Cl ass 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. 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. 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.

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. 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.

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

Harry Back (Bristowe 2011)

swelling on my brain. 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.

Harry back to full health!

As a show of gratitude, I have managed to secure seven charity places for the London Marathon 2018 and am delighted that two other ORs, Lily Back (Bristowe 2014), and Alex Wilton (Bristowe 2010), have agreed to run with me alongside four other family members. Our target is to raise £21,000 for the Brain Research Trust & St George’s Neuroscience Research Foundation without whom I might have not been around to write this article! Any support, gratefully received: www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/harryback

By the way, if you want to know the final score, it was: Guildfordians 23 – Reed’s 24!

Peter Bassett (Capel 1982)

Having enjoyed my time at Reed’s tremendously, I left to finish my A Levels at a grammer – St Mary’s, Guildford. I am glad to say that I successfully scraped passes and secured a place at university. However, I never went. I became a barman, then manager, then worked in a chippie then back to the pub. One of my customers worked in landscaping and offered me a job which has been my working life ever since. I went to Sparsholt College, Winchester, to study horticulture and business management in my ‘spare time’.

I am shortly to celebrate 30 years at landscape contractors Goddards Ltd; we specialise in turn-key commercial and private residential work, some of which are within well-known gated communities around Reed’s, but also landscape around schools, sports centres and country parks. We also undertake design & build schemes up to £0.5m. I have recently been promoted to Managing Director and will be investing in the company whilst overseeing its expansion – so if you have a need… contact me!

I am very happily married with two grown-up lads, one of whom has left home … and another who has yet to – sound familiar anyone? Perversely, as I’ve got older and my career has advanced I appear to have less and less time to do the things I really love to do so I play golf, badly, and run ineffectively (my training for third London marathon starts next month!). However we, Julie and I, do enjoy holidays, returning to the same village in north east Corfu almost yearly with family, following sport around the world (cricket, rugby), far-flung islands and continents included. We also love holidaying in the UK, staying in favoured pubs and tumbledown, once grand houses, walking – especially in ‘weather’ – eating out, museums, galleries… the list goes on.

Life is for living, enjoyment with family and friends.

Toby Baxter (Capel 1994)

Having moved to Sheffield, I am currently starting a new exciting business venture that will bring me back to London. I am one of the lead clinicians and Business Director of The Specialist Ear Clinic based in Harley Street, London. My wife, Gwen, is fundamental in this venture as she is Clinical Director, being a leading expert in her field of ear infections, wax removal and tinnitus, as well as bespoke hearing protection. This is very exciting for us and we are looking forward to bringing our skills to provide the highest quality and expertise to our patients. It will also be great to be back in the South East, although we are providing private clinics in Warwickshire and Oxfordshire areas. If we can help you let us know you’re an OR for a discount from Toby at The Specialist Ear Clinic.

Stephen & Sara Beamish

Stephen Beamish (Capel 1948)

Having left in 1948, I am one of the few ORs who attended what was the London Orphan School in Watford, and then went to Totnes during the War and returned to the current Cobham site. I am delighted to say that I still manage to make it to Reunion Day every year and it is very pleasing to witness the improvements that have been made to the School and its educational facilities (oh, how I wish that it had been like that in my time!).

Alex Billman (Blathwayt 2005)

New job, new country, new city. After seven years in various marketing roles at the mobile operator, O2, I’ve decided I need a bit of a change. In August 2017, I will be relocating to Stockholm, Sweden, and will be working in the video games industry for EA Games. Hopefully as much fun as it sounds!

Peter Bint (Bristowe 1961)

I retired from teaching at a University of Technology in north-east Thailand in October 2015. Then I moved to Bangkok to live with my wife and her family. My wife, a university lecturer in Bangkok, retired at the same time as I did. Unfortunately, I had a few health problems on retirement (prostate cancer and venous thrombosis i.e. blood-clotting). However, I fully recovered within a year only to find I wasn’t at all prepared for retirement. Luckily, I was able to continue with my proof-reading work from my university job which is tedious but keeps me busy and, most importantly, pays a few bills.

I have recently started up a private English class at home on Saturday afternoons which is going well. My wife helps me with the teaching. Currently we have five young children attending, aged 6-9 years, all at different levels, including my stepgrandson who already speaks excellent English and acts as a useful catalyst. My wife and I managed to make the Reunion Day last year and we met up with quite a few of my contemporaries and near contemporaries which was very enjoyable. We are hoping we’ll be able to make it again next year all being well. Hope to see some of you then!

Colin Bird (Mullens 1958)

I have now lived in Canada longer than I lived in England! We moved to Canada as a family of five in January 1977. Dorothy and I are still married, with three children. Both our boys married over here many years ago and we now have six grandchildren: five boys and one girl. I changed occupation several times until I became a building inspector, and that occupation was the most rewarding!

Richard Borley (Capel 1951)

I left School in 1951 and joined the RAF as an apprentice, with a posting out in Singapore. My job was to build aircraft, but I also gained an ACIS qualification and went to work in a number of industries. I married Eleonore in 1957 and we have one daughter, two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. We live quietly in Cheddar, Somerset, making annual visits to Hong Kong where I worked for KPMG for 15 years.

Noel Brown (Capel 1977)

Now living in Bordeaux in South West France, we own and run a ‘Chambre d’Hôte’ and small restaurant. My wife and I have three children and one granddaughter.

Andrew Cassels (Blathwayt 1968)

I am now retired as Director of Strategy for the World Health Organisation and living temporarily in Kathmandu, Nepal, and working on global health governance issues in countries in Asia and globally with the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva.

George Cavill (Capel 1963)

Earlier this year I was invited to stay with Tony Rerrie (Mullens 1962) in Jamaica. I flew out in February from a cold and wet England to a warm and sunny Jamaica. Tony has built up a chain of restaurants in Jamaica and Belize all called ‘Scotchies’ named after the Jamaican spice, Scotch Bonnet. After a few days in Jamaica we travelled to Belize to visit ‘Scotchies Belize’ in Belmopan which was an amazing experience for me, as I rarely go far these days and Belize is another world.

We stayed with Tony’s friend Richard who has farms in the country including one of 27,000 acres and one of 5,000 acres. The farms produce cattle, oranges and coconut products; the trip was like a step back in time. Richard and Tony have had a tough time in both Jamaica and Belize. Tony and Richard took me on the grand tour and we visited the coast in the south and the mountains right across the country. We flew back to Jamaica after 10 days and I spent time with Tony and his wife Cyd in the mountains of Jamaica at their home in Monique. It was wonderful to see my old friend (of 60 years) and chat and laugh about our time at ‘The Shack’.

