Features

Farewell

to Amanda Richards

Amanda Richards leaves the school this year after 28 years in the Art Department. A Level Artist Christy Lord asked her about her most striking recollections from her time teaching here, where to go in the world if you want to see the best art – and the joy of cakes!

Mrs Richards writes: Dungeness has long been a favourite creative destination for Eltham College Art students and here I am in front of one of the beautifully derelict boats on the beach. What a great patina created by weathering!

Mrs Richards writes: Earlier this year I took part in a ‘make a drawing a day’ challenge with ex Eltham College student Faye Dobinson. This is one of my drawings from that series.

If you could pick one year in your time at the school to go back to, which one would it be and why?

If I could go back to one year, I think I’d probably go to the first year I was here (1994). I walked through the front door of the school and was greeted by the Head of Art, Peter Richards, whom I married eight years later. It was a very exciting year, starting in a completely new environment.

I had previously worked in the fashion industry before going back to college and completing a degree in my late 20s. Working in an Art Department seemed fun and I had seen an art technician role advertised at Eltham. I got an interview, and I was interviewed by Peter, and we had a very long interview because we got on really well. We chatted for approximately two hours about art, and I got the job!

Why did you originally choose to work at Eltham College?

I chose it because I wanted a part time job that was not too stressful and allowed me to make art at the same time. At that point, teaching was not something I was thinking about. I had a studio outside of school and was a working artist. Over time, teaching opportunities started to come up at the school, and I swapped roles. During my first year here, the artist in residence scheme was introduced, and I became really good friends with the artist at the time. After she finished, the Headmaster asked me if I would like to do the role because he knew that I was an artist and was aware that I had worked with students outside the role of being a technician. I accepted the role and became artist in residence for a year before becoming a teacher.

Have your views on art, and teaching it, changed during your time at Eltham?

I’d have to say yes, because when you’re young, you have a very clear idea of the kind of art you like and the kind of art you don’t like. Teaching opened my eyes and mind to lots of different types of art. I can appreciate lots of different genres now. In addition, if you spend long enough making your own work, you begin to see patterns in what you are attracted to and how you make work. That’s one of the fun things about teaching art, actually: helping people to identify the sorts of work that they’re actually good at and that they enjoy, highlighting and making people aware of where their strengths are.

Away from art you have been involved in rowing and baking (with the bake-off competitions) – how rewarding have these been?

These were co-curricular activities. The bake-offs were just a bit of fun. The Great British Bake Off is screened each year, normally in September, so running a school bake-off alongside has always seemed like a fun thing to do. At one point, I did become seriously involved in making wedding cakes. I made these amazing hand-painted, gold-leafed concoctions. Funnily enough, that came out of making a leaving cake for a previous Headmaster about 20 years ago. He was the first Headmaster that I knew at this school, and I wanted to do something when he left, so I made a cake. The cake had a classical painting on the top, which was part of the Wilton Diptych collection, which is on display at the National Gallery.

I opened a pathway for people to start rowing by taking them along to the club that my daughter was rowing in at the time, the Globe Rowing Club in Greenwich. The junior section, which is where the Eltham →

boys attended, rowed off the Royal Albert Dock, which is opposite City Airport. At the time, around 30 boys were actively involved with the sport.

In your 28 years at the school, what would you say have been the most significant changes, and which one have you welcomed most?

Obviously there have been many physical changes; not so much to the Art Department, which has stayed pretty much the same, aside from new flooring. I have seen the building of the Turberville Building; the library and the ELSC also weren’t there when I joined.

I vividly remember Sebastian Coe, who won two gold medals in both the 1980 and 1984 Olympic games after winning the 1500 metres race on both occasions, opening the ELSC. He came to open the centre. I was a big fan of his, and I remember chasing after him for his autograph. The Headmaster was just seeing him off, and I managed to quickly get a word in while waving my programme for the opening in front of him. The Headmaster kindly lent me his pen and I managed to get my programme signed.

The advent of the Gerald Moore Gallery was also significant. It came about after my husband was watching television one day and he saw an interview with Gerald Moore, who was selling his house and all of its contents, including an art collection. Peter observed that he was wearing an Eltham College tie. He contacted Gerald and asked if he would visit his alma mater. Gerald arrived and we soon discovered that he had been asked to leave the school when he was 13 because his father could no longer afford the fees. Gerald still led a very colourful life, becoming a child actor, as well as later qualifying as a doctor and a dentist, and he had a Harley Street practice. He gained a lot of money from this and also acquired an art collection from one of his friends, which he wanted to eventually put in a gallery. He was a prolific artist himself, and therefore wanted somewhere to put his collection when he passed on. After developing a friendship with him over many years, Gerald decided to build the GMG alongside Elinor Brass, a former Head of Art.

A birthday cake made by Mrs Richards for current parents of pupils at the school who are also family friends

If you could choose one piece of art from any gallery in the world to put in your home, what would it be and why?

Lady with an Ermine by Leonardo Da Vinci or any Vermeer piece; I think they’re all gorgeous. It’s the light in them really, the light coming through the windows. Lady with an Ermine is just so beautiful, though: beautiful light, composition, the position of the hand, the animal…everything.

When you first came to the school you accompanied art trips to Dungeness and Amsterdam. What have been your most rewarding trips with the school?

I’ve been on lots of trips: to Paris, Amsterdam and Rotterdam, Venice, Florence, Barcelona, Brussels, Dungeness, as well as countless trips to London… essentially all the major art capitals of Europe. Venice has to be my favourite, because the physical environment is so fantastic, it’s like walking back in time. Even though it’s a popular tourist destination, most of the tourists just go to St Mark’s Square, so if you walk away from there, you become lost in the beauty of the city.

What advice do you have for a pupil embarking on an A Level course?

Be prepared to work hard.

