Flecker Publication 2020

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:46 Page 1

r e k c e l f OLD

DECANIAN

NEWS

SUMMER 2020 ~ Edition 6

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:46 Page 2

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Contents Welcome

2

PODS 2019/20

4

International Representatives

4

News from the Decades

5

News from the Archives

24

News from the School

29

Development

40

Old Decanian Events

42

Obituaries

48

Dates for the Diary

62

Old Decanian Society Committee 2020~21 President Lord Bernard Ribeiro CBE (Tower 1962) Chairman Robin Bayliss (Tower 1983) - Trustee Vice Chairman Claire Harding (née Bayley) (Mead 1972) Treasurer Tim Lawrence (Field 1976) - Trustee OD Secretary Alex Hume (Dale 2002) - Trustee Bella Acland (Fawley 2016) Samantha Armstrong (Shelburne 1985) Helen Gregory (Hatherley 2012) Rupert Lane (Gate 1962) Andrew Marquand (Field 1971) - Trustee Guy Toye (Brook Court 2016) Andrew Troughton (Field 1991) Jeremy Winter (Court 1961) Honorary Members: David Evans – Director of External Relations Julie Kent – Current Staff Representative Emma Taylor – Dean Close Foundation Warden

Contact details If you would like to contact someone on the committee, please liaise with Alex Hume: ods@deanclose.org.uk 01242 258 048 Old Decanian Society, Dean Close House, 67 Lansdown Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL51 6QD.

2 FLECKER I SUMMER 2020

WELCOME Secretary

Another year, another Flecker. The last six months have been unprecedented, and as a school, we have essentially been extending Dean Close into homes all around the world.

Our teaching staff and pupils have been incredible in adapting to the unforeseen circumstances, and have created exceptional learning environments in virtual classrooms. I am especially proud that the Dean Close Foundation schools and nurseries remained open for the children of key workers both in term time and the Easter holidays.

This year has not unfolded as planned and due to the pandemic, we were forced to cancel this year’s Old Decanian Day, as well as several other events that we were looking forward to hosting for you all. However, we can announce that the Old Decanian 130th Anniversary Ball will be going ahead next year, on Saturday 3 July 2021. Please put the date in your diaries and start telling fellow ODs… we will need a good party by then!

We will provide more details on this in the coming months.

2021 will of course look different for the Old Decanian Society. Our strategy for the coming year has been amended, with events taking a back seat and an added focus on

business and careers support. As a result, we will be creating a business directory and we will continue to support the school in any way that is required. Community has always mattered at Dean Close and we are privileged to be part of an international community that will keep looking out for each other.

As ever, do not forget to keep us updated with any OD news. Likewise, if your contact details change please contact us at deanclose.org.uk/update-your-details.

I hope you enjoy this year’s Flecker – you’ll see there has been plenty going on, despite the challenges.

Alex Hume (Dale 2002)

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:46 Page 3

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

President In the last edition of the Flecker, I signed off by saying “we look forward to seeing what 2020 holds.” I, for one, did not expect us to be coping with the challenges that we have faced and continue to face.

The Dean Close Foundation, like the majority of organisations, has been impacted by the global pandemic. Schools in general are finding the current situation very challenging, but we are proud to say that the Dean Close Foundation has adapted incredibly well. We are lucky that we have been able to use technology to continue the education of our pupils and we have seen a really positive impact that we hope will stand them in good stead.

Thankfully, we have come a long way since the first computer arrived at Dean Close in 1979.

Chairman My second year in charge, and it has not gone as I expected. Up until January, we continued to follow our strategic plan successfully, but as is the case in most of the companies around the world, the Old Decanian Society has needed to adapt to the changes enforced on us. Our focus remains clear, and that is to support our members and the school.

We continue to finance the two new initiatives we set up last year. The committee are delighted to see the first recipient of the Old Decanian Foundation Award begin to flourish at Dean Close and prepare to enter the remove next year. We also continue to support Nyakatakura Memorial Secondary School in Uganda, whom the School have been affiliated with since 2005. This year we will support another four children through their schooling there.

During lockdown, the ODS has also allocated funds to help support parents of children in the school who are facing financial difficulty. To date, the fund has already assisted several families who have been affected by the pandemic, and we will continue to support them with fees.

As is the Dean Close way, the school has continued to support the wider community. Our design and technology departments have been able to utilise the school’s laser-cutting tools to make anti-droplet visors to support our care workers, and thanks to over 30 volunteers from the Dean Close community, we have been able to help with delivering prescription medicines to the elderly living in Cheltenham.

Once again, I would like to thank the school, especially the archive and development departments, for all their ongoing support as we ensure the ODS continues to thrive and develop. My thanks also go to every member of our committee for their continued service – (see below picture) the Finance & General Purposes Committee looking very serious in a screenshot of our Zoom meeting with Emma Taylor and David Evans!

Robin Bayliss (Tower 1983)

Emma Taylor (Warden), Adrian Bowcher (Bursar), the trustees and the senior leaderships teams have, as you can imagine, spent a significant amount of time on financial planning to ensure the foundation emerges strongly from this pandemic.

Thank you to those that have offered encouragement and supported us over this difficult period - it has been much appreciated.

Lord Bernard Ribeiro (Tower 1962)

SUMMER 2020 I FLECKER 3

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:46 Page 4

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

PODS 2019/20

Brook Court George Harris Dale

Charlie Street

Fawley

Emma Davis

Field

James Schubach*

Gate

Mobo Sotande-Peters

Hatherley

Olivia Moss*

Mead

Pippa Salisbury*

Shelburne

Emily Smith

Tower

Isaac Barlow*

Turner

Izzy Turner

*indicates that they are in the lower sixth and will continue to be a POD for 2020/2021.

Thank you to this year’s PODS (Pupil Old Decanians) pictured here at our meeting in January. The PODS are a key link between the OD office and the pupil body at Dean Close.

The PODS have done a fantastic job in hosting at events and collecting leavers’ contact information, which will enable us to keep in contact with our newest members of the ODS!

International OD Representatives AUSTRALIA - Perth Stefanie Jones (née Brooking) (Shelburne 1990) CANADA - Ottawa Chuck Kennedy (Gate 1986) CANADA - Alberta Sara Lynn Burrough (Shelburne 1976) HONG KONG David Ho (Gate 1985) SOUTH AFRICA - Johannesburg Rick Hogben (Gate 1965)

UAE - Qatar John Toon (Gate 1976) USA - Alabama Kirsten McTernan (née Spalholz) (Shelburne 1997) USA - Los Angeles Ian Bishop (Court 1981) USA - San Diego Caroline Harwood (Shelburne 1981) USA - San Diego Charmaine Haworth (née Lamb) (Shelburne 1991)

UAE - Dubai Nick Anderson (Dale 2001)

USA - Seattle David Richardson (Tower 1954)

UAE - Oman John Keane (Tower 1993)

USA - Washington DC Farrokh Jahandari (Tower 1981)

If you would like to make contact with any of the representatives please liaise with the OD Office.

Also, if you think you could become a country representative please let us know.

4

FLECKER I SUMMER 2020

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:46 Page 5

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

NEWS FROM THE

DECADES 2010

James Hunt (Dale 2019) has started a new hockey coaching business, JH Hockey Coaching (hockeycoaching.co.uk). Since leaving Dean Close, James has represented Nottingham Trent University and Beeston Hockey Club in the Men’s Premier League. He was selected to be part of the Elite Development Program (GB U23/21) earlier this year.

Dani Gibson (Hatherley, Class of 2019, left lower sixth) was one of 25 cricketers to receive a regional retainer from the England and Wales Cricket Board as part of a move to professionalise the women’s domestic game. Dani continues to play cricket for Western Storm in Exeter, having signed with the side in 2017.

Congratulations to former drama scholar Guy Amos (Tower 2018), who started at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama in September 2019.

Maddie Dunn (Shelburne 2018) starred in a production of Legally Blonde at London’s Bloomsbury Theatre back in February.

Produced by the UCL Musical Theatre Society, the three-night residency saw Maddie take on the lead role of Elle Woods, made famous by Reese Witherspoon.

Gloucester rugby’s George Barton (Dale 2019) and Josh Gray (Tower 2019) represented England in the 2020 Six Nations Under 20s championship in March, taking on Wales at Kingsholm on Friday 6 March.

Unfortunately England lost 22-23 on the night.

Pollyanna Burnet-Harris (Shelburne 2019) is studying BSc (Hons) Biology with Professional Placement at the University of Bath, having been awarded a coveted arts scholarship for her work in sculpture. The programme supports students in creative pursuits alongside their studies.

Izzy Montgomery (Hatherley 2018), currently studying at Cambridge, played in the 120th Cambridge v Oxford Varsity Hockey Match in March. After a tense draw, the match went to penalty shuffles, with Cambridge winning 2-1. Izzy is pictured here, celebrating with her teammates.

SUMMER 2020 I FLECKER

5

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:46 Page 6

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Freddie Faux (Brook Court 2018) has been commissioned from Sandhurst into the Army Air Corps as Aviation Support Officer.

Salim Jaffar (Dale 2017) sang with The Choir of King's College, Cambridge, in the BBC’s traditional Christmas Eve service of Nine Lessons and Carols in 2019. He went on to perform in this year’s pre-recorded 'Easter from King's' programme of music and readings on Easter Saturday.

Ayesha Markham (Mead 2016) has graduated from Loughborough University with a First Class Honours in Accounting and Financial Management.

In January, Berian Williams-Jones (former Tower housemaster) met up with Hadley Trafford (Tower 2017) as he travelled across Australia. Berian is currently teaching at Brisbane Grammar School.

Luca Cappuccini (Dale 2017) has begun working at Seven Investment Management (7IM) within the institutional client team. This is following graduation from Loughborough University with BA in Politics with Economics.

Patrick Coniam (Brook Court 2017) has graduated with a 2.1. BSc (Hons) in Medical Sciences from the University of Exeter.

Lawrence Kilsby (Brook Court 2017) has been signed by arts agency Askonas Holt, which represents classical musicians from Bernard Haitink to Sir Simon Rattle. Laurence is currently an ABRSM vocal scholar at the Royal College of Music in London, under the tutelage of tenor Timothy Evans-Jones and pianist Simon Lepper. He is the winner of the 2018 Kathleen Ferrier Society Bursary for Young Singers and competed in the 2019 Wigmore Hall/Independent Opera International Song Competition. He has made stage debuts with Nederlandse Reisopera and the Festival d’Aix-en-Provence.

6

FLECKER I SUMMER 2020

Nika Vonk (Fawley 2015) has climbed the height of Mount Kilimanjaro... at home using the stairs. It took Nika seven days to reach the summit (5895m), the equivalent of one flight of stairs 2047 times. All monies raised were donated to NHS Charities Together.

Charlotte Marlborough (Shelburne 2015) has graduated from the University of Hull with a First Class Masters degree in Engineering.

Catriona Dick (Fawley 2015) has been awarded First Class Honours in International Events Management and Tourism (BSc) from Sheffield Hallam University.

In July 2019, Stephen Whitford (Field 2015) accepted the post of Gentleman-in-Ordinary in the Choir of Her Majesty’s Chapel Royal, St James’ Palace.

The Choir of Her Majesty's Chapel Royal is one of the oldest musical organisations in the world, existing since the first Christian monarchs. Its duties today are essentially the same as they have been for over a thousand years: to sing the regular services in the chapel of the monarch's home and attend with the monarch at services and events as commanded. Many principal names in classical music including the English composers Tallis, Byrd and Purcell have been members of the choir of the Chapel Royal.

The choir consists of six Gentlemenin-Ordinary, ten choristers, an organist, choirmaster and a suborganist. The gentlemen sing the lower parts alongside boy choristers known as the Children of the Chapel.

The boys wear the distinctive state uniform introduced at the Restoration in 1660 and receive choral scholarships to attend the City of London School.

Services are sung every Sunday morning except during August and September and the Sundays after Easter and Christmas. The choir also sings at royal weddings, christenings and funerals and other occasions as required by the church year.

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:46 Page 7

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

The art department was excited to welcome back Amy Truscott (Hatherley 2014) in September 2019. Amy came back to share her work in an exhibition titled ‘Contemporary Sculptures’.

Amy built on her art A-level with a Foundation Diploma in Art at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College. Following an invitation to exhibit at the biennial Fresh Air Sculpture Show at Quenington, she was awarded the Curator’s Award. She then completed her BA in Sculpture at the Edinburgh College of Art and was nominated as one of the Royal Scottish Academy’s New Contemporaries, exhibiting there in April 2019. She is currently working towards a Masters in Glass at Edinburgh College of Art. Amy says: "My work aims to provide a route to a transient and indulgent world which has the illusion of being fragile. If people leave feeling a little lighter, a little happier, having engaged with something aesthetically beautiful and delicate, my work is done."

Oscar Osicki (Dale 2013) has graduated from Yale as a Master of Music (MMus). A choral-conducting student at Yale, Oscar launched bi-weekly listening parties on Zoom to great success during lockdown, providing classical music enthusiasts with a space to listen together.

Congratulations to Abbey Hayler (Fawley 2014), who in September married Charlie Miles in a service led by DCS former Chaplain, Rev. Libby Talbot. The happy couple are pictured with their bridesmaids Adelaide Hollows (far left) and Rosie Abbott (far right).

Addie Hollows (Fawley 2014) has been commissioned into the Royal Navy as Weapon Engineer Officer (Submariner) after completing six months’ training at the Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth.

She will now complete her Weapon Engineer and Submariner training. A keen hockey player, Addie captains the BRNC team and was recently awarded the prize for ‘Best Hockey Player’. Addie is pictured here with her mum and dad.

Charlotte Ivers (Hatherley 2013), formerly Media Operations Officer at 10 Downing Street, is now politics producer at talkRADIO. When Charlotte announced she was leaving No.10, she even got a tweet from Larry the Cat!

In September 2019, George Thomas (Field 2013) showcased some of his latest artwork at the ‘Out of the Shadows’ event in Mayfair, London. George was exhibiting landscape paintings of London and Spain as well as still-life paintings. His work appeared alongside that of fellow artists Max Denison-Pender and Charlie Pickard.

SUMMER 2020 I FLECKER

7

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:46 Page 8

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

In his time at Dean Close, Paddy was known for his outstanding performances in many productions, including the role of Herr Schulz in Cabaret and Willy Loman in Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman. He went on to reprise his performance as Willy at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Textiles designer Lydia Bolton (Mead 2012) was interviewed as part of Vogue magazine’s ‘Girl on a Mission’ series in March. Profiled for her “unwavering commitment to sustainability� through her eponymous fashion business, Vogue interviewed Lydia about her process of upcycling unwanted clothing and textiles to produce new bespoke pieces. Follow Lydia on Instagram @lydia_bolton.

Director of Drama Lloyd Allington, who directed the critically-acclaimed production of Death of a Salesman, comments: “Paddy remarked to me that he seems to be living his career backwards. He already appeared in the West End in War Horse (covering the lead and at one stage performing the lead for two weeks) and went on a national tour with the play Another Country by Julian Mitchell.

Now he is off to RADA in his mid-20s.�

Following a slew of acting roles that saw him perform in the West End and at the Theatre Royal Bath, Patrick Fleming (Dale 2011) has enrolled on a three-year course at RADA.

DO Y YOU OU HAVE HA AVE VE A PLAN PL FOR FOR RETIREMENT? Protecting, growing and transferring g wealt wealth accross generations requires a plan.

At Kingswood, we combine wealth planning and investment management to create a solution that is perfectly suited to you an your circumstances.

Contact Michael Fajar Fajardo for more bm=oul-াom om |_; v;uˆb1;v ‰; o@;uÄş

Of working with Paddy on Death of a Salesman, which sold out six performances in Edinburgh, Lloyd adds: “I have never seen audiences so moved as they were in Edinburgh that week.�

In July 2020, Jamie Miller (Gate 2011) completed a wing walk in aid of Motor Neurone Disease. Jamie says: "It was a fantastic day enjoyed by all, an exhilarating experience that I would urge others to give a go. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the OD Society for their wonderful donation. My ÂŁ800 target was surpassed, so I had to endure the obligatory leg wax from my colleagues some months back."

+44 (0) 7811 801256 lb1_-;Ѵĺ=-f-u7oŠhbm]v‰oo7Ŋ]uo†rĺ1 ‰‰‰ĺhbm]v‰oo7Ŋ]uo†rĺ1ol

INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT | RETIREMENT PLANNING | PENSIONS

Kingswood, Kingswood Group and KW Institutional are trading names of KW Wealth Planning Limited (Companies House Number: 01265376) regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Firm Reference Number: 114694) and KW Investment Management Limited (Companies House Number: 06931664) regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Firm Reference Number: 506600) ZLWK D UHJLVWHUHG RIÄ&#x2020;FH DW $XVWLQ )ULDUV /RQGRQ (& 1 +( .: ,QYHVWPHQW 0DQDJHPHQW /LPLWHG LV DOVR UHJXODWHG LQ 6RXWK $IULFD E\ WKH )LQDQFLDO 6HFWRU &RQGXFW $XWKRULW\ )LUP 5HIHUHQFH 1XPEHU %RWK FRPSDQLHV DUH ZKROO\ RZQHG VXEVLGLDULHV RI .LQJVZRRG +ROGLQJV /LPLWHG ZKLFK LV LQFRUSRUDWHG LQ *XHUQVH\ UHJLVWHUHG QXPEHU DQG KDV LWV UHJLVWHUHG RIÄ&#x2020;FH DW 5HJHQF\ &RXUW *ODWHJQ\ (VSODQDGH 6W 3HWHU 3RUW *XHUQVH\ *< ::

8

FLECKER I SUMMER 2020

In October 2019, Michael Chung (Tower 2011) received the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Employee of the Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; gong at the Atkins UK & Europe Recognition Awards.

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:46 Page 9

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Did any ODs bid on the latest Francis Bacon painting (Bacon left Dean Close in 1926) to be sold at auction?

The triptych inspired by the Oresteia of Aeschylus sold for $84.6m in the end!

CLASS OF 2010 REUNION AT DCS In March, we asked ODs to check and update their details; those who did were automatically entered into a draw to win a reunion for their year group at Dean Close. The winner selected at random was Portia Broomfield (née Webb) (Shelburne 2010). Many congratulations to the Class of 2010 - the Old Decanian Society will be in contact to arrange the reunion in due course!

Harry Prance (Dale 2010) stormed to victory when he appeared on University Challenge in September 2019, competing as part of the team from The Courtauld Institute of Art that eventually beat out the London School of Economics. Harry is a PhD student at The Courtauld Institute of Art and is currently working on a thesis on Malleable Material: Middle Byzantine Eucharistic Objects.

