Old Ipswichian Journal 2021

The journal of the Old Ipswichian Club

Old Ipswichian Journal The Journal of the Old Ipswichian Club | Issue 11 2020/21

In this issue Club news • Features • Members’ news • Births, marriages, deaths and obituaries OI Club events • School news • Programme of events • Development office news Page Content

01

Member Leavers

Life Members 2019/20 Furness Ella Daisy

Nelson Henry William James

Stewart Griffin Matilda Catherine

O'Reilly Finn Thomas

Adefuye Makoyale Andrew

Victoria

Offord George Arthur Tom

Adejuwon John Adebusola

Hardy Angus James Guy

Parsons Henry James

Aird-Brown Lucy Elizabeth Anne

Harper Amelia Lucy Elizabeth

Pennington Belinda Rose

Bagnall Joseph James

Hatcher Dillon Peter

Pettitt Charlotte

Baines Edward Thomas

Herbig Samuel Eric

Phillips Abigail Jemimah Grace

Baldwin George Edward

Hiskey Samuel Jay

Plant Archie James Robert

Barker Christopher Nicholas

Howells Katherine Louise

Reed Joseph Oliver Vasconcelos

Barlow Emelye Rose Mary

Iglesias Charles Henry

Rix-Perez Nicolas

Barrett Hannah

Igun Oluwatamilore Oyinpreye

Robson Zain Ellis

Bolton Thomas Joseph

Jarvis James William

Sagu Rahul

Boyle Clementine Ecaterina Rose

Jenkinson George Guy Alexander

Sagu Rohan

Brown James Benedict Banca

Jermyn Angus Digby

Scoote Jerome

Brown Matthew Thomas

Johnson Matthew Peter

Singleton Isla Mhairi

Bryanton Ben Joseph

Legrand James Ford

Smith Hannah

Carrington Lucy

Levick Catherine

Sogeke Elizabeth Bolunatito

Chan Julian Alexander Sieu Loong

Liu Yuanfeng

Steensma Benjamin

Cook Emily Josephine

Lloyd Henry James

Stevenson George William

Cooper Joseph

Ludwig Matthew Richard

Strang Christopher Calum James

Day Elliot George Charlie

MacGregor Joseph Lewis Hugh

Struth Amy Elizabeth

Dines James Eric

Marr Nancy Elizabeth

Taskin Eren

Double Frederick George

McAllister Henry

Titley Bertram Richebourg

Duley Evelyn Grace

McConnell Robert Stephen

Trewern Alex

Dyble Jack Cameron Graham

McCullagh Katherine Grace

Wallace George Edward

Evans Katherine Florence

McIntyre Flora

Weaver Isaac Edward Parr

Eve Connor

Mexome Oliver George

Weir-Simmons Alexander

Everard Hector Kuhrt

Mistry Vinesh

Wijnberg Anna Lauren

Fong Sau Nam

Morgan Emily Eve

Wilson Maria Ruth

Foster Callum Geoffrey John

Morris George William

Wingfield Haseem

Friar Edward Sebastian

Morrison Finlay James

Zhang Kaicheng

Year 13

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Issue 11 8 ––AAJournal Journalofof2016 2020/21

Member Leavers 2016

Year 12 Ellis Sophie Elizabeth Hashmi Aadam Suen Sung Hin Year 11 Ackroyd-Cooper Primrose Bridget Patience Bibko Clara Borisovna Clague Joshua Dawe Olivia Katherine

The journal of the Old Ipswichian Club

De Silva Meegahawatte Naomi Vinoka Deaton James David Hui Yi Xi Hyde Max Alan Johnson Jack Dennis Johnston Kathryn Emily Keeble Harvey Samuel Khan Haya Laffling Christiane Larkin Emilie Marie Lo Samuel Murray Sophie Alexandra Emma

Murrell Alastair Robert Parsons William Ferrand Sharkey Potter Joseph Robert Robinson Mary Sagitova Ekaterina Setterfield Rosie Katie Sharma Varun Stride Georgia Lucy Vaux Charles Hugh Morton Venables Felicity Charlotte Williams Henry James

Associate Members Year 13

Woods Charles Dresser Brown Edward Montgomery

Baker Lucy Edith Chagonda Takura Steven Samuel Chan Pui Shan Collinson Rowan Flora Lam Hou Chung Leung Cheuk Kiu Lo Ching Yiu Maskell Finley Peter

Year 10

Rodley Benjamin Lloyd Subramanian Ananth

Yung Yan Chi Wang Huifeng Year 9 Sze Kwan Hon Sze Kwan Ho Douse Dominic Francis Jack Isabella Naylor

Year 11 Robertson-Voth Pierce Henry Salmon Isaac James Bryn The Old Ipswichian Journal January 2020 – July 2021 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 Follow us on Instagram @OldIpswichians and join the OI groups on LinkedIn and Facebook.

Leavers 2019-20

03

Old Ipswichian Club 2022 Programme of Events August

January Sat 8th / Sun 9th

FIVES Tournament & Dinner

School Dining Halls

Thu 13th

OI Committee Meeting

School Pavilion

Tue 25th

OI Burns Night Supper

Zoom

March Thu 3rd

OI Committee Meeting

School Pavilion

Sat 5th

OI Cross Country

TBC

Fri 18th

OI Online Beer Tasting Event

Zoom

Date TBC

Young Musician of the Year Award Final

Copdock Cricket Club Hospitality

"COICC Copdock"

Thu 15th

OI Committee Meeting

School Pavilion

Fri 23rd

OI Reunion

Date available Location TBC

Ipswich School Festival of Music

Great & Little Schools

Thu 3rd

OI Committee AGM

School Pavilion

Fri 11th

OI Tasting Event

Zoom

Sun 13th

Remembrance Service

Chapel & New Dining Hall

Thu 24th

Drinks in the City

Location TBC

Thu 1st

OI Committee Meeting

Pavilion

Thu 15th

“First Five Years Out” Reunion

Revolution Ipswich

Date TBC

September

October Thu 13th Mon 17th

November

May Fri 6th

Snape School Concert

Snape Maltings Concert Hall

Date TBC

OI London Dinner

Details TBC

June

December

Thu 9th

OI Committee Meeting

School Pavilion

Sat 18th

OI Summer Lunch School

Dining Halls

Sun 19th

OI Cricket

Pavilion and School Field

Sat 25th

OI Class of 1990 Reunion

School Loggia

July Sat 9th

OI Reunion

Date available Location TBC

Sat 16th

OI Reunion

Date available Location TBC

Sat 23rd

OI Reunion

Date available Location TBC

Sat 17th

OI AGM & Ipswich Dinner

Great & Little Schools

Due to the ongoing pandemic, we are still in a situation where we may have to cancel events sometimes regretfully at short notice.

Please check the website and keep an eye on the eNews for further information. If you need any further information, please contact the Development office on 01473 408324.

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 should be delighted to help in the setting up and running of milestone anniversary reunions such as 10th, 20th, 25th, 30th and 40th and will provide a small budget. If you would like to talk about this in general or specifically, please contact us through oldipswichians@ipswich.school or telephone (01473) 408324.

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Issue 11 – A Journal of 2020/21

Officers & Committee Members / Contents

The journal of the Old Ipswichian Club

In this issue...

Letters from the President & Chairman.......................................................................................................................................................... 06 Features..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10 Members’ News....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 32 School News....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................56 Club Events.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................70 Development Office News............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 78 Obituaries........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 84 Old Ipswichian Club AGM......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 105

OIs Supporting the Covid-19 Response Pg 22 - 25

Club Officers and Committee for 2021

Committee

Co-opted

President Tim Kiddell

To retire at the end of 2021 Glenn Williamson Nicola Notcutt Tim Passmore

Caitlin Houston Olivia Canham

Vice-President Joanna Carrick Chairman Iain Chesterman

Secretary William Coe secretary@oldipswichians.org.uk Treasurer Steve Runnacles Social Secretary John Ward OI Journal Editor Clare Lock editor@oldipswichians.org.uk Governing Body Representative James Davey

To retire at the end of 2022 John Caudle Sally Webber Clare Lock To retire at the end of 2023 Nicholas Allen Andrew Whitehead Cameron Lyle

Ex-officio Headmaster Nicholas Weaver London Dinner Secretary James Mansfield Development Director Nikki Brown Events and Alumni Relations Officer Jessica Pengelly

Officers & Committee Members / Contents

05

From the President

Tim Kiddell (OI 1989 - 98)

When I had the honour of becoming OI President at the end of 2019, few could have imagined how life would change so dramatically in a matter of weeks. But as this journal shows, Old Ipswichians and present day pupils alike can take huge pride in the contributions they made to the national effort in the most extraordinary times.

As OI doctors and nurses risked their lives to save others, the school’s Design and Technology Department helped transform 2,200 projector slides and acetate into PPE visors for local care homes, community nurses, GPs, hospitals, dentists, pharmacies, community support groups, ambulance services and bus drivers.

The OI calendar of events was initially put on hold, but gradually the world of Zoom opened up new ways of connecting old friends, formally and informally, with the 2020 online musical President’s Event and the Burns Night Supper being particular highlights.

More recently with the restrictions lifted, we have been able to resume some traditional in-person events, including the Autumn Lunch for those who left over 50 years ago and a wonderful reunion of more than 65 former teachers.

I attended the school between 1989 and 1998 before going on to become a Choral Scholar in the Choir of King’s College Cambridge and subsequently Speechwriter to four Prime Ministers in Downing Street. In no small part, I owe my preparation for both of those extraordinary opportunities to my time at the school.

I attended the school between 1989 and 1998 before going on to become a Choral Scholar in the Choir of King’s College Cambridge and subsequently Speechwriter to four Prime Ministers in Downing Street. In no small part, I owe my preparation for both of those extraordinary opportunities to my time at the school.

pupils for my President’s Event as part of the 2021 Festival of Music. I am immensely indebted to the fantastic Bev Steensma and Francis Goodhand for all they did to make such a special evening possible and to the generosity of those who are creating a legacy from the evening by donating to a prize for aspiring musicians at the school.

My training for life as a writer began in earnest in the classroom of the late Steve Tidball, largely owing to my total ineptitude at his infamous “Essay or Glory” competition. For anyone unfamiliar with the rules: you have to throw a screwed up piece of paper into a bin or get an extra essay! With “Hard Work Comes First” plastered around the walls of his classroom, long before such motivation became fashionable in elite sports teams, Steve was a huge inspiration to so many of his students over the years. So it is particularly fitting to be working with several of them to establish an essay prize in his memory.

As we look ahead to 2022, I hope to be able to host OIs for the London Dinner in the House of Lords, which was sadly postponed when Parliament temporarily closed to external events because of rising Covid cases. So please look out for a new date in the Spring, when we will be entertained by the Hollywood stories of OI film critic James King.

Finally, I want to thank the OI committee and everyone who has supported the club and the school throughout these challenging two years. I’m particularly grateful for the help of Chairman Iain Chesterman, and the long-standing commitment of William Coe and Sally Webber who have gone above and beyond in the service of this club for many years..

– Tim Kiddell

OI Club President 2020 The former was a product of my years in the music department, inspired by generations of brilliant teachers and fellow pupils alike. So it was wonderful to be able to reunite OI musicians from across 70 years along with president day

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Issue 11 – A Journal of 2020/21

From the Chairman

The journal of the Old Ipswichian Club

Iain Chesterman (OI 1973 - 84)

Well, what a year it has been! Unprecedented is the word most often used and I am loath to use it again, but it is the most appropriate for 2020 / 2021. I took on the Chairmanship of the OI Committee in January 2020 and I could not have predicted the rollercoaster ride of the last 18 months. But I like to think that none of us could.

However, very quickly we adapted: all of our events were cancelled, so no more summer lunches, reunions and dinners. Instead we turned our attention to the members of this great and thriving community to highlight what our past pupils of the School were doing in the face of adversity and how they have been called upon in the fight against Covid.

You have responded with huge support and goodwill. We had OIs across the generations, within various professions, get in touch and share how the pandemic had hit them close to home.

Some in medicine, some in transport and logistics, some in the services and the hard-hit entertainment industry.

e celebrated the 75th Anniversary of VE Day, W VJ Day and we remembered those OIs who have served courageously in wars around the world. We heard from those who still serve today and how their response to the pandemic had shaped the first few months of 2020.

Events are great: they are a chance for us to all get together and remember time spent at this great School. We are glad to be now organising some fantastic events again and hope to see as many of you at these in the future, be that in-person or virtually via Teams, webex etc.

Please stay in touch, remember that we send the e-news once a month, have Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin pages, and keep looking at the website which is constantly being updated.

Please tell us your stories since leaving school or just let us know when you have something going on. Get in touch to reconnect with lost classmates and join us at an event if you can!

With very best wishes,

– Iain Chesterman

OI Club Chairman 2020

We heard from OIs across the globe, business start-ups, adventures in foreign lands, stolen school library books and took a dive into the archive with throwback photos from 100 years ago.

Letters from the President and Chairman

07

New Committee Biographies

The OI Club Welcomes its New Committee Members Olivia Canham (OI 2004 – 19) an answer wrong or being told off by a teacher- clearly I have been making up for that quietness ever since!

It is a testament to the school that I never had the urge to move, even though my parents gave me the option, because I just knew it was the place in which I thrived and was my happiest.

Joining Ipswich School in 2004, at just 3 years old, it is safe to say the school has been instrumental in shaping me into the person I am today. It comes as a surprise to many that until Upper Prep I was a very shy child who never spoke up in class, living in fear of getting

Caitlin Houston (OI 2009 – 16) Caitlin left Ipswich School in 2016 and went on to study Psychology at Loughborough University. She graduated in 2020 and started working as an Events Manager for a venue in Suffolk where she plans and runs weddings and other occasional events.

In a couple of years' time Caitlin would like to return to University to gain further qualifications in Psychology and pursue a career in the field. In her spare time she enjoys playing netball, spending time with family and friends, and decorating her new house.

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Issue 11 – A Journal of 2020/21

Undoubtedly, some of my fondest memories and lifelong friends have been made in the 15 years I was there, but, for me, the pinnacle of my school career was being appointed Head Girl in 2019. It was the perfect opportunity to represent the school which had given me so much, and hopefully to give something back in return. Bridging the gap between the senior school and the prep was a particular role highlight, as it was something I had wanted to action for many years, having moved my way up through the school myself.

Since leaving Ipswich School, I have embarked on an undergraduate degree at Durham University, studying Combined Honours in Social Sciences (Politics, IR, Theology and Criminology), which is basically everything I am interested in rolled into one degree programme!

My aspirations after my degree are to hopefully set up my own business, as this is something I have always wanted to do. In spite of knowing the entrepreneurial path is not a smooth one, I believe it can be done with the right attitude, a good business proposition or idea and being realistic and strategic throughout. However, I am interested in many things so who knows what the future will hold.

What I do know however is that the school gave me the self confidence and courage to aspire far higher than I ever could’ve dreamt of, so for that, thank you Ipswich School, I owe you an awful lot!

New Committee Biographies

The journal of the Old Ipswichian Club

Andrew Whitehead (OI 2012 – 19) When we first moved to Suffolk in 2007 my mum would drive past Ipswich School saying she could picture me going there. My parents then decided to put me forward for the entrance exams as a bit of motivation to show me where I could go if I worked hard. To their and my shock I had actually got in.

With hindsight the decision we took back then ended up being one of, if not the best decision of our lives. I joined Miss Hutton’s year 7 form group before moving up into School House in year 9. After three years at the senior school I made the very easy decision of staying on for sixth form where I really started to flourish.

Playing with the second team hockey, first team cricket with my spin bowling that held the secret of never spinning, to then becoming Senior Prefect for School House in my final year. Some of my life’s fondest memories have been made at the school and its now a great privilege to see another side of the school through sitting on the OI committee.

Since leaving the school I’ve followed my passion of Real Estate undertaking a degree at Oxford Brookes University in Real Estate and Management. I’ve just finished the second year of what has been a very unusual time to have gone to university. The pandemic has put a hold on some of the key events however I’m a firm believer in what you put in is what you get out and although it’s been challenging I’ve made the best out of a bad situation.

In the future I hope to be an agent in the super prime London residential market, country homes department or managing estates abroad in a country like Italy. My dream would be to retire at 45, live on an estate in Tuscany where I could manage a vineyard and farm as well as pursuing my other passion for fine arts.

During my time on the OI committee I’m hoping to give back as much as I can, creating new events and being a useful contributor to the club as well as supporting the school and current students who are on a similar pathway as I was.

Cameron Lyle (OI 2009 – 2016) Cameron attended the senior school from 2009-2016, taking on the role of head boy in his final year.

After finishing A-levels, he pursued a degree in economics at Durham University, graduating in 2019.

He joined the Bank of England after completing his degree and now works as a portfolio manager in the Bank's Foreign Exchange Division.

Keen on hockey and fives at school, he continues to play both in his spare time.

Committee biographies

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Features | OI in the spotlight

OI in the spotlight Karl Daniels (OI 1944 - 53) farmer and great OI cricketer, was President. It was a great honour to be President in 1985.

Who was your favourite teacher at school?

There were several teachers who had a great influence on me. But the most was Freddie Bush who taught maths, which became important since I spent my working life in financial services.

My passion was cricket and I got to know Cyril Perkins in my early years. His influence on me was tremendous as I made my way to the 1St XI. And Poppa Job, my housemaster, kept a watchful and kind eye on me.

Date and place of birth I was born in Ipswich and joined the Prep in 1944.

Spouse and Family I was introduced to Janice in 1956 and we were married in Little Bealings Church in 1960. We had two sons who went to Clifton College after we moved to Somerset and they became boarders when my job took me to the Midlands. Our eldest son sadly died from cancer in 2019.

How long have you been associated with the OI club?

At the suggestion of George Notcutt, I joined the OI Club as I left School and attended my first OI Dinner at the White Horse Hotel when John Cobbold,

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Issue 11 – A Journal of 2020/21

What influence do you think the school had on your life?

I owe everything to Ipswich School. I regret never thanking my parents for sending me there and for the financial sacrifice which they made like many other parents.

What is your main occupation?

I am of course retired now. I was very fortunate to be introduced to Noble Lowndes of which ultimately I became Chief Executive. Noble Lowndes became one of the world’s leading consultants and actuaries specialising in pension funds and remuneration. I continued to be involved in financial services in my second career in financial services on the boards of National Australia Bank, BDO and Proudfoot.

If you could have chosen any other career, what would it be?

I never wanted to do anything else. I thoroughly enjoyed both careers.

Where do you live and what took you to that area?

We moved around a great deal and when I retired from Noble Lowndes it was an easy decision to move back to Suffolk. From Woodbridge I could commute two days a week to London.

What is your favourite holiday destination?

We have been fortunate to see many parts of the world through business and normal holidays. Barbados and safaris in Africa stand out.

Place/s you most want to visit?

I think we have reached the stage when there is still much to enjoy in the UK although we might do short trips abroad if normality returns.

What is your favourite sport?

That’s easy! I developed a passion for cricket at school and played for the OIs in my last two school years and after I left. I used to return to Suffolk for the OI cricket week in which I played for many years with Tony Greengrass, Ian Young, Peter Rolph, Bill Whitfield, Robin Shurety, Peter Grimwade, David Coe and others. I played a lot of cricket in Kent, Somerset and Worcestershire. When I returned to live in Suffolk Tony Greengrass

Features | OI in the spotlight

The journal of the Old Ipswichian Club

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

I was certainly no scientist and I suppose I got the most from maths.

Favourite actress?

Still Lauren Bacall.

Favourite actor?

Gregory Peck.

Favourite author?

I like many but I always read William Boyd and Wilbur Smith.

suggested I join Woodbridge Golf Club and I have enjoyed golf immensely, playing three times most weeks with a great group of people, several of whom being Old Framlinghamians. For several years I lead an OI team in an annual match at Woodbridge against the OFs some of whom we played cricket and rugby against at school.

How did you become so involved with the School?

When I became chairman of the OI Committee I was asked to lead the appeal to extend and refurbish the pavilion, a great project, and then I was asked by David Coe to be a governor. After a long and successful chairmanship David decided to retire and I was elected to be his successor. It was a great pleasure and experience to work with Ian Galbraith and then Nick Weaver, both excellent and very successful headmasters.

Fourteen years as chairman of the governing body has been one of the best things I have done in my life. I was heavily involved in the building of the new Prep School, the sports centre at Rushmere and

the new music school which were very important investments approved by the governing body.

Favourite singer/band?

That’s hard but It’s still Ella Fitzgerald, such a great singer of Jazz. In recent years I have become a great fan of the John Wilson Orchestra who attract the very best of our musicians.

Other recreations?

I am a keen musician and enjoy playing piano jazz. The highlight of music at school was HMS Pinafore in the 5th Form which our group often mentions and clearly left a big impression on us. At a musical evening earlier this year it was a great pleasure to play the piano for Midge Parry, a young OI now with the Swingle Singers. I am looking forward to doing this again at the forthcoming OI Gala Concert.

What kind of car do you drive?

A Lexus after I fell out with Jaguar having driven their cars for over thirty years.

What was the last book you read and book you would most recommend?

What would be your 6 desert island discs and one possession you would like to have on your island?

Overture to Tristan and Isolde, Ella Fitzgerald, duo of David Newton and Alan Barnes , Stacey Kent who sang at the School music festival a few years ago, Fred Hersch, a superb jazz pianist, and the John Wilson Orchestra.

X Troup by Leah Garrett which was about a group of Jewish men who escaped from the Nazi regime to England and formed a very special group of commandos.

I would also recommend Code Name Hellene by Ariel Lawhorn, again a 2nd World War background.

Favourite TV programme?

I watch a great deal of sport on Sky and Line of Duty always gets my attention.

What CD/s do you currently have in your car?

I am currently listening again to Delius and which includes A Walk to the Paradise Garden.

What station is your radio tuned to?

Radio 3 mostly.

Who has had the biggest influence on your life?

Two or three people but probably Colin Lowndes to whom I was personal assistant early in my career and gave me great business opportunities which I relished.

What was the best advice you were ever given?

The golf professional who told me to slow down my swing. I should see him more often!

Do you have any regrets or things you would like to have done differently?

Yes, sending our sons to boarding school – but you do what seems best at the time.

Features

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Features | Hoolies

Hoolies Lucy and I are both lucky enough to call ourselves Old Ipswichians, and were delighted to be asked to contribute to the OI journal. Since finishing her time at the school in 2012, Lucy has achieved a Drama degree from Hull University, she completed a ski season, travelled and has worked in marketing for two years. I, myself have also spent a year travelling since leaving Ipswich School in 2018 and am currently studying for a degree in Marketing and Management at Newcastle University. Essentially, we are both on our way to fleeing the nest and immersing ourselves in our careers. businesses were popping up everywhere, from clothing, painting, accessories and jewellery. Lucy and I admired a lot of these companies, so much so that we treated ourselves to the odd necklace or bandana before thinking we could also do the same and make our own.

This is when ‘Hoolies’ was born.

However, like many others, both of our planned trajectories were disrupted last year by the outbreak of COVID-19. In March 2020, as the terror took place, we rushed home before the first national lockdown.

Consequently, we found ourselves back under the same roof again which has hardly happened since we were pupils at Ipswich.

I was left twiddling my thumbs while Lucy adapted to the new normality of working from home. She was then put onto the Government’s furlough scheme so also joined me with the new national dilemma of ‘what to do with all this free time’. Shockingly, social media and the likes of Instagram became a platform where individuals posted about their pastime solutions. The impressive paint by numbers masterpieces, peoples new exciting cooking skills, particularly who could make the best sourdough or banana bread. Coinciding with this, small

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Issue 11 – A Journal of 2020/21

In 2013 Lucy and I sadly lost our Mother to a long battle with cancer. She is a huge inspiration behind our brand. Iconically she was very glamorous and although often reluctant to dress up, when she did, she often chose eye catching, large statement earrings. However, when she wasn’t dressed for a party, she was in jodhpurs, boots and a riding hat.

Lucy and I were brought up in a professional equestrian household, which meant we were loaded in the horse lorry most weekends to cheer on one of our parents at various events around the country, whether we wanted to or not. Hoolie was the name of one of Mummy’s favourite and most successful horses and so a big part of our childhood. That and the name itself is fab, so it seemed very fitting for the brand. The two colours we use in our branding are both our parents favourite colours, turquoise being Mummy’s and yellow our Dad’s, so the logo has a lot of family representation. Having these

sentimental elements only drives our passion for the company even more, it has now grown into something we are both extremely proud of.

Instagram felt like the best platform for us to start Hoolies, mainly because we both already used the app every day. Lucy was able to use what she was learning at work to help us establish a real sense of the brand on our feed.

Currently all our marketing and sales are done through an Instagram business account using fun and eye-catching photos and over the past year we have gained nearly 2000 followers, or ‘Hooligans’ as we like to call them.

The earrings themselves are all handmade by Lucy and I, making each pair ever so slightly different. Coming up with the designs is a really enjoyable process, taking influence from things that we see in magazines, on social media or in shops. I find that I am so much more aware of colours now, consciously taking notes of what colours work together.

We also allow our customers to design their own earrings, we uploaded a template on our Instagram page that can be coloured in and we can then turn the drawing into reality. We absolutely love hearing feedback from our customers, a standout message we received said that putting on their Hoolies makes them feel happier and they cannot be sad wearing them. This is the sort of thing that makes it all worth the time and the effort. I mean, knowing that there are people out there wearing

Features

The journal of the Old Ipswichian Club

It has definitely helped having my sister as a partner. I know that some people can find it tricky, but I think it has benefited us, to know when the other needs that extra support. Hoolies has given us something to work on together which has tested us at times but has also been really rewarding and just so much fun.

Now we are looking to the future of Hoolies, we are currently making lots of stock of our favourite and most popular designs in preparation for the next big move of launching our website. We have had help from a freelance graphic designer who has nailed the Hoolies aesthetic, and we cannot wait to push it live. We are aiming to attend a few festivals next summer selling all of our fab earrings and other products, and maybe even a pop-up shop at some point too, so the future is very exciting. the earrings that we have designed and made, feels like a really great achievement.

With each order we send out, there is a business card inside with a photo of Lucy and I on it to encourage our Hooligans to send us a picture of them showing off their new earrings, and we LOVE to see them. This is a great thing we have found on Instagram since starting the business, there is such a great sense of support and community, not just with our customers but also with other small businesses.

along the way. If we could go back now to when we started in May 2020, there would be an enormous number of tips we would advise ourselves, yet that’s all part of the learning curve and we are forever adjusting and improving.

– Lucy Hunnable (OIs 2007 – 12)

and Zara Hunnable

(OIs 2011 – 18) Instagram @hooliesjewellery

We have been able to connect with loads of other small startups, teaming up for giveaways, gift swaps and even just general advice. The competitions we have done have been successful, we have been really lucky to connect with some wonderful people and their businesses.

Hoolies has really shown us the importance of networking too, reaching out to social media influencers who have a large following and who suit our brand, sending them a pair of our earrings to promote and increasing our exposure.

I feel like I have made all of this sound like an easy journey and for most of it, it has been. BUT, I would be lying if I said there haven’t been any hiccups Features

13

Features | Tim’s Tubs Hot Tub Rental

Tim’s Tubs Hot Tub Rental Tim Shaikly (OI 2014-18) has created a more unusual business to multiply his savings whilst at university. ‘Tim’s tubs’ is a hot tub rental business that Tim started independently, after seeing a news piece about a successful hot tub business on the TV. simply hand it back at the end. Tim realised there was a high demand for supplying students by hiring them hot tubs and even created ‘party packages’ to accommodate. He was so convinced of this demand and that it was just the right time to kick off his business that he took the plunge and bought two hot tubs to start, which quickly grew to seven within a few short months.

The lockdowns of 2020 restricted the ability for socialising, especially with event venues being closed, this prompted people to look into more ways to socialise at home. Not everyone has the means to buy a hot tub for the garden, nor would want the responsibility of maintaining one full time.

However, with a rental tub, people can temporarily use the hot tubs for parties and other social events and

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Issue 11 – A Journal of 2020/21

The business is primarily fuelled by the social media community he founded, with help from partnerships with university societies, local clubs and bars in Nottingham. Tim also organises giveaways to encourage sales and interest, and from there Tim’s tubs popularity grew.

He now has over 1000 followers on his Instagram page in less than six months and had regular bookings throughout the summer. This even led Tim to invest in some bold bucket hats, that further helped his brand recognition within Nottingham.

Tim feels that his time at Ipswich School gave him the confidence to take the plunge into this business venture.

Tim studied business at A level and his knowledge of market demand helped him to realise that the conditions of 2020 created a unique need for hot tubs in his area. Tim credits current Economics and Business Studies teacher, Mr Wilson with some of the practical methods he applied to his fledgling business.

Tim mentioned that he encountered challenges throughout his education.

Tim has dyslexia and did not enjoy any written subjects, which was problematic in the classroom. He wanted to do something that could build on his employability and build skills unique to him. Tim says that the business A-level gave him confidence in his own ability and to trust his gut. After graduating from Ipswich School, he went on to study at Nottingham Trent University where he studies Property finance and investment.

With grit and determination, he managed to realise his ability to create a successful business through Tim’s tubs and cannot wait for the next business venture.

Tim says “You have to just see the opportunity and go for it!”

– With thanks to Ben, Jamie and Charlie, Year 12, members of the Occasional Journalism team for their work on this article.

Features | Stand4 Socks help NHS Heroes

The journal of the Old Ipswichian Club

Stand4 Socks help NHS Heroes Stand4 Socks, the social enterprise business set up by Josh Turner OI is helping the NHS in the fight against Covid-19. The company has designed and engineered a sock specifically to support the NHS.