Which city in the world is most interesting, art-wise?

It’s probably London because it’s diverse and it’s a fabulous resource that’s right on our doorstep. I don’t think we use it enough. As I said, though, if you’re looking for a unique environment, I would say Venice.

What has been your most cherished moments as a teacher at Eltham?

There are lovely moments when you find students that are not confident about art at all suddenly gain confidence and enthusiasm. I remember seeing one student putting art as their GCSE option, and thinking ‘how’s he going to do that?’. He used to consistently ask for ideas about what to do, so I had to often feed him ideas. When he got into Year 11, and we got onto the last project, he would come up to me and say ‘I really fancy doing this, I have an idea, I would like to do such and such…’, so that was lovely. It is inspirational when I see someone who has felt very unsure on what to do start having their own ideas. ⬤

Eric Liddell’s

Other Sport

We all know about Eric Liddell’s prowess on the athletics track – thanks in part to the film Chariots of Fire. He was, however, also a top rugby player, playing for both Scotland and Edinburgh University. Earlier this year on 2 January, on the 100th anniversary of his first cap for Scotland, he was inducted into the Scottish Rugby Hall of Fame. His rugby career is explored in a new book by Kenneth Bogle. Mark Stickings, former Head of German and school archivist, reviews the book here. Is there a market for yet another book about Eric Liddell? Well, yes, there is, since this one concentrates not on Eric the athlete who wouldn’t run on Sunday or Eric the missionary in China but specifically on his prowess at his second sport. Eric Liddell and Rugby: The Other Game of Scotland’s Greatest Athlete by

Kenneth Bogle is a well-researched, readable account of Liddell’s relatively brief career as a top rugby player (in effect just the seasons 1921-22 and 1922-23) during which he played regularly for Edinburgh University and

Scotland, featuring in seven of their eight home internationals (he missed one through injury).

The story starts with his career at our school, arriving in Blackheath in 1908 and moving with the other boys to our present site in Mottingham in 1912. Bogle quotes extensively from our school magazine and other material in our archives, documenting

Eric’s progress from ‘Liddell Two’ under his elder brother Rob to being captain himself. He even gets the date of Eric’s last day at Eltham

College right – March 4, 1920. Why didn’t other authors of books about

Liddell know that? Because they never asked the archivist.

Bogle sets the scene for Liddell’s two seasons at the top of Scottish rugby, pointing out the different conditions and rules then, and goes on to provide a detailed account of

Liddell’s achievements, including a blow-by-blow report on each of the seven international matches. The author has written many books on rugby and on Scottish rugby in particular and his knowledge of the scene adds colour to the descriptions. But this is not simply uncritical praise of ‘Saint Eric’: when he was ineffective or played badly, Bogle says so, quoting press reports which were often decidedly mixed.

Sight of the bigger picture is never lost by Bogle – references to Liddell’s other activities, as an athlete or for the church, are slotted in seamlessly. He shows how Liddell’s rugby, though clearly not his highest priority, influenced his development as a man, although he may not have always enjoyed the more boisterous celebrations.

Interestingly, Liddell’s international career is inextricably entwined with that of another old boy from our school, Leslie Gracie (known as Bill in the rugby world), who captained the Scottish team (and made the crucial play) in the ‘Game of the Century’ in Cardiff on February 3, 1923. The book unsurprisingly has a full report of that one. Gracie and Liddell appear together in many of the team photos printed in the book.

So, how good was Eric Liddell the rugby player? Was he just fast, or was there more to it than that? Well, Fogle addresses that question head-on in the last chapter. As for his conclusion – read the book and you’ll find out! ⬤

Mark Stickings (Head of German, 1981-90, and School Archivist, 2008-19)

The 1918 rugby team – with Eric Liddell as captain

Anniversary Fever

This year the school is celebrating the 180th anniversary of its foundation in various ways including planting trees, time capsules, special services and a history written about the school. But how were landmark anniversaries celebrated by the school in the past? School archivist Andrew Beattie looks at the celebrations associated with the school’s 100th and 150th anniversaries, and at the 2012 centenary that celebrated the school’s move to Mottingham a century previously.

The School’s Centenary in 1942

If there were any celebrations relating to the school’s first half-century, in 1892, they have gone unrecorded in editions of the School for the Sons of Missionaries Magazine. Not so the centenary of the school’s foundation in 1942, which unfortunately fell during the darkest year of the Second World War.

Both editions (June and December) of The Elthamian that year carried the proud announcement on the cover that they were the ‘Centenary Number’. The editorial for the June edition noted that ‘in 1842 the founders of our school may have visualised its existence one hundred years hence, but hardly in grounds of over sixteen acres, or with buildings housing over four hundred boys; nor could they have foreseen the circumstances in which the school would have to celebrate its first centenary. It may seem unfortunate to many of us, especially the present generation of boys, that the war has prevented us from celebrating our centenary with the many festivities that the occasion deserves.’ Nonetheless the occasion of the centenary was marked ‘with an Elthamian slightly larger than previous wartime →

issues,’ whose pages included personal impressions and recollections of the school in the past: the earliest were by a former pupil who had attended the school in the 1850s when it was located in Mornington Crescent in Camden, and who must have been nearing his hundredth birthday himself.

There was also a rather whimsical piece entitled The Vision and the Dream by J C Pike, who was Head Boy of Eltham House at Taunton, where the school’s boarders had been evacuated, and which imagined scenes from the school’s past. In Mornington Crescent, Pike imagined pupils complaining about the lack of space: ‘I wish they’d get us a larger place, though – old Lemon [W G Lemon, Headmaster 1852-67] gets enough cash…yes, while we starve on thruppence a week; that’s the only thing wrong with Pater [father] being a missionary’ while after moving to the Blackheath site he imagined boys admiring the ‘topping quad…oh, pity it’s lower than the road.’

