Welcome from the OR President

Marcus (centre) with ORs at a Foundation Appeal Reception in London

The readership of The Reeder is not just limited to our alumni; indeed, we receive many positive comments from across the wider Reed’s community, including former staff and parents, who love the content and news updates. So, I felt that it was important to address my ‘welcome’ to all of those who take the time to read this edition. Thank you.

Gathering material for this publication starts way back in late August but often articles are not able to be pulled together until well into the autumn, not least my own contribution as I tend to write it once I have reflected on all the content. Having done so for this edition, I must say that the word ‘fellowship’ springs to mind, the definition of which is ‘a friendly association, especially with people who share one’s interests’. That interest for all ORs (and other readers) is obviously Reed’s; it is the School – our shared recollections, memories, experiences and friends - that bind us all together. For me personally that bond has led to a much deeper involvement more recently.

Not only am I an Old Reedonian (part of the job specification) but I am also a former parent (my son Gus attended from 2015 to 2019) and, from September 2021, I was also honoured to accept the Chair of Governors position, overseeing the Foundation and the School. Perhaps this goes to the heart of another extraordinary feature of Reed’s: there are no end of possibilities that exist following an education at this establishment. I meet many people who have encountered pupils that have attended Reed’s and it’s the same story each time: amazing humans who continue to uphold our Founder’s values. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have spent some of my formative years at Reed’s and look forward to bringing the School and the alumni even closer together in the future in my new role.

I would also like to add that without the incredible teaching and support staff at the School, most of us as former pupils would not be where we are today. My appreciation for the work that the Reed’s cohort undertake has grown immensely over the past few months. Inspiring the next generation is a huge responsibility and I have been in the privileged position to see all that teachers have to do. Regulation is having a much bigger impact on our lives generally but, in the teaching profession, this has become even more of a burden and we are blessed to have a team that continue to be passionate about what they do for the benefit of the pupils. So, I’d like to take this opportunity to personally thank all staff – both past and current – for all the time, dedication and devotion you have shown to Reed’s and its pupils which allows us now to proudly call ourselves Old Reedonians.

I mentioned the word “fellowship” above and there could be no better example than the article entitled ‘The making of This Place Called Cobham’ which I encourage you to read. The wonderful gentlemen and ORs who contributed to this film have enjoyed more than 70 years of friendship which started at School. They really do inspire hope, resilience, compassion and humility, qualities that have been sorely tested over the last 18 months in particular. Some of the other articles in this publication, not least those by Nolan Lambroza and Matt Turner,

Marcus with some of the OR Golf Society members at Verulam Golf Club

also demonstrate how we have all had to pivot and adapt in our constantly shifting environments. But, as Winston Churchill said: ‘To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often’…by now we should all consider ourselves perfectionists!

I had hoped that by the time of writing, I would have been able to cease using the ‘COVID’ word but, sadly, it seems to be lingering and, indeed, stopped us from gathering together in the summer. However, with a few sensible measures put in place, I am delighted that we are beginning to see the start of reunions which – I hope – will gather apace throughout 2022. That being said, we are grateful to all the ORs who continued to support school initiatives such as our online Careers and Higher Education programme, lectures, seminars and, of course, the much-needed donations to support the Foundation pupils who have been so badly affected by the pandemic. The Foundation lies at the heart of everything we do, shaping our culture, ethos and values. It is heartening to see, as the School continues to go from strength to strength, how highly regarded it is by a widening audience. Despite record numbers wanting to join us and achieving successes across the board in the academic, sporting, cultural and creative arenas, the core philosophy of caring for each other and celebrating the individual still remains so strong. It is that embedded sense of support, security and community that makes Reed’s so unique.

This was particularly obvious at a recent ORs lunch that I attended in the City of London with other ORs – both old and new – and organised by the irrepressible Richard Garrett. The aim of the lunch was to raise money for the Foundation which we did, achieving an incredible target but, in Richard’s words, always ‘friendship over finance’. As ORs, the stronger the School’s reputation becomes, the better it is for us; Reed’s will always be on our CVs! So, I do hope that after perusing The Reeder, you might be inspired to reach out and become (even more) connected. We are always looking for new ideas and initiatives, as well as volunteers to help bring them to life, providing mutual benefits for everyone connected with the School, past, present and future.

Thank you again for your ongoing support and I look forward to keeping in touch.

Best wishes.

Marcus Baker

OR President and Chair of Governors (Mullens 1980)