The Lion 2021-22

THELION 2021 2022

SCHOOL

Pages1-29

ARTS

Pages30-113

SPORT

Pages114-172

OLD HAMPTONIANS’ CHRONICLE

Pages173-210

Ourprinters, KingsleyPrint&Design,havealsocommittedtogreater environmentalsustainability,includingthefollowing:

Suppliersnowcarbonoffsetallofthepaperusedforprinting Abiodegradableglosslaminatehasbeenintroducedandtheynow printusingvegetableink

TheyalsohaveFSCandISO14001accreditation

Itremainsanannualpleasuretocontributesomeintroductorywordsfor TheLion magazine.Asever,thislatestedi�oncapturesHamptonlifein allitsvibrancy,varietyandeffervescence.Ourassiduouseditor,Mike Baker,deservesthehighestpraiseforcompilingsuchasplendidaccount of2021-22.

TheSchoolyearbeganwithwelcomenewsofexcellentacademicresults anduniversityoutcomesforourUpperSixthLeavers.OurClassof2021 wasamul�-talented,generous-spiritedandnotablycollegialyear group,whichrosetothesignificantpandemic-inducedchallenges associatedwiththecancella�onofpublicexamina�ons.Theywerealso worthyrolemodelsforyoungerHamptonians–respondingtovarious externally-imposedobstacleswithdetermina�on,adaptabilityand admirabletogetherness.

acompe��oninvolving630teamsna�onally.OurU16Bsnarrowly missedoutintheirequivalentESFAFinal(penal�esnotgoingourway this�me!),butcanbeextremelyproudoftheirachievementinthis pres�giouscompe��on.Crewsfromtheever-popularHamptonSchool BoatClubputinanumberofpromisingperformancesonthewater, includingattheNa�onalSchools’andHenleyRoyalRega�as;our cricketersenjoyedanexcellentseason,winning116of187matches playedatalllevelsandreachingtwoMiddlesexCupFinals(U12and U15).Itwasalsoavintageyearforourtrackandfieldteam,withatrio ofHamptonathletesmakinguptheen�reMiddlesexU16combined eventsteamthatwontheSouthEastcompe��onandplacedsecondin thena�onalfinal.ArecordfourHamptoniansqualifiedfortheEnglish Schools’Athle�csChampionships.

NormalityreturnedwithgreateralacritytootheraspectsofHampton life,providingmanyexamplesofourSchool’sdis�nc�veblendof excep�onalacademicachievement,topechelonspor�ngprovision,and anextensiveculturalandwiderco-curricularprogramme.Onthe spor�ngfront,ourFirstXVrugbysquadperformedimpressivelyand reachedthelast-16oftheRFUNa�onalSchools’Cupcompe��on,while ourSecondXVenjoyedatwelve-matchwinningstreak.Infootball,our Under13AsquadprevailedagainstChesterfieldHighSchool,a�erextra�meandapenaltyshoot-out,towintheEnglishSchools’Football Associa�on(ESFA)Final–awonderfulachievementa�ernineroundsof

Ithasalsobeenasourceofconsiderablejoytoseeafully-restoredand thrivingPerformingArtsprogramme.Musicalhighlightsincludedaset ofexac�ngconcer�performances,deliveredwithaplombbyUpper Schoolpupils,andamuch-an�cipated,triumphantreturntothe EdinburghFringeFes�valfor VoicesofLions.OurjointSeniorMusical withLEHreturnedtothecalendar,withtheHammondTheatreselling outforcolourfulandrichlyentertainingperformancesof GuysandDolls Truetoform,ourDramadepartmentprovidedanarrayofproduc�ons: LowerSchooldrama�stsperformed Alex.Wonderland,avideogame/ socialmedia-inspiredversionofLewisCarroll’sclassictale;ourMiddle Schoolthespiansstaged AMidwinter’sNightmare,animmersivetwist onShakespearethataskedaudiencememberstosolveamurder mysterybyinterac�ngwiththecast.ThespringtermplaywastheSixth Form-directed TheImportanceofBeingEarnest,withseniorpupilsfrom HamptonandLEHshowcasingtheircomedicac�ngabili�esto conspicuouseffect.

Someofthemostmemorableandforma�veeduca�onalexperiencesof 2021-22occurredoutsidetheclassroom,including:ModelUnited Na�onsconferencesresul�nginmul�pleindividualanddelega�on awards;ourinspiring Genocide80Twenty group’scampaigningtoraise genocideawareness;hundredsofHamptonianpar�cipantsintheDuke ofEdinburgh’sAwardscheme;Arts’AwardandYoungReporters’ submissions;andthroughourburgeoningprogrammeofcommunity serviceac�vi�es.Theaforemen�onedlistis,ofcourse,justasmall sampleofthewide-rangingopportuni�esavailable.Ourpupilsrespond tothesewithacon�nuousdesiretomakethemostoftheir�mehere, andacommitmenttodevelopingskillsforlife.Thequan�tyandquality ofac�vi�esonofferalsoreflectstheskillandcommitmentofour outstandingCommonRoom,whoseselflessnessandcommitment remainsoprominentamongHampton’sstrengths.

2022,hasarisenfromourthreeschools’sharedbeliefintheneedto broadenthechoicesandlifechancesforyoungpeopleintheFeltham andHounslowarea.

Aswecon�nuetopromotesocialmobilityviaourflourishing partnershipsprogramme,wealsoremainwhollycommi�edtothe developmentof TheFitzwygramFounda�on, aseparatebutcloselylinkedcharitythatfundsfreeplacesatourSchoolforboyswhose familiescouldnototherwiseaffordaHamptoneduca�on.Thismost important,inclusiveandtransforma�veofcausescon�nuestobe fundamentaltoourfutureplans,andIremainprofoundlygratefulfor thegeneroussupporttheFounda�onreceivesfromalumni,parentsand colleagues.Wecon�nuetowelcomeyoungpeopleofremarkable poten�altoourSchooleachSeptemberandtheyswi�lyabsorbour cultureofacademicandall-roundexcellence,throughwhichtheyare encouragedtoaspiretopersonalbestwhilesuppor�ngthosearound themwithempathyandrespect.Wewantmanymoreboystohavethe lifelongbenefitsthatstemfrombeingaHamptonian,regardlessof backgroundandmeans.

AhighlysuccessfulyearforourSchoolcommunitywascharacterisedby fulfillingandpurposefulac�vityfrompupilsandcolleaguesalike.The palpablesenseofcamaraderieandfellowshipwithintheCommon Room,andlikewisebetweencolleaguesandpupils,remainsadeeprooted,cherishedandadis�nguishingfeatureofHampton.Thissaysa greatdealaboutourcommunityanditsenduringethosandvalues.

Idohopethatyouenjoyreadingthisedi�onof TheLion.Manygrateful thankstoourpupils,colleagues,parents,Trusteesandalumni,allof whomplaytheirpartsinensuringthatHamptonremainssuchan admirablyhappy,diverseandupli�ingcommunity.Icouldnotbemore personallygratefulfortheprivilegeofleadingourwonderfulSchool.

A�erthevicissitudesofthepandemic,thepagesthatfollowamply demonstratehowquicklyHamptonhasreturnedtobeingtypically ac�on-packed,andithasbeenespeciallyhearteningtoobservehow enthusias�callyboys,parentsandcolleaguesalikehaveembraced this.AsilverliningoftheCovid-enforcedperiodsofsepara�onisthat ourpupilsseemtohaveengenderedrenewedenthusiasmforac�ve involvementinSchoollife,whetherintheacademicorco-curricular realm.Theyhavealsopromptedevengreatercommitmentto suppor�ngthosearoundthemwithkindness,bothwithinand outsidetheSchoolcommunity.OurLionLearningprogramme con�nuestogrow,withpupilsa�endingfrommanylocalprimary schools,ablyandwillinglysupportedbyteachersandSixthForm mentors.Moreover,progresscon�nuesapacewithourexci�ng FelthamCollegeventure,incollabora�onwithReachAcademyand LEH.Thispioneeringpost-16ini�a�ve,whichopenedinSeptember

KevinKnibbs Headmaster

AnnieEmbiricos

Iamreallylookingforwardtojoiningthe ModernLanguagesDepartmentatHampton SchoolthisyearasaFrenchandSpanishteacher. DespitethecommonmisconceptionthatIam Spanish,itismyGreekbackgroundthatledto mypassionforlanguagesandalltheyentail.

Myfervourforlanguages,particularlythe wonderfulculturesofFranceandSpain,ledmeto studyFrenchandSpanishatBristolUniversity.

Thisdegreegavemetheopportunitytolive abroadforayear.Ispenthalftheyearstudyingin Bordeauxandtheotherhalfworkingforan eventscompanyinBarcelona.Bothexperiences wereextremelyrewardingandenjoyable, enablingmetogainfluencyinthelanguagesI wasstudyingaswellasimmersingmyselfintothe fascinatingculturesofbothcountries.

AftergraduatingfromBristol,Ispentsometime travellingbeforeembarkingonmyPGCEat UCL–teachingwasalwaysonthecards!

Outsideofteaching,Ienjoytravelling,skiingand swimming.Ialsolovetospendtimevolunteering inmyfreetime.Ihavebeenpartofmany differentcharitiessinceuniversityandhopeto helpraiselotsoffundsforHampton’schosen charitiesduringmytimehere.

Iwasrecentlyasked,‘Whereisyourhappyplace?’ Myimmediateresponsewastosay,‘Inthe mountainswithfamilyandfriends.’However,a closesecondformewouldhavetobewhen coachingpupils,eitherintheclassroomoronthe river.

After‘n’yearsineducation,Iamdelightedtofind thatIstillenjoymycraft.AtHampton,in additiontoteachingMathematics,Iamhoping toworkaspartoftheteamsofteachersthat supportpupilspastorally,attheboatclubandon expeditions.

Iamanenthusiasticmathematicianevenifit couldbearguedthatIpeakedattheageoftwelve (!)whenIwonanEscherprintformyschoolina localcompetition.

Similarly,Ihaveenjoyedsomesportingsuccesses asanathleteandcoach,butavictoryinthe Beginners’ChaChaatthe1998Durham UniversityBallroomDancingChampionships remainshardtobeat!

IamtoldthatIhaveadrysenseofhumourwhich mayhavedevelopedwhilstwatchingBurnley playfootball.IhavebeenmarriedtoRachelfor thirteenyears;wehavetwochildren,whoare lovelymostofthetime,andaLabrador,whois lovelyallofthetime.

AliceJones

Sinceaveryyoungage,Iannoyedmyfamily, friendsandteacherswithmyobsessionwith musicaltheatreanddrama,and–muchtotheir surprise/relief–Ihavemanagedtomakeacareer outofit.

IthoroughlyenjoyedmytimeattheUniversityof Exeter,where,alongsidereadingDrama,Iwas partoftheSoulChoir,anall-femaleACapella singinggroupandamemberofFootlightsasboth aperformerandavocalcoach–withoneofmy highlightsperformingattheEdinburghFringe Festival.

However,asmuchasIlovedperforming,I enjoyedvocalcoachingandhelpingotherseven more;so,IdecidedtocompleteaPGCEin PerformingArts,stayinginDevon.Iworkedfor threeyearsasaDramateacherinaschoolin Devon,alongsideteachingDramaandSinging forStagecoach–TheatreArts,notthebus companyasIoftenhadtoclarify!Then,in2014, ImovedbackLondonwaytobeclosertofamily. Sincethen,Ihavehadaveryrewardingand enjoyablecareer,havingjustfinishedaroleas HeadofPerformingArtsandAssociateAssistant Headteacher.IhavelovedtheexperienceIhave gainedinallofmyrolesinschools,butIknow thatmyheartliesinDramaandMusicwhichis whyIamsoincrediblyexcitedtobeDirectorof DramaatHamptonSchoolwiththeamazing facilities,wonderfulpupils,afantastic departmentandverywelcomingstaff.

Inmysparetime,Ienjoycooking,travellingand goingtothetheatre;mostofwhichIstruggleto doasmytwo-year-oldandfour-year-oldtakeup mostofsparetime…mainlywatchingthem performvariousshowsinourlounge–payback, Isuppose!

ChristopherLee

AlexanderHall

IwasbornintheCotswolds,intheRomantown ofCirencester,whichiswhatpromptedalovefor Classicsandallthingsancientinmerightfrom theverybeginningofmylife.Ithenwentonto boardatCheltenhamCollege,where,shockingly, IstudiedGreek,Latin,andFrenchatALevel.I alsospentfartoomuchtimeplayingsport, whetherthatbeRugby,Cricket,Hockey, Rowing,RacketsorGolforplayingSaxophonein variousbands.

IwentthentoDurhamUniversitytostudy Classics,whereIwasacontemporaryofMr Saunders!Thisculminatedinadissertation exploringRomanattitudestoEasternQueens beforeandafterCleopatra,aswellasspending twoyearslearningArabic.Followinggraduating, andflirtingwithalifeinlawinthecity,Ibegan teachingatBradfieldCollege,beforespending thenextthreeyearsteachingClassicsat HurstpierpointCollegeinSussex,whereIdida PGCEandMastersonthejob,aswellasworking asanAssistantHousemaster.

Outsideofschool,mymaininterestsreallyare travelling–whereIloveexploringlesserwell knownplacesintheworld,fromArgentinato Azerbaijan,orTajikistantoTrinidadandTobago. Sportcontinuestoplayabigroleinmylife;Iam akeenrunner,takingpartinfullandhalf marathons,cycling,butamlimitedtoplaying golfnow,asmykneesareshotfromnumerous rugbyinjuries.

IamthrilledtobejoiningHamptonSchooland joiningavibrantanddynamicdepartment,as wellasgettingoutonthesportspitchand meetingawiderangeofboys!

EllieTowler

IamexcitedtobejoiningtheBiology DepartmenthereatHamptonthisyear.Iherald fromGloucestershirebuthavebeenlivinginand aroundLondonforthelasteightyears,both studyingandteaching.

IstudiedBioscienceattheRoyalVeterinary CollegeinCamden.Mydissertationfocusedon avianlocomotion,whichtookplaceinthelargest locomotionlabsinEurope.Ispentmyfourth yearworkingatLondonZoostudyingWild AnimalBiology,conductingbehaviourstudieson Skinks–snakeswithlegs–andlearningallthere isaboutconservation.

Iloveallthingsscience–ChemistryandPhysics too–andtothisdaylovetoresearchandread aboutwhatisnewintheworldofscience.My loveofscienceledmetowantingtosharethis passion,andsoIstudiedaPGCEinsecondary Biologybackinmyhomecountyof Gloucestershire.

Outsideofschool,Ihavebeenplayinghockey sincetheage10andhaveplayedforclub,county andregion–mypridethoughwasplayingFirst XIformyuniversity.Sporthasbeenastapleof myupbringingso,unsurprisingly,Iamahuge GloucesterRugbyfanandprobablymore surprisinglyaBoltonWanderersSupporter.Iam bothaloveroflongwalksbutalsocurlingup withadatedsci-finovelwithmycat,Tomar.Iam obsessedwithtravel–ahobbyhamperedin recentyears–buthaverecentlybeentoRomania, HamburgandLuxembourgwiththeaimtohave visitedeverycountyinEuropeby35.

IamdelightedtobestartingatHamptonthis yearandplantobehereformanyyearstocome. Itisfantastictobejoiningsuchavibrantschool andtoteach–andhopefullyinspire–such wonderfulpupils.Iamlookingforwardtowhat thefuturewillhold!

EmilieEamens

Helloall!Iamdelightedtobejoiningyouasa BiologyteacherhereatHampton.Bornand raisedinHertfordshire,Ihavelivedin Birminghamforthepastsevenyears.PeoplesayI havedevelopedaslightBrummietwang–interestinglyonlywhileIamteaching!

IstudiedBiochemistryattheUniversityof Birmingham.Mydissertationfocusedon engineeringpolyketidesynthases–largemultienzymecomplexesthatcanbeexploitedfor synthesisingtherapeuticcompounds.Ispentmy Master’syearworkinginamicrobiology laboratory,conductingmutagenesisexperiments aimingtorestorechaperoninfunctiontoa bacterialstraincommonlyusedasamodelfor M. Tuberculosis.Thispiquedmyinterestingenetic engineering,butIloveallthingsscience,soifyou comeacrossanythinginterestingpleasedoshare itwithme!

Iwassoinspiredbymyownteachersatschool thatIwentintoteachingstraightafterUniversity, havingbeenofferedaplaceontheTeachFirst programme.Duringthistime,Ibecameinvolved withDofEandtheCombinedCadetForce, whichIlookforwardtocontinuingatHampton.

Outsideofschool,Ihavebeendancingsincethe ageofthreeandhavecompetedatanational level.However,mypupilsneverbelievemeon thisasIamalwaystrippingovermyfeet!Iam alsopassionateabouttheoutdoorsandalwaysup forachallenge–Ihavecompleteda6-daytrek throughtheAndesandaToughMuddertoname acouple!

Iamthrilledtobestartingmyjourneyat Hampton.Itisaprivilegetobejoiningsucha talenteddepartment,andIlookforwardto supportinglearnersinachievingexcellenceboth insideandoutsidetheclassroom.

HeatherPeel

IwasborninZimbabweandgrewupin KwaZulu-Natal,SouthAfrica,somypathto teachingFrenchatHamptonwasnotanobvious one!

IstartedFrenchatschoolasathirdlanguage, withnofamilyconnections,butmyloveofthe language,cultureandliterature,aswellasthefact thatitiswidelyspokeninAfrica,mademecarry thesubjectthroughtothirdyearatuniversity, alongwithtwoothermajors:Englishand History.

IdidHonoursinHistory,thenaftermyteaching qualificationyear,headedforParistoworkasan ‘aupair’.Myfamilyhadalwaystravelledalot,so Iwaskeentokeepexploringtheworldattheend ofthatyearofEuropeantravels,butIhadto returntoSouthAfricatofulfilteaching-bursary commitments.

AlthoughIenjoyedteachingallthreeofmy subjects,severalyearslaterIheadedoffagainfor widertravelstoAustralasia,Asia,andthe Americas,withspellsofworkinginEuropeto fundmyadventures.Anoverlandjourneydown theAfricancontinentbroughtmehome,and althoughIwasacceptedtodoaMastersin HistoryatCambridge,Iendedupstayingin SouthAfricatodoanotherHonoursdegree,in Frenchthistime,andthenIwentontodoa MasterswhileteachingFrenchatanindependent boys’schoolcalledStCharles.

Ratherunexpectedly,IhadbecomeaFrench teacher!

IwasjustthinkingofheadingbacktotheUK whenIwasofferedaFrenchpostatanother Pietermaritzburgindependentboys’school, HiltonCollege.Itisafull-boardingschoolona verylargecampus,andevenhasitsownnature reserve.Ilikedtheethosofaholisticeducation,

andbecameveryinvolved,especiallyindebating, outdooractivities,outreachandFrenchexaminingonanationallevel.Ithoroughly enjoyedtheclassroomdynamicofteachingboys, andlifeoncampuswasfarremovedfrommany ofthechallengesfacingSouthAfricaasacountry, soIendedupstayingfor21years!

MyfamilyisofBritishorigin,sotheUKwas culturallyhome-from-home,andIhadalways assumedthatIwouldonedaylivehere permanently.However,lockdownofferedthe breakfrombusyroutinesthatIneededtomake thechange.AlthoughImissSouthAfrica’s outdoorlifestyle–andobviouslymyfriends–I amexcitedtobelivinginLondonandlook forwardtomakingthemostofthemany stimulatingopportunitiesavailablehere.Ifeel veryprivilegedtobeteachingatHampton,andI hopethatIcancontribute.

GeorginaTodd

IamdelightedtobejoiningHamptonasaFrench teacher.BornintheCaribbean,Imovedto OxfordwhenIwassevenwhereIspentmyschool yearspursuingonegoal:winningWimbledon.I playedtenniswheneverIcould-before,during andafterschool,committingtoafull-time trainingprogrammeat16.Aninjurytwo yearslaterputanendtomytennislifebutsport remainsclosetomyheartandIlookforwardto meetingsomeofyouonthetenniscourtsoon!

AfterayearlivinginParisandtravellingin China,IwentontoDurhamUniversitywhereI graduatedwithFirstClassHonoursinFrench andItalian.IcouldnotwaittogetbacktoParis formyyearabroad–thistimeworkingatthe LouvreMuseumorganisingVIPvisitsforthe likesofBeyoncéandJayZ(!).

IhaveworkedfortwosuccessfulLondonstartups,thefirstanapptacklingfoodwasteandthe

secondcreatingwonderfulcottonpyjamas–but nothinghascomeclosetoteaching.Icannotwait tosharemyloveoflanguagesandFrenchculture intheclassroom.

OliRoberts

IthasbeenfantastictobepartoftheHampton HistoryDepartmentsinceAprilthisyear,andI havethoroughlyenjoyedsettlingintothenew roleandHamptonlife.

AftercompletingmydegreeinHistoryatExeter University,IworkedatDeanCloseSchoolasa GraduateTeachingAssistantbeforespendinga shorttimeintheCitysellingandcreating trainingcoursesforfinancialinstitutions.Ithen joinedSevenoaksSchoolforayearbefore spendingsixyearsandtwotermsatWhitgift, fouroftheseasHeadofYear.

Ienjoymanytopicswithinmysubjectandhave aparticularinterestincommunistRussiaandthe BritishEmpire,butamalsorelishingthe opportunityofgettingtogripswiththeTudorsas partoftheALevelcourseatHampton.

Playingsporttoamediocrestandardisabig passionofmineandIwouldsaythatIhave achievedthisincricket,hockey,squashandreal tennis.Ihavemostrecentlytakenupgolfandam enjoyingalove-haterelationshipwiththesport, dependingonhowfarrightIamhittingitoffthe tee.IhavebeencoachingtheU14Ccricketteam atHampton–whichhasbeenfantastic–andI amalreadylookingforwardtonextseason.

Ialsoenjoywatchingsport,supporting CambridgeUnitedandYorkshireCCC,bothof whichItrytoseeplayafewtimesayear.

NatalieBryant

Afteryearsofperformingaroundtheworld, lockdownbroughtmebacktotheUK.In2020, Itaughtatseverallocaltheatreschoolsandsoon realisedthatmypassioninthePerformingArts industryhadshiftedfrombeingtheperformerto beingtheteacher.HavingcompletedmyPGCE atRoehamptonUniversitythissummer,Iamso excitedtobejoiningthefantasticDrama DepartmentatHamptonSchool!

ItrainedinMusicalTheatreatMountview AcademyofTheatreArtswithaDanceand DramaAwardScholarship.Sincegraduatingin 2015,myworkhasrangedfrombeingalead vocalistontheAndrewLloydWebberEuropean GalaTourandsingingwithElainePaigeatthe RoyalAlbertHalltoappearinginaMcDonald’s TVAdvertservingburgers.

MyenthusiasmforTheatrestartedagedthree, whenIspenteverySaturdaymadlyprancing aroundavillagehallinatutu.Myloveof performingkeptgrowing,whichleadmeto attending16hoursaweekofextra-curricular classesatItaliaContiinActing,Singingand DancingwhilstcompletingmyGCSEsatSeaford College,WestSussexandALevelsatGodalming College,Surrey.

Inmysparetime,Ienjoyhavingfunwithfriends, exploringnewplacesandwalkingmycockapoo, Kobe.YoumayevenspotKobeandIkayaking alongtheRiverThamesatweekends!

Icannotwaittoworkwiththeincrediblytalented pupilsatHamptonandcreatesomewonderful productionsintheHammondTheatre!

RupertScarratt

Havinggrownupinsouth-westLondon,itisa realpleasuretobebackintheareatoworkat HamptonSchool.

Afterschool,Iwasluckyenoughtogetaplaceat CambridgeUniversitytoreadTheology& ReligiousStudies,whereIspentthreeextremely happyyears.Iwasalsofortunatetobecomea choralscholarinthechoirofKing’sCollege; muchofmytimewasthereforespentatevensong intheChapel,givingconcertsabroadand recording.

Havinggraduatedfromuniversity,Ispentseveral yearsatTonbridgeSchool,asaRS&Philosophy teacher,AssistantHousemasterandFirstXV rugbycoach.AlossagainstHamptoninthe NationalCupwasmyfirstexperienceofthe qualityofthisschool!Iwasalsofortunatetorun theschool’scommunityactionprogrammeand anti-bullyingcouncil.

Outsideofwork,sportcontinuestoplayalarge partinmylife,particularlycricket,tennisand cycling.Iamalsoapassionatesurferandcanbe found,mostholidays,exploringanewCornish beach.Forme,asurffollowedbyaCornishpasty istheperfectcombination!Whennotplaying sport,Iamakeen,thoughnot-at-allskilled, cook.

IamincrediblyexcitedtobestartingatHampton asAssistantHeadandamemberoftheRS& PhilosophyDepartment.Iamlookingforwardto gettinginvolvedinallaspectsofSchoollife,and gettingtoknowasmanypupilsandstaffas possible.

AlotofpeopleassumethatbecauseIteach FrenchandSpanish,havedarkhairandaname thatispopularinSpanish-speakingcountries,I mustbeSpanish.Notso.The‘-icz’isabetterclue tomyorigins;IamhalfPolish.

IdidnotalwaysknowIwasgoingtobeateacher, butIdidknowearlyonthatlanguageswouldbe abigpartofmylife.IgrewupspeakingEnglish andPolish,wasintroducedtoFrenchearlyon andevenhad DieKleineRaupeNimmerstatt read tomewhenIwasveryyoung.Induecourse,I studiedFrenchandSpanishatJesusCollege, Cambridge,whereIdevelopedaparticular interestinFrenchRenaissancepoetryandthe SpanishGoldenAge.

MyfirstteachingpostwasatChrist’sHospitalin Sussex,thecountyinwhichIgrewup.Iloved beinginthecountryside,butthebrightlights calledandImovedtoCityofLondonSchooljust intimefortheOlympics.

Outsidetheclassroom,Ilovecyclingand gardening–theredcurrantsandraspberrieswere aparticularsuccessthisyear–andIalsowrite poetry,whichhasbeenaninterestsince childhood.Ihaveadaughter,whoisnearlytwo andwhoisagreatfanoftheredcurrantsand raspberriesaswellaspaddlingpoolsandthe œuvreofJuliaDonaldsonandJudithKerr.My husbandhasablackbeltinkarateandourcat, Agatha,isnamedafterMsChristie,ofwhomI amagreatfan.

IamreallyexcitedtobejoiningtheMFL departmentatHamptonandencouragingsome ofyoutoentertheStephenSpenderPrizefor PoetryinTranslation–whichIcamesecondina coupleofyearsago!Youwillalsofindmeon DofEtrips. Larentrée,c’estparti!

MartaCiechanowicz

BarneyBett

TimTownshend

London,WashingtonDC,Anchorage,Baku, Muscat,KuwaitCity.Ihavehadthegreat privilegeoftravellingaroundtheworldasa teenagerasmyfamilyrelocatedfrequentlydueto work.

Ihavealwaysbeenfascinatedbydifferent cultures,physicalenvironmentsandhowhumans adapttoourever-shiftinglandscape.Studying geographymademewanttoexploretheworldas itgavemeaframeworktounderstandwhyecotourismisgrowinginOmanandwhyKuwait’s economyboomedatthestartofthe21stcentury. ThisiswhyIbelievefieldtripsareimmensely valuableandplayauniqueroleingeography.

MyfirsttasteofteachingwasinWestAfrica,in TheGambia,onmygapyear.Itwasasteep learningcurveasIbattledwithclassesofaround 50pupilswhosefirstlanguagewasrarelyEnglish!

However,Iwashookedandhavespentthelast sevenyearsteachinggeographyatWhitgift SchoolinSouthCroydon.Someofthehighlights includedteachingaboutsuperpowers, geopolitics,thegeographyofmalariaandleading atrackcyclingteamatHerneHillVelodrome!

Whennotteachinggeography,youwillprobably findmehangingoutwithmyyoungfamily, whichisabouttogrowfromthreetofour,orI mightbedreamingofmynextcyclingadventure. MyfriendssuggestedAshgabat–capitalof Turkmenistan–butsadlythiswasvetoedbymy wife.ImayhavetosettlefortheAzores.

IamecstatictobejoiningHamptonandIhope toshowcasehowgeographyisanever-evolving subjectthatcouldn’tbemorerelevanttoday.

ForagenerationofHamptonians,theGeographyDepartmenthasbeensynonymouswithBarney Bett.Aninningsof32yearsinoneSchoolisbecomingincreasinglyuncommon,andwecanonly bethankfulthatBarneygavesomuchtoHamptoninthattime.

AnaccomplishedGeographer,hecouldturnhishandtoanyaspectofPhysicalorHuman Geography.Hisknowledgewassecondtonone,andhecouldeasilywalkintoaclassroomandtalk throughatopicinanengagingwaywithoutanyplanninginvolved.Allheneededwashistriple lengthwhiteboard,aboardpenandhewasaway.Ofcourse,thiscouldbesupplementedbyawellusedVHS,andIthinkthatBarney’sclassroomhadthelastremainingworkingVHSintheschool rightupuntilhisretirement.IamnotsureheeverquitegotusedtoOneNote–printingoutpages fromittogivetohisclasses–buthegaveitagoodgo!

Thatisnottosayhewasafraidoftryingnewthings.Duringthemostrecentlockdown,hekitted hisloungeoutwithanewwhiteboardandwasraringtogoforhisfirstonlinelessons–onlytorealise thatablurredbackgroundandlow-resolutionwebcammadethepurchasedefunct.However, BarneyalsofrontedthefirstOnlineTripofthePandemic.Whocanforgethislivestreamedtour-deforcefromtheRiverTillingbourne.Uptohiskneesintheriver,BSBkepttwoYearGroups entertainedforawholeafternoonoffun,goingoffscript,throwingaroundhispet‘fish’allthewhile explainingtheinnermostworkingsoftheThalweg.MembersoftheSeniorLeadershipteamwho hadjoinedtheTeamsmeetingforsafeguardingpurposesstayedtunedinallafternoonforthe entertainment.

ThislastwordsumsBarneyup:entertaining.Boysenjoyedbeinginhisclass;colleaguesenjoyed workingwithandforhim.

HewasastalwartofSchooltrips,travelling30timestoSlapton–interruptedonlybythePandemic fortwoyears.TakingessentiallyurbaniteSixthFormersouttoarelativelyremotepartoftheUK alwaysprovedinterestingexperience–forthemostpart,aftersomeinitialmoaningtheboysusually knuckleddown–andsecretlyenjoyedit–especiallythe‘SlaptonindoorOlympics’:aseriesof

challengestestingstrengthagilityandspelling.‘BSB’wasinhiselementon theseoccasions,andtheboysallbenefitedhugelyfromhis joiedevivre and enthusiasm.

Heisindebtedtotwoex-colleaguesintheDepartmentwhointroducedhim towondersofEastAfrica:BobGillandPatTalbot.Theformersetupa biennialSixthFormtriptosoutheastKenya,thelatterafieldtripbased aroundthewonderfulgeographyofUganda.Barneymanagedtokeeptrips runningaftertheyhadretired.Allofthesetripsweretrulymemorable–and itwaswonderfultoseeHamptonpupilsappreciatingdifferentwaysoflife andlifechallengesinthesepartsoftheworld.

UnderhiswatchtheGeographyDepartmentbecameevermore adventurousandheoversawtripstoUganda,CostaRica,IcelandandItaly. ThereisgenuinelynobodyIwouldratherbeonafieldtripthanBarney.He willalwaysspendhoursontheplaneresearchingthephysicalandhuman geographyofanarea:comparingagainstnoteshemadeinthesamelocation duringtheprevioustrip,evencheckingagainstphotoshetookpreviously–howmuchusethephotosareisquestionable!Iseemtorememberreviewing hisCostaRicaphotosafterthattripandthebreadthandqualityofphotos alongthetheme‘theunfocusedinsideofadirtywindscreen’wasquite breathtaking!Nonetheless,bythetimewereachedourdestination,hewas alwaysraringtogo,fullofgenuinelyusefulandinsightfulinformation–and theboysalwaysreallyappreciatedhishardworkandtourguidingskills.

OutsideoftheDepartment,heenjoyedtakingfootballandrugbyteamsfor anumberofyears–somemoresuccessfulthanothers!Hisbestrugbyteam wasanU14onethatincludedAndyBeattieandSimonAmor–almost unbeatenexceptforoneforonenarrowdefeatinthemudatSouthampton! Inlateryears,heconcentratedontennis,lookingaftertheU12s–winning theSurreyCupthreeoccasionswithhischarges.Healsoranagardenclub ingeographygarden;someyearsweremoreproductivethanothers,buthe enjoyedintroducingnovicestooneofhisfavouritepastimes.

ReflectingonhistimeatHamptonBarneytellsmethat‘Iwasveryfortunateto meetsomelovelypeoplewhileteachingatHampton–mostnotablyallmywonderful Departmentcolleaguesbutalsointhewiderschoolcommunity.Hamptonianpupils arebyandlargeareceptiveandfriendlybunch–IhopeImanagedtomakemy lessonsinterestingandentertaining.Iwillmissthemandtheplace.’

WhenputtingtogethertheleavingspeechforhisretirementdinnerinJune 2022,thesentimentthatcamescreamingthroughfromcolleagues,wasthat histeamlovedbeingmanagedbyBarney.Heknowshowtomakepeople happy;but,morethanthat,heisoneofthekindestandmostgenuine peopleIhaveeverhadthepleasureofmeeting.Honestly,Iamsureanybody whohasreachedtheirretirementwouldloveforthattobetheunderlying messageattheirretirementdo:thattheywerekind,andweregenuine.You arekindBarney,youarecaringandyouknowhowtofosterteamspirit.

EverybodywhoworkedwithBarneyhaslearnedsomethingfromhim.But morethanthat,theyhavewatchedhowhedidthings,andhavewantedto takethatkindness,thatloveofthesubject,thatwayofbeingwithpeople, thatfocusonallowingtheboystohavefun,enjoythemselvesandreally learnabouttheworldintotheirownwayofdoingthings.

TheSchoolwillmisshimhugely.Butthebiggestlegacythathewillhaveis thefactthateverybodywhoworkedwithhimwillhaveabitofBarneyin thembecauseofthewayheshowedushowtodothings.WhenIaskmyself ‘WhatwouldBarneydointhissituation?’infuture,Iwouldbewiseto followhisadvice;itwillalmostcertainlyberight!

YouarealegendBarney,andwewillreallymissyou.Happyretirement!

NickWoods

NickarrivedatHamptonin2007,afresh-facedandshiny-teethedyoung Cambridgegraduate,andleftinthespringof2022justasfresh-facedand whiteofteeth,butratherlessyoung!Alocalboy,educatedatalocalschool, hisPhysicsteacherforbothGCSEandAleveldescribedhimashardworking, intelligent,inquisitive,andchatty,butaboveall,alwaysenthusiastic.That Physicsteacherwas,infact,MrGray,whomweshouldthankforbeingthe inspirationforandpositiveinfluenceonNickthatheclearlywas.Nickread EngineeringatCambridgeandspentmanyhoursontheriverthere,andasa result,hequicklyslippedintoHamptonlife.

It’stheall-conqueringenthusiasmforeverythingthatmostpeoplewho encounteredNickwillrememberhimfor.Nomatterhowtiredandjadedyou mightfeel,Nickisabletopepyouupandgetyougoing.Sokeenwasheto workatHamptonthatheevenvoluntarilyturneduptohelpatthe PeterboroughJ14regattabeforehewasevenofficiallyemployedbythe School!ThusbeganalongrelationshipwiththeBoatClub,wherehecoached allagegroupsthroughouttheSchoolduringhistimehere.Hisdedicationto theBoatClubandtheboyshecoachedwasincredible:hegottherowersto reachbeyondwhattheythemselvesthoughtpossiblebybelievinginthemand showingthemhowtoreachtheirtruepotential.Thatsaid,therewasalsothe timewhenheboughtapowerdrill(cordedwithplug),whichhethought wouldbegreattospeedupriggingandderiggingatRegattasandHeadraces. Theplanslightlyfellapart,ofcourse,when,havinggotthedrilloutofhis toolbox,hewasaskedexactlywherehewasgoingtoplugthedrillintointhe middleofafield.NotbadforsomeonewithaCambridgeEngineering degree…Hewasalong-termfixtureattheturnbeforethestartofthe HamptonHeads,andwillalsoberememberedforhisslightlyover-detailed post-outingchatswhichledtohimgainingthenickname“QuickChat” Woods.

NickalwayshugelyenjoyedhisPhysicsteachingandwasanever-popular memberofthePhysicsdepartment.Hehadacreamsuitandhatthatearned himanothernickname,‘ThemanfromDelmonte’,forawhile.Nickwould workhard,satintheoffice,listeningtoBelindaCarlisle–histasteinmusichas alwaysbeensuspect.HewasalsopopularwithothermembersoftheCommon

Room,however,especiallyMissBiagioli,who joinedtheSchoolsoonafterhim.Nickhadalarge collectionofGraduateTeacherTrainingfilesthat hekeptabovehisdeskinthePhysicsoffice,andit wasunderthepremiseoflendingthemtoMiss Biagiolithattheirrelationshipdeveloped,along withsomenudgingfromvariousmembersofthe PhysicsdepartmentandMrsCash,theSchool Nurseatthetime.“BorrowingNick’sGTPfiles” becameabitofaeuphemism,andMissBiagiolihas beenMrsWoodsforanumberofyearsnow;and thedepartmentcametohugelyappreciateregular suppliesofItaliancakesandbiscuits!

Alwayskeentoprogresshiscareer,hewas appointedasJointHeadofThirdYearand,of course,didaterrificjobofkeepingtheboyson thestraightandnarrow,encouraging,cajoling, drivinganddraggingasappropriate.Testament tohiswarmrelationshipwiththeboysinhiscare wastheincidentwhenhegaveupbeingHeadof ThirdYearonhisappointmentasAssistantHead. Agroupofpupils,havinggotthepermissionof hisco-HeadofYearMissMillar,spentmostofan eveningblowingup900balloonsandleaving themintheofficeforhimtoarrivetointhe morning.Itreallywasquiteanachievement.It wasneverinquestionthattheboysknewhow muchtimeandeffortNickputinforthem.

Characteristically,NicktookonhisSLTportfolio ofresponsibilitieswithenthusiasm,andsoon settledintothevariousdemandsofhisjob.Never shytodonahigh-visjacket,hecouldoftenbe foundorganisingpupilsintocoaches,and particularlyseemedtoenjoytheopportunityto waveamegaphonearoundduringfiredrills!Even withthedemandsofhisvariousresponsibilities withadmissions,marketingandcommunication, NickalwaysmadetimeforhisPhysicspupils,and clearlycontinuedtoenjoytheopportunityto enthusethenextgenerationofphysicistsand engineers(whethertheywantedenthusingor not!).

Nick,alongwiththerestoftheworld,hadnoidea whatwasdevelopingwheninJanuary2020we firstbegandiscussinganewstrainofrespiratory virusthatseemedtobecausingproblemsinChina. InMarch2020,hisendlessenergy,optimismand determinationweretrulytestedwhenwithina weekHamptonneededtoproduceletters,policies, andhow-toguidestoenableHamptonto transformintoanonlineschool,seemingly overnight.Nickwastirelessinhiseffortstoensure thatany(oftenincomprehensible)official guidancewasdigested,understood,andenacted.

Oncewehadadjustedtolifeonline,Nickwasan integralpartofthewebsite,marketingand admissionsdepartmentseffortstoensurethatEHamptonwasasinspirationalaplacetoattend schoolasisthephysicalinstitution.Therealsense ofcommunitythatwasmaintainedduringthe

variouslockdownperiodsweredependentinno smallparttohissteadyhand.Subsequentwavesof thepandemicledtohimbeingpartoftheteamof ‘snatchers’whopatrolledschoolwith2msticks, sendingpupilshometoisolateinaccordancewith thegovernmentguidanceatthetime,thentohelp setup(andsoonafterdecommission)ourCovid testingfacilitywhichthegovernmentrequired schoolstosetupwithlessthanaweek’snoticein January2021.Itdidn’tmatterwhatthepandemic threwatHampton,Nickwasatthecentreof dissectingtheguidance,distillingthekeyaspects, andensuringthattheSchoolcontinuedtonot onlyfunction,buttothrive.

ItwasclearthatHamptonwasnotgoingtobenefit fromNick’sincredibleworkethicforever,and whenWycombeAbbeyadvertisedforanew DeputyHead(StrategyandOperations),Nickwas clearlythemanforthejob.Wewishhim,Eland Evatheverybestintheirmove,andhopehekeeps intouch.

FredChaveneau

accompanyingplentyoftripstoCórdoba,Cuba, China,Colchesterandmanymore,excitingplaces.

Asuperbclassroompractitionerwhodelivered lessonsentirelyinFrench,Fredalwayssetthe higheststandardsforspokenlanguageand academicendeavour.OldHamptonianswillspeak warmlyabouttheirFrenchlessonswithMonsieur Chaveneaubecause,howeverbusyhemighthave been,hewouldalwaysendeavourtodeliveran engagingandenergeticlessonwithagooddoseof humourandexceptionallyhighexpectationsof spokenlanguage.Hewasalwayseagertoreinforce thevalueoftargetlanguagewithintheModern LanguagesdepartmentatHamptonandthisis onlypartofthelegacyheleaves.

Fredhasalsobeenanoutstandinganddedicated footballcoachfortheU16AsandThirdXI;when hestartedatHampton,itsoonbecameapparent thatFredwasarathergiftedplayerhimself.This occasionallyledtorumoursamongtheboysthat FredhadbeenthroughtheMarseilleAcademy andeventhathehadplayedalongsideZidaneor Cantona;hewascertainlyadreadedopponentin thestaff5-a-sidearenawithhistypicallyskilful touchesandferociousshotsongoal.

SomeofourfondestmemoriesofFredarefrom hisannualparticipationintheSeniorSkiTripin whichhiscontributionwasalwaysimmensely valued.Hiscareandattentionwerealways evidentthroughoutthesetripsandhewasalways willingtogoaboveandbeyondtoensuretheyran smoothly.OntheSecondYearFrenchTripto Provence,heinsistedthatstaffdressupas1970s Frenchpolicementoconducta‘roominspection’ toensureboyswerekeepingtheirroomstidy. Withhistypicalbrioandenergy,hereallygot intotheroleandinsistedthatallthestaffwear sillydisguises,whichstartedatraditionof Hamptonteachersdressingasghosts,surgeons, aristocrats,andmore;boyswouldbringtheirown costumesandenjoytakingpartinFred’s legendary‘QuizdeProvence’.

Frédéric–Fred–ChaveneaujoinedHamptonin September2008asTeacherofFrench,soonto becomeHeadofFrench,andsubsequentlyHead ofModernLanguages.Effortlesslywell-dressed, charismaticandfullofFrenchflair,hewas instantlypopularwithstaffandboysalikeand leavesusallwiththefondestofmemories.

Fromaverysuccessful,inaugural‘Languages Week’in2019toleadingboystowinningthe nationalFrenchDebatingCompetitionforthe firsttimeinHampton’shistoryin2021,Fred definitelyleaveshismarkontheModern LanguagesDepartment,ontheCommonRoom andontheSchool.Hehasinspiredcountlessboys andstaffovertheyearsandleavesareallegacyin hisParisExchangewithNotreDamedeSionnear theJardinduLuxembourg,aswellas

Fredwillberememberedforbeingcharismatic, sociableandfullofenergy.Deeplypassionate aboutteachinglanguages,hesetahighbarfor standards,appearance,teachingandkindness.A verypopularmemberofstaff,hebecameaclose friendtocountlessmembersoftheCommon Roomandwouldalwayswelcomenewmembersof staffwithopenarms;theCommonRoomandthe Schoolwilldefinitelynotbethesamewithouthim.

FredleavesHamptontobecomeHeadof SecondaryattheBritishSchoolofMarbella, wherehewillnodoubtcontinuetoshineand leadbyexample.

Merci,Fred,etbonnechance!

ShirleyBuckley

conversations,astomostSpaniards,Spainisa conceptthatwasinventedtomakeiteasierfor foreignerstofindit,butnobodyreallylives there.‘Yode Liverpool’.Theyarethenleftto figureoutwherein‘Spain’Liverpoolmustbe. ProbablytheBasqueCountry.

PerhapsShirley’soutstandinglinguisticabilities comefromherneverallowingthegrasstogrow underherfeet.Havingaccompaniedherontrips toCuba,Valencia,andCórdoba,theminuteher feetareonnewterritory,sheshowspassionand respectforeverythingsheencounters,beit history,art,cultureorthenaturalworld.

abovethemastheyenteredtheroomtheysoon realisedthatMrSaulwasnotquiteasscaryashe firstseemed.Thoughhehadauniquestylefor dealingwithminormisdemeanourslikeuntucked shirtsorhalfcompletedhomework–manyboys werefoundstandingoutsidetheGeographyoffice atbreaktime–andhadaneyeforspottingwhen afootballwasbeingusedwithinaFormroom–hedevelopedquitethecollectionofconfiscated ballsintheGeographyoffice–hewas,withouta doubt,anexceptionalteacher.

IaminstantlydrawntorememberaFriday

Afternoonin2009whenIwasteachinga particularlyitinerantcohortofUpperSixth boys.Weweredelvingdeepintothemysteriesof thesubjunctive,whenMichaelTimbsleaptto hisfeet,scatteringchairseverywhere,and screamed:‘Guys!Oh,mydays.She’sback!’.He wasnotwrong.ShirleyBuckley,wearingher signaturesunglassesandsundress,wasglidingup themaindriveway.HerMaryPoppinsgravitas hadpenetratedtheschoolwallsandsentasignal toHamptonboyseverywhere.

Shirleycametouswithanimpressiveand decoratedcareer.Shehadworkedasanauthor forOUP,asHeadofModernLanguagesat CoombeGirls,andhadalsobeenalectureratSt Mary’suniversity.Infact,havingalsopreviously workedatHamptonHigh,andasHeadof SpanishatLEH,youwouldbeforgivenfor thinkingthatShirleywasaftertheHanworth Roadmonopolyset.

SheinitiallycametoHamptontocoverforour indomitableHeadofSpanish,SteveAlexander, whosedeparturehadleftusbereft.Littledidwe knowthatwehadaworld-classeducatoronthe waytobolsterusall.Left-footed,mathematicallyorientedHamptoniansbeware,youareaboutto betreatedtooveradecadeofflamenco,theatre, art,and‘seríamejorsihubiera’–andthatisjust theFirstYears!Timetogetonboard.

TheconfidenceandloveoflanguagethatShirley managestoproducefromtheboysinhercareis outstanding.Withrelativeease,shecanconjure aboytotellyouthathelovescereal,hissister doesnot,andhismusicteacherpreferseating toastonSundaymorningsbecauseshelikesthe crunch.‘HowdidIdothat?’thinksthe boy.‘Nevermind.Shelooksdelighted.’

WatchingnativeSpaniardstrytodecipher Shirleyisalwaysagreatsourceofamusementto me:herflawlessSpanishwithaccompanying mannerismsfoolsthemostdiscerningof Iberians,andtheyarequicktoassumethatshe oneoftheirown.So,theSpaniardwillnext probeastowhereinSpainshehascomefrom. Thisiscommonplaceinintroductory

Anardentsupporteroftheenvironment,Shirley hasworkedhardbehindthescenestohelpmake theschoolagreenerplaceincludingaswapshop forclothes,aswellasbeingoneofthemainforces behindrecyclingandreducingwasteinthe Commonroom.Shealsotookthehelmonthe School’striptoBarcelona,marshallingourboys throughthemetropolisofthecity.Shealso sizzledwiththerestofuswhensheaccompanied ourinauguraltriptoCubain2013.

LegionsofHamptonianshavefalleninlovewith SpanishthankstoShirleyand,asaSchool,we havefalleninlovewithher.Shehasleftuswith aheavyheart.However,anewlifeintheLake Districtiscalling,anditistimeforhernext adventure.

Tevamosaecharmuchodemenos

DomSaul

HehasinspiredmanyHamptonianswithhis infectiousloveofthesubjectandloveofGeology andallthings‘PhysicalGeography’particularly shinedthroughinhislessons.Hishigh expectationsofhispupilsledthemtoachieve consistentlyexceptionalresults.

Amanwhotooktheideaofbeinganall-round ‘schoolmaster’seriously,Domwasakeen contributortotheco-curricularlifeoftheschool parexcellence.Manyboyshavealsobenefitted fromhisexpertiseasarowingcoachoutonthe water–andwillnodoubttreasuretheNational Schoolsmedalshehelpedthemwin–andour ‘manofthemountains’alsoguidedmanyDofE groupstocompletesuccessfulexpeditions.He sharedwiththemawealthofexperienceand knowledgeandapassionfortheoutdoorsonthe way.Itwasrarethataholidaywentbywithout DomleadingorhelpingonaSchooltrip, whetherinSevillewiththerowers,Namibia withtheAdventureSocietyortheLakeDistrict withDoE,hewasalwayshappytohelp.I certainlywouldn’tliketosuggestthathisrecce withacolleaguetoSicilytocheckoutthe qualityofthefoodandsafetystandardsatthe beachwashisfavourite–butthetripheput togetherasaresultwasenjoyedbymanyThird Yeargeographers.

NotonlywasDomagreatcolleaguetomany,he isalsoagreatfriendtoallofusinthe Department;wewishhimandhiswife,Sarah,all theverybestontheirmovetoRadleyCollege.

HaigAgulian

DomspenteightyearsatHamptonSchool,and theGeographyDepartmentwillbeavery differentplacewithouthim;indeed,hiswider contributionstotheSchoolwillbeverymuch missedtoo.

DespiteatfirstappearingterrifyingtohisLower Schoolclassesatamighty6’8”tall,towering

HaigAgulianjoinedHamptonasTeacherofFrench in2015,havingnotlongpreviouslyleftasa Hamptonianhimself–leadingsomeofhisformer teachersoccasionallywonderingwhataHampton boywasdoingintheCommonRoom!

Proficientinmanylanguages,hispassionforteaching languagesandsharingforeigncultureiscontagious andheinspiredmanyHamptonboysthroughouthis sevenyearsattheSchool.TeachingFrenchand RussianandbrieflyworkingasHeadofRussian, Haigalwaystaughtwithastrongemphasisontarget languageandpursuedaMastersdegreeinthisfield.

Haigalwayssetexceptionallyhighlinguistic standardsforhisclassesandinspiredmanytoshare hispassionforcommunication,culturaldifference andetymology,leadingcountlessboystotakean interestinlinguisticsandinclusivewriting.

Healsoaccompaniedmanyoverseasanddaytrips duringhistimeatHamptonandhelpedto coordinateModelUnitedNations,leadingmany boystoachievesuccessinthisarea.Hiscolleagues havefondmemoriesofhisSpanishalter-ego,‘San PedrodeAgulián’,whocouldonlybeseenonthe SecondYearFrenchtriptoProvence,bearinga strikingresemblancetoBelgianfootballer, MarouaneFellaini.

ColleagueswillalsofondlyrememberHaig’spassion fortheEurovisionSongContestandtherolehe playedincoveringpartsoftheContestforArmenian television,whichmeanthewasoccasionallyreferred toasthe‘ArmenianGrahamNorton’.Hewouldsing alongtoEurovisionclassicswithhisclasses,drawing boys’attentiontolinguisticandculturaldifferences andencouragingthemtosharehisenthusiasmwhile highlightingtheunifyingpowerofmusic.

Haigwillberememberedaboveallasawarm, sociablecolleaguewhowasalwayswillingtohelp andsharebestpracticeorculturalfacts.Heleaves HamptontobecomeHeadofFrenchatLEH, wherehewillundoubtedlyshineinhisnewroleand continuetosharehispassionforlanguageswith pupilsandcolleaguesalike.

GemmajoinedHamptonSchoolin2016,having switchedtoteachingafterasuccessfullawcareer inLondon,andhergenuineenthusiasmfor Classics,hercarefortheboys,andherreadywit hasbeenaforceofnatureintheClassics Departmenteversince.

Gemmasethighstandardsforherpupils,which canbeseeninherexceptionalresults;shehada formidableintellect,andshowedanamazing abilitytochallengetheboystothinkmoredeeply aboutwhattheywerestudying.Herabilityto silencearowdygroupofboyswithalookora well-timed‘Oi!’waslegendary,andthe atmosphereofquietpurposeinherlessonswas testamenttotheexcellentrelationsshebuiltwith boys.

Shealsodidnotsufferfools–boysandstaff–gladly,anditwasquitesomethingtoseeher puttingherlegalskillstothetestwhen questioningaboywhowasfoolishenoughtolie aboutwhetherhedonehishomework!Shedid, however,haveagreatsenseoffunandinfectious enthusiasminherteaching,whichmadehera verypopularteacher;theClassicsclassroomsstill containcluesfromsomeofherRomanhistory facthunts!Gemmawasinstrumentalin developingAncientHistoryasasubject;under herinspiringanddedicatedtutelage,numbers havesteadilyincreasedtotwosetsatGCSEand ALevel.

Gemmawasalwayskeentofurtherthestudyof Classicsoutsidetheclassroom,runningapopular MythologyclubforLowerSchoolboys,and teachingLatinafterschooltostate-schoolpupils formanyyears.Aswellasaccompanying countlessschooltrips–includingaGeography triptoSicily,wheresheledanimpromptutourof theboysaroundtheRomanruins!–sherana memorableandhighlysuccessfultriptoPompeii andRome,whichprovidedtheboys–and teachers–withfantasticmemories,andsheonce againactedasafantastictourguidearound PompeiiandtheForumRomanum,leadinga trailofboys–andseveralinterestedtourists!–in herwake.InadditiontoherClassicsteaching,she alsodrewonherpreviouscareertoteachan introductiontoLawtoSixthFormpupilsaspart ofCurriculumEnrichment.

WhatwastrulyspecialaboutGemmawasher genuineandprofoundcaretowardstheboys, bothasaClassicsteacherandasaThirdYearform tutor.Shewastirelessinherpastoralsupportof boys,layingonmindfulnesssessionstosupport themduringexamseason,andbeingconstantly ‘ontap’tospeaktoboyswhenevertheyhad difficulties.Shewasalwaysthefirsttocelebrate thesuccessesoftheboys,andtocheerthemonin theirendeavoursinsideandoutsidethe classroom.Whilesheformallymentoredseveral ofthecurrentClassicsstaffduringhertimehere,

shewasalwaysonhandtosupportotherswith adviceorresources,andwasasgeneroustowards staffasshewastowardstheboys.

Gemma’skindness,readywitandinfectious laughterwillbegreatlymissedintheClassics Office.Iamsurethatshewilldofantasticallywell inhernewpostasHeadofClassicsatTormead School;theyareextremelyluckytohaveher!

HAZ

JoJames

JoJamesjoinedHamptonasDirectorofDrama fromGuilfordHighinApril2016andquickly becamewell-knownonthebackofherstunning directionoftheSeniorMusical WestSideStory Thoughthiswassomewhatofabaptismoffire–divingstraightintoaproductionassoonasshe arrived–thiswasonlythebeginningofwhatwas tobecomesixyearsofwest-end-quality productions,inspirationalteachingandexpert departmentalleadership.

LeadingsuchabusyandthrivingDrama Departmentisahugechallenge,tackling dynamicteachingalongsiderunningafull calendarofplaysandevents.Jomadethislook easy,withsuchacalmandencouragingmanner atalltimes,evenduringhugelybusyshowweeks. Personally,IhavebeensogratefulforJo’ssupport andwisdomduringthesechallengingweeks; withoutherenergyandenthusiasm,itcertainly wouldhavebeenaverydifferentexperience.I knowtheotherstaffandpupilsinvolvedinthese productionsfeelthesameandweareallindebted toherfortheseupliftingexperiences.

Co-curricularwasahugepartofJo’slifeas DirectorofDrama,butthisdidnotstopher workinghardintheclassroom,inspiringour futuredramatists;thenumberofpupilstaking dramacontinuestoincreaseandtheenthusiasm andbuzzaroundthedepartmentisinfectious.It isclearwhenwalkingpasttheDramaHallor Hammondthatsheisalwaysonherfeetandfully immersedinherlessonstoprovideinsightfuland funlessonsforherpupils.

IknowIspeakonbehalfofallmycolleagues whenIsayhowmuchwewillmissJo’senergy, humour,wiseadviceandfriendship–hernew schoolisextremelyluckytohaveher,andIknow shewillthriveinhernewpositionasanAssistant Head.Itwillcertainlynotbethesamewithout her,butastheysay,theshowmustgoon,andshe hasleftthingsingreatshape,leavingeveryone readyformorelights,camera,action!

Tofinish,acommentfromoneofJo’spupils whichclearlydemonstrateshowmuchshewas valuedatHampton:‘MrsJameshasbeenthe spearheadforsomeofthebestbigproductionsthe schoolhadtooffer,includingmypersonalfavourite "GuysandDolls".Sheistrulyanamazingteacher, lovelylady,andinspiration,alwayslookingforthe bestinallofus!’.

CarloLori

WhenDrCarrierannouncedthattheReligious StudiesandPhilosophyDepartmentwashiringa ‘MasterLogician,’everyonehadimagesofa Tolkienesquesagecompletewithtweedjacket andpipeinhand.So,whenafresh-facedCarlo LoriwalkedthroughintotheofficeMrJenkins promptlydirectedhimtowardstheSixthForm Centre–likehehaddoneformanynewSixth Formers–butalas,no, this wasHampton’s newestcolleague.

AfterreadingMathsandPhilosophyat CambridgeandtrainingwithTeachFirst,Carlo wasreadytoforgeaheadinacareerthatwasmade forhim.Achancetodiscussideas,challenge assumptionsandattackfaultylogic–andthat wasjustintheStaffRoom!

Heimmediatelythrewhimselfintolifeat Hampton;thepupilsknewhimasmuchfrom tripsastheydidtheclassroom.FromDukeof Edinburgh,SkiSociety,ClimbingClubandeven ashortspellwithCCF,MrLori’sweekendsand eveningwerefullofbustrips.Rarelywashenot adventuringthelengthandbreadthofthe country.Allofthisdonewithhischaracteristic positivity,driveandsenseofhumour,whichwas lovedbycolleaguesandpupilsalike.

IntheReligiousStudiesandPhilosophy Department,Carlowasaninnovatorandwas alwayspushinghimselfandotherstoreflectand improvewithregardstoteachingandlearning. ThiswasseenparticularlywithhisSixthForm classeswherepupilswouldregularlyspeakofhow thankfultheyweretohavesuchanengagingand enthusiasticteacherwillingthemontoachieve theirverybest.

Notbeinghappydoingjustonething,MrLori hadmanyrolesduringhistimeatHamptonand tooktoeachofthemlikeaducktowater.Inthis vein,hehassadlyleftustogofollowanewcareer, studyingMedicineinSouthampton.Wewish himallthebestasheheadsoffonhisbikeandin hisleathersintohisnextbigadventure.

knowledgeofwherewewereandabrieftoarrive atbasecamp250milestothewesttendays later.So,wewalked,forafewmiles,thenwe heardsomemusic,whichledustoavillagefête inthesmallvillageHenrichemont.Within24 hourswehaddanced IfYou'reHappyandYou KnowItClapYour Hands tothedelightofthe villagerswhojoinedintheactions,wewerethe mayor’sdinnerguestsandhethengaveusatour ofhisprivatechateaux!

IamleavingtoteachataBritishinternational schoolinVietnam.

So,what’smyleavingmessagefromalltheabove? Itisasimpleone:getinvolvedwithothersinthe greatoutdoorswithinarecognisedorganisation–suchasTheDukeofEdinburgh’sAward–and seekeveryopportunitytofulfilyourpotentialto makeapositivecontributiontosociety.

Nothingventured,nothinggained!

Ithasbeenarewardingandenjoyableexperience workingwitheveryoneatHamptonSchool. Myverybestwishestoyouall.

NikkiPlowman

IarrivedatHamptonbycanoe!

Ipaddled150milesfromLechlade,neartothe sourceofTheRiverThamestocompletemy expeditionforTheQueen’sScoutAwardandI receivedtheawardfromTheChiefScoutSir WilliamGladstoneatLondonGuildhall.

Inearlieryears,IcompletedtheCubScoutGold ArrowandTheChiefScout’sAward.Ithen joinedTheQueen’sScoutWorkingPartywhenI wassecondedtotheinternationalstaffatThe WorldScoutJamboreein1983atAlbertain Canadawhen15,000Scoutswereinattendance from100countries.

Thefatherofthelocalfamilythathostedmeafter theeventjusthappenedtoberesponsibleforall theroadsintheprovince’snationalparksandhe tookmetoworkwithhimeachday–Itravelled hundredsofmiles,oftenonfoot,through amazingcountryside.Thebearslooked wonderfullycute–albeitfromasafedistance!

WithTheWindsorPlanningGroupofQueen’s Scouts,IplannedandledthreeNationalScout ServicesatStGeorge’sChapel,just13milesfrom ourschool.IcompletedScoutExplorerBelt expeditionsinSwitzerlandandFrancewhenmy companionandImetwithlocalpeopleinremote villageswhohelpedustoanswerfourteenprojects aboutsociety,economicsandpoliticsinthose countries.InTheLoireValley,weweredropped onaroadthatwasalignednorthsouthwithno

themagazineofhamptonschool2021-2022

NikkiPlowmanjoinedHamptonin2019and madeahugepositiveimpact;sheboughtjoyto everysingleaspectoftheSchoolintowhichshe cameintocontactwith.

Sheisaninspirationalteacherandcolleague;she broughtenergyandhumourtoeverylessonand inspiredtheboystoadoretheatreasmuchasshedoes. AfewoftherecentA-Levelpupilshavewrittenafew lovelycommentsthatsummarisetheimpactshe’shad onthepupilsduringhertimeatHampton:

‘ItwassuchajoytobetaughtbyMrsPlowmanfor muchofmyHamptondramacareer.Lessonswere frequentlyfilledwithfunandsheevenmanagedto putapositivespinonGCSEcoursework.Shewillbe

DER

sorelymissedintheDramaDepartment.Herplays, suchas‘Rat'sTales’,whichIwasfortunateenoughto takepartin,werehighlightsoftheyearandwere alwaysspectacular.’

‘Oneoftheloveliestteachersonecouldevermeet. Whetheritwasthefirstplayshedirectedatthe School,‘Rat'sTales’,tothelastone,‘AMidwinter's Nightmare’,shewasalwayssocreativeand ambitious,aswellasdowntoearthand compassionatetoallofus–regardlessofhow annoyingwemightbeasHamptonboys!’

Shehasacreativemindlikenootherandthishas beenevidentthroughthewealthofimaginative andoriginalproductionsshehasdirectedduring hertimeatHampton;suchas RomeoandJuliet, Rat’sTales and TheTerribleInfants.Hermost recentspectaclewasanimmersivepieceoftheatre entitled AMidWinter’sNightmare andwas writtenincollaborationwiththepupils.Under herdirectionthepupilscreatedaninnovativeand entertainingpieceoftheatre–unlikeanything Hamptonhadseenbefore!

WhilsttheDramaDepartmentwillbe undoubtedlyaverydifferentplacewithout Nikki,hernewSchool,TheRoyalSchool,are incrediblyluckytohaveherandwewishherthe verybestthere.

‘Thoughshebebutlittlesheisfierce'–William Shakespeare

MrLees

Intheclassroom,hisenthusiasmwasinfectious andhestrivedtoensureeachofthepupils underhistutelagehadanequalopportunityto progressandimprove.Whetheritwas discussinghowtoimprovetheir‘Fantasy Football’team–andusingitasanexcuseasto letthemknowwhyhiswasbetter–ordeflecting insultsabouthowpoorhisbelovedManchester Unitedare,hewentoutofhiswaytotrytoget toknowHamptonian’sbetterandbuilda rapportwiththemwithintheclassroom environment.Indoingso,itwasonlyamatter oftimebeforeheearnedhisAssistantHeadof ThirdYearrole.

MrLeesalsocontributedtolifeoutsidethe classroombyleadingtheU16AFootballteam overtwoverysuccessfulyears,supportingthe Footballdepartmentonpre-season&midseasontours,aswellasvolunteeringtocomeout onnon-timetabledGamesafternoonstohelp Hamptonfootballersimprove.Inspiredbyhis nightlyreadingofdrillsusedbyPepGuardiola, hehashelpeddevelopmanyplayersthathave notonlygoneontofeatureintheFirstXIbut willalsogoontorepresenttopUniversityteams intheUKandabroad.Inhisfinalyear,healso guidedthisyear’sU16Ateamtothe2022 SurreyCupandcoincidentallyearnedmore silverwareinhistwoyearsatHamptonthanOle GunnarSolksjaerdidinhisfouryearsincharge ofTom’sfavouriteteam.

SolCampbelloncesaidofhiscontroversial moveacrossNorthLondon,fromTottenhamto Arsenal,thathewasdoingittogivehimselfthe bestopportunitytowintrophies.Asonecan safelyassumehewillbereducinghischancesof doingsowithhisdeparture,knowingMrLees’ characterandcoachingability,hewillbe lookingforwardtothechallengeoftryingto instilaculturalrevolution,akintoGareth Southgate’sEngland,withwhateverteamheis given.

Whenhewasnotintheclassroomoronthe sidelinecoaching,hecouldbefoundonthetee boxwithhistrustytwo-ironinhand, bulldozinghiswaythroughthemiddleofthe SportsHallatStaff5-a-side,orkeepinguphis goal-a-gamereputationwhenrepresentingthe HamptonOldBoys.Playingwithsuchstrength andskill,itiscleartoseewhyhehasbeen likenedtoformerWestHamandEngland striker,DeanAshton.

