• YOU SAID, WE DID
• GIVING DAY 2025
• OH ACHIEVEMENTS AND NEWS
• SPORTS REPORTS FROM THE OHA
• REMEMBERING JOE DALTON
THE
HAMPTON SCHOOL
HAMPTONIAN THE MAGAZINE FOR
ALUMNI ENQUIRIES
To contact us, please get in touch via alumni@hamptonschool.org.uk and we will direct your enquiry to the most relevant person.
KEEPING IN TOUCH
If you change email or telephone number, or move house, please remember to let the Alumni team know your new contact details by emailing: alumni@hamptonschool.org.uk. We’ll always be mindful of how often we communicate with you but you can update your contact preferences at any time via contactus/communication-preferencesalumni.hamptonschool.org.uk/
STAYING CONNECTED
Our Hampton School Alumni LinkedIn group is the perfect way to stay in contact with Hamptonians, wherever you are in the world. To share news, network and find out more about alumni news and events, simply search Hampton School Alumni.
Add Hampton School to your education in your profile and join our Hampton School Alumni group
Alumni website
Visit the alumni microsite on the School website: alumni.hamptonschool.org.uk
BRAND NEW MERCHANDISE SHOP
From the Headmaster
Dear Alumni and Friends of Hampton School
Welcome to this latest edition of The Hamptonian. It is our pleasure to share some insights into the multi-faceted life of our School and the achievements of our alumni. Your support is hugely appreciated and never more so given current challenges for independent schools.
Together, we raised over £250,000 on Giving Day in early July - thank you to everyone who kindly contributed - and this is a heartening sign that Hampton’s values resonate strongly throughout our community. The importance of promoting inclusivity and opportunity saw 590 individual donors support the Fitzwygram Foundation and its single, transformative aim ‒ fundraising for means-tested Free Places at Hampton. A Free Place here can be truly life-changing, as was so poignantly expressed by Aadam Shahzad OH (2023) at our Founders’ Day assembly:
‘Without the support of the School and the Fitzwygram Foundation, my life would certainly be completely different. Not a single person in the area of London where I live had ever been to Oxford, and yet thanks to my Free Place at Hampton here I am, about to graduate there in a year’s time.’
We are also very grateful indeed to the many OHs and parents who have so generously shared career-related insights and advice over the past year. These occasions are not only inspirational for current pupils, but also provide welcome opportunities for members of the Common Room to reconnect with alumni and hear about their post-Hampton lives.
Our dedicated Alumni Office team is always keen to help maintain lifelong connections between Hamptonians, so we warmly encourage you to stay in contact with us and participate in the events and reunions that we host each year. We enjoy celebrating your successes and shall be delighted to share your latest news in upcoming editions of The Hamptonian – please feel free to update us at any time via alumni@hamptonschool.org.uk
Thank you for your support for our wonderfully happy and vibrant School, which continues to go from strength-to-strength thanks to the collective commitment of pupils, parents, staff and alumni.
With kind regards and best wishes
Headmaster
FROM THE ALUMNI AND FITZWYGRAM FOUNDATION OFFICE
Back in October 2024 we conducted one of the biggest surveys of Hamptonians in recent times. What came back has helped shape the events programme this year and next.
YOU SAID WE DID
OUR FIRST ARCHIVE EVENT WITH RACHEL MUNDAY, SCHOOL ARCHIVIST.
YOUR SUGGESTIONS TURNED INTO:
ONLINE TOUR EVENT WHICH DREW INTEREST AND HELPFUL FEEDBACK
WHAT WE WANT TO DO NEXT:
SIGNPOSTING OF OH SPORTS OPPORTUNITIES - THE OLD HAMPTONIANS’ ASSOCIATION (OHA) AND HAMPTON LIONS’ BOAT CLUB (HLBC) RUN FANTASTIC SPORTS FOR OHs SEPARATELY FROM THE SCHOOL. TAKE A LOOK AT OUR WEBSITE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT WHAT THEY DO AND HOW TO GET INVOLVED.
OFFER ARCHIVES EVENTS (ONLINE AND IN PERSON) AND OH ‘OPEN MORNINGS’ FOR A TOUR OF THE SCHOOL.
‘HAMPTON NEAR YOU’ EVENTS OVERSEAS AND ACROSS THE UK.
A GREATER VARIETY OF ALUMNI FEATURED IN OUR COMMUNICATIONS –WE HOPE YOU’LL ENJOY READING ABOUT LOTS OF DIFFERENT GENERATIONS IN THIS EDITION.
INTRODUCE NEW NETWORKING EVENTS FOR DIFFERENT SECTORS.
EXPLORE DIFFERENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR OHs TO SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCES WITH CURRENT PUPILS, FROM DONATING ARCHIVE MATERIAL TO PROVIDING AURAL HISTORIES AND RUNNING TALKS.
Giving Day
Thank you!
Thank you to everyone who took part, both online and in person, to raise funds for the Fitzwygram Foundation. Its single, transformative aim is to provide more Free Places for Hamptonians of the future. To find out more, and to watch some of our videos, visit hamptonschool.org.uk/about/ the-fitzwygram-foundation/givingday2025/
MESSAGES FROM DONORS
This Foundation offers my son the chance to receive a scholarship to Hampton School, and I wish I could do more to support it.
He is excited about attending after completing his studies and securing a job. He has also expressed a desire to join the Foundation to help provide similar opportunities for others in the future.
I am inspired by Hampton School. Our son is fortunate to be a student here. I only wish I was!
I want to give a little back to make a difference to a future Hamptonian’s life.
£256,000 TOTAL RAISED
WHAT HAPPENED ON THE DAY?
£600 FROM THE STAFF BAKE-OFF BAKE SALE
£1,200 THE HAMPTON SCHOOL MUSIC SOCIETY DONATED FROM TICKET SALES TO BATTLE OF THE BANDS
£1,557 PUPIL CHALLENGES UNLOCKED
EVERY LUNCHTIME FROM THE HAMPTON SCHOOL PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION (HSPA)
£50,000
HAMPTON’S UPPER SIXTH FAMILIES RAISED ALMOST (OUR NEWEST OHS AS THE CLASS OF 2025) DID YOU KNOW?
41% OF DONATIONS WERE £25 AND UNDER
Thank you to Hampton for being the bedrock of who I am today and providing me such great opportunities which I would not have had elsewhere. I hope my small donation helps support a pupil to have a fulfilling education.
386
DONORS SUPPORTED THE FOUNDATION FOR THE FIRST TIME
139 MESSAGES OF SUPPORT WERE POSTED ON THE DONOR WALL
VISIT FROM MILO OH (2022) TO HAMPTON
Hampton School were delighted to welcome back Milo Heard OH (2022) to speak to Sixth Form pupils about achieving top grades, studying Psychology at University, and maintaining a sustainable study-life balance.
Milo, who achieved three A*’s at A-Level and is now in his final year at the University of Nottingham, was the ideal candidate to inspire current pupils as they look towards their A levels at Hampton. He highlighted the importance of consistency in success, taking responsibility for progress, and spoke more widely about life at University, including starting a football team and joining an a capella choir.
We wish Milo the best in his future studies including his dissertation on combating the use of AI technology in job interviews.
