Gordonian Magazine

gordonians.co.uk

COMMUNITY REPORT

WHITEHALL

GORDONIAN AWARDS

GORDONIAN STAFF

CAREERS EVENTS

VISITS

LOST GORDONIANS

CHARITY

DONATION FORM

FOUNDATION AWARDS

OBITUARIES

SCHOOL LIFE IN PICTURES

DATES AND EVENTS

Since we last published the Gordonian we have held afternoon tea, reunions, co-ordinated visits and been overwhelmed with offers of help from Gordonians with career events. Our community has once again proved invaluable to each other and to the current School, thank you.

Whitehall parade and reunion saw record numbers of Gordonians attend in London. The most recent Gordonians (our 2023 leavers) got the opportunity to socialise and chat with those who left in 1960! Whilst they all had different memories of school, familiarities could also be found in parades, buildings and sport. If you haven’t yet joined us for this event please do in January 2025 – it really is a fantastic afternoon and has now become a highlight of the year.

On behalf of all Gordonians I attended the Charles George Gordon Memorial Service in Gravesend on Friday 26th January. Invited by Gravesham Borough Council and held at the Gordon Memorial Garden I joined Deputy Lieutenant, The Mayor; Royal Engineers Association; Merchant Navy Association; Gads Hill School CCF and the local primary school in laying a wreath.

Our Gordonian Advisory Panel met in February. Thank you to all our members; Paul Ivory 7937 (1980), Jonathan Bell 7918 (1980), Nigel Parnell 7495 (1972) and Josh Buckland 10751 (2009).

Inspired by the Big Blaw at Annual the Gordonian Pipe Band is thriving! We meet over zoom throughout the year and then in person in July at Annual. Did you play in the Pipes and Drums Band at School? If so, join us! Email gordonians@gordons. school to find out more.

Congratulations to Cameron Roake 8228 (1983) who won the hamper of merchandise! The competition ran throughout January and even involved staff modelling the merchandise, with Mr Sinclair (above right) beating Mr Griffiths on who wore it best. Amber McDermott 10091 (2004) won our March competition and we were delighted to send a luxury Easter egg as the prize!

Huge congratulations to our Gordonian football team, The Camels (below), who have had a great season and finished as runners up in The Trevor Wilshaw Trophy!

This season they have seen a lot of progress on the pitch and also introduced a lot of a new players to the squad. In February they won 1-0 in the semi final of the Cup, which was described as ‘a very close encounter’. Jake Ayres 10656 (2011) said “Every player we have had play this season had put in an exceptional effort, but this performance was the icing on the cake.” They then played the final at Farnborough Town Stadium, and despite not winning the team’s effort was brilliant from start to finish.

We have had a record number of Gordonians get back in contact with us after losing touch. Being in touch means being part of the community – for anyone who doesn’t receive our regular emails please do sign up by updating your email address on our website www. gordonians.co.uk

Stay in touch and we hope you enjoy this edition of The Gordonian. Harriet Turk

WHITEHALL PARADE 2024: GORDONIAN AWARDS:

Once again, we reunited after the Whitehall Parade and we met new faces, including some who hadn’t ever seen a Whitehall Parade before!

As always, the students marched impeccably, led by the Pipes and Drums, to the General Gordon Memorial Statue and wreaths were laid at the foot of the statue by Tom Gordon, representatives of the School and Josh Buckland 10751 (2009) on behalf of the Gordonians.

Wonderful to meet the White brothers, Norman (6666), Peter (7108) and John (7234). Norman had marched in one Whitehall Parade when a student, but this was their first time watching for Peter and John. It was also the first time the three had made it back to watch the Parade and they all said how much they enjoyed it and would be coming again!

The reunion is also a chance to catch up with your old teachers. Previous Head of Gravesend House, Alan Short is a regular face every year and we were delighted this year to be joined by former head of Upper School, Andrew Grace and current staff members, Henry Mellor, Maddie Bassnett, Jacqueline Pierce and the Reverend Graham Wright.

