Gordonian Entrepreneurs

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO SINCE LEAVING GORDON’S?

It is a (shockingly!) long time since I left the school, but in sum I have lived in several countries, and obtained two degrees from the University of St Andrews (MA Hons. Russian & Italian, and M.Litt Middle East & Central Asian Security Studies). After university, I entered the corporate intelligence and investigations sector, in which I have built my career and now business.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE MEMORIES OF GORDON’S?

Augusta House winning the drill competition, and the last night of each term when our House Mistress, Mrs Lilley, would turn a blind eye to us turning our dorm into a giant sleepover – completely ignoring lights out rules and having a lot of fun. Lastly, parade days – particularly the excitement of waiting by the Camel in our dress uniform, the whole school lined up waiting to hear the pipes and drums and then the order to start marching. It’s something very, very special to participate in.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS?

I set up the boutique investigations firm Strela Advisory in late 2017. Our purpose is to provide bespoke investigations and intelligence to resolve our clients’ complex commercial and personal legal, reputational, and sometimes familial, problems. We focus not solely on intelligence gathering, but on its use (because that is where its real value lies) by devising individual approaches to client problems, for which investigations delivers us to our desired destination. My particular expertise is in working with clients from Russia and the CIS (Former Soviet Union), and from the GCC (Arabian Gulf) countries.

HOW AND WHEN DID YOU GET THE IDEA?

Setting up Strela Advisory was largely an act of rebellion on my part. I realised that the traditional business models in my industry were not where I saw my future and professional development. I had always enjoyed working closely with clients, understanding their concerns and defining their goals, and then using investigations to bolster their position or solve a problem. To do so, requires being able to draw together the top talent and expertise across jurisdictions and sectors.

WHAT ARE YOUR AIMS/GOALS FOR YOUR COMPANY?

I want to grow Strela into the investigative equivalent of a multi-family office, and build two parallel practices, in Disputes & Asset Recovery, and Private Client Services.

TO WHAT DO YOU ATTRIBUTE YOUR SUCCESS?

I am really passionate about what I do, I absolutely love investigations. I believe in their relevance and application, and how they benefit clients – strengthening their position and decision-making. In tandem, I really listen to my clients and potential clients, to what they need and want. This drives me to find ways to improve my skills and evolve the way we work in order to provide a better service. For instance, I am learning Arabic to add to my language skills, At the same time, any success is never solely my own – I have an incredible and supportive network of family, friends, peers and mentors to whom I owe a lot, and from whom I draw enormous strength.

FINALLY, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 16 YEAR OLD SELF?

Think big, think internationally, and be bold! I hate trite sayings, but the world really is your oyster. Think outside your national boundaries when it comes to further education, work experience, internships, and where your job might take you. Employers around the world are clamouring for top talent and will facilitate relocation if it means having you on board. Don’t underestimate the power of learning another language – it is a life skill, and may give you the edge in an interview. It also shows an openness to the world and an ability to understand and adapt to another culture. In this globalised economy, I would suggest learning an emerging market language, but anything you choose will be an excellent string to your bow. Lastly, don’t stress about knowing what you want to do with the rest of your life – careers are no longer linear, and industries are ever evolving (mine barely existed when I was at Gordon’s, and who had heard of blockchain or ESG a decade ago?). Instead, focus on transferrable skills, that will be your value-add down the line.

WHEN WERE YOU AT GORDON’S?

2011–2019

FONDEST MEMORIES:

I attended Gordon’s School between 2011 and 2019. Some of my fondest memories are from Khartoum House, spending time with the other pupils. I loved my Duke of Edinburgh and CCF experiences all over the UK and also in India and Equador. Although I’d have to say, if I had to pick only one moment as my fondest memory, it would be in 2017, when I was Head Boy leading the school for a parade down Whitehall.

AFTER GORDON’S:

Weeks after finishing my A-Levels, I went through the Army Officer Selection Board and got offered a place at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and was able to see different units within the British Army, before committing myself to the Royal Corps of Signals. Since Picture L: David is on the left before the commissioning I have spent time within the army working all over the UK with remembrance parade at Sandhurst. various organisations. Picture R: David is on the left next to Phil Fox who is the Quarter Master, CCF at Gordon’s School, I have been fortunate enough to be assigned to 226 Signal Squadron taken at Whitehall 2017. supporting the 16th Air Assault Brigade, which was started in 1999 and whose first commander was General Sir Peter Wall, now Chairman of our own Gordon’s Foundation. I am currently the Officer in Command of a Troop of 28 people, and the work I do is both niche and diverse, which keeps me motivated and is very rewarding.