HAMPTONIANS OF THE YEAR GIVING IN EVERY WAY
Avid readers of this magazine will have seen that we are keen to have a “Hamptonians of the Year” award. Shortlisted candidates will be chosen from those who appear in The Hamptonian over the academic year 2025-2026 and put to a panel of staff and OH judges, as well as a vote amongst Hamptonians, both ‘Old’ and current. If there’s anyone who you’d like to nominate, or if you’d like to appear, please tell us your story. It could be a long or a short, one simple act or a lifetime of being a force for good in the world. We are looking for Hamptonians who have lived out the School values of striving for personal best whilst supporting those around them with kindness and respect.
Thank you to those who, like Milo Heard OH (2022) (above), came in to speak to current Hamptonians during the academic year 2024-25; we’re sorry we couldn’t include you all. Talks by OHs are popular at Hampton; as Mr Schofield (Head of Chemistry) said during a recent visit, “we teachers may tell the pupils the same thing, but when it’s said by an OH, it really sinks in.”
An increasing number of colleagues are turning to the Alumni and Fitzwygram Foundation Office to find OHs to come back to speak with Hampton pupils. In particular, they are looking for alumni who studied their subjects and who went on to have interesting, unusual and exciting careers. If you’d like to come to speak to pupils about your life since Hampton, we’d love to hear from you – email us at alumni@hamptonschool.org.uk to get involved.
He’s a Hamptonian
He’s a Hamptonian continues to celebrate the success of Hampton School alumni in a variety of industries and inspire current Hampton pupils. The latest additions are:
Will Kelleher OH (2010)
Deputy Rugby Correspondent, The Times
Hampton football legend Josh currently plays for Fulham FC and made his Premier League debut in 2024. Josh’s talent was clear for all to see as he progressed through school, most memorably scoring an electric solo goal to help Hampton win the prestigious ESFA cup.
Award-nominated sports reporter Will began his journalism career editing the Hampton Sports Chronicle. He’s written for the Daily Mail covering the 2017 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand, and the 2019 World Cup in Japan. In 2022, Will moved to The Times and is currently their Deputy Rugby Correspondent. He’s reported from the 2023 World Cup in France to tours in Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. Will also writes on the Premiership and hosts The Ruck podcast.
Hampton football legend Josh plays for Fulham FC and made his Premier League debut in 2024. Josh’s talent was clear for all to see as he progressed through School, most memorably scoring an electric solo goal to help Hampton win the prestigious ESFA cup in 2023.
Tom Sheppey OH (2009)
Entrepreneur – Founder, Strongly
Tom is founder and director of Strongly, an independent fitness clothing brand, designed and hand printed in London. With a degree in English from Newcastle University and professional marketing experience, Tom set out to create unique clothing that withstands the demands of strength training. With aspirations to become the UK’s top CrossFit clothing brand, Tom’s entrepreneurial journey has accelerated his learning and improved his skills in marketing and understanding of the business world.
After leaving Hampton, Momo studied an Art Foundation course at UCA Farnham, before gaining a First Class Honours in ‘Game Art Design’ from De Montfort University – his studies covered 3D modelling, concept art, and working with game engines. Since graduating, Momo has worked as a Visual Development Artist at Rockstar Games, responsible for some the world’s bestselling video games including the Grand Theft Auto series.
Jack Wheating OH (2014)
Mechanical Engineer, The Tyre Collective
Jack Wheating is a Mechanical Engineer for The Tyre Collective, a clean-tech company which captures and monitors tyre wear particles, accelerating the shift towards zero-emissions. Jack’s interest in protecting the environment grew while he was studying a Masters in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Bristol. He’s led and managed research into increasing tyre wear capture efficiency, and the behaviour type of tyre wear particles. Jack has been instrumental in rolling out The Tyre Collective’s environmental innovation in the Netherlands with car fleets used by companies such as Alphabet and Post NL
For more details visit alumni.hamptonschool.org.uk/about/voices/ To share your story email alumni@hamptonschool.org.uk
Josh King OH (2025) Professional Footballer
Momo Ushido OH (2012) Visual Development Artist, Rockstar Games
Alumni Stories
PRESIDENTIAL GREETING
January 2025
Ed Young OH (2002) is a cameraman and video editor based in Washington D.C. covering the United States for Sky News.
CHEMISTRY RACE
February 2025
We were delighted to hear of the success of our Chemists at the University of Cambridge’s annual Chemistry Race, finishing 6th out of 60 teams.
The event also allowed the pupils, alongside Mr Schofield and Mr Doyle, to catch up with Vlad Penzyev OH (2021), Cameron Jones OH (2024), Joe Maheswaran OH (2024), and Abhi Sundaram OH (2022) who was part of the first ever Hampton team to participate in the challenge. The group enjoyed a fantastic lunch at Brown’s and the OHs were able to provide insightful conversation and thoughts to the pupils about their forthcoming years.
Winner of the prestigious White House News Photographer’s Association award for Video Photographer of the Year, Ed has covered many of the top news stories in the US including Hurricane Dalia, US munitions, and the migrant crisis. Ed was invited to the Oval Office to receive his award from former US President, Joe Biden.
DOUBLE WICKET DEBUT
May 2025
On his professional first class debut for Middlesex County Cricket Club, Naavya Sharma OH (2024) took a wicket in each innings in the County Championship fixture versus Leicestershire.
Captain of Hampton School First XI in 2024, Naavya also had the opportunity to bat alongside Middlesex club captain and fellow alumnus Toby Roland-Jones OH (2006).
Earlier this year he received his second call up to the England U19s Young Lions squad. Naavya is currently studying Mathematics at the University of Warwick.
We wish him continued success in his career.
OHs HELP MAKE CAREERS WEEK A SUCCESS
February 2025
An excellent Hampton School Careers Week saw over 700 attendees over the course of the eleven sessions, featuring warm and engaging panelists.
The Careers in Sport talks, hosted by the Alumni and Fitzwygram Foundation Office, featured six fantastic OH speakers, which gave current pupils the perfect opportunity to visualise a journey from the corridors of Hampton to a professional career.
In the first session Matthew Phillips OH (2011) –General Counsel at Leicester City FC, Matt Nichols OH (2011) – Head of Insight and Strategy at Brentford FC, and Sam Hawthorn OH (2012) – Account Lead at Two Circles, provided a fascinating insight into Sport and Business.
This was followed by Tom Leggett OH (2009) –Sports Doctor and GP, Dom Jackson OH (2016) –Performance Sports Coach, and Ben Lowe OH (1995) – England Rugby Player Experience Director, who spoke expertly on Sport and Player Performance.
TOUCH RUGBY NATIONAL SELECTION
April 2025
Congratulations to Theo Tyler-Low OH (2024) on his selection for the England Under 20’s touch rugby training squad in preparation for the Youth Atlantic Cup this summer.
Theo is studying Finance and Management at Loughborough University and has hopes to make the final squad for the prestigious U20 tournament.
The Youth Atlantic Cup takes place in Ireland and will attract more than 30 teams from up to a dozen nations.
In his final year at Hampton Theo represented both the First XV and VII’s teams, as well as being part of the Senior Athletics squad who won the 2024 Achilles’ Schools Relays 4x100m race. In doing so they set a new School record, helping contribute to Hampton’s best ever result in the competition, and were awarded The Harold Abraham Trophy. We wish Theo the best in his continued studies and sporting achievements.
ENGLAND EURO CALLS MAY 2025
Josh King OH (2025) was part of the England squad for the 2025 UEFA U19 European Championships held in Romania in June.
Josh has had a breakthrough season at Fulham including making his Premier League debut for ‘The Cottagers’.
