ISSUE 36 | AUTUMN 2023
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From the Head A very warm welcome to this edition of ‘The Edwardian’ magazine. One of the great pleasures of this magazine for me is that it reminds me not only of the wonderful work being done by my colleagues in ensuring that KES continues to evolve and grow, so as to ensure that we remain a bastion of educational excellence and innovation – but that we do so whilst staying true to the wonderful traditions of this great School. The work undertaken at Hill Lane this summer in many ways encapsulates this to perfection. For example, in July we installed nearly 400 solar panels on the flat roof of the 1938 Main School Building. Whilst hidden from view for those at ground level, and so perhaps less noticeable than other building projects, this synthesis of an iconic, traditional School building with new technologies to promote sustainable energy stands as a symbol for our ethos and values: tradition working hand-in-hand with modernity. Equally, the creation of our new Chapel allows us to respect both our Christian foundation and yet to provide a friendly and welcoming place for our pupils and the wider community of all faiths, or none, to engage with their spirituality and the deeper purpose of life. Lastly, in the 1553 Room we have created a space which directly celebrates the richness of our School history, and thereby seeks to give current and future generations of KES pupils a palpable sense of their own place and part to play in this great School’s centuries long journey. Always, we look to learn from the best of the old alongside the best of the new. For much of its history, KES has walked alone as an 1118 secondary School. But this changed in 2012, when we joined in partnership with Stroud School in Romsey. Whilst Stroud has perhaps not been around for as long as KES, it is nevertheless a fabulous and long-established preparatory School in its own right, and both Schools have undoubtedly benefited greatly from our collaboration. Many OEs,
including Graham Noble, who writes in this edition, were also ‘Stroudies’ before joining King Edward’s, so the personal links run equally deep. But here too, we want to retain the best of our traditions whilst pushing forwards to the future. For this reason, we were proud to announce earlier this year that Stroud will, in September 2024, formally become ‘King Edward VI Preparatory School’ (KES Prep), forging out of our two Schools a single 3-18 King Edward’s. In so doing, we will as ever respect and cherish both of our wonderful histories, even as we look to create a stronger future for our pupils and our region. It is this stewardship of King Edward’s which inspires me in my daily work at the School, and I truly hope that these pages inspire you too – not only in remembering your own time at KES, but also perhaps to reacquaint yourself with the KES of 2023 and beyond. As I often remark in this introductory section of ‘The Edwardian’, I would love for you to feel able to be a part of our journey; to share your stories about life after KES; to offer your support and experience for the young people now at King Edward’s. If you feel able, please let us know, and we would be delighted to welcome you back to what will always be your School.
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News from the School The new School Chapel This summer we have created a new Chapel at King Edward’s in what was previously The Commemoration Room. It is designed to be a welcoming place for the entire school community of all faiths, or none, and serve as a place of reflection and calm. This has coincided with the appointment of our new Chaplain who will share his time between King Edward’s and Stroud School. “I am very excited to have started as School Chaplain this term, helping to nurture and support the pastoral and spiritual life for the wellbeing of the whole school community. The heart of this role is about journeying with others through life’s inevitable ups and downs, responding proactively with compassion and care. This is a resource available to all, and ranges from offering a supportive listening ear, organising our school services to mark significant moments throughout the year, and developing the use of the new Chapel space.” Rev Jonny Goodchild
The 1553 Room
There has also been a change to what was our Hospitality Suite. Aptly renamed ‘The 1553 Room’, this space has been repurposed to include a display of many of the interesting artefacts in our school archives and visually celebrate and commemorate our rich heritage and history. Items on display, which can be viewed by pupils, parents and visitors, include the original 1553 charter establishing the School’s very existence, examples of pre-war school uniform and many of the memorabilia bequeathed to us from Sir Edward Abraham CBE, one of our most illustrious alumni.
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KES welcomes new Development Director I am very pleased to introduce myself as the new (and first) Director of Development at King Edward’s. I joined at the start of October from another great educational institution in the city, the University of Southampton, where I spent eight happy years working closely with alumni and supporters to affect positive change.
Whilst this is something of a new beginning for Development at KES, it has been wonderful to find so many Old Edwardians already connected. If you have ever come to an event, shared your story, talked to a student, donated or supported the School in any other way, thank you. These various ways of staying involved and giving back make such a difference to the School.
I have received a warm welcome at the School and have already been so impressed by the quality of the education here and our amazing pupils. This is an exciting time for us as a Development Team. I am joining Suzanne, who many of you will know well, and together we are exploring various possibilities to do more with you, the Old Edwardians.
