telling us that playing was now in their muscle memory and all the music just came flooding back to them! Lots of smiles and laughter and as always, great to see Gordonians socialising from all different peer years. Join our online Pipe Band reunions over Zoom, where we chat all things music, memories and then play together at the Big Blaw!

t was fantastic to see over 100 Gordonians back at school for Annual Parade on Saturday 1st July. Students marched exceptionally well on the Front Field, led by the Pipes and Drums, Colour Sergeant and School Sergeant Major.

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WHERE ARE THEY NOW? cardio with a normal training week being 16 sessions across six days at the National Training Centre based in Caversham near Reading.

AIDEN THOMPSON

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ordonian Aiden Thompson 11286 (2013) was recently selected to represent Great Britain at the World Championships. Whilst now Gordon’s have a successful rowing team, during Aiden’s time at school rowing was non-existent and he found rowing whilst at university.

Thank you, Aidan, for catching up with us and congratulations on your success!

What was life at Gordon’s like?

I was in Balmoral House and enjoyed Maths, Science and Design and Technology which lead me to study Aerospace engineering at Swansea University and currently Data Science MSc at the University of Surrey. We didn’t have a rowing team then so played Hockey, Rugby (badly) and was a regular at Mr Fox’s Early Morning Training.

Rowing Background: I am part of the GB Rowing Team Men’s Sculling. I started rowing in 2016 at Swansea University then later was accepted into the GB Start Rowing Program with the centre in Cardiff (now the GB Performance Development Academy).

This Olympics is in Paris 2024 and will have 14 rowing boat classes (six Scull and Sweep and two lightweight Sculling). GB can qualify boats through World Championships the year before the games or Final Qualifying Regatta a couple of months before. Currently we have nine of the 14 boats qualified.

As this season is Olympic year, there is an intense external and internal trial process which starts in November. Post the conclusion of these trials in early 2024, the selected crews will then fully prep for the games in Paris with various camps and races across Europe.

Results 2022-23 Season: World Championships M2x: 25th

The 2022/23 was concluded when I was selected to represent GB at the World championships and came 25th overall.

Training/Teams/Olympics: Training is a mix of water, indoor rowing machine, weights and other forms of

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What are you fondest memories of Gordon’s?

I loved the amount of sport on offer and all of our match fixtures against other schools. Captaining the hockey team and starting a women’s rugby team for a tournament, which we won! I also really enjoyed having a house to study in and socialise with friends – I was in Kensington.

Did you play rugby at school? If so, what were your most memorable moments?

We did start a women’s rugby team for a tournament which we won so that was enjoyable but mostly I played rugby outside of school which Gordon’s were really supportive about.

What have you been up to since leaving school?

World Cup 3: 12th World Cup 2: 7th Henley Royal Regatta (Double Sculls Challenge Cup): Finalist Duisburg: 3rd (M2x) and 10th (M1x) British Universities and College regatta: 1st (M1x) 4s Head: 4th Overall (3rd M4x)

I studied Economics at the University of Southampton and also became a qualified personal trainer, plus obtained a post graduate certificate in Strength and Conditioning. After that I worked briefly in Sports Travel at Edwin Doran and Gullivers before COVID. I earned my first international 7’s cap in November 2021 for GB 7’s and after that became a full time professional rugby player. I’m now contracted with Great Britain 7’s and also playing for Ealing Trailfinders Women in Premiership Women’s Rugby.

You recently launched an online coaching business, tell us more!

After Graduating Swansea in 2019 I moved to the Twickenham Centre as a full time athlete and in February 2023, following a successful trialing process, I was invited to train alongside the senior team then officially invited into the team in April.

During the Europeans in Slovenia, I was selected for the spare double having raced Duisburg International Regatta in Germany the week before. I was then selected for the men’s Double sculls for: World Cup 2 in Variese Italy (seventh), Henley Royal Finalist and World Cup 3 in LucerneSwitzerland (12th).

She has also now launched an online coaching business – to get in contact with Ellie email her at info@ellieboatman. com or head to her website www. ellieboatman.com.

