Goodbye Rob and Heather Pavis

After almost eight years at Gordon’s, Rob and Heather Pavis are swapping the leafy surrounds of Surrey Heath for the surf on the North Devon coastline where Rob will take up the Headship at Kingsley School.

Rob Pavis

Rob, Deputy Head (Pastoral) and Heather, who heads up China House, moved to Gordon’s in 2014 from Steyning Grammar School in Sussex where Rob was Assistant Head and Director of Boarding. While Rob’s time at Gordon’s involved leading a five year digital strategy and developing the sport and curricular at the school, it was through the pandemic that his prowess really came to the fore. Who could forget the cartoons, online assemblies, the ‘disappearing’ Japanese cooking lesson? All were enthusiastically devised and implemented by him. His biggest achievement at Gordon’s, he says, was welcoming the first boarders into the bespoke Year 7 residential boarding house, Woolwich. “I conceived it, was involved in the design and the building and it has completely transformed boarding here. Whenever you go down to Woolwich it is just packed full of happy kids. It is light and fun, exciting and everything that boarding in Year 7 should be. It’s just magical there”. He continued: “These children in Year 7 are happy and settled and when going into senior houses they are ready to go into them, they want to go into them. “It has also brought the boys and girls together. They have learned to live with each other, learned tolerance, acceptance, respect, it has been fantastic.” As for the abiding memories he will take with him, Mr Pavis said “So many memories. Obviously the big ceremonials but I think Annual on the Front Field for the first time was a real ‘wow moment’ for me. And the most rewarding part of his job? “The greatest satisfaction from my work and the biggest joy that I have here is seeing the children happy. I secretly stand by and just look at happy children and I get such a warm glow from knowing that I am part of making that happen. That is the most fulfilling role”. What is he most looking forward to about taking over the Headship of Kingsley School with students ageing in range from babies to young adults? “I’m looking forward to ultimately building something that has my name on it” he said, adding: “Keeping Heather out of the nursery will be my greatest challenge”!

Heather Pavis

While she exudes a sense of calm and order, the quietlyspoken Heather Pavis, does admit to another side since joining China as Head of House: “I’ve become really competitive!” she confesses, adding: “as I am not in the least sporty, it’s something that I have been quite surprised at”. She has supported her girls’ Day House on the edge of football pitches; netball courts and through the seemingly endless cycle of other Inter-House competitions but prizes, above all, the winning of the Longmoor Drill Cup on three occasions. “It’s a definite highlight of my time at Gordon’s” she says. “Longmoor is special because the whole House is involved. You spend all that time preparing but what’s really nice is the camaraderie when everyone is getting ready and plaiting hair and helping each other. It’s a really, really close feeling. When they go out there and perform well, it’s amazing.” It’s being a part of their journey from child to adulthood that is most cherished by Mrs Pavis. For her part, once she reaches her new seaside home, Mrs Pavis plans on taking time out, perhaps restarting her vintage wedding catering business. But high on her agenda is paddleboarding! Reflecting on over seven years at Gordon’s as a Head of House, she said: “I love the job, have always loved it. I have never had a day when I’ve woken up and thought ‘I don’t want to go to work today’.” “This has just been the most amazing place to work. When you get into the bones of what Gordon’s is about it’s how much the staff care about each child, I think it is just second to none. It’s something I haven’t experienced in the same depth at other schools. You know every child, what makes them tick – and blow up! You just know them. It’s been an absolute pleasure and privilege” she says, adding: “A large part of me does bleed green”.

There are many special events happening throughout the 2021/22 academic year to mark the Pipes and Drums 80th Anniversary. On page 8 you can read about the celebration concert that took place in February. A custom-made Pipe Banner and Pin badge were designed and made. The pin badges were given to all members of the Pipes and Drums band and sold to cover the production costs. If you would like to buy a pin badge please go to the following website: www.trybooking.co.uk/BJIP

During Lockdown 2020, as a creative challenge to mark the 80th anniversary, Mrs Scotson, Senior Pipe Major gave students a two bar phrase as an ending to one measure of a 6/8 march. Students were then asked to create and compose six bars to complete the measure. 4 students rose to the challenge and between them, came up with a four parted 6/8 march. With the support of Gordonians and The School community (via Facebook) the title of the piece was decided: ‘The Spirit of Gordon’. The piece was composed by I. Bethune, A. Kermeen, J. Gibson and L. Massie, and was first played on September 19th 2021 at a School Parade. To hear this piece of music please visit the School website www.gordons.school/page/?title=Pipes+and +Drums&pid=101.