They were contacted by NHS hospitals looking for supplies of more suitable socks for working on Covid wards. PPE only covers to the ankle and they were running out of the socks they have due to the high turnover of PPE needed. They needed longer and more durable socks for front-line staff.

For every pair of socks purchased online, another pair will be donated to the NHS and yet another pair will be donated to the homeless. The business began as the result of a throw-away question Josh posed to some friends on a night out: "What if socks could change the world?" Josh wanted to change the concept of socks from being a dull afterthought as a Christmas gift.

"Socks are one of the most requested items by homeless shelters however they are rarely donated, unlike money,

coffee or old coats" Josh Turner OI explains. Perhaps it's not surprising that we don't donate our old hole-ridden odd socks. Yet if you are homeless you tend to be walking more than the average person, and if you don't have the luxury of fresh socks, you can fall victim to a number of very serious foot health issues."

For every pair of socks sold online, Stand4 Socks donates a specially engineered antibacterial pair to someone in need. And the company has donated more than 41,000 pairs of socks to the UK's homeless population since its inception.

Josh, who struggled at school and was diagnosed as dyslexic when he was

seven, showed entrepreneurial promise at the age of five when he started rounding up items at home to sell back to his family. He set up Stand4 Socks in 2015 and the company has grown ever since, including appearing on Dragons' Den in November 2019.

Today Stand4 Socks collaborates with global brands such as Facebook, Accenture and Oxford University on custom socks for their staff and customers. With both Stand4Socks and his athleisure socks STRIDIES Josh wants his socks to be a force for good, using ethically sourced yarns and home compostable mail bags.

"We hope that this new sock designed specifically with the NHS in mind will help in some way in the fight against Covid-19. The UK has united to support the NHS through this crisis and we want to do our bit to help."

Order your own pair of NHS socks at www.stand4socks.com – Josh Turner (OI 2002 – 09)

Fantastic Stand4Socks donate a thick anti-bacterial pair for every pair sold.

Stephen Fry

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Features | The Last Days of the Raj – Distant Memories

The Last Days of the Raj – Distant Memories The reading of an article entitled “Serving the Colonies” in the Sunday Times dated February 16th 1958 was the start of my journey into Africa and inspired the first ten years of my working life. I was at University in my last year and, having completed National Service beforehand, I needed to find a job. There were plenty of opportunities and I had interviews for appointments in commercial organisations such as Shell and Cadbury. It is perhaps a cliché to say that I wanted to do something “useful” but certainly training to manage businesses dealing with fuel and chocolate did not fulfil my aspirations at the time.

The article indicated that there was a need for skilled manpower to help the advancement of “underdeveloped territories”. The British Colonial Service had performed that duty in the past, but it was now to be handled under the auspices of the new look Overseas Civil Service.

There were posts in administration, education, engineering, agriculture, forestry as well as many others.

Successful candidates were posted to the country of their choice. In my proposed category as an administrator, all that was needed was a good (meaning at least 2nd Class) honours degree. The article ended with the following statement: - “If the old type Colonial Officer was a pro-consul, the new type Overseas Officer is an ambassador, so is his wife.”

I was to be married in August and my fiancée was a teacher. I had always wanted to go to Kenya and it was agreed that I should apply to become a District Officer. My application was successful, and I then attended the one year post graduate “Devonshire” course at Cambridge where intensive training was given in various subjects.

Language was the most important and I learnt Swahili. We also studied criminal law, anthropology, economics and field engineering, the latter included being taught to mix cement and build brick

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walls. Apparently, overnight prison cells could double up as squash courts if correctly constructed!

In August 1958, we flew to Nairobi with a posting to a District in the West of Kenya called Kericho. It is about 150 miles west of Nairobi and 30 miles from Lake Victoria.

The District was the home of the Kipsigis Tribe which is a subgroup of the Kalenjin people who had migrated from the Nile and from what is now Ethiopia. They are closely related to the Maasai but had surrendered the nomadic lifestyle for a more pastoral and peaceful existence. They still had an almost spiritual association with their cattle and venerated their ancestors.

I was introduced to my District Commissioner, Bill Raynor MC who was aged 39. He took me to a large map of the District and pointed out the area to which I was to be assigned. There were 3 divisions, Belgut, Buret and Bomet.

I was assigned to Belgut. He informed me that he was getting married on the following Saturday and that he would leave me to find my way around. I was to be provided with a short wheel-based Land Rover, a driver and an interpreter

(from Swahili to Kipsigis). He expected me to get to know the people and the area and that would mean camping out every other week. My success would be measured by him not hearing any complaints! He was in fact an inspirational leader.

My wife and I were initially housed in a one bed-roomed bungalow with no electricity and an outside earth toilet.

There were “hard furnishings” only and a small paraffin fridge and wood stove with the name “combat” on the door.

From then on for the next two years or so I camped in a tent every other week.

Time was spent familiarising myself with the local population and meeting the government appointed chiefs and headmen as well as the traditional elders. There were no tarmac roads and even the Land Rover could not travel everywhere cross-country, so we all walked, in high temperatures and heavy rainfall, over territory where snakes and mosquitos were abundant. We had no phones and were often more than 30 miles from any help and that was very basic anyway. I never carried a weapon of any sort.

I had soon met other officials in the District, dealing with education, health, agriculture and veterinary services. We held regular meetings with the local population (called “Barazas”) where I would start off the discussion with the

Features

The journal of the Old Ipswichian Club

7 places and the ninth. The last athlete was the best but was sick on the way round. It was the first time a team had been entered from Kericho. The athletes were outstanding, and some went on to run internationally and in the Olympics.

The writer introducing Sir Patrick Rennison, the last Governor of Kenya, to Tribal Elders in their traditional robes. latest news, both local and national. It needs to be appreciated that there was no electricity, no television and only a few battery-operated radios. Other specialities spoke about basic health both of the population and their cattle, as well as making more efficient use of their land. Most of the area was above 5000 feet and in a very lucrative tea growing area.

The planting of one-acre plots of tea was encouraged. The harvest was sent on, initially to European-owned factories for processing until a factory was built locally.

There was little or no money from central government and it was the local people who donated land, services and raw materials for schools and basic health centres. There was huge enthusiasm for the various projects, and we all did what we could. In my case, it was gently cajoling the richer members of the community as well as fighting hard with other officials for scarce resources such as teachers and health assistants.

We were assisted by missionaries but, in some cases, their rivalry divided local communities which caused

unnecessary friction. During my three and a half years in the District at least 30 new primary schools were built.

Local customs and western culture clashed on occasion. FGM was a widespread practise as was the killing of any infant at birth if the child was the product of a liaison with an uncircumcised mother. In most cases local custom was permitted to prevail, but Children’s Guards were employed by government to ensure that at risk infants were protected and adopted outside the tribe.

I was also a magistrate and dealt with cases such as minor theft, assault and non-payment of taxes, usually whilst on safari. I had to study the Laws of Kenya which were codified from English Law. In the first 2 years of service and, as a condition of being confirmed in one’s appointment, it was obligatory to pass a rigorous examination in Swahili. District Officers needed to gain a 90% pass rate, the Law exam was also demanding. Failure meant no annual financial increments.

There were other tasks to be performed on a voluntary basis. I was the District Sports Officer and helped to train athletes and footballers.

After 2 years or so the “Winds of Change” speech by Harold Macmillan ended, for me, an idyllic existence. I took on responsibility for an additional Division and started to train local educated Kipsigis to become District Officers, even though I hardly knew the job myself. Some of them were sent to England to take on the Devonshire Course. I note from a visitors’ book that we kept at the time that William arap Chebelyon was our last visitor in Kericho and the first to stay with us in London when he arrived for training a few weeks later.

I was due for leave just before independence and returned with my wife and a daughter and son and never returned to Kenya to work. Africa was in the blood by then and I then served with the British Council in post -independence Sudan and Nigeria.

Imperialism and Colonialism are words which now conjure up huge emotions with the current generation.

Of course, terrible events occurred for which there are no excuses. There was discrimination and sadly there still is but, at the time, what were the alternatives? How would the current generation have coped? Most of Africa is still in turmoil and independence has no meaning in one party states with cruel and corrupt local leaders.

Putting the blame on past generations without providing meaningful alternatives will not help the oppressed and starving of today. In a recent article in the Times by Matthew Parris entitled “I won’t be decolonising, I’ve no shame about empire”, he acknowledged the good work done by generations of colonial servants and stated that “they can be proud of what they stood for and what they did.” I am.

– Alan Wyatt (OI 1944 – 53)

There were countrywide competitions. The Kipsigis cross country team went to Nairobi and took the first Features

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Features | Changing Gear

Changing Gear Bill Moore (OI 1966 - 76) swapped the rigors of military life for the challenges of property when he left the Services to be the CEO of The Portman Estate. This interview explores his journey and his lessons identified.

The Army Bill Moore left the Army in 2011 as The Master General of the Ordnance on the Army Board. His operational command experience included Iraq (twice), Sierra Leone (twice), the United Nations, Northern Ireland and the Falklands War. He was awarded the QCVS (Sierra Leone 2001), the Czech Cross of Merit (Iraq 2003), made a CBE (Iraq 2003) and attained the US Legion of Merit (Iraq 2009).

The Portman Estate The Portman Estate is one of the Great Estates. It owns, develops and asset manages 110 acres of London’s prime West End. It also has rural and overseas interests. The Estate juggles the balance between short term returns and long-term capital growth. It is a blend of Georgian and contemporary architecture and has a policy which delivers a mix of retail, residential and office space. It invests heavily in the community and in public spaces. It is one of the most sought-after locations in London in which to live, work and visit.

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How did you plan to make the switch of careers?

I had decided that I didn’t want to remain in Defence related work, and I widened my job search accordingly. I was supported by a very good career transition process which included courses and workshops, help with CV, LinkedIn etc. I also addressed key life questions such as: • What are my value drivers/non negotiables?

• The amount of time I wanted to spend on work • What I love doing • What I no longer wish to continue doing • What status did I want in my next career?

• Self-employment vs full or part time employment • Financial needs versus financial wants etc These enabled me to filter in those areas which would provide the most fulfillment.

It is an unusual switch from the Army to the property arena, how did that happen?

I had been fortunate to enjoy an exciting and rewarding career in the Army. I wanted a second career and was made aware of an opportunity with a property company. The Estate had always had a chartered surveyor as its CEO and, sadly, my predecessor had died. With a strong senior team, the Board decided to broaden their search for a new CEO, and after a series of interviews and meetings, I was fortunate to be offered the job. I resigned from the Army, found a flat to rent in London and started in December 2011.

How did you adapt to the different culture?

I worked out where best I could add value to what was already a successful business. I focused on getting the strategy right and making the team successful. In terms of the latter this included empowerment, personal development opportunities, the

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The journal of the Old Ipswichian Club

on the Estate. For example, I took most of the customer service requirements off the Property Director.

establishment of meaningful values and behaviours, a groundbreaking wellbeing plan and leadership development for the middle and senior leaders – to encompass coaching. I was pushing against an open door as the Estate already had a very strong culture, and so one of my tasks as the CEO was to preserve and deepen this.

What were your biggest challenges?

My biggest challenge was to take people with me. An Army General conjures up all sorts of stereotypes and so I interviewed every team member to establish their background, what they did, and most importantly, their aspirations. This helped break down some barriers. I also recognized that no matter how hard I worked I would never be as competent in property and finance as many of the team, so I did not try. I set about understanding the basics, and I involved both the Property and Finance Directors in all decision making and,

with the support of the Board, the three of us together charted the future of the Estate. This approach also improved the resilience of the company.

You were used to leading teams in challenging situations abroad, how did you evolve your leadership style to a property company?

I was a bit slow off the mark. But after 3 months I recognised that many of the Directors and team leaders had not benefitted from the leadership development opportunities that I’d had.

We therefore designed a programme that included accreditation with the CMI, away days, monthly leadership and management seminars (one hour only on a variety of subjects), and the introduction of one and then two executive coaches. I was so impressed by the effect of these coaches that I subsequently trained and qualified as an executive coach and mentor. I wish I had done it earlier, it would have made me a better leader across both careers.

What were your steepest learning curves? What could you have done better?

I certainly made some mistakes and I sometimes had to eat humble pie and apologise to team members, but one of the hardest things was to take over from a very popular and hugely competent CEO who had died. There had been a gap of about 10 months and filling the immediate void and then expanding it back to where it should have been, was tricky. It required sensitivity and gentle pushing. I didn’t always get this right.

It also took me slightly too long to take other responsibilities from those senior people who were making the key money

You left the Estate after 7 years as a CEO, what legacy did you leave?

I had a terrific time at The Estate.

I left because I felt that I wanted to do something for myself, and I also recognised that there were key fee earners in the team who would look elsewhere if they did not have an opportunity to progress internally. The Board and I planned the succession carefully and we had a relatively seamless transition. I hope that I left a legacy of empowerment, the importance of personal development and leadership, as well as the need to deepen resilience in all parts of the business. For my last four years as CEO, I focused on resilience (especially on planning and people) and I trust this proved useful at the start of the Pandemic.

What do you do now?

I qualified as an Executive Coach and Mentor and now use these skills to help people attain their potential. I have several non-executive appointments and I am also a volunteer mentor for the Chartered Management Institute as well as for the Prince’s Trust. I spend my leisure time cycling and trekking.

What Top Tips Do You Have?

If you want to change career, start early and get the foundation done (CV, networking, LinkedIn etc). Networking will always bring opportunities. If you are doing this in your late forties/early fifties, read “Changing Gear” by Jan Hall and Jon Stokes. It will help get your mind around the journey. As a leader, invest in the team.

Get the culture right (it’s always a winner), make the team successful, build resilience at every level, forge a great senior team around you, set and follow your own moral compass, empower a red team (to challenge your decisions) and be yourself.

Keep your eye on the strategic horizon and avoid diving down into comfort zones.

Invest in relationships inside and out of the business in the good times. These are more difficult to establish when things are tough.

And enjoy yourself. There is little point if you don’t.

– Bill Moore (OI 1966 – 76)

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Features | The History of Westwood

The History of Westwood Stuart Letten (OI 1952 – 61) wrote to us recently that he had found the Gaudy Programme of July 1998 prepared by Peter Marsden which we have reproduced below. Stuart writes “Those few years spent with Spud and his delightful Constance and all my new found pals before moving down to School House, will forever bring a lump to my throat for it was there, aged 12 that life started to take on real meaning and direction. Under their guidance and care I believe my moral compass was set for the rest of my life.

According to Mr Morfey, Westwood was built in 1875 for Henry Cooper Bond of Ipswich Tannery. In presenting the old Tannery Bell to the house in 1954, he suggested that it might very well be Bond’s Bell. It was used since the house opened as a Boarding House for summoning boys from remote corners of the woods.

The story or the purchase of the house is odd, since Broughton had been the intended site of the new boarding house, but very luckily the Governors’ plans to purchase it fell through. One afternoon the Headmaster asked P.T.M. to accompany him to inspect a house called High Wood in Constitution Hill, before its garden had been sold off to provide a site for a house and bungalow in Warrington Road. The inspection did not them give a very favourable impression and the price at the time was very high.

The Headmaster departed and P.T.M. mounted his cycle to descend the hill and noticed a drive on the right with an old and tattered sale notice beside it. Venturing into the drive he found the empty house and gardener gardening. Herbert Boughey was left to keep things in order pending the sale of the property which was in the hands of a London agent and had not been advertised locally.

After exploring the house and seeing how ideally it could be converted, P.T.M. discovered that the late owner, Brigadier General Massey-Lloyd’s daughter (Mrs Bittlestone) lived at No.11 Constitution

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Issue 11 – A Journal of 2020/21

Back Row: Barr, Chaplin, C Cheshire, Groom Robinson Middle Row: Letten, McMillan, Evans, J Cheshire, Fenn, Barnett, Clark Front Row: Townshend, Mrs Marsden, Peter Marsden, Mrs Gardner, Green Hill. After a favourable visit to the house with the Headmaster and Mr Cautley, he went to see Mrs Bittlestone and outlined his ideas to her. There is no doubt that it was owing to her intervention with her family that the Governors were able to secure the house and grounds at a giveaway price. The family were pleased that the estate would remain intact and would be put to good use.

No Architect’s plans were drawn up for the first alterations, which were slight. These were worked out with the help of a most expeditious builder, Mr Howlett, who had a son in the School.

All the work was done in the September term so that the House could be occupied in January 1954.

The Marsden family moved in immediately after Christmas and the

house was ready to receive its first quota of 13 boys on the first day of term.

Barnett, Barr, Chaplin, the Cheshire Brothers, Robinson and Townshend were the first stalwarts who found the grounds to be a perfect paradise for playing Indians. The peace of the squirrels was rudely shattered and they did not continue for long to come into the kitchen to seek titbits as at first.

Mrs Gardiner was first Matron of the House. Her son, and old boy of the school, had take a principal part in HMS Pinafore very recently, and she was free to help through the unhappy premature death of her husband. Mr Mills lived his last days as a bachelor in the room over her front door.

Only two rooms were used as dormitories at first. ‘Big Dorm’, sometimes called Massey-Lloyd, being lately his bedroom,

Features was said to be haunted. The room over the kitchen was the second dormitory. The cupboard door in the Common Room at this time led to a pantry which was used at first as a hobbies room. The washroom next door was the only changing room the house had for a long time.

For the Summer Term, Lettern joined the house, and Barr left. Work now begun outside. The summer house was saved from ruin and the first greenhouse was repaired. It was possible to provide heating for this by selling the old piping for scrap metal. There was a lorry load which made a good price.

In September 1955 numbers increased to eighteen. Banks, Berriman, Erith, Fiske, Gooderham, Harris, Newby and the Pearce twins joined the house.

‘Mr Mills room’ became a dormitory.

The name Newby came to mean slowness and Pearce mischief, so that Mrs Gardiner had plenty to think about.

In January 1955 the first member of the Hughes family arrived, and in May, Palmer joined the House.

It was in this year that big changes were made. ‘Top Dorm’ was made by uniting two small bedrooms and a new staircase was put in – a miracle of carpentry and an act of faith by Mr Howlett (though we had a good idea that an earlier staircase had existed here). The hobbies room was now blocked from the common room and converted into changing and shower rooms, though it was a long time before lockers were fitted. Another big change in this year was the introduction of two House Prefects which were loaned by School House on a rotational basis. Our first two were Chapman and Weedon, who distinguished themselves by felling and digging out a huge dead tree on the lawn – now replaced by a circular bed of President Hoover roses. At the end of the term, Mrs Gardiner left us.

In September 1955, the House numbered 26 with two prefects in addition. The new names on the roll were Bronniman II, Catchpole, Chappell, Clark JS, Cordy, Farmer, Fenning, Fulford-Jones, Hague, Hull, Lewcock, Snowball, Tate, Toulson, Willis and Winyard. The prefects were Waller J and Wightman. Miss Cutting, aunt of a late member of the House, became Matron. By this time, the second greenhouse had been completely restored and the vinery was being tackled. The Pet

Club had been started and was housed in a room over the potting shed, later converted into studies.

In the Lent term of 1956 Mrs Humphries arrived as Matron. It was in this term that the concrete net was laid down in the field, thanks to generous gifts from a number of parents. In the Summer Term, Thomas joined the House. Mather came over as a prefect to join Weedon and Carl Delvert paid us a long visit from Sweden. During this term two weekend camps were held at Minsmere.

In September 1957 Chesterfield, Hopwood, Drabble, Gardiner, Jackson, Jerman, Moore, Orger, Stock, the Vickers brothers and Williamson joined the House. Morfey and Schur were Prefects and initiated all into the joys of the primitive life. Restoration of the last greenhouse was completed, being in a worse condition that the others it took more work. Indeed, more woodwork had to be removed than was left in place.

The first lockers were fixed in the changing room for this term and the elms down Constitution Hill were lopped in order to make them safe.

The House now numbered 28 and it will interest later generations to know this number, with one or two extras, managed to feed in the near corner of the present dining room which then finished beyond the second window! No one quite knew in those days off whose plate he was eating.

In September 1958, Blowers, Burgess, Chapman, Chase, Craven, Farmer II, Popham, Ruffle and Thowless joined the House and our roll was 31. The Summer Term saw the beginning of the first extension which was to have been completed by September. After the death of Mr Howlett, no Westwood alterations were ever done on time! It was also at that time that ‘Hades’ was inaugurated and the billiard table installed.

During 1957 the House began to accumulate more senior boys and the old Hobbies Room was turned into two studies (the site of these was approximately the present library – the floor and most of the walls are the same). The dormitory over the kitchen was now turned into a Prefect’s bedroom-study, with specifically constructed bunk beds to allow enough living space. This did not prove to be necessary since the Prefects seemed to

spend most of their lives lying down! It was decided very quickly that study-bedrooms were not a good idea. The bunk beds remain, one tribute to the work of Mr Gates and his men at Messrs Wrinch’s factory who never failed to produce whatever peculiar woodwork Westwood wanted!

During the Summer Term of 1957 the beehive was presented by Mr Newman and given a lucky swarm from the Cutting estate, and a new hobby was underway.

September 1958 saw Independence and the inauguration of a block of new studies over the potting shed. In the summer of this year the hobbies shed was built using our own labour. The House Badge was designed by Mr Ramsey Wherrett, the fierce art master who came to the House for lunch every Friday. His visits were a delight to all in the House, since he would always convulse with laughter a different table each week and afterwards give a rhythm recital on the piano in the hall while surrounded by a dense mass of boys.

Nothing has been said about Sally, the donkey, who was House Mascot for many years.

She lived in the shed behind the vinery and inhabited the slope of the field. Suffice it to say that she was an animal of character as any member of the Townsend family must be (she had come to live at Westwood only when the Townshends left Bucklesham).

She chased boys she did not like, at Erith’s blazer and called out in her mournful way, a sound familiar to our neighbours within a mile of the House as the tolling of Bond’s Bell.

Peter T Marsden

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Features | OIs Supporting the Covid-19 Response

OIs Supporting the Covid-19 Response At the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic the Ipswich School Design and Technology team used their laser cutting technology to produce reusable PPE visors for local NHS and Healthcare workers. It is no surprise that there are a number of OIs who are either at the frontline, supporting or helping out in the wings as key workers. We know that there will be very many more selfless heroes amongst our OI community but here are a few accounts of brave OIs who have helped during the pandemic.

Emma Knights (OI 2008 – 14)

Gordon Irvine (OI 1990 – 97) peak, for example. The hardest thing has been seeing patients waiting for operations (which are long delayed) coming in with pain and complications that you know won't ultimately be resolved until elective surgery fully restarts. Also, when Covid-19 was at its peak, many patients were too scared to come to hospital. This meant that we saw patients come in with late presentations that should have been operated on as emergencies days before. This made both the surgery and recovery more complex.

I graduated last summer to begin my first year of working as a junior doctor and I knew it would be challenging, even without a global pandemic! Due to the strain of Covid-19 on the health care service I was not allowed to rotate into my Psychiatry job, but I understood that I was most needed in the acute hospital trust. Therefore, I have continued to work in General Surgery where there have been unexpected challenges.

The main ward I work on was converted to a Covid-19 ward at the

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Issue 11 – A Journal of 2020/21

It has been a baptism of fire into the medical profession, and recent events have left me and my colleagues feeling overwhelmed at times. However, I can't imagine anything else I'd rather be doing. I have learnt so much and I'm proud of how I've progressed over the last year.

I have been working as a GP partner in Thetford for the last 4 years. It has been a challenging time for primary care throughout this pandemic, as we have had to adapt and reorganise almost everything we do. We are now working full steam ahead on managing conditions in the community which may have previously required hospital visits, as well as the needs of those patients with coronavirus who are well enough to remain out of hospital or during their recovery after discharge. We have had to embrace new technologies rapidly and now conduct most consultations by phone, email or even by video. All the time being aware of the potential transmission risks and the need to keep patients, staff ourselves and our families safe . It's a new way of working for a very unique circumstance.

Features

Edward Seaton (OI 1983 – 90) time I left medical school in 1996 the first effective treatment for HIV infection had been developed and now in 2020 it is almost completely treatable.

A respiratory pandemic of the sort we are seeing now is a once in a century phenomenon.

I was a student at Ipswich School in the 1980s. At that time there was a scary new infection of a very different sort that became a pandemic. That was Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and was the cause of AIDS. Back at that time there was no cure and it was frightening as it affected lots of young people. Parents worried about it and we were taught about it at school. By the

fortunately recovered. I’m still doing dermatology, two days a week, but mostly by video and telephone, which is surprisingly good. I’m sure many of

When the Covid-19 epidemic started I volunteered my help to the Hammersmith Hospital (Imperial College) and am now doing shifts on Intensive Care, helping the doctors and nurses by taking bloods, escorting patients to CT scans, assisting with procedures, chasing up results and prescribing medicines. It’s challenging but rewarding work and has made me realise that there are probably many different courses my life could have taken and medical specialities I would have enjoyed.

In normal times I am a consultant dermatologist and I work in London.

I usually spend my working day diagnosing and removing skin cancers and treating skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

Some of my colleagues have been quite poorly with Covid19, but have

us will be working differently with the positive experiences we have taken from the crisis. Our 30 year OI reunion was sadly cancelled this year, but like the Olympics, hopefully we will have it in 2021 and celebrate properly.

been changed beyond recognition as we are busy scanning patients who are suspected or positive with Covid19 to support diagnosis of renal and liver failure as well as blood clots.

Within our Obstetrics department, whilst there may be fewer positive or suspected Covid-19 patients, we are supporting our women in very different ways. Although it is still an exciting time for them, the ladies now have to come in for all of their appointments alone and are often worried about what they are going to be told. We still have to tell them when there is a problem with their pregnancy and it is heart-breaking when we can’t hug or console them in the way we would have done before Covid-19. However, we are lucky that the happy news mostly outweighs the bad.

We wear PPE throughout the shift which takes its toll and we, like everyone, worry that we are doing enough when it comes to protecting ourselves, our patients and our families, who we go home to at the end of the day. We were lucky enough to be the recipients of some of the PPE the school made recently and I say thank you for the support of my old school.

Hannah Rout (OI 1996 – 98)

I am an Advanced Practitioner in General Medical and Obstetric Ultrasound and I work in a busy District General here in East Anglia. Throughout this crisis our working practices have

This is an incredibly difficult time but what has been obvious is that through the tears, anxiety and worry there has been laughter and the realisation of what a strong, amazing team we all belong to within our department and how lucky we all are.

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Features | OIs Supporting the Covid-19 Response

Chris Fugelsang-Jarvis (OI 1993 – 00)

I have been working in the NHS for over 20 years, in multiple clinical and managerial roles and in multiple NHS Trusts. More recently I have been an interim General Manager/Improvement Consultant for the NHS. When the Coronavirus crisis really started to become severe and there was a call for support for the NHS I made the decision to suspend my interim management role and offer my clinical skill to the NHS to help wherever possible. Being skilled in anaesthetics and looking after ventilated patients, I felt a duty to join my NHS colleagues on the frontline in fighting Covid-19.

I am currently working at a large acute NHS Trust on the outskirts of London. My day-to-day role is working in ITU looking after, monitoring, and managing ventilated patients who are Covid-19 positive. Part of this role will be assessing blood results and making necessary adjustments to ventilator

Richard Flower (OI 1974 – 80)

The NHS has been doing a fantastic job during the Covid-19 crisis. We are now able to see just how important it is to give the taxpayers' money to this wonderful life-preserving institution.

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Issue 11 – A Journal of 2020/21

settings or adjusting medications the patient may be receiving. Monitoring trends in patient observations to predict the direction of the patient’s condition and make early changes to ensure the patient is cared for and their condition does not deteriorate.

Working collaboratively with Clinicians, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy and Haematology colleagues to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient.

their loved ones when they are in their final hours and families don’t have the opportunity to say goodbye directly. The simple gesture of a loving kiss goodbye is taken away. Having said that we, as healthcare professionals, treat every patient like they are a member of our own family and hope this brings some comfort to families.

What is more concerning from a personal perspective is I am putting

My working day starts at 0800 and finishes between 2030 to 2100. During this time, I can spend up to 6 hours in a single stint in ITU wearing appropriate PPE and a mask which is now starting to take its toll on my face, as my skin can’t breath and can become sweaty. This is on top of a surgical gown, hat, eye protection, 3 pairs of gloves and separate shoes for inside and outside of the infectious areas.

The extremely sad and upsetting part of this crisis is the fact that not all patients I care for at the beginning of the day I will be caring for at the end.

Knowing that everything that could be done was done is some comfort, but when you have spent several days looking after a patient, caring for that patient, for all efforts to be in vain is difficult and something you never get used to. It is also upsetting knowing that these patients cannot be surrounded by

myself into direct contact with the Coronavirus and then go home at the end of the day. Although all precautions are taken and I shower before leaving the hospital, there is always the worry of “am I taking this home with me to my family”. This is a dilemma I contend with every time I don my PPE equipment.

Regardless of state of health, age or sex, this virus is a killer.

There are, however, other workers who are providing essential services in different ways. I have been working as a coach and bus driver for 26½ years, latterly for Stagecoach West. The reason that the buses are still running, albeit not as frequently in some cases, is to provide essential transport for NHS staff and for those who have no transport for their weekly shop.

In our operating company, we have six depots and some of our services are running as usual: these being the subsidised or tendered services which are classed as "social need" services. We have more than half our drivers, all our inspectors and some of our (admittedly lean) management furloughed. The Head

Office staff are largely working from home.

There is a further aspect to my work at Stagecoach. I am one of four Workplace Representatives (“Shop Stewards” in old money) at the Gloucester depot. I am also Branch Chair, working alongside the other reps, and in particular our Convenor, in upholding members' rights and fighting for their wellbeing. People think that unions are just disruptors, but this is not true. We work to uphold members' rights, but it is Unite the Union national policy to work with businesses, in order to strengthen them. A good outcome for an employer can give a good outcome for an employee.