ELLIE BOATMAN

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llie Boatman 12016 (2015) continues to give back to school, speaking to our Sports Scholars, providing updates and sharing her memories of school.

She has progressed from club rugby at Camberley Rugby Club (where she started playing aged four years old!) to Harlequins Rugby Union and selection for England in the rugby sevens at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and is now training for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

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Yes! I think it’s really important to prepare for life after professional sport and I’ve always wanted to have my own online coaching company so this summer felt like the right time to launch! I’m working with females to help them feel stronger and live healthier lives, without falling into crash dieting culture!

What advice would you give to Gordon’s students now?

Try as many different activities and sports as you can at school because you’ll never have that opportunity again. Most of us don’t know what we want to do when we’re 16 so don’t put too much pressure on yourselves! School gave me some of my best memories and friendships, so treasure the memories but also make the most of it as one day you will miss it.

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MICHAEL MCDONALD AND CAMERON MCDONALD

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rothers Michael 10970 (2011) and Cameron McDonald 11500 (2015) achieved something special this year by becoming the first pair of brothers from Army Rugby in the modern era to represent an international team at the same time. It’s been great to catch up with Cameron and hear about his life at Gordon’s and what came next.

What are your fondest memories of Gordon’s?

These came in the Summer time – playing rugby or football on the Front Field in the

evenings after Prep!

Did you play Rugby at Gordon’s?

I did and was very lucky to be part of some great teams. The 7’s team, led by Ron Campbell, and playing in Inter-House for Balmoral, where we went undefeated for years!

join the Army and be a part of the Royal Engineers.

What are your plans for the future?

Plans for the future include continuing both my military and rugby careers, and taking any opportunities that come with it.

What have you been up to since leaving school?

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

I studied Sports Science at college and then went on to play full time rugby for about five years. I then decided to

Believe you can achieve what you want; it just takes faith and hard work.

What House were you in during your time What are your rugby plans for the future? at Gordon’s?

I was at school between 2004 and 2009 in Hopefully, work allowing, I will be able to get involved again next year and build on Balmoral House. what has been a fantastic year for RN Tell us more about the Army vs Navy rugby. match.

HENRY HUGHES

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laying against the McDonald brothers in the winning Navy Team at Twickenham in May was Gordonian Henry Hughes 10698 (2009). To have three Gordonians across the teams is something of which we are very proud.

Great to chat to Henry about all things Gordon’s and what he’s up to now.

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This was my third season with Royal Navy (RN) rugby, with the 2020 season cut short

by Covid and the 2022 season ending in a narrow defeat to the Army. Beating the Army and winning the Inter-Services competition in 2023 has been an incredible experience, especially given the Navy have not done this since 2010. A lot of hard work has underpinned this and I am incredibly proud to be part of this team and am grateful for the experiences and friendships I have made along the way.

Hopefully, work allowing, I will be able to get involved again next year and build on what has been a fantastic year for RN rugby.

What have you been up to since leaving school?

I am currently doing my GP training in Bristol whilst working with the Royal Navy Reserves. I was in the Regulars until August 2022 when I transferred to the Reserves.

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ONES TO WATCH: Four Gordonians who studied at School on the Harlequins Partnership Programme have now all been award contracts: • Caleb Ashworth 13287 (2022) • Tom Golder 13310 (2022) • Theo Currie 13520 (2023) • Guy Rogers 13568 (2023) Caleb has also been selected to play for England and Tom for Wales.

Congratulations to all four!

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SUSAN MEIKLE:

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n August we said goodbye to Susan Meikle, School Bursar, who after 11 years at Gordon’s is now enjoying a much deserved retirement (or at least, retirement from full-time working).

Among her wide range of responsibilities at Gordon’s, Susan supported Gordonians, bursary applications, the Development Team and fundraising.

One of her most memorable times at Gordon’s, was visiting Sudan in 2018 with students and staff, as well as Tom Gordon, the three times great nephew of General Gordon, who in an historic meeting, shook the hand of a direct descendant of the Mahdi.

Susan also visited China three times to explore possible links with international schools and enjoyed welcoming some of their staff back to Gordon’s.