The annual Gordonian Memorial Service took place the day after Whitehall in Guildford Cathedral. Compulsory for students, the Cathedral was full, together with staff, parents and Governors of the School.

As always, a very busy memorial weekend and once again our Gordonian community came together for a fantastic afternoon!

Our Gordonian Awards (an award which supports six students a year) continues to be supported by donations from our community. Each year two Year 11 students, following an application and interview process, are selected for their discipline, Creative Arts and Sport. They are awarded £1,000 to spend over the next three years on expenses to allow them to excel and further their talent within their discipline.

In November 2023 we were thrilled to announce that Year 11 students Ben and Maya won the Creative Arts and Sport award respectively.

Ben is the School’s trumpeter, sounding the bugle to start and end Parades. He is a member of all music ensembles and drama productions, helping younger students in their technique during the rehearsals. Ben has represented his House in various Inter-House competitions and is an excellent role model for younger students.

Maya represents the School in the cricket, netball and rugby teams; having helped create the first girls’ rugby team at Gordon’s. She is passionate about rugby in particular and the positive impacts it has on mental health and values it brings. She volunteers her time to help coach younger students at school and has participated in nearly every InterHouse competition.

If you would like to donate to support these awards please see page 9

LIZZIE MOSDELL

11645 (2018):

House: Augusta

Working as: PE Teacher

What are your fondest memories of Gordon’s?

I have too many special memories to pick from! However, some of my fondest memories of Gordon’s are attending hockey fixtures. I loved piling into a minibus with my friends, singing our hearts out on the way to a match and then smashing the opposition.

What sports did you play at School?

I represented Gordon’s across most sports (it’s no surprise I became a PE teacher)! Most of my appearances were for the hockey first team as well as swimming, cross country and athletics. I was still swimming competitively alongside school sport which became a challenge to balance with academic work but participating in sport and balancing studying gives you great discipline and resilience!

Where and what did you study at University?

Following a year working in an Australian boarding school, I completed a BSc (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Exeter.

What advice would you give to a student starting Gordon’s now?

When I started at Gordon’s in 2011, Mr Moss said “you get out what you put in”. Since then, I have endeavoured to follow this advice in many areas of my life and have had some unbelievable opportunities as a result. My advice would be to give Gordon’s everything you’ve got and take every opportunity that you are given.

MAX ROFFEY

11661 (2018):

House: Gravesend

Working as: Resident Graduate Assistant

What brought you back to Gordon’s?

Working at Gordon’s after graduating has been a great way to gain insight into teaching and working in education. I have been able to combine a pastoral role with sports coaching and now coach sports during every P7 and on a Saturday morning.

What advice would you give someone looking to come back to work at Gordon’s?

Just go for it. The resident graduate roles are a great way to get involved school life. It’s a great balance of guiding the students through boarding life, prep and school work together with the fun parts of the role; Inter-House competitions, trips and playing sport in evening.

LIVVY GARNER 12237 (2020):

House: China

Working as: Resident Graduate Assistant

What are your favourite memories of School?

My favourite memories of school involve sitting on the Front Field in the Summer Term with friends, going on the ski trip (and breaking my wrist!) and all of the other trips we went on and playing Just Dance in the common room at breaks.

What have you enjoyed most about working in a boarding House?

One of the biggest things I enjoy about working in a Boarding House is creating bonds with the kids and watching their development throughout the year. I love baking in the House on the weekends and the many trips we go on.

MADDIE MELLOR 13313 (2016):

House: Augusta

Working as: Design & Technology Teacher

Did you enjoy boarding life?

Throughout my seven years as a boarder in Augusta I left with so many fond memories. Coming from a military family, making the transition into a boarding environment was the stability that I needed. As a boarder you become a tight nit family with others that you normally wouldn’t see yourself becoming friends with. Having spent seven years as a boarder you develop this love for it, all of the extra opportunities that we were given, activities that were put on, it was a loving and caring environment for all. I look back on my time in boarding so fondly and was thrilled to get the chance to give back to the current boarders in the same way that I benefited. From 2019-2022 I worked across both Balmoral and Augusta doing two nights in each, whereas now I have branched out to working in Day Houses and am a part of Balmoral and China which I love.