The Young Lions faced Germany, Norway, and the Netherlands in their group. England’s campaign began with a match against Norway in Ploiesti, followed by games against Germany and the Netherlands in Bucharest.
RE-ELECTION FOR MARTIN SMITH OH (1977)
Martin was re-elected as the Liberal Democrat Wiltshire Councillor for the Sherston Division in May 2025.
“I have been asked to become the Cabinet Member for Highways, Streetscene and Flooding. This is a particularly challenging role in the current climate of tight local government budgets and a large backlog of road maintenance. This is the first time there has been a Liberal Democrat administration in Wiltshire since 1997.”
DOUBLE EUROPEAN MEDALLIST
Congratulations to Rex Booth OH (2024) who helped Great Britain claim bronze and silver at the Acrobatic European Championships in Luxembourg.
Rex was competing as part of Team GB’s Senior Men’s Group and strong performances in the Dynamic and All-Around finals secured the team third and second place finishes respectively.
Reflecting on the occasion, Rex shared: “We are so incredibly proud of our achievement and the result. Coming into our second major senior competition we
knew a little more of what to expect so in our training preparation we worked extremely hard to improve and hone our skills coming into this competition and it really did take immense hard work, focus and grit to prepare ourselves. Coming into the competition we just wanted to focus on enjoying the process, relying on our training and doing the best we can, and to come away with two medals amongst an extremely high calibre of competition was just incredible. We are so proud to be competing in such a high quality and standard of competition and we will endeavour to push ourselves and work hard ahead of future endeavours.”
Following the result we are delighted to share that Rex has been selected to represent Great Britain in the World Games, taking place in China in August.
KANBAR HOSSEIN-BOR OH (1998) MAKES HISTORY AS FIRST REFUGEE TO BECOME A UK HIGH COMMISSIONER
Congratulations to Kanbar on his appointment to become UK High Commissioner to Fiji. Here’s an extract from The Guardian’s article following the announcement:
“In her mind this was a bastion of the establishment, she was a little worried of rejection,” Kanbar Hossein-Bor said of his mother’s reaction, two decades ago, to the news he was applying to work in the UK Foreign Office. The
fear that “he might not be British enough” was proved wrong, when Hossein-Bor was appointed as the UK’s high commissioner to Fiji –the first refugee to achieve the rank.
“For the 44-year-old, who did not speak English when he fled Iran as a child in 1987, the role is an opportunity to strengthen the UK’s “deep historic bond” with Fiji, as it faces a “huge challenge around climate”.
JESPER HARTIKAINEN OH (2021)
Jesper Hartikainen, was in his second year at the University of Bristol in 2023 when he received a call from his mother, Johanna, to tell him she had breast cancer. She underwent multiple surgeries and radiotherapy and has since made a full recovery.
“This July, I will be cycling 2500km from London to Helsinki, my family’s hometown, in support of Prevent Breast Cancer. This journey is called ‘To HEL with Cancer,’ a personal mission to raise awareness for early detection and prevention.
Early intervention can save lives, and this cause is incredibly close to my heart. I believe we can make a real difference.”
You can follow Jesper’s progress leading up to and throughout the event by following his Instagram @juhani.cc.
NOTES FROM COBHAM FC FROM KEEPER CONRAD KNIGHT OH (2024)
Cobham FC won their league cup – the CCL Premier Cup – in 2025, Cobham’s first trophy in 23 years after a 3-1 win the final. Following their playoff semifinal win on penalties against Redhill, Cobham played Jersey away in the playoff final, with the stadium being sold out for the game. This was Conrad’s fortieth non-league game in the 2024-25 season, in which he kept 17 clean sheets and played against numerous ex professionals.
Unfortunately, the Jersey Bulls dashed hopes for an eighteenth clean sheet and victory in the play-off final, winning 2-1 against Cobham. Speaking to the BBC, Jersey Bulls coach said, “Cobham were a great side and commiserations to them - they’re the best-coached side we’ve played in the league, they’ve got patterns of play, they’re really efficient at set pieces and defensively they’re solid - we really had to be at our very best today to beat them.”
For his incredible work saving some tricky shots and several vital penalties, Conrad was awarded the team’s Golden Glove award for the 2024-25 season.
Common Room Corner
WELL DONE MISS JACOBS!
Bookmark volunteer delivers 150,000th reading session
On the 14 April this year, national reading charity Bookmark UK celebrated an incredible milestone for their One-to-one Reading Programme –150,000 sessions delivered by their dedicated volunteers. That’s more than 8,340 children receiving personalised reading support, totalling 75,000 hours of one-toone reading!
Who better to deliver the 150,000th session than Hampton’s own Miss Alice Jacobs whose dedication has left a lasting impact on the children she has supported.
MARATHON SUPERSTAR MR CLARAMUNT COMPLETES SIX MARATHONS – AND IS HOME IN TIME FOR TEA!
Hampton School’s Catering Manager Mr Tony Claramunt has achieved the pinnacle of marathon running: the prestigious Six Star Medal.
The Six Star Medal is presented to runners who complete the Six World Marathon Majors. It’s a symbol of dedication, endurance and a significant milestone in the global running community.
Mr Claramunt began his quest for the award by running his local marathon in London back in 2019, which gave him a taste for the 26.2 mile event. After countless hours of training, he’s enjoyed the razzamatazz of New York, alongside American cities Boston and Chicago and run closer to home in Berlin, spotting famous landmarks along the way. The final piece of the puzzle was the 2025 Tokyo Marathon, which involved Mr Claramunt enduring a 26-hour round trip as well as overcoming a nine-hour time difference.
The award is an incredible achievement and, after Mr Claramunt completed his latest marathon in a phenomenal time of 4:03:26, he flew back and was in the the Hampton School Dining Hall the very next day!
MR STUDT COMPLETES THE CAPE WRATH ULTRA
Hampton School’s Modern Languages teacher, Mr Philipp Studt, has completed one of the UK’s most demanding ultra-running events –the Cape Wrath Ultra – an awe-inspiring feat of endurance and determination.
The Cape Wrath Ultra heads through some of the UK’s most remote and rugged terrain from the heart of the Scottish Highlands to the dramatic Cape Wrath lighthouse, the Northwestern most point of mainland Britain. The 400km event is split into stages run across eight consecutive days, with the longest stage an incredible 45 miles.
This year’s runners faced unprecedented high temperatures until the Scottish weather finally caught up with the race, bringing gale force winds and torrential rain.
Despite the extreme climate conditions, Mr Studt completed the course in an outstanding 65 hours and 31 minutes, placing 36th out of 86 finishers – a phenomenal result, especially considering that fewer than half of the participants managed to complete the full course.
Reflecting on his achievement, Mr Studt was delighted to make it across the finish line and complete one of the most challenging races in the UK:
“This was no gentle jog through the Highlands. The Cape Wrath Ultra threw everything at me — 400km of mountains, bogs, heatwaves, midges, and, just for good measure, gale force winds and sideways rain to finish. It was tough, relentless, and at times downright savage — and I absolutely loved it.
“I’m proud to have taken it on in support of Shooting Star Children’s Hospices, and deeply grateful for the generous support from the Hampton community that helped carry me across the finish line.”
Mr Studt’s running efforts are raising muchneeded funds for one of this year’s Hampton School Form Charity partners, Shooting Star Children’s Hospices, a charity that helps families across the local area whose children have life limiting conditions.
FOND FAREWELLS TO MR HUGHES, DR YATES AND MME CHANDLER
We bid a fond farewell to three members of the Common Room who between them have dedicated 63 years of service to Hampton School.