HavingspentfourexoticyearsintheFarEastand findinghimselfmissingthelong,darkwintersof home,MrLeesjoinedusfromDulwichCollege, Singaporein2020.Joininganewschoolcanbea dauntingtaskonitsownbuteveninthemiddleofa pandemicandaninstalmentof‘Hampton@Home’, heintegratedseamlesslyintotheMaths DepartmentandhisnewlifeasaHamptonian.

MrLeeswillleavemanyfriendsintheCommon RoombehindashemovesbacktoDulwich CollegeLondonand,whilstitwillbeverysad toseehimgo,therecanbeslightconsolation foundinthefactitwillbeatrafficfilledjourney uptheA3andnota13-hourflightbetweenus.

DrKlingejoinedusfromCityofLondon, Freemans’,inJanuary2022:abaptismof fire,withumpteenmockexampapersto markandreportstowrite.Buthe approachedthepotentiallyoverwhelming taskwithacalmandquietefficiency,and seemedunfazedbyhisratherpublic position,seatedinthecentreoftheEnglish Office:ExhibitA–thefamiliarfigureofan Englishteacher,redpeninonehand,headin theotherhand,drowninginessays!

Needlesstosay,hehasbeenseentoadopt thispositiononmanyoccasionssincethen, workingassiduouslytogivedetailedand constructivefeedbacktohispupils.They havebenefittedgreatlytoofromhis encyclopaedicknowledgeoftheliterary canonandhisoriginalandperceptive interpretations,encouragingtheboysto thinkoutsidetheproverbialbox.

Keentoinspireyoungminds,hehasbrought literaturetolifewithhisimpassionedreading aloudoftexts,whilehiseffortlessuseof esotericterminologyhasimpressedeventhe mosteruditeofHamptonians.FortheSixth FormEnglishLiteraturepupils,hehasalso beenanembodimentofthe‘super-curricula’ and,alongsideMrBaker,hehasoffered aspiringundergraduatesanopportunityto accesssomeofthemoreobscureand challengingtexts,aswellasgivingthemsome much-neededpracticaladviceonthevagaries oftheapplicationprocess.

Unfortunatelyforus,DrKlingeleaves HamptontobecomeSecondinDepartment atWoldinghamSchool.Wewishhimthe bestofluckforhisnewposition,andamuch shortercommute!

Oh,andifyouhearwordssuchas ‘anacoluthon’droppedintoyourdinnertime conversation,youknowwhotoblame…

Thehiddentalentsandcreativepassionsofour ThirdYearsemergedduringtheArtsAward programmethisyear.Abandof15ThirdYears completedtheGCSE-equivalentqualification whichinvolvesdevelopinganartisticskillaswell asworkingonleadershipandteam-work.They turnedoutawonderfullyeclecticmixofprojects fromclose-upnaturephotographyto architecturaldesignofan‘eco-house’toanindepthjournaloftheCovid-19pandemic.

ModeratedbyTrinityCollegeLondon,theArts Awardisruninourschoolbyeighttrained advisorswhoarealsofull-timeteachers.They encourageandmotivatetheboysonwhatis otherwiseanindependentproject.Formany boys,themostusefulexperiencecomesfrom experimenting,reflecting,re-thinkingand startingafresh.Itisexcitingtoseewhatemerges fromthisjourneyinJuly.

Astheco-ordinatoroftheprogramme,Ihave beenmostcloselyinvolvedinthreeofthe projects.XanderBuchanstartedinJanuarywith anideaforanartexhibition‘forallthesenses’.He wantedtoworkin3Dforthefirsttime,having mostlyworkedinpencilbefore.Hispieces dazzledtheTrinitymoderatorandwonhima Schoolprize.Heworkedwithtextile,Perspex, cardandothermediatocreateanabstractand colour-richdisplay.

AmbarChattarjeelearnedanewformof animationwhichaftersomeexperimenting becamedetailedandlife-likefigures.Harresh Jayalathapanundertooktheambitiousprojectof turninghislockdownintoapandemicjournal whichalsotrackedthenationalnews.

Theclimaxoftheprogrammeisaleadershipday atHamptonPrepwheretheboysrunworkshops forYear6,teachingthemanelementoftheir creativeskill.WedidnotescapeCovid-related challenges,andtwopupils,XanderBuchanand LewisWarms,testedpositiveandhadtoact quicklyandadapttheirworkshopstoteachvia Teams.Theyimpressedeveryonewiththeir abilitytoholdthegroup’sattentionfully.

MontyHuntusedtheArtsAwardasan opportunitytodevelopfashiondesignabilities. Usingadigitalgraphicdesignprogramme,he used‘Miami’ashisinspirationtoproducet-shirts usingdifferentappliquétechniques.Aspartofhis researchheattendedaV&Aeventaboutfuture careersinfashiondesign.

AngusHackingwasinspiredbyhisfascinationwithNorsemythologyto designanimpressiveescaperoomthemedboardgame.Whenrunninghis leadershipworkshopAngushelpedPrepschoolpupilstomakeNorse mythologythemeddice,andplayingsomehotlycontestedone-vs-one matches!

Meanwhile,GabrielKellywroteagrippingnovella,called TheUnderground Pickpocket,inspiredbyAgathaChristie.Herananexcellentworkshop, sharingtoptipsbasedonhisownexperiencesandthoseofcrimewriter, TonyKent,andhelpedpupilscraftopeningsentencesoftheirown novellas.

MaxCartercombinedhismusicalandcreativewritingtalents,learning classicalguitarpiecesandcomposingpoemsinSpanishinresponsetothem. HewasinspiredbyEduardoSdelaMaza,whowroteaguitarsuitetoJuan RamonJimenez’spoem,PlateroYYo.InMax’sworkshop,hegaveboysthe

opportunitytowritetheirownpoemsinresponsetomusic.Hispassionfor thepoetryandguitarplayinginspiredthePrepboystowritesome impressiveverse.

TheArtsAwardseekstohelpyoungpeopleexplorethepossibilityoffurther studyandcareersintheirchosenfield.Allofthecandidatesattended exhibitionsorshowsandreflectedonhowtheywereinfluenced,sharingthis withtheirformsinapresentation.Later,theyinterviewedprofessionals workingintheircreativeareaandaskedthoseimportantquestionshowyou makealivingasananimatororarchitect,forexample.

HugecongratulationstotheboyswhoembracedtheArtsAwardwith typicalHamptonianenthusiasm,commitmentandambition,producing portfoliosofexceptionallyhighquality.

VCW

‘Live’ModelUnitedNationsconferencesmadeawelcomereturnin September2021,followingayearofvirtualdebating.Itwasenormously rewardingtogobackout‘ontheroad’andenableourpupilstoengagein face-to-facedebatingoncemore.Hamptontookpartinfourconferences duringtheyear:REIMUN,LEHMUN,MCSMUN&HMUN.

Asever,theboysparticipatedwithhighlevelsofenthusiasm,impressive levelsofskillandgenerousamountsofgoodhumour.Wemanagedto accumulateatotalof9‘highlycommendeddelegate’awards,19 ‘outstanding’or‘best’delegateawards,2‘bestjuniordelegate’awardsand4 ‘outstanding’or‘highlycommended’teamawards.Thisrepresentsthe superbindividualandcollectiveeffortsofourboys,whoapproacheach conferencewithknowledge,confidenceanddiplomaticskill.

MUNclubhasalsoflourishedthisyearwithupto50boysattendingeach weekanddebatingavarietyof‘emergency’scenarios,somerealandsome fictional.WehavedebatedtheUkraineinvasion,theCovidpandemicand evenadinosaurinvasionofthewestcoastofAfrica.OurthanksgotoSam Govier,IsaacCrowhurst,EdmundNgandJasperdeLindefortakingthe timetoproduceexcellentbriefingpapersandforchairingthedebatesso expertly.

Itisalsomypleasuretoextendthankstoourseasoned,seniordebaterswho areleavingHamptonthisyear.TheyhavegivenwonderfulservicetoMUN andhavewonmultipleawards.Thefollowingboysreceivedservicetiesfor theircontributionandlongdedicationtoModelUnitedNations:JackEast,

RohiPopham,NayaazHashim,AlexanderMehta,SamuelBerthon& OliverPulfrey-Baker.ThomasBainbridge,asadepartingFifthYearpupil, alsodeservesaspecialmentionforyearsofenthusiastic,confidentdebating andrisingtothechallengeofchairingacommitteeatLEHMUN.

Asever,itisfarbettertohearmoreabouttheMUNexperiencefromthe boysthemselves,sothankyoutoNayaaz,Sam,Isaac,EdmundandJasper forthefollowingreflections.

JAF NayaazHashim–MUNreflections2016-2022

IhaveabsolutelylovedtakingpartinMUN,anditwilldefinitelystandoutas oneofthemostmemorableactivitiesduringmytimeatHampton.

IthasbeenawonderfuljourneygoingfromanervousSecondYearatJunior REIMUNtoaSixthFormchairatLEHMUN,andlearningsomuchabout geopolitics,currentaffairs,andmanyobscureacronym-riddledUNcommittees andorganisations!MUNhasalsogivenmesomuchmoreconfidencewhenit comestodebatingandpublicspeaking,andhascertainlyimprovedmyrhetorical skills.Tryingtofindcompromisesandsolutionsthatsatisfydelegateswith completelydifferentopinionsisarewarding–iffrustrating!–experience.Iwill rememberstandingupandgivingspeechesinfrontofanintimidatinglylarge crowdduringGeneralAssembliesasparticularhighlights.

TheMUNcommunityatHamptonhasbeenbrilliant–Iwillalwaysbegrateful totheolderpupilswhogaveusalotoffantasticadvicewhenwewerestarting out.Thereisarealsenseoffun,teamwork,andcamaraderieacrossdifferentyear groupsamongtheMUNers.Thiswasespeciallyclearduringtheweekendtrips toprestigiousconferencesatHaileyburyandOxford,wherethehighstandardof debatewaspunctuatedbybowlingorquizcompetitionsintheevenings.

ThankyousomuchtoMissFieldandMrAgulianforgivingupsomanyoftheir lunchtimesandweekendstorunMUN!Ithascertainlybeenafruitful–Ihad togetitintheresomewhere–experienceforme!

REIMUN–SamGovier,FourthYear

InOctober,weembarkedonthejourneytoReigateforourfirstin-person conferenceaftertheturbulentCovidyears,lookingforwardtofinallygetting backtodebatingface-to-face.IrepresentedtheUKontheSecurityCouncil which,somewhatalarmingly,allowedmetodeclarewar!Luckily,however,it nevercametothis–thoughtherewassomeratherheateddebateontopicssuch astheUighurGenocideinChina’sXinjiangprovinceandtheTaliban’s suddenrisetopowerinAfghanistan,bothofwhichledtoChina’sdelegate valiantlydefendinghimselffromanonslaughtofclausesfromtheNATO nations.

Towardstheendoftheday,weallassembledinReigate’ssportshalltobe informedofadevelopingcrisis.TheTaliban,alongwithChinaandPakistan, hadinvadedIsraelwiththeintentionofliberatingPalestine.Thisinevitably ledtofranticaction,aswehurriedtowriteclausesinordertotryandhalt theTaliban’squickeningadvance.Eventually,acompromisewasreachedand atwo-statesolutionwasagreedupon,withChinawithdrawingtheirtroops inreturn.

LEHMUN–IsaacCrowhurst,FourthYear

Forme,MUNhasbeenanamazingexperiencefromwhenIstartedin SecondYear.However,apersonalhighlightofmyyearwastheannual LEHMUNconference,whichreturnedinJanuary.Despiteminorchanges, itransmoothlyandwasbothentertainingandengaging.Unfortunately, duetothepandemic,neighbouringschoolscouldnotmaketheevent; however,thisneverimpactedourenjoymentoftheday.

WhetheritwasdebatingtheAfghanistancrisisornegotiatingapeaceful–andromantic–retreatinSouthKoreaforPresidentsPutinandZelenksy, theclausespassedwereofexcellentqualityandmuchfuntodebate.

MCSMUN–EdmundNg,FourthYear

BackinMarch,16pupilstookaminibusdowntoOxfordforaweekend. Thedestination?MagdalenCollegeSchool.Acrossbothdays,ourtwo delegationsdiscussedarangeofcontentioustopicssuchas Cryptocurrencies,DPRKandSouthKoreaandhumantrafficking.

IwasontheEconomicandSocialcommittee,representingCanadaand discussingtheissuesofrenewableenergy,hyperinflation,andmoney laundering.AfteralongdayofdebatingonSaturday,weweretakenfor anentertainingroundofbowling,andthentonext-doorFrankieand Bennie'sfordinner.

BrightandearlyontheSundaymorning,weleftthehotelforthesecond dayoftheconference,withanexcitingcrisisintheafternoon.Thistrip wasincredible,andIwouldurgeanyMUNparticipantstogointhe future.

MUNClub–JasperdeLinde,FourthYear

MUNisafantasticopportunityfordevelopingyourabilitiesinpublicspeaking, debating,compromising,andpersuadingpeople.Ihavefounditinspiringto watchpupilsgrowmoreconfident,andmakeincreasinglysalientpoints.Ihave alsolearnedtofeelmorecomfortablepresentingideasinfrontofanaudience.

MUNcanseemlikeadauntingexperience,especiallywithallthetalkof conferencesinfar-awayschoolsandgianthallsinfrontofstrangers,butitdoes nothavetobe.MUNalsooperatesasaclubonTuesdaylunchtimes,creatinga lessintimidatingenvironmentforyoutopractiseanddevelopskills.

Finally,herearesomethoughtsandreflectionsfrommydepartingMUN colleague,MrAgulian.Withouthim,manyMUNconferencesimplywould nothavehappenedforourHamptondelegates.Hehasbeenahugesupport toourMUNdebatersandtomepersonallywithhissupremeorganisational skills,mostlyeffectivemap-readingandwonderfulgoodhumour.Mr Agulianhasenabledthisactivitytogrowandflourishimmenselyinthelast sevenyears.

JAF

TheMUNexperienceaccordingtoMrHaigAgulian

HonourableChair,DistinguishedDelegates?PeoplespeakingintheThird Person?PointsofInformation?PolicyStatements?Pre-ambulatoryand OperativeClausesinResolutions?FriendlyAmendments?YieldChains?

ModeratedCaucus?

Whatonearthdoesallthisjargonmean?Asalanguageteacher,Ihadtogowith theassumptionthatthismustbeacompletelynewlanguageandIwasgoingto attempttopickitup.

Overtime,theMUNprotocolformalities,somewhat–still–bizarreattimes, becamemorecomprehensibleandIbegantoreachtheconclusionthatMUN wouldindeedbeaMUNderfulpartofmytimeatHampton…punaside,it reallyhasbeenanythingbutMUNdane.

WhenIfirstjoinedHamptonSchoolsevenyearsago,theMUNclubwas relativelysmallandwehadahandfulofboystakingpart.Itreallyismost impressivetoseehowmuchithasgrown.OurLectureTheatrehasrecentlyfilled overfiftyseatsofkeendelegatesduringourweeklyMUNclubthattakesplace onTuesdaylunchtimes.IammostpleasedtohavebeenabletowitnessMUN becomeakeyplatformformanyconfidentandarticulateboyswhoenjoy problem-solvinganddebatingthroughdiplomacyandtactwhenHamptonhas takenpartinnumerousMUNconferencesnationwide.

WhatIhavefoundmostamusingarethetimeswheretheboyshavehadthe opportunitytorepresentcountriesthatmayhave‘controversial’viewsoncertain topicssuchastheDemocraticPeople’sRepublicofKorea,Afghanistan,Iran, RussiaorChina.Afterall,theboysarein‘role-play’modeandare fundamentallyrepresentingtheviewsofothercountriesandnottheirown.

Iamgenuinelysadtobeleavingsuchatalentedandspecialclubhereat HamptonSchool,but,atthesametime,alsolookforwardtohearingabout Hampton’sprospectiveendeavoursintheworldofMUN.

LessCovid,moreOvid!Thathas,onceagain,beenour modusoperandi in theClassicsDepartment.Althoughafewuninvitedguests–namelythe omicronvariantandthesummertrainstrikes–scupperedseveralplanned tripsandevents,themusesofliteratureandhistorystillpaidusthe occasionalvisit,inspiringourverytalentedClassicistsacrossallYeargroups.

Wekickedoffproceedingsinmid-NovemberattheHarrodianSchool ClassicsConference,whichreturnedwithavengeance–andabigboxof mincepies–afteritscancellationin2020.A14-strongcohortofSixthForm Latinists,HellenistsandAncientHistorianswastreatedtoaseriesof fascinating,undergraduate-stylelecturesbytopacademicsfromthe UniversityofOxford.

HighlightsincludedDrArmandD’AngouronCatullusandLesbia, ProfessorRichardJenkynsonheroisminHomerandVirgil,DrRachel WoodontheAlexanderSarcophagusandDrTristanFranklinosonlovein Ovid’s Amores and Heroides.

IntrueHamptonfashion,ourpupilswereresponsibleformanyofthe questionsposedtotheacademicsfollowingtheirtalks,anditwasdelightfulto seesomanypupilsfeedingbackwhattheyhadlearnttotheirpeersinlessons thefollowingweek. gratiasagimus, Harrodian!Wewillbebackin2022.

Classicsclubwasalsobackandbetterthanever,runthisyearbythe incomparableMrSaunders.HuwParry,FirstYearpupilandClassics enthusiast,haskindlywrittenintotellusmore.

ClassicsclubisheldonWednesdaylunchneartheClassicsoffice.Itisopen toallpupilsfromFirsttoThirdYearsandistheperfectbalancebetween learningandfun.DuringClassicsclub,wecanvoteonwhatwewantto learnabout,forexample,AncientEgypt.Then,wewoulddoavarietyof differentactivitiesbasedonthetopic,suchaswatchingYouTubeclips explainingtheloreofEgypt’sgods,tomakingaminiaturepyramid.Ilike Classicsclubasitisveryinformative,yetitisnotobligatorytocomeeach week.However,whenyoudocomeyoucanbesuretohaveagreattime!

HuwParry

Followingonfromlastyear’ssuccess,weenterednottwo,butthreeteams oftwopupilseachfortheannualLatinreadingcompetitionatSt Catherine’sSchoolinBramley.TwooftheseteamswerefromtheFirstYear (starringmessersLorenc,Denmark,AmijiandDonald)andtheotherwas fromtheSecondYear(starringmessersSolari-HernandezandStynesTres). TheboysdidextremelywelltobringtheLatindialoguestolife,againststiff competition,andreceivedcommendationsfortheirefforts.Asalways,itwas inspiringforourlionstohearolderpupilsdeliveringimpassionedorations fromfamousGreekandLatinauthors.Welookforwardtoparticipating

againnextyear,hopefullywithanaddedThirdYearentry.Getpractising, leones!

JWB

Wewerealsodelightedtoseesuchinterestinanotherpublicspeaking competitionrunbytheLythamStAnne’sClassicalAssociation.Thisyear’s themewas‘unsungheroes’,withpupilsbeinginvitedtosubmita presentationaboutafigurefromtheancientworld–beitmythicalor historical–whojustdoesn’tgetenoughcredit!Hampton’stoptwo submissionscamefromAlessandroCardinale,whochosetheswift-footed huntress,Atalanta,andfromTheoLiang,whochosetheRomanemperor Pertinax.Unfortunately,neitherwereinvitedtothefinal,butwewerestill veryimpressedwiththeirencomia!

ARW

However,wedidnotjuststopatGreeceandRomeintheClassics Department!Thestudyofotherareasoftheancientworld–andthe languageswhichhavecomefromthere–alsohadprideofplace.

InFebruary,HamptoniansenjoyedsuccessagainattheannualUK LinguisticsOlympiad(UKLO),whichisrunbytheClassicsdepartment. Thisnationalcompetition,whichissimilartootheracademicOlympiad challenges,presentsthepupilswithsomewordsorsentencesinoneofthe world’s7000languagesandasksforfurtherformsormeanings.

Agroupof16pupilsfromThirdYeartoUpperSixthtookpartinthe advancedroundoftheannualUKLO,withover1,400pupilsfromacross thecountryalsosittingthefiendishlydifficultexam.EightHamptonians securedawardsintheUKLO2022:

Gold: PallavBagchi,DanielMorganandHenryAyres

Silver: ZebedeeAylin,JackEastandNayaazHashim

Bronze: OscarMitchellandLukeTrotman

ParticularcongratulationsgotoUpperSixthFormerPallavBagchiwho receivedaGoldAwardforthethirdconsecutiveyearandwentforwardto roundtwooftheOlympiad,alongwithfellowSixthFormerDanieland FifthYearHenry,whoalsosecuredGolds.Twoofthesetopperformers, PallavandDaniel,sharetheirexperiencesofroundsoneandtwobelow. Thingsdidn’tstopthere!WesoonheardthatPallavBagchihadreceiveda

Meritforhisperformanceinroundtwo,andDanielMorganaDistinction, havingrankedtenthoutofthe75candidates.Danielwasthereforeinvited toattendthetrainingcampattheUniversityofWarwick–afeat accomplishedbyPallavtwoyearspreviously.Hugecongratulationsgoto PallavandDanielfortheseremarkableachievements.

ThisisthetenthyearthatHamptonhasencouragedpupilstotakepartin theUKLOcompetition.WelldonetoalloftheHamptonianswhotook part,betheyaward-winners,first-timersorveterans!AndthankyoutoMr ChaveneauandtheModernLanguagesDepartmentforpromotingthe competitionsosuccessfully.

LC and ARW

FebruarysawthereturnoftheannualUKLO,thistime,thankfully,in person.Thissawusandmanyotherpupilstackleproblemsonalargevariety ofobscurelanguages,fromancientscripttotriballanguagesspokenbyonly acoupleofhundredpeopleintheremotestpartsoftheworld.Thisyear includedMazatecowhistle-sentences“spoken”inpartsofMexico,where differenttonesofwhistlemeandifferentthings,andTseltal,aMayan language,wherethewordfor“eat”dependedonthe“cooked-ness”ofthe food.Itwasagreatopportunityforlinguistsacrosstheschooltohavefun exploringthemanyquirksofsuchlanguages.

WewerefortunateenoughtobeinvitedtotakepartinRound2ofthe competition,alongwithHenryAyres(FifthYear),wherethelanguages somehowbecameevenmoreconfusingandunique.ManythankstoMiss Winstockfororganisingitall,alongwithweeklytrainingsessions,andwe’re sureplentymoreupcominglinguistswillcontinuetoenjoyitforyearstocome.

PallavBagchi and DanielMorgan

Last,butbynomeansleast,webid aveteatquevalete totwomuch-loved membersoftheClassicsDepartmentwhoarestartingnewchaptersintheir teachingcareers.MsGemmaBusbyhasbeendulyappointedHeadof ClassicsatTormeadSchool,whileMrHenryMcTernanhastakenonthe boarding-schoolway-of-lifeasTeacherofClassicsatWellingtonSchool. Theirexpertise,enthusiasmanddedicationtoallareasofSchoollifehave beenunparalleled,andtheywillbecherishedbypupilsandstaffalike.Please givetheirvaledictionsinthisissueof TheLion aread!

ModernForeignLanguages

FrenchComicStripCompetition

Lasthalfterm,allboysstudyingFrenchintheFirst,Second,ThirdandFourth YearwereinvitedtotakepartinHampton’sFrenchComicStripCompetitionin itssecondyear.

Lesbandesdessinées(BD)or'Franco-Belgiancomics'arestillextremelypopular intheFrench-speakingworldandthecharactersofTintinandAstérixhave becomeworld-famous.

Toenterthiscompetition,boyswereaskedtocreateatleasttwoscenesofa comic,inFrench,usingtheirfavouritefictionalcharactersbutimaginingastory oftheirown.Wewereamazed,yetagain,bythecreativityandtheexcellent FrenchondisplayasHamptonlinguistsputtheirownspinontheBDtradition.

Althoughitwasachallengetoidentifyawinnerfromdozensoforiginal, imaginativeentries,ourbestentriessawTintininvarioussituations:escapinga MegalodonsharkorhisCovidquarantine,rescuingThomsonandThompsonin thedesert,playingfootballonthemoonandwinningamotorcyclerace!

Competitionresults:

1stPlace–PabloBranley&SamBarnett TintinetleMégalodon

2ⁿdPlace–TheoTang TintinetlaSymphoniedudésert

3rdPlace–ThomasWray-Miller Tintinéchappeàsaquarantaine

Coupdecœur (Specialmention)

EthanQian Tintinetlefootballsurlalune FreddieMundell,DanielMetzgen&WillMcTavish Tintinetlacourseàmoto

History,ArchivesandArchaeologyClub

Lights,camera,historicalaction

Followingitshuge‘HamptonSchoolRemembers’lockdownprojectto researchthehistoryoftheSchoolduringWorldWarII,theHistory, Archives&ArchaeologyClub(HAAC)setitssightsjustashighthisyear. Clearlyinspiredbyinterviewinghistoriansduringlockdown,Club membersdecideditwastheirturntopickupthemicrophoneandmake theirownhistoricaldocumentaries.

WhilstthehistoryofHamptonSchoolhasbeenwelltold–mostnotablyin TheSchoolbytheThames,byEdwardWildandKenRice–HAACpupils arguedthattheyandtheirpeersarenotfamiliarwiththestoriesof HamptonSchool’sfounders.Theywantedtoknowwherethefounders camefrom,whatjobstheydid,howtheymadeenoughmoneytofoundour School,andwhattypeofpeopletheywere.Itwastothistaskthepupils committedthemselves,aimingtoresearch,write,andstarintheirveryown historydocumentary.

Pupilssetabouttheirresearchtaskwithgreatindustry.Tracingthelivesof RobertHammond,EdmundandNicholasPigeon,CaptainJohnJones,and NathanielLaceyrequiredfingertipsearchingofarchives,lookingthrough localrecords,andtrawlingpagesuponpagesofinternetsites.

Throughthisprocess,pupilspainstakinglypiecedtogetherthefragmentsof eachman’sstory.Theydiscoveredawiderangeofdetailsthatpiquedtheir interest,includingthatRobertHammondsuppliedaletoCardinalWolsey atHamptonCourtPalace,aswellastothemeninHenryVIII’snavy. EdmundandNicholasPigeonweremembersofEdwardVI,MaryIand ElizabethI’sroyalhouseholds,servingintheirJewelHouseandWardrobes. CaptainJohnJoneswasamerchantandPresbyterianwhofoughtforthe parliamentariansintheEnglishCivilWarbetween1642-51.Afterwardshe waselectedasanMPfortheCityofLondon,vehementlychallengingthe buildingofPutneyBridgefearingitwouldthreatenLondon’strade. NathanielLaceyresidedinHamptonHouse–nowdestroyed–near Garrick’sVilla,havingmadealivingasaspiceimporterandeventually becameMasteroftheGrocersCompany,oneofthe‘GreatTwelve’Livery CompaniesoftheCityofLondon,whichwasresponsibleforpreventingthe adulterationofspicesanddrugs.

Oncethepupilshadcompletedtheirresearch,theybegandraftingascript forthedocumentary.Thisrequiredthoughtfulplanningabouthowto communicateevidencetoanaudience,andthepupilsmadestoryboardsto mapouteveryshot.Thisprocessledtothepupilsrealisingtheywouldneed imagestosupplementtheirownpresenceoncamera,justasweseeinreal historicaldocumentaries,andsoanotheravenueofexplorationbegan. Pupilssiftedandsortedthroughawholehostofmaterials,decidingwhich oneswouldworkinadocumentaryandplanninghowtouseeachone–be itasacloseuporsweepingshot,forexample.

Withthescriptandstoryboarddrafted,thepupilssoughtpermissionsfrom theirchosensitesinandaroundHampton,includingTheBellInn, HamptonCourtPalace,andStMary’sChurch,allofwhomwerevery enthusiasticabouttheClub’sproject.

ThefinaldocumentarieswereshownonFounders’Dayandpupilsacross Schoolwereabletofindoutabouttheexcitinglivesofthosemenwho contributedtothefoundingofHamptonSchool.Youcanwatchthe documentariesontheSchoolwebsite.

ReligiousStudiesandPhilosophy

SecondYearTriptoHounslowMosque

OnTuesday14June2022,wewentonatriptoHounslowMosqueand IslamicCentre.WehadstudiedIslamaspartoftheSecondYearsyllabusfor ReligiousStudiesandPhilosophy,andthetripnotonlydeepenedour understandingofthereligion,butalsoprovideduswithacultural experience.

Asapupil,Ireallyfeltthatthetripwasnotonlyinformative,butalso enjoyable,givingouryeargroupatruetasteofIslamanditsbeliefs.Firstly, themosquewasfascinatingtolookat,especiallywhenlookingatthe calligraphyinthemosque.Welearntaboutmanypartsofthemosque, includingthemihrab–thewallatwhichMuslimsfacewhenpraying–and theminbar–theraisedplatformfromwhichanimamaddressesthepeople inthemosque.

Ofcourse,Ishouldnotforgettomentionthehighlightofthetrip:meeting theimam.Theimam,theleaderofprayer,gaveusaneducatingtalkabout themosque.Seeingtheinteriorofamosqueinpersonwasanunforgettable experienceforme,andlearningaboutitmorefromtheimamwasgreat.

Nearertotheendofthesession,wewereallowedtoaskquestionsofthe imam,inwhichwestrengthenedourknowledgeaboutthedailytimesof prayerandRamadan–themonthoffastingforMuslims.

Overall,thetripwasafascinatingone,withitbeingasuperbexperiencefor eachofusinSecondYear.

AgalyanSathiyamoorthy

FifthYearGCSETriptoStPaul’sandthe BuddhapadipaTemple

Lastyear,pupilshadtheopportunitytovisittheBuddhapadipaTemple, whichwasthefirstofitskindintheUnitedKingdomandishometoseveral monksandnuns.ItwasdesignedbyThaiarchitectstogiveastriking impressionthatstandsoutduetoitstallwhitewallsandredandgoldroof. Theinteriorwallsofthetemplehallarecoveredwithcolourfulpaintings thatdepicteventsintheBuddha’slifeinauniquestylewhichincludes detailsofmodernfiguresrangingfromSupermantoMargaretThatcher.The shrineroomisdecoratedwithcandlesandflowerssymbolisingcorebeliefs suchastheimpermanenceoflife,representedbytheflowerswhichwill eventuallywitheraway.

Afterlookingaroundthetemple,wealsohadtheopportunitytoaska formermonkquestionsabouthisexperiences;hisanswershelpedtodevelop ourunderstandingofBuddhism.Wethenwalkedaroundthetranquil, secludedgardenscarefullydesignedtobepeacefulandcalmingforthemind givingustheopportunitytoreflectontheexperience.WethensetoffforSt Paul’s.

WearrivedinLondonataroundmiddayandweregiventimetobuylunch fromwhereverwewanted.Afterweateourmeals,weheadedtoStPaul’s Cathedralwherewereceivedaguidedtour.Weweresplitintosmallgroups andshownaroundthecathedralwherewegottoseetheworld-famous dome.Ourtourguideexplainedeachfeatureofthepaintingandthe artworkonthedomewhilealsoaskinguschallengingquestionsrelating backtoourRScourse.Afterwards,wesatdownatthechoirstandsand receivedanotherinterestingtalkfromourguide.

Attheendofourtour,wewerefortunatelyabletomeetapriestworkingat StPaul’sandwewereabletoaskanyintriguingquestionsregardingtheduty ofapriestorChristianityitself.Thepriestwasabletoanswereveryquestion orquerywehadinexceptionaldetail,providingagreatinsightintowhatlife islikeasapriest.

EwanDuncan and ThomasEdwards

JuniorPhilosophyClubs

Thisyear’sLowerSchoolPhilosophyClubwasaresoundingsuccess;a perfectbalancebetweenfunandthought,HamptoniansfromtheFirstand SecondYearsdiscussedawidevarietyoffascinatingtopics.Aparticular highlightwasthedebateonfuturegenerationsandifwehaveamoralduty towardsthem.

AbhinandSundaramandMalachiMcCallafoundedandledthisnewSociety lastyear.Itwasagreatsuccess,withexcellentattendanceeachFriday lunchtime.Thepupilsdiscussedawidevarietyofethicalthoughtexperiments, aswellasmanyappliedissues,fromnuclearwartomedicalethics.Iwouldlike tothankAbhiandMalachi,andalltheboys,foralltheirefforts.

VisitfromMikeHainesofGlobalActsofUnity

EveryWednesdaylunchtime,theQuietRoomwaspackedoutandbecame anopportunitytodiscussideasandexploreconceptsbeyondtheRSand Philosophysyllabus.Usingthetoolsoflogicandreasontoinvestigatethe waysinwhichhumansexperiencetheworld,theboys’criticalthinkingand analyticalskillswereputtothetestandimproved.Thankyoutoeveryone whocamealong;therewillbeawarmwelcomeandafewroundsof‘Justa Minute!’and‘WordAssociation’waitingforyounextSeptember.

TheThirdYearPhilosophyCirclehasbeenagreatexperiencethroughout theyear.EveryFridaylunchtime,weconvenedtodiscussarandomquestion thathadbeenwrittenbypreviousmembersandwentfromthere.Because theywerewrittenbypupils,thequestionshavebeenabouteverytopic imaginable,fromphilosophyandreligiontopolitics.

Everybodywasallowedtheirownopinionaboutthings,andbytheendof the25minutes,peoplehadoftenchangedtheirmindsafterashortdebate. ThehighlightmusthavebeentheprestigiousPhilosopheroftheWeek award,grantedtothepersonwhomadethebestpointsandarguments. GoingintotheFourthYear,leavingtheCirclecomeswithsadness,butalso theknowledgethatanewgenerationofinquisitiveyoungmindswillhave thechancetoenjoytheclub.

HamptonSchoolEthicsSociety

ItwasanhonourtowelcomeMikeHainesofGlobalActsofUnityto Hamptonlastspring,tospeaktotheThirdYear.HisbrotherDavid,anaid worker,wasmurderedbymembersofISISin2014.Mikespokeabouthis journeytoforgivenessofhisbrother’skillers,oneofwhomwassentencedin theUSAshortlybeforethistalk.Hismessage–oftheincredibleimportance oftolerance,love,andforgiveness–wasverypowerful,andhasleftalasting impressiononallwhoattended.Thepupilswerebrilliant,givingMiketheir undividedattentionandaskingexcellentquestions.

LastFebruary,wewelcomedBBCNewGenerationThinker,DrDafydd Daniel.HegavealecturetotheSixthFormonnaturallawandconscience. Hamptonianswerejoinedbypupilsfromlocalschools,andallappreciated thisopportunitytolistentoanexpertinthefield.

RVA

MS

SixthFormTalkbyDrDanielofOxfordUniversity

Thisyear’seditionof LionPrint,Hampton’s CreativeArtsmagazine,includespiecespenned inournewWriters’Room,whichopenedits doorstobuddingstorytellersinNovember2021. Offeringaprogrammeofcreativewritinglessons duringlunchtimesacrossallyeargroups,the Writers’Roomhasenabledpupilstodevelop theirvoicesfurtherandhonetheirnarrativeskills inanengrossingcommunityoffellowwriters.We areexcitedtobeabletoshowcaseourfirstentries to LionPrint,whichrangefrom50-wordstories totalesofloveandloss!

Othercontributionstothelatesteditionof Lion Print,whichshowcasesthecreativetalentofFirst YeartoSixthFormHamptonians,wereeither producedinresponsetolessonsacrosstheEnglish curriculumorarisefromco-curricularactivities suchastheArtsAward,wherepupilsare encouragedtopursueacreativeareaofpersonal interest.

Additionally,weincludedpiecesfromthisyear’s creativewritingcompetition,inspiredbya CharacterDayvisitfromSarahGovett,popular dystopianauthorof TheTerritory.Afterhearing Sarahdescribetheinfluencesonherwriting, pupilsfromtheLowerandMiddleSchoolwere askedtopenadystopianworkofnomorethan 500wordssetinanewworldoftheirown.An outstandingrangeofentriesresulted,spanning subjectsfromlifeonotherplanetstosurvival gamesandtotalitarianregimes.Theentrieswere ajoytoreadandinvolvedremarkablecreativity–congratulationstoeveryoneinvolvedfor producingsuchthoughtfulandengaging submissions.

Mostoftheartworkthataccompaniesthe creativewritingin LionPrint2022 isbyFifth YearHamptonians,alongwithsomeexceptional piecesbyLowerSchoolboys.Manyoftheolder pupils’pieceswerecreatedforaprojectentitled 'WindowsontheWorld',whilstothersexplored theconceptof'Time';theLowerSchoolwork exploresa'NaturalWorld'themeincelebration ofthebeautyandvarietyoflifeonEarth.

ThemagazineisavailableontheMagazines sectionofthewebsite,oraprintedcopycanbe requestedfromtheSchool.

TheWriters’Roomopeneditsdoorsto buddingstory-tellersinNovember2021.

TheideabehindtheWriters’Roomwasto createaspacewherethevalueofthewritten wordcanbecelebrated,andforthosewho enjoywritingtoengrossthemselvesina creativecommunity.LedbyEnglish teachers,AlexMcLuskyandHelenBooker –andthankstotheincrediblehard-workof theSchool’smaintenanceteam–anEnglish classroomwastransformedintoacreative huboverOctoberhalfterm,allfundedby thegenerosityoftheHSPA.

Sinceitslaunch,pupilsacrossallyeargroups havefollowedaprogrammeofcreative writinglessonsduringlunchtimes, exploringelementssuchasplot, characterisationandnarrativeperspective. Eachattendeehasbeengivenhisown ‘Writer’sNotebook’:aplacetojotdown ideas,developplotlinesandsketchout characterstudies.Pupilshaveentered competitions,producedtheirownportfolio ofworkand,insharingandacceptingadvice onwhattheyhavewritten,developed confidenceintheirownvoices.

TheWriters’Roomhasalsobroadenedits reachbeyondtheEnglishDepartmentby workingwiththeArtDepartmentto producebookjackets,usingthereduction lino-cuttingprocess,andencouragingpupils torecognisethevalueofcross-subject collaboration.

Inthesummerterm,Year5pupilsfrom localprimaryschools,tookpartinacreative writingworkshop,basedontheconceptofa ‘cabinetofcuriosities’,andevenstaffhave benefittedfromtheWriters’Room,with28 membersofthecommon-roomtakingpart inafive-weekcourse.

ThreeofHampton’sbuddingjournalistswereawardedprizesfortheirnewswritingskillsaspartofthisyear’sNewsquestYoungReporterscheme.

FreddieMcIntosh,AdamSizooandTomSouthgateimpressedthe independentjudgeswiththeirreportinginarangeofdifferentcategories

QuizSociety

The2021-22quizseasonhasbeenabusyone,withbothstaffandpupils enjoyingthereturntoquizzinginperson.Wekickedofftheyearwiththe SeniorRegionalcompetition,heldatHamptonSchool.

WewelcomedLEH,Westminster,Bedales,StTeresa’sandRGSGuildford toplayintheinter-schoolevent,enteringtwoHamptonteams.Overall,out of8teams,Westminsterwonthewholecompetition,withHamptonB comingsecondandHamptonAinthirdplace.Thisisanexcellentresult, withbothHamptonteamswinningtheirplay-offsandHamptonBwinning againstRGSBintheirsemi-finaltocompeteinthefinalversus Westminster,thedefendingchampions.

TheteamswerePiersMarchant,ConorMcNeany,SamGovierandRishi VijayanfortheATeamandFredDarley,JakeGreen,AvinashGogineniand JackReillyfortheBs.

TheJuniorSquadwentonebetterintheirversionofthecompetition. AlthoughtheBTeam–NeelMohindra,RahulBansal,JoshieHuntleyand WillLawson–wereunluckytobeverynarrowlyeliminatedbyLudgrove Schoolintheknockoutrounds,theATeamputtogetherastringofvery impressivevictories,culminatinginacomprehensivewinoverWhitgift whichsawthemcrownedSouthEastEnglandRegionalChampions.This fineeffortalsoqualifiestheteamfortheNationalFinals,tobeheldlaterin theyear–resultsnotinattimeofgoingtopress!–wheretheywillfaceoff againsttheothersevenregionalchampionsoftheUnitedKingdom.Ahuge welldonetothesquadofKanishkManjunath,JoshuaRipon,BenBates, JamesBrocklebankandAlexPooley.

TheHSPAusheredinthesummertermwiththeirgenerouspurchaseofa replacementsetofelectronicbuzzers.Thesummermonthsbroughtthe LowerSixthinter-formcompetition.Followingaseriesof16exciting matches,fourformsprogressedtothesemi-finals:L6VSversusL6DASand L6MGYversusL6EA,withstellarperformancesfromNickAllenandOscar Mitchell.

fromnewsreportstomorein-depthinterviewpieces.Theywereselected from24boyswhoparticipatedintheonlineprogrammethisyear.

Thoseinvolvedwereexpectedtoresearchandwriteatotalofeightarticles inarangeofcategories,meetingdeadlinesbetweenOctoberandApril. TheirpieceswerepublishedontheNewsquest–ThisisLocalLondon website

https://www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/youngreporter/ DianaJarvis,YoungReporterCoordinatorforNewsquestsaid: ‘Congratulationsfordemonstratingeightmonthsofrealcommitmenttomeeting deadlineswhilstlearningallthetime’.Sheadded:‘It’sbeenapleasuretowork withreallyresponsiblepupils’.

2021-2022Results:

JoeMurphy–Winner:Interview

AdamSizoo–Winner:BreakingNews

TomSouthgate–HighlyCommended:Event

TBA

WatchedbytheirpeersandtheirtenseFormTutors,thefinaltookplaceon 6July,whereL6MGYtriumphedoverL6VSinanexcitinglyclosefinale, winning280to240.Questionssuchas‘howmanylegsdoesalobsterhave’ and‘whatdospeleologistsstudy’featured.

Keenlyfoughtinter-formtournamentswerealsocontestedlowerdownthe School.IntheSecondYear,2Jedgedout2Ptotakethetitleandthe inauguralFirstYearcompetitionsaw1Pcrownedchampionsbythe narrowestofmarginsinanexcellentfinalagainst1W.

MWE, CAM, REB, SDG, NN

OurformerArchitectureClubhasmorphed,thankstoseveralkilos’worth ofoldLegokindlydonatedbyHamptonSchoolfamilies,intoLego ArchitectureClub.Noinstructionsorkitstofollow,butacreativeand chaoticmixofenergyandbricks!

Westartedtheyearwithahighly-competitiveBridgeproject.Spanninga whopping300mm,bridgeshadtobeself-supportiveandallowfortraffic flow.Thesewerescientifically*testedforstrength,butmanywere beautifullyengineered:featuresincludedbracing,suspension,and decorativearcades.Afewprovedindestructible!

Next,pupilscollaboratedona‘CityoftheFuture’next,buildingeco-energy stations,rocketlaunchers,spybasesandprisonswhichslottedtogetherinto adarkanddangerousworld…turnsouttheseLowerSchoolpupilshavea dystopianstreaktothem!Highlightsincludedagiantbridge,monorail systemandimpressiveportcomplex.

Ourlastthemewas‘Towers’,wherepupilsshowedhighoriginalityandan intuitiveunderstandingofArchitecturalgenresbeyondtheiryears:NeoGothic,Bauhauscolours,High-Tech,AztecandMiamiArtDecostylesall flourished–orabold‘K’topromoteoneyoungArchitect’sownbrand.

Ihavebeensoimpressedwiththediversityofideasanddesignspupilshave createdandlookforwardtoseeingwhattheybuildnext.Wewouldalsolike tothankourFourthYearhelpersandPrefectfortheirhardworkinthe never-endingtaskofsortingLegopieces.

*weightedandleantoninanadhocfashionuntilcollapseresultinginpieces scatteredalloverthefloor!

JGM

arts

Hampton’sstreakofimpressivemusicals continuedinOctoberastheHammond

Theatrewastransformedintothebustling streetsof1950’sNewYorkasboththe HamptonandLEHactorsputontheirNew Yorkaccentsasadazzlingperformanceof GuysandDolls commenced.

Walkingintothetheatre,theaudience immediatelyknewthattheywereinfora treat;thevibrantlights,intricatesetdesign andupbeatmusicinstantlyimmersedthe audienceintotheenergeticscene.Thestory detailsagambler,NathanDetroit,andhis seeminglyimpossible-to-losebetwithSky Mastersonthatthelattercannottakethe puritanicalmissionarySarahBrownona date.Astheplaycontinues,itdrivesinto scenesoflove,violenceandplentyofcomedy.

Ofcourse,withinamusical,thepointof interestwasthemusicandrenditionsof world-renownedsongssuchas‘Luckbea lady’and‘Adelaide’slament’;thesehadthe audienceconstantlysmilingandclapping–unsurprisinggiventhecasts’outstanding singingthathasbeenparalleledtotheskills frequentlyondisplayatTheWestEnd.The non-stopenthusiasmfromthecastduring eachsongalongsidethethrilling choreographyshowedthehardworkthe pupilshadputinduringtheirweeksof rehearsal–anditdefinitelypaidoff!

Thevariouspartnerships,suchasNicelyNicelyJohnsonandBennySouthwest–playedbyJohnnyEvans-HutchisonandMilo Heard–showcasedthebrilliantactingskills ofthecast;theytooktheaudiencethrough theentirerangeofemotionsastheplay progressed.Allofthismadethemid-show breakunbearableastheaudienceonly wantedtoseemore!

Particularcreditshouldgototheprincipals, includingHenryWard,BenFrancis, AnastaciaHotchinandLeahDawson,whose performanceswerenothingshortofperfect inboththeirsingingrolesandspeakingroles. BoththeHamptonandLEHdancers broughtallofthescenestolifewiththeir enthusiasmandchemistry.

Overall,itissafetosaythatthehigh expectationsthatcomewithaHamptonand LEHmusicalwerenotdisappointed!Foryet anotheryear,bothschools,withthehelpof theskilleddirector,musicaldirector, choreographer,bandandbehind-the-scenes technicians,wereabletoputonathrilling performancethathadthesongsstuckinyour headfordaystofollow.

WillConyers

themagazineofhamptonschool2021-2022

Inthewinterydepthsoftheautumnterm,acastof20LEHandHampton pupilsfromtheFifthYeartoLowerSixth,weretaskedwithcollectivelydevisinganimmersiveplay,looselybaseduponShakespeare’s AMidsummer Night’sDream.

Althoughtheplayretainedsomekeyfeaturesoftheoriginal–lovetriangles, themechanicalsandsoon–thereweresomenoticeabledifferencestothe original:thesettingwasasummermusicfestivalandmostofthecastwore eitherjeansorneont-shirts!

UnderthedirectionofMrsPlowman,assistedbyMrHaynes,weformulatedaspine-tinglingmurdermystery.Onboththe30th Novemberand1st December,anaudiencecomposedofpupils,teachersandparentswerewelcomedtotheHammondTheatre;theyweresplitintoseveralgroups,each withtheirown‘detective’,andtheywereinvitedtowatchaseriesofscenes surroundingtheeventsofHermia’sdeath.Thecastwererequiredtorepeat theirindividualscenestoeachgroupastheymadetheirwayaroundthe theatre,occupiedwithsetsrangingfromforeststopolicestations.

Whilstsomesceneswerescripted,othersallowedforaudienceinteraction, wherebyquestioningof‘suspects’wasencouraged.Thisinevitablynecessitatedsomeimprovisationfromthecast!Beforethemurdererwasrevealedduringthefinale,audiencemembersweretaskedwithguessingtheirexperience.

MrKnibbswasreportedtohavesuspectedHermia’sconfrontationalfather asthemurderer!

Onceaudiencemembershadsubmittedtheirguess,theactualmurdererwas soonrevealedasPuckduringacentralscenefeaturingtheentirecast.An immensethankyougoesouttoallthebackstageandtechnicalcrew,integral tothecoordinationoftheplay,aswellasthecastfortheircommitment, creativityandskill.

But,mostofall,theplaywouldundeniablyneverhavebeensuchasuccess withoutthephenomenaldedicationofMrsPlowmanandMrHaynes.

CharlieCoulter

Overthecourseofthreeandahalf months,boysfromtheFirst,Secondand ThirdYearworkedhardtoproduceMiss Tiller’sbrilliantplay, Alex.Wonderland. Theplayisbasedonthestoryof Alicein Wonderland,butithasbeencleverly convertedintothesettingofavideo game.Icancertainlysaythatwehaveall enjoyedthehumourandcrazinessofall thecharacterswhilstgettingtoknow otherboysacrosstheLowerSchool.

Thefirstcoupleofweeksworkingonthe playwere,asalways,filledwithlotsof confusion;but,astheweekswentby,the playbegantocometogether.Wepushed reallyhardtofine-tunetheplayasmuch aspossibleinthelastweekorso.Bythe timeitcametoperformancenight,we wereallexcitedtoshowoffallofourhard work!Itwasincredibleperformingin frontofsomanypeopleandIthoroughly enjoyedmyscenesasTweedle-Deeand gettinguptomischiefwithmypartnerin crime:Tweedle-Dum.

Afterthefinalperformance,ImustsayI wasverysadtobefinishingthe productionasithadbecomesuchakey partofmyday-to-daylifeandIhopeto continuewithdramathroughouttherest ofmyHamptonlife.

Alex.Wonderland,aquirkyversionof Alice inWonderland reimaginedforthedigital age,wasagreatsuccessfortheFirst, SecondandThirdYear.However,sucha brilliantfeatwouldneverhavebeen pulledoffifitwasnotforthecreative inspirationandendlessperseverancefrom alltheteachers–especiallyourdirector, MissTiller,andthetechcrew.

Itallbeganwiththeauditionswhichwere heldatthebeginningofthesummer term.Everyonewasfilledwithanervous senseofanticipationandexcitementas weallknewonlyhalfofuswouldbe pickedtoperformintheplay.However, assoonaswesawthescript,allofus wereintriguedbythetechnological modernisationoftheplay.Imean, everyonewantstobepartofaplaythatis allaboutavideogame,right?

Thefirstrehearsalsbegansoonafterthe auditionswitheveryonereelingwith excitementtobeginacting.Wehadall beendrawninbythevideogame,tech aspectoftheplay.Theseleakedintothe secondhalfoftermandeachonewas

LeanderKoutsoudis-Bhuller

morefunthanthelast.Ifoundthatthe wholeexperiencewasagreatwaytoget toknowotherboysintheschool,many ofwhomIhadnevermetbefore. Finally,afterhoursofpractiseandhard work,wewerereadytoputeverything together.

IfIambeinghonest,thefirstfullrunthroughwasabitofadisaster!Everyone wasextremelyconfusedandtherewasa feelingofchaos.However,withalotof hardworkfromthewholecast,afew morelongrehearsals,andamazing directionfromMissTiller,wewere finallyabletomakeitthroughoutthe wholeplaywithoutforgettingacue.We wereoverjoyed,butweknewwestill hadamountaintoclimb:the performance!

Onthedayofthefirstshow,theairwas buzzingwithanelectricundercurrentof anxiousexcitement.Allofourhardwork hadleduptothis:onesinglehourtoact ourheartsout,onesinglehourto showcaseourskills.Whatwasamazing wasastheshowbegan,everyoneseemed toforgettheirnervesandjustreally enjoyedtheperformanceandasaresult,I believetheplaywasgreatsuccessonboth nights.

Icannotwaittotakepartinthenextplay inSecondYear!

Ioriginallywrotethisadaptationof Alice inWonderland in2016,andithasbeenan absolutepleasuretorevivethescriptwith theassistanceoftheLowerSchool Hamptonianpupils.Ithasbeeneyeopeningtoseejusthowquicklythe internetandsocialmediahave transformedsince2016astheboyshave regularlyremindedmeandneverfailedto letmeknowwhen‘…no-onesaysthat anymore…’.

Togetherwiththepupils,weworked exceptionallyhardtocreativelytransform theclassictalesofWonderlandtoadigital realm.Iwascontinuallyimpressedbythe dedication,imaginationandgoodhumourofthecastof Alex.Wonderland andabsolutelyadoredworkingwiththem forourmonthsofrehearsals.

Hopefullyitbroughttheaudienceagreat dealofjoy–itcertainlydidforus!

themagazineofhamptonschool2021-202241

NoahRasideMel

Thisyear’sSixth-Form-directedplayhas,ofcourse,notbeenwithoutits complications.Wehavehadtobemalleablewithourrehearsalsdueto Covidandmockexams;but,Iamsogratefulthateveryonehasbeenfully committedtotheshow.Therehasbeenagreatsenseofteamwork throughout!

Throughouttheprocess,therehasbeensomuchthathasbeenlearntby all.AsafanofWilde’splay, TheImportanceofBeingEarnest,Iwasparticularlykeentoseehowmyideascouldbeputonstage.

Havingneverdirectedbefore,Ihavelearntabouttheenormousamount oforganisationthatgoesintoproducingashow.Thecasthasbeenfantasticandenjoyedgainingindependenceovertheiracting.Ihavebeenso luckytohavesuchatalentedcast!

Iwouldliketothankthecast,crewandallthosewhohavehelpedoutto makethiswonderfulexperiencepossible.

TomKetel

GuysandDolls

12-15/10/2021

Wow!WhatcanIsay?Itwashonestlyanhonourtobeinvolvedina productionasincredibleasthisyear’s GuysandDolls!

Itwasanintensesixweeksofrehearsals,butIenjoyedeverysecondofthem. Weallseemedtolookforwardtoseeingeachother,nomatterhowtiredwe were.Therewasanunbelievableunityandlovebetweenallofthecast members;weallgotonsowell!

Westartedbylearningthedances,stepbystep.Theyweretiringandatfirst thestepsweredifficulttoremember;but,afteracoupleofweeks,theyreally begantotakeshape,leadingtotheincredibleroutinesthatwesawonstage. Therewasanamazingamountofdifficultywithinthedances,likethe spectacularliftsattheendofHavana,aswellasthefrontflipsinthe Crapshooters’dance,butwemanagedtopullthemoff!

IwouldliketothankMrsTateforherhardworkandpatiencewhen teachingustheroutines;herexcitingandbubblypersonalitykeptusall motivatedandpositivethrougheachandeveryrehearsal.

Wethenwentontolearnthesongsandblockeachsceneindividually.Ido otthinkanyofuswillforgetMrRoland’slegendary‘BellaSignora’vocal warmup–whichwedideveryrehearsal,withoutfail.Theharmonieswere

difficult–especiallybass2inOldestEstablished–butthroughregular practiceinschoolandusingRehearScore,wewereabletomastereventhe mostchallengingofharmonies.

AswellasMrRolandonthemusicalside,MrsJameshelpedusbringthe magicoftheplaytolifethroughexpertcoachingforlinedelivery,accent, andcomedictiming!

EventhoughwefacedaCovidscare,withFinloCowleyheartbreakingly havingtopulloutoftheshowjustbeforeperformanceweek,wemanaged toregroupandrecoverasacasttoproducesuchawonderfulproduction. BenStrongproducedanastonishingperformancefillinginforFinlo, managingtolearnallofArvide’slinesinundertwodaysanddeliveringthem brilliantly.

Therewasmuchspeculationaboutthebandasperformanceweekdrew closer.Howloudwouldtheybe?Howmanyofthemwouldtherebe?How goodwouldtheybe?

Ithinkitisfairtosaythatwewereallblownawaybytheimmensemusical talentintheband,especiallywhenwefirstheardtheminthemarathon four-hourSitzProberehearsal.Asweheardthetrumpetssoundandthe

drumscrash,webegantofeeltheplaystarttocometolife,whichbrought evenmoreexcitementtoour GuysandDolls family.

Aswellastheband,wehavetheamazingtechteam,ledbyMr Thompson.Duringperformancestheygoundertheradar,buttheyarea crucialcogintheperformancewheel.Wefirstwitnessedtheirslick transitionsduringtheTechrehearsal,theSundaybeforetheshows,andas weexperiencedtherealisticsoundeffects,breath-takinglightingand imaginativeprops,wefeltasenseofpride;knowingthatwewereabout toproducesomethingamazing,somethingthatwouldnothavebeen possiblewithoutthem.

Thencameperformanceweek.Theonewehadallbeenwaitingfor.The buzzaroundthecastgrewasopeningnightloomed.Butfirst,wehadtorun theshowincostumeandmakeup;withoutstopping.Anaction-packed Mondayincludedtwodressrehearsals,oneofwhichbeingperformedtothe Second-Yearpupils.Withhairslickedbackandcurled,ridiculoussuitsand sparklydressesputon,wewereready.

Tuesdayarrived.Wewerenervous,butexcited.Everydance,everyline, everysongwasdeliveredflawlesslyandasthelightsfadedattheendofthe firstshow,weknewwhatwewerecapableof.Thenextthreeperformances letususeourmomentumtoimproveeverynight,andbyFridaynightevery ounceofemotion,passion,andenergythatwehadwasleftonthatstage. Wehaddoneit.

BeinginvolvedinSchoolproductionshasalwaysbeensomethingIenjoy doing,buttheleveloftalentandprofessionalismwithinthisshowmadeit feellikesomethingoutoftheWestEnd!Iwouldhighlyrecommendgetting involvedwiththeseproductions;theyareaonceinalifetimeopportunity. Evenifyoudon’twanttobeinthespotlight,youcanplayinthebandor workbackstage.Theretrulyisaroleforeveryone.

ThankssomuchtoMrRoland,MrsTateandMrsJamesformakingthis productionpossible,andtothecast–loveyouall!

MiloHeard

KeyboardConcert

Manymayhavethoughtthattheimpressiveperformancestheyexperienced fromtheorganistsinthemainhalltoopentheeveningofthe4th of November’seventwouldleadtherestoftheHampton2021Keyboard Concerttofeelunderwhelming.However,thisenergyandstayingpower wasmaintainedimpressivelybyeachperformer,fromthefirstrightthrough tothelastmostvirtuosopiecesoftheevening.

JihwanMoon’sstartedforthepianistsoftheeveningwithahumbleyet thoughtfulrenditionoftheclassic‘FürElise’.AdamAttiaproceededtodrive theenergythroughtheroofwith‘MisterTrumpetMan’,andHalLeman’s piecefromChopintransitionedsmoothlyintoBenRowe’sdreamy‘Notturno’.

BorisDukeintroducedRachmaninovtotheconcert,anamewithwhomwe werewellacquaintedbytheend,andGeorgeBoydandHarryForbes carriedusthroughtoOliLenox-Smith’sambitiousperformanceof ‘Pathetique’ MovementOne.DeclanGoh’sheartfeltrenditionofDebussy’s ‘Rêverie’capturedtheaudience’sattention,beforeOscarLiu’sGinastera ‘PreludeNo.6’shockedthemwithunprecedentedpaceandfullnessof sound;thebriefestperformanceoftheevening,butnonethelessoneofthe mostmemorable.

Dring’s‘PinkMinor’wasgivenAdamGaunt’stouch,beforeYangziTjoe showeddeeppassioninhisrecitalofIbert’s‘SerenadeSurL’eau.Some TelemannfromCharlieBishopfinishedthefirsthalfoftheconcertwiththe audienceexcitedfortheseniormusiciansofthesecondhalf.

HarrySpenceendedtheintervalandopenedthesecondhalfwithBrahms’s ‘IntermezzoinAminor’,apiecewellplacedintheprogrammeasservingthe connectiveroleitwaswrittenfor.

IshaanDasgaveusatreatwithhisboominglownotesinthesecond movementofBeethoven’s‘PianoSonataNo.3’,beforeaquicktripforwards intimeofcomposition;AitorMcConnellgaveahighenergyperformance ofStrasbourg,St.Denis,acatchyjazztune,andLukeMichelstookustoa worldoffantasywith‘Jacob’sBakery’fromJamesNewtonHoward’s FantasticBeastssoundtrack.

HenryWardlaiddownhishornforthisconcert,insteadreturningustothe ageofMozartwithhis‘PianoSonatainGMajor’,whilstRohanCrowe broughtanotherpieceofRachmaninovtothestage,withthesecond movementofhissecondsonata.

Followingthis,JamesAbrahartblewtheaudienceawaywithmarvellous dynamiccontrolandthoughtfulplayingofChopin’s‘NocturneinCsharp Minor’.Thelively‘Rondo–presto’fromHaydn’sNo.48wasstruck powerfullyintothekeysbyVidunaDiyasena,beforeCameronMarshall gaveacarefulperformanceofMozart’s‘AdagioinBminor’.

BenFranciskepttheenergylevelsupwiththefirstmovementofBeethoven’s firstsonata,andPranavSanthoshtransitionedtheeventintoitsfinalacts withDebussy’s‘Sarabandefrom PourLePiano’.

JohnnyEvans-Hutchinsonprovidedoneofthemostemotionallyinvested performancesoftheeveninginhisplayingof‘Valse–Impromptu’byGrieg. Thefollowingact,PallavBagchi’srenditionof‘MomentMusicalNo.3’by Rachmaninov,stoletheshowemotionally,evokingintensefeelingfromthe veryfirstnotestotheverylast.

DylenSingahmadeusalllaughwithahumorous‘hopefully’followinghis introduction,butthenmadeusallgaspwitharguablythemostdramatic pieceoftheevening,producinghugeamountsofsoundwithadmirable controlinRachmaninov’s‘PreludeinCSharpMinor’.

ThefinalactofthenightwasDanielMorgan,whodidnotdisappoint.The busynessofSchumann’s‘FantasiestückeNo.2: Aufschwung’didn’tprevent himdisplayinghugeamountsofcontrolandfeelingthroughhispiece, bringingtheconcerttoathrillingconclusion.

HugethankstoMrRolandandMrGreenfororganisingtheevent,andto allthewonderfulpiano,organandothermusicteachersthathaveinspired somanyandplayedapivotalroleincreatingnotonlythisevent,butmany tocome,andmanypast.

BenFrancis

GamelanWorkshop

ThoseofusstudyingMusicforGCSEwerelucky enoughtobegiventheopportunitytoparticipate inatwo-hourworkshopexploringGamelan music,thetraditionalmusicofIndonesia.

DeliveredbyMikefromInspireWorks,wewere navigatedunderhisexpertguidancethroughits variousmelodiccharacteristicsandrhythmic intricacies.DespitealsobeingfoundinJava,the GamelanmusicwelearnttoplayhailsfromBali, characterisedtypicallybyfastertemposand liveliermusiconthewhole,comparedtoits Javanesecounterpart.

Gamelanitselfisthenameattributedtothe ensembleofinstruments,predominantly percussioninstrumentsandmetallophones.Allof theseareuniquelyhandcraftedbyblacksmiths, carpentersandmanymoreincrediblydedicated professionals–theoneweplayedonhavingbeen madeoverninemonthsinBaliitself–paintedin thetraditionallyBalinesecoloursofredandgold andadornedwithdecoration–theparticularset weusedbearingdepictionsoflotusflowers,a culturalsymbolofpeaceandlife.

Inordertodemonstraterespectforthesanctityof themusicandtheinstruments,theyareplayed seated,barefoot,onthefloor.

Wewereintroducedinitiallytothecoremelody thatwouldbethefocalpointofthepiecewewere tofinishlearningbytheendofthesession;to beginwith,weplayedthesame,simplepartin unison,asweslowlygotusedtothedifficultiesof playinginstrumentsthatweresodifferenttowhat wewereusedto.

Althoughthelearningcurvewassomewhatsteep, weeventuallymanagedtogettogripswiththe moreunfamiliartechniques,andbegantotackle learningsomemorerhythmicallycomplexparts. Interestingly,theywerestillbasedoffthesame coremelody,playedthroughoutbythelead melodyinstrument;thiswasasharpandoften intriguingcontrasttothelayersofharmonyand melodicpolyphonyfrequentlyemployedin Westernmusic.

Aswemovedaroundtheinstrumentsandgota feelforeachdifferentone,wewereintroducedto thestructureofthemusic.Theroleofthe drummer–assumedbyMikehimself–isbest likenedtothatofaconductorinaregular Westernorchestra;hisdrumbeat’stempo,or rhythmanddynamic,instigateachangeinthe speedofthemusicorindicatethebeginningofa newsectionrespectively.

SinceGamelanmusictypicallyaccompanies dancingorotherperformances–infact,thepiece welearnedwastoaccompanyasinglemale dancerina‘WarriorDance’–thedanceris followedmeticulouslybythedrummerand ensemble,andtheydictatethetempo,aswellasa changeinsection.Assuch,weconcludedthe workshopbypractisingthesespontaneous changesofsectionandrhythms,mirroringthe natureoftrueGamelanperformances.

Albeitonlytwohourslong,itprovedtruly memorabletoexperiencefirst-handalmostbeing withinthemusicitself,andbeingapartofits vibrantlylifelikeintensity.

Perhapsoneofthegreatestdifficultieswe encounterinstudyingworldmusictopics–whichmaybeobscuretothoseofuslivingin England–isthelackofourabilitytoassociate withthismusiconthesamelevelthatwedowith musicwearemorefamiliarwith.However,Iam certainthattakingpartinsucharemarkable workshophashelpedusnotonlytounderstand themusicbuttofeelitonamuchmorepersonal level,whichis–forme–themostvaluable takeawayfromtheentireexperience.

IshaanDas

NewBoys’Concert 9/11/21

Thisconcertwasanincrediblecollectionofpieces. Acalmingatmosphere,mixedwithan outstandingfeelforeachpiece,helpedtocreatean amazingconcert.

Ihaveneverseenayoungmusician’sconcertof suchvarietybefore,encompassingaboutten different,amazinginstrumentsandeverygenreof music,fromragtimetoactionandclassical.

Inmypersonalopinion,Iespeciallylikedtheway thattheatmospherecontrastedimmensely,which contributedtotheuniquestyleofthemusic.

Overall,Ienjoyedtheconcertverymuch,andam lookingforwardtothenextconcerts!

TheoLiang

StCecilia’sConcert

13/11/21

Inhonourofthepatronsaintofmusic,theStCecilia’sconcertwasfilled withmagical,virtuosicpiecesofsublimemusicalwriting.

