4
THE REEDER 2018
OR & SCHOOL COMMUNITY
WELCOME Nigel Taunt, OR President
A
nother year, another Reeder. Last year’s redesign received enthusiastic plaudits from all corners of the Reed’s community, so a very warm welcome to the 2018 edition. I hope everyone enjoys it just as much. Alex van Holk’s inspiring story of overcoming adversity is a hard act to follow from the 2017 edition, but Stuart Popham’s insight into how he maintained his integrity on the journey from Mullens House to Chatham House, via a stellar legal career and appointment as an Honorary QC, makes fascinating reading this year. Quite by chance, I was flicking through my newspaper a short time before writing this article and I noticed Stuart’s birthday recorded on the Court Circular page – recognition indeed. Pride in the achievements of fellow ORs is part and parcel of being an Old Reedonian, and there has been much to celebrate this year as you will read about in the coming pages. I should start by mentioning that, after four enjoyable and rewarding years as OR President and School Governor, I have asked the School to find a new Governor to take over the OR President role: I am hoping a new appointment will be announced later this year. As I pass on the baton, I wonder if you might indulge me for a few paragraphs whilst I take stock and share my reflections. I am incredibly grateful for all the support I have had from each of my OR Committee colleagues in terms of both their time and expertise – thank you all. Andy Wotton (Mullens 1975) continues to research the archives and champion the Heritage project; Roger Mew (Bristowe 1959) continues to connect ORs from the 1950s and 1960s; and OR Vice President, Justyn
OR President Nigel Taunt with wife Linda
Herbert (Capel 1983), maintains a close eye on our financials to keep us on track. All three have been on board throughout my four years, whilst Jerry Ross (Mullens 2008) - appointed in 2015 - champions Ladies’ Sports and Clive Moon (Blathwayt 1984) – appointed in 2016 - focuses on the Foundation. My congratulations to Jerry and fellow OR Jack Syms (Blathwayt 2007) on their recent engagement. I am delighted we have recently strengthened the Committee with three new members who will bring fresh ideas, experience of digital and social media, and new insights into the world of recent leavers. My sincere thanks to Nick Gray (Blathwayt 1993), Rob Davis (Capel 2010) and Rosie Pidgeon (Blathwayt 2015) for taking up this challenge and agreeing to support the ORs in this way.
I am constantly amazed by the breadth of contributions made by Old Reedonians of all ages to School life and, over the last four years, I have had the pleasure of seeing this interaction for myself. Alongside the OR members of the Committee, the School is strongly represented by the Headmaster, the Bursar and the Development Director, together with our “rocks” from the Development Office, Sharmaine and Lucy. I would like to add special thanks to each of them for their support and encouragement. Together, we try to ensure that the interests of all ORs, regardless of age, location or gender, are represented; it goes without saying that, if you have any ideas, views or suggestions, we are always ready to listen.
However, it is you – our Old Reedonians – who really make being President such an enjoyable and rewarding experience. I am constantly amazed by the breadth of contributions made by Old Reedonians of all ages to School life and, over the last four years, I have had the pleasure of seeing this interaction for myself. You will go on to read about the numerous activities in which ORs have been involved, but it is the ongoing impact of this commitment to Reed’s pupils that is really gratifying. ACADEMIC From Oxbridge preparation days, to FutureUni interviews, to General Studies lectures, to returning as teachers – the advice and knowledge that our ORs can offer pupils is invaluable. It means that Reed’s students are going into the next stage of their lives ready and prepared to take on the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. CAREERS The same can be said of careers advice. The willingness of ORs, across all age ranges and industries, to help others within our unique community is priceless. There are the school-based initiatives like FutureCareers Seminars and Fairs, from which current pupils gain incredible insights, to those introductions made between younger and more mature