2000

We were very grateful to Mary Perham (Fawley 2009) for giving up her time and attending a breakfast with sixth form students interested in becoming lawyers.

Mary gave an overview of some of the pathways into law and answered many questions from the students. Mary (pictured second from the right with the students), works for Charles Russell Speechlys, specialising in private client work with an interest in contentious trusts and probate.

Nataliey Bitature (Fawley 2009) has received an honorary doctorate in Business and Innovation from Keele University.

We were pleased to hear that Charles Hazzan (Gate 2009) and Hannah Hazzan (née McNair) (Fawley 2009) had a healthy baby boy named Harvey, born 5 April 2020, weighing 5lbs 9oz.

Nataliey is the Chief of Staff of Uganda’s Simba Group, a conglomerate of companies spanning the hospitality, energy, telecom and real estate sectors, as well as a foundation, of which she oversees the operations. She has been recognised amongst Africa’s brightest young achievers by Forbes’ ‘30 Under 30’ list, and the World Economic Forum has named her one of their Top 5 African Innovators.’

SUMMER 2020 I FLECKER

9

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:46 Page 10

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

George Tatham-Losh (Dale 2008), founder of Move Sales and Lettings in Gloucestershire (pictured centre), was awarded ‘Young Business Person of the Year’ at the Gloucestershire Live Business Awards 2019.

George Rawlings (Tower 2009) and Matthew McNeil Love (Tower 2008).

Read George’s post below…. www.honeypot.dating I'm NOT paying Instagram for ads.

Henry Neill (Brook Court 2007) made his Opera North debut in a much-lauded revival of La Boheme last autumn. Henry, a baratone, toured the country in September 2019, playing Schaunard in the ever-popular opera about young love and tragedy.

Why? I refuse to be just another startup competing in the same playing field. I'd rather change playing fields completely and, just for one day, look like an idiot but get noticed. We NEVER talk product, WE TRY to tell stories.

BUT in order to achieve this, we have to firstly, TELL a compelling story, and secondly get people to BUY into OUR story.

We're just two normal guys from London who've quit their jobs and built a dating app in search of girlfriends. Our marketing is ‘rubbish’...quite literally. But do we care at this stage?

No. Absolutely not.

Is it scary? 100%, yes it is. It's horrible, humiliating and we feel so vulnerable.

We're putting our neck so far on the line it's almost embarrassing but we won't stop until London knows about our dating app, Honeypot.

Sometimes in order to cut through the noise you must try and think outside the box – again, quite literally.

The easy route is to dump money into digital and cross your fingers. But if you really want to stand out, sometimes it's the unusual, awkward, unconventional route.

And remember, don’t just tell any old story, go deeper and tell YOUR story.

P.S. Honeypot is currently raising funds and has 60% committed to the round.

Message me for the pitch deck. Minimum investment 10K.

10

FLECKER I SUMMER 2020

Sam Tasker-Grindley (Dale 2006) has launched Furlonteer, a network that connects people on furlough with remote volunteer opportunities. Sam is a co-founder alongside Hamish Shepard (co-founder of Hello Fresh) and Rosie Shephard (founder of The Luxury Communications Council [LCC]). Sam is Head of Member Success at Clarity HQ. Conceived in lockdown over a virtual curry on Zoom, Furlonteer is a nonprofit project designed to connect charities and good causes with skilled people.

Back in the spring, Sam was featured in The Times: “[Sam] launched Furlonteer in April after a Zoom curry with friends. More than 5,000 people have signed up to do a minimum of three hours a week. He and a team of 20 match IT staff, PR experts, web developers and others with 800 organisations.”

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:46 Page 11

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Freelance journalist Jack Losh (Dale, 2006) travelled to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to photograph mountain gorillas and document conservation efforts for The Guardian earlier this year. He later covered the killing of a famous silverback there for National Geographic. His other assignments in 2020 have included a report on an indigenous, lakeside community near the Democratic Republic of Congo for the New York Times.

A writer, photographer and filmmaker covering conservation and humanitarian issues, Jack often reports in areas of conflict and crisis and was shortlisted for a prize at the Amnesty Media Awards 2020. He was also nominated for this year's Bayeux Calvados-Normandy Award for War

Megan Straiton (née Howell) (Mead 2006) and Rachel Martin (Fawley, Class of 2006 – left in fifth form) visited the school in November, while Rachel was visiting from Australia.

In February, housemistress Julie Kent welcomed back Frankie Knight (née Hildick-Smith) (Shelburne 2005) to speak at a house assembly forming part of the Lent addresses on hope.

Correspondents for a feature about wildlife rangers in a rebel-held area of the Central African Republic.

During lockdown, Jack returned to the Cotswolds to document the impact of the pandemic in his own community. His work can be viewed at jacklosh.com.

In August 2019, Ashok Gupta (Dale 2006) served as Assistant Conductor in a production of Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro at The New Generation Festival in Florence.

Ben Powell (Dale 2005) served as ‘Solo Violin’ on Disney’s big-budget film remake of The Lion King in 2019, working closely with renowned composer Hans Zimmer.

Robbie McColl (Tower 2004) is currently working at Edmund de Rothschild as Asset Manager. He and his wife, Alice, had a son, Charlie, born 8 January 2020.

Joe Moor (Gate 2003), a director at Hanbury Strategy, was a regular face on Sky during lockdown. Joe was previously Director of Legislative Affairs at 10 Downing Street and appeared as a legislation expert.

SUMMER 2020 I FLECKER

11

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:47 Page 12

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Television editor David Stark (Field 2001) won an International Kids Emmy in 2020 for his work on the CBBC adaptation of Jacqueline Wilson’s popular book, Katy. The film won the ‘Best TV Movie/Mini-Series’ category.

Alex Fateh (Dale 2002) married Dessi in Italy in 2019. Alex lives in Val-d'Isère, France, and is owner of Dick’s Tea Bar (dicksteabar.com).

Ed Ayres (Gate, Class of 2002, left in fifth form) passed out of British Army Basic Training at the Army Training Regiment, Pirbright, earlier this year. He is currently based in Lichfield in the Royal Army Medical Corps and is training to be a combat medical technician.

Ed is pictured here with his father Tony Ayres (Tower 1975), who served in the Gloucestershire regiment.

Amy Gibbs (née Spalholz) (Shelburne, Class of 2000, left in remove) married Thomas Gibbs last summer. Amy lives in New York.

!"#$%&'(%)'(*+$*,-)./#0#,"#,)1$%&'(%)'(*+$*,-)./2#($1$%&'(%)'(*+$*,-)./#0#%"#34567#843#89:#0#+;$%'<('/"#$%&'(%=)'(*+$*,=+;%,(+.($

12

FLECKER I SUMMER 2020

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:47 Page 13

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

1990s It was great to hear Pommie Mbangwa (Brook 1995) commentating on the England vs South Africa T20 back in February (pictured here on the right). Pommie played international cricket for Zimbabwe, opening the bowling for them from 1996–2002.

Matthew Martin (Gate 1994), composer, conductor and organist, took up the position of Precentor and Director of College Music at Caius, the University of Cambridge, in April 2020. Matthew joined from Keble College, Oxford, where he was Director of Music and a Fellow.

Commander Charles Collins, RN (Tower 1999) took command of HMS Montrose in November 2019. In February, HMS Montrose intercepted drug smugglers in the Gulf of Oman, finding a tonne of cannabis destined for the streets of the UK, with a street value of £6m.

Lt Col Ed Taylor (Field 1998) is now Commanding Officer, National Reserve HQ RA, and Commander, Woolwich Station.

Woolwich is the oldest garrison in the British Army (1781). Ed continues to be a Dean Close Foundation trustee and delivered the sermon on Remembrance Sunday at the school. (See page 38.)

Caius is one of the oldest and largest colleges of the University of Cambridge, founded in 1348, and has a student body of 1000 undergraduates, graduates and academics.

Parents that were homeschooling earlier in the year could have done with reading a new book from Kirsten McTernan (née Spalholz) (Shelburne 1997). Kirsten released Homeschooling: You CAN Do It! in the spring, going on to reach No.1 on the New Releases chart on Amazon in the US. Kirsten, who lives in the US and homeschools four sons, also appeared on the ABC, CBS and NBC networks to promote the book (for more information on Kirsten’s work, visit mcternan.com).

Sarah Wight (Shelburne 1993) represented Epsom Hockey Club at the semi-final of the Women’s O35s Tier 1 Cup in March 2020. Epsom were eventually knocked out by a very strong Clifton Robinsons side.

SUMMER 2020 I FLECKER

13

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:47 Page 14

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Zoe Schoning (nĂŠe Griffiths) (Fawley 1994) and husband Owen Schoning (Gate 1992) currently share partnership of Mullion Glass Studio and Workshop in Cornwall. Zoe, a fused glass artist, opened her studio there in 2016, while Owen has served 27 years (to date) in the Royal Navy. (zoeschoning.com).

Gordon Ellard (Court 1990), Andrew Egan (Court 1990) and Andrew Pike (Court 1990) enjoyed a reunion at the Rugby World Cup in Japan (all three are pictured here in a restaurant in Tokyo; Andrew Egan and Gordon are pictured in the second photo in Kyoto). Despite being close friends and playing rugby together at Dean Close, they had not been together since leaving.

Gordon currently lives in Melbourne running various businesses, Andrew Egan works in the City for a bank and Andrew Pike works at Newcastle University. They each have two children.

Andrew Egan hopes to visit the school next year as both his boys play rugby for RGS High Wycombe, which has just joined the DCS fixture list.

Choose from our range of

elegant amenitiesâ&#x20AC;Ś Professionally equipped Bacon Theatre venue Elegant Orangery complete with fully licensed bar Intimate recital venue with excellent acoustics Modern Dining Hall and extensive catering options Dean Close House & Gardens for grand receptions and fine dining Vibrant concert auditorium Spacious grounds with an array of Sporting Facilities Pavilion perfect for team meetings and training days Accommodation suitable for residential stays

Dean Close Services Ltd, Dean Close School, Shelburne Road, Cheltenham, GL51 6HE | 01242 267431 | enquiries@deanclosevenues.co.uk | www.deanclosevenues.co.uk |

14

FLECKER I SUMMER 2020

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:47 Page 15

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

1980s

After two years as Hockey Director at The Wimbledon Club, a role he has undertaken in combination with the head coach position with Wimbledon HC Ladies 1st team and Assistant to the Men's 1st team, Simon Organ (Field 1989) will be returning to The Netherlands to coach Amsterdam H & BC Men's 1st team.

Simon says: “Though very sad to leave Wimbledon, I am really excited to return to coaching at the highest level; not much tops the Dutch Hoofdklasse. My wife and two daughters (aged 7 and 9) are Dutch, so hopefully we can take the move in our stride!

Here is a photo from August 2019 when Sian Sloan (née Harwood) (Shelburne, Class of 1983, left in remove) visited Dean Close while on holiday in the UK from her home in California. Sian booked a tour of the school to show her daughter where she was educated alongside her twin sister, Caroline, who is the ODS representative in San Diego.

Sian is pictured in the school chapel with her mum and daughter.

That said, it is a shame to leave Wimbledon HC, whose Ladies 1st team has been promoted to the Premier National League in the outdoor and indoor leagues with a 100% win record: 17 wins from 17 matches in the outdoor league, and 8 wins from 8 games in the indoor league.”

Lucinda Cook (Fawley 1986), who lives in Granada, has written a book called Cities for People. The Story of David Cook (Lucinda’s father).

Jonathan Brelsford (Dale 1982) visited the school with wife, Dionne, and three of his four children.

Jonathan is pictured here with Joshua, Hannah and Claudia (his second son, Owen, missed the visit).

Jonathan lives in Pittsburgh in the US and is Senior Vice President of Finance and Investments at The Pittsburgh Foundation, where he has worked for nearly 14 years.

An update from Samir Abbas (Brook 1982): “After leaving school in 1982, I graduated from Newcastle University with a BE in Civil Engineering. I then graduated from Imperial College London with a Master’s in Public Health Engineering, and left the UK to live in Germany. I have been living there since. I am now married with three children, a boy aged 21 and twin daughters aged 19. I have been back to the UK on numerous occasions on business trips, though I have not found the time to visit the school. I will hopefully do so when the opportunity arises. I still stay in touch with a number of Old Decanians.”

Henry Unwin (Brook 1980) has been living in Queensland, Australia, since 2008. He has four children, nearly all grown up. In June 2020, he celebrated being married to Clare for 25 years. He is still working in the construction industry as a civil engineer, delivering the first battery electric vehicle transport project for Australia. Henry sent in this Gate House photo that Sam Nahas shared recently on Facebook…He remarked that the image is a little blurry, but the hairstyles and ties very indicative of the era!

SUMMER 2020 I FLECKER

15

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:47 Page 16

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

1970s Full-back: HERBERT — Elusive, quick, but vulnerable on the rolling ball, inclined to take too many chances. Good tackle, poor kick.

Wings: DRURY — Improved as a player, scored some good tries but is short of pace and a tackle.

RHODES — Unlucky to be out of the side but despite plucky running, never learned to link up or tackle and had to go.

MORREY — Elusive, improved tackling, needs to gain a yard of speed.

Centres: MITZNER — Big enough and fast enough must learn to go outside and to pass to his right. Tackle too high.

CRIBB — Fragile and not fast enough, but tried pluckily and improved.

Thanks to Mark Ogilvie (Brook 1979), who sent in this photo of a t-shirt given to the U15XV team in 1977. The father of captain Burt Hughes provided the shirts.

Back row (L to R): Chris Skae (Dale 1979), Rich Perrin (Dale 1979), Tom Leach (Court 1980), unknown, Burt Hughes (Captain) (Dale 1980), Vence Mitzner (Dale 1978), Pete White (Tower 1981), Ian Anderson (Gate 1981) and Neal Morrey (Brook 1979).

Front row (L to R): Mark Ogilvie (Brook 1979), David Bancroft (Brook 1981), unknown, Tim Jackson (Field 1981), Andrew Herbert (Tower 1981), Chris Rhodes (Field 1980) and Mike Crawshaw (Field 1982).

Can anyone confirm who is fourth from the left on the back row? Is it Tony Eggleston (Brook, 1979)? Also, who is third from the left on the front row?

Below is the brilliantly honest season report from the 1977 edition of The Decanian: “This has been a very successful season: the three matches lost were by one score, all of these away, and all in foul weather! (Which suggests perhaps we were slightly overawed by strange or difficult conditions!) Yes, the side looked vulnerable — always, if our opponents could run at our diminutive midfield, but to do that they had to have the ball and Morgan's hooking and the general aggression of most of the pack saw to it that we had most of it. Our weakness, as suggested, was in the lack of pace and size

16

FLECKER I SUMMER 2020

behind the scrum: cruelly too, Crawshaw, the fastest and the best tackler, was out nearly all season and his fit presence would have certainly saved us two defeats. The forwards, however, led by Hughes at No.8, whose individual forays were very difficult to stop, were a formidable unit by the end of the season and their only weakness was in line out and in bad weather where their rucking never matched their mauling. Apart from Hughes and Morgan, who were outstanding, White at flank played powerfully at times, without ever being able to link successfully, and Khoury and Godwin at prop improved consistently through the season. At half time, Jackson and Maddox were diminutive and on the slow side - fine if the ball was good, terrible going backwards.

Mitzner, transferred from full-back, has the makings of a good centre. And Herbert, wing or full-back, is fast enough to make another useful performer. The rest played pluckily and both they and the B-side were enthusiastic, though poor in the tackle. The high moments of the season for me were the performances against Bromsgrove and Magdalen C.S., where the opposition were just a little hesitant on the tackle and the smashing power of Hughes and White battered the first from set scrums and then released superb ball for the threes to spin it with Herbert's intrusion from full-back creating overlaps.

Given one outstanding half-back and, say, one outside the scrum, this would have been an outstanding side. I append a few "pen portraits", not in a spirit of criticism, but to help players for the future.”

Halves: JACKSON — Could be funereally slow (and was!) but was plucky and improved his passing and kicking.

MADDOX — Again diminutive and at a loss on tackling larger lads but a definite prospect with good hands and eye for a gap. Cannot kick at all — embarrassing for a fly-half!

Props/hooker: KHOURY — Quick to learn a strange game, fast and aggressive.

GODWIN — A little hesitant but improved his scrumming and loose play.

MORGAN — A superb hooker, never beaten, quick and a fine worker.

Locks: LEACH — Steadily improved, no lineout ability but some aggression — needs to tackle.

SKAE — Could jump, but lacked the necessary drive and was the weakest of the pack.

Flankers & No.8: BANCROFT — Small but mobile. Not secure on the tackle, but good on the break.

WHITE — A converted wing, strong and fast but not yet secure in handling or linking.

HUGHES — Fast, good tackler, scored many times. Must learn to link better.

Captained the side enthusiastically but again, naturally has much to learn here.

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:47 Page 17

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

We have been in contact with Blair Southern (Gate 1978) who lives in Santa Clara, California. We were sad to learn that he has recently been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a disease that affects motor neurons of the spinal cord, causing progressive weakness and atrophy of muscles. His wife, Elena has set up a GoFundMe page: www.gf.me/u/x3rvb8.

Fleet Line Markers Ltd, owned by Iain McGuffie (Tower 1977) and his four children, Victoria (Fawley 2005), Robbie (Tower 2006), Alexander (Tower 2008) and Alastair (Tower 2013) painted this brilliant rainbow tribute on the College grounds to thank our NHS at Cheltenham General Hospital.

At the beginning of 2020, David Watson (Brook 1973) and James Evans (Field 2010) were cast together in an offBroadway production of The Woman in Black in New York. Directed by Robin Herford, the classic also reunited fellow actors Ben Porter and David Acton, who both starred in the London stage production.

David took on the role of Arthur Kipps, while James was understudy for The Actor (played by Ben Porter).

Peter Barrett (Field 1976) (pictured on the left) and Chris Watts (Brook, class of 1976, left fifth form) met for drinks and dinner in Sathorn, Bangkok, on the 4 November 2019 and reminisced about their five years at Dean Close Junior School. Chris and Peter bumped into one another in Hong Kong, where they were both working in 2001, and have kept in touch since then.

Louisa Somerville (Mead 1974) is one of the most accomplished authors to come out of Dean Close, having produced countless children's books, including a bestselling series of bedtime stories, Five-Minute Bedtime Tales (Dempsey Parr, 1998) and several non-fiction titles for Usbourne. Our favourite, though, is The Ultimate Guide to Cat Breeds (Lorenz Books, 2010) featuring over 150 popular cats!

Alan Price (Gate 1971) has continued Deliveroo-ing in London on his pennyfarthing during retirement. Alan says he does this mainly to top up his meagre pension and secondly to put petrol in his Porsche! With two big Deliveroo boxes on the Porsche, he can deliver food for a dinner party of 15-20.