ThestorygoesthatStCecilia,inlightofhervowofabstinence,sanginher heartahymnofloveforJesus,hertruespouse,atherarrangedwedding ceremony.Suchpureandheartfeltmusiccouldneverberepeated,butwe strovetofollowinherfootsteps.

TwobeautifulvocalpiecesfromOliverDonaldopenedtheeveningonan elegantnote.TherewerestunningpianistsplayingeverythingfromDebussy toRaveltoRachmaninovandeventoHansZimmer.

Thestringswerenotleftbehind.JohnnyEvans-Hutchinsonplayeda sensationalPreludeandAllegrobyKreislerontheviolinandDylenSingah stunnedeveryonewithhisrenditionofWilkomirski’sAriaforcello.

HenryWardperformedanexquisitenocturneontheFrenchhornbyFranz Strauss.EdFinnettsimilarlyplayedawonderfuloboesonatabySaintSaens.

Allinall,thewholeconcertwasfilledwithmusicofthehighestcalibre. Aftertheconcert,afewoftheparentscameuptocongratulateus,praising thequalityoftheperformersandmarvellingatthebrillianceoftheoccasion. Ichosetosingtwoofmyfavouritepieces,Schubert’sDerDoppelgangerand Gurney’sSleep,toperforminthisconcert.Ifeltthatthesetwopieces complementedeachotherandtheatmosphereperfectly.Thegradual tension,climaxandreleaseofboththepiecesfeltsuitableforhonouringSt Ceciliaherself.IamtrulythankfulthatIwasgiventheopportunitytoclose outsuchawonderfulevening.

AmassivethankyoutoMrOyarzabalforaccompanyingtheperformersand anothermassivethankyoutothecatering,eventsandtheatreteams,the musicstaffandthemusicsociety,whoallworkedsohardtomakesure everyoneexperiencedafabulousshow.

Thisnightwascertainlyoneforeverybodytoremember!

PallavBagchi

WoodwindConcert

23/11/21

TheFifthAnnualWoodwindconcertwasheld Tuesday23rd November2021.Theevening startedoffwiththeReeder’sClarinetGroup, whoplayedCandyMountainRockwhichwas veryentertainingfortheaudienceasthepiece requiredtheperformerstostamptheirfeetin tempo.

Therewereawiderangeofyeargroupand abilitiesthroughouttheconcert,rangingfrom firstyearuptoUpperSixth.Therewereavariety ofsoloists:sevenclarinettists,foursaxophonists, twoflautistsandoneoboist.

Thereweretenperformancesinthefirsthalf,but oneofmyfavouriteswasDanielMorgan’s HungarianPastoralFantasyMovements2and3, playedontheflute,accompaniedbyMr Oyarzabal,withlotsofbeautifulscalesand arpeggios;itisaverydramaticpiecewhichhasa lovelyending.

ThefirsthalfendedwithDanielMorganand TheoMantel-CooperplayingValsedesFleurs, accompaniedbyMrOyarzabalonthepiano, withthemainmelodysharedbetweenboth flutesandthepianoattimes.

Afterabriefinterval,theClarinetensemble kickedoffthesecondhalfwith‘TheBare Necessities’and‘Grandfather’sClock’whichwas verywellexecuted,withthecrowdenjoyingthe well-knownpieces.

Therewereeightperformancesinthesecond half,butmypersonalfavouritefromthishalfwas ArjunKangplayingDisAlyscampsl’amo souspire,movement4ofTableauxdeProvence byPauleMauriceonthesaxophone, accompaniedbyMrOyarzabal.Itwasa melancholicpiecewithawiderangeof dynamics,playedwithanincredibletone.

TheconcertfinishedwiththeWindQuintet playingCharlestonfromNormanHallam’s DanceSuiteandBeethoven’sFifthBossaNova,a classicamongthemusicworld,arrangedina quirkyjazzstyle–thefamous‘fatemotif’being passedbetweeneachinstrument,whichthe audiencethoroughlyenjoyed.

Theconcertwasbrilliant,andwewouldliketo thankMrOyarzabalforaccompanyingthe performers,MrEliot,MrThompson,Miss Estall,andMrZuckertforalltheirhelpin organisingandrunningtheconcert.

themagazineofhamptonschool2021-2022

TheoMantel-Cooper

HamptonCourtScholar

Broadcast3/12/21

MynameisBenedictandIamgoingtobetellingyouabouthowtwo HamptonboyswereinvolvedinarecordingforBBCRadio3.

NathanielCarsonandIarrivedatHamptonCourtPalacemid-afternoonon TuesdayOctober10th,alongwiththerestofthechoirboys,whoattend otherschoolsinthelocalarea.Wewerejoinedbythegentlemenvoicesof thechoir,too.

NathanielandIareregularsingersattheChapelRoyalHamptonCourt Palace,singingthereall-daySundayeachweekandattendingpracticestwice weeklyafterschool.IamtheSeniorHeadChoristerofthechoirand NathanielisaSeniorChorister.

Webeganbypractisingtherepertoirefortherecording.Thisincludedan introitcalledVeni,redemptorgentium,Psalms6-8,theMagnificatand NuncDimitissixthservicebyWeelkesandVigilatebyByrd.Iwasinvolved inaduet,andIhadasolotosingtoo.

Thisrecordingwasdifferenttoothersasitwasallrecordedinonetake.In addition,wehadanaudiencesowewerenotinthepositiontorepeatit–wehadtogetitrightfirsttry!

Asheadchorister,Ihadtoleadtheboysintermsofwhenwesangthemusic butalsowiththevariousspokenpartsoftheservice.Ireallyenjoyedthe experienceanditwillbeoneofthehighlightsofmytimesingingat HamptonCourtPalace.

ChristmasConcert

9/12/21

TheconcertwaswonderfullyopenedbytheFirst Yearchoir,whoheldthemselvesconfidentlyin theirdebutperformanceunderthebatonofMiss Mattinson.

Theirclosingpiece,‘Themostwonderfultimeof theyear’,arrangedbyMrJ.Ferrier,broughttheir segmenttoajoyousend.

TheConcertOrchestragavealsoaconfident performanceintheirtwopieces,both recognisabletunesfromBroadwaytothebig screen.ReassuringlyledbyMrFerrier,itwasclear themusicianswereateasewhenonstage.The futureofHamptonmusicisbright!

Nextcamethesmall,guitarensemble,whohave allbeenrehearsingwithMrHvartchilkovto performhisarrangementofJingleBellRock whichdidnotfailtoputasmileonparents’faces.

TheBoys’choir,ledbyMissMattinson,was openedbyawarmingarrangementofthe Americanfolksong,Shenandoah.Thechoirthen finishedtheirprogrammewithafunarrangement of,‘TheRhythmofLife’.Theyeffectively capturedthecontrastbetweenthebeautiful melodiesandthecheekychromaticpassages

BenedictFoleyCook

whichshowsclearmusicalmaturityfromsuch youngHamptonians.

ThepenultimateactwastheHamptonSinfonia, whichplayedaBrazilianstyleSleighBellswhich hadustappingourfeet.ExpertlyledbyMissVan Ments,withtheaidinrehearsalswithMissEstall, theboysplayedwithconfidence.

ThefirstconcertwasconcludedbytheHampton Brassband.Shimmeringonstage,theirsoundin BlackDarkandGoldenLightdidnotceaseto amazetheaudience.MrWardledthemintotheir finalpiece,aJamesBondMedleywhichhadthe audienceinsweetnostalgiawiththeGoldFinger theme.

Itwasanamazingperformanceallroundfrom thepupilsofHampton,withthehelpofa numberofLEHgirls,leavingtheaudiencewith joyandfestivespirits.

HenryWard

OnFriday28th January,staff,parentsandpupils alikepackedintotheHammondtheatretoenjoy aspectaculareveningofrockmusic.

Fromsoloperformancesofballadstoclassic anthems,thesell-outcrowdweretreatedtoa widevarietyofentertainment,whicheven includedapunbattlebetweencomperesMilo andJohnnyaftertheinterval.

Alltheperformers–whoworkedtirelesslyover theproceedingweekstoensuretheywerewell polished–canbeveryproudoftheirefforts.

Finally,abigthankstothelightingandsound crewforprovidingaprofessionalsetup,and,of course,MrFerrierfororganisingtheevent.

28/01/22

JohnnyEvans-Hutchison

StringConcert

03/02/22

InSeptember,MissVanMentscameto themembersofChamberOrchestrawith anidea:performtheFourSeasons concertoforthestringconcert.Each movement’ssolowasgiventosomeone. Andaboutinaterm’stime,wewouldbe onthestage,intheHammond,forthe stringconcert.Well,lifefindsaway,and itturnedoutgreat.

Edmundopenedtheconcertwithan energeticperformanceofthefirst movementofSpring,gettingtheball rollingforthenight.Followingthatwere asetofconfidentperformances,notleast slowingdownuntiltheveryendof Yangzi’sPrestomovementofSummer.

Yetinnowaydidthisthrowshadeonour soloists.WeweretreatedtoHandel,and Despacito,andeverythinginbetween. Lookingattheseperformances,like Gabriel’sperformanceof SpringSong,and thewonderfulplayingshownbyYuchen, Hampton’sstringsectionhasabright future.

Justaswesettleddownfromtheinterval, wepresentedbyanarrayofconfident solos,withallthevarietyyouwouldwant. Lotsofmusicfromthegreatcomposers likeBachandBeethoven,allplayedwith stoicconfidenceandatouchofpanache, hatsofftoJianandThomasfortheir performances.

IwouldalsoliketocommendDylenfor hislivelyplayinginhis Scherzo andIshaan forshowingofftheclassicalguitarwith suchaperformanceonaninstrumentI feeliscriminallyunderrated.

EndingoffthenightwereAutumnand Winter,eachbeingplayedbyJohnnyand Freddyrespectively.Eachplayedtheir movementswithenergyandemotion,and endedanamazingnightofmusic.Evenif wemissedoutthefirstmovementof Autumn–shh…!

ThankstoMissVanMentsandthe HammondTheatrestaffformakingthis allhappen,andtoMrTong,whowecan alldoffourcapstoafterhisshowstoppingperformanceandaccompanying usall!

HarryNg

ProCordaCompetition

04/02/22

OnFriday4th February,severalgroupsofmusiciansfromacrosstheschool travelledtoCharterhouseschoolinGodalmingfortheProCordachambermusic festival.

Spanningacrossthedurationoftheafternoon,itprovidedallofthe instrumentaliststheopportunitytoperformaspartoftheirrespectivechamber groupinfrontoftheastuteearsofthevastlyknowledgeableadjudicator.Not onlywouldthishelptodeterminethoseadvancingtosubsequentroundsofthe competition,butitalsogaveusthechancetoreceivevaluablefeedbackonour playingandhowwellweperformedasagroup.

Ourpianotrio,scheduledtoplaytowardstheveryendoftheafternoon,were fortunateenoughtolistentosomeoftheothergroupsperforming,suchasthe stringandwindquartets,aswellasotherpianotrios;rehearsingbrieflypriorto ourtimeslot,wemanagedtoplayasagroupfairlywellthroughadeceptively challengingfirstmovementofanearlyBeethovenpianotrio!

Despitetheoddslip-upandmiscountingofrhythm,themajorityoffeedback helpedustocreateamorevivaciousfeelandtacklethepiecewithliteralbrio(!), asopposedtothedegreeoftrepidationwithwhichwehadtreadedwhile navigatingsomeofthetrickiersections.

Overall,Ifeelasthoughtheexperiencewasbothimmenselyrewardingand helpfultoallofthepeopleluckyenoughtoparticipate,andIcertainlylook forwardtoimplementingallofthefeedbackwewereabletoreceivewhen performingthispieceagainsoon,intheupcomingChamberConcert.

AhugethankyoutoMrRoland,MissEstallandMissVanMentsformakingit allpossible!

IshaanDas

ChamberConcert

24/02/22

TheChamberConcertatHamptonSchoolon the24th Februarywas,inmyopinion,agreat evening.ItfeaturedthebestofHampton’s chambermusicians,withseveralfantasticgroups playingpiecesfromthe PiratesoftheCaribbean CelloMedleytoInterlude,byGeorgeKeith.

Duringtheevening,Iwaspartoftwogroupsthat performed:theStringTrioandtheLowerStrings Ensemble.

Inthestringtrio,Iwasplayingthecello,with NathanielCarsonplayingtheviolinandRyan Chenplayingtheviola.WeperformedAllegrodi molto,fromthesecondmovementof DivertimentobyJosephHaydn–whichIfound outwasaveryplayfulandenjoyablepiece.

Straightafterwards,Iwasplayingsomething quitedifferent.WeplayedaPiratesofthe

CaribbeanMedley,composedby KlausBadeltandarrangedby NicholasLee.JianGraffeplayingthe celloandOliLenox-Smithplaying thedoublebassplayedavitalrolein makingthisdifficultpiecesound amazing.Whilethepiecewas particularlydifficulttoplay,Ivery muchenjoyedthepieceaswell.

Afterthat,itwastimetositback,and enjoytherestofthisincredible concert.

Beforetheconcert,manyrehearsals hadtotakeplaceinordertomaster thepieceswhichweperformed.I mustadmitthatbothpieceswhichI playedhadhighlevelsofdifficulty. Eachgroupwillgenerallypractise onceaweek,whichisnotagreatdeal consideringthefantasticstandard. Whetheritwasmycounting,ormy thumb-positioning,therewasalways lotstoimproveon–andIamsure thatgoesforeveryoneplaying!

Therewereotherensemblesand groupswhichparticularlyappealed me.Forexample,thepianotrio playedthePianoTrioNo.2,Op.34by CécileChaminade.Thedynamics werefabulousandIenjoyedlistening tothegreatrelationshipbetweenthe instrumentsplaying.Iwasalso fascinatedbytheimportanceofthe piece.Chaminadewasthefirstfemale tohavebeenawardedtheFrench Légiond’Honneur,pavingthewayfor otherfemalecomposers.Iwouldlike tocongratulate:Johnny,Tetsuroand Pranavontheirmovingperformance.

IalsoreallyenjoyedtheString Quartet,whichclosedtheevening–theyensuredthattheeveningendon ahigh!Theyhadclearlymastered theirpiece,playingiteffortlessly.

Iwouldliketothankalltheteachers whoorganisedandpracticedforthis amazingevent–noneofthiswould bepossiblewithoutthem.

Iwouldsaythatplayinginthis concertandinagrouphasallowedme tomastersomeskills–whichmay seemsimpleatfirst,but,inreality,are not.Thatisallwhileplayingan enjoyablepiecewithpeoplewhoyou gettoknow,andbecomegood friends.

XavierFricot

JazzCafé

04/03/22

InpreparationforFriday,the4th ofMarch,Mr Ferrierrightlytookthedecisiontoadd30 minutestothelasttworehearsalsonWednesday afternoons.Duringthistime,wehadtoperfect allofourpiecesandquicklylearnonemore,to ‘beefup’ournumberofsongsfortheJazzCafé.

Ontheday,allwearingourblackshirts,wehada verysuccessfulsoundcheckafterschool–in whichwealsomanagedtoaccumulateabassist whohadnotplayedwiththebandforanyofthe previousrehearsals.

Weanxiouslywaitedinourchangingroomsin theGarrickuntilitwasfinallytime.Westarted theeveningoffwith‘ItDon’tMeanAThing’and alsoplayed‘ASongForYou’,withabrilliantsolo fromPallavBagchi,andendedourfirstsetwith theclassic‘ThePinkPanther’.

TheOtherBandandTheJazzBandthenplayed beforetheinterval.Afterfoodandrefreshments, wekickedoffthesecondhalfwithourverywellrehearsed‘WhataWonderfulWorld’andended oursetwith‘ChattanoogaChoo-Choo’.Wewere thefollowedbytheJazzTrioandasensational final30minutesofmusicfromtheincredibleJazz Band,including‘PickUpThePieces’.

Overall,itwasawonderfulevening,filledwith music!

GabrielFouche

GodalmingPerformingArtsFestival

07/03/2022

AsanewcomertotheOrganscene,mostpeoplewouldhaveagreedthatthechances ofmewinningaprizewereslim,butastheroundsprogressed,thingswerestarting tolookonthebrightside.

IstartedlearningthePipeOrganlastNovembertohaveatasteofthe‘RareBeast’ programmeandDrAinscough–PianoandOrganteacher–kindlyagreedtoenter mefortwoclassesattheGodalmingPerformingArtsFestival.Wedecidedtoperform aBachPassiontidePieceandaDemessieuxGregorianchantmelody.

ThefeelingofplayingonsuchalargeOrganwasintimidatingatfirst,butasyouget moreaccustomedtoit,itbecomeseasiertoplaywhichprovidesmuchconfidence. Mycompetitorshadreallysetthebarhighformetoaimforanditwasagreat challenge.Despiteafewsmallerrors,theAdjudicatorhadawardedmehighmarks onmysensitiveplayingandchoiceofregistration.

IhopethatmyvictoryintheOR01-OR04organclasses,andthefunthatIhad tryingsomethingnew,inspiresallbeginnerstoalwayschallengethemselvesand othersforgreatrewardsandmusicalknowledge.

ChoralSociety

12/03/22

Thisyear’schoralsocietyconcertwasamazing.Iwasblownawaybythe mesmerisingmusic,hand-pickedbyMrsAsheforaphenomenalevening fromtheaudiencetotheperformersalike.

WeopenedtheconcertwithZadokthePriest,andthepuresoundwhenthe choircameinliterallybleweveryoneintheaudienceaway.Eventhe unflappableMrsAshelookedatusinwonderandbewilderment.Thenext piecewasBach’s‘JauchzetGottinAllenLanden’,thesolosungbyRei CamillieriandobbligatotrumpetbyMrHayward.Reisangthecantata fantastically,weavingBach’sbeautifullineslyricallythroughthestring section’sreachingandleapingaccompaniment.

NextwasMrAshe’sShakespeareancantata‘WhatyouWill’,astunning combinationofsublimevocalwriting,quietintimatesectionsandpure evocationsofpower.Honestly,IcouldwriteawholeessayonhowmuchI lovedthispiece,butthefifthandfinalmovement,‘BlowWinds’,astonished everyoneintheauditoriumthatday.Theunforgettableopeningostinatoin thebasspartssetthetonefortherestofthepiece,amashupofspeeches fromthedarkestmomentsofShakespeare’splays: KingLear, TheTempest and Macbeth.MrAshecraftedamasterpiece,blendingthesubtle undertonesinthesespeecheswiththepurerawemotionthateachone represents.

Aftertheinterval,weperformedthefifthmovementofMahler’s ‘Resurrection’Symphony,thegrandfinaletoasymphonyaboutfate,death andlove.Theorchestra’spassionwasfeltthroughoutthepiece,withthe choir’ssuperbsoundsoaringoverthetop:‘Aufersteh'n,jaaufersteh'nwirstdu, MeinHerz,ineinemNu!’

AmassivethanksandhugecongratulationstotheLEHandHamptonjoint choralsocietyandMrandMrsAsheforanextremelysuccessfulconcert.

TheoTang

SpringConcert 23/03/22

Onthe23rd March,Hampton’sfirstfilm themedconcerttookplace.

The20th CenturyFoxtitlemusicprecededa dramaticperformanceofJohnWilliams’ JurassicPark,whichsetthetoneforthe remainderoftheeveningperfectly.Thiswas followedbyanotherverywell-knowntheme – RaidersMarch,fromIndianaJones–performedbytheconcertorchestra;thiswas oneofmypersonalfavouritesoftheevening.

Therestofthefirsthalfconsistedof numerousotherfilm-basedperformances, includingrenditionsfrom MaryPoppins, The GreatEscape,and CinemaParadiso,bringing backlotsofnostalgicmemoriestothe audience.

Ialsohadtheopportunitytoperform Vivaldi’sConcertoforTwoViolinsinA minor,alongsidemygoodfriendand orchestraldeskpartner,JakeCosten–which wasnotonlyapersonalhighlightofthe concert,butahighlightofmyown Hamptonmusiccareer!

Followingashortintervalaccompaniedby theamazingHamptonBarbershopand Clarinetensemble,VoicesofLions performedMistyMountainsfrom The Hobbit,andFriendLikeMefrom ToyStory, twohighlycontrastingpieces,which broughteerieandupliftingatmospheres respectively.

Thereweretwostand-outperformancesof theevening.Firstly,BenFrancis’incredibly entertainingperformanceofTheTypewriter, whichdisplayedbothhisbrilliantmusical anddramatictalent.Secondly,Daniel Morgan’sperformanceofthe1st movement fromShostakovich’sPianoConcertoNo.2, whichheundertookseeminglyeffortlessly withprecisionandcharisma.

Iamsurethattheywillrememberthese performancesfondly,anditwasanhonour toaccompanythemaspartoftheSymphony Orchestraintheirrespectiveleavers’ performances.

Iwouldalsoliketoextendmythankstothe musicteachersandtechnicalteamfor makingtheconcertsuchaspectacular evening.

JamieHarrison

ThirdYearSteelPanWorkshop

18/5/2022

TheSteelPansworkshop,deliveredbyInspireworks,wasanenjoyableand culturallyenrichingexperience.

Weplayedacalypsotostartwith,andtofinish,weplayedUptown FunkbyMarkRonson,onthesteelpansandcajons.Welearntthat steelpansoriginatefromTrinidadandTobagoandtheyarecreated fromoildrums,firstmadearound100yearsago.Thepeopleof TrinidadandTobagocollectedoildrumswhichwereleftbehind fromshipsexportingtropicalfruits.Theyhammeredthesedrumsto playpitcheswhichcreatesthewonderfulsoundworldweexplored

attheworkshop.Nowadays,thesesteelpanssellforaround£1,500 each!

Itwasafunandenjoyableworkshopandwelearntalotaboutthisgenreof music.

ThankyoutoInspireWorksforcomingintoschoolandgivingusthis experience.

PallavBagchi

JuniorSchoolsWorkshopDay

OnSunday24th April,HamptonSchoolwelcomedaround100student musiciansfromlocaljuniorschoolsforadayofmusicmaking.Thestudents rangedinabilitiesbutallwerekeentoexperienceHampton’sMusic Departmentandhavethechancetoplayinanorchestrawithothers.One oftheconsequencesofCovidisthatyoungmusicianshavehadverylimited opportunitiestoplaytogetheringroups,especiallywithstudentsfromother schools.

WithguidancefromseveralHamptonpupilsaswellastheMusic Departmentstaff,thechildrenspentthedaylearningpiecesofmusicthey hadnotseenbefore,butmayhaveheard–including‘OdetoJoy’and‘In theHalloftheMountainKing’.

Themusicianssplitintogroupsorsectionsbasedontheirinstruments–strings,choirandwoodwind/brass/percussion.Eachgroupspenttime togetherpracticingaspecialpiecefortheirinstrumentsectionandtheir partsforthewholeorchestrapieces.Itwasnicetohavetheopportunityto workwiththeyoungermusiciansandhelpthemimprovetheirplaying.

Afteralunchtimespentsocialisingandplayinggamesonthe3Gpitch,there wasadressrehearsalbeforeaninformalconcertforparentsinthe HammondTheatre.Therewerelotsofexcitedparentsandperformers.

Theconcertwentverywellandtheimprovementfromthestartoftheday wasreallysatisfying.Itwasincredibletobepartoftheday–everyonehad fun,enjoyedtheconcertandappreciatedtheopportunitytomakemusic together.

RoryMcEwan

JuniorAcademy

InFebruary,myguitarteachertoldmethatthistimeofyeariswhenJunior academiesstarttheapplicationprocess.Ioriginallywantedtoauditionnext year,buthesaidthattherewasnoharmintryingthisyear.Ichosetoapply totheJuniorRoyalAcademyofMusic.

FormyauditionIwasrequiredtoplaytwocontrastingpieces.Ichosetoplayapiece fromtheBaroquePeriodandaModernpiece,sothattheywerecompletelydifferent.

Afterhoursandhoursofpracticing,theweekoftheauditionfinallycame. Theauditionitselfwasvirtual–Ihadtorecordmyselfplayingmytwosongs andsenditin.

Ittookmeacoupledaystogetgoodrecordings,butfinallyIgottwothatI wassatisfiedwith.Ialsohadtorecordmyselftalkingabouttheguitar:when Istartedplayingit,whyIchosetoplayit,aswellascommentsaboutmy favouritetypesofmusic.

Whentheresultsfinallycamein,afewweekslater,Iwasthrilledtohave beenofferedaplacetostudy.Iknowthatitwillbeabigcommitment,but IcannotwaittoseehowIcanfurtherdevelopmyguitarskills!Inhindsight, Iamsogladmyguitarteacherpushedmebeyondmycomfortzone!

MaxCarter

FirstYearWorkshop–Samba

ThisTuesdaymyclassandIgottodoareallyfun workshoponSambadrumming.Attheendof theday,insteadofhavinganormalmusiclesson, wewenttotheHammondTheatretodothe workshop.

Beforewestartedplayinganyinstruments,we learnedsomeinterestingfactsaboutBrazil,Rio deJaneiroandthefive-dayfestival,carnival.After this,therewereavarietyofdifferentinstruments thatwehadfunplayingandlearntabout.Wealso gottoseesomeotherinstrumentsthatyoucould onlygetinBrazil.

Ourclasswasputintogroupsofaroundsixwhere welearnttoplaysomedifferentrhythms.With these,webegantoputtogetheralayerofdifferent rhythmsandmadesomegreatmusic!

Itwasawonderfuleventandsomethingreally different!

AlexanderLaing

10/5/22

SecondYearWorkshop–SteelPan 11/5/22

OnWednesday11th ofMay,theformgroupsof theSecondYearweretreatedtoanintroduction intotheworldofSteelPans,thegenre characterisedbyitsuseofsteelpandrumsand cajons–boxdrum,originallymadeoutofbanana crates.

Atthebeginningoftheworkshop,wewere informedaboutthemysteriousoriginsofthesteel pan.Itissaidthatemptyoildrumsleft abandonedintheportsofTrinidadandTobago duringthe1930swereheardtobeproducing enticing‘tinkling’noisesduringtheroutine thunderstormsoftheCaribbean.

Theseoildrumsweresubsequentlycutinhalf, andwhendivotsonthebasesoftheoildrums werecreated,atunefulmusicalsoundcouldbe madewithacorkstickuponhittingthedrum lightly–andthuscameaboutthesteelpan.

Fortherestoftheworkshop,welearnedvarious notesequences,untilwewereallabletoplaya songentitled‘Hot,hothot’,byLordArrow.

JamesBrocklebank

Leavers’Concert

On12th May,thisyear’sUpperSixthmusicianstook partinthenowcustomaryLeavers’Concertinthe HammondTheatre,whichhadbeenspectacularly convertedbythetechcrewintowhatcanonlybe describedasHampton’sveryownjazzcafé–itissafeto sayitwouldhavegivenRonnieScott’sarunforits money!

Ofcourse,anyhigh-qualitysettingmusthavemusicto match,andthisyear’sprogrammecertainlydidnot disappoint.Whatwasamazingtoseewasthevarietyin alloftheperformancesovertheevening–Hamptoniansabletotrulyexpressthemselvesandplay somethingpersonaltothem,regardlessofthemeor instrument.

Assuch,theaudiencewastreatedtosomebrilliant numbers–fromsongssuchas‘TheWizardandI’from BroadwayandtheWestEnd’shitmusical Wicked,sung incrediblybyEdFinnett,tomoreclassicalpieceslike Vivaldi’sBassoonConcerto,performedbyLukeJansen. AspecialmentionmustalsogotoNathanNewell, whoseoriginalsong“Devine”wasdefinitelya highlight.

Overall,itwasaprivilegetobeapartofsuchagreat celebration;but,therewasabittersweetelement,aswe allknewformostofusitwasthelasttimewewouldbe undertheHammondTheatrelights.

Attheendoftheconcert,itwasonlyfittingthatwe saidamassivethankyoutoMrRoland,ashehasput untoldamountsofhardworkintonotonlyorganising theLeavers’Concertingeneral,butalsoeverythingelse thatwehavemanagedtodoviatheMusicDepartment theselastfewyears,suchasVoicesofLionsand numerousothergroups,orchestrasandsocieties.I knowIspeakforallofthedepartingUpperSixthwhen IsaythathehasbeenthebestDirectorofMusicanyof uscouldhaveaskedfor,andwecannotwaitforthetrip totheEdinburghFringeFestival,whichisbackinfull swingafterashorttwo-yearhiatus!

Ahugethankyoumustalsogotothecateringstaff,all ofthemusicteachersandMrOyarzabal,forhissuperb accompanimentandhisinvaluableadviceandteaching thatsomanyofthisyear’sLeavershavebeenlucky enoughtoenjoy.

WewillmissHampton,butweareallsoluckytohave beenabletobenefitfromeverythingithastooffer,and wewilllookbackwithextremelyfondmemories. Thankyoueveryone!

‘Don’tcrybecauseit’sover,smilebecauseithappened.’ –Dr.Seus

LukeMichels

MemoriesofHamptonSchoolMusic

Withoutadoubt,myfavouritememorywasacting,singinganddancingon stagein GuysandDolls.Thisexperiencewasparticularlymemorableforme asbeingaclassicalinstrumentalist,itwascompletelyoutofmycomfort zoneandsomethingIwilllikelyneverdoagain.

IalsohaveveryfondmemoriesoftheKonstantzorchestratourwherewe playedDieFledermausoverturewiththeschoolinGermany.Itisclearlya goodsignthatIamstrugglingtofitinallmymusicalmemoriesatthe schoolbecausetherehavejustbeensomany!FromVoLtourtoEdinburgh, brassbandplayingintheAlbertHall,andthevastnumberofconcertsI havebeenabletoplayinovertheyears.

IamsogratefulforalloftheopportunitiesthisMusicDepartmenthasgiven me.Thankyou!

HenryWard

Iwillneverforgetthatmomentwhenthecurtainclosedattheendofour finalperformance,andthecheersthatfollowed!

IwouldliketothankbothMrRolandandMrWilmottspecifically,who havebeenanever-presentformofsupportintheMusicDepartmentfor me.MrRolandhasbeenpartofmyHamptonlifesinceitallbegan,in firstyear,andIhaveseenMrWilmottonceaweekfor7years!Theyhave shownmesuchkindnessandgenerosity,andIamsogratefultowards them.

ThankssomuchtoalltheMusicDepartmentatHampton,youhavemade mytimeunforgettable.

MusicatHamptonhasbeenaphenomenalexperience.Iwillneverforget myfirstEdinburghexperience.Theshowsatthechurchgavemeanamazing feelingofexcitementcombinedwithnervousnessatnotknowingallthe songsproperlyandangeringMrRoland.

Everysummerandwinterconcerthasbeenamagicalexperience,withnew piecesbeinglearnteverycoupleofmonthsforsevenoreightdifferentchoirs andorchestras.

SingingatStPaul’sCathedralwiththechamberchoirwasalsoanother highlightofmytimehere,alongsidetheschoolchoir’stourofBarcelonain ThirdYear.

Allinall,mytimeofHamptonhasbeenbrightenedbymymusicaljourney. AhugethankyoutoMrRoland,MrsEsser,MrZuckertandallofthe membersofthemusicdepartmentwhomademymusicalexperiencehere unforgettable.

PallavBagchi

OneofthebestthingsaboutmusicatHamptonisthediversityofmusicI havebeenabletobeapartofthepastfewyears,anditishardtopickany onehighlight:fromjazzcafetothekeyboardconcertsandevensingingin BarcelonaCathedralandtheSagradaFamilia!

HavingseenlotsofoldSixthFormersperformconcertos,gettingtoperform onemyselfwiththeorchestralasttermwasanamazingexperienceIwill neverforget–evenifabitnerve-racking!

Also,beingabletobepartofthebandfor CrazyforYou andtheotherannual musicalshasbeenanotherhighlightofmytimeatHampton.Playingsuch goodmusicandgettingtoseeit–sortof–withthesinginganddancingfor awholeweekofperformanceswassomuchfun.

WereallyhavebeenluckywithhowmuchtheMusicDepartmenthavedone togiveusasmanygreatmusicalexperiencesaspossible.

DanielMorgan

TheMusicDepartmenthashonestlybeenincredibleinsupportingand providingmewithopportunitiesovertheyears,sotherearecountless memoriesIhaveofHamptonmusic.

IhavelovedeverysecondofHamptonmusic:beingluckyenoughtoget tosingfortheprestigiousVoicesofLions,performingineveryRock Concert,aswellascomperingthelastone,whichwasanunbelievable opportunity.

Ialsolovedbeingpartofmultiplebands,suchastheillustrious‘Atlanticus Oceanus’,whostoletheaudience’sheartsineveryperformance,butalsothe percussionbandwithMrWilmott,whichreallyallowedustoexplorethe worldofdrummingingreaterdepth.

However,thehighlightformehastobeperformingin GuysandDolls inthe October2021musical,withLEH.Thefeelingofsingingonthatincredible HammondTheatrestagewasincomparable,thecheersfromthecrowds, andthefamily-likeunitythatwascreatedbetweenmyfellowcastmembers.

TheGarrickBuildinghasalwaysbeenasafespaceformetorehearse, performandmakemusicsoIamverysadtobeleavingitbehind.At Hampton,Ihavethoroughlyenjoyedallthewonderfulmusicalswehave performed.From Oliver to CrazyForYou and GuysandDolls– the experienceofsingingandacting,accompaniedbyafantasticliveorchestra, willalwaysstaywithme.

RehearsingwithsmallerensemblessuchastheWindQuintetandClarinet EnsemblehasalsobeenthoroughlyenjoyableandIwillmissperforming withthem.

Lastly,theteachersintheDepartmentaresotalentedandinspirational–I cannotthankthemenoughfortheirhardworkduringmytimeat Hampton!

EdwardFinnett

MusicatHamptonhasprobablybeenthemostenjoyablepartofmytime here.ThespecialmomentsincludethechoirtourtoBarcelonawherewegot tosingintheamazingLaSagradaFamiliaandgoingtotheEdinburgh

MiloHeard

FringeFestivalwiththeVoicesofLions,puttingonperformanceseveryday –and,ofcourse,checkingouttheotheractsintheevening!

However,itwasthenumberofopportunitiesavailabletomethatreally madelifeatschoolspecial;theweeklyrehearsalsinthreedifferentchoirsfor concertsthatwerealwayslooming.

Ihadalwaysdreamtofgettingabandtogethertoplayanysongswewanted andinLowerSixthImadetheleaptoauditionfortheRockConcert. Thankfully,Ihadfriendsthatlikedthesamemusicandwereextremely talentedandsoputtingonaperformanceofKingKruleorMacMillerwas evenmorefunbecauseIwasonstagewithagreatgroupofpeopleandwe alwayshadthegroove!

OskarChu

ThereweremanyhighlightsinmymusicallifeatHampton,oneofthemost memorablebeingtheexchangewithaHeinrich-SusoGymnasiumwhich hadusperformingbothinEnglandandinGermany.

ThemusicalsIcontributedtofromthepitwereamazingtobeapartof, especially GuysandDolls.Wehadmanyopportunitiestoplaysolos,though thetwothatIremembermostaremylastkeyboardperformancewhereI playedthesecondRachmaninovprelude,andoneofmyearlier performancesof PiratesoftheCaribbean,whichIhopeothersenjoyedas well.

DylenSingah

Topinpointasingle,orseriesof,momentsofHamptonmusicIhavebeen apartofatfirstseemseasy:EdinburghFringefestivalwithVoicesofLions, playingNathanDetroitintheSchoolMusical,performingLeroyAnderson’s ‘TheTypewriter’withtheSymphonyOrchestra,andJazzCafé2022.

But,uponanyfurtherthought,Ifindahugenumberofmemoriesthatareeach awondertorelive;indeed,itisthatvastbankofmusicmemoriesthatmakes upHamptonMusicforme,ratherthananyonemoment.Thosementioned aboveareculminationsofyearsofexperiences:achorusrolein CrazyforYou, TinPanAli and Oliver!;playingbehindsomebrilliantpercussionistsin orchestra;tentativelyproddingamarimbaintheSwingandJazzBands.

FromFirstYear,Igotintoeverything‘music’IcouldatHampton;and,as theyearshavegonebymyinvolvementinprettymucheverylargeensemble intheschoolhasnotonlygrownbutchangedinatrulyinspiringway.Shy littleBensomehowmanagingtoplayaninstrumentsilentlyisnowarather moreoutgoingindividual!

And,asmuchaseachensembleintheirownwayhascertainlycontributed tothis–particularlyregardingsinging!–ithascertainlybeentheteachers, oldandnew,academicandpractical,whohavemadeitallsospecialand memorable;ofcourse,myfellowpupilshavealsobeen‘instrumental’in makingHamptonMusicwhatitis.

LeavingHamptonformeisdefinitivelycentredaroundouryear’sfinal SummerConcert–andofcourseEdinburghFringewithVoL!–andIthink thatsayseverythingforhowimportantandinspiringtheMusicDepartment hasbeenthroughoutmytimehere.

BenFrancis

Septemberstartedwiththe newsthatnewFirstYearArt ScholarLeonardoFalcone’s lino-print,‘TheColoursofmy Notes’,wasselectedforthe RoyalAcademyYoungArtist SummerShow2021andthe 2023RACalendar

InOctober,weheldthePre-UArtExhibition,withstunningworkfromOscar Nolan,JoshCulshawandJamieBird.

OscarNolan'LordoftheFlies'

TheLowerSixthmadeavisittoTateModernandBankside/BoroughMarketas partoftheirinitialresearchforlarge,mixed-mediapaintings.

InNovember,the ThirdYearvisited RocheCourtNew ArtCentretoexplore contemporary Britishsculptureina unique,ruralsetting. Theycreatedtheir ownsculptures inspiredbythework ofPeterRandallPageinresponseto thisvisit.

OscarCacheux

InDecember,LowerSixthHistoryofArtstudentsmadevisitstoStrawberryHill HouseandOrleansHouseandexperimentedwithdarkroomphotographyin response.

January22sawthefirstLowerSchoolArt Exhibition.Boysandstaffweretreatedto acolourfulshowofexpressivepaintings, prints,collagesandsculpturefromour First,SecondandThirdYearpupils.

LeonardoFalcone

DanielTressider

ChrisChallouma

OliverMiles

LucLam

EthanMonk

BorisDuke

JamesPhillips

InFebruaryLowerSixthHistoryofArtstudentsvisitedtherecentlyre-furbished CourtauldGallery.

InMarchThirdYearsre-enactedJosephWrightofDerby’s‘ExperimentonaBird inanAirPump’from1768

UpperSixthArt studentsandAS

HistoryofArt Studentsvisited theLouise Bourgeois’‘The WovenChild’

Exhibitionatthe HaywardGallery

LouisMiddleton'Version&Diversion'TheWarinUkraine

June:Pre-UandASArt exhibitions

SecondYearsmake ceramicFlyingDucks inspiredbytheducks whohavestayedinthe Cloistersthissummer.

MattVenner

FelixDroy

LucasHermannSosa

JosephMawdsley

CharlieCoulter

CamiloClarke

FelixDroy

GabrielHannah

KieranBouwmeester-Reid

MatthewBarnett

KieranBoumeester-Reid

LeoSutherby

LeoSutherby

MatthewBarnett

NickMurray

OliverGoodchild

OliverJames

StefanDeverill

OliverJames

SamSkinner,'VersionandDiversion'

TomWhitehill

SamWalker

SamWalker

JoeFearnside

FootballSeasonOverview

ItwasanexcellentpostCovidseasonforthefootballers.Therewereover500fixturesacross27 differentagegroupteams.ThankyoutoalltheAcademic,grounds,catering,supportandsportsstaff whomakethishappen.TheU12Dsideinparticularhadaveryimpressiveonehundredpercent record,winningallnineteenoftheirfixtures.

Inthecupcompetitions,therewasunprecedentedsuccesswherethreeoutoffourteamswonthe SurreySchoolsCupcompetitions:FirstXl,16A,14A.IntheIndependentSchools,allthreeofour teamsmadethelatterstages;theU13sandFirstXlwerelosingsemi-finaliststotheeventualwinners andtheU15sreachedthequarter-finals.

Theteams,acrosstheboard,alsoperformedstronglyintheEnglishSchoolAandBCompetitions.The U13AswerecrownedNationalChampions,winningtheirfinalonpenaltiesatWestBromwich Albion’sground,andtheU16Bswerebeatenfinalists,losingonpenaltiesatStokeCity’sground.The SchoolhavenowreachednineNationalSchoolsfinalsinthelastfiveseasons.

Theboyscontinuetoastoundmewiththeircompetitive,sportingspiritandthehardworktheyput intobothfixturesandtraining.This,andtheirconvictiontoplayfortheschool,continuestobethe foundationforalltheSchool’ssuccesses.

DSB

FirstXIFootball

TheFirstXIhadamemorableseasonrightfromtheveryoutset:apre-season tournamentwin,prevailing4-0overWhitgiftinthefinal.

Theattackingfluiditywouldflourishthroughouttheseason,withtheside averagingapproximatelythreegoalspergame.Thetypicallydynamic Jack DaCosta, RohanSahota and TheoBack representedaconstantthreatin behinddefenses,whilst JudeGlasson addedadegreeofunpredictability andacrobaticsthathelpedtowincountlesspenalties.

Thesidewouldcontinuetheirgoodformintothesecondhalf-termwith excellenthard-foughtHUDLleaguewinsoverArdinglyandBede’sfollowed bya1-1drawtoRoyalRusselaftergoingbehind.

Nodoubtafeatureoftheseasonwastheabilitytodominateteamsdeepinto thesecondhalfandextra-timewherenecessary–somethingwhichIamsure MrBurkewouldaccredittohisrenownedfitnesstests!

AfteracomfortableearlyroundinISFA,inwhatcanonlybedescribedasa ‘battleawayatAldenham’,difficultconditionsrequiredsomestellar defensiveperformancestoensurea1-0win.Betweenthesticks, Conrad Knight waswellaccustomedtocleansheets,supportedbyacastof defendersthroughouttheseason: AntonioPolleri,JoshPye,JonahBlake, EddieMcMillan and MattMoffat invariablyputtheirbodiesontheline andstartedsuperbcounter-attacks.

Subequently,the3-2ISFAquarter-finalwinagainstReptononthecarpet 3Gwasoneofthehighlightsoftheseason.Afteradisappointingfirsthalf–andfacinga2-0deficit–theteamwastypicallyresilient.Despitesome dubioustime-wastingtechniquesfromtheopposition,Hamptonneatly fashionedachanceatthedeathanditfelltoschoolcaptain SamEvans to strikeitbeautifullyonhisleftfootintothefarcorner.

Withtheconfidencelevelsrestored,asearchingcrossfromthetireless Ben Bird found NatWoolaghan intherightplacetotuckitaway–ashehad donesomanytimesthroughtheseason!Thissparkedpandemoniumanda massofcelebrationsbythecornerflag,withthesupporterspilingoutin largenumbers.

Although,unfortunately,thecuprunendedinadefeattoBradfield–one oftheveryfewdefeatsoftheseason–despiteadoggedperformance. ThroughoutthegamestheKante-like KyanSoni playedapivotalrolein breakingupoppositionattacksandgivingcovertoallowthecreative Joe O’Pray spacetoflourishwithtypicalrakingdiagonals.

Atthetimeofwriting,theFirstXIhadplayed38matches,winningan impressive25anddrawing5.AftersuccessintheCountyCupquarterfinal againstGordon’sthereisakeycompetitionupforgrabsintherestofthe season,sotheboyswillbehopingtocontinuetheirgoodform.

Thankyoutoallofthestaffandcoacheswhocontributedtothesuccessof ourseasonandtoourwonderful,supportingparentsonthetouchline.

FirstXIFootball

JonahBlake

SecondXIFootball

SecondXIFootball

The2021-22seasonfortheSecondXIcancertainlybedescribedasa successfulone,withtheteampostingaremarkablerecordof16wins,2 drawsandjust3losses.

Afteradraining,preseasonColchestertrainingcamp,theteamreallyhitthe groundrunningwitheightstraightwins–somethingforallsquadplayers tobeproudofgiventhatmanyhadneverplayedwitheachotherbefore,as UpperSixthandLowerSixthmixedforthefirsttime.

Thisflawlessfirsthalftermoffootball,inwhichtheteamscored25goals, endedwithoneofthemostcompleteperformancesoftheseason:a4-2win againstanextremelystrongBradfieldSecondXI.Afterapoorstart,Mr Cumberbatchimplementedanastuteformationchange,settingfreethe Hamptonattack,ledbyprolificstriker AdamHumpish,thatterrorisedthe Bradfielddefencethroughoutthesecondhalf.

TherunuptoChristmasbroughtsimilarformfortheteam.Agritty performanceontheplayingfieldssawHamptonadvanceintothefourth roundoftheESFAcupinexcitingstylewitha3-2win.Theprospectof penaltieswaslookingverylikelyfortheelevenonthepitch,until Harley Mackenzie leapthigherthananyoneintheboxandnettedfromacornerto scorealast-minutewinner.

Justaweeklater,weplayedournextESFAfixtureagainstfamiliar opponentsBede’s,withtheteamreadyforthehugegame.Despiteaspirited comeback,ledby LukePaskin –whochangedthegameaftermovinginto Hampton’smidfield–itjustwasnotmeanttobe.Hamptonranoutoftime

againstthewellorganisedBede’soutfitwhoprevailed5-3ontheday.This markedourfirstlossoftheseasonandwascertainlytoughtotakeaswe knewwehadthenecessaryqualitytowinthegameandgofarinthe competition.

Inthenewyear,thesquadnowhadonlyonegoal:towintheLondonCup. Asluckwouldhaveit,weonceagaindrewBede’sawayfromhome.Wewent totheSouthCoastwithnewtacticsandathirstforrevenge.Sureenough, wecameoutontopinatense,yetsecure,1-0victory. JoeGillespie wasacat ingoalforus,makingthreeorfourfantasticsaves;hewaswellprotectedby afullUpperSixthback-lineconsistingof MarcoFerrucci, FreddieSeddon, OllyColes andLukePaskinwhoallputinalmostfaultlessdisplays.

Movingforwardwiththeseason,theteamremainedconsistent,regularly recordinggoodwinsagainstdifficultoppositionsuchasDulwichCollege andEton.WeadvancedfurtherintheLondonCupwithyetmore impressivevictories.

TheUpperSixthmembersoftheteamwillhavedefinitelyenjoyedtheirfinal yearoffootball,with FergusBriston playingtheenforcerroleinthe midfieldand JamesKerr and AlexBush alwaysofferingsomething differentinattackingpositions.The‘streets’willalsonotforget Arthur Bothamley andJoe’scameosastheywouldcomeoutofthegoalkeeper positiontoplayoutfield–thisreallyrubbedsaltintothewoundsofthe losingArdinglyandWhitgiftteams!

Manythankstoallofthecoachingstaffformakingthisseasonpossibleand toallofthewonderfulsupportfromparentsandpeersalike.

ThirdXIFootball FourthXIFootball

BillyHutchings and FreddieSeddon

ThirdXIFootball

FourthXIFootball

U16AFootball

Lastly,IwouldliketothankMrLeesandtherestoftheHamptoncoaching staffforalltheirdedicationandteachingthisyear;thewholeteamareimmenselygratefulfortheworkthattheyhavedonewithus.

JagoDoherty

U16BFootball

Overall,the2021-22seasoncanbeviewedasahugelysuccessfuloneforthe U16As,withtheteampickinguptheirfirstpieceofsilverwareoftheir Hamptoncareers,whilstalsodevelopinghugelyasagroupofplayers.

Afteragruelingpreseason,theteamkickedoffthecampaignwithan emphatic5-0victoryagainstWilson’sSchool–with CamiloClarke opening thescoringwithanincrediblefreekick.Thisopenerwasthenfollowedby similarlyimpressivevictoriesagainstDittonParkAcademy,Glynand GreycourtSchool,inwhich22goalswerescored,includingawonderfulhattrickfromcentre-back TobyNorth againstGlynSchool.

Despitetheteamwinningbylargemarginsonmanyoccasionsduringthe season,oneofthebestperformancescameinahard-foughtvictoryagainst Charterhouse.Hamptontookanearlylead,thankstogoalsfromattackers Zain Suterwalla and HaydenChristian,beforetheoppositionfoughtbacktolevel thecontest.Thesquadfoughtforeveryball,addinganewmeaningto‘putting yourbodyontheline’,and,justwhenthematchappearedtobeheadingfora tie,Hamptonfoundthebreakthrough. BenWalker roseabovethecrowdto powerhometheheaderthatdealttheknockoutblowtotheopposition.

OurlastgameoftheautumntermsawustraveltoWimbledonCollege,where weplayedinhugelychallengingconditions.Itwasatoughgame,butwe showedgoodteamspirittofightuntilthenend; ChibbyNwoko coolly convertedadramatic,last-minutepenaltytotakethetietospotkicks.Itwill godownasanepic,withbothgoalkeepershavingtotakeapenaltyandsome playersneedingtotakeonetwice!Eventually,wecameoutontop,winning 14-13intheshootout.ThisresultensuredthatwewerestillinboththeCounty CupandtheESFASchools’CupasweheadedintotheSpringTerm.

Unfortunately,welostinRound5oftheESFACuptoeventualfinalists HurstmereSchoolinagamewelookbackonwithplentyoffrustration. However,thisonlymadeusmoredeterminedinourpursuitoftheCounty Cup.

Aftercomfortablevictoriesinthequarter-finalandsemi-final,Hampton tookonCoombeBoys’SchoolatHamptonandRichmondinthefinalof theSurreyCup.Theteaminblackandgoldstruckfirst,withstriker Jamie Wilson proddinghometheopenerwithinthefirsttenminutes.However,a secondhalfCoombegoaltookthematchtopenalties–afamiliarprospect forHampton! JoshPye, ZainSuterwalla, JagoDoherty and JamieWilson allconvertedtheirpenalties,butitwasgoalkeeper ConradKnight whostole theshow,producingtwoexcellentsavesfromthespotasHamptonwon4-2 onpenalties!

Allinall,Ithinkeveryoneinvolvedintheteamwillbeabletolookback fondlyonthe2021-22season,notonlyduetooursuccessonthepitchbut alsobecauseofhowwedevelopedoffofit.

ThisseasonwasoneofgreatimportancefortheU16Bs;thehighlightofthe seasonwasundoubtedlyreachingtheESFAfinals.Overall,theteam managedtoputupamazingfigures:15wins,3drawsand5losses–oneof thesebeingintheESFAfinalsagainstThomasTelford.

DuringourruntotheESFAfinal,webrushedpasttheearlyfewrounds comfortably,beatingWindsorboys4-1andBishopThomasGrantSchool 2-1,withgreatperformancesfromtheteam.

Afterthiswemovedontothequarter-finalsagainstIvybridgeCommunity College.Afterthethree-hourjourneytothegame,weshowedamazing defensiveintegrityandgreatattackingprowesstowin3-0.Afewkeyballs overthetopleadtoacomfortablevictory. BenMillington-Jones and Josh Hood werevitalinthemaintainingofthiscleansheet.

Movingontothesemi-final,wecameupagainstaverystrongTunbridge Wellsside,whoconvincinglyreachedthesemi-finalsontheirsideofthe drawwithaseriesoflargewins.However,theywerenomatchforourteam insuchfineform. JoeBolger sealedusthewinbyscoringtwogoals,oneat thestartofthegameandoneneartheend.Theatmospherewasincredible; itwouldnothavebeenthesamewithouttheHamptoncrowdturningup infullforce!

Wesecureda2-0wintotakeustothefinal,andmanagedtoonlyconcede onegoalinthewholetournamentasofyet.

Afteratwo-hourdrivetoStokeCity’sBritanniastadium,theteamwere raringtogoandtakeonThomasTelfordSchool.Sadly,weconcededan earlypenaltywhichputtheminfront.Despitethesetback, BenRollason’s superbvolleymanagedtolevelthescores.

Goingintohalftimethescorewas1-1,withtheteamreadytoputinanother amazinghalf.Duetoanothersetpiece,ThomasTelfordmanagedtotakethe lead.Goingintothelast10minute,afreekickputusinagoodposition,and FreddieHoffmanBecking finisheditwithagoodheader–agonisingly,itwas ruledoutforoffside!However,duetoanotherfreekick,theballwasfloated backintothebox,andfinishedwith5minutestogobycaptain SamSpencer.

Duetotherebeingnoextra-time,thegamewentstraighttopenalties.Due toagoodsavebygoalkeeper, MatthewBarkus, andsuccessfulpenaltiesby

U16AXIFootball

U16BXIFootball

FreddieBate,FinnGould,BenRollason and JoeBulger weled.But,due toafewunluckymissesandexcellentpenaltiesfromouropposition,wehad toleavewithsecondplace.

WithoutthesuperbleadershipofMrFuldnerandthecoachingofMr Hurst, noneofthiswouldhavebeenpossibleandweowethemagreat gratitudeforthis.

U16CFootball

Hamptonthenwentontoplaysomeamazingfootballandgofifteengames withoutaloss;thisincludedbeatingsometoughopponents,suchasEton CollegeandCharterhouse.

However,ahighlightgameoftheseasonwasanawayleaguefixtureagainst RoyalRussel.Knowingtheoppositionweretough,therewasdefinitely sometensioninthechangingroompriortothematch.However,anearly penaltyconvertedbyJoshKinghadusaheadandcertainlycalmedsome nerves.Minutesafter,midfielder BenMoffat scoredagreatgoaltoputus twoup;thiswassetupbeautifullybyadartingrundowntheleftwingby fullback JoeDownham. Twomoregoalshadus4-0upathalftime.

Weknewtheoppositionwouldfightbackinthesecondhalf,soweneeded tokeeppushingthemandfindanothergoal.Afteramisplacedpassatthe back, CharlieHelm pouncedontotheopportunityandspearedtheball intothetopleftcorner.NicHerrerowentontoscoreoursixthaswe finishedthegamewiththethreepoints,climbingtheElginLeague.

Wecontinuedtoclimbintheleaguewithsomeimpressiveteam performances,includingan8-0win;but,unfortunately,thetitleand opportunitytoqualifyslippedawayfromusinthefinalgameofthe campaignwitha0-0drawathome.

WecontinuedtheISFAcampaignwithan8-0winoverKimboltonschoolas wellasanaway4-1wintoBristolGrammarSchool;however,ourcuprun wasendedwhenwelostoutinthequarter-finalstoatoughRoyalRusselside.

U15AFootball

Wefinishedoutseasonwithsomegreatperformancesandgreatcharacter followingourcupexits;aparticularhighlightwasour2-1winoverWhitgift athome–afirsteverwinovertheminourHamptoncareers.Anexcellent defensiveperformancefromcaptain JoeMurray anddefensivepartners ÖmerDemiral and WillFox inspiredtheteamtogoonandgrabthewin withgoalsfromthebrilliantJamesQueen and Shivam Handa.Itwasalso anotherimpressiveperformancefromgoalkeeper SamEllis, whopulledof someoutstandingsaves,ashedidthroughoutourseason.Ourshot-stopper, togetherwiththeeffortsoftheentiredefensiveback-line,keptnineclean sheetsacrossthecourseoftheyear.

The2021-22seasonsawsomeamazingandemotionalmomentsforthe U15As,includingagreatcuprunandathrillingleaguetitlerace.Theboys enjoyedagreatseason,winning19gamesandscoring82goalsacrosstheyear.

OuropeninggameofthecampaignwasanawayleaguefixtureatBede’s School.Unfortunately,ourstarttotheseasonendedina2-1loss.Welooked tobouncebackinourfirstgameoftheISFAcupinamatchplayedathome. Withahat-trickfrom MichaelAzoo andgoalsfrom JayCairnes and Sam Bond,weeasedpassedtheoppositionandmovedontothenextroundwith acomfortable5-0victory.

TheOctoberhalftermsawtheboysonatripawaytoStGeorge’sPark, traininggroundoftheEnglandnationalteam,foraweekofhardtraining tohelpdevelopusasplayersandasateam.Toroundoffagreatweekof training,Hamptontookonthelocalacademy,BurtonAlbion,inafriendly matchwhichreallyreflectedthehardworktheboyshadputinacrossthe week.Aclinicalfinishfromstarstriker NicHerrero,acomfortablyplaced headerfrom JamesQueen andabeautifulgoalfromsensation JoshKing –whopassedtheballintotheemptynetaftertakingtheballaroundthe opponent’sgoalkeeper–gaveusagreat3-0win,boostingtheconfidence andspiritsofeveryoneintheteam.

ManythankstoMrMills,forhishardwork,coachingandsupport throughouttheseason.ThankyoutoMrBurke,MrRitchie andeveryone whohelpedusdevelopindividuallyandasateamacrosstheyear.Also,abig thankstoalltheparents,teachersandpupilswhofollowedandsupported ourjourneythisyearandwehopeyoucontinuetofollowusasweprogress throughourHamptoncareers.

SamSpencer

JoeMurray U15BFootball

U15BXIFootball

U16CXIFootball

U15AXIFootball

Fromthebeginningoftheseason,thewholeteamwasveryeagertohavea goodrunintheESFAcupandimproveinourfollowingmatchesaftera Covid-strickenseasonlastyear.

Overthecourseoftheseason,weweretaskedwithmanyfinishing,passing anddefendingdrillsbyMrRitchieonThursdaylunchtimes,andwewere abletoenjoymanySaturdayfixturesawayandhome,takenbyMrBailey.

TheseasonstartedoffwithathrillinggameagainstBede’sSchool,where striker, IshanPatel scoredastunningvolleyfromoutsidetheboxtosecure hishat-trickandalate4-3win.Unsurprisingly,thishelpedusstartthe seasonwithmuchoptimism!AfteracomfortablewinagainstWilson9-0, weplayedourfirstESFAgameagainstBishopChallonerCatholic FederationSchool,where OllySpray scoredalatewinnerinthedying minutesofthegame–helpingustobouncebackafterhavingconcededa discouragingearlygoal–advancingusintothenextround.

TheawaygamefollowingthiswasagainstAlleyn’s;keeper TheoLloyd playedamassivepartinthe4-0win,makingsomeunbelievablesaveswhile keepingoneofhismanywell-deservedcleansheets.Unfortunately,an amazingsix-gameunbeatenrunwasshutdownbyastrongEtonsideand, eventhoughweweredeterminedtobouncebackandwinagainstthemlater intheseason,theymanagedtograbawinagainafterapenaltydecision.

Duringtheautumnhalfterm,theAandBteamenjoyedafootballtripto StGeorge’s,wherewetookpartinaseriesofintensetrainingsessionsand unforgettableexperiences,includinghydrotherapyandatightmatchagainst WolverhamptonGrammarschoolthatended0-0. MateoLemardeley’s unbelievableperformance,includinganastonishingdouble-save,keptthe scoreslevel,and HarryGregory’s pin-pointpassinginmidfieldhelpedthe smoothflowofthegameonwhatwasavastpitch.

Aswewereawaitingourcupgame,thegamesintheleaduptotheESFA matchinvolvedagoal-festagainstboardingschoolWinchesterandan extraordinaryperformanceagainstCharterhouse–whichincluded,most memorably, FreddiePhillip’s free-kickgoal,anOllySprayhat-trickanda sologoalfrom OllieDavies

WethenheadedovertoShenfieldhighforoursecondroundoftheESFA cup;comebackgoalsfrom OliverLacey,OllieDaviesandabracefrom ShivamHanda inextra-timewonthegame.Thiswasanotherpleasingrally afteradisappointingfirsthalfinwhichweconcededtwoearlygoals.

ThismatchwasshortlyfollowedbyourthirdcupgameagainstGlynand, despiteagrippingthree-goalcomeback,withgoalsfrom ArchieHurst, GabrielFouche andShivamHandainthesecondhalf,wewereknockedof theFourthroundonpenaltiesafterwewereunabletofindadecisivegoalin extratime.

Despitethedisappointingcupresult,theteambouncedbackinourgame againstKing’sCollegeSchool:centrebackandvice-captain MaxMeikle nettedhisfirstgoaloftheseason;full-backArchieHursthadanother exceptionalperformancewithabrace;and RudyMills usedhislongpassingabilitiestocreatenumerousscoringopportunities.

AfterapoorresultagainstDulwichCollegeathomeandacomfortablewin againstFulhamBoys’School,thegameagainstDrChalloner’sSchoolwould proveasignificantgame:OllySpraynettedhisthirdhat-trickoftheseason; centreback SamLee putinahugeshiftattheback;andGabrielFouche dominatedonthewingwithhisexceptionalagilityanddribblingabilities.

AnotherunforgettablematchwasagainstWellingtonCollege’sU16Bside; ourshortpassesandbuild-upstrategyhelpedustooutplayedphysically strongerandbiggerplayers.Ahighlightofthegamewaswhencentreback

MaxMeikleperformedarisky‘McGeady’turninourownhalftogetpast thepressingattackers!

Thenextgame,againstWimbledonCollege,includedanotherIshanPatel screamerfromoutsidethebox.ItalsosawTomFearnside’sfiercepacedown thewings,leadingtoawell-takengoal,andawell-deservedfirstgoalby OliverHamilton

FollowingadisappointinglossagainstRoyalRussell, PorterRead putina dominantperformanceinthefaceofanotherphysicallystrongWhitgift side,withmanysignificantclearances.OllySpray’sweak-footvolleyfrom outsidethebox,fromafloatedballbyOllieDavies,wouldalso, undoubtedly,havemadeitforthegoaloftheseason.

AfteranOliverLaceyhat-trickandcomposeddefendingfromGeorgeCoyle totacklewingersagainstReadingBlueCoatschool,theseasoncametoa closewithadevastatinglosstoClaremontFanSchool,who,despiteourbest efforts,couldnotbebeatenafterthe70minutesofgametime.

Despitenotendingtheseasonwithawin,wehadasuperblyexcitingseason andenjoyedagreatrunintheESFAcup.ManythankstoMrBaileyand MrRitchieformanagingusthroughtheseasonandmakingallofthis possible.

U15CFootball

TheU15Cteamgotofftoanexcellentstartthisseason,goingundefeatedin thefirstsevengames,scoring35goalsandallowingonlysix.

Ourstriker HenryForster contributedsomeexcellentgoals,including thegame-winneragainstastrongEtonsquad.Hewasverywell supportedfromthewingpositionsbyourcaptain AlistairWhite and theever-industrious FahadHussain

Thefollowingfourmatchesdidnotgoquitesowellandincludedthree lossesagainststrongfootballschools.Ourconfidentcentre-backpairingof FreddieHunt and AlexTrevers defendedbrilliantlytokeepthescores respectable. StanleyKelly playedinanumberofdefensiveroles,andwasa frequentthreatwithhisheaders.

AsaJennings wasourgoalkeeperformostoftheseason,though Mateo Lemardeley alsohadsignificantplayingtime,memorablysavingafewpenalties.

Thelastsevengamessawtheteamreturntoitsearly-seasonform,losing onlyonceandscoring33goals.Thisfinalstretchsawcontinuedstrongplay fromourleftandrightbacks AryaEtiminan, AnujSrivastav and Angus Holker,withsomeexcellenttacklingondisplay.

SamLee

U15CXIFootball

Keybattlesinthemidfieldwerewonby CalebLevell, NathanLeBougeant and DimitriTzinieris,whofrequentlydispossessedopponentsand supportedtheattack.Fromthecentreofthepitch, RobinNeil and Jack Shepard contributedpositiveplayand ThomasDavies and ZidaanKhan displayedimpressiveskillwiththeirdribbling. LawrieWilkin playedatleft backearlyintheseasonandlateronshowedpromiseasastriker.

Overall,itwasaverygoodseasonfortheU15Cs.Theteamshowedgreat effortandcommitmentintrainingandwereapleasuretocoach.Many thankstoMrHaynes,MrRitchieandtherestoftheFootballstaffwholed someexcellenttrainingsessions.

GVM

U15DFootball

clinicalinfrontofgoalwith10and9goalseachrespectively,andthepace of JoeMurphy, ThomasHagan, BenedictFoley-Cook and Marcus Palmer onthewingsaddedtothescoresheetsthisseasonaswellascreating chancesforthestrikers.

OscarShepherd, RizwanSharma, GeorgeSexton and SamChapman all playeddynamicrolesinthecentreofthepark,withGeorgeinparticular deliveringathreatfromtheedgeoftheboxwhichbroughtthreegoalswith drilledstrikesfromhisleftboot.

AdamStafferton and HarmanVirdi joinedGabrielSalmassianas maraudingfullbacks; BenTaskis alsoprovedastalwartatthebackand formedastrongpartnershipwith JonathanMcNeill,whodemonstrated himselftobeascompetentacentrebackasagoalkeeper.Finally, Alec Hamilton wasarockfortheteam,withhisflexibilitytoplayindefenceor goalandvocalencouragementthroughouttheseason.

Particularhighlightswereanend-to-endclassicatStPaul’s,whichrightly endedinthespoilsbeingsharedat2-2,andSamChapmanturningtheheat onhisteammatesbyjoiningaWinchestersideshortonplayers–andalmost scoring!

WelldonetoalloftheboysinthesquadonanexcellentseasonandIwish themtheverybestofluckfornextyear.

The15Dsenjoyednofewerthan16fixturesthisyear,andperformedwell towinnineanddrawtwoofthese.

InatoughopeningfixtureagainstBede’sCteam,inwhichweemerged3-2 victors,coachMrMcTernanwasabletocreateafinalisedsquadwitha strongFirstXIunderthecaptainshipofleftback GabrielSalmassian, whoseconfidenceandleadershipinspiredtheteamallyear.