ADVICE TO YOUR 16 YEAR OLD SELF:

Advice I would give to my 16 year old self would be to look at any valuable things you truly enjoy doing and (ideally) are good at, and focus on what you need to do to include these in your future. Once these goals are broken down they tend to be much more achievable!

HANNAH APPLEBY (NEE NICOLE) 9306 (1998) AUGUSTA

WHEN WERE YOU AT GORDON’S?

1993 – 1998

FONDEST MEMORIES:

Life at Gordon’s was not always great for me, I was not in the popular groups from the start. So I often got lonely. However, I made strong bonds with some of the staff. Sarah Norbron, Sue Sampson, Tony Perry, Denis Robinson and Mr Oettinger were among some of the teachers I connected with. I enjoyed learning from them even if the subject was one I struggled with, and I always knew they had my back. I really enjoyed being a member of the Navy Section in the Combined Cadet Force, and found my chance to shine being promoted to Senior NCO. Learning to march and learning the history behind the parade uniform and the tartan, has given me a deep-rooted appreciation of ritual for historic memory. This made it easier for me to dive into the ritual side of the Oddfellows Friendly Society when I joined. Through my membership, I maintain a desire to fundraise every year for various charities.

ADVICE TO YOUR 16 YEAR OLD SELF:

If I had to give advice to my 16 year old self, it would be to never stop chasing my dreams. That I will achieve great things in this life, and that I don’t need to be wealthy to experience great riches in this life! This summer Hannah took part in an amazing swim challenge to raise money for The Alzeimers Society. Hannah, who fondly remembers swimming at Gordon’s School, suffers from a medical condition which means that exercise is very painful. She pushed herself to swim the full 10 miles by the end of September, exceeding her original goal of 5 miles. Hannah actually swam a total of 11 miles. At 64 lengths per mile (In a 25 metre pool) that is a whopping 704 lengths of the pool! She smashed her fund raising target of £500, raising over £700. Well done Hannah! If you would like to support Hannah please visit her justgiving page. It is still open for donations. https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/swimfordementia-hannahappleby Picture L: Hannah at Gordon’s in Year 7 Picture R: Hannah and her daughter with their medals

Picture: Ellie at the Gordon’s School Sports Award Dinner.

FONDEST MEMORIES:

I do have many fond memories from Gordon’s, sport being one of them! I really loved playing for the netball team, captaining the hockey team, riding in the equestrian team and the annual end of season sports award dinners. I loved having a Day house (Kensington) to spend time and study in as well.

AFTER GORDON’S:

After leaving Gordon’s I went to the University of Southampton and achieved a 2:1 in BSc Economics. I then studied towards a postgraduate certificate in Strength & Conditioning and my Level 3 Personal Trainer qualifications as well. After university I started playing in the Women’s Premier 15’s for Saracens Rugby and soon moved on to Richmond RFC where I started playing consistently in the 1st team whilst working full time in Sports Travel for Edwin Doran. Last season I decided to move to Wasps Women’s Rugby and have been there ever since playing on the wing in the Allianz Premier 15’s whilst also Personal training on the side.

WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT SO FAR?

I am currently writing this from Dubai after being selected for the first time for Great Britain 7’s. It is my first international appearance so I’m really proud and excited.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS:

After being made redundant from my Sports Travel job during Covid I decided I wanted to do more personal training and be a mobile personal Trainer as I have always liked the idea of setting up my own small brand. My business is called ‘Let’s Get Functional’. Mobile personal training means that clients don’t need a gym membership. It is more part-time at the moment as I am training full-time with rugby but It is definitely something I would like to grow in the future.

ADVICE TO YOUR 16-YEAR-OLD SELF:

There are going to be times when you do not feel like you are progressing or moving forward but if you keep putting the effort in you will be rewarded. Keep being persistent, turning up and putting the work in.

ELLIE (ELOISE) YOUNG 11681 (2017)

WHEN WERE YOU AT GORDON’S?

2012–2015 Kensington House, 2015–2017 China House

FONDEST MEMORIES:

I have so many fond memories of Gordon’s; I loved being involved with lots of extracurricular music such as the pipes and drum’s band, a string quartet and the hotly contested inter-house music competitions. I was also a keen netballer and loved playing competitively throughout my time at Gordon’s. But most of all when I think of my school days I think of the friends I made, so many of whom I still see now years after leaving school. I feel very lucky to have made such great friends during my time at Gordon’s.