She helped lead Gordon’s through the COVID pandemic, which included planning for testing stations, three separate dining areas and chairing twice-weekly Gordon’s ‘Cobra’ meetings. Despite the difficult logistics and frequent changes, the effort, friendships and team spirit between staff through all of this is something that will stay with Susan. The colleagues and people are a huge part of Gordon’s and something that she will miss greatly.

Another challenge during the pandemic was completing the Sports Hub; an impressive sports hall, 3G pitch and café which provides opportunities for Gordon’s students and local community; several Gordonians donated towards the cost of new trees that form part of the external landscaping.

Susan has helped the Community and Development office become an integral department within the school community, working with Gordonians to dissolve the Association, making the Gordonian community accessible, free and open to all alumni.

The sense of heritage and community, together with the grounded, yet high standards of Gordon’s makes the school so special, says Susan, adding: “We are an academically nonselective state school but with independent school pastoral care, co-curricular programme and expectations”. Her hard work with education grant-making trusts has ensured that every necessitous student has access to Gordon’s through the bursary programme, thereby continuing the founding principles of the Gordon Boys’ Home.

Wanting to leave a legacy at Gordon’s, Susan took on the challenge of passing her Level 2 Piping and Drumming Qualification to raise money for a new set of bagpipes. Since November 2022 she has taken weekly lessons with the School’s Senior Pipe Major, Iona Scotson and, in having to learn her exam pieces by memory, this has reinforced admiration for the commitment and hard work of students who play in the Pipe Band. Susan has previously completed two tandem skydives to raise money for school projects and is always one to lead by example. She asked for no retirement gifts, but instead donations to encourage her to practise for her piping exam! The final amount raised in donations by parents, staff and the school community was £2,515 - enough to buy five sets of bagpipes for the band. One further set has also been donated by Gordonian grandparents who heard Susan play to the Gordon Singers, so in all, six sets of bagpipes!

Whilst Susan plans on not taking on too much too quickly, waiting to see what opportunities arise in the future, she continues her interest for education as a Governor at King Edward School in Witley, Trustee of NFL Trust, an educational grant-making trust, and Treasurer of The Educational Trust Forum. She is also looking forward to enjoying her life membership for RHS, her gift from Gordon’s.

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SANDRA RADFORD:

S

andra Radford, Assistant Head and Head of Sixth Form left Gordon’s in July this year after originally starting at Gordon’s in 2015 as Head of Psychology until 2017. The Sixth Form grew significantly during Sandra’s time and she has supported hundreds of students pass through and onto their next journey whether that be university, apprenticeship or work. Sandra has now taken up a whole new chapter as the Head Teacher of a British private Sixth Form in Madrid, where she has also recently attended as a Keynote speaker for the HM Ambassador’s reception.

Thank you for sending us this update and your memories of Gordon’s and welcome to The Gordonians!

What did you enjoy most about your time at Gordon’s?

I particularly loved being part of the community - the relationship with staff and students. I enjoyed the breadth of experiences on offer and the constant focus on improvement; not only regarding academics but also in terms of personal development.

What are the biggest changes you saw at Gordon’s during your time?

Wow, there was so much. The growth of Sixth Form, the partnership with Harlequins, the A level 2020 curriculum reform.

What will you miss most?

I miss the easy camaraderie, the work ethic, the laughter, the colleagues.

What, in your view, makes Gordon’s special?

All of the above I think. The balance of personal and professional; the discipline and structure accompanied by genuine care, kindness and interest in our students.

Tell us more about your new role I am a Headteacher of a small British private SixthForm in Madrid: www.virtuscollege.es What I’ve enjoyed most about this role is embracing a new challenge; a new culture, language and position. The role is stimulating, and interesting because it is multifaceted. It is focused both on business development as I am building a new school, as well as the operational aspects of ensuring that each aspect such as teaching and learning, behaviour and personal development are all outstanding. I have a deepened respect for Mr Moss after this!

CATCH UP WITH LUKE GOODGER 11016 (2010): When were you at Gordon’s and what House were you in?

I joined Gordon’s in Year 10 and as a residential boarder in Sandringham until I left at the end of Sixth Form.