Barry Cawston (Capel 1984)

Barry – who very kindly helped us to curate our Bicentenary Art collection back in 2013 – has been working on an exciting project in conjunction with Banksy’s showstopping Dismaland theme park that pulled 50 artists together to focus on the biggest issues of our time: climate change, the refugee crisis, media control, social inequality, and more. Barry documented life both inside and outside of Dismaland’s gates, putting this fascinating collection together in a book entitled ‘Are We There Yet?’.

Sunny Chan (Blathwayt 2012)

I have just graduated from University of Bath with a Masters in Mechanical Engineering with Advance Design and Innovation this summer and am currently running a start-up aiming to promote the idea of up-cycling wood pallets in Hong Kong, called ReclaimiNation (RN); it can easily be found on Facebook.

Shamael Chaudhry (Bristowe 2014)

I have played number one for Davidson College since freshman year and have been the first player since 1998 to win three Conference 1st team competitions. I have one year left and am looking forward to leading the team to the conference tournament and then playing professional tennis. Before Davidson, I was in Bristowe, won three ITF junior singles titles and four ITF junior doubles titles, having been consistently top 8 in the UK since aged 10.

Alan Clarke – former School Chaplain

I am enjoying my home, County Durham, and the opportunity to travel. I will be visiting the Isle of Man, Zambia, Cyprus, Morocco and India between September 2017 and April 2018. I occasionally take services in local churches, perform magic at childrens’ Parties and cook for my partner, Michael (now 86). I have seen several Old Reedonians now at Durham University and have no doubt there will be more in years to come.

Bill Collins (Bristowe 1948)

As I write this I am looking forward once more to the annual OR reunion in Totnes in Devon for those of us who were evacuated there with the School during the war years.

It just happens that in the latest edition of the RAF Association magazine there was an article on German fighter-bombers over Devon in 1943. Apparently there was a campaign of tip-and-run raids over southern England and this triggered my memory of a low-flying raider being hotly pursued and fired on by one of our fighters as it roared over Totnes. It was a complete surprise because there had been no air-raid warning and it happened while the boys were out for morning break between lessons. It was all over very quickly; there was no trauma but some confusion as to what to do. We had different accounts according to where we were and – boys being boys – some of the stories were glossed up a bit.

The other memory which came to mind was that of the boys in the Junior House, Norbury, who had to wrap their day clothes in their jacket and tie their trouser belt around it at bed time. This bundle became a “grab bag” which, in the event of a night air raid, could easily be picked up and taken into the air raid shelter. This only happened once for me when Plymouth was heavily bombed.

In spite of the above experiences, I am happy and grateful to record that I always felt safe at Reed’s in Totnes and, like many of my friends we were well aware of the effect of the war on our mothers and home towns.

Alex Corbisiero (Blathwayt 2005)

Former England and Lions prop, Alex is now an expert sports’ analyst on NBC which started broadcasting the live games of the first season of Aviva Premiership rugby.

Nick Darke (Blathwayt 1998)

I am Head of Sales at Keith Prowse based out of Edgbaston. We are the No 1 corporate hospitality agency in the UK and part of the giant catering group, Compass UK. We are the official hospitality partners at: Twickenham, Wimbledon (obviously great links with former Reed’s pupils), Queen’s Championships, Kia Oval, Edgbaston, Epsom Derby, Cheltenham Gold Cup and many more events. I’d love to hear from any ORs who might be interested in finding out if I can help them with the corporate entertaining (nick. darke@keithprowse.co.uk)

Davorin Dizdarevic (Blathwayt 1998)

I was born in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, back in 1979. I attended schools in Sarajevo and Paris, before arriving at Reed’s where I was for two years, 1996 to 1998.

As soon as I returned to Sarajevo from Reed’s I started working. From a bar manager, to account manager at Hyundai, Renault, Nissan and Oracle. I then moved into marketing with agencies 2AM-draft FCB and at SSP. In 2010, I founded Kontakt Media Sarajevo (a video production company) and am now General Manager.

I am married with no children and recently moved to Germany at the beginning of 2016. I still manage and co-ordinate the business in Sarajevo, with the intention of moving the business to Germany.

Leon Dore (Head of Art, 1970)

I have just returned from exhibiting my paintings, done over the last 50 years, at Denbies Vineyard Gallery. At the private view we managed to raise over £1,100 for the charity CRY, which researches the reasons that young, fit and often sporty adults die from cardiac arrest – 12 every week! The charity also goes to clubs to

Painting by Leon Dore

scan, to pick up any possible problems, and offer support to bereaved families; certainly a charity worth looking at. Jez Isaacs (Bristowe 1973), a teammate at ORs rugby, turned up to the exhibition with his wife Amanda – a couple we had not seen for about 30 years. We had a lot of catching up to do.

We now spend the winter in Southern Spain but would love to see old friends who are travelling to Dorset in the summer months.

Sam Donnelly (Blathwayt 2000)

I am engaged to Anna Partridge; and we will be getting married in Kent on 7th October 2017. It will be an all Reed’s usher line-up from the class of 2000: Jules Doyle, Steve Merry, Tim Parminter, Andrew Hendley and my best man is Geoff Wilkinson.

Robert Dunn (Blathwayt 1974)

Having been a short-distance mountain biker for the last 25 years, I bought my first road bike in January and started training. In March, I rode 400 miles in 4.25 days with my daughter on the Carlisle to John O’Groats leg of her Land’s End to John O’Groats ride for which she raised over £7,000 for The Royal Brompton Hospital.

I signed up to ride for the Reed’s Foundation in the Prudential RideLondon Surrey 100 which took place on 30th July, and it proved to be an amazing day! I left the house at 4am, drove to London Bridge, cycled seven miles to The Olympic Park, hung around getting cold, cycled 100 miles out of London, around Surrey and back to The Mall with about 25,000 other people (the most I had ever cycled with before was two others!). Then I cycled four miles back to London Bridge and drove back home stopping for supper en route with my three daughters.

I raised over £1,200 for the Foundation; thanks to all those who donated and who came out to cheer me on, it really helped.

Alan Fisher (Capel 1971)

After a career ranging from an A/C designer in Australia to a training manager for an American multi-national air conditioning company to 14 years owning a Surrey Village Shop to owning an outside catering business..... I wanted a change! I made a move from Surrey to Yorkshire some five years ago and recently set up Eagles in the Sky, a modern business providing a safety-aware, high-quality, flexible and quick response service in drone aerial and high-level still and video photography for the media, property, surveying and building sectors.... great fun getting all the qualifications, experience and building up a portfolio! I now have a good number of commercial customers ‘up norf’, as well as flying in my old stomping grounds of Surrey, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, and recently in Greece on three commercial ventures. Being a very new industry it is fast moving, interesting and slightly unpredictable. Do not believe all that the press writes about drones – much of it just sells papers! I really enjoy the variety of shoots in some really interesting locations.