Technician, Mr David Hughes retires after 32 very happy years supporting thousands of Hamptonian physicists. He says that during his time, the School – and the Physics Department – have doubled in size and the standard of education has always been the very best.
His departmental colleague, Head of Physics, Dr Mark Yates, is also putting away his textbooks to retire at the end of the summer. A much-admired teacher, Dr Yates is also a popular Sixth Form Tutor, and has offered much-appreciated guidance, scholarship and inspiration to his senior tutees over the past 11 years. To the delight of all, Dr Yates also debuted as our Hampton Lion in the final Giving Day assembly.
We also wish a happy retirement to teacher of French, Mrs Margaret Chandler – a legend of the Modern Languages department remembered fondly by generations of Hamptonians who have benefited from her passion, skill and talent over the past 20 years.
Of her time at Hampton, Mme Chandler said, “It is a huge tribute to Hampton, its leadership, its staff and above all its wonderful boys (their commitment not only to their studies but also, so impressively, to everything else which Hampton offers, sport, music and so on, is extraordinary ) that I have – to my great good fortune – remained here for 20 years and two terms. Hampton is a wonderful community whose positive, lively and enriching life I shall certainly miss, but I leave with thanks to all and wishing continued success in the future. Floreat semper, Hampton!”
MR CROSS PRESENTS AT TALK!
The Talk! series was delighted to host rowing legend, Martin Cross – a double Olympic medallist who has been described as an ‘inspiration to the sporting world’.
A member of the GB Rowing team for 18 years, Mr Cross won Olympic Gold in the coxed men’s four at the 1984 Los Angeles Games. Sir Steven Redgrave was one of his fellow oarsman. Two decades of rowing also saw Mr Cross accrue Gold at the Commonwealth Games and Silver and Bronze World Championship medals.
Today, alongside teaching history at Hampton, Martin Cross is a sports journalist and commentator on the World Rowing Championships and Henley Royal Regatta. He also runs the popular YouTube chat series Crossy’s Corner and is a sought-after coach and motivational speaker.
Immersed in the world of rowing for over 30 years, Mr Cross wrote the acclaimed book Olympic Obsession about British Rowing’s incredible success at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 – an insight into the mindset of elite athletes such as Sir Steven Redgrave and Sir Matthew Pinsent.
OHs in Focus: Air Commodore David J G Wilby AFC FRAeS RAF (Retd)
David Wilby started his journey at Hampton School after earning a scholarship from Kingston Road Primary in Staines.
Although not the most academic, he excelled in sports, particularly rugby, under the guidance of Bill Foster and Johnny Waterson. He balanced his studies with a morning paper round, often cycling eight miles if he missed the No 90 bus.
Leaving Hampton at 16 with the necessary O levels, David joined the RAF as an aircrew officer. He worked in London until he was old enough to test for a Flying Commission, enjoying playing for Old Hamptonians and Hampton Foxes during this time. His Queen’s Scout training and teamwork skills helped him secure a Direct Entry Commission as a Navigator in 1965.
David’s RAF career began with intense training, leading to a posting in North Germany at just 19, flying the Canberra BI(8) in a Nuclear Strike/Attack role. He later flew Buccaneers with the Fleet Air Arm and returned to instruct new RAF Buccaneer squadrons. Promoted to Squadron Leader, he participated in the American Exercise Red Flag (“Top Gun”) and worked at the MOD on new missile projects.
After Staff College, David helped bring the Tornado into service and directed air operations during the Falklands War. Promoted to Wing Commander, he returned to frontline service as Operations Commander at RAF Laarbruch.
As Deputy Commander, he prepared for the Iraq War and later attended the NATO Defence College in Rome.
David’s career continued with roles as Director of Initial Officer
Training at RAF College Cranwell and Station Commander of RAF Finningley. He served as Chief
NATO Liaison Officer during the Balkans War and worked in Defence Intelligence in Whitehall. His final military role was as Chief of Special Weapons in SHAPE, Belgium, during the Kosovo War.
After retiring from the RAF, David joined BAE Systems as a Military Advisor and later became a County Councillor for Rutland. He has enjoyed a fulfilling career and a happy family life with his wife of 56 years, four children, and seven grandchildren “who keep me very firmly grounded”.
Congratulations to the following OHs on their engagements and weddings! Congratulations!
Jonah Blake OH (2022) is engaged to fiancée Emily.
We’d love to know your news!
In the Hamptonian survey 2024, 71% of respondents told us they want to hear more about their peers. Whether you’ve welcomed someone new, celebrated a milestone, graduated from university, or grown in your career, we’d love to hear about it… and so would your Hampton friends and teachers! Email alumni@hamptonschool.org.uk to feature in the next edition of The Hamptonian.
Ben Chapman OH (2013) married Lucy.
Not the groom, but the celebrant
At the recent OH Oxford dinner, Fr David Branford OH (1980) shared with us a photograph showing him marrying his elder daughter, Anna, to Jamie at the Oxford Oratory. Bride and groom now both lecture at the University. After many years as a prison chaplain, Fr David, one of a small number of married Catholic priests in the country, is now in charge of two parishes in and around Lancaster. He would be delighted to hear from any OHs in the area.
Visits and events
Class of 2019 reunion
In early January 2025, the Class of 2019 enjoyed a fantastic five year reunion at The Hampton Hub with their counterparts from Lady Eleanor Holles.
Attendees were able to catch up and reminisce with one another but the main attraction of the evening was a superb live performance from The Surely Knots, a Baroquenik Mediterranean Merseybeat band formed at Hampton School by Dylan Evans Hutchison OH (2019) and Fred Spence OH (2019).
Middle East Reunion
We were delighted to hear of the success of our first Middle East OH Reunion this January; a superb breakfast at Cassette in Dubai.
The event was hosted by Omer Mahdi OH (2007) and it was fantastic to see Finlay Donaldson OH (2011), Curran Dye OH (2011), and Tolu Oyewusi OH (2013) in attendance.
Hampton School is keen to keep connected with its Alumni and moving country doesn’t mean you can’t stay involved! This year the Alumni and Fitzwygram Office has reached out to OHs globally to set up networking groups in their areas, including the Middle East, Australia, and the United States.
For more information please email alumni@hamptonschool.org.uk
West Coast reunion
Our West Coast reunion hosted by Simon Dedman OH (2000) at Merkado, San Francisco was a fantastic success.
The event was appreciated by those who could make it and plans are already circulating for a curry club event in October. The idea of a Los Angeles reunion is also on the cards.
To be put in touch with the group, who have set up a WhatsApp chat, please email alumni@hamptonschool.org.uk
Martin Cross event
We were delighted to welcome some of the biggest names in the rowing community to celebrate our very own Mr Cross.
Hampton History teacher, Mr Martin Cross, is a three-times Olympian, winning Gold in the coxed four at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. A member of the GB Rowing team for 18 years, Mr Cross also has a clutch of World Championship and Commonwealth medals to his name.
To celebrate his remarkable achievements, rowing luminaries, family, friends, colleagues, and pupils, gathered at Hampton for the official unveiling ceremony of a new boat named in his honour.
Guests included fellow Olympian rowers Sir Steven
Class of 2020 reunion
Under glorious sunshine the Class of 2020 reunited with their former classmates and teachers, five years on from walking the corridors of Hampton. Attended by more than fifty members of the year group the event, held in Richmond, was a fantastic opportunity for the OHs to reflect on their past and share the beginnings of their exciting journeys post Hampton with one another.