SUMMER 2020 I FLECKER

17

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:47 Page 18

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Thanks go to Stephen Oxlade (Court 1972) for organising another great reunion lunch at the Carnarvon Arms, near Newbury, on 15 November 2019.

Andrew Marquand (Field 1971), who attended, writes: “Attended by twelve ODs and one former member of staff, it proved to be an interesting walk down memory lane as we exchanged stories of our school days and talked about our current activities. A good number of those in attendance are retired, some of whom said they are busier now than when they were in full-time employment! Should any other leavers from this era be interested in attending future lunches, please contact Stephen Oxlade or me, Andrew Marquand, through the ODS office.”

Pictured (L to R): Peter Marks (Gate 1972), Graeme Whiting (former Staff, PE), Claire Harding (née Bayley) (Mead 1972) (ODS Committee), David Lawson (Brook 1976), Andrew Marquand (Field 1971) (ODS Committee & Trustee), Steve Shaw (Tower 1971), Chris Wigley (Court 1972), Roger Horwood (Brook 1972), Dick Morris (Tower 1972), Mike Martin (Gate 1972), Tessa Shaw (née Ford) (Mead 1972), Stephen Oxlade (Court 1972) and Paul Hilltout (Field 1972).

Nicholas Morison (Court 1970) lives in Alberta, Canada. He has just sold his 1998 Prout 38 after spending ten years sailing around the Caribbean.

MAJOR BEN CHAPMAN PLAQUE UNVEILING After cancelling Old Decanian Day due to Covid-19, we were sadly also forced to postpone the unveiling of a plaque for Major Chapman due to take place the same day.

(The plaque was scheduled to be unveiled next to Ben's old office in the Sports Hall by General Sir John McColl, the parent of a former pupil).

We hope to reschedule soon and will let everyone know when we find an alternative date to hold the unveiling of the plaque which will be inscribed with the words:

Dedicated to the memory of Major Ben Chapman DSO (Late The Royal Norfolk Regiment) Director of Physical Education at Dean Close School 1960 to 1977.

An inspiring teacher to so many Decanians, a role model and friend much loved by all who knew him.

'Mens sana in corpore sano'

18

FLECKER I SUMMER 2020

Below is a citation found in the History of the Royal Norfolk Regiment (1851-69, Volume IV) , outlining the reason Ben received his Distinguished Service Order (DSO) during WWII: “...a patrol unwittingly entered a minefield, the markings of which had been destroyed by shell and mortar fire... set off a mine which killed five men outright and wounded three others... Major Chapman immediately volunteered to take out a rescue party. On arrival at the scene... he went forward alone... located the casualties in the minefield... established a path clear of mines... called forward singly his stretcher parties and then he personally carried out the dead and wounded one by one to the waiting stretcher party. Through the operation, the courage, leadership and

coolness displayed by Major Chapman was of the highest order. For his consistent example of untiring energy and devotion to duty, for his great personal bravery, for his outstanding qualities as a leader, which, at all times, have been a source of inspiration to those whom he commands, Major Chapman richly deserves recognition.”

Major Chapman is pictured here on the left standing with RSM ‘Winky’ Fitt of the Royal Norfolk Regiment, with the commemorative medal from the city of Seoul, Korea. The medal is mounted in a stainless steel cut-out of Korea and engraved with the 59th Parallel.

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:47 Page 19

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

1960s Simon Charters (Field 1968) sent in this picture of himself, his partner Ashley and her mother Ellie. Simon has been a New Zealand citizen for 30 years, living in Whakatane on the North Island.

Richard Pavitt (Brook 1968) became Independent District Councillor at the local elections for Uttlesford, Essex, in May 2019.

Uttlesford District Council covers the area of northwest Essex bordered by Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire and includes London Stansted Airport. As part of his role, Richard is a member of the planning committee and deputy chair of the council's Climate change and Ecology Working Group.

Richard visited Dean Close in 2016 with John Yearwood (Brook 1970). At the time, John was visiting from his home in Saint Kitts and Nevis, where he has a beachside hotel.

Together, Richard and John ran a muchacclaimed music festival in Nevis for three years until 2017. Hurricane damage meant they had to skip the festival for 2018 and as a result, they had difficulty raising future sponsorship. That might have been fortuitous because a 2020 event would almost certainly have collided with obstacles posed by Covid-19 pandemic in April. On a positive note, at the time of going to press Saint Kitts and Nevis have experienced very few infections.

Major Simon Hopkin (Brook 1966) was interviewed last year for a Channel 5 documentary featuring his late father William Hopkin DFC (Brook 1936). The three-part series, Battle of Britain: 3 Days That Saved the Nation, was presented by Dan Snow and Kate Humble, and saw Simon recall his father’s account of shooting down a German dive bomber while he served as a Spitfire pilot at RAF Hornchurch. Ahead of the documentary, which aired in July 2020, Simon visited the Dean Close archives and worked with our archivist Grace Pritchard-Woods. (Simon is pictured here with Grace and his wife, Julia.) William is pictured below with 602 Squadron (front row, third from the left). Battle of Britain: 3 Days That Saved the Nation is now available to watch on catch up.

William Hopkin DFC (1921 – 1971) William Hopkin joined the RAF on a short service commission in May 1939. After completing his training, he joined his unit on 28 April 1940. He was made Flight Commander in early 1941 and was thereafter awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). Postwar, he stayed in the RAF in the secretarial branch, retiring on 1 August 1967 as a wing commander. In the 1960s, he was Secretary of the Battle of Britain Fighter Association.

William Hopkin DFC

Artist Giles Winter (Court 1965) was the recipient of 2019’s Penrose Purchase Prize. Giles was awarded for his painting ‘Balfour Road’, which was exhibited at The ING Discerning Eye Exhibition at The Mall, London, last November.

SUMMER 2020 I FLECKER

19

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:47 Page 20

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

The Wooden Spoon Charity, set up by Nigel Timpson (Tower 1965) and four friends in 1983, was selected as one of The Daily Telegraph’s chosen Christmas charities for 2019.

“The children’s charity of rugby”, Wooden Spoon funds projects that support children and young people with disabilities across the UK & Ireland. After being chosen by The Telegraph, the charity raised £164,000 (woodenspoon.org.uk)

Timothy Sanders (Brook 1963) visited the school in September 2019 after being away for 50 years!

Tim, who lives in Highgate, London, visited with his wife and kindly added some material to our archives.

TWO EXTRAORDINARY MASTERS AND A TALE OF TIDDLES A ‘memoir’ by Michael Cleaver (Gate 1962) My interest in great music whetted, I went on to join the school choral society and sang in performances of Bach’s St. John Passion and Mozart's Requiem, of which I have fond memories. I also joined the Gramophone Society and enjoyed the generous selection of records made available by the school. I remember that one day I was in the society's little room with my contemporary Neil Jenkins, who has gone on to enjoy an illustrious career as a professional tenor. Neil gave me a personal rendition of Verdi's 'Celeste Aida', a rare privilege indeed!

Michael at school David Lepine and Leo Trevett. These two remarkable but very different masters have had a profound influence on my life, one sowing the seed for what has proved to be a lifelong passion for classical music, the other nurturing an interest in figures, culminating in a successful career as a chartered accountant.

The catalyst for what was to become my abiding enthusiasm for music was what was called 'Music Appreciation Classes', skilfully run by David Lepine, which I increasingly looked forward to. As a result, great music quickly became an essential part of my life and has remained so ever since. Inattention at these classes did not pay. I recall that on one occasion David, LP in hand, walked up to the desk of a boy who was doodling rather than paying attention, and asked him “Do you know that this is a hit record?” “No sir” came the reply. David responded, “Well it is”, and promptly tapped the offender on the head with the record!

20

FLECKER I SUMMER 2020

David Lepine left the school to take up a position as the first organist and choirmaster at the newly consecrated Coventry Cathedral. He was a phenomenal organist, his fantastic and frequent renderings of the Widor Toccata convincing many boys, myself included, to remain in the chapel to listen after the service had finished. I did manage to see David at Coventry Cathedral and have a brief chat with him shortly before he passed away at the tragically early age of 42.

Leo Trevett was entirely different but equally memorable. He died on 19 January 2019 at the grand old age of 100, an appropriate age for a master of figures. How to adequately describe this outstanding mathematics master? Knowledgeable, encouraging, gentle, kind, calm, patient, enthusiastic… I doubt if any of those who were fortunate to have been taught by him would disagree with any of those descriptions, or what a true gentleman and talented master he was. I do not recall him ever raising his voice. Such was his authority, he never needed to.

What he taught me laid the foundation for my subsequent career and was fundamental to my decision to train and qualify as a chartered accountant. In 1978, I set up my practice, which grew and flourished until I retired in 2014. Had I not been in Leo Trevett's mathematics class, I suspect my

career would have taken a somewhat different course.

When I first came to Dean Close, the school chaplain was the Rev. Philip R.W. Tidmarsh, a warm man with a lovely smile and a witty sense of humour. Unsurprisingly, he acquired the nickname of 'Tiddles', but that was to change. At the Sunday morning services in the chapel, the sermon was given by the Headmaster, the Rev. Douglas Graham, the Rev. Tidmarsh or a visiting preacher. One particular Sunday, an especially eminent visiting cleric was expected to preach, but at the last minute had to cancel. With virtually no notice, the Rev. Tidmarsh had to fill the breach. His sermon, after he had explained why he was in the pulpit, began something like this: “I imagine that you must feel like you are on a bicycle cycling up a particularly steep hill. You are encouraged by the thought that at the top of the hill, there is a restaurant selling delicious strawberries and cream. Only, you find that when you reach the top the hill there is a sign outside the restaurant reading, ‘Strawberries and cream sold out. Prunes and custard still available.’

Well, I am the prunes and custard.”

This is why 'Tiddles' then became known as 'Prune'!

Michael Cleaver

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:47 Page 21

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

1950s Neil Wooler (Gate 1959) kindly sent through a selection of photos taken at the school in March 1956, when a photographer attended Dean Close to record everyday life. We love how each photo tells a unique story and reveals how much Dean Close has developed. Also in the collection is a picture of the choir during the Lent term in 1958.

1

2

1. Mr. Girling's Latin class.

Front row (L to R): James Reader, Jonathan Wilson (obituary, 2018 Flecker p.50), Hugh South. Behind (L to R): J.R. WeightmanThompson, R.J. Brown, M.C. Edmunds, W.F. Trump, Neil Wooler, Tony Letchworth, John Harding.

2. Rev. Philip Tidmarsh's German class. L to R: B.W.M. Edwards, P.F. Elias, R.J. Moreland, P.J. Franklin (in front). (Note the 'state-ofthe-art' reel-to-reel tape recorder!)

3. The Dining Hall. Director of Music David Lepine seated at table end facing camera.

3

4

4. CCF training on the Bren gun. Standing (L to R): TS Gare, D.N. Powell-Tuck, J.R. Banbury, J.R. Hensman.

Instructor unidentified. At the gun: NJ. Campbell-White.

5. C.C.F Boots in the Upper Boot Room. The CCF played a large part in school life in those days; this was pre-Suez (just), with National Service still in full swing.

6 5

6. The Hatherley Run (annual event around the 2.5-mile circuit known as Squire Butts). The arrow marks the eventual winner, John Moore (obituary, 2018 Flecker p.49).

7. Congregational practice in the chapel (first period Saturday mornings).

7

8

9

8. Headmaster Douglas Graham with Head Boy Gordon Hutchings.

9. Choir 1958. The staff on the front row (L to R): Mike Girling, David Silk (Assistant to David Lepine), Rev. Philip Tidmarsh (Chaplain), Headmaster Rev. Douglas Graham, David Lepine and Graham Mayo (assistant in the music department while studying for a higher degree at Cambridge).

SUMMER 2020 I FLECKER

21

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:47 Page 22

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Michael Howells (Tower 1957) visited Dean Close in October 2019 to donate photos to the archives (including material from the 1956 school ski trip). Mike, who lives in Narberth, Pembrokeshire, was in Cheltenham visiting grandchildren.

Mike Sedgwick (Gate 1956) has been appointed Professor in Physiology at the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Thanks to his research into the neurotoxicity in vipers, he has become very knowledgeable about snake venom. Mike’s wife is teaching English part-time at Hillwood College, a local girls' school in Sri Lanka.

There is a small expat community and the couple have been enjoying events in which well-known cultural figures such as Sebastian Faulks and Roger McGough have attended. They also enjoyed the Galle Literary festival where, earlier this year, they heard from journalist and author Rachel Johnson.

Stefan White (Gate 1959) reports on drawing unexpected positives from lockdown: In retirement from an entrepreneurial business career, Stefan White has given lectures on cruise ships for 16 years. One of the talks he gives is about pioneering British female gardeners. On attending a cruise that was set to have minimum fifty per cent American passengers, Stefan needed to include a selection of pioneering American female gardeners. To research this, he emailed the Botany-Horticultural Library at The National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. and suggested that the topic might be the subject for a book. The librarian replied that she thought it an excellent subject because she was not aware of any other book on the subject. This encouragement inspired Stefan to put together a proposal and, in June 2017, he submitted the proposal to 105 history and horticultural publishers in the US. He heard nothing for more than two years.

Eventually, an established Pennsylvaniabased publisher emailed to say they were

interested. By then, the research for the book was well advanced, and Stefan realised that the backgrounds to the historical periods of the 100 selected female gardeners made the book far too long. In reviewing the draft, Stefan had another idea for a book detailing seven periods of turbulent US history when women proved critical to the survival of the nation. Stefan proposed that this made a good theme for a separate second book and the publishers agreed. By the time he had researched the contributions of women in the first four of the seven periods of American history it was apparent that a fullsize book (around 100,000 words) only went as far as the end of the fourth period, The War of Independence in 1783. Accordingly, Stefan suggested that this second book be split into two, making three books in all. The publishers agreed and in November 2019 contracts were exchanged for the three books.

The deadline for the first two books was 31 May 2020. The lack of distractions during lockdown allowed Stefan to focus on the books, and he was very nearly able to complete on time. The manuscripts were mailed on 16 June 2020, only a few days late. The first two books, Heroines of Horticulture and When Women Saved America are due for publication in the USA in spring 2021. The third book, When Women Saved America – Again, is scheduled for completion by the end of this year and due to be published in autumn 2021.

Following on from the obituary for Alan Richard Bailey (Tower 1959) in Flecker 2019 (pg.55), James Walters (Brook 1959) has put together a tribute to Alan on YouTube. It can be viewed via the following link: Youtu.be/2ifsX-R9fKM.

1940s

An update from Tony Raymont (Walton Court 1946):

22

FLECKER I SUMMER 2020

After leaving school, Tony spent a few months with a provincial repertory company before completing National Service in the Royal Artillery stationed at Dover Castle. He was there between 1947-49 with the acting rank of Captain.

The repertory company he had joined folded (as so many reps did in that period) so he went on to join the BBC as a clerk in the salaries department, going on to become a studio manager in Belfast. He later worked as an announcer with BBC Midlands (during which period he was the Midlands’ first television newsreader) and as a radio drama producer and outside broadcast producer. Transferring to London, he secured the roles of Home

Service Continuity Announcer, Newsreader and Light Programme Presenter for BBC Radio (introducing such programmes as Friday Night Is Music Night, Seaside Night and Melody Hour).

He was seconded to the Uganda Government from 1951-53 as Head of National Programmes.

Upon moving back to London, it was back to announcing, then on to Bristol as Presentation Organiser for the South & West Region. After some BBC reorganisation, Tony became Assistant Controller of English Regions. After leaving the BBC, he worked as a disc jockey for Blue Danube Radio in Vienna.

Happily married to wife Val, together they have two sons: Nigel a retired HSBC banker living in

Hong Kong, and David, a librarian with the Institute of Actuaries.

Nigel has two sons: Keith, also a HSBC banker living in Sydney, and Edward, a royal marine. David has two daughters: Chloe, working for IBM, having attained a First Class Honours Degree in advanced maths from Imperial College, and Jenny, currently reading art at Leeds University.

Whilst in London, Tony joined the semi-professional dramatics group The Taverners (who perform plays in pubs funded by the brewer). He also joined the National Theatre in Uganda during his time there, playing in The Little Hut, A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Lady's Not for Burning and The Fourposter.

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:47 Page 23

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Former staff news Alastair Reid (Deputy Head of Dean Close School, 1995-2005) took over as TISCA General Secretary in April 2019, having been a TISCA member since its inception in 1995. He was back at Dean Close last September holding a regional meeting.

Tony Forbes (former Director of Sport) competed in the British Rowing Indoor Championships, held in 2019 at the Olympic Park Velodrome. He came third, receiving a bronze medal for his age range (70-74) at 2000 metres, with a time of 7 minutes 39.4 secs.

Berian Williams-Jones (Former Housemaster of Tower) and family visited the school in December 2019 while on a trip to the UK for Christmas. Berian has worked at Brisbane Grammar School for the last four years as Director of Boarding. He still teaches design studies and coaches rugby.

OPEN MORNINGS October, March and May Bespoke visits can be arranged for Old Decanians please arrange your visit via Admissions.

No registration fee for Old Decanians.

Please Contact : registrar@deanclose.org.uk

CO-EDUCATIONAL

|

DAY AND BOARDING

Tel: 01242 258044 www.deanclose.org.uk

|

AGE 2 - 18

SUMMER 2020 I FLECKER

23

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:47 Page 24

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

NEWS FROM THE

ARCHIVES Why is Dean Close called Dean Close?

Francis Close

The school was named in honour of Francis Close, one of Cheltenham’s best-known clergymen, when he was appointed Dean of Carlisle... hence Dean Close.

Francis Close was also influential in the setting up of Cheltenham College (1841), Cheltenham Grammar School and Cheltenham Ladies’ College (1853).

Dean Close opened in 1886 with 14 boys. To the right is the first whole school photo taken in 1887. By then the school had grown to 43, with 31 boarders and 12 day boys. 26 of those children were under the age of 13. At present there are 907 pupils attending the Dean Close School site in Cheltenham.

Snowball fight on Big Field in the 1890s. Some things never change!

24

FLECKER I SUMMER 2020

First school photograph 1887

One of the boys pictured is Frederick Percival Mackie. Over the summer, we were delighted to hear from his grandson, who shared a few details about his life: “Colonel Frederick Percival Mackie CSI, OBE, KHS, FRCP, FRCS (19 February 1875 – 15 July 1944) was an English physician in the Indian Medical Service, working on the incidence, transmission, and pathology of insect-borne tropical diseases between 1901 and 1931. Some of his achievements include discovering the vectors for relapsing fever and kala-azar [also known as Visceral leishmaniasis]. During the First World War, he held important administrative duties in Iraq, and between the wars, emerged as a leading figure in Indian medical science, public health and tropical hygiene. In 1922, he was appointed director of the Haffkine Institute in Bombay (Mumbai).”