Always happy to try to assist or advise any OR if I can – be pleased to hear from you Alan@EaglesInTheSky.com

Nikki Hamblin (née Bryson, Bristowe 2005)

I’m pleased to announce that my husband, Olly, and I welcomed a beautiful baby boy into our family on the 7th May earlier this year. Everyone is doing very well and we’re looking forward to our first holiday together this summer.

John Hansford (Bristowe 1969)

I retired two years ago as Headmaster of Northcote Lodge Prep School in London. I am in touch with two ORs – Eliot Humberstone (Mullens 1968) and Mark Buxton (Bristowe 1969, I think).

Andrew Harman (Bristowe 1996)

I have recently been promoted to Associate Professor at the University of Sydney. I run a research group investigating sexual transmission of HIV and supervise 3 PhD students. I have two children, ages five and four, and my wife is due to have another baby in November 2017.

Bruce Hawkey (Blathwayt 1974)

Late in 2016 my brother Peter and I published a book of our mother’s life story, ‘A Fight for Life’. It tells of the horrors she endured during the Second World War in Germany when the Russians came to her home town, and her subsequent life.

It has been sobering for us, and a cathartic experience for her, to finally commit the events of her life to paper. To date we have distributed over 400 books and have received some wonderful comments: a man told me “I’m not emotional and I don’t

read books, but I read this one and I cried”.

We love receiving your news and updates. Simply email snippets and all important photos to thereeder@reeds.surrey.sch.uk

The book was recently nominated, and received a certificate of commendation at the Cornish Literary Awards (Holyer An Gof).

My mother has always been very grateful for the help she received from Reed’s in raising her two sons. Ours is just one story of how the School has such a positive impact on lives at a time when help is most needed. Long may this work continue.

If any OR would like to purchase a copy please make contact through brucehawkey@outlook.com or phawkey25@gmail.com

Peter Hawkey (Blathwayt 1971)

I completed the Prudential Ride London Surrey in 5hrs 18mins. Cycling past Oxshott and on to Esher made me think of Reed’s School days.

I raised money (£1550) for Cherry Trees, a charity near Guildford which provides care for severely disabled children. Some friends of mine, who live in Dorking, are very grateful for the help over many years with their disabled daughter. I have known their daughter since she was born, she is now 21 and it was a pleasure to help this deserving charity. I was wondering how many other Old Reedonians were sharing the roads of London and Surrey with me that weekend. If I had time I would have called in to Reed’s but had to keep the bike going! Before anyone who knows me asks, I’m not on an electric bike yet! I am in regular contact with Hugh Burton (Blathwayt 1971) who lives in Chicago and is much better than me in keeping in touch with other ORs. Jez Isaacs (Bristowe 1973), a classmate of my brother Bruce, turned up on our doorstep in Cornwall for a brief visit a few weeks ago. We also have Dr Nick Hearle (Mullens 1997), son of Eric Hearle, who taught my brother, as a GP in Wadebridge. If anyone feels like it please contact me, especially if you happen to be in the Wadebridge area.

Martin Hayton (Blathwayt 1973)

Thanks once again to the boundless energy, enthusiasm and organisational skills of Mark Fenwick (Bristowe 1973) a small group of us from the class of 1973 enjoyed a relaxing weekend reunion in Spain, this time basking in warm autumn sunshine in the beautiful city of Seville.

Arriving by train and plane from all directions, we gathered at the Hotel Posada del Lucero, a traditional 17th Century coaching inn now transformed into a delightful boutique hotel. Our wonderful weekend included some marvellous experiences include eating in the oldest restaurant in Spain, dinner on a power boat, a special tour of Seville Cathedral, visits to the Art & Flamenco Museum and a cycling tour around the

beautiful city. The photo shows (left to right): Mark Fenwick (Bristowe 1973), Graeme Cottam (Mullens 1973), Martin Hayton (Blathwayt 1973), Kelly Hayton, Phil Humphris (Mullens 1973), Judith Humphris, Andy Cairns (Bristowe 1973), Hilary Bolton and Simon Bolton (Capel 1973).

These reunions started when we celebrated 40 years of leaving Reed’s; this was our 40+4 reunion and we are already looking forward to 40+5!

Andrew Hendley (Blathwayt 2000)

Life can sometimes throw opportunities at you which you just have to take. Having left Reed’s, I went north to serve my time at Durham University. After just about surviving a three-year diet of chips and gravy, I headed straight for the city and a job in finance, fresh-faced and full of expectations. However, after a decade of working and playing hard, I needed a break, so I decided to take on an adventure.

This came in the form of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, which started in August 2015 and took 11 months to complete. The race is a full circumnavigation of the globe made up of eight legs that involves 14 individual races between 12 identically designed 70ft yachts; it was founded by Sir Robin Knox Johnson. What is important to note is this is an amateur yacht race but with professional standards. All the crew are amateurs, except the skipper who is qualified. All crew members do a four-week intensive training programme. Despite having had no sailing experience prior to this, I was surprised to find that after my first week of training, I had shown enough aptitude to be selected as one of 36 to do the coxswains training, from a total pool of over 700 crew members. This comprised a one-week classroom based crash course in the theory of sailing, followed by a week’s practical test where we were required to skipper the boat for a period of time. The aim of the coxswains’ course is to have a member of the crew experienced enough to take command if the yacht’s professional race skipper is incapacitated. Seems reasonable!

So, with my training completed, notice at work served and kit bags packed, it was time to set off. Despite the general buzz of excitement and a packed crowd at St Katherine’s Dock, the departure was still a reflective time for a large number of the crew about to say goodbye to friends and family for the next year. The fleet did their parade of sail out from under Tower Bridge and then motored to Southend Pier for race start. The hooter went and the boats were off. Next stop Brazil… in about a month’s time. Needless to say, that was one hell of a month; the crew took shape forgetting their old lives and living very much in the moment. The training became second nature as quickly as did the lack of sleep. There were our fair share of dramas in the first race; a broken navigation computer, a minor injury during a knock down (when the boat gets smashed onto its side), a rather more horrific injury when

a crew member was required to go up the mast but unfortunately snapped his arm and suffered a deep cut that required 18 stitches. Every one of the crew got stuck in to help but the medical team (the skipper, as surgeon; a dentist and mental health worker as nurses; a UFC fighter as the operating table, and me manning the medical boxes as photographer) were left a bit shell-shocked to say the least. However, the most prominent reminder of the dangers we faced were when we learnt that a crew member of another boat had been killed off the coast of Portugal. It was difficult to adjust, but we got there and the crew performed admirably. We managed to get third place in the first race.