What are you involved with alongside your teaching job?

I have always had a love for the pastoral side of schools and am really passionate about being as involved in that side of school life as I am in my teaching. I am currently a House Tutor in Balmoral and China spending an evening a week in each. Alongside this I get stuck into a variety of Period 7’s during the year ranging from charity initiative to athletics.

ROBBIE OLDEN

10718 (2011):

House: Sandringham

Working as: Director of Drama

Were you involved in Drama when you were a student?

Yes – I did Drama as both a GCSE and A-Level option and took part in several school productions. I felt, looking back at my time at the school, that the opportunities available in terms of Drama were few and far between. It has been a privilege to be able to grow the Co-curricular Drama programme and provide those opportunities for students that I never had.

How long have you been teaching here?

September 2024 will be my tenth year working as a member of staff at Gordon’s! After graduating University with a degree in Drama, I returned to Gordon’s as a Graduate Assistant in Sandringham, working with my old House Parents (the Moores). I stayed in that role for two years and absolutely loved it. I went on to train as a drama teacher with Gordon’s as my training school and continued as a teacher within the department. I became Deputy Head of Drama before eventually growing and developing the role into my current role of Director of Drama.

What’s changed since you left?

The biggest change for me is the range of co-curricular opportunities open to the current students at Gordon’s. I always felt privileged to be at Gordon’s and particularly loved life as a full boarder, but the opportunities and experiences available to the students now is vastly superior! The facilities are exceptional and are continuing to develop with a view on all aspects of the school. The school is much bigger now, but still very much has the feel of a small community where the students are encouraged to be well-rounded individuals as opposed to just academically successful.

CHRIS PEARCE

12718 (2019):

House: Buckingham

Working as: Music Graduate Assistant

What made you think about working at Gordon’s?

I wanted to work in music after my degree and continue developing a wider range of skills. Considering I was a former pupil I felt it would be a smooth transition into the workplace, and my experience at the school gave me an insight and understanding of the school’s ethos. I knew that the environment would be supportive, challenging, and exciting and I knew that the school would invest in me and support me to grow.

What did you enjoy at school?

While I was at school, I really enjoyed taking part in all the drama productions and Inter-House competitions as well as singing in competitions and concerts up and down the country.

HARRIET TURK 10596 (2008):

House: Augusta

Working as: Gordonian Officer

What are your favourite memories from School?

Time in House! The House structure helped create solid friendships and the time spent in common rooms, on trips and in the garden are definitely some of my favourite memories. Inter-House competitions were always fun, whether we were good or bad, we were always laughing and played as team.

What’s changed since you left?

The school has got bigger and the Sixth Form is the main difference in size and the courses now offered are incredible, there is now a much bigger choice in type and subject. The facilities now are also much more advanced, the sports hall and equipment are hugely beneficial to the students. There are also some exciting plans for Drama and Music, something which I was involved with as a student so seeing the changes here has been great!

CHARLOTTE WINCKLEY

10633 (2010):

House: Windsor Working as: Maths Teacher

What brought you back to Gordon’s?

Before I came to back to Gordon’s I wasn’t really loving being a teacher. I had planned to try working at a different school to see if I preferred it. The day after I told my manager that I was looking to move elsewhere, the job at Gordon’s appeared on their website. I loved my time at Gordon’s as a student so was very excited at the prospect of being a teacher here. An added bonus of being able to re-join Windsor House as a member of staff, this time around.

What advice would you give to yourself if you were starting Year 7 again?

To be honest, there is very little I would change about my time at Gordon’s. I loved my 7 years here as a student both in and out of class.

LOST GORDONIANS!:

We are in touch with nearly 3,000 alumni, but there are still some we have lost contact with. We recently sent postcards to some of those and it was great to be back in contact with them as a result! We have randomly selected Gordonians below – if it’s you or you are in touch with that person, please email us at gordonians@ gordons.school – we’d love to re-connect!

