41 minute read
Class Notes
Enjoy reading about the exciting news and updates from ORs and former staff
Annabel Amodia-Bidakowska (Blathwayt 2009)
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I graduated from Girton College, Cambridge in July 2021, having completed my PhD ‘Disciplinary Dialogues: Examining the influence of subjects on classroom dialogue, activity type and learning outcomes in English primary schools.’ This followed on from my BSc and MA in Psychology, all brought about by my love for the subject at Reed’s!
I am delighted to have also recently published a paper, which was featured in The Guardian, looking at how fatherchild play can be linked to positive social, emotional and cognitive outcomes, impacting a child’s development.
Chloe Abbott (Blathwayt 1992)
It has been another very exciting year for the family and work. Education Choices magazine has proven to be a very popular option for parents and schools and we are now a limited company.
We’ve built links and worked with both Reed’s and Ripley Court and it has been wonderful to be in touch with some of my old teachers, not to mention reconnecting with so many ORs, even featuring XULA, Tony Wild’s (Bristowe 1991) specialist face mask company.
I was honoured to be invited to join a ‘Reed’s Boys’ Facebook chat; we are attempting a reunion and look forward to it when it happens. We did agree to change the name, as I am actually a girl, to ‘Reed’s Boys and Girl’, which did cause some amusement! (I was the only girl at Reed’s then.)
My son, Joe Barker (Blathwayt 2019), is now fast approaching the end of his degree at Exeter Penryn in International Relations and even has grown a moustache! He is enjoying surfing and the beaches at Falmouth have kept him going throughout the pandemic.
We love receiving your news and updates. Simply email snippets and those all-important photos to thereeder@reeds.surrey.sch.uk
Mike Beeley (Capel 1961)
I left Reed’s in 1961 and, after a six-year spell in the banking industry, spent the next 33 years pursuing a successful career in Local Government working in various UK towns until taking early retirement in 2000. Since 1972, I’ve lived in the beautiful historic town of Bewdley, Worcestershire, with my wonderful wife of 54 years, Sandra.
Our favourite pastime is holidaying in Europe and cruising and travelling, especially to the Moraira area of Spain. When in the UK, and not labouring in our lovely Bewdley garden, we spread our time travelling Britain’s motorways between Scotland (where son, Mark, and family live) and Hampshire (where daughter, Helen, and family live) with four grandchildren between the two families.
I last attended an OR Reunion in June 2013 and was pleased to be able to meet up with some of my contemporaries. I hope to attend many more in the years to come but would be pleased to hear from any ORs who can remember me.
Julian Boyden (Capel 1962)
On 10th January 2020 in Shanghai, I met my former US history professor, his colleague and her friend; it could be described as the last day of the old world. On the 11th, Chinese television made the first mention of a new virus disease in Wuhan. This sounded much like the short-lived SARs outbreak and caused little concern, however, it was interesting that that evening many of the major restaurants were closed. On the 14th, we moved to Su Zhou; news of virus outbreak continued but without a great sense of concern. On the 16th, we spent five days in Guilin where Chinese TV showed increased coverage of the outbreak with growing levels of concern. On the 21st, my friend and I travelled to Xi An and saw the Terra Cotta warriors. I texted my wife, Doris, saying that the outbreak did not look very serious since only 23 people had died but, that evening, the Chinese government announced that the city of Xi An, with a population of 6 million, would be closed from the next day for an indefinite period. Urgent calls to several airlines found us on seats to Bangkok, putting us among the first COVID refugees. On landing at the old Don Mueang airport, we learned that Thailand had its first case. On the 24th, I texted my wife saying this virus was really serious, as the death rate in China had just doubled overnight! We travelled to Singapore where hygiene regulations were strictly adhered to. On 25th February, I entered the UK. There were no checks at Heathrow, little news coverage and no sign that a third of the world was fighting for its life. When I returned home to the USA the same lack of concern and lethargy prevailed.
As a prize-winning chemist who started his career in the pharmaceutical industry, I fear the virus will be with us for a very, very long time. Developing specific vaccinations against the major mutations is now underway but the financial costs will prove immense and longer lasting with even greater human costs in misery and despair.
Simon Bramwell
I have now completed my ministerial training at Spurgeon’s College and will be ordained at New Malden Baptist Church, where I will be serving as Associate Pastor as of September.
Bristowe Boys
Is there a collective term for a trio of ORs with their former teacher? Not sure, but what a lovely shot of Richard Garret with 1980s Bristowe boys: Jeremy Ovenden (Bristowe 1989), Marc Moreso (Bristowe 1991) and Tony Wild (Bristowe 1991) after a game of tennis at Oxshott Village Sports Club.