A highlight of the evening was the number of staff present who took great enjoyment in hearing what their former pupils were up to.
Redgrave; Greg Searle MBE, OH (1990); Tim Foster MBE; former coxswain Adrian Ellison; Mike Hart MBE OH (1970); Chris Mahoney OH (1977); Dr Rupert Obholzer OH (1988); and Olympic coaches, Nick Howe OH (1975); John West OH (1983) and Paul Stannard OH (1997).
The evening was superbly compered by former President of EMEA Business & Operations for Google and three-times Cambridge Rowing Blue, Matt Brittin OH (1986), who alongside Greg Searle took the audience on a This is Your Life-style journey through many of the highlights of Martin’s illustrious career.
Mr Cross commented “I was completely overwhelmed by the kindness shown to me by so many pupils, old boys, former crewmates, friends, colleagues and family. It was a wonderful evening and a singular honour to have the new first eight named after me. The whole thing showed Hampton School off at its very best.”
Oxford Dinner Returns
After a seven year hiatus, the Hampton School Oxford Dinner returned in March 2025 returned with great success as members of staff, and OHs from fourteen different year groups, enjoyed a fantastic event at Balliol College.
Ranging from the Classes of 1957 to 2024, the more than forty OHs took full advantage of the opportunity to connect with their Hampton and Oxford peers, catch up with former teachers, and be provided with the latest updates from the School.
The event marked the resumption of the biennial occasion, with the Cambridge Dinner set to return in 2026.
Walter Bailey and Alex Green
In March 2025, Hampton School was once again honoured to host the Walter Bailey and Alex Green memorial matches, held in memory of former member of staff Walter Bailey, and pupil Alex Green OH (2014).
The Walter Bailey Cup was contested between the Hampton Second XI, ESFA winners, and the Old Hamptonians First XI, whose side included several of the 2019 Under 18 ESFA School’s Trophy champions.
The Alex Green Cup was played for by Hampton’s Third XI and Old Hamptonians Second XI, whilst the Hampton Fourth XI entertained a third Old Hamptonians XI allowing more Hamptonians the opportunity to play. Across the three matches, close to fifty alumni represented the Old Hamptonians. Though all three matches were competitive throughout, ultimately it was the Old Hamptonians who claimed a clean sweep. Players from both sides gathered afterwards in the Clubhouse for trophy celebration and a touching speech from Andy White OH (2003), who himself was taught by Walter.
Now in its seventeenth year, we look forward to the event’s continued success next year.
To contact the Old Hamptonians please email oldhamptoniansassociation@gmail.com
Henley Paella and Pimms
Over 100 OHs and LEH alumni gathered to celebrate their rowing memories as well as Hampton’s qualification to Henley weekend! This event is organised in conjunction with Hampton Lions Boat Club – if you’d like to know more, visit the Hampton website to find contact details for the HLBC.
Fifty Years On Cricket Lunch
Thank you to those who joined us for a very busy and well-attended lunch to watch cricket at Hampton. Guests were taken on a tour of the School by current pupils, before then enjoying a buffet in the Clubhouse. Our thanks go to the OHA who put on a spectacular match and who won against the School’s First XI! We look forward to inducting the Class of 1976 to this annual lunch next year.
Roars from the Archives Tea and Talk
Throughout this year we’ve been posting ‘Roars from the Lion’ in the Hampton Alumni LinkedIn group. We’d love to hear your stories and have you featured, too! Here’s one such example, about the OH Victory Dinner in 1946.
“On Saturday 23 March 1946, the annual reunion of OHs at a formal dinner was held at the School. This event marked the resumption of the annual Old Hamptonians’ Association dinners after six long years of the country being at war.
“To recognise the gravitas of the occasion, the Headmaster agreed that the Association could host it in the School Hall, where they held the largest dinner that had ever been recorded to date for this event.
“The opening speech of the evening was given by the chairman of the Association, Mr A. T. Shepherd. During his reflection of the association’s work during the war years, he was reported to have also expressed his appreciation of the work of the Headmaster in maintaining contact between Old Boys. What was affectionally referred to as the ‘Notes from the Headmaster’s Desk’ were bulletins of life back home. These were reportedly highly sought after and read with eager interest; undoubtedly bringing immeasurable value to Old Boys all over the world.”
It was fantastic to bring together some of our alumni in June to reminisce about school days, explore the rich history of Hampton School, and share memories over tea and cake. A huge thank you to everyone who attended and to Rachel Munday, our magnificent School Archivist, for introducing guests to the treasures unearthed in the Hampton archives.
It wouldn’t happen today –an adventure in Greece
I know from reading The Lion how many school trips take place from Hampton School every year. Back in the 1960s that was not the case. However, 60 years ago, in July and August 1965, nine students from the Upper Sixth A-level Latin class (and one Classics teacher) spent the bulk of the summer holidays in Greece. The trip was organised by our Latin teacher, David Little, but on learning that his wife was expecting their first child he passed the reins over to his colleague David Edwards. I can remember most of the studentsPaul Griffiths, Danny James, Colin Jones, Stephen Kramer, John McKeown, John Schofield and Colin Street, but the name of the ninth one escapes me - sorry! We travelled from various local stations to meet at Waterloo, then went across London and on to Dover by train. The next stage was the ferry to Ostend. Then followed a long train journey through Belgium and the Netherlands to Munich in Germany. Some of the six hours there was spent in the Hofbrauhaus. The final section of the rail journey was through
Austria and the then Yugoslavia into Greece and on to Athens. Total journey time to get to Greece was three and a half days!
In Greece we spent a few days in Athens (in the luxury of a no star hotel), and then the party split. Four students booked a seventeen-day coach trip, while Dave Edwards and the remaining five of us took a ferry to the island of Milos for a few days, another ferry to Crete for a few days and then the return ferry to Piraeus the port of Athens. After spending most nights sleeping on beaches we had another night in the hotel. We then took a bus to Nafplion sleeping on a steep hillside. John McKeown and I then split from the rest and hitch-hiked round the Peloponnese, meeting up with the rest in Athens for a final couple of nights in the hotel.
I well remember Lycabettus Hill and the Acropolis in Athens, Knossos and Phaestos in Crete, Mycenae and Tiryns near Navplion, Olympia and Delphi. As 1965 was a year of political discontent in Greece I also remember a group of us being mistaken for protestors and being tear-gassed in Athens near the end of our stay!
Finally, we had another return journey of three and a half days - in total 29 days. As a retired teacher, I know that Health and Safety regulations would not allow such a trip to take place these days, but I am so glad that we were able to enjoy such a wonderful educational experience.
Athletics Team 1957
Letters from OHs
Memories of Hampton
As a voluntary aided grammar school, emerging from the Education Act 1944, Hampton still bore the elegant marks of its history. Many pupils had attended Denmead School, founded by W.D. James, who taught English at Hampton. ‘Jammy’ James, frightfully posh, took first years for ‘elocution’ once a week, coaching us out of our Middlesex accents with poetry and vowel exercises. We had fun winding him up, reciting lines like, “Moi dime ’as a lime time crine” (in lieu of “My dame has a lame, tame, crane”).