It then continued like this-next stop was South Africa, where we managed first place, and then on to Western Australia through the Southern Ocean. This was our first taster of how monumental and unstoppable mother nature is and, that if you don’t respect her, she lets you know who is boss. It was big seas, bad weather but, fortunately, copious amounts of biltong to keep us happy. From there it was on to Sydney; we then did the ocean race classic (along with 140 other boats) from Sydney to Hobart. Hobart for New Year’s Eve with 140 other crews is one of the biggest, longest and heaviest NYEs I have ever had. It was short-lived though and, before we knew it, it was 2016 and we were off to the Whitsundays; from there to Da Nang in Vietnam, followed by a stop in Qingdao China. Then it was the big one: the Pacific crossing. good reason. For much of the leg your nearest neighbours (other than the race fleet) are the astronauts on the International Space Station. There were waves that often reached 26m high, permanent wetness and temperatures that left you physically sick with pain. It was brutal and uncompromising. It was during this race, that again we were reminded of the dangers when we learnt of another death within the fleet; a crew member washed overboard in the Pacific. For me this was the toughest physically and the darkest mentally; you had no escape but it was here that you knew you had to dig deep to come through. Just under a month after we set out, having had the proverbial kicked out of us for nearly most of this time, we arrived in Seattle. From Seattle we headed to Panama, through the canal and then up to New York (not before getting caught by tropical storm Colin passing by off the coast of Carolina). From New York we crossed back across the Atlantic to Ireland, completing our fifth and final ocean crossing.

Following Ireland, it was a week-long blast around the top of Scotland to Den Helder in NL before a quick 36 sprint back to Southend, thereby tying the knot. On crossing the finish line, I crawled into my bunk about 02:30, near fainting with exhaustion. I just could not get the quote from the film ‘Blade Runner’ out of my head: “I’ve seen things you people wouldn’t believe;” that about summarized it for me. We motored back up the Thames and, following a final parade of sail under Tower Bridge, we moored up in St Katherine’s Dock to cheering friends, family, reporters and old crew mates.

I am pleased to say that we podiumed six out of the 14 races, with a handful of fourth places, meaning we finished third overall. Needless to say it was one of the hardest, brutal, tiring but (at times) utterly joyful, truly exciting and exhilarating years of my life. The race states more than 9,000 people have scaled Mt Everest and just over 3,000 have circumnavigated the globe; for the reason that it just doesn’t get tougher that this. It’s not often that one gets the chance to take on an adventure, I am proud to say that I have!

Simon Holden (Blathwayt 1957)

I can’t believe that it is eight years since I penned a story of my life since leaving ‘The Shack’. Having visited the hallowed ground on a couple of occasions for the reunion, I have been monumentally impressed by the changes and developments which have taken place. Well, it is all there for you to see and experience with the warmest of welcomes from the Development Office.

So don’t delay; if you haven’t been for a long time, do it now! I dragged Johnny Causer along this year as he had never been back since leaving in 1957 and, much to his surprise, he met his cousin who was a pupil at Dogmersfield. I am still living in Zambia luxuriating in the kindest of seasonal weather. July must be probably the best time as the rains finished in April and now the nights are cold and fresh and the days are simply idyllic. Since my last article, Wendy’s and my business has thrived but taken a downward turn in the last two years. At our peak we were employing 69 staff and had a total of nine operational drill rigs. This kept us exceedingly busy and, four years ago we co-opted our elder son to assist with the management of the business. Since he is a Cambridge degree qualified engineer and also a chartered accountant he is the most useful addition to our management.

Currently there is a lull in the copper mining industry due to the fall in the price and various worldwide trends reducing investment and development, particularly with the Chinese element, so we are between contracts at present with our drill rigs in a care-and-maintenance mode. Wendy is setting up home in Congleton, Cheshire where we have bought a flat overlooking the very pleasant market town, located in a bend of the River Dane and adjacent to the beautifully manicured town park between a high hill and the river with a very pleasing restaurant and bar. The younger members of the family and friends are busy producing the next generation and we have the most delightful granddaughter and two very new boys of other relatives. Wendy is glorying in the new arrivals and all the involvement new families can provide.

Our younger son now has a new partner with a wedding very much in the planning at Christmas. In addition to his two boys, his partner has the most engaging and delightful pair of girls and there is never a quiet, peaceful moment in the house save during sleep time!

So it looks as if retirement is on the cards but I am going to have difficulty leaving here, having been overseas since 1975 working in seven countries and having been in Zambia for 22 years. Being “put out to grass” is not a phrase in my vocabulary and I am currently investigating the possibilities of a new silica mine and we are negotiating the acquisition of a hotel in Northamptonshire.

So I shall close this brief update and wish all of you the very best of health and happiness. Greetings to all.

Mike Holgate (Mullens 2000)

I completed Intermediate Command and Staff College in 2015, followed by a two-year secondment to the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus as the Operations Officer and lead for landmine clearance.

I recently returned to the UK to take command of a squadron in the north of England, in preparation for further UK contributions to United Nations peacekeeping operations in Africa. When free time permits, I enjoy getting out into the mountains or under the sea, but spend most of the time returning to the South West to be with the family and two very energetic children.

John Holt (Bristowe 1975)

I turned 60 in November last year and am doing well. I still enjoy my involvement in the OR Third Sector Group and numerous coffee dates with friends. We went to Paris (the week after the terrorist attacks) to celebrate my birthday with family Elle, Pete, Dan and Gail.

My son Daniel got married to his beautiful girlfriend Gail in September 2016 at Bookham Baptist, and now have a flat in Leatherhead. Dan graduated in Physics this year and has started a PhD involving building nanostructures for solar energy at the University of Sussex!

We are still very involved in Esher Green Baptist Church and still lead a small group (was weekly, now fortnightly). We are both greatly enjoying volunteering at Cobham Foodbank on a regular basis.

We love receiving your news and updates. Simply email snippets and all important photos to thereeder@reeds.surrey.sch.uk

Giles House (Capel 2000)

I live in California where last year I married my wife Tanya. This year we welcomed a new addition to the family, Sterling James House. Now nearly six months old he’s keeping us all nice and busy! I am the Chief Product Officer for top cloud company CallidusCloud, where I’m responsible for the company’s product strategy and engineering. When I’m not working or looking after Sterling, I’m on my bike cycling up a mountain somewhere.

John Hughes-Wilson (Mullens 1962)

As some of you will know, I had a 31-year career in the British Army rising from a trooper in the Royal Scots Greys to an officer in the Intelligence Corps, ending as a full colonel on British and NATO intelligence staffs.

Since retiring I have carved a new career as an author of over 15 books and a commentator on security and defence matters: ‘Military Intelligence Blunders’ has become a best seller and was even found alongside Osama bin Laden’s bed!

Back in June I donated a unique collection of military, intelligence, security and defence books, journals and documents to the English School Kyrenia in Northern Cyprus to open a new Security Studies Archive for the ESK Library.

