Old Ipswichian Journal 2023/24

Leavers 2023/24

Welcome to this year’s edition of the Old Ipswichian Journal, our alumni annual publication which reviews activities and news from the Old Ipswichian and Ipswich School community. It has been another excellent year, and we have celebrated a great many successes both within the alumni body and at the School.

This year we said farewell to Nicholas Weaver, who had been Headmaster of Ipswich School for 14 years. Many of you will have met him at OI events and as a keen supporter of the Club. In the pages of the OI Journal we take a look back at a variety of the school achievements under his leadership, along with an exclusive interview with him by some of our Occasional journalists.

This academic year we welcome our new Head, Mr Nick Gregory. Some of you will remember Nick as an OI of the School from 1981-1989. You may also remember his parents who worked at the School for more than 30 years. We offer him a very warm welcome as he takes up the mantle of this great School.

2023-2024 has been a year to remember with our biggest ever London Dinner under the direction of OI President Ray East. We have also enjoyed reunions which included the return of a library book borrowed some 30 years before! Somberly we have remembered our OIs who fought in WWII as we commemorated D Day 80th anniversary by sharing stories of their sacrifice.

In this edition we hope you will enjoy discovering how OIs have connected over the last year and read about some of the exciting things our alumni have been doing. We welcome your news for future journals so please do share this with us and get in touch to find out how you can help our current students to thrive by offering careers advice, internships or even bursaries.

We also urge you to join our Old Ipswichian community online via our website and social media to reconnect with your old school and to be part of our exciting, vibrant community that is going from strength to strength as we link-up with OIs from all over the world.

The OI community is vast, spanning generations across the globe with one thing which unites us, the School that helped shape our lives.

– Clare Lock, Editor

– Nikki Brown, Development Director

September 2023 – August 2024

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 www.ipswich.school/old-ipswichians Join us on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook @oldipswichians

Programme of Events for 2025

January

Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th

OI Fives Graves Cup Tournament & Dinner – Fives Courts, Ipswich School

Thursday 9th First Five Years Out – Sixth Form Centre

Thursday 30th AGM – Dining Hall

February

Friday 7th

March

Saturday 1st

Hong Kong Drinks – The Hong Kong Bankers Club

OI vs Ipswich School Cross Country – Venue TBC

Friday 14th Young Musician of the Year Award Final – Benefactors

Thursday 20th School Careers Convention

April

Saturday 19th OI vs Ipswich School Hockey – Ipswich School Sports Centre, Rushmere Friday 25th London Dinner – Chartered Accountants’ Hall, One Moorgate Place

May

Friday 2nd

Ipswich School Spring Concert

Saturday 10th Class of 1995 Reunion

Sunday 18th OIs Cricket and Family Fun Day

June

Friday 6th

OI Golf Day TBC

Saturday 7th Class of 1985 Reunion

Saturday 14th 1975 Coffee Reunion and OI Fifty Years and More Summer Lunch

October

Saturday 4th

November

Sunday 9th

Wednesday 12th

December

Former Staff Reunion Lunch – Main Dining Hall and New Dining Hall

Remembrance Service – Ipswich School Chapel

Networking & Drinks in the City of London – TBC

Saturday 13th OI Ipswich Dinner – Great School

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

Letters from the President & Chairman 06

Features 08

Members’ News 20

Obituaries 36

From the Archives 58

School News 62

Club Events 72

Development Office News 90

Careers 96 Henry Patten Pg 10 - 13

The Old Ipswichians

Officers and Committee 2024

President

Ray East

Outgoing President

Sir Neil Garnham

Incoming President

Steve Runnacles

Chairman

Sally Webber

Vice-Chairman

Vacant

Secretary Clare Lock

Treasurer

Steve Runnacles

OI Journal & News editor

Clare Lock

Representative on the Governing Body

James Davey

Social Secretary

John Ward

Committee

Andrew Whitehead

Tim Passmore

John Caudle

John Ward

Contact Details

Secretary secretary @oldipswichians.org.uk

Journal Editor editor@oldipswichians.org.uk

Old Ipswichians oldipswichians@ipswich.school

Development Office development@ipswich.school

It was a great honour to be elected as the President of the OI Club for the year 2024. I succeeded Neil Garnham at the end of 2023 and thanks are due to all he did during his time in Office. His excellent advice in helping with the changes of rules that have evolved between the Old Ipswichians and the School have been invaluable to the OI Committee.

My association with Ipswich School started in 1988 when I retired from First Class Cricket with Essex County Cricket Club and I was looking for new employment.

The then Master of Cricket at Ipswich School, Phil Rees, invited me to coach the First Eleven two afternoons a week. The Team included an extremely talented cricketer and all-round sportsman, now the present Head, Nick Gregory, who was my First School Cricket Captain.

It was with great delight that I was offered the post of Grounds Manager/ Cricket Coach by the then Headmaster, Dr John Blatchley. I soon realised what an excellent all-round education the school offered which my two sons benefitted from. During my time, the School has been well led by three Headmasters, Dr Blatchley, Ian Galbraith and Nick Weaver. I was most grateful to each of them for all the help and assistance they gave me.

I have enjoyed the many functions that I have attended during my tenure as OI President which include School Reunions and sporting functions.

I re-engaged with OIs I knew from my time working at the School, but it was also rewarding to meet some Older OIs for the first time. The Highlight of my Presidency was the London Dinner, the setting for which was the iconic Long Room at Lords’ Cricket Ground, attended by 150 OIs.

I have been extremely fortunate to have been involved in cricket for over 60 years, 25 as a cricket professional at Essex and then 35 years at the school.

I would like to thank The Headmaster, the Committee and

the Development Office for their help and guidance during my year which I have enjoyed enormously.

Finally, I must congratulate Nick Weaver for his successful 14 years’ Headship and wish him every success for the future. I must also congratulate Nick Gregory for his new appointment. Thank you again for electing me as President of the OI Club, a great honour indeed and I would like to pass on my very best wishes for a wonderful year to my successor, Stephen Runnacles.

– Ray East

OI Club President 2023

Welcome to this year’s edition of the Journal, put together by the wonderful Clare Lock. Inside you will find detailed reports of all of the past year’s events, as well as OI news and articles. As always, if you feel there is something your club should be doing, please do get in touch.

This year has been typically busy for the Club, with dinners in London, excellently attended in the Long Room at Lords, and at School, and also a number of reunions and drinks in the City. All of these have been lovely to attend, due to how well they have been supported by OIs.

We are lucky, that as a Club, our members are enthusiastic about getting involved with what we do, so many thanks indeed to you all. For many of us, the OI Club gives us the chance to be closely involved with the school we love which is hugely rewarding. As I look back on this year, I am pleased the Club is in such fine heart, and has such a close and supportive relationship with the School. They are

both fine institutions indeed, and ones of which I am very proud of.

Your committee works hard; I am extremely grateful and thankful to all of them for the work they do on behalf of the Club, and for all the time and energy they give. Particular thanks go to Nick Allen, who as Chair led the Club through negotiating a new relationship with the School.

We are grateful for the time he gave which made that transition so easy and look forward to seeing him at Club events in the future. Ray East has done sterling work as our President this year, and has been a joy to work with, I am very much looking forward to his final event, the Ipswich Dinner.

This year we said a fond farewell to outgoing Headmaster, Nick Weaver. Nick has been an excellent friend of the Club, and, in due course, we look forward to welcoming him to OI events. In the meantime, I and the whole Committee wish him well in his next adventures and thank him for his time, wise counsel and sense of humour. We will miss him.

My final thanks go to those who work in the Development Office. These are the people who give their time to make things happen, are wonderful company, and the Club would not work without them.

– Sally Webber OI Club Chairman 2023

OI in the spotlight

Nick Gregory (OI 1981 - 88)

Date and place of birth

34 Warrington Road (!!), Ipswich, overlooking where the Music School is now located. 13th September 1969.

Family

Married to Helen (we married in St Margaret’s Church); three boys (Harry, 25; Ben, 19; Sam, 17) plus Herbie, our Cocker Spaniel.

What is your favourite holiday destination?

My University degree is in French and Spanish and my route into teaching was via languages and so we have spent a great deal of time in Spain as a family over the past twenty years, principally down near Cádiz and Sevilla. My wife and I now have our eye on more time spent on the Côte d’Azur which we visited recently and loved. Place/s you most want to visit?

I have never been to Australia so I have an ambition to go there for a chunk of time in retirement. We have never

been to Japan either and that looks like a place unlike any other in the world so that’s also on our ‘list’.

What is the last film you saw and film you would most recommend?

I won’t quite answer the question (!!) but films I go back to and watch key parts of – for a wide range of reasons - all the time include ‘Good Will Hunting’, ‘Schindler’s List’ and ‘Coach Carter’. I love the first hour of most James Bond films. And my ‘film to recommend’ is a Spanish film called ‘The Sea Inside’ (‘Mar Adentro’), set in Galicia, featuring Javier Bardem – my favourite actor – in a role unlike any other he has ever played.

Last book you read and book you would most recommend?

Again, not quite answering the question: as Head (and this is not untruthful), I have to say that I have a book of George Orwell’s ‘Essays’ on my shelf that I read again and again for clarity of thought and expression

and – given the recent American election – I am re-reading at the moment Andrew Gimson’s really accessible summary of ‘Presidents’ (of the USA). However, the ‘truth’ is that my favourite book always has been and always will be Roald Dahl’s ‘Fantastic Mr Fox’.

What were your best, and worst, subjects at school?

I am old enough to have done O Levels and Physics and Chemistry were the ones I found toughest, I have to say. I did A Levels in English, French and Latin (wished I could have done History too) and enjoyed all of them very much.

People you would most like to be seated next to at a dinner party?

I am an admirer of Barack and Michelle Obama – they would be people that I would be exceptionally keen to meet given the chance. From a contemporary perspective, Tom Brady (the American Footballer) is someone that has interested and impressed me in recent years.

And – at the risk of seeming to be trying too hard (or, for those of my vintage, that I have watched too much ‘Bill and Ted’) – Queen Elizabeth I (it is her 1566 charter after all that means we still award ‘Queen’s Scholarships’ to this day as our most prestigious award) would be quite a dinner party guest, albeit I don’t quite know what she would make of modern food.

A restaurant that you would recommend.

I hesitate to share these a bit because they feel like ‘our’ secrets but... a place called ‘Landó’ in Madrid is amazing for dinner, as is – for brunch or breakfast –a place called ‘La Mala’ in Sevilla. What would you choose as your last meal?

The best quality steak and red wine that I could afford at that time.

What was the best advice you were ever given?

Specific to ‘Headship’ (rather than to ‘life’): Manage your schedule really carefully in order to try to spend as much of your time doing the things that only you as Head can, and should, be doing and allow others in your team to do everything else.

Tell us something about yourself that we probably don’t know.

Can I have two please? My first concert was Depeche Mode in 1985 at the Ipswich Gaumont. And I have moved from Archives into the Head’s Study the mortar board used both by Prince Albert in 1851 to lay the Foundation Stone for Henley Road and also by Prince Philip in 1956 to lay the Foundation Stone for Great School – looking at that single object every day really reminds me of the ‘heft’ and significance of our shared history.

FeaturesName | Henry Patten: ‘Do the best I can on any given day’

Henry Patten: ‘Do the best

I can

on

any given day’.

Earlier this week, I was delighted to grab an hour to chat with the 2024 Wimbledon Men’s Doubles Champion and Old Ipswichian Henry Patten (OI 2007 – 12).

Henry, who was taking a break from competing in the Vienna Open at the time, talked about his time at Ipswich School as well as telling me more about his Tennis career and how things have changed for him and his doubles partner Harri Heliövaara since winning Wimbledon in July 2024.

As Henry looked back fondly over his time at Ipswich School, he mentioned that sport formed a large part of his memories, and whilst tennis wasn’t a huge feature of his time at School, he enjoyed other sports such as hockey, cricket and fives, with rugby being the least favourable for him.

Henry’s celebration at Wimbledon

He mentioned memorable teachers including Mrs Clark (English) and, most notably, Mrs Hoskins (Maths) who he referred to as ‘more of a ‘life’ teacher than a maths teacher’. He remembers the people more than anything and would love to come back to visit when he has the time.

Tennis was a big part of life outside of school playing in local tennis clubs across Suffolk every weekend and during school holidays. He first joined a tennis club aged five, along with his siblings, and many of his family videos show him with a tennis ball or racquet.

After leaving Ipswich School, he went to sixth form at Culford School and progressed further into tennis. He was advised by friends and teachers to consider university in the US as sport would be taken seriously and potentially open him up to more opportunities. He overcame his fear of flying and travelled to the US to attend the University of North Carolina at Asheville with an athletic scholarship. There were a few job offers but the common advice was, while you can, ‘go and play tennis’. And the rest is history! It was four years ago that Henry progressed to become a professional tennis player. The tennis season is incredibly long, starting in January and finishing in mid-November each year which is tiring both mentally and physically. Tennis players are self-employed and as such have to fund their own travel to competitions which take place all over the world for the majority of the year. In the early days this was a challenge for Henry, as well

as spending a lot of time away from home, it can be a lonely profession, but everyone is in the same position, so the players all get to know one another and create a community.

We talked about Henry’s early influences in the tennis world, and he mentioned some of the greats; Pete Sampras, Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal, Novak Jokovic, and of course Andy Murray.

He also spoke about his all-time tennis heroes; the Bryan Brothers (Bob & Mike) from the US who had lots in common with Henry and his brother Arthur (also an Old Ipswichian 2009-16), with one being left and one right-handed, they were twins (unlike Henry and Arthur). The Bryan Brothers won multiple Olympic medals, including the gold in 2012 and won more professional games, matches, tournaments and Grand Slams than

Henry’s team and girlfriend, Ellie at the Wimbledon Champions Ball (with Harri and their two coaches)

any other men’s pairing, making them the most successful duo of all time. Inspirational indeed!

Arthur now works as a Creative Analyst for Hawk-Eye Innovations in the tennis division so the brothers’ paths cross regularly at events. Henry has two other siblings; a brother Louis (OI 2010-15), and a sister; Liv.

He mentioned his family have been incredibly supportive throughout his career. There was no massive fanfare after Wimbledon, bringing him back down to earth - but he wouldn’t have it any other way. They have given Henry ‘huge encouragement to chase the dream of tennis’.

the time he eats before a match and the time he warms up ‘ensuring your body is ready and your mind is ready are key’. He also follows a consistent routine before each serve and return.

Henry met Harri (his doubles partner) in March 2024. They were already aware of one another, but this was the first time they played together and Harri had played with a British player previously. They hit it off straight away, so they continued to play together culminating in a career high winning the Men’s Doubles title at Wimbledon in July. This increased their ranking to 12th in the world and opened up opportunities for them

We discussed tactics and the work that goes into preparing for a high-level competition like Wimbledon. As part of the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) Henry has a nutritionist, doctor, fitness trainer and a team of analysts. Before every match they will have a full scouting report, video and statistical analysis on their opponents to assist with preparation. Post match they will undertake an intelligent analysis to break down, review and maximise their own performance.

We talked about Henry’s own preparation on a match day. He doesn’t have any superstitions but does stick to a consistent routine with

to compete at a higher level. Henry aspires to be a top 10 player and would love to remain in the top 20 in the world. Winning that fantastic

Henry with his family at Wimbledon in 2021

grand slam title in London was a great celebration, his family and his girlfriend were all there, and the atmosphere on a packed-out centre court was ‘quite surreal’.

When discussing Wimbledon, Henry mentioned that he competed there for the first time, two years ago and ‘I couldn’t feel my legs!’ this year he felt more confident on the court. But ‘nerves are a very good thing and completely normal’. Sometimes a grass court (like Wimbledon) feels like a ‘home advantage’ but Henry prefers hard courts, mainly because that’s most familiar to him and he has more experience.

His message to his younger self would be ‘be confident in yourself and who you are. Enjoy your life at school, sixth form and college - it’s the best, so make the most of it’.

So what’s next for Henry Patten? His focus is on the process, not big goals, his main aim is to ‘do the best I can on any given day’. Next season he will be paired with Harri again and they are looking forward to another successful season. As for the future post tennis, Henry thinks he will continue to work in tennis or be

involved with sport in some capacity, as it’s been a constant source of enjoyment throughout his life.

Following our chat, Henry and Harri went on to reach the semi-final in the Vienna Open - next stop, playing at the Paris Open for the very first time! You can be assured that we will all be cheering them on from Ipswich School.

– Caroline Gould Development and Alumni Relations Manager

Henry representing Great Britain at the Davis Cup (world cup of tennis) in Manchester this year

Hally Hardie’s (OI 1949-58) RAF memories

In 1958 I left the School with the right qualifications to attempt a flying career as a pilot in the RAF. Following Tim Mermagen, the then Headmaster’s younger son, into the RAF College Cranwell, It had been my intention to emulate his success in gaining his pilot’s wings and an exemplary career up to the point he had a mid-air collision over Snowdonia whilst avoiding a built-up area resulting in his untimely death.

A year into my three-year course I was invited to become a navigator instead, it being deemed my piloting skills (or lack of) might prove expensive! Unfortunately, the School in the 1950s didn’t have an RAF element in the CCF which would have proved a useful introduction to flying.

So, in December 1961 I graduated with my Navigator’s wing. As luck would have it I was good enough to be selected for a photographic reconnaissance course on Canberra aircraft, which was an ideal choice. In the two-man crew it was the navigator who dominated with the decision making to bring back accurate and timely evidence, both photographic and visual, as required.

My first tour in the photographic reconnaissance world was a posting to Singapore, RAF Tengah. Luck was on my side here as my pilot was to become the 15th Duke of Hamilton who when offered by the MoD posters Germany or Singapore, this was a no-brainer – Singapore of course. So, at the end of the Bassingbourn course learning the tricks of the trade we departed the UK for two and a half years flying interesting trips and experiencing intriguing activities on the ground.

Shortly into the job the then President of Indonesia orchestrated the Brunei Revolt. His plan was to annex the colonial states of Malaya, Sarawak, north Borneo, Brunei and Singapore before they could be moulded into the forthcoming country of Malaysia. It was action stations for No 81 PR Squadron to get as much intelligence from aerial photography whilst ground and naval forces were amassed to continue

with their efforts on the ground. The Brunei Revolt became what was called the Indonesian Confrontation – or Konfrontasi – which basically was an undeclared war. People were being killed, most of them being British and Malayan soldiers as well as Indonesian troops, and this was in the jungle border areas of Sarawak, North Borneo and Brunei. The Malayan States and Singapore were far too well protected for the Indonesians to dare try to take these on, but there were a few attempts later on. This ‘war’ lasted from early 1963 to late 1966, and the number of British military personnel in the Far East theatre apparently reached approximately 80,000 - so we were told.

The photo recce tasks were taking aerial survey photography to produce up to date mapping of the whole area of North Borneo, Brunei and Sarawak, so that the ground forces would have a better chance of doing what they needed

to in the jungle. Have a look at your atlas to see what a chunk of the world that is.

The existing maps were essentially sheets of white paper with a few towns and kampongs, the coastlines, and the major rivers (mostly incorrectly mapped). The weather across the jungles was almost constant cloud, making our job difficult and drawn out, thus taking four years to complete.

We also had high level intelligence sorties to get knowledge of Indonesian airfields, watching Mig 17’s and 19’s flying around below unaware of our presence -the outcome of these could have been so different. We did a lot of low-level flying taking in maybe four different targets per two and a half to three hour sortie. The targets

Hally on Sark

being a whole range of possibilities for tactical attacks in the event of us having to gain knowledge of such on the Indonesian side of the borders. These all required visual as well as photographic knowledge. From Singapore there were detachments to Australia, Hong Kong, The Philippines, Thailand, The Maldives for a variety of tasks and liaison visits. This was really a wonderful experience and to an extent satisfied the ‘Biggles’ in me.

All that was crammed into a hectic 2½ years, albeit I did visit the Far East again for several detachments doing other interesting jobs. One of these was in Hong Kong flying daily missions out low over the South China Sea looking to intercept what were called the Vietnamese boat people who felt they had to escape the wrath of the communists. Another task was to take aerial photography of the Indonesian side of the Sarawak/Indonesian border – legitimately – at their request to help them bring their maps up to date. I spent time in the Malaysian jungle learning how to survive without food or clean water with just what you might find if jumping out of an aircraft with precious little but your wits. Wonderful life experiences which few others could have without great expense.

That was my first and without doubt best tour. Doing a real and positive job with a worthwhile end which had many challenging moments well beyond the humdrum of the rest of RAF training.

In 1965 I returned to the UK to continue a similar pattern of flying with The Canberra PR flying at Wyton, near Huntingdon. We still did high level survey flying, and many other photo tasks for national and local

government. We completed low level flying in anticipation of having to use such experience and knowledge wherever we may be called to around the world. To train us for possible deployment to unusual venues where our skills may have been required, we flew many unsupported detachments to likely areas including Kenya, Bahrein, Libya, Norway, Denmark, Germany, Malta, Cyprus, Hong Kong, Gibraltar, Trinidad, and the Bahamas. There was no need to spend money on exotic holidays - but the family would object! Other little training ‘jollies’ included the Winter Survival course at Bad Kohlgrub, or Norway, with a lot of skiing, Desert Survival, Sea Survival, only a few days at a time but oh what experiences!

Then came a short tour in Germany, at Bruggen, on the Dutch border again with PR Canberra flying for a couple of years before the squadron folded. Nearly all the flying was low level classified as 250 feet above the ground, but in all reality if push came to shove for hot action we would have to commit to ‘the weeds’ or you would never get back to report with film or word. Such low flying made the task of visual

acquisition of the target very difficult at times, and the lower still even more. In-flight reporting of the target details was tremendously important though the radio technology wasn’t really up to it – no satellites orbiting to relay messages.

After a succession of ground tours I got back to a flying squadron again, for a tour with another PR Canberra unit in Malta. The remaining of my 25 years in the RAF were spent at Wyton, mostly ground jobs but with flying possibilities. The latter included four weeks tidying up the Oman aerial photographic survey with a lot of flying between 33,000 to 35,000 feet as the best scale for the end product. This was flown from Thumrait in the middle of the country.

The last few days of the detachment thwarted a 100% task coverage as it started to rain – yes in the desert – and the yellow/brown of the sand turned everything green within three days.

My last proper photo job was 1983 aerial surveying a small patch of Egypt around El Alamein to produce suitable mapping photos so ground forces, including British sappers would go in and try to clear up more of the still extensive minefields.

Here we are, 25 years later, deciding to leave the RAF for new ventures. But what an incredible experience of life in the RAF.

Hally Hardie's whole trip

Hally (left) and partner Lindsey at an orienteering event 2003

A journey of over 400 miles in just four days.

