2024-25 OI Journal

Long

Samuel

Lara Vockins

Siep Walta

Ziming Wang

Olivia Wickens

James Wilkinson

Henry Wong

Nok Hang Wong

Noah Woodhouse Benjamin Wooldridge

Charlie Wright Chengyun Wu

Sin Hang Yeung

Amelia Young

Diana Zabrodska

Hanyun

Minghao

I am fiercely proud of being the first former pupil in the School’s 600+ year history to have been entrusted with its leadership.

As my first year in post has unfolded, my hopes of what the principal benefits of contemporary Ipswich School education might be have crystallised into a key message that want a child’s time at Ipswich School to be enjoyable. Yes, there will be important things to be achieved and accomplished, notably by way of the outstanding environment of academic success that we are so fortunate to have in place here. However, that will not be the only thing that drives and inspires us.

I find myself talking - again and again - of a desire to see them acquire “experiences, memories, friendships” during their time here.

And I hope that as you, as an Old Ipswichian, look back on your own time here (whenever that might have been), you recognise some of those things in your own lives: experiences here - in lessons, on the sports field, in your House, performing in Great School, or through the CCF or other school trips – that shaped the person that you have become; memories of special moments that you still treasure; and friendships created here that have endured through all that life has subsequently thrown your way.

I hope that this edition of the Journal keeps some of those fires burning for you in terms of how you look back at your old school and how you remember (fondly, I hope) the things that you did and the people with whom you did them.

You are welcome back here any time and I would love to show you around the Ipswich School of 2025/26 and beyond.

With my very best wishes,

September 2024 – August 2025

The Old Ipswichian Journal is published annually by the Old Ipswichian Club as a summary of the previous year’s events and news. The views expressed therein are not necessarily those of the OI Club.

Editor: Clare Lock (editor@oldipswichians.org.uk) For more information about the Old Ipswichians and to receive other OI publications, please telephone 01473 408324 or email: oldipswichians@ipswich.school • Visit oldipswichians.ipswich.school

Join us on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook @oldipswichians

– Nick Gregory (OI 1981 – 88) Head

Programme of Events for 2025/26

or

Details of the above events can also be found on the Old Ipswichian Website: www.ipswich.school/old-ipswichians/ or contact oldipswichians@ipswich.school. In addition to these events the Club is always delighted to host reunions for specific year groups who wish to help organise one. If you have a milestone anniversary such as 10th, 20th, 30th and 40th and wish to meet with your classmates or If you would like to talk about this in general or specifically, please get in touch with Development and Alumni Relations Manager, Caroline Gould on cog@ipswich.school or call 01473 408324 Details of the above events can also be found on the Old Ipswichian Website: oldipswichians.ipswich.school or contact oldipswichians@ipswich.school. In addition to these events the Club is always delighted to host reunions for specific year groups who wish to help organise one. If you have a milestone anniversary such as 10th, 20th, 30th and 40th and wish to meet with your classmates or If you would

or call 01473 408324

President

Steve Runnacles

Outgoing President Ray East

Incoming President

David Rowledge

Chairman Sally Webber

Vice-Chairman

Tim Passmore

Investments

Henry Gaskin

Secretary Clare Lock

OI Journal & News editor

Clare Lock

Representative on the Governing Body

James Davey

Ipswichians oldipswichians@ipswich.school Development Office development@ipswich.school

There is an old adage that time flies when you are having fun! Never could that saying be more correct than in 2025 – my year as President of the Old Ipswichians. It has been a truly great honour to serve as President of the Old Ipswichians, an honour that I never thought I would ever achieve. I thought it would be opportune to sit down and just recap on what has happened during the last nine months.

Welcome to this year’s Journal. It’s been a busy year for the Club, and you will be able to read all about it here.

My first official duty was to attend the Annual London Dinner held in Chartered Accountants’ Hall in Moorgate Place in April. On paper, this venue did not hold the same attraction as the Long Room at Lord’s cricket ground. However, those of us who attended were fortunate to enjoy the sumptuous surroundings of both the Members’ Room and the Main Reception Hall.

Our past President, Ray East, regaled us with some humorous stories about his experiences as a Professional Cricketer. The Head, spurred on by some of his cohort, brought us up to date with the latest developments at the School, touching on some of the issues now facing Private Education.

A mere two days after the London Dinner we had the excitement of the OI cricket match on the school field. The weather was superb for April and added to the enjoyment of the action on the field.

The summer months brought a variety of reunions at the School. These reunions are always made special by the tours of the School and the sight of a Cricket match on the field. The Summer lunch coupled with the 50-year reunion is always a special event. This year was no exception, with a fine address from Karl Daniels after lunch.

The coming months promise to be equally as exciting with a full programme of events leading up to the turn of the year. The former staff lunch on 4th October, the Rugby Lunch on 11th October, the Remembrance Service on November 9th and then London Drinks on November 13th are just a selection of the wide-ranging events that are in the calendar. I encourage all OIs to come along and enjoy the fellowship these occasions provide.

This programme is only possible thanks to the support of the School, the Head and Staff and particularly the superb efforts of Caroline Gould and her team in the Development Office. The smooth and efficient running of these events is testament to all the hard work of Caroline and her team.

My year so far has been a real pleasure. For me, it is the joy of meeting new OIs and catching up with old acquaintances that has really made this a wonderful year. Thank you to all the OIs who have supported me this year and I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible over the coming months.

Steve Runnacles (OI 1963 – 74)

OI Club President

This year we welcomed Nick Gregory as the first OI in its history to lead the school, and many of you will have met him at various events throughout the year. He brings a deep understanding of the connection that many OIs feel to the school, and he, and his wife Helen, have thrown themselves into life at IP1. We are lucky to have them.

As Chair, I am also lucky to have a great bunch of fellow OIs who serve on the Committee. They generously give up their time to help shape the events we put on over the year. My grateful thanks go to them all for their enthusiasm and commitment. Of course, nothing would happen without the marvellous Caroline Gould from the Development Office, her patience, organisation and commitment is extraordinary, and we would be lost without her.

Lastly, my thanks to Clare Lock, the Journal’s Editor. She puts in many hours behind the scenes to create this wonderful publication, which I know is hugely appreciated by the Club as a whole.

Do make yourself a cup of tea and enjoy reading about the last year for the OI Club and perhaps resolve to come to one of our events this year. They are great fun: you’ll catch up with people you know, and people you don’t, and will come away having had a thoroughly lovely time.

OI

– Sally Webber (OI 1993 – 95)

Club Chair

–

Back row L-R: David Rowledge (OI 1978 – 89), Tim Passmore (OI 1966 – 77), OI President - Steve Runnacles (OI 1963 – 74), Head - Nick Gregory (OI 1981 – 88) Front row L-R: James Davey (OI 1967 – 77), Chair - Sally Webber (OI 1993 – 95), Matt Beaumont (OI 1987 – 94), Ray East (former staff 1990 – 23)

50 Years of Girls - an Interview with Ian Galbraith

I sat down with former headmaster Ian Galbraith as part of our year long celebration of 50 years of girls at Ipswich School, to discuss his initiative to extend coeducation from just the Sixth Form (where girls were very much a minority) to the whole School.

Ian Galbraith joined Ipswich School in 1993 as Headmaster.

At the end of his first year, he was asked by the governors to look ahead and make suggestions for the strategic direction of the school. He put forward the following:

• The School to go fully co-educational

• Lower the entry age of the Prep School from Year 4 to Reception

• Phase out Saturday School

• Continue with, and develop boarding. He awaited the final governors’ meeting of the year with some trepidation but they were in full agreement. Mr Galbraith commented that he was grateful for the immense

support of the governors at the time. This left Mr Galbraith and the staff with a lot to do and many challenges. We talked about the decision to go fully co-ed.

There were several ways to move this forward. Should Ipswich School amalgamate with a girls school? (This option was explored but rejected.) How rapid should the change be? Various models were considered,

including the diamond model (where pupils are mixed in the prep, separated in years 7 to 11 and mixed again in sixth form) but Mr Galbraith felt that this negated some of the benefits of co-education as well raising all sorts of logistical problems. The decision was made to go fully co-educational, starting with Years 7, 9 and 12 and the Prep would also have boys and girls throughout.

The first 12-18 months were spent reviewing every aspect of the school from accommodation and buildings to staffing and staff training, the curriculum, the pastoral structure and the whole ethos and ‘feel’ of the School. There was an important link to the pastoral changes that Mr Galbraith considered so important. As a small example, all pupils would now be called by their first name (boys were typically known by their surnames).

There was strong support for the change from staff, parents and pupils though inevitably there were concerns that had to be anticipated and addressed, and it was important to consider the changes from boys’ perspectives as well as girls.Mr Galbraith was unsure how the Old Ipswichian community would take the news and attended that year’s London Dinner with some concern. But he had nothing to worry about

as the news was met with applause, and comments such as ‘now my granddaughter can go to the School’. The news was also well received by local primary and prep schools though it caused ripples with senior independent schools who could see that Ipswich School was strengthening its position. There were several rival schools for girls at the time including co-educational Woodbridge and single-sex Ipswich High School, Amberfield and Jesus & Mary. Ipswich School had to engender confidence among prospective parents and pupils that it would be their best option despite not having a track record for girls’ education between 3 and 16. There were many challenges to face. For example, some teachers had spent their entire career at a boys’ school and had to adapt the content and style of their lessons. Considerable time and effort was spent in advance of the change so that as much as possible would be right from day one. Curriculum changes included the introduction of drama, the inclusion of textiles in art courses, of more graphics in DT and of psychology in the sixth form. Mr Galbraith commented that having to rethink the curriculum for co-education benefitted the boys as well as the girls.

The decision was made to adapt Westwood boarding house to accommodate girls, with a mix of smaller dormitories, shared rooms and single rooms and a far more comfortable feel.

Issues of uniform are always tricky and the pupils at that time were very much associated with grey suits.

With so many changes occurring it was decided to take a conservative approach, so the girls initially wore a similar grey suit to the boys. This changed over time. Overall there had to be an element of continuity as well as change, and generally this was delivered and well received.

The decision was made to adapt Westwood boarding house to accommodate girls, with a mix of smaller

dormitories, shared rooms and single rooms and a far more comfortable feel.

This would also make the boarding option more attractive for boys. Some governors were sceptical about whether there was a future for boarding at the School and this project required a large investment, but over the years numbers increased and it proved to have been the right call.

With the introduction of coeducation the reputation of the school grew in terms of its caring and nurturing approach, academic results improved and pupil numbers increased despite the withdrawal of the government Assisted Places Scheme on which the School was heavily dependent at the time.

There were, of course, continued challenges to overcome – for instance Mr Galbraith recalled the feeling of some boys that ‘girls got away with things such as uniform infringements more than they did’. However he felt that the impact in those first few years as well as in the longer term was incredibly satisfying and he spent 17 very happy years at Ipswich School before retiring in 2010.

For the 2024-25 academic year Ipswich School had 450 girls (44%) and 585 boys (56%). We’ve come a long way in fifty years.

Ian Galbraith

– Caroline Gould Development and Alumni Relations Manager

From Ipswich to Essex: Esmae MacGregor’s Rise in Women’s Cricket

As Ipswich School celebrates 50 years of girls who lead, play and inspire, few stories capture that spirit more completely than that of Esmae MacGregor (OI 2015 – 22)

From her first tentative steps onto the school’s cricket nets to claiming the title of Essex Women’s Young Player of the Year in October 2025, Esmae’s journey is one of perseverance, balance, and a quiet determination to succeed – both on and off the field.

Discovering a Passion at Ipswich School

When Esmae joined Ipswich School in 2015, cricket wasn’t even on her radar. “When I started, I’d never picked up a bat,” she laughs.

“I was encouraged by my older brother Joe, who loved the sport, and a friend in Year 7 convinced me to go along to a training session with Mr Furmston.

That was where it all began.” What began as curiosity quickly became a passion. Esmae joined the U13 girls’ team in her first year and soon found herself representing the U15s as well. Her natural athleticism and competitive mindset stood out, but so too did her work ethic.

By Year 8, she was already playing in the First XI, gaining experience against older and more seasoned players.

“The cricket set-up at Ipswich was incredible,” she recalls. “It wasn’t just about playing matches – it was about being supported, encouraged, and challenged to improve. That’s what really made the difference for me.”

Guided by Great Coaches

Esmae is quick to credit those who guided her early development.

“Being coached by Mr Boje was a real highlight,” she says, referring to the former South African international and Ipswich School’s Director of Cricket. “He pushed me to think more tactically about the game, not just physically. Alongside him,

Sam Bennet-King (SBK) and Mr Edmondson were also key figures in my journey. Their belief in me gave me confidence at a time when I was still figuring things out.”

Those relationships proved instrumental as she began to take cricket more seriously. Under their mentorship, she refined her bowling, learned to handle pressure, and embraced the leadership roles that came with being part of a strong girls’ cricket programme.

National Success and School Memories

Esmae’s standout school moment came in 2018, when Ipswich School reached the U18 national finals.

“It was one of the best experiences of my life,” she says. “We didn’t

“Whether it was sport, music, or academics, everyone was encouraged to find what they loved and pursue it. That culture of support has stayed with me.”

Balancing Study and Sport

After leaving Ipswich in 2022, Esmae began studying International Business at Loughborough University, where she joined the university’s performance cricket squad –a pathway designed for elite athletes balancing academic and sporting commitments.

Her weeks are full: training sessions twice a week, gym and conditioning work, and frequent matches, all while managing a demanding degree.

“It’s definitely been challenging,” she admits, “but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Loughborough has given me the structure and support to push myself in both areas.”

Alongside university commitments, Esmae travels home twice a week to train with Essex Women, the county side she officially signed for in November 2024. “It’s a lot of driving,” she laughs, “but totally worth it. The professionalism and team culture at Essex are amazing.”

A Breakthrough Season

win – we finished second – but to reach that level as a team was a huge achievement. We’d spent years training together, developing as players and as people.

The camaraderie we built during that time was special.”

For Esmae, the cricket pitch was as much about friendship as it was about performance.

“We worked hard, but it was always fun,” she reflects. “That balance between enjoyment and ambition was at the heart of Ipswich cricket.”

Beyond sport, she remembers the wider school environment fondly.

“Ipswich was a place that really supported individuality,” she says.

Ipswich gave me the confidence to chase something I never even knew I loved.

Role Models and Representation

As Ipswich School reflects on five decades of girls’ education, Esmae’s journey feels especially resonant. Her success represents not just personal achievement, but also the growing visibility and strength of women’s sport – something she is deeply passionate about.

“When I started, there weren’t many girls playing cricket,” she recalls. “That’s changed massively. Schools like Ipswich have played a huge role in that shift, giving girls access to facilities, coaching, and opportunities that just weren’t there a generation ago.”

Asked what advice she’d give to younger pupils, Esmae doesn’t hesitate. “Try everything,” she says. “You never know what you might fall in love with. I only picked up a bat because a friend encouraged me –and it’s ended up shaping my life. Be open, be brave, and make the most of every opportunity.”

Looking Ahead

Esmae’s signing for Essex marked a new chapter – and it didn’t take long for her to make an impact. In her debut season, she delivered a series of standout performances, taking 40 wickets across 28 fixtures in all competitions.

Her accuracy, pace, and composure earned praise from teammates and coaches alike.

At the Essex Cricket End of Season Gala in October 2025, she was named the Women’s Young Player of the Year, recognition of both her on-field excellence and her commitment behind the scenes. “It was surreal,” Esmae says. “To be recognised in that way meant a lot. It’s been a tough season at times – long days, early mornings, balancing studies –but moments like that make it worthwhile.”

With her final year at university underway and a growing reputation within the county game, Esmae’s future looks bright. Her goal is to continue balancing academic and professional aspirations while pursuing cricket at the highest level possible. “I’d love to keep developing, play more competitive cricket, and see how far I can go,” she says. “But I also want to stay grounded and enjoy the process.”

A Lasting Legacy

Everyone at Ipswich School and within the Old Ipswichian community takes pride in Esmae’s achievements. Her story captures what Ipswich has stood for over the past fifty years of co-education—girls who lead, play and inspire.

From a Year 7 pupil trying cricket for the first time to a county-awardwinning athlete balancing her studies and sport with maturity and drive, Esmae MacGregor’s journey is proof of how far passion, perseverance and school spirit can take you.

Ipswich School years: 2015 - 2022

University: Loughborough University –BA (Hons) International Business

Current year: Final year (2025 – 26)

Cricket teams: Loughborough University Performance Squad; Essex Women (formerly Sunrisers)

Signed for Essex: November 2024

Award: Essex Women’s Young Player of the Year – October 2025

2025 season stats: 40 wickets across 28 fixtures in all competitions

School highlight: U18 National Finals 2018 –runners-up

Favourite coaches: Mr Boje, Sam Bennet-King (SBK), and Mr Edmondson

Earliest cricket memory: Joining a Year 7 training session with Mr Furmston, having never picked up a bat

Esmae

MacGregor

From Graduate to Chartered Surveyor – a life in Tenant Representation EMEA & APAC

Achieving MRICS status in 2025 marked a defining moment in my professional journey. A moment that felt like both a culmination and a beginning. It represented the formal acknowledgment of years (6 years to be precise) of learning, application, and persistence in an industry that never stands still. The journey to becoming MRICS qualified has been one of growth, resilience, and continuous discovery.

I joined the Avison Young Graduate Scheme in 2022, stepping into the commercial real estate world with an open mind and an eagerness to learn. I hadn’t got into any of the graduate schemes that I had applied for. It took 264 applications to finally land a job, and I found out that I had landed a position on the graduate scheme just before going into bat at the OI cricket match that year. A decent cover drive for four runs was followed by a great chip up to be caught at cover. Clearly getting a job had plagued my judgement, (not the fact that I’m awful at batting). The experience I’ve gained since, through rotational roles, international projects, and mentorship, has helped shape not only my professional capabilities but also my values and approach to work. From navigating valuation models to advising multinational clients on complex lease negotiations across the world, each step has brought me closer to the kind of professional I aspired to be when I first walked through the doors of our office in the City of London.

As I look back, one thing that stands out is the diverse breadth of exposure offered during the graduate scheme. Working across departments, valuation, agency, compulsory purchase, have helped me build a well-rounded foundation. There is no substitute for first-hand experience when it comes to understanding the complexities of property markets, and I’m especially grateful for the hands-on nature of the scheme. It wasn’t just about ticking boxes for the APC. It was about becoming comfortable in the uncomfortable, and confident in the unknown.

Passing the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) and gaining MRICS status demanded not only technical proficiency but also strategic thinking, ethical judgment, and communication skills. It’s a process that tests your grasp of the principles underpinning our profession, your ability to apply them, and, perhaps most importantly, your commitment to continuous improvement. I was fortunate to have the support of some fantastic mentors in the industry who guided me through the final stretch with candour, insight, and belief.

I had originally failed the first time round. Looking back this was very much a blessing in disguise. I was hasty, thought that I was better than I was, and in the end, it cost me another six months of studying. During those six months I became a more rounded individual. went from spending three days a week in the office to four or five. I also decided to get off the couch and stop drinking, lost 5kg in weight and 2.5 inches round the waist. Costly in terms of suit trousers but I went into my exam the second time around feeling healthier and happier with myself and with life.

But of course, the real test begins after the letters go after your name.

My role today as a Chartered Surveyor specialising in Tenant Representation across EMEA and APAC has taken me to new heights of responsibility and challenge.

The pace and scale of international portfolio work can be staggering, particularly when you’re advising on multiple active transactions across markets as diverse as Sydney, Madrid, Tokyo, and Nairobi. In 2024 alone, I was involved in activity across 25 countries, each with its own regulatory landscape, cultural expectations, and commercial dynamics.

In this space, agility isn’t optional, it’s essential.

Whether advising a global tech firm on consolidating its European footprint or supporting a medical company’s expansion into new APAC markets, the ability to synthesise local knowledge with global strategy is crucial. Data is everywhere, but making sense of it, filtering signal from noise, requires the combination of analytical rigour and industry intuition that MRICS training hones so well.

Equally important is the human side of what we do. Stakeholder engagement is a term we often throw around, but behind it lies something very real: trust. The trust clients place in us to safeguard their interests, deliver value, and see around corners.

The trust we build with colleagues, advisors, and even competitors as we navigate often-sensitive negotiations. And the trust we develop in ourselves, particularly when the path ahead isn’t always clear.

As the firm grows, evolves, and continues to meet the challenges of a changing world, so too does our environment. That’s why I’m particularly proud of our recent office relocation from the City of London to Fitzrovia, a move that not only reflects our strategic ambitions but also the culture and values we want to live dayto-day.

Fitzrovia, with its blend of historic charm and modern dynamism, offers us a different energy. It’s a neighbourhood rooted in creativity, innovation, and connection, qualities that resonate deeply with the kind of consultancy we strive to offer our clients. The new office space has been carefully designed to foster collaboration, sustainability, and wellbeing, with flexible working at its core. It represents a physical manifestation of our commitment to a more integrated, agile, and humancentric way of working.

The move also offered a symbolic break from tradition. While the City will always be the historic heart of London’s financial and property sectors, the choice to base ourselves in Fitzrovia speaks to a wider shift in how professional services engage with the world. Today’s real estate challenges are less about square footage and more about experience, purpose, and adaptability. We’re not just helping clients find space; we’re helping them reimagine it.

Beyond project delivery, remain deeply passionate about the wider conversation around the future of the built environment. Through initiatives like The Green Chronicle, which I assisted in founding, and earlier editorial work with The Student Property Monthly, I’ve aimed to contribute thoughtfully to debates on sustainability, urban regeneration,

and the evolving needs of tenants in a post-pandemic world. My university experience was plagued under pandemic conditions, and I never truly felt I got to experience real university life. However, founding the paper helped me find a footing towards the career I wanted.

Mentoring remains close to my heart as well. Supporting future talent, particularly those navigating the complexities of the APC, is a responsibility I take seriously. Having recently been involved in running internal APC sessions, I’ve come to see just how powerful it is when a workplace actively invests in its people.

It’s about creating a culture where questions are encouraged, mistakes are learned from, and development never stops.

If I could offer one piece of advice to anyone on the MRICS journey, it would be this: see it not as an exam, but as a mirror. The process will reflect your strengths, expose your gaps, and ultimately shape your professional identity. Embrace it. Learn from it. And never lose sight of why you started. Whatever industry you are in you should always ask yourself, am I safe pair of hands for my clients?

As look ahead, I do so with immense gratitude, for the mentors who guided me, the clients who challenge me, the colleagues who inspire me, and the profession that continues to evolve in ways I never imagined. The transition from graduate to MRICS has been a whirlwind, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. The older get the more I appreciate how Ipswich School shaped me as an individual. The confidence that was instilled in me at school has paid dividends in my professional life. believe I’m a more compassionate and empathetic individual because of my time at Ipswich.

– Andrew Whitehead MRICS (OI 2012 – 19)

From the School’s old darkroom to Augmented Reality: Bringing Ipswich’s history to life

Stuart Grimwade looks back at the revolutionary changes in photography from his schooldays in the 1950s, and his current involvement in what the future holds:

Those OIs who recall the small publication I produced with John Blatchly some years ago entitled ‘Ipswich School - A History in Photographs’ will know that I have spent much time in retirement scanning and then ‘restoring’ old photographs.

A complementary project, now 25 years in the making, has been the creation of the Ipswich Maritime Trust’s Image Archive. We now have almost 3000 historic images of the ’Ipswich River’ and its dock from the time of the invention of photography up to the present day. Of most interest, and of course historical value, are the earliest images from the 1840s. A small number of these latter images have now been recognised by the National Museum of Photography at Lacock Abbey as being of international importance in the history of photography.

My interest in restoring historic photographs all began, not so much from my enthusiasm for the oldfashioned film processing techniques learned in the darkroom next to my father’s physics lab beside the Chapel passage, but with the digital revolution of more recent decades that happened to coincide with my retirement, and with it, the free time to indulge in new interests. At a course at the Royal Photographic Society in London at that time I was fortunate to meet, and learn first-hand from, the creators of the Photoshop programmes that many of us use today. It was this revolution that made possible in seconds the kinds of image restoration that we now

take for granted, but which would have meant hours of effort in the days of film, if indeed it was possible at all. The creation of an online image archive has brought its own rewards including world-wide contact from those interested in images of Ipswich’s unique maritime history, not to mention several TV programme producers wanting access to them. I had always assumed that, for me, this was going to be a rewarding end, but in recent months yet another quiet but even more significant revolution has emerged taking me, aged almost 83, in new directions that I could never have imagined all those years ago at school in the 1950s.

In today’s world of AI, CGI and the revolution in digital manipulation, the value of having an ‘accurate’ historic image base source is only now beginning to be recognised, and we shall have to pay a great deal more attention to what is a ‘true image’ and what is not.

It is already a major area of concern to responsible journalists in News media.

In this article I hadn’t intended to stray into the copyright minefield, nor indeed to wonder how we shall be able to place any reliance at all on the accuracy of the photographic image in future, as in the phrase ‘the camera never lies’. I suppose we shall all have to assume that it most certainly can, and probably will have been altered. So please forgive just a few further personal thoughts on this issue at this point. When we look at an earlier image of a place we know, we can use our own knowledge of the scene to confirm that the image hasn’t been manipulated in any way, or when we look at an old photograph such as those in IMT’s Image Archive, we feel confident that we can rely on the accuracy of these ‘historic’ wax paper, glass-plate or film based images.