Class Notes
Lucas Burton (Bristowe 2018)
Like many others, the pandemic made half my time at university remote, so what a relief it was to have graduated this summer with a 2:1 in BSc Marketing and Management from Newcastle University.
I still remember my first day at Reed’s in The Close and walking into Mr Hart’s lab: it’s still surreal to think how far I’ve come from that day – it feels like yesterday!
Larry Bush (Blathwayt 2018)
Such is the bond you build with your Reed’s teachers, that when you leave they still remain supportive and connected! It was lovely to hear that, as London began to open up, Art teacher, Mark Farmer, attended an exhibition by Larry at the Square Gallery in Battersea.
Dominic Clark-Roberton (Mullens 2013)
I am pleased to report that after gaining a BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Southampton in 2016, in July 2021, I graduated with a BSc in Dental Surgery from the University of Bristol and will commence a year of general dental practice in Snowdonia National Park in September. Thank you to all Reed’s School staff members who supported me along my journey.
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Alex Corbisiero (Blathwayt 2007)
It has been amazing to see how former England Rugby player and OR, Alex, has shown such great resilience in bravely undergoing treatment for cancer, whilst raising money for the British Urology Foundation. Great to see him back on form.
Ian Cornwall (Blathwayt 1974)
In response to Sharmaine’s email I thought I should provide a note for The Reeder; for those of you reading this, I hope you do not die from boredom. I left Reed’s in June 1974, inflation was running at 19.6%, the IRA had bombed the Houses of Parliament and shops had just started selling microwaves. I only took two A Levels but managed to get into Kingston ‘Poly’; Ian Stuart (Blathwayt 1972), Ade Ricks (Mullens 1972) and Richard Jefferies (Blathwayt 1975) were also at Kingston around the same time. I did an economics degree which I greatly enjoyed, graduated with a 2:1 and got a training contract with a medium sized firm of chartered accountants.
Following qualification, I joined Coopers & Lybrand where I spent five and a half years. I then joined the Surveillance Division of the London Stock Exchange, experiencing the abolition of the trading floor and the 1987 crash. I also investigated the activities of Ivan Boesky, who was involved in a US insider dealing scandal and identified some unusual trades in Guinness which resulted in a DTI enquiry and subsequent court cases. In 1989 I was head-hunted to lead the compliance function of a large firm of private client stockbrokers where I stayed in various roles for 14 years, spending most of the 1990s living and working in Glasgow.
I retired last October having spent the previous 14 years as Director of Regulation for a trade association which represents wealth managers, private client stockbrokers and financial advisers. The work was technically demanding and entailed regular engagement with the UK and European regulators and various government departments. Luckily, I had a small team who were far brighter than me (not a particular high bar to reach) which meant that the quality of our technical input was carefully considered by the relevant bodies. I also spent a considerable amount of time speaking, presenting and meeting with firms across the UK.
When I left School, a great OR, Ken Burbidge, encouraged me to join the Old Reedonians RFC (now Reeds Weybridge). I played mainly in the 3rd XV for over a decade. The current team is at an all-time high and a wonderful time was had by many ORs at Twickenham following the clubs win of the RFU Junior Vase pre COVID. I continue to tip up to the occasional past players’ lunch which is always great fun. Most of the times in my life when I have laughed so much my ribs hurt have been on various rugby tours but given the cardinal rule that ‘what happens on tour stays on tour’ I can add no further details!
I have been happily married to Katherine for over 30 years, we met at Cooper & Lybrand. She is also a Chartered Accountant and, before retirement, performed a number of accounting roles for a local wealthy family with an array of business interests. We have lived in West Clandon for the past 14 years about 10 minutes’ walk from the Onslow Arms which is handy. We have two daughters, who are both now living in their first homes of their own, Ellie and Francesca, who went to Guildford High School and Tormead respectively and then both went to Durham. Ellie read Theology and then stayed on at the business school with my cheque book to do a Masters in Management specialising in HR. She is a senior people adviser, whatever that is, at Moonpig. Francesca read modern languages and speaks French, Spanish and Italian and she is Head of Marketing Events covering Europe, Middle East and Africa for Darktrace.
Following my retirement, extensive travel plans have been put on hold due to COVID but trips to Greece, France, Australia and New Zealand are planned over the next 12 months. In the meantime, I have done more gardening in the past six months than the past decade. I have been a Rotarian for over 25 years and I am a member of the Bookham & Horsley Club. I have no criminal convictions and still have my own teeth but a lot less hair. Cheers!
Class Notes
Roger Dipper (Blathwayt 2010)
It has been great to see Roger back on stage this year in a variety of shows, but in particular the highly acclaimed production of Wonderful Town at the Opera Holland Park.