Giles and Tanya House, with baby Sterling James

Mike Jaggard (Mullens 1970)

I met with Dave Mcelhiney (Mullens 1969) in February this year. We had a great time playing golf, and then relaxing afterwards with plenty of laughs around the table and lots of wine consumed!

Richard Jefferies (Blathwayt 1975)

300 words to cover 42 years…here goes. Travel, and lots of it, summarises my life since Reed’s, and a very low threshold to boredom.

I graduated in Geology from Kingston Poly and started work as a Wellsite Geologist on oil rigs around the world. The North Slope of Alaska in December is not recommended! However, Puerto Limon in Costa Rica is a must. I moved to Calgary, Canada in 1980, working mostly in the Rocky Mountains. Work on the exploration wells offshore east coast Canada allowed me to live in Toronto 1982-1986, where I got married in 1983, and where my daughter Victoria was born in 1985. I moved back to Calgary with family in 1986, worked for PetroCanada for four years, and ran my own consulting business. I then divorced, and moved back to Guildford area in 1996 working for Landmark, the technology division of Halliburton Company (one of the world’s largest oilfield services company) for nine years, ending up running their software business for NW Europe. I moved to EDS, a small French software company focussing on 3D modelling of subsurface hydrocarbon reservoirs, running EMEA and CIS, until the company was sold to Paradigm Geophysical in 2007, a large Houston-based oil and gas exploration software company. With Paradigm, I was EVP Eastern Hemisphere based in Woking. Again, we successfully sold the company on to Apax Partners, a large London based private equity firm in 2012. I left the industry in 2014, and am now living between Shamley Green in the Surrey Hills and our house in La Croix Valmer, South of France.

I married Debbie, BA cabin crew, including Concorde, who was the girl next door from my childhood, in 1997. I have two beautiful step-daughters Olivia and Hannah, and two grandchildren, Ruby and Finn who have me totally wrapped around their little fingers. Best wishes to all ORs.

Ed Jones (Former Assistant Director of Music)

I am still a Housemaster and Assistant Director of Music at Christ’s Hospital and I spent much of 2016-2017 as Acting Director of Music (during which time Iain Carnegie came to adjudicate our House Singing Competition with great panache!). I am looking forward to concentrating on running the House in 2017-2018.

Luke Jones (Bristowe 1986)

I have been very involved in setting up ‘1880’, a members club that opens its doors in Singapore in October. Three years in the making, ‘1880’ is collaboration of partners including British interior designer Timothy Oulton; luxury drinks leader Proof & Company, and award-winning creative agency, TSLA. The club will offer a variety of international cuisine, a range of quality wellness treatments, a screening room, an innovative co-working space, a high energy cocktail bar, a yoga and pilates studio, an intimate private dining room, event spaces and a spectacular outdoor terrace. As a member of 1880, guests will also be able to visit overseas clubs such as the Devonshire Club in London and the Capital Club in Dubai.

I am delighted to say that fellow OR, Fazal Mahbob (Mullens 1987) has been hugely helpful in advising and connecting us to a fascinating and eclectic group of individuals in south-east Asia and beyond. Other ORs: Simon Hague, Derek Venn, Benn Shepherd and Attila Emam will also be regulars at ‘1880’. Any ORs based in Singapore or those visiting the city, please feel free to reach out to me; I’m always keen to meet and host people from School. www.1880.com.sg

Ned Kelly (Bristowe 1978)

From HMS to HMP…. I retired from being a Chaplain in the Royal Navy in November 2015 after 23 years of time afloat and ashore. Since then I have been working as the Church of England Chaplain at HMP Dovegate in Staffordshire, so it’s a move from working in cramped conditions at sea in a cabin to working in cramped conditions in prison cells. Whilst missing the Navy I have successfully made this move ‘ashore’ and am enjoying my new area of ministry. I hope not to see any ORs as one of my new parishioners!

Norma Kiehne (former Matron 1960 to 1995)

Apart from a few creaks here and there I am doing quite well and living in Australia.

I still remember my time Reed’s very well. In 1960 when Mr Drayson offered me the job and added that he would expect me to stay for at least two years, I had to take a very deep breath before I said okay. I was very home sick and a long way from home. The people I met were so kind to me and I was intrigued by the idea of working there. It was spring time and the grounds were beautiful. It turned out to be a very interesting venture and during 35 years I was never bored. I enjoyed working with the boys and learning how to manage them was quite a task. They certainly kept me on my toes.

I did not know what a 1st XV was let alone who was in it. Poor Philip Scott, who was in charge of the team, was literally tearing out his hair in despair when I had half his team on the off-games list. However, I did eventually ‘get the message’ and the fun being had by those trying to pull the wool

Andrew Klimcke (Mullens 1996)

over my eyes came to an end! I am delighted to say that my company, SIAN Wholesale, was recently a finalist in the top 50 fastest growing businesses in Surrey. Having increased our turnover 67% in three years, coming in 24th fastest out of 90 thousand businesses in Surrey. SIAN wholesale currently distributes exclusive brands into major high street retailers.

Graham Lambert (Mullens 1970)

Regrettably, there is little good news from me. Margaret, my wife of 43 years, who had had a lengthy history of heart disease (cardiomyopathy) suffered a major brain haemorrhage and, despite lengthy and complex neurosurgery, died peacefully in June. Following all the turmoil, I am back at work (superannuation fund accounting and administration), and trying to get used to bachelor life once again; not easy for a 65-year-old after such a long partnership.

On the lighter side, our daughter and son-in-law have adopted a (now threeyear-old) girl from Taiwan, who is absolutely delightful (I would say that, wouldn’t I), and has been the source of much needed light relief and enjoyment during this rather sombre time. They have also been approved for adoption of a second baby who should arrive here in about 12-15 months time.

Also, I met up with Mike Jaggard (retired) in July for lunch and “refreshments” at The Oaks at Neutral Bay (one of the infamous local haunts!). Always good to see him.”

Felicity Lawrence (Bristowe 2007)

I got engaged to Andrew Verona in Brussels on 27th May this year.

Brian Miles (Blathwayt 1952)

When we attended the most enjoyable reunion in June, we were encouraged to provide a contribution for the next ‘Reeder’. So here goes but first, I want to thank the Headmaster and all his team for making everyone feel so welcome last weekend, with special thanks to Sharmaine for all her efforts on behalf of Old Reedonians.

Now to sum up very briefly my life in past years. I served in the P&O for 10 years, leaving in 1964 to join the RNLI as an Inspector of Lifeboats, first in Scotland and then in Ireland. I was appointed to Head Office in 1973 and following various staff appointments, I became the Director for 11 years before retiring in 1998. I could write a book about the RNLI but space being limited, I will just say it was an unforgettable privilege to be part of such a wonderful organisation especially the opportunity to meet truly dedicated and inspiring people throughout UK and Ireland.