Twostandoutvictoriesfollowed,withan8-0routoverWilson’sandan impressive3-0winawayatBradfield. HarrySpence quicklyemergedastop scorerinthesefixturesandmaintainedfineformallyeartogainthe‘golden boot’with15goals. WillO’Brien and AabidNurmohamed alsoproved

HRM

U15EXIFootball

U15DXIFootball

U14AFootball

U14CFootball

Duringtheseason,theU14Asplayed30games,ofwhich22werewon,3 drawnandamere5gameslost.

Theboysstartedtheseasonwell,winningmatchesintheElginLeagueagainst toughopponentsandcruisingtoRound2oftheESFAcupandRound3of theCountyCup.UpuntiltheChristmasbreak,theteamwerestillinall competitions.

UndernewmanagementofMrHurst,theU14AscompletedtheirElgin Leaguegroupcampaignwithall18pointsavailableagainstsomeofthe country'stopfootballschools.Unfortunately,however,ourESFAcupcampaign endedinRound6witha2-0defeatagainstaverystrongKingsdaleSchool.

Determinedtoprolongourseason,theteamtravelledtoWhitgift–inperhaps ourgameoftheseason–inwhichtheoppositionweredismissedbya4-2 upsetattheirownschooltosendtheU14AstotheCountyCupsemi-finals.

WesubsequentlyplayedWhitgiftforathirdtimeintheseasonintheElgin Leaguesemi-final.Anothervaliantperformancewasrewardedwithatense victoryonpenalties.

ThefinaloftheElginIndependentLeague,however,wasnotassuccessfulas thepreviousknock-outround,astheboyswerechallengedagainstavery determinedandskilfulAldenhamsidethatendedina3-0loss.

TheteamstillhadtheopportunitytoendtheseasononahighwiththeCounty Cuptrophyastheboyscruisedthroughthesemi-finalwitha3-0win,reaching thefinalversusalocalGreycourtside.HeldatDorkingWanderers,atwo-goal comebackwasperformed,makingHamptonU14AsthebestinSurrey.

Allinall,theteamhadagreatseasonandaresetforplentymorewearinga yellowandblackshirt.

OllieSwetman

U14BFootball

Overthecourseoftheseason,theU14Csplayed18matches:6won,4 drawnand8lost.Withinthesegames,theyscored30goalscollectivelyand conceded41.Despitethismathematically‘negative’record,itwasaseason tolookbackonwithpride,asitincludedmanytriumphantandimpressive momentsfromstarttofinish.

TheU14C’sstarttotheseasonwasonenottoforget,astheytrampledover Wilson’sSchoolina5-1victory.Thisgameincludedmanyimpressive performancesfromnotableplayerssuchas EdMassey and JaydenPark, whodominatedthemidfieldduringdefenceandoffence,andour goalkeeper JosephGordon who,alongsidethedefenders,stoppedanumber ofattacksandhelpedtheteamtomaintainsuchanimpressivegoaldifferenceinthegame.

TheU14Cswentthreegamesunbeatenatthestartoftheautumnterm, withadrawawayatForestSchoolanda3-0homewinagainstAlleyn’s School.However,thisunbeatenrunwascutshortbydefeatsagainst BradfieldCollegeandEtonCollege.

FromthenuntiltheendofNovember,theU14Cswon2,lost1anddrew 1;however,afterthispromisingrunofgames,thencametheU14C’s heaviestdefeatoftheseason.Thoughcompletelydeservedonthedayby ArdinglyCollege,whowentontothrashourside10-0,thesidewas sufferingfrommissingplayersandinjurieswhichcontributedtowhatwas, withoutadoubt,apoorperformance.

AftertheChristmasbreak,theU14Csresumedtheirfixturesandbegan stronglywitha2-2stalemateagainstKing’sCollegeSchool.Thisgamewas followedbyacomfortable4-0win.

Inthenextthreegames,Hamptonsufferedadrawandtwolosses.Thesetwo lossesincludedafixtureagainstAbingdonCollegewhichended3-2,where BillyWilkinson wasstoppedfromgettinganincrediblehat-trickonlybya controversiallydisallowedgoal–which,sadly,alsocosttheteamthegame!

AlthoughtheU14Csendedtheseasononaloss,itissafetosaythatthe conclusionofthefootballingyearmarkedtheendofanenjoyablecampaign withmanymomentstoreflectonandtheywilllookforwardtoSeptember tobeginanotherseason.

U14AXIFootball

U14CXIFootball

U14BXIFootball

U14DFootball

Followingthat,andaftermanycomfortableandnotsocomfortable victories,Hamptonmadeittoround6ofESFA,wherewefacedWoolwich Polytechnicschool.ThegamestartedoffwithahighforHampton,with Felonov-Tzanevinterceptingadefender’spassandputtingitaway,butthe oppositionlaterequalised.Inthesecondsecondhalf,theoppositionwere awardedapenalty,andcalmlyputitaway.But,Hamptonwerenotabout goingtogiveup!Wewonourownpenalty,which AlessandroCardinale putintothetopcornerwithfullcomposure.Buildingmomentum,FelonovTzanevinterceptedagoalkick,whichhescoredtoputHamptoninfront, andthenlaterscoredanothertosecurethevictory.

Aweekafterthat,itwastimeforthequarterfinaloftheISFAcompetition againstAlleyn’s,andHamptonwerelookingforrevenge.Thegamestarted offwithatapinbyFelonov-Tzanev,whowentontocompletehishat-trick. But,Alleyn’sdidnotseenthegameasover;theypushedtheirhardestto makeit3-2.However,apenaltyconvertedbyAlessandroCardinalewasable tofinishthegameoffanditendedasa4-2winforHampton.

U14EFootball

Thefollowingweek,HamptonfacedKingsdale.Wewereabletomakeit1-0 earlyon,andtherock-soliddefencewereabletokeepthematbayforthe restofthematch,progressingustothenextround.

Thefollowingweekwewerefacedwitha‘weekofdeath’:anISFAsemi-final andanESFAquarter-final.ItstartedoffwithaverylongtriptoTorquay,in theESFAquarters,wherethegamewaswoneasily,6-1.ButSaturday arrivedsoonafter:nervesandexcitementwerebuzzingaroundthechanging rooms.Whenitwasgametime,disasterstruck:weconcededinthefirstfew secondstoDulwichandtheylateraddedasecondwithaheader.Although wepushedashardaswecould,theirdefencewastoogoodandwe experiencedourfirstheartbreakoftheseason.

U13AFootball

Despitethis,wequicklygotoverthatlossandstartedtoprepareforthe ESFAsemi-finals.Thegamekickedoffandweconcededagaininthefirst fewseconds–clearly,weweredevelopingathingforconcedingearly!But wefocusedonthegameaheadandstartedtotakecontrol.Wewere rewardedwithagoal,placedinthebottomcornerbyFelonov-Tzanevbefore anotherfromthesamesource. MarcusSolomon gotinontheacttofinish thegameoff,whichmeantthatHamptonschoolweregoingtothe HawthornstoplayintheESFAfinal!

But,beforethisfinal,westillhadtofaceWhitgift,whomwehadlostand drawntoearlierintheseason.Thegamestartedoffonahigh:Felonov Tzanevlobbedthekeeperbefore SoohoJin scoredaheadertohelp Hamptontakeacomfortablelead.Whitgift,though,smashedagoal‘top bins’togivethemaglimpseofhope;but,thathopewascrushedwithagoal fromMarcusSolomon.Thisexcellentperformanceagainstanothertopside wouldgiveusmotivationgoingintotheESFAfinalthefollowingweek.

Itwastime.

Thebigfinal.

Whatwehadallbeenlookingforwardto:hopefullyourfistpieceofsilverware!

Theseasonof21-22beganwithagreatstart,witha6-3winawayat Berkhamstedschool.Theweekafterthat,wegotourESFAcuprunofftoa goodstartwitha6-0win.Aweeklater,wereceivedourfirstlosswithatight 4-3toAlleyn’s.

Aweekafterthat,wehadoneofourclosestgamesoftheyear:thesecond roundofESFAagainstCarshaltonBoys.Itwas3-3goingintoextratime andthentheyscored;but,luckily, FelixBurt strucktheballbeautifullyinto thetopofthenettoequalise.Then,withsecondstogo, RioFelonovTzanev receivedtheballandslotteditthroughthekeeper’slegstowinthe matchforHampton.

Unfortunately,wewerenotabletobringfansduetoexams,butthatwasnot goingbringusdown.AlthoughChesterfieldHighSchooldominatedplay, FelonovTzanevscoredagainsttherunofplaybylobbingthekeeper. DespiteChesterfieldcontinuingtocontrolthegame,theywerenot rewardedwithagoalduetoourstaunchdefensiveefforts.

However,earlyintothesecondhalf,theyfinallygottheirlongawaitedgoal. Greatdefendingbybothsidessawthematchremain1-1tothebitterend.

Itwaspenalties.

U14DXIFootball

U14EXIFootball

U14EXIFootball

EveryHamptonianandeveryChesterfieldplayerhadslottedtheirpenalty home,untilitwastimeforChesterfield’snumber9totake;heputittothe leftof SebRautenberg,whomanagedtogetagood,firmhandtoit.Asave! Followingthis,everyonesuccessfullyconvertedtheirpenaltiesuntilitwas timefor FelixBurt’s penalty:scoretowinandtogetHampton’shandson theESFAtrophy.

Hetookhisrunup.Hescored!HamptonwerechampionsofEngland!We weredelightedtocapoffawonderfulseasonwithagreattrophytobring backtoagreatschool.

RioFelonov-Tzanev

IthasbeenanabsolutepleasureandprivilegetoworkwiththeU13Asthis season,whowerecrownedESFAchampionsonagreatdayatthe Hawthorns,thehomeofWestBromwichAlbion.Theresultinthefinal wasafittingrewardforagreatgroupofyoungmenwhocouldgoonto achievegreatthingsasHamptoniansandasfootballers–providingthey staygroundedandcontinuetodevelopandmatureinthewaytheydidthis year.

Indefence,theteamreliedonaresilientandathleticdefensivelineof FreddieThwaite andFelixBurtatfullback,andacentralpairingofSooho JinandAlessandroCardinale.Cardinalewasforcedintothedefence followinganunfortunateinjuryto RalphCrowther earlyintheseason. Ralph’sattitudeininjurywasanexampleforHamptoniansand demonstratedthetogethernessofthegroup.

Thedefencewentfromstrengthtostrengthandtheirattentiontodetailand abilitytograspdefensivetacticsputsthemingoodsteadforseasonsto come. JoshuaGaughan wasalsoaverygoodoptionontheleftindefence andgoingforwardontheleftsideofmidfield.

BehindthedefencewasSebRautenbergingoal,who–duetoanother injuryto JoePerry earlyintheseason–wasneverchallengedforhisplace

andsubsequentlymadethepositionhisownwithsomegreatperformances, aswellastheimportantpenaltysaveintheESFAfinal.

Themidfieldweretheonesthatranandranfortheirteam;asaresultof theirsuccesses,theyoftenhadtodealwithmembersoftheoppositionthat wereregisteredwithprofessionalacademies–challengesthattheydealtwith withaplomb!

Thissuccesswasbuiltaround AdamMalik, BaltiBirts, FarisSalman and FinleyMilner,whoprovidedsterncompetitionforplacesandmeantthat supporterswouldinvariablyenjoysomewonderfullytalentedfootball playersonshow. AlexWatson and OmerOlcer alsomadegreat contributionshereaswellasonthewingwiththeireagerness,workrate, abilityandunderstandingofthegame.

Whenwetalkoftalentedfootballplayersandrunningwecouldlookno furtherthanthewingers:MarcusSolomonand CasparStrouts’ workrate andskillsontheballwereajoytowatchandshowedthatHamptonfootball hastwomoreveryexcitingtalentsthere.

Withanabundanceoftalentbehindyou,youneedatruegoalscorerand forthis,theteamhadtheircaptain:RioFelonov-Tzanev.Hescoredinexcess of40goalsthisseason,afinefeat!IfRiocontinuestoworkonhismaturity, somethingthatdevelopedinthesecondhalfoftheseason,andthetechnical sideofbeingastriker,thenhewillcontinuetoscoreagreatdealofgoalsas heprogressesupthroughtheagegroups.

Therewereotherinvolvementsthroughouttheseason,including JasperBird atthestartoftheseasonand FreddieTranter,whobothperformedadmirably.

Overall,itisfairtosaythatthisisaverygoodfootballingyeargroupatthe schoolandIverymuchlookforwardtoseeinghowtheirfootballdevelops overthecomingseasons.

U13BFootball

AmissedpenaltyforHampton,extra-timeandanunfortunategoalfor theoppositionlaterresultedinamixtureofheartbreakandconfusion thatoverwhelmedthesquad.Sadly,itwasanearlyexitfromtheESFA cup.

Now,Icouldhavechosenanyofthegameswhichwewon7or8-nil,butI feelthiswastheoneinwhichweshowedmostcharacter:weasateamkept fightinguntiltheendanddidnotgiveup,evenaftermissedchancesandnot havingplayers.

IthasbeenapleasureplayingintheBsthiswholeseasonandIreally appreciateeveryone’ssupport:especiallyMrLeafe;everyoneintheteam lovedhimasacoachandweareveryexcitedtohavehimagainnextyear.

ItwasagreatseasonfortheU13Bs:12wins,2drawsandonly5losses,with 66goalsscoredandonly19conceded.Astheseasonwenton,Ifeelthat everyoneunderstoodtheirrolesbetterthanbeforeandwereallyimproved asateam.IfIhadtopickonegametofocuson,itwouldbeourawayfixture atDulwichCollege.

Weweredownagoalkeeper.However,littledidanyoneknow,thiswould leadtothegreatestgoalkeepingperformanceofalltime…

AsIputonthebackupglovesandgotusedtotheposition,Iwonderedhow Icouldpossiblyavoidtotalembarrassmentagainstsuchastrongsideona wet,slipperysurface.Thefirstfewminuteswentsmoothly,acoupleofeasy catchesandsomesoliddistribution;thenmymomentcame:Dulwichare onthecounterattack,passingleft,rightandthentheyhaveachanceto shoot.IhavetochannelmyinnerManuelNeuer:Idive,stickoutahand and…theballisnotinthebackofthenet!Afterafewpatsontheback,the gamecontinued.Twogoalsfrom BenjaminWilliams madeit2-0–he scoredanother16thisseason!–andonefrom JasperBird madeit3-0.

And,then,ahighlightoftheyearandMrLeafe’spickfor‘Goalofthe Season’: JudeLordSmith receivedtheballjustinfrontofthehalfwayline, tookatouch,andcurledtheballintothetop-cornerfromtwentyyardsout. Thepaththeballtooktogettothetopcornerwasbeautiful,Imustadmit. Thatgoaljustsummedupthegame:beautifulpassingandgreatfinishes fromBenjamin,JasperandJude,aswellasdecentgoalkeepingfrommyself and NicholasHennebry –whokindlywentingoalforthesecondhalfto letmehavesometimeoutfield.Atrulyunforgettable4-0win!

ThankstotheteamandtoMrLeafeforagreatseason–wehopethatthe nextonecanbejustasgood!

Thehighsandthelowswereextraordinary–whatarollercoasterithasbeen! Iwasthegoalkeeperthisseasonand,thankfully,Ihadaverysoliddefence infrontofmeintheformofJude, ThomasMcMonagle, DanielLee, MauriceRay, JaipaalGhotra, YuvrajhSahota, OttoFrench and Daniel O’SullivanSanz.Thisdefencehelpedustoastaggeringeight-game unbeatenstreakwithnogoalsconceded.

Unfortunately,Imissedthefirstpartoftheseasonduetoabrokennose;I willbereportingonmyfirstgameback.Iwasnervous:thesecond-roundof theESFACupcompetition.

Notlongintothegame,disasterstruck:theirforwardgoesdowninthebox andtherefereecallsforapenalty.Theteamhadworkedhardsofarandthis couldbeamajorsetbackforus.TheShenfieldplayerstepsuptothespotand wecouldfeelthetensionbuilding;IknewinmymindwhereIthoughthewas goingtogo,soasheranupIdivedtherightway–butitdidnotmatter;the ballwasdraggedjustpastthepost.Iamstillcountingthatasasave,ofcourse!

JoePerry

Coachingsuchahard-working,sportingandtalentedgroupofSecondYear footballershasundoubtedlythehighlightofmyfirstyearattheSchool.I grewevermoreimpressedeachweekatthewaytheboysencouragedand praisedeachother,prioritisedthe‘we’overthe‘me’andthematuritywith whichtheyinteractedwiththeoppositionplayers.Iamimmenselyproud oftheirsuccessfulseason.

Inthefirsttrainingsessionandfixture,IcouldnotbelievemyluckwhenI sawsomeoftheskillandfinishingofthelikesof FreddieTranter,Jasper Bird,NicholasHennebry,ThomasMcMonagleand GabrielGargour.Very welldonealsotoBenjaminWilliamsonasixteen-goalseason,including severalhat-tricks!

Thecontrolledandvisionarypassingof DominicStenning and Dario Puljic, asourholding-midfielders,deserveshugepraise.Atthesametime, weowemanyofourcleansheets–and,indeed,goalsfromcorners!–tothe role-modelleadershipofMauriceRey and JoePerry,andastone-wall defencethatincludedYuvrajhSahota,DanielLee,JudeLord-Smithand OttoFrench.Wealsobenefittedhugelyfrombrilliantperformancesby ArunCrowe aswellas OmerOlcer and JoshuaGaughan,whohavesince goneontowintheESFACupwiththeAs.

AsincerethankyoumustgototheparentsoftheU13Bsboysfortheir unwaveringsupportwithtraveltoandfromfixturesandtheir encouragementfromthetouchline.Iamverymuchlookingforwardto coachingtheboysastheU14BsfromSeptember,andseeingthemcontinue todeveloptheirprofessionalism,confidenceandteamwork.

U13BXIFootball

U13CXIFootball

MauriceRay

Afterafirstyearwithoutmanymatches,theU13Csweregreetedby normalitywithafullfixturelist,whichtheirlargeandtalentedsquad trainedendlesslyfor.Theirabilityanddeterminationwasperhapsbest illustratedonthepitch–againstanunbeatenWhitgiftside–wherethey quicklyassertedtheirdominance.

Theattackingprowessof GabrielSpooner and LanderKauenhoven-Wren combinedtwicetogivethemanearlytwo-goallead,withthelatterscoring astunnerfromdistance,andfortherestofthehalfWhitgiftcouldnotfind awaythroughtheimpenetrableHamptondefence.Whetheritwasthe commandingpresenceof MaxVynnytskyy and AmarBajwa, thebrilliant tacklingfrom DanielO’SullivanSanz and TheoStafferton, orthe goalkeepingheroicsfrom EdBarkus, theU13Csfrustratedtheiropponents timeandtimeagain.

ArunCrowe and DanielBathula dominatedthemidfield,distributingit outwideto DanielKim,MaxwellGladding and EugeneKwon, who constantlyterrorisedtheopponent’sdefencewiththeirquick,mazyruns andintricatepassing.

Asthesecondhalfbegan, LouisHarvey and NeelMohindra gotthe U13Csofftoagreatstartwithtwoexcellentlytakengoals.However, JoshuaChapman scoredthepickofthebunchwithafantasticfreekickwhichhecurledintothetopcorner.Asthematchcametoaclose, LouisHarvey completedhishat-trickwithtwomorefinefinishes, whichmadethefinalscore7-0toHampton.

MohammedAli didnotplayinthismatch,butprovedhimselftobe anenergeticmidfielder/forwardinthematchesthathewasabletoplay in.

Thatmatchwasoneinafive-gameunbeatenrun,astheU13Csfinished theirseasononahighwithconsecutive6-1,7-2and7-0victories.

Althoughitwasayearofupsanddownsforthesquad,theundeniable teamspiritandtheabundanceoftalentwasextremelypromisingforthe comingyears.Oneofthemostimpressivequalitiesofthissquadwas theirversatilityandwillingnesstoplayindifferentpositions–includingGoalkeeper,iftheteamneededit!

Iknowtheboyswillcontinuetogive100%duringeverytraining sessionandeverymatch,andIlookforwardtoseeingwhatthefuture holdsforthisgiftedgroupofboys.

ArunCrowe

Thisseasonwestartedoffonthefrontfootwithanarrow4-3winover Berkhamsteadthatincludedahat-trickofgoalsfrom BenjaminWilliams andasolostrikefrom ArishKesevan

ThenextgamewasawayatForestSchool;unfortunately,thisendedasa2-0 loss,butthanksgoto LouisHarvey and DanielLee forpitchinginatlate notice.OurnextopponentswereRadnorHouseanditendedwithasfairly one-sided7-0winforus,withabracefrom DylanMcNamara andtherest ofthegoalsfrom BenjaminBates, NathanielChukwu, PatrickMoroney, TeddyHart andArishKesevan.

ThenextgamewasagainstIbstockPlace;itwasapulsatingend-to-end4-4 draw,withgoalsfromArishKesevan,DylanMcNamaraand AaronLear Unfortunately,thenextmatchwasatough7-0losstoLingfieldCollege.

FollowingthiscameChigwellSchoolBoys;itwasanotherloss,3-1,withthe goalcomingfromTeddyHart.However,thescorelinedidnotreflectonour performance;wedidnotdeservetoloseandshouldhavegroundoutadraw.

ThenextgamewasagainsttheJohnLyonSchool;sadly,thisresultedina6-0 lossandwasnotagreatgameforusintermsofperformance,thoughwe keptworkinghardatourplay.Ourfinalgamebeforethewinterholidaywas againstWhitgift–whoarealwaystoughopponents.Ultimately,itwasa7-2 losswithgoalsfromAaronLearandDylanMcNamara.

Thenextthreegameswerelosses:2-1toKing’sCollege,withasinglegoal fromDylanMcNamara;a10-0losstoDulwichCollege;anda2-0lossto RoyalRusselBoys’School.

Thankfully,therunofbadformcametoanemphaticendwithan8-2win overStPaul’sSchool,withfourgoalsfromDylanMcNamara,abracefrom ArishKesevan,andsolostikesfrom ElioWatson andTeddyHart.

Unfortunately,wecouldnotkeepupthegoodform,followingupthis victorywitha6-0losstoStJohn’sSchool,LeatherheadBoys.

However,weendedourseasononahighwithanexcellent3-1win;twogoals camefromDylanMcNamaracorners,oneofwhichwasafabulousscorpionkickfromTeddyHart,anditwas ThomasLincoln whoscoredtherest.

Overall,whilstitwastoughatpoints,itwasawonderfullypositiveendto theseasonandIamlookingforwardtoseeyouallnextyear!Thankyouto allofthecoaches,staffandparentswhosupportedusthroughout.

DylanMcNamara

U13DFootball

U13DXIFootball

U13EXIFootball

U12AFootball

U12BFootball

Wewaitedwithnervousexcitementafterthefirsttrainingsessionofthe yearfortheteamstobepicked.WearrivedonanautumnSaturday morningwithhighhopesandproudtobeplayingforHampton.Would wemakethefabledHamptonU12Ateam?

WehadmadetheAteamandnowweneededtoperform!Our oppositionwasBerkhamstedschool.Itwasatoughstartuntil Oliver Khaksar buriedtheballinthebackoftheirnettogetourseasonstarted. Berkhamstedwerenopushoversandafewgoalsnestledinournet;but, intheend,beautifulfootworkfrom RufusLawless sealedanopening victory7-5.

ThefirstgameoftheESFAcupandtheCountycupcameandwentas webeatWeydonSchool4-1,with BenWhiteley havinganamazing matchanddrilling2goalsinthenet,alongsidegreatpassingtoleadtoa superbfinishfrom RubenEaster.TheCountyCupmatchwasagainst MathewArnoldSchool;ablinderofashotfrom RufusLawson and Messi-likedribblingfrom AdamSaker helpedHamptontoasolid victory.

Aftersevengames,ourwinningstreakcametoanendaswefaced footballinggiants,WhitgiftSchool.Welost12-1–althoughwekeptthe spirithighinthesecond-halfandonlyconcededtwogoalsfollowinga greatdefensiveperformanceby HenryWood.Despitethisdefeat,we bouncedbackintheCountyCupround2againstHollyfieldSchool, where TomScrimshaw’s passinganddribblingabilitiessawusthrough toa9-1win.

AnextremelytightdrawcameagainstDrChalloner’sGrammarSchool. Wewerelosing2-1inthedyingmomentsofthegame,but Tristan Drake and HarrisonGilbert’s hardworkkeptusinituntilthedying momentswhen NoahRasiDeMel struckandgotuslevelwithan outstandinghalfwayfreekick.

WefacedthemightyWhitgiftforathirdtime–havingwon4-0inthe secondmatch.Unfortunatelyforus,theyhadthelastlaugh;despitea lethalfinishfrom NedLeonard,outstandingtacklingfrom SebHoward andgreatskillsfrom BrennanColetta,wecouldnotpreventa4-2loss.

Butsuchalosswasrare!Overall,wewon20ofour25matches.Most importantly,thankstotheexcellentcoachingofMrHurstinthefirsthalf oftheseasonandthenMrSimsinthesecond,theteamdemonstrated excellentteamspiritatalltimes–evenduringtheWhitgiftgames!

Westartedtheseasonasacollectionofkeenyoungfootballersandended itasateamwithaspiritworthyoftheHamptonname.

GeorgeEggleton

TheU12Bsidehadasuccessfulseasonthisyear,attimesdominating oppositionsideswhileshowingskill,teamwork,effortandathleticism. Theoverallrecordread13wins,5drawsand6losses,with98goals scoredagainst52conceded.Thefactthathalfofthe6lossescame againstotherschools’Ateams,tellsthestoryofhowstrongthegroup wasatBteamlevel.

Whilethereweremanyoutstandingmomentsduringtheseason,there wereacoupleofemotionalhighsthatstickclearlyinthemind.Firstly, theESFACupRound3matchwononpenaltiesagainstCoombe School.

Thematchitselfwasatightaffairwhichfairlyresultedindeadlock.Cue penaltiesalongwithalltheover-confidence,blindpanicandemotional upheavalthattheybring.Aftersuccessfulpenaltiesby Grigory Dobrynin,IsaacHurst,RufusLawlessandJoeTimba, theopposition werethefirsttoblink,missingtheirfourthpenalty. MaxPagnamenta, oneoftherocksoftheside,wastheperfectchoicetoslotawaythefinal penalty.Ashesteppedup,itseemedunfeasiblehewasmiss,yetmisshe did.However,therewasstilltimeforadifferentHamptonhero,with OllyPhillips,brilliantlysprawlingtohisrighttosmothertheshot, leavingusasthevictors.

However,therefereehadotherideas,seeminglyhavinglostcountofthe total.WhileMrGreen(anEnglishteacher–wouldamemberofthe MathematicsDepartmenthavereactedmorequickly?)scrabbled around,checkinghisnotesandpreparingtopointouttheerrortothe mathematicallychallengedofficial, GuiGargour simplysteppedupand smashedtheextra,unneededpenaltyintothetopcorner,prompting wildcelebrations.ThiswintookusintotheFourthroundofthecup, wherewelostacloselyfoughtbattletoGreyCourtSchool,missingout 2-1afterextratime.

Whilethecupdreamhaddied,therewasstillplentyofexcitementleft, epitomisedbythefinalmatchoftheseasonwhichsawanexcellent performanceagainstastrongWhitgiftside.Aftergoingdownagoal early,theteamdemonstratedhowfartheyhadcomeoverthecourseof theyear,offeringacontrolledperformance,containingtheopposition’s attacksbeforecounteringwithexceptionalpaceandquality.Alate equaliserfromafreekickforWhitgiftledtowhatwasprobablyafair result,butmatchitselfshowedtheprogressiontheboyshadmadeover theseasonandsuggestedthatmanyofthesidecouldbeinapositionto challengeforAteamspotsintheirsecondyearattheSchool.

So,whoaretheseboysthattheAteamsquadshouldbelookingover theirshouldersatnextyear?Thesquadwasblessedwithgoalkeepers, with BenSilver and OllyPhillips sharingthedutiesatthestartofthe season,bothshowinggreatcourageandqualityintheirperformances,

U12AXIFootball

U12BXIFootball

before HaadiHariri tookovertheroletowardstheendoftheseason. Haadi’srisetotheBteamisalreadythestuffoflegendthroughthe SportsDepartment,withrumourhavingitthathestartedtheseason cuttingthehalftimeorangesasasubintheGteambeforeclimbing throughtherankstoreachthegiddyheightsoftheBteamonthe strengthofhisperformances–andonlymissingoutonthechancefor anAteamdebutduetoCovid!Itwillbegreattoseehowheprogresses nextyear.

Thedefencewasinitiallyledbycaptain JamesPhillips;whilehis commitmentandpositioningservedhimwellthere,hiscomposureon theballandpassingabilitymeantthathemovedintomidfieldasthe seasonmovedon. ToluwanimiIdowu becametherockofthedefence inthesecondhalfoftheyear,withhispace,strengthandreadingofthe gameallowinghimtoshutoutoppositionforwards.Manywasthetime acauselookedlost,onlyforTolutoappearoutofnowherewithagoal savingchallenge.

TodescribeMaxPagnamentaasarightbackdoesnotdojusticetohis versatility,andwhereverheplayed,hewasafigureofdetermination, utterlycommittedtothecause.Thesameistrueof JoeTimba,who playedallacrosstheback,aswellasincentremidfield.Withapenchant foracrunchingtackleand thevisiontodeliverdefencebreakingpasses, hewasanassetwhereverheplayed.

Afteranearlyseasoninjury, WillBush joinedthesquad;heoffered anotheroptionatfullback,withincrediblysolidpositionalplay combinedwiththepricelessabilityandwillingnesstodothesimple thingquickly. PaulIsalan madehiswayintothesidefromtheCteam andadjustedwell,withaculturedleftfootandagrowingconfidenceas theseasonwenton.GuiGargourwasanotherplayerwhocontributed allthewayacrossthepitch,butprimarilyattheback.Onoccasion,his allactionperformanceswereremarkableashewouldappearalloverthe pitch,ablurofyellow,hassling,harryingandthendeliveringquality whenhehadforcedtheballfromtheopposition.

Inmidfield,thefirsthalfoftheyearsaw SebastianHoward andGrigory Dobryninworkingtogethertogivetheside,controlandacuttingedge respectively.Seb’scalmcomposureontheballsawhimultimatelymove upintotheAteamsquad.Grigoryofferedaperfectcounterpointto Seb,drivingforwardateveryopportunity,withahowitzerofarightfoot andtheabilitytobeatanyoneinaoneononesituation.Thatheended theseasontopscoringwith20goalsfrom21matchestellsitsownstory.

MatteoMastrodonato wasanexcellentdeputyandgrewintotheseason ashegraduallybecamemoreandmoreofaforceinmatches.Hewas anotherplayerwhoshowedexcellentversatility,willingtodowhatever wasaskedofhimfortheteam,withsomeverypromisingperformances atfullbacktowardstheendoftheseason.

Onthewing, TiobaShittu-Balogun leftcountlessoppositionfullbacks flounderinginhiswakeandshowedgreatcomposurewhenfinding himselfthroughongoal,scoring7goalsthroughtheseason.IsaacHurst showedflashesofhighqualityandwasalwaysacreativeoutlet.Laterin theseason, RubenEaster joinedthesquad,findinghispositionouton therightwherehewasabletodominateoppositiondefenceswith aggressivedribblingandprecisefinishing,scoring12goalsinjust10 matches.

Upfront,RufusLawlessworkedtirelesslyfortheteam,alwayskeento workandalwayshisownharshestcritic.Hewasoftenthefulcrumofthe team’sbestmovesandwasregularlytheonewhowastheretofinish themoff,scoring11goalsthroughthecourseoftheyear. AdamSaker wasanothertojointhesquadlaterintheyear,makinghispresencefelt

withhisexcellentmovementandgameawareness,ghostinginto dangerouspositions,scoring5goalsinjust9matches.

Allexcellentplayers,contributingtoanexcellentseason.Beyondthequality ofthefootballandthequalityoftheresults,thequalityoftheirattitudeand teamworkiswhattheyshouldreallybeproudof,astheygrewtogetherasa teamduringthecourseoftheyear.ThefutureisbrightfortheU13sides nextyear!

U12CFootball

Thisyear’scropofplayerswereanextremelytalentedbunchwhose excellentattitudesawthemimprovegreatlycollectivelyandindividually overthecourseoftheseason.WetasteddefeatonlyagainsttheATeamsof ChigwellandSuttonGrammar,winning13matchesalongthewayaswell asacracking3-3drawawayatWhitgift.

Thegoalkeeperrolewassharedaround,with DominicNelson,Zach Iqbal,OllyPhillips and HaadiHariri allpullingoffsomeimpressive stops.MaxDexter,DylanLove,EuanSeymour and FinleyHughes all playedkeyrolesearlyintheseason.

Acoupleofdefensivegems, ToluwanimiIdowu and WillBush,were deservedlypromotedtotheBs;but,likeheadsontheHydra,other fearsomeball-winnersroseupintheirplacewith ZakiChapman and WilliamDenmark formingarock-solidpartnershipinthemiddle.On theflanks, DannyPrichard careeredupanddowntherightwhilst Paul Isalan calmlycontrolledtheleftbeforethelatterwasalsopoachedbythe Bteam.

Inturn,weraidedtheall-conqueringDTeamtogreateffect,with Will O’Shea and SalahuddinSalah addingrealclasstoourattackingplay.We werealsoindebtedtosomecommandingperformancesfrom Ethan Geiger,IsaacHurst and AshtonCrossley,whosetouchandvision contributedsignificantlytoourtallyof81goals,plentyofwhichwere tuckedawaybystriker AlexMilicic

Finally,aspecialmentiongoestoourjointplayeroftheseasonwinners. Inthecentreofthepark,captain CharlieDonald setthestandardforthe team,leadingbyexampleinbothcommitmentandquality,whilst Kota Dooley rippeddefencesapartwithhisexplosivepaceandskill.

Thegroupwereunfailinglyhardworkingandplayedwithapositive attitudethatwasacredittotheSchool.Ilookforwardtoseeingthem progressoverthecomingyears.

U12CXIFootball

U12DFootball

causingproblemsforoppositiondefenceontheirrespectivewings,and HamzaYahie hadstartedtobecomearegulargoalscorerfrommidfield. Withthe100%recordnowthetalkofthetown,theseason’stoughesttest awaitedusawayatWhitgift.

Thefirsthalfdidnotquitegotoplanaswewere2-1downgoingintothe break;however,inourfavourwasthefactthat,thankstoAlex Semenenko’s inspiredcallatthetoss:wehadthestrongwindbehindusin thesecondhalf.ThisadvantageproveddecisiveaswepinnedWhitgiftinto theirownpenaltyareaformostoftherestofthegame.

Thebreakthroughdidnotcomeuntilfairlylateon,butwhenitdidthe boysdidnotlookbackas GeorgeMoria completedabrillianthat-trick andthenscoredafourthtocapoffawonderful4-2win.Theteamspirit wasatanallseasonhigh,andthefollowingweekwefinishedtheyearoff instylewithatypicallyruthless17-0winoverReadingBlueCoat.

ItallstartedonasunnySaturdaymorninginSeptember.Berkhamsted werethevisitors,we–eventually–foundthecorrectpitch,andtheboys werereadytomaketheirdebutinHamptoncolours.Anypre-match nervesweresweptasideaswequicklytooktheleadandcruisedtoa comfortablevictory;thefree-flowingattackingstylecoupledwithcopious sausagerollconsumptionafterthegamewouldsetthetonebeautifullyfor whatwastocome.

Asitturnedout,thefollowingtwogameswouldbeourtoughesttestsof theChristmasterm.ThefirstwasawayatAlleyn’swhere,afterathrilling end-to-endgameandwiththescore5-4toHampton,Alleyn’shadafreekickinadangerousposition.TheAlleyn’sstrikerwentstraightforgoaland wouldhavefoundthetopcornerifitwerenotforasublimesavefrom ZachariyaIqbal –oneofmanyvitalgoalkeepingcontributionsoverthe courseoftheyear.Twominuteslater,wescoredattheotherendandwon thegame6-4.ThefollowingFriday,ittookalast-minutewinnerfrom OscarMidgley-Carver toovercomeSuttonGrammarandgiveusthe perfectstarttotheseason.

Severalmorecomfortablewinsfollowed.Highlightsincludedhat-tricks from AshtonCrossley, IvanSemenenko and SalahShah,andagoal frominsideourownhalfagainstWilson’scourtesyof WilliamDenmark Wecappedoffthetermwitha5-2winagainstWhitgift,featuringafirst goaloftheseasonfor WillO’Shea andanexcellentmidfieldperformance from SamCoupe, makingitninewinsoutofniceaswewentintothe Christmasbreak.

Thenewtermbroughtwithitsomenewplayersastheteamswereshuffled around. MaxDexter madeanimmediateimpactinmidfield,and Finley Hughes addedsomeextrasolidityindefence. EthanPrice putinaman ofthematchperformanceagainstDulwich,winningwhatturnedoutto beacrucialpenaltyinaveryphysical3-2winthattookustoourtwelfth victoryinarow.

Winsthirteenandfourteencamecourtesyofourtwobestdefensive performancesoftheyear,beatingWilson’sandCardinalVaughan’s3-0 and2-0respectively. AlexSemenenko,havingtakenonthecaptaincyfor thelentterm,ledthelinebrilliantlyfromcentreback,with Josh Millington-Jones and LukeFitzpatrick eithersideofhimformingavery effectivebackthree.TheCardinalVaughan’sfixturealsofeaturedwhatwas arguablyourgoaloftheseason,when EuanSeymour foundthenet directlyfromacorner!

Thoughtshadnowstartedofthepossibilityofanunbeatenseason. Questionswereraisedaboutwhentheassemblymentionwouldcome.The playerswouldhavebeenforgivenforfeelingthenerves,butonthepitch therewasnoholdingbackasthefollowingthreegameswerewonbyan aggregatescoreof19-1. DylanLove and JoshGibbins wereconsistently

Itwasabrilliantendtoabrilliantseasonfullofexcellentsaves,wonderful goals,andhundredsofsausagerolls.

Theboyswereanabsolutepleasuretoworkwiththisyear,andIhopethey areasproudoftheirachievementthisseasonasIamofthem,Ilook forwardtofollowingtheirprogressintheyearstocome!

U12DXIFootball

U12EXIFootball

FirstXVRugby

Withlifestartingtorevertbacktonormal,afullseasonofrugbywaseagerlyanticipatedbytheentire squad.AsenseofuncertaintyalsoencompassedpreseasontrainingaswebidafondfarewelltoMr Thomsonafter6yearsofservice;but,awelcomeandpopularreplacementarrived,intheformofMr Beattie,alongsidemanydebutantsonandoffthepitchasahandfulofLowerSixthalsojoinedtheFirst XVthisyear.

ThefirstsenseofabenchmarkpresenteditselfatEsherPresidents’CupandSouthCoastKings,where expectationswereseentobeexceededasweenjoyedsuccessatbothtournaments.Therewerewinsover TonbridgeandStBenedict’s,boththeFirstXVandU15swontheSouthCoastKingsCups–defence wasthecruxoftheFirstXV’ssuccessasthevictoriesrecordedoverBWS,Churchers,StBenedict’sand Brighton1sand2swereachievedwithoutconcedingasingletry.Thiswaswonderfulendtopreseason andsetuptherestoftheseasonwithgreatpromise.

WitheightLowerSixthmakingtheirFirstXVdebut,thefirstgameoftheseasonagainstBrighton CollegeundertheFridaynightlightswassettobeaspectacle.Dominantcollisionsensuedwithinthe firstfewminutes,withtheUpperSixthsecond-rowpairingof AlfieSimmonds-Gooding and Luke McNamara seemingtobeeverywhere,allowingforHampton’sfirstchanceearlyon.Afterasuccessful drivingmaul,stemmingfromaprecisethrowtothebackfrom HenryLangrish,aperfectbackline movepenetratedtheBrightondefence,allowing FinlayWiseman todeliverthefinalpassto Nico Luckman toscorewitheaseinthecorner,with ConnorCross addingtheextras.Thisperfectly executedmoveleftspectators–andevensomeplayers–inawe;thisdominantstartepitomisedthe next60minutesofrugbythatwastofollow.TheHamptondefenceheldfirm,withvice-captain Tom Simm leadingfromthefront;phaseafterphaseresultedinusputtingBrightoncarriersontheirbacks. ConnorCross,withquickfeetandthestrengthtofinish,thenconvertedhisowntrytomakeit14-0 headingintohalftime.Itwasclearagainfromthestartofthesecondhalfthatitwouldbemuchlike thefirst,astheHamptondefencesuffocatedtheBrightonattackandforcedthemtoretiretotheboot. Despitethis,nospacecouldbefoundthereeitherasapoorkick-chaseenabled CameronHill to counterattackandreturnakickintotheopenbackfield;havingretrievedthis,alovelypopuptoan expecting JamesMorgan resultedinafinishinthecorner.Brightonretaliatedwithtwoscores,butthe resultwasinevitableduetoafurtherscorefrom NeoSukhraj-Hammerl's andthebootofConnor Cross:29-14.ThiswasapromisingstarttotheseasonandafirstvictoryforMrBeattie.However,it wouldnotbethelasttimewewouldmeetthePelicans.

FurtherconvincingwinsoverRGSHighWycombeandHurstpierpointCollegehelpedustogather momentumintoourfirstroundRFUNationalCupgameagainstKing’sCollegeSchool.Captain EthanKnight crossedthewhitewashandCross’bootkickstartedthecuprun:16-3andundefeatedat the‘Lion'sDen’.Inthesecondround,wefacedStPaul’saway;theywerealsodispatchedbyourfluid, flowingrugby,with ArthurHopley gallopingdownthewingsomewhatelegantlyandputtingFifth Year FinlayWiseman awayfortwoscoreswithCrossagainaddingtheextras:31-17.

Halftermcamequicklyand,with-it,theStJoseph'sNationalSchoolsRugbyFestival.Wehadonly enduredonelossinaheart-breakingencounteragainstEpsom,whereascoreinthelastminuteclosed thegameat21-18.Despitethisloss,thesquadgrewcloserandmaintainedhighexpectationsforthis prestigioustwo-dayrugbyfestivaldespitesufferingsomeinjuriesandinevitableCovidabsences.On

thefirstday,wewentundefeated,beatingRGSNewcastle14-10, CheltenhamCollege10-5andHurstpierpoint15-7.Particularenjoyment onthelivestreamcamefroma TabzMakanzas scorefromadrivingmaul from20mout;awonderfultwo-stepdancemovetoppeditoff.However, wesufferedafewvitalinjuries;despitethis,westilltoppedourgroup. QualifyingfortheCupCompetitionmeanttoughergamesweretocome. Firstup,wefacedBrightonCollege;despiteourpreviousvictory,the differentformatandslowstartmeantthat,thistime,theygottheupper hand,movingusintothePlatesemi-final.Here,wefacedoffagainst Dulwich;atightencounterendedinadrawandresultedinadramatic penaltykick-off.EthanKnight, MaxLeman and ZackGellatley steppedup toslottheirkicksoverwithcomposure.WeprogressedtothePlatefinal, whereweplayedaveryphysicalKirkhamside;physicallydrainedaftera longweekend,wecouldnotcomeawaywiththewin,butitwasasuccessful festivalnonetheless.

Lookingtocarryourmomentumthrough,wefacedatoughblockof fixturesthatincludedthelikesofTrinityandCranleigh,aswellasDulwich inthethirdroundoftheNationalCup.Averywetandwindydayin SouthwestLondonwasthesettingforthisclassicderby;setuptobea forward-dominatedgame,itwasactuallythebackswhoprovidedthefirst scorewithanotherprecisemoveexecutedtoperfection:softhandssawNico LuckmanleavetheDulwichfullbacklookingfoolishashesteppedaround himwitheaseandfinishedundertheposts,7-0.Athunderousrunjust beforehalftime,withanacrobaticfinishfromtheDulwichnumber7, levelledthescores.Itwasgoingtotakesomethingspecialandsomeoneto stepuptotheoccasiontosplitthesides.Second-halffieldpositionwas providedthroughanintelligentkickinggameaswellasstrongcarriesinthe middleoftheparkbythebackrowpairingofJamesMorganand Joshua Acela;theyleftDulwichdefendersintheirwake,adangerousduoof footworkandpower–undecidedwhichwayround.PoisedintheDulwich half,MaxLemanthreadedthroughabeautifullyweightedkick-throughfor EthanKnighttochasedownovertheline;thisscoredultimatelyclinched thegame.

WeprogressedontoplayHarrowawayintheFourthround;atightly contestedgamesawJoshuaAcelaputoutoneofthebestdisplaysofthe season,alongwithintercepttriesandstrongcarriesnearthelinethat resultedinKnight,HopleyandLuckmancrossingthewhitewash. Ultimately,however,thepassionandaggressionprovidedby Tomasz Findlater throughoutthegame–where,attimes,hebowledoverHarrow defenderswithease–wasnotenoughtosecurethevictory.Thefinalscore ended25-19toHarrow.

Afteradisappointingloss,astreamofimpressiveperformancesfrom FreddieSkinner andNicoLuckmanensuredthatmomentumwasnotlost; aflourishofinch-perfect50-22sandahat-trickbyNicoLuckmanmarched usthroughtoback-to-backvictoriesagainstJohnFisherandStJohn’s.

AsoneofthebiggestgamesoftheseasonagainstStBenedict’sloomed,a collectiveexcitementsurroundedtraining–especiallyconsideringthatit wouldbethelasttimethistightlyknitgroupwouldplaytogether.Thisfinal gameepitomisedtheflowing,fluidrugbythissidehadplayedyear-round; piercingcarriesfromLukeMcNamarascrambleddefencesandMaxLeman executed50-22boxkickswithease.Earlyscorescamefromdominant carriesclosetotheline; TomSimm scoredandadrivingmaulalsosaw HenryLangrishdottheballdowntoassertadominantfirsthalf.Finlay Wisemanpickedupafurthertwo,roundingthefinalscoreto31-7.This dominantperformancereflectedjusthowquicklythegrouphadgelled togetherandhowwelcomingtheUpperSixthwere,enablingustoreapthe benefitsthroughoutthe15sseason.

Springhalf-termsawthecommencementoftheSevensseason;thisbegan incommandingstyle.TheLion'sdenwelcomednineothersidesinlate FebruaryfortheannualHamptonSevenstournament.

WiththeLowerandMiddleSchoolliningthetouchlineinforce,thefirst gamewaselectric.Thisgameheldspecialimportance,notleastwiththe wholeschoolwatchingbutgiventhesiblingrivalrybetweentheWiseman

FirstXVRugby

brothers.Gordonsweredispatchedwithease;FinlayWisemanscoredtwo againsthisbrother.BrightonandHurstpierpointfollowed;bothwere defeatedwithequalaplomb.

Theclimaxofthegroupsawthetwounbeatensides,HamptonandIpswich, playingasimilarbrandof7s.Thetwosideswentback-to-backallgamewith thefinalpossessionprovingtobethedecider,endingthegame20-24to Ipswich.Withsilverwarestilltoplayfor,allhopewasnotlostasrunners-up ingroup2;BishopWandsworthwerenext,withbothsidesfeeling aggrieved.

ThecombinedintelligenceandprowessofJoshAcelaandFinlayWiseman caughtBishopWandsworthoff-guard,with3kick-offtriesleavingthem chasingshadows.Thesecondhalfencompassedthefast-flowing7s Hamptonhadlookedtoplayallafternoon,despitethemrespondingwith4 triesoftheirown.Thegamefinished29-26,withHamptonaddingtheplate tothecupwonearlieratSouthCoastKings.

WaterloggedpitchescancelledtheMiddlesex7s,butasuccessfulSurrey7s pre-RoslynParkraisedexpectationswithWhitgift,Epsom,StJohn’s,and Tiffindispatchedrespectfully.TriesthelengthofthepitchcamefromNico Luckman,CameronHillandFinlayWiseman,tohelpbringhomeanother platetoaddtothecollection.However,multipleinjuriesweresustained, andaheadclashbetweenAlfieSimmonsGoodingandMaxLemanmeant thatbothwereindoubtforRoslynPark.

Atoughandexcitinggroupfor7sincludedSurrey7svictorsBrighton College,ExeterCollege,HenleyCollegeandYsgolGymraegYstalyferaBro dur.BrightonCollegeprovedtobeoneofthemostexcitinggamesofthe day;bothspectatorsandcommentatorsweregiftedwithadisplaythat representedtheepitomeofschoolboy7s.

EthanKnightandAlfieSimmondsGoodingleftBrightonCollegebehind withblisteringpace,careeringustotopthegroupandprogressintothetop groupfordaytwo.Agoodnight'srestandstretchingsawadetermined Hamptonside–albeit,withoutvitaltoptry-scorerNicoLuckman. Nevertheless,weprogressedonintoourgrouptoIpswichyetagainasthe firstgame;thesidelineswerelinedwithHamptonsupporters,creatingan electricatmosphere.After14minutesofback-and-forthattackingandtwo yellowcards,Ipswichprevailedagain,endingourchancestoprogressany further.ThisleftthenextgameagainstCliftonCollegeasadeadrubber,but themanyHamptonsupportersprovidedenergytoboostourmoraleand enjoyment.

ThefirstdayoftheSedberghNational10scompetitionbroughtusthree matchesagainstQEGSWakefield,Dulwichandthehosts,Sedbergh.After adisappointingstarttotheday–narrowlylosingtoQEGS–weknewwe hadtostepupourgameagainstDulwichandwedidexactlythat,putting over50pointsonthem.Withthestrongestlineoutinthecompetition earningLowerSixthsecondrow HenryDonaldson theagenda‘line-out merchant’,ballretentionwaskeythroughouttheday.

Ourfinalgameofthedaywasagainstthehosts,andweknewwehadtowin thistoplayinthecuponthefinalday.Afterastrongperformancebythe boys,Sedberghweretoostrongforusandmanagedtoovercomethe Hamptondefence.

ThisputusincontentionfortheplateonSundayandhadtoplay Hurstpierpoint,KESBath,whomwecomfortablybeat,andthefinal opponentstandinginourwayoftheSedbergh10splate:RGSHigh Wycombe.Weknewhowbigofagamethiswasfortheteam,especiallyas thiswouldbethelastdancefortheUpperSixth.However,afteran incrediblylongandtiringweekend,withtheinjuriesmountingup,itwas nottobeonthisoccasion.

Despitetheresult,apropersendoffagainstStBenedict’sandaverysuccessful 7sseasondidnotleavethosemovingonfromHamptondisappointed.

Overall,thiswasahugelysuccessfulfirstseasonunderMrBeattie–which promisesmoretocomeinthefuture–asa62.50%winratesawustopple someofthelargestrugbyschoolsinthecountry,fromBrightonCollegeto Dulwichcollege.Fromthe24gamesplayed15werewonand9werelost; indoingso,384pointswerescored.EthanKnightwasamajorcontributor with79ofthosepoints,aswellasNicoLuckman-whoscoredhat-tricksfor funandendedwith12triesfortheseason.Ontopofthis,thesidefinished inthetop20intheNational DailyMail trophy.

CongratulationsmustgotoConnorCrossforhisprofessionalLondonIrish contractaswellasparticipationintheEnglandU18sSixNationswherehe

scoredatry.CommendationsalsogotoFinlayWisemanformakinghis FirstXVdebutintheFifthYear;havingscored5triesacrosstheseason,he morethansteppeduptohisrole.

Finally,thanksisduetotheUpperSixthfortheirdedicationand commitmenttotheBlackandGoldofHampton.Thiswithanenormously successfulseason,onethat–hopefully–includedplentifulfondmemories thatweremadealongtheway,bothonandoffthefield.

Bestofluckwithuniversityandbeyond.Thankyoutoallthecoachingstaff whogaveuptheirtimeandultimatelyformakingthisseasonintowhatit was.

CameronHill

SecondXVRugby

ThirdXVRugby

TheHamptonSecondXVseasonwastheperfectbalanceofpersonalgrowth andachievementthatweshouldaimforinsport.

Despitealmostalltheboysnotplayingafixturefortwoyearsanda disruptedpreseason,inspirationfromcoachMrMooreandhugesupport fromtheparentsmeanttheSecondXVhadanotheroutstandingseason. Thesideplayed17matches,won15andlost2.

AfterasuccessfulpreseasontriangularatAbingdonSchool,westartedthe seasonverywell,flyingoutoftheblockswitha26-19winagainstour southernrivals,BrightonCollege.Overthenextfewweeks,wepickedup momentum,withwinafterwinagainstCampion,RGSHighWycombeand HurstpierpointCollege.Butasthehalf-termbreakapproached,wehad threemassivefixturesahead.

EpsomCollegecamefirst;asunnySaturdayallowedustoplayfast,wide attackingrugbyandwithabeautifullytakencross-fieldkickbywinger Neo Sukraj-Hammerl,wefinishedwitha27-14win.SeafordCollegewereour nextopponents,andtheweatherhadturnedfortheworse.However,despite thesetougherconditions,wedugdeepand,afteraheroicrunfromour22by backrow JamesBantick,wemanagedtowinapenaltydeepintheSeaford half,which HuwHarris coollyconvertedforan8-6win.

TheHamptonSecondXVmarchedon!

TrinitySchoolwasourfinalhurdle,athome,andprovedtobeagreat experienceforeveryoneinvolved.Followinganonchalantlyexecuted45meterdropgoalfromourever-dependablefly-halfandLowerSixth Jamie Brownleader,Hamptoncameaway27-7win.Followingthis,theSecond XVrecordedimpressivewinsagainstCranleigh,JohnFisher,StJohn’s Leatherhead,TiffinSchoolandStBenedict’s.

Highenergy,hardworkandenthusiasmprovideduswitha14-matchwin streak,leadingtoanoteworthy15-2recordwhicheverysquadmember deservestobeproudof.

Itisimportanttorecognisethataseasonlikethiswouldnotbepossible withoutthecommitmentandcoachingofMrMoore.Heinspireduswith hisexhortationandgaveusgreattacticalguidancefromthetouchline.We givehimourmanythanksandbestwisheswithSecondXVteamsinthe future.

ThebatonisnowhandedovertoyoungandupcomingHamptonianswith onepieceofadvice:enjoyit!

FrankRahmatallah & HSM

TheThirdXVmaynothavethesameprestigeasaFirstorSecondteam,but isaplacewhereyoucanfindrugbyplayerswhoenjoytheirsport,donot takethemselvestooseriouslyandplayopen,attractiveandfree-flowing rugbyonthefortressthathasbecomeRugby4.

Thisseason,thesideplayedatotalof10games,winning6,losing3and drawingone,leavingus–accordingtotheSchool’sRugbywebsite–asthe 12thbestteaminthecountry!

Westartedtheseasoninsupremeform,notchingfourwinsonthebounce againststrongBrighton,Campion,StPaul’sandHurstpierpointteams respectfully,scoring122pointsacrossthe4-gamespan.

Therewerestandoutperformancesfromveterans JackGrivvell and Will Simpson,withthelaterpickingandgoing,inhisclassic‘upthejumper’ style,toscorecountlesstimesandresultinhimbeingcrowned‘TopTry Scorer’acrosstheseason.

Astheseasonprogressed,playersweredeservedlypromotedtotheSecond XV;but,thisdidmeanthatourback-linechangedonaregularbasis.So, praisemustgototheultimateutilityback, LouisSimmonds-Gooding, whoserugbyskillsprogressedimmenselyovertheyear.

AfteranunfortunatelosstoEpsomCollegeathome,whereourdefencelet usdown,andaftercancellationsagainstStBenedict’sandSeaford,we bouncedbackvaliantlyagainstTrinitytokeepagreatseasonalive.

Withspiritshigh,weheadedtoCranleigh;however,afirst-minuteshoulder dislocationfor EmadKhan,sawusplayalmosttheentiregamewith14 menandnocoach.Thenarrow15-20loss,however,exemplifiedthesheer determinationandstrongspiritfoundwithintheteam.

Itwasacaseof‘ditto’forourmatchagainstWarwick,whereinjurieshadus playingwithlimitedmenandplayersinwrongpositions.Butthesetests reinforcedthecourageandpersistenceoftheplayers,as,despitethelosses, stand-outperformancesfrom GregorWhyte and WillAust epitomisedthe squad’swillingnesstotrainhardandimproveweekbyweek.

Inusualfashion,intheback-endoftheseason,theThirdXVplayedsome localFirstXVs.ThesquadshowedoutagainstHarrodianwithacomfortable 35-14winwithgoodperformancesfrom TheoShah and IsaacQuigley,who wereconsistentlystrongonthewingandatfull-backrespectivelythisseason.

Inourlastgame,weplayedonthehallowedturfofPitchOneagainst Latymer.Thegamefittinglyendeda19-19drawafteralast-gasptryand conversionthatlefttheseasononahugelypositivenote.

SecondXVRugby

ThirdXVRugby

Ascaptainoftheteam,IwouldliketotakethischancetothankMrBaker whohasbeenasuperbmentoronandoffthefield,givingtheboysgreat rugbyinsightandadvice.Iwouldalsoliketosayitwasapleasuretocaptain theteamandahugewelldonetotheentiresquadwhowereallexcellent throughouttheseason,creatingagreatatmosphere.

Ifyouarecurrentlyplayingrugbyorwanttotrysomethingnewandbepart ofateam,Icouldnotrecommenditenough;theideaofturninguptorugby trainingatthestartofnexttermandgivingitago,asithasmademyschool experiencecomplete.

U16ARugby

backdeterminedandscoredoneinreply. HalLeman thentookusoverthe edgewithaspectacularpenaltykick,puttingusintheleadinthelastfew minuteswherewethenwentontowin8-5–awonderfulresult.

AfteralongChristmasbreakofrevisionformocks,wetravelleddownto Tiffin,whereweplayedatriangularagainstTiffinandBrightoncollege. HavinglostoutfirstgameagainstBrighton,weweredeterminedtoturnit aroundwithTiffin.Unfortunately,duetosometightdecisionsandthe matchgettingveryheatedtowardstheend,weendeduponthewrongside ofanarrowdefeat.

Finishingtheseason,wecameupagainsttwoincrediblerugbyschools: WarwickandWhitgift.Havingputupagoodfight–withanotableteam performanceagainstWhitgift,andTheoTylerLowputtinginaparticularly greatshiftagainstWarwick–weunfortunatelywefinishedtheseasonwith twolosses.

ManythankstoMrEllsworthforcoachingustheseasoninwhatwouldbe ourfinalseasonasayeargrouptogetherbeforeweventureofftoSenior Rugby.

MaxCardosi

U16BRugby

AfteratroubledU15season,withonlytwogamesbeingplayed,thiswould bethefinaltimethatwewouldbeplayingafullseasontogetherat Hampton.

Thefirstpre-seasongamescamethickandfastagainstAbingdonschooland HighWycombe,withgreatperformancesfromthelikesof RoryPaterson, whichwouldresultintwowins,leadingusingoodsteadfortheyearahead.

OurfirstblockfixtureagainstCampionwouldbeaphysicalcontestaway fromhome,withtheforwardsfrontingupindefencetorepeltherepetitive pick-and-gogamefromCampion–which,duetoourstaunchdefence, meantthattheycouldnotbreakthrough–theendresultwasanexcellent 28-0win.

OurfirstsignificantchallengecameonanawayWednesdaygameagainstSt Paul’s,whichwouldresultinourfirstlossoftheseason–despitethestrong effortsfromeveryoneinvolved,including OscarJames whodemonstrated greatcontrolinthebacks.

However,lessonswerelearnedandwecamebackstrongeragainstHigh Wycombe,withrunningrugbyonshow:weshowedtheHamptonwayin farfromidealconditions.AconvincingwinagainstEpsom,withgreat displaysfrom SamHo and JoshVergunst intheforwards,tookustothe matchagainstSeaford,inwhatwouldbeatenseencounterinthepouring rain.Despitetakingtheleadearlyon,Seafordmanagedtoclawbackand takethewininascrappyencounterinwhatwouldbeabitterloss.

Cranleighwerenext;thestormyconditionswerefarfromperfect,but, thankstoalate BenJansen try,wewereabletocomeawaywithadraw. FollowingatightgameagainstJohnFisher,wehadanotheragainstastrong side:StJohn’sLeatherhead.Wepulledaheadinthefirsthalf,buttheycame

AsthenewU16Bs,wegotourfirsttasteasaSeniorRugbyteam;somenew facesandplayersmeantthatourinitialgameawayinEssexatCampion wouldnotbeaneasyone.

Thiswasnotaverychallengingfixtureintheend;however,theboystaking partwouldrememberthisgameasoneofthehighlightsoftheseason! Campionwereintenselyphysical;inadditiontothis,thehotweather madeitdifficultforourfitness–nothankstoouryear-longbreakdueto Covid.FromwhatIcanremember,wewent12-0upandwereforcedto defendtherestofthegame.Endingthematch12-7,themajorityofthe teamplayedwellandwiththemostheartandpassionthatwewouldsee fortherestoftheseason;thislaidoutthepathfortherestofthesuccessful season.

Astheseasonprogressed–duetotheprevalenceofCovidoutbreaksand isolationperiods,aswellascallupstotheA-team–manyplayerswere forcedtoplayoutofposition.Nevertheless,thewholeteamplayedwith smilesonfaces.ThegameawayatEpsomshowedthisperfectly; Ewan Duncan steppedintoplayscrum-halfand GuruNadarajah playedat centrefrombackrowandnabbedthecheekytrythatwasconvertedby Matt Barnes fromsecondrowthateventuallywonusthegame.

HuwHarris

U16AXVRugby

U16BXVRugby

Teamspiritwasagaindisplayedhereasanotherhighlightoftheseason;the Bswereforcedtodefendonthetry-lineforhalfofthegameinorderto preservethescoreline.Ultimately,a7-5victoryagainstanotoriouslytough andphysicalboardingschoolwasasuperbresult.

UnfortunatelymanyoftheBteammatcheswerecancelledpost-Christmas; however,alltheboysmadeappearancesatleastonceinmatchesorfestivals fortheAs,allowingthemtodeveloptheirskillsandunderstandingofSenior RugbyaswemovedtoU16rules.

OneofourmostnotablevictorieswasathomeagainstStJohn’s Leatherhead,whereaninfluxofeasytriesandexcellentoverallteamplayled tousgoingup53-0,onlyforustosufferaconsolationtryfromthe oppositionduetoamishandle.

Thiswastrulyaturningpointinourskillsandteamplay,aswehadproven thatourmovesandfree-flowingrugbywasworkingwellagainstlessmobile sides.Withmorechangingoftheguardand JamesPage steppinginat number10,thetrieskeeponcoming;twoplayersscoredsuperbhattricksto addglosstotheresult.

Wefinishedofftheseasonwitharespectablerecord,onlylosingthreegames throughouttheseason.Uponreflection,itwasunluckythatCovidmeant wecouldonlycompletehalfofourgames;however,weallfeelthatwemade thebestofourabilityandthesituationinwhichalltheplayers,without exception,developedandgainedsomethingthisseason.

Asplayersandateam,wewanttothankMissSingletonforputtingupwith usforanotheryear–notonlyfightingourbattlesandtryingtogetusmore games,butalsobeingpatientandconsideratewhenplayerswereadjusting tonewpositions.IthinkIspeakforthewholeteamwhenIsaythatwithout MissSingletonworkingoutthehasslesoforganisingCovid-strickenteams, thisseasonwouldnothavegonenearlyassmoothasitdid.

GuruNadarajah

Ithasbeenapleasuretocoachtheboysforasecondtimeandbeabletosee howmuchtheyhavedevelopedasplayershasbeenwonderful.Theynever grumbledwhenIasktheytotrynewpositionstomixupthemoves,they playedforeachothereverygameandstayedpositivethroughouttheseason.

Theirdefenceandpassionweresecondtonone,showingsheer determinationonmultipleoccasionsthroughouttheseasontoholdofffor thewin.Withawinrateof67%–upby17%fromthemasU14s–anda ratethatwouldhavelikelytobeenpushing80%hadwenothadmultiple gamescancelledbytheopposition,itissafeitsaytheydidmeand themselvesproud.

IwishthemallthebestforSeniorRugby.

U15ARugby

theseasonandmanyplayersenjoyedplentyofgametime;itwasaperfect season-starter.

RJS

Thisvictorywasfollowedupbytwotopwinsinatriangularagainst AbingdonandRGSHighWycombe.AspecialhighlightfromtheRGS HighWycombegamewas HarryArmstrong’s audaciousup-and-under whichfinishedoffaclasspre-season.

OurfirstgameoftheactualseasonwasaconvincingwinagainstCampion. Weplayedsomenicerugbyinthefirsthalf;but,thesecondhalfwaserrorstrewnanditleftplentyofroomforimprovementfortheweeksahead.

NextupwasanunfortunatemidweeklossatthehandsofStPaul’sand,after that,anarrowdefeattoRGSHighWycombe,where AdamGwynne and AlfieAmor scoredexcellenttries.

WethenwonourfirstNationalCupgame,playingsomesuperbattacking rugbyagainstSunburyManor;thisperformancewasbackedupbyamuddy victoryagainstHurstpierpoint,where BenConaghan scoredtwotriesina 14-12win.

In-keepingwithourinconsistentform,wethenrecordedtwopoorlosses againstSeafordandEpsom,eithersideofanothergoodcupwinagainst KCSWimbledon–inwhich WillWheeler and DannySettle cametothe fore.

SomethinghadtochangeaftertheSeafordgame.Aftersomepersonnel changesandaseriesofsternmeetings,weproducedaninspired performanceagainstTrinity– TimWright and WillSkinner inparticular showedtheirqualityinhelpingustoa34-19win.

Nextwasoneofourbestperformancesoftheseason:StPaul’sinthethird roundofthecup.Avengingourearly-seasondefeat,wewon10-7.Harry Armstrong’sinterceptionsparkedjubilantcelebrations,and TomHarvey’s trysavingtacklewasoneofthebestwehaveeverseen!