I look forward to meeting many of you over the coming months. In the meantime, thank you very much for staying connected with King Edward’s and I hope you enjoy reading this latest edition of The Edwardian.
A Tanzania trip of a lifetime
Solar panels
Over the summer break, a group of 23 KES students travelled to Tanzania for an unforgettable trip of a lifetime. Their stay involved a mix of work with the local communities (planting banana trees, installing an irrigation system and spending time with the school children), an epic hiking trip attempting to climb Mount Meru and an amazing safari and meeting with the Masai tribe. Those lucky enough to participate in the trip all agreed that it was one of the highlights of their time at KES.
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Looking ahead, we have some great events coming up over the next year, and I hope you will be able to join us. At the start of my role, I am keen to meet as many Old Edwardians as I can. I would like to hear about your memories and experiences of the School, and over time, understand how we can provide more meaningful opportunities for you to engage.
Richard Wilson Director of Development
In response to the very real demands and commitment of our pupils and staff alike, one of the major building projects that took place over the summer was the installation of solar energy panels across the roof space at KES. The nearly 100-year-old School site is now powered, at least in part, by the most modern of sustainable energy sources. When the panels were turned on at the very beginning of term, albeit in the hottest week of the year, nearly 50% of all of the School’s energy consumption became instantly green and sustainable. With the School in session, we are now achieving about 30% of our energy consumption from solar energy. This has been helped by a second project in which we have converted the vast majority of lighting within the building to low-energy LED bulbs.
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How a KES bursary has changed my life Michael Beck-Papageorgiou (KES bursary holder 15-22) I applied to KES because I came from an area where, my mother believed, my only alternative options for secondary education were not sufficient to encourage my natural curiosity and maintain my enjoyment of learning. My Junior School teachers advised us to apply to King Edward’s believing I would fit in there if I was able to pass the entrance test. KES was an aspirational school to apply to and, as an 11-year-old, I strongly hoped I would get this chance.
be possible, is a dream come true and not to be taken lightly. KES welcomes and assists students from various backgrounds, allowing them to attend as equals and this mirrors the whole school ethos. I felt accepted and welcomed by all my teachers, and the atmosphere of acceptance and collaboration that is prevalent really helped me to develop my social skills. This in turn made making friends at university a lot easier. Our family situation was such that no matter how hard my mother worked, no matter whether we went without holidays and bought everything second hand, there would never be the opportunity to attend a School like King Edward’s. It was only made possible by the kind donations of those who give to the King Edward VI Foundation that funds bursaries for people like me. Attending KES has had a huge impact on my life and who I am and has steered me to want to be of service to others in the future. I look forward to, one day, finding myself in a situation blessed enough to be able to offer my own donations.
When I opened the letter which told me that I had been accepted at KES with a full bursary and honorary academic scholarship, my mother and I were very excited and shocked. I felt as if I had been handed a big opportunity to develop myself, and to be accepted into the School felt like a massive achievement. My interests varied throughout my time at KES. I focused mostly on academics but dabbled in many different clubs such as Chess, Debating and Lamda acting classes. Over the years, I really grew into myself very comfortably and many members of staff helped me with this. In Lower School, Mrs Kelly, Mr Collinson, Dr Thomas and the school counsellor, Annie, were all figures I felt comfortable approaching and talking to, whilst other teachers were all vital in satiating my curiosity for learning and helping me flourish. In Sixth Form I studied Maths, Further Maths, Physics, and Computer Science achieving three A*s and an A and securing me a place to read Maths at Warwick University. I am the first in my family to attend university! KES has been an amazing stepping stone for me, suited to the way that my brain works; focusing on encouraging inquisitiveness, while still providing a myriad of other opportunities. I can’t imagine I would have achieved so much or made such good, like-minded friends if I had attended a school elsewhere. To be given an opportunity to be a KES student is fantastic but to receive financial help, knowing that without it the experience would not
If you would like to join with others in helping young people like Michael, please visit our website for more information on how to donate.
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Retiring staff John Singleton
Jacqui Meredith
John became a member of the Mathematics Department in September 1982 and, in the 41 years since, he has been a constant source of happiness, laughter and inspiration for generations of students and staff alike. As a First Year Tutor, he has established a record that will surely never be broken; leading Tutor Group 1/2 for an astonishing 34 consecutive years, or 102 terms! The past 41 years have seen many changes, particularly in technology. John has been at the forefront of developments in the School in this area and was appointed Head of Computer Studies in 1985. On the co-curricular side, after an early spell in charge of the CrossCountry Club, he led the Table Tennis Club for many years and has also been an integral member of the Christian Union and its younger version, Interface. More recently John has fulfilled the post of Deputy Director of Studies, carefully constructing the school timetable. John leaves us to begin his retirement and we will all miss his warmth, kindness and inimitable laugh!