‘The Spirit of Gordon’ In February, The Gordon Foundation auctioned 5 Feather bonnets and raised a total of £385 to go towards new equipment for the Pipes & Drums. The feather bonnets were introduced as part of the Band uniform later in the Band’s history around the year 2000. We believe that this was due to the connection to the Guards. However, originally when the Boys came to West End Home from Dover, they wore glengarries and thus the Band have gone back to its original roots and now wear glengarries. There are more feather bonnets to sell. If you are interested in owning a feather bonnet please email gordonians@gordons.school Meet the leader of our Pipes & Drums

Mrs Scotson

Mrs Scotson is The Senior Pipe Major at Gordon’s School. She was taught by her father, John MacDonald, who had learnt to play at the Army Apprentices College at Chepstow under the instruction of Pipe Major Jimmy Hood. Her first set of pipes were gifted to her by her Grandpa, who also played, which were believed to have been played in the Crimean War. Mrs Scotson began her career at Gordon’s School in October 2016 as a part-time Piping instructor for Period 7. In November 2018 Mrs Scotson was brought on full time to give one to one lessons to students on the pipes and establish a proper programme for the Pipes and Drums, introducing more evening and morning rehearsals. Mrs Scotson has been reading through the old Gordon Boys’ home Gazettes and looking at the photo archives to reflect on the 80 year journey of the, now 50 strong, Band of Pipes and Drums who continue to reflect the ceremonial tradition of Gordon’s School in everything they do. Reflections

Queen Victoria founded the Boys’ Home in Dover. From inception, in 1885, it had a Pipes and Drums contingent who were taught by the Seaforth Highlanders, who, at the time, were posted to Dover Castle.

Sadly, the Home was bombed in 1941 and the Band was moved to their new Home in West End, now Gordon’s School. Pictured below are the six boys who came from the Dover Orphanage to West End, who are the founding members of the Gordon’s School Pipe Band as we now know today, forged over the last 80 years.

The original members of the Band in the 1940s marching through London after the Memorial Service for General Gordon When the boys arrived in West End, the Committee of the Dover Home made available the complete uniforms and pipes to the West End Home. Piping instruction was initially delivered by the Pipe Major Sergeant Thomson of H.M. Scots Guard. The 1942 Gordon Boys’ Home Gazette states how “their performance was excellent, augurs well for the future, as we already have volunteers applying to learn the pipes and carry on this new addition to our training in music.” One could say that statement was somewhat pertinent when one sees the size of the ceremonial Band now. The next Piping instructor was Mr Thomson (late Highland Light Infantry). We don’t have exact dates but from these two photographs and content in the gazettes, Mr Thomson was at Gordon Boys’ for around two decades and was instrumental in continuing to grow and develop the high standards of the Pipe band.

Annual Inspection 1954 – visitors being entertained by Mr Thomson (late Highland Light Infantry) and L MacDonald, Sgt P Morecroft and Lcpl Ali

Annual 1964 – Inspecting Officer talking to Mr Thompson, long serving instructor of Pipes & Drums At this point in the Band’s story, it would seem that the drummers were more affiliated with the (Military) Band. Their instruction came from the Drum and Fife teacher, Mr Nowlan. After Mr Thomson (late Highland Light Infantry) left the school, the Pipes and Drums received instruction from leading pipers and drummers of the Guards, as, at the time, the Guards Depot was located in Pirbright. Often they were sent to the Depot of an evening and sometimes the instructors visited the school. Going through the archives, the pipers were in high demand for various events. In the early days, it would appear that pipers also doubled up as Highland Dancers, so quite often it is noted that the ‘pipers and dancers’ performed at various locations as well as at the annual Christmas Concert and Annual Inspection.