So, three cheers for the NHS. But don't forget the other key workers!

Features

David Gamble (OI 1995 – 03)

Ashwin Bhatt (OI 1998 – 13)

Dr. David Gamble is a cardiologist who has been redeployed as an acute medicine registrar at the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. Sharing his thoughts on the pandemic he recounts, 'These have been challenging times for all of us but the sense of humour, good will and resilience of the patients I care for, and the colleagues I work with, has kept me going through difficult times.'

Matt Richardson (OI 2006 – 10)

A brave but necessary move to ICU - Matt Richardson OI, is working as a physiotherapist in intensive care at King's College Hospital during the Covid-19 crisis.

It has been a steep learning curve since I qualified as a pharmacist two years ago and started managing our local family community pharmacy.

Throughout this coronavirus pandemic, local pharmacies and pharmacists have been under pressure. This is primarily due to an increased requirement to fulfil patients’ prescriptions, for example an increased demand for steroids and reliever inhalers which could be attributed to increased media coverage, highlighting the negative respiratory effects of Covid-19.

More patients have required pharmacist-led interventions, for example inhaler technique consultations and asthma prevention plans to avoid additional hospital admissions.

Many young families have visited us at Rainbow Pharmacy because they could not find stock of nappies, baby milk or other basic medications such as Calpol, Paracetamol and Ibuprofen.

With no real alternatives, this is often a challenging situation.

The number of prescriptions which have been delivered over the last month has increased two-fold. This, coupled with basic medication shortages, such as anti-depressants, inhalers and vital antiepileptic medication at the same time as export bans from China and India, makes working in our sector incredibly challenging.

To increase access to pharmacy services but maintain adequate social distancing, I have had to limit the number of patients in the pharmacy to four and installed physical barriers at the patient counter to protect my staff.

The School kindly donated face visors which I and all of our staff have been using alongside face masks and gloves, trust me this is not comfortable at all!

Now, more than ever, it is appreciated that our service is vital to our community, especially for vulnerable patients.

An increased number of patients have been accessing pharmacy services for minor ailments, such as management of acute pain, hay fever, minor bites or infections and emergency contraception. This advice has eased the demand for GP appointments and allows doctors and other allied health professionals to assess patients who have more complex needs or need urgent referrals to hospital.

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Page Name Features | Victory in Europe (VE) Day 75th Anniversary 2020

Victory in Europe (VE) Day 75th Anniversary 2020 When Victory in Europe (VE) Day dawned on 8th May 2020 it marked 75 years since the guns fell silent at the end of the war in Europe.

Years of carnage and destruction had come to an end and millions of people took to the streets and pubs to celebrate peace, mourn their loved ones and to hope for the future, but not forgetting those still in conflict until 15th August when it was announced that Japan had surrendered unconditionally to the Allies, effectively ending World War II. In 2020 whilst usual celebrations were unable to take place due to Covid 19 the Nation stood to pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of the entire Second World War generation from their homes and doorsteps.

It seems therefore an appropriate time to recall the exploits of some of those OIs who served their country with such distinction.

Geoffrey Rippon Rees-Jones (OI 1925 – 32) Geoffrey Rippon Rees-Jones was born on 7th July 1914 and attended the school from 1925 to 1932. He was a Pemberton Scholar and Prefect excelling academically and at sport. He held the school record for 440 yds which was unchallenged for many decades.

He obtained an Open Scholarship to University College Oxford where he won three Rugby blues and represented his college at Rugby, Athletics, Cricket and Chess. He then played Rugby for Wales on five occasions and, in 1935, scored two tries in his country’s historic 13 to 12 win over the visiting New Zealand.

At the start of the War, he joined the Royal Signals and transferred to No. 5 Commando in 1940. The War

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The Fortunes of War Over 150 former pupils served in the RAF during World War Two from Leading Aircraftsman to Squadron Leader. At least 15 were killed whilst flying and 11 Distinguished Flying Crosses, one distinguished Flying Cross with Bar and 1 Distinguished Flying Medal were awarded. There were 8 RAF personnel Mentioned in Despatches.

Life often hung by a single thread and the stories of the brave men who took to the air in the defence of their country exemplify the sacrifices made.

Life and death were measured by the width of a bullet.

Office was concerned at the lack of mountain troops, and he had been taught climbing by the Chemistry Master at Eastbourne College where he was himself teaching Maths and Physics.

With fellow officers, he ran courses from Clachaig Hotel in Glencoe, proving that troops could be turned into mountaineers. In 1942, as part of 5 Commando, he took part in the invasion of Madagascar against the Vichy French. He led the first two landing craft and was the first of his unit ashore.

I n 1943 he returned to Wales and led the Commando Mountain and Snow Warfare Training Centre. The night before D-Day he escorted a raiding party up a Normandy cliff to capture a shore battery. He then attended Staff College

and was posted to Germany as Brigade Major of 4 Commando Brigade where he was mentioned in dispatches.

After the war he returned to teaching at Marlborough College, becoming a House Master. He finally became Principal of King William’s College on the Isle of Man and retired 21 years later, having made an outstanding contribution to the College. He died on 13 September 2006 aged 90.

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Sir Walter Cheshire (OI 1922 – 24) Sir Walter Cheshire was a member of School House whilst at Ipswich School from 1922 - 24 and was commissioned into the RAF in 1926. Whilst a serving officer he gained an honours degree in Mechanical Sciences at Downing College Cambridge.

He then attended RAF Staff College in 1938 and was promoted to Squadron Leader. He was appointed to the Air Staff of Bomber Command, becoming Chief Intelligence Officer in 1941. Being fluent in Russian it was only natural that he would be posted to Russia, which indeed he was, in 1942, as Air Attache to Moscow.

His next appointment, in 1944, was as Chief Air Intelligence Officer at the HQ of Allied Command South East Asia.

At the end of the War, he became Air Officer Commander in Indo-China. His intelligence duties led him to being mentioned in despatches on two occasions.

After the war he attended the Senior Officers' Staff Course at the Imperial College in 1949. He was Air Officer Commanding Gibraltar from 1950- 52

Herbert Frank Bickerdike (OI 1935 – 38) Born on 26th December 1921, Herbert Frank Bickerdike lived at 58 Sherrington Road with his parents and older brother Denys who also served.

He was at school from 1935 to 1938 and was a member of the famous 1937 unbeaten rugby Fifteen. He joined the RAFVR at the beginning of the War and, after training as a pilot, he joined No. 462 Squadron which was nominally Australian but largely staffed by Canadian and British personnel.

The Squadron flew Handley Page heavy bombers from Egypt and Libya, raiding occupied Northern Europe and Italy. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for gallantry and devotion to duty, the Gazette Notice being dated 19th January 1943.

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and Air Officer Commander in charge of Administration of HeadQuarters. 2nd Tactical Air Force in Germany from 1953 - 55.

After two years from 1955 - 57 as Air Officer Commanding 13 Group Fighter Command he was RAF Instructor at the Imperial Defence College from 1957 - 59. He then served as Air Officer Commanding RAF Malta and Deputy Commander in Chief (Air) of the Allied Forces, Mediterranean NATO from 1959 - 61. He was Air Member for Personnel at the ministry of Defence(Air) and was

appointed an Air Chief Marshal in 1962, retiring in 1965. He was Aide-de-Camp to the Queen from 1963-65. He was made a C.B.E. in 1949, a C.B. in 1955, a K.C.B. in 1959 and a G.B.E. in 1965.

After his retirement, he worked for the RAF Benevolent Fund with particular reference to homes for the elderly and disabled. In 1968, he became a member of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and was vice Chairman from 1970 - 74. An exemplary career and a real advocate for doing good after his time in the forces.

Herbert then returned to England and was based at RAF Elvington with 77 Squadron, flying Halifax bombers.

By that time, he had been promoted to Squadron Leader. On the 23rd December 1943, he took off in his Halifax for Frankfurt where the crew successfully dropped their bombs on target. On their return, no-one noticed the approach of an ME-110 being flown

by Oberlieutenant Herbert Henseler. The starboard engine was hit and caught fire. Herbert told the crew that he would have to dive to try to extinguish the fire.

This tactic failed and he gave the order for the crew to bail out. He stayed at the controls and the plane crashed in flames near Old Vivier, Namur in Belgium.

Herbert was killed together with Ronald Frederick Walter (wireless operator/air-gunner), William Atkinson Cockburn (air-gunner) and Gordon Leonard Hills (air-gunner). Frank Galsworthy Shaw survived and was captured near Dinant. He was sent to

Stalag Luft 1 in Barth and released in May 1945. The last survivor, Terence Frank Bolter fortunately spoke French and obtained help from Belgium patriots. He joined the Comet Line escape chain through Belgium, France, Spain and Gibraltar and flew back to England on 14th June 1944.

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Page Name Features | Victory in Europe (VE) Day 75th Anniversary 2020

Guy Capon RAF Sergeant 550 Squadron (OI 1933 – 42) Guy Claude Capon was born in 1924 and was at the school in Broke House from 1933 to 1942. He captained the 1st XI in 1942, and won the Jervis Cup for Cricket in 1941. In his final year at school, he captured 4 or more wickets on six occasions with his slow right arm bowling, his best analysis being 8 for 33.

He also won the school high jump and was an enthusiastic hockey player.

On leaving School, he immediately joined the RAFVR, serving as a sergeant firstly in 100 Squadron as a wireless operator in Avro Lancasters from Waltham near Grimsby. In November 1943 RAF 550 Squadron was formed from 100 Squadron and he flew on bombing missions to Germany with Bomber Command from North Killingholme. At 1718 hours on the 15th March 1945 the aircraft, Serial No.NG287 Aircraft code BQ-Q, flew to undertake a mission to bomb Misburg. The crew completed their mission, but the aircraft was hit by flack as it was returning, and fire and smoke enveloped the central and rear portions of the fuselage. The Pilot gave the abandon aircraft order and Guy Capon went towards the front escape hatch with his parachute. He reached the Flight Engineer's panel but remembered nothing more until he found himself descending, having pulled his ripcord. He had somehow lost his flying boots in descending and landed in a ploughed field without injury except for a deep head wound presumably sustained as he left the aircraft.

He was picked up by civilians and escorted to the nearest village where he was placed in the local jail and interrogated by a Luftwaffe Officer but not ill-treated. His wound was treated by a German woman who arranged for him to see the graves of the 5 members of the crew who were killed (Pilot and Captain R. F. Wallace, Navigator Sgt H. J. E. Brownett, Air Bomber P/O R.W.Stephens, Flight Engineer Sgt W. Field and Rear Gunner Sgt I. F. Tait).

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550 Squadron

He also saw the remains of the aircraft which was completely smashed up and scattered over the countryside.

He met the only other survivor Sgt R.H. Laney who had bailed out of the rear turret. They were taken to POW Camp No. 904 and subsequently separated. Guy then escaped when advanced patrols of the 4th Armoured Corps of the U.S. Army came across the prisoners as they were being transferred on foot to another camp. At this point Guy Capon escaped into U.S. hands and finally arrived back in North Killingholme on 9th April 1945. He was, at one time in that intervening period until he returned, posted as an "evader" or escapee. He later reported the facts in Station Narrative No.15 which is included in the Station Operational Record Book of 550 Squadron.

After demobilisation, Guy returned to Ipswich and worked at J.H, Grimwade and at Colgate Palmolive where he remained for 15 years. Finally, with his wife Cherry he took over The Cherry Tree Inn at Tendring Essex. He remained an active sportsman and excellent cricketer, playing OI Cricket for many years, as well as hockey and golf.

He died on 22nd November 1998, aged 74. As I understand it, he, like many others spoke little or nothing of his wartime experiences.

To forget the sacrifices of those who went before us is to deny the value of their existence Contributed by Alan Wyatt (OI 1944 - 53) - Volunteer OI WWII researcher. To read more OI stories from WWII please visit the Ipswich School Museum and Archive website http://www.ipswichschoolmuseumandarchives.co.uk

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Serving your country is a huge honour and we are delighted to have several current and former military personnel within our community. Formerly we have been home to many servicemen/women from both WWI & WWII and currently we have numerous men and women across the armed forces. Two former pupils express their gratitude to the service personnel before them as follows: Lt Col Andy Wilde (OI 1986 – 97) I feel a huge sense of pride and gratitude when thinking of the OIs who served in WWII. Pride to have been through the same school as them and now be serving in the military myself and gratitude for what they did in WWII and what they sacrificed.

The military had always been part of my upbringing with parents and grandparents all having served in either the Army or RAF. From as early as I can remember when thinking about what I wanted to do, the Army had always been the only real idea – I didn’t want to do anything else. As I learnt more about the opportunities for adventure, sport and operations, I became more certain that it was the only thing I wanted to do.

Ipswich School helped to cement my desire to join the Army as I spent four years in the school CCF. Probably one of my overriding memories from school is the A Level Geography field trip to Cumbria. Mr Welbourne, Mr Peyton and Mr Clayton as well as the

Geography students spending a cold, wet but enjoyable week in the Lake District learning about the outdoors and developing our knowledge of Geography as well as having a great time with friends. A very memorable trip!

I started at Sandhurst in 2001 and was commissioned into the Royal Anglian Regiment in 2002.

As a Junior Infantry Officer, I served operationally in Northern Ireland, Afghanistan and Eastern Africa.

In my early Army life, the highlight was in 2007 as the Reconnaissance Platoon Commander in Afghanistan where I led a team of up to 60 soldiers on long range extended patrols into the Afghan desert and Taliban controlled areas. From 2008 onwards I have served in Afghanistan on another two occasions, once in Helmand and once in Kabul and on numerous occasions across Eastern and Central Africa, as well as more recently in Nepal. Now I am a Lieutenant Colonel in command of nearly 600 soldiers of the Princess of

Wales’s Royal Regiment based in Cyprus.

I am currently supporting the British Overseas Territory response to COVID-19 and ensuring there are forces ready and trained for whatever tasks the British government may need them to do.

I feel a sense of enormous pride to be part of a new generation of serving OIs and thank those before me who sacrificed so much.

Lieutenant Colonel Andy Wilde OI (1986 – 97) Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment

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Page Name Features | Victory in Europe (VE) Day 75th Anniversary 2020

Grace O'Malley (OI 2012 – 14) into the University Air Squadron which has served to further my appetite for a full-time military career.

I am most grateful for these opportunities, particularly those where comradery and the greatness and satisfaction that comes from supporting each other and accomplishing a goal is at the forefront. Indeed, I am an individual who is motivated by challenges which I endeavour to overcome through individual grit and determination, whilst contributing to the team effort.

Grace with her dad when he landed on the school field This year's 75th anniversary of VE Day marks a very momentous occasion for the country. We must honour the opportunity to remember our heroes, amongst them fellow OIs before us who selflessly made great sacrifices to serve us, and indeed, changed the course of history for the whole world. Their duty may be done but it remains ours to keep this event alive and passed through generations, both in memory and collective celebration.

Having been surrounded by a military ethos all my life, I highly regard the Armed Forces culture. The values,

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ethics and unique camaraderie that are cast in stone in the military personnel that I know, are character traits that I see within myself. Throughout my time at school, I was exposed to a taste of that in the Combined Cadet Force where I reached the rank of Cadet Flight Sergeant. The responsibility I was given to lead the Royal Air Force section, coupled with the myriad of opportunities such as attending Easter and summer camps at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus allowed me to develop my physical and mental courage. This certainly prepared me well for selection

This is vividly demonstrated by one of my greatest achievements – the challenging 100 mile four day Nijmegen Marches which are, for me, a prime example that "when the going gets tough, the tough get going." My feet were covered in blisters, but it was more a mental battle as I knew my mind would give up before my feet did and was determined for this not to be the case.

Suffice to say, the pride and joy I felt on the finish line after the 100th mile surpassed any feelings of pain or discomfort I had endured.

Another memorable highlight was participating in our Squadron’s Freedom

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training expedition to the Guyanese jungle in South America. Primarily the arduous, challenging nature of the environment and hence the developed qualities of determination, self-reliance, confidence, leadership, and team ethos. Living in the austere environment such as that of the jungle relied solely on the morale and support of the team confirmed my desire to live life to the full in the company of like-minded individuals, seeing obstacles as an opportunity to display initiative.

of the City Parade where we had the honour of exercising our freedom of the city of Nottingham.

Whilst parading is a routine part of military service, the overwhelming sense of pride I feel wearing the Queen’s uniform never grows old. This sense of pride was further experienced in my two weeks on Centre Court at Wimbledon where amongst many other serving Army, Air Force and Navy personnel, I worked as a Service Steward at the heart of the public and supported such a significant sporting event.

The opportunities for outdoor training and adventurous sport are

also plentiful. Despite having never sailed before, I was thrown straight in at the deep end and upon qualifying for my RYAS Day Skipper Licence in the autumn, I found myself at the helm of a yacht sailing around the islands of Croatia the following summer with fellow squadron members on an adventurous training expedition.

The military prides itself on developing individuals and I am a firm believer that that is achieved when we are pushed to our physical and mental limits, outside our comfort zone. You are surrounded by a group of individuals who will do nothing but support and encourage you and that family away from home is without doubt one of its greatest assets. I was honoured to be chosen to participate in a 3-week adventurous

My three years as an Officer Cadet in the University Air Squadron have given me firsthand to the meaning of the phrase: “You get out what you put in.” The fantastic opportunities, (not forgetting learning to fly a plane alongside university study) serve to enhance personal qualities, namely time management skills where you quickly become a master of maximising opportunities without sacrifice.

Certainly, there is no obligation to join the Service upon graduation and it is indeed crucial that those who go into the civilian workforce take their positive experiences of their time as a Volunteer Reserve with them and spread the word.

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Members News Obituaries

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

James Harding (OI 1972 – 80)

Paul St John Turner (OI 1958 – 68)

Easing of Covid restrictions has seen me going back to some (part time) accounts preparation work "in the office", at the age of 71. Thankfully, these have also enabled me to resume regular travel from my Jersey home to various parts of the UK - including Sunderland to follow up the roots of my paternal great grandfather who became a shipwright there and then moved to London to become a ship builder, proprietor of two dry docks and owner of several ships - in the heyday of nineteenth century sail, with ships he built or owned venturing as far as Canada, the Falklands and China. And to Ipswich for a school reunion of course.

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The historic Vickers Viscount turboprop airliner now at Duxford, the preservation of which I instigated back in the 1970s, stars in a Cold War thriller film "The Courier" just being released. Here are a couple of stills from this film showing the aircraft, which was given a due amount of Russian insignia for the purpose.

As it does, after a little while my advanced prostate cancer showed early signs of progression following my major treatment on a clinical trial in Belfast in 2019, but further therapy with daily tablets and four-weekly monitoring seems to have put this "back in its box" hopefully for some time!"

Still happily married to Kayce for almost 35 years, and having spent most of them here in California, I’m fortunate to say, “life is wonderful!”

My twins, now in their twenties, are lovely – one was a principal skater for Disney on Ice, touring the world and living the dream until COVID had other ideas (she’s now happily working in a Tiki Bar ‘coining it in’) and the other has just passed her exams, completed her externship and is about to begin her career in healthcare. Both live just close enough to us to still bring their laundry around. Kayce is recently retired and now has the stressful job of learning how to use all her newly found free time. I own a successful environmental construction company, ridding the world of nasty chemicals of concern via a plethora of remediation methods – fun stuff!

Some cool examples here www. eandeconstruction.com. Our little Poppy (pictured) keeps us ALL in line. I think of the school often and my memories are all fond ones. Me, a rebel? Maybe, but in my humble opinion with a BIG thanks to Henley Road, a fair and honest one with sound and solid principles.

ObituariesNews Members

David Harris (OI 1974 – 85)

I completed an Everesting on Firle Beacon in the South Downs in June.

This is a cycling ultra-endurance challenge where a rider climbs the height of Everest doing repeats on a single hill without any break for sleep.

After starting before 4am with nearly 13 ½ hours of riding, doing 67 repetitions of the hill, 111 miles and burning 8,000 calories I attained the required 8,848 meters of total elevation gain.

Terry Dadds (OI 1969 – 74) Still living in Mablethorpe , Lincolnshire and enjoying the beach.

Not been in the best of health and what with lockdown it’s a bit of a pain.

Hoping Doctors find out what’s wrong with me soon, fed up with them saying I am an enigma when it comes to my illness. Linda and I now have five grandchildren with the addition of Mollie last year and the three boys and their families all doing well. Ryan's thatching business in East Anglia is going well and he says he is always willing to do work for OI's. Cieran still Deputy Head at Hadleigh Primary School and has been extra busy with various Covid regulations. Liam is working on HS2 which should keep him busy for a few years.

Unfortunately Mum passed away just before lockdown but Dad still battling on at 92 and helped by my sister returning from Dubai to look after him.

Best wishes to all OI's at this difficult time.

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David Holmes (OI 1955 – 63)

David emigrated to the US in 1997 and spent 19 years as a Professor of Statistics at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ). He was awarded Emeritus status on leaving TCNJ. From 2016 to 2021 David was a Professor at George Mason University, Virginia, and in December 2021 he will finally be retiring to live in Florida, after 52 years of university teaching in both England and the US. He looks forward to plenty of tennis, swimming and golf in the Florida sunshine!

Prof. Michael Beaney (OI 1966 – 77) On 1 June 2020 I took up a new post as Regius Professor of Logic at the University of Aberdeen (halftime, held jointly with my continuing post at the Humboldt University in Berlin), although as I write a year later, I have still not managed to make it to Aberdeen, having spent lockdown in Berlin. I am hoping to resolve the paradox of both being and not being at the same place at the same time (and avoid being renamed the Egregius Professor of Logic) by making it to Aberdeen later this summer, when my wife Sharon and I can finally see our older daughter and two grandchildren again there.

Tom Nicholson (OI 1986 – 93)

My life changed direction in 2002 when I met my wife Beata, who went on to become a successful food writer, author, TV presenter, celebrity chef and influencer in her native Lithuania.

We have four children and relocated to Lithuania in 2013. I founded a thriving restaurant chain, which now operates three brands, across 10 locations in the major cities of Vilnius and Kaunas.

We sell predominantly pizza and I have travelled the world in search of inspiration in this field to become a pizza nerd and/or ‘expert’.

One of the highlights was participating in the World Pizza Championship in Las Vegas. Despite not being an active pizza maker in my day-to-day life, I was very satisfied by my 51st/60 placing, against some of the finest pizza makers in the world!

Vilnius is an amazing city, conspicuous by its almost total absence of Brits. So any OIs who find themselves there for work or pleasure, should look me up and come and enjoy a pizza.

Tim Passmore (OI 1966 – 77) Tim continues after securing his biggest ever victory as Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner. Congratulations Tim from the OI Community!

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Members News Obituaries

Roger Harcourt (OI 1960 – 67)

For twelve years I have been working for Cancer Research (UK) as a research scientist. In that time I have developed a computer system to simulate medical conditions and break them down, called INDIA. This stands for Intel Not Drug Is Automated. The Indian Government has adopted it and aims to make 1 million of these computers in the future, as

Jon (Jonny) Barr (OI 1977 – 82) Those who learnt with me at Ipswich School will be amused to hear that I have spent the last 30 years as a primary school teacher and the last 20 of them as a headteacher in schools in the Bristol area. The 2020-21 academic year is my last year in teaching and what a year it has been.

The final school I have led, St Barnabas CE VC Primary School in Montpelier in the centre of the City of Bristol, is the most challenged of the five schools I have taught in across my career. Most of our children are vulnerable and come from significantly

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the basis of its Health Service. At the moment they have factories in Mumbai and Delhi, each making one thousand a week. Using this type of computer in my research laboratory, I have discovered that cancer is mainly caused by cocaine, cannabis, calcium, potassium (K) and nitrates (the N word of cancer). I have also discovered that Diabetes is caused by invert sugar, yeast, and beet sugar.

(Digestion Intestine Absorption Beet Sugar). In this work I have relied on the practical application of the philosophy of Kant, and this applied philosophy has come to be known as bio-medical engineering. A new mathematic has been invented, that of semantic logic.

I have cured myself of cancer, and reduced my diabetes. A career choice to take medicine now has an alternative route, that of bio-medical engineering.

The University of Strathclyde at Glasgow is producing Doctors of Engineering.

disadvantaged households. The global pandemic presented many challenges to our children and families in March 2020 and during the hard months that followed. Working as a school we ensured that all our families had food through the provision of a foodbank.

We also went out to our community and business to bridge the digital divide that prevented our children from accessing the online education resources that were available to the more advantaged.

I finish my career proud that in January 2021 at the BETT Education Awards St Barnabas was announced to be the Covid-19 Response Champions (Schools and Colleges UK and International). Our small school beat many more well know finalists including one Eton College. All those who knew me at school, or know me now, will have some inking as to how sweet that victory was!

For more information see: https://www.bettshow.com/aboutbett/bett-awards

Capt. Richard Elston (RAMC) General Duties Medical Officer (OI 2004 – 11) It’s been a varied year. In January I led a team of six Army clinicians as we deployed across the Southeast of England supporting delivery of the Covid-19 vaccine. Over two months we visited six sites all with unique reasons for asking for our help. In Crowborough Saxonbury House medical centre had been delivered an extra 1170 doses of Pfizer vaccine.

The need for tight temperature control meant we had just three days to give all these doses on top of the 1170 patients already booked in before the vaccine spoilt. Working until well after 11 PM each day everyone pulled together to ensure not a single dose was wasted. At Crawley helped a new vaccination centre get up and running. I covered the vacant post of clinical director while my team used their experience to mentor the new staff which included cabin crew vaccinators. I have since deployed to Texas to provide medical support to a large training exercise with the American and French Armies. This was fun although the presence of COVID caused challenges at times. I am currently about to deploy on an operational tour to Africa.

Myself with Dr Bennion of Saxonbury House medical centre with the empty extra box

Caitlin O’Reilly (OI 2013 – 18) After obtaining a first-class degree at Portsmouth University, she has been awarded a full academic scholarship to study a Masters at the prestigious Henley School of Business at Reading University.

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Robin Chesterfield (OI 1955 – 62)

So many miles travelled!

I was a border at Junior House and then Westwood. House masters Spud Marsden and Peter Hill encouraged my interest in the world at large and in the 1960's I worked at a number of remote locations including Rodrigues Island in the Indian Ocean.

The Cable and Wireless cable station, established in 1902 as part of the

Eastern Extension, Australasia and China Telegraph Company imperial cable route from Australia to Britain is shown in the photo. This closed in the 1970s.

The only electricity on the island was at the cable station. One outside light was left on each night, as this had, at some point, saved the lives of a shipwrecked crew passing the island in a lifeboat. The link to the rest of the

world was a ship that came to the island three or four times a year and carried freight and passengers to and from Mauritius. It was the end of the colonial era and in the 1960s Mauritius and Seychelles, where I also worked, became independent countries.

For the small Arabian Gulf states, the 1970s was a period of rapid development. I worked in Bahrain, Qatar and Dubai. The infrastructure in Dubai, in particular, was inadequate for the rate of change. Inbound cargoes were held up for weeks by the backlog of ships waiting to dock. Working on the 5th floor of a building, commissioning international communications, before the lifts were installed and the upper floors completed, was a challenge!

I moved to New Zealand for a more settled life with a young family in the 1980s, expanding my interests from telecommunications to the outdoor world of forestry and wetland restoration. I keep in touch with a couple of Westwood OIs and appreciate reading OI news.

Mohammed Omer (OI 2005 – 08) From Ipswich to Abu Dhabi via NYU Mohammed Omer OI (2005-2008), became part of the first cohort at New York University in Abu Dhabi and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) Double Major in Economics, Finance and Social Research and Public Policy.

Mohammed is now an Associate in the Healthcare Group at Mubadala, an Abu Dhabi-based Sovereign Wealth Fund.

His life in Abu Dhabi is now a real family affair with his parents, siblings, and cousin living there too.

Mohammed has very fond memories of Ipswich School, naming many teachers who are still there like Mr

Welbourn, Mr Thompson and Mr and Mrs Blunden. One of his fondest memories is being part of the School's production of ‘Our Country’s Good’ and performing this at the Edinburgh Fringe.

He is still in contact with many of his peers including Yasir Khan OI (20072009) and Ashwin Raj OI (1999 -2010) and was pleased to see Sumitha Bose OI (2005-2010) taking part in the careers talk to the School's Sixth Formers in October.

Mohammed is very keen to get in contact with any OIs who are also living in or near Abu Dhabi once the COVID-19 restrictions end, so please do reach out to him via the Development Office

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Colin Nelson (OI 1956 – 68)

My life in Houston, you ask?

It started in 2008 when I moved from Singapore. That's aeons ago by your students' standards. It was tough at the start. For decades I had harboured doubts about my ability to absorb and adapt to certain aspects of life and culture in the US which I either don't understand or feel are not aligned with my own values and principles. I dug myself into a big hole by focusing on the negatives. It can be difficult to avoid them.

Realizing it wasn't getting me anywhere healthy, I focused on the positives instead. Houston has much more to offer than might be imagined, but you have to dig down to find it.

There is enormous cultural diversity here. There is a wellendowed formal arts and music scene backed by "old money" and presents works of the highest quality.

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I was spoiled during my college years in London, but imagine my surprise at being reconnected to this side of life in Houston, having wandered to all corners of the globe in the meantime. But there is also a huge arts underworld with all kinds of genres, and alternative theatre too. There are farmers' markets and community gardens tucked away. The food is amazing, reflecting the cultural diversity.