A group of retired rugby players from Ipswich, including six OIs set themselves a challenge to cycle from Ipswich Rugby Club to Melrose Rugby Club in the Scottish Borders from the 12th to the 16th September 2023. The journey of more than 400 miles is to be completed in just four days. The group aimed to raise as much as possible to assist in the ongoing fight to find a cure and effective treatments for Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

One of the OIs who took part was Henry Gaskin (OI 1988-95). Henry spent several years in London including five years at Jupiter Asset Management before returning to Ipswich to become Managing Director of SG Wealth Management. He is Vice Chairman of Ipswich Rugby Club, hence his involvement in raising funds for MND.

Henry commented, “As a group of novice cyclists many of the team have set about a rigorous training regime over recent months. The journey will

great memories to add to those of our past playing days. Hopefully the weather, hills and aches and pains along the way will not diminish this too much and only enhance the sense of achievement.”

Talking before they went Henry reported, “We hope to reach a six figure fund-raising total which would be awesome and provide well needed funds for research into this cruel disease. As well as Henry, other OIs who took part included Ian Masser (OI 1995-00), Mike Card (OI 1993-00),

Burgess (1983-90) and Reuben Bolton (Prep School), as well as OIs Robert Thomas (OI 1984-91) and Simon Hughes (OI 1984-91) manning support vehicles.”

Why MND?

According to the NHS, MND “affects the brain and nerves. It causes weakness that gets worse over time. There's no cure for MND, but there are treatments to help reduce the impact it has on a person's daily life. Some people live with the condition for

The challenge took place under the ‘ALL4MND’ name - the charity project created by a group of old rugby boys a few Christmases ago.

Their website explains they were touched by “the stories of Doddie Weir, Rob Burrow, Ed Slater and their battles with MND. These guys are legends of the Rugby Field but more importantly, they are husbands, fathers, friends and team mates.”

An update on the All4MND website thanks their supporters and businesses for their kindness and belief in their missions during 2023/2024 with the team raising

a phenomenal £240,000 and vital awareness for the MND community.

After the event one rider concluded, “Now that I’ve made it back to ‘flat’ Suffolk, I thought I would let you know how we got on with our challenge!

Leaving Ipswich Rugby Club at 4pm on Tuesday, we went on to arrive in the Scottish Borders on Saturday at 4:04pm to a fabulous reception at Selkirk Rugby Club, where we enjoyed their wonderful hospitality before finishing off the last few miles

Symptoms of MND

Early symptoms can include:

• Weakness in your ankle or leg –you might trip, or find it harder to climb stairs

• Slurred speech, which may develop into difficulty swallowing some foods

• Weak grip – you might drop things, or find it hard to open jars or do up buttons

• Muscle cramps and twitches

• Weight loss – your arms or leg muscles may have become thinner over time

• Difficulty stopping yourself from crying or laughing in inappropriate situations

to Melrose. In all, we cycled 417 miles which included 7,353 metres of uphill climbs and over 40 hours in the saddle!!”

Well done everyone who took part in this extraordinary challenge and for the huge amount of funds you have raised for such a worthy cause.

Johnny Rows Forth

When you first sit down to put pen to paper, one is always faced with a minor dilemma. Whether to start at the beginning, which would be logical, the end, which would seem odd, or the middle, from where the ripples can spread out in both directions. After all, we have a habit of constantly looking backwards and forwards at the same time, as we use our previous experiences to inform the decisions we make in the future.

Since I was brought up short recently, by a photograph sent to me by one of the skippers of the 12-person ocean-rowing boat, in which I am about to cross the Atlantic Ocean, I think it serves me well to start in this instance at the end, since it points to the beginning and explains all in between.

It is a photograph of Falmouth Harbour, Antigua. The final destination, the end, of a 6-week endeavour where three hours of rowing are followed by three hours of refuelling and trying to sleep, followed by three hours of

rowing, etc. The photograph looked like any other stretch of water with a foreground of leafy islands and foreshore. And that was it, it looked like any other. It was profoundly anticlimactic and for a few moments I was left with a hollow disappointed feeling. And then it came to me. It was never about the destination, as I suspect life itself is not, but about the journey. The preparation, the training, the development of ideas, the discipline and the learning, but not just from this adventure, but from every other adventure and event that has filled your life before.

At that moment, I got on my bike and rode 40 miles and relished the fact that this too was part of the journey. A journey that starts at the beginning and in particular, in relation to adventure and fund-raising, at Ipswich School, with the visit of an OI in the 1980s who

came to talk to us about his passion, hospitals in rural India.

I can still picture myself in the little lecture theatre above Felaw changing rooms, listening to and soaking up the enthusiasm this man had for his project and in particular, I remember one quote, “Don’t raise a hundred pounds, raise a thousand!” I have never forgotten it. It inspired an idea then and has driven many more since.

At the time a group of us decided to walk the Pennine Way. The confidence to take that on came from masters like Bruce Andrews with his love of the outdoors and the hills, Bob Clayton and Mr Nicholson who inspired our love of sport, Mr Thomas who encouraged my love of x-country running, and Andrew Gregory with whom we learnt to understand the wildlife around us and also that if you couldn’t walk fast, you would be left behind! But there

were so many others. Too many to list. The opportunities that the school provided meant that the greatest crime you could commit, would be to not recognise that with the privilege of such wealth came the responsibility to make the most of it.

I am often reminded of a school report that said amongst other things, “I’m sure he will lead something, but we’re just not sure what!” A somewhat ambiguous comment typical of the writer’s sense of humour and insightful. In 1989, no doubt again, enabled by the good fortune of being associated with Ipswich School, (some things probably speak louder than actual ability! I jest, but again, don’t waste the privilege), I joined the Royal Navy and the Fleet Air Arm as a SeaKing Observer. From one enabler to another, I travelled and adventured, climbing Mont Blanc and trekking the Bolivian Andes. When I left in 1996, I looked for every opportunity to stretch myself physically. The London Marathon raising money for the NSPCC, then Land’s End to John O’Groats, but taking in Snowdon, Scafell and Ben Nevis, because on its own, it just wasn’t hard enough, for The Samaritans. In 2013, I took on the first of three attempts at The TransContinental Cycle Race averaging over 200 miles a day. They are stories in their own right, but the importance of each is not to be underestimated in the way that each developed the resilience and stamina for endurance. These are games of the mind, not the body. I have long since come to appreciate that the body will go anywhere and do anything the mind directs it, but if the mind has

gone, you are lost, defeated and will struggle to prevail.

In 1997, shortly after I left the Navy, Sir Chay Blyth, inspired by his 1966, 92 day crossing of the Atlantic from Cape Cod to Ireland with John Ridgeway, conceived of the Trans-Atlantic rowing race. I had heard of it before then and had talked of taking part. I had no idea what this would entail and was generally considered mad, for even considering it. This perception was probably not helped by the suggestion that I might try to join an invitation put out there by Tom McClean, to cross the Atlantic in a whale! But the dream never faded.

Life can provide obstacles and unless you are utterly selfish - and you have to be in any endeavour to an extentthen some of these might delay your departure. In my case for 27 years.

But eventually if the worm that eats away inside you will not go away,

then you have deal with it, and so in December courtesy of Rannoch Adventure, who support ocean rowers the world over and conceived of the idea of Roxy, I will depart from Tenerife on the 1st December, bound for Antigua and Falmouth Harbour. The destination at the end of an incredible journey that started at Ipswich School back in the early 1980s.

We are fortunate, but not everyone is. In 2022 we did not hesitate to offer our home to a mother and her teenage son from Ukraine. For a year their bravery and fears were shared with us as they sought to recover their shattered lives. At the end of the year, The Benjamin Foundation who provide support for over 3,000 children, young people and families, helped us find their own home nearby. The charity that is Norfolk and Suffolk based and part of a larger group of similar organisations, became the obvious choice for my fun-raising this time. And so... “Don’t raise a thousand pounds, raise ten-thousand!” Please help me to help them.

www.justgiving.com/page /johnny-rows-forth

– John Bakewell (OI 1974 - 83)

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

Robert Erith (OI 1947 – 55)

The Citation reads ‘For Services to the Environment in Dedham Vale in Essex and Suffolk.’ Robert has been President of The Dedham Vale Society for the past 20 years and was Chairman of The Dedham Vale AONB & Stour Valley Partnership, the official body which cares for the whole Stour Valley, for eleven years.

The Dedham Vale Society works with its partners to preserve and protect the stunning landscapes, built heritage and biodiversity of the area, made famous by the artist John Constable. The society aims to preserve the rural beauty of The Dedham Vale.

Robert grew up on a small farm in Ardleigh near Colchester, Essex. The farm was powered by Suffolk Punch cart horses and Robert remembers working with them as a boy during the war at highlights of the farming year such as harvest and threshing the stacks of corn.

He joined Ipswich School in 1947 as a boarder in Mr Gleave’s Junior House followed by School House where he remained until 1955.

On leaving the School he worked for a year on his father’s farm and on his eighteenth birthday was called up for National Service, being commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 10th Hussars, a famous cavalry regiment and commanded a troop of tanks in Aqaba, Jordan.

Later he served as a reserve officer in the regiment for three weeks a year for 20 years in Germany, South Arabia, Hong Kong and elsewhere ending up as a Major and being awarded a Territorial Decoration.

Hester Gartrell (OI 2008 – 10)

In 2020 I moved to Bulgaria and in 2023, I took up the position of Director at Humans in the Loop Foundation, an innovative Bulgarian social enterprise working to provide people who are refugees with skills and work in the AI sector.

We’ve been recognised through several awards in 2023 including SDG Digital GameChangers Award, Cartier Women’s Initiative, EU Women Innovators 1st Prize... and work globally including in some of the most challenging locations including Syria, Lebanon and Afghanistan.

Editor’s note – we hope to catch up with Hester more in the next journal to discuss their experience of working at Humans in the Loop and the crossover between supporting people affected by conflict and supporting the development of AI models.

Robert has been awarded the British Empire Medal, (BEM) in the King’s New Year Honours 2024

Fred Double (OI 2010 – 20)

Fred played Aladdin in pantomime at the Hackney Empire in London. Fred recalls the time I really got into acting was during my first and second year at Ipswich School. Before then, I’d always taken part in whatever school productions were on offer, but it wasn’t until I was about 12 or 13 years old when I really began to love acting.

I joined the New Wolsey Youth Theatre during this time and they offered aeons of support and artist development from an early age, providing people my age with full scale productions in their studio theatre and main house. I stayed at the Wolsey for six years in the end, moving up to their young company where we were able to explore much more layered texts and were able to tour shows to places like Ireland.

I really can’t recommend the New Wolsey Theatre enough and how much artistic opportunity they provide their participants with.

In my final year of Ipswich school I decided to focus all of my energy on auditioning for drama school, and was lucky enough to be offered a Watermill Scholarship on Mountview’s prestigious actor-musicianship course as soon as I finished Upper Sixth. I know that during my time at the School, I sometimes felt a bit isolated in my studies because I wasn’t super clever and didn’t take economics or business at A level. But if anyone at Ipswich is considering applying for any creative bespoke training, be that

Joe Bagnall (OI 2018 – 20)

Joe intended going to university after his exams but instead he opted for a gap year, planning to work a ski season. This didn’t work out due to Covid and Brexit however, Joe wasn’t deterred and whilst working on a building site to pay his way he was accepted into the Cambridge University Officer Training Corps. He wasn’t one of their students however he held his army officer selection board pass.

Joe then decided to take a second gap year which saw him travelling and volunteering for two months in South Africa. For a spell he came back to the UK, working as an Amazon driver before taking off on an adventure with two friends. They took part in the Mongol Rally, a 10,000 mile drive to

art, drama, or music, then I’d say do it. Definitely do it.

Mountview gave me three of the best years of my life, and even though I’ve only just graduated, being an actor has already taken me to cities and places I’d never thought I’d be working in, and I’m so excited to see what’s next. Plus, who doesn’t want to create stuff for a living?!

Georgia and back via Europe and Scandinavia.

On his return to England, Joe passed out of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and is currently on his phase two training in Brecon, Wales, training for the role of an Infantry Platoon Commander.

Joe will then join the rest of the 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment in Lincolnshire where he will take command of a platoon of 30 infantry soldiers, delivering training to the UK’s allies.

Joe completes his 44-week military course

Charlie Shephard (OI 2010 – 17)

Charlie’s first book, ‘The Mystery of Warren’s Walk’ was published in September this year. The synopsis states “Desmond Featherby, a delightful old codger with a smooth bald head and a fondness for cocker spaniels, never imagined his routine walk with Jarvis would lead to his untimely demise.

When Desmond’s body is discovered in the eerie woodland known as Warren’s Walk, the local police are baffled, attributing it to a tragic accident. But Desmond knows better.

As they delve deeper into the mystery, they uncover much of the village, revealing a sinister pattern of violence and betrayal. Together, they must piece together clues from the past and present, all while navigating the quirky afterlife and its spectral rules.”

In this witty and heartwarming tale, Charlie weaves a gripping narrative of mystery, friendship, and the enduring quest for justice beyond the grave. “The Mystery of Warrens Walk” is a ghostly whodunit that will keep you guessing until the very end.

Awakening in a spectral form, Desmond encounters two fellow spirits: the regal Lady Abigail, who met her own grisly end centuries ago, and Orvyn, a jovial Saxon warrior with a thousand-year-old vendetta. Bound by their unresolved deaths, the three ghosts embark on a quest to uncover the truth behind Desmond’s murder.

The book has a number of 5 star reviews all stating the book to be ‘heartwarming and hilarious’ – one for the winter nights ahead!

George Henry Alexander Clowes (OI 1892 – 94)

George Clowes has been recognised with a Blue Plaque by the Ipswich Society which has been affixed to his birth place on High Street in Ipswich.

A group gathered to mark this wonderful occasion and to hear about George’s life and contribution to medicine. George was a pioneer in the mass production of insulin and has no doubt has saved millions of lives through his remarkable work.

Will Brown (OI 2006 – 17)

Will had decided to split his final year of university studies and then the opportunity to play for championship side Ampthill presented itself. He played one season for them (a somewhat shortened covid season) and as a result of playing well he was offered a two-year, full time contract (2021 to 2023) at Jersey Reds in the Channel Islands.

As Will’s university wouldn’t allow him to complete his studies online over the 24 months he was to be based in Jersey he opted to take a two-year leave of absence. In his second year at Jersey Reds the team went on to win the league and Will finished second in the top try scorer’s list that season. Due to Jersey not meeting the stadium capacity criteria of the premiership, they weren’t allowed to be promoted. Recently, Will returned to England to complete the final half of his final year of studies. Although a

disappointment at the time it subsequently became a blessing in disguise for him as Jersey Reds announced they have been forced to cease trading on 27th September and are on the brink of being wound up, unless fresh investment is found.

Now living in London and commuting to Loughborough University, Will has joined London Scottish who are part-time in the RFU Championship. Will commented “I can still compete at the same level whilst being able to commute up to Loughborough to finish my course in Sport Management BSc. It’s an exciting year as it’s a new challenge and new surroundings but I feel at London Scottish we can achieve something special this season. We’ve been competing in the Premiership/ Championship Cup competition before the league starts; I was fortunate enough to play against Bath and Exeter away which were both incredible experiences.”

The Old Ipswichians wish Will all the best with his new team.

Jonathan Connell (OI 1975 – 79) Seattle, WA USA

This picture is the radio from the 3rd, 4th and then 5th form common room for (forgive my memory) either Broke or Sherington House students sometime circa 1974, 1975, 1976 and 1977. The radio was gifted to the students by Tyler Electronics, an electrical appliance chain in the Ipswich area at the time.

The common room it lived in during that era was in the main entrance building tucked away somewhat above the library area. To give the territorial flavour of that era I never once entered that room during my time there - a Rigaud man myself.

The radio was discarded at the end of summer term 1977 and I subsequently rescued it from the trash. After a lengthy world tour it made a life for itself in America and is currently in the process of being painstakingly restored after a long and arduous service life.

Imagine students at break listening to a rapidly evolving BBC Radio One (the only teen-compatible radio station of the era of course), possibly even a little rebellious Radio Caroline if anyone stayed late for activities or prep. Oh, the emerging musical trends music and school sounds this radio must have witnessed!

A valve set, unusually equipped for what was then the emerging FM broadcast system and possessed of a still impressive ‘magic eye’ tuning device. It would have been a real shame to have let it pass away in 1977. The kind of radio that, upon entering a room old men have been known to exclaim ‘doesn’t it have a marvellous tone!’ It certainly does.

So there, a school memory of sorts for you. Almost irrelevant, but I suspect for some likely conjuring much. Traces of thrown peanut butter sandwiches remain on the dials.

Semper HiFi?

Finn Collinson (OI 2009 – 16)

Finn is considered one of the foremost recorder players on the English folk circuit who tours with ‘The Finn Collinson Band’. Finn had an extract from the title track of his second album ‘The Threshold’ played on Mark Radcliffe’s Folk Show on BBC Radio 2 ahead of their tour in February this year.

In a recent interview Finn mentioned he has been fascinated with the recorder from a young age inspired by attending concerts and festivals with his family. He studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London after leaving Ipswich School where he immersed himself in a variety of music. His first album ‘Call To Mind’ was released in 2019 and has had solo performances since including working with the London International Orchestra at Cadogan Hall and with English National Opera and has also shared the stage with multi-award-winner groups Bellowhead and The Younguns.

Finn worked on the Youth Moot programme for FolkEast, which is a beautiful festival that takes place in Suffolk every August where he runs the youth workshops. He states “I particularly love sharing music with young people which is local to where they live; there’s a huge amount of historical and social context that can worm its way into those workshops.”

Photograph by Rowan Collinson (OI 2010 – 20)

Virginia Betts (OI 2001 – 2013)

Former teacher, Virginia Betts, (OI 2001 – 13) has been busy again in 2023 and 2024. She has TWO new books about to be launched in Summer 2024.

The latest books are a second poetry collection, That Little Voice, (published by Anxiety Press) and her debut novel, Burnt Lungs and Bitter Sweets. She describes the latter as ‘not for the faint-hearted’ as it charts the antics of four punk friends from 1976 to 2024 and it will have you gasping in horror, laughing and weeping; you may feel nostalgic, but for all the wrong reasons!

She has also been busy on the acting front, playing the role of Patricia Highsmith (author of The Talented Mister Ripley) in a play which charts the unlikely friendship between Highsmith and Suffolk poet Ronald Blythe (Akenfield).

The play returned to tour in October 2024. Virginia had the pleasure of meeting Blythe as she is a trustee and Stanza Rep for the Suffolk Poetry Society, and she organised a group of poets to perform in the Aldeburgh Festival in November 2024.

Virginia has had work on the stage this year too, as co-director and producer of 5th August 1986 at

the Headgate Theatre in Colchester, and she regularly performs poetry –recently at The Two Sisters Arts Centre in Suffolk in Take 3 Poets and at The Theatre Royal, Norwich. She was also a guest speaker at The Women’s Institute Literary Lunch in October this year, and will be speaking at the U3A in January 2025.

Virginia is now busy working on her fifth book – a second book of supernatural and noir short stories, and the third poetry book is also underway!

William Coe (OI 1976 – 87)

“It’s not every day you have an award named after you” commented William Coe, Ipswich School governor and Old Ipswichian 1976-87 when he attended the Rushmere Community Runners Awards Dinner.

Rushmere Community Runners (RCR) (an inclusive and sociable group catering for adult runners of all abilities) was founded by a small number of people including Jan Reeve and Stuart Masters who not long after, started working for Coes Ipswich.

RCR’s annual dinner was held at Venue 16 and William Coe, a director of Coes was invited to present the awards. The ‘members choice’ award is named The William Coe Trophy in recognition of the support and sponsorship Coes gives the running club.

William Coe, Jan Reeve and Stuart Masters

Max Keeble (OI 2003 – 13)

When Max left Ipswich School he moved to London to train at the Drama Centre (which no longer exists), where he completed a foundation course followed by a three-year course.

We had skills classes in acting technique, voice and movement, textual analysis and performance projects. The first and second years were internal and skills-based and then the third year opened up into public shows and showcases for the industry.

As well as acting Max teaches, he said; “It comes from a capacity to nurture. I enjoy seeing things come from nothing, into something. People come to my sessions with no knowledge of a technique and they leave being able to use it, I think that’s cool. I’ve grown some oak trees from acorns that I picked last autumn and it’s the same sort of feeling.”

Max’s career to date has been varied, he played Oswald in King Lear at Shakespeare’s Globe during the summer of 2022 and took the part of Henri in the beautiful film, The Women by the Lake (which has yet to be released).

It was written and directed by Tom Shkolnik and also stars Henna Holländer and Alice Godfrey. A recent mini TV series titled ‘Who is Erin Carter?’ included Max who played the part of Caldwell. With other work in the pipeline - Max will soon be shooting for an indie film before returning to the theatre to appear in an adaptation of Stravinsky’s ‘The Soldier’s Tale’ - he is pleased to be so busy.

Felicity Crawford (née Last) (OI 2001 – 09)

Felicity visited the school in May to talk with pupils about her journey to becoming a detective with the sexual assault team at Essex Police. After leaving school Felicity discovered she had a real interest in psychology and went on to study a psychology and sociology degree at Roehampton.

Thinking that Law was her future career she took on a law conversation course but at the end of the course realised that it was not a pathway she wanted to continue down. A few years of working in the police non-emergency call centre exposed her to the inner workings of the Police, from which she applied and was successful in obtaining a place on the fast-track detective pathway. Fast forward to now and she is an established detective working throughout Essex.

Julie Missen (OI 1991 – 93)

I have had a very busy year, publishing a book of poetry and the first two books of my Suffolk-based detective series. I am now writing the third Detective Inspector Morgan mystery, which has been inspired by the rumour of an incident that allegedly occurred on the Suffolk coast during the Second World War.

Robert Gower (OI 1960 – 70)

If you were to ask Robert what he enjoyed most at Ipswich School his response would be, “Organ”. Whilst still at the School Robert worked as an organist at the Benefice of SS Lawrence and Stephen, from where he moved to Museum Street, Methodist Church, Ipswich which also had a choir to run.

At the end of his A Levels Robert went on a two year scholarship to the Royal School of Church Music, Addington Palace, Croydon. There he sat the Oxford entrance exams and studied for both academic and practical music diplomas.

Robert’s training involved instrumental, singing and choir training tuition as well as learning church music repertoire. Daily services for the dozens of students provided him with a great chance to develop his accompanimental experience. “A rather different world from music lessons at Ipswich in the top of the cricket pavilion, in the gas fumed tiled practice cells by the Prep School or in the dining room of the bursar’s house in St Edmunds Road,” commented Robert.

He was astonished to gain an Oxford organ scholarship and being invited to give recitals in prestigious venues. He said, “Being alone in places such as St Paul’s Cathedral or King’s College Chapel in Cambridge is humbling and solo recitals on national radio test nerves!”

Oxford led to a teaching career at three schools - St Paul’s Boys, Radley College and Glenalmond College (where Robert was also a boarding housemaster and held wider academic responsibilities).