The December edition included an account of a service held in the Chapel to mark the centenary. Attendees included staff and pupils from Walthamstow Hall, the school in Sevenoaks that began life in Walthamstow (as did S.S.M.) as a school where Christian missionaries could send their daughters (and which was regarded at the time as Eltham College’s sister school). The address was given by former French and German teacher Sidney Moore, who said that the ‘men who [founded the school] were men of the plain heroic breed, who loved heaven’s silence more than fame… Today we humbly and gratefully give thanks for them and for their labours, wrought in the name and praise of God.’

The two volumes of history produced by the school, to mark the 150th anniversary and the 2012 centenary; both are on display in the archives area of the Old Library (Above) Prince Edward at the opening of the ABH – one of the highlights of the school’s 150th anniversary

(Right) Prince Edward in Central Hall with Headmaster Malcolm Green during the opening of the ABH – part of the school’s 150th anniversary celebrations

The School’s 150th Anniversary in 1992

In his address at Speech Day in 1992, Headmaster Malcolm Green celebrated the ‘excitement and pride in the number of momentous events reflecting our gratitude for the school’s 150 years. The transferring of the symbolic torch from the past to the future…is one of the most central elements in educational experience. What is potent and creative in our heritage must be rekindled through the vision and vitality of each generation, and passed on to those who are launching themselves towards the opportunity of the future…I have been touched by the affection and loyalty expressed by our old pupils in letters and visits, and this year’s anniversary has focused so many of these sentiments, echoed through nostalgia and gratitude.’

One of the ways the event was marked was the publication of a new volume of the school’s history. Eltham College: Past and Present combined a previous volume of history, The Glory of the Sons, published in 1952 and covering the years 1842 to 1950, with Brighter the Torch, edited by Christopher Porteous (Headmaster 1959-83), which brought the story of the school up to date by covering

Prince Edward meeting pupils during the opening of the ABH in November 1991

the period from 1950 to the appointment of Mr Green as Headmaster in 1990.

Reviewing the second part of the book in The Elthamian, Cambridge academic Dr John Walker wrote that ‘Christopher Porteous has produced a lively contemporary history which does the school community proud….His narrative evokes a school remarkably successful in sustaining its traditions whilst creatively adapting to a changing environment, a school with a continuing and significant boarding presence and yet an equally strong reputation as one of south London’s leading day schools.’

Looking at both volumes together he noted that ‘What most emerges from these pages is a picture of a happy, liberal, and flexible community: one strongly conscious of its past and yet looking resolutely to its future, and drawing staff, parents, pupils and former pupils together in a sense of shared and developing purpose.’

The most prominent event that celebrated the 150th anniversary was undoubtedly the visit of Prince Edward in November 1991 to open the Antony Barnard Hall, which had actually been staging plays for nearly three years when his cavalcade swept up the drive. The Prince was treated to a show that included scenes from Henry V and Antigone along with some lively singing by junior boys and Mr McCarroll’s Wind ensemble, ‘swinging through a jazzy French medley’, according to The Elthamian, all of it compered by Sixth Former Ramsey Zarifeh.

A number of other events were also staged. Two BBC radio programmes were broadcast from the school – Any Questions (from the ABH) and Morning Service (from the Chapel). Separately, a special service was held at Westminster Chapel, whose attendees heard a new anthem, The Fear of the Lord, which was composed for the occasion by OE Stephen Farr, who was at the time sub-organist at Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford (and later Organist at Guildford Cathedral). The service was led by Rev Dr R O Latham, the immediate past Chair of Governors, and (like the 1942 service) was attended by representatives from Walthamstow Hall. ‘The service was an inspiration for all who attended it,’ wrote Rev Frank Wells, the School Chaplain, in The Elthamian. ‘Many distinguished Old Elthamians attended, and many friendships were renewed.’ The Music Department also staged a gala celebratory concert at the Fairfield Halls in Croydon that included the rousing Handel anthems Zadoc the Priest and The King Shall Rejoice along with the more daunting cantata Rejoice in the Lamb by Benjamin Britten, sung by the Chamber Choir. →

The Mottingham Centenary Celebrations in 2012

Radio 4’s Any Questions was broadcast from the ABH as part of the school’s 150th anniversary celebrations

In 1912 the school moved from Blackheath to Mottingham – which prompted a special edition of The Elthamian in 1962 in which former Headmaster Geoffrey Turberville reflected on the first 50 years in the new location, from the time when Grove Park Road was ‘little more than a cart track’ and Mottingham a ‘tiny hamlet.’ The move was the cue for another celebratory year half a century later, in 2012, starting with a lavish formal dinner in King George’s Hall at which the guest of honour was Lord Puttnam, who has been associated with the school since producing the film Chariots of Fire in 1981. Then on a Sunday morning in March many pupils and staff participated in ‘The Big Run’, a celebratory four mile run from the school’s old site (beside Blackheath station) to its present one.

These events heralded a year of celebrations that included a Speech Day that was attended by Eric Liddell’s daughter, Patricia Liddell Russell, as well as two guest speakers, the comedian, actor and TV presenter Griff Rhys Jones and Barnaby Lenon, former Headmaster of Harrow School and Trinity School, Croydon. In what was of course the Olympic year, during her visit to the school Mrs Liddell Russell also formally opened the College Meadow pavilion (which was a training venue for Olympic football teams).