Following retirement, I served for seven years as Chairman of the Poole Arts Trust overseeing a massive redevelopment of Poole Arts Centre, then the largest arts centre outside London. I also became a trustee of the Fishermen’s Mission finally serving as Chairman for four years. More locally I served as Chairman for over 20 years of the Friends of Dolphin, a local charity which operates a specially designed boat taking over 2000 disabled people every year for trips in Poole Harbour.

Let me conclude by paying tribute to my wife Anne and our family of one son and two daughters. I met Anne when I was serving as a Second Officer on the passenger ship ‘Strathmore’ undertaking a cruise in 1962, such happy memories.

Finally I want to express renewed and heartfelt thanks to Reed’s School for all they did to give me a sound start in life and for teaching me values which have remained cornerstones throughout my life.

Keith Miller (Bristowe 1951)

Having recently undergone two hip replacements, it is really good to be able to walk and get in and out of cars easily and without pain again. Last September Heather and I joined our group of Ramblers for a week-long walking holiday in the Dolomites in northern Italy. Based in a hotel in La Villa in the Alta Badia region, situated at 1500 metres, we set out each day into the mountains, ascending to 2,000 to 3,000 metres with a choice of three walks of different lengths and difficulty, ranging from 6-7 miles up to 10-12 miles. We were all stunned by the quite beautiful scenery and I found I had taken 94 photographs by lunch break on the first day! It was very gratifying that, apart from occasional reminders of the

altitude we were at due to reduced oxygen, I was able to ignore my 81 years, although very tired some evenings after some fairly vigorous climbing.

We are now booked for another walking holiday, based in Sitges, near Barcelona in Spain, for a week, later in March, to which we are looking forward very much.

Charlotte Mocatta (née Church,

Mullens 1988) and Jocelyn Mocatta

(Bristowe 1988)

We are living and loving life in Cobham. Jocelyn is a solicitor in London and I look after our two girls – Sophie (eight) and Alice (six). Mum lives nearby and we do a lot together as a family. I am proud to have set up the Simon Church and Jonathan Turner Bursary Fund, in memory of my brother Simon, and his friend Jonathan, who were both ORs.

Simon Moseley We are currently helping to support two boys at the School and will be adding a girl to our Reed’s ‘family’ in September. Last year saw our first fundraising event at the School, a ‘Sing-A-Long Grease’ night. It was a great success and we raised over £2,200. Our Film for the Foundation will be an annual event, so I hope to see many OR friends, from Simon’s era and mine, over the coming years!

Simon Moseley (Capel 1975)

In September 2016, my son, Toby, and I trekked up Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania (the highest mountain in Africa at 19,500 feet) to support Epilepsy Research. I had previously climbed Kili in 1994 after leaving the Army but Toby thought it would be a good idea for me to do it again! Fellow climbers looked at me strangely: why would anyone do it more than once?

The ascent is not technically difficult but very hard work and extra challenging because it starts in rainforest and ends in arctic tundra, requiring different clothes and equipment. The mountain also has no respect for age or fitness levels; a local teenage porter eventually had to have oxygen and descend to reduce the effects

of altitude sickness.

A key difference to my first climb was that 20 years ago we saw no one else from entering the park gates until we reached Uhuru Peak at the summit. This time there were many more people but the whole process is well managed by the Tanzanians and the climb remains a very formidable challenge. No one is allowed on the mountain other than in an organised expedition and the mountain is surprisingly clean.

We finally summited after five days trekking; the final ascent of over 1000 feet was in darkness over very steep and rocky terrain. It was an unforgettable experience to appear at the summit with my son and to see the three glaciers around the caldera of the dormant volcano (Geography masters at Reed’s would have been proud!) and to raise a significant amount for a charity that is a very personal one for our family. We are now considering the next challenge and Simon is hoping none of his daughters wants to climb Kili!

Dan Murray (Blathwayt 1992)

I am married to Madeleine and have two boisterous boys Jackson (seven) and Freddie (three) who keep us busy. I am very much enjoying working as Director of Client Development for Sedex, a not-forprofit membership organisation and the world’s largest collaborative platform for sharing responsible sourcing data on supply chains.

Bryn Nathan (Capel 1977)

After spending 30 years in insurance in the City of London and serving as the National President for the charity, Moose International, an international organisation of men and women dedicated to caring for young and old, bringing communities closer together, I am now looking forward to enjoying semi-retirement in Bournemouth. Would love to hear from any OR friends: dblnat4016@outlook.com.

We love receiving your news and updates. Simply email snippets and all important photos to thereeder@reeds.surrey.sch.uk Bill Pickering (Blathwayt 1947)

Still going strong at 86; it must be all down to those cross-country runs in Totnes, Devon!

Andy Pickles (Mullens 1989)

I have just celebrated my 12th wedding anniversary with my Danish wife, Louise, and was recently best man to my brother and OR, David. I am a freelance contractor helping senior executives to plan, build and deliver programmes of change, optimise their cost bases (and make them look good!).

David Pickles (Mullens 1990)

On 15th July 2017 I tied the knot with Sarah Wooler, surrounded by a small and amazing entourage of family (including OR brother, Andy, who was best man). It was a crafty affair with a family wedding in the morning and an amazing joint birthday party at the Rookery in Streatham that

became the wedding reception with around 100 friends enjoying summer drinks, no rain and an impromptu unexpected celebration.

Antony Pilkington (Capel 2010)

Since leaving Reed’s I have finished a degree at University of Southampton, studying Geography. I went on to travel the world for a year, exploring as much as I could. I came back from my trip around the world and have worked in various jobs including manufacturing cars back in Southampton and as an activity leader for a children’s summer camp.

My future plans are to travel more and continue to find jobs that allow me to move around and explore each place I get to.

Ralph Pomphrey (Capel 1948)

I have been stationed almost ‘next door’ to Reed’s in Ripley since 2013, but sadly I live alone as my wife, Janet, died in 2015.

My brother, Donald (Capel 1952), lives in Canada with his family. When we see each other, talk often turns to our days at Reed’s and the gratitude we owe to the Foundation.

Richard Raymont (Mullens 1949)

My one visit a year back to Reed’s for OR Reunion Day confirms that although things generally may change, the School stays the same! The same immaculate grounds, the same quality of cricket, the same lasting friendships and the same genuine ‘welcome back’ from staff. Please don’t change a thing!

Toby Redman (Capel 2010)

I received an unconditional offer from Birmingham City University to study for a PGCE in computer science which I am very much looking forward to.