Jacqui joined KES as a teacher of Classics in 1997. From the very outset she was recognised as an excellent teacher by her colleagues and a passionate advocate of Classics across the School. Jacqui has embraced a variety of roles during her time at KES. She has been a Charities Coordinator and helped organise the annual Summer Camp for young carers, as well as a Community Services Coordinator running a very successful partnership visit to the Lovaton site with St Mark’s primary school for five years. As a Sixth Form tutor she has guided many students through their university application process and their exam preparation. Jacqui was appointed Head of Classics at KES in 2011 and she has overseen the Classics Society for many years. She has been instrumental in inspiring a regular number of students to go on to study Classics at university and we will miss a wonderful teacher and colleague as she retires.
Simon Barker Andy Gilbert Andy first joined the teaching staff at King Edward’s in 1988; but his association with the School goes back much further than that. An OE himself, he attended KES as a pupil and was described as ‘one of the best all round sportsmen the School has had in recent memory’. Andy has taught at the School for 32 years as a teacher of Geography and Games. He has a natural ability to inspire all pupils who come into contact with him. He has been Head of Lake House, 1st XI Hockey Coach, Humanities Resource Coordinator, Lower School Head of Year, Tutor and Head of Preparatory School liaison and an invaluable member of the Geography Department. Andy’s retirement feels like the end of an era, and he will sorely missed by his students and colleagues alike. We wish him a very happy and doubtless characteristically busy retirement!
Simon joined the School 25 years ago and, throughout his tenure as Head of Design and Technology, the department has changed immeasurably. During this time, the subject moved into its current custom-built workshops and has developed into a modern department with two laser cutters and a 3D printer. Simon has taught through the whole range of school years, from First Year to the Sixth Form, but specialised in taking the GCSE Resistant Materials course. He has represented the staff body as Health and Safety Officer and has helped the School as a first aid trained teacher. He has also been a tutor in the Upper School and been involved with the school Sailing Club and the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme. Simon leaves us for a well-deserved retirement, and we wish him well.
Stuart Ayers Stuart joined King Edward’s in September 2002 as Head of French, having spent the start of his career teaching at boarding schools. What followed was a variety of roles and services to the School, ranging from Teacher of French to Initial Teacher Training Tutor, as well as running a multitude of trips to France. Mr Ayers could just as easily be found supporting the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme on Dartmoor as singing his heart out supporting the school choir. Stuart’s command of French is exceptional, and his knowledge of French history is extensive, and he was instrumental in setting up the Le Havre Exchange which ran for many years. Stuart was known for his kind nature by staff and students alike. His warmth, energy and laughter will be greatly missed at KES, and we wish him all the best for the future.
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Reunions Poole Veterans’ Lunch In May, we welcomed back some of our most senior alumni for an informal lunch. Those present all attended the School at some point between the years of 1939-1945, during which time the school community was evacuated to Poole in order to keep the boys safe from the frequent bombings in the city centre. Whilst in Poole they shared the Poole Grammar School site with the Poole Grammar School boys, alternating between afternoon and morning sessions whilst being billeted with local families. At the weekends, a good many rode their bikes home to Southampton on a Friday night to see their families, returning on a Monday morning.
Class of 1965 Reunion Since their 50-year union held at the School some years ago, members of the Class of 1965 have been meeting regularly. In the Summer Term the fabulous weather provided the perfect setting for a reunion here at Hill Lane whilst the School’s 1st XI cricket side was playing the MCC. A glimpse of the match, a cream tea and lots of conversation made for a fantastic afternoon. Thank you to Trevor Howell for organising the event. On the same afternoon, the School hosted a luncheon for former school governors, many of whom are also OEs and who also enjoyed the afternoon cricket session.
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Reunions Heads and Deputy Heads of School Dinner In June, 50 former Heads and Deputy Heads of School gathered together in the School Hall for dinner and a long-awaited catch-up. The last event such as this was pre-pandemic, so it was a pleasure to finally be able to bring everyone together once more. The age span of the guests ranged from those who held positions within the Senior Team last year right back to the Head of School from 1954! Despite the age difference, everyone present was united by the same common theme of service to King Edward’s during their time at School, and we are hugely grateful to them for this and for all they continue to do for KES.
Forthcoming Reunions We will be hosting the following reunions and social events this academic year. In order that you receive an invitation, please ensure we have your most up-to-date email address.