WethenlostatightgameagainstastrongCranleighside.Afewdayslater, wedominatedtheMiddlesexFestival,winningallourgames–with Joe Cornell scoringfivetriesinthetournament.

FollowingclosegamesagainstJohnFisherandStJohn’s,wewelcomed WellingtonCollegeinthefinalweekoftheautumntermforthelast32of theSchool’sCup.

TheU15Aseasonwasonefullofhighsandlows,butwecanalllookback onitwithprideandrecognisehowfarwehavecomesincethestartofthe season.

Pre-seasonstartedwiththeSouthCoastKingstournament,whichwasa successfuldaythatsawuswinthecup. WillWallace scoredthefirsttryof

ManyofushadthehonourofplayingontheFirstXVpitchforthefirst time,and,despitetheloss,weproducedaperformancewecouldallbe proudof–onlylosingbyfivepointsagainsttheeventualnational champions. NickLynagh hadoneofhisgreatestgameswhile LouisSpight wasequallysensational.

U15AXVRugby

OurfirstgameafterChristmaswasa5-5drawagainstBrighton,with playerssuchasTomMassey and LucasRaivio makingtoptacklestokeep scoreseven.Thistightgamewasfollowedupbyprobablyourbest performanceoftheseason:beatingWhitgift27-25,withTomHarvey scoringalast-minutetrytosealthewin.NickLynaghwasimmenseagain, whilst TobySmith madesomeclasstackles.Havinglosttothesame oppositionbyover50pointsasU14s,thiswindemonstratedthescaleof ourdevelopmentasasquadoverthepreviousninemonths.Wefinished offtheseasonwithasimpledefeatofStBenedict’stocapoffour15s season.

OurfirstsevenstournamentwasatWarwick,whereweeventuallylostto RGSHighWycombeinthefinal–butonlyafterdefeatingthehostsinthe semi-finals. JacobAustin scoredmanytriesthroughoutthetournament, and JamesQueen madeasuperbdebuthavingmadethetransitionfromthe roundballcode.

Despitesomeglimpsesofquality,wedidnotplayourbestrugbyatournext twotournaments,goingoutinthequarter-finalsattheSurreySevensand thesemi-finalsattheJohnFisherSevens.

OurlasttournamentoftheyearwastheWimbledonCollegesevens,which isanotoriouslyhardtournamenttowin.Webeattopteams,suchas WarwickandDulwich,duringwhichanotablehighlightwas Tom Kilpatrick’s gracefulswan-diveinthesemi-final.Unfortunately,wejustlost inthefinaltoastrongTonbridgesideinagamewhichcouldhavegone eitherway.

Overall,itwasaseasonfilledwithupsanddowns,butwecanlook forwardtonextyearwithgreatconfidenceandfilledwithexcitementfor whatwecanachievetogether.ThankyoutoMrHardmanforcoachingus thisyear;welookforwardtoimprovingunderhisdirectionfurthernext season.

JoeCornelll

U15BRugby

OursecondgamewasagainstStPaul’s;here,wesuffereddefeatagainsta verystrongteam.Yet,wemanagedtowinthesecondhalfwithagreat defensiveperformance.

OurthirdgamewasagainstRGSHighWycombe;thisgamewaswon24-7 withagreatall-roundperformance–oneofthebestoftheseason,with everysinglesecondofthegamebeingagreatteamperformance,whether thatwasdefensivelyoroffensively!Thereweregreatperformances throughouttheteamandweonlyconcededbecauseofasmallmistake.

OurfourthgamewasagainstHurstpierpointinwhichwehadabrilliant performanceandacleansheet!Weasateam,playedverywell,dominating mostoftherucksandmanyturnoversweremade–whichmadeitveryeasy toscoretries.

OurfifthgamewasagainstEpsomCollege;wewon24-10.Itwasagreat performanceagainstagreatteam;wetriedthekickinggameinthismatch, withBenWilliams, OliverGellatley and HugoKnowles makingalotof distance–includingasuccessfulcross-fieldkick!

AftertheOctoberhalfterm,webeganwithahard-fought,physicalgameof rugbyagainstSeafordCollege.Wegaveourselvesopportunitiestoscore,but wefailedtoconvertincriticalmomentsinthegame.Itwasaconversion missfromtheSeafordfly-halfthatgiftedusthegamedespiteitbeing exceptionallyeven.

NextupwasTrinitySchool,wholovenothingmorethantobeatHampton.

Westartedthefirsthalfverypositively,puttinginbighitsandapplying pressureintheirhalf.OliverGellatelynearlyputJacobAustininthecorner –withwhatwouldhavebeenthefirstofmanycross-fieldkicktriesthatwe scoredthroughouttheseason–butanunluckybouncepreventedthetry frombeingscored.

However,Trinitystartedthesecondhalfwithabang,scoringaquicktryin thecornerthatputthembackinthegame.Forthenexttenminutes,the gamewasinstalemate,neitherteammakinggroundontheotheruntil GabrielRobertson embarkedononeofhistypical,powerfulcarries, breakingthroughTrinitydefendersandrunningthelengthofthepitchto scorethewinningtry.

Johnfisherwasatoughgame;weplayedawayincoldanddampconditions, aswellaspickingupacoupleofinjuries.So,despiteasolidperformance, thegameended5-26againstus.

StJohn’swereupnext,with StanleyKelley makinghisdebutfortheteam. Webeganwithaflurryoftriesagainstaslightlyweakeropponent;however, welostourlockBenWilliamstoanincidentinwhichheplacedtheball downonthewronglineandproceededtogetbootedintheface.Despite this,wecapitalisedonouropportunitiesandscoredclustersoftriesforthe remainderofthefirsthalf.Thegamewassubsequentlyendedathalftime duetothescoreline.

ThiswastobeaveryexcitingyearofHamptonSchoolsportfortheU15Bs!

OurfirstgamewasagainstCampionschoolinEssex.Thiswasatightgame andagreatstarttotheyear.Thereweresignificantperformancesfrom DanielWhite defensively,alongside IsaacTarragano,andsomegreattryscoringandoffensiveeffortsfrom BenWilliams and GabrielRobertson, whoscoredthefirsttwotrieswithcompletedconversionsalongsideanother penalty.Thegamewastoppedoffwithagreatteamtrythatendedin Jacob Austin scoringthefinaltry,endingina24-19win.

OurnextopponentswereBrightonCollegeandTiffininatriangular tournament.ItwasatypicalJanuarymorning,freezingcold,soakingwet andonwaterloggedpitches.Whetheritwasduetotheweatherornot, Hamptonwerenotattheirbestonthatday.Twophysicalgamesagainst bigforward-packsweretough-fought;thisincludedanotable contributionfrom SachaJoynathsing,whomadeanoutstandingnumber oftackles,includingamixtureofrib-breakersandmoredelicatetaptackles.

WemovedonfromourdisappointingshowingatTiffintoplayagainsta verystrongWarwickside.Theirpackgreatlyoutweighedoursandit

U15BXVRugby

lookedlikeitwasgoingtobeaphysicalgame.Westruggledtogain possessionduetotheiraggressiveruckingandweconcededanearlytry. Ourpossessiondroughtcontinuedthroughoutthegame,resultinginus defendingforatleast80%ofthematch.Withthisinmind,itwasasuperb defensiveefforttoconcedeonlytwotriesinagameinwhichwewere simplyoutmuscled.

WewereathomeagainstWhitgift,aftertwowinsagainstthesidelast season.Itwasanincrediblyclosegamewithanamazingeffortfrom everyone,butatrylateinthegamefromtheoppositionsawusnarrowly lose5-0–adisappointingdefeat,butstillagreatperformance.

NextupwasHarrodianAsandwewerelookingtoendourwinlessstreakin thenewyearwithapositiveshowing.Thegameswungbothwaysmultiple times,withbothteamslookingasiftheymightclinchit,onlyforthe pendulumtoswingtheotherway.Specialmentionsmustgotothetryof theseason:OliverGellately’s cross-fieldkicktoasprintingGabriel Robertsonresultedinaperfectbounceandagreatfinish.Despitethis momentofbrilliance,wecouldnotbreakdowntheHarrodiandefensive lineandstruggledtomakeinroadsthroughthemiddleoraroundthe outside.

OurfinalgameoftheseasonwasplayedagainstIbstockA.Wehada returning MaxMeikle toplayandhehadanimmediateimpactwith powerfulcarriesthroughthemiddle.IsaacTarragano scoredafabulously workedtry,beginningwithapowerfulcarryfrom TomMassey andending with LucasRaivio offloadingtoasprintingIsaac Taraggano, whosafely scoredthetry.Atlonglast, NattyTaylor scoredaverylong-awaitedfirsttry oftheseasonwithaninterception–followedbysomeveryquestionable celebrations.

WelldoneallonagreatseasonandahugethankyoutoMrVann-Alexander forcoachingus.Bringonnextyear!

U14ARugby

year.InourfirstgameagainstCampion,wewonathrillerofamatch35-30 thankstoalatetryby OmarKhan tosealthegameforus–thisboth completedhishat-trickandstartedofftheseasoninanidealway.

Thiswasthestartofathree-gamewinstreak,aswealsobeatStPaul’s,with OscarPaterson and LouisWright grabbingtheirfirsttriesoftheyear,and RGSHighWycombe,where LeoLuczkiw wasongreatformand Rajvir Dhillon gotonthescoresheet.

AgainstSeafordCollege–theschoolourcoach,MrThompson,wasmoving tointhespringterm–inourfirstmatchfollowinghalftermandaftera difficultOctoberfortheteam,wewonbyjustasingletry;ahat-trickfor LeoLuczkiw,agreattryfromWillSquireandatryfromawell-placed grubberbyfly-half ThomasDeedman earnedus25-20victory.

WewerealsooneoftheonlytwoteamstobeatJohnFisherallseason–helpedmassivelybyahat-trickfromLeoLuczkiw,afirsttryoftheyearfor AmulyaThapa andsomegreatruckingbyourforwards,including Jason David-West

ThencameahotlyanticipatedmatchagainstBrightonCollege,withboth teamshaving50/50oddsofwinning.Aftersomekeytacklesbyfull-back MontySeager andalatetryinthelastplayofthegame, TobiQuigley slottedadifficultconversionbetweentheposts,resultingina14-14draw.

Whilstthepost-ChristmasMrHayneseradidnotquiteseetheresultsthe squadwerelookingfor,wehaveenjoyedsomegreatgamesthisseason. CongratulationsareduetotheThirdYearRugbyprizewinners:Leo LuczkiwandWillSquire.

WeareallexcitedtoreturnnextyearastheU15s–bigger,strongerand raringtogo–andreadytoplaythescintillatingattackingrugbythat Hamptonhasbecomeknownfor.

Finally,wewouldallliketoofferamassivethankyoutoMrThomsonand MrHaynesforcoachingusthisyear.

AfterayearofnomatchesduetoCovid,everyonewasexcitedtocomeback torugbyafteralongsummerbreakandtorepresentHamptonasthe U14As.ItwaswonderfultowelcometwoThirdYearnewcomersintoour team– GabsChiarotti,atscrum-half,and WillSquire,at8andcentre, whohavebothhadapositiveimpactontheteam.

Wefinishedthisseasonwithnarrowlymorelossesthanwins;but,we enjoyedsomesuperblygrippingmatchesandputinsomefantastic performancesallround.Therewereplentyofkeymomentstomentionthis

Anew-lookHamptonside,withmanyThird-Yearjoiners,tookawhiletobed in;but,aftertheCovidcobwebswereblownaway,theteamhitfullswing.

The14Bsstartedtohittheirstrideafterthefirstfewgamesoftheseason, withtheirthirdmatchbeingagainstanextremelycompetitiveRGSHigh Wycombeside.Despitegoingbehindearly,Hamptonfoughtbackwithtries

NattyTaylor and BenWilliam

ThomasDeedman

U14AXVRugby

U14BXVRugby

from OwenWalker, MaxRolles,and RyanChen totakea15-5leadathalf time.However,duetonumerousinjuries,Hamptonwereonlyableto returntothefieldwith12players,insteadof13,fortheremainderofthe game.Inahard-foughtsecondhalf,thecharacteroftheteamwasseverely tested,butHamptoncamethroughandsealedthevictorywithtriesfrom OscarPaterson and AlexBarnes towin25-15.

Nextcamea30-30thrillerinafeistyencounterwithJohnFisher,where HamptonclinchedadrawrightatthedeathwithfourtriesfromMaxRolles andoneforboth MaxCamilleri and JontyRimmer

HamptonfinishedonahighwithanothervictoryjustbeforetheChristmas break,thistimeagainstStJohnsLeatherhead.Itwasanotherhat-trickfor Rollesandthenexcellentplaybyscrum-half BenBeesley tosetup Flynn Taylor tosnatchvictoryinthelastplay.Itwasaperfectendtotheautumn termandtheHamptonBswereabletoenjoytheirChristmasbreak knowingthatexcellentteamspiritwasdeliveringresults.

Straightbackafterthebreak,Hamptonhitthegroundrunningwitha triangularfixture.ThefirstgameagainstTiffinsawadominantdisplayfrom theteamastriesfrom FelixLandricombe, MarinMatejka,AlexBarnes, ThomasWray-Miller,andMaxCamilleriunderpinneda29-0win.Hampton thenearnedanothertightly-foughtvictory,thistimeagainstBrighton,7-5–a gamewheretheteamheldonsuperblytokeeptheirleadinthesecondhalf, includinganincredibletry-savingtacklefor RaphaelCawthra

InthefinalgamebeforetheFebruaryhalf-term,Hamptonfacedupagainst StBenedict’s.Inanotherthriller,watchedintenselybyourpeersandother spectators,anamazingteameffortindefencekeptouttheoppositionto enableustoholdontoa12-7win.

ThefinalgameoftheseasonwasarampantvictoryagainstIbstockPlaceAs inwhatwaseasilytheteam’sbestperformance.Triesfrom Gabriel McGrory, RajvirDhillon, JamesEggleton,andMaxCamillerimeantthat Hamptonfinishedwithabanganda24-5win–agreatwaytofinisha superbseasonandshowhowfartheteamhascomeinthelastyear.

AhugeshoutoutshouldgotoMrLashley,ourever-positivecoach;hisfocus onteamspiritandafluidpassingstyleofplayreallytoldastheseason progressed.Rollonnextseasonandmorepositiveresultsaswebuildona successfulthirdyearrugbyseason.

ComeonyouU15Bs!

U13ARugby

IthasbeenagreatseasonfortheU13As,winningtheMiddlesexCupand toppingourgroupsinboththeSurreyandRoselynPark7s.Overall,wewon 17anddrew2outof22gamesininourregularseason,andthenwon12 outof14gamesin7s.

OurfirstmatchoftheseasonwasagainstCampionSchool.Afterconceding thefirsttry,weproducedagoodcomebacktowinthematch25-20.

Thefollowingweek,weplayedoneofthetoughestmatchesoftheseason: RGSHighWycombeathome.Ourdefenceletusdowntooeasily;however, wemanagedtogetpasttheirdefenceaswell,playingitthroughthehands andavoidingcontact.Welost45-20,learningalotfromthedefeat.

AnothertoughgameagainstStGeorge’sresultedinnarrowwin25-20.We thenenjoyedasolidperformanceagainstEpsomCollege. TomBoardman helpeduswithallourtries,spottingspacewithhispin-pointpassing. Fraser Kerr scoredahat-trick,usinghisstrengthandpace,andsodid Sebastian Habdank,comingbackfromhisinjuryingreatformwithhispowerfulball carrying.Thegameended55-5.

OurnextfixturewasagainstHaliford,ourcloseneighbours.Theteam experiencedanimmediateboostas StanleyAmor returnedfrominjury.His fastfootworkandgreatvisionforspacehelpedustoahard-foughtvictory, 40-20.

Thefollowingweek,wetravelledtoCroydontoplayTrinitySchool–anothertoughandphysicalgame.Weknewwehadtopressquicklyto preventthemfrompickinguppaceandbreakingourlines.Weplayeda goodfirsthalf,goingintohalftimelevel.Strongcarriesfrom JackHolden helpedbreaktheirdefencesandtoopenupspace;hisconfidenttacklingalso keptthemfromscoring. LucasStynes-Tres’s excellentruckinghelpedseal andwinmanyturnovers.Wefinishedthegamewinning35-30.

OurnextfixturewastheMiddlesextournamentatStJames’School.We finishedtopofourgroup,beatingLatimerSchool50-0,StBenedict’sBs 50-0andEnfieldGrammarSchool45-0.Wewentintotheafternoon matcheswithalltheschoolsthatfinishedtopoftheirstartinggroup. BeatingStBenedict’sAsandGunnersburySchool30-5and35-5,that includedsomebravelast-ditchtacklesfrom HarryEllis,meantourfinal matchwasthedecideragainstHalliford.

JamesEggleton

Havingalreadyplayedthemearlierintheseason,weknewitwouldbea toughgame.Westartedthematchwellscoringacoupleofearlytries.Big tacklesandstrongscrummagingfrom ElamaranRasappan and Fynn Adams tookustoahalftimeleadof10-0.Wecontinuedplayingthesame wayinthesecondhalfandthegamefinished15-0–wewerethechampions ofMiddlesex!

WewentontoplayandbeatWhitgift,JohnFisherbeforedrawingatight matchagainstStJohn’sSchool.WethenplayedTiffin,with OllieBooth and JacobWelch comingintotheteamatsecondrow.Theirreliable tacklingandstrongruckinghelpedusmassivelyindefence,and Owen Parker’s quickpassesfromscrum-halfgaveusagoodflowinattack.The gamefinished55-5.

Ourfirst7stournamentwastheSurrey7s.Thefirstmatchwasagainst EpsomCollege,whichturnedouttobeacomfortablewinforus.Our secondmatch,againstStJohn’swasalsowon.Ournexttwomatcheswere againstDulwichCollegeandTrinity;wehadtogetaresulttofinishtopof ourgroup.Trinitytooktheleadearlyon,scoringafewquicktriesduringan unusualperiodofpoorconcentrationonourpart.Theytookthegameaway fromus,addingonmoretriesfrommistakeswemadeasateam.Weplayed Dulwichcollegenext,whichwewon.WenowhadtowaitforTrinitytoplay StJohn’s.IfStJohn’swonordrew,wewouldgothroughastopofourgroup.

U13AXVRugby

Afterwatchingthematchintensely,thegamefinishedlevel,whichmeantwe playedCaterham,theteamwhohadwongroupB.Wewonthematch, leavingourbestgametothisone.

WetravelledtoWarwickforanother7stournament,wherewecamesecond inourgroup,winning5outof6games–withastand-outtryfrom Cyril Bellamy inthesecondtolastmatchandafewdartingrunsfrom Samuel Miller thatledtosomegreattries.

Ourlast13a-sidematchwasagainstReeds,whichfinishedinadraw25-25.

GabrielWilliams’ ruthlesstacklesatfull-backstoppedanybreaksinour defence.WefinishedourseasonwiththeRoselynPark7s–thebiggest sevenstournamentinEurope.Westartedthetournamentwell,winningour firstmatch;triescamefrom AidenHughes andhistearingrunsdownthe wing.Wefinishedevenbetter,comingoutunbeatenandfinishingtopof ourgroup.

IwouldliketothankMrGrayforhisoutstandingcoachinginevery trainingsessionandforallofhisadvicethathashelpedusimproveasateam andasindividuals.ThankyoualsotoMrMobbs-Smithforhelpinguswith ourskillseveryMondayafternoonandtoMrBeatie,whohasgivenussome helpfulfeedback.

WelookforwardtoseewhatournextseasonatHamptonholds!

HarryDrewry

U13BRugby

andcausedoppositiondefencesallsortsofproblemswiththeirspeedand intelligentpassinggame.

Our‘gasmen’ SteffanHilmy and ThomasFarzaliyev werehugethreatson thewing,workingwellwithourhard-runningcentre AlessioCarraretto LucaKnowles reallymadethefull-backshirthisownandrepeatedly impressedwithhisabsolutesiege-gunofaboot.

JoshieHuntley, FreddieChampion, CharlieHalberstadt and Max Mudge alsodeservemuchcreditfortheirwillingnesstoplayprettymuch anywhereintheforwardsandbacksrespectively.

Myhighlightoftheseasonwasthe30-15winagainstastrongSt Benedict’ssideinearlyFebruary–thisgamewasanexcellent reflectionofhowfartheboyshadcomeasateam.Ithasbeenreally greattoseehowtheboysworkedhardtoimprovethestructureand gameplan,yetalwaysplayedwhatwasinfrontofthem,keepingthe ballalive,offloadingeffectivelyandworkinghardtosupporteach other.

Thestrengthofteamspirit,refusaltogiveinandpassionforthegame demonstratedbythisgroupofplayersisincrediblypromisingfortheyears tocome.Welldoneonagreatseason!

U12ARugby

Whatatremendouslypromisingandpositiveseasonforthistalentedsquad ofU13Bplayers!

Props NamishJalatheepan and WillMcKillop,aswellas ShreyanKottala athooker,workedhardonimprovingtheirbodypositioninthescrumand becamemoreandmoredangerousinthelooseastheseasonprogressed.

SebWoods, HenryPitt and KanishkManjunath mainlyplayedsecond row,with ElamaranRasappan at8–whenhewasnotinthecentres;allof themcarriedhard,defendedwellandputinalotofworkinaroundthe pitch.

Captainandundisputedkingofturnovers JackYouster playedscrum-half; hewasabsolutelyeverywhere–hisfastthinkingand‘jackling’abilitywill servehimwellasheprogressesthroughtheagegroups.

SamMiller and AlfieHayes stoodoutfortheirabilitytoreadthegame; theysharedtheresponsibilityofplayingfly-half–otherwiseinthecentres–

TherewasalotofexcitementinairinSeptemberasthenewfacesof HamptonRugby–allinfreshkitandsparklingboots–walkedoutofthe pitchesforthefirsttime.Thecoachesandparentswereequallyeagerforthe seasontostartandtowatchthisgroupofplayersdevelopandexperience someliverugbyforthefirsttimeinaverylongtime.

Thestartoftheseasonsawtwostrongwins. BenedictButterfield really tookcontrolofthegameswithhisimpressivedistributionskills, Konrad Rolles wasabletomakeconsiderableyardsbyfindingagoodamountof spaceonthewing,and LucLam demonstratedthatwithdeterminationand goodaccuracyhowonepersoncaneasilyclearthreeoppositionplayersfrom asingleruck.

Wethenmovedintoatougherpartofthefixturelist;eventhoughresults werenotgoingourway,theperformanceswerecontinuingtoimproveand thegroupreallystartedtogel. OliverMaisuria-Hull and EthanMonk alwayssetthetoneintraining–particularlywhenevertherewereany tacklingdrills!

U13BXVRugby

U12AXVRugby

Oneofthehighlightsoftheseasonwasaverywetandwindyawaygame againstFulhamBoys,where–atonepoint–playersandparentshadtorun forwhatlittlesheltertherewasfromalargehailstorm!Thisiswhenthetry oftheseasonwasscored:across-fieldkickexpertlycollectedbypowerful runner KianWindley,whotoucheddowninthecorner.

WethenhadtheMiddlesexFestivaltournament,wherewewonthegroup withanexcellent,tightwinoverHalliford,whowehadlosttoearlierinthe season.Wewereplacedinthewinners’groupand,althoughwedidnotlose amatch,weendedupasrunners-upoverall. MatteoBrenninkmeijer provedyetagaintobeoneofourmostvaluableplayers,withhisexcellent decisionmakingandstrongcarriers.

Astheseasonprogressed,thecohesionoftheteamcontinuedtoimprove. WhentheactualU12ruleswereappliedandwewereabletoplaywith twelveplayers, VukVitic and ArchieCrowhurst wereabletocementtheir placesintheteam,carryinghardandtacklingwell,whilst EthanDoyle continuedtogrowwithconfidencetoestablishhimselfintheAteam.

Wefinishedthenormalseasonwithtwoexcellentwins.Thereweresome barn-stormingrunsfrom RafeMcleod and JakeO’Reily,whoregularly causedhavocwiththeirrunninginthemidfield–attimes,thescene resembledaten-pillbowlinglanewithoppositionplayersscatteredacross theturf.

Thefocusthenquicklyswitchedtothesevensseasonwheretheplayers adaptedcommendablytoanewstyleofrugbyveryquickly,withnew positionsandterminology.Iamnotsurethateveryonewillhave experiencedtirednessquitelikethatafterafulldayofsevens–particularly afterwinningatoughgroupattheSurreySevens! BenWhiteley wasdrafted inandwastheteam’stoptryscorerontheday,withexcellentfeetandlots ofpacetoleaveatrailofoppositionplayersinhiswake.

WefinishedtheseasonbywinningthebowlfinalattheReigateSevens tournament–anexcellentwaytoroundofanextremelyenjoyable season.Throughouttheseason,ourcaptain, XavierKnowles,hasbeen simplyoutstanding:always,andIdomeanalways,outfirsttotraining, alwayswithasmileonhisface,workinghardtoimproveandreally

encouraginghisteammates.Inmatcheshewouldoftenbethepointof differencefortheteam,bethatalast-ditchtackleorascintillatingbreak inattack.

IhavegenuinelylovedcoachingthisyeargroupandIwillbekeepingaclose eyeontheircontinueddevelopmentthroughouttheirtimeatHampton.

U12BRugby

AtthestartofSeptember,therewasatangiblesenseofexcitementasthe restrictionsoftheCovideraliftedandtheboyswerefinallyallowedtotest theirskillsagainsttheotherschoolsonourcircuit.

Aspartofthephasedreturntorugby,wehadtoplaywithnineplayersfor thefirsttermbeforesubsequentlymovingupto12-asideafterChristmas. Therewasintensecompetitionforplacesand,althoughwesuffereddefeats forseveraloftheearlygames,ourdefencestartedtostrengthen–ledby manyexcellentdefensiveperformancesfrom DanielMcCahearty and ThomasGraham.

U12BXVRugby

Aswinterstartedtodrawin,theboyswerefacedwithaparticularly brutaltriptotheexposedfieldsofFulhamBoysSchool.Afterabrief periodoftakingshelterfromaperiodofsleet,theboyscameoutand deliveredourbestperformanceoftheseason. ElliottJones displayed excellentdistributionthroughoutthematchand JoelSyme scoredand excellenttryfrom35yardsout.

Oneofmyfavouritemomentsoftheseasonwastosee HuwParry take offlikeamissiletoscorethematch-winningtryinthelastfewminutes ofthegame. SenaKelly alsomadehisdebutfortheBteamand demonstratedhisstrongcarryingthroughoutthegame.Thiswastruly atestoftheboy’smentalandphysicalfortitude;itwasexcellenttosee themsodelightedbygrabbingtheirfirstwinoftheseason.

TheCteamhadalsoexperiencedatoughstarttotheyearwithmany oftheplayersnewtoRugbyinSeptember.AstheBteamcoach,itwas incredibletoseetheboys’hungertoimprovewithmanyofthemquite rightlyaskingtobegivenanopportunitytoshowwhattheycould accomplishintheBteam. MaxAttwood and BenGovier bothadded gritandphysicalitytotheforwards,whilst Alexander Marshall and MaximGuthalo broughtreallypaceanddynamismtothewings.

Oneofourcloseroutingsoftheseasonwasona‘Somme-esque’pitch againstTiffin. FarhanAroos, ArchieCrowhurst and AlexeyMaslov all putincommendableperformancesand,afterseveraldisallowedtries, welostthefixture20-5.

Followingthehardworkofthisperformance,weweredelightedtosee manyofthefootballplayersseetheunityandloveofthegame displayedbytheboysandwanttojoin.Keyadditionssuchas Aarav Desai, JasperMiles and OllieClayden alldemonstratedexcellent gamemanagementandstandtestamenttothevalueofmulti-sport athletes.

Followingatoughrunoffixturesandthechangetoa12-manteam, TristanLandricombe showedamaturepresenceinthemiddleofthe pitch,capablyswappingbetween9and10.Thepack’stechnique continuetoimproveandIwasdelightedbythehardworkofthe Billy

Matthews, AlfieKeller and DanaiThomas inahardfought20-20 drawagainstHarrodian.

Oneoftheseason’smostimprovedplayerswas EdPedder.Whilstinitially slightlymorerestrained,Edbecameoneoftheteamsmostphysicalplayers, thrivingonthecontactandalwaysbeingguttedwhenIinformedhimthat adrillwouldbenon-contact.

BothBandCteamsfacedrealadversityoverthecourseoftheseasonandit fillsmewithpositivitytoseethemsokeentoimprove,continuetocompete andlovethegameofRugby.TheywereadelighttocoachthisseasonandI lookforwardtoseeingtheseplayerscontinuetodevelopandgrowasplayers overthenextfiveyears.

WelldonetoeverybodywhoturnedouttorepresenttheU12BandCteams thisyear.

U12CRugby

CWS

U12CXVRugby

SeniorRowing

Ourfirstyearaftercovidregulationshadbeenofficiallyremovedwasanincrediblymemorableand enjoyableone.

Theseniorsquadyearbeganwithmanyearlymorningscullingsessions,warmingusupfromthe monthoffafterHenleyRoyalRegatta2021.Allowingustotestoursmallboatskillsandboatshifting techniquestothebestofourabilities.

Ouresteemedeffortsonthewaterwerealsomatchedindoorsontheergandintheweightsroom, buildingupvaluablestrengthandendurancethatwouldpaydividendsinthesummer.Withthefirst scullingblockunderourbeltsitwastimetoshowoffourskillsintheScullingOmnium;theultimate testofpoise,speedandtechnique.Itinvolvedatimedlapoftheisland,alandingstagesprint,a360° spin,alongwithriggerdipsbothsittingandstanding.KaiKellytookthewininthelowersixth categoryandJakeGreencameawayontopoverallwithJakeMurrayfollowingcloselybehind.

Theautumntermalsoprovidedusmanyopportunitiestodowhatwehadbeentrainingsohardfor: racing.WeybridgesilverscullskickedofftheyearwithsolidperformancesfromboatclubcaptainJake MurrayaswellasJ17KaiKelly.NextwasKingstonheadwhere LudoBellamy,KaiKelly,Henry BunkallandAlexCresswell camehomewiththewinintheopenquadcategory.Thiswasclosely followedbyTeddingtonheadwhereourfirstEightoftheseasonwasassembled,performingwellin theircategory; KaiKelly and AlexCresswell onceagainprevailedoverthe5,000mcoursethistime intheJ18doublesculls.

Unfortunately,duetointernationalcovidrulestheyearlyOctobercamptoLaias,Spain,hadtobe cancelledinfavourofatriptoSomersetandtheformidableWimbleballLake.12boystravelleddown, focusingmostlyonquadswithsomekayakingandsailingtohelpdevelopourbroaderwaterskills,the weatherespeciallyhelpingwiththelatter.Thefourdaysofintensetraining,wouldcometopayofflater intheyearasweapproachedregattaseason.

Postcampwecontinuedwithoursculling,buildingupourboatmovingskills,readyforsummer.This againtransitionedintomoreracing.WiththeHampton-run,HamptonSmallBoatsHeadcomingup next.OurfocuswasonQuadsandDoublesthistimeandwemanagedtocollectanotherwithforthe J17Double,ontopofasolid5th placefinishfortheQuad.Withautumncomingtoaclose,theother rowingdisciplineofsweepingbegan.InitiallyinEightsandFoursasweadaptedwhatwehadlearntin scullsintotheselargerboats.

AstheschoolbrokeupforChristmastheannualtriathlonbecamethefocus.Consistingofan8km ergo,4.1milerunand500squats,arealtestofenduranceanddetermination,alongwithpacing, whichwasstillrelativelyunexploredbyus.Despitethe2020/2021captainofboats, TomShephard, returning;AlexCresswellcameawaywiththeoverallwin,afterputtinginanoutstandingrunning efforttobuildupalead.

ThehotlyanticipatedChristmaspuddingracesheldwithLEHandKGS camearoundonceagain,withthesquadchoosingtoraceonepieceand schoolshirtandtiecombo. James Radford camethrough,strokingthe mixedEighttoadominantvictory.Ouroldboysrowandtrainingsessions thefollowingweekalsotaughtusmanythings,withthreeEightsfullof currentorexHamptoniansbattlingitoutonourstretch.

AsChristmaspassedandthesummerseasondreweverclosertheergos steppedupintimeandintensity.WithonlyahandfulofHeadRacesleft thisseasonthesquaddroveononceagain,intimeforHamptonHead.The coxlessfourof ArjunKang,CharlieMay,AlexDuguidandToby Gwynne foughtoffthecompetitiontocomeawaywithawellearnedwin. Thiswasmatchedlaterinthedaybythecoxedfourof JamesRadford, JakeGreen,JakeMurrayandAlexCresswell.

TheboatclubwasalsofortunateenoughtohavethreeseniorVIIIsracing attheSchool’sHeadoftheRiverRacewiththeFirstVIIIfinishing7th,the Second VIII6th,andtheThirdVIII5th;arewardingendforallthreecrews toaparticularlygoodheadseason.

Again,duetointernationalcovidrestrictions,thecamptoSeville,Spain, hadtobecancelled.Tobereplacedwithaweek-longhybridcampat MoleseymixedwithEtonDorney,thelocationofNationalSchools Regatta.Ourfocusonthiscampwasspeed,tryingtofinetuneourselves, inordertobeinasbestpositionaspossiblefortheupcomingsummer regattas,whichwouldbetheculminationofourseason.

ThefirstmajorraceofthesummerwastheNationalSchools’Regattaatthe endofthefirsthalfofthesummerterm.TheseniorsquadtooktwoVIII’s totheregatta,withtheFirstVIIIracingintheChampionship8+eventand theSecondVIIIracinginthe2nd 8+event.

Aftertwogoodtimetrialsfromtheboats,theyhadsecuredspotsinA/B semi-finalsmeaningthatdependingonhowthenextraceforeachcrew went,therewasthechancetobeamongthetopeightcrewsinthecountry.

TheSecondVIIIcameawayfromtheirsemi-finalwitha5th placefinish meaningthattheywouldthenracetheBfinalwheretheycame3rd.The FirstVIIIhadbeendrawnintothesemi-finalwheretherewasabetter chanceofthecrewprogressingintotheAfinal.Theexecutionofthesemifinalwasthebestracewehadhadasacrewallseason;however,wewereon thewrongsideofthecut-off,finishing5th inthesemi-finalmeaningwe missedoutontheAfinalbyhalfaboatlength.

DespitethissetbackwewentintotheBfinalknowingwehadachanceof winningit.Weknewwewouldhavetogetouthardsothat’sexactlywhat wedid,butinthesecondhalfoftheracewewereunfortunatelyrowed throughandendedupfinishingin8th (innosmallpartdueanunfortunate crabcaughtbyourresidentthreeseat).Despitethedisappointingendto theregatta,lessonswerelearntandweknewthatwehadsomegoodspeed headingtowardsHenleyRoyalRegatta.

WithNationalschoolsover,ourfocusswitchedtoHenleyandtheregattas leadinguptoit.ThemostsignificantofthesewasMarlowRegatta,wherethe FirstVIIIandSecondVIIIwereenteredintotheopenEightscategory,racing againstaccomplisheduniversityboatsaswellasclubeights.Bothcrewsheld theirownandshowedeverincreasingspeedasHenleyapproached.

Asaschoolboyrower,allthepainofthemanymilescoveredontheriver andergoisenduredwiththeonegoalofarrivingatHenleyRoyalRegatta inthefastestboatpossibletopitoneselfagainstthefastestcrewsnotonly fromtheUK,butalsofromfurtherafield.Afterthewintertrainingand springracing,theHamptonSquadhadthreeboatsaimingtocompeteat HRR.

TheseboatscomprisedoftheFirstVIIIwhohadgainedautomatic qualifyingforThePrincessElizabethChallengeCup,a4+hopingtoqualify forThePrinceAlbertChallengeCup,andanother8+hopingtoqualifyfor TheTempleChallengeCup.AttheHRRQualifiers,boththePrinceAlbert Students4+andtheTempleStudents8+showedalltheyearshardwork racingdownthefamedcourse.Unfortunately,bothcrewsfailedtoqualify fortheirrespectiveeventsduetothehighlycompetitivefieldstheywere racingagainst.

Afterthedramaofthequalifiers,thedrawforthePEwasreleasedandthe First VIIIlearnttheywouldberacingacrewfromBrooksSchool,USA.This wasacrewwhohadracedatpriorracesintheUK,butlittlewasknown abouttheirformheadingintotheregatta.However,onthedayoftherace theFirstVIIIexecutedagoodracetocomeoutwithawinoverthe oppositionbyamarginof1length.

ThismeantthattheFirstVIIIwouldberacingagainthenextdayagainsta crewfromTheKing’sSchool,Parramatta,Australia.Weknewthatitwould bedifficultforustowin,sowesetaboutputtingtogetherthebestracewe could.Whilstourperformancewasmuchimprovedcomparedtothe previousdays’raceweweresimplyoutclassedbyafastercrew,andsowith that,theHamptonHRRcampaigndrewtoaclose.

Despitethis,theseasonwasfarfromover.Withsomepeoplegoingon holidaythesquadwentthroughabitofareshuffling,resultinginHampton enteringtwocrews,aneightandacoxlessfour,intotheBritishRowing JuniorChampionships.ThiscompetitionwasverysuccessfulwiththeEight comingawaywiththeGold,andtheCoxlessFourearningahard-wonsilver medal.

AtthesametimeasthesquadhadbeentrainingfortheBritishRowingJunior Championships,threeofthesquad,JakeMurray,JakeGreen,andJames Radford,plusarowerfromMoleseyhadcometogetherinacoxlessfourwith theaimofrowingforEnglandattheHomeInternationalRegatta,HIR.

Afteronlyaweek’spreparation,thecrewracedwellatthequalifyingtime trial,winningit,andthereforeearningselectionforEnglandtoraceatthe HIR.AttheHIRthecoxlessfourracedover2kmcomingawaywiththird place.Thecrewfromthecoxlessfourthencombinedwithrowersfromthe Englandpairandcoxedfourtomaketwodifferentcombinationsforthe Eight.OneofthecombinationsfeaturingalloftheHamptonrowersraced over2km.ThisraceendedwiththeEnglandcrewin2nd placeaswesimply couldnotholdoffachargingcrewfromIreland.However,whenthecrew waschangedfortheraceover500m,Englandwereunstoppableandwonthe raceindominantfashion.Thismeantthatthecaptainofboatsforthe 2021-22season,JakeMurray,cameawaywithanincrediblywell-deserved goldmedal.WiththeconclusionofthemedalceremonytheHampton SchoolBoatClub2021-22seasonfinallydrewtoaclose.

Wewouldalsoliketothankthededicatedcoachingteamwhosupportedus sowellthroughouttheyear:MrNevilleandMrPerryfortheirenthusiasm anddisciplineallthewaytoHenley;MrHightonforhisconstantguidance; ourboatman,MrJonesforhelpingsooftenwithtowing,ontopoffixing ourmanybumpsandscrapes;and,finally,toMissTaylorforsharingour passionanddesireforperfectionineverysession,alongwithworking tirelesslybehindthescenes.

Lookingbackfondlyovertheyearofrowing,wehopethatthe2023season willsetoffsmoothlyandbeasenjoyableandsuccessfulaslastyear.

J16Rowing

Therewasalessthanperfectleaduptothelastyearofrowing,withthe pandemicandtheamountofbadweathermeaningthatmanyofour athleteshadracedonlyonce–ornotatall–intwoyearsofrowing. However,weallfeelthatwehavemadethebestofthesituation,setting ourselvesuptobeginourrowingcareersinearnest,andevenwinningafew thingsalongtheway.Withnewsthatraceswouldnowbeallowedtogo aheadwewerelookingforwardtoamore‘normal’–whateverthatmeant–rowingyearandracingseason.

Asistypical,theyearstartedwithtraininginsmallboats.Thenaturalfear offallinginwasonlycompoundedbysingledigittemperaturesandfilthy water.However,whenfacedwiththeprospectofsinglestrials,weallhadto taketheplunge–moreliterallyforsomethanothers–andscullwith confidence.Thesinglestrialshadusefulresults,with TheoElliott coming outontopeverytime,takingaleadbyalmostaminute’smargininone.

Soonwebegantoattendraces,withvaryingresults.Ofthetwofoursthat weracedatKingstonHead,onewasinwithachanceatamedal;thiswas untilanunfortunatecollisionateintotheirfinaltime.Thiswouldnotbetoo greatanissue,wereitnotforthefactthatthecollisionwaswiththeother Hamptonboatthathadbeencaughtupwithanddecidedtheonlywayto savefacewastobringtheotherboatdownwiththem!Noteveryracehad suchadisappointingoutcomehowever,withafourcontainingTheoElliott, OscarTejura, JasperBezzant and TheoWebb,coxedby JaiRai,taking homeavictoryfromTeddingtonHead.

ThejointHampton-LEHChristmaspuddingracesattheendofthe autumntermwasafundayofsprint-racing,withsomefiercecompetition inmixedboatsoverashort500metercourse.

Unfortunately,inhindsight,theChristmasfestivitiesseemtobethecalm beforethestorm.TwoofourrowersfellillwithCovid,leavingthemunable torowformonths.Thischangedtheplansfortheseasonentirely,withour alreadysmallsquadhandicappedfurther.Apoorperformanceonhome groundatHamptonHeadmeantdecisionsneededtobemadelooking forwardtotheSchool’sHeadoftheRiverinMarch.

Thesquadwassplit,withrowers OscarKelly,OscarTejura, Sam Berresford and MelanWijesinghe joiningthethirdeight,alongwithcox LukeAlmeida-Bridges.Theylearnedaboutthegritneededtostanda fightingchanceinaraceaslongastheSchool’sHeadoftheRiver. Meanwhile,therestofthesquadreturnedtobasicswithscullingtraining anddevelopingfinesseand‘boatfeel’.

Afteranintensefewmonths,thesquadwasre-unitedjustintimeforan EastertrainingcampinDulverton,Somerset.Oneofthemainpurposesof thecampwasseatracing,whereeachindividualcanberacedagainsttheir peerstoseewhoisactuallymovingtheboatthequickest.Theresultswere surprising,andsomerowerswereleftwithanewsenserealizationaround wheretheyrankedinthesquadandwhatwasreallyneededtogettheboatto perform;thisincludedaparticularlystrongperformancefrom ThomasPerry.

Thecampwasachanceforusasasquadtobondandattimescouldbe challenging,withalarmsgoingoffat5:00amandourincessantchatter slowlywearingdownthewillpowerofthecoachespresent,butweallmade itoutinonepiecehavinglearnedquitebitaboutourselvesandtheteam, andverymuchthecloserforit.

WithEastergone,theregattaseasonbeganinfullforce,andweputupa valiantfightatregattasincludingBASHER,Wallingford,Bedford,and ThamesDitton.BeingourfirstRegattaracingseason,welearnedagreatdeal

fromeachraceanddespitenotwinningpotsattheseearlyraceswecertainly learnedhowtorace.WithNationalSchoolsRegatta(NSR)growingever sooner,wewereforcedtomakethetoughdecisiontosplitthesquad,and giveuponracingtheEightattheNSR,andaJ16CoxedFourwasselected toraceinstead.

ThefourthatracedcomprisedofOscarKelly,TheoElliott,OscarTejura and JasperBezzant,withLukeAlmeida-Bridgescoxing.Afterplacingwellin fourthinthetimetrial,weknewwewouldhavetoupourgameifwe wantedtosecureamedal.Wecoastedthroughthesemi-finals,takingthe opportunitytorelaxandrecuperate,whilestilltakingsecondplacethereby securingourspotsinthefinal.

Ifwewantedtogetamedalweneededachangeofplaninthefinals,with foursecondsbetweenusandapodiumpositionweneededtostepupand courtesyofMrGreenawayandMrHill,ournewapproachrevolvedaround seizingthebullbythehornsandtestingthereallimitsofourbodies–all fueledbythemottoof‘Handsinthefire.’Withthisnewtacticonour minds,andafreshcoatofwaxontheboat,weattackedthefinals,andit camedowntoaphotofinish.Forwhatfeltlikeaneternity,weweresurewe hadlost,buttheannouncerproveduswrong–itwasanamazingfeelingas wereceivedourhardfoughtforbronzemedals!

Theyearwasnotoveryet,however,withtwomoreregattastogo,and–since theNationalSchools–anew-foundconfidenceandracingexperiencethat

J15Rowing

TheJ15rowingseasonwasfulloflaughs,competitiveness,andperseverance, undoubtedlymakingitahugelyeventfulandexhilaratingseasonfortheJ15s –rangingfromcapsizingsinglesonpontoonstoracingatsomeofthelargest regattasinthecountry.ItistimeforacloserlookattheJ15’srowingseason. Theseasongotofftoastartwithlearninganewkindofrowing:sweep-oared rowing.ThiswasthebiggestchangetorowingfortheJ15s–whohad previouslybeensculling,rowingwithtwoblades–astheyhadtolearnand –aimto–masterrowingwithoneblade.

‘Initially,thechangefromscullingtosweepwasquitedifficult.Afterhavingbeen taughttosculloverthepreviousyear,beingputinboatwithnowonlyone,much largerbladefeltlikeahugechangeforus.Westartedtolearnhowtosweepon Wednesdaynights,wherewebegantolearnthechangeintechnique–aswell havingtogetusedtorowingwithjustoneblade!Ourtechniqueslowlybecame

meantwehadchangedforthebetter.ThefourfromNationalSchoolswona potatStarregatta.Unfortunately,theothermembersoftheJ16squadracing inQuad,wereleadingtheiroppositionnicelycominguptoBedfordBridge, butdecidedthebridgelookedaworthieropponent;however,theysoon foundoutthattakingonabridgeusuallyresultsinabrokenboatandthereby leadingtoaloss! CharlesBlagdon alsocameawayfromStarRegattawitha winner’spotbyracingintheJ18Eightwhowontheirevent;itwasgreatto seeanothermemberofthesquadwintheirfirstregattapot.

Forthelastraceoftheseason,wewenttoReadingTownregatta.Withsome particularlyawfulpre-racemusic,wewereintheperfect‘headspace’.Thefour cruisedtothefinals,andmadeaneasyadditiontothetrophycabinet–but notwithoutfantastichelpfromJ15rower GeorgeBuckingham.TheJ16 Eightalsohaditsfirst–andlast–victoryoftheyearinahard-foughtbattle throughbiblicalweather.Thesevictoriesmadeforatriumphantendtothe J16year.

Theyearhaditsupsanddownsforallofus,butithasbeenhugelyproductive andenjoyableandwehavetakengreatstridesinourrowingcareers.Weowe alloursuccesstothefantasticandsupportiveworkofourcoachesMr GreenawayandMrHill,withouttheguidanceofwhomwewouldhavebeen unabletoachieveanysuchresults.Afteramuch-neededrestoverthe summer,weareallexcitedlylookingforwardtothenextyearofrowing.

betterandbetter,untilwewereallabletorowtogetherasacrew.Aftermany races,andalotofpractice,oursweepingskillshaveallimprovedmassively.’–TomCahill

Duringtheirtimeinlearninghowtosweep,numerouseventswereheld such,astheKingstonSmallBoatsHead–wherefourJ15quadsenteredthe competition–whichtookplacebyHamptonCourtPalace.

TheJ15sperformedwell;however,theywerelookingtomakebig improvementsintheTeddingtonHead,wherethetheyenteredinaFirst quadand4octupleswhichwenthead-to-headtodeterminethefaster octupleandoneoctuple–strokedby TomasCowley, coxedby AbhayBahl –emergedvictorious,takinghometheirfirsttankardoftheseason.

CominguptohalfwaythroughtherowingseasonandtheSchools’Headof TheRiverRace,twopopulareventstookplaceleadinguptotheSpringhalftermholidays.TheEtonInvitationalHeadwastheJ15’sfirsteventofthe

OscarKelly

springterm,anditwasagreatopportunitytoexperienceracingatDorney lake,wherehugeeventssuchastheNationalSchools’Regattatakeplace. Overall,theJ15sperformedwellwitha5th,6thand10thplacefinishfrom theFirst,SecondandThirdcrewsrespectively.

TheJ15sweremotivatedtogetevenclosertofirstplacefinishes;with HamptonHeadfollowingsoonafter,thisgoalwasinclosereach.Hampton HeadisthelargestrowingeventhostedbyHamptonSchoolonourstretch ofriver.Thisyeartherewereanastronomical2196rowersbetween53 schoolsandclubstakingpartintherace.

Afterracingthroughmercilesslyarduousconditions,theJ15scame5thin theFirstVIIIscategoryand2ⁿdintheSecondVIIIscategory.Overall,the improvedresultsimpliedasuccessfuleventfortheJ15s;but,withthe Schools’HeadofTheRiverRacejustafewweeksaway,theJ15shadtobe preparedforwhatwastocomenext:theTideway.

TheTidewayiswheretheSchools’HeadofTheRiverRaceishosted.Inthe builduptotheSchools’HeadofTheRiverRace,theJ15swenttoUL’s boathouseovertheEasterhalf-termbreaktopracticerowingontheTideway.

Thispracticeprovedusefulas,afterafewweeks,theJ15sracedattheirfirst evernationalcompetition:Schools’Head–whichtookplaceshortlyafter HammersmithHead.TheTideway,whereitishosted,canbevery challengingtorowonduetotheveryfaststream;whenthestreamispaired withwindyconditions,therecanbehugewaveswhichmakeitdifficultto row.Fortunately,onraceday,theweatherwasgood,andthewaterwascalm.

TheJ15s,takingadvantageoftheseconditions,ruthlesslypoweredthrough the4.5-milecoursedowntheThames,againstsomeofthemostprestigious rowingschoolssuchasEton,StPaul’s,andRadley.TheFirstVIII–stroked by EwanWeaver,coxedby RyanMcAleese –placed6thoutof11crewsin theChampionship8+category,withatimeof19:17:8.The2ⁿdand3rd eightsalsoracedagainstmanyofthesamewell-knownschools–withinthe J152ⁿd8+category–withtheSecondVIII–strokedby HarryForbes, coxedby AdamGaunt –placed5thoutof21crews,withatimeof20:04:7, andtheThirdVIII–strokedby KiranBroekhuizen,coxedbyAbhayBahl –followedclosebehind,placing6thwithatimeof20:06:8.

AnotherhighlightwasalsotheScullery,whichwashostedatDorneylake.It wasascullingeventthatonlytheFirstVIIIpartookin.IntheOpJ158+ categorytheFirstVIIIcrew–strokedbyEwanWeaver, coxed by Isaac Crowhurst –didverywell,takinghomesilverwith2ⁿdplacewithanoverall timeof12:29:4.

TheSchools’HeadofTheRiverRacemarkedtheendofasuccessfulhead season.Whatitalsomarkedwasthebeginningoftheregattaseason.With onlyeightweeksoftraininglefttoformcrewsandtotrytoperfect‘sprints’ beforeNationalSchools’Regatta,theJ15stravelledtoWimbleballLake, Somerset,overtheEasterend-of-termbreak.

‘WhenIfirstarrivedattherowingcamp,Iinitiallythoughtitwasalittlebit daunting:seat-racing,twowatersessions,constantrowing.Butasthedaywent on,Ibegantosettleintotherhythmofit.Itwasatoughcamp,onethatextracted everythingoutofyou–fromtheracingtotheearlywake-ups.Butdespiteallthis, itwasahighlyrewardingcamp.Ibondedgreatlywiththeotherrowersinthe year,anditledtoagreatdealofcamaraderiebetweenallofus–fromthebest totheworst.Itwasoneofthethingsthatwillberememberedfrommytimein rowing.’–

ChristopherMakin

Withthecrewsformedandagoalset,trainingwasabouttorampupforthe J15sasNationalSchools’Regattagotcloser.Notableeventssuchas BASHERandThamesDittonregattatookplaceinthebuilduptooneof themostprestigiouseventstheJ15swouldpartakein.

28thMay:1st RaceDay:NationalSchools’Regatta

Twofoursweresentout,lookingtoachievethebestresultpossibleagainst someofthemostprestigiousrowingschoolsandclubsinthecountry.The courseatNationalSchools’Regattawas1kmlong–ashortandsharpsprint.

TheFirstIV–strokedby ColumbusCraven,coxedbyAdamGaunt–and theSecondIV–strokedby JeromeSharpe,coxedbyRyanMcAleese–both gotthroughtotheBfinalandplaced3rdand6th–respectively–outofthe sixboats.Itwasahugeeffortputinbythecrews,withstillmanyvaluable lessonstakenfromtheeventtobeappliedinthefuture.

29thMay:2ndRaceDay

Thiswasthe8sevent.ThetwoJ15eightsweresentout,lookingtoapplyall theirskillsandenergyintotheirracesthatday.ThefamedNationalSchools’ Regattacourseis2km–adecentlyshortbuttiringsprint.

Botheightsdidwellintheirtimetrialandtheirsemi-final,withtheFirst VIII–strokedby TristanThorpe, coxedbyIsaacCrowhurst–gettinginto theBfinalwithintheircategory,andtheSecondVIII–strokedbyEwan Weaver,coxedbyAbhayBahl–gettingintotheAfinalwithintheircategory.

TheFirstVIIIplaced13thoutofthemanyprestigiousrowingclubsandschoolsin theFirstVIIIcategory,andtheSecondVIIIplaced6thoutofthemanyclubsand schoolstoo.Overall,itwasaprettygoodperformancefromtheJ15s,againtaking someveryvaluablelessonsandadvicefromtheeventtobeappliedinthefuture.

Ofcourse,alltheseracesthroughouttherowingseasoncouldnoteventake placewithoutthecoxes,andwhatbetterinsightcouldyouhaveintocoxing thanacoxtellingyouallaboutit!

‘Forme,coxingforHamptonhasbeenanamazingexperience–fromNational Schools’orrowingcampstojustgoingoutonthewaterwithfriends,Ihaveloved everysecondofit.Initially,IstartedrowingwithHamptonandwhenIrealised, Iwastoosmallphysicallytogetintothetopboats,Istartedtryingoutcoxing. Overthecourseoftheyear,IprogressedfromDtoAcrewcox.Ilovecoxing because,forme,itallowsmetoexperiencetheseamazingracesandmeetnew peoplefromalldifferentschools–andasapartofthehighercrews.Lookinginto theJ16yearIcannotwaittogoonmorecampsandbondtogetherasacrewmore –aswellasfurtheringmyskillsintheboat.’– IsaacCrowhurst

WhataseasonthiswasfortheJ15s,especiallyafterthefragmentedyearthey hadduringthepandemicasJ14s.Theconstantracesafterracesalwayskept themontheirtoesandmadetheseasonatruerepresentativeofwhatrowing isandgaveateasertotheJ16rowingseasonnextyear,inwhichevenbigger andbettereventswilltakeplace.

‘Forme,J15rowingwasagreatexperienceandacompletelynewexperienceto rowingformeasImadeachangefromcoxinginJ14torowingthisyear,which putmebehindeveryoneintermsoftechnicalability.Withthemanyexperienced coachesthatweareluckytohave,IfeelthatIhaveimprovedgreatlyasIhavehad theopportunitytorepresentHamptonatmanynational-levelevents.Personally, NationalSchools'RegattawasmyhighlightoftheyearasIcouldseeallthe improvementsthatwe–asasquad–hadmadethroughoutthemanyhoursof landandwatertraining.Finally,IcouldnottalkaboutJ15rowingwithout mentioningthetimeMrPerrycapsizedalaunch,thesliding–onapaddleboard –intoWimbleballlake,andthecountlessjokes!’

ColumbusCraven

Finally,noneofthethingswedidinthewholerowingseasonwouldbe remotelypossiblewithoutthevaluablesupportandcoachingfromthe coachesandstaff;thankyouforsupportingusthroughouttherowingseason.

VaibhavNeela and ColumbusCraven

FirstXICricket

Afteralongandcoldwinterwithhoursandhoursofpre-seasontechnicalworkandtraining,theboys gearedupforthefirstgameofthe2022–Covid-free–seasonagainstMCC.With ArjunBhat announcedasskipper,theteamlookedtotallytheirfirstwin–albeitinafriendly.Unfortunately, Hamptondidnotstartoffour bowlingcampaignhowtheyhad imagined.Amentiongoesto Alex Zotov forsendingdownavicious, head-heightno-ballfirstup,leaving theMCCopeningbatsmanonhis knees.

Unfortunately,thingsneverlooked upfromthereasthiswasthestartof anonslaughtfromtheMCC,as theycruisedtoadauntingtotalof 270.Afterlosingtwoearlywickets, chasing270wasalwaysgoingtobe tough.However,somefairly resilientbattingfromArjunand NaavyaSharma throughthemiddleoverslookedlikeitwasgoingto setHamptonupforadraw;but,intheend,itwasnotenoughtopreventatypicalHamptoncollapse –somethingthatwouldgoontofeaturethroughouttheseason.

Oursecondpre-seasongamewasawayatWorth,aswelookedtobouncebackfromadisappointing firstouting.Arjunwonhisfirsttossoftheyearanddecidedtobatfirstonafairlyflatdeck.Wegotoff toareasonablestartandacceleratednicelythroughthemiddleoversthankstoawell-compiled82* from TetsuroKato,whichgotusuptoanexcellenttotalof239-9.Despitesometopopeningbowling from ZackGellatley and AlfieSimmons-Gooding,therewerenotenoughoverstobowlWorthout, whofinishedon123-5,sowehadtosettleforadraw.

OurfirstblockfixtureoftheseasonwasagainstMerchantTaylor’sathome.Despiteanearly breakthroughfromAlfie,theirsecondwicketpairingbattedwell.However,someeconomicalbowling from KyleSeth,followedupbygreatdeathbowlingfromAlex,NaavyaandZack,meantthatthe oppositiononlyposted245whenitlookedlikeascoreof260+wasonthecards.Afteraslowand conservativestart,ArjunandTetsurobattedwithpositiveintent.However,oncetheygavetheir wicketsaway,thescorelookedtoofaroutofreach;thatwasuntilaninspiredknockof57from37balls gotuswithintouchingdistanceofthetotal.Unfortunately,hewasbowledinthe48thoverandthe teamlostbyaclosemarginof27runs–atoughpilltoswallow.

NextupwereHarrow,averystrongsidedrilledbyex-EnglandcricketerMarkRamprakash.After losingthetossandbeingputintothefield,thegamewasinthebalance.Ourstrongpaceattacktook keywicketsatpivotalpoints.Afterafightbackfromtheirmiddleorder,theysetaverycompetitive totalof221-8offthe50overs.Inreturn,Hampton’sbattinglackedleadership,untilaclassyknockof 38fromKyle tookourscoretoasomewhatrespectabletotalof105.

Seekingourfirstwin,onahotsummer’sday,Tiffinwonthetossandsentusouttofield–intowhat canonlybedescribedasasauna.Afterlosingtwoearlywickets,theTiffinmiddleorderlookedlike theyweregoingtosetaverylargetotal,butKylestrucklatewiththeball,pickingup4important wickets.Thisstemmedtheflowofruns,whichenabledustobowlTiffinoutforanimposing245.

Inreplywiththebat,earlywicketsofthetwoopenerssawthesideintrouble.However,youngsters JamesPage andNaavyasteppedup,withJamesplayingnicelyforasensible40andNaavyaplaying anincredibleinningsof136–hitting10massivesixes!WithZackGellatleyscoringthewinningruns, asighofreliefwastakenaswewinourfirstgameoftheyearduetoastandoutperformancebyavery promisingcricketerinNaavyaSharma.

Aftergettingourfirstwinontheboard,theteamwerefullofjoytoseethestartoftheNationalT20 Cup,aswelookedtojustifyourstatusof‘bombsquad.’OurfirstgamewasagainstElthamCollege. Afterwinningthetossandelectingtobatfirst,wegotofftoaflier. TomAvant-Smith shined,bullying theballaroundthefield,alongwithArjun,whopiledontherunsattheotherend:bothplayersraised theirbatsafter15overs.Losingquickwicketslate,weputonarespectabletotalof178-5offthe20. Inresponse,ElthamCollegestruggledasthewicketsweresharedbetweenthebowlers:116allout.

ThisgaveusconfidencegoingintothenextroundagainstDulwichCollegeside. Webattedfirstagain,anditwasTomwhogotusupandrunningwithahuge sixofftheirquickleftarm-seamer–hittingtheDulwichpaviliononthefull!

Oncehedeparted, EddieBruce andArjunkeptittickingalongnicely. Unfortunately,Arjunwasleftstrandedon99*,fallingagonisinglyshortof histon,butitwasneverthelessamagnificentinningsfromtheskipper.For thefirsttimeintheseason,theboyscameouttofieldwitharealenergyand buzzthatwelackedinpreviousgames.Thisrevitalisedfieldingdisplay combinedwithgoodexecutionfromthebowlersrestrictedDulwichto1359,sendingusthroughtothenextround.

AfterbeatingthemintheNationalT20,wewerebackatDulwichCollege thefollowingweekendtotakethemoninadeclarationgame.AfterArjun wonthetossandchosetobowlfirst,theopeningpairofZackandAlfie bowledwelluptop,bothpickingupawicketeach.ThespintwinsofKyle andArjunthenbowled31economicaloversbetweenthem.

However,thebestbowlerondisplaywasAlexZotov,whoremovedtwoof theirbestplayerswithseedsandcamebacklatertocleanthetail,finishing on4wickets.Chasing196inonly40overs,Tomstormedoutoftheblocks, scoringaquick-fire54offjust40balls,includingthreebigsixes!Arjunand OllyColes thenfinishedoffthejob,scoring58*and38*respectively,to wrapupaprofessionalperformance.

Inthe2ⁿdroundoftheT20NationalCup,HamptonfacedTrinityathome. TomAvant-SmithandEddieBrucewalkouttothemiddleexpecting nothingbut‘bombs’;however,muchtoourdismay,wefoundourselves0-1 afterthefirstballofthegame.Wethenlost3wicketsallwithinanover, leavingusintroubleat25-4.Despitethis,Eddieshowedhisclass,making averycrucialinningsof63off56andalongwiththehelpof OllieStokes, wefinishedon126-7.Defending126wasnotgoingtobeaneasytask,but wetooktoitwithgreatpassion.Kyleonlyneededoneballtodismisstheir openingbatsmanandafieryspellfromNaavya,withfiguresof4-14,sawus defend11runsoffthelastover,leadingustoawell-deservedwin.

Next,wetravelledtoReeds;wewonthetossandelectedtobat,but, unfortunately,wereunabletobuildanyrealpartnerships.Eddiemade35at thetopoftheorder,butwasunabletogoon,andwecollapsed,endingup on117.Wetriedourbesttodefendthetotalwithsomeeconomical bowling,butwesimplydidnottakeenoughwickets.

DespitethelosstoReeds,theboyswerelookingforwardtogetbackintothe colouredkitasthe3rdroundintheNationalT20competitionwereagainst oldrivalsWhitgift.Unfortunately,theWhitgiftbatsmentookapartour bowlingattack,poundingtheballtoallpartsoftheground–ofcoursethe boundaryhadtobebroughtinthatday!Theyamassedahugetotalof198 and,atthehalfwaystage,weknewthatnothingshortofamiraclewouldsee usthroughtothenextround.Sadly,itwasnottobe;despitesomegood hittingfromTetsuroagainsttheirspinners,wewerebundledoutfor133, departingfromthetournamentalittleearlierthanwehadhoped.

Duetoalongstretchofexams,manyoftheUpperSixthwereunavailable toplaythefollowinggameagainstBrightonCollege,allowingyoungsters like NattyTaylor, KyanSoni and JoshVergunst tomaketheirFirstXI debut.Afterlosingthetossandbeingputintobat,skipperfortheday EddieBruceandNattygotthesideofftoastrongstartpassing60 together,untilthewicketofEddiefellinthe20thover.

Fromastrongstart,itwasthesadstoryofthemiddleordernotfiring again,leavinguswithadisappointingtotalof144.However,afterastrong halftimetalkfromMrBanerjee,theyoungsidewithfullofenergywere readyforthetoughchallengeofdefendingthetotal.

Withtheball,westartedwellwithZackGellatleyand LouisSimmonsGooding bowlingsendingdownsomethunderbolts.However,itwasnot untilanoutstandingpieceoffieldingfromanelectricKyanSoniat backwardpoint,runningtheiropeneroutwithonlyonestumptoaimat, thatwewereabletogetbackintothegame.Withourtailsup,Alfie Simmons-Goodingtookanimpressive4-37,takingwicketsatregular intervals.Despiteaspectaculareffortwiththeballandinthefield,the Brightonteamknockedoffthescore6downin35overs,thanksinlarge parttosomesensiblebattingfromtheircaptain.

NextupwasStPaul’sathome.Nextyear’sfull-timenew-ballpairingof LouisandZackbowleddecentlyuptop,withtheformerprovidingthe firstbreakthrough.TheirstarCountybatsmanthencameinandstartedto taketheseamattackapart,blasting35innotime.UnfortunatelyforSt Paul’s,hecouldnotdealwiththetrademarkKylelong-hop;hecouldonly managetoskyitstraightdownNaavya’sthroatatlongon.Thissparkeda collapseforthevisitors,aswebundledthemoutforabelowpartotalof 172.

Thesecondinningsstartedwell,withEddieandOllylookingcomfortable atthecrease,butaburstof3quickwicketsputHamptononthebackfoot,aswefoundourselveson98-6.However,NaavyaSharmasteadied theship,cruisedto56*andlookedlikehewasbattingonacompletely differentsurfacetoeveryoneelse.Naavya,withthesupportof Matt Moffatt attheotherend,gotusoverthelinewiththreewicketstospare, showingonceagainhowvaluableofanassetheistotheFirstXI.