The cover of the 1962 edition of The Elthamian that celebrated the school’s fifty years in Mottingham

The specially-designed torch that was carried aloft during the Big Run from Blackheath to Mottingham in 2012, which celebrated the school’s move to Mottingham a century previously Lord Puttnam, speaking at the dinner in January 2012 celebrating the centenary of the school’s move to Mottingham

Mr Levy putting the orchestra through its paces at the 2012 ECCO Spectacular, held outdoors on the Junior School fields

The Centenary Concert held in April 2012 at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on the South Bank The Drama Department staged A Centenary Fireside, full of items written or set in 1912, while the Music Department staged a special concert in the Queen Elizabeth Hall on the South Bank (featuring performances of Beethoven’’s Fifth Symphony as well as part of the soundtrack to Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves) and made sure the annual ECCO concert in the Summer Term was unusually spectacular, culminating in a fireworks display. Sports teams were kitted out in new centenary kits and the Sports Department hosted the Leslie Gracie Cup for Under 16 school cricket teams. At the Junior School a seven-metre-long mosaic was created that used the River Thames as a backdrop and timeline to show significant events from the school’s (and the nation’s) life over the past 100 years. The creation of the mosaic was overseen by local designer Tamara Froud: it is still there to this day, snaking down the main staircase and finishing outside the door to the playground.

Perhaps, though, the longest-lasting legacy from that year was a new history of the school. Our Century, compiled by the school’s archivist Mark Stickings, is a colourful and engaging photographic record of the school’s 100 years in Mottingham, that ends with a gallery of photos of every pupil attending the school that year along with all support and academic staff, a magnificent record of what turned out to be a very special year. ⬤

There cannot be many people who have experienced life at Eltham College during so many different eras – and from so many perspectives – but Peter Swaffield has seen it all. He was a pupil at the school (1965-72), an English teacher (1978-81), Chaplain (2010-2017 with a six month break in Tanzania) and, most recently, a Governor (201820). Here in discussion with Andrew Beattie, he reflects on what’s changed – and what hasn’t – during that time.

Mr Calderwood’s Under 13 Cricket Team in 1967 with Peter Swaffield back row, right

Continuity and Change:

Reflections on the School’s Past Six Decades

Thank you for agreeing to be featured in a full-length Elthamian article – and for sharing your reflections on the school, now and in the past.

Not at all! I found the new version of The Elthamian a really insightful and enjoyable read. I appreciated the Headmaster’s clear statement of the school’s primary aim – ‘To make the world a better place for everyone’ – which was striking and is to be applauded and supported, as both the Headmaster and the Governing Body seek to make policy decisions in keeping with that decisive and overarching aim.

I also enjoyed Mark Chesterton’s fascinating article, which noted the most important factors, from a business perspective, in recruiting school and college leavers, according to the CBI. The top criteria by far (85%) was the ‘attitude to work and the character’ of any individual (academic qualifications obtained were rated at 38%). In other words: a school that produces well-rounded individuals is to be cherished and celebrated in its 180th year, or in any year for that matter.

We’ve included a photo of Mr Calderwood’s Under 13 cricket team from 1967, in which you played. What are your memories of cricket – and sport in general – from your time as a pupil?

I distinctly remember one practice session with the Under 13s when Mr Calderwood thought it would be ‘character building’ for us to face fast bowler Phil Raisey from the Under 14s, bowling downhill, off his long run, with the wind behind him, on the then

2nd X1 square at the front of the school. ‘You might find him a little quicker than you’re used to’, Mr Calderwood warned us. He was right. Fortunately, I was out very quickly! I played for the 1st XI for three years, then for the OEs at Foxbury. It was great to be part of a team which included not only my brother, but also cricketers like David Hodgson and Ian Drewer, players I’d looked up to whilst at school. I played some Rugby for the 2nd XV – I always knew I’d been selected because the master in charge came to find me at 4.00pm on a Friday afternoon and called me ‘Peter’ rather than ‘Swaffield’.

Away from the sports field, what do you remember most about your time at the school as a pupil?

I have very fond memories of the leavers’ play from 1972 – Tom Stoppard’s Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead. (I still can’t remember if Ray Franklin was Rosencrantz or maybe it was me?!) The play contained at least two fine cameos: Barnaby Lenon, who went on to become Headmaster of Harrow School and is now the Chair of the Independent Schools Council, was a suitably psychologicallytortured and angst-ridden Hamlet. David Runcorn was a ‘larger than life’ Player King. David is now a ‘free range’ priest, consultant teacher, spiritual director and writer. We actually had a Choreographical Advisor from Doreen Bird College, Rosemary Helliwell, who helped us with the staging. Rosemary went on to dance successfully with the Stuttgart Ballet, then becoming their House Choreographer – certainly her dancing career wasn’t damaged too much by her involvement with Eltham College!

Unfortunately, it saddens me to say that there are also some negative memories to do with some staff whose behaviour, whether verbal or physical, would be completely unacceptable today, just as it was then. I do recognise that there has been a “shadow side” to some pupils’ experience of Eltham College across the years.

How was the school different then from how it is now – and what remains the same?

The school is now, visibly, much more prosperous with such incredible and wide-ranging facilities. In the 1960s and 70s, the school was still ‘home from home’ to many missionary boarders (the school’s

Peter photographed recently with former English teacher, Mrs Green

Mr Grace was a superbly-prepared teacher and some of my most positive memories are of him

foundation was to enable parents to ‘evangelise’ the world). By the time I was a pupil, the school’s focus had become local as well as global. When I became a member of staff in the late 1970s, the drive for academic success meant that, sometimes, the focus on serving ‘world mission’ was very much relegated to second place.

The superb new Turberville Building (opened in 2019) replaced the tired and dated Jubilee Block that dated back to the early 1960s. The foundation stone of the original building was laid in 1962 by Bishop Lesslie Newbigin, a world-renowned United Reformed theologian and missiologist, serving for many years within the Church of South India. In The Significance of Lesslie Newbigin from his book Mission in the New Millennium Michael Goheen, director of theological education at Missional Training Center at Phoenix, Arizona, wrote that ‘when the history of the 20th century Church is written, Lesslie Newbigin should be considered one of the top 10 or 12 most influential persons’. Unfortunately, I understand that this stone was lost during the necessary demolition of the block. It is a shame that it has not been preserved somewhere, to symbolise the tradition of the school.