Frederick Percival Mackie (pictured 7th from the right).

Major Percival pictured in 1918.

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:47 Page 25

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

2019 MARKED THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEATH OF OLD DECANIAN GEORGE ADAMSON (1906 - 1989).

Here is a look at his incredible obituary that featured in The Times and the 1989 edition of The Decanian.

“George Adamson, the well-known Kenya lover of wild animals whose wife Joy wrote Born Free, the story of the lioness Elsa, was shot and killed on August 20 [1989] by alleged Somali bandits. He was 83.

The murder took place at Kora in North Eastern Kenya, the thorny wilderness that was gazetted a national park last week entirely on account of his efforts to protect it as a sanctuary for wildlife.

Since 1970, Adamson had released more than 15 lions there, including one that had been sold as a cub by Harrod's and grown too big for its habitat in a Chelsea furniture shop.

released lions had been known to maul humans. He was aware that he was not scientifically qualified to conduct abstruse experiments.

George Adamson lived among animals and for his lions because he believed each of them had as much right to freedom as any human being. His compassion for the afflicted, whether an egret with a broken leg, a lion cub taunted behind bars, or his wife, Joy, when she was tortured by mental trauma, was limitless.

Over the years, these lions interbred with each other and the local prides to produce 80 offspring, all of which were named or known by him. Their movements were erratic but of consuming interest to the stream of scientists, journalists, filmmakers and strangers who visited his makeshift thatch and wire mesh camp on the equator: two recently turned up on bicycles from Manchester.

The reserve where he lived was his brainchild. After he separated from his wife in 1971, he leased the land and built his own camp. The life he led was not without risk.

His brother, his assistant, a visiting Japanese interviewer and he himself were all mauled by his lions. One of them, originally a Scots Guards mascot, had to be shot when it killed his cook. Kora itself came under increasing pressure from encroachment and poaching, mainly by the ethnic Somalis. In 1983, Adamson told of a plot to kill him to stop him pressing for further action against the marauders.

Adamson was constantly misconstrued by conservationists and scientists. He knew well that lions, unlike the elephants and rhino of Kenya whose populations have declined drastically over the last couple of decades, are not yet threatened with extinction. He was under criticism because some of the

George Adamson led three lives before he went to Kora. He was born in India in 1906 to an Irish father who served the Rajah of Dholpur. His mother came from a British India family. He was educated in England and first arrived in Kenya in 1924, where he tried his hand trading milk in whisky bottles,

running mail and panning gold. His second career began when he joined the Game Department in 1938. He had a reputation for unequalled bush craft and knowledge of animal behaviour. His third life embraced Joy and the lioness Elsa who, he said, represented the child he never had.

The success of Born Free and subsequent books brought the Adamson’s world fame but left him totally unmoved.

When the feature film was made in 1965, he demonstrated with the stars, Bill Travers and Virginia McKenna, that Elsa was not unique.

The three of them forged, with affection and trust, a similar relationship with the lions in the film. When it was finished, they freed three of them in Meru Park, where the lions established themselves fully in the wild.

Adamson remained, however, absolutely devoted to his lions in the isolation of Kora, depending at a simple camp on the modest income from his two books, Bwana Game, and the autobiography, My Pride and Joy (published in 1986), a small pension and a trust fund set up by his wife.

In later years, with his flowing beard and white hair, only his rifle, pipe and glass of whisky differentiated him in appearance from St Jerome. But at heart, he was more of a white knight: he died driving to the rescue of a guest in trouble. On the last night of his life, 15 lions came to his camp to salute him.”

SUMMER 2020 I FLECKER

25

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:47 Page 26

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

SALAD BOWL AND SERVERS FOR WINNING THE HATHERLEY RUN

One of the great things about being an archivist is that you never know when something amazing might be discovered. Somebody may decide to clean out their attic or cupboard and the next thing you know they have found some wonderful long-lost treasure. This is exactly what happened last week when we received a phone call from the granddaughter of an Old Decanian.

The granddaughter had found a beautiful salad bowl with accompanying servers that had been awarded to her grandfather, Richard Marmaduke Langdale-Smith, in 1902 for winning the Hatherley Run. The

Decanian reports that 25 boys ran the race, with Langdale-Smith and Van Someron leading by the time they reached the Gloucester Road. As they got closer to home, Langdale-Smith pulled ahead of the pack and won the race by 12 yards (in a time of in 16 minutes, 35 seconds, over a distance of approx. 4.35 km). The headmaster’s wife, Mrs Flecker, awarded the bowl to him later that day. The accompanying photograph of Langdale-Smith was taken in 1905 when he was 21 and studying at Durham.

What an amazing addition to the collection. Our sincere thanks go to the family for such a generous gift.

Richard Marmaduke LangdaleSmith (1884 – 1965).

Richard arrived at Dean Close in 1900 and left in 1903. He went on to study at the London College of Divinity [now St John’s College, Nottingham] until 1906. He gained his BA in 1910 at University College Durham before ordination the same year. Much of his career was spent in India as Chaplain to His Majesty’s Services (1915-1936), after which he returned to England, serving as Rector of Mickleham, Surrey and later, Steeple Langford, Wiltshire. He died in 1965.

DCS FOOTBALL 1899

DCS FOOTBALL 1892 The first football match against opposition was played at Dean Close School on the 3 October 1892 versus the Old Cheltonians… we won 9-2!

Here is the verdict on team Captain, J.P. Swettenham, as published in The Decanian: “[Swettenham] has made the left wing the great success of the team; has improved greatly both in pace and skill; can pass accurately with either foot and a very fair shot.”

26

FLECKER I SUMMER 2020

This is the 1st XI football team photo from 1899.

They played 13 matches, winning ten and losing three. All the school teams that opposed them were beaten. Their Captain, R.G. Brooke (pictured front centre with the football between his feet), was killed in June the following year, fighting in the Boer War aged 19. He was killed “in rear guard action” at Rietfontein Ridge, Heilbron, Orange River Colony, on 7 June 1900. His death was a huge shock to the school as Roland was hugely popular. He had been Head of School for three years, was a good cricketer and twice the winner of the Victor Ludorum.

In 1938, the pupils started playing rugby instead of football... September 2020 marks the 82nd year that Dean Close has played rugby.

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:47 Page 27

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

THE OPEN AIR THEATRE HORSE-DRAWN LAWN MOWER 1901

The Tuckwell Theatre, as it is now known, was designed by Old Decanian and architect Herbert Thompson and built by the senior boys of the school from 1934 to 1937. There has been an annual summer play held in the theatre most years since it opened. The theatre has also hosted many Dean Close Preparatory School Speech Days (the DCPS boys are pictured here at a Speech Day in 1948).

Here is a photo taken in 1901 of a horsedrawn ‘lawn mower’ cutting the grass on what we now call Chapel Close. Behind the horse, you can just make out two fives courts. Fives was a popular English game similar to squash but played using a glove or bare hand.

DCPS MODEL RAILWAY CLUB The Model Railway Club came into existence in 1958, under the supervision of Michael Rowlands. A clubroom in the former CCF hut (which was possibly located on the site of the current senior school dining hall) was acquired. By Speech Day 1958, the group were able to display a temporary layout and progress continued with the acquisition of a permanent universal track. This was

followed a year later with the inheritance of ‘Number One’ gauge equipment which had been presented to the school some years earlier. By 1973, the club had moved into two rooms in the basement of Shelburne Hall (now Turner Hall), which was intended to be a more permanent arrangement, and members were busy reconditioning steam and electric locomotives, rolling stock and track.

However, the club ended up moving to a variety of different locations before taking over the old Argonauts’ Hut during the 1980s (which was later demolished to make way for The 1914 Centenary Hall, opened in 2014). Following Mr Rowlands’ departure in 1979, the club had a short hiatus before responsibility passed to Paul Coleman.

Under his supervision, the simultaneous timetabling of eight trains became possible. Unfortunately, the club disbanded when he left in 2007, a year short of its 50th anniversary.

The Railway Club accumulated a significant amount of railway memorabilia, which was used to decorate the clubroom and can be seen in the photograph below.

Some of those pieces are displayed at the school in homage to what was a wondrous collection of material providing hours of enjoyment for many schoolboys and girls, as well as a few masters!

SUMMER 2020 I FLECKER

27

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:47 Page 28

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

SCIENCE

ARCHIVES AT RAF UPPER HEYFORD

This is Mr T.M.A. Cooper, the Science Master of Dean Close School, pictured in his laboratory in 1898. The lab is quite different to the labs we use now, 122 years later!

Corps (which later became the RAF). After WW2, it was leased to the United States Air Force. During the Cold War, the site was home to F1-11 fighters, who were constantly kept on standby, ready to respond to Soviet threat. USAF left Heyford in 1994 and handed it back to the MOD. Part of the site remains an historical monument.

FORTFIELD Fortfield was a boys’ house from 1925 – 2001, purchased

by Percy Bolton, headmaster of Dean Close to house 40 junior boys. In time, Fortfield grew to become Dean Close Junior School, which officially became a ‘separate’ school from the seniors in January 1947. In 1999, its name changed to Dean Close Preparatory School.

Boys pictured here on the side steps of Fortfield in 1931.

In March, our archivist, Grace PritchardWoods, took the textiles from the Dean Close archive collection to the National Conservation Service base at RAF Upper Heyford. The items will be frozen for two weeks to rid them of a moth infestation after which they will be stored in environmentallycontrolled buildings, previously used as hangars, on the airbase.

RAF Heyford opened in 1915 as an aerodrome for the newly formed Royal Flying

During the 1970s, the steel hangars were covered with 2ft of concrete, making the hangars ideal archives and storage spaces for museum objects (the concrete insulates them against the seasonal changes outside, providing a stable environment within).

It was a fascinating visit and we cannot thank the staff at the National Conservation Service enough for helping us to preserve the textiles and introduce us to the storage facility. The trip provided a glimpse into a truly modern example of an historical monument and how it can be sensitively adapted while still being preserved and maintained as a part of our heritage.

BROOK HOUSE COMMON ROOM

While teaching the fourth form about the history of the school, the pupils asked what has changed… This photo from 1924 of the Brook House Common Room shows the common rooms looking more like a classroom (no sofas and table tennis)!

28

FLECKER I SUMMER 2020

If you have any questions for our archives team, would like to donate to the archives or if you want to access The Decanian Online, please contact Grace Pritchard-Woods at: pritchardwoodsg@deanclose.org.uk

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:47 Page 29

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

NEWS FROM THE

SCHOOL COVID-19, LOCKDOWN AND THE DEAN CLOSE COMMUNITY We are fortunate that we are located in an area of the country that has seen a very low number of Covid-19 cases so far.

According to the Office of National Statistics, the south west of England is among the UK regions with the lowest proportion of deaths caused by the virus* (*based on data collected March-May 2020).

The school’s top priority is to ensure that all pupils and staff feel safe and remain well. Dean Close adheres to all government advice and regulations and is committed to meeting all requirements outlined by the BSA Safe Charter.

These include: •

•

•

Temperature checks – We will be conducting regular non-contact temperature checks of all pupils, staff and visitors, including parents.

Social distancing – We have implemented measures that will ensure an appropriate social distancing of 2m in all areas of the school. To ensure safe occupancy levels of all facilities, we are taking measures such as rearranging furniture in our classrooms, common areas, dining rooms and bedrooms.

Where possible, one-way systems will be implemented around the school buildings and pupils will be taught in smaller groups.

Face coverings – Pupils and staff are encouraged to wear face coverings, particularly when in an enclosed space, such as a vehicle.

•

Regular handwashing – Dean Close requires all pupils and staff to regularly wash their hands and this will be actively encouraged. Disinfectant spray and hand sanitiser gels have been placed in every classroom and additional handwashing facilities have been provided.

•

Hygiene – Enhanced cleaning will take place around the school sites by staff wearing PPE. Particular attention will be paid to areas that are subject to frequent contact, such as door handles and toilet facilities. Rooms will be ventilated between use and we will ensure equipment is not shared between pupils unless appropriate cleaning has taken place.

The Dean Close Community Since the pandemic took hold, the Dean Close community has continued to support each other in a multitude of ways:

Dean Close @ Home Dean Close teaching was extended into the homes of our pupils all around the globe. The main aim was to maintain academic momentum. The process has been challenging but the feedback from teachers, pupils and parents was that we were successful; it was a team effort with a palpable sense of togetherness.

DC DEAN CLOSE

@home

Care of key workers’ children Dean Close’s schools and nurseries continued to look after the children of key workers, both during term time and in the Easter holidays.

The transition we must all make back to school and work life will undoubtedly be more challenging as we try to adjust to the new measures. Please rest assured the wellbeing of our Dean Close community takes priority and our pastoral care teams will endeavour to offer reassuring support and care during this time.

SUMMER 2020 I FLECKER

29

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:47 Page 30

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Educational activity packs Activity packs for babies, toddlers and pre-school children were shared with the community so that pupils could continue to learn and more importantly, be entertained! The packs are still available online at deanclose.org.uk/ods/childrens-activities. Please feel free to use them.

3D printing of PPE visors Dom Evans, Mandy Davis and David Jones of the Dean Close Product Design Technology department worked through lockdown to make protective antidroplet visors using the school's 3D printers.

The visors were donated to the amazing team at the Cheltenham General Hospital Oncology Department, who are pictured here wearing them. Additional visors produced by Dean Close were also used on the ENT ward at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham.

Head of Product Design Technology, Dom Evans, comments: “It was great to be able to use our resources that were sat idle during the school closure for some good. I know there are a good number of people in DT communities around the world doing what they can at the moment, be it from home or on a site where they can get access.”

Community matters

Fundraising

During lockdown, more than 30 members of the Dean Close community volunteered to deliver prescription medicines from pharmacies to the vulnerable and elderly in Cheltenham.

Inspired by Captain Tom Moore, DCPS pupils Charlie and Sam set themselves their own lockdown challenge and swam the length of the English Channel. It took the brothers 20 days to complete the swim, during which time they raised £1,715 for The Children’s Society.

Meanwhile, sixth former Barnaby cycled the equivalent distance of sea level to the top of Everest in his garage to raise money for the NHS.

30

FLECKER I SUMMER 2020

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:47 Page 31

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Kindness Dean Close preparatory school pupil Noah Chatterton was delighted to see that Prime Minister Boris Johnson had received the ‘Get Well Soon’ card he made during lockdown!

Entertainment

The Prime Minster is pictured holding Noah’s magnificent card in his hand.

Around 55 Decanians, ODs and staff rose to the challenge of performing all 154 of Shakespeare's sonnets to camera. They were by led Director of Drama Lloyd Allington, who explains:

Noah explained: “Boris Johnson liked my card. I put a poem and a healing Pokémon card in the envelope, too.”

“We thought it would be fun to get lots of people involved from our community.

And so, you will find readers from fifth and sixth form drama sets, senior

leadership staff, members of the common room, former pupils and drama scholars, plus a number of Old Decanians from as far afield as the USA and Australia. The immediate and enthusiastic replies I received from pupils, ODs and staff were especially wonderful, and many texted, emailed and called afterwards to say how much they had enjoyed the challenge and process.”

Visit www.deanclose.org.uk/shakespeare-in-lockdown/ now to view. Enjoy!

It would be impossible to capture the diversity and richness of a Dean Close education, but we have attempted to set out an overview and some helpful statistics.

A total of 1,630 children in our care

385

475 296 161 160 556 pupils currently on roll

pupils currently on roll

pupils currently on roll

Leavers’ Destinations

Edinburgh

Cambridge Oxford

Cardiff

London

Reading Exeter

4

Nottingham

A* / 9, 8

Warwick

Gloucester

Bristol

Bath

pupils involved

34%

Durham

Leeds

Swansea

490 17.5

(Class of 2019)

Manchester

Liverpool

Total rehearsal hours

pupils currently on roll

GCSE Subjects

(2019)

St Andrewʼs

pupils currently on roll

Southampton

Brighton

GAP YEAR PUPILS

59%

A*– A / 9, 8, 7

100% of pupils involved in school sport

623 matches played

14

95 teams

A Level Subjects (Class of 2019) 80 70

%passrateA*-B

hours spent performing

9,920 minutes of music lessons per week

490

minutes of ensemble practice per week

10,490 minutes of music per week

41

SUMMER 2020 I FLECKER

UCAS points per exam

31

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:47 Page 32

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

HOCKEY SUCCESS The U18 Boys’ hockey team were named as joint national champions with Reed’s School. Due to the ongoing pandemic, England Hockey announced that the Notts Sport Boys U18 Schools Tier 1 Championships finals would not be played and instead, the finalists would share the titles: “These competitions had not been cancelled in the hope that circumstances may have changed to the point where they could go ahead. However, with the ongoing impact of Covid-19 and with pupils leaving school at the end of sixth form this summer, it is not possible to reschedule the finals for a future date. We therefore congratulate the boys’ finalists, Dean Close and Reed’s.”

An amazing achievement from the squad, who played an outstanding season.

The U14 Girls’ Hockey squad travelled to Lee Valley National Hockey and Tennis Centre in Essex after winning the regional finals in November 2019.

After some tough preparation matches, the squad started the tournament against Repton School, winning the match 1-0. The second match against The Perse School was lost 1-0. With Repton going on to beat Epsom Hockey Club, all three sides were on three points going into the last match.

Director of Hockey, Gary Tredgett, said: “I am incredibly proud of the girls, they threw everything they had at trying to win. They played so well and very fine margins meant they just missed out on a place in the final. They have had an amazing season and I am excited to see the team progress in future years.”

The Dean Close vs Epsom match started at fast pace with both sides nearly scoring. Epsom managed to break through and score to take the lead. Dean Close had many chances as the game progressed and looked as if they might score, but despite a powerful display by the whole squad, Epsom won the game and the pool.

In the final, Epsom lost on penalties (5-6) to Kingston Grammar.

DEAN CLOSE AWARD WIN We were delighted to win the ‘Best Independent School of the Year 2020’ at the SoGlos Gloucestershire Lifestyle Awards for the third year running!

32

FLECKER I SUMMER 2020

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:47 Page 33

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

DEAN CLOSE PREPARATORY SCHOOL SENIOR PRODUCTION OF ANNIE

DR CHADDEN HUNTER LECTURE Pupils and staff filled the Bacon Theatre to welcome Australian wildlife biologist and filmmaker Dr Chadden Hunter for a whole school lecture.