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2013 Leavers - 10 year Reunion
London Drinks
Poole Evacuees Luncheon
17th November 2023
27th March 2024
14th June 2024
7.30 pm: KES
Time & Venue tbc
12.00 pm: KES
98 & 99 leavers - 25 year Reunion
Capon Club Dinner
2014 Leavers - 10 year Reunion
26th January 2024
17th May 2024
TBC November 2024
7.30 pm: KES
7.00 pm: KES
7.30 pm: KES
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Graham Noble (KES 98-03)
Graham Noble (KES 98-03) is just one of our KES alumni who started their educational journey at our prep school at Stroud, continuing it right through until he completed his A Levels in the Sixth Form at King Edward’s. Today his links to both schools remain as strong as ever with both his sons enrolled at Stroud. “Stroud was the most amazing school to be at as a youngster; with the facilities, learning and extra-curricular activities all being equally superb. Stroud gave me a fantastic start to my academic learning, teaching me the importance of dedication, commitment, and friendship. I am thankful for the many friends I made at the school, whom I still see today. Stroud introduced me to every sport possible, this being my passion and main driving force. Mr Whitman and Mr Dodds were both inspirational in my early sporting development.” After completing Year 8 at Stroud, Graham passed the entrance exam and joined KES in Year 9. Here he continued to excel on the Sports Field playing school rugby, hockey and representing the county in the U19 Hampshire 2nd XI cricket side, later becoming Head of House. “At KES, it was the sports teachers, Mr Wood, Mr Gilbert and Mr Putt, who developed me further. Academic work
didn’t come naturally to me and at times I found learning hard. Without the support of Mr Winter, who really encouraged me in Maths, I feel sure I wouldn’t have succeeded in gaining the grades required for university but KES pushed me academically and I would like to think this has given me a strong work ethic. My time at Stroud taught me the importance of manners, social skills and the confidence to adapt in different environments, skills which all helped form the man I am today.” Upon the completion of his A Levels, Graham took a GAP year and returned to Stroud to work as a sports coach and classroom assistant, before heading to Exeter University where he gained a degree in engineering. After a short period travelling, he then went straight into working on the family farm. Today he still works in agriculture on the family’s local watercress farm which supplies the wholesale, catering and hospitality sectors across the South coast. “Growing up, during my spare time, I would always want to help out on our farm which was established in 1934 by my grandfather. I suppose it was in me from the start, that one day I would take the helm.
hands on so I am actively involved in the growing of the crops, harvest, sales and distribution of our products. Come sun, rain or snow, whatever the weather, however challenging, nothing stops us. Being able to work outdoors is something I am extremely thankful for and one of the reasons I enjoy my job.” Graham’s fond memories of his time at both Stroud and KES have meant that he has chosen Stroud for his own children. “As parents, you want to provide opportunities for your children to achieve and aspire and, from experience, I knew the school could do the same for my sons. On visiting Stroud, ahead of our eldest son starting school, my wife and I both felt the strong sense of community and family at the heart of the School, which I also remember from all those years ago as a pupil.” We look forward to watching the next generation of the Noble family progress through our Schools and hope that they too will develop the same life-long love for Stroud and KES that Graham has.
With any family run business, it’s very
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Ian Dunt (KES 95-00) He is a regular in the media and appears as a pundit on Sky News and the BBC. His work as a political speaker sees him present regularly to large audiences, speaking in detail on the biggest stories impacting the country, examining the effect this will have on organisations and how they can position themselves.
Ian graduated from University College London in 2004 with a degree in Philosophy before studying for a Master’s in International Relations at the University of Warwick, followed by a Diploma in Journalism and Media Law at the London School of Journalism. His subsequent journalism career started at Pink News before becoming the Editor of politics.co.uk. He is now a weekly columnist with the i newspaper. Ian has continued his passion for politics in his career as an author. He published his first book, ‘Brexit: What the Hell Happens Now?’ in 2016 and started the ‘Remainiacs’ podcast alongside other
pro-Remain commentators the following year. The podcast focused on Britain’s withdrawal from the EU from a Remain perspective and was received with critical acclaim, with The Guardian’s Miranda Sawyer calling it “one of the best podcasts of 2017” and was nominated for the Broadcasting Press Guild Awards’ ‘Podcast of the Year’.
In October, we were delighted to welcome Ian back to KES to speak to students. He gave a thought-provoking presentation on how he believes our political system is broken and what we can do to fix it. Many of our pupils engaged actively with Ian’s talk, asking some very well considered questions. We look forward to watching his progress as he continues to challenge the status quo within the political arena with his fine-tuned analytical mind.