But in a fully digital future, with no original negative based images to go by, this will not be the case. Who knows, maybe there will be a need to repurpose the good old Reference Library where all acknowledged, and academically peer-reviewed accurate facts and images can be securely kept for use as a vital public resource. The internet for all its wonders has made us all lazy, if not dangerously complacent, in this respect.

All that said, though, we must look at the future positively, and so through my involvement in the Wolsey 550 project and the IMT’s own related lottery-funded initiatives to bring the town’s history to local schools, I have recently become aware of the huge scope offered by AR (augmented reality, to use the current jargon) to make historic still photographs come to life. This digital manipulation enables the ‘viewer’ to become a ‘time-traveller’ going into a photograph to meet and hear from the characters seen in them.

Taking the image that we used for the front cover of our book as an example, AR can enable us to experience past life at, say, Ipswich School, by going in through Wolsey’s College Gate as seen through the eyes of the tophatted father and his son.

The Ipswich pioneer photographer Robert Burrows took his image around 1850 probably in recognition of the

then imminent transfer of the school from Blackfriars in Foundation St. to Henley Road. Since he almost always appeared somewhere in his own pictures wearing his trademark top hat, the ‘father’ in this case was almost certainly posed by Burrows himself. Other examples of the archive’s images that will be converted into sound and movie form are reproduced here showing the Cornhill and the view from Stoke Bridge towards the end of the Victorian era.

What is needed to bring the image to life-like motion are the basic relevant historic facts, a good script, and an imaginative and talented

creative studio with expertise in the right software and online tools. I’ve been fortunate in recent months to meet some of those working in this field who have been commissioned to work with the IMT archive’s images in this way. Recent projects include

the digital re-creation of aspects of Ipswich’s historic docks brought to life by historic figures involved with our maritime past, featuring landmark sites such as Stoke Bridge and views towards the site of Wolsey’s College. A script has been prepared for the various Victorian characters in a selection of the archive’s images to speak and describe what’s going on, using my own voice and that of my wife Pat which have been recreated by AI to suit the script, while an introduction has kindly been voiced by the real-life authentic Griff Rhys-Jones. Those who only see this part of Ipswich as a somewhat run-down, uninspiring and traffic fume-filled part of the town might then be surprised to discover that it is one of the most historically important and interesting locations in Britain, deserving of a lot more care and attention.

As a related project, also drawing on the Image Archive, will be a series of fixed ‘binoculars’ to be located at various sites around the dock, the town centre and Christchurch Park through which the viewer will be taken into the same scene in the year 1895, which will then ‘come to life’ as a moving image recreating the same scene at the same time of day (or night) as the viewer.

The then brand-new electric trams and the dock’s steam tram railway engines will become animated with authentic sound effects. As a means of explaining and experiencing history visually, this is surely the future. But finally, a repeat of my earlier word of caution in this age of fake news and false reliance on the accuracy of what we find on the web, or in social media - we shall all have to make sure that we learn, and from a very young age understand, how to sort the fact from the fiction.

– Stuart Grimwade (OI 1950 – 62)

Cornhill Trams Westgate St

Wolseys Gate open

Dock from Stoke Bridge

Matthew Douglas Ltd’s Thrive by 35 Campaign

At Matthew Douglas Limited, we recognise the challenges people face in purchasing their first homes, particularly in the East and Southeast.

As many of our advisors are in their late 20s or early 30s, this is something that we’ve seen firsthand for years, and companies and policies have dictated that it shouldn’t be any more difficult for young people to buy property, but that just isn’t true. We felt that there wasn’t enough being done to help young people, so we decided to put our money literally where our mouth is, and start our new Thrive by 35 campaign.

As a company that now employs five Old Ipswichians (Oliver Pescott Frost (2008 – 2015), Joshua Wilding (OI 2008 – 15), Harry Badman (OI 2008 – 15), Thomas Pescott Frost (OI 2006 – 13), and Simon Holt (1985 – 90), we have had the pleasure of meeting and speaking to several students and parents at careers evenings at the school. The conversation about property and how to start saving is one that often arises.

Being OI’s is as much about helping the next generation as it is keeping connected with yours. Our best way of offering this level of support would be to provide this service for the next generation of Old Ipswichians.

We’ve all attended the OI drinks in London on several occasions, as well as participating in reunions such as the RAF reunion for Richard Welbourne’s departure a couple of years ago. Even with classmates, the conversation often returns to the ability to afford the things you wish to do with the skills you have and build for family or a career.

We appreciate that the idea of financial advice can seem out of reach for many younger people, often left exclusively to those approaching retirement or managing their estates before the inevitable takes place. However, in reality, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

With the skills and careers that students coming out of Ipswich school are developing, going on either to university or to jobs in apprenticeships or graduate schemes, your finances and the need to be fully understanding of what options are available to you, have become more critical than ever.

For those wishing to live in the Southeast or even London, the possibility of owning your own home has become unimaginable, with many people relying on ‘The Bank of Mum and Dad’ to help them get a step up in the housing ladder, with many being trapped in an endless renting loop in the South East, and not being able to save effectively to help get out of this.

The ‘Thrive by 35’ campaign is straightforward in its goal: to help those under 35 understand how to save effectively so they can afford to get onto the housing ladder in a reasonable timeframe

For us, the best-case scenario is that people already have a clear understanding of the requirements for saving for the house they’re looking for. We can offer them the support and encouragement to confirm that what they’re doing is correct.

For a few, the support we offer might revolve around the products they are looking to utilise, and make sure that these suit their needs, much like the previous Help to Buy Scheme, which, now, will hinder those looking to buy in London due to its restrictions on property value, which the average first-time house in London now exceeds. The Average House Price

for First-Time Buyers (2024) hovered at around £311,034 nationally, with London averaging over £500,000 (approx. £511,514), while the lowest regions, like the North East, are around £180,834.

Through following your career, partners, or following on from education, you can have a massive impact on the amount of money you need to fund a house purchase. Although this may not seem fair, it has unfortunately become the reality for most people.

First-time buyers typically put down around £61,090, which equates to approximately 20% of the purchase price (finder.com, HomeOwners Alliance). Early saving can be beneficial. The ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ or a Lifetime ISA are common ways to boost your deposit. For most lenders, the absolute minimum deposit is around 5%, though having at least 10% opens up more favourable mortgage options. Now, for many young people, that passage above will ring alarm bells, as how many mid-twenties students do you know who can comfortably save

The ability to understand your requirements and what you can do to try and get ahead is as important now as the money you earn. It’s what you’re doing with it that counts. In the UK, the average age of a first-time buyer has now gone up to 33.5 Years old (35 in London), and almost 50% (48%) of these are now couples without dependents

Coming out of school and moving straight into a home now seems more farfetched than ever, but that’s where working with Ipswich School to offer this support to OIs and students alike can help bridge the knowledge gap at a much younger age, whilst also helping provide confidence for younger people to be able to realise their goals of owning a home, and feeling like they are valuable and contributing members of society.

Now, the steps a young person can take to help with their savings might

not always seem enjoyable. Still, the average buyer saves £585/month over 3 years with a typical deposit saved of £24,500. The average property price purchased was £226,900, and 47% of buyers bought solo, while 43% relied on additional income beyond their salary. Some of the sacrifices might include cutting down on socialising and major purchases, taking a second job, or even, shockingly, moving back in with parents, which, for some, might feel unimaginable. However, consider the amount of rent spent each month and how quickly this adds up.

The Old Ipswichian Club itself provides us, as OIs, the ability to help the next generation of OIs in a way that not many establishments could; the access to free financial advice at any age is valuable, but being able to utilise this from an early age is an advantage that we wish were available during our time at the school. Classes like Business Studies and Economics continue to grow, and access to constant news from around the world fuels the ambition of young people to explore the world of finance. This is something that would only help the school thrive.

As Old Ipswichians who see into this world, without leaving Suffolk, we feel we are in a unique place to be able to offer the best of both worlds, be able to help those students, their families and Old Ipswichians locally, and be able to share insights and help those plan their next steps across the country.

– Harry Badman (OI 2008 – 15)

Thank you to the Old Ipswichian for the opportunity to share this with you. If you are interested in learning more about our Thrive by 35 campaign, please visit the Matthew Douglas Website at www.matthewdouglas.co.uk/ thrive-by-35 or contact our offices on 01473 927072. We would love to see this campaign help as many OIs as possible.

£125,000 for a deposit in London?

From Schooldays to the Last Frontier: An Alaskan RV Adventure

I left the School some 60 odd years ago. I was able to negotiate an early retirement in 2001, which allowed me to purchase an old (1750), stone-built property, that had been empty for 20 years, in a small medieval village in the Aude, Southern France.

My wife and I then spent five years going back and forth, slowly renovating the house, to get it into something resembling habitable. At this point we were then able to start “globetrotting” as we both enjoyed photography and learning how other cultures lived. Over the last twenty years we have visited very many countries, most of which I have driven in. One piece of advice, never drive in Palomo, Sicily, it’s a nightmare - I’m sure Italy does have a driving test, it’s a shame that not many seem to take it!

Over the years, I have driven many thousands of miles abroad, including across South Africa, around Bali, the deserts of Namibia and Oman, while my wife, who is chief navigator, keeps me fed and watered.

One driving experience I’ve always wanted to try, was to hire a Recreational Vehicle (R.V). So last year I decided that if I didn’t do it soon, it would never happen. Having been to many hot countries, I decided that we would go to the other extreme and hire a R.V. and explore Alaska.

First a 10-hour flight to Seattle, a quick change of planes and another 4-hour flight to Anchorage, Alaska. My wife and I explored Anchorage for a couple of days, to give me time to get accustomed to the time difference before picking up our R.V. – which had

a purchase price of $150,000 and every mod.con that you could want – even 3 tv’s!

Before we left the UK, we had to watch an hour-long R.V. orientation video so that I knew how to drive this “bus” in different conditions, with a 7-foot rear overhang and not manage to rip it off. Not exactly being a “spring-chicken”, I wasn’t going to climb up any ladder to get to the berth above the driver’s cab, nor was going

to make up any beds in the lounge area. This meant we ended up with a 6-berth vehicle, for just the 2 of us, but we had plenty of room, including a separate double bedroom, fully equipped kitchen, shower, toilet and dining area.

Firstly, we headed South to Seward, which is at the top of a fiord. The purpose being to go on a boat trip down the fiord to Resurrection Bay to look for whales, seals, eagles and other wildlife as well as the picturesque snowcapped mountains – luckily, we saw several pods of about 20 whales –the scenery was stunning.

After a couple of days, we headed North towards the Arctic Circle and Fairbanks which was to take about 5 days. After a couple of overnight stops in sites/woods we reached a very pretty, small village called Talkeetna. A unique feature of this village is that it has an honorary mayor which is a fluffy cat called Aurora.

Next on to Mt. McKinley, which is the highest mountain in the USA at 20,310 feet. We were due to stop here for a couple of days to look for brown/black bears. We had received comprehensive instructions on the action to take if confronted by either a black or brown bear as they react differently. Although I did feel rather stupid walking through the woods singing (as per instructions) so as not to frighten them!

When we arrived at Mt McKinley, we had not anticipated forest fires, which closed the area for 10 days, so we had to carry on. The roads in Alaska were wide and good with very little traffic. There are very few villages, just the odd house, and the small petrol stations could be 70 miles apart. Consequently, we had a lot of food, water, petrol and gas on board, even a generator to provide electricity for the heating, cooking, and air conditioning. We drove through about 30 miles of

smoke from the forest fires. The many forests were tinder dry as they had not had the normal rainfall, and it was warmer than usual.

One thing we had to get used to was the 21 hours of sunlight. Sunset was about 1.00am and sunrise about 3.30am. You had to go to bed by what your watch said and not when it was dark. An odd experience being able to take photos outside at midnight!

We eventually reached Fairbanks, which is the 2nd largest town in Alaska (pop. 31,500), after Anchorage. It has the most amazing new university museum.

We continued to Chena Hot Springs, where we swam in the hottest thermally heated pool that I have ever been in, I’m amazed we weren’t scalded, although I’m told it was only 153°F.

Next stop a village called North Pole.

An entrepreneur decided to establish a village called North Pole, because he thought lots of toy manufacturers would build factories there so they could claim that their toys were made at the North Pole – it didn’t happen! However, there is the most enormous building called Santa’s House which has everything Christmas in it.

We went a little further North and then had to start our trek back to Anchorage, with a diversion to a

The next thing we had not expected was a tyre blow-out to one of our rear double wheels. We limped back 12 miles to a gas station that we had passed. There was only a man and a dog there, and no village for about 50 miles. Fortunately, he knew someone who appeared out of nowhere and helped change the wheel and we were off again

museum of the largest collection of immaculately restored veteran cars that I have ever seen or even heard of. We also went a little “off piste” to find the Trans-Alaska Oil Pipeway – 800 miles in length.

Back to the UK with several new experiences under our belt, but unfortunately our bags decided to stay in Seattle, but that’s another story. Still several hundreds of photos to sort! It doesn’t matter how much you read and prepare for a trip, you always see or learn something you hadn’t expected, which is one of the main reasons in going and seeing it for yourself.

–

John Skeates (OI 1953 – 64)

Veteran car museum nr Fairbanks

Picking up the RV in Anchorage

Fjord trip from Seward looking for whales - a bit chilly !

Relaxing at 11.00pm, difficult to go to bed in that light. In an area where there was meant be bears, but luckily none appeared!

From Virgin Atlantic to Comic Relief and beyond… A Life in Law

“When you’ve been friends with someone for over 40 years, you think you know them,” says Alan Ayres (OI 1960 – 64). “But an event at a top law firm in London revealed more than a few surprises.”

as Colin did a 6-month conversion course after three years of English, putting him in the same position as a law graduate, followed by two years of training (‘articles’) with a legal practice.

André Ptaskysnki, by the way, went on to form his own theatre company with Colin as a director, later becoming CEO of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Group, chair of the Society of London Theatre, and a successful producer in his own right with Groundhog Day and Matilda. But that’s enough about André, you can sense a successful entrepreneurial theme here!

In his last year at Oxford, Colin applied to join Harbottle and Lewis, run by undisputed leading theatre My invitation was to a “fireside chat” at impressive offices next to the Savoy Hotel in London, to celebrate not a retirement, but a milestone for Colin Howes (OI 1967 – 74): 45 years with lawyers Harbottle and Lewis.

Chaired by Nils Blyth (OI 1963 – 74), a friend of Colin since 1967, it was a journey of a discovery through a legal career that includes - among many notable highlights - the creation of Virgin Atlantic Airways for Richard Branson, going head-to-head with British Airways (and winning) over their “dirty tricks” campaign against Virgin, and setting up Charity Projects, the company behind Comic Relief, in 1983.

Another OI, André Ptaszynski (OI 1960 – 71), who was three years ahead of Colin at school, suggested changing his university application from reading law to reading English - principally because law was 40 hours of work a week and English only 20 - leaving plenty of time for other activities at Oxford. There was a neat solution to gaining a law degree,

lawyer Laurence Harbottle. It was the start of a long and hugely successful career. He started in property, then litigation, moving to company, commercial, tax and trusts. This is where he realised he enjoyed dealing with complicated commercial and corporate issues and transactions. He would also have quite a lot to do with theatre and film clients, always interesting businesses, as a company and commercial specialist.

Virgin had been a client of the firm for a few years, and Colin worked with Richard Branson on setting up Virgin Atlantic in 1983 - including flying to New York to acquire the fledgling airline its first Boeing 747 jet. Gaining a licence from the CAA - backed by a £1m

guarantee by Virgin Group - was a huge step. Just three months later, Colin and his wife Deborah (IHS 1969 – 76) were on Virgin Atlantic’s inaugural flight to New York on 22 June 1983. Colin has memories of non-stop champagne and the smell of marijuana wafting back to economy from the Upper-Class cabin!

Many more company and commercial deals for Virgin followed, including a huge joint venture deal with two TV companies worth hundreds of millions of pounds, and the company’s first foray into rail services.

Television deals became a larger part of Colin’s portfolio during the 2000s, acting for Mel Smith, Griff Rhys Jones and Peter Fincham on the sale of Talkback - the first sale of an independent production company, and the following year selling Simon Fuller’s 19 Entertainment for £150m.

unintentionally developing into a charities lawyer in the 2010s. Colin is well known for supporting other people’s development, including many team members who have subsequently become partners. He has also retained many long-term clients, but says, “It’s the role of a partner to bring clients in and either manage them personally or find colleagues to do so. You can only manage a limited number of close client relationships so need to spread those relationships out.”

Comic Relief became the operating name for the charity and its valuable work worldwide, raising more than £1.6billion over the last 40 years and still going strong.

Colin became a member of Harbottle and Lewis’ management committee in 1985, two years after becoming a partner, and was managing partner just five years later, at the age of 34.

Reinventing himself every few years constantly refreshed his career and skills, from company and commercial law to general counsel for Virgin Atlantic, corporate work for TV production companies and

Among Colin’s passions are golf with his wife Deborah and friends all over the world, sport, music (he plays a mean guitar!), fine wines, cheese, great food and holidays. With their married son Alex, two daughters, Rosalind and Juliet, and two grandchildren, life in London and Suffolk is always an adventure.

At work, Colin has been involved in the many incarnations of the Harbottle and Lewis band (yes, lawyers have bands), from Harmony and Light, a charity Christmas CD, to the original and subsequent bands that played in the Law Rocks competition for law firm bands. Who would have thought!

– Alan Ayres (OI 1960 – 64)

Jane Tewson, a friend of Colin’s roommate at Oriel College (who says connections aren’t important!) asked if Colin would set up Charity Projects and be a founding trustee in 1983.

He’s also happy to offer advice to those wanting law as a career, including:

• Think liberally about where your future clients might come from - school and university connections, friends - don’t write off opportunities just because you know them socially.

• Stay in touch with people you have worked with in companies, especially the next layer of management down from the one where the partner has the contact.

• Don’t worry too much about feeling out of your depth as a newly qualified lawyer - make sure you have a good supervising partner or a good mentor you can keep asking about the stuff you don’t understand, and the time will come sooner than you expect when it begins to make sense…

Colin (back right) with Richard Branson and colleagues after winning the court case against British Airways

Colin Howes (3rd from left) next to OI Nils Blyth (2nd from left) and Harbottle & Lewis partners

A quarter of a century and counting with cancer

In December 1999 I had a health check and following a blood test my PSA was measured as 10ng/ml. In January 2000, following a biopsy, it was confirmed that I had prostate cancer.

No specific treatment recommendations were offered but following research and a chat with a fellow prostate cancer gentleman I decided on surgery to have the prostate removed. This was carried out in Norwich at my request as the Ipswich surgeon had very little experience, only one radical prostatectomy operation. The surgery in June 2000 was successful, but the surgeon advised me that there may be a few cancer cells left.

The cancer started to reappear in 2007 so had 6 weeks, 5 days a week of radiotherapy to “zap” it which left the cancer at the same low level following the surgery.

Again, the cancer fought back and in December 2013 I commenced on a drug regime of hormone blockers to lower my testosterone levels. Testosterone is what this cancer feeds on.

This was the start of a roller coaster of taking the drugs and then stopping them when my PSA reduced to low levels and restarted when they got to about 3ng/ml.

This was replaced by a drug implanted under the skin of my tummy in February 2019. Similar drug but instead of daily pills it was an injection every 3 months. However, the cancer staged a comeback and in September 2021, my PSA reached 20ng/ml so, my

consultant re-introduced the hormone blocker pills which again drove down the PSA.

This was when my consultant told me the cancer was now producing its own testosterone – it’s bloody clever (excuse my language) – “anything you can do I can do better it was saying!”

By January 2022 my PSA reduced to about 5ng/ml and then started to climb eventually reaching 54.7ng/ml in August 2023.

By now my consultant had brought in the big guns. He changed my drug to a very expensive, £1000 per month, option which slowed down the growth of the cancer but in the

end, August 2023 it failed and at a PSA of 54.7ng/ml the “last” option of Chemotherapy was offered. had 10 cycles of 3 weeks of a very strong chemo drug.

In all the years since diagnosis I had experienced no discernible side effects but this chemo made up for it in spades and by the end of the 10th cycle, March 2024, I was bed bound.

My final PSA was 2.5ng/ml and a 5-day course of radiotherapy reduced it further to 2.29ng/ml. I had so hoped for 0.00ng/ml. I saw my consultant on 2nd September 2024 and he had no further treatments to offer but he said he would write to three London Hospitals with my details to see if they had something to offer me. The first one to contact me was the Royal Marsden Hospital in Sutton, Surrey. They invited me down for a consultation. I accepted and Yvonne and my son came as well. What they offered came as complete surprise. They were running a trial, fully funded by the drug company Bayer, for which they were looking for suitable volunteers. The trial is a six-year study into the side effects of a new treatment. The new treatment is an infusion of a radioactive compound, Actinium, paired with an antibody engineered to seek and find cancer cells and kills them. Very targeted so I hoped the side effects would be less than with Chemo. The treatment consisted of 4 cycles of six weeks.

I had the first infusion on Monday 11th November 2024 and there were a few temporary reactions immediately after, but fatigue came to visit again. I travelled to The Marsden every week for 24 weeks for a health check and every six weeks another infusion which included a one-and-a-half-hour scan! Fortunately, I could listen to the radio via headphones so not so bad.

I am counting myself very fortunate. There are only 10 volunteers in the trial (in the UK there are 62,000 prostate cancer sufferers, approximately 10,000 with stage 4, that’s Sir Chris Hoy and me, and 12,000 deaths per year), the

lead doctor tells me the expected outcome for me would be a full cure of the cancer or a halt to the growth of the cancer. I will take either.

The trial is to run for six years documenting the side effects before NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) will consider this treatment for availability on the NHS.

They clearly expect me to survive at least a further six years! Great news at the time.

I completed the 24 weeks in March 2025, and my PSA was 0.01ng/ml, an excellent result but I was advised that it does not necessarily mean there are no cancer cells lurking somewhere. The side effects were worse than for chemo leaving me bed bound with zero energy.

Six months on I am feeling much better, but a full recovery is at least 12 months away. As you can imagine my view on screening for prostate cancer is, as Sir Chris Hoy puts it, a “no

I have been to several talks by physicians who argue that as the PSA tests returns some false positives and, in these cases, cause unnecessary stress on those patients so they do not recommend the test. This is no longer the issue as an MRI scan will check if the PSA positive is correct. In my opinion it is the cost to the NHS that is the problem. My advice is for all men to get a PSA check and if your GP tries to talk you out of it, go private. When Sir Chris Hoy tested positive with stage 4; he was given only three years to live. When I was tested positive, 25 years ago, I expected to die with it and not of it.

Over the past 25 years and in between treatments I have run a half marathon and run a virtual Lands End to John ‘O Groats. Raised thousands of pounds for Prostate Cancer UK and MND.

I have also retired and unretired during Covid, moved house, from Copdock to Hadleigh and handed my business over to my son, Simon. I am so grateful for the help, support and good wishes from everyone, and please if anyone wants to talk to me about this disease, do not hesitate to contact me at mark.gladwell@ copdockmill.co.uk.

– Mark Gladwell (OI 1955 – 65)

brainer”.

We are always pleased to hear from the Old Ipswichian community. Here is what a few of our alumni have been up to recently.

James (”Jimmy”)

Anderson

(OI 1984 – 91)

After Ipswich I read Classics at Magdalen College, Oxford (91 – 95), having been encouraged in my passion for the subject by the much-missed Dick Burnell and Barry Hoskins.

Fellow OI Helena Lyons (OI 1989 – 91) was a contemporary at Magdalen.

I spent 21 years working in capital markets roles for various investment banks and advisory firms in the City (Schroders, Citi, Goldman Sachs, PwC).

In 2020, I embarked on a second career as Fellow and Bursar at Girton College in the University of Cambridge. The work is richly rewarding as we build on Girton’s pioneering heritage of ensuring that brilliant students of diverse and at times unconventional backgrounds find their place in Cambridge and are given the support to thrive academically and personally.

Very recently I have taken on another role as a self-supporting part time Deacon in the Church of England. I work on Sundays and the occasional weekday at the parish of St George’s Tufnell Park in London.

I have attached a photograph from my ordination last Saturday at St Paul’s Cathedral – a building I first visited on a Lower School trip to London led by Bob Clayton back in 1984! was fortunate to be able to reconnect via social media (still good for some things, it seems) with the Revd David Warnes who has been wonderfully supportive and encouraging in my ministerial vocation. OIs from my generation who are in and around Cambridge would be very welcome to drop in to Girton for lunch or a drink!

Charles P. Cundy (OI 1962 – 69)

After school I studied Agriculture at Writtle with fellow OIs Andy Haag (OI 1958 – 69) and Hedley Wright (OI 1964 – 69). This was followed by 13 years as a Grain trader including some deals done with OIs Tony Green (OI 1960 – 70), Trevor Wright (OI 1960 – 66) and Barry Squirrell (OI 1956 – 66).

1984 saw my move to Sweden to be with my wife Lollo. We now have three children and four grandchildren.

Richard Farmer (OI 1963 – 71)

I recently found myself unexpectedly at the gates of Ipswich School for the first time since I left.