Allegra Gordon (Blathwayt 2015)
We always knew that ‘Leggy’ was talented, but to get her work chosen by Grayson Perry from thousands of entries for Channel 4’s Grayson’s Art Club is just WOW!!
Julian Ganio (Bristowe 1998)
As a contributing editor and stylist, Julian’s work featured in the Financial Times How to Spend It magazine, but that’s just a snippet of what he has achieved in the fashion world this year in particular!
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Olivia Hajialexandrou (Bristowe 2012)
I changed career and qualified as an English Teacher; I’ll be moving to Surbiton High School this year.
Tom Hardy (Capel 1992)
The speculation continues as to who will be the new Bond, with the name of our OR always on the list! Fingers crossed…
Chris Hawkins (Blathwayt 1962)
Another quiet year, from which best to report that all is well with our family. The 1960s OR Lunch Club met again in Oxshott as soon as the restrictions ended and we have another one planned, anyone interested, please contact me. Attached is photo of three generations of the Hawkins family at the Ageas Bowl Southampton watching The Hundred game there in the summer.
Nick Hearle (Mullens 1997)
I write with an amazing coincidence. Last year, we moved a couple of miles down the road to our new house near Perranporth, Cornwall. A short while after moving in I was talking to a neighbour, whose house we can see across the other side of the small valley in which we now live. As we got talking, it became clear not only did we both previously work as scientists at the Institute of Cancer Research but we also had gone to the same school, albeit more than 30 years apart!
David Lobb (Blathwayt 1963) joined Reed’s School in 1956 as a Foundationer and is the cousin of Frank Anstis, who taught physics at the time. He left in 1963, married Jan in 1966 and eventually moved back to the county of his birth, Cornwall, in 2004. Frank Anstis is now approaching his 96th birthday, and David and my father, Eric Hearle, reminisced about the many people they both knew from all those years ago. David and Jan have lived in the peaceful valley of Cocks Hill, Perranporth for the last 15 or so years, and I find it incredible that, after all this time, another Old Reedonian has moved in not more than a hundred metres away.
I am still a GP in nearby Port Isaac and Wadebridge and my parents Eric and Barbara live not far away, are both well and are active in helping out with the kids, as well as in the local campanological
Tim Henman (Blathwayt 1991)
As part of his Foundation’s ‘Finding Your Spark’ camapign, it was inspiring to hear Tim talk about the impact our Founder, Andrew Reed, had on him personally, professionally and now, aligning the aims of his Tim Henman Charitable Foundation to help children who lack opportunities pursue their passions.
Ben Haran (Mullens 1994)
Ben lent his support to Tim’s campaign, citing the Reed’s Tennis Programme as a great inspiration for him personally.
Class Notes
John Hughes-Wilson (Mullens 1962)
I’m still in Turkish North Cyprus, in a villa between the Kyrenia mountains and the sea, along with a wife (Lynn), three cats, a pool to hide in when it gets too hot and a gardener to keep nature at bay.
It’s been a tricky year with hospitalisation for a lungful of blood, which all goes back to a gas chamber and 600 soldiers being instructed in gas warfare in 1967. To add insult to injury, I came back from hospital to find my computer hacked and every scrap of 25 years’ of emails ‘disappeared’.
The publication of my latest book, Eve of Destruction compensates, however. It is my 22nd book and a serious look at nuclear accidents, both admitted and concealed. Fingers crossed it will sell as well as JFK – An American Coup d’Etat, now on its seventh edition in the USA and Intelligence Blunders which, according to the CIA, was Osama bin Laden’s light bedside reading and passed the 100,000 sales this year.
Tanya Kelway (née Syrad) (Capel 2003)
After leaving Reed’s in 2003, I gained a degree in Psychology and Music and then decided to follow this with a Primary PGCE. After teaching in London, Cheltenham and Gran Canaria, my husband and I were blessed with our son, Leo, who was born in 2017. He now has a sister, little Emi. Toddlers and lockdown has been a glorious mix but, amidst the mayhem, I have managed to start my own business: Mini Memento. I now make personalised jewellery, specialising in using fingerprints, handprints, footprints and even paw prints. From my little studio in Surrey, I have made jewellery for customers from all over the world and I am greatly enjoying this new venture!
Paul Kemp
To bring back some memories, here are some very familiar faces showing that our #communityforlife extends not only to former pupils, but former staff too! Many will now be on the Paul Kemp’s Instagram circulation list and able to share his posts about rambles with the likes of Paul Davies, Paul Millington, Ian Clapp and Mark Vernon. Long may they continue.
Oliver & Alexander Kent-Braham (Mullens 2010)
Anyone who reads the financial press, could not have missed the dozens of reports about our two ORs.