What were your favourite academic subjects – and which members of staff do you most remember?

As well as English, one of my favourite subjects was geography; Mr Grace was a superbly-prepared teacher and some of my most positive memories are of him. In previous years he had also gone out of his way to support my brother in his time at the school.

You read English at university and then taught at Bexleyheath School. What was it like coming back to the school as a teacher where you had been a pupil?

I really enjoyed my time at Bexleyheath School – a 2,000 pupil, mixed secondary modern as they were known in those days. It was a little weird being in the common room with some of my former teachers… in fact, at my interview for the English job, I distinctly remember Mr Porteous, the Headmaster, welcoming me to his office with the words: ‘Let’s treat this interview informally...Swaffield.’ →

We know you were involved in drama when you were an English teacher and that you directed a production of The Thwarting of Baron Bolligrew in 1981. Would you like to share any recollections of that with cast members who might be reading this piece?

My memory of the production is a little hazy, but I do know that my intention was to give younger pupils a taste of drama so that they could go on to bigger and better productions as they progressed through the school. Even I as an English teacher could recognise the ability of Robert Douglas-Fairhurst, who is now a respected don and Dickens expert at Oxford University.

We read in the book Our History about a ‘kidnapping’ attempt on you in 1980. What on earth happened?

That was an extraordinary incident. There I was, minding my own business, ironically it turned out, teaching war poetry to Year 10 when the classroom door burst open and two errant pupils wearing balaclavas with what were clearly fake guns marched me across the Old Quad in total silence, up the stairs and onto the roof of the Tower. Eventually, the ringleader Crispin Bond, introduced himself and explained that it was all a ‘jolly jape’ to hold me ransom to raise money for the Italian Earthquake Fund. A fun idea?! It might have been, but instead of raising money to get me down from the Tower, an alternative collection was organised to keep me locked away!! Anyway, eventually I was returned to terra firma and the police (they had been called by a member of the public who had seen ‘armed men’ on the roof of the school) decided to take no further action. Nowadays, I fear that the Police Interceptors (to coin a phrase from TV) might have taken a different course of action. Anyway, in those days, no harm was done and some much-needed cash was raised.

We read in the 1981 edition of The Elthamian (which you edited with fellow English teacher Michael Reidy) that you left the school to train as a Baptist minister. What did that involve?

In some ways my three years back at Oxford studying for a Theology degree were similar to my three years of studying English, except instead of reading about dead poets I was

Peter with Patricia Liddell Russell, the daughter of Eric Liddell, in 2013, during the opening of the Marathon Pavilion

When I saw the post of Chaplain at Eltham advertised, I applied and was appointed by Paul Henderson (despite being late for my interview having inexplicably got lost down the M20 that morning!)

encountering the living Word. In addition to the degree, I experienced leadership as an apprentice in local churches as well as being trained for preaching, teaching, evangelism, leadership and pastoral care – weddings, funerals, end of life care and counselling in its broadest sense.

What encouraged you to return to the school as Chaplain in 2010 – and what had you been doing in the intervening 29 years?

In 2001 I became Assistant Chaplain at Berkhamsted School and I found that teaching English and RS, speaking in Chapel, and helping with Games was for me. I was a teacher who became a preacher, before becoming a ‘teacher-preacher’, so to speak. I will always be grateful to Dr Priscilla Chadwick, who gave me the chance to serve at Berkhamsted.

When I saw the post of Chaplain at Eltham advertised, I applied and was appointed by Paul Henderson (despite being late for my interview having inexplicably got lost down the M20 that morning!). As well as serving in the leadership of three local churches, I have spent time in Southwark training inner city youth workers.

Through my voluntary work with the organization Christians in Sport I was given unexpected and varied opportunities for service. In 1988 I was appointed as a Chaplain to the English-speaking nations by the local Olympic Organising Committee for the Seoul Games. This involved working with a team of Chaplains in the Olympic Village, helping with worship, preaching, teaching and pastoral care. I remember one huge boxer seeking me out in the Chaplaincy late at night – the urgent need for prayer had been prompted by his being told the name of his next opponent! My involvement in the World Student Games, the Olympics and two Commonwealth Games in Auckland and Manchester also allowed me (unfortunately) ample scope for rather blatant namedropping in those bygone days…”I was reading the Bible with Kriss Akabusi when the door opened and in walked Linford Christie”… that sort of thing; very annoying for any listeners I’m sure you’ll agree. The triple jumper (and later TV sports commentator) Jonathan Edwards certainly did!

I also participated in cricket tours to India and Zimbabwe with Christians in Sport. The Indian tour included professionals such as Vic Marks, Graham Cowdrey, Roger Knight

and Simon Hughes. “We” (I wasn’t, obviously, allowed anywhere near the four key limited over games played against a pretty full-strength Indian test team) were partnered with Indian charities in raising funds for the disabled, amongst a range of good causes. I spoke in a number of schools and churches; one church, in the Nilgiri Hills, had been founded by the nineteenth century pioneer missionary (and former cricket captain of England) C.T. Studd – an amazing experience. The team for Zimbabwe was captained by Alan Fordham – my role was to speak in local churches and schools, and it was in Harare that I saw “Hot Schooling” in operation as the school I spoke to one morning finished teaching in the early afternoon. At that point, the entire school (staff and students) left the campus, only to be replaced by a completely new school – staff and students; a very creative response to a high demand for school places.

How did you find the school had changed in those 29 years?

Not only had the school changed, but I had changed too. I hope that, in my seven years as Chaplain, I did play my part in telling the Biblical story of the Christian faith and remained true to the founding vision of Eltham College, a school founded to make a difference to the world; a school which, because of its non-conformist roots, not only stands for biblical truth, but also respects the liberty of conscience of all those who are part of the Eltham College community.