Jack Revell (Mullens 2008)

What have I been up to? Other than spending the last six months in Cape Town, I am still in the acting and modelling world, shooting commercials and building my show reel. A few examples include Peugeot, Nissan, RADO watches, De Beers jewellery and Huawei. I also have

Jack Revell

Benn Shepherd (Blathwayt 1986)

a few agencies around Europe so am travelling back and forth for shoots there. I started a street food business back in 2015 through which I have explored a few avenues with and am currently deciding where I want to take it going forward; watch this space I suppose…

Marc Rhys Evans (Bristowe 1998)

I have recently moved to Hersham with my wife and children. Still involved with Reed’s Weybridge RC and see the likes of Jon Don Carolis, Toby Conway-Hughes and Ben Lewis regularly. I joined the RAF in 1960, with the hope of becoming a pilot (as one does)! I left in 1968 at the very high rank of Corporal Tech Electronics Fitter! I married a French girl in 1968; we had a son, Stephen, born in 1970, and a daughter Catherine born in 1972. I joined ICL as a hardware engineer in Manchester, was sent to Paris in 1970 on a job and, after an offer paying 2.75 times more than the UK salary, we moved to Paris. I went on to be recycled as a Software systems engineer with ICL but left ICL for an ICL customer as Computer Manager in 1975. A couple of changes later. Retired at 58. I divorced and remarried a previous English acquaintance. We moved to south west France 2002, to a run-down small holding that we have totally restored. We’ve had visits from Harry Ridsdale and Jim Williams. I am still riding my Norton Dominator model 88 1956 and my Triumph T100 1969: ‘You don’t stop riding motorcycles because you are old, you get old because you stop riding!’ Fellow ORs and School Governors, Benn and Peter Verstage (Capel 1965) just happened to be in Oregon for the solar eclipse at the same time back in August. Benn’s son, Leo – a current Reedonian – ensured that three eras of Reed’s were

Geoff Scales (Bristowe 1959)

represented at this unique event.

Andrew Smith (Blathwayt 1974)

Having left Reed’s, I spent 31 years with Lloyds Bank. In December 2007, I was made redundant and then joined Southampton Solent University as a Credit Controller in the Accommodation Office. As of the 31st July, I semi-retired, something I have looked forward to. My wife, Diana, is also giving up work so we should have plenty of time to explore Hampshire and get in some regular walks. We have three daughters Kate, Emma and Hannah, who has just graduated from Brunel University and started work as an Occupational Therapist. I will be 60 next year and looking to explore other countries if possible.

Paul Steward (Mullens 1982)

I am still ‘batting on’ providing taxation and accountancy services to members of the public, small businesses and some professionals in a small office close to East Putney underground station. I also write wills. I am finally starting to become more useful to both God and man given that I am ‘long in the tooth’. I live close to Wimbledon Common.

My services to the public are biased towards personal taxation, which is what I am best at, although, I also advise businesses and have been successful in having problem-solving narratives to queries from accountants published in Taxation magazine. In my church I care for some people pastorally as and when they need help. After nine years of not having had a holiday I am looking forward to soon taking one and catching up with some friends.

Michael Strutt (Blathwayt 1956)

This year marks the 70th anniversary of my first term at Reed’s at the age of seven. I still vaguely remember my first day at The Close, wondering what to expect. Fortunately it didn’t take too long to settle in and realise that all of us had one or both parents no longer in our lives. I didn’t particularly shine at anything, was reprimanded a few times for various misdemeanours, but managed to obtain reasonable results in GCEs being well adjusted and self-reliant.

After I left in 1956 I worked in a workshop repairing electrical items and attended college one day a week to obtain my City and Guilds. I moved into mechanical engineering and eventually received an HNC, at the same time working as a draughtsman. This led to a career supervising and managing projects on refineries, steelworks and power stations in most corners of the UK as well as some works in Europe.

I retired ten years ago and now live in Wiltshire where I settled 30 years ago with my wife and family after living in the north and south of England at various times.

Douglas Taylor (Mullens 1970)

After Reed’s, I decided to go to Newcastle University in the north and dedicate myself, full-time, to studies. Taking my cricket seriously would have been (in those days anyway) too time-consuming and I was not that brilliant to handle both sport and studies at the same time. I am glad to say that my plan worked out okay. I graduated in Spanish and Latin American Studies with a distinction in spoken Spanish (which I started to learn at Reed’s, in a class of three!). I joined Lloyds Bank International as an international trainee in 1973 and came out to Brazil. After 10 years, I was their branch manager in Manaus, in the Amazon jungle! After 13 years, I decided to leave the bank, to be able stay on in Brazil, in Belo Horizonte – MG, where I am today!

Andy Thompson (Mullens 1984)

‘I get knocked down, but I get up again, you are never gonna keep me down…’, ok, so Chumbawamba might not be my usual cup of tea but it is catchy and the lyrics resonate:

The last 10 years have had their difficulties: a motorbike crash, a failed business venture, more trauma from the rugby pitch and a huge dilemma regarding our son Jack’s education. Jack has Asperger’s and we have tried everything in mainstream schooling (from state to private) but finally we have returned to home ed. He follows a curriculum, has a number of tutor groups and, more importantly, his stress levels and

anxieties have decreased in the last year or so. Jack is now 14 years-old, he will probably take a number of the core GCSE subjects a year early, and he is turning into a fantastic young man. Jack was diagnosed when he was five-years-old and we were told by the consultant that Jack would never play a team game. Well, since U6s Jack has been playing for Old Northamptonians RFC and, although he is not blessed with fast motor skills (much like his dad!), he will prop against anyone. A highlight of Jack’s rugby was when I organised a rugby tour to Reeds Weybridge in 2015 at U12s. It was a great weekend although I was suffering: first, because of recent knee ligament reconstruction and then by drinking the ORs bar dry (not the wisest thing to do when on crutches!).

As part of what seems a continual rehab from injury (motorbikes and rugby have taken their toll somewhat) I put myself through an annual endurance-based challenge. This year my brother Richard (another OR) and I have gone ‘loadbearing’ on the winter and summer editions of the infamous SAS ‘Fan Dance’ in the Brecon Beacons (the photo was taken 6th January 2017 at base camp, Richard on the left and me on the right. It was extremely tough going but we were rewarded by being told that our finishing times were the equivalent of an SAS test pass! I’ll take that. Yes, rehab hurts, but it’s certainly worthwhile.

During that time there have been other positives too. Despite selling our family home to pay the bills, and the stress that a failed business venture can cause, we are a closer family unit today than we were five years ago. We have also still continued to help others and in 2010 I founded a registered charity to assist those who want to play rugby but need assistance with playing fees or rehab from injury.