AFTER GORDON’S:

After leaving Gordon’s I worked as a waitress for 6 months and then travelled for 6 months with friends from school. After returning from my travels, I started studying Medicine at the University of Nottingham. Studying medicine has certainly kept me busy but I have also made the most of societies at Uni getting involved with: Medics Hockey, captaining Medics Netball 1st team, playing in Medics Orchestra and a string quartet called, The G strings and more recently, playing Sandy in the Medics Musical, ‘Grease’. Grease was so much fun! Definitely a highlight of Med School for me!

PLANS FOR THE FUTURE:

After graduating from University I hope to work as a junior doctor. I do not know what area of medicine I want to specialise in yet but hopefully I will figure that out along the way. I also hope to travel again in the future; my trip between school and university just made me want to go again! Picture L: Ellie in year 8 Picture R: Ellie as Sandy in Medics Musical

ADVICE TO YOUR 16-YEAR-OLD SELF:

Make the most of all the opportunities you can, and get involved with everything that school, university and life has to offer!

Jay was my very good friend and I had known him for 57 years at the time of his death, he was a lovely man who I miss. I met Jay at the Gordon Boys School (GBS) near Woking in Surrey, in January of 1966. GBS was a military boarding school designed to educate and turn the sons of members of the armed services into well rounded human beings – Jay’s father was in the army and stationed in Hong Kong at the time. The school was overseen by a commandant and the boys were awakened by a bugler playing ‘Reveille’ and went to sleep to the ‘Last Post’. The prefects were given army ranks from Boy (Private), Lance Corporal, Corporal, Sergeant and the Head Boy was a Colour Sergeant – Jay was a very popular Lance Corporal in charge of a dormitory in China House. The boys were marched in columns to all activities such as meals, church, evensong, various parades, and academic lessons. The school had a very active extra curriculum calendar and Jay used to love to play football on the wing for China House – as we all know Jay was a lifelong Arsenal fan. Jay was also an ‘extremely useful left arm spinner’ according to the Sports Master, when he played cricket for the school. The inter-house rivalry was fierce and apart from sport House Points were awarded for academia, games, shooting, archery, swimming, junior cadets and drill competitions; House Points were even available for house cleaning as the school did not waste money on employing cleaners! Jay oversaw the cleaning of the General Gordon Museum which he thoroughly enjoyed as it entailed a quick run round with a broom and duster after which he could relax for an hour or two, whilst the rest of the school were being drilled. It was a tough school, but it was a great life for a teenager and a place where many lifelong friendships were made. Jay’s love for the school continued long after he left, he was the Chairman of the Old Boys’ Committee for twelve years and a committee member for more than 25 years. He was an everpresent at the Annual Parade where he welcomed returning old boys and led the AGM. At the age of 16 we all left school and went our separate ways however we very soon bumped into each other again at the Croydon YMCA. At this time, Jay worked in the accounts department at Swan and Edgars which was a large department store at Piccadilly Circus, now long gone. At this time, I would often go with Jay to Arsenal matches on a Saturday afternoon and then back to his room to listen to Arlo Guthrie’s ‘Spirit of Saint Louis’ followed by supper with his parents who were always very kind to me. Over the years we kept in touch as best we could, and Jay would visit from time to time. On one such visit I realised that Jay had a special ‘gift’ that thankfully not many of us have – he could snore for England! He came to Scotland for a visit in the early eighties, and after a raucous night out we all went to bed. At about 3am and completely spontaneously, everybody appeared in the front garden looking up at Jay’s windows which were almost rattling to the sound of a car engine being gently revved, as Jay lay happily slumbering above. I am sure that it is a sound that Linda knows well! Each year Jay took a cottage for a week in Yorkshire and just days before he died he invited my brother and me to stay with him for a few days and we had a really wonderful time. I asked him why he liked the cottage so much and he said he enjoyed the scenery, which was indeed spectacular, but I think the real reason was that the pub was only forty yards from the cottage door, it sold real ale and fantastic sausage rolls and pork pies. Jay was a lovely, ebullient, and popular man and a great friend, I feel privileged to have known him.