His main musical interest has centred on the English 20th century musical renaissance, chairing both the Percy Whitlock and Gerald Finzi charitable trusts. Formerly an examiner for the Associated Board and the Royal College of Organists, Robert has published extensively, with work for Oxford University Press, Boosey & Hawkes, Novello, Gehrmans and Banks Music Publications. Robert’s original tunes feature in Ancient & Modern hymn books and the recently published Revised English Hymnal, whilst he has also edited individual school collections. 28 years after the completion of Book 1 of Christmas Organ Music the second book titled the Oxford Book of Christmas Organ Music Book 2, compiled by Robert has just been released.

Looking back at his career Robert said, “One of the great rewards of teaching is watching former pupils develop their careers and keeping in touch with them. I’ve had a somewhat freelance career, developed alongside full time teaching, running music departments and housemastering.”

Richard Patient (OI 1976 – 87)

Richard is celebrating 25 years of the formation of his PR business for the built environment, Thorncliffe | Your Shout.

Ben Ponniah (OI 1995 – 02)

Ben helped host the Class of 2002 Reunion this year. He is a composer of classical music and in 2023 he won the St Paul’s Cathedral New Music Composition Competition, out of a field of nearly 90 applicants. He was told that his setting of Ave Verum Corpus impressed the jury, which was chaired by Cheryl FrancesHoad (Cheryl won the prestigious 2023 King’s College Cambridge carol commission). He won £1000 and the premiere took place in the Cathedral.

Other highlights of his career include completing his PhD in Composition, being invited to be a judge for the Ivors Classical Awards and attending the premiere performance of his largest choral work to date, ‘Begin’.

In 2022, Boosey & Hawkes started publishing his compositions, and Anna Lapwood released a single of his piece, Seeing the Star, which is currently one of his most popular compositions. Ben mentions that Begin was inspired, in part, by film music and whilst he has not written anything for film and TV directly, yet. It is something he would love to do in the future.

David Empson (OI 1971 – 77) and The Reverend HF Steel

Old Ipswichian and ITFC Player

As a lifelong medal collector I was very fortunate a few years ago to acquire by sheer chance an Old Ipswichians Great War 1914 to 1918 medal set. I had no idea who Harry Steel was at the time or indeed my connection to him in several ways. With his WW1 medals came two silver medalets, these are usually for Sports or Cycling and I must confess I didn’t even look at them until I got home.

On checking the naming on the rims of the War medals it revealed them to be to “Rev H F Steel”, quite scarce amongst the millions who served that these were to a Clergyman. A Non-Combatant, but someone who volunteered to serve his Country.

The Clergy who went to war obviously took up no weapons, just a Bible, but some even won the Victoria

Cross or other Gallantry awards for their rescue efforts to the wounded, often in muddy no mans land. Many died beside the men they volunteered to serve with. Additionally, they would look after the spiritual needs of the men and no doubt many problems that happened back home from Dear John letters to tragic deaths of loved ones back home.

Harry was lucky to survive the war and came home again to be Vicar at All Saints Church Bradford, having previously also been Vicar at Saint John’s Church Ingrow. So, what are Harry’s local connections, firstly a quick search on the internet revealed to my amazement his Old Ipswichian status.

But it was the medalets which revealed a far more surprising story, both were for Ipswich Town Football club and it transpired Harry was a star player. Few of you will know how important Ipswich School was in the early ITFC Football history. Many Old Ipswichians played for the Club. When Harry started playing for them it was just an amateur side, his football career started in Queen Victorias reign but continued for 117 League Games during a rather successful run.

The Reverend Harry Steel played for Ipswich Town FC (then an amateur side) from the late 19th century until the 1911-12 season. His appearance in the side also roughly coincided with the advent of league football at Portman Road and, in 1904, Town lifted their very first championship trophy when they won the South East Anglia League.

An inside forward, or winger, Steel made a total of 117 league and cup appearances for the club, scoring an impressive 77 times. Eleven of these goals came in cup matches as Town won the Suffolk Senior Cup a record five times in a row. Steel found the back of the net in two of those cup finals, against Leiston in a 3-2 win in 1904, and again in 1908 as Town defeated Bury Alexandra 3-0. 77 Goals must put him very high in the top ITFC Goal scorers.

The two Medalets must be some of the earliest ITFC surviving prizes for a most interesting Footballer and Old Ipswichian. I am so glad I acquired his medals almost by chance, if any of you know more about him or his football career please email me on medalcollector1418@yahoo.co.uk

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

Andy recounts a story from his time at Ipswich School entitled ‘The Nemesis of the Tree Rat’ which was published in a Staff Newsletter introduced by Peter Boughton (OI 1958-69) called “The Issue”. Nemesis of the Tree Rat

During some lunch hours of warm summer days, I have taken to strolling the park opposite bearing gifts for the wildlife. Some birds but mainly grey squirrels avidly gorge on the nuts I have to offer. This I know to be an activity with its supporters and also its critics. Where I see a delightful pretty and friendly little creature, others see destructive pests verging on vermin. “Tree rats” was the jocular verdict of one recently departed member of staff! Like them or loathe them, they are an integral part of the urban park scene. And one that for now I am happy to support. But the contact has lead to a couple of sharp encounters.

Over a period, a growing trust gradually emerged with the “regulars”, in particular a wise old squirrel with impeccable table manners. The approach became ever nearer until he was happy to eat from an outstretched hand, even willing to climb aboard with two front paws.

The nuts were skilfully hoovered up with a velvet touch, scarcely perceptible to the outstretched digits. Clearly the pack leader, any challenger who dared to get in close was warned off with a nasal grunt. This meal ticket was his alone. I should have heeded his warning myself. Thinking to give a brave youngster close by the chance of human contact one day, the nut-filled hand of munificence was extended to him. As a razor-sharp incisor sank deep into the nearest finger, my error of judgement rapidly became apparent! I still contend it was inexperience rather than aggression, despite the

plaster and anti-tetanus shot. The tree rats were not through with me yet. On the day before start of Michaelmas term, I sat in the prep room talking to Rob who suddenly declared there was a squirrel behind me. Now, years of experience have taught me to recognise a wind-up when I hear one, but no, I turned to see framed in the open doorway a furry little fellow with a beautiful tail and determined glint in his eye. It was a hot day, he must have crossed the road and entered the front door, propped open for deliveries.

Down the corridor, and there he was, bold as brass. Being a smart soul, his next move was to check out an adjacent lab. Rob followed in and I grabbed a thick pair of gauntlets, thoughtfully provided by a colleague after the previous incident - “Andy’s Squirrel Armour”. We had him contained. The chase was on.

After two laps of the lab, he thought the window was a good option but had reckoned without the blind, which snagged him. I made a grab and secured the hind quarters, but those familiar front teeth were intent on their pound of flesh. Right through the glove they went. Never mind. At least the tetanus shot was up to date!

I hung on and caught him behind the neck, teeth forward. Locked solid in a double handhold, he stopped struggling and I took him back to the park. My concern was that he may have internal injury from the skirmish. That worry was eloquently answered by the speed with which he took off across the grass and straight up a distant tree. Tree rat? Vermin? Pest? I know what I was thinking, despite a second nip, as that handsome little chap streaked away unharmed and jubilant at his liberation.

Andy Green, Physics Lab Technician. With thanks to Rob for his help, Bill for the gloves and Matron for treatment.

Jeremy Barr (OI 1946 – 56)

I don’t suppose I am the only person to recollect embarrassing moments during their time at school but I doubt whether too many have been reminded by finding that moment published for posterity. I confess that to come across that publication in 2024, 68 years after the event, was quite a surprise.

It was then that I recalled my gaff in mispronouncing the word ‘hypothesis’ during our annual school ‘Declamations’. George Lyttelton, in his role as a Governor and as a

1998 – 13)

Hannah competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics as part of the Team GB Women’s Hockey team. Hannah had surgery to repair a broken thumb just days before receiving news of her selection for Paris. Hannah commented “It’s a dream come true to play at one Olympics, let alone two, but I’ve seen similar scenarios with both selections, given I had an injury before Tokyo, and an injury now.”

Earlier this year my son, Jon Barr (OI 1977 – 1982), and I happened to have a conversation about band leader and broadcaster Humphrey Lyttelton, and I mentioned that his father George was a Governor of the school during my time at Ipswich. Now Jon has an amazing ability to find ‘stuff ‘ on the internet and within moments had unearthed the publication of 6 volumes of letters between Old Etonians George Lyttelton and Rupert Hart-Davis and was immediately able to start reading from them.

former teacher at Eton, was judging our performance on that May Day in 1956. His summing up at the end of the afternoon homed in on my mistake and repeated my mispronunciation, followed by a tut tutting and the word “indeed!”.

As the individual letters are dated, Jon was able search through volume one and found reference to my error in George’s letter to Hart-Davis on the 9th of May 1956. I would add that his comments on others that day are equally unflattering.

The books are no longer published but copies are available on eBay. Hard backs still fetch a high price, but the six volumes were republished in the 1980s in three paperbacks and these, being modestly price, were immediately ordered. As they are still under copyright, I am unable to quote from them, but both the school and Old Ipswichians are mentioned repeatedly in unflattering terms as are the some of the folk of the county of Suffolk. He was also a Governor of Woodbridge School, and I can assure you they fare no better!

Despite these unkind references to the school and its old boys I have waded through the 1,000 pages and found them increasingly interesting and entertaining. George Lyttelton was a self-confessed snob, but he also appears to be surprisingly soft hearted and by the end I found myself liking the old boy.

I don’t know whether the shelves of the School Library contain, or ever contained, these volumes of letters. I do know from conversation many years ago with the late Headmaster Dr John Blatchly that he did not approve of George Lyttleton.

Given Lyttelton’s death in 1962 I doubt Dr Blatchly ever met him. However, as I have read through the six volumes I have asked myself whether John Blatchly had read the books and consequently would have had any volumes discreetly removed from the school library shelves. I guess, unlike my embarrassment in May 1956, that may well remain unknown.

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 London Correspondent of each of the Durban-edited website subscription news service, Africa Ports & Ships, and the Indian Maritime Foundation’s journal, Seagull, issued from Pune.

Hannah French (née Martin) (OI

John Winyard (OI 1954 – 61) and Richard Garrard (OI 1955 – 63)

A chance encounter… we met during the introductions to fellow passengers on the first evening while on a holiday cruise on the river Soane in France.

During discussions we found we both went to Ipswich School, John between 1954 and 1961 in Westwood, and Richard two years later in Holden. We talked many happy memories and experiences of staff and pupils, notably our very close mutual friend, Christopher Ellis-Hopwood (dec’d). We are both fortunate in being fit and well and able to visit the school again occasionally.

Rich Flower

(OI 1974 – 80)

Over the last year I have been working at a part-time course, Introduction to Christian Ministry, which is part of training for ministry. I am also in discernment regarding ordination as an Associate Priest.

I also stood to be elected to Gloucester City Council for the people of Westgate ward, as part of a strong panel of candidates for Labour. I was not elected, although I performed better than expected securing 483 votes in a non-target ward.

On a national level, I campaigned as part of a small but committed team

to get Alex McIntyre elected as MP for Gloucester, a bellweather seat. This was successful.

I have been involved with quizzing and have been playing skittles, with the nickname Corbyn. I recently scored 41 in a front-pin knock-out competition, which I’m told is good! I hope to carry forward this form into the league season, which will be much appreciated by my team-mates!

In January, my mother died, aged nearly 86. She had been afflicted with Alzheimer’s, a dreadful thing.

Andrew Tomlinson (OI 1973 – 78)

Joined HSBC straight from school in August 1978 and worked for them mainly as a Commercial / Corporate banker for 38 years.

I moved to Jersey in May 1983 which has been my home ever since. In Nov 2016 I moved to Barclays where I worked as a Credit Manager for four and a half years before retiring in April 2021. I was lucky enough to visit the school in April 2023 with my wife and it was lovely to go back to Westwood house and down memory lane.

James (Nick) Powell (OI 1968 – 74)

I can’t believe it’s 50 years since I left Ipswich School. After leaving school I had a gap year followed by studying for a degree in Biological sciences at Plymouth.

In the later part of the 70s science jobs were few and far between so I embarked on a career in sales firstly Estate agency with the Andrews group. In 1989 I travelled to New Zealand where I now live in the wonderful Bay of Plenty. I look forward to returning to Ipswich this summer and attending the 1994 leavers group in June along with my younger brother Robert (Matthew) OI (1968-74).

Steven Kirby (OI

1975

– 82)

Hello there. I’m still lucky enough to be alive and well and living in my Felixstowe retirement care home.

As you will have read previously I returned from Africa where I was teaching Modern Languages... to receive treatment for my alcoholism. I am lucky enough to be in contact with OIs Richard Woolf, Nick Hughes, Tim Whelhan, Martin Gilson and Andrew ‘Sam’ Gowar.

Still for my sins a supporter of Norwich City! If anyone fancies a chat or to visit me I’m on 01394 278480 or steven1.kirby@outlook.com

MARRIAGES

Emma Main (OI 2010 – 17)

married Oliver West in September 2023

Zoe Evers (OI 2010-17) was a bridesmaid. Other OIs were present as family, guests, and helpers.

Isaac Stirling (OI 2004 – 13) and Emily Barlow (née Barlow) (OI 2011 – 13) married on 3rd August 2024

I joined Ipswich Prep School for Year 5 in September 2004, and stayed until completing my A-levels in June 2013. Emily, my wife (which I haven’t been able to refer to her as for very long!) joined us from Lower Sixth in 2011.

We first met in August 2011 just before term started for some sort of induction day, and I personally was very excited to see that a lovely new young lady was joining me in Ms Clarke’s Rigaud form. Who would have thought that just under 13 years later we would be getting married! We started ‘going out’ together in February of 2013 after a romantic Valentine’s night out in Colchester with a brilliant group of friends (who are all still in touch) that formed not long after Lower Sixth started. Fuelled by the joys of social time in the Sixth Form Centre (“cotchin’ in the SFC”), time spent ‘revising together’ for A-levels, and under the watchful eyes of Ms Clarke and Mrs Davis (with supervision from Mr Beasant) our love blossomed into the very happy relationship we now have together.

Although we now live in Wiltshire - where we have access to Bristol for my wildlife filmmaking career and London for Emily’s brand strategy - we spend a lot of time in Suffolk still and were married in Battisford St Mary Church near Needham Market, with the reception just down the road in Emily’s family home.

It was of course the best day of our lives, and we feel very lucky to have shared it with our family and so many of our friends.

Of the aforementioned friendship group, Ollie Banatvala and Max Keeble

(both OIs 2003-13) were in fact my best men, whilst Ellie Butler (OI 2011-13) was one of Emily’s bridesmaids - along with our sisters Ella and Lily Stirling (OI 200208 & OI 2009-14), and Tash and Lizzie Barlow (OI 2011-16 & OI 2016-23)!

BIRTHS

Born on 5 December 2023 at St Georges Hospital of London (Tooting) a son Raif Anees Spencer Spettigue to Julian Spettigue (OI 1977-88) and Dr Asna Siddiqui. Mother and baby all healthy and fine.

Emma Baxter (née Knights) (OI 2007 – 14) and husband James celebrated their wedding as well as ITFC being promoted!

Emma found out that ITFC had secured promotion just minutes before she walked down the aisle!

It just so happens that the ITFC owners were staying in the same hotel. When the owners got back after much celebration in the evening they asked to come into the wedding and gave the happy couple an ITFC scarf and had photos taken making the special day even more memorable.

A day to remember! Congratulations Emma and James.

Richard Whymark (OI 1988 – 93)

When Richard left school he hadn’t a clue what he wanted to do. He says; “I was dabbling in photography (with film) and making silly short films with friends from the School including Guy Hussey (OI 1986-93), Marcus O’Neill (OI 1989-96), Tom Warren (OI 198593), Ben Gallon (OI 1982-90), Alex Parkinson (OI 1986-93) and Tora Bagnall (1989-91). Alex Parkinson is now a Hollywood director.

My A-level results were pretty poor so I went to America and got into the University of Texas at Austin to study broadcast journalism. It was here that I discovered underground radio and DIY music. It was life-changing.

After two years producing and directing live television and radio, Richard was strongly advised by American immigration to return to England. He went to London in 2000 and started working for one of the few

Guy Main (OI 1969 – 79)

Whilst it was still possible for them all to compete in the same event, Guy Main (OI 1969-79), Charlie Main (OI 2006-13) and Will Main (OI 2012-19) took part in the Oxford half marathon in October 2023.

One of the brothers has, since lockdown, become a proficient and speedy runner, and competed in many events. The other is an allround sportsman, although not (usually) a distance runner. They matched each other for the first half and eventually finished not far apart, in a quick time. Dad was pleased with his time too.

live streaming companies in Europe at the time.

He travelled to Europe, Australia and the United States directing concert films for bands and record labels; it was a wide spectrum of music from J Mascis through Missy Elliott and the Spice Girls to Deep Purple and Chumbawamba.

Now in 2023 he is promoting his book about Austin’s underground music scene in the 90s - A Curious Mix Of People. The book documents a city in flux, dealing with growing pains expanding from sleepy artsy American college town into a high tech city. Thinking back to his time at Ipswich School, Richard has great memories of the Library as a peaceful place to escape the noise, read Private Eye or NME and get his homework done! He says, “The Liberal Arts were always enjoyable and the teachers were fantastic. I particularly remember Ed Cavendish (History), Alex Burnett (English), and Elizabeth Lewis (English). Richard Kitchen took us to the Edinburgh Fringe to put on a jazz musical version of Midsummer Night’s Dream - that was an amazing experience.”

Charlie, Will and I at the end of the Oxford half Marathon run.

Olivia Canham (OI 2004 – 19)

Olivia celebrates the first birthday of her business ‘Roekate’ since its launch. Olivia’s brand, Roekate, is a range of sustainable athleisure wear for the ecoconscious consumer. Made in the UK all the range is made from the finest natural and eco-friendly fibres to create loungewear that is kind to the planet as well as being luxurious.

After Ipswich School Olivia went to Durham university to study Politics, International Relations, Theology and Sociology. During her time at Durham she did a sustainability internship at the British-born, Norfolk based demi-fine jewellery brand Monica Vinader, and continued to work with them whilst completing her

final year and launching Roekate, so it was one busy year!

She then joined the MV team full time in September 2023 and still works for them alongside running her business. Olivia states “I am lucky because everything I do is impact driven, and that is what I love, making a difference to people and the planet.”

To find out more about Olivia’s Roekate brand visit: https://roekate.co.uk/

Letter to the editor

Dear Sirs,

The control and management of the OI Club has changed, as decided at the most recent AGM. The new rules of the Club were not at that time fully drafted.

The onus is now on the school to consistently demonstrate that OIs are better served by the new structure.

Yours faithfully,

– Guy Main (1969 – 79)

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.

Alan Freeman (OI 1943 – 46)

Died 30th June 2023

Alan Richardson (OI 1947 – 57)

Died 4th August 2019

Brian Blomfield (OI 1947 – 53)

Clive Eaton (OI 1961 – 68)

Died 31st July 2011

Colin Curtis (OI 1967 – 78)

Died 16th June 2018

David Cooke (OI 1942 – 51)

David Lingham (OI 1941 – 49)

Died 29th November 2023

David Young (OI 1952 – 58)

Died December 2021

Derek Cole (OI 1943 – 48)

Died 16th March 2024

Dr James Helme (OI 1945 – 48)

Died 4th July 2023

Edward Ungless (OI 1947 – 55)

Died January 2024

Timothy Townshend (OI 1958 – 67)

We are sorry to report the passing of Timothy Townshend who died on 30th July 2024.

Memories of Tim:

We joined the prep in the same year, although Tim was a couple of years my senior. He had a notable career, particularly in the literary, musical and drama fields. He was head of Westwood, then read Law at

Herbert Golding (OI 1943 – 48)

Died 15th January 2024

Hugh Cochrane (OI 1959 – 71)

John Knights (OI 1947 – 57)

John Saunders (OI 1943 – 53)

Died 21 February 2024

Malcolm Piper (OI 1943 – 51)

Died 5th August 2023

Malcolm Spray (OI 1946 – 57)

Died October 2019

Mark Jarmen (OI 1966 – 76)

Died 12th May 2024

Michael (Mike) Avis (OI 1981 – 88)

Died 12th February 2024

Paul Child (OI 1958 – 64)

Rev Charles Townshend (OI 1952 – 59)

Died July 2020

Simon Everitt (OI 1974 – 81)

Died 24th April 2024

Pembroke College, Cambridge and then went to Lincoln’s Inn to qualify as a barrister, where he was awarded a Thomas Moore Bursary. He joined one of the counsel chambers in Norwich and subsequently was appointed to the judiciary as a chairman of a First Tier Mental Health Tribunal.

Subsequently, I co-founded a solicitor’s firm in Norwich and my

litigation partners often instructed him because of his reputation. I used to run into him as the local legal fraternity at that time was quite collegiate, or walking round the city.

Tim, like many of us, had an Irish lineage, but his father was a vicar who subsequently had a parish near Norwich, where Tim was born. After many years of ill health, he died of Motor Neurone Disease at the Priscilla Bacon Hospice, possibly about a mile from where he was living.

I attended Tim’s funeral. He was well-respected, which was evidenced

I am very sorry to read of the sad passing of Tim Townshend. We both joined the school by starting at Hugh and Olive Gleave’s Junior House as boarders in September 1958 - he, then aged 9, in Prep B, and myself, at 8 being the youngest boarder at the School in Prep C. We both moved up to Westwood in September 1962, so we were together through his time at school.

We shared what I would say was a rather modest interest in sports; I recall that his talents lay more in the literary and related fields, and that he enjoyed taking part in school plays and being a chorister, for example.

by the fact that there was standing room only, with the service being relayed outside by loud speaker, which I had not previously witnessed. As well as being an ardent supporter of the OI Club, he was also a good citizen of Norwich. I understand that he was sometimes president of both The Norfolk Club and the Norwich Housing Society, as well as a patron of the

John Green (OI 1947 – 56)

Another contemporary gone! John is standing on the far right, back row in this photo of the Prefects in 1955. He also appears in the school photo of that year and we are again alongside each other in that picture.

My earliest memory of him was as my opponent in my first ever boxing match for Holden House. I was told that I stood no chance as he was an experienced boxer. That was an incentive for me to fly off my stool as soon as George Notcutt called “Seconds out, first round - begin” and laid into John as he attempted to leave his corner. A successful tactic!

John spent his early working life in the Far East and returned in the 1980s to open a shop in Hamilton Road, Felixstowe. I was a frequent

I think that (as I only quite recently discovered I have too) he had some Irish family connections. Anyway, at one time early on my conception of Ireland was that it was just one “place”. Using a school cap, Tim very carefully explained to me that Ireland was divided into two: pointing out that the larger part was known as “Eire” (rather than Ireland), and that only the smaller part, represented by the peak of the cap, was really “Ireland” (Northern Ireland of course).

We kept in touch occasionally at times of reunions, and I gathered that Tim remained a staunch supporter of the school.