What are your fondest memories of Gordon’s?

Everything! Friendships, the sport, crisp winter Saturday mornings, summer hanging outside - the amount of food we used to engulf at mealtimes (genuinely think I used to have three breakfasts!). Mr Wadeys’

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History class: I did History at University because of him and marching, although pretty daunting at the time, was unique.

Tell us about life after Gordon’s.

I studied History at Southampton University once leaving Gordon’s and have now worked in a few interesting places as a project manager: in music tech making sample music collaborating with the BBC, Eric Whitacre and Olafur Arnalds; Netflix of Africa (Iroko

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TV). Opening new offices in several African countries and soon I will be starting a new role at Thales in West Sussex.

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

Jump into every opportunity with confidence that you’re going to mess up, it’s going to be tough and may prove an error by the end: but that’s the only way to learn what works for you. Listen to advice, at 16 there’s nothing but opportunity out in the world, so getting stuck in is so important!

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THE GORDONIAN AWARDS: W

hen members voted in favour of dissolving the Association in June 2019, the paid membership was removed and therefore helped with the aim of encouraging all Gordonians to be part of the community and to make sure no one felt excluded.

Many of those who paid the annual membership opted to turn this payment into a donation to support Gordonian activities and predominantly the Gordonian Awards.

These awards support two students a year who demonstrate excellence in sporting or creative arts. The award is worth £1000 payable over three years (Years 11, 12 and 13) towards expenses associated with their chosen discipline.

This award allows students to progress, whether that is by using their award money for extra tuition, exam fees, essential sport equipment or towards travel expenses to ensure they can keep training through school holidays. Students are expected to be fully engaged, demonstrate enthusiasm and integrity and give back to school life.

If you would like to donate to ensure the longevity of these Awards, please do get in contact with us at gordonians@ gordons.school for more information.

In their final year of Gordon’s we have asked current Year 13 winners, Tommy and Eleanor to reflect on what opportunities their award has provided.

2021 WINNER ELEANOR (MUSIC):

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have continued to play clarinet and drums in the school bands, taking part in as many events as possible.

During my time as an award winner I have participated in a music composition course at the Yehudi Menuhin Music School in Cobham. With the help of teachers at the school, this course allowed me to develop my composition skills and provided me with new techniques. At the end of the course, I was lucky enough to be able to perform and record my composition live with some of the students at the school.

As the clarinet was the lead part, performing this with people I had never played with before taught me many skills which will be useful in the future. I am currently Deputy Head Girl and volunteer to teach younger members of the Pipes and Drums Band. I have been able to purchase a new clarinet with my funding, something which wouldn’t have been possible without the award.’

2021 WINNER TOMMY (SPORT):

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have just started my final year at Gordon’s and continue to represent Gordon’s in rugby. In February I was fortunate enough to be selected for the Rugby 7’s tour in Portugal which was an amazing trip and allowed me to progress with my teammates. During the Summer holidays I also attended five weeks worth of training sessions via daily train journeys to continue to improve and develop. The award funding has allowed me to attend both the rugby tour and Summer training sessions as the award covered the expense of the travelling and without this it would not have been possible. I have also been able to purchase sports equipment to support my sport. I am currently Student Deputy Head of House and active in Inter-House Competitions.’

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MEMORIES FROM KEITH NICHOLLS 7462 (1972):

from top to bottom. The Houses were then inspected by the Commandant during which we practised drill outside in the Parade Square. Every Sunday was a full blues uniform Church Parade with both school bands, shiny glengarry badges and polished hob-nail boots.

T

How did Gordon’s shape my life?

o read Keith’s full article please head to the news section of our website.

I attended the school between 1968 - 1972, plus an additional two years in the newly formed Sixth Form, until 1974. 1968 will seem a very long time ago to most people reading this, so perhaps I should begin with, “Once upon a time there was a place called the Gordon Boys’ School”.

In 1968 it was exclusively boarding with just four houses, Woolwich, China, Khartoum and Gravesend, accommodating a total of around 250 boys, principally the sons of servicemen.

