18
THE REEDER 2017
CLASS NOTES
Catch up on news from ORs and former staff Hugh Addy (Capel 1950) After leaving Reed’s in 1950, I joined the Royal Air Force as an apprentice. However, I suffered an accident and spent two years in hospital. After a series of work adventures, I became a Post Office telephone engineer. I gained a teaching certificate and subsequently worked in training at Bletchley Park. I eventually retired early and worked full-time on my farm in West Sussex, running a successful driving school at the same time. As a pasttime, I belong to the amateur dramatic society and sing in a church choir.
Ambassador Tom Aguiyi-Ironsi
(Capel 1972)
I am now into year ten of retirement after 30 years in the Nigerian diplomatic service and a short spell as Defence Minister. I am currently recovering from some medical challenges but hope to continue my hobby of travelling soon: Vietnam and Rwanda are on the horizon.
Most of my OR contemporaries are probably now retired and grandparents: my beautiful granddaughter Isabelle was born last year in the USA. As one of the first black students, if not the first, to attend Reed’s School, I am happy to say that my over-riding experience was what someone once stated: “it is not the colour of a person that matters but the content of their character.” Furthermore, the school hymn “Lead us, Heavenly Father, Lead us” has guided me through many tempestuous seas.
After a blinding 75 minutes, the score line was too close to call. I proceeded into a tackle. On the way down, I hit my head on an opposition player’s knee; no one to blame, but I was knocked out for just a few seconds. Standing strong, I managed to finish the game. It started to go south shortly thereafter. Outside the changing rooms with none other than Tony Talbot at my side, I passed out and was rushed to St George’s Hospital, Tooting. Here I underwent major brain surgery having a large portion of my skull removed to ease pressure on the swelling on my brain.
Alexander Arcay (Capel 2011) I am currently studying Marketing and Management at the University of East Anglia in Norwich. I have also been trading indices on the stock market and growing my portfolio for the past three years.
Harry Back (Bristowe 2011) Also, my ATAI Foundation is due to be relaunched next year. ATAI aims to empower youths in West Africa and develop sports especially rugby sevens among African boys and girls. Hopefully, Chinese interests will assist with a planned mini-stadium otherwise it might be the Taiwanese. Lol.
Roll back to 8th October 2016 when I was asked if I would like to play in an Exiles game for Old Reedonians Reed’s Weybridge down at Whiteley Village. As this was where my rugby journey began as a mini, I jumped at the chance. After the usual Friday night work drinks, surprisingly I woke up with a clear head and was looking forward to a competitive 80-minute match. Even though I had previously played high level for School and Surrey, I had not stepped on a pitch since the season before.
I was in an induced coma for four days, discharged on day 12, attended aftercare and therapy and after eight long weeks, I was finally signed off. The care I received from all the medical teams was outstanding both in pre- and post-op – paramedics, nurses, doctors, surgeons, trauma specialists and rehab professionals – this continues now.