His second book, ‘How to be a Liberal’ is a highly acclaimed history of liberalism and passionate defence of its values and his third, ‘How Westminster Works and Why It Doesn’t’, was an instant Sunday Times bestseller when it was released earlier this year.
Mike Giles (KES 54-59) year at KES a few days late having had minor surgical treatment. I set off from home with my cap proudly jammed ear to ear over a very short hospital haircut, not to be removed until in school or raised in deference to a master or elder.
The rise and decline of the schoolboy cap! In September 1954 I started my first
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It was not long before, in line with long standing tradition, it had been knocked from my head by an older boy into the mud. I knew this would not be popular with Mum back home but glad that I now shared an affinity with my new formmates who had already endured many similar deeds of fraternal welcome. We would soon be united in bestowing the same level of affection on our cousins at Taunton’s when meeting them for our first acorn fight on the common.
I was fortunate that I had an elder brother in the fifth year to see me though these various initiation processes and to ensure that they were fair and measured. So, it was he who was at the head of the group that later held me head-high above a queue and thrust me through the Tuck Shop window. Travelling by bus from Sholing, during the first couple of years, I was proud to leave the house in my uniform. There was always a prefect on the bus who ensured, in a kindly manner, that my cap was correctly in place, but I suspected he had an ulterior motive as he fancied our elder sister who had travelled the same route to the Girls’ Grammar. The
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cap became more of a problem when cycling in later years but still remained an essential part of uniform. Mr Johns (Jon-eh) who himself cycled from Woolston had a certain understanding of the difficulties but would always remind us “Put your cap on in public, boy eh” when we crossed on the Itchen Ferry (Floating Bridge). However, my Trent Tourist could easily out-run his old upright Raleigh, with its heavy rear box of books, so the cap could soon be thrust into my pocket as we set off again, to avoid losing it or adding to its now accepted patina. May I claim we represented the trendy young men of our time, forerunners of those ‘Dedicated Followers of Fashion’ parodied by The Kinks several years later in the 1960’s pop song. We had our individual DAs, Bostons, quaffs and waves and were eager to impress, especially those we passed daily by the Girls’ Grammar, Convent High, Atherley and St Anne’s. We may not have visited the hairstylist as frequently as modern footballers, but I can assure you that the comb was a preferred top-pocket accessory to the fountain pen and the schoolboy cap was definitely not a good look. Nevertheless, within the neighbourhood of school it would be firmly in place for fear of discipline as there could be sentries (prefects) on each gate ready to record the names of those incorrectly attired. In attempt to comply I had developed my own style of wearing my cap, at a jaunty angle, towards the back of my head to encourage a flourishing wave. Unfortunately, such innovations were not considered as being acceptable and I and several others were drilled in the proper mode and advised to get a haircut.
persisted, summer term allowed for open-necked white shirt and straw boater, a welcome reprieve for the older boys. Those girls thought they looked pretty cool too! I continued to wear that same cap for five years and, by the end, it was in quite a sorry state but still had its pride of place, mainly in my pocket. However, on the very last day at school, following final assembly, a group of us left for the pound at the Cowherds, placed our caps in a pile and set fire to them. This needed no accelerant at all as the Brylcreem residue in the linings was more than enough. For me a definitive Rite of Passage as I was due to report for work in Southampton the
following Monday, courtesy of careers master (Ernie) Roderick. The start of a new long, happy and successful career in the world of finance. In the meantime, there was an unofficial leaving bash to attend, a modest affair in Highfield Church Hall. A bring-along buffet with soft drinks accompanied by pop music from a record player. Certainly no drugs or alcohol, I was not going home legless. Some of the aforementioned girls had been invited along too and I was optimistic of walking one of them home, absolutely Cap-less.
Perhaps more head-strong than capstrong I did not take the advice too seriously, I was further apprehended. After several DTs (detentions) failed to teach me the intended lesson, but in fairness improved my spelling and vocabulary enormously, I found myself up before The Beak. Although the full-dress regime
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Sport
Mr Gilbert plays for The Vikings for the last time
OE Boys’ v KES 1st XI In June, a boys’ OE hockey side faced the current KES 1st XI on the pitch at Hill Lane. In the searing heat, the players put on a quality performance with a fantastic display of past and emerging talent for all to watch. The OE side came out on top with a 5-4 win, but it was a really closely fought match with the final goal being scored in the last 2 minutes of the game. The OE side comprised players from across the years and included two current staff members: the mixture of youth and experience securing them the win.