1953 – Highland dancing at Annual Inspection What is great to see is that the community engagement that was clearly established and developed then, still continues today. For example, Chobham Remembrance Parade; this is something the Pipes and Drums continue to do which is a long standing commitment noted in the Gazettes. In 1954, the school was asked by SSAFA for the Pipe Band and Dancers to give a display at Olympia at Betram Mills’ Circus in aid of the “Save the Children Fund” in the presences of Their Royal Highnesses The Duchess of Kent and Princess Marie Louise. Additionally in 1954, at the request of the Caledonian Society, and sponsored by the Daily Telegraph, the Pipe Band gave a display at the Tattoo and Highland Games in aid of the Caledonian Schools. On the 22nd May 1954, the Band and pipers went to Brighton to a Film Premiere in connection with the Cadet Movement at the request of the Duke of Norfolk and the Cadet Sussex Association. Other events of note are taking part in the Royal Tournament in the 1950s, playing in front of Her Majesty The Queen at Westminster Abbey for an Observance of the Commonwealth and the Lord Mayor’s Show, to name but a few. The demand for the Band has never ceased which is evident from the list of engagements that the Band has committed to this academic year (see page 9).

1955 – The Pipes and Drums leading the Army Catering Corps, St Omer Bks, Aldershot, Pipe Major Morecroft

Annual Inspection in 1955, when His Royal Highness Prince Philip (pictured on the dais) was Inspecting Officer. At the time, the P/Maj was P Morecroft and the D/Maj D Birch

Annual 1963

In the 1970s, Mr Daltrey, a drum instructor, donated a drum named ‘The Daltrey Drum’, which now sits in the Band Room. Students would have to do a ‘drum off’ in the Gym in order to win the prize. This tradition sadly petered out, however, it was resurrected in 2018 again. This year 2022, Callum Marr of 4 Scots The Highlanders is coming to judge. The winner will be presented the Daltrey Drum prize at this year’s prize-giving The Daltry Drum being awarded to and will have their name a Gordon Boy named Cane in 1972 engraved on the Daltrey Drum Shield in the Band Room.

Annual 1975

It was during the early 2000s that the Band really grew to what we see today. Students now have access to free one-to-one piping and Highland snare drumming lessons and in addition to Period 7, which acts as a training band, there are morning rehearsals twice a week and Period 8 rehearsals too, one of which is purely focussed on competitions. Students now volunteer to attend Brookwood Last Post Association’s Remembrance Services at Brookwood Military Cemetery to pay their respects to the Fallen and represent the School and in turn, they are automatically selected to represent the School and Band at the Last Post Association’s Remembrance Service at Menin Gate. The Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing is a war memorial in Ypres, Belgium. In 1970, it was noted in the Gazette that ‘at the invitation of the Brookwood Last Post Committee, 7359 Pipe Major I Bursby was invited to attend and play his pipes at their ceremony at the Menin Gate in May’. This tradition petered out but was resurrected back in 2019. This year, on July 6th, will see their return to Menin Gate for the second time.

Windsor Castle 2014 – playing for The International Duke of Edinburgh’s Award when Prince Philip and Prince Edward were in attendance

2019 Menin Gate, Ypres, Belgium In the warm lit Chapel of St Edward the Confessor, on the evening of the 25th February 2022, the Pipes and Drums held their 80th anniversary celebration concert.

Starting the evening off, a small group played ‘The Spirit of Gordon’ which was composed by four students in the Pipes and Drums over the National Lockdown in 2020. A range of group and solo performances followed, including performances from our invited guests: The Sevenoaks Trio; The Scots Guards Association Pipes and Drums South; The City of London Pipe Band; Pipe Major Roger Huth; Solo Piping Judge Roddy Livingstone; and the Highland Dancing display from the Esslemonts.