Norwich Festival and on the boards of the Norwich Hospital and the Stuart Court Memorial Society, together with various musical interests. The esteem he was held in was demonstrated at the Crematorium, which may have surprised him.

When Hugh Gleave was headmaster of the prep, he gave the impression that he did not necessarily want to

He became quite a distinguished lawyer ‒ a barrister in fact ‒ too. Tim had an incisive sense of humour and strong feelings for what is right, which also helped to make him good company.

My condolences to his family and friends.

turn out the brightest boy but ideally a good citizen. In Tim he achieved both. He was no Lowry “matchbox man”, but a character, who will be sadly missed, so I send my condolences to his family and friends.

– Terence Blackford (OI 1958 – 70)

visitor as his stock included many good second hand books. He came up trumps when I asked him to look for a rare book about Hetty Wesley (sister of John Wesley) by Quiler Q, an American friend who was researching her story had requested it.

He phoned one day to say that a copy had turned up at the bottom of a box of books he had bought at auction.

– Jeremy Barr (OI 1946 ‒ 56)

Paul St John Turner (OI 1958 – 68)

Richard Peters

(OI 1979 – 81)

Died 2nd June 2024

Richard had a gap year, worked in Ipswich for about 6 months and then in the summer of 1982 travelled with school friend Richard Hudson to the Arctic Circle from Vancouver.

Richard then went on to St Catherine’s College, Oxford to study Geography, where he also became very involved with the College rowing society. Richard rowed for his college and held various positions on the committee. He graduated in 1985.

After graduating, Richard joined Coopers and Lybrand (now Price Waterhouse and Coopers (PWC)) in London and trained as a chartered accountant. Having had a taste of travelling, Richard asked for an overseas posting and went to Harare, Zimbabwe in 1989. He worked there for a year before being transferred to Ndola, Zambia.

Richard then moved to Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam in 2001 and worked there for the rest of his career. During this time Richard became a Partner. Richard was diagnosed with neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer in 2017, at his annual health insurance check up and started treatment.

In 2019 Richard decided to retire early, move back to his house in Claygate, Surrey and continued to pursue his passion for travelling while he still had his health. He went to visit his sister in New Zealand in 2020 and then to a friends in Melbourne, Australia. They had tickets to watch the Grand Prix and saw the first day of racing before Richard flew back to the UK due to the COVID outbreak.

Over the next three years Richard visited friends and colleagues in Vietnam between treatments; his last trip being November 2023. Unfortunately his health took a turn for the worse in February this year and he passed away on 2nd June, his funeral was held in Leatherhead.

– Kathryn Taylor (Richard’s sister)

Memories of Richard:

I recall that Richard joined the sixth form at Ipswich School in 1979 after his family moved to nearby Westerfield. Though starting his life in Felixstowe, his father’s job meant they moved a number of times and Richard had previously been at Watford Grammar and the Perse School in Cambridge. Richard came into Holden House and whilst he and I didn’t overlap in subjects (Richard being primarily a geographer), we became good friends and regular, if not quite front running, members of the cross country team. We also, along with Mark Hawtin, managed to persuade the school in the summer that our games days could be spent playing golf. This was having borrowed Richard’s mum’s car to get around. A very enjoyable set up.

Richard was super organised, a characteristic he retained through life. At school he very efficiently organised most of the Holden House events. A situation that as Head of House I was very happy about! If Richard hadn’t just arrived in the sixth form I am sure he would have been the Head of House.

Both Richard and I wanted to have a gap year before starting university and slowly came up with a joint plan to travel round the wilder parts of western Canada and Alaska. We worked for 9 months, Richard with the HMRC office in Ipswich and myself at

a fledgling software company (started by an ex-Ipswich School physics teacher). This gave us the princely sum of $10 a day all in for a 3 month trip. Not a lot even in 1982!

We landed in Vancouver in early June and spent a few days of preparation hosted by an eccentric old family contact. This contact kindly dropped us in the Whistler ski resort after a somewhat terrifying drive up from Vancouver. The ski season had just finished and we camped on one of the main pistes, just out of sight of the town.

After naively cooking up sausages, we soon found we had a couple of black bears wanting to join us. A memorable first night and we very quickly learned to cook, wash and sleep in separate locations. Food always had to be stored up a tree to prevent overnight animal thefts.

uniformly friendly locals, truckers, fellow travellers and holiday makers. It was the time of the Falklands war and many, especially the Canadians, responded very positively to seeing the union jack we had with us. Richard and I got on incredibly well and I don’t recall any major disagreements. Even when on one occasion in a remote, notorious spot we didn’t get a lift until our third day of hitching. He naturally had a very positive approach to life and would typically see the humorous side of even quite bleak situations. We did however exhaust pretty much all conversation topics in those 3 months and amicably went our separate ways on getting back to the UK. After completing his geography degree at St Catherine’s College, Oxford, Richard spent much of his working life overseas in Africa and South East Asia.

In the next 3 months we managed to stick (just) to our $10/day budget by camping in our very small 2 man tent and getting around on foot or by hitchhiking. We travelled east as far as Calgary and north as far as Inuvik on the shores of the Arctic Ocean. We also stopped off to go hiking in some of the spectacular national parks. This included a week in Mount McKinlay (now Denali) park where we saw more grizzly bears than humans.

In all we hitchhiked nearly 8,000 miles and met a huge array of

When our paths did cross it was great catching up and reminiscing on

our school and travel experiences. This included more recently a trip to the Emirates stadium, where Richard was a season ticket holder, to happily watch Arsenal in winning form. It is very sad to think that there will be no more catch ups or reminiscing. I regret not seeing him more often in recent years when he was largely based back in the UK. Richard was very successful in his working life as a senior partner with PWC and was instrumental in overseeing huge growth in PWC’s Vietnam practice where he lived for many years. At the same time though he always remained the easy going, generous and friendly man I remember travelling with.

– Richard Hudson (OI 1974 – 81)

Richard had many memories of his time at Ipswich School and was a generous donor to the Founding Futures bursary campaign. Attached is a photo he sent me of the 1981 Holden House dinner held in the Town Hall (Richard Peters speaking, Richard Hudson OI is sitting far left, Mike Bannan, teacher and Head of Holden is to RP’s right).

– Richard Wilson (OI 1970 – 81)

Holden House dinner, 1982. Richard Peters (speaking) Richard Hudson OI (far left) Mike Bannan, teacher, and Head of Holden (right).

Malcolm Webster (OI 1949 – 59)

Died 30th March 2024

Malcolm and I joined the Prep School together in September 1949 and saw our learning right through to the end of our secondary education.

He was a good friend and we got together many times outside of school. My abiding memory of him was while he was working in South Africa at the same time as I was also out there! We made contact and I drove from Cape Town to Durban to meet up with him for a few days over Christmas 1967 – it was so hot and humid that all we could manage for Christmas Lunch was a ham sandwich and a beer on Durban beach! It was great to see him again during our overseas careers.

– Richard Wadwell (OI

1949 ‒ 60)

Richard Moss (OI 1952 – 62) Died 14th October 2023

Tim Bowler and I attended the funeral of Richard Moss, who died age 77 on 14 October after a short illness.

Strangely, very little was said about Richard during the service itself - perhaps this typified his inherent modesty - but we were able to talk to his son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren after the funeral and share stories of his time with Clerical Medical (in my case I knew Richard from the mid-sixties, when I worked next door to the Clerical Medical office in Ipswich, Suffolk).

Richard was highly regarded in the village of Gilwern, near Abergavenny, where he lived in retirement, as evident from the comments of friends and neighbours and the number attending the parish church - in a rather remote location a mile or two from the village centre along a single-track road and surrounded by farmland.

His charming nature, unfailing politeness, being always smartly dressed and the delight he took in the achievements of others are characteristics we ex-Clerics also remember. ‘A perfect gentleman’ was a common view.

We also learned something we knew almost nothing about. Richard made a significant contribution to the equestrian sport of eventing (dressage, show jumping and cross country), an activity he shared with his late wife during her lifetime.

– Michael Greenwood

A tribute is on the British Eventing website:

“As a long-standing member of British Eventing, Richard had a true passion for the sport which saw him give much of his time to it tirelessly upon his retirement. Fence judging both at home and abroad at some extremely high-profile events including three consecutive Olympic Games, namely Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 and London 2012. Richard also supported British Eventing as a Controller for a time but was probably most at home at the Start Box.

British Eventing extend their sincere condolences to Richard’s family and friends during this difficult time and would also like to acknowledge his valuable support of the sport.”

Tim Stanley-Clarke (OI 1964 – 65)

Died June 2017

Tim Stanley-Clarke, who has died aged 70, was an expert on fortified wines who was revered in the trade and beyond it for the ebullience of his character, his talents as a mimic and practical joker, and his inventive use of English.

These qualities, allied to a passion for port, ensured that he was highly prized not only as chairman of winejudging panels, but at tastings hosted by university wine societies and elements of the Armed Forces.

All knew that ‘Filing Clerk’, as he referred to himself, would deliver a performance of irreverent erudition involving protracted ‘product familiarisation’ and liberal consumption of ‘superfluous samples’

For more than 30 years StanleyClarke was associated with the Symington family, owners of Dow’s, Graham’s, Warre’s and much else. Auberon Waugh, in his memoir Will This Do?, described him as ‘the Symingtons’ inspired public-relations manager”.

The validity of that assessment was demonstrated in 1989 when StanleyClarke devised a cricket match in Oporto for which he recruited David Gower and Allan Lamb.

Gower had been a friend since scoring three centuries against Australia in the 1985 Ashes, earning himself – courtesy of a bet – three bottles of pre-First World War port, which Stanley-Clarke was responsible for unearthing. Given that Gower was captain of England at the time, it was

understandable that the flight home attracted the attention of television crews and the press.

Tim Stanley-Clarke was born at Crediton, Devon, on January 29 1947. His mother, Gwen, was a concert pianist and violinist who abandoned her career after marrying Arthur Stanley-Clarke, whose own obituary was headlined “Playboy Who Started at the Top and Worked His Way Down”. Most of Timothy’s childhood was spent in British Columbia.

When his parents returned to England in 1965, he briefly attended Ipswich School, before joining Fortnum & Mason as a trainee in its wine department. After a stint in British Columbia with the Liquor Control Board, he returned to Britain to work as a salesman for Hatch Mansfield, then for Percy Fox and Dolamore, until, in 1978, he became sales director at Christopher & Co –agents for Dow’s Port.

In 1984 the Symington family appointed him a director of their UK importer, John E Fells. In 1995 he became a consultant to Fells, and took on public relations and marketing for Bouchard Père et Fils, William Fèvre and Henriot Champagne. He chaired the port judging at the International Wine

and Spirit Competition, as well as the panel at the International Wine and Spirit Challenge, and served as a judge at many other wine shows.

Away from work, he was an unflagging fundraiser for Marie Curie and, latterly, a church warden. Two of his most treasured possessions were photographs of his father: one from the Illustrated London News, listing Arthur – erroneously – as dead, after being gassed near Ypres in 1915; the other showing him in the biplane in which he won the MC.

Stanley-Clarke exhibited characteristic spirit when ambushed by what proved a fatal lung condition, assuring friends, in messages headed “Texit”, that morphine was remarkably like 20-year-old Tawny.

He married Emma (née Carter) in 1975. The marriage was dissolved and in 1994 he married, secondly, Dounie (née Mackay), who survives him with a son from his first marriage.

– Taken from the Telegraph publication (15 March 2024)

Jeremy Pratt (OI 1952 – 63)

So farewell, Jeremy Joseph Ronald, or Jerry as we knew him in our form. Three memories involving Jerry come to mind ranging from the classical, through the modern to the scary.

Some ancient OIs will recall that we were given Latin names by Cabby Stonex, such as the splendid Millingtonius Magnus, the mundane Faber for me or plain Oxley where Cabby had given up completely.

No doubt owing to his older brother Nigel, Jerry had the numerical handle Prattus Secundus, often to be seen chalked together with Faber on the blackboard’s “Cab Rank” for Friday detention.

Sophie Meudec (Staff 1993 – 24)

Sophie Meudec was a valued member of the Modern Language Department at Ipswich School from 1993 until 2024.

Memories of Sophie:

I was a student at Ipswich School from 2015 to 2022. I studied French at GCSE and then continued it at A-level where I was then persuaded and inspired, through several channels, to continue my passion of French at university.

During GCSEs, before the COVID lockdown, Madame Meudec came to our classroom on a weekly basis to help us practice our French speaking skills. She made what could’ve been an incredibly nerve-racking and awkward experience fun and exciting!

When I entered Sixth Form I remember being unbelievably nervous as I made my way up the stairs to

The Pratt brothers were a touch ahead of me in the motor vehicle stakes, owning between them a magnificent green Austin 7 exfishmonger’s van with curious, elliptical rear windows and a dark blue 1938 Morris 8 saloon. Somehow I ended up buying my first car, the Morris 8, from Jerry for £8 7s 6d.

Jerry once proudly showed me an intact German incendiary bomb that had dropped on their Nacton home in WW2. We debated whether to scrape some magnesium from it to repeat Tom Glover’s experiments with magnesium ribbon but some innate sense of self-preservation kicked in, giving us another 60 years.

– David Smith (OI 1956 ‒ 64)

I knew Jeremy well and we remained friends right up until his

Madame Meudec’s office for my first ever one on one speaking lesson which I knew would have to continue for the next two years.

I vividly remember taking deep breaths before entering what I thought could be the dragon’s den! I was instead welcomed by the warm and vivacious Madame Meudec who instantly put me at ease and made the hour long session fly by!

Every week after that was filled with laughter and joy, I couldn’t wait to see her each week and would always be intrigued by what we would talk about. When it got closer and closer to A-levels, I became concerned about my grammar skills and Madame Meudec kindly set aside her own time to have extra sessions with me where I massively improved my French.

During my actual A-level Oral exam Madame Meudec made me feel as if it was just another one of our weekly

untimely death. Jeremy was an engineer and in his twenties had a penchant for old cars. One of these – a very early Post Office van, which was named “Elo” after its number plate, is I think, still to be occasionally seen near Ipswich.

But one enduring (if indirect) memory of “Jem” is the occasion he decided to remove the preselector gearbox from his current jalopy, a 1934 Lanchester, strip it down to its component parts, service and reassemble. The stripping down took place on his mother’s kitchen table, while she was out of the house.

Needless to say, the task took longer than he thought and the oily viscera of the gearbox were still spread out on the kitchen table when “Ma” returned... The rest of the story is probably best left to the reader’s imagination!

– Stephen P G Collins (OI 1955 ‒ 63)

chats where her smile made my worries disappear! When receiving my mark on A-level results day I was informed that I had achieved full marks in the oral exam which I knew was, in fact, mostly down to the hard work and dedication of Madame Meudec who inspired me to reach my full potential. I never got the opportunity to thank her in person for her commitment to the students at Ipswich School and how she genuinely changed my life. I am now in my second year at the University of Bristol studying French and International Business Management and I am about to embark on my year abroad in France next year; I can only hope that all the new French people I meet will be even slightly as patient and kind as Madame Meudec was to me throughout my school years.

– Olivia Macdonnell-Hannah (OI 2015 ‒ 22)

Reginald Mills (OI 1964 – 71)

Reginald - universally ‘Reg’ except to his Mum - was the only child of Reg (senior) and Elsie, she perhaps the kindest ‘grown up’ I knew as a child, and I am sure, a wonderful mother.

Four months age difference spanning the summer meant he and I were in different academic years, but both being scholarship boys with fervently socialist fathers, living in the same part of town, and not from privileged backgrounds meant we were friends out of school, and soon formed a bond that lasted a lifetime.

Both being a tad rebellious at school, it was maybe surprising that ‘in spite of ourselves’ (a song of one of Reg’s favourite artists, John Prine) we ended up with reasonably successful careers. Andy Gregory can take some credit for that.

In Reg’s case, his career, in IT, was not only UK based but took him to Ireland and South Africa where he and late wife Chris counted amongst their friends ministers in the first Mandela government, and Chris elected to

deploy her nursing skills not in the prosperous white suburbs but in the predominantly black districts around Johannesburg. A return to the UK was precipitated by a refusal to renew his work permit as the role was reserved for a black South African. In the 25 years that followed I never heard one word of resentment.

Sadly, a respiratory illness kicked in soon after and he passed, as it happens 48 years to the day after he was best man at the wedding of my wife, Lesley, and I.

We will both miss him, not least because throughout he remained a mentor - in Lesley’s case on the subject of the flora in our garden, and in mine

He and Chris parented two wonderful cosmopolitan daughters. Sarah and Alexandra (‘Lexi’) are testament to the fact that a liberal, unapologetically secular, and somewhat bohemian lifestyle can produce grounded, rounded, empathetic happy children.

Our time at School did not mould us; sixty years ago, establishments of the kind were less adept at dealing with non-conformity than they are now. Nevertheless, Reg looked back at those years warmly and life-long friendships were formed. For more than fifty years we shared many adventures en famille.

At a gathering before Christmas 2023, Reg was his usual self with annoyingly Peter Pan looks and full flowing mane of hair.

the wine in our cellar. On both subjects he was knowledgeable and enthusiastic.

He also loved contemporary music and cricket, was a humanist, sometimes a contrarian, wonderful father and friend who enriched lives.

Reginald Mills pictured on left

Anthony Florance (OI 1945 – 56)

Died 25th January 2024

Anthony Kenelm Florance was born at the Alexandra Nursing Home in Lowestoft on 17 May 1937. The eldest son of Canon Henry Kenelm Florance and Nancy Adelaide Florance, he spent his childhood living in Suffolk with his younger siblings, Caroline and James (Jim OI 1952 - 62), and he joined Ipswich School in 1945.

Superb teaching at Ipswich School propagated his love of Classics, especially Ancient Greek, a subject that he took at University going up to the prestigious Kings College London.

Not only did Anthony complete his Classics degree, but he also gained his AKC - becoming an Associate of Kings College - a course still being run today to foster an understanding of different beliefs and cultures. Indeed, Anthony contemplated entering the Church.

On graduating from Kings College, Anthony took his knowledge of the

Classics into Law and “Articled” with a family firm of solicitors in Paddington.

It is at Kings College, where he met Sheena who became his wife in 1964, who was studying also in London.

Anthony found a job back in East Anglia working as a Solicitor at the Norwich Union, and he and Sheena lived in Framingham Earl, near Norwich in a house that they built together with a fine woodland and wetland garden, with stunning examples of azaleas and rhododendrons which would always be at their peak around Anthony’s birthday in May.

1968 saw the arrival of Robert, their first-born son, followed three years later by Alastair.

In 1970, and at the age of 33, Anthony was promoted to the Norwich Union Executive, becoming at the time, its youngest ever Executive member, a position that he held until

his retirement from what became Aviva. As Senior Solicitor for Norwich Union, Anthony was extremely well respected, evidenced by the wonderful retirement party held in his honour. One of his toughest and most rewarding projects was introducing the new Data Protection Policy and Processes to the company, following the Data Protection Act of 1988.

Although he retired from Aviva at the age of 55, he did not retire from work. He was invited to join the Sue Ryder Foundation charity, working three days a week directly with Lady Ryder of Warsaw where one of his achievements was bringing the charity up to date with its governance, processes and practices,

On proper retirement from work Anthony spent 25 wonderful and thoroughly deserved retirement years with Sheena, talking holidays around Europe, Canada and the UK, enjoying their four grand children and continuing his love of music.

Music has always been a core to Anthony’s life - he embarked upon his church organ playing passion from the age of 14, leading the music element of church services for almost every weekend, and for weddings and funerals (many of which he would do for free, such as was his faith and love of the Church as the centre of the community).

Anthony regretfully stopped playing the organ due to ill health 72 years later, in the early Autumn of 2023 - a record number of years, perhaps?

Many churches in Norfolk and Suffolk benefited from Anthony’s musical gift as an organist - the benefices of Howe, Framingham Earl and Poringland where he was choir master for a number of years, and most recently the four parishes of the Thurton Benefice, including St Andrew’s Church, Framingham Pigot in south Norfolk, where a Thanksgiving Service for Anthony was held on 19 February 2024.

He also sang, as a Bass in the Norwich Philharmonic Choir, and the Keswick Singers, sometimes under world famous conductors such as Sir Norman Del Mar and Peter Aston and would also pro-bono tutor and accompany singers and woodwind players.

He was an excellent artist and amusing cartoonist - and there are a

Memories of Anthony:

Anthony and I were Prefects together in 1955/56. In the photograph he is the second from the right in the back row. ‘The Ipswichian’ of October 1956 includes information about his school achievements under Valete Praefecti and I assume are available in the School archive. (Editor: They are.)

– H J G Barr (Jerry Barr) (OI 1946 ‒ 56)

few paintings that he did in homes in the area - one being of Norwich Cathedral and Lower Close, painted for an hour every Sunday over a few weeks on location whilst his son Robert sang at evensong as a chorister.

The other great passion of Anthony was nature, gardening and the countryside. Nurtured from a young boy when his mother would take him for walks in the Suffolk countryside and when he would help out during the harvest in Suffolk as a teenager, led to an encyclopaedic knowledge of plants, trees and insects. He was Chair of Framingham Earl Parish Council for a number of years too.

Anthony’s impact was veiled by modesty. He achieved so much in his lifetime through a work ethic that never put himself first and he would often be genuinely surprised when he was congratulated on an achievement, such as when he and Sheena were invited to a Buckingham Palace Garden Party for their combined contributions to society.

He was a person of the highest integrity and he will be missed greatly.

– Alastair Florance

Kerry Lee Crabbe (OI 1957 – 64)

Died March 2024

My friend Kerry Lee Crabbe, a playwright, screenwriter, lyricist and teacher, who has died aged 77, described himself as a “freelance human”. A passionate belief in human rights was something he shared with Harold Pinter, a friend and mentor over several decades.

This led to Kerry’s happiest experience: adapting Pinter’s novel The Dwarfs for the stage. It was filmed and screened on BBC4 in 2002 and produced at the Tricycle theatre in 2003.

At Cambridge University in the late 1960s, he acted (including as a memorable Playboy of the Western World), directed, and wrote plays and sketches for the Footlights. After university he became a trainee at Granada Television, and while there helped adapt Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1976), produced by and starring Laurence Olivier.

For his play Rough Magic (1980), he was nominated most promising playwright by the Evening Standard, but despite critical acclaim, Kerry often felt his work never lived up to that promise and he had bouts of severe depression.

Despite this, he wrote and adapted several plays and 10 screenplays including Memoirs of a Survivor (1981), based on Doris Lessing’s novel. His favourite was The Playboys (1992), starring Albert Finney. Its producer, Simon Perry, has written that what made Kerry a fine writer of drama was his own human warmth, which he lent to his characters.

Kerry was born in Ipswich, Suffolk, to Joan (née Mason), who worked for the Inland Revenue, and Lee Crabbe, a project manager for the design of farm machinery. He went to Ipswich school and then to Trinity College, Cambridge, in 1965 to study English.