In a competitive market, Oliver and Alexander found substantial funding for their start-up, fintech company, Marshmallow. As with many great business ideas, the premise for Marshmallow was borne out of a question posed by a friend: how do you find reasonably priced insurance if you don’t tick all the boxes? With their self-professed love for technology, the Kent-Brahams reinvented one of the most traditional areas of finance - insurance.
The company’s aim is to provide equal access for everyday services to everyone, regardless of status. In just two years, Marshmallow has gained over 100,000 customers and reached unicorn status – meaning it was valued at US$1bn (£727m) – making it the UK’s second black-founded unicorn firm.
Keith Miller (Bristowe 1951)
This is being written from deep in the Somerset countryside where our ‘children’ have lived for some years and where we moved to in March 2021, following some stressful weeks negotiating the sale of our house in Crowborough in East Sussex.
Our ‘new’ house (built in about 1740 and half of a former farmhouse) is situated just outside the old village of Evercreech, between Castle Cary and Shepton Mallet. Much neglected for years, we have lots of rebuilding and many improvements to organise. Unfortunately, it will be some time yet before we can offer guests a bed for the night.
John Laidlaw MBE (Bristowe 1974)
After Reed’s, I went on to study Estate Management, Geomorphology and Archaeology at Reading University, however, my love of student theatre led me to work as a stage manager, first at Butlins (Filey) and then at the De la Warr Pavilion in East Sussex. I moved to Warwick Arts Centre in Coventry ending up as acting Chief Electrician. From 1985-1991, I was the Production Manager for the Tic Toc Theatre Company in Coventry who ran performance spaces at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival each year. The company also produced award-winning touring theatre shows and ran their own alternative comedy club in Coventry.
In 1992, I led a performing arts rural touring scheme in Warwickshire, ultimately becoming Executive Director of Live & Local which is now the largest Rural Touring network within the UK. In a volunteer capacity, I served as Chair of the National Rural Touring Forum (NRTF) until July 2017. Through my work on this Board and as Director of Live & Local, I’ve helped to bring professional art to under-served rural communities in every corner of the UK, as well as assisting other countries – including Australia and New Zealand – to develop their rural touring networks. I was awarded an MBE in The Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to the arts, receiving the award at an investiture at Buckingham Place in January 2020.
I have memories of knocking together a set for a house play for John Osborne’s Luther at the back of Bristowe. The then housemaster took a dim view of the mess! However, I was given the space to explore my interest and I think that my house colours were awarded as a result. I was initially flabbergasted about the MBE, and then honoured, and then hugely grateful to all the people and places who had supported my journey.
Class Notes
Harry Mason (Blathwayt 2018)
After graduating from Lincoln university with a 2:1, I movied to Naples in Italy to teach English at schools, hotels and businesses along with work as a translator for scientific papers.
Tim Mather (Blathwayt 1995)
I am still living and working down on the south coast for Sussex Police in Chichester. Loving every minute of life away from London. The last year has seen our family grow with little Tristan born on the 27th December. Family life is amazing and a wedding is next on the list.
Sean Murray (Capel 1963)
In May of this extraordinary year I turned 75 and at the end of 2020, out of the blue, I was invited to join a ‘junior’ Australian mining company as their non-executive chairman. This was a new venture in Serbia exploring for lithium/borates, copper/gold and zinc/lead/silver bearing minerals. The company was listed on the Australian Stock Exchange on 14 July. I spent eight days in Serbia at the end of June to meet the CEO (who had flown out from Perth), local geologists and the Serbian State Secretary for Mining and Energy; it was an invigorating experience and my first trip outside the UK since lockdown.
One of my other highlights of the year was the discovery of an almost deserted shingle beach east of Selsey on the south coast where I got one month closer to achieving my ambition to swim in the English Channel without a wetsuit every month of the year. I have now managed eight, just missing the worst months of November, December, January and February. I think an experience at Reed’s in April 1961 prepared me psychologically for this when the open-air pool, which had been originally dug out by the boys, was opened for the summer term. We took a dip when the water temperature was 44F = 7.5 C. At Selsey in March, the sea temperature was 8C. The past foretells the future and Reed’s is ever present.
Ron Obbard (Mullens 1969) & Chris Simmonds (Blathwayt 1968)
I was delighted to have met up with Chris Simmonds (Blathwayt 1968) when he was over from St Angus in the Scilly Isles, where he lives with his wife Louise, to visit their son in Brighton who was about to have a second baby. They came for one night but, because of late baby arrival and bad weather for crossing, they stayed four! Everyone was on very good form and so lovely to see them on the mainland at long last.
Nick Patterson (Bristowe 2004)
I live happily with my wife and two young boys in Cobham and am still in touch with lots of other ORs.