Chadden grew up surrounded by incredible nature in Cairns, Australia. Curious about all wildlife from a young age - especially creepy crawlies - he spent much of his childhood chasing bugs and spiders. Aged seven, he watched Life on Earth, the first television programme of its kind that truly opened up our planet’s hidden gems to the wider world. Captivated, Chadden decided that he wanted to make nature a career.

It was during a stint in Ethiopia, where Chadden was located to study Gelada baboons as part of his PhD, that he realised very little was being done to protect the species. Local farmers saw the Gelada as vermin and set about culling them, unaware that they were actually endangered. Determined to spread the word, Chadden secured himself a spot on a national chat show and soon realised that film was the medium in which he wanted to deliver messages.

Since then, Chadden has worked on some of the best known natural history series of recent times, including Wild Arabia, Planet Earth, Frozen Planet, and Seven Worlds, One Planet. During the talk at Dean Close, he shared stunning images and never-before-seen footage, and explained lessons in creative thinking and problem solving.

“You’re only a day away!”

The story behind the DCPS senior production of Annie focused on the history behind the financial crisis of 1930s America, rather than the glamourised Broadway version of the play you may be more familiar with. From the hardship faced in the Hoovervilles to the foresight of President Roosevelt and his determination to improve the situation for the masses after the disastrous tenure of Herbert Hoover, the production was as much an exploration of class and politics as it was masterful entertainment.

Mrs Lawrence (Director of Drama and Dance) and Mr McVittie

(Director of Music) were incredibly proud of the cast of over a hundred 10-13 year olds: “It was such fun to work with this group for a term, ensuring that as well as enjoying the fabulous songs we all know and love, we also told the real story of a young girl and others living in hard times, all wanting for a better ‘Tomorrow’,” said Mrs Lawrence.

“The maturity with which the different characters were developed and portrayed belied the relatively young ages of the actors, and the engagement and passionate singing of every member of the cast was testament to their hard work and understanding.”

Chadden also revealed the vast challenges of making these spectacular series about the fragility of the natural world, explaining the huge level of technical excellence, planning, patience and personal risk involved. He discussed the way in which television documentaries tread the line between conservation and entertainment and left pupils with the question: “What can you do to protect tomorrow’s world?”

Chadden stayed behind to chat informally and answer questions. An eye-opening and inspiring morning, it was a pleasure to have Dr Hunter kick off the first whole school lecture of the year.

SUMMER 2020 I FLECKER

33

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:47 Page 34

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

We were also treated to two nights of the finest performances on the Dean Close stage for some years as Dean Close Senior School brought Peter Shaffer’s Amadeus to audiences back in November. Leading the cast was Jack Coombs as composer Antoio Salieri (a part originally conceived for Paul Scofield in the original production at the National Theatre in 1980), while Felix Nelson lit the stage as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

PETER SHAFFER’S

AMADEUS

Lloyd Allington (Director of Drama at DCS) writes: “Jack was magnificent: he lifted himself superbly for the horribly difficult soliloquies at the start and end of each act, and his final few minutes on stage were electrifying. He gave us a performance of towering intensity, well beyond his 17 years, while Felix Nelson played the young genius Mozart with extraordinary verve and an almost giggling energy.

Lily Talbot moved us hugely with her performance taking in Constanze’s journey from wife to tragic widow and her speech at Mozart’s death moved many to tears. Mention should be made of an outstanding ensemble cast too, with a splendidly jocular Grace Greaves as Joseph II, Ethan Bareham as Orsini Rosenberg and Charlie Harris as Von Strack. The team of Venticelli (Salieri’s “Little winds”) were superb at keeping the momentum going.”

Also attending the production were voice coaches from RADA, who remarked: “We had no idea what we were coming to – and we had no idea we would be faced with this standard”.

A landmark production in many ways for Dean Close School drama.

34

FLECKER I SUMMER 2020

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:47 Page 35

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

DEAN CLOSE RIDERS QUALIFY FOR THE ROYAL WINDSOR Following a successful nationals campaign in which they became Reserve National Champions, Dean Close Equestrian Team riders Ollie Dodman, Bella Stevens and Gabriel Mattlè headed to Keysoe Equestrian Centre in Bedford to compete in the Windsor Qualifier at the NSEA Plate Championships 2019.

Day one saw the riders perform excellent rounds to finish on a zero score and take the win, thereby qualifying for the Inter-schools Show Jumping Finals 90cms Windsor Qualifier 2020.

Day two saw the arrival of fellow rider Emily Roberts to join the other 90cms team riders to contest the Plate Championship Final. Once again, the team jumped brilliantly, clearing a difficult championship track to finish on a zero score and be crowned 90cms Show Jumping Plate Champions.

Next were the Plate Championship 1m Finals. With an injured horse, the team dropped down to three members, with Ollie Dodman, Emily Roberts and Bella Stevens all putting in another exceptional performance to take the team to 3rd overall.

Bella Stevens also took individual 2nd, having ridden a brilliant zero score round.

With the tracks being built to their maximum height, Ollie Dodman represented Dean Close in the individual competition, taking 4th place in what proved to be a very technical 1.10 Plate Championship Final.

Director of Equestrianism, Fleur Cradock, said: “It was another excellent performance by all the equestrian squad riders. Every rider, from prep to senior, supported one another and ensured that the team spirit was never lost - a real foundation effort.”

SUMMER 2020 I FLECKER

35

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:47 Page 36

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

In October 2019, Dean Close hosted a highly engaging and energising Education Question Time event, chaired by the BBC’s Jeremy Vine.

A knowledgeable audience of pupils, parents and teachers from Cheltenham posed questions about whether our education system is preparing pupils for the world of tomorrow.

The event was preceded by a panel discussion with pupils from the nine schools participating in the newly launched Cheltenham Education Partnership. These pupils, while warm in their comments about their own schools, challenged school leaders and politicians to think again about areas such as political education, climate change, financial skills and the provision for the creative and performing arts.

Many of the questions were explored by the expert panel, which consisted of former Secretary of State for Education Lord Blunkett, Alex Chalk MP, cyber security and AI expert Professor Richard Benham, Eleanor Busby (Education Correspondent for the Independent), and Emma Taylor (Warden of the Dean Close Foundation).

The debate was energetic and lively; questions included ‘Should the voting age be lowered to 16?’; ‘Are mobile phones the enemy?’ and ‘How much responsibility for education lies with parents?’ Jeremy Vine chaired the session with verve, challenging the panellists’ views and ending by racing around the auditorium with a microphone to hear the views of the sixth formers on the opinions expressed.

The event was the first in a programme of events to be staged as part of the first year of the Cheltenham Education Partnership, and much hope was expressed that pupils in all Cheltenham’s schools would benefit from the strong sense of collaboration and participation encouraged by the event.

36

FLECKER I SUMMER 2020

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:47 Page 37

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

KEVIN PIETERSON AT DEAN CLOSE

Dean Close cricketers were bowled over as former England cricketer, Kevin Pietersen, joined them for a coaching session to mark the school’s status as one of five new Kevin Pietersen academies in the UK. Kevin gave one-to-one coaching to the pupils, critiquing their batting and bowling techniques, and offering general tips and encouragement.

At the end of the session, Kevin stayed for a Q&A, signed autographs and took plenty of

selfies! As part of his role, Kevin will visit Dean Close for coaching sessions four times a year.

Director of Cricket, Mike Powell, commented: “Kevin gave the cricketers a real honest and open insight into what training is like at the highest level. What an amazing opportunity for our pupils to learn from one of the game’s greats.”

SERVICE OF NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS It was wonderful to see such a large congregation come together in the school chapel at Christmas time for the traditional Service of Nine Lessons and Carols by candlelight. The service has a timeless structure and flow to it and as the chaplain read the Bidding Prayer, it was perfectly clear why we were there: ‘To hear again the message of the angels’, to ‘pray for the needs of the whole world, for peace on earth and goodwill’, to ‘remember the poor and helpless, the hungry and oppressed, the sick and them that mourn, the lonely and the unloved, the aged and the little children’. It reminds us that while Christmas is a time for rejoicing it is also a time of stark contrasts and hardship for many.

The ‘tale’ unfolds in nine passages of scripture. Readers were drawn from across the Dean Close community and included heads, pupils and parents. Meanwhile, Amy Porter (Hatherley 2016) represented the Old Decanians. There were seven congregational carols, to which the strong top line of the choir added the soaring descants, and nine choir carols including the Sussex Carol and Harold Darke’s setting of In the Bleak Midwinter.

The 2019 carol commissioned for Dean Close Chapel Choir and Tewkesbury Abbey

Schola Cantorum was Isaiah’s Prophecy, with music by Alexander L’Estrange set to words written by his wife, singer Joanna Forbes L’Estrange. This jaunty carol, a notable addition to the considerable list of Dean Close commissions over the past fifteen or so years, reflects the fact that the composer is both a former chorister (New College, Oxford) and a jazz musician.

By far the best place in the chapel from which to listen (though not to see!) to the readings and carols is the gallery. From here, one can perhaps best admire the sound of the organ and the skills of the organists.

Eleanor Carter (Organ Scholar) accompanied and there were thrilling moments when both she and Simon Bell (Director of Choral Music) played.

SUMMER 2020 I FLECKER

37

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:47 Page 38

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

A SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE Did you know?

The mounted stained glass in the chapel cloister dates back to 1873, making it 147 years old! Dean Close School was gifted the glass in 1986 from St John the Evangelist Church, Aston Magna, north of Moreton-inMarsh. It depicts the Last Supper, St John as Apostle and Evangelist, and the Passion, Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus.

Tug of war

Results Fourth Form Girls: Fourth Form Boys: Remove Girls: Remove Boys: Fifth Form Girls: Fifth Form Boys: Lower Sixth Girls: Lower Sixth Boys: Upper Sixth Girls: Upper Sixth Boys:

38

FLECKER I SUMMER 2020

1st Shelburne 1st Tower 1st Fawley 1st Field 1st Fawley 1st Tower 1st Hatherley 1st Gate 1st Shelburne 1st Field

Dean Close Memorial Chapel was dedicated on the 1 November 1923 ‘To the glory of God and, in memory of those who, from this school went forth to lay down their lives for this country’.

This years’ service, as moving and poignant as ever, saw the whole school come together at the only Sunday service the school holds during the year. The community took the time to observe a two-minute silence and then a service of remembrance.

Lt Col Edward Taylor (Field 1998), an old Decanian and member of the school council addressed the congregation with a more modern perspective of remembrance focused on the international nature of our

community and the steps future generations can take to reduce conflict around the world.

The choir sung beautifully and prayers were read by current pupils. Meanwhile, the Head of School and Cadets who formed Colour Party (School CCF Banner and Union Flag) executed their duties with great care.

The hotly contested annual Inter-House Tug of War was back in full force in September 2019 as staff and pupils took to a very sunny Chapel Close to pull for their houses.

Six separate tug of war pitches ran a total of over 60 contests, generating a huge amount of excitement and even more noise! Pupils donned their house t-shirts and the field was filled with bright colours (including some glitter and face paint!). The cheers could be heard from all around the campus, as 470 pupils of the senior school united to support their house teams.

The competition was initiated some years ago by a group of Bruneian pupils, Tug of War being the national sport of Brunei. It is wonderful to see the tradition continue, and to see that such a fantastic team building exercise can still provide so much fun.

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:48 Page 39

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

CAREERS

Old Decanians have supported the careers department tremendously over the last 12 months, whether they be sitting on panels as part of our Oxbridge Interview practice or offering work experience placements and mentoring.

In March 2020, the school ran a 'Speed Interview Challenge' for the sixth form. The day was hosted by CV and interview specialist Emma Goodman, along with volunteer interviewers that included Old Decanians Tim Widdowson (Gate 1991), Alex Hume (Dale 2002), Adam Jones (Dale 2007), Henry Hodgkins (Field 1978), John Bastow (Field 1960) and Ben Gibbons (Dale 2003).

The event was a great success and many pupils have said how much they got from it.

In June, ODs helped once again by running ‘Careers Seminars’ for the U6th in which they provided pupils with an overview of careers in industries such as Cyber, Data and National Security, Business and Management, Politics, Engineering, Property and Development.

Thank you to Old Decanians Fay Jaffer (Mead 2015), Lucy Eden (Hatherley 2015), Joy Timmer (Mead 2015), Dom McClaran (Brook Court 2017), Max Wellstead (Brook Court 2019), Charlotte Ivers (Hatherley 2013) and Hannah Mitchell (Fawley 2014), who all gave up their time to support this initiative.

Did you know?

The Chapel organ has over 2,500 pipes! The pipes range in size from only a few centimetres in length through to the largest at nearly five meters on the façade. The organ took nine months to build and was installed in the summer of 2014 by organ builders Nicholson & Co. of Malvern.

For all the news stories from Dean Close, visit deanclose.org.uk/news-events

SUMMER 2020 I FLECKER

39

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:48 Page 40

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

DEVELOPMENT 21ST CENTURY CAMPUS deanclose.org.uk/21st-century-campus

Phase 1 of the 21st Century Campus Campaign, Day House Village (DHV), has now opened in Dean Close School. Situated at the top of the Hatherley Road entrance access drive, the Day House Village was conceived to provide the best standard of facilities for our day pupils. We have seen already that easier access to the houses has been much appreciated by pupils and parents and as a result, there is a stronger sense of community among the pupils of Dale, Field, Hatherley and Mead. The educational and pastoral benefits are becoming increasingly clear, confirming to us the good sense of the decision.

40

FLECKER I SUMMER 2020

What do the Housemasters / Housemistresses think?

“The Day House Village has breathed new life into Hatherley. Not only do we now have fresh running water and our own toilets (!) but relationships between the girls have strengthened immeasurably. Groups of mixed-year friends are now the norm in the common spaces, and our 'Sisters' programme is thriving, as the younger girls come to know the older girls much better, much faster. The facility for quiet academic study upstairs, with the provision for happy tea-andtoast gatherings downstairs, makes the environment truly multi-purpose.

The girls adore the space, and it has revolutionised my experience in my job, as having my office just off our 'dining area' means I have so many more informal chats. As a result, I feel the standard of pastoral support I am able to offer has risen.”

“The boys in Field prefer the location of the Day House Village. Before, they would have to fight their way up and down five flights of stairs (if going to the very top). Now they can be dropped off near the astro and enjoy a leisurely walk to and from the house. They appreciate being inside a building that looks smart and is comfortable and homely. In terms of layout, the new house is much better, with the downstairs being dedicated to changing, washing, socialising and eating facilities, and the upstairs given over to study and quietly getting on with work. This demarcation means that the boys are developing a mindset that there is a place to relax and chill out and there is a different place to think and do serious academic work. The common room area has also been a place where different year groups can play table tennis, chess or board games in their spare time. This has helped integrate the house vertically and horizontally. The location of the office for the member of staff on duty downstairs and upstairs has meant that staff are more accessible and more aware of all that is going on in the house. In addition, being part of a DHV has been special in the sense that other day pupils and boarders are allowed to come into the common room area downstairs to socialise at appropriate times. It has been a delight to see the day pupils chat outside their respective day houses.”

Kate Milne, Housemistress of Hatherley

Paul Montgomery, Housemaster of Field

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:48 Page 41

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

The Academic Quad Attention now turns to Phase 2, although plans have been reassessed due to the current situation. It is the intention of the foundation to develop facilities in the academic heart of Dean Close School, where the relocation of the day houses has provided a sizeable area for redevelopment. There will be a prudent refurbishment of some of these areas, given the need for wise stewardship of financial resources in these far from certain times. A number of our supporters have indicated their commitment to fulfil their pledges of financial support and so we intend to proceed with cautious optimism (and of course, with immense gratitude to those who will enable us to make significant improvements to the quality of our campus).

FOUNDATION AWARDS House and Master I/c Hockey). The remaining award recipients hold the Leavers of 2019 Foundation Award and The Old Decanian Foundation Award. The successful integration of all the recipients has made us even more determined to continue with our awards. We are hugely grateful to those who have made these awards possible by their generous donations.

Enabling a wider group of pupils to participate in a Dean Close education is one of our founding charitable objectives and is as relevant today as it has ever been. There are currently three recipients of foundation awards bringing their considerable gifts, talents and individual contributions to their various schools. The first holds the Denys Carnill Foundation Award, named after Denys Carnill (Dean Close School’s former Head of History and Economics, Housemaster of Field

Foundationer – Recipient of one of the Foundation Awards “It is a dream come true for me to be able to take music lessons and play with the orchestra. The biggest thank you from the bottom of my heart goes to all the individuals who have generously donated to the appeal.

Without them, I would never have been able to attend Dean Close and enjoy all the exciting opportunities it offers.

Words cannot express how grateful I am”.

What do the pupils think?

JDK Foundation Award

“The new Day House Village has been a huge success and we have all benefitted hugely from its development. The new facilities are great, with lots of space for both changing and working. The downstairs area is large and light, making it ideal to hold social events and to enjoy house time. The biggest benefit of the village is the interaction; being so close to all the other houses is great. We are no longer scattered around the school but all together, meaning friendships are developed both in and between houses.”

This summer, Julie Kent completed 30 years at Dean Close, stepping down as Housemistress of Shelburne as well as Saxophone Teacher and Music Department member. Julie also has overseen the School’s Community Action Programme for many years and in her final two years was responsible for work experience placements. She will continue to serve on the OD Committee to represent former staff. To mark her retirement from Dean Close, Julie is keen to support our Foundation Awards (transformational bursaries to widen access to an education here) and so we have set up the JDK Foundation Award. In view of Julie’s immense contribution to girls’ boarding for nearly 20 years, the recipient is likely to be a boarding girl pupil. A number of ODs, former colleagues and past and current parents have already contributed to this but we would like to build up a fund to enable this award to continue for years to come. If you would like to support this, please contact David Evans, Alex Hume or the Development Office development@deanclose.org.uk.

Olivia Moss, Hatherley pupil

“Moving into the Day House Village has been fantastic! The new facilities have provided a new opportunity for social interaction between pupils from different houses, which was never quite as easy in the old house structure. I think that most people have really enjoyed this opportunity.

Alongside this, the Day House Village has provided an improved working environment; the open plan rooms allow for collaborative and private work to take place at the same time, but the separation from the common rooms ensures we can’t be distracted too easily.

Overall, I think the move into the Day House Village has had significant benefits for everyone - it has been a very positive change.”

COMMUNITY FUND The immediate goal is to continue to build a community fund to support current pupils whose families have been impacted financially by Covid-19. Some of our parents have already contributed to this fund by asking that their fee remissions be redirected to this cause, and the Old Decanian Society has been a major early benefactor to this fund.

Thank you to all those who have supported the Dean Close Foundation by donating generously. We would not have been able to support the educational experience of so many pupils without you.

For more information on the above, please contact Old Decanian Society Office ods@deanclose.org.uk.