As well as writing, Kerry was an engaged and inspiring teacher, first at the National Film and Television School and later for the Royal Literary Fund, the Open University, Kingston and Roehampton universities, the London Film School and London Film Academy. He also, increasingly, taught abroad, particularly enjoying his work in Africa, Asia and Cuba, where he was an honorary professor at the LatinAmerican film school founded by Fidel Castro and Gabriel García Márquez.

He wrote many song lyrics with his composer friend Daryl Runswick, writing, as he said (quoting Pinter), “with his left hand”. An album of their songs, One More Day (1981), was recorded by Cleo Laine.

Kerry’s first marriage ended in divorce, and his second wife died of cancer, as did one of his partners from his several other relationships. He never stopped caring for all his partners. You can’t just stop caring, he wrote to me, adding that his therapist said this made his life complicated. Humans are complicated, he replied. He is survived by his sister, Bridget, and two nephews and a niece.

Antoinette Moses, the Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/ stage/2024/mar/15/kerry-leecrabbe-obituary

Memories of Kerry:

I was very sorry to read that Kerry has died. He was in the same class as me until we went our separate ways in the 6th form. I remember him as being very artistic, always very polite too. I think he went onto big things in directing plays in London.

I last met up with him at the 50th anniversary of my year at the summer luncheon 2014. Sadly another one gone since that reunion. We weren’t close friends but I had a lot of respect for his acting talents at school. Seem to remember he produced a form play ‘Dr Faustus’ where he dragged us mere mortals into trying to be actors!! RIP Kerry.

– David Wilson (OI 1954 ‒ 65)

Kerry and I were friends throughout his time at Ipswich School.

We first met up when Kerry joined the Senior School in 1957. At the time Kerry lived just a few houses away from me in Tuddenham Road, Ipswich.

Throughout his time at the School, Kerry always had a leaning towards “The Arts”. He performed in many plays including Peer Gynt, Doctor Faustus, Volpone, Major Barbara and others. He even tried his hand at Producing some. Whilst at the school he also wrote several plays, and was a member of the Literary and Dramatic Society.

I remember there was a small group of us namely Kerry Crabbe (1957-64), Steve Watson (1959-64) David Friend (1952-63), and myself (1953-64) and we would sometimes meet up after school. In our teenage years, I recall we used to go to parties at David Friend’s parents’ house in Lower Road, Westerfield, when they were out! Those were the days when you had to rely on your parents to ferry you there and back.

The four of us would sometimes sneak off to the notorious Gondolier coffee bar in Upper Brook Street, Ipswich. The “Gon” as it was colloquially known, was downstairs in a cellar below the shop which sold and roasted coffee beans - a very evocative roasted coffee aroma always wafted around the junction with the Buttermarket.

The Gondolier was well known locally, as it was the first espresso coffee bar to open in Ipswich, having been opened in 1957 by the glamour model Sabrina – it closed in 1964. I remember the coffee bar was very crowded, dimly lit and we would sit around chatting and making a cup of coffee last for ages listening to The Beatles, Gerry & The Pacemakers, Freddy & The Dreamers and many others on the jukebox.

Kerry left Ipswich School in 1964 and went on to Trinity, Cambridge to read English. He continued to write and adapt many plays, which were performed on television and in theatres. He taught in many institutions at home and abroad.

I was very pleased to have known Kerry and been one of his school friends, my only regret was that we lost touch with each other after leaving school.

– John Skeates (OI 1953 ‒ 64)

I remember he was fond of Fives, and quite skilled at the game, but for me, likewise an Ipswichian by birth, but mine two years before that of Kerry’s, his name will irrevocably be associated with his own, singlehanded production of Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus which was performed in the then newly constructed Great School in early 1963.

Preparations for the production were launched with an audition in Sherwood Block’s Room Ten one afternoon after school.

As far as I can recall, no staff were involved with the mounting of this work; Kerry led the way with a seemingly effortless and certainly inspired visionary energy.

Doctor Faustus, most likely to have been the first dramatisation of the Faust legend when it was written in either 1592 or 1593, is in blank verse with prose tending to be reserved for the comic scenes, and charts the protagonist’s inexorable movement towards the dark arts when science, logic, theology and law have been perceived by Faustus to have failed him.

Historically, the play has disturbed people due to its dramatic interaction with the demonic realm, and for some reason and after sixty years, I have no explanation for this, but Kerry asked me to play Lucifer, Prince of Darkness, a role I was to fulfil on the

Great School stage that was to see me entering the action from the wings dressed like a Hollywood mogul and smoking a cigarette.

Demonic music was required, and so excerpts from the works of the modernist American composer Edgar Varése embellished the evening’s performance with their apocalyptic outbursts and crushing brass crescendos as Faustus, having rejected God and admitted to some of his scholars that he has bargained away his soul, is finally propelled into the jaws of Hell.

All this was over sixty years ago. Thank you Kerry, for this intense and matchless experience.

– Richard Staines (OI 1951 ‒ 63)

Caroline Gordon (OI 1975 – 77) Died 5th May 2024

I am very sorry to have to report the passing of Caroline Gordon on Sunday 5th May 2024 following a short illness.

Caroline was one of the first girls to enter the lower 6th for ‘A’ levels back in 1975. She was fun, hard working, full of common sense and a great friend to many, including me, I am privileged to say.

She will be greatly missed by her two daughters and brother, as well as all her friends.

– Kate Kincaid (née Walker) (OI 1975 – 77)

Memories of Caroline:

I was very sorry to hear the news of Caroline who I remember very fondly…she was one of my best friends at school. We spent a lot of time together at her house which was accessible from the school grounds beyond the sports pavilion.

– Russell Simpson (OI 1969 – 77) Obituaries

Brian Bolton (OI 1947 – 58)

Died 14th April 2024

Following a summons to the Prefects’ Room one day in 1952, Brian and I each received four strokes with the same gym shoe from the same prefect for the same offence – bashing each other with knotted rugger socks. This was only one of many life experiences Brian and I were to share.

Having been born in 1940 within only 3 weeks of each other, we first met in form 1A at Ipswich School in September 1951. Later, courtesy of Head of English, Martin Westwood and with only two other pupils, we

were both privileged to study for our A Levels cossetted in what became known as the Star Chamber, a small store room between Room 10 in the Sherwood Block and what was then the gym.

In 1958 we each began a Student Apprenticeship with a large electrical engineering company. I joined GEC in Coventry, Brian went to Marconi in Chelmsford. There, having been awarded a Higher National Diploma, he worked for some time on government projects, radar systems and early computing. Some years later

each of us had a spell working with Encyclopaedia Britannica.

Brian married Julia in April 1965, within three weeks of my own wedding day. Their two children, Kevin and Suzanne, were born in 1967 and 1969 respectively, as were our two children. We each enjoyed sailing. But there all similarities ended. At Ipswich School Brian learned to play the piano and organ. I could just manage ‘the happy wanderer’ on a harmonica. Winning all the music prizes and with permission to practise on the organ at Burlington Road Baptist Church, he developed a love for the keyboard, which was to be a major factor in his life.

Another major factor was his love of speed. He started with a Matchless 600cc motorbike, but he and Julia eventually acquired an AC Ace Bristol. I well remember once turning up at their home in Sproughton in our elderly Morris 1000 Traveller to find a Nissan sports car with gull-wing doors parked outside and a bright red Ferrari in the garage. Brian’s love of sailing was indulged at weekends at Waldringfield and Burnham-on-Crouch with his 505, a high-performance mono-hull racing dinghy and his catamaran. Then, in 1966, like many other people, Brian bought a Cortina. But this was a

Lotus Cortina with a 4.7 litre V8 engine with four twin-choke carburettors. With it he won the Osram Saloon Car Championship and an international supporting race in Sweden. Eventually, as if the thrill of speed on land or water was not enough, he qualified as a private pilot and enjoyed flights around the country, to Ireland and to France, in his Cessna aeroplane.

In 1976 Brian and Julia moved to Sproughton, just west of Ipswich, with

Memories of Brian:

I am extremely saddened to hear of the death of Brian. I knew him well at school and had the pleasure of meeting up with him again a few years later when he was racing a highly recognised yellow very quick Cortina car, powered by a V8 unit. It became unbeatable in its class especially on the Snetterton race track in Norfolk. He was also known by his Pyramid selling company. I’m sure he will be greatly missed.

– Derek Ruffle (OI 1952 ‒ 57)

Brian joining Bolton’s Garage, the family firm on Valley Road, as works director. When the site was needed for development, he established Symbol Cars in Bramford Road, a company specialising in faster sports cars. With an agency for Nissan, Brian paid many visits to Japan, where his musical abilities paid dividends. On one occasion he found himself unexpectedly giving a concert of piano music to 500 enthusiastic Japanese.

Winner of the Osram Saloon Car Championship and an international supporting race in Sweden

Symbol Cars was eventually sold, with Brian then setting up a desktop publishing business as his version of slowing down. He also became a Freemason, and used his musical talents in encouraging and entertaining others, particularly with public concerts in aid of charitable causes. It is understood that the 2024 music competition The Freemasons Young Musician of the Year in October will be dedicated to Brian, in his memory.

During retirement, Brian designed and oversaw the building of a bungalow in their cottage garden just next to Sproughton church and on the bank of the River Gipping. It was in that church on 9th May that Brian’s funeral took place, with a packed congregation remembering with much affection someone described as “a man of many interests, a man of many talents”.

– Leigh Belcham (OI 1951 ‒ 58)

Obituaries

Nicholas Juby (OI 1967 – 78)

Died in May 2020

Fiona lost her husband Nick in May 2020. Loved by so many, restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic meant a lot of his family and friends would be unable to attend his funeral and say goodbye, so Fiona created a tribute page for Nick, sharing her memories of him and encouraging others to do the same. Remembering Nick Juby - Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.

“We were one of the ‘luckier’ ones; the City of London crematorium is quite big, so we were able to have 20 people attend Nick’s funeral. It meant our daughter, Isabel, myself and both of Nick’s siblings and their partners, other close family and even four of his closest friends could attend.

Still, this was the tip of the iceberg of people who wanted to come, share their memories and say goodbye to Nick. Because we all have so many incredible memories of him.

It was Nick’s Macmillan nurses who told me about Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. They were so incredible throughout Nick’s diagnosis and treatment, so I asked them what

I could do to support them, and they recommended Roy Castle.

I went on the MuchLoved website and saw others setting up tribute pages. I was hesitant at first, but after looking into it a bit more, I realised it was a wonderful way for everyone to share their memories or show their support to us at a time when they physically couldn’t.

We did the long-distance thing which back then, with no internet or mobile phones, was even harder than it is now. I remember queuing at a phone box with a handful of Francs each week. It was difficult, of course, but even at that young age, we were comfortable in our relationship. And we were right to be; we were together for 38 years.

Nick cared about people. Since he died, several people have taken the time to write to me and share the positive impact he had on their lives. Some even went as far as to say his advice changed their life. There was one friend from university. He was struggling, and on the brink of leaving. Nick took him under his wing, and he stayed. Sadly, I don’t think Nick ever knew.

That was just the kind of person Nick was. He had such an approachable nature. He wasn’t what you would call outgoing, but he was a sociable person, comfortable in his own skin. When you talked to him, he listened. He was interested in you and, if you asked for his advice, he would sit and consider the situation carefully before offering advice.

Nick and I met at Durham University. I was in my first year and Nick in his last. We got together just before his finals. He still managed to get a 2.1 so I obviously didn’t distract him too much! As part of my degree, I spent a year in France.

Nick was diagnosed with lung cancer in February 2019. It started with a cough and coughing up a tiny amount of blood. His doctor sent him straight for an x-ray and they found a large tumour in his lung. He then also started experiencing a pain in his shoulder. We initially thought he had strained it because he was coughing too much, but it turned out to be a second tumour. Nick started treatment, chemo first and then radiotherapy. He reacted well and this meant he could carry on with his life, which he was determined to do. Nick had two main passions in life (as well as his family!) which were wine and golf.

Obituaries

At the time of his diagnosis, he was the captain of our golf club and he remained committed to the role. I remember, before he was diagnosed, he had organised a captain’s away trip in Nottingham for 48 guys from the club, which now happened to be in the middle of his radiotherapy.

He managed to arrange his appointments around the trip. He had one appointment at 8am at Barts in London, then got the train to Nottingham to make his afternoon tee time. He gave a presentation at the dinner that night and received a standing ovation. He played again the next morning before getting a train home to attend his next appointment at 5.30. That was Nick: dedicated and determined.

It was a similar story a few months later. We were at a party when he started lurching a little and struggling with his coordination. It was like he had a disconnect between his brain and foot. Despite this, he went off to play golf the next day! Meanwhile, I called the nurse who advised us to go to A&E. That was when we learnt it had spread to his brain. Fortunately, the tumour was small and was treated with the state of the art Cyberknife therapy at Barts.

We had hoped he could have immunotherapy. However, he then started having problems with his liver and this ruled immunotherapy out and he went back onto chemo. He had his last round of chemo just before lockdown was imposed.

It was then at 11pm one evening, during the peak of Covid, that Nick was admitted into hospital. It was the worst moment of our lives. We had to say goodbye on the pavement and, at that moment in time, we believed this would be the last time we saw him.

We couldn’t visit him in hospital and, due to the brain mets, Nick was

too confused to speak on the phone or use an iPad. With the hospital on overdrive, it was so hard to get any information. Our lung cancer nurses reported back as often as they could, but it was just awful. Fortunately, that wasn’t our ending and Nick was discharged just before Easter, spending the final five weeks of his life at home with us.

The tribute page also allows people to make a donation to the charity. At times like this, people want to help, and this is a way for them to do that. We’ve raised over £7,500. Nick would be really proud of that. I know I am. Even now, he’s still supporting those who need him.”

– Fiona Juby

I spent a long time putting together Nick’s tribute page. Isabel told me to stop fussing about it. Nick would have said the same! “Oh, hurry up and just do it,” he’d have said, but I wanted to get it just right. Given my years in marketing, it became a bit of a project. I was marketing Nick, and felt the more I put into it, the more others would too. I wanted to encourage them to share, and to donate as well.

It was so easy to do and I actually really enjoyed it, looking back at all our old photos and conjuring up memories momentarily forgotten. It is also so lovely to read the tributes and look at the pictures others have shared, not just for me but for Isabel and other family members too. I know his sister reads the page regularly. The tributes are all downloadable too, so we will always have them.

https://roycastle.org/ remembering-nick-juby/ Donations can be made in memory of Nick at:

Oliver Harwood

(OI 1975 – 77)

Died 23rd December 2023

Memories of Oliver:

I remember Oliver on a history trip circa 1976. After a tour of the Houses of Parliament and a successful theatre trip our teacher, Fred Hill got us to stop at the Embankment toilets, we all surely performed except Oliver who went to a cubicle. We returned to the coach and fell asleep. Going past Colchester Fred noticed an absentee, Oliver! After a phone call by Fred Hill, it was found Oliver hadn’t panicked but had phoned his brother who was living in London at the time and Oliver had walked to his flat. I think this was an example of his independence and resourceful abilities. It also was a teacher’s worst nightmare, I’m glad Fred did not lose his job! Rest in peace Oliver.

– Alan Simmonds (OI 1969 ‒ 77)

I am sorry to hear of the passing of Oliver Harwood. Oliver did A Level English, taught by Mr Tucker and Mr Thomas, which I also did, and is how I knew him. When I began A Levels, Ollie was a newcomer in the Sixth Form, and I found him immediately a fascinating character - modern and, at the same time, a dapper breath-of-fresh-air import from the Jazz Age. He appeared in class one day with a highlight in his floppy hair, something that might be hard to appreciate today but back then was daring, offbeat, a statement I had not seen before. I admired and liked his individuality.

We shared common interests in the arts. F. Scott Fitzgerald was big on the syllabus, and it was great that Ollie had the same passion for the author I had and that we talked about. The romantic themes were influential, considering the male globe that girls from across the park now delightfully encroached into one morning a week. Ollie was supportive and encouraged my music and performance, as well as an honest critic. I loved the occasions he invited me to his home to rehearse, offer his splendid hospitality, or bomb off with me somewhere in his little sports car. As a boarder not having

a particularly agreeable experience, surviving on music and drama, I appreciated the escape, warmth and openness Ollie gave me as if, for a moment, I found myself in a different world with a descendant of Jay Gatsby.

I’m sorry we never kept up. As often with friendships you wish with hindsight had continued, the reality of burgeoning youth and immortal energy means that lives hop on to a branch and extend into our panorama, forging new leaves. I don’t know anything about Ollie’s career and life. My thoughts are a happy teenage memory of a dashing and charismatic chap. I send my condolences and kind thoughts to his family.

– Nick Brown (OI 1970 ‒ 77)

My brother Chris (OI 1970-77) and I grew up in the same village as Oliver. Our mothers were both involved in the National Childbirth Trust while pregnant with the three of us, and Oli was born exactly six months between Chris and I. We continued to be friends after Oli moved from Chelmondiston to Tattingstone and then to Bentley, and spent many hours playing together. When I was in the 5th Form the three of us took Oli’s National 12 dinghy to camp out in Walton Backwaters and we set up an old tent which soon collapsed as the wind became a gale.

We slopped through the marshes in the dark to a birdwatchers’ hut and spent the rest of a miserable night there. Being alone on an island we tried to sail off the next morning in a Force 9 wind. We went very fast in the wrong direction and soon capsized. We got the boat up and then went very fast in the opposite direction but within a few seconds we capsized again. We were rescued by a fishing boat and taken to safety in damp disgrace. It was a brave attempt, but I never knew Oliver to back away from any challenge.

When Oli started rowing at Cambridge I copied him, as I had moved to London and didn’t fancy the sailing there. We both continued to row and sometimes found ourselves in the same Tideway Head races in recent years. We had just arranged to go to Henley this year (as spectators) when I heard of the loss of my dearest friend.

– David Jillings (OI 1969 ‒ 76)

John

Wootton (OI 1937 – 45)

Died 12th June 2024

John Stuart Wootton, known as ‘Pip’, sadly passed away 12 June 2024 aged 97 years. Much loved husband to Jerry, father, grandfather and great grandfather. A life well lived and loved.

Antony (Tony) Green

(OI 1960 – 70)

I 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. He also 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! I 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)

(Robert) Tom Wrinch

(OI 1945 – 49)

Died April 2017

Tom was a much-loved husband, father and a truly wonderful, loving grandfather to 8 grandchildren. An incredibly intelligent, kind, inspiring and courageous man who is very much missed.

– Sally Cleary (Tom’s youngest daughter)

Obituaries

Jack Aggett

(OI 2006 – 19)

Died 16th February 2024

Jack Timothy Lex Aggett died tragically on 16th February 2024, aged 21. Dearly beloved son of Sarah and Paul and darling brother of Grace. He will leave a gaping hole in the lives of his family and his many much loved friends. May Jack’s precious soul rest in eternal peace.

Memories of Jack:

I was devastated to hear the news having spent the majority of my time at Ipswich School in the same year as Jack. Jack made my drama GCSE the most fun and hilarious times and created hilarious memories for me.

We were paired together for our GCSE and performed a dialogue from The Importance of Being Ernest and I cannot express the amount of laughs we had together. Such a fab actor! Sending all my thoughts and prayers to his family.

– Cecile Arscott (OI 2014 ‒ 21)

I was deeply saddened to hear the news. I taught Jack in the Lower Prep, in Year 2 and his beaming smile and infectious enthusiasm for subjects made him a joy to teach.

He always strolled in, trousers slightly too short, as he seemed to grow in stature and confidence as the year progressed.

I shall always remember him, he was a gentle, kind friend to all. My love to his family.

– Mrs Alison Williams

Chris Knock (OI 1968 – 75) Died 10th January 2024

Christopher Alan Knock of Battisford, passed away suddenly after a short illness on 10th January, 2024, aged 66.

A loving, ever cheerful, vibrant husband to Maggie, devoted dad to Georgie and James, and beloved brother of Sarah, Penny and of the late Eddie. Chris graduated from Ipswich School in 1975 with 10 O Levels and 3 A levels. He enjoyed the Scouts and Air Cadets. He was awarded an RAF flying scholarship and talked frequently of the exchange cadet trip he made to Canada.

John Ryde (OI 1939 – 46)

John attended St John’s School for his early education before moving to Ipswich School in 1939 at the age of eleven. Initially in Form 1A he progressed normally to take School Certificate in 1944 followed by Higher School Certificate in 1946. He enjoyed the other facilities offered by the School joining the scouts where he became troop leader. Later he joined the JTC where he was promoted to sergeant major. His main sporting interest was rugby where he played for the Colts XV and later for the First XV where he was awarded First XV colours becoming Captain in his last season.

John was appointed House Captain of Broke and became a school prefect. He was School Captain for his last year at school. On leaving he went to Selwyn College Cambridge to study natural sciences graduating in 1949. He then stayed a further year to gain the Certificate in Education.

John then successfully applied for a short service commission in the

Chris studied Agriculture at Wye College, London University and had a very fulfilling and successful career within numerous areas of Agriculture.

– Maggie Knock Chris’ Wife

RAF Education Branch. After OCTU he had various postings to flying stations helping all ranks to improve their qualifications. On returning to civilian life he was appointed to the staff at Wymondham College where he stayed for several years. It was while he was at Wymondham that he married Jean Barker from Ipswich.

After another career move, John saw the post of Head of Biology at Northgate Grammar School For Boys in Ipswich being advertised. He applied for the position and was successful. John quickly settled into the challenge of running his own department and also saw his family of his wife and two girls happily moved into a new house on the Broke Hall estate.

One more career move followed when the post of Head of Science at Copleston School was advertised and he was appointed,

John was a strong believer in the merits of family life and helping to bring up his own family gave him much pleasure. John was a long-standing Mason and in retirement was a member of Probus.

– Tony Gostling (OI 1938 ‒ 48)

Chris Dawson (OI 1964 – 75)

Died 24 May 2024

Chris Dawson was a gifted entrepreneur and property developer whose vision and determination created business opportunities across Suffolk. But family always came first, with his wife Lesley, who he married in 1980, their son Ben and daughter Milly, and their grandchildren.

A sense of adventure was at the heart of the family’s life together, sharing sailing and motor-boating experiences in Suffolk and the Mediterranean, flying helicopters,

skiing, collecting cars and enjoying holidays with friends.

His gentle sense of humour and warm personality were enjoyed by a circle of close friends and wider family.

Chris and Lesley’s home at Pettistree was a haven of fun for over 40 years. It was also where Chris dreamed up his latest projects and there were many. After running a successful commercial property agency in Ipswich, he began developing Masterlord Office Village in Ipswich. Offices at Brightwell Barns, then offices and industrial units at Clopton Park followed, both now managed by Milly and Ben Dawson.