In June 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, I took the plunge to set up my own company, Properly, and am now enjoying the second year of running the business. Properly is an office search consultancy based in London with a focus on finding flexible office space. We help businesses find their place in the world by combining powerful tech with a human touch. We make it easy for firms to find the right flexible solution at the right time and the right price.
Giving back is also an important part of our ethos and we are aware of the profound impact that businesses like Properly can have. In 2020 Properly made a pledge that every completed transaction will lead to a donation to Street Child, to provide classroom desks and chairs to schools in Africa. In May 2021 Properly were able to donate enough money to completely furnish the The Agnes Thompson Public School in Liberia, giving the children immediate access to a better learning environment.
I would love for anyone to get in touch either for professional reasons or just to say hello: np@weareproperly.com
Zeid Raad Al Hussein (Capel 1981)
Founded by Nelson Mandela in 2007, The Elders are an esteemed group of independent global leaders working together for peace and human rights. They include members such as Mary Robinson, Ban Ki-moon and our own Zeid. As a former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and current President of the International Peace Institute, Zeid took part in The Elders State of Hope lecture series focusing on the global fight to defend and promote human rights in the face of growing authoritarianism.
Mike Ransome (Mullens1968)
I saw the road to riches in the world of accountancy and took Articles with the eminent firm of Thomson McLintock. Five years later, a switch to tax beckoned, initially with KPMG and then, latterly, with a move into the commercial world with John Swire & Co. I married Yasmin in 1979 and we have three daughters, and four grandchildren. One daughter is a physiotherapist, following in her mother’s footsteps; a second is an A&E doctor; the third is a linguist. My adventures, all for charity, have included scaling Kilimanjaro and running the London Marathon, 2013-19. I’m also still in touch with Mike Dewing (Bristowe1968).
Jack Revell (Mullens 2008)
In March, I ran 100km around London in 12 hours to raise money for mental health as a result of the pandemic, all while hosting a room on the app, Clubhouse, where people around the world come together to talk, listen and learn from each other in real-time. In total, £2522 was raised for MIND.
Class Notes
Geoff Scales (Bristowe 1959)
I moved back to the UK in March, ostensibly to be nearer more of the grandchildren, eight in the UK and three in the Paris region with a great grandchild due in January 2022! I am already missing the weather, French bread and wine and the French health system; I could see my doctor anytime I wished in France, not seen one here since arriving, just a phone consultation.
The photo is me with one of my 11 grandchildren taken last year at my home in France. Most photos of me are on or near a bike (I was the Norton Owners Club France Secretary for 21 years!).
Fred Shepherd (Bristowe 2016)
BlueDiamond Pumps Ltd is a family business for which I run new business development. We are currently developing a refrigeration condensate solution to replace the existing and very energy inefficient systems.
I’ve led a team through a research, design and prototyping operation which has resulted in a fully patented solution, and we’re now looking to push on with our first mass production batch having been delivered to our USA facility. Our new system results in a huge energy cost saving and, as such, a significantly reduced carbon footprint per fridge. We’re working with several of the largest US superstores as well as numerous gas stations in the sampling and pre-production stage of the product.
If the new product goes as planned and is adopted by such large brands, we would estimate there to be in the region of 10-15 million tonnes of CO2 reduction per year from the US market by 2030. My personal goal is to push for the offset of a billion trees-worth across the US and European market. A big dream maybe, but you have to shoot for the stars right?!
Simon Sherwood (Blathwayt 1972)
During the most serious and depressing part of lockdown, we managed to spend time away from the UK, mostly in the Caribbean. As business owners in Antigua, we were able to travel on empty aircraft when so many people had to tough it out in the bleak English winter. So, it hasn’t been too bad for us.
Our daughter had a baby, our first grandchild, so we’ve also spent a good amount of time in Switzerland, where they live. Lots of business interests to keep my brain functioning including being invited to be Chairman of a very interesting PR/ Advertising start up (BoldSpace) which has had an astonishingly good first year, despite all the madness!
Alex Stacey (née Kemp) (Capel 2005)
I am still living in Walton-on-Thames with my husband Gavin, who ran the astronomy club at Reed’s, and our three boys William, Jack and George. We had a tough few months, during which we lost mum to cancer, and Gavin was hospitalised with COVID. However, the most joyous moment came when I gave birth to my first surrogate baby, Luna. Luna’s parents had lost their previous baby at 37 weeks and were unable to have another without a surrogate, which is where I stepped in.
As part of the organisation SUK, I was able to help them achieve their dream of having a family and am now hoping to do this again in the next few months for another couple.
Daniel Stent (Capel 2004)
I moved back to Surrey in the summer of 2020 as I was appointed Vice Principal of Fullbrook School, in charge of student conduct and pastoral care. The school has undergone some major changes leading to great success despite an especially challenging year.