H.W. (Thurston) Jago, who taught French, was another memorable figure. We were terrified of him, yet loved him. French classes would chant conjugations deliriously. Jago knew the exact time for the division bell and every boy had a French name (I was Etienne). We were issued with a freshly printed edition of A French course for to-day, in which various tales were illustrated for example, there was a picture of the Marie Célèste, upon which I carefully, superimposed, in Indian ink, a gaping hole in its deck; I added a number of other similar improvements for posterity: a tin opener in the hand of the retiarius [the unarmoured gladiator with the net] in Latin for Today Just before leaving Hampton, Jago sent for me to congratulate me on my artwork, a copy of the volume open on his desk.
The pages of the Lion have hosted my piece on Streaky Bacon and his proverb: “Manners matter more than mathematics.” Other memorable teachers included ‘Phoebe’ Moir, known for his flaming red hair and frequent canings, and ‘Gassy’ Garside, a volatile war veteran who taught History. Gassy could be very emotional, and we would raise our desk lids as shields when he threw the board rubber at us. I kept in touch with Gassy and became a Freemason through him.
Hampton has been the bedrock of everything I have achieved since 1952. Despite challenges, the education was first class and provided untold opportunities. Those five years discreetly opened my eyes and nurtured my outlook, giving me the confidence that only a good classical education can bring. Hampton’s heritage provided a distinctive and protective edge, and I take great pride in those privileged years.
GEOFFREY BOURNE-TAYLOR OH (1957)
Hampton during the Second World War
I will be thinking of you on VE Day next month, celebrating the end of World War II. I have so many memories of how the school was able to operate during air raids and V1 and V2s!
I passed my 11+ entrance paper in 1944 and was delighted to be allocated to Hampton, but Twickenham Council arranged for school children to be evacuated to Neath in South Wales to help us escape the bombing and V1s and V2s. In the local area there were small factories producing two-manned Submarines and munitions.
I was with Mike, my good friend, placed with the Lovering family, who looked after us wonderfully. We attended a local school and Church and settled in quickly. Unfortunately, I fell down a slate quarry and broke my left arm and shoulder and found myself in a hospital ward with injured soldiers and airmen who took me under their wing, and my mother dispatched my father to collect me and bring me home!
I think I was in 2C on the day and were all summoned to the Main Hall by Headmaster Mason to be told the wonderful news. The noise was wonderful and even Mr Jago did not mind! We went home early.
ALLEN WILLIAMS OH (1951)
The Lasting Impact of Charitable Gifts in Wills
ADRIANA WILLIAMS, DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Thinking about writing a Will, let alone leaving a charitable gift in it, seems daunting. Tempting fate, perhaps, or something that doesn’t need to be done until much later in life.
And yet, when making life choices – from the most mundane (“should I recycle this?”) to the most monumental (“where should we live?”) – we often find ourselves considering the impact of today’s decisions on the next generation. How can we make our world better for young people?
For some, this leads to the profound decision to include charitable gifts in their wills. This act of kindness, often made with deep thought and care, can have a lasting impact on both the giver and the recipients. Charitable gifts in Wills, also known as bequests, are a powerful way to support causes close to one’s heart. These gifts can provide essential funding for charities, enabling them to continue their vital work. They ensure that the values and passions of the donor live on, creating a ripple effect of positive change.
From a charity’s point of view, these bequests are more than just financial support; they are a testament to the
Did you know?
HMRC supports charities giving by offering a reducing Inheritance Tax rate (36% rather than 40%) to those who choose to give 10% or more in their Will to charity. To find out more, visit the HMRC website.
Scan the QR code and use the code “FITZWYGRAMFREE” to write your will for free with Octopus Legacy.
trust and belief that individuals place in their vision for the future. For the donors and their families, the act of giving can bring a sense of fulfilment, knowing that they will continue to make a difference for good in the world.
A gift of even 1% of an estate is often the greatest single gift a person can make, ensuring they stay connected to a larger purpose, and that they will continue to make a difference.
Writing a Will does not need to be an onerous or expensive task – but it will ensure your wishes are fulfilled, and might well make a difference for good in the world.
We recommend that you speak with your solicitor or Will writer regarding capital gains and inheritance tax. You can also view the HMRC’s guidance on inheritance tax. If you are considering writing a Will, you can do so for free through the Fitzwygram Foundation (registered charity number 1167976) using Octopus Legacy, an online Will-writing service. Simply scan the QR code and use the code “FITZWYGRAMFREE” at check-out, regardless of whether you choose to leave a gift to the Foundation. Find out more at www.fitzwygram.org
SCHOOL CAPTAINS
The School Captains Team for the 2025-26 academic year has been named.
From left to right, congratulations to Monty Seager, Alfred Bancroft, James Eggleton, Mikael Nur, Ben Rowe and Eddie Haycock. Along with the Prefects and Mentors, the School Captains act as ambassadors for the School and serve as role models, offering advice and support to younger Hamptonians.
BUDDING DESIGNERS
Fourth Year designers competed to make the best prototype of a kitchen product which is accessible to all.
The Motionspot Design Competition involved pupils researching, creating, and presenting a range of concepts to an industry professional.
SUPER SCIENTISTS
Senior Hamptonians achieved record results in the 2025 Chemistry Olympiad, chalking up 13 Gold medals. Hampton chemists also received 15 Silvers and 10 Bronze awards - an excellent performance for the School.
BEST MUSICAL
The joint Senior School Production 42nd Street has been awarded ‘Best Musical’ at the National School Theatre Awards.
Joint Drama and Music productions by Hampton and LEH date back to the 1960s and the production standards are exceptional. Well done to all on this superb achievement.
CHESS CHAMPIONS
Hampton’s Chess Team has been crowned 2025 National Chess Champions.
Hampton was one of 26 teams to reach the final of the English Chess Federation’s National Schools’ Championships.
The victorious Hampton team spans the year groups and includes: Luoke Wang (Second Year), Jai Kothari and Tom Balmond (Third Year), Alex Lapidus (Fourth Year) and Anirudh Shidlagatta (Fifth Year). Captain Upper Sixth Former Rajat Makkar, raced directly from the competition to the airport to continue his quest for the title of Grandmaster.
A fabulous toe-tapping production from start to finish.
National School Theatre Awards
Football Report
Old Hamptonians AFC go into the 2025/26 season well placed. The 1st XI fought hard throughout the season to retain their spot in the Premier Division, having been promoted last year.
New captain Max Matchett OH (2017) will look to build on this position going into the new season, with pre-season training starting shortly.
The 2nd XI were unlucky to be relegated from Division 1 South, despite battling well. They will aim to climb back up the table this season.
The club is always looking for new members, both social and playing. It is very sociable, with competitive match fees, excellent playing surfaces, and quality match teas.
If you are interested, please get in touch with George Gregory on 07500 967004.
Basketball
The Old Hamptonians Basketball Club is open to all Hampton School alumni looking to stay active, competitive, and connected. We train every Sunday for 1.5 hours in Wimbledon and compete in a midweek league against local teams across London. Whether you played at school or just love the game, OHBC offers a fun and competitive environment to improve your skills, meet fellow alumni, and be part of a growing community. It’s a great way to stay involved with Hampton beyond the classroom. Follow us on Instagram and check our bio to join the WhatsApp group!
Rugby
Old Hamptonians RFC enjoyed another superb season, achieving a third consecutive promotion—moving into Counties 2 Surrey for the 2025-26 season and reaching our joint-highest level on the RFU pyramid.
After winning our first four games, we faced tough competition in a league full of quality. Although we were beaten to the title by deserved champions Worth Old Boys, a sensational 50–12 win away at Old
OH Golf Society
The OHGS meets monthly during the warmer months for society days or matches against alumni from Tiffinians, Kingstonians, and Cranleighans.