It's not just Whoppers and Big Macs, although of course there's always that option. There are interest groups for every imaginable indoor or outdoor pursuit to suit all tastes, although, due to the constant flux of people they rise and fall in popularity, I belong to a hiking group which has seen its membership grow to20,000 since it started about 10 years ago.

Houston is known for its connections to the energy industry, but of greater relevance to current school leavers may well be the medical sciences. Medical sciences are absolutely huge here. Also

huge is the geographical sprawl. Public transport systems exist, but this is the town of the private car. Forget cycling as a means of transport for anything except really local trips or out-of-town recreation. People grumble about the heat and humidity, but personally I don't find it as oppressive as is commonly made out.

Houston has served me well, but the pandemic has now brought my formal working career to its conclusion.

I have only returned once to Ipswich School in the last 50 years. It was a fantastic occasion when I was supposed to reconnect with my peers but I clearly remember spending much more of my time telling stories to the current scholars of a life of globetrotting sponsored by my career. There is so much to share on that front.

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Sporting Success for OIs Hannah Martin (OI 1998 – 2013)

Hannah joined the Team GB squad in 2017 and this was her first olympics. Hannah played with absolute determination, helping the women’s hockey team achieve their well deserved bronze medal. This adds to Hannah’s bronze medal awarded at the Commonwealth Games in 2018 as part of the England hockey squad. Well done!

James Gall (OI 2006 – 09) (right), Harry Martin (OI 1996 – 2011) (below left) and George Pinner (OI 1998 – 2005) (below right) also travelled to Tokyo as part of the men’s GB Olympic hockey squads.

Unfortunately, their hopes were dashed at the quarter-final stages when they were beaten by India 3-1, ending their hopes of a place on the podium.

Simon Uzokwe (OI 2012 – 13) OIs will also be excited to learn that Simon signed to Ealing Trailfinders from Newcastle Falcons for the 2020/21 season.

The club and OI community as a whole could not be prouder of our alumni who continue to motivate and inspire our younger Ipswichians.

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Our Musical OIs have excelled themselves during 2020 Francis Goodhand (OI 1985 – 92) As the lockdown hit in March, my shows for 2020, Half a Sixpence at Kilworth House this summer, and Top Hat at The Mill at Sonning this winter, were immediately cancelled - or at least postponed until (hopefully) the same time next year.I wanted to try to use this time productively and so I started by revisiting past songs, which had been sat in notebooks and on old hard drives, with the simple intention of creating new demos; more than anything, so I’d be thought of more as a composer again, rather than a musical director.

I met Midge Parry as part of this year’s virtual Music Festival OI President's Event. My dad, John Goodhand, taught her dad, Ben Parry, at the School back in the early seventies, and directed him in productions in Great School - there Midge and I both were, almost fifty years later.

It has been a rare treat to have the time to learn and experiment, especially with music production; there’s not a single real instrument on the album. And eventually, I found the headspace to write new material too, making enough music for an album, ‘Lights'.

I asked Midge if she’d consider recording one of the songs, which she did - brilliantly. All the singers recorded

These past few years I’ve been musical director for productions of Cats and Singing’ In The Rain, and the UK tours of Tell Me On A Sunday and Jersey Boys, with next to no scope for any sort of ‘creativity'. It was the care and craft of the first few singer-friends I asked about recording demos that made me think the tracks would work in their own right, perhaps on an EP

James Millar (OI 1977 – 84) Having left a 30-year career in shipping, my final employment being head of Oil Tankers commercial for a large Private Greek shipowner, the decision was extreme stress in Dubai or music. I chose the latter and in 2019 joined The Signatures Northern Soul band playing Tenor and Soprano Sax. That year we toured extensively and had a great time; hopefully it will all come back in 2021 with many dates booked and an album release on 1st August. Thanks go to my school Oboe teacher who one day put a Tenor Sax in my hands. Here I am with Gloria Jones, the original artist who wrote “Tainted Love”.

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vocals remotely, with me editing, playing, and producing here at home.

I was as amazed as I was thrilled that ‘Lights’ reached number 1 in the UK Easy Listening Album Charts this weekend. It was completely unexpected, and I’m just happy people are listening.

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Ben Ponniah (OI 1995 – 02)

The beginning of 2021 has been an unusually fruitful and exciting time for me. The BBC Singers performed two of my choral works on BBC Radio 3 and I got a teaching job at Eton College (starting in September).

I was thrilled to hear one of the top professional choirs in the country sing my music on the radio! Firstly, they performed my emotionally intense piece ‘Father, forgive them’. This is a particularly challenging unaccompanied

Ed Dewson (OI 1981 – 87) A couple of years ago I found myself sitting in Great School playing violin in a “family orchestra”.

It was a rather different experience from the last time I'd played violin in public back in 1987, although I was almost certainly sitting in the exact same spot. At that point, I was doing a lot of fiddle playing: music exams, competitions, chamber group, and so on.

The orchestra had recently returned from a “tour" to Mönchengladbach and we were very much on top of our game.

But the violin is not kind to those who don’t practice so, winding the clock forward to 2019, I’ve no doubt my contribution to the "family orchestra" was a shambles. I tucked myself in behind my 11-year-old daughter and tried to keep up.

In my day, the music department was led by Steven Orton and Richard Bainbridge, both fine musicians, though many other members of staff got

piece in 8 parts, but their stunning tuning and deep understanding of the harmony enabled them to make my complex jazz-inspired chords shine perfectly. Secondly, the BBC Singers performed my new setting of the Magnificat and Nunc dimittis, which I wrote especially for them.

I am currently completing a PhD in Composition at the University of Aberdeen (distance learning). In September, I start my final year and a job at Eton College teaching Economics.

I am looking forward to teaching at such an illustrious school.

My love for choral music started at St Mary-le-Tower Church in Ipswich.

This experience helped me win a music scholarship to Ipswich School, where I continued to explore this passion in various choirs.

involved. I and former history teacher, John Vick, were recently chatting about singing Barber Shop Quartets on the night train from Leningrad to Moscow during a school trip. Music wasn’t limited to the Department by any means.

John Blatchly’s influence was everpresent of course and Sunday night Chamber Group (even now, known as Chamber “pot” in our household) was at that time held on a Sunday night in the headmaster's sitting room. An invitation to join was considered a great honour. If I wasn’t the first to decline, I suspect I was one of only a few to do so. It was politely explained that it wasn’t optional. And so, I bowled up, violin in hand, and loved every minute.

It wasn’t all plain sailing. One Sunday evening, after failing to realise there was a rehearsal, I had to be extracted from The Great White Horse, three sheets to the wind. I was delivered to the Headmaster’s house by my ever-supportive mother.

There’s not a lot of musical space in which to hide when playing chamber music and I was struggling to stay upright on my chair. I’m sure it was very entertaining for my peers. However, I was

Three Ipswich School teachers that spring to mind are Mr Gregory, Mr Matthews and Mr Tidball. Mr Tidball taught me Economics in a wonderfully rigorous and engaging manner. Mr Matthews taught me how to write a fugue during GCSE Music lessons, which was way beyond the syllabus and fascinating for me – I wrote a fugue for my coursework. Mr Gregory made maths fun for me and many others, with the occasional use of tuck shop incentives!

I am very grateful for my time at Ipswich School, where I learned the importance of working hard, pursuing one’s passions, and aiming high. As a result of these lifelong lessons, I am pleased to report that my life is fulfilling and fun!"

surprised to learn several years later, that Richard Bainbridge had told my mother that Dr. Blatchly had found the whole episode “hilarious”.

I’m very lucky to have a career as a musician – albeit not as a violin player – but I rarely play or sing just for fun. It’s probably the thing I miss most about Ipswich School.

One can never hope to recapture those youthful moments completely, but if there are people out there who’d welcome the opportunity to make a little music then please get in touch. Be it a choir, a chamber orchestra, a jazz band, open-mic nights, or something else entirely, we’d love to hear from any OIs, parents, staff, or friends of Ipswich School who might like to get involved so please do email oldipswichians@ipswich.school

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New Opportunities Open up for OIs Rosanna Lloyd (OI 2005 – 07)

I left the School in 2007, scary to think it’s been almost 14 years already.

I graduated from university with a degree in English Literature in 2010; not the most useful degree in the midst of a recession. With suitable jobs scarce and competition for those jobs fierce, I found myself having to volunteer and take temporary jobs. My prospects took a turn for the better when I decided to become an EFL (English as a foreign language) teacher. My first long-term job was in China.

Looking back, I really did throw myself in at the deep end. After I’d got over the initial culture shock, I had an amazing time. All my students were 3-16 years old, but they were not as well behaved as I had hoped. However, there was one group who were a pleasure to teach. They were 5-6 years old and so enthusiastic about learning English.

I travelled to Beijing and the Great Wall, Hong Kong, Shanghai and a few lesserknown cities. I also visited a panda sanctuary, celebrated Chinese New Year (Spring Festival), experienced extreme air pollution and (almost) 24/7 fireworks! The cost of living was very low, it was possible to get two meals for the equivalent of just over £1 and buses cost just 20 pence a journey!

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My next stop was Japan. Both China and Japan have long histories and similar cultures but the biggest difference is Japan is more expensive and much more modern and ‘westernised’. As a result, culture shock is less of an issue. It’s incredibly clean and efficient and there’s no pollution.

I lived just outside Tokyo, never has the description ‘sensory overload’ been more appropriate than for this mega-metropolis. I taught all ages, from toddlers to retired people. The majority were absolutely delightful but again some of the kids were (surprisingly) not very well behaved! I travelled to

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Kyoto, Hiroshima and Osaka, amongst others. Kyoto was the highlight, a beautiful city with a lot of traditional architecture; I felt like I had stepped back in time. Other unique Japanese experiences included seeing the famous cherry blossom (sakura), attending an origami workshop, visiting animal cafes, watching a sumo tournament and trying on a kimono.

After that I went to Poland. The students there were all teenagers and adults, incredibly friendly and fantastic in terms of motivation. I started off in a small city, before moving to Krakow. This city has the unfortunate reputation of being the ‘stag party capital of Europe’.

Despite this, it was fun to live there. It boasts a vibrant nightlife, as well as quite a big drinking culture, beer and vodka being very cheap. I followed the tourist trail and visited the Wieliczka salt mines and Auschwitz-Birkenau. Visiting Auschwitz was overwhelming to say the least but it was something I felt morally obliged to do.

I would highly recommend TEFL to anyone considering it.

I only wish I’d started straight after university! As much as I would have loved to continue living abroad, I felt I would eventually have to ‘settle down’ and return to the UK. Unfortunately, TEFL jobs in this country are few and far between. I wanted to continue to use my English skills which led me to a Level 4 Diploma in Proofreading and Editing. I achieved a Distinction, largely thanks to my existing English skills. Since completing the diploma, I have worked with two clients, one being Ipswich School. I’m in the process of establishing my own freelance proofreading/copyediting business. However, if the right in-house job came along, I wouldn’t turn it down.

If anyone reading this would benefit from a professional proofreading/ copyediting service, or knows of any in-house opportunities, don’t hesitate to get in touch, or spread the word to anyone you know who might be interested."

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A Unique Business Venture for Rebecca Wiles (OI 2000 – 13)

Rebecca celebrates the first birthday of her travel company LUCCIOLA, supporting locals and tourists alike with sustainability and mental health.

Having spent 13 years at School, I appreciate how much I was invested in while there, but that's nothing compared to the graciousness and warmth I have received since leaving in 2013, after GCSE study. I went on to Colchester Sixth Form College where I added another string to my languages bow, thanks to the encouragement of Tracy Boyle and Maria Cascón-Soriano, completing A-Levels in Spanish, German, and Italian. To say this set me up for life is probably an understatement.

I had found a love and determination for mastering the challenge of languages, so I found myself in Canterbury in 2015 to begin a BA in Italian and Spanish at the University of Kent, during which I had the insane opportunity of living abroad in two beautiful cities in 2017.

I cannot emphasise enough the growth and personal development gained from ‘sink or swim’ situations which transformed the anxious, self-conscious, relatively quiet individual Sarah Milner was faced with weekly, to the individual I

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present myself as today. Therefore, if there is one thing, I would have told my younger self it would be to take the risk, feel the fear, but do it anyway, knowing that the long-term impact will be so much more positive than the regret.

Turin is one of the best-connected cities in Italy, being the old capital, so I took the opportunity to explore the country ‘as a local’. Since my drive took me straight from school to university, I had not yet made my first steps as a solo traveller, so my first stop was the Cinque Terre, five small fishermen’s villages, on the Ligurian coast. From then on, I thought anything was possible. One dear friend came to visit and really wanted that picture in Pisa, so five hours there and five hours back on the fast train, we did it – what a day out!

I set myself a goal each week to plan a trip for the upcoming weekend. In Spain, this was easy to accomplish, as university life was not as demanding. Adventures mean memories, whether incredible or otherwise – everyone needs them now more than ever.

On graduating from Kent, I wanted to tailor my knowledge of culture and language to a business discipline, so onward to the University of Lincoln to achieve my first-class MSc degree in Events Management, crucially exploring international tourism too.

Here I learned some fundamental issues with destination marketing and the sustainability of tourism. Italy grabbed my heart in 2014 when I visited on an Italian exchange trip with the Sixth Form, staying with my Italian family for a week and returning to the UK having forgotten how to hold a conversation in English! It is for this reason, together with witnessing tourism in Italy’s hotspots first-hand, that I have set up my own travel business, LUCCIOLA Travel.

LUCCIOLA, meaning ‘firefly’ in Italian, is on a mission to unveil lesser-known, quieter corners of Italy to reduce the effects of over-tourism, in turn helping to even out the economic benefits of tourism across Italy.

As we step back into the world and return to all the things we love, some will feel more confident and comfortable than others; most anxiety will arise from the anticipation of crowded, confined spaces.

LUCCIOLA is here to support you on this transition, to ignite hope, inspiration, and confidence in travelling to those places you have had in mind (or ones you didn’t know you need to see).

We unearth boutique hotels, country houses, villas and agritourism farm stays where you can enjoy hidden gems in calming landscapes and be warmly welcomed by locals, who will offer the best quality holiday or destination wedding experience for you.

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People are central to my passion for this business – LUCCIOLA supports locals and tourists alike, with sustainability and mental health. As we have not ignored the pandemic, we cannot ignore the mental health pandemic on the horizon as a result. Having felt the consequences of mental health in loved ones for some time now, the passing of my grandad in February this year inspired me to act further; 10% of all commission from your travel booking will be donated to MIND, the mental health charity.

I feel fortunate to have a platform, as an independent travel agent, on which I can offer dedicated support to a crucial cause affecting so many. I also know he would be so proud of this feature as he was passionate about the school, having made his mark as a quantity surveyor on the library building back in 1992, and supported my entry to Ipswich School, starting in the nursery in 2000.

LUCCIOLA promotes my recommended way of seeing Italy, though there are no limits to the accommodation and destinations I can book, so I have exciting solutions for anyone looking to get away ASAP, or simply seeking inspiration for next year. It would be my pleasure to help even one other person experience Italy more authentically as I did – a journey inspired by language learning and the tight-knit community at Ipswich School, positively shaping my future professionally and personally.

To find out more and how best to reach out, check out www.lucciola.uk – I’m always here for a chat, business or otherwise."

Rebecca Wiles OI (2000 – 13)

Mole Antonelliana

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Nicholas Bowman-Scargill (OI 1997 – 2005)

OI Nicholas Bowman-Scargill, class of 2005, is the Managing Director of Fears Watches, a family firm established in 1846 and one of the oldest watchmakers in Britain. Nicholas revived the firm in 2016 and was expecting 2020 to be the best year yet for the luxury watch brand. His story was recently featured in the Metro and we have brought it to you here.

On the wall in his office, Nicholas has a portrait of his great-great-great-grandfather, Edwin Fear, who launched the firm when Queen Victoria was only a few years into her reign.

When he left the office for the final time in March, as the country went into lockdown, Nicholas was inspired by this portrait to make sure his company could survive one of the biggest changes in this country's history.

He explained to the Metro how he went about this, taking his CV to every supermarket near his home in

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Canterbury, Kent. He’d worked out that if he didn’t take a salary during lockdown, cash reserves meant he could continue to pay his three staff and watchmaker until mid-August, but if he got another job, he could keep the prestigious firm going for even longer.

That Monday, Asda called to offer me the 2am-8am shift five days a week, says Nicholas. I was walking around the aisles fulfilling their home-delivery orders. I thought, I’m going to do this and get my company through it. For the next two months, I’d get up at half-past midnight, walk to work - my car broke down that first week and no garage was open to fix it - come home, get an hours sleep, then get up again and run Fears until 5pm, then go back to bed.

'Working at Asda was tough – I did 16,000 steps a shift and have never been

so fit and healthy. But the moment I got that first pay cheque, it was absolutely worth it. 'I needed a bit for our own personal bills, and the rest I could put back into the business.'

Despite the exhaustion, Nicholas had no regrets. He spent two months working for just above minimum wage before leaving when business at Fears began to improve.

"In March we were looking at having our best year yet, with several new product launches," says Nicholas. "But in April we made just £145 in sales, which is petrifying. However, that month we started to get more enquiries, and in May they started turning into orders."

The company will celebrate its 175th anniversary in January 2021, and this has encouraged Nicholas to continue working. As he told the Metro: "Even if the entire economic system collapses, we still have to keep going."

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Rosie Brown (OI 2005 – 12) I’ve started up my own Wedding Planning business and also a business with my dad called Two Planks.

After being a PA in London for 7 years, whilst I was furloughed last year, I decided to train as a wedding planner and make the jump to go selfemployed! So... ‘Weddings By Rosie’ was born.

This also meant I have had more time to grow Two Planks. I now sell bespoke scaffold board tables, offer an up-cycling service for old furniture needing some TLC and also rent 12ft scaffold board tables for events along with various decorations and a beautiful self-build arch.

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Josh Bartlett (OI 1997 – 2005) Following my redundancy in September and despite the pandemic, I decided to run it full time. The major change I’ve made to the business is going from just a wholesaler to a direct retailer via my website www.awaydaysbeer.com With sixteen beers now in the range and working with four breweries, I like to think there is something for everyone’s palate. With a growing fan base, the hope is to roll out a non-league football pop-up pub event at weekends, as well as have fans physically help with the brewing process.

Away Day Beers. In 2005, following the completion of my “A" Levels, I left Ipswich School and headed for De Montfort University Leicester to study Music Technology and Innovation. It is fair to say the school had helped me focus on my studies and get me to that point.

I had always had a real interest in recording music and film, but after graduating, opening a recording studio just outside Cambridge and running that for two years, I quickly realised it wasn’t what I wanted to do forever. I closed the studio then spent the next couple of years in limbo trying to find my niche and what made me tick.

“Niche” probably best describes where life took me next, and for the next eight years with me taking on a role which involved setting up a music-based therapy service at a secure mental healthcare hospital in Nottinghamshire. Every day was different which I loved; the music element ticked a huge box, whilst dealing with challenging behaviour from service users who had autism spectrum disorder and learning disabilities kept me on my toes.

Above all this though, I felt like I was making a difference in people’s lives, by

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helping them transition back into the community. Once the music service was developed, I moved to the Education Department which I became in charge of in 2018 until the hospital’s sale to the NHS in September 2020. After being made redundant, I saw an opportunity to sell football-themed beers.

Away Days, in all honesty, was a drunken idea. But a year later, I launched “Away Days” with three debut beers: “Hoppy Robson” for Sir Bobby, “Golden Goal” and of course “Boncho” - The name comes from a Bulgarian footballer who graced ITFC in the 90s and I was a huge fan of. I even made it into Bulgaria’s Trud News to do an interview about “Boncho” (the beer), before Boncho’s son contacted me to take some of it back to Bulgaria for the legend himself.

When I launched “Away Days”, it was a hobby business which I ran alongside the job at the hospital, but one that slowly began to take up more and more of my time. It’s had its ups and downs.

The highs such as seeing Alan Shearer enjoying a bottle of “Ale’N Shearer” last Christmas and seeing “Hoppy Robson” on sale nationally on cask through a major wholesaler. The lows such as realising just how many pubs are tied into a monopoly of breweries, thus making it harder for independent brands to establish themselves through the pub network.

It’s safe to say Ipswich School helped give me the foundations for where I am today and I’ll always be grateful for that. I also think it’s a reminder to always be open to new ventures or avenues of work you didn’t envisage taking and not be afraid to take a risk on a crazy idea sometimes.

I certainly never saw myself teaching in a mental health hospital or selling football themed beers, but here we are.

If you’d like to know more about “Away Days”, head to my website www.awaydaysbeer.com and / or follow us on social media by searching @awaydaysbeer. And lastly, if you think of the next Wayne Brewney football pun beer name, be sure to let me know!

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Late book return after 90 years

At the start of this year, an inorganic chemistry textbook was returned to the school after over 90 years since it was last borrowed by Geoffrey Marriott (OI 1922 - 30), the father of Richard Marriott (OI 1950 – 60). Geoffrey Marriott was a Queen’s scholar. His career at school was a successful one and he went on to obtain a Ph.D. in Chemistry at University

College Oxford, after being awarded an Open Scholarship to study there.

During the war, Marriott worked in the chemical industry and returned to Ipswich to manage the family building firm, V A Marriott, until his death in 1968.

His son Richard was a pupil here in the 1950s and found the book when he was carrying out a recent house clear out.

The book comprises a fascinating overview of the scientific method from long ago; including Faraday’s discovery of electrolysis, Avogadro’s at the time hypothesized molar mass, Bohr’s model of the atom, and many more. Complimenting this, there were many interesting diagrams set up

to demonstrate to the prospective student how certain experiments would be taking place. Even though these experiments were often less than safe, they still gave valuable insight into the reactions behind them, and quite often hold up today.

In 2018, a library book was returned to Ipswich School’s library, 50 years after it was previously borrowed by a pupil.

We wonder what other old books or other school equipment may be still in the homes of Old Ipswichians?

Written by Harry R and Penny G, Year 13

Vanessa Leung (OI 2013 – 15) I saw the post on Facebook about confessing to still having something from Ipswich School. Upon the reassurance that I will not be in trouble, here is my confession.

I joined Year 9 as an overseas student from Hong Kong, speaking very little English in the beginning. I was 14/15, had newly arrived in a foreign country, struggled to make friends as I could barely communicate, and failed at school except for being the “Chinese girl who could do Maths”. In short, life was a misery.

I knew a lot of my problems would go away if I could up my game in English. So, I started practicing random English phrases day and night, reading newspapers out loud, listening to BBC radio while I slept hoping that somehow my brain could be wired to the language overnight. I would also watch films first with Chinese subtitles, then with English subtitles, then without subtitles.

One of the films I watched was 'The Memoirs of a Geisha'. I loved it. A few days later, by sheer chance, I saw the novel sitting on a shelf in the library.

I borrowed it to read over the Year 10

reading week in February. During those two weeks, I did not have anywhere to go. It was also Chinese New Year; but I was away home; and had no family or friends - all I had was the book.

I remember lying in bed and reading all day. And this was the first book that I managed to read and finish without having to keep checking the dictionary.

It was from then onwards that English felt a lot less like a “subject” to me and more like a communicative medium.

Words were no longer just vocabulary, they made sense.

The book marked how I had gone from barely literate to literate.

Before that, I had blamed myself for, and been disheartened, by my lack of improvement despite having the privilege to study abroad. So, I really wanted to keep the book. My only obstacle was the librarian. After the holiday, I ordered a new book from Amazon as a substitute and brought it to the library. I put on my innocent face and went to the librarian to say that I had “lost” the book. Surprisingly, she was extremely nice about it and told me not to worry. She even told me that I did not have to buy a replacement.

And that was it! The book has remained my most treasured one of the many English books I have read since my time at Ipswich School. I never thought I would have a chance to tell this story. I am now doing very well, just finishing my law degree. I have this book to thank for a lot of the things I have today.

Would you like to confess to still having an Ipswich School textbook, please email oldipswichians@ipswich.school with details, we would love to hear from you.

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Members News Obituaries

CCF Camp Memories Last year we invited OIs to share memories of their time in CCF – two OIs have kindly sent in their recollections.

Mike Dodman (OI 1952 – 63) From the Brecon Beacons to the West of Plymouth. Camp 1. We were in army barracks in Sennybridge, deep in the Brecon Beacons. I recall that, prior to setting off from the school, we had been issued with ex-army “tops” which were to prove very beneficial - but no bottoms.

The main exercise during our time at Sennybridge was to be a 3-day “hike” away from the base, sleeping under canvas each night. For many of us, that was probably our first experience of life in a tent.

My overriding memory is of three days in the rain - not unusual in the Beacons! It was dry when we left the barracks but started raining, that very fine heavy “mizzle”, within about 30 minutes. The first evening, when the time came to set up camp, one lad suggested that a nearby abandoned relic of a building might provide shelter and avoid the need to put up the tent. One lad was duly despatched to check it out and report back. He soon came running back with the chilling words - “I’m not sleeping in there.

There’s a dead sheep in it!”

I have no other memories except that it rained constantly and then stopped about 30 mins after we returned to our barracks 3 days later. The army-issue tops we had

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been issued with were superb, totally waterproof. Needless to say, we were sopping wet from the hips downwards.

And the tops had to be handed back in when we returned to school. Shame.

Camp 2. Military fort/barracks west of Plymouth. I was in the signals squad and had volunteered to go down with the advance party, to help get everything set up ready for the main bunch of lads when they arrived.

As it turned out, this was an advantage and a disadvantage. It meant that we were billeted in the same building as the stores, not with the rest of the lads. This meant that (for some reason lost in the mists of time) we did not have to participate in the various drills and parades, nor did we eat with the main contingent. We ate after them. I recall that on most days there was a surplus of food and we, therefore, ate very well. But one day the situation was reversed, and we went short!

The other memory is that it was our task to get our own radio equipment set up and working in the Austin Champ (Austin’s version of a Jeep) which would be the “command vehicle”. This took several hours, and we hit all sorts of problems but eventually succeeded and felt very pleased with ourselves having tested everything.

Then along came the camp OC and very sternly told us that there had been a mistake and that that particular Champ had not been allocated for our use and that we had to take all the equipment out of it. We were not amused!

Life is quite mundane these days and I’ve probably forgotten what I did a few days ago, but these were “big” moments for a 17-18-year-old and the memories remain even after more than 50 years!

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John Northfield (OI 1938 – 45) I was a pupil at the school from 1938, starting in ‘Prep A’, to 1945 and I joined the OTC, as it was then known, in 1941/1942. The organisation was soon renamed the Combined Cadet Force in line with other such units.

Our first issue of uniform was that which our fathers had worn during the 1914-18 war and comprised a serge jacket, buttoned up to the chin, and ‘putties’ wound round the leg from the ankle to just below the knee, a most uncomfortable uniform. However, this was soon replaced by the standard army battle dress. One afternoon a week and a couple of hours on another day were devoted to Corp activities and a Field Day was held once a term with another school unit. One of these I recall was held on Rushmere Heath with the Woodbridge School contingent.

During the summer holidays the Regular Army ran camps attended by a number of CCF units and Ipswich school used to participate. I was a member of the school contingent attending one at Colchester in 1944 at Shrubland Park 1945.

We were taught fieldcraft, given rides in a variety of military vehicles, witnessed the use of explosives and the recovery of various types of vehicles and introduced to battle exercises over a period of a fortnight or so.

The highlight of the ’45 camp was a flight in a USAAF B17G flying Fortress down to London, along the Thames to Southend and back over Ipswich.

I was promoted to the rank of lance corporal in my last year of “service”.

During my time our CO was Mr Young (Jimmy) and Mr Bush (Freddy) his deputy.

I was “called up” in September 1945 and my CCF fieldcraft training was of

little value since I served my time as a Fitter (Aero Engines) in the RAF, serving in India and the Sudan and being demobilised in April 1948.

If you have news to share please email the editor, Clare Lock, at editor@oldipswichians.org.uk We would be very pleased to hear from you.

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School Memories Obituaries

Gerard de Negri Former Teacher (1978 – 83) remember some of my students who did very well. I'm still in touch with some from the notorious 4A! Memories come back now of a great achievement from one of excellent students called Andrew Gower who won the national French Verse reading competition, I was so proud of him! I also remember "introducing" pétanque as an activity for the first time.

I recall memories of trips to France in Chevreuse, to Russia with nice people and nice students.

Gerard de Negri at Ipswich School My name is Gérard de Negri, I was first a French assistant, then I became a full-time teacher from 1979 until 1983. I spent 5 happy years as a teacher living with my wife and child in one of the flats near the cricket field on Warrington Road.

Well, well, so many memories that I revive with lots of nostalgia. After I left Ipswich School, I became a teacher of French and English in Savoie, France (Alberville), after that I moved back to my hometown, taught in Mayotte (A French territory in the Indian Ocean), Morocco and back to Mayotte when I retired.

Yes, five happy years (I'm now 67) with nice colleagues, the headmaster was Dr Blatchly, yes, I recall, I would say, not just colleagues, friends, the list is long but I remember so well Edmund Tickner, with whom I'm still in touch from time to time, Roger Holt, Alex Burnett, I keep in mind Michael Lee before he went to Oundle School. Of course, I have in mind John Goodhand, Andrew Gregory, John Le Mare and so many others who greeted me so well as a teacher at Ipswich School.

I remember well the numerous French plays that we went on...I also

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Gerard de Negri today

Since that date, as a retired teacher and due to my second marriage to a Russian woman, I have discovered Russia again, in Ekaterinburg. I started teaching part-time French and English in two Universities for a few semesters.

Great experience with good, motivated students.

Nowadays, I still teach part-time English. I write fiction books and I have published five novels. I live in the south of France, near Alès and I have three wonderful daughters.

Voilà, this is my humble account of my memories of this wonderful time at the school.