WE LOVE CATCHING UP WITH YOU ALL, WHETHER THAT BE AT SCHOOL, PARADES OR WHEN YOU SEE US OUT AND ABOUT!:

Denis Mulkerrin

Mr Neil Arnot

Wonderful to welcome back former Headmaster of Gordon’s Denis Mulkerrin. Many of you will have attended during his time as Headmaster between 1994 - 2010. It was great to show him around the school now, some of the buildings may have changed use or new ones added but Denis was thrilled to see the school still thriving. Most will remember Mr Mulkerrin for his passion for sport, particularly weightlifting, so it was great to show him our new sports facilities including the fitness suite and the Mulkerrin Pitch. With plenty of staff still teaching it was great for him to reunite with Jacqueline Pierce, Paul King and Phil Fox amongst a few others!

Jonathan Bell 7918 (1980)

Jonathan Bell 7918 (1980) sat on the interview panel for the Gordonian Awards in November. Jonathan, together with our Pastoral Deputy Head, Director of Sport and Director of Creative Arts interviewed an impressive 21 students who had applied. Jonathan commented how each year the students continue to impress with their talent and commitment to their disciplines!

Alex Duke 11604 (2018)

Thank you to Alex Duke 11604 (2018) who came to school in December 2023 to interview Sixth Form students Will and Rojhe and school Chaplain, the Reverend Graham for Greatest Hits Radio. The interview celebrated the fundraising efforts from students and staff in Angus’ Army – who raised over £20,000 for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

The Pipes and Drums took part in the Lord Mayor’s Show on 11th November 2023, joining 7,000 people, 250 horses and 50 decorated floats in the three mile pageant. Iona, Senior Pipe Major at Gordon’s was delighted when Dave Cole 8032 (1980) came to say hello after spotting the band!

What were the chances that when former staff member, Eric Boustead’s son, came to the UK on his football tour from Australia, his first home match was being played against Gordon’s? Lachlan came to Gordon’s in December and then returned back in January with his dad for a full tour of the School. Eric worked as Assistant House Master in Balmoral and Sandringham in 1997 and loved his time here. He hadn’t been back to England in 25 years!

Thank you also to Andy Ewens 7408 (1971) who contacted us after seeing the band march past during the show. He said ‘They were extremely well turned out and playing excellently. Made me feel quite nostalgic’. Iona and the band were thrilled to hear these lovely comments so please do keep letting us know when you spot us!

CAREERS EVENTS:

Working together with our Careers Department we are always actively seeking Gordonians who can help our careers programme. In the past six months Gordonians have offered a huge amount of time, whether that be via a Zoom session, an in person talk or attending our Careers Fair on behalf of their company.

CAREERS FAIR: CAREER SPEAKERS:

In February 2024 we were delighted to welcome five Gordonians to our Careers Fair. They joined 45 other delegates to meet with every student in school, including students from other schools in our Arete Partnership, to talk about careers, pathways, university, and further education.

This event gives students the opportunity to talk about specific careers or university courses or for those undecided on their future pathway, the chance to explore careers they may not have considered yet. Our Gordonians provided insight into insurance, charity, trading standards, and joining the Royal Navy; a popular one for students who are in the Combined Cadet Force!

We were delighted to welcome:

Julie West (former staff member), Sam Rumball 10984 (2013), Sean Garrett 8659 (1988), Malcolm Phillips 7739 (1976) and Lucy Reeve 10078 (2006).

Thank you to Gordonian sisters, Natasha 10022 (2004) and Daisy Greenhead, who returned to school for the first time since leaving in 2004 and 2006 respectively. The two started off in Windsor House before moving to the newly-opened China House! Natasha, Deputy Head of Legal at global real estate and estate agency Knight Frank, spoke to students about her journey into law and career, as part of National Careers Week. They are pictured with Careers Lead Augusta Kennedy and Lettings and Events Manager Tom Mundy. Are

Dave Cole 8032 (1980)

Andy Ewens 7408 (1971)

Eric Boustead

CHARITY:

Gordon’s has one whole school charity and three further charities chosen annually by students and staff.  The whole school charity is the Camelthorn Foundation which is raising money to build a girls’ boarding house (to be known as Gordon’s House) the Ngamo School, Zimbabwe. In addition, CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) and Papyrus (prevention of young suicide) and Angus’ Army, raising funds for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, will benefit from charitable giving this year.