He also developed Riduna Park at Melton and gave a disused Pettistree pub a new lease of life as a wellbeing centre and 12 self-catering suites. He was still dreaming up new opportunities when he passed away from cancer on 24th May, 2024. Chris’s life was full of love, adventure, ambition, encouragement, generosity and many, many stories. His enthusiasm for life was infectious, with family and friends invited along for the ride.

– Alan Ayres OI 1964 – 69)

Memories of Chris:

It is very sad to hear that Chris is gone. I joined Ipswich in 1972 and knew Chris in my lower/upper sixth years. We sat next to each other in some classes and I remember he gave me lifts occasionally in his Triumph

open top sports car – very cool. He was a really nice guy and condolences to his family.

– Uly Ma (Ulysses) (OI 1972 – 75)

Chris and I have known each other since joining the prep in class D. He always had the latest gadgets long before they became mainstream and

I remember the novelty of hide-andseek with radio walkie talkies in his garden in Kingsfield Avenue, when we were only aged 9.

We shared many things including A-level notes and a few girlfriends... The former was particularly annoying as having cribbed our engineering notes all year while he was otherwise

He was never one for abiding by rules and I recall speeding along the prom at Felixstowe late one Saturday night at 16 years old, he on his Yamaha FS1E and me trailing on my inferior bright yellow Puch maxi. He was the first to get a sports car (brown triumph spitfire IV) from which he sold some very dubious shirts from its boot one break time –they were cheap though – they shrank to half the size when washed!

Cameron Farnan (OI 2008 – 14)

We are sorry to announce the passing of Cameron who died on 2nd January 2024. He will be truly missed by his family and friends.

Memories of Cameron:

Cameron was incredibly kind, caring and funny. He took great pride in being Head of House and fully immersed himself within the CCF at the School.

Animals were his passion, particularly his dogs, sheep and later Highland Cattle. He looked after and owned so many different kinds of animal including chickens, ferrets and Shetland ponies to name but a few. He was also always so impressively knowledgeable about each and every one.

Alongside caring for his many animals, he loved clay pigeon shooting, fishing and driving his Defender. He was so clever, but hated revising. I remember he once missed an English exam in Year 10 as he had overslept! I’m also pretty sure the only reason I did well in Maths was because he took the time to go through so many past papers with me!

He was always in his element being outdoors, and was a fantastic cross country runner. I also have fond memories of our Gold Duke of Edinburgh Expedition in Wales, him always ahead but also offering so much encouragement to our group (whilst carrying my bag alongside his own at many moments along the way too!).

Fundamentally, he was always thinking of others and a great friend to all. He was a big part of my time at Ipswich and is someone that will never be forgotten by those who knew him.

– Lauren Watson (née Angus-Larkin) (OI 2009 ‒ 14)

Cameron will always have a place in the hearts of those who knew him. A real animal lover, and caring person. A good friend who will be missed.

– James Head (OI 2008 ‒ 14)

Cameron was a fantastic crosscountry runner, a real team player with a kind heart, and always added a spark of joy to the day.

– David Willer (OI 2006 ‒ 13)

occupied by the attentions of his wife Lesley, he surpassed us all with A grades. He was a very cheerful friendly bright and colourful character who left us a bit too soon. He will be missed by many.

– Peter Hatcher (OI 1963 – 75)

Cameron was always a smiling face in the crowd. He was a really nice person to everyone and always happy to chat. I have fond memories of him as a classmate.

– Isobelle Taylor Payne (OI 2007 ‒ 14)

I first met Cameron when he was 13 years old; he was looking at my late father-in-law’s chickens. We started chatting and I realised that we both went to Ipswich School.

He was an articulate and intelligent young man, much older and wiser than his years, and he had already developed a great knowledge and understanding of animal husbandry.

I took to him immediately. He became a regular visitor keen to learn about all aspects of chicken rearing. Of course his parents came with him and it was obvious that they were fully supportive of him and were a lovely family.

I was much saddened to hear of his passing and I wanted share an insight into the Cameron I knew. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

– Alexandra Vince (née Driver) (OI 1998 ‒ 00)

Wing Commander

Richard (Dick) Storer (OI 1942 – 52)

Died 19th October 2022

Dick was a member of Sherrington house and became a House Prefect and a School prefect in 1951. He played senior rugby for his house from 1949, gaining his house colours in 1951 and was a member of the School 2nd XV in 1951.

He was a strong member of the CCF, a forerunner to his future career in the RAF and was appointed CSM in 1951. He was a librarian and appeared in two school plays. Dick was also a keen participant in the Scientific Society and gave two talks, one of which was on the development of the airship which again demonstrated his interest in flying as a career.

Below is an account of his most interesting and successful life most of which is taken from the submission made by Dick’s daughter.

Dick was born in London in 1933 and went to Suffolk in 1942. He was raised at Baylham Mill during the war years. After leaving Ipswich School he went to Durham University to ready physics. He joined the University Air Squadron, learnt to fly and finished a degree course with the intention of joining the RAF which he did in 1956. Dick trained as a fighter pilot and served on No 66 Sqn, flying Hunters based at Acklington in Northumberland.

work. After four years at Farnborough, Dick was sent on promotion to Brussels to be the Air Attaché at the British Embassy. From there he came back to the UK to be OC Operations Wing firstly at Cottesmore in Rutland and then at Wyton in Huntingdonshire. From Wyton, back to Farnborough for another four-

After two years, when the Squadron disbanded, he was posted to fly Vulcans with No83 Squadron at Scampton and spent four years periodically sitting on a nuclear bomb waiting to go to war. Dick left Scampton on promotion to Squadron Leader and was sent to Fairford in Gloucestershire to be the first CO and Manager of the recently formed RAF Aerobatic Team which, after a few months was named the Red Arrows.

After two years with the Red Arrows, he was posted to the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Farnborough to command one of the two experimental flying squadrons based there, flying all kinds of aircraft engaged on trials

year stint and thence on a one-year attachment to the BBC as RAF advisor, liaison officer and ‘Mr Fix’ on an RAFbased drama series called ‘Squadron’.

At the end of the Falklands war, Dick was rapidly removed from the BBC to

head the team responsible for the RAF involvement in building the brand new airfield on a green field site at Mount Pleasant on the Falklands and also for the extensive alterations to the airfield and facilities on Ascension Island. Whilst serving at MOD in 1985, Baylham House Farm came on the market (near Dick’s childhood home) and he bought it. He moved to Baylham and started to acquire animals, principally to eat all the grass that came with the property. The arrival of animals signalled Dick’s entry into farming and the start of a new career and a totally different way of life. His rare breeds farm became very well known and a source of delight for many children and grown-ups.

– Karl Daniels (OI 1944 ‒ 53)

Thomas Parry (OI 1985 – 92)

Died May 2024

As reported in the national news, Tom aged only 49 and his 12 year old son Richie tragically died in a hillwalking accident during a half term hiking holiday in Glen Coe. His passing has been remarkably devastating and his lifetime friend and OI Bart Seaton has set up a ‘GoFundMe’ page to help support Tom’s widow, Gemma, and their youngest son.

After successfully scaling Ben Nevis, both father and son fell in the challenging Glen Coe terrain where their bodies were later recovered after an extensive mountain rescue search. Gemma now is caring for their younger son Joe who lives with the challenge of non-verbal autism.

Ipswich Town Football Club have also contacted Gemma for her permission to set up a memorial stone for Tom and Richie in the new Memorial Garden of Ipswich Town Football Club where Tom was a life-long fan.

Fundraiser for James Eve by Bart Seaton: Tom and Richie Parry, father and son, beloved of Gemma Parry (gofundme.com)

Tom went on to St Andrew’s University after school where he kept in close contact with OI James Eve who delivered a beautiful eulogy at a very lovely service in Alsager in the company

of Tom’s family and friends including his widow Gemma, his son Joe, his mother Ann Parry, his elder sister Helen OI and younger brother Toby OI in a packed church where Tom’s genius for friendship was recalled and celebrated by his family, friends and work colleagues and parishioners who were filled with admiration for Tom’s example of living life to the full with fortitude and a marked concern for others. Tom’s

gentle generosity, warmth and humour were common refrains.

After this service, four of Tom’s OI peers who were some of his closest Ipswich School friends gathered to toast his memory, having travelled long distances to the funeral in Alsager. The OIs in the photo are Sebastian Abbot (OI 1990 ‒ 92) who travelled from Germany, Bart Seaton (OI 1987 ‒ 92) from Australia, James Eve (OI 1981 ‒ 82) from Oxford and Martin Holland (OI 1986 ‒ 92) from Suffolk. Martin had known Tom from the age of 4 from St Margaret’s C of E Primary School.

Tom’s family also held an equally meaningful memorial service later in Ipswich at St Mary’s at which other OI friends could attend. We all are continuing to come a-new to terms, thankful that we were lucky to have known such a wonderful character who touched all our lives in so many wonderful and memorable ways. May Tom and Richie continue to rest in the peace that passes all understanding, to which we are called.

– Bart Seaton (OI 1987 ‒ 92)

Archive Update September 2023 - August 2024

After several years and the cataloguing of thousands of objects in the archive, I’m pleased to say we are now moving into a new phase of work where we can begin to do more interesting things with the collection and make them more accessible to OIs and anyone else who is interested in Ipswich School’s history.

In the article I wrote for the journal last year, I talked about the work being done to find out ‘what have we got?’ and ‘where is it?’ This has continued to be a focus of the work we’re doing, but as the documentation has improved a considerable amount it’s been interesting to begin exploring how we can share these impressive resources with the community.

Digitisation

The upgrades to the archive website, along with the increased amount of content uploaded to it are paying dividends. Thanks to the software used in the website’s search function, it is possible to trawl the text of decades of editions of the Ipswichian and Old Ipswichian, which have been uploaded, to look for references to events or people in a few seconds. You can try this out for yourself online at www. ipswichschoolmuseumandarchives. co.uk This is a brilliant tool that many

OIs and researchers have already been enjoying and we hope to keep adding to it!

The talented photographer, Doug Atfield, returned to capture some more beautiful pictures of the school’s collections in April 2024, which we can use in a variety of ways to promote and share the collection online and hopefully, in time, within physical displays.

Doug Atfield photographing a collection of ink bottles

The archive now has an accession register, which is a book where objects are formally entered into the collection and given an accession number - this an important and necessary step forward in the development of Ipswich School archive, starting a long process to ensure each object has its own unique number and that these records are linked to information about objects that are donated to the school’s archive.

One huge step forward the archive has taken is to begin making objects from the collection available to view and research online.

Most museums and archives have collections management software of some kind, which allows them to keep track of object information and locations and has more functionality than a simple spreadsheet, which is what we

were using before this upgrade. The system we’ve decided to use called ‘eHive’ also enables us to share images and some of the information about the objects with the public. Moving from spreadsheets to an online platform like this takes a lot of painstaking work to create good records for objects, but hopefully in the years to

come you will see an increasing amount of the fascinating Ipswich School collection move onto this website, which you can view yourself here: www.ehive.com/ collections/205172/ipswichschool-museum-and-archive

Volunteer Projects

The archive is blessed with some dedicated and capable volunteers who add so much to the work that is being done. As long as I keep the tea, coffee and biscuits flowing they keep turning up.

John Skeates (OI 1953-64) has been working on a collection of papers left by former headmaster Dr John Blatchly, which is a treasure trove of school history from the 1970s-1990s, but was stuffed inside crumbling paper envelopes.

John has taken the lead in transforming this into an excellent resource, which is now stored in acid-free, high quality storage materials with contents documented on a spreadsheet.

Mark Standen (OI 1979-85) is continuing the mammoth task of recording the names of people in the hundreds of historic photographs in the collection on a spreadsheet so that we can much more easily find required images for family members and researchers when enquiries come in. The plan is to eventually have these scanned and integrated with the archive website for Old Ipswichians and their families and descendants to be able to view photographs from their school days.

One of the things I was keen to set up, given we are blessed with such a rich collection of local history books in the archive, was a catalogued local history library. Simon Nicholson (OI 197582) has been documenting these books, recording the titles and authors along with bookshelf locations into a spreadsheet, which has provided a very useful resource.

John and Simon also kindly helped with the D-Day 80th Anniversary commemorations on 6th June. After the chapel service, which was attended by staff, pupils and some guests, there was a reception in the dining hall where we were able to share some of the school’s collection relating to Old Ipswichians who fought in the Second World War.

Ipswich School says “Go Well” to Mr Weaver

This was the year in which we said a fond farewell to Nicholas Weaver, who had been Ipswich School Headmaster for 14 years. On these pages we remember his time with us in pictures, as well as with some tributes from Senior Management Team members.

But firstly, Emily Hawkridge, Alice Chalmers and Paul Beaumont, all Year 13 students in the Occasional journalism team, interviewed Mr Weaver before they left to take their A Level exams. They reminisced on his time here at Ipswich School, asking him about his experience as Headmaster as well as some quick-fire questions in true Occasional style.

Q: Favourite school meal?

A: I’m spoilt for choice but the curry is always good. I also enjoy hunter’s chicken and if it is a sandwich kind of day then definitely a meatball sub!

Q: Favourite moment at Ipswich School?

A: It is so hard to choose but times when I have been emotionally moved; results day, music performances (including the Chapel Choir filling the longest cathedral in the world when on tour in New York) and sports matches for example.

Nick has a rare command of language; he always finds the right words for every situation. He has always shown that kindness is at the centre of every decision he makes. Thank you, Nick, for taking on the burden of office daily, so that we can enjoy the best bits at the coalface. It must have taken its toll. And thank you for the trust that you have put in me personally, and the wisdom that you have imparted.

2015 With National Indoor Hockey Champions U18 girls

– Ben Cliff Head of Sixth Form

2014 Speech Day guest speaker Dr Suzannah Lipscomb

Q: What are you most going to miss?

A: Of course there are so many, but I loved playing with Big Band as it was always a very unique experience for a Headteacher, being on the same level as students.

Q: On that subject, what has been your favourite performance with the school?

A: I have loved every performance, especially the ones at Snape, but I would say my favourite is the one that is coming up at this year’s Midsummer Soirée - this year I will be singing in front of the Big Band for the first and only time.

Q: What’s something that everyone would be surprised to know?

A: I worked at Deutsche Bahn in Munich, repairing trains, when I was student.

Q: Proudest development you’ve introduced to the school?

A: Again, there are so many but Headmaster’s Assemblies used to be in Great School where you couldn’t fit the whole school and so I (and the Friends of Ipswich School) bought the chairs and built the shed where they are stored next to the Sports Hall. This meant that I was able to create a whole school assembly, something now crucial to Ipswich School life.

Q: Most interesting Speech Day speaker?

A: I have enjoyed so many speakers, especially the ones who can relate to their time at school. I really enjoyed Old Ipswichian Adam Rutherford in 2019 who gave some top tips including to vaccinate your children; little did we know that Covid was right around the corner.

Q: What are you most passionate about in education?

A: Definitely the Growth Mindset. I’m currently learning to play the drums in order to remind myself of the struggle that all students have to go through in the beginning of learning something new.

Q: What was it like going to the Queen’s funeral?

A: It was an extraordinary and nervewracking experience watching all of the foreign dignitaries, former prime

see him turn and slowly walk away.

Q: What’s your most interesting fun fact?

A: As a former physics teacher, it will be something related to physics. If you poured a glass of water into an ocean and then mixed all of the water in all of the oceans together, taking a glass of water out would contain at least one molecule from the original glass.

Q: Favourite suit?

A: My purple suit.

Q: Tea or coffee?

A: Both, but I drink more tea within a day.

Q: Cats or dogs?

A: I would say that this is not a binary question; dogs may get super excited to see you, but it is the same for everybody else that they see, whereas cats are typically less affectionate but can choose you specifically out of anyone to sit on.

Q: Favourite instrument?

A: The acoustic guitar or electric lead guitar.

Q: If you were a biscuit, what biscuit would you be?

A: The temptation is to say that you would be your favourite biscuit, but that’s not necessarily going to be the answer. I would say Jaffa cake

because I enjoy the controversy. Is it a biscuit or a cake? Is it subverting the idea of both? So I’m saying, what I would like to be seen as is quite hard to pigeonhole.

Q: If you could choose any other job, what would you choose?

A: I would probably choose a professional musician or performer as my alternative career.

Q: Is there a particular quote you would like to leave the school with?

A: Go well!

Mr Weaver has clearly done so much in his time here at Ipswich School and now that it is nearly time to say goodbye, we would like to say thank you!

the

Unveiling

Remembrance Doves art installation

2016 Opening of the Ipswich School Music School

ministers and members of the royal family enter the building. I was seated opposite the lone piper and it was a very poignant moment to

In Early Years, Nick has visited The Lodge and Lower Prep to read stories to our youngest children. They were enthralled with his animated storytime sessions, where he would entertain the children with his fun way of telling tales.

In Upper Prep, children have been given the opportunity to receive a handshake from the Headmaster for notable achievements. These handshakes were taken very seriously and the children practised firm handshakes and maintaining eyecontact before the momentous occasion. This demonstrates his marvellous ability to relate to children of all ages – from cradle to adulthood.

– Prep School

The Last Headmaster

In Ipswich School, where Nick held sway,

A Headmaster kind in every way.

His motto echoed, clear as bell, We’d hear him say “Go well, go well”

In purple suit, a vibrant sight, He led with warmth, his heart alight. Compassion flowed in every deed, His time and care, a constant feed.

To teachers, he would often preach, “Be radiators!” his fervent speech. For drains would sap the spirit’s flame, But radiators spread warmth’s acclaim.

He loved a book and a red phone box

A passion for learning… and Top of the Pops!

A Star Wars fan who embodied The Force

With a Jedi’s spirit, he stayed the course.

With growth mindset, he’d always strive, Encouraging all to thrive and thrive. Guitar in hand, he’d strum along, Singing words of hope’s sweet song.

In Ipswich School, his legacy grand, Nick’s spirit roams, a guiding hand. Kindness, courage, in his wake,

A shining example for all to take.

So now it’s time, pupils say “Goodbye”

He’s grown their wings and let them fly

We truly wish him a grand new life

With his boys, his girl and his beautiful wife.

Thank you, thank you for all you’ve done, For me, for them, and everyone

It’s hard to say but we bid farewell

My last words being “Go well, go well!”

– Audrey Cura Senior Deputy Head

I’d like to add something about Nick’s culture of thanks, which has been so resoundingly installed as a cultural feature here, with the thank you cards that he encourages Middle School pupils to write as part of his Life Skills lessons.

In such a busy school, I know that they have been fondly received by so many grateful colleagues.

– Andrew Bradshaw Head of Middle School

2019 The purchase of Anglesea Heights

2018 Playing with the Big Band at Snape

New Head Appointed

In January, it was announced that Nick Gregory, an Old Ipswichian and Head at Wycliffe College in Gloucestershire, would be joining Ipswich School as the new Head in September 2024.

Henry Staunton, the Chairman of Governors, said: “I am delighted that we have found such an excellent individual with a connection to Suffolk and Ipswich School to build upon Nicholas Weaver’s 14 years of outstanding leadership.

“During Mr Weaver’s tenure, Ipswich School achieved its highest ever position in the academic league tables. Our sports teams, both boys and girls, have consistently reached the national rankings, and our musicians and actors have gone on to achieve national and international recognition.

In addition, he presided over a steady growth in numbers and has enhanced the school’s estate, with the opening of several new landmark buildings and facilities, including sports facilities at Rushmere, a new Music School, and the purchase of the Anglesea Heights site

“We welcome Nick Gregory and anticipate he will build on this legacy to take Ipswich School into an even stronger future.”

Prior to taking on the Headship at Wycliffe in 2015, Mr Gregory had undertaken a wide range of roles at schools including Barnard Castle, Merchant Taylors’ Northwood, Old Swinford Hospital and Mill Hill, where he was Deputy Head (Pastoral).

Nick has an MEd in Educational Leadership. He made the switch into teaching – teaching modern foreign

languages, principally Spanish – after starting his career in finance with Barclays Bank.

During his time at Wycliffe, he has improved academic standards, developed boarding, increased pupil numbers, raised the school’s profile (both nationally and abroad), and led a wide-range of building and facilities projects. Wycliffe was awarded ‘Excellent’ for all areas of its provision in a 2022 ISI Inspection.

Nick Gregory said: “I feel exceptionally honoured to have been asked to lead the next chapter of Ipswich School’s long and illustrious history. Nick Weaver will hand on a school in extraordinarily good shape characterised by – among many other things – a notable and richly-deserved reputation for excellence in music and the arts, outstanding academic achievement in a wide range of subject areas and a recent record of enormous success in sport (especially in cricket, hockey and rugby).”

Matthew Core

Head of Maths

Mr Core has overseen numerous comings and goings in the department over his 16 years here and his sense of spotting a good recruit has helped shape a strong and successful team who work with a great spirit and are always willing to help one another.

The department camaraderie even remains intact with his distinct lack of good quality (or even any) biscuits in department meetings. One of Mat’s best assets is his confidence to face up to adversity and not be ashamed to voice his viewpoints, as the other Heads of Department and a selection of Governors I’m sure will testify.

It’s no secret that Mat loves his food and frequently relates stories of his weekends cooking curries from scratch with his wife and daughters. It is known that no cheese is safe in the presence of Mat, and on one particular wine tasting event he left with great blocks of the stuff hanging out of his pockets for himself to enjoy later.

With warmest wishes we bid you farewell, thank you wholeheartedly for your contributions, academically, pastorally and socially. Thank you on behalf of the whole department for being supportive and largely just fun, and know that you will be hugely missed by all your colleagues here.

Jon Thompson

Head of Modern Languages and French

Ipswich School welcomed a new era in Modern Languages with the appointment of Jon Thompson 17 years ago. He has since created a modern multicultural department, with interactive screens, colourful displays and many native speakers for teachers, using his wit, charisma and expertise to shape the department.

He mastered French and German at Oxford university, but he has an incredible ability to grasp new languages, whether it is Spanish, Russian or even Mandarin, he speaks it all, sometimes with a Scottish accent. Back in 2007 he was given the task to introduce Spanish in Year 7 for the first time, so he quickly got himself up to scratch to teach it and even organised the first ever Spanish trip to Barcelona that same year.

Simon Arthur Head of Physics

When Mr Arthur joined us from Hartismere High School, the Physics Department was ready for new blood and Simon started single-mindedly working on implementing his vision.

Jon has led the department through countless changes in specifications, a pandemic, teaching online for six long months and more recently, some very tough challenges, including the passing of one of our beloved colleagues in the department.

Jon’s contribution to Ipswich School goes far beyond his linguistic expertise. He has been a mentor, a guide, and an inspiration to both students and colleagues. His dedication to fostering a multicultural and inclusive environment and his passion for languages have enriched countless students over the years. Whether it be a sixth form lesson on the short stories of Guy de Maupassant or a Year 7 class on food and drink, Jon’s lessons were never just about grammar and vocabulary. His humour and ability to make language learning engaging, relevant and fun have left an indelible, some would say unforgettable, mark on all who had the privilege of being his students.