I wish all the best to everyone from the school. Please keep safe and away from this terrible virus.

Obituaries School Memories

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Ivor Body (OI 1942 – 45) I arrived in Ipswich in about 1942 from Portsmouth. We were in Portsmouth during the heaviest bombing from January 10 1941 having arrived from Egypt (RAF Ismailia) before Hitler's troops.

I think I was about 10 when I entered the Prep School and didn't have any formal schooling before that.

I enjoyed my time at school and although I did not excel at any subjects I did represent the school in the Bunn cup, a boxing competition at the Public Hall. The expectation was high as my Grandfather had previously represented England in 1882/3 in Boxing. I managed to make the 5th X1, and I think I played quite well during that time.

Other than this I must have set a record for "Six of the best'' mainly because I was the idiot who trespassed onto the hallowed turf when the tennis ball we were playing kickabout with landed there! I have very fond memories of being at Ipswich School.

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School Memories Obituaries

Stuart Grimwade (OI 1950 – 62)

Hugh Grimwade - new physics lab circa 1960 The current crisis prompts a childhood recollection of my father telling me about his first term at Brazenose which coincided with the last effects of the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic; an extraordinary echo now from a hundred years ago. He told me that a number of his Oxford colleagues had lost their lives to it, as I gather it affected the younger age groups the most.

I have used the school's splendid Archive search facility to retrieve my father's 1964 OI Magazine and brief ‘Times’ obituaries. Published when I was in my second year at Nottingham University, it still has a very emotional impact on me to realise that there may still be OIs living who feel the same way as those who added their comments about his physics teaching at the end of the obituary.

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I also wrote a piece for the OI magazine, a long while ago after finding the staff room punishment book among my father’s old papers soon after he died. My favourite entry was from, I think, the 1940s of a boy beaten with a cane for ‘being in the end of term spirit before the end of term’..... how times have changed!

I have included a picture of the manual and new physics lab in circa 1960 as well as some of my father. I ‘ran’ the School’s met station behind the white palings and was rather proud of making 3x daily weather readings and reports both during the term and in the holidays too. I reckon the picture of my father in the white jacket was taken during WWII.

Obituaries School Memories

The manual - a cadet sailing dinghy being built in the background, now an ICT classroom

Lime Tree Avenue

The journal of the Old Ipswichian Club

It’s a fascinating fact that these images give us clear evidence of climate change in that there were still no leaves on the avenue limes at the time.

I am still in correspondence with my old sixth-form Geography master from 1961-2, John Weeks, about whom I wrote in my last piece for the OI Journal. His recollections of what it was like to be a very young Cambridge graduate among the many older, seemingly ‘Victorian’ characters who still inhabited the Staff Room at the time are fascinating!

He now tells me that at the time he was completely unaware of just how radically new his teaching methods must have appeared. Fortunately I thrived on it, inspiring me into the profession I took up.

Hugh Grimwade

The manual from afar. Picture taken by Stuart Grimwade in 1950 upon completion of the new Science Lab

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School Memories Obituaries

John Michael (Mike) Wootton (OI 1945 – 55) I was at Ipswich School 1944-55 and when I was at Prep School I was the instigator of an incident I shall never forget.

One day I was taken to school by my father as usual but this day was different in that I had a cigarette hidden from dad with me.

The reasoning I think must be 'showing off' because while the class was waiting for the teacher I produced my trophy and lit it to gasps from the onlookers. Then the warning call, "cavy, cavy", rang out meaning teacher is coming.

Ipswich School at dusk

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Now from my memory the teacher was a very formidable lady (Miss Simpson I think) and so my immediate move was to put it out and so I blew on it with all my might. I realised it was not the right way when one of the boys grabbed it, threw it on the floor and jumped on it.

As the teacher had not quite entered I thought I had got away with it until one little sneak said "Please Miss Simpson, Wootton has been smoking".

The end result? That was the only cigarette I have ever smoked in my whole life.

The Tuck Shop Queue

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Dudley Michael Allen (OI 1960 – 69) I was at school from 1960-1969 and have lots of memories including of Dougie Yelland, Mrs Young (junior school), Ian and Marion Prior, Incey playing the organ, a janitor named Mr. Clutterham inevitably nicknamed 'Clutterbang’, 'Poppa' Job referring to the projector flex as 'the rope', Mont, The Haskells, swimming after prep on summer evenings, walking to the playing fields, Jaspers (junior school prefects) usually power crazed, 'Shipwrecks' in the gym, the cloisters - excellent for roller skating, the headmaster's study - usually not for the best of reasons, German lessons with Mike 'Uz' Butler, sports day or any other occasion when you might see a girl!

Boys' Cricket - U14A

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

Horrible haircuts, the hospital over the road, the arboretum and park, sledding in the winter, coach trips to away games, packed lunches with yucky cheese and tomato sauce, the sixties, Pink Floyd and the Doors, a pervasive sense of security and goodwill, counting down to the holidays, mixed feelings about leaving...

Keep up the good work boys and girls, stay safe and love to all.

Old Prep, now the Sixth Form Centre

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Sixth Form boarding at Anglesea Heights A further expansion into Anglesea Heights has taken place, with some boarding provision moving onto the site from September 2020. A Sixth Form boarding house has been created for older pupils, including ensuite facilities to provide an experience similar to that of a university hall of residence.

Headmaster Mr Weaver explained: “Our numbers have steadily grown over the last few years, and the expansion of boarding into Anglesea Heights will help us meet the demand for an Ipswich School education from people further away, both in the UK and abroad.”

He added: “Our innovative ‘life skills’ programme for Sixth Form students, called The Edge, provides students with many of the key skills they will need to thrive at university and in life beyond school. The Sixth Form Boarding House will be another part of this programme for our older students who are living away from home, and will create more space for other day pupils who want to try occasional or flexi boarding in preparation for life after school.”

Westwood, the school’s current boarding house, is able to take more students now the older students have moved out. A new Year 6 classroom for the Prep School opened on the Anglesea Heights site in September 2019.

Almost £5,000 raised to improve breast cancer care in Malawi The school managed to raise a whopping £4,993 for the Malawi Breast Cancer Care group in just one term.

The money was raised through donations at concerts and chapel services, as well as pupil fundraisers which raised £298; Christmas Jumper Day which raised over £1,269; the School House Hamper which raised £129; and the Rigaud House audio book which raised £439. This audio book featured staff members reading the stories of

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The Tiger Who Came to Tea, The Wizard of Oz and Winnie the Pooh, with music provided by the Britten Faculty of Music.

MedSoc members, who did the original presentation to pupils in assemblies about Malawi Breast Cancer Care, sold snacks and drinks at Lower School events including a film night and disco – these events and the food fundraising brought in over £1,000.

Dr Ackroyd-Parkin, who spearheads the Malawi group, said: “I was stunned, and completely overwhelmed by the

amount raised. I'm so astounded and delighted. I have been drawing up a wishlist, and now more of the wishlist may be possible.” The funds would be making a “long-term investment in Malawi’s health service”, and will undeniably have a massive impact on the lives of the people and health care system in Malawi.

Obituaries School News

The journal of the Old Ipswichian Club

In the mood for some spiffing fundraising Baking cakes, drinking tea, digging for victory – or burying the maths books. Just some of the highlights of Keep the Home Fires Burning, the Ipswich School staff film made to commemorate VE Day 75, with a nod to the lockdown of May 2020.

Many staff members provided videos and photos which the Rev turned into a spiffing movie, full of japes and jolly laughs and a fine Pathe news-style look at life. As well as the frivolity, there was a touching reminder of the reasons why it is important to remember VE Day, and particularly the Old Ipswichians who fought in WW2.

he film was released at 3pm T on VE Day, to coincide with an invitation to pupils and families to enjoy virtual afternoon tea parties, and make donations to St Elizabeth Hospice.

Sixth former Evan McNab from Year 12 got everyone In The Mood with his one-man-band version of the Glenn Miller classic to finish the film.

Rev Crompton-Battersby said afterwards: “It was fantastic to celebrate 75 years of peace, even at a distance, with our neighbours. We felt the video was a great way to keep our school community connected with a bit of a laugh together as well as an acknowledgement of the role that former students had played in the Second World War. St Elizabeth Hospice is a place close to all our hearts for many reasons. We are thrilled that we have been able to raise money to help them with their vital work.”

The total raised for the Hospice was £1,305. You can watch the movie on YouTube here: https://bit.ly/homefiresmovie

Chapel Choir at Kersey On Sunday 8 March 2020, the Ipswich School Chapel Choir participated in the re-hallowing of the Kersey Shrine, alongside the Kersey School Choir, our Chaplain, the Reverend Crompton-Battersby of Kersey Church and Bishop Martin Seeley of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich.

The service was notable for featuring the first ever procession performed by the Chapel Choir featuring an aquatic element, as the choir crossed through Kersey Splash, a stream that runs through the centre of the village.

Members of the village community watched the choir perform in the open air and in the church.

Photo credits: James Fletcher

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Remote Learning Focus

In March, the Covid-19 pandemic and announced lockdown in the UK meant a swift and fundamental change for teaching at Ipswich School. No longer teaching in a classroom at Henley Road, instead kitchens and living rooms became the classroom. Teachers and pupils took part in Google Meet videoconferencing to continue the learning experience.

Schemes of work were adapted overnight, and new activities were introduced. Timetables were adjusted to make remote learning work, allowing a few minutes between lessons to give

pupils, and teachers, a break from screens, and adjusting the type of homework set to reduce screen time after lessons ended.

Unlike many schools, we maintained a programme of learning for pupils in Years 11 and 13 into the summer term.

This included a three week 'pre-A Level' course, allowing them to experience what the A Level teaching would look like when they returned to the Sixth Form.

After a few short weeks, what was new, became normal. Even pets at home adjusted to seeing their owners on a more regular basis, and we celebrated their ‘help’ with school work in the Occasional.

Outside of the 'classroom', the sports team produced training videos so that pupils could continue to develop their skills in rugby, cricket, hockey and netball, or take part in conditioning sessions. We were overwhelmed by pupils' responses, and Ipswich School became the first flagship school for Hudl, which uses video footage to give feedback on performance and technique.

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The Britten Faculty of Music staff arranged musical collaborations online between students in ensembles. The resulting songs and pieces were published on the Ipswich School YouTube channel for everyone to enjoy, whilst individuals continued the Friday lunchtime concerts online for the benefit of our own community. Even Ipswich School staff took part, with a specially written version of ‘Help!’ explaining some of the trials and tribulations of remote learning.

Online Chapel services were shared weekly, and School House gave the first online House Assembly. We held a virtual open morning live on Facebook and YouTube, followed by a sports webinar.

We also said a remote farewell to our sixth formers with an online Leavers’ Assembly for Year 13s and a final goodbye to the school year with Headmaster’s Assembly delivered via tutor groups. Headmaster Nicholas Weaver said: “I am so pleased and

Obituaries School News

The journal of the Old Ipswichian Club

proud of the fortitude displayed by our pupils and staff to rise to the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The skills of adaptability and resilience which have been gained by everyone during the period of remote learning

Sixth Form Leavers' Challenge

The Leavers’ Challenge finished with the traditional leavers’ events including dress up day and a fiercely competitive tug o’war competition, the annual House talent show and a BBQ on the field.

The Year 13 students took part in a special Leavers’ Challenge in the summer term of 2021, after their final assessments had finished. They had two weeks of specially designed activities put together by the Sixth Form team and staff across the school.

These included an adventurous awayday at Mersea Island, university style lectures given by teachers in a wide range of subject areas, ‘challenge activities’ providing skills ranging from cooking and first aid to interview skills and teamwork tasks, plus the chance for students to meet recent Old Ipswichians and the Headmaster to share experiences of their time at school.

will be so useful to us all – especially as we return to the physical school building in the autumn of 2020.”

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Supporting the Covid-19 Response Over 2,000 protective visors produced to help Covid-19 response.

The Design Technology Department joined forces with Northgate High School, Westbourne Academy and Ipswich Makerspace over the school Easter holidays to produce much needed protective visors for local essential workers.

In total the teams transformed over 2,200 projector slides and acetate into PPE visors for local care homes, community nurses, GPs, hospitals, dentists, pharmacies, community support groups and ambulance services.

All 160 drivers for Ipswich Buses were provided with a face visor thanks to the partnership with local craft group, Ipswich Makerspace.

Having family members experience a lack of PPE, the DT team approached Ivry Street Medical Practice, which is opposite the school, to find out what could be done to help in the Covid-19 crisis. The medical practice said there was a need for PPE and agreed to test prototypes made by the school. The DT team found a CAD design online (designed by Kitronik) that would work with the school’s laser cutter. Staff scoured the whole school for unused acetates which could be remodelled into PPE visors, once inserted

into polypropylene frames cut on the laser cutter.

Following social media posts, the school was inundated with requests for PPE particularly from care homes, pharmacies and community support groups. Thanks to the link with staff at two state schools in Ipswich – Northgate High School and Westbourne Academy – we were able to make visors and coordinate materials, requests and deliveries to help as many groups as possible with donated visors.

A team of volunteer drivers including Mr Ross, Ms Caston, Ms Carter, Mrs Catchpole and Mr Morgan worked hard to get the visors to their destinations and school families helped with construction, while the Old Ipswichian Club provided much-needed financial support of £6,000 for the production costs and to assist with the smooth running of the laser cutter. The OI and Friends of Ipswich School networks were also instrumental in connecting the school to less obvious essential worker

Together we made over 2200 visors for health, care and essential workers

557donated to hospitals and St Elizabeth Hospice 70 given to

dental practices

60 received by pharmacies

415 donated to 20 GP Surgeries

349 delivered to 21 care homes

366 received by community support groups 80 delivered to

ambulance services

224 delivered to 11 community nursing teams

160 given to Ipswich Buses - one for every driver

WW

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Obituaries School News

organisations that would benefit – pharmacies, Peabody Group and indeed individuals in specific need.

The journal of the Old Ipswichian Club

work on, and who would have thought that spare OHP slides could be put to such good use!”

Headmaster Mr Weaver said: “I am proud that our DT department demonstrated so many of the skills we all learn at school: skills of collaboration, proactivity, creative thinking, adaptability and experimentation. I am also very proud that as a community we worked together – sharing ideas and materials to make and deliver this vital equipment. Care is one of the core values of Ipswich School and this is something we demonstrated so well through this project.”

Mrs Clark, one of the DT teachers involved, said: “Not only were we able to meet a demand for protective equipment, we were also able to demonstrate how important design and technology is to our lives. We proved that everything we say in the classroom can be borne out in a real situation – identify a need, think creatively, research a solution, test it out and then get making! It was an exciting project to

The school received many thank you emails from the beneficiaries, including from Ann Mason, from Ann Mason Care, who said: “A big, big thank you to Ipswich School staff and pupils for helping us at this challenging time, we are extremely grateful” and from Ashwin Bhatt (OI), from Rainbow Pharmacy, who said: “Thank you for providing us with visors, they are fantastic and we are now protected thanks to the school.”

Ipswich MP Tom Hunt also contacted the school, saying: “It is a great credit to the school and to the students involved that you have been able to supply this much needed PPE equipment for local medical workers.”

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Winter Wonderland

A snowy, winter wonderland led Ipswich School pupils and staff into outdoor Christmas Celebration services as Michaelmas term came to an end in 2020.

Reverend Crompton-Battersby led the outdoor service with readings and carols sung by different school ensembles, including the Chapel Choir.

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As part of the celebration there was a nativity performance, featuring the sheep – Bluebell and Bramble – and a rotating cast of shepherds, wise men, angels, Mary and even baby Jesus.

The whole school, including the Lodge Day Nursery, the Prep and Senior Schools, took part in the celebration which took place in the open air at

Anglesea Heights. Each part of the day featured children from the relevant school bubble, so that we were able to enjoy the event whilst complying with health guidelines.

Thanks to the many different people and organisations who helped to make the event a success, including all the school staff, Britten Faculty of Music, Ipswich Catering and Estates teams, Friends of Ipswich School, Synergy for the sound and Coes for the loan of props for the Winter Wonderland.

It was a cheerful and uplifting way to end the school term together.

Photo credits: Warren Page

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Charity Focus – United World Schools United World Schools were the charity chosen to be supported by Ipswich School in the Michaelmas Term 2020. The charity has a mission to support and educate children living in the most poverty-stricken and isolated parts of the world.

They build and sustain schools around the globe and have created a partnership model which links every UWS school with another school or organisation. We were lucky enough to be partnered with the UWS Lebrang School in Nepal.

During the half term break, pupils were urged to dust off their trainers, find their goggles and get on their bikes to join in the Race to Lebrang, which was organised by the team of Senior Prefects as an inter-house competition.

The total distance between Ipswich School and the Lebrang School - a staggering 7382km – was divided by eight teams: the six houses and Years 7 and 8. This meant each group needed to complete around 923km, and roughly 10km per person.

Each person was challenged to complete their distance by any ‘selfpropelled activities’ such as swimming, cycling, running or walking, and to get sponsored for their achievements. Each team also had a chance to win prized Ganzoni and Cardinal Cup points.

The total distance between Ipswich School and the Lebrang School - a staggering 7382km – was divided by eight teams: the six houses and Years 7 and 8. This meant each group needed to complete around 923km, and roughly 10km per person.

The total distance between Ipswich School and the Lebrang School - a staggering 7382km – was divided by eight teams: the six houses and Years 7 and 8. This meant each group needed to complete around 923km, and roughly 10km per person.

The Ipswich School running club – made up of students from Years 12 and 13, along with teachers Mr Morgan, Mr Cline and Mr Faiers - kicked off the mileage totaliser with their run in the last week of half term covering a total distance of 200km. Once the challenge was completed, the Senior Prefects evaluated all the entries. School House had the most entries, with 96 members taking part.

Broke were the overall winners, however, with an impressive total of 2,072 kilometres. In the girls’ distance section, Amelie Tassel won with 268km, and Mr Robson notched up a similar distance of £278km to take the teacher’s distance prize. But by far, the overall furthest distance was completed

by Oliver Heather-Hayes, Year 9 Sherrington, with an extremely amazing total of 985km.

Pascha Bibko was highly commended for his ‘most imaginative method of travel’, earning his points through a combination of bottomshuffling and zip wiring! There were also awards for the best photos, which were one method of submitting evidence. With a target of 7,832 km, the Senior Prefects were particularly impressed with the overall school effort, with a combined total distance of 12,313 km. This is almost the distance to Lebrang and back, which is an incredibly impressive feat. More importantly £5681 was raised through online donations, a great contribution to the overall £8,343 which was raised to support Lebrang School.

The Boarding Year The Ipswich School response to the Covid-19 pandemic saw our boarding houses stay open for boarders during the school holidays.

Susie from Year 9 was the boarder who was first to arrive and last to leave, spending 318 days with the boarding house team. The school had to apply for special exemption from the government to enable our boarders to stay for a longer time than normal.

Mrs Christie, Head of Boarding, said: “Susie will always be a special person to me as she was the first to come to us in what has felt like an extraordinary time and she has wanted to stay in our care since she arrived. I feel privileged to have taken care of her and many other boarders, through the UK’s most recent lockdown.”

Boarders who stayed in the boarding house for the Christmas break enjoyed a traditional British Christmas, with turkey, crackers and Christmas stockings. There were also many activities to choose from, including friendship bracelet making, a hotpot night and a visit to the ski slope for some tobogganing. At Easter there was a visit to the beach at Frinton, Easter egg hunts, origami and kite flying.

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Snape Concert The Snape Concert, traditionally held in the spring, took place at the start of July 2021, as one of the final events of the academic year.

A number of the school’s top ensembles performed on the world famous concert stage, including the Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra and Big Band, with the addition of a Musical Theatre Ensemble, Leavers’ Consort and Baroque Ensemble.

Music enjoyed by the audience included Jupiter from Holst’s Planet Suite, Elgar’s Cello Concerto in E Minor and a Mozart Clarinet Concerto, as well as a Big Band version of Bad Guy by Billie Eilish and musical theatre numbers from Chess, A Star is Born and Hairspray.

Seeing pupils back on stage, in front of a live audience at last, was a perfect end to the school year.

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Obituaries School News

The journal of the Old Ipswichian Club

Mrs Steensma, Director of Music, said: “I was so delighted that our musicians could return to the prestigious Snape Maltings stage once again. Whilst we have been playing a vast amount of music during the lockdown, much of this has been in small groups and outdoor rehearsal spaces. It has been great to finally be able to join together and play in ensembles, socially distanced of course. Seeing pupils back on stage, in front of a live audience at last, was a perfect end to the school year.”

Photo credits: Warren Page

School News

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School News Obituaries

Remembrance Poppies Bloom

A virtual Remembrance Day Chapel Service was recorded by the school to replace the usual service for the Combined Cadet Force and Old Ipswichians, which can be viewed on the Ipswich School YouTube channel. This service featured the poppies artwork in the Remembrance Garden, as well as interviews with members of the RAF section of the CCF, a reading from Mr Weaver, a performance of The Last Post by Frankie Gorham from Year 13 and members of the Middle School Chapel Choir sang ‘We Will Remember Them’, a piece written by Old Ipswichian Thomas Mottershead.

A stunning display of poppies bloomed at the front of the school on Henley Road in November, to commemorate Remembrance Day. The poppies were stencilled onto the grass in memory of the 137 Old Ipswichians who gave their lives in service to their country. Headmaster Mr Weaver said: “This display served as a poignant and beautiful emblem of the debt that we owe to those from our community of Ipswichians and whom we will always remember.”

The display surrounded the school’s Remembrance Garden, which includes a tree planted in 2014 to mark the centenary of the start of World War I, and a birdbath which commemorates the Old Ipswichians who died in that war, marking the centenary of the Armistice in 2018. The Remembrance display also includes a statue of a WWI soldier.

The Art Department cleverly tackled the issue lockdown presented; having an indoors display would no longer be realistic as it would not be accessible to the public. Rev Crompton-Battersby said: “We still wanted to have an

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effective display, and we thought the way we could achieve that would be to have a more outward looking and public exhibit”. The symbol of the poppy is a powerful symbol of respect and sacrifice, and it also serves as a grim reminder of the selfless service of those who fought in the First World War. The inspiration for the poppies came from the American tradition of spray painting lawns with the star-spangled banner for 4th of July celebrations.

The Rev made stencils of the poppies from recycled cardboard and groups of students were tasked with the painting, including boarders, Year 13 A Level artists and the Eco Team, spending several afternoons preparing stencils and creating a beautiful poppy field.

Mr Weaver added: “We felt it was particularly important this year to have something which could provide a focal point for the community’s Remembrance Day commemorations, and we noticed many members of the public stopping to look at the display as they were walking past for their lockdown exercise.”

Obituaries School News

The journal of the Old Ipswichian Club

School News

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School News - Leaving Staff Obituaries

Peter Gray Director of Marketing and History Teacher Peter joined the History Department at Ipswich School in 2002. He came to us after spells in industry with Suffolk Coastal, British Telecom, and Eastern Electricity.

At Ipswich School he immediately became a popular Sixth Form teacher and also took on a number of additional roles in the co-curricular and pastoral side of school life.

He coached the U15 hockey team for a number of years drawing on his own long playing experience. He started the Green Team activity to bring an environmental and sustainable aspect to our programme which continues to this day.

Peter was a popular Head of Broke House for eight years where he enjoyed pulling people together to help solve issues. Many members of the House who had challenging times at the school have him to thank for directing them through troubled waters.

For the last six years he has taken on the key role of Director of Marketing.

During his tenure he has helped to bring about our move away from paper to digital communication, revolutionised our website and direct our rebranding efforts. He is never seen without his iPad – it’s the only piece of technology he truly trusts!

Peter has overseen many different projects for the school, including being operations director for the Festival of Music, linking up with Suffolk Community Foundation to direct some

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of the school’s charitable fundraising to worthy local organisations, and using his passion for history to drive our significant efforts to mark the 100 year anniversary of the end of WWI. Peter always threw himself into school life – taking photos of the building blanketed in snow, giving a lecture on the school text book he wrote about the history of Zambia following his sabbatical there, and being the back end of a pantomime cow in one of the staff productions.

Aside from his many roles across the school, Peter was first and foremost a teacher of history. Watching him with a class is to witness a master at work. Armed with little more than a board pen and a great story he captivates and holds the room in the palm of his hand. Under his direction the position of Irish tenant farmers in the 1880s and the problems associated with the Ulster textile industry of the 18th Century become surprisingly hypnotic learning.

However, it is not just his academic expertise which has inspired so many to achieve, but the dedicated care he gives to his students. It is this combination of skills that makes him such a special teacher.

Peter leaves us with our good wishes after 17 and a half years of excellent service. We will miss his company, his love of a good gossip and must thank him so much for the personal support that he has given to so many of us over the years.

Richard Welbourne and Olivia Tollemache

Sean Boyle Head of Middle School Careers Sean has been involved in many parts of the school and will be missed by both colleagues and students alike, and not only for his renowned witty Northern Irish banter.

Sean has been involved in the Business and Economics Department, and more recently in the Careers Team, where his enthusiasm for helping young people make the correct decisions with regards to their future education and potential choice of career has proved invaluable.

Sean's legendary status amongst the students and particularly the Sixth Form has been cemented for so many by his passion for football.

He has been Head of Football for many years, and throughout his time he has nurtured and given students the chance to represent the school. Many of these young men would not normally have had the opportunity to do so in the sporting area and for that, I know they are forever thankful. His passion on the sidelines, would not have looked out of place with the likes of Warnock, Pardew and even Fergie, and it will go down in folklore amongst his squads of players.

But he hasn’t just coached our first team footballers – Sean has been the stalwart of 5-a-side football on a Friday night where any aficionado of the beautiful game could come and play, whether teacher, parent or pupil. I know that they appreciate all the time he has put into setting it up each week, and we appreciate everything he has done for Ipswich School, wishing him all the best for the future.

Andrew Calver, Deputy Head of Sixth Form and Head of Careers

Obituaries School News - Leaving Staff

David Clare MFL and Film Studies Teacher “Down those dark, mean streets a man must go…” And so, for the last 28 years, in his battered raincoat and fedora hat, he has, Ipswich’s answer to Humphrey Bogart, our own David Clare. Or, that is, down the Language Corridor, at least… Cinéphile, Francophile, oenophile, cuisinier, bon vivant, thespian, classicist and esprit fin, David is an authentic polymath who has contributed to Ipswich School on a broad front over a very long time.

Martin Warnes Biology Teacher It was clear Martin was one of a kind right from his interview; the bravado, the bow tie, the berating of a 14-year-old boy in his lesson for not recognising an avocet – working with ‘Magnificent’ was going to be memorable.

It continued to his first day, where he left a co-worker mid conversation to introduce himself to, in his words, ‘the

The journal of the Old Ipswichian Club

David has taken every opportunity to pass his love of cinema on to the students at school – film club, film review activity, film-making activity, AS Film Studies, and the Staff Welfare Committee Film Circle during the Covid-19 lockdown – David is our core value of Passion embodied.

And of course this passion made him the valuable teacher of A Level French that he was, delivering the literature and cinema of the cultural modules with real depth. Alongside French, David has also taught Spanish since its inception in the school, and Latin whenever called upon.

Beyond the classroom, however, he has woven himself into the fabric of Ipswich School life. Sixth Form Tutor – tick.

Common Room Treasurer – check. Academic lecture – when do you need it? Sabbatical in France, during which he made his own film in French – bien sûr! He has even directed the Lower Sixth play.

most important people in the school’ he had, of course, turned his attention to the catering staff. Martin has always been very appreciative of anyone who serves him food, but also viewed everyone within an institution as equals, no matter what their role.

As a teacher, what he lacked in technological know-how, he certainly made up for in captivating stories, very niche biology and a passion for the subject that is truly inspirational.

His ability to hold an audience in the classroom was second to none; whether related to the syllabus or a lesson in life, he had a knack of just making students listen. Lessons were more fun for his larger-than-life presence.

In fact his love of drama has brought him on stage, too, for memorable performances in Christmas concerts, as well as his turn running the French Café on Open Morning. Musically talented as he is as well, many of us have marvelled at the sight of David bashing his timpani behind the choir in the Carol Service or at Commem.

But the Language Department is most grateful to him for his devotion to trips to France. He has, for several years now, led the Year 7 Taster Trip to the Opal Coast, where the students have benefitted from his enlightened explanations of French history and culture. On the Middle School trip to Rouen, David’s passion for French culture always endears him to our French hosts. With the wit of Woody Allen, David will never pass up the opportunity of a pun or play on words, and his constant good humour and calm head will be sorely missed in the occasional maelstrom of the Language Corridor.

Jon Thompson Head of French and MFL

many games. He would still argue that no one can really tell the difference in sound between a ball glancing a bat or a pad from 25 yards, better to just agree.

So many stand out moments in his time at Ipswich: driving a tractor to the Year 10 school trip at Carlton Marshes, his wonderful after-school lecture on bees, discussions on psychobabble. He is unique, he will be deeply missed and we wish him well in his new life, a life to which he is very well suited having reached his life-long ambition at 59 to be a shepherd when he bought his first sheep.

Jonathan Orbell, Biology Teacher and Head of Holden House

Martin was also a multitalented sports coach and umpire with a love of rugby and cricket, taking and officiating

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Club Events

OI Club Events Unfortunately, due to the pandemic the OI Committee had to postpone or cancel the majority of the social and sporting events of 2020/21, however we did manage a few and some virtual ones as well which were a huge success and we hope to have a fuller event section back again next year.

Virtual Burns Night Supper 25th January 2021 Some hae meat and canna eat And some wad eat that want it: But we hae meat and we can eat, And sae the Lord be thankit. (The Selkirk Grace) The first virtual OI event, which took place on Monday 25th January, was hailed a great success.