The 2024 season ended with our traditional December meeting at Strawberry Hill Golf Club, where awards were presented. There was no fixture in April due to a memorial golf day for Brian Collison, a long-time supporter and former captain at Bramley Golf Club.
The 2025 season began with a narrow win over Tiffinians for the Ford Cup, with Kevin Bell and Secretary Bob Hudson starring. In May, regular society players narrowly defeated a younger OH team at Burhill Golf Club. In June, we competed in the Surrey Schools Golf Society event, won by Kingstonians.
We also retained the Les Stokes Cup in our annual match against the School in early July.
The society welcomes golfers of all abilities. Membership is free and includes former OHRFC players, footballers, ex-teachers, and interested parents.
For more information, contact Bob Hudson at bob-hudson@hotmail.com or on 07533 029814.
Georgians—our conquerors in the National Cup two years ago and finalists this year—secured promotion on the penultimate weekend.
We exited the National Cup in the first round against a tenacious Thamesians side, having reached the quarterfinals in the previous two seasons. Nonetheless, we reflect on the campaign with huge pride. We continued our ascent through the Surrey leagues and fielded Old Hamptonians from the classes of 2012 to 2024.
Email oldhamptoniansrfc@gmail.com or message our Chairman, Nick Powell, on +44 7716 940218 if you want to get involved in a playing or social capacity this season, as we aim for four promotions in four years!
Cricket
The Old Hamptonians Cricket Club has enjoyed another exceptional year, both on and off the field, continuing a five-year trend of sustained growth in quality and recruitment. The significant restructure of Surrey cricket this season has seen all our Saturday sides enter new leagues, encountering many fresh opponents. We’re proud to report strong performances across the board at the halfway mark: our 3rd XI sits unbeaten at the top of their league, while the 1st and 4th XIs are third—hot on the heels of the top two and pushing hard for promotion. Our 2nd XI currently holds seventh place in a highly competitive league that includes several 1st XI sides and overseas professionals. With the school term now concluded, our 5th XI has also kicked off its core season at Hampton.
Our U21 Lion Cubs are making their mark in Tier One of the Surrey Trust League, competing at some of Surrey’s strongest clubs and finest grounds. Leo Hartley OH (2024) has done a sensational job skippering the side, expertly bringing together some of the best talent Hampton has produced in recent years, with the vast majority also playing Saturday cricket for OHCC. This talent pipeline was clearly evident in the 1st XI’s recent triumph: a thrilling chase of 255 against promotion rivals Horsley & Send, anchored by a superb 91 from Hampton School’s 2025 1st XI Captain, Anuj Srivastav, and finished off with a blistering 59* from fellow school armband holder Matt Avant-Smith OH (2021).
Beyond Saturday and U21s action, both our 1st and 2nd XIs enjoyed exciting T20 cup runs. The 1st XI narrowly missed out in their quarter-final against a strong Valley End side at Dean Road in what was a truly thrilling match. The Old Hamptonians also proudly represented the school for the second time in the prestigious Cricketer Cup, making a terrific account of themselves before ultimately bowing out to Bradfield School—a team boasting several current and former professionals.
The Hamptonians mentioned above are just a few examples of the wealth of talent flowing into OHCC from
Hampton School alumni. These players, alongside members from a wide array of backgrounds, seamlessly integrate into our club, continually pushing us toward bigger and better achievements. This season alone, 67 Hamptonians have already represented our sides, with leave dates spanning from Nigel Moore OH (1976) to current pupils. With school and university terms now concluded, we anticipate this number will continue to grow—an exciting prospect for the club’s future.
We pride ourselves on offering a diverse range of cricket, from highly competitive 1st XI action to friendly 5th and occasional 6th XI matches, catering to all abilities. We are an extremely welcoming, competitive, and social cricket club, providing opportunities for all—whether you’re looking for league games, midweek fixtures, or friendly matches. We are also immensely proud of our brilliant relationship with the Hammersmith, Fulham, Ealing and Hounslow Mind charity (HFEH Mind), through which we not only raise funds but also actively promote vital mental health conversations. This initiative is passionately led by Jack Berg OH (2020) and Toby Godfray OH (2016).
Our annual social calendar is packed with highlights, including our cricket tour (this year to Leeds in early August) and our popular 6-a-side tournament on the August Bank Holiday.
If any of this sparks your interest, we would be delighted to welcome you to the Old Hamptonians Cricket Club! Please don’t hesitate to reach out through your preferred channel. You can email us at ohacricket@gmail.com or message us on Instagram via @ohacricket.
James Osborne OH (2017) Club Captain – OHACC
IN MEMORIAM
We commemorate and pay tribute to the lives of alumni, staff and friends of Hampton School who are no longer with us. If you would like to share an obituary for publication, please contact us at alumni@hamptonschool.org.uk
In order to honour as many members of our community as possible, as fully as we can, a new page has been created
MR JAMES G SCOUSE (JIM)
We have recently been informed of the passing of Mr Scouse, formerly of the English department, in 2022. Mr Scouse taught at Hampton School between 1972 and 1980 was known for his excellent productions as well as his involvement in trips and the CCF. After leaving Hampton, Jim Scouse went on to work at Sevenoaks School and retired to Luxor, Egypt.
MR MIKE JOHNSTONE
Mike taught Biology at Hampton between 2002 and 2016 and passed away in February 2025.
DR KEITH SIMPKINS OH (1951)
Keith’s talent as a cricketer and rower at Hampton are highlighted in editions of the Lion during his time at the School. Keith passed away on the 28 May 2025.
on our website under ‘News’ called ‘In Memoriam’. This will hold all obituaries, memories and pictures of those OHs, past colleagues and friends of the School who have passed away. These pages can be added to as the memories come in to us, and will be published for one year following the publication of their obituary in The Hamptonian. If you would like to add a picture or a memory, please email alumni@hamptonschool.org.uk or write to us at the School.
All the individuals mentioned in these obituary pages are published on the In Memoriam page on our website at alumni.hamptonschool.org.uk/news/in-memoriam
REV ALUN GLYN JONES
As remembered by Stephen Brian OH (1973), Alun was the Hampton Grammar School Chaplain from 1965-1976, and he also taught Divinity. He was a graduate of Corpus Christi College Cambridge and served a curacy in Portsea before joining Hampton. Former member of staff Alan Stranks (1973 - 2010) remembers Alun as someone who could communicate with all around him, a tough but friendly rival at the shove-halfpenny board in the staff room, and a talented cricketer.
Alun passed on Monday 17 February 2025, one week short of his 87th birthday.
TONY TYERS OH (1963)
Tony was a keen sportsman and amongst other achievements rowed for Hampton in the Henley Royal Regatta in 1962. After leaving Hampton he entered the medical profession and became a consultant ophthalmologist and ophthalmic plastic surgeon at Salisbury District Hospital. We were only recently informed of Tony’s passing, which happened peacefully at Salisbury Hospice on Friday 24 April 2020.
DR STEVE ALEXANDER
Dr Steve Alexander taught at Hampton from 1986 - 2010 becoming the School’s first Head of Spanish and overseeing the growth of the subject from being taken by fewer than 50 pupils to more than 600.
PETER LOVESEY OH (1955)
Peter Lovesey, award winning author of the Victorian Sergeant Cribb series and the Peter Diamond series, passed away on Thursday 10 April 2025 aged 88.