Farewell to Mrs Kelly née Miss Campbell After 17 years at KES, Clare Kelly (Miss Campbell) received an excellent send off when the School welcomed back 11 OE girls’ hockey players, including many of the past captains, for a match at Hill Lane against the current 1st XI. The KES girls’ experience of playing together shone through as they secured a 3-0 over the OE side. Nevertheless, much fun was had by all with spectators including former parents, friends, OEs and former members of staff who all joined us for a BBQ and refreshments following the match. Mrs Kelly’s drive, determination and passion in her early days at KES, played a pivotal role in ensuring that girls’ hockey now has the profile that it has today at the School and that girls can enjoy the sport on an equal footing with the boys.
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Andy Gilbert left us at the end of the Summer Term after 35 years of teaching at the School. However, his association with KES goes back much further as he attended King Edward’s as a pupil. A successful cricketer, having played for the Hampshire 2nd Cricket XI, the Yorkshire Under 21s and the English Universities Hockey 1st XI whilst at university, it was only fitting that he should receive one last send-off as the Staff Cricket Team (The Vikings) faced a team of local doctors (The Cryptorchids - that included several current KES parents) on a sunny evening in June. The Cryptorchids batted first, scoring 139 in 20 overs with, notably, Mr Gilbert stumping their opening batsman. Once in bat, Mr Gilbert opened the innings, displaying his usual style and technique. As the overs drew to a close, The Vikings needed 1 run to win, with 1 wicket remaining. Sophie Bentley (OE and KES Biology Teacher) stepped up to bat, hitting the winning run with a well-timed 4 off her legs to secure a victory for The Vikings! What a game!
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OE team wins The Triangular Cup
In June, the OE golf team took to the parched fairways of Hockley GC in the annual Triangular Cup match against the Old Symondians and the Old Tauntonians. The team faced muggy weather initially but a freshening breeze, once out the valley, tested their golfing skills. Paul Fairley (KES 87-92) needed to be away early and eased this situation by dispatching both his opponents quickly and efficiently. Captain, Nick Creal (KES 86-91), took on a couple of Triangular veterans and started the back 9, 3 down to both opponents. However, a comeback, sparked by an eagle on the 11th and followed by 4 pars, saw him defeat one of his opponents but a wayward tee shot on the last hole meant defeat to the other. Match 3 saw Dave Creal (KES 64-66) conceding distance off the tee to both his opponents but guile and cunning saw him hole a 15’ putt on the last green to claim a vital half from the OS team; unfortunately, the OT player shot under par and claimed two points for his side. Newcomer Brent Lund (KES 07-14) gave shot to both his single figure opponents but still managed to
emerge with a win against the OTs, but the inspired OS player defeated him to make the score at halfway 4½ - 4½ - 3. The usually reliable Guy Bewick (KES 87-94) put a difficult lead-in behind him and dispatched his OS opponent with ease, but a topsy turvy match v the OTs saw him gain a half on the 18th to extend the OE lead. Steve Potter (KES 69-76) unfortunately came across two opponents with red hot putters and, despite playing solid golf, was defeated as his opponents sunk putts from everywhere. Triangular veteran Andrew McNaught (KES 58-61) took the OE team to the brink of victory by vanquishing the OS captain and then dispatching the OT player which meant the scores stood at 8 - 6 ½ - 6 ½ heading into the final match. The OS player unfortunately managed to win both of his matches to give them a half point lead but, thankfully, Tony Lees (KES 69-76) held off his opponent from the OTs and, by sinking a putt on the 17th hole, to bag the vital point for the OEs and secure the overall win and the Cup for the first time since 2019. Final score: OE: 9 OS: 8½ OT: 6½
The Wally Kemp Cup Eight OE golfers took to the fairways of the Berkshire Golf Club’s red course in July and were especially delighted that this included the first female OE player, Clare Lay (KES 90-92). On a dry but windy day the players battled it out with Nick Creal sneaking 2nd place from Guy Bewick on countback. However, their 31 points were not enough to overtake David Creal, whose 33 points won the day and the Wally Kemp Cup for the second time throughout his OE golfing career; his last win being in 1999.
2024 Golf Events Date
Event
Venue
April/May (tbc)
Inter House Cup
Rowlands Castle Golf Course
26 June
Triangular Match
Hockley Golf Club
End June/ Start July (tbc) Wally Kemp Cup
Berkshire Golf Course
Early October (tbc)
Corhampton Golf Course
Ray Paull Medal
These dates will be published on the school website, via social media and circulated to those on the golfing mailing list once they are confirmed. New players of all levels are always welcome. Please contact Nick Creal at squealer13@yahoo.com for more information.