Tell us something about the highlights of your time as chaplain.

Moments when I felt privileged might be more appropriate than highlights! To sit with families at a time of loss is one such privilege. To tell the story in Chapel week by week was so special. I remember interviewing Eric Liddell’s daughter, Patricia, in Chapel one morning. I had prepared an excellent question (I thought): ‘If your dad, Eric, were here this morning, what do you think he’d want to say to the school?’

There was a pause before Patricia replied with words to the effect of ‘I think he’d want to say: Don’t talk about me, talk about Jesus’. At that moment I felt hundreds of eyes looking straight at me, as if to say ‘There you are Sir; stop doing the old “God made me for a purpose, He made me for China…but He also made me fast’” talk... try some new stuff! Get some new material!’

Did you see becoming a Governor as the natural culmination of so many years being involved with the school?

I was grateful for the opportunity to serve as a Governor representing the Baptist Missionary Society (BMS) World Mission. Together with the two Governors appointed by the United Reformed Church, the historic founding organisations of Eltham College can play their part in applying missiological principles to the contemporary school context. Certainly, my Baptist heritage and my teaching background, meant I could give back to a school which has given me so much that is good. I have now handed on my responsibilities to others and wish them well in their crucial roles.

Photos from Peter’s 1981 production of The Thwarting of Baron Bolligrew, which initially appeared in Elthamian 1981

Onto some deeper questions now, about the school’s Christian heritage...What relevance is the missionary foundation of Eltham College to the school and its community today?

The life-affirming missionary roots of Eltham College go wide and deep. I remember being so aware of Eltham’s rich heritage on a visit a few years ago to Tiger Kloof School in South Africa, not far from the border with Botswana. From a mission station founded by Robert Moffat, a school was founded in 1904. The second principal was an Old Elthamian – Rev’d AJ Haile who served in that role from 1915-1945, leading ‘generation after generation of →

his students to achieve not only scholarship, but also Christian character’ – according to Chris Cutting in Haile’s obituary in The Daily Telegraph.

Former pupils from Tiger Kloof provided the first two Presidents of Botswana and many members of successive Botswana’s cabinets, as well as, in the person of Dr. Ruth Mompati, President Nelson Mandela’s secretary. While there is undoubtedly work to be done decolonising Christianity when looking at the worldwide legacy of western mission, the effect of one school in Southern Africa, led so effectively for so long by an Old Elthamian, is undeniably positive and should be celebrated.

According to Companies House, the Companies Act of 1985 affirms the legal basis for the charitable status of Eltham College. The objectives of Eltham College are clearly stated: ‘the provision of a preparatory day school for boys (and girls) with a preference for the sons (and daughters) of Protestant (in the context of Eltham’s founding denominations this should be interpreted as Non-Conformist) Christian Missionaries.’

The United Kingdom today is a ‘postChristian society’. So, who are today’s missionaries? Certainly, missionaries are still those who cross cultures and continents to take the Gospel to other countries. It is, however, also the case that those who serve as Christian Ministers in the UK are really on the front-line of ‘mission’ as well, and they deserve the label of missionary every bit as much as those who cross physical borders to other far-flung lands. In my opinion, perhaps the school could show a preference (maybe through bursaries) for the sons and daughters of UK missionaries in and around southeast London, namely the children of Baptist and United Reformed ministers? To be a missionary is, literally, ‘to be sent’ – this applies as much to being a Christian sent to Uganda or to Uxbridge; to Bromley or Burundi; to Chislehurst as much as to Chile.

And maybe could you give us your final thoughts on the school’s past and future?

Well, a fine school, as Headmaster Porteous used to say, like Eltham College has enhanced the lives and future opportunities of so many boys and girls. Certainly the school has changed since I was a lad, as I have discussed. Can there be both continuity and change within the present and future life of Eltham College? I believe that the answer to that question is a clear yes.

The photograph of Peter that appeared in The Elthamian when he joined the English Department in 1978

“Former pupils from Tiger Kloof provided the first two Presidents of Botswana and many members of successive Botswana’s cabinets, as well as, in the person of Dr. Ruth Mompati, President Nelson Mandela’s secretary. While there is undoubtedly work to be done decolonising Christianity when looking at the worldwide legacy of western mission, the effect of one school in Southern Africa, led so effectively for so long by an Old Elthamian, is undeniably positive and should be celebrated.”

Mr Swaffield – huge thanks for spending time answering our questions, and (we hope) jogging the memories of so many Elthamians – from those who were here in the 1960s to those who are current members of the school. ⬤

ClinicalThoughts

We are always keen to share the career journeys of our Elthamians community, not least because it is so important for current students to understand that more often than not, life does not go to plan. Developing resilience and learning to deal with adversity are invaluable skills, and one person who has certainly demonstrated both in the past few years is David Adejuwon (OE 2021).

Having secured a place to study Medicine at Imperial College, London during his gap year, David told his story on LinkedIn. We, and many others, were inspired by his journey and wanted to share it with you. Development Director Saoirse O’Donovan met up with David recently to ask him some questions about his time at Eltham College and beyond.

How did you come to learn about Eltham College and what made you want to come to the school?

I changed rugby club in Year 11 and learned how to play in the front row from Louis Brown, who played for Old Elthamians RFC. Playing in a very gifted OEs U16s side, I settled into the team very quickly and struck up a great friendship with Namir Khalil, who was a student at Eltham College.

Namir spoke highly of Eltham College’s sporting and academic excellence and suggested I apply for a rugby scholarship. I wasn’t sure how to go about this, but then had stroke of serendipity not long after. I was playing one of my very best games for the OE U16 team and Mr Jervis, former Head of Rugby at the College, had come to the →

Far left: David playing rugby at Eltham College Left: An x-ray scan of David’s leg, post-surgery

game in the hope of identifying some potential players. Afterwards we had a conversation about my interest in joining the Sixth Form and the rest, as they say, is history. It was very much thanks to the support of all these individuals that my Eltham journey began.

