Welcome from the OR President

WELCOME

Nigel Taunt, OR President

Another 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 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.

OR President Nigel Taunt with wife Linda

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

ORs via the Development Office that lead to a new job, a new vocation or even a new business venture.

FOUNDATION

Reed’s is, of course, built on solid foundations – the Andrew Reed Foundation. Our best ambassadors to promote the unique ethos of our Foundation are, of course, our Foundation ORs themselves and this is something they do willingly, whether that be presenting at Founder’s Day Chapel Services, speaking at our Annual Appeal Launch, attending our Foundationers & Benefactors’ Service or being the guest of honour at Speech Day. The influence they can have over parents, other ORs and our benefactors is immense and greatly appreciated by all who strive to ensure the Foundation continues to benefit future generations of vulnerable children.

FUNDRAISING

Which leads neatly on to fundraising. We owe a huge vote of thanks to everyone who supports the Jarrett Cricket Centre, the Richard Garrett Scholarship Award, the Annual Foundation Appeal, the Andrew Reed Legacy Programme and the OR Decade Syndicates as well as giving blood, sweat and tears raising money through the London Marathon and RideLondon. Without your financial help, the Foundation just would not exist!

SPORT

On the sporting front, our ORs continue to impress and inspire current pupils with their performances… from playing in the Sussex 1st XI, to signing for London Scottish RFC, to captaining the England U18 Hockey team, to qualifying for the US Open and to reaching the final of Junior Wimbledon – to name a few achievements recorded in this year’s Reeder.

It is also very special when ORs return to play in matches against School teams; not only does it provide great practice (for which side, I don’t know), but also it builds that sense of OR community from an early age with our current pupils. A particular highlight was our inaugural OR Ladies’ Netball VII v School which took place alongside the annual Stephen Shiells Hockey match.

Externally, we are blessed with talented ORs who are willing to give up their time to represent us in a range of high profile

alumni competitions including the LTA Public Schools’ Old Boys’ Tennis Competition, the Surrey Slam T20 tournament, the Grafton Morrish Old Boys’ Golf Competition and, for those of more variable handicaps, the Surrey Schools’ Golf Society Festival. I’m especially pleased that the OR Golf Society has been so well supported – my next hope is to see some lady OR golfers join us. Again, this all sets a great example to the pupils and builds aspirations for them to do the same.

So, as the outgoing President my plea to all ORs would be this – if you are not involved in our wonderful, vibrant network, please contact Sharmaine in the Development Office to find out how you can be! Sharmaine is pivotal in connecting the OR and School communities and her personal knowledge of, and passion for, whole generations of former Reed’s boys and girls (and current ones too) is the vital conduit that makes the whole thing work so well, with Lucy and colleagues in strong support. If you feel you can contribute to any of the areas mentioned, I know they would love to hear from you.

Another encouraging factor that perhaps proves how strong we are as a community has been the recent introduction of GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). I am delighted to report that the issuing of our Alumni Privacy Notice to ORs (which can be found on www.networkreeds.org or

obtained from Sharmaine) caused barely a ripple and virtually all alumni have chosen to stay connected.

Finally, even though I will be stepping down as OR President, I was delighted and humbled to accept the invitation to continue as a School Governor. In any event, I will remain involved with the Reed’s community and, as such, hope to continue to scatter golf balls around the country with fellow ORs for many years to come!

My best wishes to you all.

Nigel Taunt (Mullens 1971)

OR President