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Obituaries
Charles Fielding Baker (KES 88-
93) died from a brain tumour at the beginning of September after a short period of illness. A celebration of his life, including the singing of the School Hymn was held at the United Reform Church in Lymington later that month. He obtained a degree in Chemistry from the University of Nottingham and most recently worked at The Chilworth Science Park. His life was filled with the three ‘Cs’ - Chemistry, Cricket and Comedy and recently he had become a Councillor for the Liberal Democrats. Charles’s absence leaves a big hole in the lives of his family and friends, including his wife and daughter.
the time Colin and Sandra had relocated back down South and Colin was working for IBM in Havant and Stevenage, the couple had a son, Kevin and a daughter, Kathy. Colin retired from IBM in 2001 and, together with Sandra, they travelled extensively visiting over 100 different countries. He retained strong links with the School and was a key member of the 1956-1963 cohort fundraising team, played OE golf and attended reunion events regularly. A lover of bright shirts and always with a ready smile, Colin was, above all, a family man who was devoted to his wife, children and grandchildren and will be deeply missed by them and his many friends.
Barrie England (KES 53-61) passed
Colin Edmund Cross (KES 58-63) passed away in August this year aged 79 after a short period of illness. Born in Isleworth, the family moved to Southampton when Colin was aged 12 where both he and his brother Graham attended KES. Upon completing his years at school, Colin attended the University of Leicester where he studied Maths. By then, he had already met his future wife Sandra (when he was 17 and Sandra was 15) and they became engaged whilst he was at university. After they were married, the couple moved to Derby where Colin worked for Rolls Royce before moving to Scotland in the 1960s where he worked for IBM. By
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away on Easter Sunday 2023 following a long illness. After leaving King Edward’s, he went to St Edmund Hall, Oxford, where he read English and went on to have a long and distinguished career in the diplomatic service which included postings to Beirut, Kuwait, Greece, Sri Lanka, Switzerland and Tunisia. Barrie made lifelong friends during his time at KES and the School remained important to him, right up until his death. He attended several reunions over the years. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.
Peter John Major (KES 53-57) died in June 2023 aged 84. Peter spent time at sea before working for 50 years in the wine trade. He was a longstanding volunteer with the Metropolitan Police Service overseeing the Thames.
Anthony James Ryan (KES 86-93)
joined King Edward’s from Charlton House School in 1986. A keen sportsman, he found himself in Sylvester House and represented the School in a variety of sports, notably football and athletics. He participated in numerous school productions and founded a pupil voice magazine, in due course, becoming editor of Sotoniensis. After KES he progressed to City University in London from which he graduated with a degree in Economics and Journalism. However, after covering the death of Princess Diana for a national media outlet, he decided that his future lay elsewhere and he moved into Account Management with multinational IT companies, specialising in the education sector. Throughout his career, he worked with Dell, Insight, Lenovo, Samsung and Tiny and, after being based in Lichfield for 10 years, he returned to Southampton and settled in Hamble, which made it easier to indulge his lifelong support for both Southampton FC and Hampshire Cricket. Tony twice served on Hamble Parish Council and was passionate about maintaining the local environment and amenities for generations to come. He was known for his outgoing personality, tremendous sense of humour and kindness, generosity and deep loyalty to his family and friends. He will be deeply missed by his mother Pauline, sister Lisa, and niece Chloe, and by his many OE friends.
Derek Henry Thomas Stone (KES
45-48) died in May this year aged 91. He attended KES from 1945 to 1948 and, prior to this, he attended St James’ Grammar in Newport on the IOW, where he had been evacuated during the war. Born in Southampton, he remained very loyal to the city and its football team throughout his life. He completed his National Service in Malaya returning
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Snippets to his job working for NatWest Bank, in Southampton, before being seconded to Jersey for six months. He then transferred to London, where he worked at various branches, becoming a Bank Manager in 1968 at Curzon Street Branch and eventually retiring from Marylebone High Street Branch, where he had worked for many years. Derek spent his retirement years in Bournemouth, with his beloved wife Maureen, who died nearly seven years ago. He leaves behind his daughter Caroline, son Andrew and his grandchildren, who will all miss him dearly.
Alexander Georgiou (KES 14-21) has been selected to represent Cyprus in Rugby Union. He celebrated his first cap earlier this year and scored a try.