He was also a much loved, and hugely reliable form tutor in Sherrington House, where he got to know his pupils so very well, enriching their lives with his pastoral knowledge, amusing YouTube moments, French rap, or a review of the La Liga results. Jon, we wish you a well-deserved retirement in York, filled with joy, relaxation, perhaps a few more language adventures, and maybe even a breakthrough in how to cultivate the best olives in the county.

Physics trips and activities have helped bring his subject to life with Cambridge lectures, Lego Robotics competitions, the Physics X Factor, Physics at Work exhibitions, plus countless trips to Sizewell, Huawei, BT, Diamond Light Synchrotron and of course “24 hours in CERN” – these are highlights of the extraordinary opportunities given to pupils.

Deep thinking and patient, pupils have really appreciated the teaching and the support given by Simon – his clinics sessions have included the spectacle of ALL A Level practicals in a single lunch time, basically Everything Everywhere, All at Once. With hard shoes to fill, his career will progress to the benefit of St Alban’s.

Anna Caston

Head of Lower School and Maths Teacher

Ms Caston joined Ipswich School in September 2010. Prior to this she was at Copleston School for five years and, before that, she taught in several other schools in London and Southampton.

Anna is also an ex-police woman which might be a little known fact – I wonder whether the skills learnt here equipped her for her excellent class management!

Anna is an excellent teacher; pupils are encouraged to be curious and excited about their mathematics where everyone, no matter what their ability, can achieve good things. She always gets pupils onside where everyone feels confident and happy to contribute to her lessons.

It soon became very apparent that Anna had the nurturing and leadership skills to take on a pastoral role in the school and she duly became Head of School House two years later. Incredibly, alongside her House duties, Anna was also tasked with improving the staff development programme for teachers, organising staff INSET, new staff induction, and the provision for our NQTs and PGCE, and staff socials.

Ms Caston then became Head of Lower School aiming to fill the very big shoes left by Mr Cliff as he moved to look after the Sixth Form. She has absolutely excelled in this role and I know that pupils and parents alike will be hugely grateful for all her kindness, support and expertise in what is such an important and challenging job in the school.

Of course, it would be remiss of me not to include a quick mention of when things didn’t always go quite to plan – the legendary Lower School disco which turned into a germ spreading fiasco! Did anyone count the number of pupils and teachers that were off sick the following week?

Anna gives her time freely, and she has been on numerous school trips to Russia, Spain and Italy (twice) as well as, of course, Cumbria and Devon. She also set up our refugee homework club (of which four pupils subsequently received scholarships to Ipswich School) and helped to set up the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion club, Consciousness Club and has been the lead behind countless Pride and International Women’s Day events.

Thank you for everything you have done and achieved at Ipswich School we all wish you the very best of luck for the future.

Richard Parkin

Director of Art

After eight remarkable years at Ipswich School, Mr Parkin is setting off to pursue his dream of being an artist in the beautiful landscapes of Spain. Richard’s story with Ipswich School is truly special. He came back to teach at the very school where he was once a student, but before rejoining us, he had an impressive career in

television, contributing to popular programmes like Animal Hospital and Grand Designs. His experience in media brought a fresh and exciting perspective to his teaching, making his classes anything but ordinary.

From the moment he returned, Richard showed us he’s more than just ambitious – he’s a visionary. His creative projects, like the inspiring Doves installation, have left a lasting impact on our school.

He also launched both GCSE and A Level Photography courses, providing students with new avenues to express themselves and explore their creativity. Thanks to his guidance, these courses have flourished, with students consistently achieving high grades. But it’s not just about the grades. Many of Richard’s students have gone on to successful careers in the creative industries, a true testament to his mentorship. His classroom has always been a place where creativity is celebrated, and every student is encouraged to shine.

And let’s not forget Richard’s talents as a portrait painter. His beautiful portrait of Dr John Blatchly in The Hold is just one example of his incredible skill and attention to detail. His artwork has enriched our school’s artistic landscape and inspired countless students.

As we say goodbye, we’re filled with mixed emotions. We’ll miss his presence and energy, but we’re also incredibly excited for him as he embarks on this new adventure in Spain.

We can’t wait to see what amazing art he’ll create next and his dedication, vision and enthusiasm has left an indelible mark on our school – his legacy will continue to influence us all.

Tracy Boyle

Director of Co-Curriculum and Teacher of German

This year we said a very sad farewell to one of our longest serving teachers, Mrs Boyle. Tracy was an important gain from Chantry High School 31 years ago, and soon became a popular teacher of French and German across the school. Pupils were quick to express enjoyment and appreciation of her lessons, while her tutees in School House always loved her motherly touch.

Over the years she focused more closely on teaching German, becoming an essential part of the A Level team, where the topic of the post-war divided Germany became her specialism, researched and resourced in great depth

Alongside contributing to the development of new schemes of work as exam specs changed, she also ran the German Christmas Market trip many times, introducing students to the delights of Lebkuchenherzen, Räuchermännchen and Weihnachtsplätzchen.

In fact, Tracy’s experience with running trips and events made her the prime candidate for the new role of Director of Co-Curriculum, and she was duly appointed. Noone can be in any doubt about the importance of this side of the school’s offering, and it is testament to Tracy’s abilities and

dedication that we have been able to reconcile so many competing demands on the time of our teachers and students, and to achieve such high-profile success in so many fields of endeavour.

In July, anyone who came to the Midsummer Soirée, in the light of the news of our national cricket victory at Lord’s, will have witnessed some of the outstanding achievements which all depend on Tracy’s guiding hand in the background.

We give enormous thanks to her for her utter devotion to the role, the hours she has sacrificed in support of our performers whether on stage or on the sports field.

The Boyle family have been an Ipswich School fixture for many years, and so many people will be wishing Mrs Boyle well as she steps back from her co-curricular and teaching responsibilities, embarking on her own gap year, with plans to travel to far off places, see new sights, and do new and interesting things.

Tracy, the whole school owes you a huge debt of gratitude for your years of selfless service – on behalf of the whole community, thank you, and Go Well!

Iain Gall

Hockey Coach and Boarding Tutor

So much a part of Ipswich for so long in so many ways, Mr Gall is a much loved member of staff, both in the common room and amongst the pupils. He has held various roles in his time at the school from PE teacher to head of rugby to scholarship manager to sports leader coordinator to hockey coach to cricket coach.

Just in the last five years, Gally’s tally of hockey successes include national U18 indoor champions, national U16 indoor silver medallists, national U18 indoor bronze twice, national U16 indoor bronze, and national U14 outdoor silver medallists.

It is the end of an unbelievable journey and many people will treasure the experiences they have had together with him, as well as being eternally grateful for his commitment and spirit.

The boys have loved their time with him and we can only hope that our paths will cross again in the future. Thank you Gally for everything.

Girls achieve national cricket double

The girls’ cricket team achieved two national cricket titles in the space of a week at the end of the summer term, becoming national U18 100 ball champions and also U18 T20 champions. Having won both the U17 and U18 T20 titles in 2023, this meant the team had four national titles to their name.

On Friday 28 June, the Ipswich School team were the first schoolgirl side to play on the famous square at Lord’s Cricket Ground, the home of cricket. In an intensely competitive match, they triumphed over Bradfield College by four wickets to be crowned national U18 100 ball champions.

Then on Wednesday 3 July, the team faced St Edward's Oxford in the semi-finals of the School Sport magazine T20 competition in Southampton. They won this match by five wickets to secure a place in the final against Epsom College, where a 58 run victory saw the girls crowned national champions once again.

Mr Weaver said: “We are so proud of these girls bringing back these trophies. They have won two National Championships, defying the odds at times with a ‛never-give-up’ attitude, a high degree of skill honed through hours of practice, and a joyful camaraderie that makes them a delight to watch and to spend time with. This is a great achievement for Ipswich School and our sports programme.”

Mr Boje, Head of Cricket, added: “The way the girls performed in the finals is all down to their hard work and determination to succeed, along with teamwork, staying calm in pressure situations and their focus on getting the job done! They are a talented group of players and a pleasure to coach.”

Chamber music winners

Continuing Ipswich School’s excellent record in the Pro Corda Chamber Music Competition, the U14 Quartet were chosen as winners in their age group in the national finals of this competition which celebrates the very best school chamber music from across the UK.

Cyrus Kwong, Lily Connell, Bella Wood and Alex Blunden performed Nova Liturgia by Irish composer Katharina Baker - a string quartet with four short movements. Performing alongside some of the best young musicians in the country meant there was tough competition - so we were delighted when they were announced as the U14 national winners.

This is an accolade to their hard work and determination; their performance not only showed skill but also flair and amazing team work. A big thank you to their quartet coach Ms Farrell.

New addition to The Edge

An exciting new addition was made to The Edge this year, through a link with the London Interdisciplinary School (LIS), which is a new London-based university founded in 2017.

Before working in groups on their own solutions, Mr Charlie Hearl, a tutor from the university, taught the Sixth Formers about the principles of complex problems needing complex solutions, with disciplines like neuroscience, political economy, data analytics, virtual reality and AI all being relevant.

Groups of students then identified an area of inequality that most interested them, and imagined they were consultants tasked with building a dream team of professionals who understood the problem from a full range of perspectives.

We had health inequality, gender and race inequality, and education inequality all under investigation, with final ‘products’ including ideas like apps, e-petitions, urban design and virtual reality used to close equality gaps by identifying safer journeys to school, less wasted time in the ambulance service, and targeted education about multiculturalism in affordable housing schemes.

Young Musician of the Year Competition

Nine of Ipswich School’s solo musicians took part in the grand final of the Young Musician of the Year competition in March. Over 150 students took part in the competition overall, in heats for beginners, intermediate and advanced performers, over 5 nights of heats.

From the advanced competition, the following students were selected to perform in the final: Scarlett Humphries - voice, Basti Todd - drums, Catherine Wang - piano, Ellen Halloboe, Colin Chung - violin, Benedict Williams - piano, Evelyn Cook - flute, Logan Williamson - voice and Niamh Willis - trumpet.

Essay Competition

Pupils in Years 7 to 11 in schools in Suffolk and North Essex were invited to write an essay inspired by Wolsey and his passion for education, with the title “Learning is an amusement and not a toil when…” This is based on Wolsey’s quote: “Pleasure should mingle with study so that the child may think learning an amusement, rather than a toil.”

The winner of the competition, which was organised by Ipswich School as part of the Wolsey 550 celebrations, was Rose Harrison, a Year 7 pupil from Trinity School. Her essay was described as “A beautiful essay, enthusiastic, detailed and well argued”, and concluded: "Education is not a chore or a toil, it is a gift. You must embrace it with open arms and explore its contents, for you’ll enjoy it and you’ll require it one day, whether that is today, tomorrow or any other day is not the point.

Education aids you in your time of utmost need, education protects you and your many descendants— education even saves lives. It stops wars, it illustrates harmony. But, it is also hysterically amusing and satisfying.”

The runners-up were Jaden Jones, Year 10 from Gilberd School in second place, and Lilia Cook, Year 8 from

Whilst the adjudication by Stephen Clarke took place, the audience were treated to a performance from last year’s Young Musician winner, Elise Lau from Year 13. After commenting

on each of the performances heard that evening, Mr Clarke awarded the Young Musician of the Year 2024 title to Colin Chung from Year 11.

Ipswich School in third place. Also commended were Calum Button, Year 9 from Ipswich School, Lex Roosenbeek, Year 8 from Gilberd School, and Dylan Nash, from Year 7 at The Trinity School.

The winners were invited to a special reception at Ipswich School, where Headmaster Mr Weaver explained more about Wolsey’s links with the school, and awarded the prizes. Mr CromptonBattersby, who judged the essays, also read extracts from each of them to the audience of winners and their families.

Ipswich School Successes

The school’s Catering Team has become the first school in the country to achieve the CAP Platinum Award for catering.

This award is the hardest to gain of the four CAP awards - organisations have to have achieved a gold award for three successive years before they can be assessed, and have to score over 95% in each of the assessment criteria.

To achieve the award, inspectors looked for high standards in high quality food, hygiene, customer service and general cleanliness and tried the food in the Senior School, Prep School and at Westwood, as well as speaking to the staff and pupils, and checking the health and safety paperwork and training logs. Mr Brace from the Catering Team said: “I am immensely proud of this result and all of the hard work of the team, especially as Ipswich School are the first school to achieve a platinum award.”

At the end of December, NextGen XV, the rugby organisation which has broadcast many of the Ipswich School rugby matches, named Ipswich School in their Global Top 20 Schools for 2023the first time which Ipswich has featured in the rankings.

Ipswich School’s 1st XV came in at number 19, alongside schools from England - Harrow and Kirkham Grammar - and schools from Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, and Wales. In naming Ipswich School, NextGen said: “2023 was the year that Ipswich School went from rising force to a fixture at the top of English schools rugby, and with that a place in this year’s Global Top 20.”

Annual Art Exhibition

On Friday 17 May the Art Department held the annual GCSE and A Level Art Exhibition at Anglesea Heights.

On display were textiles pieces as well as edited photography that was part of the final exams. There were many canvases filled with colour as part

Ipswich School was also named one of the top twenty schools nationally for its sports programme by School Sport Magazine, for the second year running.

In addition Ipswich School was the only school in Suffolk to be named within the magazine’s top 100. Mr Weaver said: “Congratulations to our pupils and staff on this outstanding achievement. Our sports programme at Ipswich School is designed to cater for every pupil, whilst giving elite opportunities for our top athletes. I am delighted that we have been recognised with this accolade which highlights the strength and breadth of our sports provision. Well done to all our pupils and staff for their ambition, determination and support for one another.”

of the fine art section with contributions also including portraits in wardrobes as well as in huge frames.

There was a huge range of textiles pieces, including one which had grass growing in it, one which explored other worlds, and another piece which looked at the richness and synergy of heritage. The theme for the GCSE

The prestigious Sunday Times Parent Power Guide once again named Ipswich School as the top independent school in Suffolk, an accolade which the school has now held for eight years in a row.

The school went up nearly 50 places to 126th in the national rankings, and climbed one place within East Anglia, where it was ranked as the sixth best performing school. The Parent Power guide judged schools by their A Level and GCSE exam grades from the 2023 summer’s exams.

Ipswich School Headmaster Mr Weaver, said: “We are delighted once again to see that we are recognised in this guide for our academic excellence. Our teachers have a genuine passion for their subjects and use this to encourage all our pupils to achieve their potential, as our exam results show.”

coursework was “I Me Mine” which inspired self portraits and other artistic interpretations, whilst the theme for the A Level coursework was “Order and Disorder”. The art on display was inspiring to all visitors.

The Catering Team

OI Club Events 2023 - 24

Remembrance Evensong

12th November 2023

Remembrance Evensong was held in the School Chapel on Sunday 12th November; it was an opportunity to reflect as a bell was tolled for each of the OIs named on the Chapel war memorials.

The OIs and CCF were well represented and the Wolsey Consort, made up of current pupils led the singing. There was a retiring collection in aid of The Royal British Legion.

Class of 1999 Reunion 11th May 2024

Class of 1999 were delighted to see each other and their teachers back at the School. A few things have changed since their time, but so much of it remains the same. Semper Eadem!

Club Events

Drinks in the City

7th November 2023

Over thirty OIs met at Avison Young’s Gresham Street offices to enjoy an evening of networking and catching up with School friends.

It was great to see everyone and find out about the wide and varied things OIs are doing. Some are working in the City, others are studying and others are about to travel abroad.

Our thanks to OI committee member, Andrew Whitehead (OI 2012-19) who arranged the great venue for us. We are always interested in central London locations for future OI networking events. If you are able to help please contact the Development Office: development@ipswich.school

First Five Years Out Reunion

21st December 2023

Arlingtons, Museum Street, Ipswich

Fifty OIs met at Arlingtons for the First Five Years Out Reunion. It was a great evening as many OIs had just arrived home from university or from working away. Lots of catching up over drinks and nibbles. Thank you to the teachers and the Headmaster for coming along too.

Club Events

Former Staff Lunch 23rd September 2023

More than 50 guests attended the OI Former Staff Lunch on Saturday 23rd September.

It was lovely to see former colleagues as well as present staff share a delicious lunch along with memories and anecdotes! For some, it was their first visit to the School for many years. After lunch, OIs and their guests were able to visit their old classrooms and work areas, including the Prep School.

D Day Event to Remember OIs 6th June 2024

On Thursday 6 June, Lower School and members of the CCF were all assembled in the Chapel for a special service about one of the most significant days in World War II, D-Day.

An excellent overview of the important day was provided by the Lower School History Club, and Mr Crompton-Battersby gave a reflection on the events. There were also hymns sung by the Lower School Choir. Thank you to everyone involved in this service which helped us to remember this special day and the actions of so many people.

Written for the School’s website by Sophie L, Year 7 Junior Journalist

Ipswich Dinner

16th December 2023

We were fortunate to have Jazz-IS play for us during the drinks reception at the Ipswich Dinner on Saturday 16th December. A big ‘thank you’ to the ten Ipswich School pupils who played for us, led by Mr Mike Wren.

The reception was followed by a short EGM when the OI President for 2024 Ray East was voted in unanimously. Ray East joined Ipswich School in 1988 after a professional cricket career spanning 25 years with Essex County Cricket Club as a player, coach and administrator and will be well known to many OIs. Formalities completed; guests then enjoyed a delicious meal.

The keynote speaker was Olympian, Hannah French, who shared her hockey journey from Ipswich School to Buckingham Palace via the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics. Headmaster, Mr Weaver gave an interesting update about the School and afterwards guests had the opportunity to mingle and have their caricature drawn.

Class of 1994 Reunion

10th February 2024

More than 50 people attended the Class of 1994 reunion which was held in the Dining Hall at the School in February. Many had travelled from other parts of the country and one OI had flown in from New York.

The tour of the School was led by Mr (Richard) Welbourne and Mr (Steve) Godfrey and the OIs toured classrooms, the Chapel, Great School and the Library where Russell Clark (OI 1987-94) handed in a library book - 30 years late!

Class of 2002 Reunion

2nd March 2024

There was joy in the room as those present started to recognise each other and their teachers. Ben Ponniah rallied the troops to get everyone together after 20 years away from the school (plus 2 due to Covid!).

Many teachers joined us including Mr Gregory, Mrs Masser, Mr Godfrey, Mr Clare, Mr Calver, Mr Clayton and Mr Welbourne. Former Headmaster, Mr Galbraith also made it to the event to see former pupils.

After drinks, lunch and speeches the group headed off on a tour of the school headed up by Mr Clayton and Mr Welbourne. They took in the old haunts including classrooms, Great School and School field, but also took in the New Music School which was built in 2015 to take music at Ipswich School to new heights.

1974 Fifty Years Reunion and Summer Lunch

15th June 2024

One of the highlights in the OI calendar is the Summer Lunch, an event that welcomes back those who left the School 50 Years or more ago. Before the main event the class of 1974 used it as the perfect opportunity to meet for tea and coffee in the sixth form centre (the old Prep School).

Guests enjoyed refreshments in the new Dining Hall where they could

look at items from the Archive to spark memories of times at School. A quick photo outside the main building then a tour given by former teacher Bob Clayton. A two course lunch was then served, with the School catering team once again serving with panache! Speeches and lively conversation made for a great afternoon and we’re already looking forward to the next one.

The event was also the last for current Headmaster Nicholas Weaver as he steps down from the helm this summer and the speeches from Sally Webber and Karl Daniels reflected this, with great thanks from the OI community.

An extract from the speech made by Karl Daniels at the Summer Lunch is provided opposite.

Club Events

There have been five heads since 1933:

Truman Tanqueray –arguably taking the school through its toughest time

Pat Mermagen

John Blatchley

Ian Galbraith and Nick Weaver

Five heads in 91 years

When Ian Galbraith indicated to me that he wished to retire I immediately recalled a conversation with a chairman at another school when he asked me if I was likely to be involved with the appointment of a new head – if so he said and you get it wrong, YOU go.

Well we had a good process. We thought we had appointed the right person and of course you can’t be certain. The first year for a new Head is never easy but we soon knew we had a winner. Nick displayed tremendous energy and was very thoughtful in his approach. He quickly built a very impressive senior management team. And Nick soon displayed his passion for teaching – as Thomas Wolsey apparently said and quoted by Nick in the last Ipswichian magazine, ‘Pleasure should mingle with study so that the child may think learning an amusement, rather than a toil’.

The School’s strategy has been underpinned for many years by the principle of Continuous Improvement. That term sums up in many ways the way in which Nick has led the School over fourteen years. The results have been wonderful:

Academic results – excellent

Drama and art – excellent

Music – excellent

Hockey – excellent

Girl’s cricket – excellent

Rugby – excellent

Catering – excellent

CCF and Duke of Edinburgh

Awards – excellent

Record number of pupils in the Senior School

And parents were also very impressed with the way online

teaching started immediately after lockdown when the pandemic hit us. The school was ready for it.

I remember discussing strategy one day with Nick and I can’t remember exactly how it came up but Nick suddenly said ‘we want to be the most loved school in the country’ – that’s a wonderful ambition and says a lot about the values displayed during his headship of the school we love.

Being Head here is a really tough job – 24/7. I saw first hand the problems Nick has had to deal with. And things do go wrong – pupils are human, as are staff. Nick has embedded a wonderful pastoral care system in the school and parents have told me how impressed they have been by the way their children have been helped with difficulties in their lives.

Nick and I share a love of music. Since he arrived Nick has played guitar in Big Band, a wonderful way to work with pupils and make music.

The annual concert at Snape recently was wonderful – mind blowing! Nick is a good singer too and an emerging drummer taking lessons from the ace drummer, George Double OI.

The relationship between Chairman and Chief Executive can be a challenge but Nick and I formed an excellent one – we never disagreed on anything important. My time here was very happy and I still love visiting the School.

In my second career I did quite a big study on organisational culture. One of the conclusions I reached is that you can usually detect the culture

of an organisation within a few minutes of stepping through the door. There is a very good culture here and you feel it as soon as you come on to the premises – the fine relationships between staff and pupils are very evident – always very busy in a great environment.

Nick, you have been a great supporter of the OI Club and its thousands of members – attending regular OI Committee meetings. Recently you initiated the future security of the OI Club through a memorandum of understanding between the School and the Club lead so expertly by former chairman of the Club, Nick Allen. This confirms all the support the School provides to the Club and its members through the Development Office which is led so successfully by its Director Nikki Brown who does such a wonderful job. Thank you for what you do for OIs, Nicky.

Nick has been a highly successful Head and a great leader of Ipswich School. Schools have to do things right but you have also done the right things to make this school what it is today. We understand your decision to stand down after fourteen years and we admire you for it.

We wish you great happiness and fulfillment in your future life. Thank you for your support and friendship.

– Karl Daniels (OI 1944 – 53) Former Chairman of the Governing Body

Class of 1984 Reunion

8th June 2024

A great turnout for this year group who meet every 5 years! Refreshments, a tour and seeing old teachers and each other made a perfect afternoon.