My wife Lauren and I also welcomed our second son Jackson in February.
Tony Stocken (Blathwayt 1976)
I emigrated to Australia in 1990. In 2001, I was watching a hockey game at the Olympic site in Homebush (south of Sydney) and a motorbike helmeted person shouted out: “Hello Stocken, how you going?”. I did not recognise the voice but when he removed his helmet, I instantly recognised my Reed’s classmate, Douglas Smyth (Bristowe 1976), who I had last seen 25 years before.
At Reed’s, we were in the same year, had some classes in common and played for the School tennis team together. Meeting in this way was a remarkable coincidence but in the ensuing 15 minutes conversation, we not only discovered that we lived in the same small village in the northern beaches of Sydney, but our children were at the same primary school!
Since that meeting and roll on many family barbecues and beers later, Dougie and I have become the best of friends, as have our wives and children. Over the last 20 years, we have also played men’s tennis doubles for the local club, played in the local soccer side, the Rusty Nails, and been on many mountain biking adventures together! Call it fate or coincidence, we look forward to many more fun times ahead, and welcome contact from any other ORs who are living near or in Allambie Heights.
Toby Tarrant (Blathwayt 2010)
Always with their fingers on the pulse, our Reed’s Cricket gurus spotted 2010 cricket captain, Toby, in the March edition of premier cricket magazine, The Cricketer, talking about his new podcast #zeroducksgiven.
And if anyone doubted Mr Tarrant’s passion for the game or, indeed, his captaincy, here’s the photo to prove it!
Class Notes
Bruce Taylor (Blathwayt 1966)
I continue to live with my Spanish wife, Mary Carmen, in the cultural heart of Madrid, a stone´s throw from The Prado. I’m now in my 6th year as President of the Senior Student & Alumni Association at Madrid’s famous Jesuit University, Universidad Pontificia Comillas-ICADE-ICAI (somewhat unusual for a Reed’s-educated Anglican!).
I work as hard as I did before retirement and am also responsible for all the Association’s communication (in Spanish learnt at Reed’s) which has been particularly challenging during the pandemic; keeping people’s spirits up while classes moved online with the subsequent loss of that precious personal contact, one of the main motivators for going back to university as a senior student. Luckily on the communication front, I have a good proof-reader at home!
Chris Tong (Capel 1991)
I’m married with two children and now living just a stone’s throw from Reed’s. In December of last year, I started a new role as Chief Marketing Officer at the Bike Club, a pay monthly kids bike subscription service. In August of this year, my team and I had two action-packed days back at Reed’s creating video and photography content around the Bike Club members which was great.
Previous to this role, I worked as a marketing consultant for the likes of O2, England Rugby, Gray Nicholls and a number of other top sports brands. One particular highlight was organising a national tour to encourage more adults to play touch rugby with Jonny Wilkinson as its star ambassador. From April 2008 to the end of 2012, I was Head of Sport and Events at Red Bull, working with a team responsible for some huge events including Red Bull X-Fighters – a freestyle motocross event at Battersea Power Station - and the Cliff Diving World Series, which I brought to the UK for the very first time. We were also tasked with creating unique projects around the brand’s elite athletes including Freddie Flintoff, Mark Webber, Jamie Roberts, Danny MacAskill and Dai Greene. One such project was an F1 pitstop in Parliament Square.
Away from work, I still love to play hockey and joined Old Cranleighians in 2016, playing for their over 40s Masters team. This year we won the National Plate Final after narrowly losing in the National Cup Final last year. On Sunday mornings, I also coach the Junior Teams where both my children are showing promising signs of enjoying the sport as much as I do.
The Totnes Boys!
So lovely to receive a photo of the ‘lads’ at a recent reunion, hosted by John & Daphne Rogers. Left to right: Bill Collins (Bristowe 1948), John Rogers (Bristowe 1946), Ralph Pomphrey (Capel 1948), Bill Pickering (Blathwayt 1947) and Ivor Nash (Bristowe 1948).
Georgina Trestler (née Alexander) (Bristowe 2003)
I live and work in south east London with my husband and two sons. After I left Reed’s (where I enjoyed studying Art, Economics, History and English at A Level), I worked for a shoe designer in Italy and London, then went on to study BA History of Art at UCL. Once I graduated, I worked in brand extension for the Victoria & Albert Museum for five years. I then launched my design company ‘Georgina Trestler Illustration’ in 2014 whilst completing an MA in Communication Design at Central St Martin’s, as well as running creativity workshops at The Wallace Collection and The British Museum.