It’s whilst training, often alone on the hills, you can tune into your inner self and have periods of contemplation. You certainly find out what you are made of when every muscle is screaming for you to stop – and you keep moving forwards. You also take absolutely nothing for granted – it’s not what we have that counts, but who we have. Without a doubt Reed’s School played a huge part in helping to shape me.

Andy & Richard Thompson

I probably didn’t realise how beneficial it was at the time, and maybe I should have stayed into the 6th Form, but Reed’s has not only given me an inner strength and a confidence to be able to tackle whatever life throws at me, but it reinforced family values, the benefits of hard work and of helping others.

Alex Truelove (Blathwayt 2013)

After graduating from the University of Wolverhampton in September 2016, I started to work in an insurance brokers specialising in convicted driver insurance. Whilst it was interesting and in many ways rewarding, it didn’t fill me with the excitement that my current job does.

I have recently become the SSI at Reed’s taking over the duties of CSgt Wright after his move to the States. The role of SSI has already taken me on some brilliant trips with the CCF, and it allows me to impart the knowledge I have gained as an Army Reservist to the cadets to ensure they get

the most out of the Cadet experience as I and so many of my peers did. I am also continuing to serve in the Army reserves with the Royal Yeomanry, and I am currently going through the first stages of the commissioning process with them. As the academic year approaches I look forward to getting stuck in with the CCF and ensuring that the skills and experiences I took away from the CCF continue to present themselves to the current and future cadets of the Reed’s CCF.

Richard Turner (Mullens 1956)

I had an interesting experience on Reunion Day this year: an Old Boy was passing and I noticed the name on his nametag as Ralph Pomphrey (Capel 1948).

The name rang a bell because it was Ralph who had joined the Merchant Navy and returned to School one day when I was probably about 13, resplendent in his uniform. That’s for me, I thought – nicelooking uniform and a life on the ocean wave and, indeed, I did go to sea via Southampton University School of Navigation. I mentioned this to Ralph and his parting comment was that he hoped that by influencing me to go to sea he did not blight my life!

years as Master retiring in 2002. If you are reading this Ralph – no regrets. In fact thank you for showing up in your uniform in 1952 or 1953; but for that I may have existed for a lifetime in a desk job, perish the thought!

David Varley (Blathwayt 1969)

I continue to be summonsed by fellow OR, Peter Verstage, to his now almost famous, ‘This Friday’s Lunch’ which he directs with an iron fist and rule book approaching two volumes and reprinted annually.

I remain a committeeman for the local joint Branch of RINA and IMarEST and attend the IMarEST posh dinner when March comes round. This is usually be tied in with seeing brother Simon’s widow for the few days I am in London. Apart from that I am fully retired as the paucity of potential employers unbalanced enough to offer me employment remains since redundancy struck in 2011. My collection around electrically reset gravity-arm escapement timepieces fills any gaps in my unbusy schedule – it also serves to test the boredom threshold of my visitors!

Peter Verstage (Capel 1965)

I’ve been living in the Isle of Man since I sold my business in 2000. Amongst other things I run a Friday lunch group where I meet David Varley (Blathwayt 1969) pretty much every week when I’m on the island. He tells me it’s my turn to submit an entry to The Reeder this year! I’ve been a Reed’s governor for the last few years, but now that I’ve turned 70 I’ve decided to move on. Not a good thing to have a board full of 70-year-olds! Recently I met up at The Bear in Oxshott with Dave Pafford, Tony Turnbull, John Hill, Geoff Levy, Ian Chate and Chris Hawkins where we reminisced about our time at Reed’s. I’m also a friend on Facebook with Richard Gaunt who now lives in the West Country. And I met up with Tim Pool on ORs’ day when I was accompanied by my sister who was a pupil at Dogmersfield in the 1950s up to its closure. I’m keeping busy with my kitesurfing where I’m still able to see off a lot of the younger practitioners. I go several times a year to Dakhla in Western Sahara, and to Brazil and Barbados. I’m also an avid umbraphile, chasing the eclipses wherever they happen. By the time this goes to press I will hopefully have met up with Benn Shepherd in Madras, Oregon, where we are hoping for clear skies for two minutes two seconds of totality starting at 10.19am on 21st August! I would love to hear from anyone passing through the Isle of Man. Why not consider coming out for the TT next year?

Mike Voller (Capel 2005)

I’m pleased to say I am getting married on 23rd September to Charlotte Pearce – we’re both very excited and looking forward to hearing Jamie Feaver give the best man speech! Lots of other old Reedonian ushers too, including Henry Mitchell, Ben Clarfelt, Jake Jackson, Michael Wakefield and Alex Davies.

Mike Voller

Henrietta Weedon (Bristowe 2014)

Fellow ORs Matthew and Nicholas Beven and I are undertaking a two-week-long cycle trip across Europe; starting at the Greenwich Pavilion in London and concluding at the centre of Budapest, Hungary. This expedition will be taking place from mid-August; we are hoping to raise money for charity in the process. Wish us luck – we will certainly need it!

Matthew Whittle (Capel 2001)

Career wise I still work as a primary school teacher and love managing PE and sport across my school. I also (somehow!) find time to play and coach tennis at Wellington College. 2017 has been a very happy and successful year in that I completed the London Marathon in April and got engaged to a fellow teacher in June. Charlotte and I are looking forward to getting married in April 2018.

L to R: Roger Northwood, Nick Dean, Nic Yellowlees, Richard Johnson, Andy Wotton, Carl Bjorkstrand

Andy Wotton (Mullens 1975)

The ‘London Beer and Curry Club’: over the past few years a group of us has met up in London for beers, curry and a general chat, and these get-togethers show no sign of abating any time soon! It began with Chris Wilson (Mullens) and Nic Yellowlees (Capel) and me, but, over the years, we have been joined by Carl Bjorkstrand (Capel), Nick Dean (Mullens), Ian Deans (Capel), Richard Jefferies (Blathwayt), Richard ‘Glasses’ Johnson (Mullens), Simon Moseley (Capel) and Roger Northwood (Capel).

Two new recruits, who have yet to make their bow, are John Burnett (Bristowe) and Nick Blacoe (Mullens) but, hopefully, they will join us soon. We also have one overseas member, Martin Anastasi (Mullens) but, since he lives in Cyprus, his attendance is likely to be limited! We never all manage to get together at the same time (too impossible owing to busy diaries), but that doesn’t seem to matter and the banter is usually pretty much the same! We meet at the Old Bank of England pub on Fleet Street and then head to a curry restaurant down a side alley nearby. If anyone would care to join us let me know, you’ll be more than welcome!

Jamie Woodward (Blathwayt 2005)

I am delighted to report that Rex Woodward was born on 16th July weighing a healthy 9lbs 3oz and mum and baby are doing really well.

We love receiving your news and updates. Simply email snippets and all important photos to thereeder@reeds.surrey.sch.uk