I was a pupil when Mermagen was headmaster, a Westwood boarder under Peter and Margaret Hill, to whom I remain deeply grateful. I felt impelled to knock on the front door and found myself in the hallway, where, as head chorister, I would prepare the choir boys to process to the chapel on Sunday evenings. Standing there again, so many years later, was deeply moving. With the kindness of the receptionist and the Head’s Secretary, I was able to visit the School Chapel, retracing familiar steps. Time stood still – it was just as it used to be. To see the choir balcony where I sang as soloist, and the pews facing each other where we sat for Sunday evening prayers (and sometimes in the week too) in our Class and House groupings, was quite something. Climbing to the 6th Form pews again – once with life ahead, now with life behind – was a powerful moment. Looking down afterwards, I noticed the carvings in the wood of the psalm holders – names from my year and those before and after. I had totally forgotten the tradition that some took seriously, to carve our names and dates there on our last day at school – a tangible memory of what we had lived. If you go to the pews on the right-hand side (facing the altar), you’ll see no carvings in the lower pews – we prefects kept an eye on them – but in the last three rows, there they are. There we are, still.

Charlie

Dyer

(OI 1951 – 62)

Lawrence White (OI 1952 – 63)

Martin White (OI 1953 – 59)

Three OIs, who had not been together for more than 20 years, finally met up in April this year.

Charlie Dyer, who has lived in Norfolk since 1968 and brothers

Lawrence (OI 1952 – 63) and Martin White (OI 1953 – 59) met up for Sunday lunch at the Waggon and Horses in Griston.

Lawrence was staying with Martin for a few days and planned to meet up with Charlie, a longtime friend from the 1950s when he lived in Ashbocking and the brothers were in Henley.

During a superb lunch, and later over another pint in the pub’s garden, the trio recalled their years at school and various events in which they were involved, amid much conviviality and laughter.

Charlie, who has overcome serious illnesses over the past 12 years, was in excellent spirits

and vividly remembered his time playing cricket and hockey for the School and later the OIs.

Lawrence said afterwards:

It was great for the three of us to get together after all these years and to immediately switch back to our schooldays. Next time I stay with Martin in Ipswich I hope we can repeat the visit.

Twice a year the brothers also meet up near Cambridge with three other OIs, Christopher Fowler (OI 1956 – 62), Michael Abrahams (OI 1959 – 63)and Richard Boughton (OI 1955 – 61) for lunch and at their last meeting raised their glasses to their sadly missed friend, Ian Orger (OI 1955 – 62).

17 years as a miller, followed by a spell in the coffee branch before finishing my career planning the production for a biscuit factory (Göteborgs Kex) producing 20,000 tons per year, some of which was/ is exported to England.

Now enjoying retirement in the village of Onsala, where I am chairman of two local associations.

Chris Rodgers (OI 1959 – 66)

I have been living in Martlesham Heath since 1987, I continue to enjoy retirement and in particular my hobby of photography.

– Chris Rodgers, Author at Macfilos

A welcome pint in the pub garden

the

and

Cheers:

of

Waggon

Horses at Griston for (L-R) Lawrence White, Charlie Dyer and Martin White.

Virginia

Betts

(OI 2001 – 13)

Virginia Betts has had her fourth book (and debut novel) Burnt Lungs and Bitter Sweets published at the end of December 2024.

It was launched at Dial Lane books, and in June 2025 it was book of the week at Felixstowe Book Festival.

It’s a brutally realistic tragicomedy set in Ipswich, which follows the lives of four punks and their misadventures over four decades with a Spotify playlist to accompany it.

It’s a slice of what has been coined Brit Grit, with reviews by the likes of legendary Brit-Pop manager, Jane Savidge and punk poet

James Domestic. As well as that she has been out and about performing poetry from her two poetry books Tourist to the Sun and That Little Voice, and new material in shows across the county.

Virginia is a regular performer with local professional theatre company, Black and white Productions, performing recently as Patricia Highsmith and set to reprise two Roles in Operation Radar in September 2025, a play which tells the story of Radar at Bawdsey during World War 2.

Virginia still runs Results Tutoring and is lately working regularly with HMP Warren Hill and HMP Hollesley Bay in creative workshops and as a guest speaker at a Neurodiversity conference. She was also a participant in the United Nations csw69 conference for all Women and Girls. She hopes to be able to bring her expertise in multi-genre writing, stagecraft and neurodivergent learning to Ipswich School in the future.

Contact: virginiabetts.com

Gwyn Jones (OI 1969 – 78)

I have just published the second novel in my Celtic Dreamtime series. The new book, Kingslayer, is a sequel to my debut novel Reflections in Time and is available on Amazon.

For those of you who have already read Reflections in Time, thank you and to those who have asked, Kingslayer includes many of the characters featured in Reflections in Time and answers most but not all of the questions left hanging at the end of book one. I won’t say any more or it will spoil the surprise. Needless to say I am already writing the third, and final, book in the series.

www.gwynjonesauthor.co.uk

Julie Missen (OI 1991 – 93)

This year has seen the release of the third book in my Suffolk based detective series as well as my second poetry book.

Ian Sumnall (OI 1959 – 66)

Dennis Mossman (OI 1947 – 57)

Volunteering in the Oxfam Bookshop on a Monday in Chichester is one of the many delights of my long and fruitful retirement.

I, Ian Sumnall (OI 1959 – 66) Broke and Westwood was on the till last December when one of the other volunteers, Dennis (who researches the rarer books) was buying a book on sailing boats around Suffolk... So, the question was asked ‘Do you know the area?‘ Dennis: ‘Well I grew up in Ipswich’ to which I replied ‘I spent my teenage years there’, Dennis: ‘Where did you go school then?’... So was the meeting of two OI’s fate, circumstance or nirvana?

Dennis had left school before I joined in 1959, but we did remember

a selection of masters; Taplin, Young, Job and Stonex, as well as familiar names; Simpson, Thorn, Newell and Notcutt.

Also, we both played for the 1st XV - Dennis coached by Mr. Young and myself by Peter Williams.

Dennis’ father and uncle were also both OI’s so his Ipswichian pedigree is far greater than mine.

As they say bookshops are often a ‘mine of information‘ and you never know who might meet in one! So if you are passing by Chichester on a Monday morning...

Peter Bear (OI 1949 – 60)

Is there anyone still around from the mid-1960s? The year of Marriott, Good, Pringle, Cropper, Marcus, Newell and Barnett amongst others? And David Johnston, my best school friend, who sadly died a few years ago.

But before that he and I did a 10-week rail trip back in 2004 from London to Hong Kong via Leningrad, Moscow, Irkutsk, Tinda, Severobaikalsk, Komsomolsk, Vladivostok, Harbin, Shanghai and Beijing. We put together a book that you can buy on amazon UK, titled J & B: By Rail from the Baltic Sea to the Sea of Japan.

Thanks to our superb English Master, Mr Southwood and our form master Derek Thornberry who was equally encouraging, now in late ‘retirement’ I continue to write: plays, novels and other bits and bobs, At the age of 83, have just started a new job as a food columnist for a monthly newspaper published in English in France for expats. Semper Eadem!

Ian & Dennis volunteering in an Oxfam Bookshop in Chichester

Michael Warner (OI 1953 – 65 Rigaud)

In late February 2024, during a return visit to see our son Richard (Prep 1985 – 89) in New Zealand, I joined a small group tour exploring the deep south of the South Island. Our journey took us through the wild beauty of the Catlins – dense podocarp forests, waterfalls, and sweeping beaches – on the way to Stewart Island and the rodent-free haven of Ulva.

Michael Warner exploring

But what began as a peaceful tramp through the dripping forest near Papatowai soon turned into something unforgettable. In an instant, a line of fellow walkers toppled like dominoes down a set of narrow wooden steps – and I found myself a witness to an extraordinary chain of events involving emergency crews, helicopters, and remarkable local volunteers.

It was a day none of us will forget.

You can read the full story below – including photos and the dramatic rescue by scanning the QR code below: www.oldipswichians.ipswich.school

OI John Lee (OI 1962 – 67)

John who is now living in Cammeray, NSW, has shared some wonderfully entertaining anecdotes from his life and travels – a mix of near misses, royal encounters, and brushes with comedy legends.

A few highlights are shared below:

Once... I nearly crashed a plane

On a flight from Entebbe to Khartoum, the captain invited my sister and me into the cockpit. On my way back to my seat, we hit an air pocket and dropped like a stone. I hit the ceiling and thought was done for. My mother’s only comment?

“What did you do that for? You could have got us all killed!”

Once... I met the Queen

At a reception in Bangkok for King Bhumibol’s 70th birthday, Her Majesty came straight over. “And what do you do?” she asked. “I’m here to sort out Bangkok’s traffic congestion, Ma’am,” I said. “That’s very interesting,” she replied with a wink, “I didn’t notice any traffic on my way here.”

Once... I was stuck with Spike Milligan

I was due to have a drink with John Cleese after squash, but instead found myself having lunch with Spike Milligan, who regaled me with stories about selling the Goon Show scripts and other wonderfully odd tales. I never did meet Cleese – pity.

John’s tales offer a glimpse of a life full of humour, serendipity and remarkable encounters – the kind that remind us that the best stories often start with the word “Once...” Visit the OI Ipswichian website below: www.oldipswichians.ipswich.school

Simon Peatman (OI 1999 – 2006)

After leaving Ipswich School I studied physics at university and became interested in atmospheric physics.

My PhD was in tropical weather systems and, after 10 fulfilling years working in academia in the UK, last September I moved to Singapore to work for the national weather service.

My research focuses on how we can predict weather patterns in southeast Asia on timescales of the next few weeks or months. Twenty five years ago, I was sitting in Dr Cooper’s geography lessons learning about the difference between frontal rainfall and convective rainfall; now I study these phenomena for a living and, having moved to a tropical country, I experience the convective variety on a very regular basis!

Freya

Parry

(OI 2009 – 14)

After studying Music and Drama at the University of Manchester, Freya embraced every opportunity that came her way – a mindset she says was nurtured at Ipswich School. She now works as a freelance singer and project manager for Gabrieli Roar, an organisation that delivers workshops and inspires thousands of young people across the country to sing.

For more information on any of the above stories, visit the Old Ipswichians website.

Richard Harris (OI 1966 – 76)

When I left school, I followed a conventional route through Nottingham University and the Law College at Guildford into a career in the law as a solicitor. I had always been active but when a minor health issue led me to cycling to improve my fitness, I did not anticipate where, years later, it would lead me. I retired from legal practise in October 2017. I needed a new challenge and most of all I needed a new routine – in all honesty I had not considered either the positive human aspects of my working environment. The everyday contact with my brilliant workmates. The chit-chat or banter which welded us together. felt quite lonely and retreated into myself. I went through a phase of trying to avoid human contact, cycling alone.

A good friend suggested I might volunteer with a Charity he knew of where he had not only donated old family bikes but bought them too. I had always serviced my own and my family’s bikes but thought a proper “qualification” might be a useful thing to add to my CV before presenting myself as a potential volunteer. I went on a two-week course to get Cytech 2 certified – it’s a pretty basic cycle mechanic’s training designed to give the cycle industry a recognised skills standard. I did some research on the target Charity and presented myself to find out how (or “if”) I might be useful to them in their operations. The Charity is “Re-Cycle (Bikes to Africa)”.

From my first visit to the warehouse and workshop in Wormingford, was amazed by the scope of the challenge the small group of full-time employees and their volunteer supporters had to meet. The extraordinary truth is that every donated bike is valued, if only for spare parts or for scrap metal!

Re-Cycle does good work – to find out more visit https://www.re-cycle. org and checkout the most recently published Impact Report. Its impact is also personal. The variety of the volunteers’ different life experiences is striking. Wherever they come from and whatever their backstory each is valued for who they are

Every penny raised from the sale of refurbished bikes which are still attractive enough to the more sophisticated UK market helps meet the primary objective of sending bikes to partner charities in Africa (currently to Ghana, South Africa, Zambia, The Gambia, Sierra Leone and Malawi) and supporting their efforts to distribute and maintain bikes which are life changing for individuals and communities there who have so little.

Quite often helping children get to schools, farmers get supplies in/crops to market or simply maintaining social or familial ties becomes possible with the speed of travel by bike – when the only other alternative is to walk.

and the contribution they make. My involvement there gives me purpose, teaches me new skills and makes me feel part of something worthwhile.

Richard Cooper (OI 1962 – 72)

For those of you of a “certain age”, you will know that, far from winding down to a more sedate pace of life, retirement often means that we get drawn into all the sorts of things that really matter in life. One of the activities that gives me greatest pleasure is my long association with Suffolk Community Foundation.

The Foundation is a funding channel for charities and voluntary groups in Suffolk.

Contrary to some of the perceptions of our idyllic rural county, these organisations are operating

in areas of deprivation within our towns and rural areas that rank alongside some of the most deprived communities in the country. With total charity funds approaching £24m and annual grant making to Suffolk charities of close to £4m, the Foundation is the biggest independent, local supporter of this sector in Suffolk providing vital funding to areas of real need.

As a governor of the School, I took particular pleasure in connecting the School with the Foundation and as a member of the Foundation’s Suffolk 100 group I was delighted that Nick Gregory agreed to the School signing up as a Corporate Member of that group.

Philanthropy was not a word that I would have been familiar with at school in the ‘60s and ‘70s, but it is such an important lesson to learn. I hope that through their association with Suffolk Community Foundation, future pupils of the School will be able to witness the power and importance of philanthropy in action

www.suffolkcf.org.uk

Tabby Carless-Frost (OI 2014 – 16)

Since leaving School I’ve been working as a writer and filmmaker, currently completing an Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) funded PhD in Creative Writing at Brunel University, supervised by Booker Prize-winning author Bernardine Evaristo.

My debut short film, Out of the Peat, an ecological horror funded by the BFI Network, premiered earlier this year at BFI Southbank.

Since then, it has screened internationally at festivals including the London Short Film Festival (where it was nominated for Best British Short), the Sound of Silent Film Festival in Chicago, Trans Film Festival Stockholm, OffBeat Folk Film Festival (nominated for Best Sound and Music), and Sunrise Film Festival in Lowestoft.

I’m now developing my second film and I’m currently seeking supporters and collaborators to help bring it to life! I’d be especially interested in exploring whether the OI network might offer potential avenues of support or partnership.

Anna Churchill (OI 2004 – 09)

After leaving Ipswich School, Anna studied English Literature at the University of Edinburgh before completing a Master of Music at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow.

From 2017 to 2021, she was part of a young artist programme, performing across the world in some incredible venues. Anna has since taken her career in a new direction and is now studying for a PhD in Postcolonial Literature at the University of Leuven, Belgium.

Imogen Parry (OI 2009 – 13)

Imogen spent her gap year working in the music department of a school in West London before studying Theatre Studies and Comparative Literature at the University of Glasgow, where she sang in choirs and performed in numerous musicals.

She spent her third year abroad at Boston College, USA, and went on to spend five years performing with the world-renowned vocal group The Swingles. Imogen now works full-time as a freelance singer in London.

Esmae MacGregor (OI 2015 – 22)

Congratulations to Esmae who has signed for Essex Women.

Now in her final year at Loughborough University, where she studies International Business, Esmae is part of the university’s performance cricket squad, balancing training, matches and studies alongside her commitments with Essex.

Charlie Bennett (OI 2020 – 24)

Well done to Charlie on signing a professional contract with Essex County Cricket Club

A fantastic milestone in his cricketing journey and a proud moment for the OI community.

Ben Ponniah (OI 1995 – 2002)

In 2024, Ben was honoured to be asked by Sir Nick and Lady Young to compose Carry Me Home in memory of their son, Alex, who died in 2014, and in celebration of his happy life. Like Alex, Ben was born in Ipswich, attended St Margaret’s Primary School, and sang in the Ipswich Minster choir. Carry Me Home was premiered at a special memorial concert, where it was warmly received as a moving tribute and a celebration of friendship, music and shared memories.

Antonia Ridley (OI 2007 – 12)

Antonia now works at Ashtons Legal and will qualify as a lawyer next year, specialising in French law. After leaving Ipswich School, she studied at the University of Birmingham, where she joined the university choir – something she continues to enjoy whenever work allows.

Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards

Congratulations to Luke Kearton (OI 2015 – 24), Will Woods (OI 2009 – 24), and Yasmin Ridgers (OI 2022 – 24), who attended Buckingham Palace in May 2025 to receive their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards – an outstanding achievement and a proud moment for them and the School.

Lucy Pembroke & Fran Wright of Suffolk Community Foundation recieving the School’s Suffolk 100 cheque from Nick Gregory and Richard Cooper

(OI 1977 – 83)

In the past couple of years I’ve stepped down from my directorial posts at National Youth Choir, Aldeburgh Voices and King’s College Cambridge, and am now focussing on work with my professional choir, London Voices, with whom I record many film, game and TV soundtracks as well as provide choirs for concerts across the world. The singers have recently performed in London, Switzerland, Denmark, and Shanghai and feature on the soundtracks of recent films and games such as Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning, Mufasa: The Lion King, Paddington in Peru and Batman: Arkham Shadow, Genshin Impact and Starfield. You might have also spotted five of our singers in the latest Audi e-tron commercial!

I continue to write music, which has included recently a school song for Ipswich High School and a mass in honour of Thomas Wolsey.

(OI 1974 – 83)

Back from a 7-week crossing of the Atlantic Ocean in a 12-metre rowing boat, I have finally fulfilled a dream of a lifetime.

25 years in the making, it did not fail to live up to expectation, and I look forward to writing a more complete article for the next OI journal.

Here’s a little excerpt from a recent presentation...’ At the end of day four or five, of 40-foot waves, the dreaded sickness caught me. It was constant and utterly draining. Having worked so incessantly, I was floored. I was in it and then I wasn’t. For 36 hours, lay in the coffin, the lowest point in the boat, where greater stability was a concept, we were happy to believe in. I lay there and didn’t move.

I didn’t care about Marlin piercing the hull beneath my prostrate body!

The crew absorbed my absence without criticism. Fleetingly, I felt disappointment at being the first to fall over, but I didn’t have the strength for self-pity. I didn’t have the strength for anything.’

(OI 1959 – 66)

In 2017, my wife Sally and I decided to emigrate to Cape Town, South Africa.

I was 69 at the time, and while it wasn’t a decision made of necessity, our two daughters and their families had already made the move – and it soon felt like the right step for us too.

After visiting on holiday, we fell in love with the lifestyle, the warmth of the people, and the beauty of the surroundings.

By September that year, we arrived – cats, dog, and all to our new home in the southern suburb of Noordhoek, nestled between mountains, wetlands, and the South Atlantic. It’s been an incredible journey filled with wildlife, wine, and wonderful scenery.

Read the full story, see photos, and learn more about life here on the OI website below: www.oldipswichians.ipswich.school

Scan the QR code for more information

Paul St John Turner (OI 1958 – 68)

I recently reached the age of 75, and, thanks undoubtedly to the miracles of modern medicine, am still very much in the land of the living. Coming over from Jersey, where I live, to the annual Summer Lunch at the School, is a yearly highlight. Following the miraculous despatch of six prostate cancer bone tumours in a clinical trial in Belfast some six years ago, a new one appeared last year. This time, I was fortunate to obtain highly focussed radiotherapy for it at Addenbrookes, which seems to have done the trick. I booked what would have been my first international trip for many

years - but finding travel insurance costs prohibitive even for a 5-day trip to Gibraltar and Spain (I must have looked awful medically on paper), I switched plans and went to the Isle of Man instead.

Quite a charming island, with lovely countryside and some beautifully unspoilt old towns.

I saw that the roads used for the TT races (which have no speed limits) are kept in immaculate condition.

The 14-mile Victorian steam train ride between Douglas and Port Erin is exhilarating, particularly in a carriage by the engine with the windows open. Attached below is a photo of me in the delightful old fishing town of Peel. Peel also resonated with me because of recent discoveries about my fisherman three times maternal great grandfather from Worthinghe had one of the old sailing fishing “luggers” which, with a crew of up to eight, went out for weeks at a time - to Cornwall and beyond in the west, and up to Scarborough in the northeast - in search of herring in particular. He also played a heroic role in the rescue of a partially dismasted barque (the “Lalla Rookh”) which, having sailed with cargo from

South America, was caught in a fearful storm off Worthing in November 1850. Tragically, eleven fishermen lost their lives in the first rescue attempt (there were no lifeboats in Worthing then). He then went out with some 21 others in a “lugger”. Nine of these, including him, managed to board the barque in the storm, three at a time via a “jolly boat” lowered and hauled up again.

They helped the depleted crew (some killed by the falling mainmast) to raise new sails and sail the barque on to London. I will be attending a Service of Remembrance of the tragedy in Worthing for its 175th anniversary. Sadly, my ancestor’s grave is unmarked, but intend to put this right with a proper headstone. My family history research continues in several areas - East Anglia also features, with ancestors in Colchester, Bishops Stortford and other parts of Essex. When not travelling, I am still working as an accountant. The small company I work for made my 75th a special one, a photo of me “raising a glass” just before the celebratory lunch they kindly arranged.

Ben Parry

100 London Voices singers recording the soundtrack of upcoming Marvel film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps at Abbey Road Studios last month (includes Richard Edgar-Wilson!).

John Bakewell

Michael Perrott

Paul St John Turner visiting the old fishing town of Peel

Callum Foster (OI 2016 – 20)

Callum Foster (ITFC’s Community Engagement Officer) has been awarded Community Captain by the Premier League for all his hard work on the Premier League Kicks programme.

Callum said “I feel so privileged to be able to positively support hundreds of children in the most deprived areas of Ipswich!” Well done Callum.

Paul Ridgway (OI 1955 – 62)

Continues to wordsmith for a living particularly plumbing the depths of what is known as The Maritime.

Currently reporting on London and international shipping news as correspondent of each of the Durbanedited website subscription news services Africa Ports & Ships and the Indian Maritime Foundation’s journal Seagull issued from Pune (formerly Poona).

Yachtsmen and those connected with The Maritime will be familiar with the four-letter acronym IALA known throughout the world as a setter of standards for marine aids to navigation such as buoys and lights.

For more than forty years he has been closely connected with IALA, firstly in liaison at Trinity House then as Rédacteur en Chef staffer in touch with HQ in Paris, later at St Germainen-Laye, 78100, France, where HQ is today. In recent years he has provided editorial services as Rapporteur.

Andy Green (OI 1960 – 67) Staff Member (1999 – 03)

After delighting readers with “Nemesis of the Tree Rat”, Andy returns with another story from his time at Ipswich School, entitled, “Power Buzz”.

Originally published in the Ipswich School Staff Newsletter ‘The Issue’ No. 12 (Lent Term 2003), Andy reflects on a moment when the countryside quite literally came back to life at the flick of a switch.

You can read the full story on the OI website www.oldipswichians.ipswich.school

Scan the QR code for more information

IALA, as the International Association of Lighthouse Authorities, was created as a forum in 1957 by the lighthouse services of France, Germany, The Netherlands and Trinity House. At the UN’s London-based International Maritime Organization (IMO) as a non-governmental organisation it held observer status.

From January 2025 following ratification of an international convention IALA is now an intergovernmental organisation and its title is the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation although it is still known widely as IALA.

At the IALA Council meeting of December 2024 he was granted honorary membership of IALA in recognition of his services to the organization.

Henry Patten (OI 2007 – 12)

Congratulations to Henry and his doubles partner Harri Heliövaara on their incredible victory in the 2025 Australian Open men’s doubles. Their dramatic win adds to their remarkable Wimbledon success in 2024. Henry’s achievements continue to inspire the next generation of tennis players – an outstanding example of talent, teamwork and determination.

Ellen Board (Cook) (OI 2004 – 13)

I now live in Claygate, Surrey and recently got married in Southwold to Jamie who I met at University of Leeds.

After venturing into Sports Science post uni, had a few years in Media working for Immediate Media who run BBC Good Food, Olive and Delicious magazines where I wanted to gain experience in sales.

Post Covid in 2021, I wanted a change and to give something back, so I set up my own business - ELC Therapy and have not looked back since.

I am a Sports and Clinical Massage Therapist and Reformer Pilates instructor. My focus is mainly on 121 rehabilitation clients, often referred by physios when clients are ready to rebuild strength.

It’s really rewarding and although being my own boss can be hard at times it’s also great fun. The flexibility of working for myself has been great!

A Joyous Celebration: The Wedding of Freddie Raymond (OI 2006 – 15)

On 8th February 2025, Old Ipswichian Freddie Raymond married Hannah (née Prentice) in a wonderfully creative celebration at Ash Barton Estate, Devon, surrounded by family, friends, and many fellow OIs.

Every detail reflected the couple’s imagination and warmth – from cardboard statues marking moments in their relationship and 3D-printed figures containing their wedding rings, to paper and crochet flowers, a knitted QR code linking to their playlist, and a giant “R” cloak Freddie wrapped around Hannah to symbolise their union.

The day began with a private pool ceremony before vows in the chapel and a lively reception in the house, followed by a ceilidh, fireworks, and what Freddie described as a night with “no bedtime!”

Guests feasted on cauldrons of sausages and vegan jambalaya, surrounded by handmade touches and the joyful spirit that filled every corner of the estate.