Tom Richardson, Field Pupil

SUMMER 2020 I FLECKER

41

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:48 Page 42

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

OLD DECANIAN

EVENTS DEAN CLOSE HOCKEY SIXES In October 2019, the Old Decanian Society hosted the Dean Close Sixes for the fourth consecutive year. Alumni teams from all over the country once again competed for the Carnill Cup named in honour of Denys Carnill, a longtime member of staff (19511984) who played hockey at three Olympic games (Helsinki 1952, Melbourne 1956 and Rome 1960). This year it was the turn of Cheltenham College to lift the trophy, their team captained by our very own Lydia Day (Dean Close School Commercial Lettings Manager). The trophy currently sits proudly in Lydia’s office.

Cheltenham College won three of their five games, drawing the other two. They eventually finished with 11 points, enough for the tournament win.

For more pictures and information on next year’s tournament, please visit deanclose.org.uk/DCHockeySixes.

42

FLECKER I SUMMER 2020

ARROW TROPHY 2019 The Old Decanian Society entered a crew of 12 into the Arrow Trophy, the alumni sailing competition between independent schools’ alumni, for the second time in October 2019. The event took place on the waters of the Solent and the crew improved on last year’s performance, coming 12th out of 26.

The team included: Andrew Troughton (Filed 1991), Richard Marquand (Field 1967), Cy Fateh (Tower 2011), Martin Parker (Field 1977), Dale Mullins (Court 1977), George Fowler (Filed 2010), Phil Riley (Tower 1975), Nick Malandrinos (DCJS Only). Also on the boat: Bruce Anderson, Simon Bullingham (current parent and board member), Nigel Souster and James Lund-Lack. The land crew consisted of Andrew Marquand (Field 1971), Alex Hume (Dale 2002), Felicity Copp and Connie Parker.

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:48 Page 43

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

1966–1970 REUNION In November 2019, we welcomed back a number of Old Decanians that left Dean Close between 1966 and 1970 for lunch, tours and afternoon tea.

“It was amazing to meet old friends and acquaintances that I had not seen since July 1966! We had quite a few amusing memories, not all of which were within the school rules. We have promised to keep in touch more. It was so interesting to see the many changes to the school, and of course the bits that remain as they were in 1966.”

James Tait (Brook 1966).

After the reunion, Mike Wigley (Court 1967) sent in these pictures of the 1965 and 1967 school cricket teams. Mike was the 1967 cricket captain, leading one of the most talented cricket sides Dean Close has seen (winning eight, drawing three and losing one).

Mike recalls his memory of the game they lost against Wycliffe: “Malcolm Bateman was keeping wicket and stumped their captain, a certain CockburnSmith, by a yard or so, when he had made only six. Still, their umpire, who was also their headmaster, a Mr Dupree, gave him not out to the astonishment of everyone. Needless to say, Cockburn-Smith went on to make a hundred and we lost by one wicket. To his dying day, Chris Kenyon has never forgotten it and nor have I!”

On the tours during the day, ODs were keen to see the gym and recalled gym lessons on the high bar and rings. (Pictured is an earlier display from c1924).

Front row (L-R): Wonga Mzimba, Kevin Tarsnane, Mike Wigley, Malcolm Bateman and David Fitton. Back row (L-R): Bill Mason (DCS umpire and long-serving school groundsman), John Clyde-Smith, Peter Badger, Sam Perry, David Pugh, Richard Fitton, Peter King and the opposition umpire.

Front row (L-R): Andy Chapple, John Redman, Mike Bawden, Nigel Timson and Mark Foster.

Back row (L-R): Mike Wigley, Russell Clarke, Chris Badger, Steve Powell, Malcolm Bateman, Peter Wickham and Chris Kenyon.

SUMMER 2020 I FLECKER

43

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:48 Page 44

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

DEAN CLOSE BUSINESS CLUB

Unfortunately, the Business Club Meeting for March was cancelled due to Covid-19. We look forward to inviting Henry Staelens, Chief Executive of Forest Green Rovers Football Club, back to discuss sustainability in business (hopefully) at some point before Christmas. FGR are building a new allwooden stadium (visit their ethos page at fgr.co.uk/our-ethos to find out more).

In November 2019, we invited Oliver Mulry (Investment Manager VP), Rupert Thompson (Head of Research), Marc Maddison (Partner) and Jeff Hodgetts (Managing Director Investment Management) of Kingswood Group wealth planning and investment management to talk to the business club about the state of the market. It was an insightful presentation and a chance to answer questions from members.

All the panellists very kindly agreed to stay on afterwards to answer questions from pupils studying business and economics.

In January 2020, we were fortunate to be invited to the new John Lewis in Cheltenham to meet the team behind the muchanticipated store located on the high street.

We were given insight into the operations structure of the retailer and the success of the partnership as a whole, including what brings in the most profit!

All ODs, parents and friends of Dean Close are welcome to join us at Business Club events.

To receive more information about future events please register at deanclose.org.uk/business-club.

EVENSONG AT ST PAULâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CATHEDRAL On 18 November 2019, the Dean Close Community headed to St Paulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cathedral to hear the school chapel choir sing Evensong. This is always a special occasion but this year it was made even more special with a guided tour of the cathedral and afternoon tea.

The 5pm performance was followed with an informal drinks evening hosted by the Old Decanian Society at The Happenstance, Paternoster Square.

44

FLECKER I SUMMER 2020

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:48 Page 45

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

COMMUNITY CLAY PIGEON ODs, staff, friends and parents past and present joined together at the beginning of March 2019 for the annual Dean Close Community Clay Pigeon Shoot at Ian Coleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.

The winning team are pictured here with Emma Taylor (Warden): (L-R): Dom Makin (Court 1991), Al Negus (Gate 1991), Nick Cleave (Past Parent), Tim Widdowson (Gate 1991) (who also won Overall Best Shot), Hugo Hunton (Gate 1991), Andrew Troughton (Field 1991) and Jan Heuff (Field 1991). The majority of this team have joined us for the past four years.

If you would like to join us in 2021, please contact Alex Hume for more information: ods@deanclose.org.uk.

SUMMER 2020 I FLECKER

45

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:48 Page 46

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

OLD DECANIAN SOCIETY CRICKET REPORT

Despite Old Decanian cricket fixtures being arranged as early as last November (to include matches with Gloucestershire Gipsies CC, Dumbleton CC and a game at home to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the School's Tour to Kenya in 2000), due to the outbreak of Covid-19, we could only fulfil one Old Decanian cricket fixture at Dumbleton CC. Even then, it was at short notice, and restricted the availability of a number of regular OD cricketers.

Thankfully, 2019 school skipper Ollie Horne gallantly volunteered to raise the side, which included a number of new names but also a few handy performers, some of whom lacked the practice to be at their peak!

Dumbleton had clearly taken great care to look after the playersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; safety in the difficult circumstances, and on the day put out a strong talented young side including two current Decanians, Nicky Schubach and Alby Cappuccini. They batted first in the 35 over per side contest, but it was not long before promising cricketer James Boden struck with two wickets, including the scalp of Schubach. Still, some useful stands then developed, led by D. Holland, despite hostile spells by Oscar Newcombe and Ollie Horne.

Further bowling changes were forced on the skipper, with Holland advancing into the 90s.

It was Nick Bryan who dismissed him for 93, thanks to a fine catch by Anthony Thompson. Nick took a further wicket and Simon Slabbert's leg spinners proved fruitful towards the end of the innings, picking up three wickets.

However, the home side's final score of 2329 was a daunting target.

Young Decanian Alby Cappuccini opened the bowling for the home side and struck with three early wickets - Alex Hume (12),

46

FLECKER I SUMMER 2020

Anthony Thompson (2) and Toby Pallister (0).

Even worse was to follow, with the loss of Simon Slabbert to Kilminster without scoring - not long after it was 25-5, with Oscar Newcombe only managing five.

Skipper Ollie Horne set about something of a recovery with James Boden at the other end, in a very useful stand of 58. Another major setback then took place, with Nicky Schubach running out Horne for 18 (with a brilliant direct hit from the covers). Boden continued with assistance from the tail but with his loss for a fine 45, the innings fell away to a final total of 105.

Clearly, a very disappointing result and a better show in 2021 is assured! A very enjoyable occasion, however, with many spectators encircling the beautiful ground.

The team included Captain Ollie Horne (Field 2019), Anthony Thompson (Dale 1996), Oscar Newcombe (Dale 2019), Toby Pallister (Field 2019), John Weaver (Tower 1976), James Boden (Gate 2019), Simon Slabbert (Field 2010), Nick Bryan (Field 1982), Jake Melville Smith (Field 2019), Jamie Slatter (Tower 2019), Ethan Butterfield (Tower 2019) and Alex Hume (Dale 2002).

It is hoped a return to the full fixture list will resume in 2021, including the postponed Kenya Tour anniversary game.

By Jeremy Winter (Walton Court 1961) (Secretary) deanclose.org/ODCC President : Rupert Lane Hon. Chairman : Tim Odell Hon. Treasurer : Tim Lawrence Hon. Secretary : Jeremy Winter

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:48 Page 47

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

OLD DECANIAN SOCIETY

GOLF REPORT 2019/2020 The Edward Harris Cup, which was due to be played at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club in October 2019, was cancelled due to bad weather, rain and 40mph winds.

Annual Meeting, October 2019

deanclose.org.uk/ODGS President : Brian Wilson Hon. Chairman : Robert Reed Hon. Secretary & Treasurer : Alex Hume

ODs headed to the Berkshire Golf Club for the Autumn Meeting. This year, the competition for The Hardy Trophy was played on the Blue Course.

Alasdair Carroll (Court 1984) won the competition and is pictured here on the left being awarded the trophy by the ODGS President, Brian Wilson. Alasdair won with 37pts, just pipping Dale Mullins (Court 1977) and Ali Smith (Field 2003) to the post.

Spring Meeting and the Close Community Golf Day 2020 – Cancelled due to Covid-19.

Grafton Morrish Qualifier 2020 – Cancelled due to Covid-19.

Summer Open, July 2020 – Cancelled due to Covid-19.

The Spa Trophy – July 2020 Once again, the Old Decanians were crowned winners in the clash against the Old Cheltonians, winning 4-3 in the 4BBB match play competition. The annual fixture, always a close affair, was this year again played in the beautiful setting of West Hill Golf Course in Woking, Surrey. The ODs have now been in possession of the Spa Trophy for 13 years, winning the last eight in a row.

Team (L-R): Ian Leopold (Field 1976), Ali Smith (Field 2003), Tim Lawrence (Field 1976), Harry Brookes (Field 2019), Nigel Newport-Black (Tower 1980), Ryan Brignull (Dale 2003), Ian Bevan-Jones (Tower 1972), Alex Hume (Dale 2002), Julian Rowett (Gate 1969), Robert Reed (Brook 1962), Robert Hornby (Field 1967), Giles Barton (Dale 1995), Alasdair Carroll (Court 1984) and Will Odell (Field 1994).

Brian Wilson presenting the Hardy Trophy to Alisdair Carroll

Upcoming fixtures before the end of the year include: n n

Edward Harris Cup at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club on Friday 2 October.

Hardy Trophy at The Berkshire Golf Club on Thursday 15 October.

If you would like to be added to the OD Golf communications, please email Alex Hume: ods@deanclose.org.uk

SUMMER 2020 I FLECKER

47

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:48 Page 48

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Roll of Remembrance 2019 -20 Forename

Last Name

House

Class of

Phillip

Appleton

Gate

1986

Arthur

Blyth

Walton Court

1944

Patrick

Edginton

Brook

1961

Richard

Edwards

Court

1969

Christopher

Ellis

Tower

1968

Ian

Farnes

Brook

1956

Michael

Greening

Gate

1953

Roger

Grigg

Brook

1951

Neil

Hardman

Tower

1954

Sue

Hardy OBE

Governor

1971-2017

Clifford

Hodgetts

Gate

1952

John

Howfield

Tower

1946

Robert

Ing

Brook

1939

Richard

Kirby

Gate

1960

Peter

Lynam

Gate

1946

Christopher

Nicholl

Court

1954

Lucinda

Patt

Shelburne

1978

Alan

Ryder

Tower

1959

Malcolm

Seymour-Smith

Brook

1939

Peter

Vaughan

DCJS

1944

Dave

Thompson

Staff

1981-2016

OLD DECANIAN

OBITUARIES Lucinda PATT (Shelburne, Class of 1980, left fifth form) Died 8 January 2019, aged 56.

Lucinda died aged 56, having lost a sixmonth battle with cancer; a battle she bore as cheerfully as she could in the circumstances.

Lucinda started at Dean Close in 1975 and was a pupil here for two years in Shelburne house before completing her sixth form studies at Blackheath High School.

She then spent two years on a kibbutz in the Negev Desert, and was at one point contemplating applying for Israeli

48

FLECKER I SUMMER 2020

citizenship until she learnt that this would include compulsory service in the Israeli Defence Force, not a prospect she relished! On her return to London, she worked in the family business, Kay Hockman & Patt Ltd, for several years before briefly taking up a career with the Foreign Office, and then with the Home Office, where she worked for the rest of her life. Sir Philip Rutnam, Permanent Secretary to the Home Office at the time of Lucinda’s death, wrote: “Lucinda was a long-serving, dedicated member of the Home Office and was well-liked and respected by all her colleagues. Lucinda worked most recently in the Prevent Directorate. In addition to providing

important administrative support across the office as well as supporting major international visits and covering essential security roles. Lucinda will be greatly missed within her immediate team and wider Home Office colleagues who knew her”.

She never married or had children of her own but she was a generous aunt to her two nieces and a benefactor to various animal welfare charities, reflecting her lifelong commitment to animal rights.

She will be missed by her many friends, family and work colleagues.

Written by her brother Adam Patt (Court 1973).

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:48 Page 49

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

John Blethyn HOWFIELD (Tower 1946) Died 27 July 2019, aged 89.

John arrived at Dean Close in 1944 and left in 1946 after gaining his School Certificate. He was in Tower House alongside his brother Peter (Tower 1946). It was fantastic to welcome John back to Dean Close in 2015 alongside his nephew, Blethyn, and Blethyn’s daughter, Chiara.

John ran Howfield’s bakery in Merthyr Tydfil town centre for many years.

Patrick George EDGINTON (Brook 1961)

City for many years. However, Pat was best known as an excellent tennis player, playing at Shipton Tennis Club, which he captained for a few years before becoming Chairman and then President. He was selected to play for Oxford Veterans on a few occasions. As his knees became a problem, he took up croquet playing at Eynsham, near Oxford, where he took control of the croquet lawn.

He married Mary in 1974 and they had two sons, Simon and Alex. Simon is now running the farm. In 2014, the family celebrated being at Highlodge for 100 years.

Thank you to Chris Badger (Brook 1966) for this obituary.

Died 26 August 2019, aged 73.

Pat started his education at Dean Close Junior School before moving up to the senior school in 1959. Here, his sporting talents were encouraged. He was good at all sports, including cricket, hockey and tennis.

On leaving school he came back to the family farm, Highlodge Farm, in Miltonunder-Wychwood near Burford. Pat's father's business partner and brother Brian Edginton also sent his son Anthony Edginton (Brook 1959), affectionately known as AB to Dean Close. AB also sent his children, Thomas Edginton (Brook 1988) and Catherine Edginton (Shelburne 1984), to Dean Close.

Pat spent his first year on the farm before attending Moulton Agricultural College in Northamptonshire for a year.

He then went to New Zealand for a year, learning the family farming ways in that country. He came home and started to run Highlodge Farm with his father.

The farm covered around 600 acres, with a dairy herd of about 120. The rest of the land was given over for arable productions. When Pat sold his cows (as many farmers did at that time), he tried his hand at organic farming with moderate success.

In his spare time, he played cricket for Shipton-under-Wychwood, where he competed against the Old Decanian Cricket Club on many happy occasions.

In winter, he played hockey for Oxford

Christopher DS NICHOLL (Walton Court 1954) Died September 2019, aged 82.

Before going to print, we were informed by a friend of Christopher’s that he had passed away in September of last year.

We will endeavour to gain a full obituary to print in next year’s Flecker.

Chris was at Dean Close between 1951– 54 and was a house prefect in Walton Court. He gained his house cricket colours in 1953 and was a Cadet in the RAF section of the CCF. He sent his son, Mark Nicholl (Tower 1977), to Dean Close.

Chris was back at Dean Close in November 2017 when he attended the 1950s reunion, making his way over from Ross-On-Wye, where he lived.

Robert George ING (Brook 1939)

family solicitor for many years.

At school, Robert was a cadet in the OTC and this probably spurred him to apply to join the Royal Navy. However, when interviewed, he was told to get some life experience before enlisting. So, Robert joined 2000 other apprentices at Austin Cars at Longbridge and during his time there won ‘Apprentice of the Year’.

He joined the Royal Navy in 1942, enlisting as Electrical Artificer aboard HMS Oceanway, a dock landing ship. He took part in the D-Day landings, delivering landing craft at Omaha beach at 15:40 on 6 June 1944 and ferrying landing craft back to the UK as required.

HMS Oceanway was also part of the build-up in preparation for the planned invasion of Japan. After the hostilities, HMS Oceanway was part of the force that was tasked with the repatriation of foreign nationals, eventually returning to the UK via Australia in 1947/8.

Upon leaving the Royal Navy, Robert had to choose between emigrating to India as an engineer on a tea plantation or joining Johnson Matthey in Stoke-0nTrent (his preferred option). He married Enid Mary Bowen in 1951, becoming a father in 1956 when Jonathan (Tower 1972) was born. He became a grandfather to William in 1985. Robert and Enid were married for 63 years.

He became Area Works Manager for Johnson Matthey, retiring in the mid1970s. Robert and Enid managed to stay fit and healthy until well into their nineties, thanks to a love of their large garden.

In his final couple of years, due to failing health, Robert moved into Wrenbury Nursing Home, where he passed away peacefully.

Died 4 October 2019, aged 97.

Robert was born in Feckenham near Redditch in Worcestershire to Edwin Ing (who attended Dean Close between 1903–09), a bank manager with Lloyds Bank, and Dorothy, his wife. Robert arrived at Dean Close in 1969, boarding in Brook House. He left in the summer of 1939 after gaining his 'A' Certificate.

He became lifelong friends with schoolmate Richard Keary (Dick) Thomas (Brook 1941), who acted as the

SUMMER 2020 I FLECKER

49

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:48 Page 50

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Aldersley Malcolm SEYMOUR-SMITH (Brook 1939) Died 6 October 2019, aged 98.

Malcolm attended Dean Close with his four brothers, starting in the Trinity term of 1932. He was House Prefect, and gained his XXII colours for cricket and school colours for hockey. He was also a crucial part of the winning team in the Senior House Gym Competition, beating Gate by 11 points. He then became a Platoon Sergeant in the OTC, where he learnt to fly.