Dave Cole 8032 (1980) Khartoum

I’d known Jay for a number of years, we were ten years apart so didn’t go to school together however this didn’t seem to matter even though he was in China and myself in Khartoum, we bonded from the start! Our first meeting was at a Gordonians Dinner where I was duly “plonked” next to the then “Chairman of the Gordonians” committee for the meal…. Oh no I thought, small talk all night and I’ll have to be on my best behaviour! Well I was immediately taken by this friendly and outgoing character who I can say over a short period of time, became a close friend, mentor and confidant. Jay was a truly charitable person, his work with the Gordonians and other charitable fraternities, where he ensured those who needed help received it, even down to playing Father Christmas at the local garden centre every year. A passionate sports fan, he was a member of the Lawn Tennis Association and season ticket holder of Arsenal, we can’t all be perfect! I was lucky enough to speak to Jay on the morning of his passing and we shared a laugh and were arranging to meeting up soon. I was grateful for this and my time spent with him over the years. He will be sorely missed by myself, my family and many, many friends. Kevin Penney 7103 (1966) Khartoum

Jay will have arrived at Gordon’s as I left so I never knew him there. However, I was latterly to be introduced to him in his position within the Gordonians. We need people like Jay to take on those organisational roles that too many of us avoid. I do believe that his commitment to us all, who fondly remember our school days, will be sadly missed.

Jay worked tirelessly to maintain and evolve the Gordonians over a long period of time. At times this was a lonely, difficult and often political job which he rarely moaned about. He was just laser focused ensuring that Gordonians had a responsibility to all the “old boys” to keep them connected and updated with the ever evolving school. However, he was also driven by the challenge of making Gordonians relevant and useful to the modern, younger men and women who when leaving Gordon’s had different requirements from an alumni. He partnered with various Headmasters, and school representatives over the years always putting Gordonians first. As ex China House pupil of course he was a great chap! Thanks for all the volunteered time and effort you gave Gordonians Jay. He truly represented the motto Semper Fidelis. Keith Nicholls 7462 (1974) Khartoum

Please pass my sympathies to Jay’s family. I was at the School during a similar period. I know he did good work for the association and the school for many years. Semper Fidelis Tony Nicol 7356 (1969) Khartoum

Truly saddened to hear this. A person very dedicated to keeping the Gordon School alive past and present. RIP my man. Russell Andre Rickards 9043 (1995) Khartoum

So sorry to hear about the passing of Jay Tamsitt. I never met him in person but am aware of the years of hard work he put into Gordonians after taking over from Roy Newman. I am aware that he built up the Gordonians and although the Gordonians no longer survives as a separate member led organisation, his legacy continues in the alumni community we now have. Julie West – Former Gordonian Officer (2016–2019)

I worked with Jay when I was employed by the School as Gordonian Officer. This period marked a time of significant change for the Gordonian Association. Jay recognised the need for the existing Association to modernise in order to remain relevant to Gordonians of all ages. He worked tirelessly to engage Gordonians in the change process, looking at alternative options and seeking feedback. Today’s alumni engagement across a far wider group of Gordonians and initiatives such as the Gordonian Awards are testimony to Jay’s efforts and success. He lived very much by the School’s motto, “Semper Fidelis”.

Alan Howe 7309 (1969) China

Very sad to hear of Jay’s passing…we joined the School at the same time…I was 7309 Jay was 7311. We were firm friends at school but lost touch after leaving. About 20 years ago, we reconnected after meeting on Friends Reunited. From that point we would always meet for a curry in Caterham..near where we lived. Apart from his obsession with Arsenal (!), he was and will be remembered for his devotion to the School and his work for the Old boys of which he was Chairman for many years,..RIP Jay…top man...devoted to his family and his many friends

This picture was taken at the last after parade drinks in Whitehall 2020 with fellow old boy Tony Gunn. Picture from L to R: Alan, Jay & Tony. Philip Condell 6796 (1962)

So sorry to hear about the death of Jay. I was too early to know being 6796, but met him at Annual a couple of times. I know that he did a lot of good work for the old Gordon’s boys. RIP Jay. Tony Perry – Former Deputy Head of the School (1965–2003)

We met at the start of the Autumn Term in mid-1960’s, Jay’s first day at the School coinciding with mine as a newly appointed teacher. He never forgot this and was always pleased to remind myself and others! Later in life and in the greater sphere outside Gordon’s, we shared an interest in the pursuit of which we met numerous times at a social level. We spent much time chatting and chuckling over early experiences on our respective sides of the fence as it were. In later years, I worked with Jay as my position on the staff gave rise to a link with the Association committee and their requirements for Annual and other occasions during the normal school year. It soon became clear to me that Jay’s vision for the future of the OG Association, whilst respecting the past, needed to develop an enduring strategy to provide a dynamic mechanism for generations to come. This, I believe, he successfully achieved.