How did you feel coming through the school gate for the first time, and what were your first impressions as a student?

I was nervous but not in a way that was visible – I was working hard to hide it! A Prefect picked up on this immediately, though, and reassured me that there was no need to be apprehensive. Fixing my tie, he directed me to the KGH and I felt better after that. So, my first impression was that we look after each other here at Eltham College. This has continued into my gap year, with alumni and staff alike looking out for me and supporting me. Eltham has a very strong community.

I know rugby was a huge part of your life while you were here, but it came with its ups and downs as well. What was it like playing in school colours? Was there a standout game?

It was a massive privilege to play for the College’s 1st XV alongside so many outstanding players. It used to shock me how academically and physically gifted the squad was. I have to say, I really had to up my game as the standard of rugby was high, but I always enjoyed the challenge and it made me a better player. If I had to pick just one standout game, it would have to be under the flood lights against Maritzburg, a visiting South African team. We lost, but we put up a great fight, left everything on the field and drew strength from all our supporters who were there. No one left the pitch having not worked tirelessly on it. There were no fights, no foul play, just amazing rugby, after which we had gained the respect of the South African school and made some new friends.

I know you got injured playing, which was a big knock for you. What was it like and what did you learn during that period?

My injury played a huge part in who I am today. I used to need to be in control of every aspect of my own life, my successes, my direction, and I rarely asked for help. When you’re on crutches for over three months you need people to help you do so many things. I have to thank every student who ever got my lunch for me, carried my bags or called me when I was in a lot of pain after my surgery. I also must specially thank my friends and classmates Juan and Ujanah; they supported me so much through that difficult period.

You took a gap year before attending university, has it been valuable and what have you learnt about yourself?

I’ve learnt the key to my success lies in my support networks. When I didn’t get into medical school at the first time of asking, my confidence was shaken. The people in my support network helped me find my sense of purpose again and showed me that even if you have to alter your direction, the destination can still be the same. I cannot wait to start my medical degree at Imperial College in September 2022.

I also learnt that it’s important to embrace opportunities. Don’t sit back and wait for something perfect to come your way or enter into something half-heartedly because you think it is beneath you. You can learn a new skill anywhere at any time if you’re open to it. These skills are useful and transferable as you go through life. This was such a valuable lesson to learn.

At the young age of 19 you are technically an ‘Old’ Elthamian, do you have any words of wisdom for our incoming and current Elthamians?

I think my advice to them is to try just about anything and everything! It really broadens your horizons. Learn to play an instrument, pick up a new sport, learn to code, get involved with school productions and competitions, do work

Far left: At the House of Lords Reception, with Development Director Saoirse O’Donovan (L) and Head of Careers Louise Badelow (R) Left: David and Namir Khalil at the Leavers’ Ball

experience. These opportunities are so much more valuable than they may seem at the time. But, most importantly, take time to form meaningful relationships with your peers. You’re on a long journey and it’s so much more fun with close friends to share experiences with. This starts with you being the friend you’d love to have.

Securing a place to study Medicine is no easy feat and there is a lot of extra preparation required. What advice would you give to prospective medics?

Aspiring medics need to acknowledge it is competitive but should not confuse this with it being impossible. Medical applications to UK universities teach a person the importance of patience and perseverance. I only got into medical school when I had made peace with the fact that it may take me a few extra years to get to where I want to be, but that’s OK. It’s a few more years to experience things and learn more about yourself. Most people don’t get in first time and that doesn’t mean they’re not as deserving as other applicants. If you really want it, you will get there eventually, trust me!

There are plenty of members of staff who speak incredibly highly of you. Why do you think that is and what would you say to them?

I’d like to think it’s because they know how bright the future can be and they saw in me a person who was willing to work hard and go after chances. I haven’t made it yet, but the reminders of just how far I have come in only two years gives me the confidence to go to Imperial with the belief I can achieve my dreams.

To students I would say it’s important to take pride in how you dress and speak and carry yourself. To staff specifically, Mr Milne, Mrs Massey, Ms Pokorny, Cheryl, Terri, Mr Houghton, Mrs Angel, Mr King and Mr Jervis – I will always be grateful for you first believing in me, and then helping me over the finish line. I definitely would not be where I am without you all and I deeply appreciate it.

Finally, will we get to see more of you in the coming years? Do you plan to come back to mentor, speak and support current students?

I would love return and speak about my experiences and to help students in whatever way I can. During my gap year I have found a lot of fulfilment in mentorship and so I would be thrilled to mentor any students who feel they would benefit from my help. It’s clear to me that without the right help and advice I won’t succeed, so I feel it’s a personal responsibility to help wherever I can. ⬤

House of Lords Reception

The latest OEs have just left the school and a new cohort of Sixth Formers have recently walked through the school gates. Head of Careers and Oxbridge Louise Badelow thought it would be nice to ask some recent OEs the question “Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to all those embarking on their A-Levels or who are about to start University?”

Our advice would be…

Believe in yourself! The most important thing to keep in mind, whether starting at Sixth Form or University, is that you’ve done fantastically well to get to where you are now, and all you can do is try your hardest and give it your best. Don’t be shy to reward yourself, and give yourself due credit for all you achieve. There are always people who can help you if you need a little support, but having confidence in yourself will get you a long way.

Matt Rogers (OE 2021)

(studying Biochemistry at The Queen’s College, Oxford) I would encourage you to think about what career path you want to pursue and make your university choices accordingly. Know what a “target school” is, i.e. what university or group of universities are the big players in your chosen field frequently recruiting from. Just because a university scores highly doesn’t mean the companies you want to work for tend to recruit from there. This will make finding an internship easier.