Many OIs joined the festivities, including Freddie’s brother Will

Raymond (OI) and uncle Simon Raymond (OI), celebrating friendships that began at Ipswich and continue to thrive.

Read the full story and see more of Freddie’s joyful photos on our website. www.oldipswichians.ipswich.school

Scan the QR code for more information

MARRIAGES

OI Awarded Community Captain Award

Death Announcements

We are sad to learn of the following OI deaths. If anyone has any further information, memories or would like to write an obituary for the next journal please email the editor.

John Houchell (OI 1959 – 65)

Died June 2022

David Williams (OI 1945 – 55)

Died December 2022

Ronald Jones (OI 1947 – 59)

Died March 2024

Iain Ross (OI 1942 – 52)

Died February 2025

Patricia Hann (OI Staff 1999 – 08)

Art Teacher at Ipswich School from 1999 – 2008, Patricia Hann sadly passed away on 19th April in Exeter.

Pippa Jacob (OI 2001- 03) was taught art by Mrs Hann in the early 2000s and recalls her fondly. “Navigating my place in the world during my late teens and early twenties was, at times, a struggle. Mrs Hann, who taught me art in the early 2000s, was a beacon of warmth and encouragement during sixth form, my gap year and the beginning of my architecture training.

Patricia lived on the same street as my parents meaning I could pop in for a cuppa during university holidays and it was on these visits I got to know her husband, Richard. A happy memory was sitting with them in their beautiful walled garden on a sunny afternoon, with a pot of tea and a generous slice of lemon drizzle cake. They spoke so fondly of their daughter who also went to

Claire Horsley (Wilcox)

Former Governor 1996 – 2012

Died June 2025

David Clowes (OI 1964 – 73)

Died 10th June 2025

Richard Hunn (OI 1992 – 99)

Died July 2025

Mike Wootton (OI 1944 – 55)

Died 19th August 2025

architecture school and was living in Australia. Without knowing it, their pride in her inspired me to continue with my studies during a period of self-doubt and for this, I will always be grateful. It is an honour to have been her pupil and benefit from her passion for art and textiles.

On a few occasions I was welcomed to join her evening textile class that she ran from her home studio. Much like how she taught at school, these workshops were fun and featured mixed media with plenty of colour. In fact, it was one of these evenings that gave me an alibi when the Ivry Street school gates were painted pink – at the time of the crime, I had been with her felting wool!

When she moved to Exeter, our contact became more sporadic, but I was able to share the happy news that I had become a mother. I contacted her last week to tell her about our second child and was told the news of her passing. It is a great loss to the world, but she has left her artistic imprint on so many people, and I hope her family gets some comfort to know that her creativity lives on.”

John Eastoe (OI 1958 – 69)

Died peacefully on 19th February, 2025, in Aldringham Court, aged 74 years.

William Jewhurst (OI 1945 – 49)

William ‘Bill’ John Jewhurst passed away peacefully at Haughgate Nursing home on 21st February 2025, aged 90 years.

Sadly missed by daughter Elizabeth, family and friends.

David Boughton (OI 1956 – 65)

We are sorry to report the passing of David Boughton who died on 20th September 2024.

Memories of David:

David and I were among the small group of boys who chose horse riding as an alternative Thursday afternoon activity. The rides were organised by our history master, Donald Pegg, himself a keen rider despite the risks posed by his haemophilia.

The lessons took place at Mrs Mackman’s riding establishment at Newton Hall, Swilland. While I was expected to cycle from school, David— against the rules—drove himself in his mother’s car, and I was often grateful for the lifts he offered me. Eventually and inevitably, we were spotted, and

it then came to the attention of Mr Pegg. At David’s suggestion, we offered an explanation involving a punctured bicycle and his timely rescue. The story was accepted, leaving me in the clear, but David shouldered the blame alone without complaint.

After leaving school, I shared a couple of further adventures with him in his old black Morris J2 van, before our lives diverged and we lost touch. It was therefore a particular joy to see him again, almost sixty years later, at the School’s OI reunion day, and to thank him properly for the loyalty and generosity he had shown all those years before.

– Peter Bloomfield (OI 1957– 66)

Peter Brown (OI 1950 – 57)

My elder brother Peter D R Brown died on 14th September 2024 aged 84.

He was at school from 1950 until 1957. He was a successful family solicitor practising in Central London. He lived in Dedham, and latterly in Bedfield. He is survived by his wife Philippa, daughters Charlotte and Katrina, and five grandchildren.

– David W Brown (OI 1951 – 1962)

Antony (Tony) Green (OI 1960 – 70)

We are sorry to report the passing of Antony (Tony) Green who died in September 2024.

Memories of Tony: remember Tony from sport as a hard-hitting attacking batsmen in the first 11 and as a good rugby player. I also remember Tony as a great link to the outside world for us boarders when I was in Highwood as he had access to a car! On a Friday or Saturday evening he would occasionally arrange to fetch us and take us to a pub or even a local party in Ipswich, which was pretty exciting for a naive chap like myself! think the car was possibly an Austin 1100 and Cracklin Rosie by Neil Diamond seemed to be on the car radio most of the time! Which would fit with about 1970.

– Chris McLauchlan (OI 1964 – 71)

David English (OI 1981 – 90)

We are sorry to advise that David English sadly passed away on 9th March, aged 52 years, six and a half years after a cycling accident in London.

Michael Parkin (OI 1943 – 55)

Michael sadly passed away peacefully on Friday 14th March aged 88 years following a short illness.

David Boughton with friend Mr Reach on an Ipswich Transport Society excursion c.1976 (Source: Facebook)

Ian Orger (OI 1955 – 62)

We are sorry to report the passing of Ian Robert Orger who died in October 2024.

In April 2017, Ian dictated the following account of his life, reflecting on his childhood, school years, career, and retirement.

“My early formative years were spent in Scotland living with my grandfather who ran whisky distilleries in Windygates, Fife. The family moved to Ipswich and aged five I was enrolled at St. Matthew’s School. My stay was short-lived as my father, Kenneth Orger (OI 1925 - 33) was invited by Harry Mellor (OI 1917 - 28) to join him in Oxford to work for the then Alliance Assurance company.

I attended two state schools in Oxford. State education in England (unlike Scotland) was weak. My mother wished for me to study at Dollar Academy in Scotland (her old school), my father wanted me to go to Ipswich School. The latter won!

In May 1955 I was enlisted in Junior House under the tutelage of Tom and Rina Glover. Tom was fierce, firm but fair, Rina resembled Mrs Bumble in Dickens’ Oliver Twist workhouse!

Three years later, a move to Westwood under Peter ‘Spud’ Marsden and his delightful wife, Constance, where I was very happy. Thanks to Spud, I enjoyed a lifelong love of classical music and thrived.

Eventually I went to School House under housemaster and headmaster Patrick Mermagen, where again I thrived.

On leaving school in 1962 I pursued a career in the NHS, rising to General Manager Executive Director until retiring prematurely in 1995 due to health problems

which led to open heart surgery.

Had I gained Science and Maths A levels would have followed a career in medicine (I always wanted to be a doctor), but I often attributed my successful career in the NHS to the education received at Ipswich School.

In retirement, I continued as a Gloucestershire Magistrate retiring at 70 after completing 25 years on the bench, and remained an avid Bridge player all my life, winning the Marie Curie National Bridge competition with my Bridge partner in 2015.”

Ian leaves behind his son, Cameron, daughters Fiona and Laura, and five grandchildren. His funeral took place at St Andrew’s Church, Chedworth, on 22nd November 2024.

Memories of Ian:

I suppose I first came across Ian in 1955 when I believe he had one term in the Prep before going into the Main School. After a brief spell in Junior House, he boarded at Westwood but it wasn’t until 1959 when he had transferred to School House and I started boarding there, that I really got to know him.

Although we were in different forms and therefore had different masters, we saw plenty of each other in Middle Common Room where, among activities such as listening to Pick of the Pops on Chris Fowler’s tape recorder and putting glass milk bottles on the fire to see what happened to them, we used to indulge in games of Crime, a very addictive card game which Ian possessed.

The cards themselves were quite dilapidated due to years of use and entirely held together with Sellotape. Ian contacted the makers, Waddingtons, for a replacement, but was told they were out of print.

He and I shared a study for a couple of terms, Study 9, which gave the smokers easy access to the roof, via Ian’s easy chair. He was in possession of a venerable Dynatron radio which had the disturbing habit of failing on various occasions, thus fusing all the lights in Study Passage. Then, Mr Fancoat, the lab assistant, would be summoned and he arrived, with a screwdriver and a few caustic comments, to restore power. We used to think he quite liked being called upon, but I expect he just thought it was a pain.

We kept in touch after we left school and my brother, Martin, and I enjoyed camping and B and B holidays in Europe with him. When camping, we used to stock up with food here before departure and Ian took on cooking responsibilities on a Camping Gaz stove.

On one occasion, he was cooking with one hand and trying to ward off mosquitoes with the other, when another party next door, reversing their car, were laughing so much at Ian’s activities, they drove into the hedge.

Camping in the Black Forest one night, we were apprehended by a

ranger the following morning and told that camping there was strictly forbidden but as we were on our way, no punishment ensued. I think he noticed the GB sticker and made allowances.

In the last ten years or so, a group of OIs including Ian, Michael Abrahams, Richard Boughton, Chris Fowler, Martin, and me have met twice a year for a lunch in pubs in and around Cambridge — which is as central as possible for all of us — and results in hearty reminiscences. We remembered him at our latest one in October, as at the time he was in hospital.

Ipswich School was never far from is thoughts, and he used to bring up memories on the occasions I was invited over to his home in Northleach, Gloucestershire, for lunch and was always given an ecstatic welcome by Betty, his dog and faithful companion these last few years.

He was a generous host and a great friend, with strong opinions on everything! RIP. IRO.

– Lawrence White (OI 1955 – 63)

While on his way to visit friends in Scotland, Ian was involved in a tragic accident at a service station in Lancaster. He received treatment first in Preston and later in Gloucester, where he spent his final weeks lovingly supported by his family and friends

Many of my memories are similar to those expressed by my brother and I will never forget Ian’s friendship, sense of humour and trademark laugh — while he loved occasionally to be very rude in a sort of ‘Carry On’ way.

During our schooldays and beyond, we often stayed with him and his parents at their home in Oxford, while he visited us at both Henley, in Suffolk, and later Farnham, near Bishop’s Stortford, where our parents lived. Later, after I got married, Ian would stay with my wife and I, with his last visit being to us in Ipswich about six years ago.

On that occasion, we took him on a tour of rural Suffolk and he showed us where his late parents had lived in Southwold. For some reason,

he still had a key to the side door and having shown us round, my wife and he left, but having shut and locked the door behind him realised I was still inside.

He boldly told the customs officer at Dover we had nothing to declare, but as we were suntanned, unshaven and relatively young, they decided to go over

He could not post the key through the front door as the box receiving letters was padlocked and after much miming through windows, I managed to force open a fanlight enough for him to push the key through and unlock the door. Ian found the situation hilarious, and I am surprised his laughter didn’t wake the whole town as we tried to creep through the darkness to my car. Neighbourhood Watch was obviously off-duty that night!

His first day at school was imprinted on his memory and was frequently told in future years. The master on duty was asking boys their names and when it came to his turn he proudly replied: ‘I. R. Orger, Sir’, only to be rebuffed by ‘Not I. R. Orger, boy, it’s I AM Orger’.

In another incident at which my brother was present, Ian had come to stay with us at Farnham and drove his car through a flood across the road. Having done it once, he had to do it again, only this time another car was coming towards him. Undeterred, Ian ploughed through the water, oblivious to the fact that the other driver had his window open. A wave swept through the other car and when the angry driver approached Ian, whose own car had stalled, he was met with the understatement: “I am sorry I moistened you.” My brother will agree - the man was drenched.

On another occasion, we were returning from one of our camping trips abroad in the early 1970s when Ian decided to buy nine bottles of whisky from the duty-free shop in Calais to distribute among family and friends at home. We duly stacked a few in the tent on the roof of the car, one in a washing-up bowl under the passenger seat, others in vents in the boot and other places.

the whole car. Within minutes, all the contraband had been revealed and all three of us had to club together to pay the excess duty, (which they at least allowed him to keep)! Once again, Ian found the whole thing hilarious. That was I.R. Orger. Full of fun, full of life with a hint of a devilmay-care attitude and someone who our ‘gang’ will greatly miss.

Three OIs – my brother Lawrence, Richard Boughton and me – were among the mourners at Ian’s funeral, along with Monica, the widow of another OI and Graham Ruffle, who had been another of Ian’s great friends over the years.

Alan Matheson (OI 1946 – 53)

Passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, February 6th, aged 89 years.

Husband of the late Susan, father to Anita, Delia and Vanessa, grandfather to Dan, Bill, Victoria, Caroline, Charlie, and Harriet, great-grandfather to seven great-grandchildren

– Martin White (OI 1953 – 59)

Paul Richards (OI 1935 – 41)

We are sorry to report the passing of Paul Richards who died on 22nd September 2024.

Paul was born and educated in Ipswich, gaining a scholarship to Ipswich School at the age of 10. He left school at 16 to join the Post Office Engineering Department (POED), where he worked on RAF aerodromes and radar stations. It was in 1941 that he first met Pat, who would later become his wife.

In February 1945, Paul was called up for military service and sent to the Officer Cadet Training Unit in Bangalore, India. He was commissioned in 1946 and attached to the 2nd Gurkhas in Dehra Dun.

Before leaving for India, he and Pat became engaged. Paul returned from India just after partition in 1947 and was demobilised in 1948. That same year he rejoined the POED, married Pat in May, and was promoted to a new role in London.

While working full time, Paul pursued a part-time engineering degree at London University. He and Pat welcomed their son Antony in 1951 and daughter Diana in 1954. In 1955, he graduated with firstclass honours in Electronics and Communications, while working at the Post Office Research Station at Dollis Hill on the first microwave links for television.

Paul’s career took him into some of the most significant scientific and defence work of the 20th century. In

1957 he became Quality Assurance Manager for the UK Atomic Energy Authority at a small unit in Woolwich, producing parts for Britain’s first hydrogen bomb. Three years later he moved on promotion to AWRE Aldermaston, where he worked on instrumentation for nuclear physics experiments and later to electronics design, and detection monitoring.

In 1967, Paul moved to Northampton and was seconded to Her Majesty’s Government Communications Centre (HMGCC) at Hanslope Park, supporting the Security Services MI5 and MI6. In 1970 he was promoted to Director of HMGCC following the sudden death of the incumbent. He later returned to AWRE in 1972 to a number of jobs in nuclear physics, detection monitoring, electronics research and system assessment before moving with Pat to Goring in 1973.

His work with detection monitoring, testing and liaison with the Americans took him around the world, both for work and for holidays he was also very widely travelled. His work involved major defence systems including the hydrogen bomb, Polaris, Poseidon and Trident programmes, and he finished by working with the Americans on “Star Wars” before retiring in 1989.

Alongside his distinguished career, Paul was devoted to his family and community.

He leaves behind his two children, Antony and Diana, five grandchildren, eleven greatgrandchildren, and his brother Colin (OI 1943 – 50).

In Goring, he played an active role in village life, serving as Chairman of the Tennis Club (twice), was a member of the Bowling Club, Goring and Woodcote Bridge Clubs, Treasurer of GADFAS, and Chairman of PROBUS. He enjoyed playing tennis, bowls, bridge and walking.

– Tony Richards (Paul’s son) & family

Chris Carleton (OI 1960 – 65)

Died 25th December 2024

Chris was born in London and attended Ipswich School in Suffolk before joining the Royal Navy in 1965. He spent 30 years as a hydrographic surveyor in the Royal Navy serving throughout the world.

During the last ten years of his naval career he specialised in the technical aspects of the law of the sea advising the UK Government and the Ministry of Defence on matters concerning limits and boundaries and freedom of navigation issues.

In 1996, on retirement from the Royal Navy, Chris joined the Hydrographic Office to head the newly formed Law of the Sea Division. He was able to expand this business worldwide on a commercial consultancy basis with considerable success leading a small team of experts in this specialist field.

He took part in many boundary negotiations, both bilateral and third party adjudication, and did a considerable amount of work for the United Nations.

He was a Chartered Surveyor, former chairman of the IHO/ IOC/IAG Advisory Board on the law of the sea (ABLOS), a visiting professor in Law at Durham University, an Honorary Visiting Fellow of the University of Southampton, a Fellow of the Royal Institute of Navigation, a member of The Hydrographic Society, The International Law Association, The British Institute of International and Comparative Law and The Greenwich Forum. Chris was married to Sandie with two grown up children and lived in South East Cornwall

Dudley Allen (OI 1960 – 69)

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Dudley Michael Allen who passed away in October 2024. Dudley will be remembered with warmth, humour and deep affection. In 2020 he contributed a much-enjoyed memoir of his school days, which, in his own words, captures the spirit of the times:

“I was at School from 19601969 and have lots of memories of School including of Dougie Yelland, Mrs Young (junior school), Ian and Marion Prior, Incey playing the organ, a janitor named Mr. Clutterham inevitably nicknamed ‘Clutterbang’, ‘Poppa’ Job referring to the projector flex as ‘the rope’, Mont, The Haskells, swimming after prep on summer evenings, walking to the playing fields, Jaspers (junior school prefects) usually power crazed, ‘Shipwrecks’ in the gym, the cloisters - excellent for roller skating, the headmaster’s study - usually not for the best of reasons, German lessons with Mike ‘Uz’ Butler, sports day or any other occasion when you might see a girl!

Oxo flavoured crisps from the tuck shop, cream buns at break, free milk, flu jabs and medicals, cross country runs when games were off, double maths with Mr. Mermagen, cinema club showing North by Northwest every year. Ronnie Vaughan playing Beatles hits on the piano in The Vaults - ‘Me sir ? Noooo!’. Overcooked cabbage, playing British Bulldog, hardly any TV (as a boarder), no computers or any associated tech, transistor radios and Radio Luxembourg - later pirate stations like Radio Caroline.

Horrible haircuts, the hospital over the road, the arboretum and park, sledding in the winter, coach trips to away games, packed lunches with yucky cheese and tomato

sauce, the sixties, Pink Floyd and the Doors, a pervasive sense of security and goodwill, counting down to the holidays, mixed feelings about leaving…..”

Memories of Dudley:

His reflections stand as a fitting tribute to a man whose memories of school life remain full of laughter, friendship, and a sense of belonging.

I was in Highwoods boarding house along with Dudley Allen, and in the same year!

Whilst I wasn’t great friends with him, unlike Peter Charteris, who was with Dudley right through from the prep school, I remember him as a nice bloke, quite entertaining, and leaning towards the arts as I recall, whilst I was more science based.

He was a fast runner, and effective in the school rugby house matches in an unconventional way, in that he would run in whichever direction took him away from an imminent tackler, regardless of whether he was going towards his own try line!

– Mike Parker (OI 1963 – 69)

Charles Paterson (OI 1965 – 73)

Charles Paterson, composer, conductor, and teacher, passed away on 18 November 2024.

Born into a musical household, Charles’s earliest influences were his father, who played the piano by ear, and his mother, who sang. He was encouraged by his teachers — Jack Needle at primary school, followed by Geoff Lavery and Keith Griffiths at Ipswich School, who he said “were a great inspiration, performing some of my first compositions.” Ipswich composer Jack Hawes was another mentor.

At Cambridge, where he read Classics on a Choral Exhibition, he sang with the CUMS Chorus and University Chamber Choir under inspiring conductors Philip Ledger and Richard Marlow.

Alongside his professional life as a teacher at Leicester Grammar School, Charles nurtured a lifelong commitment to composition and choral music. For twenty-five years he conducted the School Choir,

while continuing to compose works performed across the UK.

Notable highlights included the premiere of Redemptor Gentium at the Richard III Society’s annual carol service, his Carpe Diem song cycle for Simon Lumby, and his Concertino for Descant Recorder and String Orchestra, recorded on the British Serenade CD.

He also cherished memorable musical moments such as conducting a performance of Messiah in Leicestershire, leading the Leicester Grammar School Choir in the presence of HM the Queen, and singing Britten’s War Requiem in King’s College Chapel.

Charles believed true success in music was not measured by money but by forging a connection with his audience. His advice to aspiring musicians was simple: “Persist through disappointments.” This obituary is drawn from Charles’s own words in his profile on the Music in Portsmouth website.

Memories of Charles:

When thinking of my time at Ipswich School, it seems that I spent an inordinate amount of that time in the company of Charles Paterson. But it is not the time in the classroom which I remember, although I was in the same class as Charles for a large part of my time at the school and even shared a session on ancient history with him while doing my A levels (although in my case this was merely part of my Latin module whilst Charles was heading for the dizzy heights of Classics, a career he followed with increasing distinction for the rest of his life).

No, it was the extra-mural activities which I remember with such affection.

The scout camps where we enjoyed hilarious evenings around the campfire singing songs and telling jokes while we prayed for the rain to keep off (it always seemed to rain on those scout camps!).

And then there was the music. Music was always Charles’ first love, particularly English twentieth century music. He had already written a number of solo songs by the time he left school and continued to compose throughout his life to great acclaim.

It was Geoff Lavery, a master on the school staff, who was responsible in the first place for introducing Charles to the music he loved so much and Charles stayed in touch with Geoff for the rest of his life, Geoff remaining for Charles a great influence and inspiration.

At Ipswich School, there was plenty of opportunity for all types of music and Charles took hold of every opportunity. As well as the piano, he was a dab hand with the recorder, an instrument which he subsequently composed for with great success.

The high point of our week was choir practice. Charles and I were both members of the Chapel Choir which sang for Evensong every Sunday evening. One of the most exciting times for the choir was when we sang Evensong for a week in the Cathedral of St Asaph in Wales.

Even when we had left the school, Charles continued to bring me opportunities to sing, as when he invited me to join the Kingston Singers, a group which went round the country taking the place of Cathedral Choirs during their summer break. We sang all over the country from Truro to York.

have been extremely fortunate to have known Charles - it has enriched my life in so many ways.

Tim Sewell ‒ (OI 1961 ‒ 72)

Ian Pearce (OI 1958 – 61)

Ian Pearce who was at the school from 1958 until 1961 in Rigaud House sadly passed away in November 2024, aged 81 years.

Memories of Ian:

Very sad to learn of Ian’s passing. We were good friends at School but lost contact as his army career progressed. He was an exceptionally good golfer winning many competitions. He played for the Army in the inter services competitions while serving in Aden and remember him saying this gave him some respite from the war zone.

Stuart Cooper ‒ (OI 1951 ‒ 61)

I first met Ian in 1958, the year he arrived from Felixstowe G.S. where his then Headmaster, Albert Smethams’ (OI 1957-62) Father dispatched him ‘highly recommended’ to Ipswich.

As a boarder at Westwood we did not often have too much close contact with the members of the day houses but Ian was one of a few that made a quick impression on our year; he was an elegant fly half and quickly achieved Colts status and later 2nd XV status; his summers being fully employed as a scratch golf player in Suffolk and beyond in the Pearce family tradition at Purdis G.C.

Our academic paths did not cross as he was a few Donachers classes above my pay and class grade. However, his reputation as a socialite in the forbidden coffee bars in town preceded him as it did a few others of the fortunate day boys (no names no pack drill Peter Miller).

His previous grammar school independent freewheeling life and highly developed sense of humour contributed to

his demise when an incautious observation of the schools’ then victorian rules sadly brought him to the attention of the hierarchy and a consequent premature departure from School.

However, all was not lost at that point and in our next chapter a few years later in 1971 in a bombed house in the middle of Londonderry Northern Ireland I was dispatched with my warriors from 1PARA to liaise with the Unit on my right 2 Royal Anglian to agree borders. Lo and behold it was he(Ian) and we spent the next hour catching up on his adventures, via Mons Officer Cadet School, to Commissioning as an Army Officer. I don’t actually think that either of us at Cultybraggan CCF Camp in1960 having a smoke by the burn in the shadow of Ben Vorlich could have imagined in our wildest dreams where would be ten years later! By then, Ian based in Ebrington Barracks with HQ 8 Brigade had his feet well under the Northern Ireland Golf ‘table’ and very kindly invited myself and a few others to a freebee at Port Stewart GC.

Fast forward a few years, Captaincy of Army Golf and a transfer to the ACC. All very handy for the Army Golf Course half a mile away and Lt Col Pearce eventually concluded a very full and successful career.

Our paths finally crossed again as Ian moved into Secretarial work, firstly at the Army Aldershot Course (surprise-surprise) and later at Swinley Forest (Famous for both the Course and its very long par 4s and the lunch, where we again caught up when took part in a Richmond GC day out.

All in all a proper chap, whom I know will be missed by all who knew him throughout his fully lived life and I enjoyed as a friend.

62)

– Ian Chapman (OI 1957 –

John Graham was at the School from 1947 until 1954 and sadly passed away in November 2024, aged 88 years.

John lived with his family at a farm in Barham and came to the School in 1947. He was very keen on sport from an early age, encouraged very much by George Notcutt.

Rugby was his favourite game and after playing for the Colts for two seasons he progressed to the 1st XV for which he played for three seasons, being appointed captain in 1953. He was described by the master in charge of rugby, Jimmy Young, as ‘a cheerful and conscientious leader’. After National Service John played rugby for Ipswich and Diss Rugby Clubs.