Malcolm was a director of Smith Stone & Knight and Birmingham Paper Makers. He was also the founding member and managing director of paper converters Pendigo Papers, Birmingham. A keen Isle of Man Motorcycle TT Rider and a Member of Little Aston Golf Club, he will be sadly missed by his wife, Margaret, his family and friends.

Malcolm’s funeral service took place on Tuesday 29 October at Streetly Crematorium.

Christopher Matthew ELLIS (Tower 1968) Died 8 November 2019, aged 69.

Chris Ellis was a prolific lighting designer from the 1970s through to the middle of this decade. For many years he held positions at the Leicester Haymarket as Head of Lighting, then Production Manager and ultimately, Chief Executive.

Born in Gloucester on 23 April 1950, Chris discovered the backstage world and the useful political skill of getting people to pay for new lighting equipment while at boarding school at Dean Close. He joined in 1958, stepping into the senior school in 1963 through to 1968. Chris was unsurprisingly Secretary of the Film Unit, for which he chose the films watched by the school and ran the lighting for school productions (which, in 1968, was A Man for all Seasons).

Chris was also Secretary for the Tape Recording Unit, which undertook all school recording commitments; for example, sound effects for the productions, listening tapes for the language department and the recording of lectures for the English department.

50

FLECKER I SUMMER 2020

After school, he accepted to join the BBC but ultimately persuaded them to keep the offer open for two years while he tried theatre. He never went back.

Instead, he joined the Cheltenham Everyman, moving next to Bromley, then the newly opened Hull Arts Centre. In 1971, he began work at the Leicester Phoenix. The city’s architect turned to him for advice on the planned new Haymarket Theatre, and Chris moved there upon opening in 1973.

At the Haymarket, he worked first with director Michael Bogdanov. The pair continued to collaborate for the rest of their working lives, on shows at the National Theatre and Royal Shakespeare Company. But it was Leicester that gave Chris his biggest commercial success, Me and My Girl (which went on to enjoy successful runs in London and New York). Other collaborations, including with designer Maria Björnson, brought him other opportunities, mostly notably a series of acclaimed operas for David Pountney’s English National Opera.

In 1990, with the Haymarket in financial trouble, Ellis stepped in as Chief Executive. Ensuring backstage staff were retained and the theatre re-established the kind of programming enjoyed by local audiences, he turned a substantial deficit into a healthy surplus over the next year.

From then, he focused solely on lighting design with shows around the world, expanding into museum and architectural lighting with a speciality in lighting churches. As a bonus, this let him indulge his passion for playing church organs. Chris was fortunate that his school reunion in January 2015 (Chris is pictured here in the back row, third from the right) fell on the same day as the opening of the school’s new chapel organ. He attended, going on to the Community Evensong that same evening.

In 2015, he fulfilled his promise to his wife Gina to retire at 65, the couple moving from Leicester to Falmouth. Chris died from cancer and is survived by Gina and two sons.

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:48 Page 51

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Richard James KIRBY (Gate 1960) Died 27 December 2019, aged 77.

Phillip James APPLETON (Gate 1986) Passed 14 November 2019, aged 49.

Phillip was at Dean Close between September 1983 and July 1986. He went on to eventually study at Portsmouth University, graduating in 2003 with a BA (Hons) in Illustration. At the time of his passing, he was the Creative Director for NBCUniversal International Studios in London, where he was responsible for bringing to life a portfolio of world-class entertainment brands for the television production companies owned by NBCUniversal. He was involved in many successful commissions by broadcasters including the BBC, ITV, Sky, NetFlix and Amazon.

Throughout his career he also enjoyed working for some of London's leading advertising and design agencies, drawing on 25 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; hands-on experience creating crafted, distinctive and memorable brand communication work for renowned clients in a diverse range of sectors.

Phillip was always behind the camera spending hours taking beautiful photos on his many travels.

Phillip had a keen interest in graffiti and over the last few years had recoded lots of pieces around London. He had also produced several pieces inspired by his interest in street art and more traditional calligraphy. Phillip was also a keen cyclist, spending many happy hours enjoying the world around him.

Richard was born on Trafalgar Day, 21 October 1942, to Jim and Phyllis Kirby and brought home to farm life in Langford. He had an older brother, John (Gate 1957), and younger sister Mary.

Richard initially attended the village school but once old enough, followed his brother John to boarding school at Dean Close in Cheltenham.

Here, he forged many lifelong friends, including Jeremy Hill from Wexford, Ireland, who recollects Richard's prowess on the sports field and his earning of triple colours for rugby, hockey (Captain) and cricket (opening batsman and bowler). He recalled his determination and 'never give up' attitude.

Being born to farming stock, Richard never considered any career other than farming. Upon leaving school, he studied agriculture at the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester. Upon leaving college, Richard had the good fortune of going back to Rectory Farm in Langford, John having decamped to farm pigs and arable crops in Dunmow, Essex. In their teenage years, John had tended to help with rabbit control etc. whilst Richard assisted the shepherd. This probably fuelled his passion for his prize flock of pedigree Suffolks that he took great pride in showing, even as far as Abergavenny. (continues next page)

Phill passed away very suddenly and very unexpectedly at the age of just 49. He is loved and remembered by his sons, James, Sam and Lev, his lovely partner Olga, with whom he had found great happiness, his father, Peter, his step mother, Norma, his brother and sisters, nieces and nephews and innumerable friends and colleagues.

SUMMER 2020 I FLECKER

51

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:48 Page 52

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Following his father's death from stomach cancer, Richard was at one time the youngest of the church commissioner's tenants. He invested for the future modernising and updating of both the dairy unit and grain store with the help of generous government grant schemes in the late 1970s. He accepted change, with machinery replacing men on the farm and increased the size of the dairy herd at the expense of labourintensive sheep and potatoes.

Richard's past times revolved around cricket, shooting and horse racing – typical country pursuits. Cricket was initially for the VWH Team at Poulton, where he played under Stan Hinton's leadership alongside many local farmers.

This continued when he joined the Oxford Downs at Standlake – another farmer-strong team prior to league cricket. He was a longstanding member of Cheltenham Racecourse, where his most exciting moments must have been watching Jeremy Hill's mother's mare, Dawn Run, win not only the Champion Hurdle but the Gold Cup two years later.

Richard enjoyed his game shooting, which took place on local farms with an occasional trip to the Yorkshire Moors. At home, he ran a friendly shoot where presenting testing birds was more important than the size of the bag. He dug a duck flight pond in 1987, which provided many evenings of sport for family and friends. He enjoyed counting the ducks in as much as shooting them and one evening, an owl landed on his 52

FLECKER I SUMMER 2020

cap whilst he leant quietly on the gate.

Richard was a churchwarden at Langford for over 40 years as well as a longstanding member of the parish council, including a term as Chairman and trustee of the Langford Charity.

Richard and Sally were childhood sweethearts who enjoyed mixing with the local point-to-point and national hunt racing set and local young farmers. They married in 1966 at Sandhill Farm, Shrivenham, in a joint wedding with Sally’s sister, Titch, to Richard Frost. They settled down to farming life in Langford with Peter (Gate 1956) born in 1968 and Jane (Shelburne 1989) three years later in 1971. Peter and Jane followed the family tradition of boarding at Dean Close School in Cheltenham, with Richard being a big supporter of their sport and often the only parent present on the touchline. Sadly, Sally died in 1989.

Richard married Sandra in 1991 and over the following years they enjoyed travelling the world with holidays to Peru, Kentucky, Africa, Europe, Canada and Thailand to name a few. Richard also oversaw the renovation of The Shippen, a property he bought in Devon, where much of their time was spent.

In 2015, he was diagnosed with early stages of Alzheimer's. Prior to his illness, Richard took great pleasure in following the progress of his grandchildren. He honoured his promise to Jeremy to buy him a new cricket bat when he scored his first 50 – a feat he accomplished just two

hours later and was delighted to learn that Emily was off to study agriculture at Hartpury. He enjoyed odd-jobbing with James, Rosie and Tommy when in Devon and would have been thrilled to learn that they are all playing representative cricket in Oxfordshire.

Extracts above are taken from the eulogy that Richard’s son Peter Kirby (Gate 1986) compiled.

A service of thanksgiving was held at St Matthews’s Church in Langford on Thursday 23 January 2020.

ODs in attendance included Richard’s brother John Kirby (Gate 1975), his son Peter Kirby (Gate 1986), his daughter Jane Hewlett (née Kirby) (Shelburne 1989), Richard Rose, David Rose, Ian Dimmer, Ian Handy, Tony Marshall, Emma Nash (née Handy) (Shelburne 1983) and Jeremy Winter (Walton Court 1961).

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:48 Page 53

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Dr Arthur Graham BLYTH (Walton Court 1944) Died 30 December 2019, aged 93.

Arthur was immensely proud to be connected to Dean Close and frequently visited to support the pupils in concerts and plays. The Old Decanian Society returned the favour in recent years by visiting him in his nursing home on numerous occasions to show him recordings of lunchtime concerts (pictured here with Connie Parker in November 2019). We thank him for his commitment to the society, having served on the committee from 1995-2004 and as ODS President from 1993-95.

The year 1944, his final year at Dean Close, was a particularly difficult time for his family as, within the space of four months, his mother died and his brother, Robert, then 21, was killed in Normandy.

Arthur was born into a Scottish family in Kilmacolm near Glasgow, the youngest of four. He had a sister, Dorothy, and two brothers. When he was four, the family moved to Haslemere, Surrey, but remained immensely proud of their Scottish heritage. He attended St Ives School, Stroud Prep School and then as a boarder at Dean Close School, Cheltenham, between 1940 and 1944, where his two older brothers, Rev. John Reddie Blyth (Court 1943) and Corporal Robert Blyth (Walton Court 1941), were also educated. Arthur was a house prefect and a Sgt in the J.T.C. A talented and passionate musician, he sang in the choir and played the clarinet, piano, organ and bugle.

Arthur trained to be a doctor at Guyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital between 1945 and 1950, during which time he met his future wife, Jean, on 7 April 1946 when she was only 14. He was subsequently a junior doctor on the RAF camp in Hednesford, Staffs, marrying Jean on 21 July 1951.

He chose to do the remainder of his National Service overseas, and after a short period in Egypt, he was a doctor at the RAF Hospital in Luqa, Malta. Jean joined him and Nicola was born there in 1953. The following year, they returned to the UK for a house job at Winchester Hospital, after which Arthur joined a GP practice in Andover, where he worked very happily for 35 years from 1955. Fiona

was born that year, Alison in 1958, Elspeth in 1962, and Bruce in 1971, by which time the family had moved from The Avenue, Andover, to Shepherds Cottage in nearby Little Ann. He retired in 1990 and remained in the area for the rest of his life, moving with Jean to Anna Valley in 2010. Jean died in 2013 and Arthur remained in their home until August 2018, when he moved to Millway House Nursing Home, Weyhill.

A celebration of his life was held at All Saints Church, Upper Clatford, on Thursday 23 January 2020. A memorial service is planned for Saturday 17 October 2020 at Dean Close School. All are welcome.

Arthur will be very much missed by his Dean Close family.

SUMMER 2020 I FLECKER

53

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:48 Page 54

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Lavender Susan Mary HARDY OBE Died 1 January 2020, aged 94.

Sue was born on 18 December 1925 in Simla, India, while her father was serving as Brigadier in the British Indian Army. She went to school at St Swithun’s, Winchester, where she remained until she was 18. She joined the Women’s Royal Navy Service (WRNS) in 1943 and was then posted to Bletchley Park where she worked as a bombe operator, the bombe being an electromagnetic device designed by Alan Turing and others, used to decipher the German Enigma encryption machine.

It was at Bletchley Park that she met her husband, Geoff, and they married on the 14 October 1948, moving to Cheltenham in 1953 when the Government Communication Headquarters (GCHQ) opened.

Geoff was posted to Singapore in late 1953 until 1958.

In 1965, Sue was appointed a Justice of the Peace, eventually becoming the Chairman of Gloucestershire Magistrates.

Other roles included Chairman of the Gloucestershire Probation Service, Girl Guide County Commissioner for Gloucestershire, Chairman of the Trefoil Guild and Chairman of the Cheltenham branch of Cancer Research.

Sue was a longstanding member of the council at Dean Close, having joined in 1971. In 2001, she was asked to become a trustee and remained in that role until 2013.

In 2017, Sue became an Emeritus Member of Council.

She was awarded the OBE in 1992 for services to the community, and in her spare time (!) she bred Dandie Dinmont Terriers.

Sue died peacefully in hospital following a short illness.

She is survived by their Jane and Richard (Field/Tower 1971), their five grandchildren and 12 greatgrandchildren.

William Neil Clowes HARDMAN (Tower 1954) Died 17 January 2020, aged 84.

Neil joined Dean Close Junior School in 1943, followed by the senior school in 1948. A good sportsman, some of his highlights include winning the senior long jump in 1954 (with a jump of 19ft 2in; the school record at the time was 20ft 6in) and coming second in both the 100 yards and the ¼ mile race. He was also awarded XXII colours for his performances in the 2XI hockey team. Outside of sport, he was a house and school prefect, chairman of the Model Railway Club and a Sgt. in the CCF. After leaving Dean Close, Neil did his National Service with the 6th Royal Tank Regiment at Münster. He was demobbed in 1956 at the end of the Suez crisis.

After his return, Neil took up a place at Downing College Cambridge, where he studied Agriculture. This was followed by a year at Lincoln College Oxford to complete a diploma in Agricultural Economics. While at Cambridge, Neil was on the committee of the Downing Hockey Club and a member of the Jabberwock's Revue Society, where he led the stage lighting for numerous dramatic productions.

Going on to lecture in Agriculture in Derbyshire and

54

FLECKER I SUMMER 2020

Nottinghamshire, Neil’s final appointment was Principal of Picketing Agricultural Centre, a branch of Askham Bryan College. He retired in 1997.

Although a keen hockey player at school and university, his main interest was golf. He was President of Yorkshire Golf in 2008 and in 2009, and was asked to nurture schools golf in Yorkshire. A number of players who worked with Neil are now on the professional circuit. Neil was also an active member of Ryedale Lions Club, rising to the position of Deputy District Governor.

Neil always stayed in contact with the Old Decanian Society, and made the long journey from North Yorkshire to attend reunions in 2012 and 2017.

Neil leaves a widow, Sue, son Nicholas, daughter Sara, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He died peacefully in St Catherine's Hospice, Scarborough, surrounded by his family. Nearly 200 people attended the thanksgiving service, which raised just over £1200 for charity. The wake took place at the Kirkbymoorside Golf Club (of course!)

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:48 Page 55

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

who lived on the same road as his parents in Purley. They married in 1973 and lived in Tunbridge Wells.

Ian Louis FARNES (Brook 1956) Died 24 February 2020, aged 81.

Ian was born in Ruislip in 1938, moving to Purley, Surrey, in 1946, where he spent his formative years. Ian attended the local prep school, Downside, before moving on to Dean Close in the Trinity term of 1952 until Trinity 1956. He was House Prefect alongside Ian Ireland in Brook House.

Ian was a very good bowler for the 1st XI, taking 17 wickets in the 1956 season. In the first match of the season, he took 3 for 18, and in the second match, (versus St Peter's Hall) 5 for 20. He was also an excellent hockey player who once received a questionable review in The Decanian: "The left-wing in question was I. L. Farnes, a clever but somewhat heavyfooted forward. Great keenness for the game and much practice has given him excellent stick work, but a preference for reverse stick play (Oh! those Indian sticks!) led him to indulge in that too much". That year the team was coached

by Mr Hoare and Mr Carnill, who went on

to fulfil their posts as Manager and Captain of the British Olympic Hockey XI that summer. Ian’s younger brother, Robert, also attended Dean Close, leaving in 1963.

After leaving school, Ian went to work with Mowlems (bought by Carillion in 2006) as a civil engineer. Projects included the refurbishment of 10 Downing Street and he served as a Senior Engineer on the construction of the Victoria Line. At this time, he lived in Purley and was an active member of Purley Hockey and Cricket clubs.

In 1964, he married Fiona and had a daughter, Alison. After Fiona and Ian went their separate ways, Ian met Pam,

In 1975, they moved to Swanage, where Ian had been asked to join Tilbury Civil Engineering. No sooner had they arrived, their son, Richard, was born, and soon afterwards, daughter Sally. Ian spent many hours at Purbeck Golf Club, where in 2002 he was honoured to be Captain.

He was later asked to be president of the club.

Ian stayed in contact with Dean Close and it was great to see him when he attended his reunion lunch in 2013.

Alongside his work and golf, Ian loved going on cruises with Pam, until Pam sadly lost her battle with cancer in 2016.

They were married for over 40 years.

He became a great-grandad last year and leaves behind three children and five grandchildren. His funeral took place on 10 March 2020 at Bournemouth Crematorium and afterwards at the Isle of Purbeck Golf Club.

Dr Richard Bryn Llewelyn EDWARDS (Court 1969) Died 30 March 2020, aged 69.

Richard arrived at Dean Close Senior School in the winter of 1964.

During his time at school he was the Secretary of the VIII Cross Country Team, winning four out of six matches against other schools in the 1968 season. He subsequently gained his school running colours. Richard played tennis for the 1st VI and was also very at shooting, attending Bisley and gaining his school shooting colours. He obtained his Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award in the winter of 1968 and was a house prefect.

Richard was a GP in Aberystwyth, where he was also Honorary Club Doctor for Aberystwyth Town FC. He was an extremely popular and wellloved character at the club. His annual medical sessions with the players ensured Aberystwyth Town gained domestic and European licences, and his commitment as a club volunteer went beyond the call of duty, with Richard even carrying out a medical in the secretary’s house at 11pm on deadline night, to ensure the club submitted required paperwork in time!

Richard was a proud Welsh speaker and an active member of the community. He was treasurer of the town’s St David’s Day Parade, “Pared Gwyl Dewi,” and an active member of the Welsh language social group Cylch Cinio. He was also a volunteer with local charity HAHAV, providing care and friendship for people with chronic illnesses.

In his spare time, he loved skiing, golfing and red wine, and was very proud to have recently become a grandfather to two grandchildren. He died after a brave battle with a brain tumour.

Richard was married to Dana and leaves behind two children, Dafydd and Fflur.

Dave THOMPSON (Member of Staff 1981 – 2016) Died Thursday 2 April 2020, aged 66.

Dave had been employed at Dean Close for nearly 35 years, joining in October 1981 and retiring in September 2016. He held a number of roles but will be mainly remembered as the Theatre Manager of the Bacon Theatre, a job that he truly loved. A plaque hangs above the central bar in the Bacon Theatre Orangery, as on his retirement it was named the ‘Dave Thompson Bar’ in his honour.