A wonderful touch to the evening were the connections that the invited guests had with the School. In the late 1970s to the early 1990s, when the Guards Depot was located in Pirbright, as was the Piping School, pipers and drummers from Gordon’s were sent to the Piping School in order to receive tuition from leading Army pipers and drummers of the time, most notably, under the instruction of Pipe Major Linden Ingram and latterly Pipe Major Roger Huth. Sometimes they would come to Gordon’s to give tuition. Therefore we were very pleased to have the Association Band there to give a performance, of which Pipe Major Linden Ingram is currently a member. Recently established in 2016, the City of London Pipe Band, Grade 2, rehearse once a month at Gordon’s in the Band Room on a Sunday. Solo Piping Judge Roddy Livingstone has been the adjudicator of several competitions that students have taken part in and was the judge of the online Independent Schools’ Solo Piping Competition that Gordon’s hosted for the first time in conjunction with Radley College. Pipe Major Roger Huth used to teach in Period 7 back in the 1990s and 2000s. Thus it was very special to have them their to celebrate our anniversary.

A range of music was heard, from Slow Airs, to Jigs and Reels, Strathspeys and Hornpipes, Piobaireachd and a fairly contemporary, layered texture tune called ‘Steam Train to Mallaig’. Mention should be made to our Highland Dancers who learnt the Highland Fling in only three weeks and put on a great performance. Two of our students gave solo performances of a very high standard. It was wonderful to see the Sword Dance and Seann Triubhas performed by the Esslemonts. One of the students giving a solo performance had a technical difficulty, but it did not faze him and he picked up and carried on in true Gordon’s fashion. Our Finale saw all performers create an avenue from the door of the Chapel to the Parade square,

March 2022 Pipes & Drums assemble outside the band room

for members of the audience to walk through, serenaded under the moonlit sky. Members of the audience have since communicated that the Finale was very emotional and it made it an evening they will always remember.

The concert was in aid of Fight for Sight, which actively supports one of our students, and also SSAFA, The Armed Forces Charity which supports our Forces community, many of our students being the children of those serving in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces. We were delighted that ticket sales, bar sales and donations given on the night made £614 for each charity. A great success all round.

Major-General Charles George Gordon would be proud. Save the Dates!

For the second time, we are going to have the ‘Big Blaw’ in the amphitheatre outside the Chapel before Annual Parade on 2nd July 2022 around midday. We would actively encourage as many Gordonians to come and join members of the current Pipes and Drums to share your memories, and if you are up for it, a tune or two! Friday 18th November we have a Pipes and Drums fundraiser in the form of a Ceilidh. There will be a raffle, a buffet and lots of dancing. All proceeds will go to the Pipes & Drums Band towards trips, uniform and equipment. We hope to see you there! Keep up to date on all events via www.the-gordonians. org or look out for tickets via www.gordons.school/boxoffice

DATE EVENT

Sunday 24th April

RSPBA Pipe Band and solos competition Tuesday 10th May Longmoor Drill Competition Thursday 12th May Playing with the Red Hot Chilli Pipers Saturday 14th May Lightwater Fete Sunday 15th May RSPBA Pipe Band and solo competition Tuesday 17th May Playing with Skerryvore Wednesday 18th May American Inter-club match Thursday 26th May CWGC Open Air Recital Friday 27th May Holy Trinity Jubilee Celebrations – TBC

Sunday 29th May

Memorial Day American War Graves Thursday 9th June Beating Retreat with the Grenadier Guards Saturday 11th June Patron’s Parade Wednesday 22nd June Brooklands College Public Services Pass Out Parade Saturday 25th June AFD Convoy Monday 27th June Summer Arts Wednesday 29th June Surrey Police Pass Off Parade Friday 1st July

Saturday 2nd July 6th–7th July 29th–31st July 10th–14th August Masterclass with the National Piping Centre – agreed in principal, NPC to confirm they are can definitely come down Annual Parade Menin Gate Scottish Championships World Pipe Band Championships

LOCATION

University of Bedfordshire School Princes Hall, Aldershot Lightwater University of Bedfordshire Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth Queenwood Golf Club Brookwood Military Cemetery

Brookwood Cemetery Aldershot Garrison

Brooklands College Milestones Museum, Basingstoke

Loseley House, Guildford

Ypres, Belgium Dumbarton, Scotland Glasgow, Scotland