WeagaindonnedourcolouredkitforonelasttimeaswetookonSt George’sWeybridgeinaT20friendly.AfteradecentstartfromtheSt George’stoporder,AlexZotovwasgiventheball.Heproceededtorip throughtheopposition’stopandmiddleorder,endingupwith unbelievablefiguresof6-17andaplaceonthehonoursboard!Alexwas ablysupportedbyskipperArjunattheotherend,whobowled impressivelyforhis3-12aswebowledStGeorge’soutforonly71.We chasedthetotaldownin14overswithrelativeease:acomfortable6wicketwin.

WethenplayedKCS;withtheminthefield,wehopedtosetourselvesa solidplatformearlyinthegame,butmanagedtodothecompleteopposite,

collapsingto50-6within19overs.Fortunately,ourtail‘wagged’withAlex Zotovmakingaveryimportant29supportedbyAlfieSimonds-Goodingto getusto108.

Itwasgoingtotakesomebowlingtodefendthistotal,andwecertainly providedthat.WithKCSat39-0,thelosslookedtobeimminent,but NaavyaSharmaproceededtoripthroughKCS’stoporderwiththree wicketsinfourballsgivingusallthehopeweneeded;however,theirclassy ‘Bunbury’openerwasstillinbusinessfromtheotherend.Notlongafter,a sharpcatchfromOllyColesatslipoffArjunBhat’sbowlingmeanthehad todeparton40,openinguptheirlower-middleorder,settingthegameup forarealnail-biter.Naavya,AlexandArjuntooktenwicketsbetweenthem, withfiguresof5-18,2-14and3-23respectively,bowlingKCSoutfor92.A hugeachievement!

Bradfieldwasupnextathome.SixthformerZackGellatleywasnamed captainfortheday;hewonhisfirsttossasFirstXIskipperandHampton battedfirst.Goodcontributionsallroundwiththebathelpedusto213-8, andatightopeningspellfromcaptainZackputusinthedrivingseat. However,inconsistentbowlingfromthespinnersandsomesensiblebatting fromtheBradfieldnumber5allowedtheoppositiontochasethetargetwith threeballstospare,despiteFourth YearAnujSrivastav pickinguptwolate wickets.

WithmostoftheUpperSixthplayingagainsttheOldHamptonians,itwas clearthattherewasgoingtobesome‘healthy’competitionbetweenthetwo sides! AdamLee (OH2018)wonthetossanddecidedtobatfirstonan overcastdaywithagreendeck.AlfieSimmons-Goodingexploitedthese conditionstofulleffect,rippingthroughthestar-studdedOHtoporder, takingfourwickets–withoneofthembeing2021skipper MatthewAvantSmith –astheOHfoundthemselvesreelingat32-4.

AdamLeethenbattedverywellforhis60,takinghissidetoacompetitive 148.TheOHspintriothatincluded ColeCampbell (OH2018)and ArjunSamra (OH2021)bowledwellontheminefield,meaningno batsmanreallyevergotthemselvesin.However,OllyColesandMatt Moffattbattedpatientlytogetusuptoneedingaround30runswithplenty ofoversinhand.Oncetheybothgotout,thetailcollapsed,leavingus needing10runswithonewicketinhand.ThelastwicketpairofLouis Simmons-GoodingandKyleSeththenshowednervesofsteel,thelatter pulverisingonethroughmid-wicketoffanAdamLeehalf-trackerforfour tosealthedealfortheFirstXI!ItwasgreattoseeHamptonianspastand presentplayagainsteachotherinsuchadramaticgameofcricket–afitting waytomarkthe50thfixturebetweentheSchoolFirstXIandOH.

RGSGuildfordwerenext.Wewereputintofieldandhadasuperbstart, withNaavyaSharmaputtingonamasterclassofin-swingbowlingpicking up3top-orderwickets.Unfortunately,Hamptoncouldnotkeepthe pressure;thismeantthatwewereupagainstitchasingalargetotalof251. Thechasegotofftoagoodstartthough,withopenersMattMoffattand EddieBrucetakingontheRGSattackandlookingateaseatthecrease. However,oncetheopenersdeparted,weonlyfinishedon125allout.Lots oflessonstolearnasweheadedintosometoughfixturestoendtheseason.

ThefirstofthesetoughgameswasagainstRondeboschBoysHighSchool, whowererumouredtobethetopschoolsideinSouthAfrica;so,itwassafe tosaythatweneededtoplaysomeofourbestcrickettoturnoverthisside. Webowledfirstonanovercastdayand,asever,thenewballpairingofZack andAlfiegotusofftoanamazingstartaswehadRondebosch90-5atlunch. Afterlunch,theirmiddle-lowerbattedverywellandtheylookedlikethey weregoingtopostascoreupwardsof260.Despitethis,sometightlateover bowlingfromspinnersArjunBhatandWillKnowles–pickingupthreeand twowicketseachrespectively–keptthemdownto237.

Themessagewassimplegoingintobat,bepositiveandlooktoscore. OpenerMattMoffattexemplifiedthisbyplayingarampshottogettohis maidenFirstXI50;but,oncehedeparted,acouplemorewicketsfell quicklyanditlookedliketheHamptoncollapsewasabouttotakeplaceyet again.However,bothNaavyaSharmaandZackGellatleybattedbeautifully, strikingtheballtoallpartsofthegroundeffortlesslyandbuiltapartnership thatgavethedugoutsomehope.

DespiteNaavyagivingitawayon49,Zackcarriedonthemomentum;but, wicketskeptfallingattheotherendand,unfortunately,therewastoomuch leftforhimtodoaswefelljust13runsshort.Hefinishedon59*–atruly heroiceffortfromtheall-rounder–anditwasgoodtoseeusshowsomegrit anddetermination,givingoneofSouthAfrica’stopschoolsidesarealrun fortheirmoney.

NextupwasEtonCollegeaway–someoftheboysweredefinitelylooking forwardtotheteasmorethanthecricket!Webowledfirstonacloudyday anddebutant LeoHartley gottheballtotalkonaflatpitch,pickinguphis maidenFirstXIwicketandgoingataveryloweconomy.Thegamewasin thebalanceat110-2after33.4overswhentheheavensopenedupand despitethebesteffortsofEton’sgroundsmen,thegamewasabandoned.

MumbaiCCwerenext.Onceagain,ZackGellatleybowledmagnificently, pickingupthreetop-orderwickets.WehadMumbai98-6,buttheirnumber 3,whoplaysforIndia’sU19s,battedsuperblyafterlunch.Despiteus droppinghimacoupleoftimes,hetookMumbaitoaformidabletotalof276.

Inresponse,weadoptedthe‘Bazball’approachandtooktheattacktothe opposition.EddieBrucescoredafluent88atnearlyarunaball,andOllie Stokeswhacked45offaround20ballsinhislastgamefortheSchool, hittingsomefairlysizeablesixesofftheirspinners.Thegameendedina drawaswefinishedon180-3after33overs;ourbattingunitfinallyshowing whattheyarecapableof!

Welookedtocontinuethisattackingmindsetintothepenultimategameof theyearagainstDulwichCollege.ArjunandEddiescored88each,both strikingtheballinanassertiveyetmeasuredmanner.Weendedupposting averycompetitivescoreof256-8andtheopeningbowlersweretightup top,notgivingtheDulwichbattersanylooseners.ArjunBhatthenshowed hisclasswiththeballpickingup6-26withsomebeautifuldeliveriesand gettinghimselfonthehonoursboard.Weendedupwinningby153runs: adominantdisplayfromtheteam.

ThefinalgameoftheseasonwasanotherencounterwithMumbaiCC, wheretheUpperSixthboyswouldfieldforthefinaltimeonthe‘hallowed turf’.Westartedwellpickingupacoupleearlywickets,butapartnership betweentheirnumber4and5begantofrustratethespinners.Inastateof desperation,wethrewtheballtopart-timerEddieBrucewho,withhisfirst ball–bowlinginfieldingpadsaswell–unbelievablygotthewicketoftheir setbatsman,aidedbyagoodcatchatlongoff.

ThechaseofMumbai’stotalof223beganwithEddieBrucecruisingto85, bringinguphisthird80+scoreinarow.Oncehedeparted,itwasonlyfittingto seeaHamptonmiddleordercollapseonelasttimethisseasonaswewentfrom 128-2to189-9inthespaceof10overs.However,withsixoverstogo, Ali Jennings andLouisSimmons-GoodinglookedtoreplicatetheeffortsofJimmy AndersonandMontyPanesarin2009bytryingtosalvageadraw.Unfortunately, withjustthreeballstogo,Louismissedaripperfromtheirspinnerandgot bowledmiddle-stump–whichtosomeextentsummedupourearlierseason. Nevertheless,itwasacaptivatingfinishtoendthe2022seasonthatkeptallofthe playersandspectatorsontheedgeoftheirseat–evenMrBanerjee,somewhat uncharacteristically,showedsomesignsofnervousnesstowardstheend!

Overall,itwasasomewhatdisappointingseasonfortheFirstXI,withthe sideonlymanagingtowinhalfofgamesplayed.However,therewerealsoa greatdealofpositivestotakeasateamandbecausemanyindividuals producednote-worthyperformances.

Standoutperformersthisyearwiththebatwerevice-captainEddieBruce (616runs)andcaptainArjun(487runs),whilethespintwins,Arjunand Kyle,ledthewaywiththeball,taking28wicketseach.Bigmentionisdue toall-roundersZackGellatleyandNaavyaSharma,thelatterputtingin someparticularlyexceptionalperformances–asaFifthYear,thismadehis seasonevenmoreimpressive!

Asasquad,wesharedwonderfulexperiences,bothonandoffthefield, growingcloserasaunit,whilemaintainingthecrucialbalancebetween workinghard–duetothewelcomereintroductionofA-LevelsandGCSE in-personexams–andhavingfun,playingasportwealllove.Manythanks to NoahWood and HenryLangrish forscoringthroughouttheseason–especiallytoHenry,whohadfinallyfiguredoutwhattheleg-sidewasbythe endoftheseason!

Hugethanksmustalsogotothecoaches,MessieursBanerjee,Parishand Mills,whoworkedtirelesslytomakesurethatthe2022seasonranas smoothasitcould.MrParishofferedimportantcricketingadvice throughouttheseason,withtheoccasionalcriticismtohelpimproveeach individualasaplayerandasaperson.MrMillswasalwaysonhandtogive theboyseverythingtheyneededinthewarm-up:anythingfromthrow downstohittingsky-highcatches,hewasthere.Lastly,MrBanerjeehas beenamazingthisyear,fromrunningpre-seasonnetstoorganisingfixtures, itissafetosaythatwithouthim,therewouldbenocricketatHampton!

Wealsothankthecateringteamforproducingamazingteasduringthe seasonthatwentdownatreatwithallplayersandcoaches,andtotheground staff,whoworkedendlesslytoproducesomeofthebestdecksinthecounty.

Last,butnotleast,manythankstotheUpperSixthwhohavehadan exceptionalfiveorseven–ortwoinEddie'scase–yearsattheSchool, enjoyingsuccessfulseasonsandcreatingmemoriesonthecricketpitchthat willlastalifetime.

Goodlucktonextyear’sFirstXI;hopefullytheywilllearnfromallofour experiencesthisseasonandlooktoshowwhatHamptonCricketcanreally donextyear!

ArjunBhat, EddieBruce and KyleSeth

U15ACricket

Ifyouofanervousdispositionanddonotlikewatchingclosegamesthen donotcometowatchtheU15Asof2022.Foranyseasonticketholderswho watchedeveryball,thiswasaseasonthatwillbetalkedaboutformanyyears tocome.Inanextremelycompetitiveseasonoffixtures,everyplayer contributedtosomeexcellentgamesofcricket.

Theclassof2022arehugelytalentedandwillbeonestowatchinthenext threeyearsgiventheirexcellentattitudeandcompetitivespirit!

AnujStrivastav

Anujisatrueall-rounderwithhisfielding,battingandbowlingbeingof equalstrength.Afterarelativelyslowstart,hemadesomeexcellent contributionswiththebatashelearnedtoadvancehisscoringratewithout takingexcessiverisk.Hisbowlingwasexcellentallyear,andhisfieldingat extracoverwasofthehighestquality.Highlightoftheseason:hiscaptaincy demonstratedunderstandingwellbeyondhisyears.

MaddoxDakin

Agreatteammanwhoneverletsanyonedown.Hiskeepingwassolidall yearandseemedtogotoadifferentlevelwhenunderthemostpressure.His twogamesascaptainhighlightedhisexcellentcricketbrainandpeople skills.Hestartedpoorlywiththebat,buthereactedintheverybestway: improveyourtechniqueandtakeyourchancewhenitcomes.Highlightof theseason:oneofthemanydivingcatchesorsteeplerscaughtunder pressure.

OllieDavies

Olliewasoutstandingwiththeballallseason.Hewasgiventhe responsibilityofthenewballandrelishedthechancetobowlatthe opposition’sbestplayerseveryweek.Hebowledwithpaceandcontrol;he endedupdeliveringthemostballsoftheseason.Inaslightlyweakerteam, Olliecouldeasilybeagenuineall-rounder,asheclearlyloveshis batting…andfielding!Highlightoftheseason:thecompleteall-round performanceagainstDulwich,whereheplayedtheshotoftheday,blew awaythetoporderwithanexplosivespell,andthentookthewinning catch!

OllieGellatley

Olliecouldhaveeasilyopenedthebowlingallseasonwithhispaceand control;but,hetookontheroleoffirstchangebowler.Thisallowedhim tostranglerun-ratesandthenshowgreatnervewhenaskedtobowlatthe deathinthecupgames.Hewasincrediblyconsistentthroughoutthe seasonandrarelywentformorethan4anover.Hebecameallmost unplayablewhentheballswungandclaimedmanybigwickets.Whenhe

gotthechance,Olliewaskeentoremindeveryonethathecanalsobat. Anothergreatteamman.Highlightoftheseason:amatch-winning performancewiththebatagainstDulwich,whichprovedtobeawinning score.

HarryGregory

HarrystartedtheseasonintheBsbutdidnotlookbackoncehewasgiven aspotintheAs.Heisastylishbatsmenwhoplayseye-catchinginningsand becamehardertodismissastheseasonprogressed.Hewasgiventheball earlyinmostgames–whichtellsyouhowhighlytheteamratedhis bowling!Harryistheperfectcupcricketer,asheplayswithanatural vibrancyandcompetitivespirit.Highlightoftheseason:twoverystylish back-to-back50satthetopoftheorder.

OllieHamilton

Olliecanneverbeaccusedoflackingenthusiasm:acricketenthusiast throughandthrough.Hewasgiventhenewballwhereheofferedcontrol andmovementinallbutonegamethroughouttheseason.Hepickedup regularwicketsandrarelywentforaboundary.Inalesscompetitiveside,it isnotbeyondtherealmsofpossiblythathecoulddemandatop4batting slot.Hewilllightenanyteamheplaysinandisaperfectteamplayer. Highlightoftheseason:all-roundmatch-winningperformancesagainst Dulwich,wherehesawtheteamoverthelineandthenwherehewent10 minuteswithouttalkingabouthisbelovedEsherCC.

ZidaanKhan

Zidaanisanotheroneoftheteamstrueall-rounders,despiteaslightly disappointingseasonwiththebat.Whilsthestruggledtoscoretherunshis talentdeserved,hestillmanagedtoplaysomeeye-catchingshotswhich remindedusofexactlythatunderlyingtalent.Hisbowlingwasequallyas impressive,regardlessofwhetherheopenedorcameonfirstchange.He abilitytoswingtheballatpacemeanthetroubledallbatsmenandoften cleanbowledtoporderopposition.

HugoKnowles

Afterapoorstarttotheseason,HugofoundhimselfintheBteamforthe firsttimeinhisSchoolcareer.Hedidnotallowthisknockbacktoruinhis seasonasherebuilthisconfidenceandleantahugeamount.Hisnatural competitivespiritmeansheoftenfindshimselfinthemiddleoftight situationswiththeballorinthefield;whetheritbeastunningcatchagainst Whitgiftorthedesiretohavetheballatthedeathincupgames,Hugoisa playeryouwouldwantonyourteam.Highlightoftheseason:hismature responsetoafirstdipinformandthesubsequentrelaunch.

OllySpray

HavingstartedtheseasonintheBs,Ollyputtogethersomegood performancesandthengotpromotedtotheAs.Onceintheside,his

SecondXICricket

U16ACricket

determinationmeanthebecomeanautomaticpickwithhistop-order batting.Withamixofpowerfulstrokeplayandabravestyle,hewasableto puthighqualityoppositionbowlersunderpressure.Hisgreatestassettothe teamwerehisweeklyperformancesinthefield,wherehecouldeasilybe describedasoutstanding.Naturalathleticismandaloveoffieldingcombine tocreatesomeeye-catchingmoments.Highlightoftheseason:his breakthroughinningsinalosingcausewherehecementedaplaceinthetop orderagainstHaileybury.

ThomasTabor

Agoodall-roundyearforagoodall-rounder.Thomasfoundwaysto contributethroughouttheseason,whetheritbeagoodspellofleg-spin bowlingoramatchdefininginnings.Ifheisabletoachievemoreconsistent returnswithhisbatting,hewillbeahugeassettoanyteam.Inasidewith fewerbowlingoptions,hewouldhavebowledeveryweekandwouldrarely letanyonedown.Heseemstothrivewhenbowlingintightmatcheswhich isagreatsigngoingforward.Highlightoftheseason:theballofthecentury revisitedorthematch-winninginningsagainstReedswhenthesidewere 28/6chasing111.

NattyTaylor

Nattycontinuedtodevelopintoawell-organisedtop-orderbatsmen.Heis technicallystrongenoughtofaceanybowleronthecircuit,andhebeganto increasehisstrikeratewithoutlosingcontrol.AcoupleofvisitsintoSenior cricketallowedhimtogetawell-deservedbowl,wherehehighlightedhis undoubtedall-roundability.Hisfieldingatmid-offwasoutstanding throughoutthesummerandhetookeverysinglecatchthatcamehisway. Highlightoftheseason:astunningmatch-winningcatchagainstWhitgift, whichwouldhavegracedanycricketgroundintheworldandwhichwas alsohugelyadmiredbytheopposition.

WillYouster

Willmadehugeprogressinthewinterperiodwithhisleg-spinand,asa result,hisdevelopmentdemandedhisinclusionintheAteam.Heneverlet theteamdownandcertainlygrewinconfidenceastheseasonprogressed. WhenselectiondidnotallowaspotintheAs,thenWillwashappytohave abatintheBstoremindeveryoneofhisall-roundabilities.Withhisathletic fieldingandsuperattitude,heisanassettoanyteam.Highlightofthe season:5wicketsinanexcellentspellagainstastrongRGSGuildford battinglineup.

WilliamWallace

WhilstWilldidnotscorethevolumeofrunshewouldhavewished,hedid choosetodisplayhisabsolutebestatbothhomeandawayagainstHarrow. Bothinningsshowedthathecouldbebothaggressiveandcontrolledagainst thehighestlevelofU15Aqualitybowlers.Heplayedanaggressiverolewhen battingandalwaysputtheteamfirst.Hisfieldingwasoutstandingandhe alwaysmanagedtofindawaytocontributeatthevitalmoments.Hisinthe deepcatchingandboundaryworkwasexceptional.Highlightoftheseason: Anytimetheteamsheetsaid“vHarrow”

Thanksto DannySettle and AlexTrevors whoalsorepresentedtheAsand trainedregularlywiththesquad.

Unfortunately,thiswasnottobe;thereweretwolossesagainstHarrow andStPaul’s,whichwillhaveprovidedtheboyswithmoreexperienceand learningthanalloftheirwinsputtogether.Thesewillholdthemingreat steadfortheincreasedchallengesofSeniorand,subsequently,men’s cricket.

Intheirninevictories,theclosestgametheteamhadwasa37-run victory;theoppositionwereoftenamazedandinaweofthequalitythey faced,andstaffwerealwaysimpressedwiththewaytheboysplayedtheir cricket.

Intotal,24playersrepresentedtheteamduetosomerotationofAteam playerswhowhenplacedintheBsallperformedadmirablyandshowed theirquality: HugoKnowles, ZidaanKhan, WillYouster, OllySpray, OliHamilton and HarryGregory

Thecoresquadwasledsuperblybyanumberofablecaptainswhoshared theresponsibilityofcaptainingthesidewhilebuyingintothepremiseof givingeverybodyagamewhilstalsotryingtoensurevictory.The behaviourofthesidewasexemplaryandtheyareagroupofyoungmen whotrulyplaycricketintherightspiritandlettheircricketdothe talking:aswasshownbytheir148-rundemolitionofWhitgiftinthefinal gameoftheseason.

Thebattingwasspearheadedbyanopeningpairof FreddieHunt and BenMoffatt,whobothdemonstrategreatqualitiesforopeningbatsmen –aswellasanabilitytoprogressthescoringratewhenrequired. Savan Soni, RonitRaj and AlexTrevers werethemainstaysofthemiddle order,withsomeverystrongdisplays,greattechniqueandprobablyless timeatthecreasethantheywouldhaveliked.

OliLacey,asthewicket-keeper,showedhehasgreathandsandisa verycapablebehindthestumps.Afteratoughstarttotheseasonwith thebat,hefinishedastheformbatsmanoftheside.Oliwasably assistedby MontyNendick whenabsent;Montyshowedfurther strengthindepthaswellasstrengthinhispowerfulrun-scoringwhen calledupon.

Theall-rounderswerefullofquality,with NishantPattnaik provinga talentwithbothbatandball. NickLynagh’s seasonwasunfortunately shortenedbyabrokenhand,butheshowedgoodqualitytoowithboth batandball.

Thebowlingdepartmentwasoutstanding,with DannySettle, Umar Khan and JamesGilbart-Smith spearheadingaformidableseam attackthatbowledwithqualityandintruthwastoogoodforthe majorityoftheoppositiontheyfaced. AsaJennings wasthestand-out performeroftheside,taking22wicketsatanaverageof6.05withhis off-spin.

MembersoftheCteamwereusedthroughouttheseason; RobinNeil, GabrielRobertson, BenWilliams, ThomasHenderson and Shivam Handa,aswellasmanyothers,shouldallcountthemselvesunfortunate tobeinsuchanexceptionalYear.Theywillallgoontoplaycrickettoa verygoodlevel.

U15BCricket

WhatwasalreadyknowntobeaverystrongYear–withexceptionaldepth oftalent–meantthiswasalwaysdestinedtobeagoodteam,who,afteran unbeatenseasonlastyear,aspiredtogounbeatenagain.

ThehighlightoftheseasonwouldhavetobeShivamHanda’srun-outin theWhitgiftvictory–withthelowlightbeingpotentiallyafewtoomany droppedcatches:bothhighcatchesandintheslips!

ThankyoutoallplayersforanincrediblyenjoyableseasonandIlook forwardtowatchingthemdevelopfurtherintheirseniorcricket.

U14ACricket

and AryanSharma wereforminganeconomicalopeningbowlingattack, whichrestrictedtheStPaul’srunwithsometightandthreateningbowling.

Enter AngusHacking.Thefastbowler,missingthroughinjuryuntilnow, burstontothescenewithastunninghat-trick,andanevenmorestunning boundarycatchtopulloffa37runvictory.

Unfortunately,atthispoint,aninjuryto RaphaelTaylor –anaccurate openingbowlerandreliablebatsman–meanthewasoutfortherestofthe season.Thiswasahugeblow;Raphael’stightbowlingagainstMerchant Taylor’s(1-14),Harrow(2-23),andDulwichwouldbesorelymissed.

AnamazingtiedgameagainstKCSfollowed,With MontySeager smashing 36fromjust17ballstosetKCS150towinfrom25overs.Hamptonwere headingforacomfortablevictory,butsomesloppybowlingandagreatknock of65byMalhotrafromKCSmeantthegameendedinathrillinglastballtie.

U14BCricket

AgainstEton,theBsgaveoneoftheirmostaccomplishedperformancesof theseason.Setting179towin,withscoresof41fromRaphaelCawthra,28 fromMontySeagar,andaquickfire54fromBenRobinson,somebrilliant tacticalbowlingandfieldsettingmeantEtonwerereelingat72-6.Again, thematchwasthreatenedbysomesuperbtail-endresistance,but3wickets fromAngusHackingsealeda6-runvictoryonthelastball.

U14BCricket

Thisyear’sU14Bsidehavegrowninability,cricketknow-howandcharacter thisseason,andshouldbeverypleasedandindeedproudoftheir performances,despiteamixedrecordofresults:played11,won6,drawn1 andlost4.

Theseasonbeganwithasolid44-runwinoverMerchantTaylor’sschool. Captain VirenAsnani setthetonewithachancelessknockof61.Against Harrow,theBsrecoveredfrombeing10-3tosetthevisitorsatargetof132, andnearlypulledoffashockvictorywithsomeexcellentbowlingand fielding,onlytobevanquishedonthelastball!

Asolid92runwinoverTiffinfollowed,with RaphaelCawthra impressing withafluid52notout,and DanielMills bamboozlingtheTiffin’sbatsmen withhiscunningleg-spin,taking4-14.

TwoclosedefeatstostrongDulwichandReedssidesfollowed,with Cawthraagainimpressingwith45,and BenRobinson chippingin31 againstReeds,andMillsstartingtoshowhispromisewiththebatwith25 quickruns.AgainstReeds, ZakHayat cametotheforewith34,andMills wovehiswebagainwiththeball,taking3-15.

AftertwoagonisingdefeatswhereHamptonwereontopforlargeperiods, theteamregroupedtactically,androaredbackwithan8-wicketvictoryover BrightonCollege, AlfieBancroft taking3-25ondebut,andBenRobinson and RohanPrabhudesai chasingBrighton’stotalof92confidently.

TheteamthenwoncomfortablyagainstStPaul’s,posting134with James Eggleton settingthetonewithaclassy39,andZakHayatagain bludgeoningtheStPaul’sattackwith24.Bythistime, HarreshJayanthan

IpersonallythoughtthattheEtongamewouldbethepinnacleofthe summerforthisgroup,butno,theysavedtheirbestforlast.Againstan unbeatenWhitgiftsideonasmallpitch,boundariesflowedfreely.Whitgift notchedupadaunting171-8fromjust25overs,meaningHamptonneed toscoreat7anover.Theystartedsuperbly,despitetheearlylossofCawthra, JamesEggleton(57)andVirenAsnani(29)wereactuallyscoringatabove theraterequired.Hamptonlost3wicketsleavingthemat135-6,andin dangeroflettingthematchslipaway.AngusHackinghadotherideas,and bludgeoned28fromjust8deliverieswithsomeimmensehittingtosee Hamptonhomeanddrywithease!

Thisteamhasdevelopedagreatspiritandsenseofunity,whichhasbeenso pleasingtoseeasacoach.Theycanendtheseasonfeelingimmenselyproud ofalltheirhard-earnedvictories,whilsttheyhavegrownanddevelopedeven moreintheclosedefeats–inanotheryearthosedefeatswouldeasilyhave beenvictories.

Ihopetoseethemdevelopascricketersindividuallyandasaunit.Ihave greatlyenjoyedtakingthemthisyearforsomegreatmatches,andithasbeen aprivilegetocoachthem.

U14CCricket

U14ACricket

RRT

U14CCricket

U13ACricket

Walkingoffthefieldjustaftermiddayon11JuneatStPaul’sSchool,having lostnarrowlyinthefinalovertryingtodefendatotalforthesecondmatch insuccession,youcouldforgivetheteamforfeelingalittledespondent abouttheseason.Havingbattedwell,postingacompetitivescoreand lookingincontrolafter12oversinthefield,wehadsuccumbedtoan onslaughtofpowerfulmiddle-orderhittingforthesecondgameinarow.

Previously,againstReed’s,defeathadbeenanevenmorebitterpilltoswallow, asthegamelookedwonoffthefinalballas MarcusSolomon beatthe batsman’soutsideedgewiththreerunsneededforvictory,onlyforcaptain AdiKhera tomake–arguably–hisonlymistakeoftheseasonwiththe gloves–allowingtheballtoescapehisgraspandReed’stowinrunningbyes.

ThisfollowedasimilarexperienceagainstapowerfulstrikerfromMerchant Taylor’sSchoolwhotookthatgameawayfromuswhenitlookedtobein thebalance,andatoughdayoutatDulwich–albeittheteamshowedgreat resiliencetobattheoversagainstaformidableattackonahelpfulwicket. ThatearlyseasondefeatsawusbowoutoftheNationalCupCompetition –inwhichtheboyshadearnedaplacebywinningtheMiddlesexCupat U12s.Dulwichwouldgoontoreachthefinal.

So,withjustonewin–againstTiffin–fromfive,theseasonlookedratherbleak.

Whatfollowedwasbrilliant.

Fourwinsfromfourmatches,includingemphaticvictoriesoverIbstock, KCSWimbledonandRGSGuildford,andcappedwithahard-foughtwin againstarchrivalsWhitgift.

Theteamrespondedtothechallengetoproducetheirbestcricketagainst thetoughestoppositionbyrestrictinganaccomplishedWhitgiftbattingline upto137-9from25overs,beforechasingthetotalwith8ballsand7 wicketstospare.MarcusSolomon’sblisteringinningsof60earninghimthe MOMaward.

So,wefinishedwithawinningrecordofP9W5L4–whichperhapslooked unlikelyathalfterm.

Therewereplentyofindividualperformancesworthyofcelebration,butthe reallyimpressivefeatureofthissidewasthewaytheyplayedtheircricketas agroup.Regardlessoftheopposition’sapproachorconduct,their sportsmanshipandbehaviouronthefieldwasimpeccableandacredittothe school.Thisrespectforthegameandtheoppositiondidnotdetractfrom

thedesiretoplayhard,competitive,winningcricket.Icanpaynogreater complimenttothisgroupofcricketersthantosaythatIbelievethey epitomisethe‘spiritofcricket’,andIimplorethemalltocontinuetoplay thegamethatway.

AspecialmentiontoAdiKheraforhisastutecaptaincy,growingempathy forteammates,andoutstandingbatsmanshipthroughouttheseason–he averagedwellover100asbowlerssimplycouldnotgethimout!

JoePerry wasconsistentlyoutstandingwiththeballinhand,and Freddie Thwaite wonthe‘mostimprovedplayer’awardhavingbowledfast,accurate awayswingtogoodeffectandmovingfromnumber11toopenerinthe battingorderonmerit.

Thanksalsototheparentswhoshowedenthusiasticsupportthroughoutthe season.Theboysplayedwithacompetitiveedgeatkeymomentsin matches,butalwaysmaintainedrespectfortheoppositionandgood sportsmanship.Theyalllistenedtoadviceandworkedhardattheirgames. Keepupthisapproachboys–itwillserveyouwell!Thanksforsuchan enjoyableseason.

U13BCricket

Overall,from9matches,theteam’sstatswereasfollows:6won,3lostand 1cancelled.

Wewereblessedwithgoodweatherforthewholeofthe2022season,with notimelosteitherbecauseofrainorbadlight;thereasononematchwas cancelledwasbecausetheoppositioncouldnotfind11players!

OurseasongotofftoadifficultstartinlateAprilwithourusualvisitto MerchantTaylors’School.ThedecisiontoinviteMTStobatfirstbackfired onus,astheyamassedatotalof131offtheir20overs.Only YuvrajSahota scoredmorethan20intheHamptoninningsandwefell20runsshortof theMTStotal.

Aresoundingvictoryby101runsthefollowingweekagainstTiffinSchool restoredmorale,with NeelMohindra top-scoringwith41runsandYuvraj Sahota scoring36notout. OliverBooth bowledbrisklyandaccuratelyto recordtheexcellentfiguresof3wicketsfor1run.

AtortuouscoachjourneyaroundtheSouthCirculartoplayDulwich Collegefollowed,whereHamptonscoredarelativelylowtotalof114for9. RalphCrowther top-scoredwithanelegant24runs.However,thanksto excellentbowlingby JaipaalGhotra –3wicketsfor13runs–andYuvraj Sahota –3wicketsfor5runs–aHamptonvictorywassecuredbythe narrowmarginof8runs.

Thefinalgamebeforehalf-termwasanail-biterathomeagainstReed’s.The Hamptontotalof116for6wasbuiltaroundanexcellentinningsby Aditya Kumar, whostruckahard-hit34notout.DespiteOliverBooth’s wonderful spellofbowling,duringwhichhetook5Reed’swicketsfor15runs,the visitorstriumphedbythenarrowmarginof1wicket.Unfortunately,an injuryruledoutOliverBoothfortheremainderoftheseasonandhis bowlingwasmissedinsubsequentfixtures.Onamorepositivenote,Yuvraj Sahota earnedhispromotiontotheU13Ateamfortherestoftheseason.

Captain JackYouster ledthewayagainstSt.Paul’sSchoolinourvisitto Barneswithahard-hit45notoutand,astheseasonprogressed,heshowed

U14DCricket

increasingtacticalawareness.Defendingourtotalof161for4, Jack Holden, AadityaTendulkar and AmeyaMathur allbowledaccurately torestrictSPSto94for8offtheir20overs,resultinginawinfor Hamptonby67runs.

ThreesuccessivevictoriesfollowedduringtherestofJune,withwins againstIbstockPlaceSchool,KCSWimbledonandRGSGuildford.

AgainstIbstockPlaceSchool,anexcellentopeningpartnershipof147 providedthebasisoftheHamptontotalof172for1off20overs.Aditya Kumarwasrunoutfor46andJackYousterscoredanundefeatedhalfcentury.ThreewicketsapieceforJackHolden –3wicketsfor0runs–and SteffanHilmy –3wicketsfor3runs–bundledoutouropponents foratotalof56runs,securingvictoryby116runs.KCSchosetobatfirst onagoodwicketinmid-June,butwererestrictedtoatotalof158mainly bytheexcellentspinbowlingofSteffanHilmy –4wicketsfor19runs. ForcefulbattingbyCaptainJackYouster (23), HarryDrewry (31)and RalphCrowther (36)enabledKCS’sscoretobeeclipsedbythemarginof 6wickets.

AgainstRGS,AdityaKumar finallyreachedawell-deservedhalf-century withexactly50runsinourtotalof119for3.Victoryby13runswas securedbytheexcellentbowlingof HarrisonChalmers –3wicketsfor 22runs–andRalphCrowther –4wicketsfor19runs.

TheseasonendedwithachallengingfixtureagainstWhitgiftSchool,who battedfirsttoregisteratotalof145runsfor4wicketsofftheir20overs. Unfortunately,theHamptonU13Bbatting,foronce,didnot‘fire’–with theexceptionofHarryDrewry’s 25runs.Whitgiftfinallywonthematch bythenarrowmarginof23runs.

Allthatremainsistosaysome‘thankyous’:first,toMrLashley,our ‘HighPerformanceDirectorofFielding’,whosesessionsmadea significantcontributiontothehighstandardofcatchingandground fieldingthroughouttheseason;to JoshuaGaughan, IsaHiba-Saibo, JoshColes and AlexWatson –fromtheU13As–whorepresentedthe U13Bswithenthusiasmandcommitment;andlast,butbynomeans least,totheparentswhoprovidedsupportandencouragementduringthe season.

AFE

U12ACricket

ItwasevidentfromthefirstwintertrainingsessionthattheU12A cricketsquadfor2022waslikelytobeastrongone.AsMrHarrisonset upaseriesofdrillsthatstartedtogiveanindicationofthetalent present,amurmurofexcitementwentaroundthecoaches.A disconcertinglyhighnumberofplayersseemedperfectlycapableof hittingastraightdrivewithouthavingtofightanuncontrollable–but alwaysunderstandable–urgetosmashthepoortennisballoverdeep wicket.

Thefieldingdrillswerealsoperformedwithgreatquality.Adjustments totechniquewerelistenedtoandthenimplemented.Thebowlingwas technicallyaccomplishedandtherewereright-armquicks,left-arm quicks,leg-spinners,off-spinnersandaboywhoseemedtobowlabout sevendifferenttypesofleft-armspin.

Eventhedeeplyloadedquestionsof‘cananyonekeepwicket?’and‘how manyopeningbatsmendowehavehere?’receivedthedesiredanswers!

Itwasclearthatthiswasatalentedgroupand,evenmoreimportantly,the attitudetheyshowedinthesesessionswasoutstanding.

Ofcourse,thisdepthoftalentmeansthattherewillcertainlybeastrongB, CandevenDcricketteam;but,inordertoexcelattheAteamlevel,you needthoseplayerswhocanstretchtotheveryhighestpossiblelevels.

Afterthefirstmatch,itwasimmediatelyevidentthatthiswasthecase. PlayingMerchantTaylor’sSchool–alwaystoughopponents–wedismissed theoppositionfor69,throughacombinationofaccurate,skilfulbowling andrelentlesslyaggressivefielding,beforeknockingofftherunswithovers andwicketstospare.Thiswasadominantperformanceinwhichevery playercontributedandastrongindicationfortherestoftheseason.

Theteamwon9oftheir11games.Theonlylossesweretoaverystrong Reed’ssideandaMiddlesexCupsemi-finallosstoQueenElizabeth’s School,Barnet,wherewewerejustunabletopreventtheopposition overhaulingourslightlyunder-partotal–havingbeenhamstrungbyan uncharacteristicbattingcollapsefromastrongposition.

Apartfromthesetwoblips,therestoftheseasonsawaseriesofexcellent individualandteamperformances.

Thebattingwasconsistentlyoutstanding.Intruth,theonlyrealproblem wasthat,onmanyoccasions,thetoporderwassodominantthatstrong batsmenfurtherdowntheorderdidnotgetenoughopportunity.

SanjitBaber –248runsat35–and GuradaesSingh –286runsat35–representedaformidablechallengeforanyoppositionbowlingattack throughouttheseason.Sanjit’sabilitytoworktheballintoanygapandto hitwithsurprisingpowercombinedwellwithGuradaes’dominant approach,meaningthatoppositionbowlerswereunabletosettle.

Afterthat,thingsdidnotgetanyeasier,with OliverKhaksar –281runsat 40–abletosteadytheship,ifrequired,ortoacceleratethescoringrate.All thismeantthatthemiddleorderwasstarvedofopportunity,oftenbeing askedtotrytoscorequicklywithverylimitedtimeremaining.

Wicketkeeper-captain AshtonCrossley –116runsat19–battedselflessly andshowedonseveraloccasionsthathewasadangerousplayer;a particularhighlightwashimtop-scoringagainstReedsandthreateningto winthatmatchalmostsingle-handedlyuntilhewasrunout. Xavier Knowles –66runsat13–showedflashesofgreatpotentialwiththebat, asdid MaxPagnamenta –66runsat13–butbothofthemhadfew chancestoreallyshowwhattheycapableof.Thiswasalsotrueforthelikes of RufusLawson and WillO’Shea,whowillsurelyscorerunsforthe Schoolinfutureyears.

Thebowlingalsohadwonderfuldepthandvariety.Topwicket-takerwas left-armwrist-spinner XavierKnowles –13wicketsat9–whoproduced someunplayablespellsandbackedthisupwithoutstandingfieldingand cheerleadingfromshortextracover.

JatinChandra –10wicketsat10–and GeorgeEggleton –8wicketsat10 –generallyopenedthebowling,andwithJatinswingingtheballinand Georgemovingitawayatspeed,theycomplementedeachotherwelland seemedtotaketurnsinbeingthedestructivepartner. RufusLawson –9 wicketsat12–bowledatalivelypaceandhadthetalenttooftentakea wicketjustatthepointweneededit.

WillO’Shea’s –6wicketsat24–lateinswingandtightlinesneverallowed thebatsmananywriggleroom. ShanjeetKhan –8wicketsat14–showcasedhisabilitytoproducelateawayswingand,whenhehithis rhythm,hewasaverytoughproposition.

MaxPagnamenta –4wicketsat24–nippedtheballaroundofftheseam andintheairandwasoftenalittletoogoodforthebatsman,beatingthe outsideedgebeforetrudgingbacktohismark.Beyondthemediumpacers, SanjitBaber’s –6wicketsat18–leg-spinwasmercurial,occasionally quiteexpensivebutthenutterlyunplayableonotheroccasions;thiswas alsotrueinthenets,whereherelentlesslycleanedupmostofourbatsmen.

Themostremarkablebowlingfigureoftheyearcameinthefactthatittook untilthelastmatchfor OliverKhaksar –1wicketat73–totakehisfirst andonlywicketoftheseason,despiteterrifyingandterrorisingbatsmenall yearwithhisleft-armpace.

Allthisaddeduptoasidecapableofoverwhelmingopponents,whichthey oftendid.Thereweremanyhighlights.SanjitBabercrunchingdrivesalong thefloorthroughbackwardpoint–averyunusualshottoseeatU12level –againstTiffinonhiswayto61notoutstandsoutasanexcellentexample. AnotherwouldbeJatinChandratakingthreewicketsinhisfinalover againstKCSWimbledon,beforeGuradaesSinghledthesuccessfulrun chase,plundering20offoneover.ThencomesOliverKhaksar’sutterly dominant,match-winninginningsof49againstWhitgift.XavierKnowles’ 6wicketsin5oversagainstabefuddledGuildfordbattinglineupalso springstomind.

PossiblythemostmemorablehighlightofallwasJatinChandra’s sensationalcatchagainstReeds–wherethelookofsheershockonhisface whenhediscoveredthathehad,indeed,clungontotheballtoldthefull storyofwhathehadjustmanaged!

Overall,itwasagreatseason,filledwithpromiseandthisisasidethathave thechancetobeaverystrongoneintheyearstocome.Asalways,thekey willbetocontinuetoworkwithandforeachotherandtokeeppushing themselvestobebetterandbetter.

YearsofenjoyableHamptoncricketawaitsthemall!

U12BCricket

TheU12Bsquadplayedwithalevelofpositiveintentthatwouldhave impressedBrendanMcCullumandBenStokes.

Thedevelopmentinthefundamentalsofthegame–backingup,running betweenthewickets,attitudeinthefield–wassubstantialandgaveusa considerableadvantageoveropponentsastheseasonwenton,culminating inanimpressivedismantlingofastrongRGSGuildfordteamanda handsomevictoryoverWhitgift.

Thestrengthinthesquadwassuchthatwecouldsharethebowlingout evenlywithcompleteconfidenceandsendtheboysoutinanybattingorder.

Playerssuchas TristanLandricombe, JamesPhillips, WilliamDenmark, CharlieDonald, LucLam and KianWindley, who,duetothedepthof talentinthisyeargroup,spentmuchofthesummerintheCTeam, acquittedthemselveswithaplombwhentheyplayedforus.

Therewereruns,wicketsandfinefieldingfromeverymemberofthegroup atdifferentstages. DannyPrichard, IshanArora, EthanGeiger and ManrajGrewal madesomevitalearlyseasonrunsinnarrowervictories.

Astheseasonwenton, OliverMaisuria-Hull, RahulBansal, AaravDesai and WillBush chippedinwithpowerfulcontributions,andtherewere

fabuloushalfcenturiesfrom BenButterfield versusStPaul’sand NoahRasi deMel againstKing’sCollege.

Withtheball, NihalBal wasamodelofconsistencythroughout,joined latterlybytheexcellent JackHaynes andsupportedbytheentiresquad.The fieldfortheendofseasonawardswasextremelycompetitivewithJack winningthemostimprovedplayerawardandOliveredgingplayerofthe season.

SpecialmentionsshouldalsogotoEthanforhistirelessworkbehindthe stumpsandNoahwhosecaptaincyshowedimpressivematurity,inclusivity andplayermanagement.

ThisisasgoodaBTeamgroupasIhaveworkedwithatHampton.They achievedaperfectsetofresultsbut,moreimportantly,showedexemplary attitudeandenthusiasmwhichmadetheseasonhighlyenjoyableand effectedgreatindividualandcollectiveimprovement.

TJG

CAM

TennisTeamReports SeniorTennis

Sofinally,wehadatennisseasonbroadlybacktonormalaftertheCoviddisruptionsofthepasttwo years.OurSeniorboysbeganwellintheautumnwithwinsintheWinterNationalSeniorStudents competitionagainstHighgate,WatfordandBrentwood–thejoysoftravellingtoNorthLondon!

Theteamof CalebWeinstein, RohanCrowe, JaiSaha and OllieDrew showedgreatcompetitivezeal andfinessetoreachtheregionalfinals.Alas,EastbourneCollegeprovedtobealittletoostrongforus, evenwiththeadditionof BillyAtkinson totheteam,andwenarrowlymissedprogressiontothe nationalfinalsonceagain.

TheGlanvilleCup–thenationalsummercompetition–provedmorechallengingthaneverand, unfortunately,wecameupagainstaverystrongEwellCastleBteaminthefirstround. LawrieWilkin madehisfirstappearancefortheSeniorteamandperformedadmirably,ablybackedupbythemore experienced DominikHagmann whomadeupourtoppair. ManuPrasad (Captain)wasplayingin hisfinalyear,havingsupportedHamptonTennissuperblythroughouttheSchool.Hepairedupwith TheoMantell-Cooper, butwelostoutinthetie-breakshoot-out,losinganothercloselycontested matchagainstoneofourtoughestlocalrivals6-7.

IntheSurreyLeague,wemanagedawinagainstTiffinbeforelosingtoyetanotherstar-studdedReeds team,thusfailingtoqualifyfortheLeaguefinalsdayforthefirsttimeinmanyyears.Surreyisnaturally oneofthetoughestcountiesinthecountryfortennis,soweshouldnotfeeltooharddone-by!

ThecompetitivenessofourlocalareawasfurtherhighlightedintheRoothamShield(SurreyCup), whereweprogressedthroughthe1st roundagainstStGeorge’sCollege,withDominikHagmannpicking upimportantwinsinhissinglesandthenpairingupwith TimWright inthedoubles.OllieDrewand TheoMantell-Coopermadeimportantwinsagainstbothdoubles-pairs,onceagaindemonstratingour strengthindepth.Inthe2ⁿdroundwemanagedanothertightwinagainstKCSWimbledon3-2,before losingtoReedsinthesemi-finals–ourbestruninthecompetitionforfiveyears.

Andso,toourfinalcompetitionoftheyear–theISTAtournamentatEtonCollege.Thisseasonendingcompetitionwasdefinitelythehighlight,withagenuineteameffortintheYoullCup.Day1 sawwinsagainstLoughboroughSchoolandNewHall,followedbyawininthe3rdroundagainst MCSOxfordtoreachthequarter-finals.

TennisCoaches

Perhapsunsurprisingly,wefacedtoughoppositioninEwellCastle,whowere justthatlittletoostrongforusonceagain.However,therewasahappyending, aswethenenteredtheYoullPlateasquarter-finallosers,wherewecompleted winsagainstReptonSchoolandUCStofinishwithsomesilverware.

Mythanksto RohanVasudev,BillyAtkinsonandManuPrasadwhohave beenwinningtennismatchesforHamptonsincetheirdominationofthe SurreyLeaguefinalssevenyearsago.Additionally,DominikHagmannand LawrieWilkin –whomadean800kmroundtriptoBelgiumforanITF tournamentbeforejoiningtheteam– whopushednationallyrankedplayers verycloseandmakeanimpressivelystrongdoublespair.Ilookforwardwith interesttotheirprogressionnextyear.Andlast,butbynomeansleast,to OllieDrew andTheoMantell-Cooperfortheirpersistentandresiliencein searingheat–theywillbestrongerstillnextseason!

Finally,manythankstoNaveenMaanwhohascoachandchallengedthe boysthroughouttheyear.Theirreluctancetoapproachthenetisslowlybut surelyebbingaway!

SeniorTennisTeam

YoullCupTeamJuly2022

YoullShieldWinners

PHL

JuniorTennis

ThiswasanotherhugelysuccessfulyearforJuniorTennisatHampton.U12 numbershadbeensubstantialsincethefirstweekoftheautumntermand itwasgreattoseethisenthusiasmforthesporttranslateintodesireto featureincompetitivematches.

U12s

TheU12teamcamerunnersupintheirSurreyleagueandperformed admirablyattheSurreySchoolsfestival. BrennanColetta,OliverScott, JaydenChit,OliverKhaksar and AlexMilicic allfeaturedregularlyforthe U12AandsomeexcellentTenniswasplayed.Astheseasonwenton,theseboys continuedtodevelopfromfantasticsinglesplayerstocannydoublesplayers.

TherestoftheU12swerevictoriousinfriendlyblockfixturesagainstSt John’sLeatherheadandKCSWimbledon.Manyboyssuchas Alexander Laing,AlexCollado,OllieClayden,TheoTang and ThomasScrimshaw wereaskedtostepupandplayfortheAteamanditwasadelighttosee themgraspthisopportunitywithbothhands.

ThefutureiscertainlyverybrightforthisyeargroupandIlookforwardto seeingthemdevelopastheycontinuetheirtenniseducationatHampton.

Again,thenumbersforthisagegroupweresubstantialanditwaswonderful toseewhatthissetoftwoyearswhichachieveatHamptonoverthenextfive years.

U14s

TheU14Ateamagainperformedadmirably,withimpressiveperformances by AleksanderLorenc and HenryJackson. Thestandardofdoubles improvedoverthecourseoftheyearandbytheendoftheyear,thebig servingnatureofthisyearwasstartingtoproducesomeexcellentresultsin ourfriendlyagainstKing’sCollegeWimbledon.

Welldoneonafantasticyear–keepitgoingintotheseniors!

U13s

CWS

U15s

TheU13scarriedonanunbeatenU12seasonwithaverystrongU13 season,winningallbutonegameintheregularseason.Theteamof JuanLeonardoSolariHernandez and DarioPuljic almostwontheSurrey SchoolsFestival,eventuallycomingupshorttoaverystrongReedspair. HarrisonChalmers,DanielO’Sullivan,ThomasFarzaliyev and Gabriel Spooner havecontinuedtodevelopintofinetennisplayers.

TennisSurreyLeagueFinalsSilverwinners

U13sTennis

U15sTennis

Golf

The2021-22golfseasonwasofftoaquickerthanusualstart,asweentered–forthefirsttime–theISGASouthernSchoolsCup,heldinSeptemberatMarriotTudorParknearMaidstone. AlongsideMrWorrall,whowas competingintheteachers’competition,Hamptonwasrepresented by JackDale,AdamHumpish,and LukeBland.TeamcaptainJackgottheseasonofftoagreat start,witha2-under-parnettscoreof68;though,sadly,thiswasnotenoughtocompetewiththe topnettscoreof61fromReed’sSchool–whoalsowontheteamnettcategory.Hewas,however, veryproudofhisthreebirdiesontheday!

Weknew,then,whendrawnagainstReed’sintheHMCFoursomestournament,thattheywould beverystiffcompetitionindeed.JackDaleand MarcoFerrucci foughthardagainstopponents withhandicapsof+2and+5!AdamHumpishand HarleyMacKenzie managedtotaketheir matchthefurthest,andwere2upatonepoint,butfeltthatReed’shadallthegoodluckonthe day. OllieLycett and TheoMathers-Jones werenotthebiggestfansoftheFoursomesformat,but definitelylearntalotaboutthestrategyfornexttime.

TheISGAMatchplaytournamentwasalittlekindertous,asourteamofthree–Jack,Adam,and Harley–breezedthroughroundoneagainstKingstonGrammar.Jackdidagreatjob,winningon the12th hole,whileAdamandHarleybothmanagedtocomebackfrom3downtowin convincingly.Thesecondround,awayatFoxhillsagainstStGeorge’s,wasmuchtougher,butthe teamfoughthard.AdamhavingnarrowlylosthismatchandJackhavingwonhis,alleyeswereon Harleyashetookhismatchtothe18th.Sadly,itdidnotgoourway,buttheboyscanbeveryproud oftheirperformance.

WithnoHMCorISGAmatchestooccupyoursummerterm,Iwasreallyencouragedtoseeso muchinterestforsomefriendlymatches–againstReed’satBurhillandathomeagainstJohnLyon andWhitgift–andforanexternal,opentournamentatFrilfordHeath.

JamesPage and JoeWooldridge putthemselvesforwardforFrilfordHeathandhadagreatday, withJoereturninga1-under-parnettscore,andJamesmanagingsixbirdies–althoughheadmits hewouldneedmorecourseknowledgetoremovethosedouble-bogeysandhigher!AtBurhill,our teamoffour–Ollie,Theo,JamesandJoe–wereverysuccessful,althoughthetorrentialrainwas anunwelcomeguestonsuchabeautifulcourse.

ForthematchagainstJohnLyon,JoeandTheowerejoinedatFulwellby EdGooze-Zjil and Jay Heading.Thematchhadanexcitingfinish,asTheo’sperformanceonthe18thwouldmakethe differencebetweenadrawandalossforHampton.Theoscoredanexcellentpar,whichwas matchedbyhisopponentandresultedinadrawoverall.WehadlesssuccessagainstWhitgift,but ourSixthFormteamofHarleyMacKenzie, DanielHaarhof, JamieBrownleader, MaxLeman and FrankRahmatallah hadareallyenjoyableday.WelldonetoMaxforbringinghomeoursingle pointonthatday!

TheSixthFormwerewellrepresentedagainintheannualOldHamptoniansmatch,heldatFulwell attheendofterm.FromtheUpperSixth,Jack–againascaptain–wasjoinedbyMax,Frankand Luke,whoscoredthetopStablefordscore(36)fromtheHamptonside.WelldoneLuke!

TheLowerSixthwererepresentedbyHarley,OllieandJamie;andtheFifthYearbyJames.Two FourthYears, JackShephard and HugoKnowles,weregoodenoughtostepinlast-minuteand didagreatjob,withJackpullinganenormousshotoutofthebagonthe14th towinthelongest driveprizeontheday.

Weallenjoyedbeautifulweather,excellentFulwellhospitality,andthewonderfulcompanyofthe ‘OldBoys’team.Threeteachers–MrBett,MrTurner,andMrLees–madethemostoftheirlast opportunitytoplaythismatchbeforeleavingtheSchool–thelatteralsomanagingtobagthe coveted‘Adullamitesshield’teacherprize–andIhadthepleasureofplayinginJackDale’sgroup, whoseputtingdidnotgohisway,butwhoremainedlevel-headedandcheerfulfromstarttofinish –afittingendtoagreatyearasteamcaptain.

Sadly,theSchool’steamscorewasnotgoodenoughtobeattheOldBoys,whoretainthetrophy forthethirdtime.However,withsomanyoftheopposingteampraisingHamptoniansfortheir

goodconductandgeneralaffability;Iconsiderita ‘win’nonetheless!

IwouldliketothankMrWorrallforassistingwith thegolfteamthisyear,accompanyingboysonmany matches,andespeciallyforhishelpattheRichmond SchoolstournamentwhichwasheldatFulwellin June.Wehadanexcellentturnout,withalmost50 playersrepresentingeightschoolsintheborough.

Thisistraditionallyanopportunitytoseethe emergingtalentlowerdowntheSchool,andthisyear didnotdisappoint! AaravDesai, Benedict Butterfield, EthanRoberts, JoshGibbins, Oliver Khaksar,and TheoLiang allputthemselves forwardfromtheFirstYear,with AdityaKumar returningforasecondyearafteraverysuccessful performancelasttime.TheThirdYearwas representedby BenRobinson, GabrieleChiarotti, and MitulAggarwal;andtheFourthYearby Alex Trevers.VerywelldonetoBenedictandEthan–3rd and2ⁿdplacerespectively,inthe5-hole‘juniortees’ competition–Richard–2ⁿdplaceinthesenior Stablefordcompetition–andEthan–2ⁿdplacein thejuniorStablefordcompetition.

ThisallbodesverywellforthefutureofHampton golf!Ilookforwardtothenewseasonandwishthe leaversalltheverybest,bothonandoffthegolf course.

U14Basketball

The2021-22U14Basketballseasonstartednicelywitha40-17 leaguewinagainstRodbouroughSchool–despitetheabsenceof captain DantePatel duetoaninjury.Thiskickstartedarunof fourconsecutiveleaguewinstosealourplaceinthecountycup semi-finalwithagametospare,thankstostellarperformances from NolanBrenninkmeijer, JoeTurton, AlexAshton, Noah and GabrielKelly tonameafew.

Ourlastleaguematchresultedinanarrow25-21lossagainst RichmondParkAcademy.Withtheupcomingsemi-final,the teamputintheextraeffortintraining;thisundoubtedlypaid off,helpingustowinabackandforthbattle38-33againsta strongGlenthorneHighSchool.

ThecountycupfinalsawHamptonfaceCarshaltonSports College.Hamptonmadeapromisingstart,jumpingtoanearly lead.However,Carshaltonnevergaveup,crawlingbackslowly andeventuallycomingoutvictorious,45-40.

Despitethedisappointmentoflosingafinal,wecanholdour headshigh,andfeelasenseofachievementforbecomingthefirst HamptonU14teamtomakethecountycupfinal.

JosephBakr

Badminton

Allspecialistsportshavestruggledtoregaintheirfullfixturelistssincethepandemic andBadmintonhasbeenhitequallyashard.Wehave,however,foundsomelikemindedschoolswhoareequallyaskeentogetfixturesgoingagain.

ItwasgreattoseetheU12splaytheirfirstbadmintonfixtureagainstWhitgiftthisyear andtherewassomeimpressivebadmintonplayedfromthelikesof KotaDooley, FinleyHuges,TheoTang and SanjitBaber.Thewholesquadbenefittedfromawell spiritedaffair,wherebothenjoymentandparticipationwerethemainpriorities.

TheU14splayedKCSandWhitgiftwinningbothfixtures.Playerssuchas JeffLiu, AviBhatt,RubenBouwmeester-Reid and MitulAggarwal aswellastherestofthe squad showedgreatpromiseand isevidenceofthequalitywehaveandfuture potential.

TheseniorsquadplayedintheKCSinvitationaltournament.Eventhoughbothpairs won3outof4matches,theywereunabletoprogresstothefinalstages.However,the boysverymuchenjoyedtheexperienceandplayedsomefantasticbadminton. Luke Michels,JaiSahaandRonitRaj allleavetheschoolthisyear.Theyhavebeen stalwartsofthebadmintonclubandwewillbesadtoseethemgo.Wearevery thankfultotheircommitmentandhardworkovertheyearsandwishthemwellon theirfuturebadmintoncareers.The4th memberoftheteam, SrijanVaddadi willbe backnextyeartoleadayoungersquadintheinauguralSeniorBadmintonLeague, whichHamptonhaveset-upinordertodrivesomeenergybackintoschool’s badminton.Itisanexcitingyearahead.

SEM

AlumniCorrespondence

Pleasesendallcorrespondenceto:

AnthonyHewitt Directorofthe

FitzwygramFoundation

a.hewitt@hamptonschool.org.uk

CarolGriffin

Alumni&Development

AlisonParkin AlumniRelationsOfficer

a.parkin@hamptonschool.org.uk

ChantelleDeBortoli

EventsandFundraising Administrator

Tel:02087834406

alumni@hamptonschool.org.uk

CommunicationsandEventsOfficer c.griffin@hamptonschool.org.uk

c.debortoli@hamptonschool.org.uk

OldHamptoniansAssociationCommittee

Email:oldhamptoniansassociation@gmail.com

AssociationOfficers

HonoraryPresident KevinKnibbs–TheHeadmaster

HonoraryVicePresidents

BarryMMartin:Headmaster(1996-2013) GrahamG.Able:Headmaster(1988-1996) JackDWellsOH(1946)

Chairman RichardBrownOH(2005) 07832105393 rbrownsw14@gmail.com

ImmediatePastChairmanandelectedHS GoverningBodyRep MartinSandsOH(1967)

02089770428 martinsands2@hotmail.com

Secretary(Minutes) JohnOrr(Staff1976-2015) orr.hampton@tiscali.co.uk

Treasurer LeeGallantOH(1988)

07939265951 lee@kybertcarroll.co.uk

EditorofOHAChronicle

DenisFullerOH(1961) 0127622454 denis@denis-fuller.co.uk

SecOHSGL RichardBrownOH(2005)

SectionRepresentatives

Football JackByerley byerley95@googlemail.com 07730373057

Cricket MatthewBendelowOH(2004)and JamesOsborneOH(2017) ohacricket@gmail.com 07928917771

Rugby NickPowellOH(2017) oldhamptoniansrfc@gmail.com 07716940218

Golf MartinReadOH(1972) martinread@blueyonder.co.uk

OHACoordinator RosanaghLee 07956101454 rosanagh@gmail.com

OHABarManager TressaWright

OrdinaryMembers TomHunter IanOsborneOH(1980) MichaelSavageOH(1967)

Co-OptedMember AlanHunterOH(1965)

Hon.ManagementAccountants MKZLtd

MessagefromtheAlumniOffice

IthasbeensuchapleasuretoseesomanyHamptoniansreturntotheSchool overthelastyear,bethatinpersonorvirtually.FromreunionstolongawaitedLeaversReceptions,sportingandcareersevents,ithasbeen wonderfultogetbacktoournormal,busyalumnieventscalendar!

Aswellasconnectinginperson,ourHamptonSchoolAlumniLinkedIn groupistheperfectwaytostayincontactwithHamptonians,whereveryou areintheworld,sharenews,networkandfindoutaboutalumninewsand events.Tojointhegroup,simplysearch HamptonSchoolAlumni

InJanuary,AnthonyHewittjoinedtheteamastheDirectorofthe FitzwygramFoundation.Asmanyofyouareaware,theFoundationwasset uptohelpraisefundstosupportmorefreeplacesatHampton.Duetothe amazingsupportofourHamptoncommunity,therearecurrently95pupils attendingtheSchooloncompletelyfreeplaces.Ifyouareinterestedin supportingtheaimsoftheFoundation,youcanfindoutmoreordonate onlineathttps://hamptonschool.org.uk/about/the-fitzwygram-foundation/.

Finally,donotforgetthatifyouwouldliketoarrangeanalumnievent,be thatareunionforyouryeargroup,asportingevent,lunchoreveningevent, dogetintouchwiththealumniteam–weareheretohelp!Inaddition,if youwouldliketocomebacktotheSchoolandseehowithaschanged(or not!)sinceyouwerelasthere,wewouldbeveryhappytoarrangea convenienttimeforyoutocomebackforatourandcatch-up.Youcan contacttheteamatalumni@hamptonschool.org.uk.

Chairman’sMessageOH(2015)

ItisanimportantyearfortheAssociation asweaimtocreatethebestpossible environmentforoursportssectionsto thrive,onandoffthefield.

2022haswelcomednewmemberstothe OHACommitteeincluding,Rosanagh Lee,along-timeparentoftwopupilsat theschool.Rosanaghbringsawideand variedrangeofskillstosupportthe Association.IanOsborne(OH1979),an alumnusandparentoftwoboys,willbea keypartofourstrategyoverthecoming years,andwearesopleasedtohavebothmakingcontributionstothe Association.

2021-22hasseentheRugbyrevivalcontinueasNickPowellOH(2017) developsaburgeoningsquadofHamptoniansintheirassaultupthe Middlesexleagues.Nick’senergyandenthusiasmisinfectious,andnodoubt willbethereasonfortheclub’scontinuedrise.InFootball,thecommittee isevolving,andtheyhaveimpressivesuccesstomaintainandsurpass.The FirstandSecondXIcontinuetocompeteatthehighestlevelofamateur footballinLondon,buttheirsquadsneedmoreplayersandtheSchoolis wherethesearchstarts.GolfeventsaroundnumerouscoursesinSurrey remainpopularandithasbeenfantastictohaveinterestfrommorerecent leaversoverthelastfewmonths.Cricketcontinuestogofromstrengthto strengthandweapplaudtheireffortstofieldfiveSaturdayXIsonseveral occasions.TheSecondandFourthXIsgainedpromotionfromtheir respectivedivisions;winningtheCricketerTrophyfinalversusOld Monmothiansencapsulatedtheseason.Thisvictorywilloptimisethe chancesofrepresentationintheCricketerCupinthefuture.

Asyoumayknow,theHamptonSchoolAlumniOfficeworkstobuildand sustainalifelongrelationshipwiththeSchoolanditsglobalalumni community.ThisincludessupportingHamptoniansaftertheyhaveleftthe Schoolandthroughouttheirstudiesandcareersandwelookforwardto supportingthealumniteamwithitsactivities,wherepossible.

TheOHAiscommittedtoensuringthatsportisplayedbyHamptonians beyondschool–retainingbondsbeyondtheschoolyearsthroughsportand physicalactivityinakindandsupportiveenvironmentcontinuesthe Hamptonjourney.ItisarideIencourageyoutotake!

RichBrown OHAChair(OH2005)

FromtheEditor

Theysay‘nevervolunteer’.I've'volunteered'forthelast70years,eversince asa–remunerated–choirboy,IvolunteeredtowalkthestreetsofSunbury, knockingondoors,collectingoldjamjarsandnewspapertoraisemoneyfor TheChurchArmy.

WhenIvolunteeredtoaccepttheroleofeditingtheOldHamptonians Chronicle,RichardBrown'volunteered'Rose,hismother,asmy assistant.Assistantscanbeinvaluable,asIdiscoveredrecentlywhenmy familydecidedthatmy79th birthdaypresentshouldbe'walkingwith alpacas'.TheDorsetcountrysidecannotbecomparedwiththemountainous terrainofPeruandBolivia,fromwherealpacasoriginated.Nevertheless,the designatedalpacawalkingroutewassufficientlychallengingtoobligemeto takeawalkingstick.Ourinstructortoldusthatthealpaca'sleadhadtobe heldbybothhands–impossiblewithawalkingstick–theresultbeingthat mybirthdaytreatbecame'observingmygranddaughterswalkingalpacas.'

RoseandIdecidedtointroducesomenewfeaturesintotheOHC, includinganInterview,'100linesofmypassion','AlifeintheDay',andan accountofthelivesoffamiliesboastingseveralOldHamptonians.My colleaguesandIwouldliketoknowwhat you thinkofthesearticles,and indeedoftheformatandcontentoftheOHCgenerally.Would you liketo makeanysuggestionsorrecommendations?Itgoeswithoutsayingthatwe alwayswelcomecontentfromOHs.Pleasesendyourcommentsto alumni@hamptonschool.org.uk.