Year 12 students are invited to apply for seven Charity Prefect positions. They help initiate ideas, run stalls on Fun Day and increase awareness in younger groups through assemblies and presentations.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY

2024:

As part of enrichment week, our students will be helping the community on 3rd July for their Make a Difference Day. The last time Gordon’s held this Day, 70 students slept in cardboard boxes on the Parade Square; 21 black sacks of rubbish were removed from the school site, Brentmoor Heath and Portsmouth Beach; 41 vehicles were cleaned on the Parade Square; hedgehog homes were made; potatoes harvested; leaflets dropped and a graveyard cleared. Students helped facilitate a sports day at Tringham pre-school and organised a sports festival as well as providing help/activities at the Lakeview Care Home, Therapy Gardens; Gracewell Care Home and Frogmore Junior School. They also made cakes for an afternoon tea for the elderly in the Rec.

If you would like students aged between 11 and 17 to be involved in a project or charity you are running, please complete this form: https://forms.office.com/e/1fXZjBrgUJ

THE WILLIAM HAROLD CHARITY CUP:

Gordonian William Harold 6573 (1958) left a legacy to Gordon’s, and with the support of his family, this legacy is now supporting the newly introduced William Harold Inter-House Charity Cup. Each of our 11 houses will compete in the £100 challenge, the idea is that each house is given £100 to use to make more money for the School’s chosen charities. The emphasis is on the students, to be creative with their ideas and really find their passion in their charity fundraising. It’s a challenge which supports the philanthropy of General Gordon and is a competition which truly involves every student in the School.

Every January staff and students vote for three charities which the school support alongside the main school charity. This year we are fundraising for Camelthorn Foundation (which is raising money to build a girls’ boarding house), CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young), Papyrus (Prevention of Young Suicide) and Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

The Houses have made a great start to their fundraising; Sandringham house put together daffodils and sold these for Mothering Sunday and Balmoral took on a huge challenge of rowing from sunrise to sunset on Thursday 18 th April. They set up an indoor rowing machine in the lounge (below) and every student and staff member of Balmoral rowed continuously between 6.00am and 8.05pm. Collectively they rowed 101 miles and raised £712 for the charities; an incredible achievement.

The winning house each year will be presented a trophy on Parade, and all profits will be split between the three school charities. The original £100 then goes back to each house for them to start their fundraising again – ensuring that this award continues to serve the School and allows for the Inter-House competition to continue.

Thank you to William’s family for reaching out to us and to William for leaving this legacy. Semper Fidelis.

MARATHON SUCCESS!

We are so proud to celebrate those who ran the London marathon this year! A truly amazing achievement completed this year by Gordonians and staff members.

Craig Oatham 9914 (2005) ran to raise money for the charity Ambitious about Autism. After the marathon Craig said ‘It was very tough, but the London support was absolutely fantastic. Hearing your name being shouted out by strangers for 5 hours, was surreal, but absolutely kept me going. I had family and friends dotted around the course too so was a bit of a motivator to know you would be seeing them. The meeting point after was Horseguards, so that took me back a few years to the Whitehall Parade, and leading Guard 1!’

Huge congratulations to Gordonians James Wythe 10636 (2010), George Henly 10577 (2008) and Pete Selley 10615 (2008) who ran the 2024 London marathon on Sunday.

Raising money for charity they all finished the epic 26.2miles and all agreed it was amazing to take part alongside each other. The boys have all stayed great friends since starting Gordon's in 2003.

Congratulations James, George and Pete!

Mark Bissett 8077 (1982), a member of Gordonian Runners, completed the marathon in a very impressive time of under 3hours 15 minutes and represented the running club in his club t-shirt!