Paul Ivory 7937 (1980) China – Advisory Panel Member and former Treasurer to The Gordonian’s Association

It was with great sadness that we recently learned of the death of Jay Tamsitt (7311) who most, if not all, of you would have known over the years. Jay was passionate about the School and, particularly, the Gordonian Community giving many years of voluntary service to the former Association and Gordon Foundation. The last time I met Jay was at the Whitehall Parade and Gordonian Reunion in January 2019 where he, Dave Cole and I ended up in China Town for a meal having already had a bit of a skin full to be honest. No doubt about it, Jay enjoyed a good social event.

Picture from Left to Right, Paul Ivory; Dave Cole; Jay Tamsitt David Little 6995 (1965)

Jay joined Gordon’s the year after I left and I first came upon him several years later. On every occasion that we met, over a period of years on old Gordonians day, he had an unswerving dedication to the school, and to China House where we exchanged our respective memories. He was an enthusiastic and committed Committee member giving many dedicated years. He was always amiable and positive with a kind disposition. A true Gordonian who epitomised the school motto. Susan Meikle – Secretary of the Gordon Foundation & Gordon’s School Bursar

Right to his end, Jay continued to support Gordonians, whatever their era attending the Home or School. The week following his untimely passing, Jay was due to come to Gordon’s as a member of the interview panel for this year’s Gordonian Awards, something that he enjoyed being part of and indeed, was instrumental in establishing. These Awards actively link current Gordon’s students with all Gordonians, providing financial support to develop their particular co-curricular strengths. Jay enjoyed reminiscing about his own time as a Gordon’s pupil but was keen to ensure that being a member of the Gordonians was relevant to all, and that appropriate support could be provided. Hence Jay’s brave leadership for disbanding the Association as such, always careful to ensure that the interests of all Gordonians continue to be upheld and not lost within the machinery of the School. I enjoyed working with Jay on this, also appreciating his support both as a Trustee of The Gordon Foundation and as an Academy Governor. It is fitting that Gordon’s will host Jay’s Memorial Service in 2022 as our way of celebrating Jay’s service to the School and fellow Gordonians. Denis Robinson (Assistant Chaplain 1991–1994, Chaplain 1994–2017)

His Housemaster at his time at the School was probably Ted Wells who was Head of Maths, and on retirement was curator of the Museum, now the Staff Room. He would have also known Padre Alec Giles, the school Chaplain. This I believe gave him a healthy regard for the ‘Cloth’. I came to interact with Jay when he became Chairman of the OG’s after succeeding Bert Milnes. Jay was always concerned that the OG’s operated independently of the School and very much believed that it needed to change direction. The fact that it did positively change for the good of all concerned was very much down to Jay who gave so much of his time and business acumen to enable the association to meld with the School. He interacted on this with Annie Hughes and then Julie West. Jay felt that it was important that ex students and staff who had passed way should be remembered annually even if there demise had been reported belatedly. He and I discussed a simple format for a Chapel remembrance at the AGM and hence the birth of what happened every Speech day morning in the Chapel. Carol Willgoss provided the names and Jay would read them out. My last year as Chaplain (2017) I was invited to the Gordonians Dinner in London after the Whitehall Parade on the Saturday. We chatted after the ceremony and realised that Jay was going to watch his beloved Arsenal play in the afternoon and I was off to Stamford Bridge. When I eventually made it to the Dinner venue (one of the Tube lines was closed) the Banter was in my favour as Arsenal had lost and my Chelsea had won! Meeting up in the Summer for speech day, verbal revenge was Jay’s as Arsenal convincingly beat Chelsea in the Cup final at which we had both been in attendance. Jay was a thoroughly easy going character who did his utmost to interact with ex students of Gordon’s. I have had some long conversations with Jay since I retired. I shall miss his presence at the next Speech day. May he rest in peace. Sarah Norbron – Gordon’s School Chaplain (2017–2021)

I will always remember Jay when we worked together on ceremonial events. He would lay the Gordonian wreath at Remembrance and at the Gordon’s memorial weekend. He would also carry the colour at Guildford Cathedral. What a kind, true gentleman. It was such a privilege to record the Gordonian service last summer together for one last time. He will be greatly missed as he has done so much for the Gordonians.