There were no girls, nor were we permitted to enter other boys’ Houses other than our own. We also had our own hospital with full time, ex-Army nursing staff complete with medal ribbons on their tunics, thoroughly efficient but quite formidable!

Gordon’s was very military. From the start, all new boys were lectured on the life of General Gordon in the Library, each presented with a bible on their first day. We awoke to the sound of the bugle at 7am every morning (7.30am Sundays). Lightsout was 9.45pm and after that, no talking whatsoever in the dormitories until the bugle sounded reveille the next morning.

Yes, it was strict, so one had to remain resilient by either toeing the line, or not getting caught! At the end of the school year, a lone piper played lights-out at 9.45pm, usually Flowers of the Forrest.

We also attended Chapel every day before classes began, except Saturday, which was spent scrubbing our Houses clean

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Among other things, it helped teach me the values of independence, companionship and self-respect. Gordon’s also offered me an introduction to music through the two school bands (The Military Band and Pipes and Drums) along with the various clubs and societies we attended. There was a high level of competitive sport with marvellous playing grounds, and of course, a good, solid education from dedicated teaching staff.

Things I certainly wouldn’t have enjoyed while being posted around the world with my father serving in the RAF, having to change schools every year or two.

I remain honoured to be a Gordon Boy, and to have worn the tartan with the ‘yellow stripe’. That, by the way is originally a quote from General Gordon of Khartoum himself!

To current students, try to remember that your school experience offers the most important foundation to your lives, so make the most of it and embrace it all. From what I have seen of this magnificent school today, Gordon’s offers unrivalled opportunities, with a record of outstanding academic achievement.

So go for it! Don’t wait for things to happen. If you have dreams or ambitions, do your best to achieve them, whatever they are.

Believe that anything is possible. You have the knowledge and reassurance that Gordon’s with its long history and traditions will back you all the way and that your experience will always be a support in later life.

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OBITUARIES:

GORDONIAN RUNNERS REMEMBER STEVE DAVIS 7930 (1980):

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s you can imagine, the tribute to Steve far exceeds the word count for our magazine. He was founder of our running club and meant so much to the group. To read their tribute in full, including more about Steve, his race success and memories from Paul Fudge and Chris Large 8145 (1983) please head to our website.

‘Steve Davis was everything to the Gordonian Runners. He founded the running club in May 2014 and was not only our Secretary but also the glue that bound everything together, “herding cats” to ensure our annual meetings took place, organising club events and arranging trophy presentations, which he often won! As a result of Steve’s drive, commitment, and enthusiasm, Gordonian Runners have been represented at every London Marathon and Great North Run since 2015.

The club have also completed team events in Paris, Malta and Jersey. He loved running which stemmed back to his days at Gordon’s where he became the school cross country champion in 1980.

In addition to his commitment to Gordonian Runners, Steve was actively involved in the wider athletics community as a coach, official and ParkRun volunteer, as well as completing over 100 ParkRuns himself.

Steve ran numerous marathons but always wanted to complete an ultra-marathon. Steve entered the 48-mile Jersey Round the Rock ultra marathon with his sister, Kerry, firstly in August 2020 and then again the following year; neither event came when he was in great health.

Steve loved the Jersey event and on 5th August 2023 the Gordonian Runners relay team completed the event in his memory, amidst torrential rain and a heavy storm; finishing in 12th place, taking 8 hours 45 minutes.

Steve retained a lifelong passion for running and completed a marathon or half marathon in nearly every European country and Gordonian Runners will be completing the remaining five in his memory and also the 2024 Great North Run.

FUNDRAISER IN MEMORY OF STEVE:

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n memory of Steve, who sadly passed away earlier this year, Gordonians have been raising money to help current students of the school with their athletic and running development, by fundraising for a treadmill for the school’s Fitness Suite. Thank you to all those who have donated, if you are able to you can do so via the QR code here.

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OBITUARIES:

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e remember those we have lost most recently, Semper Fidelis.

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John Davis 5971 (1950) passed away on 19th April 2023.

•

Thomas Turnball 6274 (1956) passed away on 6th May 2023.

•

William Parsons 6396 (1956).

•

William Harold 6573 (1958).