John was in Broke House and was a school prefect in his last year. He boxed for his house in the ‘any weight division’, not surprising because he was larger than most and a tough one to tackle in the rugby practice matches we both played in.

John often recalled the CCF camp in Fingringhoe when Bill Dodd marched the contingent from camp to Ipswich, some twenty-two miles. He also recalled that when he joined Ipswich School he could not swim

but soon learnt after being thrown in the pool.

For some years John managed a farm and then started his own farm machinery business for which he had a stand at the Suffolk Show for many years. Unfortunately he was involved in a major road accident which he was fortunate to survive, and this seriously affected his legs in later life.

John was married to Jill, both of whom had previous marriages, and between them they had six daughters.

John hugely enjoyed his large family.

John was a great supporter of the School and OI Club, He was elected president of the Club in 2017 and I was honoured to be asked by John to speak and propose the toast at the Ipswich Dinner. I quote from his presidential article for the OI Journal for that year ’it is often said that school days are the happiest days of your life, for me that was true. I thoroughly enjoyed my seven years and at every opportunity I am always proud to say that I was educated at Ipswich School’.

John’s funeral and service of thanksgiving were held on 16th January 2025 at Horham Baptist Church which is situated in the heart of the Suffolk countryside and in which John lived all his life. He was a strong Christian. The church was packed and reflected the esteem in which John was held by his large family and many friends.

‒ Karl Daniels (OI 1944 ‒ 53)

Memories of John

I remember when we had been swimming in the school back in the day and we all had straw boater hats as part of our uniform. We had all placed them on the bench whilst swimming, including Malcolm Cockrill (OI 1944 - 55) - John sat on Malcom’s boater and it disintegrated much to everyone’s amusement!

‒ Roger Jarrold (OI 1944 ‒ 55)

I joined the upper School from the prep in the autumn of 1947 when John Graham arrived as surely one of the most deserving scholarships granted in those days

John was one of the strongest lads and later on one of the strongest men I ever knew, but he was a rare individual for those attributes were accompanied by a first-class brain

John (‘Hoof’) Graham - We (Tim and Jeremy Barr) have fond memories of playing alongside ‘Hoof’ as captain of the successful 1st XV 1953/54. Unbeaten until the last Christmas Term fixture, the success owed much to Hoof’s leadership of a dominant pack with Tim and ‘Hoof’ being the second-row powerhouse. ‘Hoof’s battle-cry of “let’s whirr it” sticks in Tim’s memory.

An earlier game against the hitherto unbeaten Gresham’s XV was particularly memorable, Greshams were captained by scrum half Andy Mulligan (who went on to play for Ireland and was a member of the successful 1959 Lions tour of Australia and New Zealand). He was effectively bottled up by our backrow on that afternoon!

step of sitting alongside ‘Hoof’ in the team photo.

An unbeaten season beckoned but we sadly lost our scrum half Martin Gleave during the final school game against Framlingham (no subs in that era) and that proved our undoing.

Nevertheless, coach Jimmy Young was pleased enough to take the unusual

Other memories are of CCF Camps and particularly the Guard Mounting competition at Pirbright, Surrey. ‘Hoof’ was a member of our well drilled and immaculately turned out winning squad.

– Tim (Trabs Major) (OI 1946 – 54)

– Jeremy Barr (Trabs Minor) (OI 1946 – 56)

and – later – a determination to do “just what he wanted.”

When good results in the grain trade in the early ’60s enabled me to buy arable land, I rang and asked him if he would like to run the farm for me. He agreed at once, came to live in the village, supervised the expansion of the holding over ten years or so, leaving me to concentrate on the grain trade. The utter loyalty and respect he had from those who worked for him was apparent straight away.

Those who knew John at school –and later – value much his memory as the packed chapel at his funeral, full of former friends and colleagues, made very clear.

‒ John Felgate (OI 1942 – 52)

The Ipswich School guard bulling up before mounting guard, John Graham seated left.

John Graham (1947 – 1954)

CCF Camp march past at Thetford Battle Area Camp (with ‘Minden Day’ roses in our berets). Cpl. John Graham heading the school contingent and Sgt. Tim as Right Marker.

The 1953/54 XV. John ‘Hoof’ Graham Captain

Bryan Fuller (OI 1950 – 56)

Bryan attended Ipswich School roughly the same time as myself. He sadly passed away peacefully at the Arthur Rank Hospice on 24th December 2024 following a short stay in Addenbrookes Hospital. A much-loved husband to Alex, adored father to Georgina, Kathryne and Felicity and a treasured grandfather and brother.

Bryan was a farmer at Padney, a hamlet near Wicken, Ely, right up until his death at age 85. He had inherited this farm from his father, including a herd of cows and expanded a bit with his own acquisitions. He managed to sell the cows immediately after the last foot and mouth outbreak, to a Cumbrian farmer, with a huge sigh of relief!

Bryan was a boarder with myself and Francis Jefferies, in the Gleaves (Prep Headmaster) house in 1951, and after two terms moved to the

Eric Edwin Maule (OI 1949 – 56)

Died 1st January 2025

Eric passed away peacefully aged 86 on 1st January 2025 at Ipswich hospital after a short illness. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Janet, and his three sons Tim, Kevin and Julian, and granddaughter Charlotte.

Eric attended Ipswich School from 1949-1956 and remained a keen member of the Old Ipswichian club

Glovers for boarding until he left the school in 1957.

I’m not sure that Bryan actually joined the OI Club, but he certainly came to some reunions with Alex where we met up. We tried to keep in touch with him on a very irregular basis at one or two Cambridgeshire pubs. Alan Cutting (OI 1948 - 59) joined us on these occasions, along with a few others. Bryan liked to recall an occasion when he was a boarder and got fed up one weekend, got on his bike and pedalled the 50+ miles home to Padney, to return to the school the next day. I understand that Tom Glover wasn’t too amused as Bryan just bunked off without telling anyone. I suspect that resulted in having his trousers dusted down!

‒ Hally Hardie (OI 1949 ‒ 58)

Bryan was one of my best friends at Ipswich School. He took me on a number of occasions to his parents farm in Soham. We had such fun with an old

during his life, frequently attending events at the school. He ensured his sons also got the great start from Ipswich School that he did.

Upon leaving Ipswich School in 1956, Eric joined the local accountancy firm of Ensors and Sons. This would be the only firm he would work for during his career passing the Articles exams, becoming a chartered accountant and eventually ending as a fellow in the Institute of Chartered Accountants. He worked in both the Felixstowe and Ipswich branches in several roles before serving as senior partner prior to retirement aged 60.

car which we would drive around the farm. So sad to hear of his death.

‒ Derek Ruffle (OI 1952 ‒ 57)

I first knew Bryan in early 1951, when he was boarding with the Gleave’s in their flat above the Prep. School. That September, having left the Prep., we both became boarders - first in Junior House and later in School House. Here we joined others, notably Tony Catesby (OI 1952 – 57), Brendan (Bren) Pell (OI 1952 – 58), and the late John Waller (OI 1952 – 59). A recipe for hijinks a plenty in Junior Dorm in which Bryan was inevitably involved.

Like my own family, Bryan’s parents were farmers and I have many happy memories of holidays spent on the Fuller’s farm at Wicken near Ely. Especially, the fun we had careering around the fields in their old Model T Ford chassis – when we were supposed to be delivering feed to the cows!

‒ Alan Cutting (OI 1948 ‒ 59)

this charity work he was also a trustee of the Suffolk based Scarfe Charitable Trust until very recently.

Outside of work and charity he was a keen hiker both in the UK and beyond (he completed the 298km Thames path walk when he was 77, albeit over a period of 2 years). He enjoyed skiing when he could and was a keen gardener and croquet player at the family home in Falkenham. Eric was always a fan of holidays and sun, whether with a caravan to the south of France for 3 weeks in the summer, Tenerife for winter sun, or more recently an appetite for cruising which

In 1987 he had the prestige to be named the president of the East Anglian branch of the Institute of Chartered Accountants. Duties included visiting other branches around the country liaising with other national/regional accountant presidents about accountancy trends and representing East Anglia on national bodies.

Eric was a long-term member of the Felixstowe Languard Rotary club, as well as previously being in Round Table and its successors. Building on

he and Janet did frequently in the last few years.

‒ Kevin Maule (OI 1977 ‒ 88)

We are sad to report the passing of Nicholas Fiske, who died in Burstall on 9th November 2024 –just a short distance from where he was born 88 years earlier. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Jane, their daughter Suzie, son Robert, and four grandchildren –George, Lily, Freddie and Martha A tribute published in the East Anglian Daily Times on 17th December 2024 described him as “a ‘visionary’ farmer, devoted to his family, agriculture, and local community.”

A Tribute to Nicholas Nicholas lived all his life in Burstall where his family farmed.He attended the school from the prep through to the sixth form – starting in junior house under Tom Glover and finished as a School Prefect and Head of School House under Patrick Mermagen. He then attended the Royal Agricultural College Cirencester for two years, returning afterwards to the farm and Burstall. He met his wife to be, Jane Whiting, at Ipswich Tennis Club and they married in 1961 and have a daughter and son. His interest in agriculture was extended when he became involved in the National Farmers Union in 1958 and made Chairman of the area in 1967. During the next few years, he was involved in the National Committee and a Director of Eastern Counties Farmers Ltd. He was at various times Chairman of St Edmundsbury Bacon Factory at Elmswell, Commissioner of the Meat & Livestock Commission and Governor of The Royal Agricultural College. A member of Worshipful Company of Farmers in the City and on its Court. His sporting interests at times involved sailing on the Deben, skiing and of course tennis with his own court, where I enjoyed many a game. When Ipswich was expanding fast, he was involved in the local farmers group concerned about the loss of farmland. He kept his interest in the School and the OI Club and was made President in 1982. I believe his father also an OI was also President years before. His involvement in all these activities and the high regard he was

held was evident in the large number at his funeral on the 9th of December at Burstall Church where he had been churchwarden for fifty-five years.

‒ David Coe (OI 1945 ‒ 54)

Memories of Nicholas:

Sad to hear of Nicholas’ death. He was a couple of years ahead of me at School but I was aware that he attended Cirencester Agricultural College after he left Ipswich and rose to high office in the NFU. He was OI

President circa 1979 at the time that I was editing the OI magazine and I recall publishing a nice informal photo of him on the farm in the magazine at that time. It is presumably on the shelves somewhere.

‒ Jeremy Barr (OI 1946 ‒ 56)

Editor’s Note – Thank you Jeremy I have managed to find the photo you refer to in Issue 30 - 1982 Old Ipswichian Magazine IPSCOI1982_030. pdf please see the archives section for the full article.

Nicholas Fiske (OI 1944 – 54)

Captain Tony (Slim)

Hallett RN (Ret’d) (OI 1956 – 63)

Tony Hallett sadly passed away on 21st January, aged 79 years.

Captain Tony Halletts’ Obituary has been written and reported in both the Daily Telegraph and Times. They describe a full life, well lived, reflecting on a man greatly respected by all whose life he touched; Basil Tenwick (OI 1955 – 67) wrote to friends earlier this year, on news of his death; “that whilst he only knew him from a distance at school it was obvious that he was a wonderful friend to his contemporaries and a big influence on those younger than him at Westwood”. He further commented on that,”we as old boys of the school should be justifiably proud that he too was an Old Ipswichian and should count ourselves lucky that we can say we knew him as a friend”.

Both of our Service careers almost never actually happened. My final year at School completed and the culmination for Cpl lan saw us at annual CCF Camp at Tregantle Fort west of Plymouth. It was Tonys (L/Cpl Hallett} penultimate Year at School and Westwood, he was looking forward the following September to appointments as Head of House, Captain of Rugby and School Prefect.

The final Exercise on Dartmoor completed, we were bussed/ Green Army 4 Tonner into Torpoint, appropriately via the village of Antony for an evening’s R&R. I was a legal imbiber of beer by then but most of my fellow Cadets failed that pertinent age test. Anyway, in the transport back to the Fort amidst the singing and general bon vivant whilst passing through Antony, a beer bottle (empty) un-noticed by us fell out of the back, smashing in front of a car.

The following morning the

architects of the Run Ashore saw us two miscreants in front of our Senior Officers. We were duly put on the Plymouth express train at 10.00am back home. I had a frosty 24 hour turnaround at home in Cheshire, and with some relief catching another train in Chester to attend the Regular Commissions Board at Westbury.

Fortunately, none of the flak caught up with me and I passed the Board into Sandhurst. Tony was apparently censured on return to School, but as I had left and was anyway senior, the matter sensibly remained in the mists of time. All’s well that ends wellhooray.

Tony (Slim) passed Navy selection the following year into the Britannia Royal Navy College Dartmouth. This was something of a surprise to me as he had never expressed any love of the sea or desire to follow Nelson, or our only known School and County Naval Hero (Captain)Broke RN. An occasional paddle on the Deben at weekends or the Annual Fair at Dedham for a swim in the Stour at Dedham Mill with Tim Thorn (OI 1954 – 61), our third Musketeer, and on our annual end of summer term weekend Camp, summarised any perceived interest. Anyway, Tony lived in the middle of England in Banbury famous for its Ales, Cross and Limestone dry walls.

Regardless, his Service life was unstoppably upwards thereafter: he Captained Dartmouth at Rugby, packing down in his first season with

16 times England Lock, Mike Davies, a marked contrast to schoolboy rugby the previous season. Both Mike and Tony Captained the Royal Navy in 1966 and 1969 respectively. feel obliged to say that in 1964 Dartmouth lost at home to the RMA Sandhurst and I got in at the corner!

En Passant, five Ols, Colin Simpson (1955 – 61), myself, Tim Thorn and Tony and I believe Tim’s younger brother John (OI 1955 – 64), all Captained our respective Navy, Army and Airforce Academies and Colleges between 1963 and 1967. School rivalries renewed! The incumbent School Rugby Masters, Peter Williams and John Nicholson must have been doing something right in training!

Tony’s area of expertise was Logistics, and as a Supply Officer, [Purser, SI. Pusser] he served at various different management levels on two Aircraft Carriers, it may have been three, but recall gets sunk in the mists of time; certainly two. Hermes and Invincible, and the Frigate Eskimo. He sailed Home Waters, the Middle East and Far East: Anecdotally, I believe it was on a “run ashore” in Singapore, Bugis Street, an interesting pleasure dome with lots of red lights, that Tony acquired a Tattoo - a Pint

Mug; placed, as I recall, on his upper right arm. I suspect that peer pressure was resisted to have something more feminine and “Matelot like”! Sadly now Bugis Street has gone, incorporated into greater Singapore as flats. Nevertheless It was a de-compression stopover for thousands of Servicemen over millennia who recall any visit to Bugis well into their dotage.

Lingard (OI 1954 – 66), a noted Ol, part time golfer and Bon Viveur(ant?), recalled being summoned to Richmond by Slim for lunch and a few Ales. He arrived home very late!

All this while he had continued as a navy rugby selector and had also assumed the role of Chairman of the Royal Navy Rugby Union. Significantly, as the RN representative, he had been

Significantly, an indication that Tony was destined for greater things occurred when an appointment came, early in his career as Flag Lieutenant to the Commodore Far East in Hong Kong (Flags). The next highest profile appointment was ADC to the Queen!

Tony’s deep sea postings were interspersed with numerous shore establishment appointments in Southern England, at Chatham, Portsmouth and the Far East.

His service in the Navy as a Supply Guru extended later in his career as Secretary(2ic) to various Admirals. His service highlight was probably involvement at MOD Northwood. the Tri-Service HQ for the Falklands War in

automatically elected member of the Twickenham Grounds Committee:

Subsequently taking over as Chairman on leaving the RN. This placed him four square, at the sharp end of the rebuild of Twickenham West Stand and an inevitable sequence of events.

In time and in parallel, international rugby was experiencing the ‘Amateur to Professional’ crises. Will Carling’s description of the RFU Committees

Despite the demands of a busy R.N. schedule, he had managed to meet and subsequently marry his future life partner and beautiful wife Faith, nee Holland -Martin, with whom he had three sons.

1982 maintaining the Fleet for war and getting all the land forces into place thousands of miles away. He retired in 1995 despite being on course for Admiral before retiring early aged fifty.

Apparently, their initial introductions occurred, as reported by a reliable witness, Tim Thorn, at the Denmark Pub, a well-known watering hole in Kensington: others say it was Hong Kong. Choose your favourite option. I fancy Hong Kong. with horse racing, a fast social scene, hot nights and lots of smart uniforms!

He retained his close association with Richmond Rugby Club steering them with the ‘gang of four’ through a late 1990s critical financial crisis and rescuing the Club from Bankruptcy and for a while he owned the club.

I am told by a member that he occasionally turned out for the aged ‘Richmond Heavies’. Charlie (Charles)

implemented were eventually adopted by the RFU and International Rugby. He could now relax and concentrate on his new purchase, the Restaurant Pissaros on the Thames and indulge his love of food and drink. It was a natural choice, requiring all the skills with which he had been familiar in the Navy. Feeding the multitude and using his God given bonhomie and social skills to ensure its success. However, a bigger project suddenly beckoned, the Olympic Games. Using his contractual and other skills he secured with other partners the cleaning contract for many of the venues. The cleaning business was established and run successfully with other ventures until his final days.

50 old Farts’ article, caused a minor earthquake amongst the old guard. Into this maelstrom stepped Tony as the new Secretary of the RFU. Accepting the reins of power from old guard secretary Dudley Woods to this appointment was described by Tony as accepting the biggest ‘hospital pass’ in history! The outcomes are well documented in history.

He managed the re-build of the West Stand, commissioned and erected the 3 iconic rugby bronzes at the entrance to the West Stand, advocated Italy for the 5 Nations and had views eventually adopted, about the ‘way ahead’ for England and professional Rugby.

A man with vision but without the votes, resulting in his controversial and regrettable resignation. Especially as many of his proposals for changes to the game and how they should be

The final paragraphs will be dedicated to our time at School and Westwood. Tony arrived at the newly established Westwood House in the September cohort of 1958. Until about 1956 it had been an overflow for School House. In 1957 Westwood was granted autonomy by Peter Mermagen with its own rights to participate separately as a House in Sport and all other competitive activities from Chess to declamations. Thereby joining day houses, Sherrington, Rigaud, Holden, Felaw and Broke. We had no successes or failures to look back on and a chance to write our own history! Competition and inclusiveness were key. We were undermanned at all

Memories of Tony

I was very sorry to learn of Tony’s death.

We weren’t close friends but got on very well together bearing in mind he was a boarder and I was a day boy. We spent our last two years preparing for our History A Level at a time when Tony had reached the heights of School Rugby 1st Fifteen Captain . I managed two appearances to cover for injuries!

I am afraid we lost touch after we both left and went our separate ways.

– Graham Cook (OI 1956 – 63)

sports levels consequently everyone had to try their hands at all events. We could usually fill about 60-70% of the requirement for most teams with the remaining places being filled by enthusiasts. As a boarding house though we had an advantage and could spend time practising and training at all hours, often in my case to the detriment of study.

Our Housemaster ‘Spud’ Marsden and his Wife, with Matron Mrs Humphries (always with a needle and thread in hand) all entered the spirit of the challenge throughout our time at Westwood and Peter Hill and his Family on takeover from Spud Marsden continued the movement and support. The House colours tie was designed in Slims year and was proudly won and worn for sporting and some other nonsporting activities.

We won the main sports of Cricket and Rugby competing in house

Annabel Griffiths (OI 1996 – 07)

Annabel Griffiths sadly passed away on 1st March 2025 at the age of just 35 after bravely battling a rare form of bowel cancer.

Annabel joined Ipswich School at the age of seven and her years at school were incredibly happy. Her achievements were many, and she is remembered with great affection by teachers and friends alike. On the day she left, her mother recalls that Annabel cried all day — a mark of how deeply she valued her time at the school. She became Head Girl in 2008 before moving on to Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge,

matches and had more than our fair share of representation in the 1st X1, XV and Athletics; even Eton Fives which game was still played until recently by Westwood seniors (over 70) such as Mike Fenn (OI 1948 – 59) (a transferee from School House), Simon Woolfries (OI 1965 – 71) and Peter Boughton (OI 1958 – 69) at the highest level until recent years. Chris Hopwoods’ somersault over the high horse was the never to be forgotten highlight of the gym competition one year.

My social life at Westwood revolved in later years, as previously mentioned, around the Three Musketeers, Tim Thorn, Tony Hallett and self. Tim’s Mother, and Father, a lecturer at the technical and Engineering University used to return from the Sudan every summer. Our exeats and Sundays were spent at their home at Little Blakenham.

where she completed both her undergraduate degree and a PhD. At Cambridge she also became a driving force in the world of Fives. Having first learned the game at Ipswich School, she was instrumental in developing the women’s Varsity Match into the full six-pair fixture it is today. She recruited and inspired a generation of new players, created and captained the Cambridge women’s team, ran her own club, organised the National Under 25 tournament, and served on the EFA Board. On court she was a determined and talented competitor: the first female half-blue for Eton Fives at Cambridge, Universities champion in 2009, and Under 25 finalist in 2011. Her contribution to the sport was immense, and she made many lifelong friends through it.

Annabel went on to build an outstanding career in the field of rare diseases. For many years she was the Global Head of Rare Diseases at Costello Medical, overseeing multidisciplinary services in orphan and ultra-orphan conditions. In 2018 she founded the UK Rare Diseases Division, working closely with regional teams to draw on specialist expertise and address the unique challenges faced by the rare disease community.

Wonderful Sunday lunches were looked forward to and eaten with gusto. (By then we three had all experienced beer and its superior taste to water). The handy small pub on the way being only a short bike ride from Westwood also became a habitual fixture thereafter. The trend was thus set for successive Westwoodians throughout the year to go cycling at 1130 to return in time for the excellent 1.00pm Sunday lunch at Westwood.

We three spent summer holidays together before and on leaving school, hitchhiking around England, camping in Guernsey, snorkelling and later spending holidays in Cornwall. Anywhere we could throw and kick a rugby ball around for a couple of weeks, even after we had all left school.

Finally, an apocryphal story by Peter Dixon (OI 1955 – 65) relates that

Alongside her professional role, Annabel devoted much of her time to the CGD Society, the UK charity supporting families affected by Chronic Granulomatous Disorder. She volunteered, organised fundraising, developed a mental health survey, and later served as both Trustee and Chair of Trustees, making a remarkable impact on a cause close to her heart.

In a tribute on LinkedIn Sophie Costello, founder and CEO of Costello Medical wrote “No matter what Annabel turned her attention to, she spread her magic; whenever she spoke in a company meeting the whole room was completely captivated, and she was incredibly respected by all who worked with her. Annabel’s reputation as a thought leader within rare disease has been firmly established and her potential unlimited. Her enthusiasm and professional bravery radiated across the company, providing inspiration to everyone who worked with her… I will miss her terribly”. Annabel is fondly remembered at Ipswich School for her leadership, warmth and example, and the school community joins her family, friends and colleagues in mourning her loss. A JustGiving page has been set up in her memory to support the CGD Society.

Both Martin Seligman (OI 1956 – 65) and Peter, both keen Sunday lunchers, recall that Slim’s enthusiasm was infectious, highlighted by his notable training sessions prior to house matches. He was always approachable, willing to help and give advice. At the other end of the spectrum, he was equally proficient at looking after the younger house members in the absence of parental guidance; i.e. teaching Henry Staunton (OI 1962 – 67) the skills of shaving.

Peter Hill was for some reason visiting the Inkerman on Norwich X roads; possibly for Tennis or more likely the same reason as the remainder of Westwood at one time or another. In conversation with the Publican, he was informed that he was very impressed by the tall new master that regularly popped in for a pint!

Full circle; our last run ashore at Westwood, was the penultimate day at school before attending that fateful Tregantle CCF Camp. We asked our Matron Mrs Humphries and

Memories of Annabel

I remember Annabel so fondly at Ipswich where we first met in Year 5. She and I studied pretty much the same set of subjects, both hoping to pursue a career in the sciences. She was extremely driven and high-achieving, and I felt I really benefitted just from trying to keep up with her in class. In the Upper Sixth she and I were Head Girl and Boy in the last year that we were based down in the old Sixth Form centre. We had a slightly different approach to executing our duties for these roles, in that Annabel was extremely organised and I was not.

I know I drove her crazy at times but ultimately, she gently pushed me so that I hope we both made a success of the role. We spent many evenings together at various school events and it was great to get to know Annabel outside of the classroom. She was popular and seemed to be able to do multiple things at the same time, including sailing through all our classes with top marks, being in plays, debating, playing fives to a high level and singing in Chapel Choir. Memorable stage performances included Nina in Chekov’s The Seagull, and Ariel in The Tempest.

Mrs Hill out to a thank you dinner. They chose a very smart 16th/17th

Century moated hotel somewhere near Ipswich; Mrs Hill drove us to the Dinner Venue for 7.00pm.

I was a bit naive as to the protocols of such events, although it seemed to be going well.The Sommelier brought the Wine List, Slim took it, briefly glanced at it without reading, and ordered a Rhone 57 Chateau Neuf Du Pape! I realised then that I was in the presence of greatness, and I never forgot the name of the best wine in France.

It was always impressive how Annabel managed to combine being exceptional at science with achievement in the arts. I see from an article submitted to the Occasional in 2006, she wrote “Once I leave school, I hope to study Natural Science (biological) at University... I would then like to work in scientific research and hopefully continue to act and paint.”