OIs attended the online Burns Supper from all around the UK with Scotland being well represented. We also had OIs who had not been to an OI event before or at least, not for a very long time. OIs were invited to purchase a luxury hamper at a cost of £20 posted which included Scottish salmon pate, crackers, haggis, chicken in marmalade, Cranachan a wee dram and more – plenty for two with some to spare!

Tim Passmore (OI 1966 - 77) hosted the event encouraging the audience members to share their stories whilst enjoying a hamper full of amazing food and sipping on a wee dram or two!

David Bowie (OI 1974-85) I wanted to write to thank you, Iain, Tim and the whole team for organising what was a fantastic event last night. Sally and I thoroughly enjoyed it and it was great to meet new people with a shared connection through Ipswich School. I haven't been involved in any OI events for a very long time (London Dinner once a while ago and an Edinburgh Get Together many years ago), so it was really wonderful to reconnect - it brought back great memories.

The aspect that made me want to be part of the event was the shared experience of the food - which was fabulous and very tasty. And the evening truly delivered on that. Tim did a brilliant job of including everyone and their stories. We felt especially honoured as part of the Scottish contingent!

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John Lambie (OI 1965-69) On behalf of Glenys and me, thank you for facilitating last evening. The evening was very enjoyable with good company and lovely food. Perhaps you could pass on our thanks too to the committee for organising this event and especially to Tim for keeping the evening running so smoothly and to William for his work to get the hampers to us all. All of the food in the hampers was very tasty and we found the quantities extremely generous so we have had some of the “courses” for lunches on a couple of days.

Helen Forrest (OI 1989-91) I just wanted to thank you and the team for organising a really fun evening last night. The food was absolutely super, and it was really nice to meet with fellow OIs and even reconnect.

John Skeates (OI 1953 – 64) An excellent gathering last night, with superb food.

It was good to “meet” fellow OIs from all over the UK and from a variety of years, many of whom I did not know, but we all had a common link. It was interesting to hear the various life stories.

Another benefit was we did not need to turn out on a very cold night.

Here’s to the next event !

With grateful thanks to Coes, Prestige Bars & Catering, Clare Lock, Tim Passmore, The Ol Club Committee and Carrie Baker Development Officer, Ipswich School.

Club Events

Benefactors Evensong Sunday 2nd February 2020 Once again, the school’s annual Benefactors Evensong was a celebration of the Ipswich School community including many OIs, and a thank you for the help given to the school from those invested in the future the school and the pupils who attend.

The Chapel Choir, as always, performed Evensong with the professionalism and talent that always astounds. And afterwards more than 80 supporters, staff and pupils of the school sat down to enjoy a delicious dinner provided by the excellent catering team.

Speeches were given from the Headmaster, Nicholas Weaver and Development Director Nikki Brown, who spoke of their gratitude for such fantastic support and the need to do even more to open the doors of educational opportunity in our region.

Nikki mentioned that the school’s vision is to give those who have the passion, drive and determination to fulfil their potential, the opportunity to come to the school, regardless of their circumstances. Through the bursary fund the school

The journal of the Old Ipswichian Club

is supporting two pupils, and hope that another will start very soon. These children have been given a magnificent opportunity which may not have been available without the support of the generous benefactors of Ipswich School. A huge thanks goes to those who attended and to those who helped make the event as wonderful as it is.

If you would like to know more about how you can be involved in shaping educational opportunity at the School please get in touch with the Development Office or have a look on the website.

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Club Events

2020 Leavers Celebrations Introducing the next generation of Old Ipswichians.

We were excited to finally be able to welcome back the 2020 leavers, already Old Ipswichians for a full year, they are the ones who never got their big send off at the end of term in July 2020. We were very thankful to finally be able to

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get them back to celebrate their time at the school and wish them well on the journey they have already started since leaving. There was much to entertain with games, speeches from Nicholas Allen and Mark Bailey OI and of course, the world exclusive screening of their leavers video! Good luck on your next steps after Ipswich School - stay in touch and a very warm welcome to you all from the OI Club.

Club Events

The journal of the Old Ipswichian Club

2020 President's Event

Virtual Beer Tasting

A mere taster of next year's event to be held in the Great School The Old Ipswichian Club and the Britten Faculty of Music hosted a virtual ‘OI President’s Event’. It featured talented OI musicians, with an introduction by the OI Club's President Tim Kiddell, and current pupils performing a selection of music as a mere taster of what would come in 2021.

The performance began with a rendition of Nina Simone’s classic ‘My Baby Just Cares for Me’, with OIs Imogen Parry (OI 2008 - 13), Francis Goodhand (OI 1986 - 92), and George Double (OI 1980 91) and the Headmaster Mr Weaver joining the performance on bass guitar.

Andrew Leach arranged ‘Steal Away’, a piece performed by both current and former members of the Chapel Choir, using the latest virtual technology.

‘Palladio’ was the final piece in the event, directed by Maria Williams and featuring the School’s Chamber Orchestra.

Bev Steensma, Director of Music, said “It was a wonderful event to celebrate musical talents past and present. It’s exciting to see so many of our OIs either working in the music business or carrying a love of music with them throughout their lives.”

Thanks go to all those involved, including Mr Abbott and Alfie Buckley (OI 2012 - 19) who produced the fantastic video.

Enjoy the show: https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=nLpLJEkjSGE

Friday 19th March 2021 Another Successful Virtual Event The second virtual OI event, which took place on Friday 19th March, was hailed another great success.

OIs from across the UK attended the online Beer Tasting from a local brewery Calvor Beers. We also welcomed OIs who had not been to an OI event before or at least, not for a very long time. Including many who returned for the second virtual event.

Calvors Beers founder Alec Williamson said he was struggling to find any unique, genuine lagers locally that he liked and then identified a significant opportunity in the UK drinks industry for quality English craft lager.

Adam from Calvors treated the OIs to four excellent lagers which included, Pilsner, Vienna Lager, Session IPA and finally Dry Hopped. Explaining a little about each beer variety and the beer itself.

Steve Runnacles (OI 1963 - 74) hosted the event encouraging the audience members to share their stories since School whilst enjoying their great selection of lager.

With grateful thanks to Coes, Calvors Brewery Ltd, delivery driver and host Steve Runnacles, The Ol Club Committee and Carrie Baker, Development Officer, Ipswich School.

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Club Events

Old Ipswichian Eton Fives Club Season 2019-2020 Full season report We were lucky to fit in as much as we did in the season that was abruptly curtailed. The bare statistics show the OIs played ten matches, treading the midline of wins and losses, participated in six representative tournaments and six non-team competitions. We came 6th in Division 2 of the league (roughly in line with expectations) and were represented by twenty-eight players in all, including five guests.

Amongst those, Charlotte and Natasha Gregory (daughters of Tim) should probably be counted as OIs by descent. Eight players turned out four or more times and twelve just once (you’ll never get fit at that rate chaps). It was something of a historic year with neither John Caudle nor Simon Woolfries playing in the league side. Simon also missed out on possibly adding his fourth Over 60s title in a row in the cancelled Veterans tournament.

A couple of wins at the start of the season against the Jesters and Cambridge Chroniclers had Tim Gregory suggesting that perhaps 2019-20 would be our promotion year but when he added that it could be a double with Ipswich Town FC going up we realised he was kidding. The Old Olavians’ satnav, unfortunately, managed to find a way round the blockage on the A12, enabling them to spring an unsurprising 3-0 whitewash on us in the Alan Barber Cup first round (the Eton Fives equivalent of the FA Cup). It was a poor substitute for the Suffolk Cup that had to make way so the tie could be played.

pleasingly that was the only time in the season when we suffered an all-court defeat, which is something. Despite never winning at first pair in the league games we always picked up second or third, except against North Oxford 2 when it was both, again. Always nice.

It was marvellous to have Cam

a tight game in the third, which was splendid to watch and if only Charlotta Cooley had had Gregory as partner instead of the aged Boughton, she would undoubtedly have found the six extra points needed to have made it 2-1. Cam and Isaac’s third game performance was probably the best fives in Ipswichian

Lyle around, now working in London, and particularly pairing up with Isaac Wagland early in the season against the Old Etonians. Tim Gregory may have pulled a fast one here (suspected inside information!) but having withdrawn on the basis that ‘the OEs always struggle to raise a side – so it’s not really worth playing’ - we found ourselves facing three former Schools’ Championships winners plus other members of recent Oxford University’s all-conquering sides.

That we only lost 1-2 was miraculous and down to a tremendous effort

colours during the season. More of these younger players in harness please. Cam may have had a raw deal, being thrown in on the hard springs of the first pair every time he played, allowing others to enjoy the soft upholstery of the lower pairs but he didn’t complain and more practice at the higher level will undoubtedly benefit his game.

Tim Gregory (3 wins from 4 of the 6 league matches played) was our

Charlotta Cooley, of the School’s Maths Department, sported Old Olavian colours for the occasion, in contrast to most of the season when she proved the most prominent Old Ipswichian, wearing the OI shirt on eleven occasions. She also managed to win the London and Kinnaird Festivals, make the last sixteen in the Midland and Kinnaird Championships, and was probably only prevented from adding to her huge array of Ladies’ and Mixed titles by the coronavirus restrictions.

If only Gareth Hoskins had been available for the Barber – Howard Wiseman would probably have had to take his sweater off. No matter,

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from Pete Forrest and Sam Basu (Old Reptonian guest) at third pair.

Cam and Isaac raised their level, as we know they can, to give Cobb and Piggott

Club Events

The journal of the Old Ipswichian Club

Eton Fives Life-time Achievement Award Peter Boughton (OI 1958 – 69)

most successful player. He leapfrogged Will Gibbons, Tim Fletcher and Gareth Hoskins in reaching a total of 67 matches played for the OIs. Only another 615 to catch Mike Fenn at the top of the all-time list. Tom Fletcher was a mainstay of the league side once again but statistically suffered from always leading the charge at first pair. Mark Graves with three wins from four outings (sadly only one in the league) showed he remains a top-class player and when he and Steve Burnell were available the team had a much more solid look.

The inaugural mixed team competition provided the chance for all three Gregory’s to team up. It also allowed Nadia Mason to make her only appearance of the season – putting in a stellar performance in the Plate final, according to the organiser, guesting for an amalgamated side. A storming performance from the OI team saw them reach the final having lost just one set.

That this was a rather unusual and unsettling experience for the OIs proved correct as Highgate A, who we had beaten in the group game, proved a tad too good second time round and a 1-2 defeat left us runners-up.

At the Midland Championships Gareth Hoskins, playing with his (now KES Birmingham pupil) son Tom, kindly allowed Tony Stubbs and Peter Boughton to join Steve Burnell and Isaac Weaver in the quarter-finals.

However, it was Steve and Isaac who nearly upset the form book going down 12-15, 13-14 to the redoubtable pair of Howard Wiseman and Jeff Lawrence.

Tim Gregory masterminded a successful foray in the Eton Fives Association Trophy with the OIs making the last four for the second time in three years.

Steve Burnell & Simon Woolfries at third pair and Charlotta Cooley & Simon Cass at second took maximum points off everyone apart from North Oxford and gave us a pitch at the Old Salopians in the semi-final. Although Cam Lyle and Steve Burnell pulled back impressively in that encounter, forcing their opponents to capitulate, first and third pairs went down, allowing the OSs through to beat North Oxford in the final.

Cam Lyle and Isaac Weaver had a good run in the Graham Turnbull Trophy (which pairs a pupil with a former pupil or coach), making the quarter-final before falling to those Olavians again. It was certainly the best Ipswichian showing in the competition for a while. Charlotta Cooley, playing with Year 10 pupil Luke Free, also impressed, making the last sixteen before bumping into eventual winners Jonny Ho and George Everitt (Highgate). It was the first time Luke has played at that level so a great effort from him.

The Ipswich Tournament for the Graves Cup has provided the high point of the Ipswichian fives calendar for forty one years. The brainchild of master tactician John Caudle it retains an unfailing ability to mix players of all sorts and ages in a seriously social weekend that challenges not just fives ability but equanimity (and alcohol tolerance as well, for those so inclined). Eighteen pairs this year was an excellent turnout, with just under forty attending the dinner. How Nigel Cox (Old Lancing) and Peter Boughton with 143 years between them managed to talk their way into the last eight is still a mystery, even to them.

The gallery of past greats who have

The Life-time Achievement Award for Eton Fives has been awarded to Peter Boughton OI for all that he has done for the game of Eton Fives, both nationally and at Ipswich School.

A well-deserved accolade, as we know he is a stalwart of the game at Ipswich.

It is so easy to forget all that he has done for the game and listening to the Chairman outlining Peter’s achievements brings home just how much we owe to him in furthering the game at Ipswich.

It seems a long time ago when, as a shy schoolboy, he travelled with the OI team to Birmingham to play in the Midlands Tournament.

Mike Fenn (OI 1948 - 59) Listen to the Chairman announcing Peter's award and his acceptance speech here: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=JeOyw9XWf0I&feature= youtu.be Congratulations Peter on this amazing achievement from the OI Club.

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Club Events graced the tournament is impressive, but several of the current top players have not yet had the courage to face the sight of Oli Watts on the Sunday morning.

This year there were some great games, none better than Gareth Hoskins and Will Kelly’s (Year 10) semi-final against Tim Gregory and Will Woods (Year 9), with Tim and Will earning the right to face multiple UK champion Seb Cooley and Year 8’s Owen Free, who had overcome Karen Hird and Oli Watts in another tight semi-final.

Despite a strong start by Tim and Will in the final, Seb and Owen proved worthy winners. Steve Burnell and Alex Williams beat Charlotta Cooley and Andrew Whitehead for the Stubbs Plate.

Steve Burnell and Charlotta Cooley spearheaded a respectable performance in the Richard Barber Cup (a pupil/ former pupil team event) with Isaac Weaver on fine form leading the school element. Losing tight games in the group meant we missed the semis and having made the Plate final we were frustrated to lose 1-2 to St Olave’s 2. There were promising performances from the U15

pupils Sankaman Malaravan and Rohit Bhagwat but they weren’t quite able to carry coach Tony Stubbs over the line. We look forward to having them playing in OI colours before long.

Steve Burnell and Tim Gregory had good wins in their group at the Northern Tournament, Shrewsbury, making the playoff for the last eight but finding Cox and Worth a bit too good. Tony Stubbs and Peter Boughton made the Festival quarter-final.

Lockdown gives time to contemplate how lucky we who play this wonderful game are to enjoy not only a fantastic sport on court but also the friendships and socialising that come with it. If ever you have thought about giving fives a go, or picking it up again, please do contact Peter Boughton (pvb@ipswich.school) as we would love to give you the chance to try it, or if you are not near to Ipswich or London, put you in touch with your nearest centre.

You don’t have to be a great sportsperson, it is a game that can be enjoyed by all, interestingly sometimes by those that thought they disliked sport.

Peter Boughton (OI 1958 - 69)

Steve and Tim took a respectable number of points off Ed and Al Taylor in the first round of the Kinnaird Championship and just missed a semifinal place in the Pepperpot Plate, losing 7-8 in the quarter-final decider.

Tim switched to playing with daughter Natasha in the Festival and reached the quarter-finals, as did Isaac Weaver. The resultant Ipswichian head to head in the quarter-final losers Plate final went to the Gregorys 15-14.

U25s Eton Fives Tournament 26th October 2020 Nostalgic return to School for Isaac Wagland (OI 2008 – 15) and Sam Christopher (OI 2008 – 15).

Sam Christopher and I travelled to Eton from Bristol and Loughborough University respectively on 25th October for the U25's Eton Fives Tournament. I am currently studying for a Masters in International Business and Sam is in his final year of accountancy exams with Grant Thornton, so neither of us had played for around two years. Given this, we both jumped at the rare opportunity to get back on court, particularly fuelled by the looming lockdown. We shared some great memories on the Eton courts over our five years of school together and it is always nostalgic to return, having not played competitively together since 2013.

The much-anticipated Sunday morning started with a round-robin group stage where we played four matches.

The movement patterns and shot choices quickly returned to our game, met only by the aches, and pains our younger selves had not endured! I had played the previous day in the Universities tournament and fared worse than Sam. Despite this, we only lost one game to the eventual tournament winners. The score was 6-12 in a tough match against a well drilled and highly enthusiastic pair. We finished second in our group which allowed us to progress to the quarter finals.

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At that stage we met Tom McCahon, an old partner of Sam’s from his time at Durham University, with whom he got to the semi-finals of a previous Universities tournament.

Tom transitioned to Eton Fives having perfected his skills in the Rugby Fives world: this made for some challenging back court rallies that had us stuck.

Our focus turned to keeping the ball on the step, aiming to utilise the buttress. Sam played exceptionally well at the front, keeping the ball in play, and more importantly avoiding their threatening volleys; however, our inability to kill the ball led to unfruitful, long, and tiring rallies.

We fought well but a lack of polish in court positioning, shot consistency and ultimately cut returns resulted in a convincing 6-15 loss.

As always Gareth Hoskins organised and co-ordinated two very enjoyable tournaments that provided some much needed relief from these challenging times!

Isaac Wagland (OI 2008 - 15)

Club Events

The journal of the Old Ipswichian Club

Fives Federation Stalwart Steps Down

Mike Fenn (OI 1948 - 59) is stepping down after 14 years working to further and maintain the close ties between the three codes of the game. The Eton Fives Association and the Rugby Fives Association began working together in 2001, establishing the “Fives Forum”. The body featured representatives from both codes, meeting twice a year to share knowledge and discuss matters of mutual interest.

In 2005, this was formalised with the creation of the Fives Federation, with Wallball joining shortly afterwards.

Over the last 14 years, there has been a steady turnover of representatives at Federation meetings. The one constant has been Mike Fenn, who was one of the driving forces behind the creation of the Fives Forum and who has since been at the heart of maintaining the close ties between the three codes.

Mike has decided to step down as one of the EFA representatives on the Fives Federation this year. Those who know Mike from his 40 years as secretary of the Old Ipswichian Fives Club (which he founded in 1966) and 10 years as secretary of the EFA will not be surprised to hear that Mike has worked tirelessly in his 14 years with the Federation. He contributed hugely to many of the joint cross-code initiatives that have come about as a result of Fives Federation meetings.

Most notably, Mike was a key player in the creation and production of our joint publications and communications as well as having a crucial role to play in numerous other issues such as incorporation, charitable status, our online presence, coaching, court building, insurance, health and safety, sponsorship, and more.

Sports like Fives rely on a small number of people to do a large amount of work and the Federation has been lucky to have had such a dedicated servant as Mike. His willingness to take on new jobs and his encyclopaedic knowledge of the game will be much missed but he leaves the Federation in rude health. Mike will continue in his role as Vice-President of the EFA, but leaves his role on the Federation with the grateful thanks of everyone else who has been involved over the years and all those who love the sport of Fives.

Write up from The Eton Fives Association

MCC Cricket 29th April 2021 It was fantastic to welcome MCC back on the School field vs the Boys XI Team. A great afternoon of cricket enjoyed by all. Here are the OIs representing MCC, who were glad to be back!

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Development Office News

Development Office What a year it has been for the Development Office here at Ipswich School. The past 12 months have brought challenges for all and our office is no different.

Despite this turbulent time, the wonderful Ipswich School community has supported us throughout with Bursary Fund and Phoenix Fund donations helping us to not only continue to support children in the school on 100% bursary provision but also offer help to those whose family circumstances have been materially changed by the pandemic.

An outstanding education should be available to any child regardless of family means and we are determined that we open our doors to more children who will thrive here.

Impact 2021 - Thank you for helping us change lives We are delighted to let you know that we have welcomed another pupil to the school on 100% bursary assistance this term, this particular pupil is being supported by a close friend of the School through a significant donation and we want to say a sincere thank you for his support.

The Ipswich School Community including Old Ipswichians, friends, parents and trusts have come together to give more opportunity to children in the region. As a result of your

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generosity four children attend the school on 100% bursary assistance funded by the schools fledgling endowment in addition to fee assistance offered by the school.

We are determined that children be given equal opportunity in education and therefore these bursaries are based on merit not means.

Please read our 2021 Impact Report to see how lives are being changed at Ipswich School.

Development Office News

Be the person behind their success - Ipswich School giving day We are excited to announce that our first ever Giving Day at Ipswich School will be held in June 2022. Designed to unite the whole school community behind important causes at the school and in particular, to enable us to offer more transformational bursaries to children in our region.

For a 36 hour period we will come together to support, cheerlead, and fundraise to create extraordinary opportunities.

Keep an eye out for more information in the coming months.

By holding our first ever giving day we aim to raise funds to welcome more children in September 2022 for 7 years at Ipswich School.

We would love to be able to match every donation £ for £ to have even more impact – if you would be interested in helping us do this, please let us know. We will also be looking for ambassadors for the giving day to spread the word and encourage your peers to support the day.

We hope you will join us and we thank you in advance for your support.

The journal of the Old Ipswichian Club

Phoenix Fund update The Impact of Covid It has been a remarkably tough year for many families at Ipswich School.

Since the summer term 2020 we have supported 42 families with financial help through the crisis and we continue to help a further 22 into this academic year.

It is VITAL to keep a child’s life as stable as possible during formative years and schooling plays an important role in this.

It is thanks to the generous donations of many and the School’s dedication to supporting pupils that we have been able to help these families.

We need to do more to bolster this fund to protect children’s education and would be delighted if you can help us to do this.

Please get in touch to find out how you can support the Phoenix Fund. nlb@ipswich.school • 01473 298961

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“Ipswich School changed my life.”

Professor Mark Bailey’s story “In 1972 the successful 11+ candidates from tiny Dale Hall primary school in north Ipswich were all due to start Northgate Grammar School that September. But my parents had heard that bursaries were available at Ipswich School and had also entered me for the 11+ entrance exam there, against the advice of the headmaster at Dale Hall who regarded their ambition as an unconventional and unnecessary distraction to a perfectly good state grammar school education.”

When the offer of a Queen’s Scholarship to Ipswich School arrived in the spring, our family was assessed as requiring 100% remission. A full fee bursary. The family celebrated with a meal at the Martlesham Red Lion, the first time we had dined out for an evening meal.

My preference to attend Northgate Grammar School with primary school friends was flatly declined and the bursary at Ipswich School changed my life. The key differentials were higher aspirations and a wider range of extra-curricular opportunities. The latter were a particularly strong feature.

I played fives, rugby and hockey, and received cricket coaching, for the very first time.

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My recollection is of seven very busy and happy years.

The teaching was, at worst, highly competent, and at best, and often, inspired. The recent arrival of both a reforming Head—John Blatchly—and a clutch of young, highly able teachers, with strong all-round interests themselves and who cared about pupils must have helped.

The encouragement to engage in a wide range of different opportunities, and the exemplification and support available to pursue passions and develop skills, were high.

Development Office News

The journal of the Old Ipswichian Club

It opened up a world of sports and interests I had not tried before and the culture raised academic aspirations.

It shaped my lifelong interests and future educational values.

Ipswich School led to Durham as an undergraduate and to Cambridge for a PhD. I stayed at Cambridge University for 17 years researching and lecturing in medieval history, while also playing rugby for Wasps and England.

My first game for the 1st XV as a 15-year-old under the impressive John Nicholson was against Ipswich rugby club…the full men’s team, not the colts!

The cricket coaching and experience at school led to a decade of pleasure playing cricket for the Old Ipswichians and Suffolk.

After lecturing at Cambridge University, I became Head of Leeds Grammar School, and finally High Master of St Paul’s School in London.

In between these two jobs was a short stint back in academia, through a Visiting Fellowship at All Souls, Oxford, and a chair in Late Medieval History at the University of East Anglia.

The values I observed and absorbed at Ipswich School have been influential throughout my career in education.

Ipswich School inspires with high academic standards and aspirations, a strong work ethic, provision of a wide range of opportunities, a culture that promotes engagement in whatever activity is right for the individual, excellence as well as participation in extra-curricular activities, developing interpersonal and life skills through all those activities, bags of encouragement, clear boundaries and direction when needed, and extending bursaries to enable talent within the local community to benefit from a top education.

I have now returned to the School again to sit on the Governing body for a second time.

Photo credit: George Herringshaw. www.sporting-heroes.net

Northgate Grammar School was a damned good school; but would I have followed this varied educational career, and gained such pleasure from playing two sports to a high standard, if my wishes had prevailed over my parents’?

Definitely not.

Mark Bailey (OI 1972-79) If you are interested in supporting the provision of bursaries at Ipswich School please get in touch with Nikki Brown, Development Director, Ipswich School. nlb@ipswich.school • 01473 298961

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Development Office News

New 3D Printer for STEM Students As the country went into lockdown in March 2020, the school fired into action to help those on the front-line of the pandemic. We produced several thousand face screens using the facilities we had on hand. Our Head of Design and Technology Mr Molenaar noted that we needed to urgently update our own printer.

He said: “3D printers are helping to inspire a new generation of STEM learners by combining problem-solving skills with creativity and innovation. The printer will help to make learning more active - allowing pupils to quickly realise an actual physical concept from a CAD drawing.

If they can draw it, then they can make it - freeing them from the worries of 'can I actually make this?' This will play to the strengths of our pupils who are less confident in their practical skills.

“We are very much preparing for the future world with the 3D printer. Our exam board already requires pupils to use digital manufacturing to achieve the top grades. It also helps our students to be competitive in the future STEM job market.”

It is with thanks to the Old Ipswichian Club and donations channelled towards promoting engineering at the school that this purchase of a new £6,000 printer has been possible.

Friends of Ipswich School support Whilst events have been put on hold for much of the last year, other fundraising activities have been able to take place, in particular the second-hand uniform sales have been remarkably successful and are a vital resource to parents and pupils alike.

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The Friends also supported the Christmas Grotto in 2020 and the 2021 leavers year book, a treasured keepsake for many an Old Ipswichian.

Alongside these activities they plan to support the school further by choosing the Founding Futures Bursary Fund as the recipient cause of their Summer Ball 2022.

Development Office News

The journal of the Old Ipswichian Club

Karl Daniels gifts his beloved Steinway grand piano to the School In June this year a small group gathered in the music School foyer to celebrate the addition of a beautiful Steinway Grand, generously donated to the School by Karl Daniels OI and former chair of governors.

Karl attended the School from 1944-53 and has been involved with the School ever since. Not only has Karl been the Chair of Governors but he has also been both President and Chairman of the OI Committee. Karl fosters a deep

love of music, piano Jazz in particular and is dedicated to supporting music and pupils at Ipswich School. Karl hopes that through giving back to the School he will encourage others to do the same so that more children will be able to benefit from an Ipswich School education. He hopes the School community enjoys playing and listening to his beloved piano.

Contact the Development Team:

Nikki Brown Development Director nlb@ipswich.school 01473 298961

Jessica Pengelly Events and Alumni Relations Officer jmp@ipswichschool 01473 408324

Tina Harvey Development Administrator tmh@ipswichschool 01473 408276

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Obituaries

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.

Mike Bronniman (OI 1952 – 57) Died 3rd August 2016 Dennis Cutler (OI 1938 – 44) Died 3rd April 2021 Christopher Pert (OI 1955 – 63) Died 14th June 2020 John Pritchatt (OI 1941 – 50) Died 4th July 2021 Ian Duncan Kay (OI 1951 – 56) Iain (this was his preferred spelling) Kay, along with his younger brother Andy were contemporaries with me at the school in the ‘50s, and their parents were close friends of my parents.

Their father Dr Robert Kay was a wellrespected local GP and an anaesthetist who worked with my own father, a surgeon. At that time, the Kay family lived next door to my future wife Jane Moules’s family in Burlington Road, so the Kay boys used to play with Jane and her sister Liffy. We didn’t really get to know an older brother Hugh Kay, who became an officer in the Royal Navy.

After university, Iain became a school teacher and found his way to Port Vila in the New Hebrides, which gained independence in 1980 and became the Republic of Vanuatu. Iain married a local

Robert Sadd (OI 1979 – 86) Died 2nd October 2014 Richard Upshall (OI 1952 – 63) Died – May 2020 Ben J Travis (OI 1966 – 69) Died 2021

girl, Marianne. They returned to visit UK in about 1975, staying with us in Harrow with their first-born son: Marianne was not at all happy with the English winter climate and spent as much time as possible huddled with two jumpers in front of an electric fire: she had never before left her tropical island. Meanwhile, Andy had become a solicitor and settled in New South Wales, to be joined by the Kay parents who retired there.

- Dr John Langley (OI 1952 – 58) I was very sorry to hear of the death of Ian Kay (OI 1951-56) as we were very good friends at School. I read Dr John Langley's piece with great interest and, if I may, I should like add a few details of Ian's time at the School. Ian and I had a shared interest in science, and we spent many happy Sunday afternoons in Dr Kay's basement doing home chemistry experiments. We also enjoyed cycling over the Suffolk countryside and one

We also enjoyed cycling over the Suffolk countryside and one weekend we camped at Dunwich. The roads then were much quieter, and we cycled from Ipswich to Dunwich with a rolled-up tent and some provisions. It was quite a lengthy cycle ride! Come Sunday I think we were not exactly looking forward to cycling back to Ipswich, when Dr & Mrs Kay turned up in a large car together with a couple in another large car. Our visitors then proceeded to prepare a most enjoyable picnic and to our relief put our bikes in the boots of their cars and drove us back to Ipswich.

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weekend we camped at Dunwich. The roads then were much quieter, and we cycled from Ipswich to Dunwich with a rolled-up tent and some provisions. It was quite a lengthy cycle ride! Come Sunday I think we were not exactly looking forward to cycling back to Ipswich, when Dr & Mrs Kay turned up in a large car together with a couple in another large car. Our visitors then proceeded to prepare a most enjoyable picnic and to our relief put our bikes in the boots of their cars and drove us back to Ipswich.