West Country Networking and Drinks in the City of Bristol

8th February 2024 - The Lost & Found, Bristol

Thank you to everyone who attended the drinks in the city event held in Bristol. The venue was a great place for everyone to meet and catch up.

There was a good cross section of OIs, some live and work around the Bristol and Bath areas, others are at university in the cities. We have had requests for more reunions like this in the future - watch this space

OI London Dinner

22nd March 2024

The Long Room, Lord’s Cricket Ground, London

150 Old Ipswichians and their guests joined us for a wonderful drinks reception in the bar before being encouraged to take their seats by the MCC stewards. Everyone walked through into the historic Long Room which is passed through by both the home and away teams as they make their way out onto the field.

The food and wine were expertly served as our speakers, OI President Ray East, guest speaker, former cricketer Geoff Miller and the Headmaster, Nicholas Weaver spoke.

Roars of laughter were heard throughout the room as Geoff Miller

gave a lively and wonderfully funny speech. He then auctioned a signed cricket bat with proceeds going towards the School Founding Futures Bursary Fund and Prostate Cancer UK.

Thanks goes to our speakers Ray East, Geoff Miller and the headmaster and to Martin Holland and the staff at Lord’s who made the event so memorable.

Biggest ever London Dinner held at Lord’s

OI Sporting Events 2023 - 24

OI Rugby Special Ipswich School vs Sedbergh School

More than 40 OIs attended a buffet lunch at Notcutts Pavillion before joining other spectators pitch-side to cheer on Ipswich School 1st XV as they took on Sedbergh School. The visitors have been at the forefront of schoolboy rugby over the last ten years, constantly competing at the top level.

The match was exciting and got off to a great start, three tries up at the break and 32-10 to Ipswich. Maybe Ipswich began to tire as with the game drawing to a close as Sedbergh got back into the match and made up for lost time.

The home crowd watched the nail biting last few minutes before letting out a massive celebratory roar when the final whistle blew and Ipswich were the victors over Sedbergh with the final score of 32-29.

A special mention for John Graham (OI 1947-54) pictured. Over 70 years ago John led out and captained the Ipswich School first team.

OIs Golf Tournament 7th June 2024

It was a gloriously fine day in June 2024 when 41 OIs tee’d off at Ipswich Golf Club, Purdis Heath, Ipswich for a day of golf. It also proved a particularly challenging day with some very testing conditions, with rough coming up to their knees.

Shyam Patel (OI 1992-03) organised the day with Steve Runnacles (OI 1963-74) and Nick Weaver, Headmaster arrived early to see everyone tee off.

Special thanks to David Rowledge OI of Alchemy Wines for sponsoring the tournament and providing prizes. Shyam would like to extend his thanks to everyone who attended on the day, especially those who left home very early to arrive at the course in time for tee off.

MCC vs School

The tournament came to an end with the final results:

1st place

Andrew Mann (OI 1987-98)(40 points)

2nd place

Shyam Patel (OI 1992-03)

3rd place

Edward England (OI 1995-05)

MCC were welcomed back to play the Ipswich School first team. Among the MCC team was four OIs playing and it was a pleasure to be able to host them back at Henley Road.

NP in two on the 11th

Dan Griffin (OI 2006-10)

NP on the 15th

Seb Abigail (OI 1998-05)

From left to right: Nico Boje (OI 2019-22) Ian Swallow (OI 1991-02) Cricket Coach & OI President Ray East, umpire Martin White (OI 1953-59) Felix Ward (OI 1998-13) and Chris Swallow (OI 1988-00).

Club Events

OI Fives Club Annual

Report 2023-24

OIs vs School December 2023

2023-24 was the Club’s 57th year and a good one. We won 13 of 29 matches, drawing 2 and losing 14. We came a creditable 5 th in the league (Division 2), four points behind the Old Etonians and pleasingly just ahead of North Oxford. Only incurring half a penalty point (for an incomplete team) across the season was key.

It was great to welcome back Will Gibbons, who, prised off his sofa, showed he had lost nothing of his old skills, or wit. Nadia Mason stepped in to the league side and scored her first points which was great to see. Jeremy Hughes, now a bona fide OI, also made his league debut, successfully taking honours at first pair. Our Alan Barber Cup challenge (fives’s version of the FA Cup) came unstuck in the second round, unsurprisingly, against twenty-three times winners of the competition, the Old Olavians. By contrast we were pleased to qualify once again for the semi-finals of the EFA Trophy. A stroke of misfortune, however, by which Isaac Wagland was unable to make the match in time, frustratingly spoiled our good prospects of beating the Salopians to the spoils. Next year we hope he remembers where he parked his car.

We were most ably supported on occasion by School pupils, especially sixth formers Alex Phillips and Elliot Caldwell, both of whom helped us to points in the league and we very much hope will become regulars for the Club. U13 girls (Anastasia, Betsy and Izzy) combined superbly with Charlotta Cooley, Aisha Parker and Nadia Mason to surprise many and take an impressive third place in the Richard Black Cup, the women’s team event. We weren’t quite so successful in the equivalent men’s competition, finishing fourth but performing respectably against top opponents.

The Graham Turnbull Trophy, for pairs consisting of a pupil and a former pupil, saw Ipswich players do brilliantly. Tim Gregory with Elliot

Caldwell and Jeremy Hughes with Sam Cook reached the last sixteen in a field that included a couple of UK Open Championship winners amongst other highly ranked players. Better still was the highly impressive performance of Steve Burnell and Alex Phillips who beat the fancied Eton first pair in their group and then UK Champion, Hugo Young and partner, in reaching the semi-final.

We had three Ipswich pairs in the Aberconway Cup (for intergenerational family pairs), Gareth Hoskins trying to keep up with son Tom as they made the quarter-finals, and Tim Wyndham and Chris Bradley playing with their thirteen year old daughters. It is a lovely competition if anyone fancies doing the same. This year the age range was from 10 to 84!

In the annual School v OIs match Anna Clough led the OI women’s team but couldn’t get the better of a strong School first pair in Kezia and Natasha, a draw resulting. In the men’s match the strength of the OI side reflected the potential of the pupils to cause an upset. The presence of Isaac Weaver bolstered the elders, enabling the OIs to field a formidable second pair of Gareth Hoskins and Tim Gregory and score a 2-1 victory. Isaac has become an outstanding player, having kept his eye in whilst at Durham, picking up the Universities Rugby fives titles for both singles and doubles on the way. His athleticism, quick reactions and power of shot are impressive. This was amply demonstrated in the Ipswich Tournament for the Graves Cup in early January, in which he partnered guest player Mandie Barnes, who would be the first to say she is not the strongest, yet still managed to win. Mandie said

afterwards, “I don’t think I have ever played a match and hit the ball so few times.” As always the tournament was much enjoyed, including the informal dinner, for which we were again indebted to the excellence of the School caterers.

Amongst personal milestones, congratulations are due to Charlotta Cooley who won her thirteenth Ladies Open title and become the most successful female player ever. Simon Woolfries won his fifth Over 60s title, his fourth in partnership with Peter Boughton. Tim Gregory became the fifteenth OI to have played 100 matches for the Club and Mark Graves moved to within 5 of being the 7th player to 300 matches. Peter Boughton moved ahead of Club founder Mike Fenn to 690 matches played, with 400 wins.

Gareth Hoskins continues to drive the game superbly as Secretary of the Eton Fives Association, Charlotta and Simon Woolfries keep an eye on him as Committee members, with Charlotta now also in charge of the Schools’ Girls’ Championships. Simon Cass is still running the Cambridge Chroniclers Fives Club and would welcome any OIs who fancy knocking a ball about on the fabulous indoor University courts. And we would love to see more taking advantage of OI Fives, anywhere, either seriously, socially, to keep fit, or as a focus for a get together with old friends. If any of that appeals, contact Peter Boughton on pvb@ipswich.school.

Many thanks once again to the School and OI Club for their continuing support and to our match managers who keep the show on the road.

– Peter Boughton (OI 1959 – 69) Eton Fives Coach

OIs vs Ipswich School Women’s and Men’s Hockey Tournament

13th April 2024

A good time was had by all at OI vs School hockey on Saturday 13th April. It was a great opportunity to play sport back at Ipswich School and meet up with friends. We hope to make the event even bigger next year, do get in touch if you want to hear details closer to the time and keep an eye on our website and socials too.

OI Wrecked

Cricketers Golf Society Reunion

August 2024

You may well ask, “What is an OI Wrecked Cricketer golfer?” Firstly, not necessarily a cricketer and most certainly, not necessarily a golfer. The society started close on thirty five years ago after the Old Framlinghamians posted a target of over three hundred in the OIs v OFs match in OI Cricket Week.

The Ipswichian side declared themselves past it as cricketers and, with one of the side, Tony Tyrrell, happening to have a golf club at his disposal, it was decided to from then on hold a golf-based reunion each August.

Gradually there have been changes (most notably to provide sufficient golfing ability) but the core group is still going strong, led admirably by the long-suffering Tim Thorn, who has found organising OIs far harder than any of the highpowered roles in his former life. The Texas scramble format allows the less able golfers to contribute, if only to put pressure on their ‘able’

OIs vs Ipswich School

Cross Country

March 2024

The weather broke and the sun shone on Saturday as we welcomed the OI team to Poplar Farm in Tuddenham. The event is open to pupils at other Schools in East Anglia to compete as well as the OI vs School race.

The OI team were strong, with Chris Wijnberg (OI 2004-18) taking the win and Gordon Irvine (OI 199097) as runner up. After enjoying the run, the competitors made their way back to school for presentations, food and drink in the school dining hall. A tour of the school was a must for OIs

partners, and there are others whose preference is to drive the drinks buggy and tell everyone else how they should have played the last shot.

The day starts (in typical OI fashion) the previous evening, with a magnificent barbecue chez Tony and Gerrie Tyrrell, in order to discuss tactics. That is the official line. But really it is a re-remembering of past sporting (and other) deeds and, in true OI tradition, much good-natured abuse. With age the bar bill has diminished hugely and now only the cat stays up with John Collett to see in the dawn. This year the main event was blessed with a hot and sultry day. No grumbling at the early breakfast when skipper Thorn reveals the teams, carefully concocted to make things as close as possible. Eighteen holes before lunch, with wine and port of course. Cries of “Do we have

to play another nine?” To which the response is “Don’t be a wuss David.” And tired bodies can’t understand how they feel they are playing better than the morning but the scores are considerably higher. The above par figures are blamed on the heat – nothing to do with aging bones and muscles.

At the count up Simon Marks, Henry Staunton and Tim Thorn are duly congratulated as winners of the Thorn Trophy for the morning round and Simon Marks, Steve Marks, Tony Tyrrell and Simon Woolfries similarly for the afternoon nine-hole round. The Fynn Valley Club and staff are thanked for doing us proud once again, then it’s goodbyes and looking forward to another great day next year.

– Peter Boughton (OI 1959 – 69)

who hadn’t been back to the school for a while and wished to see the old haunts. Memories flooding back, and lots to take in including the search for a graffitied brick, etched in the 1970s! We found it.

We hope to host the event next year, and it is usually scheduled for the first Saturday in March. Keep an eye on the website for more detail. Big thanks to all who made it possible including our OI host Tom Hancock (OI 1981-88) and volunteer Simon Gladwell (OI 1980-91).

OIs vs Ipswich School Cricket and

Family

Fun Day

19th May 2024

Ray East, OI President and former Essex cricketer was host to welcome back the OI team for a thrilling encounter at the Ipswich School grounds. The Old Ipswichians were victorious against a young school team.

The match was highlighted by an impressive innings from Will Froggatt, who remained unbeaten with a commanding 62 not out. Nico Boje and James Hodgkinson also made contributions, scoring 41 and 38 runs respectively to bolster the Old Ipswichians’ total.

The school’s bowlers put up a spirited fight, with wickets being shared among them, but they couldn’t

contain the experienced OI lineup.

Despite a valiant effort from the Ipswich School batsmen, the Old Ipswichians’ disciplined bowling and tight fielding ensured they fell short of the target.

The opening wicket of Archie Magnus, bowled by his dad Olly will live long in the memory. OIs demonstrated their class and experience and showcased

the lasting legacy of cricketing talent at Ipswich School.

The family day was also enjoyed by the young and possible upcoming cricketers of tomorrow with practice nets, coconut shy, face painting, creative and soft play zones and what turned out to be a very warm day, the shaded chill out area also proved popular, but not quite as popular as the ice cream van and sweet cart! Spectators brought along their picnics and catering staff put on an amazing spread for the players. The bar proved a welcoming sight for those seeking some shade and refreshment from the extremely warm weather we were lucky to have on the day.

We hope this event will go from strength to strength and welcome more members of the wider School community.

– Chris Swallow (OI 1988 – 00)

Thank you for your support!

The headwinds we face as a School were highlighted by former headmaster Nick Weaver during the Giving Day in June where he mentioned how the cost of living crisis, the removal of business rates relief and the impact of VAT on fees will impact our school. Those points alongside the age of our estate means we need your help to continue to offer the best education possible to young people in our region.

We were therefore heartened to see so much support during our Giving Day. It was a wonderful occasion with the whole school community getting behind the three funds we use to support our charitable activities; The Bursary Fund, The Phoenix Hardship Fund and The Capital Estate Fund. Read on to see what we got up to here at Henley Road over the 36 hour period!

The Giving Day is our biennial fundraiser and we will hold another in 2026. In the meantime, if you would like to support the school, volunteer, make a donation or share your story of how your education made a difference to your life via a bursary or scholarship, please get in touch. Thank you, wholeheartedly, from all of us here.

Yours sincerely

Nikki Brown Development Director

Another Giving Day to Remember!

This year we celebrated our second Giving Day and were overjoyed with the support given by the School Community, both here at Henley Road and further afield.

It was a wonderful occasion where we supported our three main funds; The Bursary Fund, The Phoenix Hardship Fund and The Capital Estate Fund.

The day kicked off with a mass workout on School field where the pupils had a great time making their way around 12 Hiit (high intensity impact training) stations. You can see from the photos that it was a beautiful morning with everyone in high spirits. Our thanks goes to Mr Morgan, the CCF and all our wonderful teachers who donned their kit to lead the warmup!

Cakes and ice cream are always a winner and the 36 hour event saw

a massive sale of both to raise more funds. The prep children visited the tuck shop again this year to enjoy the facility that the ‘big kids’ love and that Old Ipswichians will remember from their time at the school, that has been a tuck shop there for at least 70 years!

We had so much support from our wider community and despite a serious email glitch which sent a lot of our correspondence to junk folders, the day raised £97,000 for the School. Felaw House took home the ‘most supported house’ trophy and we had donations from 12 countries from around the globe.

A wonderful day celebrating all of the special things about being part of this amazing community as well as supporting pupils in their education.

Thank you from Mart Van der Veen (OI 2022 – 2024), full Rugby Scholar and Bursary recipient

“I came to the school almost two years ago and have thoroughly enjoyed my time here. I am so very lucky to benefit from a fully funded rugby scholarship given to the school by generous supporters from our wider community. For this I will be eternally grateful.

This education has changed my life, I have made friends I will keep for my lifetime, I have skills I will draw upon both on and off the rugby pitch and I look forward to my future. I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you, and to encourage others to help young people like me fulfil their potential through education. Thank you.”

The Future of Your School

As a School we are facing an extraordinary amount of change. Our dedication to delivering an excellent education remains and we must react to the current climate by making this School the very best that it can be by focusing on upgrading and enhancing our facilities.

Our buildings on Henley Road are now more than 170 years old and even some of our newest buildings, such as the library, are in need of refurbishment and upgrades.

There is a huge drive to update our facilities in the coming months and years with focus on some key projects to ensure we are offering the very best education possible. This helps us to give our pupils a wonderful educational experience including an outstanding cocurricular offering

During the Giving Day you helped us raise nearly £10,000 for The Capital Fund. This fund allows us to update and maintain the buildings and facilities at Ipswich School as well as direct funds to individual subjects.

Some key projects we need additional help with in the coming months include:

• Refurbishment of the Pavilion including the introduction of a Girls Honours Board. Girls cricket has gone from strength to strength with our current U18s & U16s holding national titles. We want to update the pavilion inside and give our girls their rightful space in the history of cricket at Ipswich School.

• Refurbishment of the Library. Now a Grade II listed building, the library was opened in 1982 and it has remained fairly unchanged. This has retained much of its mid-century design charm but it is now time to replace some of the internal fixtures and furniture that thousands of Ipswich School pupils have used to study and look out of those wonderful windows onto School Field.

• A complete overhaul of our School Field cricket nets,

• Opportunities to improve teaching facilities in Art and in Biology,

• The installation of a state-of-the-art 'Tech Desk' into Great School to support Performing Arts of all sorts,

• Investment in Boarding on the Anglesea Heights site on Ivry Street

• The creation of a brand-new strength-and-conditioning fitness suite to enhance and support our sporting programme which has grown to see Ipswich School represented on the national and worldwide schools rugby stage.

We believe that by matching our academic offering with first-class facilities we will only strengthen our position as the best School in Suffolk.

In the past we have been fortunate enough to receive support from Old Ipswichians, parents and supporters of the School who have helped realise some wonderful projects including the Chapel lighting (Philip Ind OI) The Lingwood Pavilion (Nigel Lingwood OI) and The Lodge Day Nursery (Roy Towns OI).

Please do consider supporting one of these projects and leave your mark on Ipswich School.

Get in touch with the Development Team on 01473 408324 or development@ipswich.school

How to Support Ipswich School

We are grateful for every donation that we receive, those gifts are helping to support education at your school. You can read more in our 2024 Impact Report which accompanies this journal and summarises gifts received by the school from September 2023August 2024. Even during these difficult economic conditions we have been so pleased to see your support - thank you.

Whether your donation is large or small; immediate, or as part of a legacy gift, 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/foundingfutures

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.

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.

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. And as recently as 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

Read Impact Report here from December 2024.

Friends of Ipswich School (FOIS)

The second hand uniform sales go from strength to strength and the biennial Ball was another fantastic night!

During the last academic year the FOIS second hand uniform shop opened on Anglesea Heights and it has been a massive success raising £8,150 which he FOIS use to support extras for the pupils at school.

This year they have supported the purchase of House t-shirts, Senior School t-shirts, the yearbook and leavers hoodies.

The Friends volunteers work hard to support cohesion of the parent body with their regular events including the Year 7 welcome picnic to familiarise new class members with each other

The Development Team:

Nikki Brown Development Director development@ ipswich.school 01473 408324

Nikki became Development Director in 2019 after more than a decade in the charity sector having worked for the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices and St Elizabeth Hospice. Nikki leads the team and has particular responsibility for philanthropic giving at the school.

before the first day of Senior School, the FOIS Quiz held at Rushmere Sports Centre and the biennial FOIS Ball which is held in the marquee on School field. Thank you to all the members of the FOIS and parent body for your support this year!

Caroline Gould Development and Alumni Relations Manager cog@ipswich.school 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 and will be the main point of contact going forward for all OI events and alumni relations.

Tina Harvey Development Administrator tmh@ipswich.school 01473 408276

Tina joined the Development Office in April 2021 after previously working in other departments in the school. Tina has a background in administration and management after working in the council and Public Health England for many years. She has particular responsibility for managing the OI database.

Caleb Howgego School Historian 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.

Ipswich School Careers Department

On 21st March 2024 we hosted our annual Careers Convention - this is our flagship careers event and we invite students from Years 10-13 and their parents to join us for the evening. We are joined by local and national employers and universities and there is also a carousel of talks/presentations for the students to attend.

Where possible we try to have the talks delivered by an OI as the students relate so much better to someone who has literally been in their shoes and this year we had some amazing talks delivered by our fantastic OI community.

Nick Ames (OI 1994-01) delivered a talk about his career in journalism, Cassie Werber (OI 1997-99) spoke about the value of a ‘squiggly’ career and how she has just published her first novel. OIs Mark Evans (OI 1964-73) and Tom Bailey (OI 2003-10) delivered a presentation highlighting their very different career paths within the field of engineering.

Harry Badman (OI 2008-15) spoke about careers in wealth management and went on to host two of our Year 11 students for work experience placements later in the year. Max Keeble (OI 2003-13) gave a passionate presentation about his career in acting - both on the stage and screen.

Tim Kiddell OI (1989-98) found time in his very hectic schedule to talk about careers in the Civil Service including being speechwriter to the Prime Minister! And 3 of our most recent leavers, Ayrton Seabrook (OI 2015-22), Tekle Berihu (OI 202022) and Amelia Benns (OI 2021-23) shared their experiences as current degree apprentices to an extremely large audience in the New Dining Hall. We cannot begin to thank them

enough for their time and cannot underestimate the value of their presentations. This is in addition to all the OIs who had exhibition stands at the event - thank you all so much.

Another busy time of year for the Careers Department is when our Year 11 students participate in a week long work experience placement at the end of June. Again this is

As you can no doubt appreciate, we are already making plans for our next event on 20th March 2025 and would welcome any of our OIs to get in touch if they would like to host an exhibition stand or deliver a seminar. The evening will commence with supper in the Dining Hall and hopefully the chance to catch up with some of your former teachers.

something that our OI community very generously supports.

A particular shout out to Matthew Douglas in Hadleigh for hosting students interested in a career in finance, Focus Agency Group in Feering for hosting 2 fantastic placements showcasing careers in marketing/ advertising, Madano Partnerships in London for offering a placement in PR and TruLife Optics, London, for their amazing placements which allowed students to learn more about the design and prototyping of Holographic

Optical Elements for Augmented Reality Smart Glasses.

In addition to these scheduled activities we also welcome OIs into school to deliver more specialist presentations to interested students over lunchtime.

This year we have welcomed back Felicity Crawford (née Last OI 2001-09), who left us 14 years ago to talk about her journey to becoming a detective in the sexual assault team with Essex Police.

OI Josh Moussa (OI 2016-23) is a current first year medical student at UEA spoke to our MEDSOC about life as a medical student. Even though he had only been at UEA for a few months he explained if you want to see patients early and enjoy dissections then UEA is great.

We are also incredibly grateful to OIs Freddie Vonberg (OI 1998-07), Evan McNab (OI 2014-21) Annabel Lee (OI 2014-19) and Lana Mo (OI 2016-18) for their support with

personal statements for medicine and veterinary applications.

Another generous local supporter is Ashwin Bhatt (OI 1998-13) who has kindly helped with work experience opportunities for some of our sixth form students who are hoping to pursue a career in Pharmacy.

There really is a special relationship between the Careers Department, the Development Team and our amazing OI community and we are keen to nurture this to allow more of our current students to benefit from the knowledge, experience and generosity of our former students.

We would encourage you to please get in touch if you have been inspired by any of the activities/opportunities mentioned and we would love to welcome you back to Ipswich School to share your passion with the next generation of OIs.

– Julie Hayes Ipswich School Careers Officer

We can be reached by emailing careers@ipswich.school or you can join us on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook @oldipswichians