She achieved her aim, going on to undertake a PhD at Cambridge and then embarking on an impressive, though tragically short scientific career.

Annabel undoubtedly made a significant mark on the world, and

His final few years were blighted with cancer and other illnesses, all bravely borne, although Tim says that both Slim and the Doctors referred to him(self) as Lazarus. He was able to make the occasional summer visit with Tim to the Old Wrecked Cricketers Golf Championship (OWCGC) risking a fast jet car trip to Fynn Valley Golf Club, and have the opportunity to meet many of his old chums, and deliver the ‘on course refreshments’. He will be sadly missed, and more than a few glasses will be raised in August this year at lunch.

“At the end of the game, all the pieces go back into the box, and the King and Pawn are equal”.

Ian Chapman Westwood

her warmth, dedication and wideranging skills have had a lasting impact on those of us lucky enough to have known her at school.

Obituary Notice on Eton Fives Association website: https://etonfives.com/ obituaries/3709-annabel-griffiths

–

and Ipswich School (OI 1957 – 62)

‒ Freddie Vonberg (OI 1998 ‒ 07)

Paul Wranek

(OI 1974 – 81)

(Staff 2007 – 2023)

Passed away suddenly on 31st May, 2025, aged 62 years.

Dearly loved father of Jessica and Christian, cherished grandfather of Arthur, and beloved son of Shirley. Paul will be deeply missed by all his family and friends.

Paul attended Ipswich School from 1974 to 1981 and later returned to serve the school as Deputy Bursar and then Bursar until his retirement. A keen angler and member of several local fishing societies, he found great joy and peace in the sport throughout his life.

Memories of Paul:

I am deeply saddened by the news of Paul Wranek’s untimely death. Paul was a pupil at the School between 1974 and 1981 and became Assistant Bursar in 2007, before later taking over as Bursar on the retirement of Peter Boughton. He held this position until his own retirement in 2023. Paul was a diligent, kind and compassionate man whose affection for Ipswich School as an institution, and the whole school community, was at the heart of all that he did. He will be remembered by many for his extraordinary Elvis Presley impersonation, a talent which showed a different side of the man.

– Mr Nigel Farthing Chair of Governors

Paul was a deeply committed OI, and a great supporter of the Old Ipswichians and the School. He was a regular attendee at OI events over the years and was an enthusiast for life. The Committee and I will remember his wise counsel, and his kindness.

– Mrs Sally Webber

Old Ipswichians Chair

I

across Paul in the last couple of years in Woodbridge near the tennis courts and allotments to discover he was enjoying his allotment and home-grown products. We had a chat and reminisced much about the time we were both in a school band where Paul had become the lead singer.

The band was known as Fats Fenton and the Happy boys consisting of my brother Tim Fenton, Mark Bailey, Mark Hudson and many others. Mark lead guitar, Tim on the bass and me on keyboards. Paul always said I played Blueberry hill too fast. Fabulous days at various parties and really quite a passable sound especially Paul leading from the front.

I met Paul well known as Chuck Wranek, a nod to his great voice, in 1974. We became firm friends through our mutual love of angling. We shared many fishing adventures often accompanied by his father Vic. It was unusual to find an adult to be nearly as passionate as we were. He was prepared to fish on as our lines froze to the rods and a pike attacked our keep nets. Vic drew a line at overnight Tench sessions at Holbrook Gardens as a ‘guest’ of Dora Stanley

recall tearfully greeting Paul at a party hosted by Sally Simmonds just after I had found out Vic had passed away. It was typically courageous of Paul to join his friends only a few days after his father had died.

Paul was always a few steps ahead of me with male milestones. I was proud of the independence provided by my 50 cc Mobylett, whilst he was on 250 cc Honda enjoying a different class of speed and kudos. My 96 year old mother still boasts about the evening she was Paul’s pillion passenger, the only time she has ever been on the back of a motorcycle.

Paul made our lives better in and out of school. He was an excellent sportsman and real team player. What stood him apart was his voice and encyclopaedic knowledge of rock and roll lyrics. He was the heart throbbing front man with The Happy Boys lead by Mark Hudson.

When Mark and his colleagues left school Paul and Marc Finch formed Kastril And The Angry Boys. The eclectic name was coined by Tom Stevenson (OI 2020 – 22), inspired by a character in Ben Johnson’s 1610 play, The Alchemist. This band made up of mostly from our year group included: Roger Digby and Chris Young on guitar with Marc Finch on bass.

Happily our friendship continued after we both left school and went to University. Paul visited me at Nottingham. His good looks and easy charm made him a very popular guest at boat club parties. He even got me on the back of his motorcycle for a trip to Oxford to attend a party organised by one of my house mates.

Returning to Suffolk from Australia and starting work as a GP in Stowmarket was delighted to find that Paul and Rosie were restoring a barn near Finborough. I could observe their progress and have a quick cup of tea by making a small diversion whilst

The

out doing house calls. Of course, we also talked about fishing and planned trips, however time always seemed to be our enemy.

Paul was devoted to his family and on retiring from his role as School Bursar Paul was able to spend more time with his daughter Jess and her child, his son Christian and elderly mum Shirley. Of course he had more time to go fishing! Only last year

Paul and my son Joe shared fishing tales on Facebook and pictures of an enormous Pike Paul had caught. Paul and I talked about Predator fly fishing and considered when we would try to arrange a trip, would it be Pike or Seabass?

‒ Chris Fenton (OI 1969 ‒ 80)

who had taught me in the prep. We kipped down in a derelict caravan beside the bank in order to maximise every fishing moment. Sadly Vic was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Ex pupil Jimmy Harding played drums and Tom Stevenson occasionally played the keyboards. Joff Hudson, Emma Lush, Louise Norman and Anelie Flemming-Brown (OI 1979 – 81) were on backing vocals. The band regularly entertained us with energetic sets inspired by the rock and roll greats.

am deeply grateful for all the fabulous memories I have of shared times with Paul. My only regret is that I did not take the opportunity to make more memories with our dear friend Chuck.

‒ Simon Rudland (OI 1970 ‒ 80) with help from

‒ Marc Finch (OI 1970 ‒ 81)

This is a photo from 1978 of a spoof Doo Wop group formed at the School which first showcased Paul Wranek’s considerable vocal talents as a lead vocalist. The photo was taken before the band’s first gig at Woolverstone, and featured left to right, Mark Hudson (OI 1972 – 79), Tim Fenton (OI 1969 – 78), Mark Bailey (OI 1972 – 79), Chuck Wranek, Nick Mulvaney(OI 1972 – 79), and Patrick Bills (OI OI 1972 – 79, deceased 1980).

band was called Fats Fenton and His Happy Boys. Hudson and Chuck were proper musicians, who went on to greater things. RIP Chuck

‒ Mark Bailey (OI 1972 ‒ 79)

came

Whilst we were in the sixth form, Paul and various others from our year group formed a band called Kastril and the Angry Boys. I can offer absolutely no clues as to the derivation of this name! More importantly, they were actually quite good with an emphasis on rock and roll songs. Consistent with the obituary you have already circulated, this included several Elvis numbers.

In addition to Paul on mic, other OI’s in the photo include, from the left:(From L-R) Roger Digby (OI 974 – 81); playing guitar and wearing sunglasses, Jimmy Harding (OI 1972 – 80) on drums. Chris Young(OI 1974 – 81); guitar, orange shirt. Marc Finch (OI 1970 – 81); guitar and grey shirt. Jonathan ‘Joff’ Hudson (OI 1974 – 81). think he was a backing singer. I was a mere groupie. This performance was at Felixstowe College c.1981, which may have been a factor in why I felt the need to attend. It is a picture I have always treasured.

‒ John Lowe (OI 1970 ‒ 81)

I am so sorry to hear about Paul, I will miss him very much indeed. I first met Paul on the day of my interview at Ipswich School to join the Development Team.

He was always so supportive during my near 7 years at Ipswich School but not only that, he became a friend. We had many hilarious conversations, and a shared love of Marmite! Paul would find the most obscure Marmite flavoured gifts for my birthday’, and I would too, (we shared our birthday month, so November Marmite snacks were a plenty!)

We joined each other at many OI events and lunches in the Greyhound. I am so sorry that Paul has passed away so young, I wish we had the opportunity for many more lunches and laughs together.

‒ Nikki Brown Former Development Director (2018 ‒ 2024)

Paul was one of the first people I met when I started working at Ipswich School.

His insight as both a key member of staff and an OI was always much appreciated, and I really valued his viewpoint on all things to do with development and fundraising.

We would often end up chatting in his office about life in general when I’d only popped in for a five minute catch up, and he was always generous with his time and advice. I’d kept across what Paul was up to after his retirement via Facebook and it was lovely to see posts about days out with his mum, his fishing exploits and of course his children and grandchildren. I’m so saddened to hear of his untimely passing and send my deepest sympathies to all who loved and knew him.

‒ Heather Bush Former Development Director (2016 ‒ 2018)

Andrew Sunaway (OI 1963 – 74)

We are sorry to announce the passing of Andrew Sunaway, who died peacefully at home on 18th January 2025, aged 68. Together with his wife Penny, Andrew ran the Otley Village Store & Post Office which they took over in 2004, embracing community spirit and supporting local families, charities and even the school curriculum. His largerthan-life character, fondness for G&Ts, kindness, and commitment to village life will be long remembered.

He will be deeply missed by Penny, Nellie, Sarah, Mummy Sunaway, wonderful family, his loyal canine companion Mr. Beanz, and the brilliant team at The Otley Village Store. With heartfelt thanks to Dr. Srinivasan, Charlotte and Emma for their care over the past six years.

A Celebration of Andrew’s Life was held at St Mary’s Church, Otley, on Thursday 6th February. Donations in his memory may be made in gratitude to the Woolverstone Macmillan Centre Unit at Ipswich Hospital via andrewsunaway.muchloved.com.

Mark Jarman (OI 1966 – 76)

Died 12th May 2024

Memories of Mark:

In our early years together in the Prep School, Mark and I were close friends.

At “Subbuteo” he was always Ipswich Town and I was Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid... Ipswich always won! He was a keen supporter of Town. He would run back to school from rugby at Top Field on home match Saturdays to change and rush down to Portman Road to get in at half-time. In his time at school he was a handy hockey player and he continued distance running... even when there wasn’t a football match to get to!

He was a natural on stage. As Michael Darling in the Prep School production of “Peter Pan”, through a succession of roles as we grew culminating in an unforgettable 6th Form Review appearance in a black ball gown – my mother in the audience to Mark’s mother sitting next to her “Who is that gorgeous girl in black?” She in reply “That’s my Mark!”

I remember a dry, deadpan wit – Mark was fun to be around. He was quiet, thoughtful and studious in class. Insightful and happy to share his views - not least in our English Literature Critique “S” level studies with Dick Tucker where he excelled. He was a poet who went on to be published.

I am sorry not to have kept up with him and was surprised how affected I was learning of his passing.

‒ Richard Harris (OI 1966 ‒ 76)

Tony Gostling (OI 1938 – 48)

1929 – 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Anthony Ernest Gostling, aged 95, on 7 June 2025.

After a distinguished career in the RAF, he became Head of Maths at Northgate Grammar School, retiring in 1989 to enjoy a long and rewarding life with his devoted wife Lorna. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Lorna, and his two cherished sons, Charles and David

Memories of Tony

Very sorry to learn that Tony has died even though he reached a great age. He was a great supporter of the School and attended functions particularly the 50 year Summer Lunch which I know he and his wife enjoyed immensely. I didn’t know him well but met him on several occasions. He was a keen cricketer, and he mentioned that he had played on the School Field before the 2nd World War. Later on, he played cricket for the Greyhounds, a premier club for which Cyril Perkins the School coach and Suffolk professional also played on Sundays. After Cambridge Tony became a maths teacher and I think taught at Northgate School. He played golf at Woodbridge for several years.

‒ Karl Daniels (OI 1944 ‒ 53)

Performing at Felixstowe College

John Caudle (OI 1958 – 70) Rigaud

John Caudle died peacefully at his family home in Ipswich on 1st June 2025, after a short illness with pancreatic cancer. He was born in Hong Kong, the son of the late Lieutenant Commander Cyril Arthur Caudle, RN and Lilian Caudle, SRN. John served as an Ipswich School Governor from 2002-2016 and was a much loved and valued member of the OI Committee.

He was at School from 1958-1970, being a Rigaud House and Junior School Prefect. He was aware of the privilege of being able to go to Ipswich School after his father died when John was just six and aware too of his position as the man of the household as he grew up.

He entered fully into School life, being a member of several clubs: Benjamin Lacey Society, Jeremy Collier Society, Music Circle, Literary and Dramatic Society (appearing in many School productions and producing the Sixth Form Revue in 1969), Theatre Club, Choral Society, Choir, and Gym Club.

John was also a Chapel Warden and Chairman of the Bridge Club that

he initiated himself. He gained House colours for fives, hockey, rugby and athletics.

Not the most natural of athletes, John made up for any lack of innate ability by enthusiasm, effort, a cunning ability to find an advantage and an indomitable will to win. He came third at the Suffolk Athletics Championships in the high jump, was second in the School high jump in 1969 and first the following year, when he was also second in the discus. He was in the athletics squad, the School 2nd XV, sometimes captaining the side and, of course, the School fives team. He didn’t take to cricket at School, though he came to enjoy the odd game later on and became a member of Surrey County Cricket Club.

John maintained links with School after leaving and was a regular at OI events. He became a core member of the OI Fives Club, regularly representing the Club and helping build its reputation not only for sportsmanship but also conviviality.

From his first match in November 1975 through to his last, in February 2019, he amassed the amazing record of 345 wins from 641 matches, putting him in third place in the Club’s playing history. John forged two long-lasting and notable partnerships, playing 150 matches for the OIs with Simon Woolfries (OI 1965 – 71) and just over 100 with Peter Boughton, as well as causing headaches for many an opposition in a multitude of tournaments over the years.

John was mercilessly ribbed for his weak right hand, which was really much more solid and reliable than his fellow OIs would ever credit. He won the London Tournament in 1989, the only OI to have won one of the big three fives tournaments, cleverly working with Old Citizen Brian Matthews to overcome two of the foremost players of the time, Mark Williams and Malcolm Keeling. So his right hand can’t have been too bad. Who but John would have had the temerity to ask arguably the best

player in the country at the time to play with him. Three times he was a semi-finalist in the Northern Tournament, in 1991, 1993 and 2001 and reached the quarterfinals of the Kinnaird in 1991. On four occasions between 1989 and 1996 he won the Kinnard Pepper Pot Plate trophy and might have had two more but for injury, once in the semi-final and once in the final.

In the Veterans competition he was finalist in 1993 but made sure he won the following year, persuading former UK champion, Malcolm Keeling (at 9am on the morning of the tournament) to turn out. He was a persuasive guy.

John was also four times winner of the Ipswich Tournament, including once when he was so ill, he said, that he could only play if he was given a strong partner.

The Ipswich Tournament, which became the Graves Cup, was John’s brainchild. A handicap-based tournament, mixing OIs, School staff, pupils and guests from other clubs, it has come to be regarded by many as the apotheosis of fives played in the best spirit of the game and with sociability at its core, especially including port. John was always in charge of getting the wine and port for the tournament dinner. Scores of Ipswich pupils have had the chance to play with top players thanks to John’s idea.

Being born in Hong Kong gave John great pleasure in being able to represent the Rest of the World side in the international matches organised by Old Edwardian Tony Hughes in the 1980s.

John served on the Eton Fives Association Committee and chaired the EFA Appeals Committee as well as helping to rewrite the laws of the game.

John was called to the Bar in 1976, and spent his entire career in

Chambers. He was not only a fearless prosecutor and defender and a fine advocate, but also great fun to be with in a case. Although hard working and dedicated, he always found time for fun and mischief, and was the life and soul of any robing room.

John drew particular pleasure from helping to train the next generation of barristers, and was a pupil supervisor and leader to many members of Chambers, and also served for many years on Chambers’ management committee and as head of pupillage.

John also served as a Recorder since 2000, and will be remembered by those appearing before him as a scrupulously fair and sensible judge. The Courts and robing rooms of East Anglia will not be the same without him.

John was both charming and charismatic, with a mischievous nature and great sense of humour and of fun. If John was involved in an event you knew it would be a lively and enjoyable affair. He could be disarmingly direct, to a degree that would have been rude in others but the charm, the blonde hair and blue eyes, the sparkle in the eyes and mischievous grin, enabled him to get away with it.

He believed rules were there to be challenged (and sometimes broken) and loved pushing the limits, especially if it made others uncomfortable, knowing that he could usually talk his way out of any awkward situation.

He will be greatly missed.

‒ Peter Boughton (OI 1958 – 69)

Memories of John:

So sorry to hear of John’s passing. Very sad news. I mainly knew him from playing Fives together in the OI team, and last saw him at the OI dinner at Lords. He was his usual self, upbeat, witty, irreverent - I would never have guessed he was ill.

On our Fives trips (or more usually in the pub afterwards), he would tell

stories of the more notable cases he had worked on. Two in particular have stuck in my mind.

The first one involved a lady who wore an Indian headdress to her first court appearance. The judge repeatedly asked her to “remove that hat”.

John recounted that she eventually complied, after initially refusing to do so in quite aggressive terms. On her second appearance it transpired she had changed her name by deed poll, to Ms Iwillnotremovemyhattakethat, which was what she had to be called from then on, to the amusement of many in court, though presumably not the judge.

The second case involved a middle-aged man who was accused of dressing as a fishwife in order to entrap and seduce young soldiers at a nearby garrison, having first plied them with alcohol.

John was defending him, and as part of the defence argument, had him appear in his underwear in court, to support the defence case that the soldiers must have known he was a man all along and were not being deceived or entrapped. As John pointed out, “M’lud, you would hardly expect to see my client on page 3 of The Sun” (note to younger readers,

The Sun was a tabloid newspaper which used to publish pictures of topless models on its page 3). John’s client was duly acquitted, and the next day The Sun carried a picture of his client in his underwear, on page 3, with the headline “The Sun proves top barrister wrong”. He will be much missed.

‒ Chris Broyden (OI 1973 ‒ 81)

John was always very kind and welcoming to me in both his roles as an OI Committee member and as a governor. I appreciated his wise words and advice especially in my first few months as a complete newby to the School. Despite his trying, he never did get me onto the fives courts despite my old school back in Norwich being one of the few schools who had an active team! am very sad to hear of his passing, and send my sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.

‒ Heather Bush Former Development Director (2016 ‒ 2018)

Sally Webber, Chair of the Old Ipswichians writes on behalf of the committee:

John Caudle died on 1st June, at home, after a short illness with pancreatic cancer.

John was called to the Bar in 1976, and spent his entire career in Chambers. He was not only a fearless prosecutor and defender and a fine advocate, but his colleagues report he was also great fun to be in a case with. Although hard working and dedicated, he always found time for fun and mischief, and was the life and soul of any robing room. John also served as a Recorder since 2000, and will be remembered by those appearing before him as a scrupulously fair and sensible judge.

Outside of work, John was third on the OI Fives Club player list, having played 641 matches, of which he won 345. He is the only OI to have won one of the big three national competitions, the London Tournament. His idea for an Ipswich Tournament (now named the Graves Cup) has encapsulated what many believe to be the true spirit of Eton fives and enabled scores of Ipswich pupils to play alongside OIs and notable guest players.

John served as an Ipswich School Governor from 2002-2016 and was a much loved and valued member of the OI Committee.

We extend our condolences to his sister Rosemary and to all his friends and colleagues.

Rest in peace John, we will all miss you.

Ipswich School Careers Department

We seem to have started a tradition of sharing details of how our wonderful OI community has kindly supported the Careers Department during the past year and 2025 has been no exception.

Our flagship event, the annual Careers Convention took place on 20th March and we welcomed over 200 students from Years 10-13 with their parents to an evening dedicated to helping with future career choices.

Alongside an exhibition of local, national and international universities we also showcase local and national employers – all of whom gave up their evening to talk to our students and explain the different entry routes in their profession. Almost half of the employers hosting an exhibition stand included at least one member of the OI community and some stands were almost fully staffed by former students – Matthew Douglas Ltd winning the award for OIs on a single stand!

A highlight of the evening as always were the seminars and alongside some of the more mature members of the OI community we welcomed some of the newest members – several who only left Ipswich School in the summer. It is always such a wonderful moment to see these OIs deliver such a confident talk to a packed room and special thanks have to go to the current degree apprentices, Ayrton

Seabrook (OI 2015 – 22), Asma Parker (OI 2017 – 21), Cara Peters (OI 2020 – 25) and Billy Reid (OI 2022 – 25) who talked so passionately about their current roles in a packed to capacity new Dining Hall.

I personally feel extremely proud of their journey in what is an increasingly popular and incredibly competitive pathway.

The OI community don’t just offer support in March, they also help with our work experience programme in June as well. And they offer the opportunity for students to spend a week in some pretty amazing places! Special thanks have to go to Kelvin Morgan (OI 1997 – 12) for hosting a placement at Madano partnerships, London.

The student was able to learn about the world of marketing and communications and how to measure the success of advertising campaigns.

Jonathan Lewis (OI 1979 – 86) kindly hosted 2 students, giving them the opportunity to see how the design and prototyping of Holographic Optical Elements for Augmented Reality Smart Glasses happens at TruLife Optics.

Focus Agency Group

If you would like to contribute to our work experience programme, host an exhibition stand or deliver a seminar at the Careers Convention next year but don’t hesitate to get in touch, we would love to hear from you.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our OIs for their support over the past year. You are able to offer invaluable advice to our students and we can’t thank you enough KLH Architects

TruLife Optics

Madano Partnerships

National Sporting Success

U18 Girls’ Hockey

Our U18 Girl’s Hockey Team were proud to be crowned National Champions in February following an exciting and hard-fought victory at the Hockey National Finals Day. After an impressive semi-final win, the team triumphed over Millfield in a thrilling penalty kick shootout, capping off a remarkable journey to the title.

The day began with an outstanding performance in the semi-finals, where Ipswich faced Scarborough. The team delivered a dominant 3-0 victory, with two goals that highlighted both brilliant team play and individual skill. The match ended with a final flourish when the team confidently scored after a short corner, sending Ipswich through to the final.

The final against Millfield was a tense, high-stakes affair. Ipswich took an early lead with a deft deflection, following a stunning run from the team captain. Despite a brilliant save from Ipswich goalkeeper, Millfield equalised, and the game remained fiercely competitive, with both teams creating chances throughout. With the score tied, the match went to penalty flicks. Ipswich confidently converted their flicks with a crucial save from the goalkeeper on Millfield’s third flick allowing Ipswich to step up and seal the victory with a brilliant executed shot.

U13 Girls’ Crowned Indoor Cricket Champions

In a remarkable achievement this year, our U13 Girls were crowned National Indoor Cricket Champions following an outstanding performance at the prestigious Lord’s Cricket Ground.

National Success in Fives

This year marked a historic milestone for Ipswich School Fives, with two of our pairs crowned national champions in a remarkable season of success.

In a thrilling final at Shrewsbury School, Year 11 duo Charlie Dinmore and Daniel Ingram became the first Ipswich pair ever to win the National U16 Boys’ Eton Fives title. Their determination and stamina shone through in a dramatic five-set match, clinching victory with a dominant 12–2 win in the deciding set.

Year 9 pair Millie Hodgkinson and Betsy Laws delivered a superb performance to win the National U14 Girls’ Eton Fives title at Highgate. They saw off strong opposition from Berkhamsted Collegiate School with confident scores of 12–9 and 12–7 in the final. Both pairs showed outstanding skill, resilience, and composure under pressure - a huge achievement and a proud moment for Ipswich School. We were also delighted to celebrate a very special recognition this year: the Eton Fives Advanta Unsung Hero Award was presented to our much-loved coach Tony Stubbs. Known for his unwavering support, endless good humour, and tireless dedication - whether on the court, driving the minibus or cheering from the sidelines - Tony’s contribution has been immeasurable. His award is richly deserved and reflects the deep appreciation felt by all those he supports.

Facing tough competition in the national finals, the team - a mix of experienced players and recent additions - demonstrated composure, skill and teamwork throughout. After a tightly contested match against The Dragon School, they went on to secure commanding victories over Millfield, Godolphin, Latymer and Stonyhurst.

With 993 schools entering the competition, this triumph is a true testament to the players’ dedication and to the unwavering support of their coaches. A proud moment for Ipswich School cricket and a memorable chapter in a year of sporting success.

Young Musician of the Year: A Celebration of Talent and Passion

One of the standout moments of the year came in March, with the Grand Final of the 2025 Young Musician of the Year competition.

After nearly eight hours of performances and an incredible 150 applicants, the final showcased eight exceptional musicians - Zara, Leo, Nandi, Dan, Lucy, Evelyn, Miranda, and Ed - all of whom delivered memorable and moving performances.

Our winner, Ed Parsons, gave an especially outstanding performance, captivating the audience with his renditions of None but the Lonely Heart by Tchaikovsky and Empty Chairs at Empty Tables by Schönberg and Boublil.

We were privileged to welcome back Colin Chung, our 2024 winner, for a special guest appearance, and deeply grateful to Ben Parry for adjudicating. Thanks also go to our brilliant Music Department and the dedicated accompanists who made the competition possible.