I rather lost contact with Ian on leaving School; I believe Ian studied at Sir John Cass College, London. The last contact I had with the family was in the early 1960's when I was a postgraduate student in the Dept of the Regius Professor of Physic (not Physics) based at the Old Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge. Walking past my laboratory window on one Saturday was Dr Kay. I caught up with him and had an enjoyable conversation. From my memory I believe he was at that time specializing in anaesthesia and was attending a day course run by the Postgraduate Medical School at Addenbrookes. He said he would update Ian on our meeting. I have no recollection of meeting other members of Ian's family. Certainly, he was a very good friend, and I am so sorry to hear of his passing.

- Revd Dr Geoffrey Cook (OI 1949 – 56)

Obituaries

The journal of the Old Ipswichian Club

Clive Alexander Batten (OI 1952 – 54) Died November 2020 Clive was born on 27th July 1934 in Colon Panama South America. His parents were Winifred and Gilbert Batten and his father worked in the petroleum industry. He had three older brothers two of whom were killed in Spitfires during the Second World War within two weeks of each other, both aged in their 20’s. His surviving brother lived a long and happy life into his 90s.

The family moved to Salinas in Ecuador and, at the age of 3, Clive attended his first school in Guayaquil and then went to a boarding School in Quito until he was 16 when he came to England and attended as a Boarder at Ipswich School. He joined School House and spent his holidays with his much-loved Aunt and Uncle since his parents were still living in South America.

He was at the school from 1952 to 1954 and became a house prefect. He played for the school 2nd Rugby XV as full back and obtained House and 2nd XV colours.

He was described in a Characters’ list of 2nd XV players in the School Magazine for December 1953 as “a very strong heavy player who can run hard and handle the ball well. “ During his time at school, he made lifelong friends and met his beloved future wife, Judy (Bell).

In 1953, he began his National Service with the Royal Corps of Signals at Catterick. After basic training, he moved to Woodhouse Eves to train as a Special Operator. This entailed learning both to send and receive morse code at very high

Roger Marriott (OI 1952 – 63) Died 9th January 2021 A Queen’s Scholarship boy, Roger had been put up a year, making him the youngest in his form but colouring his whole school career.

His best moment came when he could join the school sailing club, and sail at Waldringfield Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturday afternoons.

He was a member of the school

speeds. The work was highly sensitive and after completing the training, he was sent to Germany where he remained until his period of service ended in 1955.

He joined Olivetti selling typewriters and married Judy on 14th June 1958 at All Saints Church Ipswich. They moved together to London and their daughter Debs was born in Romford in 1962, followed by Trish in Ipswich in 1965. He had, by then, moved to SR Batson as a Sales Rep until 1972 when he joined his old school friend Trevor Woods at T. A. Woods (Steel Radiators) Limited. He then became an area sales manager for Acton and Borman, retiring in 1999. He was not one to sit still and he worked part time delivering office equipment. He also became an examination invigilator at Kesgrave High School.

Clive loved being a family man and was utterly devoted to Judy and his two daughters as well as being a fantastic grandfather to his four grandchildren.

He was greatly motivated by sport throughout his life, and he played basketball, rugby, tennis and badminton.

Golf became a passion in later years, and he was a founder member of Waldringfield Golf Club and was appointed Captain. He subsequently joined Rushmere and Seckford where

sailing team, racing against other schools in the area.

He read Civil Engineering at Kings College London, where his enquiring mind objected to simply being told what the formula for the stress in a concrete beam was, while he wanted to know how the formula was derived. He joined the family building firm V.A. Marriott Ltd, where for many years he was a director and company secretary.

His great passion was sailing. After years of dinghy racing, along with his good friend Andrew White (OI 1950 - 61) and his brother Dick (OI 1950 - 60) he

he played until shortly before his final illness. In the 1970s, he was also heavily involved with Ipswich Swimming Club as an official timekeeper and where Judy coached the juniors, including both their daughters. He was also dedicated to Ipswich Town Football Club and was a devoted supporter from the 1950s, attending matches whatever the weather and whatever their position in the league.

Presumably because of the sad fate of his brothers, he loved planes, especially Spitfires and he was a member of the Martlesham Aviation Society. He flew in a Tiger Moth on his seventieth birthday.

Clive loved being a family man and was utterly devoted to Judy and his two daughters as well as being a fantastic grandfather to his four grandchildren.

He was a loyal and constant friend and kept in touch on a regular basis with his contemporaries from the school, Tubby Barker, Geoffrey Bell Jones, Karl Daniels, Trevor Woods and Alan Wyatt. In later life, he was re-united with Ramon, a very special friend from his school days in South America. He was renowned for his kindness, loyalty, humour and zest for life. His family and friends are all privileged to have been part of his life and he will never be forgotten.

- Alan Wyatt (OI 1944 – 53)

purchased the unfinished shell of an Achilles 24 glass-fibre yacht. Roger was the only partner who lived locally at the time. He designed and fitted out the interior with consummate skill, mostly by himself. With his wife Maggie, his family of 3 outgrew the Achilles, so Roger and Andrew bought Blossom, a 35ft Finnish yacht, which they sailed for some 30 years, going as far afield as the Bay of Biscay.

Roger was always selflessly giving his time to help others.”

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Terry Cracknell (OI 1949 – 55) Died 11th April 2021 strong personality known and a longterm friendship developed which lasted over seventy years. Contact was always maintained over the period of time when he returned to the area.

Like myself, he had no particular academic ability or desires and we ended up in the same class throughout our time. He was good at sport and represented the school at all age levels and as the years progressed won his colours for all major sports and was ViceCaptain of Hockey. He came on a couple of school ski trips with George Notcutt.

Not something he carried on with and I expect due to some really spectacular crashes. Terry’s personality and skiing did not always necessarily go together.

When he left Ipswich School, he spent some time in America and then attended Seale Hayne Agricultural College and during this period became their “Victor Luodorum’ whilst there.

Terry was at the school from 19491955 and in later years was heavily involved with the Old Ipswichian community including serving as Chairman of the OI Committee from 1999 - 2001. Terry will be sadly missed by his friends and family.

Memories of Terry Crackmell: Terry sadly died in April 2021 aged 83. He was at the school for six years. Joining during the school year when his parents moved to Ipswich. He straight away made his presence felt on the cricket field. During the next years, he made his

Leaving Agricultural College, he eventually returned to Ipswich working for R&W Paul and after a time became their National Pig, Poultry and Cattle Food Marketing Executive. He moved on to manage their retail arm based in Norfolk and later changed jobs to work for the Eastern Counties Farmers.

With his wife Marion he set up a working pig farm at Poplar Farm and moved to self-employment in 1974. He also managed pig farms for other people.

Whilst they were at Poplar Farm, he and Marion had three daughters but split up at a later date but remained friends for the rest of their lives.

I am sad to hear that Terry has died. We shared many things together during our time at Ipswich school and I remember him as stocky and strong. Although shorter than me we boxed at the same weight and fought each other in the inter-house tournament in 1955. He packed quite a punch and my style was less skillful but relied on wearing my opponent down through a whirlwind of punches. I approached that contest with rather more caution than normal and he won. He was a tough scrum-half in the 1st XV but left school at the end of 1955 to travel to the USA so we missed his services in the Rosslyn Park 7s the following April. We met briefly on a few occasions in subsequent years.

- Jeremy Barr (OI 1946 – 56)

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Obituaries

The journal of the Old Ipswichian Club

Terry Cracknell with the 1st XV 1954

In 1994 the pig industry collapsed and nearly Terry’s finances with it, but with his personality, he rolled up his sleeves and survived. He developed his pig units into poultry sheds and rented them out to big producers. He also went into property development.

He phoned me from his hospital bed to say goodbye as the doctors had put him on palliative care and he was not expected to survive. In his passing the Old Ipswichian’s have lost a determined supporter and a good friend.

- David Coe (OI 1945 – 54)

On his 70th birthday, he arranged what was an unforgettable birthday party. It was held in a marquee with some 150 friends assembled. We were all there getting on with the meal and no sign of Terry and it was rumoured that he was going to appear using a helicopter to arrive in style. In fact, a video of him in hospital eventually welcomed us and he was there because of the start of his heart problems and would not be at the party at all. Typical Terry, the function went ahead and never to be forgotten. After overcoming that he suffered a loss when his long-term partner Bridget died.

It was very sad news to read that Terry had died.

He and I were at school together, and, he was a great friend to me, and, we had much fun together over the years.

- Canon Cedric Catton (OI 1943 – 55)

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George (Mike) Ernest Michael Graham (OI 1954 – 61) Born 29th September 1942, Died 5th January 2021 Mike was born on 29th September 1942, on a small farm near Henley. He joined Ipswich School when he was 11, thanks to a bursary from Suffolk County Council, following in the footsteps of his big brother John Graham (OI 1947-1954 and recently the OI President).

Both boys cycled to School each day, a distance of 4.5 miles each way, and such was the popularity of the bicycle in those days, that the school had a rule that if you lived within 2 miles of the school, you were not allowed to bike to School, you had to walk. Young and old climate change activists reading this, please take note and get on your bike!

Mike enjoyed sport at School, and he was greatly inspired by a young PE and maths teacher called John Nicholson.

Many years later, when Mike was in his 70’s, he used to do Monday night circuit training at the school gym which was run by Bob Clayton (1975 - 12) and John Nicholson. Mike and his friends always preferred the sessions with Bob because John pushed them too hard. Old habits die hard!

Mike studied law at Nottingham University and during this time, he became an accomplished Alpine rock climber and he learnt to fly.

Moving to London to train as a solicitor, he joined 21 SAS, now famous thanks to the likes of Bear Grylls and Ranulph Fiennes. Mike spent a lot of time with 21 SAS, parachuting into Germany and Norway on Friday nights to practice defending Europe from the Russians. His father had fought in the trenches in WWI, so it was in the blood.

Returning to Ipswich in about 1970, he started a law firm with his old School friend and OI, Arthur Oldham (OI 195161). Together they grew the firm, Graham & Oldham, to quite a sizeable regional firm which eventually merged with what is now Ashtons Legal.

In 1975 Mike moved from one end of St Edmunds Road to the other, to a house overlooking the school, and he and his then wife Suzanne sent their 3 children, Ted (OI 1980 – 87), Tom (OI 1981 – 88), and Jane (OI 1994 – 96) to Ipswich School. Ted is a shipping and commodities lawyer, living and working in Sevenoaks.

Tom lives in Halifax in Canada and is a Naval Architect and Project Manager, building ships for the Canadian government. Jane is a consultant haematologist at the University of North Midlands and lives in Cheshire. Mike was a stalwart of the community in Ipswich.

In his 20s and 30s, he played rugby for Ipswich and was the Club Secretary there for many years.

His other big passion was sailing, having been introduced to this by the school at their sailing centre in Waldringfield. Over the years Mike became an accomplished sailor. He was a yacht master instructor and in 2005 he sailed his yacht across the Atlantic with some friends as part of the ARC race. He played a big role at the Royal Harwich Yacht Club and was Commodore there for several years and he ran sailing courses on his yacht.

He was involved with the Masons, he was a regular worshipper at St Mary Le Tower, a dog walker in Christchurch Park, a member of the Sudbourne Shoot, a gardener, and ‘litter picker upper’, and, last but not least, a life-long supporter of The Greyhound.

In 1997 Mike married Sally, who taught at the Prep School between 2001 and 2012. Sally’s two children, Claire Stevenson (OI 1998 - 00) and Matthew Stevenson (OI 1997 - 07) both attended Ipswich School. Claire now lives in Devon and teaches maths. Matthew lives in Cambridgeshire and works as a materials analyst in the construction industry.

I remember Mick Graham. Mick always had a cheeky smile on his face and was quick to come up with a funny story, which he told well.

- Humphrey Catchpole (OI 1953 – 61)

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Ipswich School played a huge part in Mike’s life. Physically he either went to it or lived next to it for most of his life and he helped put five children through it. But the real impact it had on him was the opportunities that it gave him and the high standards that it set. Mike was smart enough to realise that and he grabbed everything that was on offer with two hands. Looking back on his life, the investment that Suffolk County Council made in Mike when he was 11 was a good one.

Mike is buried at Henley church next to his parents and sister, a mile or so away from the farm where he grew up. His wife Sally still lives in St Edmunds Road and his brother John lives near Framlingham in Suffolk. He had 10 grandchildren between his 5 children, and he was affectionately known as ‘Grandad’.

- Ted Graham (OI 1981 – 87) I was very shocked and saddened to hear the news of Michael's recent death. I actually knew him before he came to the school as we both lived in Henley where my father was the vicar and Michael's parents were farmers. We went to Sunday School and sung in the church choir together and it was always a pleasure to go back over old times with him and his brother, John, when we met up at the OI Dinners.

I also remember being in his section at the CCF Camp in Comrie, Perthshire, in 1960. I sat next to Michael at the OI Dinner in 2019 which turned out to be the last time that I saw him, where we enjoyed another very pleasant evening.

- Lawrence White (OI 1952 – 63)

Obituaries

The journal of the Old Ipswichian Club

Peter Grimwade (OI 1944 – 54) Died 25th January 2021 service Peter ran the family business, J H Grimwade, mens’ and womens’ outfitters, which was founded in 1844, and was situated on a prominent site on Cornhill and although the business closed in 1996 ‘Grimwades’ is often referred to in Ipswich affairs. He became a JP, latterly chairman of the bench, and for a while was a Liberal Town Councillor. He was also a trustee of the King George V playing field in Ipswich.

Peter sadly died in January 2021 from Covid. He joined the Prep in 1944 moving on to the Senior School in 1946 and Rigaud House. He was a very good all-rounder and had a very successful school life. From an early age, he shone at sport and played for the various teams.

He played rugby for the 1st XV from 1952 to 1954 when he led the scrum from wing forward and in one year won every match. He loved cricket and was a strong member of the cricket Ist XI for three years. He was an aggressive opening bat and scored a century against Suffolk Club & ground in his last year.

Peter was also captain of hockey and a school prefect. He sailed through his A levels and on leaving school he began national service being commissioned into The Northamptonshire Regiment.

He was posted to Hong Kong which he visited subsequently on business with his close friend David Coe.After national

Peter was a great supporter of the school and the OI Club. As one of his contemporaries said ‘Peter was an instant reminder of what Ipswich School is about. He had a special dignity and loyalty and was an Ipswichian to the core, a great loss to Ipswich School and the Ipswich community’.

Peter was also captain of hockey and a school prefect. He sailed through his A levels and on leaving school he began national service being commissioned into The Northamptonshire Regiment. He was posted to Hong Kong which he visited subsequently on business with his close friend David Coe. Peter’s love of cricket continued as he played for the OIs from 1957 to 1981. Because of business commitments, Peter could only play for the OI Cricket Club on Sundays and he played most years in the OI Cricket Week. He played many fine innings, topping the batting averages several times, and in all scored ten centuries, including three in successive years against the Old Framlinghamians. He was also a very good close fielder,

Ten centuries including this one against Colchester & East Essex 1971 often at short leg. After retiring from cricket he supported the Old Ipswichian & Copdock Cricket Club.

Peter was married to Margaret who died some years ago and had four daughters and eight grandchildren.

Peter was a great supporter of the school and the OI Club. As one of his contemporaries said ‘Peter was an instant reminder of what Ipswich School is about. He had a special dignity and loyalty and was an Ipswichian to the core, a great loss to Ipswich School and the Ipswich community’.

- Karl Daniels (OI 1944 – 53)

Unbeaten opening stand with Simon Woolfries against Ted Ganders XI in the OI Cricket Week 1974

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Rex Bloomfield (OI 1954 – 64) Died 25th July 2021 I first befriended Rex some 67 years ago when he joined the Prep in 1954. We remained friends all the way through the school until we both left in 1964.

My main school memory of Rex was that he detested any form of physical activity and became a master at avoiding sports and particularly runs around the Lower Road, Westerfield.

- Peter Bloomfield, Rex's Brother (OI 1957 – 66)

He became quite proud of his expertise at avoiding these activities and over the years began to know Matron, and the outpatients of the hospital in Ivry Street across the road, very well indeed.

At School he was affectionately known as “Sexy Rexy” by his peers, an endearment, to which I don’t think he objected.

Rex’s parents owned a poultry farm at Bentley, and I can remember that as boys we used to play in the empty chicken sheds, and if my memory serves me correctly, I believe an air rifle featured in our games. It was in Rex’s parents lounge, in July 1969, that I remember watching the first manned moon landing on television, in black and white, with him.

Rex and I became friends at Ipswich when we were on the same A level Geography course, enjoying our field trips for our course work.

After leaving school we both went to study in London and kept in touch at several parties there along with other OI’s in our age group. Rex actually met his future wife Anne at one of these parties whilst I was attempting to be the DJ with my old tape recorder and vinyl record player, and despite this they went on to be happily married for nearly 50 years! Rex introduced me to his love of surfing before he married when we went on a ‘recce’ trip to Braunton, Devon, sleeping enroute

in his not too warm car overnight on Exmoor, before he decided to move down there to work in Law. As well as surfing, Rex enjoyed his music, playing guitar, banjo and listening to Blue Grass music as well as the Beach Boys surfing style. He was still enjoying the latter only a few years ago, attending one of their concerts.

Rex (and Anne) were very welcoming and I and other OI friends were able to spend some lovely weekends down in Devon, with tents pitched on the lawn if there was not enough space indoors for the guests.

After moving back to Suffolk, we met up more regularly and Rex did an

On leaving School, Rex became an Articled Clerk at an Ipswich solicitors, and on qualifying spent time working in London before moving to North Devon where he was in practice for a number of years and was also able to follow his passion for surfing. He returned locally in the early 1980's to firms in Colchester, Coggeshall and finally Tiptree. After early retirement he briefly lectured on Law at the then Civic College.

In recent years he had suffered poor health, and, after a brief decline, passed away peacefully at Ipswich hospital.

He will be greatly missed by his family, wife Anne, children Clare and Jonathon (OI), by his grandchildren.

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As a teenager, Rex took up playing the electric guitar, in the mid 1960s and was a great fan of Duane Eddy and the Beach Boys. It was because of the latter that Rex and I drove to Woolacombe Beach, in Devon, with tents and a homemade surfboard strapped to the car roof that I had made from a plank of wood, to demonstrate our expertise as surfers. It was not a tremendous success, as, with a teenage boy standing on, it did not have enough buoyancy to float!

Rex continued his guitar playing and “jamming” at local events and pubs until very recently.

It was because of Rex that I joined the Capel Young Farmers Club, mainly for the social activities that we both enjoyed and the friends that we made.

We always remained friends until his death, meeting up occasionally with other OIs and their wives for meals and pub lunches. Rex was quite a character and a good friend, who I will miss.

- John Skeates (OI 1953 – 64)

excellent job as my best man back in 1985. He always had a great sense of humour which he and I enjoyed almost to the last. He arranged mini coach parties to see some live shows, I especially enjoyed the one to see Dame Edna Everage’s (Aka Barry Humphries) final tour show at Norwich, wine and sarnies even supplied enroute!

I shall miss his company a lot, but along with other family and friends will keep in touch with Anne, who remained amazingly positive throughout Rex’s long illness at the end.

- David Wilson (OI 1954 – 65)

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The journal of the Old Ipswichian Club

Ronald Abbott (OI 1958 – 65) Died March 2021 Abbott was one of my close school buddies, especially as we spent quite some time competing at cross country running. In my school last year, I was very determined to win the steeplechase and trained 5+kms twice a day. It was very cold around the time of the event and I was leading about a couple of hundred meters from the end, but when crossing over a small frozen Tuddenham stream and I slipped badly on the ice, which OI reported as water jumps!!! Then two others ran past me and Scammell, in the middle, won, Abbott on right second. I was extremely irritated coming 3rd after training so much. The attached photo was from the EA Daily Times and I seem to remember the photo text as: "3 tired boys". Unfortunately, I cannot find that newspaper article now.

John Jewhurst (OI 1959 – 65)

Extract from 1966 Old Ipswichian Report for 9th February 1965 Steeplechase:

The Seniors started at a slower pace (perhaps through experience) and made their way over a now even muddier course. This time nobody led from the start, and the lead changed hands several times.

In the end it was Scammell who came home first. R. M. Abbott came a close second and J. Jewhurst third. (It seems to have been a good day for the Jewhurst's). The rest of the field followed and queued up to be placed, breathing hard and showing the effects of their exertions. Their wet and mud-bespattered clothes bore testimony to the water jumps they had passed through.

The above text refers to Jewhurst's doing well and that was because my younger brother Steve won the Junior event.

So sorry to hear about the passing of Ron Abbott, of our year at School; my own abiding main photo memory of Ron is of him in his sports whites running at great pace in athletic events and particularly the Fynn Valley Annual mud splash race - and always doing well.

Otherwise, Ron was always pleasant, and ready to have a bit of banter or a chat with.

According to my rather sparse and now somewhat dog-eared records gleaned mostly from around the lead up to our 50th Reunion Lunch, Ron was in Broke House, and studied Physics, Mathematics, and Geography at A level; birthday 11.46; tutor Briden.

It must have been in the winter term of 1960 when Ron and I were playing for Broke in a junior house match on the Top Field. We weren't the best of teams but near the end we managed to score a try and a conversion would see us win by a single point. Ron was our goal kicker and from what seemed like a very wide angle and

Ron was very helpful (and patient with me), when I was struggling with Geography A level, adiabatic winds, occluded fronts, all those kinds of things; realism dawned, and I gave it up after the first year! I believe that Ron came in from Holbrook every day, with a couple of others of that time (Austin & Davies?) and was one of those assisted by East Suffolk or SCC; those days are now over, but wonderfully, the school has now developed its own 'bursary' scheme, which allows talent to be nurtured when it might not otherwise be possible. I hope that I have stirred a few memories.

- Michael Warner OI 1953 – 65) outside the 25, he duly kicked it to win the game. More than 60 years on it is a lovely image and memory of Ron which will always be with me. Sincere condolences to Ron's family.

- Ian Sumnall (OI 1959 – 66)

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Stephen Lowe (OI 1960 – 67) Died 24th October 2020 Stephen John Lowe 71 died at home on Saturday 24th October 2020 after a long and courageous fight with Motor Neurone Disease.

He leaves behind his wife Pamela, who cared for him so well, his sons Simon and David and grandchildren Elizabeth and Thomas. Following his retirement from the NHS, Stephen became a Magistrate and an active member of the Folkestone Lions Club. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Stephen was born on 8th April 1949 in Derby to Harold and Peggy. He had an older brother Nigel who died in 2009. He lived in Allestree until the age of 4 when the family moved to Felixstowe Suffolk.

Felixstowe Junior High school then on to Ipswich Boys School from 1960 -1967. A day boy for a year Stephen remembers travelling up to school pillion on his Father’s scooter. He then became a boarder following in the footsteps of his uncle, Kenneth Williams and cousin, Anthony Williams.

He met Pamela, his future wife, at college where they were studying for a BSc degree and married in June 1973.

Stephen chose a career in the NHS as a Health Service Administrator, for which he gained a Diploma in 1979. Starting in far flung reaches of Thanet in 1974 he moved to Wycombe General Hospital

as Deputy Hospital Secretary and was responsible for commissioning Phase 3 – the maternity unit where sons Simon and David were born. The family lived in the lovely town of Marlow. In 1987 he took up a management post at the William Harvey Hospital, Ashford Kent, making Folkestone his home base. He had experienced many Health Service reorganisations during his career, and in 2000 he faced yet another reorganisation.

Offered the opportunity to take early retirement, Stephen at 51 did not hesitate for one second to accept the offer. He genuinely enjoyed hospital life and the camaraderie among work colleagues, but he did not regret retirement and considered it his good fortune and hence a new life began.

Stephen and I passed through the school at the same time, he was boarding and I was a day boy. He was a good friend and companion. We have remained in contact ever since by phone, letter, e-mail and cards at Christmas also visits together. I learned of his condition in 2018, diagnosed a couple of years earlier. I have been privileged to exchange a number of e-mails with him since then during which we mused on our career paths and families. He was especially interested in developments at Ipswich School over the years and during my time as a staff member. These have been many and varied both of school structures and arguably the biggest change of all, becoming coeducational. We exchanged old photographs of the school in our time and some more recent ones. I shall miss our reminiscences.

- Andy Green (OI 1960 – 67) (Staff member 1999 – 03)

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Obituaries He became a Magistrate first as a winger and then as a Bench Chair, a role he found challenging but very rewarding.

He joined the Folkestone Lions Club, a fund-raising organisation, and very soon found himself in a key role at the annual Donkey Derby, organising the hot dog stall, selling over 1000 hot dogs over a weekend. The word “sausage” was banned from the Lowe household for some time! He took on the Presidency twice, organised the Boxing Day Dip and particularly enjoyed organising and participating in the twinning trips with fellow Lions in Germany.

Stephen’s best memories of his NHS life go back to his time at Wycombe General Hospital, probably the friendliest he had known. This was in part due to the regular hospital revues where his ability and talent to put together an ode for any occasion at a moment’s notice came into its own. He wrote and participated in many sketches and acted as compere.

This reflects his great sense of humour and his knack of sharing jokes with a wry smile and glint in his eye.

As a family man he absolutely loved his annual holidays. They became a key part of life on his retirement when he and his wife decided to explore the world. As a keen photographer all family events and holidays have been captured in great photographs.

Stephen was well known for his home brewed beer and wine making, on which he embarked with great enthusiasm 46 years ago. He would be found bottling

The journal of the Old Ipswichian Club

wine or beer whilst cooking the Sunday roast –a chef as well.

Gardening was a passion shared by both he and Pamela, with Stephen being chief vegetable grower/ hedge trimmer, and he really loved a good bonfire. He took great pleasure in DIY projects, particularly with Pamela as his assistance. He loved many other activities, his racket sports and golf, rambling, snorkelling and the daily challenge of completing the telegraph cryptic crossword.

Then life suddenly changed in 2016 when Stephen was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, a very cruel disease. Throughout his illness and decline Stephen was stoic, he

A moment in time as remembered by Stephen’s wife.

Stephen was a member of Ipswich School CCF. On one occasion the Contingent Commander who may have been John Le Mare, had arranged a trip to an army centre / barracks in Chelmsford. Stephen, for reasons I cannot recall, was held back at school and could not join the group on the transport provided. In order not to miss out on something he enjoyed Stephen decided to hitch a lift to the venue.

A summons to the headmaster’s study the next day had Stephen trembling in his shoes. He guessed it was about his travel arrangements the day before. What was his fate? I believe the conversation went something like this.

HM “I understand you missed the transport for the CCF trip yesterday, so how did you get there Lowe?” S in a stutter “I thumbed a lift Sir.” HM “You mean you hitchhiked. (Pause) Well done Lowe, I like a boy who shows initiative” That was not what Stephen had expected from the Headmaster Patrick Mermagen!

maintained his dignity, but above all retained his sense of humour a quality referred to in the many tributes to him.

Stephen and Pamela were so touched and truly grateful for the wonderful care and support they received from family, friends, carers, and the local Hospice during this difficult time.

Stephen had a very common-sense approach to life, he was modest about all his achievements and would always lift spirits with his great sense of humour, qualities for which he was loved and admired. Stephen will be held dear in the hearts of all his family and friends.

He will be greatly missed.

- Pam Lowe, Stephen's Wife

Stephen Lowe sadly passed away, with his wife at his side, on 24th October 2020 following a long and courageous fight against the most cruel disease of Motor Neurone Disease, with which he had been diagnosed in 2016. We were fellow OIs, at both Junior House and Westwood together. Throughout his illness, Stephen had maintained his dignity and above all his sense of humour. I had the pleasure of meeting him at the Westwood reunion in 2007, when he did not seem to have changed at all over the intervening 40 years since he left the school.

- Paul Turner (OI 1958 – 68)

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William Notcutt (OI 1952 – 65) Died 31st May 2021

I first met William in 1953, when I joined the Prep. at the age of 7 years. We spent 11 years together and apart from the normal school activities, I remember

William & I particularly enjoyed ourselves in the school’s 15th Ipswich Cub and Scout Group.

William had a slightly shorter stature than me, which he probably inherited from his father, George, but he was always far fitter than me, again probably because George was the school’s Head of Physical Education.

After our A-Levels William and I parted ways in 1964 when I left the School. William went on to qualify as a Medical Doctor and we next met up in 1979, in Kingston, Jamaica. William was a doctor in Kingston hospital, and I was visiting Kingston to take part in the formation of the 1st RoundTable in Jamaica. At the time Bob Marley and Reggae were at their height so I asked William if he would take me around the Downtown shanty town area of

Kingston where reggae was resounding out of the many corrugated iron shacks.

William agreed to drive me around the area, in what I seem to remember was a Mini, but even though he worked in Kingston, he said that even he would not stop in that area, and he would drive around slowly so that I could take some photographs and absorb the atmosphere, which we did.

Ever since I’ve been a fan of Reggae and whenever I listen to it, it takes me back to the time William and I drove around that very evocative area.

I have attached a very old photo of the School’s Cub pack in Christchurch Park, William is in the bottom right-hand corner and I am in the middle holding the mug.

- John Skeates (OI 1953 – 64)

My memories of William revolve around the gymnastics team and CCF. Being short of stature, like BD Peyton, William was very good at the mat work and able to perfect the neck flicks and head and handsprings.

Not recorded on film was the gym display on the school field, possibly one speech day, but well remembered

by John Nicholson. I had just passed my driving test and was using my mother's car - a 1933 Hillman Minx - and someone had the idea to use this as a vaulting horse. The following routine was perfected:

The senior gym team secreted themselves inside the car, all 10 of us, out of sight of the field, and at the nod from John, I drove it onto the field to the prepositioned trampette and mat layout. Whereupon the team starburst out of the car threw a mat over the roof and carried out our gym routine.