My current clients include the property company PThree, candle brand Grey Gate Candles, various restaurants and jewellery brand, A Short Story, who I also exhibited with at Stylist Live to name a few. My business covers branding and illustration, and I also sell my prints via Trouva and other stockists. Another facet of my business supports other artists and designers as I buy and sell art to be hung on walls in homes and restaurants. I recently completed a gallery wall for a residential interiors project in Clapham and delivered a wall of art for a new London restaurant called ‘Tai’.
I can consult/deliver art in person in London and Surrey or via Zoom and courier. I’m also happy to hear from artists who are looking to sell their work, currently on my roster are graduates from the Princes Drawing School, Camberwell, St Martin’s and Brighton Art School.
Alex Tenenbaum (Blathwayt 2015)
I moved back to London from LA having attended university in Connecticut, and completed a Masters in Digital Anthropology at UCL. I now work as an Investment Analyst at SGCM LLP with responsibility for the crypto-currency division.
Alex Truelove (Blathwayt 2013)
Having spent some amazing years back at Reed’s as the SSI for the CCF, I moved to St Dunstan’s College to take on a similar role of SSI in June 2019. In December 2019, I moved to The City of London Freemen’s School to become the Contingent Commander of their CCF. Three months in and the first lockdown hit with virtual training on Teams, so it was great to still interact with them. I was re-rolled to conduct lateral flow testing for key workers for three months in 2021, but are now getting back to normal.
The most exciting news for me, however, is that I became an uncle in June to my Nephew, Miller.
thereeder@reeds.surrey.sch.uk
Class Notes
Matt Ussher (Mullens 2020)
Whilst settling in at Exeter University, I decided to take on the enormous challenge of running 60 kms per week for four weeks to raise money for the National Autistic Society, a charity close to my heart.
David Varley (Blathwayt 1969)
The low population density and a strictly policed border on the Isle of Man has allowed our governors easier success in ‘virus management’.
My annual March blow-out in London was again cancelled but, between freedoms, we took to Peter Verstage’s (Capel 1965) zoom calls for Friday cocktails. The continued strange times shook a few more ‘long silent’ friends into emailing, some even with threats of visits when allowed. These were mainly from my times at sea and ashore in Glasgow rather than from Reed’s but Mark Buxton (Bristowe 1969) and Ian Carmichael (Blathwayt 1969) remain occasional correspondents.
I continue with my interest in the marine industry and remnants of the Merchant Navy, remaining a committeeman of the local Joint Branch of RINA/IMarEST. As our border restrictions prevented visiting speakers, we have been recruiting suitable locals to give us presentations. The first of the year being mine, immediately putting the qualification ‘suitable’ into question.
I was sad to see the report of the death of Rev Challis which reminded me of his last greeting: “Ah, David. Still a heathen”. Despite that accurate inference, I have enjoyed the ‘webcasts’ provided by Reed’s during the year including those from Chapel! I continue to be impressed by how much the School is doing both by way of keeping to the usual as much as possible, as well as the unusual, extra miles indeed.
Peter Verstage (Capel 1965)
We’ve been comparatively unaffected by the lockdown here in the Isle of Man, but at the expense of our movements off the island being severely curtailed by the closure of the border until July. But I did manage a glamping trip to Lemnos for what was to be a week of kitesurfing; unfortunately, there was a 36 degree heatwave and no wind.
As can be read above, I still see David Varley (Blathwayt 1969) on a weekly basis, but my croquet skills are such that I decline his invitations to go and play as I think I’m a bit of an embarrassment. If anyone happens to be passing through the Isle of Man, I’d be happy to hear from them.
Hans Ulrik von Bulow (Mullens 1989)
After 22 years of working for Audi in Ingolstadt, Germany, in February 2017, I moved to Mexico for two years to work at the brand new Audi Mexico factory. Upon my return to Germany in March 2019, I transitioned to Volkswagen in Wolfsburg. In September 2020 I celebrated my quarter century working for the VW Group; 25 years of mostly ups with very few downs. My wife and I now live near Braunschweig in Lower Saxony.
Chuggs Wallis (Bristowe 2016)
Probably one of the best kept secrets, it came as a surprise to see Chuggs on our screens as one of the Love Island contestants in the summer. Chuggs certainly held his own and got some great exposure for his Booby Buckets business; very clever!
Guy Warwick (Blathwayt 1968)
On a grey late August morning last year in Puy en Velay, south France, my wife – Chantal – and I finally set off on our back-packing walk of 1700 km along the Pilgrims’ Way to Santiago de Compostella (north-western tip of Spain). We enjoyed picturesque villages and wonderful scenery of rolling hills and fields on the French leg of the journey, up and over the Pyrenees. Things got slightly more complicated on the Spanish side due to COVID restrictions but, luckily, we had reserved our accommodation in advance, often being the only guests being hosted by proprietors who were always friendly and helpful.