•

Steve Davis 7930 (1980) passed away on 6th April 2023. .

A TRIBUTE FROM MIKE LOFTUS 8016 (1981):

‘S

teve Davis represented everything you would want in a Gordonian. He had an outstanding career as an Inspector in the Surrey Police, a successful second career as a policing advisor in Europe, gave back to the community as an Athletics Coach, Official and ParkRun volunteer, undertook charity work as well as establishing the Gordonians Running Club. He did everything with enthusiasm, commitment, and a great sense of humour that he never lost, which undoubtedly contributed to his success and popularity.

Steve loved being a Gordonian and enjoyed his time at the school between 1976 and 1980. He did very well at Gordon’s, becoming Deputy Head Boy and House Sergeant of Gravesend, excelling at sports, especially rugby and athletics, and was very proud of becoming senior cross-country champion in his final year. He would be honoured that the school cross country competition has now been re-named in his memory.

Having originally been diagnosed with cancer in 2020 and undergoing a major operation, Steve really made the most of his recovery, successfully returning to running, setting new personal bests, and travelling all over Europe to compete in events but sadly the illness returned, and he finally succumbed on 6th April 2023. Steve is survived by his parents, his wife, Marija, his son Thomas, his brother and sister.

There was standing room only at Steve’s funeral on 12th May 2023, with many Gordonians in attendance and Steve’s former Housemaster, Tony Perry and his wife, Angela, were also present.

The Gordonians colour was paraded alongside the Surrey Police flag by 8077 Mark Bissett.

Steve finished all his messages to Gordonians with the school motto, so it is only fitting to do the same now. Semper Fidelis, Steve. You are already greatly missed.’

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UPCOMING EVENTS:

DECEMBER 2023 •

Saturday 2nd Christmas Fair

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Friday 8th Networking Breakfast

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Thursday 14th Carol Service and Afternoon Tea

WHITEHALL PARADE AND GORDONIAN REUNION 2024:

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nce again, we have booked a room at the Old Shades pub, following the Whitehall Parade. Last year was a tremendous success with all eras of Gordonians attending!

The Parade itself is spectacular; led by the Pipes and Drums, students will march through Whitehall and towards the General Gordon statue in Embankment Gardens. So please do come along, watch the Parade and enjoy a free drink afterwards. RSVP via our QR code below.

JANUARY 2024 •

Friday 12th Networking Breakfast

•

Saturday 27th Whitehall Parade and Gordonian Reunion

FEBRUARY 2024 •

Friday 9th Networking Breakfast

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Sunday 15th Parade

MARCH 2024 •

Friday 8th Networking Breakfast

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Sunday 17th Parade

APRIL 2024 •

Friday 12th Networking Breakfast

MAY 2024 •

Friday 10th Networking Breakfast

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Sunday 12th Parade

JUNE 2024 •

Saturday 8th Patron’s Parade

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Friday 14th Networking Breakfast

JULY 2024 •

Saturday 6th Annual Parade and Gordon Memorial Service Keep an eye on our websites for booking details. www.gordonians.co.uk and www.gordons.school/boxoffice

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The Gordonian

SPORTS TEAMS:

W

ould you like to join our thriving football, cricket or running clubs?

Or perhaps you’d like to start a new Gordonian team? Email us at gordonians@ gordons.school

GORDON’S SINGERS:

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he Gordon’s singers meet every Tuesday evening and include a mixture of parents, staff and the local community. If you would like to join please email Rob rstafford@gordons.school

THE GORDON’S LEGACY 1885 SOCIETY:

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ill you consider leaving a legacy and making a difference to future generations at Gordon’s School? A bequest is one of the most welcome philanthropic gifts you can make and gives the school the opportunity to honour and thank you in your lifetime and keep your connection with Gordon’s in perpetuity.

#Connect

#Support

KEEP US UPDATED!

K

eep in touch with us and make sure we can with you! Log on to your profile, update your contact details and tell us what you’re up to now at www.gordonians. co.uk.

To make us aware of your bequest, or for a confidential discussion, please contact the Development Office development@gordons. school or 01276 858084.

#Enhance

Semper Fidelis