- John Singleton (OI 1957 – 64)

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Senior gym team and I believe the names are as follows: The static display on the horse: Myself JES BD Peyton (in handstand) Clarke. In front: Lamerton. Kneeling: William Notcutt. Facing: Belcham Facing left kneeling: Martin Seligman; Alnutt; Adams. Facing right: Phillip Caston

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The journal of the Old Ipswichian Club

William and I were in the same school year for many years. We weren’t close friends, but I always remember we kept in touch for a while after leaving school. William went on the train as a doctor and then after qualifying got to work somewhere in South Africa.

He did write occasionally of his experiences treating patients in an open hospital and it did sound very DIY! I would imagine him operating on a table out in the open with limited resources and maybe a few medical books around for backup!

I’m sure this work provided him with great groundwork to go on a have a successful career as a doctor. Very sad to hear of his death.

- David Wilson (OI 1954 – 65) The School's Cub pack in Christchurch Park. William is bottom right.

Concerning the CCF, William was a keen supporter and attended camps and Arduous Training in Wales, attaining, I believe the rank of Sergeant, he always had well-polished brasses, shiny boots, and cleanly Blanco'd webbing.

Photos from 1962 - taken either by George Notcutt or John Nicholson in the gym.

Senior and junior gym teams. Top row: Myself JES; BD Peyton; Clarke Middle: Alnutt; unknown; P Caston. Next row: M Seligman; William Notcutt; Lamerton ; Belcham; Adams. Front row: Lewcock; Geof Notcutt; unknown; unknown; Gilbert.

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Lisa Benn Catering Manager Born 18 July 1978 Died 1 June 2020 Lisa Benn worked at Ipswich School for almost 18 years and, later, as catering manager led her team through the rigorous CAP (Continuous Advancement Programme) Awards process to reach its pinnacle Gold Award, which is benchmarked against industry norms.

This was an outstanding achievement and also a first for a Suffolk school.

Her strong work ethic, however, was not what made Lisa stand out, rather it was her gregarious, chatty and selfdeprecating nature, coupled with empathy, warmth and kindness that endeared her to all who met her, particularly the school community; literally everyone was drawn to her lovely smile and her kindhearted, generous spirit.

She was known as a clever, energetic person who never doubted anyone else’s potential but somehow underestimated her own; she believed in everyone and always encouraged them to go for it, to pursue their dreams and believe in themselves.

Born in Ipswich, in July 1978, Lisa Sarah Louise Styles was the eldest daughter of Kevin, a head chef, and Christina, a homemaker and later gardener. As a child growing up in the small, rural village of Kirton, Lisa loved nothing more than playing in the wideopen fields and creeks which surrounded the family home, either alone or with her younger siblings, sister Emma and brother Samuel, whom she doted on.

Lisa attended Trimley St Martin Primary School before progressing to Orwell High School in Felixstowe where she excelled at sport, representing the school at cross country running.

After a number of part-time jobs as a teenager, from washing-up to waitressing with her father, who was head chef at

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the Freemasons’ Hall in Ipswich, aged 16, Lisa decided to follow in her father’s footsteps and enrolled at Suffolk College to study for a City & Guilds in catering.

She went on to work in local hotels and organisations in a range of roles, until she joined Ipswich School in September 2002 as deputy manager in the catering department under the tutelage of manager Anne Russ.

Working in all areas over the years, she was eventually promoted to manager. Determined to make the catering team the best it could be, Lisa embarked on the CAP Awards programme, a programme which recognises excellence in catering and is regarded as the highest measure of quality, ‘safe best practices’ and service in the industry. Working tirelessly with her team, the department soon achieved the Bronze Award; though delighted, Lisa pushed her team and duly received silver before ultimately

receiving the Gold Award whilst continuously receiving 5 stars from Environmental Health for all four kitchens across the schools.

Unbeknown to Lisa, the night she enrolled for her City & Guilds, there was a young boy, Toby, at the table behind who was also enrolling but was more interested in the girl in front – he was already spellbound by her. The pair became firm friends within their year group doing much together. Eventually, after almost three years, Toby finally plucked up the courage and asked Lisa on a date. She accepted and he took her to Hollywood Night Club in Ipswich.

The couple married at Falkenham Church in July 2001. With the birth of her boys, Cameron in 2003, and the twins, Harry and Joshua in 2006, Lisa’s life seemed complete.

In May 2019, following a massive seizure, Lisa and her family’s world came crashing down when she was diagnosed

Obituaries with a rare, grade four brain tumour, which gave her between 12-18 months to live. Within a matter of weeks, she was admitted to Addenbrooke’s Hospital where she underwent surgery while still conscious. Incredibly, thanks to her fitness, a few hours after coming out of theatre her parents arrived to find her sitting up in bed eating a roast dinner and enquiring as to the whereabouts of her dessert.

Despite her strong work ethic, Lisa did not take herself seriously and admitted to being a bit ‘ditsy’ and loved nothing more than to chat with co-workers from all areas of the school, and her little catchphrases could often be heard along the corridors, including ‘Bless ya’, ‘love ya’, ‘love ‘em’ and ‘ah bless’, which endeared her to many.

She would then tackle the day ahead.

As her illness worsened, she still tried to chat but as she struggled for her words, she began using ‘whatnot’ to cover a multitude of words, phrases and blanks.

Never bitter about the cards she had been dealt, Lisa’s kindness and concern for others never wavered despite suffering with excruciating pain.

The journal of the Old Ipswichian Club

Perhaps a measure of Lisa’s altruistic approach to life was when, even nearing the end, she was so very thankful to the school for its support to her and her family, and remained concerned about others and their feelings and apologising for the way she looked when visitors called. A truly remarkable person, who will be missed by so very many people.

To mark what would have been Lisa’s 42nd birthday, family from all sides decided to go to Rendlesham Forest, one of Lisa’s favourite places, on 18 July to celebrate her life. Lisa is survived by Toby, their three sons and her parents.

Toby continues to work in the school's catering team as the head chef.

Obituary by Martin Childs

Nicholas Weaver, Ipswich School Headmaster, writes: Lisa was what we call at Ipswich School a true 'radiator', who touched the hearts of everyone who met her.

Consistently everyone’s favourite part of school life, and planned months in advance, school meals were so much more than a quick lunch for Lisa. From packed lunches for the school trip, to the varied options served to hungry pupils and teachers, to a three course evening meal for the governors, her day’s work could include the lot.

Then just because she could and because it would be fun and something for the pupils to remember, she would throw in a themed day and make dishes and decorations from around the world or something delicious with only wartime ingredients.

Many a rugby player remembers the sausage rolls served at Notcutts after a hard-won match, and the superb cakes on offer for open mornings never failed to delight our prospective parents and pupils.

Lisa’s easy, positive manner that so characterised her was highlighted when she contributed to my own external appraisal. The interviewer came back to me afterwards saying, "You don't find many people like that in any organisation" - such was the great and positive impression she had made on him. That he had seen this in a 30 minute encounter did not surprise me, knowing just how amazing a person she was.

Her encouragement, kindness and advice was always freely and generously given, to the catering staff in her team and also to so many around the school. Parents would ring her up and would soon have their anxieties calmed concerning their child’s food intolerances and allergies, and Lisa regularly went above and beyond to help our students.

Lisa will be missed by so many, but we are all grateful for the time we shared with her.

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Gwyn Arch MBE (OI 1942 – 49) Died 6th June 2021 He took all my elementary, feeble efforts very seriously, and always showed me how to make my ideas more interesting and more musical.

Without his encouragement at a critical stage of adolescence, I do not think I would ever have thought of writing music, and I continue to be more than grateful to Stanley Wilson for his enlightened teaching. He also taught me the organ which was an early electronic model in the school chapel and a somewhat feeble affair.

Otherwise, I can't remember much music in the school at all.

Gwyn Arch’s own recollections When I heard about the "Celebration of Ipswich School Music" (quite accidentally, and never having heard the school mentioned in my presence in the last 50 years), I quickly realised that there were many compelling reasons for coming to the concert.

First, I was a pupil at the school between 1942 and 1949; the second I was taught piano by Stanley Wilson; third, my father was a curate at St. Peter's church at that time, (I sang in the choir); finally, I knew Ben Parry fairly well - we had collaborated in compiling and arranging between us most of the 40 songs and carols in the "The Faber Carol Book" (2001). But I never knew until the end of August this year that he, too, had attended the school.

My recollections of my career at the school are pretty hazy. I left nearly 60 years ago. At the time, the governors were awarding scholarships to the top six boys in the Borough's 11+ exam, and my mother (a strong character) made sure I got one of them. It was during the war, of course, and (as I learned later)

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most of the best teachers were in the armed forces. However, the teacher who made the greatest impression on me was Stanley Wilson. Lessons were in the front room of his big, cold, Victorian semi-round the corner from the school.

He was my first piano teacher (yes, I know 12 is far too late to begin) and he often used his own work for teaching purposes.

I remember learning his "Androcles and the Lion" (a set of little descriptive pieces probably about grade 2 standard) and thinking of how lucky I was to be taught by a famous composer. Indeed, I had hitherto thought that all composers were dead! My most enduring memory was his insistence that every week I played to him a "composition".

He would tell me to invent something descriptive of a fairground or a foggy day, or an air raid (there were plenty of those in 1942, and very scary, too).

There was no orchestra or choir, and 'classroom' music was conducted in the hall by a large lady we used to call "Miss Twinset". We sang from the 'New National Song Book', which was pretty old even then (it was published in 1905 - I still have a copy). She sat behind the piano, played very loudly, and now and then would stand up as she played and say equally loudly “I can't hear you, ,sing up!".

I took 'A' level (then called Higher Certificate - 'O' levels were 'School Certificate'), which I think was taught

by Wilson's successor. I must have passed it fairly well as I got a delayed entry to Cambridge, but in the end, I read English. 'Delayed' was all the rage in those days - most people opted to do their National Service first. I turned to a career in music fifteen years later, having learned more about how it worked through playing in a jazz band than any other source. Consequently my arranging style.

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Gwyn Arch studied English at Cambridge University where he played for both the Cambridge and Oxford University jazz bands. He began his teaching career as Head of English in a large secondary school, whilst studying composition in his spare time at Trinity College London.

Gwyn subsequently became Director of Music at Bulmershe College of Higher Education, Reading. Under his direction, the choir represented the UK seven times in the International rounds of the BBC competition Let the Peoples Sing.

After studying English at Cambridge and education at Oxford, he started work as an English teacher. His musical talent was revealed through school drama and musicals - and when he could not find suitable music to perform with his pupils, he wrote his own!

His ability to draw music out of people led to his appointment, with no previous experience of (or qualifications in) teaching music, as Director of Music at Bulmershe College of Higher Education, Reading in 1964, where he formed the Bulmershe Girls Choir. The choir achieved success at international level and travelled extensively to take part in competitions and festivals, representing the country seven times in the international rounds of the BBC competition Let the Peoples Sing.

The journal of the Old Ipswichian Club

Gwyn was made an OBE for services to music in Berkshire in the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2006. Gwyn Arch as well as his work as a Musical Director of South Chiltern Choral Society, was also a very successful arranger of choral music, with nearly a hundred of his arrangements being published by Faber Music in the last ten years - music for youth choirs and upper voice groups, and including 17 of the 40 arrangements in the highlysuccessful Faber Carol Book. He also contributed significantly to the catalogue of a leading German publisher as well as publishing his own catalogue of arrangements for Male voice choirs (Grove Music).

He had arranged many works for the Faber choral catalogue, specialising in young choirs. His arrangements feature regularly in the Sainsbury's Choir of the Year contest and the UK Music for Youth Competition.

The Faber Carol Book is an exciting volume of Christmas carols and songs with an original, contemporary twist, designed to breathe fresh air into Christmas concerts. It contains forty pieces, expertly edited and arranged

by Gwyn Arch and Ben Parry, capturing a variety of moods and styles through time - from contemporary arrangements of medieval and traditional carols to spirituals, and music from around the world. There is also an impressive line-up of original pieces by some of today's most highly respected choral composers, including Howard Goodall, Lin Marsh, Peter Gritton, Errollyn Wallen, and Mike Brewer.

- Anon

I didn’t know Gwyn personally but have attended many concerts over the years where he was the conductor. I had no idea he was an OI and an alumnus of Selwyn College Cambridge. He must still have been at Ipswich School when I arrived there in 1948 although he was some 5 years older than me. Sever years later after completing National Service like him I went up to Selwyn College, Cambridge in 1959 by which time he had graduated and became an English teacher.

It is curious how our separate lives went in parallel for we both started life as sons of men of the cloth, yet we never knew each other. Last week in the Henley Standard, my local newspaper, I read his extraordinary obituary written by Liz Harrison who obviously knew him well.

- Alfred Waller (OI 1948 – 56)

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Nick Ridley (1937-2020)

I’m not certain when I first met Nick Ridley – perhaps it was sometime in 1979 or 1980 when his musically talented twin daughters Sarah and Jane joined us like-minded school pupils at John Blatchly’s house in St Edmund’s Road for Sunday evening chamber music group rehearsals. Nick made an immediate impression, being a large man with a presence and opinions to match our headmaster’s own.

My strongest memories of those evenings are of Telemann sonatas, Pam’s refreshments, and concerts in various beautiful churches scattered around Suffolk or the north Norfolk coast. Sarah and Jane were at the High School but perhaps the family was known to JMB through the Ipswich Chamber Music Society (of which Nick was Treasurer for an astonishing 55 years) or their joint commitment to Ipswich’s historic churches.

I got to know them even better when Jane joined Mark Hawtin, Ben Parry and myself to form the “Stamitz Oboe Quartet” – a fruitful and hugely enjoyable collaboration for us fledgling musicians, for whom one highpoint was performing at the inaugural Chamber Music

Competition for Schools in London’s West End. Nick was a committed Suffolk man, rooted in the land, mad about old racing cars, but passionate about the arts. Though not an OI himself (he was educated at Uppingham), John Blatchly invited him to join the governing body, and during his long stint as a governor (1983 – 1999) his support of the school and particularly of the school’s music was second to none. He was an early advocate for creating the purpose-built Music School that now nurtures scores of young musicians with facilities that previous generations can only envy.

While Nick had a deep passion for music, it was his wife Jessie who put the passion into practice. She led numerous orchestral performances in the Great School over the years and taught countless budding violinists at the school. Suzanne, the third of their four daughters, joined the school’s sixth form in 1982, and for decades afterwards Nick and Jessie would remain engaged with the school as regular guests at the annual Snape concerts or at artistic events in the Great School.

It was just three weeks before his death that I joined them for a most enjoyable lunch hosted by the current headmaster in his study.

Described by the East Anglian Daily Times as a “community champion”, Nick believed in the importance of service to others. In the early 1980’s he was one of the founders of the St Elizabeth Hospice: he was chairman for 20 years and remained their president until his death.

He played a key role in the success of the cathedral Millennium Project in Bury St Edmunds, which saw the addition of the new cloisters and the building of the fine tower to “complete” the cathedral.

In 2003 he stood for election to Babergh

Described by the East Anglian Daily Times as a “community champion”, Nick believed in the importance of service to others. In the early 1980’s he was one of the founders of the St Elizabeth Hospice: he was chairman for 20 years and remained their president until his death. He played a key role in the success of the cathedral Millennium Project in Bury St Edmunds, which saw the addition of the new cloisters and the building of the fine tower to “complete” the cathedral. In 2003 he stood for election to Babergh District Council and within a few years took the pivotal role of chair of its strategy committee.

District Council and within a few years took the pivotal role of chair of its strategy committee.

He remained a conservative councillor until 2019. He was a chairman of the Suffolk Health Authority, and a trustee of both the Museum of East Anglian Life and of the Ipswich Historic Churches Trust. From 2004 I saw firsthand how his generosity was grounded in a family tradition of benevolence when he invited me to join the trustees of the Cranfield Court Charity that provides high quality retirement homes on the Valley Road roundabout, not far from what in my day were the school’s sporting grounds known as Tolly’s Field. “Aunt Lilian” Cranfield, an active suffragette who had married into the noted Ipswich family of millers, founded the charity and it was important to Nick that his family’s involvement should continue. Further to that end he led the work of the Lord Belstead Charitable Settlement and the Ganzoni Charitable Trust, who have supported so many projects in Ipswich and beyond, including some very generous donations to the School.

Nick had a wry sense of humour, a deep knowledge of many subjects and an influence that was often lightly worn. Somehow he also found time to be a magistrate and a deputy lieutenant of the county that he loved so much, and the award of an OBE in 2005 for his services to Suffolk was richly deserved.

After his very sad death on 31st March last year he was posthumously given the lifetime achievement award at the Local Government Information Unit and CCLA Councillor Awards. When accepting the award on behalf of Nick’s family, fellow Old Ipswichian and Babergh District Council leader John Ward used words that could be echoed by so many who knew him: “I was so pleased that Nick won the lifetime achievement award.

This is a wonderful accolade to a man that dedicated so many years of faithful and committed service to the people of Suffolk. He will always be remembered as one of Suffolk’s finest sons.”

- A personal reflection by Richard Wilson (OI 1970 – 81) Photo credit: Archant

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Issue 11 – A Journal of 2020/21

Obituaries

The journal of the Old Ipswichian Club

Jeremy Syer Belcham (OI 1955 – 62) Died 24th May 2020

Russell Catley (OI 1989 – 91) Died 1st December 2020 Russell, who was born in Cambridge on May 11th 1973, attended Ely Community College, before undertaking his sixth form studies at Ipswich School from 1989 – 1991. He was a keen cricketer and went on to Loughborough University before doing a Masters at Reading University in Land Management and started work at Bidwells chartered surveyors in Cambridge in 1996. Russell made his debut for Suffolk in the Minor

Counties Championship just after his 19th birthday in a four-wicket win against Cumberland at Carlisle in May 1992. Russell and his brothers Tim and Matthew playing together for Suffolk CCC was an historic moment. Russell was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2004 and sadly passed away on 1st December 2020 at Arthur Rank Hospice in Great Shelford.

Ivan Fenning (OI 1942 – 51) Died 3rd January 2021 Ivan who started in the Prep in 1942 was a member of a large family who attended Ipswich School which he much enjoyed. His family farm was at Great Wenham and on leaving he naturally farmed for the rest of his working life.

He had an adventurous spirit and pursued his great interests in a full life.

He has very keen on cricket, played occasionally for the OI Cricket Club and watched England play at Lords, and in Australia and South Africa during his travels overseas. He was also a keen skier.

Ivan was a strong Christian and set up the Vauxhall Christian Trust at his farm to which he converted a building for the use of Christian groups at evangelical meetings and where he started a campsite where up to 1500 young people came each year. He was well known for supporting young people.

Ian loved people and I will always remember his welcoming smile and warm handshake.

- Karl Daniels (OI 1944 – 53)

My brother, Jeremy Syer Belcham, died on 24th May 2020 in Cambridge, following a severe brain haemorrhage.

For several years he had been suffering with dementia and moved into residential care last year.

Jeremy joined the Prep aged 9 in 1955 and left the Senior School in 1962 to undertake two years of study at Ipswich Civic College. During their school years, Jeremy and his two OI brothers, Leigh (1951-1958) and Michael (1953-1960), lived in Newbourne and sailed at Waldringfield.

On leaving Civic College, he moved to Cambridge and joined the County Council Planning Dept. Working there for 40 years, he retired as an area planning officer with South Cambridgeshire DC in 2006.

- Leigh Belcham (OI 1951 – 58)

Jeremy will be greatly missed by all who knew him but especially by his wife Yvonne, his daughters Jo and Claire and their families, and, of course, his two brothers and their families.

- David Wilson (OI 1954 – 65)

Obituaries

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Obituaries | Remembering HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh

Remembering HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh An amazing number of memories have been shared by the School community after the announcement of the death of Prince Philip.

Over the Easter holidays, the Old Ipswichian community was saddened to hear the news of the passing of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

Since then, many Old Ipswichians have been in touch to share their tributes and memories.

Over his lifetime, the Duke made two memorable visits to the school. In 1956, he laid the foundation stone for the thennew Great School building, an event after which the ‘Duke’s Door’ is named. Hugh Grimwade, a former Master, accompanied him, and his son Stuart remembers how his father asked Prince Philip whether he would like to take a seat on what was a rainy day. He replied: “Certainly not, I do not want a wet backside”, a response that many remember to this day, and caused much amusement!

He then visited again in 1973, when he opened the Leggett Technical Studies Centre. Nicholas Spurgeon (OI 1966 - 77) remembers how, at the age of 13, he watched the Duke pilot a helicopter and land on the School field. Richard Passmore (OI 1961 - 73) also commented on how he was given the privilege of handing Philip the key to open the centre, and hosted lunch with him. He remembers how he spoke about the benefits of a career in the armed forces, with the challenges of leadership and opportunities it brought. His brother also remembers how, upon his second visit to the school, the Duke commented that it was good to know that a foundation stone (that he had laid) remained!

Eddy Alcock OBE (OI 1949 - 54), former Chairman of Suffolk County Council, also told the OI Club about a recent encounter at a 2010 DofE engagement.

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Reminiscing about Philip, he says: “He was in a jocular mood as always, and he decided he liked the Suffolk insignia that I was wearing.

He asked if he could have it, to which I answered him with: "I’m afraid the answer has to be ‘no’ as it would be more than my life’s worth to return without it and you have many of your own already". He replied: "You are quite right; I do have many."

We hope that everyone in the community has similarly fond memories of the Duke and the substantial but highly personable impact of his royal engagements.

SB, Year 13

Paul St John Turner (OI 1958 - 68): The Duke of Edinburgh visited Ipswich School twice. The first time on 1st May 1956 to lay the foundation stone for the Great School, and then in 1973 to open the Leggett Technical Studies Centre. The second time he piloted himself in a helicopter which landed on the School field!

Obituaries

The journal of the Old Ipswichian Club

Jeremy Barr (OI 1946 - 56): I had the privilege of welcoming HRH to the school in 1956 as head boy at that time and the memory is still vivid. "I was inevitably extremely nervous about being introduced to the Duke and reading from the beautifully scripted scroll. As I stepped towards the microphone, I heard HRH enquire of the Headmaster whether it was to be in Latin and feeling perhaps it should have been!"

In due course, I was to invite him to accompany me to the prefects' room and it was there that he demonstrated his charm and ability to put one at ease. We prefects had him to ourselves for a good 10 minutes and in no time at all the room was full of laughter, to the extent that it could be heard by the party waiting outside the building.

Richard Passmore and Sarah La Mare receiving their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards at Buckingham Palace

But it was on his leaving the school that I experienced his particular gifts of awareness and sensitivity. It was not intended that I should take part in the farewell, and I was standing some way back from the Headmaster and the Chairman of Governors. Having shaken their hands, he walked back past them and made a point of shaking my hand. I will never forget that.

Obituaries

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Obituaries | Remembering HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh Tim Barr (OI 1946 - 54): My brother Jeremy's recollections of the Duke of Edinburgh's visit to the school in 1956 prompt me to write as follows: Quite by chance, I also had an albeit brief but memorable encounter with HRH in 1956. It was during my second year of National Service with the Suffolk Regiment when my duties called for temporary assignment to the Devizes HQ of the Wiltshire Regiment. During my time with them Prince Philip visited the Depot in, as I recall, his capacity as Colonel-in-Chief.

Following the formal inspection routines and march past, I was somewhat surprised to be asked (or rather instructed) to attend HRH's reception party in the Officers' Mess. Despite my attempts to maintain a respectful low profile, Prince Philip was quick to spot my Suffolk shoulder flash, immediately strode over and exclaimed "What the hell are you doing here?"

Following due explanation on my part, HRH turned to his equerry and was heard to say "Get this man another drink. He looks as though he needs one!"

Chris Whitlock (OI 1955 - 65): I was also happy to be interviewed

by Richard Slee of Meridian TV of my meeting in 1953-4 with HRH Prince Philip when at Sandringham on Christmas day and also recalled the visit to the school in 1956.

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OI Club Minutes Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held via Zoom at 6.30pm on Saturday 19th December 2019 In attendance: Tim Kiddell (President) Iain Chesterman (Chairman although due to technical difficulties meeting hosted and chaired by Steve Runnacles), William Coe (Secretary), Steve Runnacles (Treasurer and hosting), Nicholas Weaver (Headmaster) and those in attendance: Tim Passmore, Nick Allen, Carrie Baker, Leigh Belcham, Peter Boughton, Nikki Brown, Humphrey Catchpole, James Davey, Karl Daniels, John Ward, Ian Galbraith, Sally Webber, John Skeates, Geoffrey Cook, Henry Gaskin, Mark Gladwell, Andrew Griffiths, Eddie Hyams, Clare Lock, Keith Nelson, Nicola Notcutt, Richard Pearce, Lewis Tyler.

1.0 Apologies for absence: Apologies for absence were received from Mike Fenn, Glenn Williamson, and Nicholas Allen Members were welcomed to the AGM by the Treasurer Steve Runnacles

2.0 Minutes of the last Annual General Meeting: Minutes of the last meeting were agreed as a correct record Proposed by Tim Passmore and Seconded by John Ward.

Matters Arising There were no matters arising from the minutes

3.0 Chairman’s report Steve introduced the review of the year that was a presentation of activities during the year, which was enjoyed by all, including the colourful background noises off!

There was no further comments due to Iain being unable to communicate!

The journal of the Old Ipswichian Club

Tim Passmore asked for the committee to consider a higher level of expenditure on events once the pandemic was behind us and thanked Steve for his role as treasurer. Steve agreed with his point as did John Ward and Sally Webber who noted that this year was the 130th anniversary of the club and that we should mark this at some point.

Proposed by John Skeates and Seconded by Sally Webber, the Annual Accounts and Treasurer’s Report for the year ended 31st July 2020 were received and approved.

5.0 Election of President for 2020 Proposed by Committee that given the impact of the Covid pandemic on Tim Kiddell’s year that we extend his term of office for one further year. Proposed by Iain Chesterman and Seconded by Tim Passmore, Tim Kiddell was re-elected President for 2021. This was approved by the AGM.

6.0 Election of Vice President for 2020 Given the extension of The President’s term it was proposed by Iain Chesterman and Seconded by Geoffrey Cook, Joanna Carrick was reelected Vice President for 2021. This was approved by the AGM.

7.0 Appointment of Officers Proposed by Steve Runnacles and seconded by Tim Passmore that William Coe was elected as Secretary.

Proposed by Iain Chesterman and seconded by Keith Nelson that Steve Runnacles was elected as Treasurer.

Proposed by Sally Webber and seconded by Henry Gaskin that James Mansfield was elected as the London dinner secretary and that John Ward was elected as the Ipswich dinner secretary.

8.0 Election of New Committee Members Proposed by Iain Chesterman and seconded by Tim Passmore that Nicholas Allen, Andrew Whitehead and Cameron Lyle were elected as Committee members for the three years 2021 to 2023.

These were approved by the AGM.

4.0 Treasurer’s report Steve Runnacles stated that the accounts had already been circulated.

The surplus for 2020 was £16,292 compared to £10,900 in 2019. This was despite a slight fall in subscriptions but this was offset by lower expenditure on events and reunions due to Covid. The only major expenditure was the Hong Kong trip and the Ipswich dinner of 2019.

The club had also made two notable donations to the school of £10,000 to the Phoenix fund and £600 to buy digital printers to help the Schools production of face masks. In the current year expenditure remained low due to the impact of Covid and Steve expected year end reserves of approx. £54k come the summer of 2021.

The Committee would continue to push the digitisation of the archives.

John Skeates questioned the level of misc. expenditure which had more than doubled in the year. Steve explained part of this was the £2,500 donation to the school for the Choir tour to Hong Kong in autumn 2019, plus the cost of printers as noted above and a contribution of £1,000 to the School towards the cost of the journal.

9.0 AOB Iain Chesterman apologised for the technical issues he faced in being part of all the meeting and also thanked Carrie for preparing the presentation, Steve for hosting and the rest of the committee for all their efforts over the unusual year we have had and thanked all those who had attended the AGM. Tim Passmore thanked Claire Lock for the bumper edition of the OI journal and all her effort in the production.

Keith Nelson – noted that despite all the issues of Covid it had allowed him to be part of an AGM from thousands of miles away.

That noted the meeting was complete and Steve wished everyone a happy Christmas.

OI Club AGM Minutes

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Club Accounts

Income & expenditure account for the year end 31st July 2020 Income

2020

2019

Subscriptions Received

28,504

29,717

15

65

28,519

29,782

Reunions - including President's Event

2,316

8,827

Subsidies for Ipswich & London Dinners

359

1,348

2,675

10,175

750

750

Miscellaneous Expenditure & Admin Support Costs

4,682

1,967

Website Expenditure

2,000

2,000

–

900

1,800

3,000

320

320

Total Expenditure

12,227

19,112

Surplus of Income over Expenditure for Year

£16,292

£10,670

31/07/2020

31/07/2019

61,793

48,181

20,758

23,438

£41,035

£24,743

Brought Forward

24,743

70,073

Surplus of Income over Expenditure for Year

16,292

10,670

–

(56,000)

£41,035

£24,743

Interest on Investments and Other Income Total Income

Less Expenditure Social Expenditure

Other Expenditure Ipswich School Events Sponsorship

Chairman’s Honorarium Additional Colour Printing Costs for Magazine Purchase and Engraving of Trophies

Balance sheet as at 31st July 2020 Assets Bank and Building Society Accounts

Less Creditors

Total

Accumulated Reserves

Donation to Ipswich School Appeal Total

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Commitment to the development of personal skills that will help take these able students a lot further than exam results alone.

Ipswich School, Good Schools Guide

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