Congratulations to staff members Jamie Harrison and Daisy Cooper, who smashed the TCS London Marathon, raising hundreds of pounds for their charities and both signing up to take part next year!

Director of Sport Mr Harrison last ran it in 2016, this time he donned his running shoes in memory of his mother and completed his run for Bowel Cancer UK in just over four hours.

Woolwich Houseparent Daisy Cooper, running for Barnardo's children’s charity completed it in 5.25 hours.

Congratulations to Katie Twigger 10999 (2013) who ran and told us ‘I had an amazing day and raised lots for a great cause. Loved it!’

Craig Oatham 9914 (2005)

Mark Bissett 8077 (1982)

Katie Twigger 10999 (2013)

Staff members Jamie Harrison and Daisy Cooper

James Wythe 10636 (2010), George Henly 10577 (2008) and Pete Selley 10615 (2008)

SCHOOL LIFE IN PICTURES:

Each year the Gordon Foundation supports students to ensure no family is precluded from applying to Gordon’s for a Day or Residential Boarding place for financial reasons. The Bursary Programme supports multiple students throughout their time at school.

Foundation Awards are supported by donations, legacies, and support from partnership trusts. A legacy allows donors to support the programme in a way which they might no be able to do in their lifetime. Many people think that a legacy must be a large sum of money when in reality, a gift of any size has a transforming impact to a child’s education.

If you wish to help support the Bursary Programme or would like a confidential discussion please contact our Development Director, Jemma Moreau, via development@gordons.school

We would also like to get in contact with alumni who were on a bursary during their time at Gordon’s and would be happy to share their story. We want to celebrate how a Gordon’s education helped you. We often hear how the qualities instilled during your time at school helped shaped the person you are today, and we want to share that message with the wider community. If you’d like to be part of this, please get in contact with Harriet via gordonians@gordons.school

FOUNDATION AWARD: OBITUARIES:

We remember the Gordonians we have lost most recently, Semper Fidelis.

Michael Healey 6481 (1958), 19 th October 2023 (pictured right).

David Gilbertson 7698 (1976), 29 th October 2023.

Cyril Arthur Lloyd 6389 (1956), June 2023.

John Henderson 6131 (1951), 2022. John was very proud to be a Gordonian and always grateful for the hand that took care of him and set him off on a good life.

George Jones 5840 (1951), 21st January 2024 (pictured left). George always talked with fondness about the time he spent at the school and developed his strong Christian faith at the school, as well as his love of all things musical, and went on to join the military as a musician.

Katy Galt 10183 (2005), February 2024.

Ian Hutchinson 6568 (1959), February 2024.

Colin Edminston 6584 (1957), April 2024.

JUNE 2024

• Saturday 8th

Patron’s Parade

• Friday 14th

Networking Breakfast

JULY 2024

• Saturday 6th

Annual Parade and Gordonian Memorial Service

AUGUST 2024

• Monday26th

Gordonians v Salesian Cricket Match

SEPTEMBER 2024

• Saturday 14th Alumni Cross Country Race

OCTOBER 2024

• Friday 11th

Networking Breakfast

• Sunday 13th Parade

ANNUAL PARADE AND GORDONIAN REUNION 2024:

On Saturday 6 th July we are thrilled to welcome back Gordonians. The Gordonian Memorial Service will be held in the Chapel followed by the School’s Annual Parade. Gordonians who RSVP will be entitled to a free drink and there is also an option to book a picnic lunch. To let us know you’re attending or to book your lunch please do so via www.gordons.school/boxoffice

It’s always a great event with over 100 Gordonians visiting, so do come along!

Parade: Saturday 6

th

July

2024 Arrival from 10:00am: Registration and Refreshments at the Library 11:00am: Gordonian Memorial Service (Chapel of St Edward the Confessor)

12:00: Big Blaw with Gordon’s Pipes and Drums

12:00: Gordonian Marquee open for Picnic Lunches* and Drinks *picnic lunches must be pre-ordered - order your picnic box online

Monday 17th June 2024 www.gordons.school/boxoffice

Would 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

The 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

Will 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.

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