Giorgio Grimesty (OE 2020)

(Summer Analyst at JP Morgan, studying Computer Science at King’s College London)

Make the most of every opportunity. Do the school musical, play in the sports teams, join (or even form) some societies. Work as hard as possible to achieve your goals and do not let anyone dissuade you from them. Above all; cherish your friends and the amazing school that brought you together.

George White (OE 2020)

(Solicitor Apprentice at Deloitte)

One piece of advice I would give is understanding the importance of getting organised early! When you get yourself organised you are in a much better position to showcase your academic flair when it comes to “crunch time”. Early organisation means not leaving easy but timeconsuming things till the last minute.

Robert Colwell (OE 2020)

(studying Geography and Sports Science at Loughborough University) Take every opportunity you can: you have everything to gain from the connections, experience and opportunities. When it comes to learning subject material, don’t skip over something if you find it hard. Tackle it as soon as you can – it will make your life a lot easier!

Ujanah Ofuyaekpone-Shombe (OE 2021)

(studying at medicine at Nottingham University)

For those starting their A-Levels: put the effort in early! When starting your two-year A-Level course, it is easy to coast the first few months or even year, doing the bare minimum and just about getting by. While this may get you through the Lower Sixth, it will only make your Upper Sixth much more stressful, as you also have Uni applications to deal with. Putting the effort in by making notes and being organised early will make life much easier and definitely lead to better results.

Aryan Gupta (OE 2021)

(studying Engineering at New College, Oxford)

Farewell

to Vic Broncz

Vic Broncz leaves the school after an extraordinary 35 years in the Maths Department – though his roles have also included being Head of Charities and Housemaster of Chalmers (the latter from 1990 to 1995). He has also been involved in many trips. Here are some of his recollections

Mr Broncz on one of the school’s ski trips to Alpe d’Huez

Imoved to London in September 1987 from Sunderland, having worked for four years at Heworth Grange School in Gateshead. I had the intention of spending a couple of years in the capital, combining my work at Eltham College with discovering the riches on offer. Little did I know that 35 years later I would be at the same school, teaching Mathematics to pupils, the sons and daughters of pupils I had previously taught in the 1980s and 1990s. So, what has happened on this epic journey? My memories of the initial three years are dominated by the headship of Dr Christopher Waller. He seemed to know everything that was going on in his school, sometimes even before it had taken place. Not only did Dr Waller know his staff, but he was also very aware of our family backgrounds and friendships. He was ably assisted by the Senior Master, John Somerville-Meikle. JSM, as he was known, oversaw the day to day running of the school. He did this with incredible efficiency and a sharp wit. The Maths Department was headed by Dr Peter Page, a quietly spoken man but with excellent man-management skills.

As a young and keen sportsman, I naturally worked with Nigel Jones, Head of PE and Games. Nigel was always willing to offer advice on coaching rugby or serving as an agony aunt on anything that life threw in my direction. Nigel’s assistant was Adrian Thomas. Ade and I shared the school accommodation known as The Grange (part of the old building of the Junior School) for three years. It is nice to see Ade is still visiting The Grange, but now in his capacity as a PE teacher.

Over the years I have been very fortunate to be involved in lots of charitable initiatives. The first of these was a parachute jump along with Katy Turner (an OE) in April 1988. The final charitable event was walking up Mount Snowdon with a group of Sixth Form students, led by Jim Houghton in June of this year. In between, there have been many cake sales, own clothes days together with ‘Stars in their Eyes’, staff pantomime, staff review and ECS-Factor productions. (The reason I use ECS and not X was due to a visit from Simon Cowell’s legal team threatening legal action for copyright infringement.)

As I mentioned earlier, sport has played a big part in my time at Eltham. Coaching the U13 rugby side became a long-standing role which I enjoyed immensely. The highlight of this was reaching the semi-final at the Rosslyn Park National 7s in 1997. Away wins at places such as Dover College and King’s Canterbury gave me and the pupils great satisfaction, too. When my son, Adam, began playing rugby for the school, I gave up my coaching role to become an enthusiastic parent-spectator.

Some of you will remember the residential activity week in Poole. I will always remember the game where the pupils chased the staff through woods to capture them; it often resulted in either staff or pupils colliding with gorse bushes. I seem to recall pulling out prickles two or three weeks later!

I have been lucky enough to go on many senior ski trips. The final seven trips between 1998 and 2005 were to Val D’Isere in France. The skiing was challenging and the resort excellent. My green all-in-one ski suit may jog some memories!

In 2003, Adam started his time at Eltham in the Junior School. Although he was initially disappointed to find that he was at one end of the school grounds while I was at the other, he made some life-long friendships and settled into the busy life of the school. In 2014 Adam took up a place at medical school in Sheffield and for several years during the summer holidays worked alongside the IT Support Team at the school. Adam is just about to start his F2 year as a junior doctor, working in the Northern General Hospital in Sheffield.

Among all this, I have fitted in some Mathematics teaching. I have witnessed the evolution from chalk and blackboards to fully interactive computer screens. How we deliver the subject has changed but the fundamentals remain the same.

In my time at Eltham, I have met so many people, both staff and pupils. You have all influenced and affected my life in many ways. I met my wife, Jacqui, along the way and have had two children, Adam and Emily. 35 years has been a lifetime as well as a career. Thank you all for being part of my journey. ⬤

At the Aldershot Barracks in the late 1980s on a charity parachute jump with the Red Devils and Sixth Former Katy Turner

July 2022: Mr Broncz with Sixth Formers at the summit of Snowdon

Outside the ABH (now ABT) in around 1990, shortly after its construction. L to R Mr Broncz, Mr Davies (History Department), and Mr Jones and Mr Thomas from the PE Department