FinallyIwouldliketothanktheAlumniofficeteam–Carol,Anthony, AlisonandChantelle–fortheirassistance,patience,guidanceand substantialeffortwhich,together,haveenabledustoproduceachronicle whichyouwillhopefullyreadandenjoy.

AYearofAlumniNews

BlakeCullenOH(2020)

Fastbowler,Blakesignedalong-termextensiontohiscontractwith MiddlesexCricket,thatseeshimremainingattheClubuntilatleasttheend of2024.OneofBritain’sbrightestyoungfast-bowlingtalents,Cullenmade hisprofessionaldebutforMiddlesexonleavingHamptonaged19.

JoeEllwoodOH(2016)

Lastyear,furnituredesigner,JoeEllwoodOH(2016)madehisdebutatthe prestigiousLondonDesignFestival.JoeisalsostudyingforaMasters DegreeattheRoyalCollegeofArtanddiscoveredhisloveofdesignand furniture,aftermakingasummerhouseinhisparents’backgarden.His talentwasnurturedduringaworkplacementwithrenownedcabinetmaker, JohnGriffiths,givinghimtheconfidencetosetuphisowncompany, Six DotsDesign

HamptoniansatHenleyRoyalRegatta

GreattoseeTomShepherdOH(2021),DominicPriceOH(2020),Harry FieldhouseOH(2018),JamesBradleyOH(2021),TomCrossOH(2018), RoryGilliganOH92017),JoeTrevorOh(2020),GeorgeNelsonOH (2016),GeorgeWrightOH(2018),JamesForsterOH(2020)takingpart atthisyear’sHenleyRoyalRegatta.

ManycongratulationstoTomWorthingtonOH(2017)andourneighbours MoleseyBoatClub,onwinningtheThamesChallengeCup.

oldhamptonians’chronicle NickArmfieldOH(2011)

Thisautumn,NickisplayingtheroleofRichmondintheRoyal ShakespeareCompany’sproductionof RichardIII,takingplaceattheRoyal ShakespeareTheatreuntilOctober.

FinlayGrayOH(2021)

Ithasbeenagreatyearfor2021leaver,Finlay,whowascrownedWorld ChampionattheAcrobaticWorldChampionships,WorldChampionatthe SeniorWorldCupandChampionattheWorldGamesinBirmingham, AlabamainJuly.CongratulationstoFinlayandhisteammatesonthese superbachievements.

AlumnicelebrateGoldDofE

ManycongratulationstoTobyBookerOH(2020),JamieDrewOH (2020), LukeJefferiesOH(2020), EdwardBirchallOH(2020), Harry ShortOH(2019), PremSodhi(2019), HirunaDiyansenaOH(2019) and WilliamWicksteadOH(2019), invitedtoBuckinghamPalacetocelebrate theirGoldDofEAward.

PaulStannardOH(1997)

PaulhasbeenappointedthenewMen’sOlympicHeadCoachfortheGB RowingTeam.WelldonePaul!

ConradChattertonOH(2016) and ConallO’NeillOH(2011)

GreattoseenotonebuttwoHamptoniansinthecastoftheBritishYouth Operaproductionof SirJohninLove. ConradtakesontheroleofSirJohn, withConallplayingtheroleofFord.

MartinCarterOH(1977)

63-year-oldMartinCarterrecentlycompletedhisfirstyearatCambridge. Martin,whojoinedHamptonGrammarSchool(HGS)in1970,failed hisFrenchLanguageOLevel,but,throughouthisworkinglife, maintainedaloveoflanguages.Onawhim,MartinappliedtoWolfson College,Cambridgeandwasdelightedtolearnonresultsday,thathehad beenawardedaplaceatCambridgetoreadforadegreeinFrenchand Italian.

Duringhisfirstyear,hehasperformedinfourplaysandtwofilmswith theUniversity’sDramaClubandislookingforwardtoplayingEarnshaw inWutheringHeightsattheADCTheatre–ofFootlightsrenown–atthe startofMichaelmasterminOctober.Inhisfirst-yearexams,heachieved aFirstinItaliananda2:1inFrench.WishingMartinallthebestforthe newterm!

AlistairDouglasOH(2013) and JoeTrevorOH(2020)

GreattoseeAlistair andJoe teamingupwiththeSeniorboats,winningthe M8+attheHomeInternationalRegatta.AlistairalsotookFirstinthepair, withJoetakingSecondinthe4,aswellastheMen’sandOveralltrophies!

AdnanEbrahimOH(2008)

Namedoneof Forbes ‘30Under30’in2020andfounderof CarThrottle in 2009,Adnanlaunched MindLabs,theworld’sfirstmentalhealthplatform –dubbedthePelotonforthemind–earlierthisyear.Inrecentweeks,the appfeaturedinApple’sAppStoreChartsTop10HealthandFitnessapps. ManycongratulationstoAdnanandhisteam!

PeterLoveseyOH(1955)

oldhamptonians’chronicle

Peter’ssixthcollectionofshortstories, Reader,IBuriedThemandOther Stories,waspublishedearlierthisyear.Morethan50yearsago,Peter Publishedashortstoryinananthology.Thatstorycaughttheeyeofthe greatRuthRendell,whosepraiseignitedPeter’slife-longpassionforshort formcrimefiction.

Morethanahundredstorieslater,Peterhasassembledthisnewcollection, whichincludesthatfirststorythatlaunchedhisstory-writingcareer. Reader, IBuriedThemandOtherStories isavailablenow.

HenryCockettOH(2018) and GeorgeWrightOH(2018)

CongratulationstoHenryandGeorgeonwinningtheDoubleScullsat MoleseyRegatta.

PatrickAryeeOH(2004)

Exploringnature,scienceandtechlikeneverbefore,biologistPatrick Ayree’slatestseriessetsoutonahigh-octaineglobaladventuretobring humanity’sfutureintofocus.EVOLVEdivesdeepintotheemergingworld ofbiomimicry,exploringhowthegeniusofevolutioncouldholdthekeyto someoftheworld’sbiggestproblems.

withouttheuseofairtravel.Afilmcrewfollowedtheirchallengetoproduce amini-documentaryabouttheirattempt,called‘4in24’.

HamptoniansHikeforCharity

ProfIanWhiteOH(1991),ChrisWattsOH(1991),NeilWalkerOH (1991),LeeMcEvoyOH(1991)andAlexBakerOH(1991)tookpartin theLakeland214Challenge,whichsawteamsascendalltheWainwright PeaksintheLakeDistrict,in48hoursforcharity.

IansaysoftheChallenge‘Wechannelledourexperienceofhikingtogether onCCFAdventuroustrainingonDartmoorbackinthe80s,toscaleour11 allottedpeaksinsomeseriouslyunpleasantweather’anddiditwith‘fourof myfavouritepeople’.Asweknow,onceaHamptonian,alwaysa Hamptonian!Welldonetoyouall!

FreddieJohnOH(2018)

HugecongratulationstoFreddieandhisfriendJoeAtherleyonbecoming thefirstpeopleevertosummitSlieveDonard,Snowdon,ScafellPikeand BenNevis–collectivelyknownastheUK4Peaks–allinunder24Hours,

NathanielFowlesOH(1993)

Nathaniel,anartistandteacherfromWestSussex,wasshortlistedforthe prestigiousTrinityBuoydrawingprize.Hisworkwasselectedfromover 3000outstandingdrawingssubmittedbyartistsanddesignersfromaround theworld.

ChrisMapletoftFestivalofRugby AYearofEvents

Afteranenforcedone-yearbreakdue tothepandemic,weweredelightedto seesomanyHamptonians,their familyandfriendsjoinusforthe resumptionoftheannualfestivalof rugbyonSaturday4September,held inmemoryofChrisMapletoftOH (2013).

SupportersgatheredtowatchtheOld Hamptonians’XVtakeonthe 2020/2021Leavers’XV,inwhat turnedouttobeathrillingandcloselycontestedencounter.Congratulations totheLeavers’XVfortheir21-17win.

AfterrefreshmentsintheSports Pavilion,MrsLesleyMapletoft presentedtheLeavers’Captain,Theo JohnsonwiththeChrisMapletoft Trophy.

Thankyoutoallsupportersandthose thattookpart.

FirstDay50YearsOn

AstheClassof2021arrivedontheirfirstdayoftheautumnterm,wewere delightedtowelcomeHamptonians,who50yearsagotoday,alsowalkedup theSchooldriveforthefirsttime.

Travellingfromallpartsofthecountry,theClassof1978reminiscedwhilst touringtheSchoolwithcurrentSchoolCaptains.RichardWillertonOH (1978)stillhadhisoldschoolcap,whichhebroughtbackforustosee,not quitefittingaswellasitdidin1971!

Theafternoonwasroundedoffwitharelaxedlunchattherecently refurbishedOldHamptonians’Pavilion.

ThankyoutoNickBuglerOH(1978),JustinCarterOH(1978), MalcolmCumberOH(1978),StephenHarrisOH(1978),Paul KillingbackOH(1978),MickLaneOH(1978),GarfieldMaryonOH (1978),StephenMossOH(1978),RobertMurrayOH(1978),Paul O’DonnellOH(1978),DanielOsorioOH(1978),GarethRichardsOH (1978),GrahamTaylorOH(1978),KenWheelerOH(1978),Richard WillertonOH(1978)andMalcolmWithellOH(1978)forcomingback toseeus!

2011Leavers’Reunion

Wewelcomedbackover65alumnifromtheClassof2011,whoreturned tenyearsafterleavingHampton.FollowingatouroftheSchool,many memoriesweresharedandfriendshipsrekindled.

Leavers’ Receptions

WewerefinallyabletocelebrateourClassof2020,whoreturned toHamptonfortheirlong-awaitedLeavers’Reception.Wehave alsobidafondfarewelltoourClassof2021,whoalsoreturned forabelatedcelebration,andinthesummerterm,wesaidan officialgoodbyetoourClassof2022.

Thankyoutoallthosewhoattendedthesewonderfuloccasions anddokeepintouch– onceaHamptonian,alwaysaHamptonian.

WewerealsodelightedthatBarryMartin(Headmaster1997-2013) attendedthereunionalongwithCharlesSalkield(formerTeacherof Physics),JohnOrr(formerTeacherofMathematics),JohnSlater(former TeacherofEconomics&BusinessStudies)andformerHeadofModern Languages,FredChaveneau.

Itwasawonderfulevening–thankyoutoallthosewhoattended!

1991Leavers’ Reunion

Lastyear,thirtyyearsafterleavingHampton, someofour1991Leaversreturnedtotakeatrip downmemorylane.

TravellingfromacrosstheglobefromFranceto Tennessee,LondontotheMidlands,they enjoyedatouraroundtheSchoolandshared manymemoriesandstoriestogether.SamiAl-Ani OH(1991)wasalsodelightedtoseehimname stillontheFitzwygramPrize-winnersandSchool CaptainBoards.

ThankyoutoSamiAl-AniOH(1991),Romik ArconianOH(1991),SimonBaileyOH(1991), OliverBerryOH(1991),KunwarBhatiaOH (1991),PaulBrarOH(1991),ClydeBuntrock OH(1991),LawrenceEdwardsOH(1991),Neil GriffinOH(1991),RobHarperOH(1991), IainHendersonOH(1991),AndrewLeitchOH 1991),AlexLenoelOH(1991),JamesLenoel OH(1991),DavidLucasOH(1991),Patrick MattarOH(1991),JustinMercerOH(1991), TimPittsOH(1991),JasSethiOH(1991), MarkSimonOH(1991),DanielWilkinOH (1991),JohnWilliamsOH(1991)–itwasa pleasuretowelcomeyouback!

WalterBailey&AlexGreenmemorialfootballmatches

ThesunshoneonHamptonianspastandpresent,theirfriendsandfamily, astheyreturnedtotheSchoolonSaturday26MarchfortheWalterBailey andAlexGreenMemorialmatches.TheannualeventseestheOld HamptoniansfootballteamstakeontheSchoolFirstandSecondXIs.

TheFirstXIgameisplayedinmemoryofWalterBailey,amuch-loved memberofstaffandrespectedrefereewhopassedawayin2007.TheSecond XIgameisplayedinmemoryofAlexGreen,wholeftschoolin2014and tragicallypassedawayin2017.

BothmatcheswereplayedingoodspiritswiththeHamptonFirstXI winning3-0againsttheOHFirstXI,andtheOHSecondXIlevellingthe scorewitha3-0winagainsttheSchool’sSecondXI.

JointLondon NetworkingEvent

OnThursday26May,weweredelightedtowelcomealumnito theJointLondonNetworkingevent.HeldintheheartofLondon, attheRefineryBankside,theinformaleveningbroughttogether HamptoniansandLadyEleanorHollesalumnae,forarelaxed social.

Cricket50YearsOnReunion

TheendofJunesawthereturnofover20Hamptoniansfortheannual Cricket50YearsOnReunionlunchandcricketmatchbetweentheSchool andtheOldHamptonianscricketteam.

Nowinits25th year,thereunionsawalumni,theirwivesandpartnerscome togethertocatch-up,withmanyaconversationhad,discussingindetail,the variouscricketingexploitsthattookplaceduringtheirtimeatHampton!

Alumnitravelledfarandwidetoattend,withMarieThereseHeid–partner ofthelateArthurReynoldsOH(1959)–andTrevorGreenwoodOH (1960)joiningusfromSwitzerland.

AnenjoyableafternoonwashadbyallandsawHamptonFirstXIwinby onewicket.ThankyoutoallHamptonianswhocamealongtothereunion lunchandtheOldHamptoniansteam.

AlumniatHenley2022

Thisyear,weweredelightedtoholdtheannualHLRAHenleyRoyal RegattaeventjointlywithLadyEleanorHolles,andweredelightedtosee over100alumnifrombothschoolsinattendance.

WithpaellaandPimmsservedthroughouttheafternoon,thesunshoneon thosewhogatheredduringtheluncheoninterval.Thankyoutoallthose whomadeitsuchawonderfuloccasion!

InspiringHamptonians

CareersWeek

CurrentHamptonianswerewowedwiththepassion,knowledgeand expertiseofthealumnivolunteerswhocamebackvirtuallytotalkallthings careers,duringthisyear’sCareersWeek.

Takingplaceoverfourevenings,theeventallowedcurrentpupilstohear fromandaskquestionsofalumnifromawholehostofdifferentareas.Panel sessionswereheldoncareersinComputerScience,Medicine,Journalism, MarketingandAdvertising,FilmandMedia,FinanceandInvestment, Engineering,DegreeApprenticeships,andLaw.

ManythanksgotothefollowingHamptonianswhogaveuptheirtimeto givesomethingback:MattGrahamOH(2010),SeniorManaging ConsultantatIBM;MarkCatherallOH(2003),Co-founderofCanopy Simulations;PaediatricAllergyConsultant,TomMarrsOH(1997);GP, ThomasLeggettOH(2009);JournalistsMatthewGreenOH(1994)and GeorgeOdlingOH(2006);MattNicholsOH(2001),Intel&Insights ManagerforBrentfordFootballClub;GlobalRetentionLeadatPlaystation, HenryHaleOH(2205);EdwardYoungOH(2002),ForeignCameraEditor forSkyNews;ProducerandDirector,MarkWildashOH(1992);andBBC RadioProducer,OllieSamuelsOH(2013);ChetanLadwaOH(2001), HeadofeBrokingFenicsEMEAatBGCPartners;DanielGyandohOH (2009),AssociateDirectoratUBS;SeniorEngineeratWSP,HarryGraham OH(2009);MattOxborrowOH(2014),TestEngineerwiththeScience andTechnologyFacilitiesCouncil;SteveRaynesOH(1984),HeadofR&T BusinessDevelopmentforAirbusCommercial;SulieSiddiqueOH(2020) whoisdoingaDegreeApprenticeshipwithJaguarLandRoverandWarwick University;MatthewPhillipsOH(1991),GeneralCouncilforLeicester CityFootballClub;DistrictJudge,SushilKumarOH(2001)andChris DixonOH(2009),Associateatmultinationallawfirm,PinsentMasons.

Thankyoutoallthosewhotookpart–wereallyappreciateallthesupport wereceivefromouralumnicommunity.

OgdenTrustPartnershipEvent

ManythanksgotoMattOxborrowOH(2014),AndrewMcHutchonOH (2005),MichaelTaplinOH(2009)andMarianneandRachelBergin, familyofAlanStevensOH(1953),whoreturnedtotheSchoolinsupport oftheOgdenTrustLondonWestPartnershipgroupevent,hostedby Hampton.

TheafternoonofferedYear10pupilsinpartnershipstateschools,aswellas currentpupilsfromLEHandHampton,theopportunitytolearnmore aboutavarietyofSTEMcareers,whichincludedimmunology,petrophysics anddatascienceinFormula1.

MadhurSethOH(1989)

InMarch,wewelcomedMadhurSethOH(1989)backtoHamptontotalk tocurrentHamptoniansaboutartificialversushumanintelligence.Madhur worksinBusinessIntelligenceandcombineshisloveofneurologywith computingandAI.

MartinSandsOH(1967)

MartinwasinterviewedbySixthFormersTomSandJayHabouthis experiencesasaSeniorCivilServantattheMinistryofDefenceduringthe ColdWar.

MartinspokeabouttheperceptionsoftheSovietthreat,NATO’spoliciesof conventionalandnucleardeterrence,aswellastheeventsleadinguptothe endoftheColdWarinDecember1991.

TheFountainofFourYouths

WhenRayRobinsondecidedtomakeavisittohisoldhauntsin Twickenhamrecently,hegotintouchwithColinRoss.Colinin turnspokewithJohnCarpenterandKenHerbertandthefour OldHamptonians1955-62,whohadnotmettogetherforsome 61yearsenjoyedtheirreunionwithapintandamealtogetherat TheFountainBeefeater,inTwickenham.

RayhadearliervisitedtheEelPieIslandmuseumandwas delightedtoseeYardbirdsmemorabiliafeaturingOld HamptoniansPaulSamwellSmithandJimMcCarty;the museumcuratorwaspleasedtomeetavisitorwhohadattended Hamptonatthesametime.

Thefourthoroughlyenjoyedaneveningofreminiscingand laughteranddonotintendtowaitaslonguntiltheirnextreunion.

JohnHedgerOH(1984)Interview

JohnisamemberoftheCompanyofWatermenandLightermenandwas electedaStewardofHenleyRoyalRegattainDecember2008.Heis currentlytheindependentselectorfortheGreatBritainmen’srowingteam. WerecentlycaughtupwithJohntofindoutmoreabouthislifeafterHampton.

WhatisafavouritememoryofyourtimeatHamptonSchool?

MymemoriesarefocusedonthepassionoftheteachersatHamptonthat supportedandtaughtme.IrememberBillFoster(HSTeacher1953-1984) asoneofthoseteachersthatgeneratedunbridledfearinanyfirstformer.My experienceofhimwasofaverydedicatedandsupportivemanwhenyou wereontherightsideofhim.Heusedtoorganiserecreationalbasketballfor FifthandSixthFormersonaFridaylunchtimeinthenorthgym;Irecallthe firsttimeIcalledhim“Bill”–insteadof‘Sir’–whichfeltlikesuchagrownupmoment!Hewascertainlyofaformergeneration,alongwithErnie Badman,butBillwasalsoanintuitiveteacherandknewjusttheright momenttogiveencouragement.

JohnHedgerwasatHamptonfrom1977-1984andthenstudiedmodern languageswithbusinessatUniversityCollegeofWales(Swansea),and MannheimUniversity,Germany.Johnwasacorporatefinancepartnerina globalaccountingfirmspecialisinginmergersandacquisitionsandwas subsequentlytheM&AdirectorofCorusplc–formerlyBritishSteel–and anexecutiveboarddirectorofBodycoteplcpriortoanumberofnonexecutivedirectorandvolunteerroles.

JohnbecamealicensedWorldRowing(FISA)internationalumpirein1997 andwasamemberandChairoftheMulti-LaneUmpires’Commissionfor BritishRowingforoverfifteenyears.In2004,Johnwasappointedtothe FISAEventsCommissionandcontinuestoserveonthisrowing commission,assistingatWorldCups,WorldChampionshipsandOlympic &ParalympicGames.

JohnwastheDeputyChairmanoftheOrganisingCommitteesforthe2005 WorldCupandthe2006WorldChampionshipsaswellasthesenior NationalTechnicalOfficialfortheLondon2012OlympicandParalympic GamesatDorneyLake.

MyFirstFormmemoriesincludewalkingfromschooltotheHampton outdoorswimmingpoolfortheinter-houseswimminggala–Iwasin1P and,inthosedays,thepoolwasnotheated.Itwasrainingandthewhole schoolyearsatcrossedleggedonthecementfloorwatchingtheracing.I wenttoLenSmithsinTwickenhamtoshopwithmymotherforavery specificfirstyearschooluniformlist.Iremembermymummoaningabout theneedfortworugbyshirtsindifferentcolours.Myfather(RayVHedger OH1945-50)wastaughtbyErnieBadman,andheusedtoreadme excerptsfrommyfather’sschoolreports.Mydadhadaschoolrulebook whichprescribedwhatclothingandfootwearwaspermittedinsidethe schoolbuilding,includinghouseshoesandschoolcaps–mymumwas delightedthattheseitemsofclothingwerenotonthelist!

MyHamptonHenleyblazercamefromLenSmithswhohadkeptswatches oftheoriginalweaveintheirarchivestores–thatblazeristheoneIstillwear atHenley.My‘tradition’istowearituntiltheschoolisknockedoutofthe PrincessElizabethChallengeCup.Ialwaysthoughtitwasashamethatthe modern-dayBoatClubdesigneditsownjacketwhenwealreadyhada traditionalstripedblazerthathadexistedforalotlonger.Nomatter!The new-designrowingblazerisalsoverydistinctive!

ColinRossOH(1962)

oldhamptonians’chronicle

DoyoufeelthatyourexperienceatHamptonSchoolhasbeenvaluable toyouasyoumovedoninlife?

IjoinedHamptononabursaryasanenthusiastic11-year-oldfromstate schoolandwassuddenlypresentedwiththeopportunitytotryalotof differentactivities–andIhavekeptmanyofthemgoing,alltovery differentstandards!Ienjoyedmusic,wasneververygoodatit,butstillplay inanamateurbandtothisday.Inmyfirstweekatschool,Ihadsignedup toplaythesaxophone,buttheheadmaster,GavinAlexander,considered thattoojazzyandsoIcutmyteethontheclarinet.

IhadwoodwindlessonswithTonyBrown,awonderfulsupplyteacherand professionalBBCmusician.Hewasapatient–andslightlyedgy–manwho recognisedthatIwasnotgoingtodoalotofpracticing;so,afterGrade5, wewouldjustplaydifferentpiecesfromallmusicgenres–anenjoyable weeklydecompressfromsportandstudies.

Asmybusinesscareerprogressed,withallitsassociatedpressures,Icarried onwithamateurmusicasaformofrelaxation.Ilearntmodernlanguagesat schoolandcontinuedtheseatuniversity.InmycareerIdevelopeda specialtyfortheEuropeanM&Amarket,negotiatingtransactionsinforeign languagesandunderoverseaslaw.

AtschoolIlearnttorowaswellastoplayrugbyandwasabletocontinue myinterestinboththesesportsafterHampton.Rowingwasalwaysmyfirst love,followingmyfatherandgrandfatherintothesport,butlearningto playrugbyintheSixthFormcameinveryhandywhenIsteppedontothe rugbypitchesinthevalleytownsinWales!

MyrowingcareerhadawonderfulstartwithRichardHooper(1972-1980).

HewouldfreelygiveuphisspareTuesdayafternoonsandtakesecondformers toMoleseyBoatClubsolongasweorganisedfourpeopleandacox–Ithought thiswasamazing,asIhatedcricket,andIremembertothisdayallhis enthusiasm,passionandsupportthatsetusoffonourrespectiverowing journeys.Iwonmyfirstrowingpotwithsomeofthosesecondformrowers!I haveworkedasavolunteerforWorldRowingforthelast18years,beenan internationalrowingumpirefor25years,helpedorganisethelastfourOlympic regattasaswellasthe2012Paralympicregatta,runarowingWorldCupanda WorldChampionshipsintheUK–amongstafewotherrowingactivities!

Infivewordshowwouldyoudescribeyourpersonality?

IthinkmanyHamptonboyssharewithmeagoodsenseofwheretheycome fromandtheyaresociableandwellgrounded.Iwasabletooperateatall levelsofcomplexorganisationsinmybusinesscareerfromtheshopfloorto theboardroom.Iamdefinitelyteam-orientatedandloyaland,perhapsfor thesamereasons,Iamlesstolerantofpersonalagendasandself-promotion. Theoutputoftheteam,sharingsuccessesandfailuresequally,hasalways beenofmoreinteresttome.

Whoorwhathasbeenyourbiggestinspiration?

ThetwopeoplethatIrecallwithdeepadmirationandrespectfromschool areMartinCrossandSteveTimms.IamconsciousIhavesingledoutsportrelatedteachersand,ofcourse,thereweremanyothersIrememberwith greatadmirationandfondness:JoeDalton,DocHarris,ATJones–Alan! –tonameafew.

Inmysmallschoolbubbleasan18-year-old,IdonotthinkIfully appreciatetheenormityofMartin’sachievements.IrealisedthatIhadseen Martininthesouthgymonanold-styleergometerpushinghisbodytoits limitsintraining.Martinisanamazingguy,aneliterowerandOlympic champion,aswellasahistorian–asubjectaboutwhichheseemsjustas passionate.HeoncegaveaspeechatSchoolassemblyandtalkedabout SouthAfricaandapartheid.Hepresentedtheargumentsaboutthe recognitionaffordedtoSouthAfricanteamsparticipatinginglobalsports eventswhiletheapartheidregimecontinuedtooperateinSouthAfrica.He expressedawillingnesstoboycottcompetitionsandIrememberthinking, ‘WOW,youwouldgiveupyourOlympicdreamsandIhaveseenyou trainingeverydayforyearsinthegym!’Thatassemblystuckwithme,and toseeGavinAlexandernoddingalongdiscreetlytoMartin’spresentation suggestedthatMartinmusthave,attheveryleast,raisedimportantissues forconsiderationbyHampton’spupils.

InmyFifthForm,MartingavemesomewiseadvicewhenIdecidedtostop rowinghavingbeenintheFirstVIIIandIhaverepeatedthissamecounselto otherathletesIhavecoached;itwasnotpushyadvice,justwhatIneededto considernext,andhetreatedmelikeanadultinawise,caringandsupportiveway. ItransitionedovertorugbyintheSixthFormandSteveTimmshadrecently joinedtheSchool.Icameintotherugbysquadfitfromrowingandhad playedrugbyintheFirstandSecondformschoolsides,butStevewentback tobasicrugbyskillswiththewholesquadinhowtopass,tackle,attackand defend,soIwassoakingupallthisinformationlikeaspongeandendedup playingFirstXVandFirstVIIrugby.

BillFosterinformedmethatIamtheonlypersontohaverepresentedthe Schoolintwowintersportsinthemodernera.Ifthatistrue,Iwaslucky becauseStevehadcoachedme.WhenIcoachkidstoday,Istillhearmyself usingSteve’sphrasesofencouragement–‘GOOD!’–hismeasuredphrases ofadmonishmentandalwayshiszanylaughterandsenseofhumour.Steve wasawonderfulteacherandhiscoachingatSchoolenabledmetoplaya goodlevelofuniversityandclubrugbyintomymid-thirties.

Isthereanythingyou’vedoneinyourcareerthatyouwishyou’ddone differently?

Therearelotsofthings!ReflectingonthingsIcouldhavedonedifferentlyis ahealthylearningexercise!Therearedetailedthingsthatcometomindfrom negotiatingnumerouscommercialcontracts:Icancertainlyremember high-pressurednegotiationsinwhich,oncethewordscameout,therewas notakingthembackbyeitherparty!Youalwaysmeetpeopletwiceinlife, sometimesonthewayup,sometimesonthewaydown.Itrytobearthisin mindandtreatthemthesameeachtime.

JohnHedgerwithRaymondHedgerOH1952(Father)

Whatwasyourbestcareermove?

IwasofferedatemporarysecondmentinDusseldorf,Germanyforsix monthsjusttwoweeksaftermovingintoarentalpropertyinTeddington withmygirlfriend.AsaModernLanguagesgraduate,takingthatjobforsix monthswasthebestearlycareermovethatImade:itallowedmetousemy Germaninbusinessandwasonlydisruptiveforashortperiod–inany event,shemarriedme!

WhenIcamebackfromGermany,Iwas‘credentialised’withinthe internationalaccountingfirmandexternallyinthemarket.Thesecondment wasjustaftertheBerlinwallcamedownandincludedworkintheformerEast Germany,whichwasseekingtoprivatiseitsstate-ownedbusinesses.Itravelled tomajortownsandcitiesthatwerebeingmodernisedandrebuilt,experiencing theseplacesculturallyandmeetingformercommunist-stateofficialsand employeesseekingtointegratewithwesternbusinessorganisations.

ThatcareermovesetmeonacareerpathandconsolidatedmyGerman languageskillswhichopeneddoorsformetoadvise,amongstothers,the RoyalMail–whoseChiefExecutivewasanotherOH,JohnRoberts–on theirbusinessexpansionsintoEurope.

Whenareyouorwereyouhappiest?

Ihadaveryhappyschoollifeandamstillincontactwithfriendsfrom School.MybestmanwasinmySchoolYear,andhereturnedthefavourby askingmetobehisbestman!IenjoyedplayingrugbywiththeOldBoys. Onarrivinghomeforvacationfromuniversity,Iremembergettingstraight ontothetelephonebeggingtobepickedtoplayduringtheChristmas holidays.RegularplayersintheOHsideswouldwillinglysitonthe touchlinesandletusplay…thatpost-schoolOldBoysenvironmentmade recentleaversfeelverywelcome,andIfounditagreatwaytoreconnectwith theSchoolandwithcontactsfromdifferentYears.

Iamretirednow,soamhappiestwhenIambarbequingorfishingorwhen Iamanywherenear–oron–thewater.

Whatisyourfavouritebook?

Ifthisisaman/TheTruce -byPrimoLevi–atragicrecollectionofthe Holocaust.ItisaverymovingandinsightfulmemoirofPrimoLevi,a Holocaustsurvivor,whosufferedfromsurvivors’guiltandsubsequently tookhisownlife.

Whatisyourguiltiestpleasure?

Ireallyenjoyflyfishing;Ihavebeendoingthisregularlyforovertenyears. IwouldsayIfeelguiltygoingsalmonfishing–spendingmoneyonwhat seemsaluxuryactivityandextravagantisnotinmybackground,andyetI alwaysseemtoneedanotherfishingrod…

Whatisyourmosttreasuredpossession?

IwaselectedaStewardofHenleyRoyalRegattain2008–therearecurrently fiveOldHamptonianswhoareStewardsoftheRegatta.Mygrandfatherwas apostmanfromStMargaret’sandaprofessionalscullerintheearly1920s. HewasnotallowedtocompeteatHenleybecausehecycledtodeliverthe mailandsoderivedphysicalbenefitfromhisjob.Henleyhada‘gentleman’s rule’inthosedaysthatpreventedmanuallabourersfromcompetinginthe Regatta.Iregretthatmygrandfatherpassedawaybeforeseeingmeelecteda Steward.MyfatherhadcompetedatHenleyandwascertainlyproudwhen IwasmadeaSteward,andsoIhadhisoldrowingcapremadein2020after hepassedaway.IwearthiscaptoumpireattheRegattaasitconnectsme withbothmyfatherandmygrandfatheranditisatreasuredpossession.

Whatwouldyouchooseforyour‘lastsupper’?

BBQ–SmokedBeefBrisketonsourdoughbread–ittakeshourstosmoke butmeltsinyourmouth…CrèmeBrulé–definitely…

HowwouldyouadviseaHamptonianwhowantedtofollowyourcareer path?

Myadviceistotakeopportunitieswhenyouareyoung,eveniftheycome withsomerisk.Thinkaboutacquiringskillsandexperienceswhileyouhave moreflexibilityinyourearlycareer.Iliketothinkofskillsandexperience asatoolboxtowhichyoucancontinuallyaddnewtoolstohelpyoudojobs inavarietyofways.Donotsitinarolefortoolongbutmakesureyoualso learneverythingthatrolehastoofferyou.Beclearonwhattherole contributestoyou,eithertangiblyorintangibly,andwhatyoucontributeto therole.Asyourcareerprogressesintoyourthirties,beawareof organisationstryingtoidentifywhereyoufitandplacingyouinrestricted boxes.Ifyouwishtoalteryourcareerpath,youmayneedtoconsiderformal re-training.

Reflectontheimportanceofpickingthejoborcareerthatmotivatesyou andnotthejobthatyou–orothers–thinkisrightforyouatthetime:a littlelikechoosingAlevelsubjects;pickwhatyouenjoy,becauseifyou enjoywhatyoudo,youwillbefulfilledanddowell.

Whatpersonalambitionsdoyoustillhave?

IwouldlovetocatchabonefishinCostaRicaandasalmoninthe Seychelles!

Iwouldverymuchliketoseemoreethnicminorityathletesrepresentedin rowing.IhavecoachedinEastLondonwiththeLondonYouthRowing programmeandhaveseenthepotentialforathletestoaccessfurther educationandexcitingnewopportunities,especiallyintheUS.Iwouldlike topassonmyenthusiasmandpassionforrowingandsporttothenext generation,eveniftheydonotallbecomeOlympicchampions,andtowork toencouragemorediverseathletegroupstotakeuprowing.IhopeIhave providedsomesupportalreadytothenextgroupofpeoplewillingto volunteertheirtimeandenergyandtodeveloptheirskillsinsportandits organisingbodies.IamhappytoputbackinwhatIgetoutofmyhobbies andIhopeotherswilldothesame.

ColinJonesCBEOH(1966)

ColinJones,aformereditorof TheLion, wasatHamptonGrammarSchool from1959to1966andwasSchoolCaptainin1965to1966.Heis ProfessorEmeritusofHistoryatQueenMaryUniversityofLondonand currentlyVisitingProfessorofHistoryattheUniversityofChicago,Fellow oftheBritishAcademy,FellowoftheLearnedSocietyofWalesandaPast PresidentoftheRoyalHistoricalSociety.HeholdstherankofOfficierin theOrdredesPalmesacadémiques,andin2008wasawardedaCBEfor servicetohistoryandhighereducation.

ParisPassion

IleftHamptonin1966togotouniversityinOxfordanditwastherethat IdiscoveredFranceandFrenchhistory.Ihavedevotedmycareerto teaching,researchingandwritingonbotheversince,workingatanumber oflocationsintheUK–Exeter,Warwick,London–andabroad–USA, France.Ihaveproducedmanybooks,someofwhicharewrittenfora generalaswellasanacademicaudience,includingmy CambridgeIllustrated HistoryofFrance (1994).MorerecentlyIhaveauthoredakindofParisian trilogy: Paris:BiographyofaCity (2002),whichtellthecity’sstorysince earliesttimes; TheSmileRevolutionin18th-CenturyParis (2015),which bringsintounlikelyconjunctionthehistoriesofdentistry,portraitureand goodmanners;and,mostrecently, TheFallofRobespierre (2021).This recountsthesingleday–26July1794–onwhichRevolutionaryleader MaximilienRobespierrewasoverthrowninParis,settingintrainamove awayfromwhatisoftencalledthe‘ReignofTerror’.Thebookrecountsthe eventasa‘real-time’citynarrative,toldin24‘hourly’chaptersfrom midnighttomidnight.Itisanapproachmywifesuggestedtomeafterwe hadbeenviewingJackBauerinTV’s 24.

ErnieBadman,myhistoryteacheratHampton,taughtmodernBritishand Europeanhistory,withaspecialtopicontheChartists.Butintermsof method,hepushedmehardtothinklikeahistorian:tocollectallrelevant data,tofocusonthecoreofanargument,nevertobeataboutthebush,and alwaystowritewithreadersinmind.Thelessonshavestoodmeingood stead.Despiteconsiderablewarmthofcharacter,Erniecertainlyhadhis scaryside.Hispowertoterrifypupilsaswellastoinspirethemrecursvividly inmymindasIstudytheTerrorduringtheFrenchRevolution.

IwenttoOxfordtostudyHistory,butswitchedtowhatwasthenthenew HistoryandFrenchdegree.ThisallowedmetospendayearoutinParis workingasaforeignlanguageassistant.ItwasthemomentthatParis,past andpresent,startedtobecomemypassion.Thecityin1969wasapretty excitingplace:theeventsofMay1968wereover–butalsonotover,inthe sensethatmanyofthe‘68issueswerestilllive.Atremendouscreative energypulsedthroughthecity.Thepolicepresencewasalsoveryheavy, though,andImanagedtogetmyselfputbrieflyingaolontwooccasions. IdidnotactuallyriotbutmusthavelookedtopolicemenasifImightlike todoso.

MaybethepoliceexperienceshadedmyopinionabitasIchosetodothe researchformyOxfordDPhilonMontpellierinthesouth.Iadoredthe placeandindeedhaveyettofindanyregionofFrancethatIdidn’tlove.But forsomeyearsnowhavefocusedonParis:workinginarchivesisabigpart ofwhatIdo,anditisjustsoeasytogetacrossfrequentlyfromLondonto ParisusingEurostar–thoughBrexitwascertainlyablow.

A19th-centuryvisitorwrotethatParisisacitythatoneneverseesforthefirst time,andthatwhenonefirststrollsitsboulevardsonewillgetastrongsense ofthe déjàvu. Thisiseventruerinthe21st century,fortheoddsareheavily stackedthatafirst-timevisitorwillalreadyhaveencounteredthecitymany timesinnewspapers,novels,photographs,filmsandothermedia.

‘We’llalwayshaveParis’,HumphreyBogartfamouslytoldIngridBergman inthe1942film Casablanca. Inaway,itistruethatcitylingersinthemind asanunchangingessence,yet,asahistorianwhohasbeencomingandgoing thereformorethanhalfacenturynow,Ihavealsobecomeincreasingly awareofhowthecitytransformeditself.

Iamofcourseasnostalgia-proneasthenextParisophile,butIhaveastrong feelingthatthecitynowisjustsomuchcleaner,morecomfortableandmore livablethanitwasafewdecadesago.Forastart,Parisinthe1960swasa muchblackerplace–literally–thannow.Thecityhadonlyjustbegun shiftingindustrywholesaleintothesuburbs,whilealawinthemid-1960s launchedanenduringclean-upofthecity’spublicbuildings.Forthefirst timeforgenerationsonecouldseethestonesofNotre-Dame,forexample, withouttheblackgrimewithwhichtrafficfumesandindustrialchimneys hadcovereditfromtoptobottom.Theceilingsofcafésandrestaurantswere theninvariablyaheavydarkbrowncausedbyindustriallevelsof gauloisesmoke.Manyofthechicestoflocationscouldonlymanagea‘squatter’ toilet.Thecentralmarkets,stillthenlocatedatLesHalles,werefilthyand overcrowded,andthemajorcarparknowoccupiedbythePompidouCentre hadonlyrelativelyrecentlybeenclearedofrun-downhousingbecauseofan outbreakofbubonicplague–seriously.

Onthestreetsandboulevards,too,trafficwasfar,farworsethannow,with powerfullypungentodoursemergingfromthequaintly-appointedcast-iron publicurinalsinheritedfromthenineteenth-century.Thesegothic-looking structures–knownas vespasiennes –wereoncequiteasmuchpartof Parisianstreetfurnitureasthoseornatepublicstreet-lights,thenewspaper kiosks,theMorriscolumnsandsoon.Infact,bythe1960s,awaronthem waswellunderway,partlyonhealthgroundsbutalsobecausetheyhad becomethehauntofpickpockets,pettycriminalsandsexualpredators. Nowthereisonesurviving vespasienne,outinthe13th arrondissement.

Inthe1960s,IascribedthefactthatParisiansweregenerallyshorterand smallerthantheirBritishcounterpartstolong-termbiologicalfactors.Now, withabitofhistoryundermybelt,Iseethatthebodyshapeofgrowing generationswasprofoundlyaffectedbythenear-starvationlevelsof malnutritionthatweregeneralinthecityinthelastyearsofNazi occupation.Thisimpressionisticsurveyisareminderthatwhiletoday’sParis maypromptthefeelingthatthings‘ain’twhattheyusedtobe’,sometimes, onemayalsoreflect,‘thankheavens!’

PastMaster:JonCook

2022isthe40th anniversaryofmyfirstencounterwithHampton.Itcameon awetandwindydayinMarch,1982whenIvisitedtheschoolforajob interview.AfteraterrifyingjoustwithKenRice,thenHeadofHistory,during whichIstruggledto‘remember’asingledetailofanyofthevarioushistory booksIclaimedtohaveread,itwasontotheHeadmaster’sstudy.Gavin AlexanderaskedmewhoIthoughtBritain’sfivegreatestforeignsecretaries were. Five? Afterapausethatseemedtolastseveraldays,Imanagedtocome upwiththenamesoftwo.Sometimelater,hegavemealiftbacktothe station,andIassumedIwouldneverhearfromhimagain.Itwassomething ofasurprise,therefore,whenhephonedmethateveningtooffermethepost.

Despiteeverythingourinterviewshouldhavetoldhim,KenRiceadvertised metotheSixthFormers–withtrademarkhyperbole–as‘ournew18th centuryspecialist.’Myfeelingwasthatmyknowledgethatthe18th century fellbetweenthe17th andthe19th hardlyconstitutedspecialism,buthis kindnessknockedsomeoftheroughedgesoffmyrawinexperienceasI facedmyfirstlesson.Itwastothreepost-A-levelpupilswhowerereturning toschoolfortheautumntermtopreparefortheirOxbridgeentranceexams. Theyhadstudiedthe18th century;Ihadnot.JHPlumb’spromisinglytitled Englandinthe18th century wasasurprisinglyhelpful–andmercifullybrief –guide,butitwasnotanauspiciousbeginning.

Therewereproblemsinotherareastoo.Iwastheyoungestmemberofstaff, lookedabout12andneededhelpwithjustabouteverything,exceptwhere tofindlunch.Unfortunately,wheneverIdidso,Iwasmistakenforoneof theboysbythedinnerladies!Buttherewerealsocompensations.KenRice wasencouragingandenablingandtheothermembersofthedepartment–thesoontobeOlympicgoldmedallistMartinCrossandthemercurial MauriceXiberras–quicklymademefeelathome.

Remarkably,thepersonnelwerestillthesamewhen,nineyearslater,Ken becameHeadofThirdYearandItookovertherunningoftheDepartment. Bythen,thethreeofthemfeltlikemembersofmyextendedfamily.Though wedidnotalwaysagreeoneverything–farfromit!–theatmospherewas challengingandcollaborativeratherthanconfrontational,andthekindness Ireceivedgraduallygavemeconfidence.

Therewasplentyelsetogetusedto,too,mostnotablytheworkingsofthe CommonRoom.Allhumanlifeappearedtobethere:coffeedrinkers, smokers,freshairfreaks,seriousteachersmoaningabout4B’shomework, newspaperreaders,shuvha’pennyplayersandthosesittinginaquietcorner havingadoze–oftenallatthesametime.

Shuvha’pennyandstaffcricket,spawnedaliterature–evenanentireculture –oftheirown.Memorableevents,likeshuvha’pennyWorldCupwinners, oruniquelyludicrouscricketingoneswerefaithfullyrecordedinbooks storedinthedraweroftheshuvha’pennytableandtreatedwithallthe reverenceofmedievalmanuscripts.Foranewcomerlikeme,thesewere wonderfuldiversions,thoughtheywerenotwithoutpitfalls.One particularlyexcitingshuvha’pennymatchwasreachingitsclimaxasthebell soundedfortheendofmorningbreak.Thegametookitscourse,soitwas severalminutesbeforethetwoparticipantsscuttledofftotheirlessons.And ondoingso,oneofthemwasalarmedtofindtheHeadmasteralreadyat workteachinghishithertounattendedclass.Ouch!

AlthoughbythetimeIarrivedinSeptember1982,thelastoftheGrammar Schoolboyshadjustleft–apartfromthosereturningformyinfamousfirst lesson!–Hamptonretaineditsgrammarschool‘feel.’Theredbrick, functionalsolidityofbothmainbuildingandcloisterswerereassuringly familiartomeasanortherngrammarschoolboy.Andthoughthefabricof

theschooldidnotchangeovernight,itwasgraduallytransformedby buildingprojectsofever-increasingambition.

ThefirstofthesewastheAlexanderCentreonthenorth-eastcornerofthesite –partteachingblock,partSixthFormcentreandpartcricketpavilion–which became‘home’formyfinal25years.Andwhatawonderfulplaceitwasto work!MyclassroomlookedoutovertheFirstXIcricketsquareandthemain partoftheplayingfield.OurofficeoverlookedtheFirstXIfootballpitchand theoldLibrarysquare,wherecountlessgenerationsofHamptoncricketerscut theirteethonagroundsosmallthatevenIcouldhittheballoffthesquare.

Atexamtime,withfewerlessonstoteachandplentyofgamestowatch,our first-floorvantagepointbecameacommentaryboxandweassumedtherole ofJohnners,Blowers,Aggersandtherest:‘andnow,afterawordfromAndy Lawrence,itwillbeJimParrishtotakeyouthroughtotea...’Greatstuff.

Itwasnotallfrivolity,ofcourse.ButtheAlexanderCentrewasajoyfulplace towork.Init,Iwassurroundedbycolleaguesoftremendousvisionand imaginationwhoworkedtheirsocksoff,lookedoutforoneanother,andso inspiredtheboysthatHistoryremainedapopularsubjectatatimewhen careeropportunitieswerepointingthemalltowardsmathsandthesciences. Afterthepersonnelhadremainedunalteredforyears,thefaceschangedwith alittlemoreregularitypost2000.Therearetoomanydifferentnamestolist themallandnodoubtOldBoysreadingthiswillhavetheirownmemories andfavourites.ButIcouldnothavebeenmorefortunatetohaveworked withsuchgreatrolemodelsandfeelrichlyblessedstilltobeabletocallthem friendsaswellas–nowformer–colleagues:Ilovethemall.

Therewerealsotripsaplenty.ThefirstwastomyoldschoolinYorkshire withmyfootballers.Unfortunately,theywerestuffedsofullofhome-made pizzaandmushypeasbymyMumbeforetheyplayed,theycouldbarely moveonthepitch!ThencamefootballandcrickettourstoJerseyand Aberdeenandamemorablestafffootballandshuvha’pennytourto Guernsey.TherewascricketinKenyaandBarbadosinthe1990s,the politicstriptoWashingtonwiththewonderfulJennyField,watersportsin theMediterranean,skiinginFranceandItaly,andamagicalweekspent walkingthetourofMontBlanc:fantastic!

Thetieweproudlydesignedfortheschool’sfirstoverseascrickettourin1991. InthethreeweekswespentinKenya,weneversawanyoneelsewearingone!

Iguessthisshouldhavebeenmymantra!Theinscriptionbeneaththestatue depicting‘thePast’outsidetheNationalArchives,Washington

Nottobeoutdone,myHistorypalsstartedtolookbeyondtheinteresting butlimitedhorizonsofPortchesterandSouthseaCastlesandtheImperial WarMuseum.Portchesteralwaysprovedsomethingofabattleofrival educationalphilosophiesbetweenKenRiceandMartinCross.Kenwas keentoencouragetheboystocompletetheworksheethehadpainstakingly drawnup,and,asHeadofDepartment,wasunderstandablydeterminedto urgethemtodisposeoftheircrispbagsthoughtfullyandtoexercise appropriatecautiononspiralstaircases.ButforMartin,learningwasall aboutexperience.Inhismind,theboysweretoreturnhomeasdirtyas possible,andpreferablywithkneesbloodiedfromtheirattemptstostorm themoat,which,dependingonthetide,couldbeeitheremptyorwaistdeepinwater!

Inthemid-1990s,webeganourovernightvisitstothebattlefieldsof NorthernFranceandBelgium.Overthenext20years,over2,000Third YearboysattendedtheLastPostceremonyattheMeninGateinYpres–and nodoubtmostofthemfolloweditwiththemotherofallpillowfightsback attheyouthhostel!Fornewcomerstothestaffonthetrip,meanwhile,the mouth-wateringbreakfastontheferrywasasimilarriteofpassage.Afew yearslaterweaddedtheD-daybeachesofNormandytoourrepertoire, wherethejaggedcliffs,crashingwavesandspringsunshinewerequitea contrasttotheweepingautumnalskiesandfallingleavesofPicardy.Nowit wasmyturntofaceMartin’smaniafor‘experientiallearning.’

‘Weshouldgetthekidstowalkalongthebeachandscrambleuphere, Cookie,’hemused,aswestoodontheclifftopsurveyingthemagnificent panoramaofthenotoriousOmahaBeachbeneathus.

‘No,Martin,weshouldn’t’,’Ireplied.

‘Whynot?’

‘Lookatthatsign.’Thereonthegatewaytothetreacherous-looking downwardpathwasthestarkwarning:‘Attentionausangliers.’

‘What’sthatthen?’heasked,undeterred.

‘Bewareofwildboars.’Enoughsaid!

And,ofcourse,ImustnotforgetBerlinand–bestofall–FlorenceandVenice. Whataprivilegetobeabletosharesomuchrichhistorywithsomanyboys!

‘Nursie’–thelegendaryRosCash

Akindcolleagueoncetoldmethattheolderyouget,themoreyoutalkandthe moreboringyoubecome.Don’tthinkanyoftheseboyswoulddisagree!What onearthwasgoingonhere?Myfinalschooltrip:TreptowerPark,Berlin,2019

Eventually,inthesummerof2019,IexchangedmydailycycleacrossBushy Park–whatajoy that was!–formusicatchurch,‘runs’inRichmondPark, fallingasleepoverHistoryandcricketbooksandregularhacksroundthe golfcourse:quiteachange!

Itisimpossible,though,nottosmilewhenreflectingonthepreviousthirtysevenyearsintheSchool.Therewerefrustrations,ofcourse:marking3A’s

Thisarmymarchedonitsstomach.TheHistoryteamtucksintothealways welcomebreakfastontheferryenroutetothebattlefields.Frontrightis

InfrontoftheBridgeofSighswithMartynPayneandtheclassof2016onthe finalFlorenceandVenicetrip

books.And2J’s.AndIH’s.Insetdaysfullofendlessfirstaidupdatesandfire training.Andthetechnologicalrevolution.Odear!Asmycolleagueswere forgingahead,learningawholenewvocabulary–airdrop,hyperlink,apple tv–onlyfour-letterwordswereaddedtomine.‘Pleasedonotgivemean iPad!’Ipleadedunsuccessfully.‘I’llonlyuseittochecktheweatherandthe cricket.’

AllofthissuggeststomethatIwasluckytohaveworkedmostofmytime inwhatfeelsnowtohavebeenamoreinnocentage,beforehealthandsafety hadbeeninvented,beforetheschoolTwitterfeedhaddevelopedits insatiableappetite,whenaminibuscouldbereservedbywritingyourname –orsomeoneelse’s–inabookandwhendoorswereopenedbykeysrather thanfingerprints.

Butthereissomuch,too,tobethankfulfor.Myregularinvolvementwith sportcertainlytickedanimportantbox;inaddition,foraHistorygeek,it wasatreatthateveryworkingdaywasfilledwithcharactersascolourfulas ElizabethI,CardinalRichelieuandpooroldKingHarold–with,ofcourse, regularreferencestoawholerangeofpersonalheroesfromBillyBremnerto Blackadderthrownin.

Andthen,aboveall,therewasthecamaraderieofsomanywonderful colleaguesthatgeneratedsomuchfunandlaughterintheCommonRoom andthedepartmentaloffice.Itisthis,thefriendshipsthatwilllastalifetime thatIvaluemorethananythingfrommytimeatHampton.Andhaving foundmywifetheretoo,IguessIhavemorereasonsthanmosttobe gratefultotheSchool!

GilesWoolleyOH(2001)–Lifeinaday

‘GoandgetDavid,willyou?He’satthemaingate.’

Itis2.30am,twodegrees,IamwanderingthroughacarparkatSkySports Studiostowardsthemaingatehouse.WhoisDavid,Ithink?

Atallmanwithgreyhairgetsupoutofhisseatasheseesmeacrossthecar park,walksoutandstartscomingtowardsme.Oh…thatDavid!

“Hi–DavidGower, ” hesays,thrustingoutahand.

“Giles–nicetomeetyou,” Imanage.Wewalkinnearsilence,headsbowed againstthecold,andheadinside.

Andsoitbegan.

MycareerintheSkySportsCricketdepartmentstartedwithme‘running’ onthe2006EnglandtourtoPakistan,broadcastfrombackintheUK.Teas, coffees,food,runningorders–aworkerbeebehindthescenes,keeping everyonewhomatteredgoing.

Ireflectonthattimeoften,theluckthatgotmetothereandtheoh-so-slow risethroughtherankstothepositionwhereIamtodayin2022–a ProducerintheCricketdepartmentatSkySports.

Towardstheendofuniversity–Birmingham,doingGeography–Idecided thatIwasnotgoingtobeaprofessionalfootballerafterall;so,Ihadtohave acrackatthenextbestthing:workinginSportonTV.

Afewstintsdoingworkexperienceinthe DailyMail sportsdepartment, BBC SportsPersonalityoftheYear, FourFourTwo magazine,theNon-Leaguefootball paperhadledmetoacontactatSky.Ireachedout–couldIcomeadoa coupleofweeksthere?Yeah,surecamethereply.Ididafewdaystranscribing interviews,gettingpeoplethings,generallytryingtomakemyselfuseful.

Towardstheendofthosetwoweeksawomancameovertomeandasked, “Youfreetomorrownight?Therunner’sillandweneedsomeonetocoverthe cricket.Youwillneedtobeinatabout1.00am,youwillfinishaboutmidday.”

“Okgreat,yeah,countmein.”

AndthereIwas…inacarparkat2:30amwithDavidGower.

SkyboughttherightstoshowallcricketinEnglandin2006afterthe magnificent2005Ashes.Theirdepartmentneededtomoreorlessdoublein sizesowerelookingtorecruit.Offthebackofmyshiftrunning,Iwasasked toapply,wentforaninformalinterviewandgotthejob.Averyjunior position,oneupfromarunner,butIhaddonethehardestbitofall,Ihad gotinthedoor.IhadajobatSkySportsandknewhowluckyIhadgot.I neverfoundoutwhotheillrunnerwas,butIowethemadrink.

AsImentionedearlier,likealotofteenageboys,Iwantedtobeafootballer. Sportwasmypassion,itstillis.MymainmemoriesofHamptonSchoolare mainlybasedaroundsport.IplayedfootballfortheschoolfromtheFirstYear totheUpperSixth.AsIreachedthefinaltwoyearsofmytimeatHampton, mycoachwasthemagnificentMrMacLean,theAlexFergusonoftheschool footballscene.Hewasafabulouscoach,greatfun,andworkedushard.

Ihaverecollectionsofhimshouting “STRENGTH!” atme,assomelumpof acentrebackwouldbargemeofftheball.Atthetime,aged17,Iwassix stone,wetthroughandhadnomorestrengthtogive!Theyweregreatdays. AfootballtourtoFrancewhereweplayedonthesametrainingpitchas Zidanehadusedaparticularthrill.

Academically,Iwasaveragetobehonest,butIhadarealloveforGeography –MrTalbot,theteacherIconnectedwiththemost.TheothersubjectI lovedandstilldowasHistory–MyteachersofnotewereMrWorrallo,Mr Wesson,MrCookandtheunparalleledMrRice,theHistoryteacherwho tome,aged14,seemed…howdoIputthis…a‘character’.

oldhamptonians’chronicle

IntheThirdYearatHampton,myFormTutorwasMrFarbrace;hetaught PEatHamptonandlookedaftermyclass.Thosereadingthisthatknow theircricketwillknowthatmyMrFarbracebecamePaulFarbrace,England AssistantCoachunderTrevorBayliss’Englandteam.Ihavemethimafew timesdowntheyearsashehasbeenonshowsIhaveproducedatSky.I nearlyfelttheneedtocallhim‘Sir’.Funnyhowlifeis.

Fastforwardto2021,Covid’sshadowstillloomsoverlivesport.IamatOld TraffordCricketgroundforagameofTheHundred.Acontroversial tournamentinventedbytheECBtohelptryandgainanewaudience, predominantlyyoungerkidsandfamilies.

Adigression:peopleoftenaskmeaboutwhatthedifferenceisbetweena producerandadirector.InliveTV,aproducerdecides,broadlyspeaking, whatwearegoingtodoinbuildups,intervals,lunchandteabreaks,after play,whodoeswhatandwhen.Adirectoristhepersonwhomakessureit allhappens.Theyarecuttingthecameras,cueingthepresenters,rollingin thefeaturesoranalysis,flyinggraphicsinandout.Producersplan,adirector executesit.

BacktoOldTraffordandweareonair,playstarts,andthecrowdisbuilding nicely.Thesunisoutandyouthinktoyourself,howdidIgethere?

Overthelast16years,Ihavebeeneversolucky;IhavebeentoSriLanka, Australia,SouthAfrica,NewZealandandpartsoftheCaribbean.Ihave workedcloselywithBotham,Gower,Stewart,Pollock,Sangakkara, Hussain,Atherton,Holdingandmany,manymoreincludingmyall-time hero,thelateanddefinitelygreatShaneWarne.RIPWarnie.

Duringthistournamentmyworkasamatchproducerwouldnormallystart thedaybefore.Isitatmylaptop–firstportofcall–theweatherforecast. ThisistheMOSTcriticaldetailtothewholeaffair.Sunny: fantastic.Raining:disaster.Wewillhavetofill.

Next.Who’scommentating?OK,we’vegotKassNaidoopresenting,Nasser Hussain,KevinPietersen,RobKey,EbonyRainfordBrentandMark Butcher.Myinternalconversationsbegin‘Who’sgoingtodothetoss? Hmm….Well,theydiditlasttime,soI’llgivethattothem.Whatabout pre-recordingdoingademoofhowtoplayapullshot?KPwouldbe good…yeahIwillgetKPtodothat….sothatmeanshecannotdothat bit….soButchisgoingtohavetointerviewthatplayer...’

Andsoitgoeson.

Next,itistheCommentators’rota;thisistheonlythingthatthecomms appeartocareabout.Itisquitetheminefield.LikechoosingtheRyderCup pairings,therearepeoplethatarebettertogetherthanothers.Then,as always,acascadeofcomplaintscomerainingin….

“Whyhaveyougotmeonwithhim?”

“Hmm–IamnotsureIhavegotasmanyleadstintsasIwouldlike.Canyou re-dothatbit?”

“Whyhavetheygotonemorestintthanmemate?”

Bearinmindthisiscommentaryrotanumber32oftheseason.Itislikethis everytime:exhausting!

ThenwehavegottheRunningOrdertofinish.Thisiswhatyouthinkitis: theorderofeverythingwearegoingtodointhehalfanhourbuildup beforeplaystarts.

AjobinTVisnotglamorous,itishardtostartout,notwellpaidandhas anti-socialhours.But,Iwouldnotchangeanyofit. “Howdoyoustartgetting ajobinSportinTV?” issomethingIamaskedaboutalot–asyoucan imagine.Thetroubleisthat,forme,arunnergotillandIsimplysnuckin.

Sonow,ifaskedItendtosay “giveluckachance”, putyourselfinpositions where,withafairwind,youmightendupwalkingacrossacarparkat 2:30amwithDavidGower.

GilesWoolleyOH(2001)

Father,UnclesandSon–theSyradfamily

byTimSyradOH(1984)

ThefourSyradbrotherswereallborninHamptonRoad,Twickenham,a bike-rideawayfromHamptonGrammarSchool.James,JohnandStuartall wenttoHampton,whereastheyoungestbrotherRonaldwaseducated elsewhere.AllthreeHamptonboyswereveryactiveinSchoollifewithsport beingthecentralcoreoftheirlives.Cricketandfootballwerethemainstays, butswimmingandboxingwerealsoexcelledat.Johnwaseditorof TheLion inhisfinalyearandbothheandStuartparticipatedintheATC–Air TrainingCorps.JameswasSchoolCaptainin1948.

JohnrecalledoneparticularMondaymorningsummerassemblywhereall threebrotherswerementionedforvariousfeatsofbowlingorbatting.

JohnandStuartremainedwellconnectedtotheSchool.BothwereMasters oftheOldHamptonianLodgeandStuartwentontobeaGrandSword Bearer.Johnwasalsoheavilyinvolvedinfundraisingeffortsduringthe conversionfromGrammartoIndependentschoolwithonenotabledinner engagingWillieWhitelawasguestspeaker.

JamesSyradOH(1948)

JamesbeganhisbankingcareerwithLloydsBankafterleavingHampton andplayedsportfortheOldHamptonians,butattheageof22,decidedto makethelife-changingdecisiontoemigratetoAustralia.Jamesnever returnedtoEnglandand,asaresult,isapartofthefamilythatweknow relativelylittleabout.JamescreatedalifenearMelbourne,withhiscareer spentinbanking.

However,accordingtoJohn,hisrealpassionslayinpreciousmetal prospectingandsport.Jamesspentaconsiderableamountoftimesearching forgoldandwasveryproudofthesmallnuggetsthathefoundduringhis endeavours.Cricketwashisabsolutepassionand,withhislocalclubside, heachievedthenotablefeatofhittinghisfirstandonlycenturyjustafterhe turned60.

Heismarriedwiththreechildren,twoofwhomsurvive.

JohnSyradOH(1950)

AfterleavingtheSchool,JohntooktheCivilServiceexaminations,butthis wasnotacareerpaththatenticedanemergingentrepreneur.John’searly workexperiencecoveredawiderangeofrolesinmanydifferentpartsofthe country.

JohnmarriedGillin1954andTrevorandKaywerebornsoonafter.The familymovedhouseregularly–soregularlyinfactthatabespokeMonopoly boardwascommissionedfortheir60th weddinganniversarythatonlyjust managedtoincludealltheirpastaddresses!–toaccommodatethelatestnew jobthatextendedtofreshproducebroking,sellingawidevarietyof productssuchasGin,lightbulbs,MotorMaccarcoversanddisinfectants.

However,itwasinthelate50sandearly60sthatJohn’scareertookoff,ashe gotinvolvedinthefastgrowingandemergingvendingindustrywhichsawhim launchtheUK’sfirst24-hourvendingmachineintheKing’sRoad,Chelsea.

In1963,helaunchedhiscompanyACS–AutomaticCateringSupplies–whichdistributedcoffee,paperandplasticcupsandacomprehensive rangeofvendingproducts,powdersandcateringdisposablestohotels,

restaurants,contractcaterersandoffices.Theholdingcompany,BVI–BritishVendingIndustries–wentpublicin1970.Thisgrewtoa nationwidenetworkfromCornwalltoGlenrothesofdistributiondepots, expandingintolargecontractmedicaldisposableprovisiontotheNHSand officecoffeeservices.Thelaunchintofreshfiltercoffeethatsawthebig housesofDouweEgbertsandRomboutsbecomehouseholdnames precededtheboomincoffeeculturethatweallknowsowelltoday.John’s sonTrevorheadedupthissideofthebusiness.

Atitspeak,ACSwassellingfivebillionplasticcupsayear.Indiscussionwith Johnrecently,itwasclearthatwhileproudofhisachievementsinthe industry,hewasacutelyawareofbeingattheforefrontofthe‘throwaway’ culturethatprevailedatthetimeandthesubsequentimpactontheplanet today.

Thecompanyalwayshadafamilyfeelaboutit.John’sbrotherRonaldheaded upthevendingingredientsdivisionandvariousfamilymembersworkedin variousrolesatdifferenttimes.JohnwasalsoChairmanatvarioustimesof theCFA–CookeryandFoodAssociation–andtheAVA–Automatic VendingAssociation.ThecompanywasboughtbyGKNin1986.

Outsideofwork,JohnwasheavilyinvolvedintheEsherRoundTable;he andGillwerethemainstaysoftheannualMayfairforanumberofyears thatgeneratedmuchfundraisingforlocalcharitiesandsetupabadminton clubinOxshott.Healsoplayedgolfwellintohis70s.

Johnisveryproudofthefactthathecontinuedtoworkuntilhewas80.He setupabusinessconsultancythatadvisedawiderangeofbusinessesandalso setupaSecurityConsultancywithStuart,whousedhisvastmilitary experienceinanarrayofhigh-levelsituationsandperilouslocationsaroundthe world,aswellasadvisingonsecuritymattersatCruftsforanumberofyears.

JohnandGillrecentlycelebratedtheir68th weddinganniversary.

TimSyradOH(1984)

IjoinedHamptonatthirteenin1979–justafewyearsaftertheschool becameindependentin1975.Likefatheranduncles,sportwasan importantpartofschoollife.Cricketwaskey–bothforschoolteamsand theOldHamptonians.Iwascaptainofthetabletennisteamandregularly participatedintheDebatingSociety.

JohnandJamesSyrad

oldhamptonians’chronicle

FollowingAlevels,IworkedforseveralyearsatJohn’sACSHeadOfficein MordenbeforeheadingtotheUniversityofBuckinghamtostudy AccountingandFinancialManagement.IpursuedInsurancebrokingfora timebutrealisedthatthiswouldneverbemycareer.Goodwinewasalways onthedinnertableduringmyteenageyears,andIhaddevelopedahobby interestinthesubjectalongwithagoodfriendatCambridge.Wewould buythemostexpensivebottlewecouldaffordinthelocalPeterDominicoff licenseandthenconsumeitathisdigs.HavingspenttimeintheSchool DebatingSociety,andrealisingIhaddevelopedsomepresentationalskills, Isetupmyownwinebusinessin1994.