The evening was a true highlight of the year - celebrating the passion, skill and dedication of our young musicians, and the strength of our musical community.

UKMT Maths Challenge Success

This year, 105 pupils from Years 6 to 8 took part in the UKMT Maths Challenge, a 60-minute test designed to challenge their mathematical reasoning, accuracy, and problem-solving skills.

We are delighted to celebrate outstanding achievements: Oliver, Dhyan, Jayden, and Philippa earned Gold certificates, placing them in the top 7% nationally.

Even more impressively, Grace, Tanvi, Henry, Alexander, Maisie, and Nikita not only secured Gold but qualified for the prestigious Kangaroo round, ranking in the top 0.04% nationally!

Overall, the School proudly awarded 26 Bronze, 25 Silver, and 10 Gold certificates - testament to the dedication and talent of our young mathematicians.

Supporting Ukraine Through Art and Music

In March, Miss Schevchenko and the Art Department held a powerful and heartfelt fundraising event combining music and art to support communities affected by war in Ukraine. The event raised a significant £800 which was donated to the Kyiv Specialist School for Deaf Children. The timing of this donation was especially meaningful, arriving in time for Easter celebrations. The school’s headteacher used the funds to organise a special Good Friday event, providing traditional Easter gifts to every child and staff member with much-needed equipment for the school kitchens. Despite an air raid interrupting the celebrations, the occasion was filled with joy and appreciation. The headteacher wrote:

Thank you, Ipswich School, for your continuous support. Your care, attention and generosity have given our children a true holiday, warmth, and joy… May the light of the Resurrection of Christ always illuminate your path and fill your hearts with warmth.

This moving message reminds us of the real and lasting impact such acts of kindness can have. The support from our community has brought comfort and celebration to children living under incredibly challenging wartime conditions - a true testament to the power of compassion and solidarity.

Economists Reach National Budget Competition Final

In March, our Year 12 studentsNoah Deasy, Archie Kinsman, Harry Lander, and Krishna Sinha - made it to the final of The Budget Challenge, a prestigious national competition.

During their semi-final presentation, the team impressed the Institute of Economic Affairs with innovative strategies to improve Britain’s public finances. Their plan focused on boosting employment and addressing

NHS challenges, all within a strict budget and without additional funding. Their approach earned high praise from two economists who described it as “a real economist’s budget” - a remarkable endorsement. With over 200 entries nationwide, reaching the final six was a significant achievement, and we are immensely proud of the team’s hard work, creativity, and dedication.

Snape 2025: A Night to Remember

On Friday 2nd May, our talented musicians took centre stage at the iconic Snape Maltings Concert Hall for the annual Spring Concert, delivering an unforgettable evening of music, talent and energy. The performance showcased the breadth and brilliance of the school’s musical ability, with pupils as young as 10 taking to the stage.

For the 20th year running, Ipswich School filled this world-famous venue with an ambitious and varied programme. Ensembles included the Prep School Chamber Choir and Orchestra, Senior School Symphony, Concert and Chamber Orchestras, Chapel Choir, Wolsey Consort, Show Choir, and Big Band.

The concert opened powerfully with a massed brass and percussion rendition of The Imperial March, setting the stage for a night celebrating enthusiasm, skill, and community spirit. The finale was a show-stopping medley of Don’t Stop Me Now, uniting performers across the school in a spectacular closing momentalso serving as a heartfelt farewell to some of the school’s leavers.

Audience members praised the evening for its exceptional quality, often likening the experience to a professional concert rather than a school event.

Sports Kit Donation Makes a Global Impact

This year, a heartwarming initiative saw Ipswich School sports kit make its way to new homes in Accra, Ghana - bringing both joy and opportunity to children thousands of miles away.

Thanks to the efforts of Mrs Hudson and the support of the Friends of Ipswich School, over 46kg of donated sports kit - including legacy teamwear - was collected, packed, and sent to a school supported by the charity Akwaaba Volunteers.

During a 10-day visit, Mrs Hudson worked closely with pupils in the Ghanaian capital, helping to improve literacy skills during the day and coaching football, netball, and rounders in the afternoons.

Despite limited facilities, the excitement of the children wearing their new Ipswich School kit was evident in every session.

This inspiring project highlights the global reach of our community spirit and the power of sport and education to transform lives. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Akwaaba Volunteers through future fundraising and support initiatives.

Cadets Set Sail Aboard HMS Exploit

A memorable highlight for our cadets this year was an exhilarating day at sea aboard HMS Exploit. The experience began at Ipswich docks, where cadets were warmly welcomed by the Royal Navy crew and Lieutenant Callum Cura OI 201117, and commanding officer of the vessel. Following a safety briefing, cadets assisted in preparing the ship for departure before taking turns at the helm while cruising down the River Orwell - keeping to a steady six knots within the channel.

Once out in open waters, the pace picked up to 20 knots and the real excitement began. With sharp turns and sea spray adding to the thrill, cadets had a second opportunity to steer - this time in far more dynamic conditions. Midway through the voyage, a lighthearted competition brought some friendly rivalry: Cadet Williams emerged victorious in the emergency survival suit challenge, outpacing both fellow cadets and crew by a full 20 seconds. A little rain did nothing to dampen spirits, and the cadets returned to Ipswich with an unforgettable experience under their belts - and a deeper appreciation of life at sea.

Leaving Staff

Will Stuttard

Geography Teacher (2 Years)

Will came to us a keen traveller and geography enthusiast.

Since being here, he has enjoyed trips to North Norfolk, Walton on the Naze and Cumbria. Whilst not very exotic, he has used holidays to see Sri Lanka, Europe and more. Will has developed new resources for the Lower School syllabus and enjoyed the new challenge of teaching A Level Human Geography this year; tapping into his own experiences at Masters level. The whole department wishes him well, wherever his next adventure may take him.

Nikki Brown

Development Director (2018 – 24)

If you have attended an OI event over the past few years you have probably met Nikki!

She joined the Development team in 2016 and was a key member of the team for many years, organising two giving days and leading the development team through the covid pandemic. We wish her all the very best in her new adventures.

Tina Harvey

Development Administrator

As Development Administrator, Tina was a hugely important member of the team. Quietly working away on the slightly less glamorous, but incredibly important tasks such as finance and database management.

Tina started her time at Ipswich school as part of the catering team, before moving to an office based role in the development team. We wish Tina all the best in her new role within a different school.

Martin Childs

Director of Easter Revision (5 Years)

Martin has been running the Easter Revision Course since Feb 2020.

We lined the first one up from scratch in a matter of weeks: designing the website, recruiting teachers and devising the course, only to pull the plug in late March when Covid struck! But, for the past 4 years, Martin has run a really professional and slick product, helping dozens of students to improve their grades, and their feedback has been extremely positive.

The role involves a combination of strategy, admin, marketing, parental communication and, invariably, last minute scrabbling, all of which Martin has done extremely well. We wish him and Amanda a wonderful few months in the Bahamas before, I believe, a relocation to Brazil.

Audrey Cura

Senior Deputy Head Pastoral and Mathematics Teacher (14 years)

It’s never easy to find the right combination of words to properly pay tribute to someone who has given so much to a place. Audrey is a leader who doesn’t just talk the talk - which, let’s face it, is an overdeveloped skill in some senior management positions that we have witnessed in the past - but someone that walks the walk, every single day. Audrey has upheld the highest of standards, even right to the very last lesson. When many would have understandably allowed the delightfully adept bottom-set Year 7s to spend their final lesson trying to work out whether it’s really possible to halve a number like 17, Audrey stayed the course - committed, consistent and calm.

From day one, Audrey provided the support needed to ease people into their roles. She encouraged development, made time to listen when things didn’t go to plan, and was always a steady presence - someone you could just pop in to see for a chat or a bit of perspective.

One colleague said that they still find themselves instinctively glancing at her old office door, wishing they could still call in. That says it all. Audrey is not just a respected colleague, she’s a true friend to many, and she will be deeply missed.

We’ve been incredibly fortunate to have had Audrey at the helm of pastoral life. She has brought a rare

combination of genuine empathy and a no-nonsense approach - and knowing when to apply which is a skill few truly master. Whether guiding students, supporting staff, or making tough decisions, Audrey has done it with calm, clarity and emotional intelligence.

And let’s not forget the Celtic spirit that occasionally burst to the surfacemost memorably in her duet with Karen Hoskins of “500 miles”. Equal parts hilarious and terrifying, that performance is now part of school legend and may never be matched for sheer… intensity.

More seriously, it’s important for people to recognise just how emotionally complex senior pastoral roles can be. No two situations are ever the same, and the challenges often extend far beyond what happens within school walls. Navigating that requires strength, compassion, and the backing of a solid team.

Audrey hasn’t just been part of that team - she’s led it and she’s done so with wisdom, humour and unwavering calm.

She’s been the person people go to when they need to test an idea, work through a tough situation, or simply let off steam after a particularly trying day. And while she’s listened patiently to many a rant, she’s somehow managed to keep her own frustrations impressively under wraps. She’s been unflappable - even when the umpteenth conversation about skirt lengths, jewellery or makeup have tested the patience of a saint.

Audrey may not miss those particular daily battles - but there’s no doubt that we will miss her. Her compassion, her leadership, her humour, and her love for creating a happy, supportive school environment have left a mark on this place and on all of us lucky enough to have worked with her.

So Audrey, thank you. For everything. We wish you all the very best for whatever comes next - and we hope it involves fewer policy documents, no skirt checks and plenty of laughter.

Geoff Robinson

Head of Athletic Development (2 Years)

Over the past two years, Geoff has been a valuable member of the greater Sports Department - and more specifically, has played a key role in leading Athletic Development within the school. Although I’ve only had the pleasure of working with Geoff for the past three months, it quickly became clear that he is deeply committed and dedicated to his work. His impact has not gone unnoticed. When I asked some of his colleagues to share a few words, this is what they had to say:

Geoff is a quiet and unassuming young man who will always go the extra mile to help others. His passion and commitment to the overall well-being of the students was second to none and he will be sorely missed in the gym by all.

“Geoff, you’ve always gone about your work quietly, often flying under the radar. But all of us in the Sports Department have seen your dedication and passion for helping our boys become bigger, faster and stronger. You will be missed by everyone”. We wish Geoff all the very best in his new role at Marlborough College and sincerely thank him for his time, effort and dedication to the Ipswich Sports Program.

We are so incredibly proud of you for consistently showing us what it means to adapt, learn and grow. You are an inspiration to us all.

Ellie, your contribution to our school, both as teacher and Head of Department, has been immense. You have enriched the lives of your students and we will all miss your energy and commitment. We look forward to hearing about your continued successes. We wish you all the best, Ellie, for a future filled with happiness and fulfillment.

Russian Teacher (3 Years)

It’s always bittersweet to see talented individuals move on, but in Ellie’s case, there’s an extra layer of pride mixed with our sadness.

Many of you will know that Ellie is not just a valued colleague, but also one of our own. As a distinguished OI, she returned to us, having been inspired by our very own Liddy, and bringing with her not only formidable academic talents but also a deep understanding of our school’s ethos and spirit.

Ellie joined us as a Russian teacher three years ago, having lived in Russia herself, she brought a unique breadth of experience in the classroom. She has inspired students, fostering a genuine love of learning beyond the curriculum. Her boundless energy, efficiency, and meticulous attention to detail have contributed to making her an excellent team player.

What truly stands out about Ellie’s journey here is the remarkable speed with which she demonstrated her leadership capabilities.

Guided by Jon and Paul at first, mentored by Katherine and at a later stage Maria, it wasn’t long before her dedication and organisational skills shone through. This swift ascent is a testament to her immense hard work and talent.

Ellie is a true all rounder; someone deeply committed to holistic development, her much appreciated CCF involvement has played a significant role in her time here.

Now, Ellie is embarking on new horizons, taking on PRE teaching.

Drama Teacher (2 Years)

Hannah’s energy and love of Drama shines through in all that she does and this in turn has helped her to foster the same passion and enthusiasm in her students.

As an avid lover of theatrical puppets, the department has created various shows and schemes of work over the past two years incorporating small hand puppets, shadow puppets and large giant puppets, giving the students a varied experience of the subject.

Her capabilities extend to the technical theatre aspects which have allowed us to enhance our use of the new Fisons Studio renovation and she has started to train students on various lighting and sound programmes.

Hannah is quick to laugh and her absence will be felt acutely by the department, and I am sure by the students. However, we wish her the best of luck as she moves to a Head of Department position, which we are sure she will excel at.

Luckily the joy of theatre is that collaboration is key so we hope to work with her again soon on future projects.

Linda Dean Accounts Supervisor (15 Years)

Linda started at the School in 2010 as an Accounts Supervisor. During the last 15 years, there have been many changes with staff (3 bursars) as well as systems.

Linda has always maintained professionalism and is always helpful to everyone in the office as well as outside of the bursary. During her time here, Linda completed the AAT and took on more responsibility with the accounts.

As others may know the last couple of years have been very busy in the bursary and Linda has decided to look for new ventures. We will miss her dearly (and her lemon drizzle and tea bread).

I am sure Linda will have many holidays (possibly in September) and adventures on motorbikes, time to do lots of painting, spend time with her grandchildren and gardening.

Thank you Linda, for everything, and we wish you all the best for whatever you decide to do next!

Nursery Assistant (3 Years)

Mariah joined The Lodge 3 years ago and started her journey with us in the Discoverers Room, which involves working with our youngest babies aged 3 months to 21 months.

Mariah quickly became part of the team, where she has built great relationships with the children and their parents. Mariah has a real passion for supporting children in their development. Mariah will be starting a new career supporting foster care and asylum seekers within Suffolk County. Mariah will be missed by all.

Hannah Shields

Ellie Blake

Mariah Dighton

Melissa Brennan Psychology Teacher (5 Years)

Melissa has been a highly respected and much valued member of the psychology department. Her dedication, warmth and enthusiasm have made a lasting impression on both colleagues and students. As an inspiring educator, her students always looked forward to her lessons, and have always spoken about her in the highest regard, often commenting on how fun, engaging and inspirational her lessons are.

Melissa has always taken the time to look out for colleagues and students, and has always been at hand to offer support and guidance. She is a committed team member and nothing has ever been too much trouble for her.

We will greatly miss her within the department. We sincerely wish her every success and happiness for the future.

David Slade Biology Technician (7 Years)

Dave joined the Biology Department as a technician 8 years ago, having previously been a Physics technician at CRGS.

During this time, he has been instrumental in sorting out all the equipment, trialling all the practicals and generally organising the prep room. His friendly manner and can do attitude have earned him the nickname of ‘Mr Fix It’ due to the large array of household items that he has fixed for members of staff over the years, including one wayward robotic hoover which decided to run itself on overnight whilst waiting to be fixed and reap havoc in the prep room.

His other unofficial nickname is ‘The Boss’. Dave you will be sorely missed, not just by us in the Biology Department but many other members of staff, including Karen, our other lovely Biology technician. But your decision to retire is a timely one, meaning you can spend more time at home with your beloved wife Julie and the rest of the family after a particularly challenging year. We wish you all the best.

Vicki Swansborough

Having joined Ipswich School in 2019 and what a year to join just before the Covid lockdown!

Vicki has transformed our fee billing service during this time, recruiting, training and then working with Karen, Vicki has introduced paperless billing, improved our internal systems and processes and more recently lead

Fiona Beaumont

Physics Technician (9 Years)

Fiona joined Ipswich School as our Physics technician nine years ago.

Since she has been here, she has generously shared her enthusiasm and expertise in all areas of Physics with everyone she has worked with.

There have been numerous - too numerous to mention - occasions when you hear the call “Fiona, why isn’t this working?” and she will come rushing in and, somehow, manages to get the misbehaving piece of apparatus to work.

She will be moving up to Cumbria with her husband, Chris, but having seen the energy she exudes in everything she does, it is difficult to imagine her slowing down in her retirement.

Justine Christie

Head of Boarding (24 Years)

I’m here to talk about the amazing Justine Christie, who is heading into retirement (sort of) after 24 years of service to Ipswich School. Justine joined the school in 2001 as a Chemistry teacher, and in her time at the school has contributed to just about everything the school offers; she has been CCF Army section commander, Broke Head of House (everything in her life became purple for a while, folders, plastic crates for her exercise books etc!), temporary Head of Chemistry, ISCRA committee member, and Housemistress at Westwood which developed into her role as Head of Boarding. She has been on countless trips, including Cumbria, CCF field days and week long army camps, ski trips, Geography field trips as well as DofE expeditions. Perhaps the longest residential commitment of all came during Covid, where we opened Westwood in mid-August to allow students to fly in and quarantine in their bedrooms ready for the start of term in September, and didn’t close until 344 days later, at the end of the summer term.

Both as Head of Broke and Head of Boarding, Justine has been empathic, caring, pre-emptive, hugely hardworking and pupil-focused. She has been a true boarding mum to all the boarders who passed through the house, and her warmth and compassion has transformed an enormous number of pupils’ lives.

I first met Justine 10 years ago, when I joined the school and moved into the flat at Westwood. I had just moved to Ipswich, with no connections to the place, no family or friends at all. And so on her first evening duty, Justine walked right on into my flat and told me to put the kettle on for teaexactly the friend I needed.

Since then we have got to know each other rather well - she has comforted me after tricky Parents’ evenings (with ‘are you taking your job too seriously again? Did anyone die?), she went out and bought a bbq and then cooked all the food so that all the people at my 30th birthday party had something to eat. I am not exaggerating when I say that Justine’s door is always open - almost every evening for the last 10 years I have walked into her house and put the kettle on for tea.

is that, in fact, that we’re going to be just fine.

Justine - thank you for always having a space for me on the sofa, for being the best pilot a co-pilot could wish for, and helping me believe in myself enough to be able to run a boarding house. And put the kettle on for tea.

on setting up the schools new finance system (not just for fees but for all areas!) and then dealing with the introduction of VAT for the first bill run in the new finance system.

It has certainly not always been an easy time but Vicki has always been a colleague you could turn to for help and support, she strives and works so hard to get the bills right the first time and enhances the school’s reputation with her dedication, professionalism

and customer service. I am sure Vicki is now looking forward to a bit of a rest and enjoying her daughter’s wedding in the summer before starting on whatever new adventures and challenges come her way.

Vicki has been a really valued member of the team and whilst we will all miss her greatly we wish her all the very best for the future.

Thank you for everything Vicki.

She went out and bought over 250 presents, individually chosen for each boarder, and wrapped them (with the help of the other two members of the Chemistry trio, Tracey and Vanessa) so that the boarders each had their own stocking and could enjoy a really special Christmas.

While many of you may appreciate the impact she has had on pupils, fewer of you may know about the impact she has had on the staff. She often sees something in people which others, even themselves, do not. She believes in people, though they often don’t themselves…. Those people she has hired, given a chance to, promoted from cleaner to Matron. Her belief in people has changed their lives, and that of their families.

It’s hard to see how we’re going to do in boarding without Justine. But she has created a boarding team with skills, confidence and self-belief, so actually the biggest compliment to her

After 11 years with us at the Prep and as our Russian A-Level conversation teacher, Natasha is about to embark on a new chapter of her life.

Natasha is not just a teacher; she is an accomplished and talented linguist, whose mastery of languages is a source of inspiration for us all. With her passion for Russian, her native language, she has truly transmitted the richness and beauty of Russian culture to her students.

But Natasha’s passion for languages doesn’t stop there. She also nurtures a deep love for French culture and language, demonstrating an intellectual curiosity and an open-mindedness that have greatly enriched our exchanges.

This flame for language learning, she has successfully passed on to her own children, who have been a real pleasure to teach. This is a testament to the positive impact she has had and will continue to have.

Natasha, we wish you all the best for what the future holds for you.

Natasha Blackburn Russian Conversationalist (11 Years)

OI Club Events 2024 - 25

Former Staff Reunion Lunch

5th October 2024

On 5th October 2024, 45 former staff members returned to the School to enjoy lunch and a tour. The atmosphere in the Dining Hall was fantastic as many former teachers caught up and reminisced over their time at Ipswich School.

Nick Gregory noted:

There will not be many Heads in the land making a speech at this sort of an event to a group that includes their own parents and at least a dozen of their former teachers.

The day was a wonderful reminder of enduring friendships and shared memories, celebrating not only the history of the School but also the people who have shaped it across the generations. As the afternoon drew to a close, there was a clear sense that the spirit of Ipswich School continues to live on in all who have taught there.

13th October 2024

Three years ago Tim Kiddell (OI 1989 – 98) chose to have a gala concert for his Presidential event and it was very successful. So I was delighted that another OI Concert took place on Sunday 13th October as part of the School’s annual music festival. The concert honoured the School’s commitment to nurturing artistic passions and celebrated the rich musical heritage.

Professional and amateur OI musicians, pupils and friends of the School met during the day for the many rehearsals required. There was a wonderful atmosphere throughout the day as seasoned alumni met pupils who are developing their individual talents.

A full audience enjoyed a very varied programme of music lasting two hours.

The very demanding logistics on the day were in the hands of Bev Steensma, director of music, and she did a magnificent job. Ed Dewson (OI 1977 – 87) was the overall producer and he and Ben Parry (OI 1977 – 83) made huge contributions to the event in which over a hundred people took part.

I became involved with the School’s music again when I was appointed a governor twenty five years ago and

I have seen firsthand the wonderful leadership which headmasters, Ian Galbraith and Nick Weaver, together with Directors of Music, Andrew Leach and Bev Steensma, have provided to the School’s music which has flourished and enriched the lives of so many pupils.

New Head, Mr Nick Gregory, commented:

I have been blown away by Music at Ipswich School during my first two months in post. Its sheer breadth and quality are amazing, as are the beautiful facilities in the Music School, still only eight years old.

I am utterly determined that Music will continue to flourish and grow during my time as Head. And this most recent event really has been the highlight with pupils as young as eleven (and just six weeks into their Ipswich School careers) sharing the stage with professional musicians from our alumni body - what an unforgettable experience for them all!”

It was a wonderful occasion.

OIS Involved in the Gala

OI Gala Concert

OI Gala Concert

– Karl Daniels (OI 1944 – 53)

Club Events

Annual Ipswich Dinner

13th December 2024

The annual Ipswich Dinner took place on Saturday 13 December 2024, bringing together over seventy Old Ipswichians for an evening of celebration, reflection and inspiration.

We were delighted to welcome back Harry Martin (OI 1996 – 2011), distinguished England and Great Britain hockey defender, as our keynote speaker. Harry has represented his country 245 times at international level, including competing at the London 2012 Olympic Games. He currently plays for Dutch Hoofdklasse club Hurley and lives in Amsterdam.

Reflections and Introductions

The evening began with Ray East, who joined the School in 1988, reflecting on his 35 years of service at Ipswich alongside his earlier career as a professional cricketer. Ray spoke fondly of the changes he has seen and of his pride in the School’s achievements.

He then introduced Harry Martin, who attended Ipswich with his sister Hannah, beginning in the Prep. In his address, Harry recalled some of his fondest school memories, thanking Mr Walsh for his enthusiasm in running the Minis Hockey programme, which helped spark his love of the sport.

Harry shared highlights and challenges from his remarkable professional career:

• His early call-up to the 2010 Commonwealth Games in India, an eye-opening experience that confirmed his desire to pursue hockey professionally.

• Competing at the London 2012 Olympics, the most physically demanding year of his life, and the pride of finishing 4th – GB men’s best result since 1988.

• The challenges of the Tokyo Olympics, where injuries and Covid restrictions meant he was a travelling reserve – though sharing the experience with his sister Hannah brought some comfort.

• The opportunity to play in the Netherlands, immersing himself in another culture while maintaining lifelong friendships made at Ipswich School, which remain central to his life today.

In closing, Harry proposed a heartfelt toast to the OI Club and to the School.

The School’s new Head, Nick Gregory, also addressed the gathering. He thanked the caterers, the outgoing Chair of Governors and Board, and the OIs for allowing the prefect team to attend. He also paid tribute to Nikki Brown, Development Director, as she prepares to move on in January, and offered thanks to Clare Lock for her work on the Journal, the OI Committee, and the evening’s speakers – Harry and Ray – for their valuable contributions.

Nick reflected on his family’s deep connection to Ipswich School, describing it as “the bookends of his life.” Born on Warrington Road, with his parents part of the School community from 1963 – 2010, and now with Nick at the helm, the Gregory family legacy continues. He concluded by emphasising the importance of support for bursaries and funding to help drive investment in facilities, highlighting aspirations for the nets, biology and art departments, the library, and the fitness suite.

The evening drew to a close with warm thanks from Sally, who acknowledged Nikki, Nick and Caroline, before witnessing the ceremonial passing of the presidential medal from Ray East to Steve Runnacles, the incoming OI Club President.

It was a well-attended and enjoyable evening, celebrating OI friendship, shared memories and traditions.

Please Note:

Following feedback and discussion at the AGM, the next Ipswich Dinner will not take place in December 2025. Instead, we will be trialling a new format, with a Burns Night celebration in January 2026 and a Summer Ipswich Dinner in July 2026 to be held in a marquee at the School. We hope these changes will make it easier – and more enjoyable – for more OIs to join us.