Dave died peacefully in his sleep, at the Sue Ryder hospice, after a hard-fought battle against cancer over the last five years. He will be remembered as a quiet, gentle, funny and caring man with a great passion for travel, music and theatre.

SUMMER 2020 I FLECKER

55

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:48 Page 56

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

The Rt. Rev. Peter VAUGHAN (DCJS 1940 – 1944) Died 4 April 2020, aged 89.

succeeded him. He thrived on the multi-faith environment and forged lifelong relationships, returning several times in retirement to lead missions. He enjoyed the culture, and, although he never mastered the language, did not fear the challenge of it.

Born in 1930 in Shiraz, Iran, to CMS missionaries, Peter travelled as a baby in his mother's arms back to the UK. During the war, he was evacuated to Dean Close, Cheltenham, and attended school here and later at Charterhouse. A long-time governor at Dean Close, his input and advice was most welcomed.

After National Service, Peter studied at Selwyn College, and then at Ridley Hall, Cambridge. During holidays, he spent time in his uncle’s parish in Middlesbrough, where he worked in an iron foundry. Aware that he was not the most practical of people, he did this so that he might better understand everyday working life.

An encounter at a CSSM mission with Elisabeth Parker, a New Zealander, forged a relationship that would undergird future life and Christian ministry. Their contrasting personalities and yet common passionate faith and CMS family backgrounds set the scene for their married life of 58 years.

As his curacy began in 1957 at St Martin's in-the-Bull-Ring, Birmingham, under the evangelist Canon Bryan Green, he met Canon John Holden, who says: "Searching for faith, and as a complete newcomer, Peter invited me to meet with him once a week for conversations; it was like a one-to-one Alpha course." Green joked that, although he himself was regarded as too great a risk to ever be called to the episcopate, most of his curates had become bishops.

Peter lived with four other curates in the rectory and it was here that Peter learnt his trade, his love of mission and challenging environments, and the need for ministry to respond creatively to social trends. His commitment to deprived areas was

56

FLECKER I SUMMER 2020

something he shared with Elisabeth and was reflected in the school at which she chose to teach.

He set up a boys' club, invited shoppers in the Bullring market to lunchtime services, and had a particular concern for the children in the St Martin's Sunday school, which was located in what was still then a slum area of central Birmingham. The same commitment led Peter, in retirement, to participate in a project supporting refugees and asylum seekers in Swindon.

In 1963, Peter and Elisabeth moved to Oxford, where Peter served as Chaplain to the Oxford Pastorate and Assistant Chaplain of Brasnose College. Here, he thrived on lively student debate and high table discussion. Their two daughters, Sarah and Merle, were born in this period. The urge to engage in overseas mission work was irresistible, however, and, over the next eight years, they took on challenging ministry in Sri Lanka and New Zealand.

He was the last British vicar of Christ Church, Galle Face, in Colombo, and was delighted that one of his curates

When an insurrection broke out in 1970, the family remained in Sri Lanka long after the ex-pat community had left. Peter’s mother sent him The Church Times weekly and in its folds, all the medicines and necessities that were unavailable during rationing.

Packages often arrived mysteriously empty, and so The Church Times proved the safest mode of transport.

After five years, Peter moved with the family, now with son Richard, too, to New Zealand, where he was Precentor of Auckland Cathedral, and experienced a flavour of his wife’s homeland.

Returning to the UK in 1975, Peter was appointed Principal of CMS’s Training College, Crowther Hall, in Birmingham. He then moved to Carlisle to become Archdeacon of Westmorland and Furness. In 1989, Peter became Bishop of Ramsbury, the first bishop to be consecrated in Salisbury Cathedral in 900 years.

Instead of retiring in 1998, he felt that he had enough energy for one last post, and was sent to Bradford diocese as a house-for-duty assistant bishop.

Retirement, when it came, was in Lechdale, where he, now into his mid-eighties, regularly took the Sunday-evening services; he particularly enjoyed leading gatherings at the pub.

Taken from The Church Times and written by Canon Gordon Dey.

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:48 Page 57

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Alan Henry RYDER (Tower 1959) Died 8 April 2020, aged 79.

Alan was born in 1940 and spent his early life in Bristol where he attended Tockington Manor School. At school, he had his first dramatic experience when he took the part of Sir Toby in a version of Twelfth Night, an achievement he looked back on with some satisfaction. On arriving at Dean Close in September 1954, he quickly took advantage of the musical opportunities available, joining the Chapel Choir, the Choral Society and learning to play the trumpet. The latter also introduced him to the bugle and he was a stalwart of the CCF band throughout his time at school. In addition, he was an enthusiastic member of the Hobbies Club, where he constructed numerous model aircraft. Interest in aircraft led to membership of the RAF section of the CCF and a memorable visit to the Gloster Aircraft prototype testing centre at Moreton Valence (arranged on one of Douglas Graham’s ‘free days’ through Cedric Kennedy, who had contacts there from his war work). Alan was also a member of the Gramophone Society, and later the Tovey Society, and took every opportunity to attend live concerts in term time, particularly those given at the Town Hall by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra during each year, and the Cheltenham Contemporary Music Festival during the summer term. He was also involved in CAP Tuckwell’s Open Air Theatre productions, appearing as the Duke of Gloucester in a 1959 production of King Lear. During his last two years at school, he was first House Prefect for Tower and then School Prefect.

University was not an automatic consideration in those days and Alan first joined a commercial company in Bristol. However, he left after a year to study Geography at Aberystwyth. After graduation, he spent some time in France, then moved to the United States and finally, to Canada. He became involved with computers and worked as a manager with a pension fund. He and his wife, Sharlene, lived with their two sons, Tristan and Matthew, just south of Vancouver.

In 1998, he made the trip to England with his younger son, visiting old friends and places associated with his past. These included a day at Dean Close visiting the new and old buildings with his housemaster, M.A. Girling. He managed another visit in 2007, on his own, when he was able to enjoy another long-term interest, motor racing, at a Thruxton meeting.

On retirement, he and Sharlene sold up on the mainland and moved to Mayne Island, one of the larger islands in the Gulf Islands archipelago between Vancouver and Vancouver Island. Here, they bought a house with some land where Alan worked to create a garden and carry out numerous improvements to the property, all to the highest standard of workmanship. Being on an island inevitably meant that most of the equipment and materials had to be brought across from the mainland using the ferry service. The same ferry service took Alan on frequent trips to Vancouver, where he was a full-time member of the Vivaldi Choir, which rehearsed and gave concerts regularly.

On the island, he was also a member of the Mayne Island Conservancy, dedicated to protecting its ecology.

Around three years ago, Alan went into hospital for remedial treatment which was successful. Then in early in 2019, a cardiovascular problem appeared.

This, unfortunately, progressed so that he had to be admitted to hospital in Victoria around Christmas time. He sadly deteriorated further while under medical care and died on 8 April 2020.

Thank you to John A.H. Hawes (Brook 1959) for this obituary. John and Alan are pictured at Dean Close in 1998.

SUMMER 2020 I FLECKER

57

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:48 Page 58

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Charles Peter LYNAM (Gate 1956) Died 11 April 2020, aged 92.

Peter was born at Culcheth near Leigh in Lancashire on 2 July 1928, with his sister, Jill, born eight years later. He became a boarder at Dean Close when he was 14, having previously attended Winterdyne Prep School in Southport.

As a school prefect and Head of House, Peter was a very active member of the pupil body. He received house colours for rugby and hockey and was Secretary of the Literacy Society and a member of the Debating Society. He also served as VicePresident of the Acton Club and a Sergeant in the CCF. He gained his School Certificate in 1944 and his Higher Certificate in 1946. On Speech Day, he was awarded the Open History Prize. Peter maintained a close connection with the school and his school friends all his life.

An Old Decanian committee member from 1956 to 2016, Peter served as Hon. Secretary from 1957-73, President from 1976-78 and Deputy President from 1989-91. From 1961 to 2014, Peter was also on the school council as Governor.

In 1947, Peter undertook National Service and volunteered for the Royal Army Educational Corps.

His final posting was in Germany at Kiel. In October

58

FLECKER I SUMMER 2020

1949, Peter began studying history at The Queenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College, Oxford. He enjoyed his subject and the collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s friendly atmosphere and made lifelong friends.

After university Peter joined the civil service and spent his career at the Ministry of Defence. He met his wife, Pauline, at the Coffee Pot, a club for graduates in London. They married in July 1961 and had a daughter, Jane, born the next year, followed

by Sarah two years later. Peter and Pauline lived in the same house in Ashtead, Surrey, for 52 years and enjoyed a long and happy marriage for 58 years until Pauline passed away in October 2019.

Peter loved spending time with his grandchildren, Isobel, Imogen, Joshua and Josie. His youngest daughter, Sarah, had moved to Vancouver Island with her husband Karl, Joshua and Josie, and Peter and Pauline visited them every year in August for three weeks until travel became too much.

Peter was a kind, considerate and thoughtful person with a gentle and optimistic nature. He was very family-oriented, loved his home and particularly enjoyed gardening.

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:48 Page 59

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Peter 3rd from Right with Headmaster, Hugh Elder in 1946

Riding Meteor, Kiel Germany during his National Service 1949

Senior Hockey 1946, pictured 2nd from right

Peter seated on a chair - 5th from Right, sitting next to Housemaster, The Rev. E. Victor Tanner OD in 1946

SUMMER 2020 I FLECKER

59

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:48 Page 60

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Clifford Lionel HODGETTS OBE DL (Gate 1952) Died 11 May 2020, aged 85.

Clifford entered into Dean Close Senior School in 1947, and impressed on the sports field and in the class room, ultimately leading to him being awarded the senior prefect role in his final year.

An all rounder, he gained his colours in rugby, cricket, hockey and athletics.

He was cricket captain and a fast bowler, claiming 23 wickets at an average of 9.22 in his final season. As Captain of Athletics, he won the Victor Ludorum for best senior athlete on sport day, and in his final year, the long jump, high jump, 120 yards hurdles and ¼-mile race.

His rugby report read:

“C. L. Hodgetts, a centre three-quarter, was a strong, powerful, thrustful runner and much can be (and was!) forgiven him for these virtues. If only he would couple tactical appreciation with these physical attributes and the discipline of conforming to a line and playing to it as part of it and constantly practising, then - he could be a fine player.”

After leaving Dean Close, Clifford read law at Bristol University. He qualified as a solicitor after completing articles in Cheltenham, then entered the Army to fulfil his deferred National Service obligation. Having played hockey at county level, much of his military service was spent improving the army’s reputation in hockey. Demobbed after the obligatory two years, he then joined solicitors Thomas Eggar & Son, arriving in Chichester in 1960 with his wife and eight-month-old daughter.

In 1971, he was appointed Clerk to the Dean and Chapter of Chichester Cathedral and Registrar of the Diocese of Chichester, going on to become one of England’s leading experts in ecclesiastical law. A modern gargoyle representing Clifford is situated at Chichester Cathedral (see photo). In 1991, he was appointed Registrar to the Dean and Chapter of Westminster Abbey and in 2000, awarded an OBE for services to the Church of England.

Meanwhile, he had been elected Senior Partner of Thomas Eggar in 1987, a position he retained until

60

FLECKER I SUMMER 2020

his retirement in 1999. During his tenure, Thomas Eggar became firmly established amongst the top 100 firms of solicitors in England following mergers with Verrall Bowles & Stevens and Church Adams and Tatham.

Having been involved in the inception of Chichester Festival Theatre in the early 1960s, Clifford was subsequently appointed Trustee and Board Director of the Theatre in the early 1990s, and Vice Chairman for several years, retiring in 2012. He served as a Deputy Lord Lieutenant of West Sussex for 15 years following his appointment in 1994 and was a Trustee and Governor of Westbourne House School from 1991 to 2007.

While at Dean Close, Clifford met his future wife, Anthea Langhorne, and they married in October 1957, with Michael Dash (Gate 1953) serving as Clifford's best man at the wedding. Clifford and Andrea went on to have three children, Julia, Sarah and Richard.

Clifford was an avid walker with a great love of the countryside and his dogs. He enjoyed many happy hours with his family and was noted for his cheating at all games played with his children and grandchildren. Due to Covid-19, a small funeral was held with plans for a memorial service at Chichester Cathedral at a later date.

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:48 Page 61

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Michael Rodney GREENING (Gate 1953) Died 29 May 2020, aged 84.

Roger Alan Byron GRIGG (Brook 1951) Died 6 June 2020, aged 85.

Michael was the son of the Rector of Dowdeswell and boarded at Dean Close from 1948 until 1953. At school, he enjoyed writing essays and debating and became an instrumental member of the debating society and editor of the school magazine. He also won the Gonner Prize for Literature at Speech Day. In 1953, the debating society were to discuss 'whether the human race would survive on the earth for another 50 years'; Michael put a speech together saying that it would and turns out he was right! Another passion was music, with Michael becoming a member of the Light Music Club. Here is a passage from an article written by Mike in the 1953 edition of The Decanian:

“The Light Music Club by popular demand has increased its membership from twenty to forty, half of which has been formed into a junior section, who hold their meetings on Thursday evenings. After a term of Popular Record sessions, the Club gave a concert in the schoolroom. It was open to the whole school, and about a hundred and fifty attended. It comprised specially selected records, announced by Moore and Greening, some "Clarinet jam" played by the Rowley Trio (Rowley and Cook, clarinets; Chapman, piano) and a ten-minute film of ‘Count Basie and his Orchestra’ with the Deep River Boys. The Officers for the last term were M. R. Greening, C. D. Cecil, D. S. Peacock and C. H. Moore.”

Michael never considered going on to further education but decided to join the army, where he became an officer and was posted to Belgium. After five years he returned to the UK, married and had four children, Marie-Ann, Jane, Sara and Tim (Brook 1976). Michael worked in various jobs, including teaching, but was most comfortable as an entrepreneur and was involved in many enterprises.

Michael lost his wife to cancer in 2000 and retired soon after.

Turning to his passion for writing, he based himself in what was once a watermill in deepest mid-Wales. He loved to travel and spend time with his family and friends.

It was great to see Michael back at Dean Close in 2017, when he attended a lecture hosted by an old peer of Professor Tim Bliss.

This was a fascinating lecture on ‘The Mechanics of Memory: How The Brain Stores Memories.’

Roger attended Dean Close between 1946 and 1951. Some memorable moments from his time at school include playing Titania in a junior school production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, performed to a packed house at the Open Air Theatre, and receiving the President’s Prize for a model he built in the Hobbies Club in senior school in 1951. He was also an NCO in the CCF. After school, Roger began an apprenticeship with steelworks manufacturer Stewart & Lloyds, but ultimately became unwell and left to attend Wolverhampton Tech. After taking his A-levels, he gained a place at Birmingham University, eventually graduating with a BSc with Honours in Metallurgy. Upon graduating, he was called up for National Service and became a bombing officer in the RAF. Roger’s brother, Brian Grigg (Brook 1956), writes:

"Father had bought him an Austin Healey, the original one with three gears and overdrive, and he became a competent high-speed driver.

As far as I know, he never had an accident.

Although I do remember spinning in a Porsche once with him! I also remember that he came home one weekend at the time when there was a great fuss in the papers about the UK having an atom bomb! He told us that 'there was one parked close to the Great North road last week".

Upon leaving the air force, Roger joined the flourishing steel stockholding business his father had started. The family later sold the business and Roger moved to Poole, where he enjoyed his favourite past time of sailing. He became a competent helm, and together with friend Leslie Smith, bought a Swann boat called Matchmaker to compete in Royal Ocean Racing Club races. Though not as fast as the team boats, they achieved some creditable results in the Admiral Cup Series.

Roger was married to Averil for over 65 years and leaves behind a son and daughter.

Michael died in Isle Court Nursing home in Shrewsbury after being diagnosed with pneumonia.

SUMMER 2020 I FLECKER

61

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:48 Page 62

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Dates for the Diary For more information on these and other events, please call the office or visit our website: deanclose.org.uk/events Saturday 3 October 2020 DEAN CLOSE SCHOOLS OPEN MORNING Open Morning for parents and prospective pupils aged 2-18yrs. Please call 01242 258044 to register or for more information.

Wednesday 16 December 2020 SERVICE OF NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS Dean Close School Chapel, 7.30pm. All are welcome to join us at this annual service followed by mulled wine and mince pies.

DATES IN 2021 Friday 26 February 2021 CLOSE COMMUNITY CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING Join us for a morning of clay pigeon shooting at Ian Coley Sporting, Cheltenham.

Tuesday 4 May 2021 DCF SERVICE OF COMMEMORATION Saturday 26 June 2021 DCS SPEECH DAY Saturday 3 July 2021 THE OLD DECANIAN SOCIETY 130th ANNIVERSARY BALL Held at Dean Close School, Cheltenham, from 6.45pm. Carriages at 1pm. Black tie, dodgems, photo booth, music from the Chip Shop Boys, dinner, cocktail bar, tuck shop and midnight snacks will all be available!

62

FLECKER I SUMMER 2020

HOCKEY CLUB Regardless of whether you already play, haven’t played for a long time or have never played, everyone is welcome to join the Dean Close Hockey Club.

A mixture of Old Decanians, current and past parents take part and everyone is welcome to come along and have a go.

Coffee is served in the dining hall after practice every Saturday morning and there are plenty of opportunities to socialise, culminating in an end-of-season event.

Matches are fun and competitive, with rivals including common room staff, parents from other schools and even the teams’ own children.

If you would like more information, please call Sarah Hick on 07815 937 755, email dcparenthockey@gmail.com or come to the astros on a Saturday morning.

Project1_Layout 1 08/10/2020 09:25 Page 1

100 years of exper琀se Hazlewoods provides specialist accountancy, tax, audit and business advice to individuals and businesses.

We pride ourselves on our experience, highly personal service, strong values and new ideas.

To 昀nd out more about the people who make Hazlewoods visit hazlewoods.co.uk

01242 680000 @Hazlewoods Hazlewoods LLP is a Limited Liability Partnership registered in England and Wales with number OC311817.

Registered o ce: Staverton Court, Staverton, Cheltenham, Glos, GL51 0UX. A list of LLP partners is available for inspec琀on at each o ce. Hazlewoods LLP is registered to carry on audit work in the UK and regulated for a range of investment business ac琀vi琀es by the Ins琀tute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales.

Flecker Publication 2020_Layout 1 08/10/2020 17:48 Page 64

OLD DECANIAN SOCIET Y

Editor: Alex Hume (Dale 2002) Thank you to all those ODs who contributed to the magazine this year. deanclose.org.uk/ODS