MARK THRELFALL OH (1995)
After Hampton, Mark went on to study Zoology at the University of Bristol before holding several positions as directors of different organisations. Mark passed on Monday 28 April 2025.
DONALD LAMBERT OH (1958)
We have recently been notified of the passing of Donald Lambert (1958) in 2024.
Donald attended Hampton between 1951 and 58. He was a Prefect, Head of Walpole House and represented the School in the First XV (rugby) and cross country. He appeared in the 1957 edition of The Lion: “In the senior school event, R. Freeman won convincingly from V. Lester, with D. Lambert winning a close fight with P. Lee for third position”
MRS SHEILA BINNS
The Hampton community was saddened to hear of the death of Sheila Binns, former member of the Common Room. Sheila worked at Hampton between 2002 and 2009 as Admissions Secretary and then Registrar (Admissions Manager). Longer-serving members of the Common Room will remember Sheila as a dedicated, assiduous and warm-hearted colleague. Her sons, Rowan OH (2001) and Hayden OH (2006), both attended our School.
STEVE WISE OH (1979)
At Hampton, Steve was involved in the boat club, bridge club and stage crew, before studying Mathematics at Durham University where he continued his interest in rowing by becoming Captain of Boats at St Chad’s College. Steve dedicated his working career to the information management profession holding several different positions at the House of Commons. Steve passed on Tuesday 11 February 2025 at Southborough Nursing Home.
ROBERT BUTT OH (1996)
In his character reference of 1996, Headmaster Graham Able described Robert as honest, trustworthy and reliable, outstanding in his conduct. Robert passed away in late February 2025, and is survived by his brother Simon Butt OH (1999).
BRUCE FERNE OH (1954) AND PETER FERNE OH (1981)
When we were notified of the passing of Bruce Ferne we also heard of the sad death of his son, Peter, 11 years earlier.
JOHN SYRAD OH (1950)
The death of John Syrad OH (1950) marks the passing of the last of four brothers who came to Hampton. James Syrad OH (1948), Ronald Syrad MBE, Stuart Syrad OBE OH (1991) also were Hamptonians, as is his son Tim Syrad OH (1984), who survives his father. John died in May 2025, at the age of 93.
Joe Dalton
Joe Dalton was my form master when I arrived at the school in 1971. Taking Latin A-level and the Oxford exam, he taught me during my last two years, from 1976-1978.
Masters of course had reputations among the boys as to their teaching abilities and their approach to discipline (excessive, reasonable or weak). A positive recommendation was the qualification, ‘a good bloke’. Joe Dalton was definitely a ‘good bloke’, indeed one of the very best.
In terms of teaching, humour and common decency, he was first class. It seemed that he never had to raise his voice to command attention or impose order on the class. People were afraid to disappoint such a ‘good bloke’ and knew that, whenever he spoke, it was worth listening too.
He taught me so well (along with Messrs Flood and Parr), that I took Latin at university and still use the knowledge almost 50 years later.
Fond, fond memories…
Jeremy Stubbs (MA, DPhil) OH (1978)
Val Horton Memories from The Lion
Val Horton began her journey at Hampton in 1977, the Silver Jubilee year, and is leaving 27 years later as one of the longest-serving members of the school community. She worked in both the Chemistry and Biology departments, most fondly remembered as Head Technician in Biology. Over the years, she witnessed the department grow from two to six laboratories and the teaching staff increase to nine.
Val adapted to significant changes in the curriculum, including preparing equipment for genetic manipulation experiments. Her readiness to embrace new challenges was evident
throughout her tenure. During an inspection, the Biology inspector praised the enormous support provided by the technicians, highlighting Val’s invaluable contribution.
The prep room, overlooking the school fields, was the department’s hub, and Val’s cheerful, calm approach ensured its smooth operation. She was always ready to help, especially when it involved brewing tea! Val was a fantastically valuable member of the department, and her departure is deeply felt by all.
My current dealings with undergraduate cell biology practicals also make me retrospectively grateful for all the work Val Horton and behind the scenes technical staff did to facilitate all our practical experiments! Only now do I appreciate how much effort goes in to making sure the experiment is set up and good to go and how well she and her staff did it!
Kind regards, Ian White OH (1991)
Joe Dalton
Eulogy by Colin Flood
I want to talk about Joe—what he meant to his colleagues at Hampton, his friends, and personally to me and my family.
I knew Joe for nearly 55 years—longer than I knew my own father. Over those years, he was many things to me: a patient Head of Department who supported a young teacher without imposing his own style, a genial uncle, a father figure, a big brother, and always a loyal, steadfast friend to me, my wife, and our children. His calm, empathetic nature made him the obvious choice as godfather to our children—and to many others. It was clear to all of us: Joe was special.
A brilliant classical scholar, Joe wore his learning lightly. He loved Latin poetry, Roman history, and language in all its forms. Our walks were filled with conversations about words, nature, and history—he was simply wonderful to talk with.
He was a gifted linguist, fluent in French, Italian, Greek, and Russian. During his National Service, the RAF trained him as a Russian interpreter for Cold War intelligence—a skill he cherished for life.
Joe was also a keen sportsman: a talented footballer who surprised many sixth formers with his skill, and a formidable cricketer—both bowler and batsman. He led the RAF Section of Hampton’s CCF and recruited me, for which I’m deeply
grateful. He never missed the Dartmoor training trips, which taught generations of boys survival, teamwork, and selfreliance. Joe was always there—his heart was in the hills. He loved the outdoors. A tireless hiker and hill walker, he had the uncanny ability to float up mountains while I struggled behind. He introduced me to the hills of North Wales and once gently remarked to my wife, after a slow climb up the Nantlle ridge, that he’d “never been up it quite so slowly.” He was at home in the hills.
At Hampton, Joe was a vital part of the adventure society, leading expeditions across Europe, Africa, and Asia—always with the boys’ experience at heart. He was also a passionate birdwatcher and music lover, especially fond of Beethoven’s string quartets. And if you wanted to see him leap from his chair, just mention a cat on the terrace!
But above all, Joe was a schoolmaster. As Head of Lower School, his patient, firm, and humane leadership earned deep respect and affection. He made those around him feel secure. The only time I saw him flustered was when a young first former waiting outside the Common Room called out, “Daddy!”
Barry Martin, Hampton’s Headmaster toward the end of Joe’s career, wrote: “Joe was a boundless source of Hampton wisdom and kindness… a sound adviser. A retired deputy head described him as ‘the archetypal lovely man.’”
Bingo. Our lovely, gentle, generous, and precious Joe—in a nutshell.
30 AUGUST 2025
03 OCTOBER 2025
Mapletoft Festival of Rugby from 10.30am at Hampton School
Here are some upcoming events for your diary in 2025.
24 SEPTEMBER 2025
Fitzwygram Foundation Wine Tasting, Franklin’s Wine, London W11 6.30-9.00pm
Reunion Dinner for the Class of 2015, Hampton School, 7.00pm-9.30pm
15 OCTOBER 2025
Science, Technology and Engineering Networking event, at Mint Leaf Lounge, London EC2, 7.00pm – 9.00pm
18 NOVEMBER 2025 City and Legal Professionals Networking Reception, 30 Lombard Street St James’ Place, 7.00-9.00pm
To register for our upcoming events, visit here: alumni.hamptonschool.org.uk/events/
15 DECEMBER 2025
Class of 2025 first reunion, The White Horse, Richmond, 6.00pm-8.00pm