OI Cross Country 1st March 2025

The weather was on our side as the sun shone on Saturday 1st March 2025, when we welcomed the OI Cross Country team to Tuddenham. The event is open to pupils from other schools across East Anglia as well as the OI vs School competition. The OI team was led by Tom Hancock (OI 1981 – 88). In a notable result, the Senior School boys’ team beat the OIs for the first time in 17 years.

After the run, competitors made their way back to School for presentations, food and drink in the Dining Hall.

The event once again proved to be a great occasion, and we hope to be able to host it again next year, usually scheduled for the first Saturday in March.

Photo: Warren Page

London Drinks 22nd May 2025

On Thursday 22nd May 2025, Old Ipswichians spanning many year groups gathered at The Vintry in London for an evening of conversation, laughter and reconnection.

From those who left in 1968 through to the 2021 leavers, OIs enjoyed sharing stories and catching up on life since their time at Ipswich School.

The atmosphere was lively and welcoming as everyone chatted over

drinks, renewing old friendships and making new ones in the heart of the city.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening and a great opportunity for OIs of all ages to come together in the capital to reminisce. The next London Drinks will take place on Thursday 13th November 2025 at the Fitzroy Tavern –we hope to see many of you there!

Class of 1995 Reunion 10th May 2025

On Saturday 10th May 2025 the 30-year reunion for the 1995 leavers, hosted by Sally Webber (Bevan, OI 1993–95) and Clare Lock (Warnes, OI 1993–95), took place with more than 20 Old Ipswichians returning for the occasion.

A special mention goes to Rob Amphlett Lewis, who travelled all the way from Australia, and Matt Clarke, who flew in from Dubai, to reunite with their former classmates. As Sally commented in her May OI News:

Hanging out with old friends really is good for the soul.

The atmosphere in the Dining Hall certainly reflected this sentiment as everyone caught up on news over drinks and a buffet lunch.

The group then enjoyed a tour of the School, with plenty of stories recounted along the way. Stepping into Great School, with desks set out for

exams, prompted many memories of student days. Reaching the Sports Hall sparked a lively debate about whether it had been there in their time, with the Development Office later confirming that it opened in November 1993 –finally settling the matter!

The day concluded with an obligatory trip to The Greyhound, where the sunshine, laughter, and the creation of a new WhatsApp group ensured the reunion spirit carried on late into the evening.

It was a fantastic day of catching up and renewing friendships.

And as many agreed, while the thought of a reunion might feel daunting beforehand, it is always worth going – the shared memories and connections make it a truly rewarding experience.

Class of 1995 Reunion

London Drinks

1975 Fifty years (or more) Reunion and Summer Lunch 14th June 2025

On Saturday 14th June 2025, the final OI event of the academic year took place a highlight of the OI calendar – the ever-popular Summer Lunch. An event that welcomed back those who left the School fifty years ago or more.

Over 60 Old Ipswichians gathered to catch up with friends, enjoy a tour of the School, and sit down to a delicious lunch prepared by the school’s catering team. Speeches from Karl Daniels (OI 1944 – 53) and Headmaster Nick Gregory (OI 1981 – 88) were highlights of the afternoon, offering reflections both historical and contemporary.

We were especially delighted to welcome one of our oldest OIs, John Northfield (OI 1938 – 45), aged 98.

The Summer Lunch once again proved to be a relaxed and muchenjoyed occasion, bringing together OIs in the familiar surroundings of the School. A number of things have changed since their time, but so much of it remains the same. Semper Eadem!

Class of 1985 Reunion 7th June 2025

On Saturday 7th June 2025, the Class of 1985 returned to Ipswich School to celebrate their 40-year reunion. More than 30 Old Ipswichians came together to reconnect with former classmates and share memories of their school days, making it a truly memorable occasion.

The atmosphere in the Dining Hall was lively and full of laughter as everyone exchanged news over drinks and a buffet lunch. Afterwards, the group enjoyed a tour of the School, where countless stories were shared as they made their way around the familiar grounds.

The day was marked by warmth, humour and shared history –a wonderful reminder of the enduring bonds formed at Ipswich.

Class of 1975

Karl Daniels raising a glass

Annual Ols vs School Cricket Match

27th April 2025

The sun was shining for the annual OIs vs School Cricket match, setting the perfect backdrop for a fantastic afternoon of sport and camaraderie. It was an exciting and well fought game, with the OI team takingthe win.

A big thank you to Neil Parry (OI 1989 – 00) for co-ordinating the OI team. The OIs demonstrated their class and experience showcasing the lasting legacy of cricketing talent at Ipswich School. The team was made up of a group of OIs spanning several year groups, including father and son Carl (OI 1982 – 89) and Dillon Hatcher (OI 2006 – 20), and brothers Chris Bell (OI 1986 – 94) and John Bell (OI 1987 – 98) - a true family affair on the pitch.

It was a wonderful day of sunshine, friendly rivalry and shared memories –a highlight of the summer sporting calendar.

Ipswich School Careers Convention

20th March 2025

Over 20 OIs returned to Ipswich School to take part in the annual Careers Convention. The event showcased employment opportunities with businesses and organisations exhibiting in both Great School and Little School, while the Sports Hall hosted representatives from universities across the UK offering degree information and guidance to students and parents.

Eight presentations were held during the evening, many delivered by OIs who shared their own varied experiences

– from apprenticeships to degrees and work-based training – and the different routes they had taken into the job market.

We are hugely grateful to all the OIs who gave up their time to talk with students and parents, offering invaluable advice and insight as they consider the many career and degree options available.

London Dinner 25th April 2025

The annual OI London Dinner took place on Friday 25 April 2025 at One Moorgate Place, the stunning headquarters of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).

OIs spanning many year groups gathered in the sumptuous surroundings of the Members’ Room and Main Reception Hall, where the buzz of conversation and laughter quickly filled the air.

Huge thanks go to OI President Steve Runnacles, guest speaker Ray East, and Head Nick Gregory for making the evening such a success. Ray entertained everyone with his trademark humour, sharing stories from his days as a professional cricketer, while Nick brought guests up to date with the latest developments at the School and reflected on some of the wider challenges currently facing independent education.

A special highlight came with the presentation of Honorary Old Ipswichian status to Jean Macleod (Scott), in recognition of her longstanding support for Ipswich School. Jean’s sons, Colin (OI 1975 – 86) and Matt (OI 1976 – 85), both attended the School, and she has continued to support it over many years.

Jean said:

I feel very honoured to have been made an Honorary Member, and Matt and Colin are tickled pink! Their dad, John Scott OI, would have been delighted and very proud.

It was a warm and lively evening, filled with laughter, conversation and the unmistakable camaraderie that defines the OI community.

It was a memorable evening of good company, shared stories and OI friendship in the heart of the City.

London Dinner & Drinks

Ipswich School Careers Convention

OI Golf Day & President’s Party 6th June 2025

June 2025 began in style with the annual OI Golf Day at Purdis Heath. Spirits were high as golfers gathered for a pre-round drink while organiser Shyam Patel (OI 1992 – 03) set out the rules and plan for the day.

After an afternoon on the course, players returned to well-earned refreshments while the scores were counted. The rain stayed away, the competition was close, and plenty of laughs were shared along the way.

Congratulations to all who took part, and a big thank you to David at Alchemy Wines for generously sponsoring the prizes.

As evening fell, more OIs joined for the President’s Party, where drinks and nibbles were enjoyed, stories from the course were retold (some perhaps embellished!), and the last of the sunshine made for the perfect backdrop.

Conversations and laughter carried on into the evening, rounding off another fantastic OI gathering.

If you missed out this time, make sure you join us in 2026 for another great day of golf and good company –we’d love to see you there!

Hong Kong Reunion 7th February 2025

On Friday 7th February 2025, Old Ipswichians gathered in the Harmony Room at The Hong Kong Bankers Club for an International reunion event. OIs spanning more than five decades came together to share memories, stories, and experiences from their time at Ipswich School and beyond.

Nick Gregory, the Head, travelled to Hong Kong for the occasion. Having joined Ipswich School in September, it was a lovely opportunity for him to meet OIs internationally and hear first-hand about their experiences and continued connection to the School.

This reunion was part of a growing programme of international OI events, following previous gatherings in New York and other cities around the world. It was another wonderful example of how the OI spirit continues to thrive well beyond Ipswich.

The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, with plenty of laughter and lively conversation as old friendships were rekindled and new connections made.

Closest to the

David Rowled (OI

Hatcher (OI

Class of 2000 reunion

24th May 2025

On Saturday 24th May 2025, the Class of 2000 returned to Ipswich School to celebrate their 25-year reunion. For many, it was their first visit back to the School since leaving, making the day especially memorable.

Friends and families joined the celebrations as OIs caught up over drinks and a buffet lunch in the Dining Hall, where the atmosphere was full of laughter and shared memories. Afterwards, the group enjoyed a tour of the School, sparking plenty of stories and nostalgia along the way.

It was a wonderful day filled with friendship, laughter and reflection — a reminder of how quickly the years have passed and how strong the Ipswich connection remains.

OI Fives Club News 2024 - 25

Club Mourns Loss of Two Former Players

The tragically early death of Annabel Griffiths and the demise of stalwart of the Club John Caudle are covered in the obituaries section of the OI website. Both were much loved and highly regarded members of the Club who will be greatly missed.

League

Club Secretary Peter Forrest reports: A slightly backward step in the performance of the OI team in terms of league position compared to previous years, but much like the Ipswich football team we were close in many matches with fine margins and fitness often being the difference.

The squad of players continues to expand across the generations, helped by the continued popularity of the game at the school, supported by Wednesday club nights.

Special mention to Isaac Wagland, Nadia Mason, Ed Haberson, Sam Christopher and Tim Gregory, whose regular participation ensured we could fulfil many of our league fixtures with full sides; hopefully Cam Lyle will be persuaded out of retirement for the 25/26 season.

Club Knockout –Alan Barber Cup

The team progressed to the second round of the Barber Cup, narrowly losing to last year’s winners, the Old Westminster’s 1-2 in a very creditable performance given the presence of the two current UK champions in the opposing team.

OIs v School

A splendidly close match. School U15s Shelley and Williams beat the out of practice OIs.

Will Carron and Finlay Anderson, at third pair and with Tim Gregory and Elliot Caldwell bettering the impressive pairing of Ingram and Dinmore (later to become U16 schools champions), the pressure was on second pair, Noah Urmston and Harvey Garrard, to determine the match.

15-12 in an extended fifth game gave the spectators palpitations but eventual relief at a 2-1 win.

It was disappointing not to be able to hold a Ladies / Girls match due to lack of availability. Get your name down for next year!

Tournament Successes

Isaac Weaver confirmed his standing as one of the foremost young players in the country, reaching the final of the U25 Championship and making the semi-final of the new individual tournament, in which he gave UK champion Hugo Young a tough time, losing 10-12, 8-12. Seriously impressive.

For Charlotta Cooley it was business as usual, winning her 14th Ladies Championship title, leading a mixed team that included Elliot Caldwell, Nadia Mason, Simon Cass and School pupils Laws and Cook to second place in the Boughton Bowl and spearheading a young side to third place in the women’s team event, the Black Cup. She also helped School Keeper of Fives Sam Cook win the Plate at the Northern Festival in Shrewsbury.

Elliot Caldwell was rewarded with a place in the semi-finals for making the trip to London from Nottingham for the Universities Championship. He and Alex Phillips also impressed in reaching the same stage in the Midland Championship at Repton.

Tim Gregory, with Daniel Ingram, was just two points off a quarter-

final place in the Turnbull Trophy (for which pairs must consist of a pupil and a former-pupil). It was a great performance in a competition featuring many top players.

The Ipswich Tournament for the Graves Cup for once had an all-OI final. Noah Urmston and Gareth Hoskins proving winners, over Simon Cass and Tim Wyndham.

Alexs Yusaf and Williams extended their usual annual outing to play in the Northern Tournament at Shrewsbury (in which they managed a last four place) with a foray at the Kinnaird Festival and picking up the B Plate. Not bad with no practice.

Peter Boughton played with School Captain Sam Cook in the Kinnaird Festival, tantalisingly losing 14-15 in the semi-final to the eventual winners. Peter was unable to team up with Simon Woolfries for a defence of their Over 60s title, Simon having health issues but managed a fifth consecutive final appearance, this time partnering Old Wulvrunian Andy Stephenson.

Your Club

It would be great to see more OIs joining the Club, either for social fives or to play competitively. You don’t need to have played at School, we love to see beginners as well as returners. Nadia Mason has taken over as social fives coordinator for London and can be contacted via nadia.mason@btinternet.com For fives in Ipswich or elsewhere contact Peter Boughton pvb@ipswich.school.com

Club

Boughton, Caudle and Woolfries - 2,314 matches for the OIs between them

Fives

Stalwarts - Collett,

Update from the Archives

Among this year’s surprises in the archives was a German map of Ipswich from the Second World War — with strategic sites marked out, presumably for bombing or invasion planning.

Of course, it’s not every day you stumble across items so intriguing, but even after several years working in Ipswich School’s Archives, I’m still delighted to uncover new stories in the stores.

One of the most comical moments from the past year was discovering some papers – a flurry of, at times, indignant back-and-forth notes from the 1960s between the then Headmaster, cook and a teacher –

about what beefburgers were, and whether the ones being served at lunchtime were filling enough for the boys.

It’s been another productive and engaging year in the archives. Alongside the steady stream of inquiries to answer and visits to facilitate, I’ve been continuing the long-term work of inventorying and digitising our collections.

Our excellent volunteers have continued to help with the collections work, always bringing plenty of humor and experience to the archive.

John Skeates has been continuing to inventory and repack a large collection of files associated with former Former Headmaster Dr John Blatchly.

Simon Nicholson has been patiently working through material unearthed from old boxes in the

stores, ranging from photographs of the School’s Officers’ Training Corps to programmes from School drama productions.

They have both also been working on improving the documentation of a collection of old postcards showing beautiful scenes in Ipswich and Suffolk, including some of the school.

Ipswich School continued to play a role in the Thomas Wolsey 550 Project too. In the autumn I worked with Dale Banham, an education consultant, to help him develop a local history package about Wolsey for schools in Ipswich.

The project also instigated a school’s debating competition in Ipswich, held under strict courtroom conditions and overseen by a real court judge. contributed as a mentor for the participants and as one of the judges of the competition. The standard of presentations, research and quick thinking by the pupils was very impressive to see.

Our work has extended into the wider community in other ways too. We contributed to the Suffolk Archives Anchors Away exhibition — you can read more about that in another article in this magazine.

Perhaps the biggest undertaking this year has been preparing for the School’s new Heritage Corridor.

The Head and I wanted to create a dedicated space where the School’s history could be celebrated through artefacts from our museum collection. The displays include artworks, historic uniforms, sports and athletics equipment, and other key pieces from across the centuries.

We hope it will be a place that encourages interest and aspiration amongst pupils, staff, returning alumni and visitors – and will perhaps spark a few fond memories, too.

Some of the items going on display in the heritage corridor

Germany Second World War era map of Ipswich

Postcards being documented by John Skeates

Reproduced by kind permission of the Thomas Wolsey 500 Project

Anchors Away: Suffolk and the Sea

In March, Suffolk Archives invited Ipswich School to loan objects from our collection for their upcoming exhibition, Anchors Away, which explores Suffolk’s rich and swashbuckling maritime history.

After reviewing the collections for relevant items, I sent Suffolk Archives a list of potential loans. We then selected the objects that best complemented the stories they wanted to tell.

Ipswich School is fortunate to hold several items connected to Rear Admiral Sir Philip Broke, a notable 19th century naval hero and a former pupil. Often known as “Broke of the Shannon,” he famously commanded HMS Shannon in a decisive victory over the USS Chesapeake during the War of 1812.

Coming after a string of American naval successes, Broke’s triumph helped restore British confidence at sea.

For the exhibition, we loaned a cane believed to have belonged to Broke, made from timber taken from HMS Shannon, along with a print of his 1815 portrait.

Ipswich School’s collection also includes a remarkable letter by another naval icon: Horatio Nelson. While Nelson is often associated with Norfolk, his Suffolk connections are significant.

His mother, Catherine Suckling, was from the county, and Nelson himself was appointed High Steward of Ipswich. He planned to retire to the area and purchased a fine house called Roundwood with farmland – on a site now occupied by St. John’s Primary School. Although his father and wife lived there for a time, Nelson was called back to sea.

The letter in our collection relates to the purchase of this property and was written just six months after Nelson lost his right arm. As he had been right-handed, and the handwriting is notably clear, it may have been dictated — with probably only the signature penned by Nelson himself.

These fascinating items, alongside many other maritime artefacts, will be featured in the Anchors Away: Suffolk and the Sea exhibition running from 27th June to 27th September 2025 at The Hold, Ipswich’s branch of Suffolk Archives.

The exhibition explores tales of dashing local pirates sailing the high seas, terrifying smuggling gangs prowling the Suffolk coast, and fearsome sea battles won and lost on the waves.

There are also stories of pioneering boat builders, disastrous shipwrecks, and courageous life saving efforts by local sea heroes.

We’re glad to see Ipswich School’s maritime connections playing a part in this exciting exhibition, and we hope many in our community will take the opportunity to visit it and explore Suffolk’s extraordinary seafaring past.

Brooke’s cane

Brooke’s cane tip

Portrait of Brooke

Copy of Horatio Nelson signed letter to Mr Notcutt

In the frame: Wolsey’s Gate

by William John Leggett

The story of Wolsey’s Gate is probably well-known to you, if you’re familiar with Ipswich. It is often described as the last remaining fragment of Thomas Wolsey’s grand Tudor college he was planning for his hometown.

Wolsey grew up in Ipswich, the son of a local butcher and inn keeper, and climbed to the dizzying heights of running the country as chief minister to Henry VIII. At the peak of his power, Wolsey was abruptly ejected from royal favour upon failing to secure Henry the annulment of his marriage to Catherine of Aragon – something the king desired in order to marry Anne Boleyn.

Before his fall from power, Wolsey had begun work on transforming the local grammar school in Ipswich into an impressive college. When he fell, however, the college was scrapped. One part of the architecture survives in the form of Wolsey’s Gate, which was intended to be a riverside entrance.

Although the grand college was dissolved, thanks to the interceding of Thomas Cromwell – Wolsey’s loyal servant – the Ipswich grammar school was allowed to continue in its former, humbler buildings. That school, after

changing sites and names over the centuries, is today known as Ipswich School.

Wolsey’s Gate has been captured in this crayon drawing by William John Leggett (1856-1936), which I discovered in a plan chest in the Ipswich School Archives in September 2023. I was astonished to see Leggett’s name not only on this drawing, but also on a similar one of nearby Freston Tower.

Curious, I contacted Ipswich Museum’s Fine Art Curator, Emma Roodhouse, who kindly directed me to a source that listed the two works being displayed in the Woodbridge Fine Art Exhibition in 1883. How they ended up unframed in a plan chest in Ipswich School remains a mystery.

Leggett was a local sign painter from Ipswich, who produced a remarkable collection of artworks depicting local scenes. Many of these are now in the Ipswich Borough collection and are often on display in Christchurch Mansion.

It was clear that both drawings were in a fragile state – delicate historical artworks lying loose in a drawer with other materials. I was keen to have them framed, but this has a cost attached to it - especially for such large artworks!

When the Head and I began developing a Heritage Corridor for the school to better celebrate its history, a valuable opportunity arose: to get the Wolsey’s Gate drawing professionally framed and displayed as part of this project.

It is now framed with a museum grade backing and mount, and glazed with specially treated, non-reflective glass that also provides protection against light damage.

Friends of Ipswich School

Friends of Ipswich School (FOIS)

The second hand uniform sales go from strength to strength

During the last academic year the FOIS second hand uniform shop at Anglesea Heights opened regularly and it has been a massive success raising thousands of pounds annually.

The FOIS use these funds to support “extras” for the pupils at school including the purchasing of House t-shirts, Senior School t-shirts, the yearbook and leavers hoodies. They also use their biennial Ball to raise funds for local charities - look out for the 2026 date soon.

The Friends volunteers work hard to support cohesion of the parent body with their regular events including the Year 7 welcome event to familiarise new class members with each other before the first day of Senior School, the FOIS Quiz held at Rushmere Sports Centre and the biennial FOIS Ball. Thank you to all the members of the FOIS and parent body for your support this year!

Carrie Baker

Chair

The Year 7 BBQ

Contact FOIS info@friendsofipswichschool.co.uk @foisipswich

Wolsey’s Gate

Wolsey’s Gate Reframed Freston Tower

Development Team:

Caroline Gould Development and Alumni Relations Manager

cog@ipswichschool

01473 408324

Caroline joined the team in 2024 after many years running a business in the events industry, planning weddings and parties in Suffolk and beyond. She brings a wealth of knowledge to the School and leads the development team on Old Ipswichian events and alumni relations.

Caleb Howgego School Archivist

cth@ipswich.school

01473 408276

Caleb has a BA in History and Politics and has worked for the Colchester and Ipswich Museum Service. He has published a number of books including Creating Constable, Ipswich Through Time, Ipswich History Tour and Ipswich in 50 Buildings. Caleb is responsible for the maintenance and development of the Ipswich School Museum and Archive.

Contact

oldipswichians.ipswich.school oldipswichians@ipswich.school

@oldipswichians

A Message from the Development Office

It has been quite a year at Ipswich School with a new Head, new Chair of Governors and a brand new Development Team.

I joined the team last Summer and have had a brilliant first year meeting so many of our lovely OI alumni community from the 2025 Year 13 leavers right through to one of our oldest OI’s who left the School 80 years ago in 1945.

I have spent the year organising events and communications to our Old Ipswichian alumni community. The OI community is lively and strong with over 7,500 members, many of whom return to attend events here at the School.

It is a privilege for our team to work to open access to Ipswich

Our Funds

We have three main funds that can be supported at Ipswich School:

The Bursary Fund

This fund supports children on 100% fee assistance and is designed to open access to an Ipswich School education. This fund provides opportunity to those in our community whose potential far outweighs their income and for whom an education here is beyond their families means. The impact of a bursary can be life changing for the recipient and their family, and gives access to a breadth of opportunities.

The Phoenix Fund

The Phoenix Fund is designed to step in when a family has an unexpected change in

School, build relationships with our Old Ipswichians, parents and staff members and to help change the lives of young people by providing them with opportunities they wouldn’t ordinarily have access to. With your help, we will be able to support more children with fee assistance and change lives through education and opportunity.

If you are considering giving to Ipswich School but would like further information, please read on and feel free to contact me directly to discuss.

Caroline Gould Development and Alumni Relations Manager

circumstances whilst at Ipswich School. This could be a loss of income through illness, job loss and redundancy, or even the death or a parent. Keeping a child’s education stable during the formative years is crucial for wellbeing and future attainment.

The Capital Fund

This Fund focuses on donations to update and maintain the buildings and facilities at Ipswich School, as well as direct funds to individual subjects. Over the years, funds have been donated to such areas as the Lodge Day Nursery, the Music School, sports cameras and the Lingwood Pavilion as well as smaller items.

Whether your donation is large or small, immediate or as part of a legacy gift, it makes a significant difference to the prospects of the children we support.

There are a number of ways you can support Ipswich School: Online: Give a one off or regular gift securely online at www.ipswich. school/client-page/support-us/

In person: Please contact the Development Office to arrange a visit.

By bank transfer: Ipswich School, account number: 06485430, sort code: 30-94-55, reference: your name/fund.

Special gift: If you would like to leave a special, non-monetary gift to Ipswich School we would love to hear from you. Such gifts may include assets, works of art, auction gifts or anything else you wish the School to have and be able to utilise for the benefit of pupils present and future.

How to Support Ipswich School

We are very grateful for every donation we receive, those gifts are helping to support education at your School. You can read more on the following pages which summarise the gifts received by the School from September 2024 to August 2025. Even during these difficult economic conditions, we have been so pleased to see your support - thank you.

BSUF: US-based donors wishing to support the School are invited to donate through the British Schools and Universities Foundation (BSUF) and choose Ipswich School.

Gift Aid: Don’t forget to opt in for Gift Aid (if applicable) as this allows us to claim an additional 25% on top of your donation from the Government at no cost to you (this does not apply to legacy gifts). If you are a higher rate tax payer, you can also claim the difference between the higher rate of tax and the current basic rate of tax.

Legacy Giving: From the very beginning, the School has benefitted from gifts left in wills which have left an incredible mark on the life of Ipswich School. In 1482 Richard Felaw left his house in Foundation street so that boys may be educated there.

As recently has 2015, Roy Towns OI left a gift to support our early years

provision via the Lodge Day Nursery. The support we have received from legacies have provided generous bursaries and created many of the facilities that are familiar to us today. We are incredibly grateful for these acts of kindness.

For many people, leaving a gift in their will can give a real sense of leaving a mark upon the School and the next generation of Ipswichians. Do get in touch with the development office to discuss any gift you wish to give. We are very happy to talk through your intentions and how your gift can be applied to the benefit of pupils present and future.

For more information about how you can support Ipswich School or to discuss a potential gift or legacy, please contact the development team on 01473 408324, or email development@ipswich.school

Thank you to our supporters

We are so grateful for your support as it allows us to help individuals fulfil their potential and give them the best possible start to their lives. We send a heartfelt “thank you” to those who continue to support the School and in turn the pupils we are able to support here. A special thanks to those who have passed away this year and remembered the School in their Will - thank you.