StuartSyradOH(1950)

MajorStuartSyrad,whodiedaged88,wontheMCatSuez,piloteda hovercraftontheAmazonandcommandedwhatisknowntodayasthe SpecialBoatService.

TimSyrad

Ispentthenexttenyearswritingthetextbookofbusinessmistakes–but perseverancewonthrough.Thewineworldhasdeliveredahighlyenjoyable andcontinuingcareer.Throughoutthe90s,theUKwasexperiencinga boominavailabilityofwinesfromaroundtheworld,andtherewasa surginginterestinglobalcuisineandfoodandwinepairing.

Icurrentlyoperateasanindependentwinemerchant,hostamyriadof corporateandprivatetastingeventsthroughmyeventscompany,Tasteof theGrape,andorganisewine-tastinggroupsinRichmondandTeddington. Theothersideofmybusinessiswinetourism.Itakegroupsofclientsall overtheworldonwinetastingholidaysandthishasbeenthemostfulfilling andenjoyablework.Engagingwithwinemakers,vineyardmanagersand owners,itenablespeopletoseeatfirsthandtheworldbehindthebottle theyaredrinkingandtobetterunderstandthephilosophies,trialsand tribulationsandtraditionsoffamilywineestates.

Whilesomepeopledoquestionwhethermyoccupationactuallyclassifiesas work,itisnotwithoutperil–particularlyduringtheresearchpriortotours. Thesereconnaissancetripsareessentialtotheultimatesmoothrunningof anytourandironsoutanypotentialissues.DrivingaroundMendozaand SantiagoinSouthAmericataughtmetoexpectthetotallyunexpected,as normaldrivingconventionwasreplacedwithachaoticanarchywhereroad signsandtrafficlightswereclearlyonlymeantfordecoration!Whilein Sicilyinwinter,inaccurateSatNavtookmeupice-laden,unmadeupD roadsandalmostintoariverwherethereshouldhavebeenabridge.

Covidinevitablybroughtthisbusinesstoashudderingstandstill,but,in 2022,webouncedbackand2023lookspromising.

In1956,23-year-oldLieutenantSyradwassecond-in-commandofXtroop, 45Commando,whentheSuezCrisisbrokeoutandBritainlaunched OperationMusketeer,partoftheAnglo-Frenchlandingstorecoverthe CanalfromnationalisationbyEgypt.

AtdawnonNovember61956,Syradandhistroopwerelandedby SycamorehelicopternexttothedeLessepsstatueinPortSaid,thefirstlargescalehelicopterlandinginhistory.ButBtroopandtheheadquarterstroop werebadlymauledinablue-on-blueairstrike,requiringhurriedbattlefield reorganisation.

Hastilyregrouping,Syrad’smenbeganthreedaysoffierceclose-quarters fighting,duringwhichSyrad’ssignallerwaskilled.“Itshouldhavebeenme, hewasthatclose,”Syradrecalled.

Undeterred,SyradwasatthefrontofZTroopwhentheywereclearinga seven-storyconcreteblockofflatswhichwasheavilydefendedbysnipers, machine-gunnersandgrenadiers.Astheyreachedthetop,some70feet abovestreetlevel,amarinewasseverelywoundedandfellontoabalcony fullyexposedtoenemyfirefromadjacentbuildings.

Syradimmediatelyclimbedontotheroof,crawledalonganarrowparapet andjumpedontothebalcony.Ignoringsniperandmachine-gunfire attractedbyhismovements,hecarriedthewoundedmantosafety.

Then,inaseriesofwell-plannedsectionattacks,hefinishedthetaskof clearingthebuilding.Throughout,Syraddisplayedoutstandingcourage, fearlessnessandaggression,andhisbearingcontributedlargelytotheoverall successoftheoperation.

Hisbrigadier,inendorsingthecitationforSyrad’sMilitaryCross,wrote:“At alltimesduringthebattlehebehavedwiththeutmostgallantry,andhis examplewasaninspirationtohismen.”

StuartLawrenceSyradwasbornonAugust71933inTwickenham,the thirdoffourbrothers,andeducatedatHamptonGrammarSchool,where hewasboxingcaptainandaseascout.

HewasworkingintheexportofficeofRoyalDoultonwhencalledupfor NationalServicein1952,andchosetheNavy,butwhenofferedtwoyears asastewardorstoker,orasamarine,hedecidedthattheRoyalMarineshad anicerlookinguniform.

Hewasquicklyidentifiedasofficermaterial:hehadnointentionofalongtermmilitarycareer,butfoundtheMarinestheidealvehicleforhis unconventionalthinkinganddaringandhisdislikeofrigidauthority.While

StuartSyradatthecontrolsofahovercraft, ©TheTelegraph

stillanationalserviceman,SyradjoinedNo2SpecialBoatSection.Seeing serviceinNorwayandGermanyhewastrainedindemolishingthebridges overtheRhine,andwastaughtstay-behindtechniquesshouldtheSoviets advance.

Afterhehadqualifiedindiving,skiing,parachutingandcanoeing,he becameconvincedthat“thisisagoodplacetobe”.

Everthekeensportsman,heplayedNavyrugby,squash,cricket,skiing, hockey,andwontheDevizes-to-Westminstercanoeracethreetimes,in 1954and1955,andsettingarecordin1959.

subjectofadocumentary,TheLastGreatJourneyonEarth,andabookof thesametitlebytheproducerBrianBranston.AsalestourofSouthAmerica followed.

AtPoole,between1968and1972SyradcommandedtheSpecialBoat Company,asitwasthenknown.InMay1972itcameintoprominence whenSyradputtogetherateamtoparachuteintotheAtlanticOceanafter abombthreatonboardRMSQueenElizabeth.

SyradwasappointedOBEin1973;theSpecialBoatCompanybecamethe SpecialBoatSquadronin1974andtheSpecialBoatServicein1987.His lastappointmentwasassecond-in-commandof41CommandoGroupin Malta,beforeretiringin1979havingattainedtherankofmajor–equivalentoflieutenant-colonelintheArmy.

Syradcontinuedtotraveltheglobeasasecurityconsultant,waschairman oftheHovercraftSociety,andwasinvolvedwiththeHovercraftMuseumfor manyyears.

ThecharitablefunctionoftheMasonswasoneoftheimportantelementsin hislife.HewasalmonerofHamptonSchoolLodgefor17years,amember ofPurbeckLodge,andafrequentguestanddineramongthemanyRMand militarymasonsattheAmphibiousLodge,wherehehelpedtoraiseand distributecharitablefunds.

In1955,SyradmarriedAnnPalmer,whohemetwhentheywereboth sports-madteenagers,andhersupportprovidedasolidbasethroughouthis lifeandhisfrequentabsences.

InlateryearsitwasSyradinthesupportingroleasAnntookpartinflowerarrangingcompetitions,winningasilverattheWorldAssociationofFloral ArtistsinTokyo.ShepredeceasedhiminJanuary,andheissurvivedbya daughterandtwosons.

StuartSyradinSouthAmerica,© TheTelegraph,https://www.telegraph. co.uk/news/2021/09/30/major-stuart-syrad-marine-awarded-mc-suezrescuing-wounded-comrade/

Inthelate1950sandearly1960sSyradcommandedvariousSpecialBoat SectionsinMaltaandSingapore,conductedcovertbeachsurveysaround theworld,participatedinoperationsduringtheIndonesianConfrontation andathreatenedIraqiinvasionofKuwaitin1964,andhelpedtoestablish theSBSinBahrainandGibraltar.

In1965Syrad’scareertookanunexpectedturnwhenhejoinedthe InterserviceHovercraftTrialsUnit,trainingasapilotontheprototype SR.N1hovercraft.LaterhetrialledtheSR.N5asapotentialtroopcarrieron theriversofBorneoduringtheIndonesianConfrontation,andinThailand demonstrateditscapabilitytoUSforceswhowerefightinginVietnam.

BackinEngland,Syradwasinvolvedinwhatmusthavebeenthefirstroad trafficaccidentbetweenahovercraftandamotorcyclist,whenthelatterignored ahaltsignandranintoSyrad’scraftashewascrossingfromtheseaoverthe roadintothenavalairstationatLee-on-Solent.Thebikerwasfined£10.

In1968Syradco-pilotedanSR.N6onanexpeditiontotheAmazonbasin, travelling2,500milesfromManausontheAmazonriver,uptheRioNegro, throughtheCasiquiareriverandalongtheOrinocotothesea,mapping whathadbeenthoughttobeanon-existentwaterwayroute,andthenonto PortofSpaininTrinidad.

Theexpeditionincludedscientists,reporters,Brazilianmilitaryofficersand aBBCTheWorldAboutUsfilmteam.Thesuccessfuljourneywasthe

StuartSyradwithHaroldWilson

oldhamptonians’chronicle

OnceaHamptonian,alwaysaHamptonian

WeoftenhearfromreturningHamptoniansoftheconnectionsand friendshiptheyhavemadeduringtheirtimeattheSchool.Thiswasclearly evidencedrecently,whenweheardaboutagroupofalumnifromtheClass of1962(1955-1962),whoarestillfriends67yearslaterandwhocontinue tocometogether,travellingfromallovertheworld,onceayeartocatchup.

WeaskedthemabouttheirmemoriesofHamptonandwhytheythinkthey havekeptintouchthroughouttheyears.ManythanksgotoRichardBurt, whohelpedincontactingthegroupandcollectingtheirmemories.

GrahamBlackburn

OnceaHamptonian,alwaysaHamptonian…andIthinkthatsumsitupforme!

AnothermemoryformewasaspartoftheBoatClub.Weweretrainingon theriveratHenleyandtheEtoncoachaskedustopacetheEtoncrew.This isdonebyrowingaboutonelengthinfrontofthemandmaintainingthis distance.However,Etoncouldn’tkeepup!Theircoachwaswobblingabout onhisbicycleonthetowpathhavinganapoplecticfit.Forme,thiswasas goodaswinningpots,pennantsandmedalsrowingforHampton.

ChrisBushell(livesinAustralia)

Greatschool,greateducation,loveditall.

ChrisBushellandMichaelTrollope

OnehighlightwastheexplosionunderoneoftheMasterschairsastheyall satdownonthestageformorningassemblyinfrontofeveryboyinthe school.Whitfieldannouncedthat‘underthecircumstancestocontinue wouldbeinappropriate’andtheysweptdownthestepstoexitthehall. Therewasanincrediblepileupatthedoorbecausesomeonehadput somethinginthedoorstostopthemopening.Infact,theywere broomsticksorsimilarputthroughtheoutsideofthedoorhandlestostop themopening,sothemastershadtotripbackinandfiledownthehallto thereardoorstoescape.Everybodythoughtitwashilarious.

JohnHow(livesinGermany)

MyfirstCCFcampwassomewhereinthewildsofNorfolk.Oneafternoon wewereinvitedtowatchademonstrationbyprofessionalsoldiersof ‘platoonindefence’whichconcludedwith25-poundershellsbeingfired overourheads.Atnight,Iwasinthedefencegroupandwhenanintruder wasdetectedandwouldnotanswermycallof‘halt!Whogoesthere?’Ifired ablankroundfrommyrifle,blowingaholeinhistrousers–andIwasnot reprimanded.

MickAlmond(livesinNewZealand)andPaulJarrett

OurArtMasterMrMcKenziedidnotseemtounderstandcolourblindness whichaffectedbothMickandPaul.Whentheypaintedthingsthewrong colourhegotquiteangryandsaid“donotdoitagain.”Whichofcourse wasverydifficultforthem!

PaulJarrettandothers

Oneofthemostmemorableoccasionswasthefourthcentenarycelebration serviceofthanksgivingatStPaul’sCathedralon22ⁿdJuly1957.Onthat day,afleetofcoachestookover800Hamptonboysandtheirmasterstothe cathedral.Attheendoftheservicewesang TheTeDeumHamptonienis

whichhadbeencomposedfortheoccasionbyCharlesCleall.Thisrequired manyhoursofpracticebeforehandatschool.Fiftyyearslater,manyofour groupwereatStPaul’sCathedralagainforthe450thanniversaryserviceand wemetseveralOHswehadnotseensinceweleftschool.Bothwere incredibleoccasions.

RichardBurt

Mymemoriesareallgood–apartfromthefirstfewmonthsatHampton, whenIhadatleastthreedisagreementswithourformmasterBorisRoper, whichofcourse,hewon.Weexistedinastateofmutualdislikefortherest ofmyfirstyear.Eventhoughhenevertaughtmeagain,Istillblamehispoor teachingformyachievinga‘justfailed’ twice inmyFrenchOleveland subsequentretake–insisteduponbyGJNW.

Apartfromthat,Ithoughttheothermastersvariedfromcompetentto verygood,evenGassyGarside,whodecidedthatweallneededadaytrip bycoachtoWiltshiretoseetheAveburyStoneCircleandSilburyHill.It wasabeautifulwarmdayandweallranaboutlikemadthings,butI doubtifanyofuslearntmuch.Mostoftheothers,suchasGoatHead, PinHead,HerrDr,ErnieB,Flossieetc.,eithermadetheirlessons interestingorsomebodyfoundouthowto,usuallytostifledgigglesfrom thebackrow.

IntheSixthForm,weweretaughtbytwoamazingmasters,AlanWaltham andDudleyThomson–nonicknames–whotookusforallourAlevels: PureMaths,AppliedMathsandPhysics.Mostofoursetseemedtolearn veryquicklybutafewofus–includingme–hadtoworkreallyhardjust tokeepup.Somehow,weallpassedinallsubjectsandmostoftheothersgot topgrades.

ThemoreIthinkaboutittherearedozensofamazingthingsthat happened,fartoomanytomention.However,workingonTheGoatHouse –akaGhostHouse–wasalwaysgoodandonFeteDaywecould accompanyyoungladiesthroughthedarkinterior.Asaresult,Imeta youngladyfromTCSthereandwewentouttogetheronandoffforseveral years.ThentherewasiceskatingatRichmondIceRink,notontheschool curriculumandprobablyfrowneduponbyGJNW.Butagroupofuswent nearlyeverySundayafternoonwhichwasthemostpopulartimefor meetingyoungladies.Oneofthem,whoImetthere,hasbeenmywifefor nearly54years.

Thentherewasthe‘car’whichGoatHeadsaidhissisterdidnotwantany moreasitdidnotwork.Withheragreementwegotitstartedanddroveit backtoHampton–severalofushadpassedourdrivingtestbythen.Itwas sharedbetweenthreeofusandusedalmosteverydayforourlastyearat School.Whenaskedwhatcolouritwas,thetruthfulanswerwaslightgreen andrust.Onreflection,variousparts–likethebrakes–didnotworkvery welland,eventually,awheelfelloffataroundabout,anditnever recovered.Butitwasfun!

AfterourOLevelsin1960,andbeforetheresultswereknown,sixofus –15and16yearolds–wentonatwoweekcyclingholidaytoSouth Waleswherewehadsomegoodtimes:seethephotos!Onewastakenin WalesinJuly1960andthesecondinaSurreypubinJune2018whenwe hadareunion.Sadly,JosMasonandAlanBrucehadpassedaway,so DavidTuthillandRobinMartinstoodin.MickStannard,RobGovey, MickAlmondandmeareinbothphotos.MickAlmondhadalong journeyforthelunchashehaslivednearAucklandinNZformanyyears andnoneofushadseenhimforover50years.Wegotonfamously together.

WhenoursonswereatHamptonfrom1980to1991,thebrilliant GavinAlexanderwasHead.Hewasrespectedbyeverybody:pupils,

staffandparents.AsfarasIcouldtell,everybodyattheSchooldid fantasticallywellinallareas.ThenIrealisedthatperhapsGJNWlefta littletobedesired.However,IamsureIhadabettereducation,not justacademicbutsocialandsportsaswell,thanIwouldhavehadat anyotherschoolformilesaround.ThisledtoagoodcareerwhereIwas abletoworkparttimeinmy50sandretirefullyat58,eighteenyears ago.

Eachyearagroupofus,usuallyabout10OHsplusourwivesmeetupfor alonglunch,seethirdphototakenin2019,inadifferentSurreypub.Chris Bushelljoinedusforthisone,travellingfromAdelaideinSA.Again,weall gotonwelltogether–Chrishadnotseenanyofusformorethan50years!

3Jul1962–OurlastdayatschoolwithourexcellentFormMasterDudleyThomson.There were14inourclass,oneismissingfromthephoto

12Oct2012–Fridaynight,our50th anniversaryofleavingschoolwith22atthedinner, weneededthreetables

13Oct2012–Saturdaymorning,someofusspentthreehourstouringtheschool,our wiveswerethereaswell.Followedbylunchatanearbypub

29Apr2015–OurfirstproperOHSummerLunchataSurreypub.Wehavehadoneevery yearsinceuntil2019

3Sep2019–Ourmostrecentlunch(duetoCovid).ThetwoOHsattheendofthetable camefromGermanyandAustralia.In2018onecamefromNZ

May2022–RichardBurtalumnigrouplunch

OldHamptonians’ GolfSociety

OurfirstmeetingoftheseasonwasinAprilatStudleyWoodjustoutside Oxford,thisbeingthehomecluboflong-standingmemberBobNicholls OH(1957).Tenplayersgatheredonapleasantspringdayandenjoyed theexcellentgolfcoursewithdinnerafterwards.ThewinnerwasBob Hudson,withasuperbreturnof38Stablefordpoints,closelyfollowed byBobNichollson36points.Thetwonearestthepinholeswerewon byBobHudsonagainonthe4th holeandbyPaulKillingbackOH(1978) onthe11th hole.Longestdriveonthe18th holewenttoMikePegram OH(1971).

OurnextmatchwasourannualcontestinMayagainstOldTiffiniansat PuttenhamGolfClubinSurrey.Wefieldedateamof12players,whilst Tiffinianscouldonlymustereightplayers,sotheteamcompetitionwas decidedbythebestsevenscoresfromeachsociety.Iampleasedtoreport thattheOHmanagedtoretaintheFordCup,despitesomegoodscoringby ouropponents,whowereratheroutnumbered.Prizeswerepresentedby eachsocietyfortheirindividualbestscores:StevenWoodOH(1969)won ourfirstprizewithasuperb41points,withPaulSmithcomingsecondwith 38points.Longestdriveonthe11th holewaswonbyJohnForsterofOT, andnearestthepinonthe18th waswonbyPaulSmith.

Sadly,ournextscheduledmatchatTyrrellsWoodinearlyJunehadtobe cancelledduetoalackofinterest,whichwasapityasitisaninterestingand testingcoursesetintheSurreyhillsnearBoxHill.

AtthebeginningofJuly,weplayedintheannualSurreySchoolsGolf SocietiesFestivalheldatBramleyGolfClubjustsouthofGuildford.This venuehasbeenusedforseveralyearsandisagoodtestofgolfwithlotsof trickyslopesandfastgreens.Thisyear,wehadalowturnout,withonlyfive societiesparticipating.

Theorganisers,OldTiffinians,hadanumericaladvantage,which helpedconsiderablyasthebestfivescoresfromeachteamcounted towardsthetotalforthecompetition.So,itwasnosurprisethat theymanagedtowinthetrophyforthesecondtimerunning,with anaggregatescoreof174Stablefordpoints.OldHamptonianscame acreditablethirdwith167points.Ourbestindividualscorewas38 pointsfromIanOsborneOH(1980),andGaryWattsOH(1976) wonNearestthePinonholenumber4.

Justafewdayslater,weplayedagainsttheschoolboysandschoolmastersin ourannualmatchheldasusualatFulwellGolfClub.Againwewereblessed bydryhotweather–italwaysseemstobegoodforthismatch.Asthe Schoolhadanadvantageinnumbers,itwasagreedthattheaverageofthe bestsixscoresfromeachteamwouldcount.AmazinglytheOld Hamptoniansstillmanagedtowinwiththisdisadvantage,scoringan aggregateof204Stablefordpointsoranaverageof34perplayer.We thereforeretainedtheLesStokesTrophyforanotheryear.Individually,Paul Killingbackhadourbestscorewith39points,andMartinReadandMike Pegram–membersatFulwell–bothscored35points.

Ifyouareinterestedinplayingforthesocietypleasecontactthesecretary MartinReadviaemailatmartinread@blueyonder.co.uk

MartinReadOH(1972)

oldhamptonians’chronicle

OldHamptonians’CricketClub FirstXI

TheFirstXIseasonwasahistoricone,asasecond-placeleaguefinishmeans that,asofMay2022,wewillbeplayingourcricketinSurreyDivision2.As farasclubstalwartIanHumphreycanrecall,thisisthehighestplayinglevel thesidehasreachedin‘modern’history.

UnliketheFirstXIleague-winningseasonof2018(Division4),wherethe teamgotofftoaflierandstayedoutinfrontfortheduration,themajority ofthe2021seasonsawusplayingcatch-upwiththeteamsahead.It,infact, tookuntilRound15(of18)tolocateourselvesinthetoptwoleaguespots, aswebeatandthereforeleapfroggedOldWhitgiftiansinacrushingsixwicketwinathome.ThiswasimmediatelybackedupinRound16witha nail-bitingchaseof129attheinfamousOldSawMill(SandersteadCC), thankslargelytoafive-ferfromRobBentleyOH(2015)intandemwiththe metronomicRichardBrownOH(2005)inthebowlinginnings.Withnews filteringthroughthatOldWhitshadmeanwhilelostthatday,thechance beckonedtosecurepromotionathometoAddiscombeinRound17.

Nerves–whatnerves?ThenewopeningbowlingduoofRazaMughaland (former)schoolcaptainMattAvant-SmithOH(2021)shared7wicketsfor just31runsuptop,aswebowledAddiscombeoutfor54.CredittoPete Berg–nodoubtproudparentoftheslickestwicketkeepertheOHhashad forsometime–forcapturingthesespecialmomentswithcamerainhand, asthebladeofTimWalkerOH(2010)secureda10-wicketwinandsawthe palsenterthenewlyrenovatedTressa’sBarregretfullyearly.

AfinalroundwinatrivalsKingstonianensuredaseven-gameunbeatenrun tocloseouttheseason,butforalongtimeitwasmerelyacaseofkeeping ourseasonalive.Amixtureofpoorweather,eightconsecutivelosttosses,a Covid-cancellationandmid-gameinjuriesthrewcountlesshurdlesinour way,andattimesitseemedtheywouldgetthebetterofus.

Threemomentscometomind.Theearlydefiningpointoftheseasoncame threeweeksinasweventuredtoStreatham,agroundwhereitisalways seemstoberaining,abeautifulcombinationwhenpairedwiththestop-start SouthCirculardrivethere.Thisoutinghadbeenprecededbyafrustrating firstfortnight,asanevenlongerventuretoChurtinRound1solelyentailed afirst-handaccountofaruralflooding,whichwasfollowedby‘oneofthose days’inRound2athometoWoking–MaxVyvyanOH(2017)brakinghis fingerinabout8placesthreeoversinbeingtheepitome.AtStreatham,we wereinsertedonapuddingthatmayfeatureinNigella’snextChristmas bestseller,withthepossibilityofawinlessfirstthreegamesveryrealat1247.RobBentley’s60(41)washighlyskilfulandtimely–theskillofthis knockallthemorenoteworthygivenStreatham’scumulativetotalin response:38allout.TheseamtriumvirateofRazaMughal–whosefour wicketscostedjustsixrunsatStreatham–JamieMorleyOH(2015)and LukeMinshullOH(2017)onceagaindefendedatotalthesubsequentweek againstCheam,andourseasonwasupandrunning.

Amonthlater,afterjustonewininfour,aSimonMorrisOH(2001)clinic inback-to-backhomegamesagainstKingstonianandChurtinRounds9 and10putourseasonbackontrack.Havingbeen100-2andseeminglywell set,Mozza’scarrot-dangling4-32firsthelpedbundleKingstonianoutfor

Toprow(lefttoright):RichardBrownOH(2005),TimWallaceOH(2019),RazaMughal,MattAvant-SmithOH(2021),TimWalkerOH(2021),JamieMorleyOH(2015), OllieGeorgeOH(2017),BenCheeseman(scorer).

Bottomrow:RobBentleyOH(2015),TobyGodfray(C)oh(2016),AdamLeeOH(2017),JackBergOH(2020).

oldhamptonians’chronicle

158,aidedbythreerun-outstofinish(AdamLeex2,MattAvant-Smithx1). AdamhimselfOH(2017),alongwithOllieGeorgeOH(2017)andJack BergOH(2020),eachmadeimportantmiddle-ordercontributionsaswe gothomesixwicketsdown.

Thesamemiddleorder,however,allfoundthemselvesintheshedthe followingweekasChurthadusat57-7onadampwicket,Mozza’s40* keepingusinthegameat135ao.Churt’scavalierapproachmadeforachaotic innings,kickstartedbyCiaranDoleynickingofftheopenerwiththefirstball oftheirreply,beforeacannyfive-ferforMozzalefttheopposition54-9.

Asiscustomarywhenthewinisoffthecards,Churtchangedtactand electedtobatoutforthedrawwithonlyahandfulofoversremaining.We triedvariousoptionstomakethebreakthroughbutthepitchhadflattened outsomewhat.EnterMattAvant-Smith.Mavosentdownonelastspitting cobra,thisonepinningthebatsmanLBW,resultinginavitalwin.

Third,thereturnfixtureagainstStreathaminRound12,inwhathastobe thegameoftheseason;onceagain,Mavoplayingtheroleoflead protagonist.Streathamwerecertainlyintheascendencywhentheyhadus 33-4.A95fromtheauthorhelpedturnthegameonitshead,astheOH wereabletopost214/7off48overs,leaving52overstobowlStreathamout.

Whatentailedwasspecial.AprobingfirstsixdeliveriesbyRazadefinedthe calmbeforethestorm,asMavotookthenewfruitfromtheotherend,and struckimmediately,bowlingtheopenerthroughthegate.Acarbon-copy dismissalsawthenumberthreewalkingstraightbacktothehut,leaving Mavoonahat-trick.Ofcoursehedelivered,thistimeLBW,andStreatham 0-3.WhenMavowasreplacedbyBentos,thelatterimmediatelystruckwith thisfirsttwodeliveries,andanotherhat-trickballentailed.Sadlynodice, andfromthatpointonStreathamdugtheirheelsin.At134-7withonly threeoversleft,somehowadraw(andthereforedroppedpoints)beckoned onceagain.ARazaMughalback-of-the-handprovidedanopening,before BraveheartMorley(J)deliveredoneofthememorablespells.Thefirst chanceofferedupwaspouchedsafelybyRobatthirdsliptotakeStreatham toninedown,beforeJmoextractedonefinaledge,thistimetosecondslip –youcanguessthecatcher:Mav.

Thebeliefwegainedfromthisgamewasnodoubtthecatalystfortheend ofseasonrun-inaforementioned.Ourseason’sfortunesowelargelytoa ruthlessnessandidentitywithballinhandandinthefield,butalsothe abilitytoturngamesaroundweoftenfoundourselvesbehindin.

FromAds,Robandmyself,weareincrediblyproudtohaveledthisgroup tonewheights,andhopethisismerelythebeginning.

SecondXI

Obviously,itisdifficulttocondensesuchanincredibleseasonintosofew words,butitiseasytogetdistractedwithindividualgames,individual performances,andspecificsingeneral.

Forme,themostimportantthingtofocusonisthegeneralgrowthofthe club.Webeenabletointegrateseveralnewplayersintotheclub.Thishas beenamixtureofplayerscomingupfromlowerteams,withMaxBaileyOH (2021)beingthestandouthere,makinghimself‘undroppable’withhisallroundcricketingability,provenbythe17leaguegamesheplayedthisyear.

AlongsideMessrsRayandDowneralongwithcurrentOHboyPageproves thestrengthofourpositionandthebreedinggroundtheSecondXI

TobyGodfrayOH(2016)

provides.Theintroductiontocompetitive,toughadultcricketofwhich hopefullymanycanandwillgoontobetterthingswithinthissideandthe clubingeneral.Obviously,thenewentrantstotheclubarenotlimitedtothe School,BenChippendalehascomeinfromoutsidethepipelineandmade greatcontributionsacrosstheFirststoThirdsthisseason.Cappedbya gloriousSecondXIhundred,ofwhichtherewillbemanytocomeIamsure.

Combinethatwiththeexperienceandperformancesof‘veterans’whonot onlycombinethoseexperiencesinguidingtheyoungerplayersandsetting thestandardswehaveasaclub–alsomakingthecaptain’sjobfareasier,by offeringadviceandknowhowtoanysituation.MentionsgotoBrown,E Morley,LizieriandMayesforthosecontributions,aswellasfortheir performancesonthepitch.

Thisisthemostimportantpartoftheseasonasawhole,andaswhatwe prideourselvesonasaclub.Theabilitytomakenewcomersfeelwelcome, enjoytheircricket,andplayinacompetitiveside.

Togothroughallthatpreamble,itwouldberemisstonotmentionthe performancesonthepitch.Ofwhich,thevastmajorityhavebeen exemplary.Playingwithgreatflairandskill,alongwithpracticalitytosweep awaymostofouroppositions.Witheverymemberoftheteammakingtheir contributionsuponperformancesandwins.Obviously,thiscombined efforthasledtotheSecondXIwinningDivision3andearningpromotion totheleagueabove.Winningallnine50/50gamesandonlylosingthree anddrawingoneoutof18allseason.

Asmentionedacrosstheyear,theonlywayisupforthisgroup.Thebelief, rightlyso,isthatwecanequalifnotbetterourperformanceintheleague abovenextyear.Withasquadonlygoingfromstrengthtostrengthandthe continuedlinkwiththeschool,thereisnoreasonwhynot.

MaxVyvyanOH(2018)

ThirdXI

Toprow(lefttoright):DanielHorry,AarunSamraOH(2017),PaulCarsonOH(1999), FraserBates,MikeyFordOH(2021),ArjunSamraOH(2021).

BottomRow:PatrickArdillOH(2018),JamesWilson,JamesOsborne(C)OH(2017),Matt BendelowOH(2004),JamesVyvyanOH(2016)

ItissafetosaythattheOldHamptonians’ThirdXI’sseasonin‘Division2 West’oftheSurreyChampionshipgoesdownasoneoftwohighly contrastinghalves.Enteringthecampaign,hopeswerehighofastrong

finishinthetophalfoftheten-teamleague,butwithonlyonepromotion spotavailable,mostrealistsdeterminedthatthiswouldbealongshotfora relativelyyoungside.

Aftersevengames,anypromotionchanceseemedtobeadistantpipe dreamafterasofthomelosstobottomoftheleagueEpsomleftthe3sinthe relegationspotswitharecordofonlyonewinandsixlosses.

Throughoutthesegames,alackofrunswastheoverwhelmingthemeand wascorrelatedtoalessthanimpressivepointtally.PaulCarson’sOH(1999) swashbuckling64athometoCamberleyand15-year-oldIbstockianFraser Bates’smajestic(andgamewinning)104*athometoAshfordtheonly scorestopass50inthesefirstsevenweeks.Duringthistoughstartthe bowlershadsteppedupadmirablyandhaddeservedtocontributetomore pointsthanhadmaterialised,LarryPereraandAarunSamraOH(2017)in particularleadingthelinewithseamandspinrespectively.

Itwasinweekeightthattheside’sfortunesstartedthechangeandthefirst properteamperformancewasproduced.Allthebowlerschippedin reducingfiercerivalsKingstoniantoasub-parscoreatDeanRoad,ascore comfortablyreeledinwithBenChippendaleandFraseragaingrabbingthe chasebythescruffoftheneckandsecuring20pointsforjustthesecond timein2022.Thiswasthefirstofthreeexcellentwinsonthebounce,with conditionschangingandformrisingJulianPoulterOH1981)tuckedinto animperioushundredalongsideCarsonatWoking&HorsellandMikey Ford’sOH(2021)terrific65atNormandywasaccompaniedbyseveral startstoputanothergoodscoreontheboard.Bothweeksthesescoreswere welldefended,theformerwitheaseledbyLachlanBates,thelatterwith morechallengebutthankstomiserlyspellsfromJamesWilsonandTom PhillipsonOH(2015)andanicecoldfinaloverfromKieranDownerOH (2021).

TheThirdXI’sdebutliveontheOHYoutubeChannelfilmedanplucky defeatathometoleagueleader’sSunburydespitevice-captainWilson leadingthewaywithbothbatandball.Thislosswasonlyatemporaryblip thoughasfivewinsonthebouncewereputonthebounce,Fraserput AshfordtotheswordagainwithanotherdestructivehundredandMatt BendelowOH(2004)joinedthefoldwithback-to-back50s,meanwhile CarsoncontinuedtoprovidefaststartsandJoelBanerjeeOH(2018)wasa welcomeadditiontobattinglineup.Thebowlingattackcontinuedtoback upthebattersthroughouttheseweeks,highlightsincludePerera’sfourand SamHirst’sthreeatAshford,Wilson’sthreeathometoChertsey,James Scowen’s(OH1992)threeatCamberleyandcaptainJamesOsborne(OH 2017)‘burgling’fouratEpsominfavourableconditions.Bythispointwe satinfourthpositionintheleague,memoriesofrelegationsconcernsfarin thepast.

WelcomingnewsigningDanHorryandwatchingZacGoodwill’sOH (2017)fireworksweretwoofthefewmomentstowritehomeaboutfroma toughlossatKingstonianinweek17butwewerebackstrongerwitha thumpingwinathometoconcludeouryear.PatrickArdillOH(2018)was rewardedforhishardworkthroughouttheyearwithasublime65and JamesVyvyanOH(2016)wasonhandtoripthroughWoking&Horsell’s middleorder,pickingupfourwicketstoquashanychanceofafinalday defeat.

ThisfinishingwinlefttheThirdXIwithanadmirablefourthplacefinish. SpecialshoutoutsfortheseasongotoFraserBateswhoendedtheyearas theDivision’stoprunscorerwith514runs,PaulCarsonwhofinishedup sixthontherunscoringcharts,tothebowlingtrioofLahiruPerera,James WilsonandJamesOsbornewhoallpickedup20leaguewicketsleaving themjointfifthintheleaguechartsandtoNickyBirdwhowicketkeptwith highclassthroughouttheyear.Itwasaseasonfortheside,particularlyin thelatterhalf,rollon2023.

TheFourthXImarked theirsecondseasonin leaguecricketwiththeir firsteverpromotion, finishingsecondin DivisionSixWest.Having fallenshortofthetoptwolastyear,weweredeterminedtoputthingsright in2022,andafinaldaywinagainstKemptonmeantthatwecantest ourselvesagainststrongeroppositionnextyear.

Theseasonstartedwellwithuswinningsevenoutofourfirstnine,despite theclassicearlyseasonavailabilityissues.NewsigningssuchasEdAnton, TheoCrouch,SaiKiranandAidanTaylorallplayedtheirpartinearly seasonsuccesses,whichleftussecondatthehalfwaymark.However,we thenlostournexttwogamestoEsherandOldPaulines,meaningwehadto winallofourlastsevengamesinordertogoup.

WestoppedtherotagainstOldWimbledonianstostartafantasticrun wherewedominatedourlastsevengames,includingbeatingpromotion rivalsSunburyandKingstonian.Itwaswiththeballespeciallythatweblew teamsaway,bowlingseveralsidesoutforwellbelow100,innosmallpart thankstothethreeSearlesofOwen(playeroftheyear),EwanandRich, alongwithOllieTaylor’sexcellenthandsbehindthestumps.

Thisexcellentrunofformwassupplementedbythereturnofclubregulars suchasAlexWilson,SufyanKhan,RajaAdeelandLouisWoods,aswellas theadditionofThirdXIstalwartstostrengthenusthroughJoelBanerjeeOH (2018),JamesScowenOH(1992)andAarunSamraOH(2017).Allofthis combinedtouswinningourlastsevenasrequiredandsecuringpromotion.

Amassivethankstoallthosewhoplayedthisyear,bringon2023!

OHACricketU21s

Thisyear’sLionCubsteamenjoyedsuccessthroughthegroupstageofthe tournament,withagreatnumberofyoungplayersbeingabletoexperience agoodstandardofcricketintheirintroductiontotheadultgame.Theteam facedthechallengesofmeetingthequotaofU18severyweek,butthis broughtopportunitiesformanytohaveagoodtasteofcricketattheOH, welcomedbyanestablishedcoreofplayersfromtheclub.

Thefirstthreegamesoftheseasonwerehosttodominantperformances,built onthebackofthebattingofDenilManuelOH(2020)whoheldanaverage of179.5duringthesegames.Hewasconsistentlyaccompaniedbyother strongperformances,suchasschoolmateJackBergOH(2020),youngster FraserBates.Withtheball,thecubsrestrictedteamsextremelywellduring thesegames,withcontributionsacrosstheboardfromFourthYearHarry Gregory,LachieBates,HarryGregoryandMaxBaileyOH(2021).

Twoveryclosegamesprovedafantasticlearningcurveforthisyoungside, thefirstagainstMaldenWandererswhere50sfromBailey,MatthewMoffatt OH(2022)andclassmateofGregory,WilliamWallace,whowasaggressive throughout.Wicketsproveddifficult,butthegameneverslipped,andJames Osbornewasabletodefendseveninthefinalovertowinbyonerun.A seasonhighscoreof160fromManuelallowedthecubstopost290against ChobhamCC,whichprovedtobejustenoughasKieranDownerOH (2021)andBenDowseOH(2016)peggedtheoppositionbackwithsome brilliantdeath-bowling,fora21-runvictory.

Thenexttwogamessawtheteamnarrowlymissoutontheknockoutstages, duetoasix-wicketdefeattoNormandy–despiteastrongall-around performancefromMattAvant-SmithOH(2021).Afrustratingrunchase fellshortagainstOldRutlishians,butpromisingperformancesfroma youngteam,withmanyinthesidehavingjustlefttheschoolorstillinthe school,suchasFifthYearJamesPage,whohasestablishedhimselfatthetop oftheorderthisyear.

Certainly,thisisaseasontolookbackonpositively,withyoungplayersbeing giventheopportunitytodeveloptheircricketalongsidesomemoresenior cricketersinthisside;thereismuchtolookforwardtointhecomingyears! IthasbeenapleasuretocaptainthissidealongsideGeorgeGregory–onto 2023!

SurreySlam

TheSlammidweekXIprovidedfantasticopportunityforthoseacrossthe wholeclubtocompetetogetherinanexcitingpink-balltournament. HavingbeenplacedintoagroupwiththeAshfordJets,SheikhooStrikers andPunjabRoyalXI,theLionsT20XIwouldenjoyamixedbagofresults. ThecampaigngotunderwaywithadominantdisplayagainsttheSheikhoo Strikers,whichwouldseetheoppositionbowledoutfor60thankstoa JamesWilsonfour-feratthetopandcontributionsacrosstheboardfrom clubnewcomersHarryRayOH(2021),SamHirstandJacobIngold.This scorewouldbechaseddowninunder10overs,fora9-wicketwin.

Thefollowinggame,againstthePunjabRoyalsXI,sawthetoporderfire withunbeaten50sfromSimonMorrisOH(2001),PaulCarsonOH (1999)andGeorgeGregoryOH(2017),astheLionsamassed203from their20.Inreply,theRoyalswouldseethemselvesbowledout30runs short,followingafour-ferfromJamesOsborneOH(2017).

Twolossesweretofollowfromthesewins,with127postedagainstthe AshfordJets,astheStainesteamchasedthetotalinthe15th over.Playingthe SheikhooStrikersagainwouldseeaverydifferentaffair,as,despitearuna ballspellthatincludedtwowicketsfromAlexWilson,theLionswouldneed 171forvictory.Evenwitha50-runpartnershipatthetopfromNeilLizieri OH(2002)andMozza,thechasewouldfallshortby23runs.

Ontotheknockoutstage,andaclashagainstEastMoleseywouldbea challengingfixture,asthesidetookthefieldfollowingyetanotherlosttoss frommyself.Avariedbowlingattackwouldallhelptochipin,withwickets fromKeiranDownerOH(2021),MaxBaileyOH(2021),AdamLeeOH (2017),MozzaandOzzy.DebutantandFifthyearJamesPageandMozza openedfora45-runpartnership,withthelatterhittingyetanother50, succeededby42fromrecentleaverMikeyFordOH(2021)wouldseethe totalchasedwithsevenwicketsinhand.

AnotherbigclubwasinthesightsfortheLions,atripawaytoSunbury,where runsatthetopfromMozzaandMaxVyvyanOH(2017),followedbya displayofhugehittingfromcaptainZacGoodwillOH(2017)wouldseeus set181.TightbowlinguptopfromLukeMinshallOH(2017)andarestrictive deathspellattheendfromMozzaandTicketswouldleadusto14-runvictory.

ItwasatosstowinawayatKemptonfortheroundof16clash,withrain threatening,unfortunatelyIfailedinthisdepartment.Withcontributions acrossthelineup,ascoreof141wasset.Followingatightopeningspell fromLukeMinshallOH(2017)andElliottMorleyOH(2013),awin lookedonthecards,untiltheheavensopenedandKemptonwouldgo throughonDLS,asweexitedthecompetitiononafrustratingnote,despite apositivecampaignotherwise.

OldHamptonians’FootballClub

OHFCFirstXI

Unliketheseasonbefore,theOldHamptonians’FirstXIhadabrilliantstart totheseason,droppingonlytwopointsintheleaguebeforeChristmasand winningallCupgames.

Theteamremainedlargelythesameaspreviousyears,whichIamsureaided thisfaststart.WhilstourgoalkeeperandclubsecretaryWillLeggOH (2012)unfortunatelylefttheclubtomovetoBristol,wewerejoinedby DanReadman,whohasfortunatelyprovedtobeaverygoodreplacement. TheothernewacquisitionwasWillDavisOH(2018),whoaddedmuch neededyouth,energyandmostimportantly,qualityinmidfield.

Asidefromtheoccasionalgame,thedefencewasagainveryconsistentand asolidbasetobuildfrom.PatOdlingOH(2008),JackParkerOH(2011), JackByerley,LukeGunn,JackColemanandTristanMichelOH(2011) beingthemainstaysofthedefensiveunit.Althoughitwasoriginallydriven throughtheavailabilityofpersonnel,thenewformationthatwastrialled thisseason(3-4-2-1)provedtobeagreatsuccess,andtheabilitytoswitch betweenformationswasavaluabletoolthroughouttheseason,with everyoneadaptingbrilliantlytotheirnew,slightlynuancedpositions.

ThemidfieldduoofCamMcGovernandWillDavisOH(2018)must arguablybethebestcentremidfieldpartnershipsinamateurfootball–globally!ProvidedCamcandrasticallyimprovehisfitnessaheadofthenew season,Ihavenodoubtthatthiswillcontinueintonextyear.Further forward,CharlesGersonOH(2012),RoryWoolston,WillDoyleandMatt Greenworeteamsdownwiththeirpaceandskill.

Ratherunusually,andpartlydowntoaspellontheside-linesandanew child,ChrisHeritageOH(2006)didnotfinishtheseasonastopgoalscorer. ThathonourwassharedbetweenMikeKingandDaveGreen,eachwith19 goals.Tohavetwoattackingmidfieldersscore19goalswashugely impressive,bothfromanindividualandateamperspective.Sadly,afterfive yearswithHampton,DaveGreenisleavingus–fornow–toexplore pasturesnewwithCroydonFC.Hopefully,hewillbebackwithussoon, butwewishhimwellinthemeantime.

Althoughwedidendupdroppingafewmorepointsintheleagueafter Christmas–althoughitmustbesaidthattheleaguewasprettymuchwon bythispoint–andunfortunately,losingaclosematchinthequarter-final oftheAFACup,wedidendthecupdroughtbywinningtheLondonOld BoysCup,beatingleaguerivalsOldTenisonians3-1inthefinal.

Thegoalforthe2022-23seasonisagaintodefendtheleaguetitlealongwith theLondonOldBoysCup,butalsotowintheAFACup.Weareexcitedfor thenewseasonandwiththepossibilityofacoupleofnewadditions,weare confidentthatouraimsareachievable.

OHFCSecondXI

TheOHSecondXIsquadaimedtoconsolidateafterpreviousskipperTom CorcoranOH(2007)headedtotheUnitedStates,andseveralnewplayers joined.Performancesweregenerallystrongandtheteamdeservedlyremained intheleague.TheSecondsweremiredinthebottomhalfformuchoftheyear andresultsdidnotalwaysdousjustice;however,muchcreditshouldbetaken aswecompeteatahighlevelandjustonedivisionbelowthatofourFirstXI.

Alackofruthlessnessatbothendsofthepitchmeantafewnarrowdefeats whenwehaddominatedproceedingsandreallyshouldhaveclaimedthree pointsandbraggingrights.A2-1victoryoverastrongHACsidewasthe standoutperformance.AresoundingdoubleoverClissoldParkRangers providedacrucialsixpoints,whileathrillingsecondhalfcomebackfrom 3-0downtoRBSsawusclaimavitalpoint.TheSecondsfinishedineighth positionbut–mostimportantly–avoidedrelegation.

OHFCThirdXI

TheOHThirdsquadhadamixed2021-22campaign.Webegantheseason onthebackfoot,asaraftofplayersdeparted;thismeantthatanewsquad wasassembledquickly.Thebedding-inperiodresultedinaseriesofclose defeatsatthestartofthecampaignwithittakinguntillate-Octoberto secureourfirstleaguevictory.

However,oncearegularsquadwasachieved,ourperformancesandresults improved,including,aneight-matchunbeatenstreak.Theweatherimpeded ourprogressintheNewYearmeaningahandfulofdouble-headerswere requiredtofulfilthefixtures.Wecompetedintightgamesagainststrong teamsandwereoftennarrowlybeatenbytheoddgoal.

Asaresult,wefinishedmid-table,which,giventhesquad’searlyseason challenges,canbeviewedasapositivereturn.Wehaveretainedmuchofthe samesquadforthenewseasonandhavesignedsomeoftheclassofOH 2006.Whoknowswherethejourneywilltakeus!

OliverWarrenOH(2013)

AdamHawcroftOH(2006)

OldHamptonians’Rugby

Notforthefirsttimeinthelastdecade,anewseasonmarkedsomethingof anewerafortheOldHamptoniansRFC.Twicepreviously,in2011for threeyearsand2018forthreemonths,theclubhadfoldedfromtheleagues itwasparticipatingin;but,ournon-participationintheleaguesfor2020-21 wasentirelytoblameuponCovid,whichhadhaltedallamateurrugbyat seniorlevel.

Withthislatestbreak,manyplayerswhohadbeenbrilliantservantsstood aside.Inparticular,anumberoftheHamptonSchoolstaffwhohadbeenso criticaltokeepingtheclubalivethroughoutthelastfewyearssteppedaside, withtheiragesnowthewrongsideof35,andyoungchildrentotakecareof.

Itmeantwehadtostartfromscratch;thoughtherewasnoshortageof highlightsintheseason,itwasnottobethepromotioncampaignwehad setouttoachieve.

Westartedwell,withabonus-pointvictoriesagainstMitcham& CarshaltonandWandsworthians,butwerenarrowlybeateninroundthree byOldPaulines.Ourfirstmajorhighlightfollowed,aswebrokeaclub recordforourwidestevermarginofvictoryaswebeatWokingRFC12419,withZacGoodwillOH(2017)collectinganindividualpointshaulof 39;but,theexcitementwasshort-lived.

Threedefeatswhereweconcededover50points,againsttheteamsthat ultimatelymadeupthetopthree,forcedustore-setourambitions, especiallywhenskipperNickPowellOH(2017)sufferedahorrificbroken ankle;hehopestoreturnfrominthenewyearof2023.

But,despitemostrecentleaversbeingatuniversity,itwasthosewhore-built ourseason.FirstappearinginagameshortlybeforeChristmas,whenmany

OldHamptonianLodge

RegularreaderswillbeawarethatFreemasonryisoneoftheoldestsocial andcharitableorganisationsintheworld,opentothoseofall backgrounds.Ourhistoricalrootslieinthetraditionsandceremoniesof themedievalstonemasonswhobuiltourcathedralsandcastles.

TheOldHamptonianLodge(OHL)wasfoundedmorerecentlyin 1938andisoneofnearly300schoolanduniversityfocusedunits,with stronglinkstothoseofOxfordandCambridgeUniversity.Membership isopento‘sonsandfriendsofHamptonSchool’andhasalways includedalumni,staff,parentsandrelatives,manyofwhomarealready membersofotherlodges.

ThelastyearhasbeenmoreordinaryfortheLodge,withafullreturnto meetingswithoutfearofanotherlockdown.TheLodgehasrestoredits traditionofinitiatingmembersatoneofitsfourmeetingsannually–the nextinitiationinFebruaryisoversubscribed–yetwearekeentohear fromotherswhowouldbeinterested.

Aswealwaysunderlineinthiscolumn,freemasonryisnotareligionora secretsociety.It is oneoftheoldestcharitableorganisationsintheworld and aconsiderablestepbeyondsocialmedia:asharingoflike-mindedness, respectforvaluesoftruthandcharitythatseemtohavebecomealmost displacedintheworldwerushthroughtoday.Andthebigbonusforthe OldHamptonianLodgeisthestrongbondwiththeSchool.

ofthemhadbrokenupfortheirfirsttermandhelpedusscoreahalf-century ofourownagainstReigate,manywouldcontinuetobearoundtilllate January,bywhichtimewehadrecordedthreefurthervictoriesandhad firmlyestablishedourselvesinfourthplaceinthetable.

AlexMcMillanOH(2021),TimLammingOH(2021)andLestyn HumphreyOH(2021)wereparticularlykeycogsintheteamandwereall centraltoafamouswinagainstleaguechampionsStreatham-Croydon,3024.Onthesamedayweheldourex-players’lunch,wecondemnedthemto theironlydefeatoftheyear.

Streathamwouldgoontobeatus19-17intheSurreyPresident’sbowlsemifinallaterintheyear;but,wecouldcomeawaydelightedhavingestablished ourselvesinourdivisionwitharespectablefourth-placedfinish.

LammingandHumphreywouldgoontotakeYoungandPlayers’Playerof theseasonrespectively,whilstMattWheelerOH(2016)pickedupthe accoladeforChairman’sPlayeroftheSeason.

OurdinnertoastistoDrSamuelHemming,theformerheadmaster, who,intheearly19th century,didsomuchtounitevariousformsof masonry.TheSchoolalsoawardsanannualprizeforsocial responsibility.

Sincethelastcolumn,severalOldHamptonianshadtheunique opportunitytosupportthefoundingofanewLodgeSineNomine.This isaspecialprojectaimedatyoungprofessionalsfromacrossEngland andalliednations,supportedbyseniorleadersacrossthefraternity,and isnumberedasthe10,000th lodgewithintheEnglishconstitution.

Notsurprisingly,weparticularlyencourageinterestfromtheHampton familyinOHL,especiallyrecentalumniandotherskeentolearnmore. WealsoextendanopeninvitationtoexistingFreemasonstovisitanytime.

Ifyouwanttolearnmore–evenbetter,areseriouslythinkingofjoining pleasedoemailusatsecretary@oldhamptonian.org

NickPowellOH(2017)

Brian‘BD’SmithOH(1960)

Brianwasknownatschoolas‘BD’.Hewasan enthusiasticsportsman,amemberoftheSchool boxingteam,arugbyplayerandguitar-playing musician.Brianwasamemberofprobablythe School’searliestrock‘n’rollbandinthelate 1950sandearly1960s,alongwithJimMcCarty OH(1961),PaddyKerwinOH(1961),Paul Samwell-SmithOH(1961),SeanNewcombe OH(1961)andJohn‘Bun’RichardsOH(1961)

TheBandwasknownfirstasthe‘Strollers’and thenthe‘CountryGentlemen.’Thesecondname waschosenwhenBrianswappedhisFender Stratocasterguitar–thesixthtoarriveintheUK –foraGretschCountryGentleman.These namessoundsocornytoday!

Theband–withBrianonleadguitar–playedat localSaturdaynighthopsinvillagehalls,atthe School’sendofyeardance,andeventuallyspent adayrecordingatEMI’sAbbeyRoadStudiosin thesummerof1961,ayearortwobeforethe Beatlesrecordedthere.Eventuallytheband’s memberswenttheirdifferentways;PaulandJim becamemembersofTheYardbirds,whilstBrian, SeanandBuncanbeseeninthephotographof TheAvantiQuartet.

IfirstmetAndrewaround1974.Hehadjoinedthe GovernmentStatisticalServicenotlongbefore,and hewasmeetingafellowGSScolleaguewithwhom hehadworkedinthesteelindustryinWales.

Ourinterestinsportandstatisticsbegana friendshipwhichlastednearly50years.

In1976,heorganisedatripforaroundadozento theOlympicGamesinMontreal,andlaterhe arrangedvisitstocricket–hismainsportandasa Middlesexsupporter–rugby–aLeicesterTigers supporter–athleticsandgolf.Hisstatisticalwork waswiththeDepartmentofTransport.

Forawhile,helivedinBerkhamstedandStAlbans, beforemovingtoBrampton,nearHuntingdon.He holidayedwellinCornwall,andlaterwetwohad regularholidaysintheWestCountry,Walesorthe LakeDistrict.

Inretirement,hedidmuchworkforcharities, particularlyAgeConcern.Inlateryears,hipproblems –despitereplacementsurgery–greatlylimitedhis mobility,asituationheborewithmuchfortitude.

KenMansell, Long-timefriendofAndrew

OnleavingSchool,BrianjoinedHMCustoms andExciseatHeathrowairport.Afterafewyears, hisloveformusicovercamehiswishforastable job.Hewentbacktoplayinginabandandset-up arecordingstudiointheWestCountry.Brian contactedmeabouttenyearsago.Webothlived inDevonandtooktoreminiscingfromtime-totimeatlunchmeetingsinExeter.Brianhadtaken upgolfandenjoyedteachingyoungplayersatthe localclubinChumleigh,whilstorganisinglocal musicfestivalsandconcertsatwhich–ofcourse –heplayedguitar.

DavidLawrenceWraightOH(1958)

DavidwasbornFebruary23rd,1940inthesuburb ofSouthall,nearLondon,onlyafewmonthsbefore GreatBritaindeclaredwaronGermany.Attheage ofonlyfour,hewasbundledofftoCornwallwith hisbrotherRobertandhismothertoescapethe GermanairraidsoverLondon.Growingup,he madestrongfriendshipbondsintheBoyScouts, andafterenrollinginHamptonGrammarSchool becameafiercecontenderinbothboxingandrugby.

Excellinginphysicsandmath,hestudiedcivil engineeringatBristolUniversity,fittinginrugby withtheuniversity’ssecondteamwheneverpossible.

HislifetrajectorywaschangedbyatriptoNewYork andOntarioafterthesecondyearofuniversityin thesummerof1960.Althoughaftergraduationhe joinedaBritishengineeringfirmandworkedonthe M4freewayandotherconstructionprojects,hehad beenenamouredbytravelthroughtheAmerican Westandthecomparativelybetterworkprospectsin Canada.DavidacceptedapositioninVancouver withanengineeringfirmthathiredhimonthespot andhadhimonsitethreeweekslater.StintsinSan FranciscoandChicagofollowedbeforeaskitripto SquawValley,California,ledhimtomeetSusan Senourin1969.Sixmonthslatertheyweremarried andlivingbackinChicago.

David’sworkwithInternationalHarvestertookthe coupleoverseastoElSalvador,Singapore,Iranand England,beforetheymovedbacktotheUS.In Singapore,theirdaughterKellywasbornin1975, andthentwinsonsAlexandIanin1977.Atransfer toIranjustbeforetherevolutioneruptedthrewthe youngfamily’slivesindisarray,andtheywereforced toevacuatewithoutmostoftheirbelongingsand withoutahometoreturnto.Davideventually foundahomeinaquietsuburbwestofLondon afterwhichSusanandchildrencouldjoinhim.

In1984,thefamilymovedbacktotheUS,where theysettledinLibertyville,aChicagosuburb.By now,David’sworkwasfocusedonconstruction equipmentsaleswithDresser(laterKomatsu),and hiscareertookhimalloverthecountrymanyweeks oftheyear.Afterretiring,along-desiredmoveto SanDiegowasfulfilledin2003,whereDavid becamearegularwalker/hiker,participatedactively inhischurchcommunityandembracedanallaroundhealthylifestyle.

Hisimprovedenergyservedhimwellincaringforhis dearSusanwhobattledParkinson’sdiseaseaswellas enjoyingthearrivalofgrandchildrenAbbyandAdrian in2005,Kendrain2006,Brandonin2007,and Danielin2018.HebecameagrandfatherfortheSixth timeonlyafewweeksagowiththebirthofPeter.

BrianissurvivedbyhiswifeAlison,son,Charlie anddaughter,Olivia.

PaddyKerwinOH(1961)

AndrewPepperOH(1961)

AndrewPepperissecondright,frontrow

oldhamptonians’chronicle

Inearly2020,DavidwasdiagnosedwithALS, explaininganumberofphysicalmobilityissueshe hadbeenbattling;hefoughtthediseasebravelyuntil passingawayonSeptember28th,2022.

Davidissurvivedbyhisthreechildren,Kelly,Alex andIan,andtheirspouses,AntonioAguilar, StephanieWraightandLuanMongThi,andhis grandchildren,Adrian,Kendra,Abigail,Brandon, DanielandPeter;aswellasbrotherRobertWraight ofOxfordshire,England.

David’sdaughter,KellyWraight

MarkGallop, HistoryTeacher1964-1967

MarkGallopdiedon1April2020inCanadafrom aplasticthyroidcancerattheageof79.

BorninOxfordin1941,heattendedMagdalen CollegeSchoolandStJohn’sCollegeCambridge wherehereadhistory,subsequentlyobtaininghis DipEdatMertonCollegeOxford.Herowedto greatacclaimatuniversity,achievingthe distinctionofrowinginthetrialEightforboth CambridgeandOxford.

HejoinedtheHistoryteachingstaffatHampton in1964.WhileatHampton,hewasnaturally closelyinvolvedwiththeBoatClub,buthealso tookaCommissionintheArmySectionofthe CCFandchairedtheHistoricalSociety.

Hewasamonganewgenerationofteachersat Hamptonandadoptedalessformalapproach, particularlywiththoseintheSixthForm,which wasmoreinkeepingwiththewiderspiritofthe 1960s.Hewasanenthusiasticandinspiring teacher,enjoyingagoodrapportwithpupilsand emphasisingtheimportanceoforiginalthought andcoherentargumentinbothdiscussionand writtenwork.

MarkleftHamptonforCanadain1967and developedhiscareerineducationthereinseveral schoolsandcollegesuntilretirement.He continuedtorowallhislifeandevenwonthe CanadianIndoorRowingChampionshipatthe ageof70,beatingnotonlythoseofhisownage butmanyyoungerrowers.Hewasalreadyin trainingtoentertheChampionshipagainatthe ageof80.

HemarriedKarenGrimshaw,anEnglishteacher, in1981andtheyhavetwosonsandfour grandchildren.Tributesandlettersofcondolence haveshownhimtobeamuch-respectededucator, awonderfulfamilymanandakind,sympathetic andsupportivefriendwhowillbemuchmissed.

MartinSandsOH(1967)

GrahamDuttonwasborninWorthingin December1940,wherehisfamily,includingsisters EileenandMarion,hadmovedtoescapetheBlitz. Thefamilysoonmovedbacktotheirhomein BelgradeRoadandGrahamremainedlivingin Hamptonhisentirelife.

HeattendedHamptonGrammarSchoolfrom 1951to1957,withhissistersnextdooratLEH. Althoughhemaynothavebeenthemostacademic pupil,hecertainlyenjoyedthemanysporting opportunitiesthattheschoolprovided.While cricketwasalwayshischiefpassion,hewouldoften regaleuswithotherstoriessuchashisboxing exploits,whichIthinkmostlycamefromhis considerablereachfrombeingtallerthanmostof hiscombatants.

Inreality,Grahamwasagentlegiantofaman,who alwayssharedhisloveandaffectionwithhismany friendsandfamily,includingwifeMaureenof59 years,sonTrevor,daughter-in-lawJulieand grandchildrenRomilyandThom.

Onleavingschool,GrahamjoinedtheSneller familyEstateAgentswhereheremainedforhis entireworkinglife–anexampleofhisloyaltyand commitmentwhichhebroughttoeveryaspectof hislife.IamsurethatmanyintheHamptonarea willrecallhimfromwhentheyboughtahouse withhisassistance–westillmeetpeoplewho fondlyrecallhowtheyboughttheirhomesfrom him.

Asmentioned,itwascricketthattrulydelighted Graham.Heplayedfromschooldaysintohis fifties,mostlyforHamptonCCbasedat CarlislePark,wherehewasaveryeffective bowlerandlowerorderbatter,twirlinghisSS Jumbowithoccasionalgreateffect.Hewas fixturesecretaryformanyyears,seekingout

themagazineofhamptonschool2021-2022

someoftheloveliestgroundsinSurreyforusall tobestenjoyourweekends,goingontobeClub Chairman.Afterhisplayingdaysended, Grahamqualifiedasanumpire–withthe highestscoreintheyear;whosaidhewasno academic?–andstoodintheMiddlesexLeague includinganendofseasonfinalatLord’s–a hugehighlightforhim.

But,perhapshismostchallengingmomentasan umpirecameinaProAmeventatTeddingtonCC, whenAussiesuperstarandmainattractionSteve Waughcameouttobat–andwasabsolutely plumbLBWfirstballtotheamateurbowler’sutter delight.ButGrahamisthinking,‘HowcanIgive SteveWaughoutfirstball,everyonehascometosee him?’;hisfingerremainedhesitantlyun-lifted,soin theendWaughhadtohelphimout,saying,“I thinkthat’soutump!”

GrahamalsoplayedcricketfortheOldHamptonians buthismainOHinvolvementwasthroughgolf;he wasamemberatFulwellGCandregularlyenjoyed takingpartinOHGolfSocietyevents.

GrahampassedpeacefullyonOctober23rd 2022 inKingstonHospitalwithMaureenathisside.

TrevorDuttonOH(1982)

RoderickBarrymoreBrookeJones OBEOH(1952)

Barryledaveryfulland productivelifeinfluencingand helpingmanypeopleduringhis 88years.Asprofessionalengineer heworkedwithinseveralorganisations,butitis outsidehisprofessionalcareerwherehewillbe mostfondlyremembered.Therewasrarelyany localeventorfundraisingwhichwouldnotfind Barrypivotaltoitorganisation.Inthe1970’sand 80’shedevotedmuchofhistimetofundraising anddevelopmentofTheNatureTrailassociated withthePinderCentreinAvington,atthattimea charityprovidingtherapyfordisabledchildren foundedbyMargaretPinder.Afterretiring,hewas formanyyearsthemainforcebehindtheannual InternationalBognorBirdmanevent.Forthepast 10yearsheandhiswifeJenniferhaveownedand runTheJenesesCentreinBognorRegis,basedina formerchurchpropertyandprovidingcommunity servicesincludingafoodbankandhelpforthe homeless.In2015BarrywasawardedanOBEfor servicestothecommunityinBognorRegis.

BarryfrequentlyreferredtohistimeatHampton GrammarSchoolandoftenregaleduswith storiesofhisadventuresandmisadventures duringhisschoolday.

GarethJones(Son)

InMemoriam

Name

JosAustin

MichaelAustin-Smith

CyrilBanyard

ArthurBarber

DerykeBelshaw

RoyCartmale

SimonCass

DatesatHampton

1935-20211947-1954(OH)

1944-20221956-1963(OH)

1928-20211940-1944(OH)

1938-20221950-1955(OH)

1932-20221943-1951(OH)

1932-20221943-1949(OH)

1965-20221977-1983(OH)

FrancisCazalet -2021

DerekClark

RogerClement

RonDawes

GrahamDutton

LaurenceEvans

1942-20211953-1961(OH)

1940-20221952-1957(OH)

1937-20221948-1953(OH)

1940-20221948-1953(OH)

1981-20221992-1999(OH)

DavidFlood 1990-20222001-2008(OH)

RogerFreeman

TomGillingham

AnnGray

PhilipGray

PatGubbins

BrianHampton

WilliamHone

1941-20211952-2959

1946-20201958-1965(OH)

1942-20221954-1961(OH)

1924-20221954-1961(OH)

1947-20211958-1965(OH)

1929-20221940-1946(OH)

BarryJones 1934-2022

RoderickBarrymoreBrookeJonesOBE1934-20221945-1951(OH)

BasilLacey

IanLacy-Smith

DavidLewis

NikMunday

1933-20211945-1951(OH)

1939-20221950-1957(OH)

1940-20221952-1959(OH)

1955-20221966-1973(OH)

NickOsborne 2001-20222014-2019(OH)

RogerOsterbery

ChristopherPenycate

AndrewPepper

KeithPluthero

AlaricRaum

MikeReddick

VicRice-Smith

DerekRippengal

1942-20221953-1961(OH)

1946-20221958-1965(OH)

1943-20221954-1961(OH)

1926-20221937-1943(OH)

1925-20221936-1943(OH)

1942-20211953-1961(OH)

1932-20211944-1950(OH)

1928-20211939-1947(OH)

GraemeRoe -2019

GeoffRose

JohnSapwell

ChrisSchofield

MikeSinclair

StuartSyrad

MichaelTurvil

WilliamWalkinshaw

GeoffWhaley

GeorgeWilbourn

MichaelWilliams

DaveWraight

1936-20221950-1953(OH)

1940-20221955-1960(OH)

1961-20211973-1980(OH)

1933-20211945-1951(OH)

1946-20221957-1962(OH)

1928-20221939-1946(OH)

1938-20191949-1956(OH)

1937-20221948-1956(OH)

1990-20222001-2008(OH)

1940-20221951-1958(OH)