Ollie Lander (KES 17-21), Rory Penrose (KES 16-21) and Harry Croft-Baker (KES 14-19)
John Baldwin Young (KES 39-42)
died in June aged 95. He joined KES aged 11 and was immediately evacuated to Poole due to the war. After the war ended, John qualified as a chartered accountant and, after roles at Pirelli and various teaching posts, he began a 30-year career teaching Accounting and Business at Southampton University. Among his many students, he taught former KES teacher, Malcolm Walter, who subsequently went on to teach John’s son and grandson at KES. John was a former President of the OE Association and a school governor for many years. He also spent 50 years commentating on Hampshire Cricket at the Ageas Bowl for local Hospital Radio. A keen sportsman, John played football for both Winchester City and the OE side and also cricket for the OE team. He was a regular at OE reunion events and will be very sadly missed by his family and friends.
continue to play high-level hockey since leaving KES. Whilst at school they all played for the KES U16 team reaching the National Finals of the Indoor Hockey Schools’ Championships and all are currently playing in the top tier for their respective universities. Last year they faced each other in the BUCS hockey final representing Loughborough and Nottingham Universities – will we see the same this year?
Zoe Kyle-Henney (KES 16-18) and Matt Kyle-Henney (KES 08-15) are
both combining their motor racing with their work commitments. Having been crowned Porsche Club Champion 2021, Matt is competing in the 2023 Porsche Cayman Sprint Challenge, whilst Zoe is making her racing debut in the Porsche Boxster Cup. Having completed his Masters in Marine Biology, Matt is working as a Marine Consultant on client offshore wind farm and mineral.
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Snippets
Thomas Newsom (KES 15-17) is
currently participating in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. The Clipper Race is a 40,000-mile race, around the world, on a 70-foot ocean racing yacht. Tom is the AQP (additional qualified person) on board ‘Our Isles and Oceans’ being skippered by Max Rivers. The role of AQP is a prestigious one and, as a highly skilled sailor, Tom will be known as ‘First Mate’, and work closely with his Skipper, utilising his sailing experience and supporting the goals of their appointed team - not only with the objective to gain results on the podium, but applying his knowledge to help create a competent, safe and competitive race team. Tom is an experienced yacht racer, racing regularly on the Solent and with Clipper Events, and has clocked over 16,000nm, including passages in the North Atlantic and Arctic Sea, as well as a Trans-Pacific Crossing. Good Luck Tom!
Photo credit Laurent Compagnon
Caroline Taylor (KES 06-10) continues
Lloyds Banking Group last year after a 40-year career that took him from the branch in Southampton High Street to Winchester, Romsey, Bristol, South Wales and Bristol (again). He is now keeping busy as a part-time swimming teacher at the Millfield Swim School, a director of a homelessness charity’s trading arm in Bath, a volunteer at the local Covid jab centre and a member of Glastonbury male voice choir.
to be busy performing. In September, she performed a lunchtime recital at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden and, in addition, in an opera gala at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. She also performed the title role in Hampstead Garden Opera’s The Cunning Little Vixen (in original Czech) which won the 2023 Off-West End Offie Award for Best Opera Performance.
Simon Struthers (KES 80-86) works as a consultant paediatrician at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester. He has been part of a team helping to provide emergency relief to children and their families following the earthquake in Turkey earlier this year.
Michael Busk (KES 56-63) has recently been awarded his PhD in Philosophy from the Open University, some 60 years after leaving KES, for his thesis entitled “Manchester’s 1828 Musical Festival: Provenance, Planning and Performance.” Congratulations Dr Busk!
Luke McMillan (KES 94-01) was in
Joe Venable (KES 06-11) is an awardwinning lyricist and book-writer for musical theatre. In 2021, his show ‘On Your Bike’ won the Best Musical at the Edinburgh Fringe award from ‘Musical Theatre Review’. This August he went back to the Fringe with his new musical called ‘Jingle Street’, about a jaded ad executive who wakes up to discover he can only speak in jingles. His work received rave reviews.
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Iceland in June in his capacity as Head of Hunting and Captivity for Whale and Dolphin Conservation. The visit coincided with the announcement from Iceland that they have banned whaling for the summer season and potentially forever. Congratulations to Luke and his colleagues for their hard work in campaigning for the protection of these beautiful animals. This is a major breakthrough in the world of anti-whaling. One of the strong arguments they have been using is around the Green Whale focusing on the amazing role that whales play in our planet’s ecosystem.
Martin Brisland (KES 64-71) has
published another of his local history books entitled ‘Southampton – a potted history’ and we are grateful of his donation of a copy to the school library. He is currently working on his next one which is about Romsey.
Matthew Cunio (KES 76-82) left
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