Initially, the scenery along the route was a bit monotonous with very little shade but fortunately the October sunshine was timid. As we neared our goal, the countryside became more interesting with hills and valleys and remote granitic villages. In many ways, the restrictions were a blessing in disguise as there were fewer pilgrims than usual which helped us to forge stronger friendships. On the downside, we often passed through deserted villages where everything was closed (grocers, cafés, churches) so, when we found somewhere open, we stocked up. We were practically alone on the square in front of the Cathedral when we arrived after 72 days walking – in ‘normal’ times, it is packed solid with pilgrims. In all an amazing experience and challenge which we were thrilled to complete. The whole adventure brought out the best in people, at times when we were in a bit of a fix there always seemed to be someone to give us a helping hand. We still can’t quite believe that we did it and will definitely take to the road again!
Nathalie Webb (Bristowe 2002)
I married former Reed’s DT teacher, Tom Webb, in 2011 and we lived together on the school campus until the summer of 2019, at which point I left my role as matron at St John’s Leatherhead and Tom and I moved to take up a position at Gordon’s School (co-ed boarding school) in West End, Woking. We are now Housemaster and Housemistress of a senior boys’ boarding house where we share our life with 65 teenage boys, as well as our own two children Charlie (9) and Hector (6) who attend Hall Grove School!
I also head up the service and volunteering programme at Gordon’s working closely with all year groups. I still work on my website This Surrey Mummy which has enabled me to have some wonderful experiences with the family.
Robert Wilmot (Bristowe 1969)
It’s been quite a memorable year thus far! My first grandson, Hugo, was born on 12th January – two days before my 70th birthday and my full knee replacement finally went ahead on 12th March. This was 56 years after I was allowed to walk through the front door at Reed’s because I wore a calliper after my condition of Osteochondritis dissecans was diagnosed!
Apart from that I have enjoyed reestablishing contact with Mark Buxton (also Bristowe 1969) with whom I spent a very enjoyable and memorable summer working on a farm in Norway in 1969!
Class Notes
COVID has been a challenge for everyone, but many/most appear to have adjusted to a new rhythm of life and my wife, Judy, and I are no different. We have been lucky to see our youngest two grandsons on a regular basis but have only managed fleetingly to catch up with our oldest two as they live further away. This year is our 40th Wedding Anniversary and the hope is we can all get together for one day in the summer.
I have been fortunate to be able to spend time researching aspects of the School’s history for eventual inclusion on the Heritage website. I know such things are not for everyone, but I find the events, places and especially people from the School’s past to be very interesting. Our heritage is the glue that binds all the generations of Reedonians together and their stories show no sign of petering out so far! Other than that, my garden is looking fairly good with all the attention it has been getting and I watched the Euro 2020 football avidly. My team (Tottenham) continue to test my levels of joy and despair in equal measure and whilst I keep threatening I will change allegiance and support someone like Wycombe Wanderers, it will never happen!
Finally, it seems that the pandemic has spawned a great many words and phrases which hitherto had rarely, if ever, been in our everyday language but given our current circumstances here are just a few that struck me in no particular order: working from home – jab – double jab – ramped up – bubble – do whatever it takes – social distancing – face masks – pinged by the NHS App – isolation – next slide please – lockdown – traffic light system – mental health – asymptomatic. Nil desperandum!
Luke Wheeler (Capel 2016)
All those opportunities to take part in School Debating Society discussions, House talks, Chapel addresses and various public speaking engagements at School really came into their own as Luke took part in a Royal National SpringBoard webinar in the presence of the charity’s Patron, HRH The Princess Royal.
Paul Whelan (Bristowe 1968)
After Reed’s, I found I had to give up my preferred profession of circus performer and worked as a computer nerd and remain a computer nerd (but much nearer retirement). My love of hockey and cricket left me with a shortage of front teeth but a wealth of friends and partly forgotten anecdotes.
Along the way I met and married Jill; we have two children Maria, soon to be married, and George who fits in a bit of work between trekking.
Peter Yates (Capel 1968)
I am a playwright and have been involved in all aspects of theatre, including teaching and critic. I’ve been a cricket writer and was recently in Uganda, coaching cricket in schools and raising awareness of HIV with the charity Cricket Without Boundaries. I’m married to Rosemary, a musician, and have a son, Dominic, who grew up working with his Dad on many theatre and music projects and is now an Events Producer. Our daughter, Lucy, who lives in Portland, Oregon, is the former UK U23 800m champion and won the 4 x 4 relay at the New York Diamond League in 2015.
Interestingly, Dominic lives in Watford and you can spot the old Reed’s building – The Orphanage - from his garden. Do get a copy of the excellent 150 Year Anniversary brochure put together by Sharmaine Mathews and Andy Wotton (Mullens 1975) if you haven’t seen it yet.
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